Pensacola, Florida

I Love My Town-Pensacola
Zipping along I-10, make a quick turn, heading south for approximately two miles and you’ll find yourself 50 years back in time—smack in the intersection of Old Southern History and Mid 60s nuance.
Jokingly called ‘the part of Alabama that fell off and landed in Florida,’ Pensacola is steeped in history, cultural diversity and has an eye towards the future—never quite making the transition.
Also called the City of Five Flags, this area was discovered by Spain twice. The first time, they gave it back to America because this was swamp. The British also took rule for a while, but America regained ownership and independence.

Since I’m lucky enough to live in the downtown area, I can get into my car and be at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, along the Gulf of Mexico, within 12 minutes.
If it took longer, I wouldn’t care. The short journey is across a three-mile bridge, which highlights the sparkling crests of Escambia Bay and the Intra-coastal waterway. The gorgeous, wide-open blue sky envelops me as I ascend the curve towards the top of the bridge. At the west end of Pensacola Beach, along the sugar-white sandy seascape, lies Fort Pickens, which was active during the Civil War and once held Geronimo. People come from across the country to camp here, in nature’s untouched bit of heaven.
A peak towards the ocean might offer a view of dolphins flying through the air before they again dive into the deep waters, as they guide the huge ships through the narrow passage on their journey to the port.

If lounging on the beach isn’t in the day’s forecast, I can still go drop a hook in the water from the side of the famous bridge, and possibly catch a catfish, grouper or maybe a blue crab. A grassy park, overshadowed by several huge oak trees, marks the heart of downtown. Plenty of benches invite pedestrians to sit and enjoy watching the squirrels play a romping game of tag. Town folk love to be hospitable. They celebrate life, love and music. Free festivals are held throughout the year. We have sausage fests, seafood fests, fishing fests, and one of the finest Jazz Fests in the country. All are held in the parks. All are free. Bring the grandmas. Bring the babies. Everyone is welcome to have fun and participate in the good old-fashioned family welcoming festivities.

While downtown, art museums, historical museums, and special cultural museums are easy to stroll through, as live music beams from nearby celebrations—perhaps a Mardi Gras parade. Our old people aren’t burdens. They are our treasures. We treat them special because they take time to tell the little folks about life in the olden days. Our unspoiled native Pensacolans still hold the values America was built on—family first. Yes, jobs and careers are important. But, family is still in first place.

Though we have pockets of crime, our area is still based on respect for people and their property.
Churches here still help people, whether the need is money, medicine or just someone to listen.
And, if someone is seeking a very good man—or a very good woman, this is the place to be. With five military bases located within 50 miles, there are always a few upright young people looking for something to do on the weekend.
Why do I love Pensacola? Because it’s heaven.

Nina G

Submitted: Wednesday 18th February 2004, 10:31 PM

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