(PENSACOLA) --- The Bayfront Trail Project is a reality, not just a concept, any longer.
Plans to move forward are progressing quickly since the Pensacola City Urban Core Redevelopment (UCR) Board heard about the project at the June meeting. In May, the city council adopted the Supplemental Budget Resolution reappropriating Urban Core CRA unencumbered carryforward allocations and funding for the Bayfront Trail Improvement Project.
(Photo: Bayfront Trail Improvement Project presentation to the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on June 23)
Urban Core Redevelopment Board members listened to Pensacola Transportation Planner Caitline Cerame break down the three-party partnership for the project, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) handling trail construction, Florida Power & Light addressing street lighting, and the City of Pensacola handling landscaping and amenities.
Victoria DeAngelo, division manager for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), introduced the consulting team and staff, handing over details to Cerame, who began by noting that the 12-foot concrete trail, including crosswalks, pavement, and signage, was constructed by the FDOT.
(Photo: Bayfront Trail Improvement Project timeline presentation to the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on June 23)
“That is a separate project that kicked off last year,” Cerame said, adding that the only thing left is some resurfacing for left-bound lanes. The FDOT is also providing some landscaping, and DeAngelo said the city has “some leeway” regarding recommendations.
(Photo: City of Pensacola Transportation Planner Caitlin Cerame at the June 23 Urban Core Redevelopment Board meeting)
Public opinion had everything to do with bayfront views or shade. Cerame showed board members the survey results, with 12 residents choosing shade and 19 wanting a more waterfront view, specifically for fireworks displays.
(Photo: Bayfront Trail Improvement Project Waterview/Shade presentation to the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on June 23)
Other considerations were noted.
“We added this historic palette that kind of incorporated more of the palm tree and historic looks that are already here in downtown Pensacola,” Cerame said. “People responded better to the historic palette by far.”
(Photo: Bayfront Trail Improvement Project Historic Palette presentation to the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on June 23)
Historic lighting and benches will follow, featuring a combination of native and tolerant plants and trees protected from salt, wind, and drought. Board member Michelle McNeal was the only one to recommend the project, noting she wants to see “the things that you would find here normally.”
However, Chairman Christopher Satterwhite and board member Kelly Wieczorek wanted to know more about the priority list during the budget discussion.
“How are projects factored in?” Wieczorek asked, adding that only one UCR board priority was factored into the proposed budget. How does that balance take place?”
(Photo: Urban Core Redevelopment Chairman Christopher Satterwhite, center, and Michael Carro, right, discussing the annual budget on June 23)
Satterwhite followed up, specifically asking about the $400K line item noted for Bruce Beach and how it aligns with affordable housing. According to DeAngelo, “we took a look at what projects we are trying to get across the finish line," adding that officials are considering funds for Bruce Beach improvements, including a homeless shelter.
Board member Michael Carro confirmed the current levels of policing, with the mayor possibly recommending adding some community support units to help downtown.
Board members wanted to know more about landscaping bidding, questioning whether the city has first dibs or whether Request For Proposals (RFP) are part of the hiring process.
Officials were told the bids are out to contract and down the line; a small crew of city officials may assist with landscaping.
(Photo: Bayfront Trail Improvement Project public presentation slide presented to the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on June 23)
Carro confirmed that the community policing line item was sufficient and was told by DeAngelo that the numbers reflect a “diversified budget” aimed at counterbalancing any negative redevelopment effects.
DeAngelo broke down the waterfront development into a specific plan, calling it a “special demonstration project” that includes various components. As for A Street, the board will partner 50/50 with the Westside Redevelopment Agency to implement improvements from A to Garden Streets, funded by a Cervantes Street grant.
DeAngelo also quickly broke down thousands in funding for several city programs, including the Residential Property Improvement (RPI) and the Resiliency Program, which she called “a sister” to the RPI that entails several improvements compared to a couple.
Additionally, the Commercial Property Investment Program was briefly discussed before DeAngelo noted that the CRA is implementing a rental program.
DeAngelo informed officials that, regarding asset revitalization, the CRA is taking a closer look at maintaining “historical” aspects in future projects. Board members were also told that carryforward funds can change and not to focus too much on the exact figures noted in the budget for any specific project since balances can change.
(Photo: Urban Core Redevelopment Budget presented to board members at June 23 meeting)
The overall annual 2027 budget comes in at $4,229,700, up from the 2026 budget of $3,162,687. The highly discussed carryforward funds in the third row for the 2025-2026 budget total $14,625,000.
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