In response to community interest, a team of locals have been working behind the scenes to bring back a community-focused music festival centered around Spring Street in downtown Pensacola.

The the once powerhouse Florida SpringFest, which ran annually from 1990-2005, annually brought tens of thousands downtown to enjoy the music. That's important to both the quality of life in Pensacola and to the local economy, which benefits from the visitors and locals alike who spend money, generating sales tax revenue.

Quint Studer, responding to an enthusiastic turnout at an exploratory meeting in February, put together a team to come up with a plan for the festival to make it viable. The team is working to design a music festival for the people who live in our community.

“We have put together a passionate and experienced team to complete the necessary due diligence to research if the area support for a music festival similar to Springfest is doable," Studer said. "This current step is the make or break one. We hope those that have wanted to see such a festival will now turn their verbal and written support to the purchase of tickets."

The two-day event is tentatively set for May 13-14, 2016 and organizers have set a goal to sell 3,000 tickets in 30 days to bring the festival back.

According to organizers, the music festival will encapsulate the spirit of downtown Pensacola's rebirth and celebrate the city's eclectic culture.

The main stages will be set in the original location as the former Springfest on Spring Street. The plan calls for two days with two stages plus a variety of downtown venues working together to feature a mix of the brightest music artists of today, along with great local talent. Events will include a launch party in the fall, special promotions, meet and greets, additional concerts and late night shows all throughout the festival weekend.

To ensure the event's return, the public can buy tickets, join the mailing list and learn about sponsorship and business opportunities at pensacolaspringfest.com.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 10 a.m. All tickets are two-day passes.

General Admission tickets - $55 (outdoor stages)

VIP - $129 (outdoor stages, VIP area, launch party invite and other events)

Super VIP+ - $499 – Very limited available. (Includes VIP access, plus entry to all venue shows)

These tickets prices are only available until September 31, the next price level will begin on October 1.

“We are turning the tables on traditional festival planning and looking to the community to support the event by purchasing tickets first. Even before we get sponsors,” said festival director, Michelle Sarra.

Organizers are asking the public to commit to buying a ticket first, which will allow more time to negotiate branding opportunities and promotions for sponsors.

For more information, to buy tickets and more, visit pensacolaspringfest.com.