Council approves amendment adding parcels to Baptist Hospital donation agreement and authorizes next steps

The council on Sept. 11 approved a first amendment to the donation agreement between Baptist Hospital and the City of Pensacola, adding additional parcels to the earlier campus donation. The mayor said the amendment increases the city’s ownership footprint and helps close the funding gap for demolition and redevelopment work tied to a proposed community‑focused reuse strategy for the legacy Baptist campus.

Mayor and staff described ongoing conversations with county officials about possible county participation in costs; the mayor said those conversations were continuing and that council action to accept the additional conveyed parcels would not prevent further partnership discussions with the county. Public commenters urged caution about city ownership of property and asked for guarantees that health care and food access would remain priorities for the surrounding neighborhood.

Why it matters: The expanded donation increases the city’s assets and the scale of any future redevelopment; the item ties to long‑running discussions about healthcare access, neighborhood economic revitalization and demolition/site remediation needs.

Votes and process: The council approved the amendment on roll call (motion recorded as 7–0). Staff said the administration will continue discussions with the county and other partners before proceeding with demolition or redevelopment steps.

Ending: The amendment gives the city additional property interest to use in negotiations and planning. Staff emphasized the need to coordinate demolition, site work and neighborhood planning with partners and the community.