[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6248382,"mediaKeyId","3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd","parentId",3211147,"title","Escambia commissioners pause proposed Pensacola Beach fire MSBU increase after public outcry; ask SRIA to weigh in","audioSeconds",6995,"startMs",4658000,"endMs",11653000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd&start=4658&end=11653","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd/thumbnail_4658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248382/Escambia-County/Florida/Escambia-commissioners-pause-proposed-Pensacola-Beach-fire-MSBU-increase-after-public-outcry-ask-SRIA-to-weigh-in","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248382-09a574b8deb823b4e9ba518f87a2e8ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153360&Signature=b-NBiaQMc4YTHrbxZ9T-Uzs~W8qQEbqnWeIFIGIpsoeQD4a7Ngwtt68mOw9ZrKgjt~UUb8arhcnOR3kHDABHV8-lmZRkN2WuwJwe0l2GlRmwztFmXrD-F~6w8pgqEmv8v2WsqlUFLmCTihrRJDmhnckCFg14l5XFU4wO2sZ697AdAAC7IqBNgYHdGx7GKt60xiJIM~ZDR6c~9wq0MqgWxSvR~TeSXhirrFF3Oz2FrDlTQLCV1TSgS3Qu8NyNIlEbEutIWSNPZmRN78cs4P32ZDZXdSt1SIczteODk~l5g3c7ADpK2xbdW9S1cvbVVz7wN63nefXeWh6U40Xyqa6xmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Escambia County, FL","date","2025-05-02T00:00:00Z","article","Escambia County commissioners on May 1 did not adopt a proposed increase to the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) that would raise fees levied on properties on Pensacola Beach for fire protection. Instead the board paused action and asked the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) — the island’s lease‑fee collecting body — to consider options and return information before the board’s next meeting.

The proposal under discussion would have sharply increased the per‑square‑foot assessment on Pensacola Beach commercial and residential parcels; speakers said the change would be far larger for many island businesses than it would be for mainland properties. The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, business owners and residents described substantial economic consequences if the largest version of the increase went forward.

Rhonda Dorfman, president of the Pensacola Beach Advocates, testified: “Reduce reduce the beach MSPU so that all residents are paying the same price,” and urged parity with mainland residents. Ray Kessler, chairman of the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners the proposal would move assessments “from 7¢ to 83¢ per square foot,” a change Kessler described as a dramatic jump that could push many small businesses to cut staff or close.

Commissioners and county staff discussed the county’s current subsidy for beach services. Chair Michael S. Kohler said the county currently pays about $1.3 million a year to subsidize beach fire services and that island operations cost roughly $2.3 million annually; he and staff noted SRIA also contributes lease revenue (Kohler said SRIA pays about $17,000 monthly, roughly $206,000 annually). County staff member Stefan (administrative staff) said staff were exploring options to partially offset the increase and that SRIA had signaled a willingness to consider subsidizing some portion of the increase.

Several commissioners said they want more time and more modeling and recommended public education before any vote. Commissioner Ashley Hoffberger noted that MSBUs are regressive by nature (a flat square‑foot charge affects low‑value properties proportionally more) and stressed the need to examine fairness for residents across districts. Commissioners also noted that some parts of the county face higher yearly subsidies and that a blanket increase requires careful outreach.

Action: the board agreed to hold a placeholder to revisit the beach MSBU after the SRIA’s meeting; no rate resolution was changed on May 1.

Why it matters: the MSBU change would directly affect Pensacola Beach businesses and homeowners and could influence rental and service pricing in a major tourist area. Commissioners balanced the need to fund a higher level of emergency response on the island — including paramedic staffing and rapid water‑rescue capabilities — against the economic impact on small businesses and seasonal operators.

What’s next: the SRIA has a meeting on May 14; commissioners asked SRIA leaders and county staff to work jointly on options, with the matter scheduled for further consideration at the board’s May 15 session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BCC Meeting 05 01 25","oneSentenceSummary","Escambia County commissioners on May 1 did not adopt a proposed MSBU increase for Pensacola Beach and instead asked the island’s Santa Rosa Island Authority to consider subsidy options and return recommendations before the board’s next meeting.","taxTitle","Escambia County, Florida","taxId",12773,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248387,"Escambia commissioners delay decision on Children’s Trust waiver; set May 15 public hearing",3919,2685000,6604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd&start=2685&end=6604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd/thumbnail_2685000.jpg","/articles/6248387/Escambia-County/Florida/Escambia-commissioners-delay-decision-on-Childrens-Trust-waiver-set-May-15-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248387-14454abbf56c15cf9161741e0640e03c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153360&Signature=TnXGLbQqSCk5RuYEO4pxiDGVqBhuyY8rWJWzwUNmPBEu9Msf~ZREYhTfwSskPLKcmtMWZk5uHnVySwGiCyOQyQ36qS5ppwG~SByS~pB~yhRLaL~4i1~lXgxw17LmCnPn6gX8-FLvQ-MIqItDS2K27WaVgO74UBl8U97bLyb0WT2on62uJl8XT1ieYLS0wgHAHgQhwx0-fwgIbaRwTInMAeI5IKc7LGMCoYcEl1uLtJxZUIADi34yh6EgW2cu4~mwa7aFF0n9gBtwHpQDf37vNJAo~avYBiv5-pP1VXaOAfs4Qyp7wbXNk-7mBlb7RzRq56jYE-IfjM0jv6wIbAn-8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Escambia County commissioners on May 1 postponed a decision on a requested waiver from the Escambia Children’s Trust that would let the Trust keep roughly $450,000 collected in the most recent tax cycle, and they scheduled a second public hearing for May 15 to allow more negotiation and input.

The request is for a one‑year waiver that would let the Trust retain and directly spend the funds; county staff and some commissioners said the board can instead deny the waiver and have the money remain in the Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) where statute requires it be spent principally on infrastructure. County Attorney Allison noted, “You have 2 choices tonight. You can grant the requested waiver,” and explained that granting a waiver would require the board to direct staff to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the Trust spelling out how the funds would be spent.

The proposal drew lengthy public comment from nonprofit leaders, youth participants and county commissioners. Kristen Fairchild, founder and executive director of Chain Reaction, urged the board to let local nonprofits compete for Trust funds to expand programs that serve youth directly; Chain Reaction’s operating budget, she said, is about $250,000 and the organization serves roughly 240 children. Students who attend Chain Reaction spoke in support: Taiwan Moss told commissioners, “When I first started Chain Reaction, I had a 1 GPA,” and other students described academic and social gains they credited to the program.

Board debate focused on two binding tradeoffs: deny the waiver and the money would be spent under the statutory constraints of the CRAs (largely infrastructure in the CRA footprint), or grant the waiver and require an interlocal agreement to route funds toward a county‑run summer youth employment program. Commissioners and Trust representatives discussed a potential compromise that would use past unpaid Trust deposits (the board and staff referenced roughly $700,000 in 2021–22 funds still not transferred) and a multi‑year funding arrangement to expand the summer youth employment effort.

Several commissioners said they favor funding jobs and youth employment but expressed concern about shifting long‑term CRA infrastructure money to programs without a formal interlocal. Commissioner Stephen Berry and others pressed the Trust to show a multi‑year commitment if Trust funds would be used to largely underwrite county summer jobs. Commissioner Michael S. Kohler said county staff and the Trust should try to reach a narrow, time‑limited agreement; staff and Trust leaders agreed to meet and discuss options before the board reconvenes.

Action: the board voted to schedule a second public hearing on the Trust waiver for May 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.; the motion passed 5–0. The hearing will allow the county and Trust to continue negotiating a possible interlocal agreement and for commissioners to gather more public input.

Why it matters: the Escambia Children’s Trust collects a dedicated tax intended for children’s services. The question before the commission was whether that money should stay under the Trust’s control to fund programs countywide or be redirected into CRA accounts where statute limits spending largely to infrastructure projects tied to the CRA footprints. The outcome affects nonprofits that serve youth directly and the county’s ability to fund summer employment slots requested by hundreds of young people.

What’s next: the board asked Trust representatives to discuss options with staff and return to the May 15 meeting with either a draft interlocal or a clear statement of how the Trust will use the funds. Commissioners said they want firm deliverables if the Trust will fund the county’s summer youth employment program.","After hours of public comment and debate over whether $450,000 in tax funds should go to community nonprofits or to CRA infrastructure, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners postponed a decision on a requested waiver from the Escambia Children’s Trust and scheduled a follow-up public hearing for May 15.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6248377,"Board approves $25 million TDC‑backed turf complex at Bay Center to attract regional events",1143,6679000,7822000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd&start=6679&end=7822","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211147-2eb2e16b14a2c30cd3e9030b722a8ecd/thumbnail_6679000.jpg","/articles/6248377/Escambia-County/Florida/Board-approves-25-million-TDCbacked-turf-complex-at-Bay-Center-to-attract-regional-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248377-08bf6eefb7be5c16b4a8cb913dfc4725/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153360&Signature=dOHoivEdSe-x3tcf0B1OKSupAe9SLylb-NW9bXU-lCma8H64Bb8n5V9oVmqWJ0CKjG-Syq0Y88e0U4Vt9gassiWlzoa9NuiYE8kSMlCqoQEfCtQat7sMon2p5U5vlLC0DAJTBYwgCrZZrBhrawqkS1SZHEwWYfa116~W456f8ai2HpSQg8WswtEtrSKsVK81oDSPeHK4e9twLn7v6~RFgWiCetQTtyyh1~emqPetrKec72tlEuyUAHt28aK8SjR3h-H9pkmnkY-jxgX3ebIE0uiW9B7s0Tm7kX0oEfQN3KEivoMbo7nxKFCIc0PsHtuF6E8ZCSmH6RMK7muAtbn~lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on May 1 approved a $25 million Tourist Development Council (TDC) recommendation to build a multi‑field turf complex at the Bay Center, a project supporters say will attract regional tournaments and increase overnight stays.

Commissioners voted 5–0 to use TDC funding and county bonding capacity for what the county described as a large multi‑field turf and indoor sports facility package. Supporters, including county parks leadership and local sports organizations, told the commission the fields would allow Escambia County to host larger tournaments that now go to neighboring communities.

Proponents emphasized the potential tourism return on investment: more tournaments, hotel room nights and ancillary spending by visiting teams and families. Parks and recreation staff showed board members a presentation prepared for the TDC and argued local organizations would be able to use the facility year‑round. Commissioners said they expect the complex to be competitive with similar facilities in nearby counties.

Board members discussed overall county bonding capacity and other projects that remain in line for LOST‑related debt service: Commissioner Ashley Hoffberger noted that the $25 million authorization reduces remaining bonding capacity for a separate base‑related project, leaving roughly $75 million in the county’s remaining capacity for other planned investments. Several commissioners said they will coordinate on project timing to preserve the county’s ability to support both the Bay Center plan and other priorities.

Action: the motion to approve the TDC‑backed funding package for the Bay Center turf project carried 5–0.

Why it matters: the project is designed to expand the county’s sports tourism inventory, bring tournament business that generates hotel occupancy and visitor spending, and provide new recreation amenities for local youth and adult leagues.

What’s next: county staff will finalize project agreements and move toward procurement and design work; schedule and contracting milestones were not detailed at the May 1 meeting.","The Escambia County Commission unanimously approved a $25 million tourist development tax‑funded project to install multiple turf fields at the Bay Center, aiming to boost sports tourism and tournament business in the region.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Escambia commissioners pause proposed Pensacola Beach fire MSBU increase after public outcry; ask SRIA to weigh in

Escambia commissioners delay decision on Children’s Trust waiver; set May 15 public hearing

Board approves $25 million TDC‑backed turf complex at Bay Center to attract regional events