In District 2, our parks and athletic spaces should be a point of pride — clean, safe, well-lit, and built for the way families actually live. When we invest in quality athletic parks, we’re not just building fields. We’re building healthier kids, stronger families, and a community that people want to be part of.
A good athletic park serves everyone:
- Kids get a safe place to play, learn teamwork, and build confidence.
- Parents get a welcoming space to gather, volunteer, and connect.
- Grandparents and neighbors get community — a place to watch, walk, and belong.
- Local small businesses benefit when weekend activity brings people out.
District 2 deserves better than “good enough”
Right now, many facilities in District 2 are showing clear signs of neglect — worn conditions, poor appearance, and deferred maintenance that sends the wrong message to our families and visitors. These spaces need substantial renovation, not temporary patchwork. We shouldn’t accept parks that look tired, feel unsafe, or fall short of what our children and families deserve.
We can pay for real improvements — responsibly
We don’t have to choose between doing nothing and raising taxes. There are existing funding tools that can help meet the financial needs of rebuilding these areas:
Tourist Development Tax (TDT): Florida law allows TDT to be used for tourism promotion and for certain publicly owned facilities, including sports stadiums or arenas, and Escambia County’s own guidance reflects those allowable uses.
We’ve already seen major local sports investments tied to sports tourism discussions and TDT-funded projects in Escambia County.
Escambia Children’s Trust: The Trust exists to invest in programs and services that support children and youth — including youth development and wellness priorities.
That means it should be part of the conversation as a partner for youth-centered components of park revitalization (programming, safety initiatives, equipment, and other eligible investments that directly support children and families), while keeping everything fully compliant with what the Trust is authorized to fund.
My commitment
As your County Commissioner for District 2, I will push for a real District 2 parks renewal plan:
- A public, transparent list of renovation priorities
- Standards for appearance, safety, lighting, restrooms, and accessibility
- A funding strategy that uses eligible dollars wisely — including TDT where legally applicable and partnerships that support kids and families
- A maintenance plan that prevents us from falling back into disrepair
I’m asking for your support
Rebuilding these areas is bigger than any one person — it takes the community. I’m asking you to stand with me: show up, speak up, and help me make the case that District 2 families deserve parks that match our pride.
If you want cleaner, safer, renovated athletic parks — places where families feel welcome and kids can thrive — I’m in this fight with you.
Glenn Dorsey
2026 Republican Candidate, Escambia County Commissioner — District 2