Mayor's Viewpoint: Infrastructure Matters

Pensacola is experiencing an exciting period of growth. Housing starts are up, commercial property development is accelerating. There has been more than a 6% increase in business permits issued in the past year and permit revenue has once again exceeded forecasts.

I’m really proud of what we are accomplishing, but I’m also aware that many Pensacolians have real concerns about the state of the city’s infrastructure. The condition of that infrastructure greatly influences the economy’s ability to function and grow. Commerce requires well-maintained roads, airports and reliable public energy services. Every city needs infrastructure improvements that have potential to pay off economically in private sector investment and job growth. Besides economic benefits, investments in new and improved infrastructure – things like better roads that provide access to well-designed and maintained parks and other public amenities – can improve residents’ quality of life.

Read more of this article here.

City of Pensacola Redevelops Mobile App

The City of Pensacola is excited to announce yet another important step to bringing engagement with its citizens through technology and transparency to city government. The newly updated Pensacola app allows users to connect quickly with local information and utilize innovative new features.

The City of Pensacola already employs the 311 app for non-emergency issues and service requests. Meanwhile, City officials continue to look for additional ways residents and visitors can interact with local government. 

The City of Pensacola introduces a companion to the City's 311 app and mobile-friendly website - a new, free, and easy-to-use mobile app is available for public use on both Apple and Android devices. Simply search Pensacola, FL in your device's app store and download the app to get started.

Read more on the app here. 

Water Quality Improvements

Water quality has been a top priority in the City of Pensacola for the last several years. There have been some significant concerns as to the water quality being released into Bayou Texar. City officials took steps to address these concerns, thus improving and treating storm water runoff tenfold.

To see what Pensacola is doing to improve the water in Carpenter's Creek and Bayou Texar, that ultimately leads to beautiful Pensacola Bay, click on the image below!

Applicants Sought for Baseball Season Parking Program

The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Maritime Park Associates would like to invite non-profit organizations to participate in the fourth year of the Community Maritime Park Volunteer Parking Program. 

 
This program gives local non-profits the opportunity to gain exposure as well as raise funds for their organization at one of the Blue Wahoos five-game home stands this summer. There are a total of fourteen home stands and non-profits are allowed to volunteer for one home stand per season. 
 
The volunteer parking program has helped non-profits raise over $58,000 for local initiatives since it's inception in 2014.  Details about the program including home stand dates and the program application can be found online at PensacolaCommunityMaritimePark.com.  
 
For more information on how to get your organization involved, contact Justin Paul at (850) 436-5671 or email him at jpaul@cityofpensacola.com.

Instagram: Photo of the Week

Share your photo with us on Instagram. Tag us with #upsideofflorida or @cityofpensacola. Your image can be featured in the next UPwords newsletter. We'd love to see your photos! Photo credit: @leahjms