Revitalizing Warrington: A New Chapter for Dilapidated Properties
In Warrington, Escambia County is taking significant steps to address long-standing eyesores that have plagued the community for years. Two properties, the Suburban Extended Stay hotel on Barrancas Avenue and the former Marcello’s Restaurant at the foot of the bridge leading to NAS Pensacola, are at the center of this revitalization effort. Both sites have been sources of concern for local residents, and the county’s plans aim to restore safety and aesthetics to the area.
The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel: A Property in Limbo
The Suburban Extended Stay hotel, located at 3984 Barrancas Avenue, has been vacant and in disrepair since May 2025. The hotel’s owners, J & K Sai Hospitality from Texas, have expressed intentions to renovate the property but are currently awaiting an insurance settlement. This delay has left the three-story building vulnerable to vandalism and trespassing, prompting Escambia County Code Enforcement to receive numerous complaints about homeless individuals breaking in to seek shelter.
To combat these issues, the county has issued a bid for a contractor to seal all openings on the first floor, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, plans are in place to fill in a large pool on the property, which has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a repository for trash.
Despite declaring bankruptcy, the owners maintain that they are not abandoning the property. They are working to restructure their debts while seeking solutions for the hotel’s future. However, the situation remains precarious, with the owners accruing over $285,000 in daily fines due to the property’s deteriorating condition.
The Fate of Marcello’s Restaurant
Once a beloved Italian dining destination, Marcello’s Restaurant on South Navy Boulevard has fallen into disrepair and is set to be demolished. The waterfront establishment, which was once a vibrant part of the community, has suffered from neglect, with a caved-in roof and reports of homeless individuals entering the premises.
Escambia County Code Enforcement has confirmed that the owner has hired a contractor to handle the demolition, which is expected to occur shortly after necessary asbestos abatement procedures are completed. The owner currently owes the county over $14,000 in daily fines that have been accumulating since 2024, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing the property’s condition.
A Vision for the Future of Warrington
Escambia County is not only focused on cleaning up blight but is also committed to fostering growth and development in Warrington, particularly around key areas like NAS Pensacola and Corry Station. To this end, the county is inviting community members to participate in a public workshop aimed at gathering input on two draft proposals designed to enhance a one-mile stretch of South Navy Boulevard, extending from Barrancas Avenue to the Sam A. Lovelace Bridge.
This initiative is part of the broader South Navy Boulevard Improvement Plan, which seeks to improve safety, mobility, and the overall aesthetic of the roadway. The public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, from 5-7 p.m. at the Lexington Terrace Community Center, located at 700 S. Old Corry Field Road.
Conclusion
The revitalization efforts in Warrington represent a crucial step toward restoring the community’s vibrancy and safety. By addressing the issues surrounding the Suburban Extended Stay hotel and the former Marcello’s Restaurant, Escambia County is taking proactive measures to combat blight and encourage positive development. As the community comes together to share ideas and visions for the future, Warrington stands on the brink of a new chapter—one that promises to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.