The Pensacola News Journal reported this week that the University of West Florida had initiated "informal" discussions with the County over the possibility of partnering to replace the aging Pensacola Civic Center.

The UWF Master Plan calls for construction of an arena. 

From the article:

On the arena, the university is broaching the idea of demolishing the Civic Center and transferring the county’s annual subsidy to UWF in exchange for a guaranteed number of use days of the new arena, according to Robertson and Robinson.

The annual $1 million-plus subsidy could be used to shore up a 30-year construction loan in the $35 million range, based on current mortgage lending rates.

The Commissioners quoted in the article appeared positive about the proposal to replace the Civic Center. One characterized the old facility as "bleeding money." However, the same official also said that any deal would have to ensure the Pensacola Ice Flyers a place to practice.

From County Commissioner Grover Robinson:

"UWF makes a good point: There are only two entities that would have a need for a large arena, and that’s the county and UWF,” he said. “ At the core of this is the fact that they have a need for a facility and we need a facility.”

So, the deed is done. The News Journal reported this week that Business Enterprises, Inc. - the nonprofit business arm of the University of West Florida had closed the sale on Scenic Hills golf course and country club.

The University purchased the property for $2.2 million. Half that sum came from renegotiated contracts with University vendors. The balance is to be paid with a loan from ServisFirst bank.

What I am curious about is the content of the renegotiated contracts. What concessions did BEI CEO Matt Altier make to obtain that signing bonus? Months ago, a source had told me that Altier was considering a long-term (like 30-year) contract with dining services provider Chartwell's. In exchange for this, the company was going to pony up the $1.1 million bonus.

Did this happen? If so, what will the consequences be for students? When I was a student at UWF, I found most students were not very satisfied with Chartwell's. Would they have any incentive to improve their services if they had a guaranteed 30-year contract?

The Pensacola News Journal last week published a very thorough assessment of Business Enterprises, Inc. This is a story that needed to be told.

The Pensacola News Journal editorial board weighs in on Business Enterprises, Inc. and BEI CEO Matt Altier's vision.