PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Availability of Development Order and Request for Public Comment
Project to be located within the 100-Year Floodplain – Escambia County, Florida
Date of Publication: 12/5/2025
In accordance with Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Wetland Protection), and as required by 44 CFR Part 9 this notice is to inform the public that Escambia County, in partnership with the United States Department of the Treasury (via a RESTORE Act Direct Component Grant), intends to undertake a federally funded project that will be located in the 1%-chance (aka 100-year) floodplain.
Project Description:
The proposed project, titled O.C. Phillips Bridge Replacement, involves the construction of a temporary bridge to maintain traffic on O.C. Phillips Road. Once the temporary bridge is constructed, the existing bridge will be demolished. After demolition, the new bridge will be constructed in the same location. The replacement bridge will be 0.015 miles and accommodate two travel lanes (one in each direction), including shoulders on each side.
This project will have no adverse impact on the floodplain. To review please look at Hydraulic Report and the Letter of no adverse impact to the floodplain on the county website.
The construction of this project will occur at the following location:
Site Location: West end of O.C. Phillips Road over Brushy Creek. It is the only bridge located on road. Coordinates: 30°50'16.2"N 87°33'43.6"W
Flood Zone: A on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 12033C0160J.
Purpose and Need:
The current bridge has exceeded its useful life and recent county inspections have determined that the bridge is structurally deficient and unsafe for large vehicles. Trucks and emergency vehicles are advised to avoid the bridge, resulting in longer drive time to access the area. Replacing the bridge will reduce flooding impacts, improve creek benthic habitat, improve driver safety and provide emergency and residential access to the surrounding area.
Alternatives Considered:
Alternative sites outside the floodplain were not considered as this is the site of the existing bridge which is found within the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Public Involvement and Comments:
In accordance with 44 CFR Part 9.12, Escambia County is providing a 30-day public notice to allow for public review and comment on the proposed action in a floodplain.
The Hydraulic Report, which contains the environmental analyses conducted, and Letter of No Adverse Impact to the floodplain are available for public review at OC Phillips Bridge Replacement Project or in person during normal business hours at:
Escambia Board of County Commissioners Office’s: Natural Resource Management Department: RESTORE Division
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
Contact: Ryan Kirby, RESTORE Division Manager
Written comments must be received by January 5, 2026. Comments can be submitted via the comment form above, mailed or emailed to:
Escambia County’s RESTORE Division
Ryan Kirby, RESTORE Division Manager
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
Email: [email protected]
Final Decision:
After the close of the public comment period, Escambia County will assess and address all relevant comments. If no substantive objections are received, the project will proceed as planned. Final project approval and funding are contingent upon the outcome of this environmental review process.
