The Power of the Penny.

Over the past 34 years Escambia County's 1 cent Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) has generated some $2 billion that has funded hundreds of public safety, transportation, recreational and neighborhood  improvement projects. The penny protects residents from flood damage and costly repairs, protects firefighters with cancer screening equipment, improves roads and provides safe spaces for Seniors and kids.

First approved in a 1992 referendum and last renewed in 2014 by more than 66 percent of voters, the powerful Penny for Progress has become a reliable, vital funding source for projects throughout Escambia County and the City of Pensacola.

Recent studies show that up to 28 percent of the L.O.S.T. revenues are generated by non-residents and tourists.

Supporters of the penny also say it helps to hold down property taxes. What's more, in Florida most store-bought food and prescription medicine, residential rent and more are not subject to the extra penny.

In November's general election voters will be asked to continue the one penny tax for another 10-year period.

A new website – pennyforescambia.com – helps to explain the local option sales tax. It contains a wealth of information about projects throughout the community funded by the penny, along with an interactive map that shows past and current projects.

The website also contains an extensive Question-and-Answer list, designed to help citizens unfamiliar with the tax understand its positive and broad impact on neighborhoods throughout the city and county.

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