The City of Pensacola's $10 million New Palafox improvement project is off to a flying start with an eye on completion in late May.

While Palafox is necessarily closed to traffic between Garden and Government streets, the city and contractors are doing everything possible to provide shoppers easy access to all stores, bars and restaurants.

Sidewalks on both sides of Palafox will remain open and the city is providing free on-street parking. Private lots will continue charging for parking.  

So, shoppers and lovers of Palafox's many charms, it's your turn to support downtown's local businesses during the next few months and help make this beautiful enhancement project worth the wait.

A noticeable bright spot in this endeavor is another downtown icon: Palafox Market.

Both Palafox markets — the original on MLK Jr. Plaza and it's offspring on Plaza Ferdinand — will still be going strong during all phases of construction.

Nearby on-street city parking for the markets around MLK, Jr.  Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand will be free during construction. City parking is identified with blue signs and 2-digit zone numbers, and you can find a map of all downtown parking at www.parkpensacola.com.

In addition, market goers will have access to free 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. trolley service between the two plazas, with trolley stops at Palafox Market North at MLK Jr. Plaza; Palafox Market South at Plaza Ferdinand; the City's Commendencia St. Parking lot; Palafox Pier at the end of Palafox; and the Baylen Garage at Intendencia and Baylen streets.

Learn more about Palafox Market at www.palafoxmarket.com.