The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 6 to adopt an ordinance that establishes new protections for Navy Point Park and the county‑owned shoreline there.

The ordinance, brought forward by Commissioner Michael S. Koehler, passed by roll‑call vote 5–0 after a prolonged public hearing in which dozens of Navy Point residents and neighborhood groups urged the board to preserve the park’s natural character and public access.

Supporters told the commission the park is a rare public waterfront resource used daily for walking, swimming lessons, and community gatherings. “This park is a very unique place, untouched and natural,” said Ted Hawthorne, a Navy Point resident, who asked the board to “vote yes to preserve Navy Point Parks.” Multiple speakers said the park contributes to public health and to local identity.

An attorney working with proponents, Jessica Scholl, suggested one minor drafting change — adding the phrase “including without limitation” after a list of prohibited structures — to clarify that listed examples were not exhaustive. Commissioners chose to proceed with the version of the ordinance that was publicly noticed rather than introduce language changes at the meeting. Several speakers later said they preferred the posted language and urged the board to avoid last‑minute edits that could prompt legal challenges.

Longtime neighborhood advocate Mel Pino told the board she and other residents had spent years protecting Navy Point from proposed sales and development and asked commissioners to finalize protections now. “I am so grateful to you for finally putting this thing to rest,” she said.

Chair Michael S. Koehler opened the motion and the board approved the ordinance. The clerk recorded the vote as 5–0 in favor of adoption.

The ordinance does not list new funding or construction projects; it is written to restrict new structures such as docks or wharves within the park as posted. The county attorney indicated that narrowly tailored exceptions for replacement of existing infrastructure could be discussed in subsequent administrative actions, but the board’s vote adopted the ordinance language that was before them that evening.

The adoption follows more than a decade of community debate over public access and shoreline management in the area. Proponents and several commissioners said they expect the ordinance to reduce future litigation risk and to keep the park available to the public.

The board directed staff to proceed under the adopted ordinance and to return to the commission if administrative clarifications or repair‑and‑replace exceptions are needed.