Pensacola council approves Parks Revitalization list after debate over Parks & Rec board review

Council President Jared Moore and the Pensacola City Council on March 13 authorized the mayor to reallocate local option sales tax funds and begin procurement steps for the Direction 25 Parks Revitalization list, voting 5–2 after extended debate about whether the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had adequate time to review the package.

The vote authorized the mayor to “transfer the appropriate funds within the local option sales tax fund” and to take actions necessary to execute and administer procurement actions and contracts for the projects listed, consistent with procurement rules and the mayor’s executive powers under the city charter.

Why it matters: Council members said the package is intended to invest in park repairs, playgrounds and community centers across all seven districts. Supporters said prompt action was necessary to move projects that have been planned for multiple years; critics said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and…