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Here’s a sampling of what happened in the news this week.
Costco finally announced its opening date
The countdown is on for Pensacola’s first-ever Costco, set to open at 8 a.m. on June 25 at 225 E. Nine Mile Road.
Excitement has been buzzing for the store since it was first announced, but it has grown to a fever pitch since a grand opening banner was recently hung outside the store. Construction on the 172,580-square-foot store began at the start of the year, but it wasn’t until this week that an opening date was announced.
Florida school closures spread as enrollment plunges statewide
Florida public schools find themselves in the grip of declining birthrates, families driven out of the state by the high cost of living, and the drain of dollars and students to private and charter schools — as well as the political climate.
“Our public schools are in crisis right now in Florida,” said Demaris Allen, executive director for Families for Strong Public Schools. “We are seeing it hit a point where they can’t function under the shortages they have been given.”
School districts across the state, including Escambia County, are either discussing or already have closed schools, as well as cutting back on staffing and eliminating programs.
It’s being driven by several factors, but a loss of student enrollment to charter schools is among the largest.
Andy D’s Pensacola restaurant closes after just three months
After just three months, Andy D’s on Pensacola Bay has closed its location on Pensacola’s waterfront at 905 E. Gregory St. Building owner Holly Hays leased the Gregory Street building to local restaurateur Andrew “Andy” DeMartin early this year, who planned to bring the best of his fresh seafood-forward favorites to downtown Pensacola.
However, it appears that plans are underway to transform the venue into a private event space called The Gregory Waterfront Events & Gatherings. The waterfront space is being transformed for celebrations, corporate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, receptions, private dining, and more.
New Palafox opens to pedestrians
The new Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola opened to pedestrians for Memorial Day weekend.
Contractors wrapped up the main phase of the $10.7 million New Palafox Project ahead of the May 24 early completion deadline, and the city held a “small business” ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the street reopening on Friday. The street will remain pedestrian-only until May 31, then open to vehicle traffic as contractors move off Palafox Street to pave the side streets around it.
The project upgrades the popular downtown street with expanded sidewalks, new landscaping and trees, brick-paved intersections, pedestrian safety features and an upgraded stormwater system.
Escambia Children’s Trust escapes attempt of potential early end
Escambia Commissioner Mike Kohler backed down on his effort to put the Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) on the November ballot after none of the other commissioners supported him.
Community members, including education and business leaders, argued against any plans to seek an early end to the 10-year program that uses a portion of tax dollars to fund evidence-based, high-quality programs and services that promote positive outcomes for children. Kohler argued the trust “more money than they know what to do with” and that their spending not fiscally responsible.
Escambia County voters approved the creation of the Children’s Trust in 2020, with 61% of the vote. Once passed, the ECT has a natural end date of 2030.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola’s top news this week includes Costco news, school closures
Reporting by Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
