County approves $375,000 per year for three years to host Foiling Week Pensacola

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 6 approved a three‑year TDT funding commitment for Foiling Week Pensacola, agreeing to provide $375,000 annually for three years to help establish a recurring international foiling sailing event in the county.

Organizers told the board the event attracts international competitors and can catalyze related industry and manufacturing jobs because foiling boats use high‑end composites, battery and control systems. Scott Ovett, a Foiling Week co‑founder, said the series draws elite sailors and that a longer runway and multi‑year commitment are necessary to secure sponsorships, international competitors and broadcast marketing.

Commission discussion cited previous county multiyear tourism commitments and framed the request as both a tourism and economic‑development opportunity. Commissioner Steve Strohberger noted that similar multiyear investments have supported other high‑profile events and argued the commitment could help develop an industry cluster around foiling technologies.

The board approved the funding by voice vote following a motion and second; the clerk recorded the motion as passing 5–0. The motion directs $375,000 per year from the Tourist Development Trust fund for three years beginning in the next fiscal cycle and asks staff to work with Visit Pensacola and economic development partners to maximize sponsorship and local industry engagement.

Organizers said the event in 2025 drew 181 competitors and international participants and that the 2027 target date gives more time to secure sponsors and arrange logistics. County staff and commissioners said they would coordinate marketing responsibilities and explore leveraging both TDT and economic development resources to support the proposal.