Escambia County and the Department of the United States Navy invite the public to a signing ceremony Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m. commemorating a multiyear effort for a land exchange agreement between Escambia County and the U.S. Navy. The ceremony will take place in the board chambers of the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, located at 221 Palafox Place. One or more Escambia County Commissioners may be present.
During the July 10 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve a land exchange agreement between Escambia County and the U.S. Navy, exchanging 31.15 acres of county-owned land at O’Conner-Colling Community Park located at 552 Batten Blvd. for 5.26 acres of property owned by the U.S. Navy off Bauer Road. The land exchange will reestablish Fire Station #20 – Paradise Beach, which has been closed since 2018 following the property lease’s expiration.
District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger, who represents the district the future fire station is located in, said he was thrilled to see the land exchange finally come to fruition.
“This has been a years-long effort between Escambia County and the United States Navy, and I’m excited to finally bring a fire station back to Paradise Beach, which will greatly improve the quality of life for our residents,” Commissioner Stroberger said. “Reinstating the Paradise Beach fire station has been a top priority for District 1, and I want to thank everyone involved who helped make this happen. This agreement marks the beginning of a new future for Paradise Beach, District 1, and Escambia County.”
District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Mike Kohler spearheaded the land exchange agreement with the U.S. Navy, working alongside county staff to restore operations at the Paradise Beach fire station for residents who have long been without a fire station.
“Our partnership with the Navy has been invaluable in finally closing this deal for the residents of the Paradise Beach community and Escambia County,” Commissioner Kohler said. “I appreciate their efforts and the diligent work our county staff have done to solidify this deal after years of hard work. As an elected official, I will always look for opportunities to make Escambia County the best place to live and work, and I hope that reopening the fire station is a reflection of that. I’m very excited to complete this project to restore the Paradise Beach fire station which will serve our residents for years to come.”
The land exchange agreement also protects operations at Naval Air Station Pensacola by granting a restrictive easement over the 31.15 acres of land, ensuring incompatible development does not occur. O’Conner-Colling Community Park uses will remain the same under this restrictive easement, keeping the park open for public use.
“The Navy-Escambia County Land Exchange agreement has been a multi-year effort with a lot of hands-on support and patience,” NAS Pensacola Community Planning and Liaison Officer Steve Opalenik said. “This partnership further protects the mission at NAS Pensacola while providing the opportunity for a much-needed fire station. This is a win for both the Navy and Escambia County.”
“The long-standing partnership between Escambia County and the Navy has paved the way for this successful land exchange that is mutually beneficial to both parties,” Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Supervisory Realty Specialist Heath Adams said. “This collaborative relationship fosters trust and cooperation, allowing both parties to efficiently execute agreements that benefit the community and enhance military readiness.”
