POLITICS
Voters Approve Maritime Park

In a contentious September referendum, voters approved by a 2,000-vote margin construction of the $70-million Community Maritime Park on city property on Pensacola's downtown waterfront. Plans include a maritime museum, University of West Florida classrooms, a conference center, open park space, amphitheater, offices and retail space and a multiuse stadium for the Pelicans minor-league baseball team. Healthcare consultant Quint Studer was a prime backer and is a principal financial contributor.

Construction will take about two years and be paid with $30 million in private funds and $40 million in public, including $4 million in state matching funds.