Planning board OKs annexation map changes for commercial parcels on Crichton Road

The City of Pensacola Planning Board on June 10 recommended approval of future land‑use and zoning map amendments for three parcels at the 3728 and 3800 blocks of Crichton Road after staff briefed the board on a voluntary annexation request submitted by James Oliver LLC.

Planning staff said the parcels form part of a commercial site that is currently split between city limits and Escambia County. The annexation would bring the whole commercial property into city jurisdiction and resolve service and 911/jurisdictional issues the Pensacola Police Department reported when parts of a single site lie in both city and county.

Staff proposed a commercial future‑land‑use category and expansion of the existing C‑1 commercial zoning so the property would be contiguous within the city. The parcels total about 1.5 acres, staff said, and county land‑use for the sections being annexed is heavy commercial/light industrial. The site currently houses O'Reilly's Uptown tavern, and staff said nearby county parcels not included in the annexation remain commercially zoned.

Board members noted nearby residences across Crichton Road had been notified; staff confirmed mailing postcards, publication in the Pensacola News Journal and a sign on the property. A board member said annexation should reduce jurisdictional confusion for emergency response and facilitate a more orderly regulatory environment.

The planning board voted unanimously to recommend the map amendments. Staff noted the annexation already had its first ordinance reading at City Council and the second reading was scheduled for June 12.