NW Florida's Business Climate Magazine, April 2025

Reshaping the Landscape of Northwest Florida

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AMANDA LEAVINS

REALTOR®

Experience You Can Trust, Service You Deserve. Over 16 Years of Dedication Helping Buyers and Sellers Achieve Their Real Estate Dreams

Military relocation specialist since 2009

Amanda.Leavins@CBRealty.com 850-516-7166

REALTOR®

My mission in real estate is to help you obtain attainable properties to make memories with your loved ones.

Tanya.Fretwell@CBRealty.com 850-202-6781

WANDA GOLDBERG

Branch Manager, GRI, ABR, SRS, SFR

Call me for information about joining the Pace Coldwell Banker Realty team made up of experienced, knowledgeable, and professional Realtors.

Wanda.Goldberg@FloridaMoves.com 850-380-3708

CAROL GAINES

REALTOR®, GRI, CRS, CNAS

I have been a military relocation specialist since 2001 and a multi-million dollar producer since 1999.

Carol.Gaines@FloridaMoves.com 850-982-4668

FELICIA FORTUNE NORTHCUTT

REALTOR®, MBA, CRS, GRI, SRES

My experience and expertise can be your good fortune. Five generations of my family have lived in Santa Rosa County, and I can help you find the perfect home.

Felicia.Northcutt@CBRealty.com 850-637-5387

REALTOR®, SRS

Let me help you navigate the market in the place where your dreams and a new home coincide.

Quanah.McBride@CBRealty.com 850-760-0876

REALTOR®

We – Phil Baker and Jaime Walker – make up the Living in Pensacola Group, a residential listing team with proven success due to unique marketing and branding.

Phil.Baker@FloridaMoves.com 850-232-5389

REALTOR®

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking for your dream home, selling, or seeking investments, I am dedicated to helping you.

Renee.Lampley@CBRealty.com 850-982-6506

Contents

13 Building an Affordable Future at the Baptist Legacy Campus

Details on the newly announced senior and affordable housing developments planned for the former Baptist Hospital campus.

17 A Year of Opportunity

Levin Rinke President, Gordon Miles, provides an overview of the Pensacola real estate market for 2025.

21 The 52 World

This mixed-use community is creating a sanctuary for the soul through luxurious amenities, investment-grade art and redefined residential living in Pensacola.

26 Transforming Travel

Pensacola International Airport unveils plans for new Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program.

31 What's New in Developments

Multiple residential developments have broken ground, or are slated to break ground in the coming year. Here's a look at what's new in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

48 Around the Region

Find out what is happening in business, government and cultural news across Greater Pensacola and Northwest Florida.

Editor’s Note

As we put together the list of residential developments for this annual real estate issue of Northwest Florida’s Business Climate Magazine, I was blown away by the number of residential projects occurring throughout Northwest Florida. In 2024 alone, more than 8,000 new residences were approved for development across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. Some of the current projects include developing entirely new communities, while others are extensions of existing neighborhoods.

Thousands of new homes have been approved for development across Santa Rosa County. Pace and Milton are booming with new multi-phase subdivision projects and townhome communities that are changing the landscape of these quiet and once rural areas.

Escambia County, especially areas like Cantonment and Beulah, is also experiencing tremendous growth. Large, mixed-use communities like the new 52 World off Nine Mile Road are bringing new living options to the area by combining residential, commercial and recreational spaces within single developments. This unique approach to residential living aims to create a sense of community and reduce reliance on vehicles by offering residents access to essential services and amenities within their immediate surroundings.

Several new developments are also set to break ground in downtown Pensacola in the coming year, including a new 12-story apartment complex and 150-room Hard Rock hotel at the Community Maritime Park. This mixed-use development project will bring new housing, retail and dining options to downtown Pensacola.

The city has also recently announced plans to develop affordable and senior housing at the former Baptist Hospital Campus, with construction set to kick off this year. With new affordable housing incentives for developers already in place, there is hope that the rising housing costs will be addressed to meet the changing needs of our community as it continues to grow.

From new subdivision projects and large-scale mixed-use communities to multi-story apartment complexes and luxury townhomes, Northwest Florida is experiencing tremendous growth—and there’s no signs of things slowing down! This rapid growth is attracting new businesses, spurring commercial developments and creating a demand for more commercial space.

With so many new residential developments recently announced or already underway, it was nearly impossible to include them all. However, we did our best to bring you the latest information on some of the major and more recent residential projects occurring in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Some of these projects are already taking shape, while others are set to break ground in the coming year.

All this, plus details on the Pensacola International Aiport's $70 million Terminal Expansion and Modernization Plan and more.

As always, we hope you enjoy the issue.

OWNER | PUBLISHER Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com

ART DIRECTOR Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | AD COORDINATOR Ryan Dugger advertise@ballingerpublishing.com

EDITOR Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com

EDITORIAL INTERN Chloe Cadenhead

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darien Hardy Jenny Diamond Gordon Miles

SALES + MARKETING Paula Rode, Account Executive paula@ballingerpublishing.com

Geneva Strange, Account Executive geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

Regina Barkley, Account Executive regina@ballingerpublishing.com

Building an Affordable Future at Baptist Legacy Campus

By Jenny Diamond

Initially opened in 1951 as a single hospital with only 148 patient beds, Baptist Hospital has served as a critical resource for our local community, leading innovations in medicine and healthcare for more than 70 years.

In 1978, Baptist Regional Health Services was created to extend Baptist Hospital’s services to smaller hospitals, doctor’s offices, and treatment centers. In the following decades, Baptist Health Care (BHC) took over ownership of Jay Hospital from Santa Rosa County, opened Gulf Breeze Hospital, collaborated to open the Andrews Institute for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and opened various medical parks and specialty centers throughout Northwest Florida.

Today, Baptist Healthcare continues to expand the accessibility of its services to help meet the everchanging healthcare needs of our growing community.

In 2019, BHC announced plans to develop a new $550 million health care campus at the corner of Interstate 110 and Brent Lane that would take over operations from the original Baptist Hospital site at E Street and Moreno Street.

On September 23, 2023, Baptist Hospital’s new campus was opened, and operations ceased at the original campus, leaving 50 acres of opportunity for Pensacola. The original land will be used to meet a need that, according to Mayor D.C. Reeves, every mayor across the nation is attempting to address—affordable housing.

In the years between announcing the new campus and opening it, BHC began planning the possibilities for the original E Street campus, now referred to as the legacy campus. BHC formed a Community Advisory Council made up of 73 members of local government, neighborhood associations, businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, law enforcement

and faith communities. The advisory council interviewed local stakeholders and sent surveys to homes within a one-mile radius of the original site to determine the best ways to use the land and buildings of the legacy campus. Based on the findings of these committees, interviews and surveys, along with input from the City of Pensacola and analyses of the land and development opportunities, Baptist put forth a Redevelopment Vision that prioritized both affordable and market-rate housing, community infrastructure and resident services.

In 2022, the Redevelopment Vision was approved by the Baptist board and supported by the City of Pensacola. From there, Baptist sought bids from

“Housing is our primary concern. It is the number one need of Pensacola citizens.”

developers for all or some portion of the roughly 50-acre property. Though no developers submitted bids for the entire property, Baptist chose the bid from Paces Preservation Partners to develop roughly 12 acres of the legacy campus currently occupied by parking lots.

Paces Preservation Partners is a collaboration between the Paces Foundation—a nonprofit that develops sustainable, affordable housing communities throughout the south—and SOHO Housing Partners—a development and consulting company devoted to building affordable housing. Their bid included plans to build two multi-family affordable housing units: Kupfrian Manor will be a 94unit senior housing development, and Avery Place Apartments will be a 112-unit multi-family apartment development.

The bid and funding for the units were partially provided by a $7 million grant from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, seeking to create affordable housing opportunities in areas affected by Hurricane Sally. Since these developments will be built on land that currently serves parking lots, there is no need for extensive demolition, and these projects are slated to begin in summer or fall of 2025.

The lack of safe, affordable housing is an issue throughout Florida, as well as most other states, and the first two units at the Baptist legacy site are a small start to tackling this issue within Escambia County. There are many contributing factors to the housing crisis, including lack of inventory, astronomical insurance rates, the rising cost of materials and skyrocketing home prices and rental rates.

Terms like “affordable housing” refer to homes that are available at a certain percentage of a location’s area median income, or AMI, which calculates the midpoint income for families or households within a particular area.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates a yearly AMI for each region, and families whose total household income is at or below a certain percentage of an area’s AMI qualify for affordable housing rent limits, funding, grants or tax credits.

A 2024 report from HUD and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) indicated that Escambia County’s AMI was $92,000, so for a family of four, possible qualifying incomes might be roughly $72,000 (80%), $45,000 (50%) or $31,000 (30%).

In addition to affordability, many people struggle with stable, safe housing, especially vulnerable communities like seniors, many of

whom are on fixed incomes and are unable to manage the cost of home repairs or are unable to complete those repairs themselves.

Council on Aging of West Florida Marketing Communications Director, Emily Echevarria, notes that one of the greatest concerns for seniors in our area is the quality of their housing. Seniors are often impacted by roof damage from past hurricanes, issues with mold, or lack of air conditioning, which can all have detrimental health effects.

Though the Council on Aging works with various agencies like Habitat for Humanity to help make necessary repairs to keep seniors in their homes when possible, the availability of senior-specific housing in our area is at a desperate level. “Often, the best case scenario for affordable senior-living communities in Pensacola is at least a one-year year waitlist, sometimes up to four years,” Echevarria explained.

Barriers like these are what make affordable housing units like Avery Place Apartments and Kupfrian Manor such a necessity in Pensacola.

According to Paces Foundation Chief Development Officer Steven Bauhan, both the Avery Place Apartments and Kupfrian Manor developments will be mixed-income,

Scale model of the Columbia Parc at the Bayou District mixed-income development in New Orleans.

which means that eligibility will be determined for households at 30%, 60% and 80% of local AMI, with an average under 60% AMI.

Units developed by Paces Preservation Partners aim to be not only affordable but also safe and sustainable. Paces homes use Energy Star appliances and water-efficient fixtures and plumbing, all of which help keep utility costs as low as possible for residents.

In an effort to make a positive contribution to the local economy, Paces Preservation Partners sources as many of its building materials as possible from within 500 miles of each of its development sites.

Avery Place and Kupfrian Manor will also feature a variety of amenities and on-site services like picnic areas, a playground, a computer lab, a fitness center, walking trails and a laundry mat—all designed to foster community and interaction.

As for the other roughly 38 acres of the Baptist legacy campus, there are plans in place but several streams of funding still need to be secured. In 2023, BHC entered into talks to donate the remaining acreage of the Baptist legacy site to the City of Pensacola if the cost of demolition could be funded; Baptist further

agreed to put the nearly $3 million from the Paces Preservation Partners land sale toward the demolition costs.

Other sources of funding included $1 million from the City of Pensacola, $2 million from Escambia County, $7 million from the state and an additional $3 million from Baptist. In mid-March, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said that the city was reviewing bids for the demolition at the Baptist legacy site and expected to be able to meet the estimated $16 million cost while finalizing the donation deal with Baptist.

Mayor Reeves clarified that the City has done its due diligence regarding repurposing the existing structures instead of demolishing them. “There is no remote possibility of utilizing the existing structures. We did structural and environmental surveying and testing, and in the end, it would be far more expensive to make the necessary revisions to turn the buildings into safe and healthy homes than it would be to demo and build new,” Reeves said.

The next step would be announcing the winning demolition bid in April and seeking approval from the City Council, with an expected closing in May or June. However, in late March, Escambia County indicated that it may not be able to spare the $2 million donation expected after voting to tentatively pledge the funding in March of 2024.

County commissioners initially intended to utilize a local option for sales tax to fund their donation, but limits on how that tax money can be spent complicate the issue, and Commissioner Steven Barry said that the county cannot spare the donation from its general funds. Mayor Reeves agreed that both the City and the County would benefit from the proposed projects at the Baptist legacy site, and thus both organizations should donate to its development.

Assuming the funding is acquired, the plans for the Baptist legacy site include not only the two affordable housing units that will be built by the Paces Preservation Partners but also mixed-level housing units and an educational center, though the exact type of school is yet to be determined.

In early March, Mayor Reeves led a team of community leaders to New Orleans to tour Columbia Parc, a mixed-income community development in the Bayou District that is a similar size to the Baptist legacy site. First established nearly 20 years ago, Columbia Parc has since developed two schools, community gardens and green space, a 120unit senior living center and 565 townhomes. The mixed-use community also offers workforce development and job placement services for residents.

Eventually, with community support, input and many more years of funding, the potential of the Baptist legacy site could mirror communities like Columbia Parc. “Housing is our primary concern. It is the number one need of Pensacola citizens,” Reeves said. “However, we can’t just stop at a roof overhead; we have to consider the quality of life around that roof. The legacy campus will be a complete neighborhood with commercial opportunities, access to food, etc. We want to build a longer life expectancy and greater quality of life.”

To learn more about the Baptist Legacy Campus Redevelopment project, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org.

Bayou District Chairman Gerry Barousse talks about the Columbia Parc at the Bayou District development during the Bayou District Foundation Tour in March 2024

A Year of Opportunity Pensacola’s Real Estate Market in 2025

By Gordon Miles

The real estate market in Pensacola is staying strong as we head into the second quarter of 2025, with a solid base for continued growth and stability. With our unique blend of downtown development and beach town atmosphere, Pensacola is not just a place to live—it's a place of opportunity for both homebuyers and investors. Here’s a look at the key factors that are already shaping the market and what to expect throughout the rest of the year:

Market Stability and High-End Appeal

In January and February of this year, Pensacola saw a slight increase in transactions compared to the same period in 2024, with 1,214 transactions in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties (compared to 1,201 in 2024). While the average sales price dropped slightly from $348,165 in early 2024 to $339,985 in 2025, the volume of transactions is a positive indicator of increased demand and a stable market, even as prices adjust to more typical levels.

As the year progresses, Pensacola's real estate market is expected to see an overall increase in home values, driven by the ongoing appeal of Northwest Florida where the value is stronger compared to other nearby beach destinations. Pensacola offers world-renowned white sand beaches, a less touristy atmosphere and a quality of life unlike any other surrounding city. These factors continue

to bring in families, singles and retirees seeking a place that balances opportunity and charm that only a Southern oceanside community can offer.

One of the most encouraging changes for 2025 is the stabilization of interest rates. After the unusually low rates of the pandemic era, we are expecting a return to more typical levels of around 6 percent. Just within the first few months of the year, Pensacola has already seen a slight dip in interest rates. Historically, exceptionally low rates often indicate a struggling economy, but today’s rates reflect a healthy market.

The foundation of this market stability lies in the broader real estate landscape, where about 40 percent of U.S. homeowners own their properties outright, and another 30 percent have at least 50 percent equity. High levels of equity have strengthened the market against potential downturns.

Pensacola’s luxury sector also highlights a positive trajectory for the city’s overall real estate market. Year over year, there has been an increase in the number of million-dollar homes in Pensacola. These luxury properties are not only in demand but are also reshaping the market by driving further development throughout the town and attracting investors from across the country.

Rendering of REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel & Rhythm Lofts apartments at Maritime Park

Downtown Growth and Opportunities Across the Region

The redevelopment of downtown Pensacola is the cornerstone of the city’s transformation, especially in the last decade. The downtown area has become a hub for singles and couples, offering a dynamic lifestyle with easy access to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The rapid maturation of Pensacola’s downtown district shines a light on a broader trend of revitalization across the city, which is elevating the overall real estate market.

In fact, the entire Florida Panhandle is experiencing significant development, with smaller communities expanding to meet demand. There is significant growth in the Pace and Milton areas with affordable new homes developed by national builders, such as D.R. Horton. Pensacola is a standout for investors and prospective residents, benefiting from a constant military presence, top-performing school districts and a thriving local economy.

Real Estate Remains a Timeless Investment

Real estate has always been a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. In Pensacola, where the market is sustained by continuous demand and a healthy economy, real estate remains one of the most stable and rewarding investments available.

As Pensacola continues to elevate, real estate will persist as a driving force behind the city’s development. Whether you’re a buyer looking to settle into this thriving community or a seller ready to capitalize on rising values, 2025 promises to be a year of opportunity.

Gordon Miles is the President of Levin Rinke Realty in Pensacola Florida. He has led several of the largest real estate firms in the country in the past 30 years, with markets including Palm Springs, Southern California, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona. Under his leadership, his firms grew exponentially year over year, representing hundreds of billions in sales volume. He most recently led Levin Rinke Realty in its most successful year yet, surpassing a record-breaking $1 billion in sales in 2024—the first brokerage in Pensacola to reach this landmark, as reported by PAR. Miles is a licensed real estate broker in multiple states, holding designations such as Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). For more information about Gordon Miles and Levin Rinke Realty, visit levinrinkerealty.com.

Ransley Station, a new multi-use community development located off Pine Forest Road.

Photo Credit Betsy Tanner

The 52 World

Artfully Redefining Residential Living in Pensacola

By Darien Hardy

Maya Angelou once said that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but they will not forget how you made them feel. According to Tamara Bowens, president and chief operating officer of The Dawson Company d.b.a Inspired Communities of Florida, this notion perfectly captures the essence behind the concept of The 52 World—Pensacola’s first consciousliving community.

The 52 World is an amenity-rich, mixeduse development spanning 52 acres, with 26 acres dedicated to nature preserves. It offers three distinct living options: Inspire Apartments, Thrive Lofts and Evolve Townhomes, providing a unique living experience for every stage of life.

The Dawson Company recently developed 210 new luxury townhomes

as part of the mixed-use development project, which are now available to rent. The property also features 350 apartments and 108 lofts located off West 9 Mile Road in Pensacola.

The 52 World is redefining residential living in Pensacola by artfully merging design and public art through its innovative Living Art Museum. This initiative not only elevates the experience of residents and visitors with world-class art but also establishes a versatile living model. By

“Our company was built on the principle of doing well by doing good, and so when we develop, we always leave a gift for the residents, and the gift we wanted to leave here was art.”

Thrive Lofts offers a unique and funky living experience. Inspire Apartments, located in the middle of the property, houses the largest of The 52 World’s indoor museums and provides a more traditional approach to living. Evolve Townhomes offers more space in the form of two-to-four-bedroom, two-story homes geared toward growing families.

incorporating exceptional art within the framework a rental residential community, The Dawson Company is committed to making fine art a fundamental component of its properties.

“This decision was made by [The Dawson Company] CEO, Harold Dawson, Jr., who wanted to build a community versus just a place to live,” Bowens explained. “That’s how we initially came up with the three concepts.”

The community blends exceptional architecture with artistic elements and natural surroundings, creating a tranquil sanctuary. Key features of The 52 World include modern amenities designed for inspirational living, such as co-working spaces, two luxury resortstyle swimming pools and two massive gyms—one is a three-level gym, and one is a sizable single-level space that has all the latest and greatest technologycentered workout equipment. The 52 World also boasts a meditation room, walking trails, reflection ponds and two dog parks—one for large dogs and one for small ones. The community includes abundant retail space in a soon-to-open

Alter of Aphrodite by James Kelsey

Perennial Peace

Kevin Box

gourmet grocery store, fuel station, PJ’s Coffee and Montessori Kids Universe Early Childhood Educational Center.

The 52 World’s Living Art Museum features more than 20 pieces of investmentgrade art from world-renowned artists throughout the property.

The Living Art Museum acts as a cultural hub and offers unique programming that makes art accessible to both residents and the public.“Our company was built on the

principle of doing well by doing good, and so when we develop, we always leave a gift for the residents, and the gift we wanted to leave here was art,” Bowens stated. “When we started finding iconic pieces of art to put on the property, we realized we have a lot of space here, and so we just kept buying and buying, and before you knew it, it turned into a museum.”

Bowens emphasizes that the Living Art Museum and the fine art displayed

throughout the development provide a sanctuary for the soul, fostering a positive and uplifting environment essential for promoting mental well-being across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for our residents to pause and reflect, and what better way to do that than with art?” Bowens explained. “We wanted to have something out there that the residents can be one with—be at peace with—allowing them to lay down their stresses of the day and be out on the property, enjoying the beauty of the art that’s situated all over the 52 acres of the property.”

The 52 World is located on West Nine Mile Road across from the Navy Federal Credit Union’s main Pensacola campus. Based on the expansion happening in the area and market research, The Dawson Group knew the Ensley area would be the ideal place for The 52 World. Being right off of Interstate 10, the location is central for residents commuting to Alabama, the core of Pensacola, or the beaches. With its plentiful retail space and on-site amenities, The 52 World provides a self-contained community where residents have all the basics and essentials they need.

“It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to get to know your neighbors, and the art is core to that,” Bowens said. “Art sparks a conversation because it’s up to the eye of the beholder—what one person sees is different to what another person sees and interprets. It’s been a great way for us to start conversations among our residents.”

The Dawson Company envisioned a community where art is integral to the daily experience of each resident— where culture, nature and community intertwine to create a haven of inspiration. Bowens explained that postpandemic, when people were isolated and alone, people wanted community and to know their neighbors. Now that the pandemic is over, people still want the same thing. No one wants to feel isolated anymore, and The 52 World offers that much-needed connection with art and luxury amenities.

In this development, The Dawson Company also hopes to convey conscious living— being present with neighbors and cognizant and appreciative of the world.

“If a resident wants to clear their head, we have walking trails, reflection ponds and meditation rooms, all so they can find their way to be at peace with nature,” Bowens elaborated. “One of our big things is this marriage of humanity in nature and being able to be at peace and have The 52 World as a sanctuary from the outside world.”

Pensacola's cultural landscape is flourishing, and The 52 World Living Art Museum adds a transformative element to the area's creative identity, appealing to art lovers locally and nationwide. With plans for artist residencies, community workshops and educational programming, The 52 World’s Living Art Museum is committed to cultivating an immersive environment that inspires current residents and visitors alike, while also nurturing future generations of artists. These upcoming projects will provide hands-on experiences and intimate encounters with art, aiming to enhance Pensacola's reputation as a dynamic cultural hub and foster connections that bring people closer through the shared language of creativity.

Every third Thursday of the month, The 52 World offers tours to the public led by docents hired from the University

of West Florida. The tours will explore who the artists are, the names of the artworks and what the inspiration was—providing not only a gift to The 52 World residents but also to the greater Pensacola area.

The 52 World presents an extraordinary opportunity for residents and the public alike to witness a bold new approach to art in residential design. It is more than an outdoor museum or a residential space—it is a living, breathing testament to the power of creativity in shaping the spaces we inhabit, with the hope of connecting people with art, nature and each other.

To learn more about The 52 World’s living experiences and Living Art Museum, visit the52.world and follow @the52.world on Instagram.

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Pensacola International Airport Makes Way for Expansion

By Nicole Willis

As the travel hub for Northwest Florida and much of lower Alabama, the Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is receiving an overdue expansion.

With 104 percent growth in passenger traffic over the past decade, PNS is embarking on a multi-phase expansion project to accommodate increasing demand and help position the airport for future success.

In 2024 alone, PNS saw more than 3.03 million passengers, an increase from 2023’s 2.73 million. With the rise in the number of travelers, PNS has put forth its new Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program (TEMP) to better meet the travelers’ demands. This project is expected to increase the airport’s overall capacity by about 50 percent.

The TEMP is part of the airport’s long-term vision to support economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and enhance the efficiency of air travel. The project is supported by federal grants, local investment and partnerships with key aviation stakeholders.

The main goal of the TEMP is to accommodate this vast growth by offering more space for passengers within the airport, more flight options to meet the demands of travelers and an overall enhanced travel experience for all who enter PNS open house event, December 2024

"This expansion is about more than just adding gates and modernizing facilities—it’s about shaping the future of air travel in Pensacola."

PNS. The expansion will span approximately 50,000 square feet, which is a significant increase compared to the airport’s current 159,000-square-foot space.

“Pensacola International Airport is experiencing record growth, and TEMP is a direct response to that demand. By investing in infrastructure now, we’re not just meeting today’s needs—we’re positioning Pensacola as a premier gateway for business and tourism for decades to come," Pensacola International Airport Executive Director Matt Coughlin said.

The expansion project will introduce three key features—an expanded security area, new boarding gates and increased space for restaurant vendors.

The larger, expanded security area will provide more room for passengers and reduce wait times through the security process. It will also feature a dedicated “recomposure area” for travelers to get situated after going through the TSA checkpoint.

Five boarding gates will also be added as part of the expansion, increasing the airport’s total number of gates to 17. The new five-gate concourse will increase the number of daily flights out of PNS.

Another major component of the TEMP is the addition of more restaurant and concession spaces for food and drink sales, providing convenient options for passengers traveling through the nearby gates. This additional concession space will also allow PNS to introduce more food vendors, offering passengers a more varied selection of food and beverage options.

With the additional gate capacity, ungraded amenities and advanced security features, the TEMP will help to improve overall airport infrastructure positioning PNS to better serve the needs of travelers and our local community.

"Our airport serves as a front door to Pensacola and the greater Gulf Coast, and this expansion allows us to better accommodate travelers, businesses and airlines alike. As our region grows, Pensacola International Airport is growing with it,” Coughlin explained.

The Pensacola community has played a role in the project’s advancement. In December 2024, PNS hosted a public open house to answer questions and receive the community’s feedback on preliminary design plans.

The expansion’s design is being led by luis vidal + architects, an architectural firm headquartered in Madrid, Spain, with the help of Ontario-based EXP, a multidisciplinary firm offering engineering, architecture, design and consulting services. The two companies have been brought on to tackle the architectural and engineering design efforts for the new five-gate concourse.

The expanded terminal building will feature an open floor plan, plenty of natural light, a coastal Pensacola-inspired color palette and roofs designed to resemble Pensacola Beach’s beautiful sand dunes.

At least 15 percent of the design is currently complete, with 30 percent of the design’s completion is due on April 22. Construction on the expanded region of PNS is set to begin on September 30, 2025. The security expansion portion is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Rendering of design plans for new concourse

The current estimated cost for the TEMP is $90 million. Funding for the project has and will come from a variety of sources. In October 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a $4 million grant to support the project. This grant is a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminal Program, which supports the modernization of airport terminals across the country.

The City of Pensacola has also pursued and established additional state and federal funding. After all funding is received, any remaining costs for the project will be funded through bonds backed by the airport’s future revenue.

While the program will help the passengers traveling within the next few years, it will also support the airport’s future growth for years to come.

of new concourse area

"This expansion is about more than just adding gates and modernizing facilities—it’s about shaping the future of air travel in Pensacola," said Coughlin. “We’re building an airport that reflects the innovation and economic vitality of our community while ensuring a first-class experience for all who pass through our doors.”

The TEMP is part of the airport’s 20-year master plan. This plan includes a list of projects, including the new 435-space parking lot on Tippin Avenue that opened in November 2024.

In April 2025, PNS announced the launch of TransformPNS.com, a dedicated website providing the latest updates, project details and community engagement opportunities for the program. The website offers visitors an interactive and user-friendly experience, featuring:

• Project Overview – A detailed look at the Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program’s goals, phases and expected benefits.

• Latest News & Updates – Timely announcements on construction milestones, new features and project progress.

• Community Engagement – Information on public meetings, feedback opportunities and ways for the community to be involved in the expansion process.

• Visuals & Renderings – Concept images, blueprints and video updates showcasing the future of PNS.

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of

Additional real-time updates will be posted as the project progresses to ensure the public and stakeholders have access to the most current information available.

“Pensacola International Airport continues to grow as a key gateway to the Gulf Coast, and this expansion is critical to ensuring we provide the best possible experience for our travelers,” Coughlin said. “TransformPNS.com allows us to keep our passengers and stakeholders engaged, informed, and excited about the future of PNS.”

PNS connects over three million passengers per year and offers over 20 nonstop flights to major cities across the United States.

For complete details and to explore the latest updates on the expansion project, visit TransformPNS.com.

For more information on flights and services at PNS, visit flypensacola.com.

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Rendering

design plans for "Recomposure Area"

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What's New in Development

By Morgan Cole

In 2024 alone, more than 6,000 new residences were approved for development across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. From mixed-income apartment complexes and luxury townhomes to multi-phase subdivisions, Northwest Florida’s residential real estate market is booming.

With plans announced to develop affordable and senior housing at the old Baptist campus and new luxury apartments slated for development in downtown Pensacola, developers continue to bring new living options to Northwest Florida.

Escambia County—especially areas like Cantonment and Beulah—is experiencing tremendous growth, with developers constructing large-scale mixed-use communities that are transforming the landscape of these once-rural areas.

Milton and Pace are also seeing significant residential growth, with Santa Rosa County approving numerous projects that will add thousands of new homes, including both new communities and expansions of existing ones.

As populations only continue to increase throughout our Northwest Florida communities, we will inevitably continue to see more development and long-term infrastructure projects to support this rapid growth.

Here’s a look at some of the major residential projects taking shape across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this year.

The Waverly Condos and The Westmore Apartments

Another major downtown project slated to kick off in 2025 is the condominium and apartment complex development known as The Waverly and The Westmore. The Waverly is a 54-unit luxury condo development being built in conjunction with The Westmore apartments by Bearing Point Properties. The Westmore will have 328 market-rate apartment units, a 39,000-square-foot grocery store and pocket parks that preserve the historic remains of a World War II-era vocation school and USO building. One of the old buildings on the property also serves as the Escambia County School District headquarters, which was named after Dr. Vernon McDaniel, the first Black School Board president. Bearing Point Properties said they plan to announce the tenant of the grocery store in early 2025. Calli Sivils, director of development with Bearing Point Properties, told the CRA that the company plans to have the grocery store and parking deck complete by September 2027 and the entire project finished in June 2028.

Luxury Apartments Approved for Former ECUA Property

Crest Residential, a developer based out of Birmingham, Alabama, is beginning work to build The Romero on the western half of the former ECUA downtown sewage treatment property. This project is the first to begin construction under the West Main Master Plan. The 282-unit development will have 10 different floor plans with units that range from 612 to 1,393 square feet and one, two or three bedrooms. The company closed on the 8 acres of the 19-acre property on February 20 for $6.24 million. Developers say the luxury apartment complex will offer resort-style amenities like a saltwater swimming pool, outdoor entertainment and dining areas, pickleball courts, a fenced dog park and a luxury pet spa. The company expects to start pre-leasing units in the spring of 2026.

New, High-End Townhomes Coming to Downtown Pensacola

A new townhome development is set to begin construction in the coming months in downtown Pensacola called Red Feather Townhomes. The 11-unit, high-end townhome development will be constructed at the corner of Baylen and Intendencia streets, just a block away from Palafox Street. The units range between 2,500 square feet and 3,500 square feet. Each one will be three stories and threeor four-bedroom units with a two-car garage. The empty property has served as a parking lot for decades. In 2017, the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency sold the parking lot to Studer Properties for $510,000 as part of an initiative to spur housing development downtown. In 2021, Studer Properties sold the land to Red Feather Developers for $506,500. After winning final approval from the Pensacola Architectural Review Board in January, the project is now ready to begin construction. Developers have confirmed that the units will be sold, not rented, though they are still working on exactly how much each unit will sell for.

Initial Design for Maritime Park Hotel and Apartment Development Wins Approval

Pensacola’s Planning Board unanimously approved the initial aesthetic concept for the newly proposed hotel and apartment building at Community Maritime Park. Developers are proposing to build a 15-story apartment building called Rhythm Lofts and a 10-story hotel under the REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel brand. Inspired Communities of Florida, also known as The Dawson Company, has partnered with EJ Smith Enterprises, the real estate development company owned by Emmitt Smith, to build the hotel and apartments. Developers presented their initial design concept to the Planning Board in March. The development will be built on Maritime Park Lot No. 5, and developers also have a lease option for Lot No. 4, which is currently a parking lot. According to the 2024 income figures from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, apartments with rents between $1,366 to $2,079 a month for a single-income household would fall into the 80 percent to 120 percent AMI category. The Planning Board will still need to approve the final set of design plans before the project can move forward with obtaining permits from the city.

City Partnership for Affordable Housing Shows Progress

The City of Pensacola announced significant progress in its collaborative effort with the Pensacola Habitat/Community Land Trust and the Home Builders Association of West Florida to revitalize three previously owned city lots. Each of the lots will soon offer new or rehabilitated homes at affordable price points. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to increasing access to quality housing for residents. Additional lots at 1491 N. E Street and 113 N. Spring Street are being transformed into high-quality, affordable housing opportunities, providing more families with the ability to become homeowners in Pensacola. By working with trusted local organizations, the city seeks to develop sustainable housing solutions that improve neighborhoods and foster community growth. More information on the Pensacola Habitat/ Community Land Trust can be found on the organization's website at pensacolahabitat.org/nfclt. To learn more about the Homebuilder's Association of West Florida, visit westfloridabuilders.com.

Courtesy of City of Pensacola

Gavin’s Landing

Constructed by D.R. Horton, this new residential townhome community is situated on 1 6.42-acre site off Giese Lane near Blue Angel Parkway in Pensacola. The new community consists of 27 attached singlefamily homes ranging from 1,553 to 1,537 square feet. Each of the two-story townhomes features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a one-car garage. Home prices range from $249,000 to $279,000. Gavin’s Landing is located at 9067 Golden Eye Drive and is within a short drive from Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Kingsfield Manor (Phase 1)

Reserve at Brookhaven Reserve

at Brookhaven is a new single-family community by D.R. Horton, located at 2600 S. Highway 97 in Cantonment. The subdivision features 146 single-family homes with 11 floorplan options ranging from 1,568 to 3,113 square feet with up to 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The community also features a private pool, cabana and playground area for residents. New homes in Reserve at Brookhaven start at around $325,000.

The Kingsfield Manor residential development project for the Cantonment area had its first phase approved last year. According to the project’s development orders, phase 1 will create a 43-lot subdivision of single-family homes out of an almost 19-acre site off West Kingsfield Road. The project will also include the creation of two new roads—Emerson and Grayson Drive.

Helms Ranch Subdivision

More than 100 acres of land off Helms Road in Pensacola will be turned into hundreds of single-family homes following county approval of the project in May 2024. According to the project’s development order, a total of 385 lots and multiple new roads will be constructed on 115 acres of undeveloped land in Beulah just west of Beulah Elementary School. The new subdivision will also be connected to Helms Road as part of the project. With a proposed density of 3.34 lots per acre, Helms Ranch will have underground utilities and asphalt roads.

Fallchase at Pathstone (Phase 4)

Located off 9-Mile Road near Navy Federal Credit Union, this ongoing residential development project has had multiple phases approved over the past few years. The county approved the project’s master plan in 2019 and approved even more revisions in 2022. Phase four was approved in May 2024 to develop 47 single-family residential lots on a 16.29-acre site off Pathstone Boulevard. The new D.R. Horton community offers single- and two-story homes with 4-bedroom, 2-bath floorplan options ranging from 1,787 to 1,387 square feet. Phase 4 homes are currently listed for sale with home prices starting at $320,000.

Goldenvale Subdivision

The preliminary plat plans for the development of a new singlefamily townhome subdivision projectwere recently approved by Escambia County.. The Goldenvale subdivision project will create 86 lots for new single-family townhomes on an 11-acre site near Naval Air Station Pensacola. One new street named Sun King Road is planned to run through the subdivision, with all the townhomes lined up on either side of the new road. The Goldenvale subdivision project is planned for 2500 Kingsport Ave in Pensacola. A Cantonment-based group named Kingsport Development Inc. is listed as the developer behind the project.

Guidy Lane Townhomes

Mallard Landing

Located in southwest Pensacola, this new single-family subdivision was approved by the county in May 2024. Constructed by Lennar, the Mallard Landing project will include 22 single-family residential lots on an 8.28-acre site located off of Turnbuckle Trail. One new road called Carlstrom Lane will also be developed as part of the project, according to its approved final plat drawings. The new subdivision features single- and two-story homes and offers four floorplan options to choose from. Homes range from 1,474 to 1,891 square feet and feature 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms, with a starting price of around $303,000.

Royal Beach at Perdido

The Royal Beach at Perdido project intends to build a new, multi-family condominium with 10 stories and eight residential units on a 0.78-acre site on Perdido Key Drive. Preliminary plans for the development project were approved by the county in July 2024. The project will include an outdoor pool, spa and covered parking area. The building's rooftop will also feature a common area with entertainment space, kitchen and bathrooms. A multi-family condominium called Sea Oats used to stand at the proposed site of the project before it was destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. The project is now set for development at 14757 Perdido Key Dr.

Bellview Pointe Subdivision

Located in Northwest Pensacola, Bellview Pointe is a new single-family community built by Maronda Homes. The subdivision features 51 single-story and two-story homes on a 16.2-acre site with cul-de-sac streets and wooded private backyards. Floorplans offer up to 2,692 square feet of living space with 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 2-car garage. Home prices range from $324,000 to $394,000 depending on the selected floorplan. The new Bellview Pointe community is located at 6233 Forest Pines Drive.

Escambia Co.

The construction plans and preliminary plat for the Guidy Lane Townhomes project were approved by Escambia County to create a new 20-unit townhome development in Ferry Pass. The development will be constructed on a 2-acre parcel off of Guidy Lane. According to the project’s site plans filed with the county, there will be one new road created for the townhomes called Ona Lane. The developers of the Guidy Lane Townhomes project initially filed plans for approval in 2022, which were approved by the county in late 2024.

Escambia Co.

The Flats at Ransley

Northwest Pensacola is set to get a new multi-family apartment complex. The county approved the Flats at Ransley project in August 2024 with 294 apartment units, a clubhouse and more than 400 parking spaces for the complex. Developers plan to build the complex off Ransley Station Boulevard across from the existing apartments, The Waters at Ransley. Once construction is complete, The Flats at Ransley will have an access road into Ransley Station Boulevard and Boesch Lane. The Flats at Ransley project was approved by the county in August 2024, almost a year after its developers initially filed their proposal in November 2023. The Flats are part of the ongoing Ransley Station development located at 8889 Ransley Station Blvd.

Kaheely Ridge (Phase 3)

The final plat for phase three of the Kaheely Ridge project was approved by Escambia County in August 2024 to turn a 2.95-acre site in Beulah into 11 single-family residential lots. According to the development order, the subdivision will connect to Isaac’s Lane. The project site plans list D.R. Horton as the developer of the project.

Harper Ridge

In late 2024, the county approved plans for a private subdivision project in Pensacola’s Bellview community–Harper Ridge. The subdivision will bring eight new single-family homes to the southwest part of Escambia County at 9800 Addie Gant Ln. The lots will be just under 11,000 square feet each. The owner/developer of the Harper Ridge project is AGL Subdivision LLC, based in Bonita Springs.

Eighte on Olive

Eight new townhomes will be built in Ferry Pass as part of the Eighte on Olive subdivision project. The project is planned for the corner of Carl Dean Street and East Olive Road using an approximately 0.68-acre site. No new roads are planned as part of the development. In the preliminary plat plans, the subdivision was planned to be named Atwood Place, which it received a development order for in 2023. Developers then filed their final plans with the county in April 2024 and gained final approval in September. Genesis Properties and Development of Pensacola are the owners of the project.

Leila Del Mar

Plans to develop supporting infrastructure for nearly 20 lots within an incoming subdivision for the Leila Del Mar project were approved by Escambia County in September 2024. Developers plan to create a private subdivision consisting of 18 single-family lots at 14760 Innerarity Point Road. The lots will be evenly split into three groups, each holding six homes. Two new roads will also be constructed that will connect the subdivision to Innerarity Point Road. According to the project’s approved site plans, the roads will be named Leila and Louella Ln.

Lost Key C-16 Townhomes

Perdido’s Lost Key subdivision is set to gain more townhomes after the final plat plans for its C-16 section were approved by the county in September. The project will develop 60 single-family townhome lots on an 8.85-acre site on Lost Key Boulevard. The owner and developer listed behind the project is WCI Communities, LLC.

Bella Terra

The master plans for the Bella Terra project were approved by Escambia County in late 2024 to create a total of 440 single-family homes on 131 acres of land off U.S. Highway 29 in Cantonment. The residential project will be carried out in three phases. Phase one will consist of 127 lots, phase two will consist of 174 lots and the final 139 lots will be developed during phase three. The site plans indicate that new roads will be constructed for the subdivision, including Bella Terra and Spruce Hollow Way, and it will be connected to the existing Knollwood subdivision as well as U.S. Highway 29. DP Developers of Northwest Florida is the listed developer of the project on the site plans filed with the county.

Old Barrancas Townhomes

Escambia County approved the final plat drawings for the Olde Barrancas Townhome project in September for the development of a new 17-home subdivision in Warrington. The subdivision will be built along Olde Barrancas Avenue and Seamarge Lane. Kadur LLC is listed as the owner of the project on the final plat drawings.

Escambia Co.

Escambia Co.

Eagle Pointe Subdivision (Master Plan & Phase One)

The master site plan at the first phase of the Eagle Pointe Subdivision project was approved by the county in late 2024. The new subdivision will feature 143 single-family lots across nearly 47 acres of land in southwest Cantonment. A total of 25 lots will be developed in phase one, which will occupy 8.23 acres of the parcel located off Klondike Road.

Bennington Park

Escambia County approved the Bennington Park project to develop a 145-lot subdivision using an approximately 63-acre site in Northwest Pensacola. Six new roads will be created within the subdivision as part of the project, according to preliminary plans filed with the county. Their names will be Heritage Court, Natures Court, Riverbend Court, Serenity Court, Sunshine Court and Willow Walk Lane. Heritage Court and Willow Walk Lane will connect to an existing street named Klondike Road. Developers filed their proposal with the county in June 2024 and a development order was issued for the project in October.

Cypress Cove Subdivision

The county approved plans for the development of a new subdivision of 65 single-family homes on approximately 9.6 acres at 800 Cedar Tree Lane in Pensacola.

Hancock Meadows

A new subdivision will be coming to the Brent area as part of a residential development project called Hancock Meadows. The subdivision will consist of 34 single-family lots using almost 19 acres of land on Hancock Lane. Two new roads named Legacy Lane and Keyturn Way will run through the subdivision, the former of which will be connected to Hancock Lane. The Hancock Meadows project was approved by the county in late October 2024 to develop a 34-lot subdivision, but developers adjusted their plans and reduced the lot count by one. A new proposal was submitted for review that November, which gained approval from the county five days later on November 6.

Martin Preserve

Final Plat plans for an ongoing subdivision project in Warrington at 2120 Dog Track Rd. were approved by Escambia County in October 2024. Once complete, Martin Preserve will be a 46-lot townhome subdivision with one new road named Starling Drive that connects to Dog Track Road and ends in a cul-de-sac. Starling Drive is the only part of the subdivision that’s done so far, but the new townhomes will be lined up on either side of the street. Developers filed final plat plans with the county in August 2024 and the county issued a development order for their plans in October.

Parkland Place

Construction will soon begin on a major subdivision project that will bring more than 800 new homes to Santa Rosa County. The multi-phase residential development, Parkland Place, will span more than 300 acres of undeveloped land off Berryhill Road in Pace. The project will include 850 lots of single-family homes across 315 acres. Parkland Place is themed around large walking/riding paths that are interconnected with the amenities and parks located throughout the community. The community will also feature a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, grill pads, a splash pad, a pool, a playground, pickleball courts, 56 parking spaces and more. The design for Parkland Place is being thoughtfully crafted by the teams at Garden Street Communities, David Fitzpatrick Engineering and Jerry Pate Design. Adams Homes will serve as the designated homebuilder for the project.

Brookchase at Pathstone (Revised)

Revised plans for the Brookchase at Pathstone residential development were approved by the county in December. Project plans call for the construction of a new multi-family complex consisting of 18 buildings with a total of 118 units on an 8.4-acre site located at 3567 Fallchase Boulevard.

Makaira West Subdivision

Approved by the county in December 2024, the Makaira West subdivision will develop a 60-lot subdivision of single-family homes using a 14.5acre site at 2691 W. Roberts Road in Cantonment.

Pointe Grande Pensacola

Plans to construct a new multibuilding apartment complex in Ensley were approved by the county in October 2024. The apartment complex is called Pointe Grande Pensacola and will include a total of 228 units spread across eight buildings. A 12.3acre parcel on the corner of Airway Drive and Ensley Street will be used to build the apartment buildings, which will also include a clubhouse and leasing office, fitness center and a pool for residents. The project will also include the creation of 457 parking spaces for the apartment complex. The developers initially filed their plans with the county in May 2024. To date, no completion date has been announced for the project.

Blue Water Creek Estates

A new residential development is being proposed for Highway 97 in Molino named Bluewater Creek Estates. Plans for the new community are to develop 33 lots of single-family homes on 185 acres of land located off Highway 97 just north of Sunshine Hill Road. Plans show the single-family homes located on lots ranging in size from four to 12 acres. The development would be served by Molino Utilities for potable water and private septic systems for wastewater because sewage is not available. The development, as proposed by Hammond Engineering, is currently in the pre-application stage with the county’s development review committee.

Saddlehorn Subdivision

This newly approved subdivision will develop 20 single-family lots on an approximately 5-acre parcel of land located at 9995 Holsberry Road.

Sanctuary (Phase 2)

Escambia County approved plans for another new single-family subdivision in Cantonment located off Highway 95A as part of phase two of the ongoing Sanctuary residential project. Phase two will develop a 116-lot subdivision of single-family homes using an approximately 75acre parcel. Around 33 acres of the parcel was designated for phase one, while phase two will use about 24 acres.

McKenzie Estates

In January, D.R. Horton submitted plans to the Escambia County Development Review Committee for a new subdivision on the east side of Highway 95A in the 800 block of McKenzie Road called McKenzie Estates. The proposed development includes 404 single-family homes on three parcels totaling 197.2 acres. The site is currently vacant and wooded, with a stream and an estimated 43 acres of wetlands. Locals and nearby residents have voiced many concerns about infrastructure strain, flooding and wildlife protection concerning the proposed development. The process is still in its preliminary phases and no final development orders have been approved by the county to date.

Maple Farms Subdivision

In February, Escambia County approved a new single-family community in Molino named Maple Farms. Developers were approved to split an undeveloped, 40-acre lot into four different parcels that will range in size from about 8.7 acres to 13.4 acres. Once developed, the lots will be situated at 8161 N. Highway 29 in Pensacola. A pair of local residents purchased the parcel for $480,000 last May.

New 104-Unit Apartment Complex Planned Near UWF

A development proposal was filed with Escambia County in March to build a new apartment complex near the University of West Florida (UWF) on Academy Drive with 104 bedrooms and 106 parking spots. If approved, the new apartment complex will be located at 2160 Academy Drive, which is around the corner from existing off-campus housing like the College Vue Apartments. The Pensacola office of civil engineering firm BaskervilleDonovan, Inc., filed the proposal with Escambia County on behalf of Alec Brognano and his family business, Ameron Homes, on March 10. Ameron Homes is also the name of the proposed apartment complex at this stage of the project.

Bayou Bluffs Subdivision

In January 2025, Escambia County approved a proposal to develop a new subdivision named Bayou Bluffs. The project will turn an almost 23-acre parcel into a neighborhood consisting of 85 single-family lots for future homes. Site plans indicate that each lot will be at least 5,000 square feet, with the largest lot being more than 14,000 square feet. The new subdivision will be built off of Woodside Road near Beulah Elementary School. The parcel where Bayou Bluffs will stand is currently undeveloped, but the subdivision’s address will be 7400 Woodside Road upon completion. Two new roads, named Bayou Bluffs Road and Bay Meadows Street, will be created as part of the project. Bayou Bluffs Road will be connected to Woodside Road and that will be the only entrance into the neighborhood. One stormwater pond will be developed for Bayou Bluffs as well. The owner of the Bayou Bluffs project is 68 Ventures LLC, a firm based in Daphne, Alabama. The firm has developed multiple single-family neighborhoods in Escambia County already, such as Antietam in the Ferry Pass area and Harmony Estates in Cantonment.

Iron Rock (Phase 3): Wildwood Estates

Escambia County approved revised master site plans for the Wildwood Estates project in early 2025. Wildwood Estates is a master-planned community located off West Kingsfield Road and County Road 97 in Cantonment. The master site plan calls for the development of more than 1,000 single-family lots in nine phases on more than 777 acres of land. Each additional phase of the residential development will add more lots to the subdivision. The first three phases with 451 lots — Bookhaven 1 and 2 and Iron Rock 1 — are complete. The next three phases, Bookhaven 3 and 4 and Iron Rock 2 are under construction with 401 additional lots. The remaining phases of Wildwood Estates are currently undeveloped, according to filings with the Escambia County Development Review Committee. Phase 7 will include 13 lots. There are 43 lots proposed for Phase 8 and 159 for Phase 9 in the plans filed by Devine Farms, LLC/Rodney Sutton.

Piper’s Landing

In February, Escambia County issued an updated development order for the Piper’s Landing project to develop 64 lots for future single-family homes in Northwest Pensacola. The initial project plans included the development of 58 single-family lots on Chellile Road using a 22.7-acre parcel of land, but the latest development order for the project amends the intended number of lots from 58 to 64. DP Developers of North Florida, LLC is the developer and owner of the property.

Navy Crossing

Escambia County recently approved a proposal for the Navy Crossing project to add almost 400 housing units to the southwest part of Escambia County at 8485 W. Highway 98. Nine apartment buildings and 22 buildings for townhomes will be developed as part of the project, which will add a total of 390 units across the community. The owner of the project, 68V Navy Crossing Holding LLC, also owns the parcel of land where the future homes are set for development. The approximately 74-acre parcel was purchased back in 2022 for a total of $2,906,667.

Carrington Valley (Phase II)

The final plat plans for the second phase of the Carrington Valley project were approved by Escambia County in February. In July 2023, developers were approved to turn a 17-acre parcel into a subdivision with 82 singlefamily residential lots on the 500 block of Quintette Road. With the final plat plans approved by the county, phase two of the Carrington Valley project is now set for development.

A LOOK AT FEBRUARY’S MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

BY THE NUMBERS ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Total sales for February slipped 6% compared to the same month last year, but were up 12% over last month.

Total sales saw gains across all price categories compared to January.

Residential & Condo inventory continued to improve from last December, with condo inventory jumping 26%, compared to January.February’s pending sales rebounded 26% from January.

A

LOOK AT FEBRUARY’S MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Total sales for February were up 2.1% compared to the same month last year.

*Based on Redfin calculations of home data from MLS and/or public records. $352K Median

A total of 254 homes sold in February this year, down from 291 last year.

On average, homes in Santa Rosa County sell after 83 days on the market compared to 73 days last year.

Santa Rosa Co.

Eagle’s Ridge

The Eagle’s Ridge project was approved by Santa Rosa County to develop a new 145-lot subdivision on approximately 56.11 acres in Pace. The subdivision will include the development of five new roads: Air Field Drive, Air Wing Five Road, Bald Eagle Road, Eagles Ridge Road and Runway Drive. Eagle’s Ridge Road will connect the subdivision to Ridgeside Way, providing access to Spear Street and U.S. Highway 90. The new master-planned community by Lennar features three- to four-bedroom homes that range from $290,000 to $370,000.

Parker Grove Townhomes

The Parker Grove Townhomes project was approved by Santa Rosa County to develop a 156-lot townhome community off Skipper Lane in Milton. The new community will span three parcels totaling approximately 15.6 acres. Developers will construct the townhomes in two different locations along Skipper Lane. The larger portion of the community will be built adjacent to Pace Lane, while its smaller section will be built adjacent to County Road 197A. The project includes the creation of five new roads: Cara Street, Liv Court, Tenpence Circle, Taso Street and Wendell Street. The two-story, D.R. Horton-built townhomes feature floorplans starting at around 1,537 square feet with an attached garage for a starting price of around $259,000.

Chase Farms

The Chase Farms project was approved to develop a 45-lot private subdivision in Pace using a 46-acre parcel located at 2687 Ten Mile Road. Currently under construction, the new D.R. Horton community will feature three- to 5-bedroom singlefamily homes ranging from 1,568 to 3,010 square feet. This subdivision was created using the controversial Alternative Subdivision provision allowed under Section 4.03.13.I. of Santa Rosa County’s Land Development Code. The Alternative Subdivision provision was created to encourage developers to include more green space within their construction zones in exchange for building homes at higher density. The site intended for Chase Farms is in District Three and is zoned as a Rural Residential Agriculture District. Homes in Chase Farms range from $327,000 to around $570,000 depending on the selected floorplan.

Stonechase (Phase III and IV)

Lennar was also approved to carry out phases three and four of their Stonechase subdivision project in June 2024. Stonechase is an ongoing project to create a new private subdivision off of Quintette Road in Pace. While phases one and two of the subdivision project have already been completed, phases three and four were recently approved for development. The project’s developers were recently approved to create 83 lots using almost 44 acres of land during the project’s third phase. Additionally, one new road, Briarcliff Lane, will be created as part of this phase. Buckthorn Circle and Laurel Creek Drive, two existing roads in the area, will extend into the subdivision’s new portion and connect phase three and four's homes to the ones built during phases one and two. Developers applied for phase three’s approval in late May before it was accepted on June 24. Stonechase phase four is planned to create a total of 342 lots using a little over 90 acres of land west of Dunridge Drive in Pace.

Horizon’s Edge

On June 24, 2024, Lennar Homes was approved to develop the Horizon’s Edge subdivision project in Milton. The new residential development will consist of 157 new single-family homes on approximately 47.18 acres of undeveloped land. The project will be developed as a public subdivision off of U.S. Highway 90 and west of Penny Lane in east Milton. New roads called Azimuth Way, Horizon Cross Way, Horizons Edge Lane, Moonrise Way, Three Mile View Drive and Zenith Lane will be created for the subdivision. Horizons Edge Lane will connect the subdivision to U.S. 90 once developed.

Plantation Woods (Phase IX)

In August, Santa Rosa County approved phase nine of the Plantation Woods subdivision project in Milton. Phase nine will include the development of 104 lots for single-family homes on nearly 40 acres of land located off Tarsus Drive. The subdivision lots will be split into six different blocks, and three new roads will be created as part of the project: Ephesus Way, Galatia Street and Phillippi Street. Bluebell Street and Gaineswood Drive will also extend into the subdivision, with developers planning to connect Bluebell Street to Tarsus Drive. The developer behind the project is Plantation Development of Northwest Florida. Homes developed as part of the project’s seventh phase, which range from 1,830 to 2,483 square feet across three different floor plans, are currently available for purchase.

Pine Leaf Crossing

Pace will be home to a new single-family subdivision named Pine Leaf Crossing, formerly called Holley Grove and The Bend, whose construction and preliminary plat plans were approved by Santa Rosa County in March. County officials issued a permit for the project to develop 111 lots for the subdivision using an approximately 32acre site located off of the Pea Ridge Connector in Pace.

Santa Rosa Co.

Roman Oaks (Phase II)

The county approved plans for one new residential development proposal in September 2024 that will add more than 20 new homes to the Midway area. The second phase of the Roman Oaks project will develop a 26-lot public subdivision spanning about 11 acres of land off Oak Drive in Santa Rosa County. The site of the project is zoned R-1 for single-family residential use and the incoming lots will range in size from approximately 7,000 square feet to almost 11,000 square feet. One new road is planned in the project that will be named Ariyah Drive and will connect to Oak Drive. An existing street named Amaya Lane will be extended north through the subdivision and connect to Ariyah Drive. The project’s site plan shows that developers plan to build the lots in two different blocks—Blocks A and B—along either side of the extended road.

Pine Hammock

Santa Rosa County approved the preliminary plat plans for the development of Pine Hammock last month, which will be a subdivision with almost 200 lots upon completion. Developers were issued a permit to create a 199-lot subdivision using 200 acres of land in Milton that’s located on the west side of State Road 87.

Blackwater Reserve (Phase I)

Phase one of the Blackwater Reserve project will develop 165 lots for a new single-family home subdivision on approximately 72 acres of land. Phase one will occupy the middle portion of the new subdivision, with future phases developed extending north toward U.S. 90 and south toward Delta Drive. Blackwater Reserve, LLC is the listed owner/ developer of the subdivision project and D.R. Horton, a national homebuilding company, already has homes in the Blackwater Reserve community listed on its website for those seeking information. Phase one will feature singleand two-story homes with three- to five-bedroom floorplans starting at $318,000.

Taylor Estates

A new subdivision was approved by Santa Rosa County that will bring nearly 200 new homes to the Milton area. County officials greenlit the Taylor Estates subdivision project to develop 174 single-family lots at the east end of Manning Road towards the intersection of Lynam Drive and Camelot Road on a vacant parcel of land. The new subdivision will include a mix of both detached and attached single-family homes.

Rhett’s Run (Phase II & Phase III)

A developing subdivision in Jay will gain more than 120 new homes after Santa Rosa County approved preliminary plans for phases two and three of the Rhett’s Run project located on Highway 182. Phases two and three will add 123 new single-family lots, including 10 that were previously planned as part of phase one, to the approximately 284.5-acre site. A total of 800 new homes are planned for the subdivision. The completed homes from phase one are currently listed for sale by D.R. Horton. The subdivision features four- to five-bedroom homes in a variety of layouts starting at around $325,000.

Soundview Cove Estates

Santa Rosa County issued a permit for a new subdivision that will bring more than 250 new homes to Gulf Breeze. The Soundview Cove Estates project will develop a total of 469 single-family lots across four combined parcels totaling approximately 173 acres of land off Gulf Breeze Parkway. About 83 acres of the subdivision's site are jurisdictional wetlands. Project plans indicate that 269 of the lots will be developed into attached single-family residences, while the remaining 200 will be developed into detached single-family residences. Soundview Cove Estates will neighbor the Gulf Breeze Zoo and will be accessible from Gulf Breeze Parkway and is split into two different sides. Nine new roads will be added as part of the project.

NatureWalk at Pond Creek (Phase III)

Santa Rosa County approved construction and plat plans for the third phase of NatureWalk at Pond Creek in Pace. This ongoing subdivision project will span more than 650 acres of land upon completion. Phase one launched with 41 lots and the second phase brought 49 more to the subdivision. The project’s third phase includes 42 lots total, 20 new-platted lots and 22 existing ones that they’re providing infrastructure for. Lots in NatureWalk at Pond Creek range from 2 to 17 acres in size, and prospective residents can choose from available lots and floorplans at the subdivision's website at naturewalkliving.com.

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Greater

Pensacola Chamber Honors Excellence at the 65th Annual PACE Awards

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards on April 1 at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. Sue Straughn from WEAR-TV Channel 3 served as emcee and announced the following PACE Award winners for 2025:

• Advocate Leader: Cindi Bonner, Director, Rally Gulf Coast

• Leader in Education: Dr. David Bellar, Dean of the UWF Ushu Kundu, MD College of Health

• Business Leader: Brett Aldridge, Chief Operating Officer, Baptist Health Care

• Community Leader: Kristin Longley, Director of Public Affairs, Cox Communications

• Professional Leader: Will Condon, President/CEO, Ascension Sacred Heart

• Emerging Leader: Sam Young, Chief Executive Officer, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

• Spirit of Pensacola: Jen Grove, VP of External Relations, Baptist Health Care

• Pioneer Award: Dr. Marcus Paul, Dr. Marcus Paul, DMD

“It always inspires me to hear the stories of the PACE Award winners,” Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce President Todd Thomson said. “Once again, the Chamber is honored to celebrate those who contribute so much to our community.”

The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our 65th Annual PACE Award sponsors for their generous support.

• Title Sponsor: Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon, Attorneys at Law

• Gold Sponsors: CareerSource Escarosa and Pensacola News Journal

• Award Sponsors: Ascension Sacred Heart, Baptist Health Care, Cox Communications, International Paper, Landrum, University of West Florida, Florida Blue, and Anglin, Reichmann, Armstrong.

• VIP Reception Sponsor: CatCountry 98.7 Radio / NewsRadio 92.3

• Wine Sponsor: One Digital

• Bar Sponsor: Florida Power & Light

Mayor D.C. Reeves Announces $21.7 Million Project to Revitalize City Parks:

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announces the Pensacola Parks Revitalization project, an investment of $21.7 million focused on repairing and maintaining city parks and facilities throughout the seven districts.

The multi-year project will feature significant improvements, including facility upgrades, such as renovated bleachers, scoreboards and building repairs, playground equipment and trash can replacements, court and parking lot resurfacings, renovated dog parks, improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and more.

"This is the City of Pensacola’s most significant investment in our parks and facilities since 1985 — making this an important day and first step in taking on our parks' generational deferred maintenance issue," Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “It won’t all happen at once, but there is a plan and concerted effort to prioritize and maintain the things that we already have for future generations.”

The Pensacola Parks Revitalization project will impact at least 54 city parks and facilities, including six in District 1, four in District 2, seven in District 3, four in District 4, 13 in District 5, 14 in District 6, and six in District 7.

The project is funded by multiple sources, including the General Fund, Local Option Sales Tax, grant dollars and the Community Redevelopment Agency.

City Parks Receiving Multiple Amenities or Infrastructure Upgrades:

• Allen Park, District 7

• Bay Bluffs Preserve, District 3

• Gull Point Resource Center, District 3

• H.K. Matthews Park, District 5

• Henry T. Wyer Park, District 6

• Hitzman-Optimist Park, District 1

• Miralla Park, District 3

• Pintado Park, District 4

• Sanders Beach Park, District 7

• Tippin Park, District 2

• William E. McNealy Sr. Park, District 5

For a detailed breakdown of the Pensacola Parks Revitalization project, visit cityofpensacola.com. For more information about the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department, visit cityofpensacola. com/132/Parks-Recreation.

2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey Results Released

The City of Pensacola has released the results of its 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey, conducted by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center. 1,504 city residents completed the online survey. The city continues its effort to gauge satisfaction with various city services and determine residents’ top priorities for their city. This data will be used to identify budget priorities and improvement areas to provide residents with high-quality services.

“This survey provides valuable insights that will help guide city priorities and decision-making. I have been clear that I appreciate the data surveys like this give us. Hearing directly from our residents allows us to improve public services, and ensures Pensacola remains a great place to live, work and visit,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. The survey reveals that 70% of respondents believe the city is moving in the right direction, an increase from 67% in 2023.

Pensacola residents continue to value their city’s waterfront access, arts and cultural events, and overall sense of safety.

Additional survey highlights include:

• City Initiatives: Residents strongly supported transformational initiatives such as the American Magic sailing program (69% favorable), transforming the Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus (54% favorable), and reimagining Palafox Street (52% favorable).

• Parking & Transportation: 81% of residents indicated they would take advantage of a discounted parking permit for city residents. 88% said they would prefer building a new parking garage through parking revenues instead of going out to bond such a project.

• City Services: Pensacola’s fire services received outstanding customer satisfaction, with 98% favorable rating. Police services followed with a 65% favorable rating.

• Customer Service: Pensacola International Airport's "favorables" were at 78%. The Port of Pensacola was at 71% and Pensacola Energy was at 68%. Sanitation Services had a 63% favorable rating, which is 24 points higher than 2023. 311 was at a 53% favorable in 2024, compared to 42% in 2023 and Public Works jumped 20 points, from 4% in 2023 to 24% in 2024.

• Economic Growth: Residents identified hospitality/tourism (26%) and aviation/aerospace (23%) as key industries for economic expansion.

Areas for Improvement include:

• Affordable Housing: 56% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with affordability efforts, highlighting the need for enhanced strategies.

• Neighborhood Coordination: 39% of respondents felt there was insufficient progress in addressing neighborhood needs.

• Gun Safety: Gun safety remains a top safety concern of 42% of those who responded, but that number has dropped 10 points from 2023.

“I thank the residents for their honesty,” Mayor Reeves said. “I also commend the UWF Haas Center for their work in gathering this information and putting it in a clear and concise report. The leadership team here with the City of Pensacola is already using the data to make necessary improvements to make our city even better.”

The 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey was conducted from December 9, 2024, through January 17, 2025.

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