More Candidates Qualify for Escambia County and Pensacola Races

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- More candidates locked in their ballot spots Wednesday as qualifying week continues. In the Pensacola mayor's race, Jasmine Brown qualified, joining Mayor D-C Reeves, Ann Hill, and Jermaine Williams. In Escambia County, Joe Vinson qualified as a no-party-affiliated candidate to challenge District Four Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger in November. Gerald Washington also qualified for the District Two school board seat. Qualifying closes at noon this Friday. A full candidate list is available at Escambia Votes dot gov.

Pensacola Sports CEO Makes the Case for Sports Tourism as a Property Tax Offset

Pensacola, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- As Northwest Florida faces the potential impact of Florida's property tax constitutional amendment Pensacola Sports Association President and CEO Ray Palmer says sports tourism is part of the solution — and the national numbers back him up.

Palmer says sports tourism generated 339 million travelers and 192 million room nights across the country in 2025. Those room nights produce bed tax revenue that flows directly into local government budgets — a funding stream that exists entirely apart from property taxes and works year round.

The timing advantage is one of Palmer's strongest arguments. He points out that Pensacola Sports Association's biggest events happen during what the tourism industry calls the shoulder season — October, November, December, and March — when Pensacola Beach is not competing for the same visitors. The SEC women's soccer championship is in November. Basketball tournaments run in March. Palmer says that is exactly when the local tourism industry and local government need the economic activity most.

Palmer also addressed the property tax debate directly — saying visitor spending from sports events supports essential government priorities including transportation, education, and public safety. He says as local governments look for ways to absorb potential revenue losses sports tourism bed tax represents money that doesn't depend on homestead exemptions or millage rates.

Beyond the dollars Palmer made the case for the quality of visitor sports tourism brings. He says collegiate athletes — who make up a significant portion of Pensacola Sports events — are generally high-achieving students with discipline, goals, and teamwork skills. He says bringing those young people to Pensacola gives the community a chance to show itself off and potentially attract future residents and businesses.

Pensacola Sports Association has been operating for 70 years and is funded through a unified tourism budget alongside Visit Pensacola and the arts, culture, and entertainment organizations. For information on upcoming events visit PensacolaSports.org.

ONE DEAD, ONE HOSPITALIZED IN DOUBLE SHOOTING

Deputies are investigating a double shooting at the Hotel Del Sol on Highway 29 in Escambia County today. One victim died, and another was taken to a local hospital, according to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Investigators are on the scene. Deputies ask that people stay clear of the area. No further details have been released.