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.