PENSACOLA, Fla. — The blue economy is booming in Pensacola.
This week, Mayor D.C. Reeves shared how the city is finding new ways to use the port, expanding beyond cargo.
The United Nations defines a blue economy as the practice of using ocean resources for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods, all while preserving its ecosystem.
The mayor says the city is only scratching the surface of the port’s potential.
Foiling Week just wrapped up on Monday after making its debut appearance in Pensacola. But this is just the beginning of several major events headed to the city.
In just a few weeks, we’ll see the first round of the GL-52 regattas. The event will promote sailing as a premier sport in the area.
At his press conference, Mayor Reeves also acknowledged the North American Surfing Association sanctioning an event in Pensacola next year.
Reeves says events like these all trickle down from the city’s relationship with the American Magic yacht racing team. He says having the team in Pensacola puts the city on the map for sailing destinations.
Reeves said traditionally there has been an all-or-nothing mindset surrounding the port, saying people want the port strictly for cargo or nothing at all.
He says bringing more water-based events to Pensacola presents new opportunities for the port.
“The whole idea is to take that north half of the port, that is undeveloped, and say we can have this happy medium of having these more traditional cargo uses that are helping fund and pay for the port,” Reeves says. “But also helping fuel jobs off the port as well has kind of have these next level monetizations.”
Much like Foiling Week, Reeves says he expects between six to eight national and international level regattas in 2026. He says events like these will increase tourism to the area and boost the local economy, but that’s not all he’s hoping to accomplish with revitalizing the port.
He says GE proving 500 jobs on Scenic Highway is the perfect example of having an impact on both the port and the community.
“That really is my litmus test, when we start talking about what the vision for the port is.” says Reeves. “It’s what can we do on port that it needs that marine use, but also can illustrate that it’s creating really economic vitality off the port, whether it be jobs, whether it be spending, whether it be anything else.”
Reeves says this is just the tip of the iceberg. He says more activity at the port will be beneficial for the entire community.