Get to Know Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves

(PENSACOLA) --- Mayor D.C. Reeves will be the first to tell you his commitment to Pensacola has always been a lifelong arc.

“Growing up here, my focus was on the community—whether covering local stories as a journalist, working on community projects or building a small business,” Reeves said.

(Photo: Mayor D.C. Reeves Facebook)

Reeves is vying against several challengers to keep his seat on the dais for another four years. He said his experience growing up gave him a clear view of how city leadership directly impacts daily lives, jobs, and neighborhood safety.

“I ran in 2022 to bring a practical, high-energy, ‘get it done’ approach to City Hall,” Reeves said. “In this form of government, I believe that’s a requirement; having business and operational understanding to take on an 18-department, $340 million budget that includes a Port, Pensacola International Airport and a gas company.“

Reeves said running for re-election in 2026 is a continuation of that public service.

“We have built incredible momentum, and I am focused on ensuring we finish the major economic and infrastructure initiatives we started without excuses,” Reeves said.

The mayor said the tumultuous political climate is all the more reason to run again, noting “it’s just part of the process of leadership in local government.”

“Voters are fed up with inaction and endless delays from government,” Reeves said. “They prioritize leaders who do not make excuses and do not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

(Photo: Mayor D.C. Reeves Facebook)

The mayor said his approach is centered on results.

“Potholes, public safety, and infrastructure do not have a political party,” Reeves said, adding his goal is to build functional partnerships that benefit residents, proving that true leadership means being a steady, dependable champion for Pensacola.

He said his campaign platform focuses on common-sense, responsible, and realistic solutions for our neighborhoods. That begins with the maritime innovation and economic momentum.

“We are focused on high-yield investments that transform our city,” Reeves said. “Project Maeve at the Port of Pensacola—a $275 million public-private partnership—will bring a 400,000-square-foot advanced shipbuilding facility to our port, creating 2,000 high-wage jobs.”

Reeves pointed out that, at $80,000 per job per year on average, the annual payroll injection is an unprecedented $160,000,000, which supports families and small businesses here.

“Alongside this, we secured a historic $9 million federal grant to expand and modernize the Pensacola International Airport that will continue to make our city more accessible for all,” Reeves said.

Next comes historic infrastructure and stormwater renewal.

“We have moved past temporary fixes,” Reeves said. “The generational Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park and Retention Pond project transforms a critical drainage footprint into a massive, state-of-the-art flood mitigation system and a beautiful green asset for our community.”

The mayor adds that “no three-year period in the history of our city has seen more grant funding – close to $200 million – or stormwater projects be funded/go under construction."

“That’s a fact we’re proud of,” Reeves said.

His next platform pillar is a connected, walkable Pensacola.

“We are expanding the SUN Trail network to link our neighborhoods, improve pedestrian safety, and provide families with world-class outdoor recreation spaces for people of all ages and mobility,” Reeves said.

(Photo: Mayor D.C. Reeves Facebook)

Lastly, public safety remains the mayor’s main concern.

“I’m grateful to have the endorsement of Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, the Fraternal Order of Police Jim “Billy” Barnes Lodge #71, and the Pensacola Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 707),” Reeves said. “That’s all three major public safety providers in and around Pensacola, and a thriving city must be a safe city.”

The mayor said his family serves as his anchor behind the long hours at City Hall.

“My partner Sydney and daughter are the heart of everything I do,” Reeves said. “When I look at decisions regarding our city's parks, the safety of our streets, and the strength of our local economy, I look at them through the lens of a father.”

(Photo: Mayor D.C. Reeves Facebook)

Mayor Reeves ends by noting he is “dedicated to building a Pensacola where our children can grow up safely and find thriving professional opportunities right here in all of our hometown.”