Pensacola City Council weighs YMCA lease

City officials and advocates are hoping a lease for a proposed waterfront YMCA at the Community Maritime Park is headed for the Pensacola City Council’s agenda March 11.

The idea has enjoyed being put on a fast track, in part because it has the backing of many of Pensacola’s elected officials and leading civic and business leaders.

Also central to the speedy effort is a $5 million pledge from Blue Wahoos owner and local philanthropist Quint Studer to build a new Y, contingent upon its location at the 1.43-acre parcel west of the stadium that fronts Pensacola Bay.

He has also made it clear he has little appetite for a prolonged debate on the issue and wants it to move forward hastily. [Read more]