Outdoor Pickleball Boosts Pensacola: Lease Amendment for Warehouse 4 Sports Project Set to Pass City Council

The vacant International Paper golf course in Cantonment is getting a new lease on life, while the Santa Rosa Clerk is tightening vendor payment methods after fraud was discovered. Meanwhile, the Pensacola City Council is set to approve a lease amendment that will allow the Warehouse 4 Sports pickleball courts project to move forward. The plans include eight tournament-size outdoor courts, space for other games, and a waterfront concessions area.

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. However, construction of the project has been delayed due to ongoing negotiations with the city over lease terms. 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. The updated lease has been met with mixed reactions from community members who are excited about the addition of more outdoor recreational opportunities in Pensacola but concerned about the financial impact on taxpayers.

Despite these concerns, 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 City Council members and will be voted on during their regular meeting later this week.