Fire protection on Pensacola Beach is costly. At the May 1 Escambia County Commission meeting Chairman Mike Kohler said the County has been operating the fire station on Pensacola Beach at a deficit of over $1 million annually.

Residents on the beach currently pay a fire Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) of $201 and businesses are assessed 7 cents per square foot. The County has proposed to increase the residential MSBU to $454 and the commercial MSBU to 83 cents per square foot. That is a 1053 percent increase for Beach businesses. Unimproved lots would be increased 218 percent to $203.

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The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce invites you to sip, stroll and shop at the 16th Annual Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. This signature spring event promises a vibrant mix of coastal art, curated wines, and sunshine-filled fun along the Gulf Coast.

The festival is free to the public, however to participate in the wine and spirit tastings festivalgoers must purchase a ticket and receive a wristband. Tastings will begin at 1 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. only.

Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, who is a member of the Tourist Development Council, unveiled the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvement Project, at the Council’s April 15 meeting, along with a request for $2.5 million in funding.

Council member and Pensacola Beach businessman Jim Reeves’ motion to allocate $2.5 million to the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvement Project passed unanimously. The TDC recommendation must go before the Escambia County Board of Commissioners for final approval.