Pensacola City Council to weigh comprehensive plan changes, Baptist Hospital campus redevelopment

Pensacola City Council is considering significant amendments to the city's comprehensive plan alongside a proposed redevelopment of the Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus, according to a community alert posted on the Citizen Portal.

The dual initiatives would reshape planning and land use in Pensacola. The comprehensive plan — the city's long-range guide for growth and development — has not been substantially updated in years, and amendments could affect zoning, infrastructure priorities, and future development patterns across the city.

The Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus, a prominent property in Pensacola, is being evaluated for redevelopment. Details on the scope of that project, timeline, or specific proposals have not yet been announced.

NewsRadio Pensacola will update you as more information becomes available from the city council.

Pensacola to host 600 airport industry leaders in 2027

Pensacola is preparing to welcome approximately 600 airport executives and industry leaders when the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives holds its conference in the city next year, according to reporting from the Citizen Portal News Florida.

The event represents a significant economic opportunity for the region, drawing professionals from across the southeastern United States to discuss industry trends, operations, and developments. The conference is expected to generate business for local hotels, restaurants, and service providers during the event.

Details about specific dates, venue locations, and the full scope of planned activities have not yet been announced. Organizers will need to coordinate with city and county officials to ensure adequate accommodations and infrastructure support for the visiting delegates.

AAA: 22.4 Million Americans Expected to Cruise in 2027

A record 22.4 million Americans are projected to take ocean cruises in 2027, according to AAA's latest forecast released today. That represents a 3.6% increase from 2026 and marks the fifth consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume, driven by growing demand for vacations that bundle costs upfront and offer shared family experiences.

Cruising has surged since bouncing back from the pandemic, with 2027 projections showing a 57% jump from the 14.2 million Americans who cruised in 2019. The Caribbean accounts for the bulk of that demand—71% of U.S. cruise passengers—with Florida's three major ports (Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale) ranking among the world's busiest. More than 90% of cruise passengers rate their experience as good or very good, and 93% rebook another cruise.

AAA notes that cruising preferences are shifting. While seven-night itineraries remain most popular, shorter trips of six nights or fewer accounted for 45% of bookings in 2025, up from 39% in 2019, as more travelers seek getaways that don't require a full week away from work or school. Cruise lines are responding with new mega-ships and expanded private island destinations, offering more dining, entertainment, and activity options than ever before.

For those planning a cruise, AAA recommends booking early for best cabin and itinerary selection, arriving a day early if flying to your departure port, and pre-booking popular excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments to avoid onboard costs.