text:
Lake City, Florida

Lake City is a city in and the county seat of Columbia County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 12,329, up from 12,046 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Lake City Micropolitan Statistical Area, composed of Columbia County, as well as a principal city of the Gainesville—Lake City, Florida Combined Statistical Area. Lake City is 60 miles west of Jacksonville.

Lake City began as the town of Alligator in 1821 near the Seminole settlement known as Alligator Village. Alligator became the seat of Columbia County in 1832 when it was formed from Duval and Alachua counties. In 1858, Alligator was incorporated and renamed Lake City. The Battle of Olustee, the largest American Civil War battle in Florida, took place near Lake City in 1864. In 1884, the Florida Agricultural College was established in Lake City as a land grant college; it was relocated to Gainesville in 1905 to form part of the University of Florida. The city's sesquicentennial was held in 2009.

Lake City is known as "The Gateway to Florida" because it is adjacent to the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10. The city is the site of Lake City Gateway Airport, formerly known as NAS Lake City. Florida Gateway College is located in Lake City.

Timucua and Spanish Florida
In 1539, Hernando de Soto and his Spanish expedition arrived in Tampa Bay. The de Soto expedition proceeded north from Tampa Bay looking for gold. His expedition met a large Native American group called the northern Utina, possibly near present-day Lake City, who were part of the western Timucua people. Some northern Utina were led by powerful chiefs. In the 17th century Spanish missionaries established missions in this area, west of the site of present-day Lake City. Called Santa Cruz de Tarihica, it was used by the Spanish to develop agriculture and bring Native Americans within their sphere.

Alligator
In the 18th century, a Seminole community called Alligator Village (Alapata Telophka) occupied this area. Historians do not know when it was established, but its existence was documented by the U.S. Army in 1821. A February 1821 report by Captain John H. Bell mentions that the mico (chief) of Alligator Village had recently died and missed a gathering of chiefs. The most famous resident of Alligator Village was Alligator Warrior (Halpatter Tustenuggee), also known as Chief Alligator. He was the grandson of Micanopy (King) Payne (Mekk-Onvpv Pin) and led Seminole warriors in the Second Seminole War (1835–1842) to resist their people's relocation to the Arkansas Territory (now known as Oklahoma).

After Florida became a territory of the United States in 1821, pioneer and immigrant settlers from the United States formed their own settlement adjacent to Alligator Village and called it Alligator. Following the 1823 Treaty of Moultrie Creek, the residents of Alligator village relocated to the banks of Peace Creek in the newly established Seminole reservation, leaving Alligator Town on its own. When Columbia County was formed in 1832 from Duval and Alachua counties, Alligator Town was designated as the seat of the county government.

During the Seminole Wars, several forts were established in the area, including Fort White on the Santa Fe River, and Fort Alligator, also called Fort Lancaster, in present-day downtown Lake City. By 1845, the last of the Seminole left the area of present-day Lake City or were forcibly removed by the US Army. In 1847, Company C of the Florida Volunteers, which was composed of Lake City members, served in the Mexican–American War.

In November 1858, a railroad was completed connecting Jacksonville to Alligator, which opened the town to more commerce and passenger traffic. Alligator Town was incorporated and its name changed to Lake City in 1859; M. Whit Smith was elected as the town's first mayor. According to an urban legend, the name was changed because the mayor's wife Martha Jane, who had recently moved to the town, refused to hang her lace curtains in a town named Alligator.

Civil War
During the American Civil War the railroad between Lake City and Jacksonville was used to send beef and salt to Confederate soldiers. During the summer of 1862, the 8th Florida Infantry Regiment was mustered in at Lake City. The unit was soon deployed to Virginia and fought as part of the Army of Northern Virginia.

In February 1864, Union troops under Truman Seymour advanced west from Jacksonville. His objective was to disrupt Confederate supplies, and obtain African-American recruits and supplies. Confederate General Joseph Finnegan assembled troops and called for reinforcements from P. G. T. Beauregard in response to the Union threat. On February 11, 1864, Finnegan's troops defeated a Union cavalry raid in Lake City. After the Union cavalry was repulsed, Finnegan moved his forces to Olustee Station about ten miles east of Lake City. The Confederate presence at Olustee Station was reinforced to prepare for the Union troops coming from Jacksonville.

Union forces engaged the Confederates at the Battle of Olustee on February 20, 1864, near the Olustee Station. It was the only major battle in Florida during the war. Union casualties were 1,861 men killed, wounded or missing; Confederate casualties were 946 killed, wounded or missing. The Confederate dead were buried in Lake City. In 1928 a memorial for the Battle of Olustee was established in downtown Lake City.

The Civil War badly damaged Florida's railroads, including the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Railroad. The railroad was rebuilt by carpetbagger George William Swepson and was renamed the Florida Central Railroad in 1868. In 1869, the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad was merged with a railroad from Jacksonville to Lake City to form the Jacksonville, Pensacola and Mobile Railroad. In 1874, a fire destroyed most of the wooden buildings in Lake City.

Modern Lake City

In 1874, Lake City's first newspaper was published, called the Lake City Reporter. In 1876, the Bigelow Building was completed; it later was adapted for use as the City Hall. In 1891, Lake City became the first city in Florida to have electric lights from a local power and light company.

By the early 20th century, Lake City had become an important railroad junction, served by the Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic Coast Line, Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad. Hotel Blanche was built in 1902 as an attraction for expected tourists. The hotel was Lake City and Columbia County's major hotel and central business center from 1902 to 1955.

The population of Lake City in 1900 was 4,013; in 1905 was 6,509; and 1910 was 5,032.

Florida Agricultural College was established in 1884 as part of the Morrill Land Grant Act; in 1904 it became a full university with twenty-five instructors. In 1905 the Florida Agricultural College was moved to Gainesville, becoming part of the University of Florida. Columbia High School constructed a second building in 1906 that was used until 1922.

In 1907, Lake City officials leased the former property of the Florida Agricultural College to the Florida Baptist Convention; they founded a Baptist college called Columbia College. Columbia College lasted for ten years until the college became overwhelmed with debt. Columbia College deeded the land and buildings back to Lake City in 1919. During World War I, the campus of Columbia College was used as a training site for local troops for the war. The facility was adapted for use as U.S. Hospital No. 63, the predecessor of the Veterans Hospital constructed in Lake City. More than 34 Lake City soldiers were killed in World War I.

In 1940, the population of Lake City was 5,836. During World War II, a number of institutions were established to help with the war effort as well as those in Lake City. The Lake Shore Hospital was dedicated in 1940 to provide medical care for those in the Lake City area. The Lake City Woman's Club became the United Service Organizations (USO) headquarters to entertain service personnel stationed in Lake City. Naval Air Station Lake City was commissioned in 1942 on the site of the Lake City Flying Club air field. NAS Lake City was a support facility for Naval Air Station Jacksonville and trained pilots to fly the Lockheed Ventura. Military operations at NAS Lake City ended in March 1946, and it was decommissioned as an active naval air station.

After World War II a local air base was converted for use in 1947 as the Columbia Forestry School. The Columbia Forestry School had low enrollments and funds, forcing the school to seek help from the Florida legislature. The University of Florida assumed management of the school, and in 1950 it became the University of Florida Forest Ranger School. As part of the network of community colleges established in Florida, the school became the Lake City Junior College and Forest Ranger School in 1962. Lake City Junior College was renamed to Lake City Community College in 1970; in 2010, it was renamed as Florida Gateway College.

By 1950, the population of Lake City was 7,571. The forestry products industry (turpentine, lumber, and pulpwood) had become a mainstay of the local economy.

During the Korean War, five Lake City soldiers were killed. A monument was dedicated in 1985 in their honor and memory.

In 1958, the Columbia Amateur Radio Society was formed. This was a group of amateur radio operators who enjoyed the ability to communicate all over the world. This radio club still exists today. Lake City's centennial was celebrated in 1959 with parades, fireworks, and a 58-page book documenting one hundred years of progress, A Century in the Sun. The citizens of the town dressed in period attire, complete with whiskers. A good-natured clash arose between the men with additional facial hair and the women who did not like it.

In 1963, Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 were opened, intersecting at Lake City. In the 1960s, Columbia County schools were not desegregated. In 1970, a judge ordered all Columbia County public schools to integrate. During the Vietnam War, 23 local Lake City soldiers were either killed or M.I.A.

In 1978, the Columbia County Public Library was established. Downtown Lake City was revitalized in the 1990s with new businesses, shops, and restaurants. In 2000, Lake City had a population of 9,980.

On 10 June 2019, Lake City was hit by a cyber ransomware attack that rendered many of the city's communication systems inoperable. On 25 June 2019, the City's insurance company, the Florida League of Cities, paid 42 bitcoins—over US$480,000—for a mechanism to retrieve the City's files and data.

Geography
Lake City is located in northern Florida at 30°11′N 82°38′W (30.1896, –82.6397). It lies near the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 75. Jacksonville is 60 mi to the east, Tallahassee is 106 mi to the west, Gainesville is 46 mi to the south, and Valdosta, Georgia, is 62 mi to the northwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake City has a total area of 32.2 km2, of which 31.1 km2 is land, and 1.0 km2 or 3.20%, is water.

Climate
Lake City is part of the humid subtropical climate zone of the Southeastern United States. Due to its latitude and relative position north of Florida's peninsula it is subject at times to continental conditions, which cause rare cold snaps that may affect sensitive winter crops. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the city was 106 °F on June 4, 1918, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was 6 °F on February 13, 1899.

Demographics
Lake City first appeared in the 1850 U.S. Census as "Alligator", with a total recorded population of 131.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,329 people, 4,569 households, and 2,321 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,046 people, 4,650 households, and 2,558 families residing in the city.

Religion
Around 40% of the people of Lake City are affiliated with a religion. Evangelicalism is the largest religious affiliation with 27.9% followed by Protestant (4.7%), Black Protestantism (3.5%), Catholicism (2.4%) and other religions (1.6%). 59.8% are not affiliated with any religion.

Mountaintop Ministries Worldwide, formerly End Time Ministries and commonly called End Timers, was established near Lake City by Charles Meade in 1984. The basis of the ministry was that Lake City would be the only place to survive Armageddon and believers were to stay in an underground bunker on Meade's property.

Ancestry/ethnicity
As of 2016 the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Lake City, Florida are:

Economy

Lake City and Columbia County are known as "The Gateway to Florida" because Interstate 75 runs through them, carrying a large percentage of Florida's tourist and commercial traffic. Lake City is the northernmost sizable town/city in Florida on Interstate 75 and the location where I-10 and I-75 intersect. Interstate 10 is the southernmost east-west major interstate highway and traverses the country from Jacksonville, Florida, to Santa Monica, California. U.S. 41 and U.S. 90 (the U.S. highway versions of I-75 and I-10) have intersected in Lake City since 1927, long before the Interstate highways were built. The city relies on travelers for a considerable part of its economy.

Lake City is the location of the Osceola National Forest's administrative offices.

Since 2000, three companies have begun large operations in Lake City: Hunter Panels, New Millennium and United States Cold Storage. Target built their first company-owned and third-party-operated perishable food distribution center in Lake City in 2008.

In 2011, The top employers in the Lake City area are:

Olustee Battle Festival
Every February since 1976, Lake City has hosted the Olustee Battle Festival and reenactment of the Battle of Olustee spanning three days. The festival begins with a memorial service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Lake City to honor those who died from both sides on day one and ends with a reenactment at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park on day three. From day one to day three various activities from live entertainment to exhibits are on display in downtown Lake City and the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park.

Alligator Warrior Festival
The Alligator Warrior Festival is held each year on the weekend of the 3rd Saturday in October to recognize the early history of Columbia County prior to the Civil War. The first Alligator Festival was held in 1995 at Olustee Park in downtown Lake City. Starting in 2010 the annual festival has been held at O'Leno State Park 20 mi south of Lake City where the appropriate facilities exist for a full-scale battle reenactment, historic camping and large crowds.

Parks and recreation

 * Alligator Lake Park
 * Falling Creek Falls
 * Olustee Park
 * Wilson Park
 * Osceola National Park
 * Southside Sports Complex
 * Youngs Park

Government
Lake City is governed by a council/city manager form of government. The city council consists of five members, with four representing four city districts, while the Mayor serves at-large throughout all of Lake City. The administration of Lake City consists of The City Manager's Office, The Assistant City Manager, Human Resources, Procurement, Finance and Technology.

The Lake City Police Department was founded around 1861 during the Civil War. The first fire department was established in 1883 to complement the police department. Argatha Gilmore was the Chief of Police in 2009 after serving 25 years with the Tallahassee Police Department.

Education
The Columbia County School District operates nine elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools and an alternative school. Lake City also has one higher education institution, Florida Gateway College, that offers associate degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees.

Airport
The Lake City Gateway Airport is a local center of business. The airport is classified as a general aviation facility, but two on-site operations are somewhat unusual. HAECO (formerly TIMCO) is an aircraft modification and rehabilitation operation for large (B-727, 737 and Airbus A-320 A-319) civilian and military aircraft. The U.S. Forest Service uses C-130 transport aircraft in support of its forest fire-fighting operations in the southeastern United States.

Interstate

 * I-75.svg Interstate 75
 * I-10.svg Interstate 10

U.S. Highways

 * US 90.svg U.S. Route 90
 * US 41.svg U.S. Route 41
 * US 441.svg U.S. Route 441

Railroad
Lake City was a scheduled stop for Amtrak's Sunset Limited between Los Angeles and Orlando from 1993 to 2005, when damage to railroad lines and bridges by Hurricane Katrina caused the curtailment of all service east of New Orleans,

Freight service is provided by the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad, which acquired most of the former CSX main line from Pensacola to Jacksonville on June 1, 2019.

Notable people

 * Brian Allen, NFL linebacker
 * Blayne Barber, PGA golf player
 * Jerome Carter, NFL safety
 * Fred P. Cone, 27th Governor of Florida
 * Grace Elizabeth, model
 * Shayne Edge, former Florida Gators and Pittsburgh Steelers punter
 * Yatil Green, NFL wide receiver Miami Dolphins
 * Harold Hart, NFL player
 * Bertram Herlong, bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
 * Timmy Jernigan, NFL defensive tackle
 * Michael Kirkman, MLB pitcher, World Series, Texas Rangers
 * Kimberly Diane Leach, last victim of serial killer Ted Bundy
 * Trey Marshall, NFL safety
 * Martha Mier, pianist and composer
 * Dwight Stansel, state representative and farmer
 * John Franklin Stewart, MLB, 2nd base
 * Pat Summerall, NFL placekicker, television sportscaster
 * Jasin Todd, former Shinedown guitarist
 * Laremy Tunsil, NFL offensive lineman
 * Reinard Wilson, NFL linebacker
 * Chubby Wise, fiddler

title: Lake City, Florida


text:
Watertown, Florida

Watertown is a census-designated place (CDP) in Columbia County, Florida, United States. It had a population of 3,018 at the 2020 census, up from 2,829 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Lake City, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Watertown is located at 30°11'11" North, 82°36'30" West (30.186499, -82.608312).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.5 sqmi, of which 2.4 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,837 people, 1,164 households, and 744 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,186.3 PD/sqmi, containing 1,339 housing units at an average density of 559.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 66.94% White, 30.24% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. 1.34% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,164 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,402, and the median income for a family was $36,179. Males had a median income of $30,353 versus $21,339 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,044. 17.1% of the population and 12.9% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Watertown, Florida


text:
Arcadia, Florida

Arcadia is a city and county seat of DeSoto County, Florida, United States. Arcadia's Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its population was 7,420 as of the 2020 census, down from 7,637 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Arcadia, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
According to The Atlas of Florida, "The Rev. James Madison ("Boss") Hendry (1839–1922) named the town in honor of Arcadia Albritton (1861–1932), a daughter of Thomas H. and Fannie (Waldron) Albritton, pioneer settlers. Arcadia had baked him a cake for his birthday, and he appreciated it so much that he named the city after her."

In 1886, transportation improved in Arcadia when the Florida Southern Railway (later the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) was built through Arcadia on its way from Bartow to Punta Gorda. The railway caused Arcadia to grow significantly, which led to it becoming incorporated a year later. A second railroad line, the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway (later the Seaboard Air Line Railroad), was built through Arcadia from 1907 to 1910 on its way from Mulberry to Boca Grande. Both lines have since been consolidated into a single line by CSX with the Seaboard line surviving north of Arcadia and the Atlantic Coast Line surviving to the south. Arcadia was also served by the short-lived East and West Coast Railway, which connected Arcadia with Bradenton from 1915 to 1934.

During the late 19th century Arcadia was the county seat of what would become many counties. In 1921, legislation enacted called for Arcadia to remain the county seat of DeSoto County and resulted in the creation of the present-day counties of Charlotte, Hardee, Glades and Highlands. Prior to this breakup, Arcadia's population had grown considerably, with over 1,000 permanent residents and 3000 sqmi for ranching.

On Thanksgiving Day in 1905, the town was destroyed by a fire that originated from a midtown livery stable. The fire was exacerbated because the town did not have a working water system or fire department. The estimated monetary damage was $250,000, but no loss of life occurred. Much of the business district was not spared. The town recovered only years later.

Oak Street is the "main street" in Arcadia. The downtown is far more elaborate than neighboring counties' downtown areas, as Arcadia is older and was their county seat prior to the formation of their present counties. Arcadia is also home to many early 20th-century homes, houses of worship, and several historic public buildings.

From 1917 to 1922, Arcadia was the home of Carlstrom Field, a grass airfield of the U.S. Army Air Service named for deceased aviation pioneer Victor Carlstrom. Carlstrom Field was used for pilot training both during and after World War I. In May 1941, the site again became an airfield for military primary flight training, operated by the Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Institute (now Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University). Carlstrom Field, one of several satellite fields in the Fort Myers area, also trained pilots for the Royal Air Force until its closing in 1945.

Arcadia's historic buildings include the Johnson-Smith House, William Oswell Ralls House, and Micajah T. Singleton House. Also, around 3,400 acres, which includes the downtown area, are part of the Arcadia Historic District.

After three Arcadia children, the Ray brothers, were diagnosed with HIV in 1986, school officials refused to let them attend school. The Ray family won a $1.1 million judgement against the county school system, but were forced to leave Arcadia after their home was burned down in 1987.

Hurricane Charley and the 21st century
In 2004, Arcadia was heavily damaged by Hurricane Charley, during which the eye went over the city, with winds measured up to 109 mph at 5:27 pm. The winds were suspected to be stronger outside the city, but cannot be proven due to the lack of equipment outside the city. The city's only shelter, the Turner Agri Civic Center, was a shelter made to withstand winds over 100 mph, but it collapsed during the storm. Everyone evacuated into the hallways and the kitchen of the Turner Center prior to the collapse. The people in the Turner Agri Civic Center were evacuated to DeSoto High School, but soon, part of its roof collapsed. In the center of the town, the Old Opera House's roof was peeled off, causing severe water damage. The hurricane severely damaged downtown, especially businesses on Oak Street and Polk Street. Eventually, the Red Cross shelter was forced to evacuate due to the collapsing of the building. The city water tower crumpled along Florida State Road 70 and was never replaced after the hurricane. The city's only hospital was heavily damaged, with 35 windows shattering. Part of the roof peeled back, which exposed equipment and patients to the wind-driven rain. This caused an estimated $2.3 million in damages to the hospital. Hurricane Charley caused 3,600 homes to be destroyed or heavily damaged, and displaced 16,000 people. The exact amount of damage is not known, but it was ln the millions of dollars. Two people died in DeSoto County during the storm, and 150 people were injured. Many residents of the town left and never came back.

After Hurricane Charley, the people in DeSoto High School were taken to the middle school nearby, where at least 75 people spent the night in the middle school's gymnasium. The hurricane caused downtown to be heavily damaged. The storm caused 90% of homes in DeSoto County to be damaged and 60% to be uninhabitable or destroyed. The National Guard was deployed to the city and started the cleanup process and enforced a strict curfew in the city. The people of Arcadia came together and started helping each other after the storm, from feeding people to rebuilding. Although during the rebuilding process, the first wave of the Great Recession began, the people of Arcadia were able to rebuild their homes and bring new homes to the city. Downtown Arcadia was rebuilt, but some parts of the county are still damaged from Hurricane Charley. About 12 years were needed to rebuild, but parts of the city and county are still damaged from it.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma went over the city as a category 1 hurricane. It did not cause a huge amount of damage to the city. Some of the downtown area was damaged, with the Oak Park Inn taking considerable damage, and was not able to open for 4 months after the storm. Parts of DeSoto County were flooded, especially communities on the Peace River. The storm dropped 10-15 in of rain near Morgan Park on the Peace River. The river and its tributaries flooded roadways, homes, and parks. The damage extent is unknown.

In March 2020, Arcadia declared a local state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DeSoto county has had 10,174 cases of COVID-19.

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian Made Landfall near Cayo Costa. The Hurricane struck as a strong Category 4 Hurricane, near Category 5 strength. The storm would go over the city of Arcadia as a Category 3 Hurricane. The Hurricane would cause major flooding along the Peace River, flooding homes and roads near or on the river. SR-72 collapsed, and buildings and homes in Arcadia would be damaged.

Geography
Arcadia is located slightly northwest of the center of DeSoto County at 27.215°N, -81.859°W (27.2176, –81.8599). The Peace River flows past the west side of the city on its way southwest to tidewater at Punta Gorda. Nearby Southeast Arcadia occupies a larger section of land, hosting a nearly equal, yet more dispersed population. Most of Arcadia is more than 40 ft above sea level and portions of Arcadia near the center of the city are as high as 65 ft above sea level, giving Arcadia one of the highest elevations for a city in Florida.

U.S. Route 17 passes through the center of Arcadia, leading north 50 mi to Bartow and southwest 26 mi to its terminus at Punta Gorda. Florida State Road 70 crosses US 17 in the center of Arcadia and leads east 64 mi to Okeechobee and west-northwest 48 mi to South Bradenton. Via SR 72, which splits from SR 70 just west of Arcadia, it is 44 mi west to South Sarasota.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Arcadia has a total area of 10.6 sqkm, of which 0.02 sqkm, or 0.15%, is covered by water.

Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Arcadia has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa/Cwa), with hot, humid summers and warm, drier winters.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,420 people, 2,953 households, and 1,755 families residing in the city.

In 2020, about 5.1% of the population were under 5 years old, 26.2% were under 18, and 13.7% were 65 and over; 49.9% of the population were female.

In 2020, 256 veterans were living in the city and 14.7% of the population were foreign-born. About 69.5% of the households had a computer and 58.0% had a broadband internet subscription. Around 80.9% of the population 25 and older were high-school graduates and 15.2% of that same population had a bachelor's degree or higher. Around 7.4% of the population under 65 had a disability and 17.3% of that same population did not have health insurance.

In 2020, the median household income was $34,003 and the per capita income was $18,376; 30.2% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,637 people, 2,460 households, and 1,664 families residing in the city.

Government
The City of Arcadia was created by an act of the Florida Legislature in 1886. Currently, the city is governed by a mayor-council form of government, with five council members elected at large to four-year terms of office, who in turn appoint a city manager to run the daily operation of the city. The council annually chooses a mayor and deputy mayor, who serve in the capacity of chairman of meetings and at ceremonial functions. Also elected by the residents is a city marshal who acts as chief of police. In addition to police service, the city provides residents with a water/sewer system, trash pickup, planning and zoning services, and public works.

Transportation
Arcadia Municipal Airport is a public-use airport located 1 mi southeast of the central business district. The City of Arcadia operates the day-to-day operations of the airport. The airport has a deep history of aviation, with the old Carlstrom and Dorr training fields in DeSoto County. It is leading the state in low fuel prices and has a fly-in and camp facility called Aviation City. Arcadia Municipal Airport hosts an annual Aviation Day event in March. The event consists of a static display of aircraft, biplane rides, helicopter rides, and a skydiving demonstration, but bigger plans are in the works.

Recreation and events
Arcadia is located on the Peace River, the major tributary of the Charlotte Harbor estuary. The river offers fine canoeing, shark-tooth hunting, and natural habitats. Tours, recreational accessories, and accommodations are readily available.

Arcadia hosts DeSoto County's annual fair usually in the month of January. While traditional aspects of a fair or carnival are provided, the event also presents livestock shows consisting of swine and cattle, which are presented by the local FFA and 4-H.

Arcadia is also the home of three rodeos. These events, which are managed by the local rodeo association, occur during the month of March, the Fourth of July holiday, and in the fall. From the profits of these events many local charities, college scholarships and causes receive funding.

Arcadia is one of the largest groupings of antique dealers in the state, all located conveniently in the downtown area. The local dealers' association sponsors a "4th Saturday Antique Fair" each month from 8 am to 3 pm, bringing an additional 60 to 120 independent dealers in for the event.

Arcadia has numerous parades throughout the year—a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, a March rodeo parade, a Cinco de Mayo parade, an Independence Day parade, an October Homecoming parade, a Veterans Day parade, and a Christmas parade.

Media

 * WCXS (1480 Classic Country)
 * WSRQ-FM (106.9 SRQ)
 * WZSP-FM (105.3 La Zeta)
 * The Arcadian, local print newspaper

Notable people

 * Al Alberts - lead singer of The Four Aces
 * Christina Bohannan, Iowa House of Representatives and Candidate for Congress in Iowa's 1st Congressional District in 2022
 * Chris Clemons - professional National Football League player for the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals
 * James L. Dozier - retired US Army general
 * Brian Labrie - reality TV star and world record holder from the Science Channel’s Punkin’ Chunkin’ TV show
 * T. J. Luther - professional football player in the NFL
 * Bitsy Mott - born in Arcadia, Major League Baseball player
 * Ray brothers - HIV activists
 * Joey Redner - founder of Cigar City Brewing Company
 * James Joseph Richardson, man wrongly convicted of poisoning his seven young children in October 1967
 * John Paul Riddle - co-founder of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
 * Brad Scott - former coach at Clemson Tigers
 * Jeff Scott - head football coach of the South Florida Bulls
 * Chesterfield Smith - president of the American Bar Association in 1973–1974

title: Arcadia, Florida


text:
Southeast Arcadia, Florida

Southeast Arcadia is a census-designated place (CDP) in DeSoto County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,299 at the 2020 census, up from 6,554 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Arcadia, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Southeast Arcadia is located at 27.19889°N, -81.85194°W (27.198854, -81.851908).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.3 square miles (18.9 km$2$), all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,064 people, 1,897 households, and 1,295 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 830.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,230 housing units at an average density of 305.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 73.24% White, 4.16% African American, 2.49% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 18.09% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 45.73% of the population.

There were 1,897 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 15.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 17.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 139.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 150.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,409, and the median income for a family was $30,053. Males had a median income of $20,593 versus $16,904 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,891. About 20.3% of families and 33.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.7% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

In 2010 Southeast Arcadia had a population of 6,554. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 52.3% Mexican, 4.5% other Hispanic, 37.2% non-Hispanic white, 4.9% black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian Indian, 0.2% other Asian, 0.2% non-Hispanic reporting some other race and 3.4% from two or more races.

title: Southeast Arcadia, Florida


text:
Cross City, Florida

Cross City is a town and the county seat of Dixie County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,689 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Cross City is located in North Central Florida at 29.63528°N, -83.12472°W (29.6806, –83.0897).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Cross City has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,689 people, 1,064 households, and 701 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,728 people, 448 households, and 287 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,775 people, 686 households, and 478 families residing in the town. The population density was 935.6 PD/sqmi. There were 799 housing units at an average density of 421.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 70.48% White, 27.27% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population.

In 2000, there were 686 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 21.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $20,081, and the median income for a family was $28,884. Males had a median income of $26,419 versus $18,684 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,125. About 20.3% of families and 27.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 29.1% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Cross City Airport is a public-use airport, located 1 mi east of the central business district.

Education
Residents are served by Dixie District Schools. The public schools serving Cross City are:
 * Dixie County High School
 * Ruth Rains Middle School
 * James Anderson Elementary School

Library
Dixie County Public Library is in Cross City. It is a part of the Three Rivers Regional Library System.

Notable people

 * Nick Collins, defensive back NFL football player for the Green Bay Packers
 * Duke Dawson, defensive back NFL football player for the Denver Broncos
 * Eugene McDowell, professional NBA basketball player

title: Cross City, Florida


text:
Horseshoe Beach, Florida

Horseshoe Beach is a town in southern Dixie County, Florida, United States. The town is part of Big Bend and the Nature Coast in North Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. The population was 165 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Horseshoe Beach is located in southern Dixie County at 29.44056°N, -83.28889°W (29.440547, –83.288776), on the Gulf of Mexico. County Road 351 is the only highway into the town; it leads 19 mi northeast to Cross City, the Dixie County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Horseshoe Beach has a total area of 1.25 km2, of which 1.17 km2 is land and 0.08 km2, or 6.63%, is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Horseshoe Beach has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 165 people, 49 households, and 30 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 169 people, 57 households, and 44 families residing in the town.

2010 Ancestry
, the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Horseshoe Beach, Florida are:

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 206 people, 84 households, and 59 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,014.1 PD/sqmi. There were 301 housing units at an average density of 1,481.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.63% White and 4.37% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population.

In 2000, there were 84 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.88.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 14.6% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 27.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males. In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $46,875. Males had a median income of $29,286 versus $25,313 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,535. About 17.2% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 18.2% of those 65 or over.

title: Horseshoe Beach, Florida


text:
Atlantic Beach, Florida

Atlantic Beach is a city in Duval County, Florida, United States and the second largest of the Jacksonville Beaches communities. When the majority of communities in Duval County consolidated with Jacksonville in 1968, Atlantic Beach, along with Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Baldwin, remained quasi-independent. Like the other towns, it maintains its own municipal government, but its residents vote in the Jacksonville mayoral election and have representation on the Jacksonville city council. The population was 13,513 at the 2020 census, up from 12,655 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
In 1900 Henry Flagler built the Mayport branch of the railroad and erected a station north of where the Adele Grage Cultural Center is currently located. Soon afterward Henry Flagler along with Isaac George built a large hotel called the Continental Hotel on the railroad line between Pablo Beach (Jacksonville Beach) and Mayport. The hotel was a summer resort with 250 guest rooms. There was also a dance pavilion, tennis courts, and a fishing pier. In 1913 the railroad sold most of the land to the Atlantic Beach Corporation which then began paving streets, installing lights, and water and sewer lines. In that same year the Continental Hotel changed its name to the Atlantic Beach Hotel. However, during World War I people were afraid to come to the coast and the Atlantic Beach Corporation went bankrupt. To make matters worse the Atlantic Beach Hotel burned down on September 20, 1919. After the war land began to sell again and the settlement grew. The Town of Atlantic Beach was incorporated in 1926 and the first charter was drafted by Isaac George and adopted in 1929. The first town hall burned down in 1932, so a new one was built later that year. The newly established Mayport Naval Station and the construction of the Mathews Bridge led to the further development of the town. The boundaries of Atlantic Beach were extended in 1987 with the annexation of Seminole Beach, and again in 1996 by extending the westerly boundary to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.6 km2, of which 9.0 km2 is land and 24.6 km2 (73.07%) is water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 13,513 people, 6,110 households, and 3,658 families residing in the city.

As of the 2020 census, the median income for a household in the city was $92,056, and the median income for a family was $116,701. The per capita income for the city was $64,350. About 4.2% of the population was below the poverty line, including 1.5% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 12,655 people, 5,391 households, and 3,171 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there are 13,368 people, 5,623 households, and 3,643 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,383.8/km2 (3,584.3/mi2). There are 6,003 housing units at an average density of 621.4/km2 (1,609.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 82.23% White, 12.69% African American, 0.26% Native American, 2.09% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. 4.18% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of 2000, there were 5,623 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city is $48,353, and the median income for a family is $53,854. Males have a median income of $37,438 versus $27,321 for females. The per capita income for the city is $28,618. 8.8% of the population and 5.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 14.3% are under the age of 18 and 5.8% are 65 or older.

Notable people

 * Linden Ashby (born 1960), American actor and martial artist, known for his role in MTV's Teen Wolf series (born in Atlantic Beach)
 * Kyle Brady (born 1972), former professional American football player (Originally from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, he is currently based and lives in Atlantic Beach)
 * Carey Cavanaugh (born 1955), former U.S. Ambassador/peace mediator and currently professor of diplomacy at the University of Kentucky and chairman of International Alert (grew up in Atlantic Beach)
 * Paula Coughlin (born 1962), former lieutenant and naval aviator in the United States Navy and whistleblower, known for her role in Tailhook scandal (currently resides in Atlantic Beach)
 * Julie Nixon Eisenhower (born 1948), American author, younger daughter of Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States, and Pat Nixon, First Lady of the United States and wife of David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States (resided in Atlantic Beach during five years between 1971 and 1975)
 * Pat Frank (1908–1964), American writer, newspaperman, and government consultant (Originally from Chicago, Illinois, died in Atlantic Beach)
 * Charles T. Meide (born 1971), American underwater and maritime archaeologist (born in Jacksonville, Florida, raised in Atlantic Beach)
 * Caitlin Parrish, American playwright, television writer, and filmmaker, co-creator of CBS The Red Line (born and raised in Atlantic Beach, currently resides between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California)
 * Claire Rasmus (born 1996), American freestyle swimmer and four-time Pan American Games champion (Originally from Metairie, Louisiana, currently resides in Atlantic Beach)
 * Willard J. Smith (1910–2000), 13th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1966 to 1970 (Originally from Suttons Bay, Michigan, died in Atlantic Beach)
 * Whitney Thompson (born 1987), American plus-size model and is the winner of the tenth cycle of America's Next Top Model (born in Atlantic Beach)
 * Norvell G. Ward (1912–2005), American naval officer and a recipient of the Navy Cross (Originally from Indian Head, Maryland, died in Atlantic Beach)

title: Atlantic Beach, Florida


text:
Baldwin, Florida

Baldwin is a town in Duval County, Florida, United States. When the majority of communities in Duval County were consolidated with the city of Jacksonville in 1968, Baldwin, along with Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, remained partly independent. Like the other towns, it maintains its own municipal government, but its residents vote in the Jacksonville mayoral election and vote for the Jacksonville City Council; unlike the others, Baldwin no longer supports its own police force. The population was 1,396 at the 2020 census, down from 1,425 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Town of Baldwin was first settled under the name of Thigpen in 1846. Mr. Thigpen had opened a tavern to benefit the stagecoach line at the crossroads of what is today Baldwin. He supplied horses for the stage and shelter and food for the passengers. The first railroad was built through Thigpen in 1857, with a second crossing it in 1859. The name was changed to Baldwin in honor of Abel Seymour Baldwin, the president of the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Railroad, a railroad that ran from Lake City to Jacksonville. Further development in Baldwin led to the establishment of a telegraphic line running from Jacksonville to Baldwin. Baldwin lies between Macclenny and Jacksonville

During the Civil War, Baldwin was captured by Federal forces early in 1864. Northern troops and correspondents noted that the citizens of Baldwin were "wretchedly poor."

On August 10, 1864, a skirmish occurred between a Confederate cavalry and the 102nd Regiment United States Colored Troops. A section of railroad track was destroyed by the Union Army troops. Two days later the Federals dispatched cavalry troops from Baldwin to drive Confederate forces back. One Federal soldier was killed and four were captured in the process. Baldwin was then burned down by the Federals. From 1865 to 1875 Baldwin was rebuilt reaching a population of 250.

In 1947, the original school building serving the white population burned to the ground. There was no fire department to control it, and it was completely destroyed. The students from the school were temporarily housed in a variety of public buildings, including churches and the city hall. Later, barracks buildings from nearby army training base Camp Blanding were moved to the site of the burned school, where classes continued for about two years while a new school was being built. A school for the black population was located in a building located near the old ice plant that served the railroad. The school was occupied for a number of years after the new white school was built.

Florida State law, in 1948, required new school buildings be placed on parcels not less than 10 acre in size. As the property under the existing school was not large enough, a site on Mill Street was chosen. A $50,000 school was erected during the winter and summers of 1948 and 1949. In 1950, an auditorium was completed. At that time the school enrollment was 365. In 1964, a Music Suite was added.

In 1965, Baldwin became the first Duval County school to be integrated.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Baldwin is located at 30.30389°N, -81.975°W (30.303788, –81.975029).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.3 km2, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Baldwin has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,396 people, 588 households, and 391 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,425 people, 623 households, and 380 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,634 people, 628 households, and 432 families residing in the town. The population density was 767.3 PD/sqmi. There were 702 housing units at an average density of 329.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 67.07% White, 30.91% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.06% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

In 2000, there were 628 households, out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 22.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.16.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $28,603, and the median income for a family was $31,023. Males had a median income of $28,350 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,560. About 17.6% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.8% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics
The municipality operates a 10000 sqft supermarket that opened on September 20, 2019, in response to the closure of the last remaining private grocery store, an IGA, in 2018; the county market is located in the former IGA building, which post-2018 prospective small business supermarket owners found too large and corporate chains found too small. The nearest privately run supermarkets are in Macclenny and Jacksonville, and the Dollar General lacks fresh food.

In the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, 68% of the residents selected Donald Trump.

Transportation
Baldwin is the terminus of three CSX subdivisions: the western terminus of the Jacksonville Terminal Subdivision, the northern terminus of the Wildwood Subdivision and the southern terminus of the Callahan Subdivision.

The Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad acquired the former CSX main line from Pensacola to Baldwin on June 1, 2019. CSX retained trackage rights on that route.

No passenger trains stop in Baldwin, but Amtrak's Palmetto train served the Wildwood Subdivision until November 2004, and the Sunset Limited served the Tallahassee and Jacksonville Terminal Subdivisions until Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2005. Additionally, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail was a former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad line that was abandoned by CSX in 1992.

Culture
eleven churches are in the area.

Education
Duval County Public Schools operates area public schools, including Mamie Agnes Jones Elementary School and Baldwin Middle-Senior High School.

title: Baldwin, Florida


text:
Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Jacksonville Beach is a coastal resort city in Duval County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated on May 22, 1907, as Pablo Beach, and changed to Jacksonville Beach in 1925. The city is part of group of communities collectively referred to as the Jacksonville Beaches. These communities include Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach. When the city of Jacksonville consolidated with Duval County in 1968, Jacksonville Beach, together with Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Baldwin, voted to retain their own municipal governments. As a result, citizens of Jacksonville Beach are also eligible to vote in mayoral election for the City of Jacksonville. As of the 2020 US census, Jacksonville Beach had a total population of 23,830, up from 21,362 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The area around present-day Jacksonville Beach was first settled by Spanish settlers. Spanish missions were established from Mayport to St. Augustine. Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain by treaty in 1763, only to have Spain regain it again, and then a final time in 1821 to the United States. American river pilots and fishermen came to Hazard, present-day Mayport, and established a port.

Pablo Beach
In the late 19th century, developers began to see the potential in Duval County's oceanfront as a resort. In 1883 a group of investors formed the Jacksonville and Atlantic Railroad with the intention of developing a resort community that would be connected to Jacksonville by rail. The first settlers were William Edward Scull, a civil engineer and surveyor, and his wife Eleanor Kennedy Scull. They lived in a tent two blocks east of Pablo Historical Park. A second tent was the general store and post office. On August 22, 1884, Mrs. Scull was appointed postmaster. Mail was dispatched by horse and buggy up the beach to Mayport, and from there to Jacksonville by steamer. The Sculls built the first house in 1884 on their tent site. The settlement was named Ruby for their first daughter. On May 13, 1886, the town was renamed Pablo Beach after the San Pablo River. In 1885, the San Pablo Diego Beach Land Co. sold town lots ranging from $50 to $100 each along with 5 to 10 acre lots from $10 to $20 per acre within 3 mi of the new seaside resort "Pablo Beach". In September 1892, work on the wagon road to Pablo Beach (Atlantic Boulevard) was begun. The first resort hotel called the Murray Hall Hotel was established in mid 1886 but on August 7, 1890 it was destroyed in a fire. By 1900 the railway company began to have financial difficulties and Henry Flagler took over as part of his Florida East Coast Railway. In late 1900 the railway was changed to standard gauge and was extended to Mayport.

The Spanish–American War broke out in 1898. The 3rd Nebraska arrived July 22, 1898, for training and embarkation. They encamped at Pablo Beach. They were led by three-time presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan. After flooding in the camp at Pablo Beach the 3rd Nebraska moved to downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Beach
The amusement park phase of Jacksonville Beach began in 1905 with The Pavilion which was later expanded and called Little Coney Island. It was a popular tourist attraction that had such entertainment as a dance floor, swim room, bowling alley, and roller skate rinks. An issue with contracting, and constant weathering of its wooden structure aged Little Coney Island, causing it to be torn down in 1925. On June 15, 1925, the name Pablo Beach was changed to Jacksonville Beach. The Shad's Pier was created in 1922 by Charles Shad and with help by Martin Williams. Around the same time W. H. Adams, Sr. created the Ocean View Pavilion amusement park on the former site of the Murray Hall Hotel. Adams wanted to create a larger roller coaster than the one at Little Coney Island. His vision resulted in a 93-feet high coaster. The location of the coaster by the beach made it vulnerable to damage and was eventually deemed unsafe. The coaster was then deconstructed to a smaller coaster. The deconstruction of the larger coaster hurt business at the amusement park. By 1949 the Ocean View Pavilion was in decline and then a fire destroyed it a few years later. The only amusement park in Jacksonville Beach today is Adventure Landing. The boardwalk declined in the 1950s due to the crackdown on gambling and games of chance. Driving on the beach was prohibited in 1979.

Pablo Beach made aviation history on February 24, 1921, Lt. Wm. DeVoe Coney, in a transcontinental flight from San Diego, California, landed at Pablo Beach, having made the flight in 22 hours and 17 minutes, beating the old record, set two years earlier, by 3 hours and 32 minutes. Coney's record was soon eclipsed on September 5, 1922, by Jimmy Doolittle piloting a De Havilland DH-4 biplane from Pablo Beach to San Diego in an elapsed time of 21 hours and 19 minutes.

In 1968 most residents of Duval County voted to approve consolidation between the county and the City of Jacksonville. Jacksonville Beach, together with Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and the Westside community of Baldwin voted to retain their own municipal governments. As such they are not part of the City of Jacksonville, but receive county-level services from Jacksonville, and vote for Jacksonville's mayor and City Council. Judy Van Zant, widow of lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd Ronnie Van Zant, and her daughter Melody opened the Freebird Cafe in 1999. Freebird Live, as it later became, was a popular music venue that became a staple for Jacksonville Beach for 16 years until its closure in 2016. In September 1999 Hurricane Floyd destroyed the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Five years later the pier was rebuilt. In October 2016 Hurricane Matthew forced a mandatory evacuation for Jacksonville Beach. Hurricane Matthew came 40 miles off the coast of Jacksonville Beach causing major flooding. The Jacksonville Beach Pier was partially destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 56.9 km2. 19.0 km2 of it is land and 37.9 km2 of it (66.61%) is water. Jacksonville Beach is the largest town in the Jacksonville Beaches community. It is the eastern terminus of U.S. Route 90, which ends at an intersection with State Road A1A three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is located at 30.28417°N, -81.39611°W (30.284091, –81.396074).

Architecture
In general, the architecture of Jacksonville varies in style and is not defined by any one characteristic, and Jacksonville Beach is no exception. Designed by Marsh and Saxelbye, and completed in 1925, Casa Marina Hotel is a Mission style hotel popular in the 1920s when Jacksonville's beaches were being developed. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 2, 1993. Constructed in 1947, the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps Station is an Art Moderne style lifeguard station designed by local architect Jefferson Davis Powell. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2014. Jacksonville Beach is also home to a notable collection of Mid-Century modern architecture. Perhaps the most notable of these works are those designed by architect William Morgan.

Climate
Jacksonville Beach has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa).

Parks and recreation
Hanna Park is a 1.5 mi public beach and city park located near Mayport in the Jacksonville Beaches area. It consists of 447 acre of mature coastal hammock, and was formerly known as Manhattan Beach, Florida's first beach community for African Americans during the period of segregation in the United States.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 23,830 people, 11,054 households, and 5,894 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 21,362 people, 9,800 households, and 5,189 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,990 people, 9,715 households, and 5,207 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,732.3 PD/sqmi. There were 10,775 housing units at an average density of 1,402.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.94% White, 4.82% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.63% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population.

In 2000, there were 9,715 households, out of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.4% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.78.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $46,922, and the median income for a family was $58,388 (these figures had risen to $62,897 and $80,054 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $36,385 versus $30,055 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,467. About 4.2% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Since the 1968 consolidation between Duval County and the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach has been a separate municipality within the consolidated city of Jacksonville. As such, it has its own city manager, city council, and mayor, but it is subject to county-level governance by Jacksonville. The current mayor is Christine Hoffman who was elected to a four-year term in November 2020.

Transportation
Beach Boulevard (US 90) connects Jacksonville Beach to the Southside neighborhood of Jacksonville. It continues westward to downtown Jacksonville, via the Commodore Point Expressway and Hart Bridge. Butler Bouleveard (SR 202) begins in southeast Jacksonville at Philips Highway (US 1) and ends in southern Jacksonville Beach at 3rd Street South (SR A1A). SR A1A is a popular seaside scenic route extending from Fernandina Beach to Key West. In Jacksonville Beach it serves as the main commercial corridor, extending the length of the beachside community.

Education
The Duval County Public Schools district operates public schools, including San Pablo Elementary School, Jacksonville Beach Elementary, Seabreeze Elementary, and Fletcher Middle School in Jacksonville Beach.

Notable people

 * Jonas Blixt (born 1984), professional golfer
 * Ben Cooper (born 1982), musician
 * Matt Every (born 1983), professional golfer
 * Billy Horschel (born 1986), professional golfer
 * David Lingmerth (born 1987), professional golfer
 * Donna Orender (born 1957), sports executive, former college and professional basketball player
 * Jimmy Plumer, professional skateboarder
 * Francis E. Spinner (1802–1890), Treasurer of the United States during the Civil War
 * Tim Tebow (born 1987), professional baseball player, former professional football player

title: Jacksonville Beach, Florida


text:
Neptune Beach, Florida

Neptune Beach is a beachfront city east of Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida, United States. When the majority of Duval County communities consolidated with Jacksonville in 1968, Neptune Beach, along with Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Baldwin remained quasi-independent. Like those other municipalities, it maintains its own municipal government but its residents vote in the Jacksonville mayoral election and are represented on the Jacksonville city council. As of the 2020 census, the population is 7,217, up from 7,037 at the 2010 census. Neptune Beach is the smallest of the Jacksonville Beaches communities. it is part of the Jacksonville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Neptune Beach was originally part of Jacksonville Beach. Through its development, the part of Jacksonville Beach north of 20th Avenue North was sparsely populated, with a brick road (First Street) connecting the more populated southern area with Atlantic Beach. The name "Neptune Beach" originated in 1922 with Dan G. Wheeler, one of the few residents. Wheeler had a home at what is now One Ocean Hotel (now in Atlantic Beach), and had to walk all the way home from Mayport each evening after taking the Florida East Coast Railway train home from work in Jacksonville. A friend who worked for the railroad informed Wheeler that if he had a station, the train would have to stop for him, so Wheeler built his own train station near his home and named it Neptune.

Neptune seceded from Jacksonville Beach and incorporated as its own municipality in 1931, following a tax revolt. The comparatively few residents of the area were largely cut off from Jacksonville Beach city services such as police, fire, garbage collection, and road developments, though they paid taxes in equal share. The first mayor was O. O. McCollum, and the government met in Wheeler's old train station until a new town hall was completed in 1935.

Geography
Neptune Beach is located at 30.31664°N, -81.40308°W (30.316641, –81.403081).

Neptune Beach is one of several towns on San Pablo Island, which stretches through two counties (Duval and St. Johns) and extends from Naval Station Mayport at its northern tip to Vilano Beach in the south, across from St. Augustine.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Neptune Beach has a total area of 17.7 sqkm, of which 6.0 sqkm is land and 11.7 sqkm (65.96%) is water.

2010 and 2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,217 people, 3,143 households, and 1,943 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,037 people, 3,398 households, and 1,528 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,270 people, 3,282 households, and 1,857 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,968.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,472 housing units at an average density of 1,417.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.08% White, 0.73% African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.03% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.09% of the population.

In 2000, there were 3,282 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 19.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $53,576, and the median income for a family was $65,684. Males had a median income of $43,431 versus $30,264 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,525. About 1.9% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Duval County Public Schools operates public schools. Schools in Neptune Beach include:
 * Neptune Beach Elementary School
 * Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School
 * Duncan U. Fletcher High School

Jacksonville Public Library operates the Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach.

title: Neptune Beach, Florida


text:
Bellview, Florida

Bellview is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida. It is considered to be a community within Pensacola. The population was 25,541 at the 2020 census, up from 23,355 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Bellview is 30.46111°N, -87.30083°W (30.461213, -87.300822), 7 mi northwest of downtown Pensacola. U.S. Route 90, the Mobile Highway, is the main route through the CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 30.5 km2, of which 30.2 km2 is land and 0.4 km2, or 1.16%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,201 people, 8,108 households, and 5,951 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,793.3 PD/sqmi. There were 8,673 housing units at an average density of 733.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 80.66% White, 11.69% African American, 1.08% Native American, 3.28% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.40% of the population.

There were 8,108 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,725, and the median income for a family was $44,693. Males had a median income of $31,160 versus $21,613 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,173. About 7.6% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bellview, Florida


text:
Brent, Florida

Brent is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida. The population was 23,447 at the 2020 census, up from 21,804 at the 2010 census. It is a principal area of the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The community is named after Francis Celestino Brent, who played an integral role in the development of Pensacola.

Geography
Brent is located at 30.47056°N, -87.24917°W (30.470496, -87.249127), or 3 mi northwest of Pensacola. The elevation is 112 ft above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 27.3 km2, of which 26.9 km2 is land and 0.4 km2, or 1.58%, is water.

The boundaries of the CDP include Fairfield Drive to the south, the city of Pensacola to the east, Interstate 10 (Ensley) to the north, and Bellview to the west.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 22,257 people, 7,008 households, and 4,800 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,132.4 PD/sqmi. There were 7,796 housing units at an average density of 746.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 32.25% White, 59.87% African American, 0.74% Native American, 2.28% Asian, 0.27% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 2.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.95% of the population.

There were 7,008 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 22.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 24.1% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 males, there were 84.1 females. For every 100 males age 18 and over, there were 78.9 females.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,488, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $26,390 versus $18,637 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,774. About 20.5% of families and 24.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.9% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Brent is part of the Escambia County School District, which also serves the entire county.

title: Brent, Florida


text:
Century, Florida

Century is a town in Escambia County, Florida, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 1,713, up from 1,698 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Century was founded in 1901 as a sawmill company town, and named because 1901 was the first year of the 20th century. A post office has been in operation at Century since 1901. It was officially incorporated as the Town of Century in 1945.

Geography
The approximate coordinates for the Town of Century is located on the Florida Panhandle at 30.97778°N, -87.26139°W (30.977648, –87.261500).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.7 km2, of which 8.4 km2 is land and 0.3 km2, or 3.69%, is water.

Century is located in the western highlands of Florida. This physiographic province of the northern Gulf Coast region is made up of sand, silt, and clay hills. These highlands are deeply incised by creeks and rivers. Century is located on the western edge of the Escambia River floodplain. A small portion of the town (the eastern side) is within the floodplain itself. Most of the community, however, is located above the floodplain on level to gently sloping hillsides.

Century's roadway network is highly irregular. It does not conform to the state of Florida's section, township and range survey system, for two reasons. The first is because Spanish land grants were issued along the Escambia River in the 16th and 17th centuries. These boundaries established a unique survey system that contorted east-to-west survey boundaries once Florida became a state and a state survey system was adopted, at which time previously existing survey systems were "grandfathered" in. The second reason for an irregular roadway and property boundary system is due to the community originally being built around the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (now the CSX railway). Automobile highways were eventually constructed, and closely paralleled the railway. U.S. Route 29 (US 29), a more modern highway, was constructed and moved many of the commercial operations west of the small original core of the community (now mostly located within the Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company Residential Historic District).

US 29 is used by residents of Escambia County to reach points north. Alabama State Route 113 leads north from the state line to Interstate 65 and provides the area with a route to Montgomery, Birmingham and Atlanta. From a southbound perspective, Century is en route between these major cities and the coastal beaches at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key in Florida.

Century is the western terminus of State Road 4, which leads east to the communities of Jay, Munson, Baker, and Milligan.

Fresh water supplies are abundant, with water being withdrawn as groundwater from the local sand and gravel aquifer.

In 1970, oil was discovered in the nearby community of Jay. Oil was also discovered near the town of Century, especially to its northeast. Oil became important to the local economy during the last quarter of the 20th century.

Gravel and sand is mined in open pits in and near Century. These natural mineral deposits are essential to supporting the construction industries in nearby Pensacola and Mobile, especially for use as aggregate materials in concrete.

Timber and pulpwood are other valuable natural commodities of the area. Nearby papermills at Cantontment, and Brewton, Alabama, provide a market for cut pulpwood. Timber processing is conducted by another industry about 10 miles south of Century.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Century has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,713 people, 739 households, and 413 families residing in the town.

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,698 people, 699 households, and 449 families residing in the town.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,714 people, 680 households, and 448 families residing in the town. The population density was 522.5 PD/sqmi. There were 800 housing units at an average density of 243.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 39.67% White, 56.65% African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.63% of the population.

In 2000, there were 680 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.5% were married couples living together, 25.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.21.

In 2000, in the town, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the town was $20,703, and the median income for a family was $28,241. Males had a median income of $26,932 versus $17,390 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,412. About 24.5% of families and 30.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.4% of those under age 18 and 26.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
A Florida prison known as Century Correctional Institution is the only major employer in the region. This facility employs a full-time staff of 401, which is almost 25% of the entire population of Century.

Education
Residents of Century and the surrounding area in Escambia County are served by the Escambia County School District.

Century is within the zones of the following schools:
 * Bratt Elementary School (Century, Florida)
 * Ernest Ward Middle School (Walnut Hill, Florida)
 * Northview High School (Century, Florida)

title: Century, Florida


text:
Ensley, Florida

Ensley is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida. It is a community in Pensacola, and is located northwest of Pensacola City Limits. The population was 23,817 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 20,602 at the 2010 Census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. Ensley is a transportation corridor for the Pensacola Area, with US-90 ALT, US-29, and Interstate 10 running through Ensley.

Geography
Ensley is located at 30.52333°N, -87.27361°W (30.523395, -87.273492).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 31.7 km2, of which 31.5 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.56%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,752 people, 7,533 households, and 5,039 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,519.9 PD/sqmi. There were 8,153 housing units at an average density of 660.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 66.90% White, 28.44% African American, 0.92% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.64% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 7,533 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,632, and the median income for a family was $37,607. Males had a median income of $30,056 versus $20,667 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,245. About 12.0% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Hurricanes
Ensley's location on the Florida Panhandle makes it vulnerable to hurricanes. Major hurricanes which have made landfall at or near Pensacola include Eloise (1975), Frederic (1979), Elena, Juan (1985), Erin (1995), Opal (1995), Georges (1998), Ivan (2004), Dennis (2005), and (Sally) (2020).

title: Ensley, Florida


text:
Ferry Pass, Florida

Ferry Pass is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida. It is a principal community in the Pensacola—Ferry Pass—Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is located north of Pensacola city limits. The population was 29,921 at the 2020 United States Census, up from 28,921 at the 2010 United States Census. The University of West Florida, located in Ferry Pass, is the only university located in the Pensacola metropolitan area.

Geography
Ferry Pass is located at 30.5125°N, -87.20139°W (30.512395, -87.201491).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 54.3 km2, of which 36.1 km2 is land and 18.2 km2, or 33.57%, is water, consisting of a portion of Escambia Bay. The boundaries of the CDP include Greenbriar Boulevard to the north, Ensley to the west, the city of Pensacola to the south, and Escambia Bay to the east.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,176 people, 11,569 households, and 6,686 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,929.6 PD/sqmi. There were 12,700 housing units at an average density of 901.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 83.79% White, 10.60% African American, 0.61% Native American, 1.90% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 2.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.

There were 11,569 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.3% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,674, and the median income for a family was $47,298. Males had a median income of $34,027 versus $23,892 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,165. About 7.7% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Ferry Pass is part of the Escambia County School District, which also serves the entire county. The University of West Florida is located in the northern part of the community.

title: Ferry Pass, Florida


text:
Gonzalez, Florida

Gonzalez is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida. Gonzalez is located north of Pensacola, and is considered to be within Cantonment. Tate High School, the largest public school in Escambia County, is located in the Gonzalez area. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 14,586, up from 13,273 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola—Ferry Pass—Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village of Gonzalez has also been called Gonzalia, named after the Gonzalez family who owned a farm in the area. Manuel Gonzalez, the patriarch of the family, was originally from Spain. He had arrived in the New World sometime around 1790. He served as an Indian Agent under Francisco Bouligny in New Orleans, before eventually arriving in Pensacola.

During the American Civil War, Gonzalez was home to a Confederate storage facility run by Manuel Gonzalez’s son, Samuel Z. Gonzalez. The Gonzalez farm was also the location of a military skirmish between Union forces headquartered out of Fort Barrancas and Confederate troops.

Geography
Gonzalez is located at 30.57444°N, -87.29°W (30.574386, -87.290031).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 39.7 km2, of which 39.1 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 1.37%, is water.

Demographics
According to the 2020 United States census, the population of Gonzalez was 14,586 with 5,436 households. There were 2.64 persons per household. The population was 963.3 per square mile.

5.4% of the population were under 5 years old, 23.2% were under 18 years old, and 16.7% were 65 years or over. 55.0% were female.

79.3% were white, 10.7% were black or African American, 3.7% were Asian, 0.1% were Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 4.2% were two or more races, and 7.2% were Hispanic or Latino. There were 1,242 veterans living in the CDP and 4.8% were foreign born persons.

94.5% of the households had a computer and 93.8% had a broadband internet subscription. 94.2% had a highschool or comparable degree. 31.9% had a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Median household income was $76,314 with a per capita income of $35,061. 4.0% of the population lived below the poverty threshold.

title: Gonzalez, Florida


text:
Goulding, Florida

Goulding is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,392 at the 2020 census, down from 4,102 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Goulding is located at 30.43722°N, -87.23056°W (30.437142, -87.230581).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.1 km2, all land.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,484 people, 1,298 households, and 624 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,643.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,437 housing units at an average density of 1,167.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 25.00% White, 72.46% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 1,298 households, out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 19.0% were married couples living together, 23.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.9% were non-families. 47.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 14.3% under the age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 34.4% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 137.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 141.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $14,750, and the median income for a family was $22,969. Males had a median income of $18,606 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $8,876. About 25.0% of families and 30.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.1% of those under age 18 and 30.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Goulding, Florida


text:
Molino, Florida

Molino is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,296 at the 2020 census, up from 1,277 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Molino is located at 30.71944°N, -87.32556°W (30.719568, -87.325664).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 18.3 km2, of which 18.0 km2 is land and 0.2 km2, or 1.29%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,312 people, 468 households, and 356 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 188.3 PD/sqmi. There were 504 housing units at an average density of 72.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 71.42% White, 24.70% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.38% from other races, and 2.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.84% of the population.

There were 468 households, out of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.9% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,793, and the median income for a family was $38,889. Males had a median income of $40,550 versus $21,438 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,334. About 10.7% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Joe Durant, professional golfer.
 * Charles Rouse, state legislator and county commissioner
 * Don Sutton, grew up in Molino. Former Major League Baseball pitcher.

title: Molino, Florida


text:
Myrtle Grove, Florida

Myrtle Grove is a census-designated place (CDP) in Escambia County, Florida, United States. The population was 17,224 at the 2020 census, up from 15,870 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Myrtle Grove is located at 30.42°N, -87.3025°W (30.419997, -87.302492).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.4 km2, of which 17.2 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 1.17%, is water.

The boundaries of the CDP include an area near Blue Angel Parkway to the west, Bellview to the north, Warrington to the south, and West Pensacola to the east.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,211 people, 6,196 households, and 4,126 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,606.1 PD/sqmi. There were 6,811 housing units at an average density of 1,031.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 75.24% White, 13.49% African American, 0.89% Native American, 5.01% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 1.60% from other races, and 3.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.30% of the population.

There were 6,196 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 15.9% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $33,601, and the median income for a family was $39,646. Males had a median income of $26,737 versus $21,689 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,268. About 11.7% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.3% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Myrtle Grove is part of the Escambia County School District, which serves the entire county. Myrtle Grove is the home of Escambia High School.

title: Myrtle Grove, Florida


text:
Talk:Sugarmill Woods, Florida

''...the average family size is 2.30. ''

how is it possible to have an average family size below 3.0?

 * The smallest family size for the census is 2.0 because their definition requires two people living together. The majority of homeowners in Sugarmill Woods are retirees. --Mrwojo 15:23, 10 Feb 2005 (UTC)

title: Talk:Sugarmill Woods, Florida