Pensacola Debris Removal From Hurricane Isaias Hits $16 Million, Could Take Weeks

The City of Pensacola is facing a massive cleanup operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, with debris removal costs already climbing to an estimated $16 million as of October 19, according to city officials.

The scale of the disaster is staggering. Debris hauler D&J estimates that once collection wraps up, the city will have accumulated roughly 1 million cubic yards of storm debris — enough to fill an entire football field stacked more than 500 feet high, or the equivalent of a 50-story building, city officials said.

The first pass of debris collection is expected to stretch 4 to 5 weeks, with the pace varying depending on conditions encountered at collection sites around the city. City spokesperson Shannon Nickinson emphasized that cleanup remains in its early stages, and those estimates could grow as the full scope of hurricane damage becomes clearer.

Construction Begins on Century Bridge Closed Since 2020

CENTURY, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- After more than six-and-a-half years of detours, construction has finally started on replacing Century's Freedom Road Bridge.

Crews began work Monday on the bridge just east of Jefferson Avenue.

The structure has been closed since Jan. 29, 2020, when inspectors discovered serious deterioration underneath the wooden bridge. Several pilings were no longer properly supporting the structure, with some split or severely deteriorated.

Century has spent years trying to assemble enough funding to replace it.

Florida lawmakers included $1.257 million for the project in the 2023-24 state budget, but rising construction costs delayed the work. After engineering, design and other expenses, approximately $1 million of that funding remained.

Escambia County commissioners agreed in July to contribute another $191,934 from District 5 Local Option Sales Tax discretionary funding.

Century originally awarded F&W Construction Company a contract worth more than $1.6 million. The project was subsequently reduced to approximately $1.29 million by eliminating some services and options.

Crews are beginning by relocating natural-gas, water and sewer lines currently supported by the existing bridge. Once those utilities are moved, the old structure can be demolished.

Plans call for a new 26-foot-long, single-span bridge. The project also includes roadway reconstruction, asphalt, guardrails, striping and signs.

The contractor has 280 days to complete the project, weather permitting.

The current target completion date is July 26, 2027.

Pensacola Council to Consider $695,000 Contract for Future of Former Baptist Hospital Campus

PENSACOLA, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Pensacola City Council could take another major step Thursday toward determining the future of the former Baptist Hospital campus.

Council members will consider awarding a $695,000 one-year contract to Bayou District Consulting for development advisory services involving the large Westside property. The contract would not select a developer, approve construction or commit the city to any particular future use of the campus.

Instead, the firm would evaluate redevelopment options, determine what's feasible and conduct community engagement before eventually making recommendations to the city and Community Redevelopment Agency.

It's the second attempt to establish a consulting process for the property. An earlier proposal involving Bayou District Consulting was withdrawn in December 2025 following council discussion and public input.

The city subsequently restarted the process with a new request for proposals designed to increase oversight and community participation.

The revised process includes a five-member evaluation committee, including two community representatives, along with dedicated Community Engagement Lead and Community Benefits Lead positions.

Seven firms submitted proposals. Five advanced to oral presentations, with Bayou District Consulting ultimately receiving the highest score.

Paying for the contract also requires moving additional Westside CRA money.

The city currently has $300,000 allocated for the work. Another $395,000 would be shifted from funding previously designated for Westside façade grants.

Altogether, $605,000 would come from Westside Tax Increment Financing funds and $90,000 from donated proceeds.

City Council is scheduled to consider both the funding change and consulting contract during Thursday's regular meeting.

Any extension beyond the initial one-year contract would require approval from both the CRA and City Council.