(Here's a story you probably won't see anywhere else.)

            A major change is coming to the Navy’s Saufley Field west of Pensacola--a change that could mean many new jobs and an economic boost to the Pensacola area economy.

           The plans have gotten only minimum exposure but, essentially, the Navy is making a big chunk of the Saufley Outlying Landing Field available for use by private businesses.

           Saufley OLF is considered underused land and buildings which the Navy will lease out at fair market value for private development. The property is not classified as excess and will not be sold. The Navy will retain long term interest and control.

           The development is being managed by Saufley Group, LLC, a subsidiary of dck worldwide, LLC. dck worldwide is a global construction company that develops, manages, and builds highly complex projects.

           The Navy goal is to attract businesses that are compatible to Navy activities and needs such as defense contractors and software developers. This would help strengthen Pensacola’s economic base and growth and broaden the county tax base and at the same time support the Navy’s continued presence here. Under the plan, the Navy will avoid demolishing or maintaining unused buildings.

           There are 866 acres and 60 buildings at Saufley. Only two parcels are being made available initially. Parcel one includes 85 acres and 620,000 square feet of facilities. The second parcel is the now closed 18 acre golf course.

           The Navy says the property is available for offices, research and development facilities, light industry, warehousing and training facilities.

           Development will not happen overnight and will take seven to 10 years to build out.

           But, obviously, any activity that offers the possibility new businesses moving into Pensacola, creating jobs and paying taxes is a move in the right direction for a community that sorely needs it.