Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said news that Governor Ron DeSantis blocked the release of a $175 million rural aid grant proposed by the Florida legislature to build permanent restrooms at Veterans Memorial Park. He said it would not be a disincentive to the city’s commitment.
Last week, POLITICO reported that DeSantis did not release $175 million in funding directed to various local projects across the state as the state responded to constitutional concerns about Hurricane Ian and the program. .
Toilet funding was included in the state budget, but DeSantis rejected the item. After vetoing, the state legislature again authorized the toilets to be funded from local grant programs.
assignment:See plans for $4.9 million in grants, from mental health to toilets in downtown Pensacola
Denied toilets:Permanent restrooms at Veterans Memorial Park could happen after DeSantis veto bill
Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed a budget of $175 million for local grants, administered by a Joint Legislative and Budget Committee made up of Florida Representatives and Senators.
In September, the commission announced which projects would receive funding, with 12 projects selected in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties totaling $4.9 million.
Pensacola was to receive $350,000 for the restrooms and education center at Veterans Memorial Park.
Robinson said on Monday that he learned last week that the funds had not been released, and said it was unclear what the final outcome would be.
“I don’t know if it will all go away,” said Robinson. “I don’t know if it will end up being half.”
Robinson said he is not upset that the grant is currently on hold.
“What happened in Southwest Florida is a significant event and we understand that the state needs a lot of money,” Robinson said. If they split it up and somehow take a portion of the money and then everyone gets a little haircut, we can find a way to handle it.”
Robinson said the city remains committed to finding ways to build toilets.
The Pensacola Foundation, which manages Veterans Memorial Park, has long called for permanent restroom facilities to be installed at the park. Last year, the foundation installed a toilet trailer at the site and launched a lawsuit filed by a nearby property owner who opposed the trailer.
Robinson said one option moving forward is for the city to purchase trailers to operate in the park until permanent restrooms are built.
“I think that trailer has value to offer to the City of Pensacola,” said Robinson. “It’s true that if you look at the skateparks, there are places where we couldn’t install toilets right away, but there are places where you can use them at the facility.”
Jim Little can be reached at jwlittle@pnj.com and 850-208-9827.
