PENSACOLA, Fla. (February 2, 2026) — The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) confirms that following community feedback and subsequent discussions, island leaseholders Ellen and Todd Bourgeois have withdrawn their requests for a pier and adjacent beach walkway behind their home at 1001 Panferio Drive and will not pursue further action to advance the project.

The leaseholders’ regulatory applications for the pier were approved through the applicable permitting process beginning in January 2025. In addition, the SRIA Board took two unanimous actions related to the project. On Sept. 24, 2025, the Board voted 5 to 0 to approve construction of a walkway structure from the leasehold property to the pier. On Dec. 17, 2025, the Board voted 6 to 0 to approve execution of a Pier Amendment to the leaseholders’ existing lease.

Relying on the approved permits and SRIA Board actions, the leaseholders retained engineers and other professionals and entered into a contract with Dale’s Marine Construction (DMC) for the construction of the pier. The leaseholders report expenditures of approximately $40,000 in connection with the project, including materials purchased through DMC. DMC has indicated it intends to work with the leaseholders regarding a refund for materials already purchased.

About the Santa Rosa Island Authority

Pensacola Beach is owned by Escambia County, Fla., and is under the direction of the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA). The SRIA was created by the Florida legislature in 1947 under Chapter 24500. The SRIA does not receive tax support from the taxpayers of the county. It is fully funded from lease fees collected from business and residences on the beach. The Island Authority board is made up of six members; five are named by members of the Escambia County Board of Commissioners whose term is the same as the commissioner who appointed them. Registered voters on Pensacola Beach elect the sixth member. The elected member’s term is two years.