|
|
 Pensacola
Florida's First Place City
Established 1559 |
As a major city in Northwest Florida, Pensacola has the ideal location and perfect climate that are keys to a thriving future and are the basis of a successful past. The statement that "Pensacola is a place where thousands live the way millions wish they could” is very true. A renewed sense of vitality in the city, an obvious appreciation of the cultural arts and a high quality of life aided by a low cost of living are just some of the attributes of Pensacola. Just inside the western boundary of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola enjoys 300-plus days of sunshine each year making it an ideal residential area as well as a vacation paradise.
Interesting Facts
 Florida's 1st Blue Chip City
"All-America City"
Nicknamed "The City of Five Flags
429 years of history under 5 flags
Closest resort city in the Sunshine State
Escambia County Seat
Altitudes range from sea level to 120 feet
Average annual temperature is 68 degrees
Average annual rainfall is 60 inches
Population as of year 2000 census - 412,618
Home of Naval Air Station Pensacola
Artwork courtesy of Gannett Printing & Publishing
All rights reserved 2002
Our Beautiful White Sand
Q: Where does the sand come from?
A: Most geologists agree that the white sand comes from the southern Appalachian region of Georgia and Alabama. Rock eroded from these sources by the forces of wind and water has been carried by the Appalachian river system to the sea, where it has been deposited. Additional sand comes from the continental shelf in the vicinity of the Mississippi Island
Q: Why is the sand so white?
A: The sand is composed almost entirely of 99% pure quartz, unlike many other beaches which consist of greater amounts of feldspar or ground sea shells.
Q: Why does the sand squeak?
A: Due to the fact that almost all the sand grains are of the same size and composition, their rubbing together when you walk over them causes the squeaking sound.
Q: Why are Sea Oats important to the dunes?
A: Sea Oats can live with the great amounts of salt spray coming off the Gulf and with its extensive root system, it can hold the dunes in place. The flowering tops of these plants cause accumulations of windblown sand which form natural dunes that serve as butlers against storm tides.
Q: About how many years old is Santa Rosa Island?
A: It is thought to have been formed between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Q: What are all the tiny holes in the sand?
A: This is what is referred to as ‘bubble sand." When the waves pound on the beach, they force air into the beach. When the air escapes, it leaves tiny holes covering the beach. Larger holes are usually caused by the animals, such as the clams, worms, or even crabs.
USO Privacy Policy
USO Site
| 
