# Tourist Development Council - October 20, 2026

The Escambia County Tourism Development Council meeting was held October 20, 2026. The council approved the August 18 minutes unanimously. A budget update reported FY2026 revenue of approximately $24.51 million through September, including $23.54 million in tourist development tax collections; expenditures were about $29.7 million, with another $7.9 million encumbered, and the cash balance was approximately $27.3 million. The chair also noted a $1 million Visit Florida investment awarded to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council. A reserve and designated funding source for a major Bay Center capital improvement were mentioned, but no new capital allocation or procurement approval was made at this meeting.

Much of the discussion concerned delays and documentation requirements for tourist development tax reimbursements, and the council member’s account of prior audit findings and disputed expenditures. Members discussed potentially retaining legal counsel to obtain guidance, but no motion or vote was taken on that proposal; the chair favored first giving Visit Pensacola’s incoming CEO an opportunity to work on the issue. No contracts, bids, or vendor selections were approved. The council also discussed upcoming membership appointments and thanked hospitality workers and responders for their work following the recent storm.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Sources
- [Tourist Development Council - October 20, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnJJh_QvIHE) - MyEscambia