FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2020
Contact: Don Kraher, Council Executive
(850) 435.1686
The city has a vested interest in the recovery of our economy, our airport and most of all the health and well-being of those who live, work and visit the City of Pensacola.
While the city makes up 17% of the landmass of the county and approximately 17% of the population, the city has the highest concentration of businesses and employees of any area in Escambia County.
Two hospitals that are among the top five employers of the county, the only major airport within the county, Pensacola State College with over 10,000 students a day coming to the city, a large concentration of retail and offices located within the downtown and uptown areas of the City, millions of visitors to the city malls, downtown and historic districts every year, makes the city a major contributor to the sales tax revenue and property tax revenue for the county. The city truly is the economic engine of the county that powers our quality of life.
This morning I shopped at the city’s largest retail store and noticed that almost all of the customers and employees were wearing masks; while businesses will slowly reopen, many people will still be concerned with the health impacts of moving too quickly.
We need to work with our business leaders, our medical facilities, and the public to respond to the critical issues facing our entire community. As the district 2 city council representative, I support Mayor Robinson’s plan and urge the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to join the city in establishing a phased in plan for reopening our community. Mayor Robinson’s plan is thoughtful, strategic, well balanced and realistic. I urge the commissioners to consider the needs of the city as you make decisions.