City Celebrates Bruce Beach Revitalization Project Groundbreaking

The City of Pensacola celebrated the start of construction on the Bruce Beach Revitalization Project at a groundbreaking event today, Tuesday, July 26, an exciting project that will serve as a catalyst for connecting and activating Pensacola's waterfront.

The Pensacola community joined Mayor Grover Robinson and the City of Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency to celebrate this transformational project, with remarks from Mayor Robinson, District 5 Councilwoman Teniadé Broughton, District 6 Councilwoman Ann Hill and District 7 Councilman Delarian Wigggins. District 2 Councilwoman Sherri Myers and District 3 Councilman Casey Jones were also in attendance.

"Bruce Beach is truly a special place that is vital to Pensacola's past and our future," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "I am excited to see Bruce Beach come back to life so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come, while also educating the community about the significance of Bruce Beach and Bruce Pool in Pensacola's history."

To watch a video of the groundbreaking event, visit the City of Pensacola YouTube page or Mayor Grover Robinson's Facebook page.

Bruce Beach is one of several locations along the the Continuous Waterfront Trail envisioned in the the Urban Core Community Redevelopment Plan, as further conceptualized in the Pensacola Waterfront Framework Plan.

Improvements through Phase I of the project include a restored beachfront and shoreline area with scenic views, trails, history exhibits, a learning garden and picnic area. Phase I will also add a pedestrian bridge to Community Maritime Park, a plaza to promote the site's history, a lawn/play area, shade structures, and lush landscaping for the community to enjoy. The project plans have accounted for protection of protected trees along with wetland areas at Bruce Beach. To view the final construction plans for Phase I, click here.

The Bruce Beach Revitalization Project aims to create a new recreational and educational destination as part of a more connected public realm along the city’s waterfront.

Key project priorities are:

Connect people to the water
Restore and enhance local ecology
Mark and commemorate African American history and heritage at the site
Design for educational activities, both indoors and outdoors
Create a cultural and educational destination at the Bay’s edge

The project was designed by the planning and engineering firm HDR, with consistency review from SCAPE and input from the public. The City of Pensacola awarded a contract to Biggs Construction Inc. for construction of Phase I the Bruce Beach Revitalization Project, which will be managed by the city's Public Works and Facilities Engineering Division.

Bruce Beach will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, July 27 for the duration of the project. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2023, weather permitting.

For more information about the Bruce Beach Revitalization Project, visit the City of Pensacola website.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.