Commissioners direct staff to redline two OLF‑8 purchase offers; seek final terms

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on March 6 directed county staff and counsel to prepare redlined versions of two competing purchase‑and‑sale agreements for Outlying Field 8 (OLF‑8) and return to the board with recommended contract terms.

The action followed public comment from neighborhood advocates and presentations by two development teams. Commissioners said they want enforceable contract terms, a clear closing timeline and verification that any buyer has the financial capacity to complete the project.

Why it matters: OLF‑8 is a large county land parcel that has been the subject of years of planning and a community-approved master plan. Residents and advocacy groups urged the board to require strict adherence to that plan and to guard against changes that would undermine agreed land‑use standards.

What the board did

John Moore, speaking for neighborhood constituents, asked commissioners to require that any sale or contract incorporate the OLF‑8 master plan — describing the plan as "the board’s word" to the community — and to favor bidders who commit to the plan’s design code. Chad Horn, a principal with one bidder, said his group has built large master‑planned, mixed‑use communities and offered to provide proof of funds. Bill Mitchum, representing Bridal/Metro interests, said his team was prepared to negotiate and requested the county produce a redline of the proposed contract.

After discussion the board voted 5-0 to direct staff and the county attorney to begin redlining the PSAs submitted by both Beulah Town Center and the Tri‑W/Metro/Bridal grouping; the board asked staff to return with negotiated and compared terms. Commissioners emphasized they expect hard closing dates, capital verification and mechanisms to ensure consistency with the master plan and the county’s stated priorities.

Commissioner comments and next steps

Commissioner Steve Stroberger (District 1) urged a strict, enforceable approach and said the board should not accept vague promises. Commissioner Stephen Berry said he would like staff to verify bidders’ financing capability before the board signs a contract. County counsel confirmed the board may require planning‑code consistency and other contractual conditions.

The board asked staff to return redlines and staff recommendations; several commissioners suggested an approximate one‑month turnaround but left specific timing to administration and counsel. The motion carried unanimously.

Ending

The board’s order to redline both offers sets a schedule: staff and counsel will negotiate with bidders and deliver revised agreements and a recommendation to the commission for a final decision.