March 2025
The Pensacola, FL market is experiencing significant economic growth and gaining national recognition, driven by expanding businesses and thriving industries.
Pensacola tourism hits new record with over $2 billion economic impact in 2024.
What This Means For You: Visit Pensacola released its annual tourism report, which shows the area’s tourism industry continues to grow. The tourism resulted in more than $2 billion in economic impact and an overall increase in the number of visitors to our area — 2.5 million. That is up more than 2 percent from the previous year.
Pensacola considering downtown stadium to host pro soccer, football, and festivals.
What This Means For You: United Soccer League is exploring whether Pensacola could host a League One team, which would likely also mean building a new soccer stadium. USL’s VP of Expansion said when they look to expand into a market, they look for places that are growing in population with sports fans, facilities, and even tourism.
VT MAE to shift operations from Mobile to Pensacola.
What This Means For You: VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering (VT MAE), a subsidiary of Singapore-based ST Engineering, will shift its airframe Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations from Mobile to facilities in Pensacola and San Antonio, Texas. The shift signals continued growth for Pensacola’s aviation sector.
Pensacola airport welcomes Contour Airlines’ inaugural flight from Alabama.
What This Means For You: For the first time, Contour Airlines flew in from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The seasonal route will connect passengers to the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, with further travel options to Charlotte, North Carolina, and beyond. The partnership with Contour Airlines is seen as a sign of future growth for Pensacola International Airport.
Del Taco, one of the most popular Mexican fast-food chains in the nation, expands to Pensacola.
What This Means For You: A 2,374-square-foot building and drive-thru lane will open at 404 Brent Lane in the Home Depot Plaza for the popular Mexican-food chain based in the West Coast.
Northwest Pensacola getting new strip mall that will bring 6 businesses under one roof.
What This Means For You: A project called 9 Mile Plaza is set to build a 10,400-square-foot building with space to lease to six different businesses. Construction on a new strip mall will start soon on West Nine Mile Road.
