Escambia County and District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger invite the public to an L.O.S.T. Community Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 22, a free, family-friendly event to provide information about projects funded by the Local Option Sales Tax while showcasing county ambulances, fire trucks, and dump trucks purchased through L.O.S.T.

The open house will take place at 5 p.m. at the Bellview Library, located at 6425 Mobile Highway, which was also funded by L.O.S.T. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to engage with Escambia County staff and Commissioner Stroberger to learn more about the upcoming renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax and the many improvement projects L.O.S.T. has funded throughout the community.

The Bellview Library is just one example of many L.O.S.T.-funded projects in Escambia County, opening in 2022 as the first public library in District 1. The library offers books, technology, educational programs, workforce resources, and lifelong learning opportunities, improving the quality of life for thousands of residents in the Bellview community and surrounding areas. 

What is the Local Option Sales Tax?

The one-cent Local Option Sales Tax, or L.O.S.T., generates revenue for capital projects and infrastructure needs for Escambia County, including public safety, fire trucks and ambulances, fire stations, park improvements, road resurfacing, sidewalks, drainage and stormwater enhancements, and more. Since L.O.S.T. is a sales tax, it generates revenue from Escambia County visitors – not just residents – which helps reduce the county's reliance on property taxes.

First approved by voters in 1992 and renewed in 1997, 2006 and 2014, L.O.S.T. has provided a reliable, voter-approved funding source for community improvements. According to a recent University of West Florida Haas Center study, approved L.O.S.T.-funded projects in Escambia County from 2009 to 2028 alone represent an estimated $2.1 billion in local economic impact.