Opinion by Guest Columnist and Former City of Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson IV
(Originally published in the Pensacola News Journal on October 21, 2026)
Over the last 30 years, Escambia County and the city of Pensacola have made significant leaps in public safety, quality amenities and better public infrastructure.
A big reason for that is the opportunities provided by the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST).
If you have been here for the last 30 years think back and compare. Today there are more activities, more economic opportunity and better sustainability.
Yes, we still have things to improve, but without LOST we will not be able to make those improvements that help make Escambia County and Pensacola a better place to live, work and play.
During my administration as Pensacola mayor and previously as District 4 county commissioner LOST revenues helped pay for:
New soccer fields and improvements to Hitzman Park on Langley Ave.
Park improvements at Bruce Beach
Bayview Park improvements and new Community Center
Magee Field improvements, press box and community space
Olive Road improvements, sidewalks and drainage
Ferry Pass drainage improvements
Pensacola Beach improvements for public safety and walkability
Fire stations and fire equipment across Escambia County and city of Pensacola
The best part of all these improvements is that with LOST, we the citizens of Escambia and Pensacola have exported somewhere between one quarter to one third of that tax burden over 30 years to people who do not live here but either shop or vacation here.
I always have and still continue to support LOST as a great way to improve our community. Please join me in voting for the extension of LOST in the November General Election so we can continue to make Escambia County and the city of Pensacola better and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.
Thank you for your support.
Grover Robinson IV is the former mayor of the city of Pensacola and former District 4 Escambia County Commissioner.
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For more information or to access the original Pensacola News Journal article, visit the Pensacola News Journal site here.
