Commissioners approve amended OF8 purchase deal after hours of debate; one abstention

After extensive public comment and a prolonged exchange with developers and economic-development advocates, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an amendment to the purchase-and-sale agreement for the Outlying Fields property (commonly called OF8).

The vote on the amendment (items A, B and C) passed 4–0 with Commissioner Coler abstaining; Commissioner Steven Barry moved the motion and it was seconded (the abstention was declared on the record and attributed to the timing of a recent fundraiser, based on legal advice given to the commissioner).

Why it matters: Supporters said the amended deal preserves a path to attract high-wage employers and capture Triumph Gulf Coast grant funding to pay for infrastructure, while retaining a portion of acreage for a public overlay district. Opponents argued the amendment materially changes a previously negotiated contract, risks legal challenges, and shifts infrastructure cost and risk to taxpayers.

What supporters told commissioners: Chad Henderson, principal partner with TriW and CEO of Catalyst Group, said his team spent ‘‘well over seven figures’’ on due diligence since taking the property under contract and described a plan that carves the site into five districts with more than 65 acres dedicated to preserved green space. Henderson told the board the price allocation in the amendment sets the county’s portion at about $28.4 million for roughly 368 acres after accounting for green-space value and that retaining 171 acres for the county as part of the overlay district helps the county pursue Triumph Gulf Coast infrastructure grants that could be worth tens of millions. ‘‘The goal is that the whole is way greater than the sum of its parts,’’ Henderson said during his presentation.

Economic-development partners including Chris Plate, CEO of Florida West, and David Bear (who described Triumph Gulf Coast’s grant process) urged the board to approve the amendment so the county can pursue infrastructure funding and private investment that proponents say will create high-wage jobs. Bear said Triumph’s policy requires applicants to target job wages at least 115% of area average wages and that ‘‘Triumph wants to deploy the money to try to help create the jobs.’’

What opponents said: Public commenters including John Moore and Colin Gold urged the board to table the amendment, seek independent legal review, or rebid the project. Moore called the proposed changes ‘‘material’’ and said Florida procurement law can require rebidding when a competitively bid contract is materially altered; Gold warned the amendment would socialize infrastructure costs while privatizing profits.

Legal and procedural notes: County counsel advised commissioners that, although the amendment represents a significant change from the original PSA, the county has broad home-rule economic-development powers. Counsel recommended adopting specific legislative findings (the language included in the amendment as parts C and related subsections) to document how the conveyance furthers the county’s economic-development objectives and to include indemnity language to help protect the county against legal challenges.

Board action and next steps: The board approved the amendment to allow further due diligence and to pursue project financing options, including applying for Triumph Gulf Coast and other sources. The amendment includes indemnity provisions for the purchaser and legislative findings the county attorney recommended. Commissioners and staff said they will continue to negotiate detailed transaction documents and pursue funding applications; if Triumph funding is not secured, proponents said private capital partners and other funding sources would be pursued.

Votes and procedural record: Motion to approve A, B and C moved by Commissioner Steven Barry; motion passed with four affirmative votes and one abstention (Commissioner Coler), recorded on the public record. Commissioners asked staff to continue due diligence and return with final documents as appropriate.