The Santa Rosa Clerk is taking steps to tighten vendor payment methods after fraud was discovered, while the vacant International Paper golf course in Cantonment is getting a new lease on life. Meanwhile, the Warehouse 4 Sports pickleball courts project in Pensacola is moving forward with eight tournament-size outdoor courts under an updated lease with the city.
The Pensacola City Council has approved a lease amendment that will allow the Warehouse 4 Sports pickleball courts project to proceed. The plans include eight outdoor courts, space for other games, and a waterfront concessions area. The amended lease also includes extending the public sidewalk along the water’s edge of the Commendencia Slip for public access to the project.
The original lease between Warehouse 4 Sports and the city was signed last year for a 45,000-square-foot building at the port to be converted into an indoor sports and convention space. The new lease terms require the construction of parking spots and an investment of $4 million into the project over 15 years. The rent has also been increased from $26,000 to $36,000 plus property taxes.
Construction of the outdoor pickleball courts is expected to take three to four months once it begins. The updated lease has received unanimous support from the City Council and will be voted on during their regular meeting later this week.