Firefighters Training in Soon-to-be-Demolished Building on Highway 90

Pace, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Pace Fire and Rescue is taking advantage of a unique training opportunity this week. The department has been using the old Ryan's Steak House on Highway 90 to run real-life drills before the building gets demolished next week. Battalion Chief Nick Anderson says firefighters have trained there about eight times, practicing search and rescue, ventilation techniques, and learning the best ways to place ladders and hoses. The hands-on experience inside an actual structure gives crews valuable training they can't get anywhere else. Anderson says it's critical to use these opportunities while they last.

Former Contractor Accused of Racketeering Faces 30 Years after Conviction

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Contractor Jesse LaCoste faces up to 30 years in prison after being convicted of grand theft and contractor fraud. A jury found him guilty of demolishing a homeowner's house in 2021 and then failing to finish promised renovation work. LaCoste is set to be sentenced December 11th. His attorneys are now coordinating with prosecutors across multiple counties where he faces similar charges, including a white-collar racketeering case. Prosecutors say LaCoste and his brother-in-law defrauded homeowners, insurance companies and subcontractors out of more than two million dollars. LaCoste's attorney says there could be a plea deal reached at sentencing.

Project Maeve: 2,000 Jobs Coming to Pensacola

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Pensacola is pursuing a major economic development project that could bring approximately 2,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs to the city. Project Maeve, submitted to Triumph for consideration, would make the company the second-largest employer in Pensacola after Sacred Heart Health System.

The initiative promises an average wage of $80,000 annually—well above local standards. Details break down to 1,437 positions at $68,000 per year and 563 specialized engineering and leadership roles averaging $112,000.

"It could be a game changer for us," the mayor said during a press conference. "When you talk about 2000 jobs...that would be the largest employer inside the city limits, outside of Sacred Heart."

Strategic Focus

City officials emphasize this isn't just job quantity—it's strategic quality. The project involves composite component manufacturing rather than traditional shipbuilding, with potential synergies to existing initiatives like American Magic, which already involves similar manufacturing and has partnerships with Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida.

Workforce Challenge

A critical hurdle is finding enough skilled workers. The city acknowledges workforce shortages delayed previous economic development gains.

"Building the infrastructure of MRO employees was five or seven years behind where it probably should have been," the mayor noted. "We need to be at the ready from day one."

The city is expanding training programs, including an A&P mechanic school at the airport, to prepare local workers.

Timeline and Details

Construction is slated to begin January 5th with a May 24th bonus deadline for the contractor. Project Maeve is independent from the city's separate inland port initiative—both can proceed independently.

The Triumph Board will make the final funding and approval decision.

For Pensacola, the project represents the type of strategic opportunity leaders have positioned the community to capture after years of workforce and infrastructure development.