Florida
How $108 Million in Pensacola Local Option Sales Tax Funds Were Spent
The Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) generates revenue for projects that touch every corner of the community. From 2015-2025, more than $108 million of LOST IV proceeds were used to make Pensacola a better place to live, work, and play.
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Key points
- The City of Pensacola utilized more than $108 million in LOST IV revenue between 2015 and 2025.
- Parks and Recreation received $30.9 million, while Public Works received $18.4 million for municipal infrastructure.
- Public safety investments totaled $15.2 million for police and $8.7 million for fire services.
How has Pensacola local option sales tax revenue served residents?
NewsWK — The City of Pensacola utilized more than $108 million from sales tax proceeds between 2015 and 2025. Official data recorded through September 30, 2025, shows these funds supported parks, roads, public safety, and Infrastructure Across Escambia County. Consequently, municipal investments modernized critical community assets.
Which Pensacola LOST IV projects received funding?
Parks and Recreation received $30.9 million for community upgrades and essential facility equipment. Specifically, major Pensacola LOST IV projects included $8.1 million for Bayview Community Center and $3.8 million for Roger Scott Tennis Center. Additionally, Cecil Hunter Pool received $1.7 million and Osceola Golf Course took in $1.1 million.
Key municipal allocations included the following departments:
- Public Works: Officials directed $18.4 million toward paving streets, lighting, and intersection safety. For example, street paving received $2.9 million, While Burgess Road received $1.8 million. Furthermore, the Palafox Road Diet received $1.1 million.
- Police Department: Leaders spent $15.2 million on equipment and vehicles. Specifically, police allocated $8.2 million for vehicles and $6.5 million for radios and facilities.
- Fire Department: Leaders allocated $8.7 million to emergency services. Therefore, crews received a $3.7 million Fire Station 3 along with new trucks and safety gear.
- Economic Development: Aviation officials invested $5.4 million into Pensacola International Airport for ST Engineering. Meanwhile, port leaders directed $1.0 million to facility upgrades.
What is the background behind Pensacola sales tax projects financing?
City leaders initiated borrowing in fiscal year 2017 to accelerate key local projects. Overall, borrowing generated $3,817,958 in financing and interest costs over the decade. However, early financing allowed fast construction on major developments like Fire Station No. 3, Bayview Community Center, and ST Engineering.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: Escambia County Board Approves Renewal of 1-Cent Local Option Sales Tax for November Ballot
Related: Cómo se gastaron $108 millones en fondos del Impuesto sobre las Ventas de Opción Local de Pensacola
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