PENSACOLA, Fla. — The state of Florida came cracking down on Pensacola on Wednesday with claims that the city is overtaxing residents by more than $1 million.
“It’s unfortunate but some of the mayors and county commissioners in these areas probably never read their own budget because they don’t know what’s in it,” said Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Chief Financial Officer.
Ingoglia called out the city’s use of taxpayer dollars for a new sign placed on Gregory Street last April, saying the city paid almost $600,000 for it.
WEAR News looked at the budget on Thursday. The CFO’s claims are not entirely accurate.
In April 2024, FDOT appropriated a majority $475,000 for the ‘Welcome to Pensacola’ sign.
In addition, the governor’s office says the city pays $300,000 for an “equity-focused” strategic plan and $150,000 a year to a management company that brings drag shows to the Saenger Theater.
The city’s budget shows they actually appropriated $285,000 to the Saenger, but not for drag shows.
City council members declined to go on-camera Thursday, but said the city plays no role in scheduling events at the Saenger. Interfering with the Christmas event now would reportedly present legal hurdles against the first amendment.
Mayor DC Reeves declined to speak with WEAR News on Thursday, saying he still hasn’t received the official report outlining the Florida DOGE findings.
Multiple city council members confirmed they haven’t received the report either.
State Rep. Alex Andrade says it would be premature for him to comment on the situation, given the official report hasn’t been released.