BAY CENTER ADDITIONAL FUNDING

The Pensacola Bay Center is facing serious financial challenges. The Bay Center usually hosts around 390 events each year, but because of the pandemic they’re projecting only host 92 events. As a result, they’ve lost more than 50% of their revenue and have had to cut operating costs.   Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender said the Bay Center has reduced full-time staff by 33% and part-time staff only comes in during revenue-generating events, like hockey games. The Bay Center is now asking the county for $350,000 in additional funding. The money would come out of reserve in the Tourist Promotion Fund. Commissioners will be voting on the additional funding during today’s meeting.