Weekly News Conference July 29, 2026 | City of Pensacola

The City of Pensacola held a weekly news conference on July 29, 2026, providing updates on several ongoing and upcoming capital improvement projects and procurement activities. Key procurement highlights included the finalization of a service authorization with HDR Engineering for the Bay Bluffs Park project, which involves design, surveying, geotechnical review, and construction documents with bidding anticipated in early 2027. The city also announced a $1.2 million sidewalk improvement project at Legion Field Global Learning Academy funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Additionally, a contract was executed with Loftus Marine for the Graffiti Bridge project, with construction slated to begin in mid-September. The city council is scheduled to consider the purchase of a permanent, climate-controlled ADA-accessible restroom facility for Veterans Memorial Park on August 13, with flood-proofing measures incorporated due to FEMA flood zone designation. The meeting also covered the demolition progress of the former Baptist hospital site and ongoing negotiations for leasing the physical sports building. An RFP for a community engagement and development advisor related to affordable housing redevelopment is currently open, closing soon. Discussions included potential impacts of a forthcoming property tax amendment on funding for law enforcement and CRA activities, as well as exploratory feasibility studies for converting the Wahoo Stadium into a multi-use baseball and soccer complex. Traffic safety improvements on Gregory Street, including a possible new traffic signal at 14th Avenue pending a warrant analysis, were also addressed. Overall, the meeting focused on advancing infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and community engagement efforts with several procurement actions underway or planned.