Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2006, the estimated population was 53,248. However, the Pensacola metropolitan area, comprising Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, had a population of 439,877.
Pensacola is a sea port on Pensacola Bay, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. A large United States Navy Naval Air Station Pensacola, the first in the United States, is located southwest of Pensacola (near the community of Warrington) and is home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum. The main campus of the University of West Florida is situated north of the city center. Pensacola's prominent industries are health care, the military, and tourism.
The city is most known for its beautiful beaches, its diverse history, and many family-friendly festivals. Pensacola is nicknamed "The City of Five Flags" due to the five governments that have flown flags over it during its history: the flags of Spain, France, Great Britain, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. Other nicknames include "World's Whitest Beaches" (due to the white sand prevalent along beaches in the Florida panhandle), "Cradle of Naval Aviation" (the National Naval Aviation Museum is located at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the legendary Blue Angels), "Western Gate to the Sunshine State," "America's First Settlement," "Emerald Coast," and "Red Snapper Capital of the World."
Learn more about this city.
City of Pensacola, FL official site
City of Pensacola, FL Chamber of Commerce
City of Pensacola, FL newspaper
County of Pensacola, FL official site
State of Florida official site