PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Availability of Development Order and Request for Public Comment

Project to be located within the 100-Year Floodplain – Escambia County, Florida

Date of Publication: 2/26/2026

In accordance with Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Wetland Protection), and as required by 44 CFR Part 9 this notice is to inform the public that Escambia County, in partnership with the United States Department of the  Treasury (via a RESTORE Act Direct Component Grant), intends to undertake a federally funded project that will be located in the 1%-chance (aka 100-year) floodplain.

Project Description:

The proposed project, titled Pensacola Beach Bob Sikes Fishing Pier Rehabilitation, involves structural rehabilitation of the Bob Sikes Fishing Pier to ensure public safety, resilience, and a long lifespan.

This project will have no adverse impact on the floodplain.

The construction of this project will occur at the following location:

Site Location: Located on Pensacola Beach, the southern section of the old Bob Sikes bridge next to Highway 399 or Pensacola Beach Blvd.

Coordinates: 30°20'38.66" N 87°9'48" W

Flood Zone: VE on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 12113C0582J.

Purpose and Need:

The current Pier was damaged during Hurricane Sally. As a result, The Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) Florida Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) has awarded $963,090 to Escambia County for the design, permitting, and construction of electrical power lighting, pier and rail modifications, and installing pier entrance signs. For this floodplain notice, Escambia County is seeking authorization for federal funds (RESTORE) for the structural rehabilitation of the Bob Sikes Fishing Pier to ensure public safety, resilience, and a long lifespan. The project will include the structural rehabilitation of the pier, including utilizing epoxy to inject and seal pile cracks, restore spalled areas, and perform alkali pier rehabilitation. Rehabilitating 1,650 feet of the 1,750-foot pier and removing 100 feet of the pier that has sub-structural damage. 

Alternatives Considered:

Alternative sites outside the floodplain were not considered, as this is the site of the existing pier, which is found within the Special Flood Hazard Area needed rehabilitation work due to hurricane damage.

Public Involvement and Comments:

In accordance with 44 CFR Part 9.12, Escambia County is providing a 30-day public notice to allow for public review and comment on the proposed action in a floodplain.

Written comments must be received by March 28, 2026. Comments can be submitted via the online form above, by email to [email protected], or by mail to:

Escambia County RESTORE Division

Ryan Kirby, RESTORE Division Manager

221 Palafox Place

Pensacola, FL 32502

Final Decision:

After the public comment period closes, Escambia County will assess and address all relevant comments. If no substantive objections are received, the project will proceed as planned. Final project approval and funding are contingent upon the outcome of this environmental review process.