World Country Guide

North West Florida

The Northwest region of Florida stretches from Pensacola on the State’s western border to the shores of Apalachee Bay. The northwest coastline is the gateway to the Florida peninsula and is easily negotiable. Yet the busy coastal region gives no clue to the items of interest further inland – a geometric pattern of trail systems, secret caverns and bubbling springs – including Marianna, where visitors can explore the spectacular labyrinths of Florida Caverns State Park.
The earliest European explorers were Spanish and landed at Pensacola Harbor in 1540 when Hernando de Soto began his explorations of the Gulf Coast. However, it was not until the 18th century that a permanent settlement was established in the region. Under British rule from 1763, Pensacola was eventually taken by Spain during the American Revolution. The area was again prominent during the Civil War period, thanks to the triangle of fortresses which encircled the 150 sq mile span of barrier islands now known as the Gulf Islands National Seashore. To this day, the area retains its military significance.
The flags of Spain, France and England have flown over the city of Pensacola during its turbulent past. The Colonial Archaelogical Trail leads visitors through the different eras of the city’s history, and highlights an ongoing programme of excavation by local archaeologists. The city centre features the Pensacola Museum of Art, housed in the old city jail; the Pensacola Cultural Center; Quayside, the South’s largest co-operative art gallery; Wall South, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, DC; and the beautifully restored Saenger Theatre, where local and national musical groups regularly perform.
A few miles to the west lies one of the biggest and best air and space museums in the country, the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Displays cover the age of aviation from the first flight in a wood and fabric biplane to today’s travels in space with the Skylab Command Module. East of Pensacola, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 700 animals and a huge botanical garden, while gorillas and chimpanzees roam free on two large islands. The beauty of Pensacola’s beaches is protected by Federal and State reservations, which preserve them from development. Gulf Islands National Seashore and Big Lagoon Park offer huge areas of untouched beaches, which are easily accessible to the public.
Approximately 60 flights arrive and depart from Pensacola Regional Airport (website: www.flypensacola.com) each day. The city is situated on the Amtrak network and is also accessible from most major interstate highways; the Greyhound station is located 11km (7 miles) north of the city center.
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Pensacola in 2005:
Feb Black History Month, University of West Florida, Pensacola. Apr 9-10 Pensacola JazzFest, Selville Square. May 6-8 21st Annual Crawfish Creole Fiesta, Bartram Park, Pensacola. May The Florida Springfest (three-day music festival), Pensacola. Jun 2-11 56th Fiesta of Five Flags, Pensacola. Jul-Aug Annual Bushwacker and Music Festival, Pensacola. Sep 23-25 Annual Seafood Festival, Pensacola. Nov Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Pensacola
Pensacola boasts an average of 343 days of sunshine per year and an average annual temperature of 24°C (75 ºF).
East of Pensacola, visitors will be struck by the glorious coastal scenery. Linked by an impressive bridge network, a long coastal road skirts the mainland and the offshore islands, running from Pensacola to Fort Walton Beach and Santa Rosa Island. Near Santa Rosa, Destin is known for fine fishing, while the Beaches of South Walton embrace the smart prosperous community of Seaside, with its white-washed houses, excellent dining and shopping facilities.
South Walton’s beaches extend eastward towards Panama City, which took its name from the famous canal in 1906. Today, its attractions and nightlife, which extend for 43km (27 miles), are celebrated throughout the State.
Famous for 38km (24 miles) of sugar-white sands and brilliant green waters, these southern sea towns both offer some of the world’s finest shells and superb seafood. The Henderson Beach State Park offers acres of unspoilt coastal terrain. Hailed as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, Destin’s East Pass is only 16km (10 miles) from 30m (100ft) depths. Harbouring the largest and most elaborately equipped charter-boat fleet in Florida, more billfish are caught on the Northern Gulf each year than by all the other Gulf ports combined. There is also a wider variety of game fish than elsewhere, from cobia and scampi to triggerfish and king mackerel. Numerous deep-sea excursions are available for both first-time fishers and the more experienced angler.
Watersports are high on the list of attractions at Panama City Beach, which boasts a network of waterways, bays and lagoons. St Andrews State Recreation Area is made up of more than 1000 acres of nature trails and beaches. Visitors can take a shuttle to Shell Island from Treasure Island Marina. The Museum of the Man-in-the-Sea explores the ocean, while other attractions include the Miracle Strip Amusement Park, Shipwreck Island Water Park and Alvin’s Magic Mountain Mall, which houses sharks and alligators in a 30,000 gallon tank.
Apalachicola has a rich heritage. Once, it was the third-largest cotton port on the Gulf Coast, serving as a base for the Confederate forces trying to run the Union blockades during the Civil War. Today, this protected region of swamps and springs enjoys acclaim as the centre of Florida’s seafood industry. Its large oyster beds are responsible for a high percentage of the State’s exports.
Destin/Fort Walton Beach Airport is located 2km (1 mile) east of Destin; Panama City/Bay County International Airport (website: www.pcairport.com) lies 6km (4 miles) north of Panama City. The Panama City Beach Trolley shuttles along the beach, making various flag stops. Taxis run on a grid system and fares increase as one moves away from Harrison Avenue.
The following is a selection of special events occurring on the Emerald Coast in 2005:
Apr 21-24 19th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, Destin. May Annual Destin Mayfest, Destin; Seaside Spring Wine Festival, Seaside. Jun 3-6 Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island. Oct Annual Indian Summer Seafood Festival, Panama City.
There are warm temperatures all year round with a summer high of 31°C (88 ºF).