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Line 1: {{Short description\|Unincorporated community in Florida, United States}} <div style="float: right;">[[Image:Pcolabeachball.jpg\|none\|thumb\|250px\|The iconic "Pensacola Beach" ball.]]<br>[[Image:Photo-ufohouse.jpg\|none\|thumb\|250px\|Spaceship House]]<br>[[Image:PensacolaBeachFlorida.JPG\|none\|thumb\|250px\|Pensacola Beach, Florida]]</div> {{Multiple issues\| {{Update\|date=September 2021}} {{Lead too short\|date=September 2021}} }} {{Use mdy dates\|date=June 2019}} {{Infobox settlement '''Pensacola Beach''' is an unincorporated community located on [[Santa Rosa Island, Florida\|Santa Rosa Island]], south of [[Pensacola, Florida\|Pensacola]], in [[Escambia County, Florida]], [[United States]]. As of the [[United States 2000 census\|2000 census]], the community had a total population of 2,738. <!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->\| name = Pensacola Beach, Florida \| native_name = \| native_name_lang = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead --> \| settlement_type = [[Unincorporated area\|Unincorporated Community]] \| image_skyline = Pensacola Beach, United States (Unsplash).jpg \| image_alt = \| image_caption = A [[lifeguard stand]] on Pensacola Beach \| image_flag = \| flag_alt = \| image_seal = \| seal_alt = \| image_shield = \| shield_alt = \| nickname = \| motto = \| image_map = \| map_alt = \| map_caption = \| pushpin_map = USA Florida \| pushpin_label = Pensacola Beach \| pushpin_label_position = \| pushpin_map_alt = \| pushpin_map_caption = \| coordinates = {{coord\|30\|19\|56\|N\|87\|8\|30\|W\|display=inline,title}} \| coor_pinpoint = \| coordinates_footnotes = \| subdivision_type = Country \| subdivision_name = {{flag\|United States}} \| subdivision_type1 = States \| subdivision_name1 = {{flag\|Florida}} \| subdivision_type2 = County \| subdivision_name2 = [[Escambia County, Florida\|Escambia]] \| established_title = \| established_date = \| founder = [[Tristan de Luna]] \| seat_type = \| seat = \| government_footnotes = \| leader_party = \| leader_title = \| leader_name = \| unit_pref = Metric<!-- or US or UK --> \| area_footnotes = \| area_total_km2 = 29.943 \| area_land_km2 = 29.660 \| area_water_km2 = 0.283 \| area_water_percent = \| area_note = \| elevation_footnotes = \| elevation_m = \| population_footnotes = \| population_total = \| population_as_of = \| population_density_km2 = \| population_demonym = \| population_note = \| timezone1 = [[North American Central Time Zone\|CST]] \| utc_offset1 = -6 \| timezone1_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone\|CDT]] \| utc_offset1_DST = -5 \| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]] \| postal_code = 32561 \| area_code_type = \| area_code = [[area code 850\|850]] \| iso_code = \| website = [http://www.visitpensacola.com/landing/pensacola-beach] \| footnotes = }} [[File:Pensacola Beach 1957 White Sand.jpg\|right\|thumb\|300px\|The sand color is exceptionally white as seen in this 1957 photo]] '''Pensacola Beach''' is an [[Unincorporated area\|unincorporated community]] located on [[Santa Rosa Island, Florida\|Santa Rosa Island]], a [[barrier island]], in [[Escambia County, Florida\|Escambia County]], [[Florida]], [[United States]]. It is situated south of [[Pensacola, Florida\|Pensacola]] (and [[Gulf Breeze, Florida\|Gulf Breeze]] connected via bridges spanning to the [[Fairpoint Peninsula]] and then to the island) in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. As of the [[2000 United States Census\|2000 census]], the community had a total population of 2,738. It has been described as "famous" for its ultra-[[white]] [[sand]] [[beach]]es.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Pensacola Beach\|url=https://www.pnj.com/story/life/family/newcomers/2015/11/19/pensacola-beach/75707286/\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-08-16\|website=Pensacola News Journal\|language=en-US\|archive-date=August 16, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816003224/https://www.pnj.com/story/life/family/newcomers/2015/11/19/pensacola-beach/75707286/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Kelly\|first=Leslie\|title=How Is The Margarita At Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville?\|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lesliekelly/2019/04/06/how-is-the-margarita-at-jimmy-buffetts-margaritaville/\|access-date=2021-08-16\|website=Forbes\|language=en\|archive-date=August 16, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816003223/https://www.forbes.com/sites/lesliekelly/2019/04/06/how-is-the-margarita-at-jimmy-buffetts-margaritaville/\|url-status=live}}</ref> Pensacola Beach occupies land bound by a 1947 deed from the [[United States Department of Interior]] that it be administered in the public interest by the county or leased, but never "disposed"; its businesses and residents are thus long-term leaseholders and not property owners.<ref>[http://pbrla.blogspot.com/2004/12/beach-leaseholders-lawsuit-filed.html "Beach Leaseholders' Lawsuit Filed"] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531044956/http://pbrla.blogspot.com/2004/12/beach-leaseholders-lawsuit-filed.html \|date=May 31, 2008}} ''Pensacola Beach Blog'' (December 21, 2004). Retrieved October 18, 2007.</ref> ~~Santa Rosa Island is also home to part of the [[Gulf Islands National Seashore]] and historic [[Fort Pickens]], located to the west of Pensacola Beach.~~ Pensacola Beach is part of the [[Pensacola, Florida\|Pensacola]]–[[Ferry Pass, Florida\|Ferry Pass]]–[[Brent, Florida\|Brent]] [[Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area\|Metropolitan Statistical Area]], which includes all of [[Escambia County, Florida\|Escambia]] and [[Santa Rosa County, Florida\|Santa Rosa]] counties. Pensacola Beach occupies land bound by a 1947 deed [http://www.pbrla.com/deed.html] from the [[United States Department of Interior]] that it be administered in the public interest by the county or leased, but never "disposed"; its businesses and residents are thus long-term leaseholders and not property owners. ==History== ~~Casino Beach, the most popular section of beach on the island, was opened in [[1931]].~~ : ''Also see: [[History of Pensacola, Florida]].'' Francisco Maldonado, a lieutenant<ref name="UWFh">"The Spanish Presence in Northwest Florida – 1513 to 1705" (history), [[University of West Florida]], 2006, webpage: [http://www.uwf.edu/shipwreck/spanish_presence.htm UWF-hist] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209092204/http://www.uwf.edu/shipwreck/spanish_presence.htm \|date=December 9, 2012}}.</ref> under [[Conquistador]] [[Hernando de Soto (explorer)\|Hernando de Soto]], visited the area during the early [[Spanish Florida#Discovery and early exploration\|Spanish exploration of North America]]. He anchored in [[Pensacola Bay]] for the winter of 1539–1540.<ref name="srhistory">{{cite web \| url=http://www.navarrebeach.org/History/History%20in%20Acrobat.PDF \| title=Santa Rosa Island – A History (Part 1) \| access-date=2007-01-24 \| archive-date=June 14, 2007 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614222056/http://www.navarrebeach.org/History/History%20in%20Acrobat.PDF \| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.coastcoast.altervista.org/pensacola.shtml \| title=Pensacola \| access-date=2007-01-24 \| language=it \| archive-date=June 5, 2008 \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605081011/http://www.coastcoast.altervista.org/pensacola.shtml \| url-status=live}}</ref> In 1559, Don [[Tristan de Luna]] y Arellano led the first settlement of the region.<ref name="UWFh" /> His 11 ships, with 1500 settlers,<ref name="UWFh" /> anchored in the bay and established a colony on the site of today's [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]]. Shortly after their arrival, on August 15, 1559, [[Domingo de la Anunciación\|Friar Dominic de la Anunciacion]] conducted what is believed to be the first Christian religious service in the present-day United States.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Moon \|first=Troy \|title=Pensacola was site of first Christian service in New World \|url=https://www.pnj.com/story/life/2014/04/17/pensacola-was-site-of-first-christian-service-in-new-world/7843847/ \|access-date=2023-12-27 \|website=Pensacola News Journal \|language=en-US}}</ref> This event is commemorated by a marker near the possible site of the service, indicating the historical significance of the ___location as a place of early religious and cultural exchange. ~~On [[16 September]] [[2004]], [[Hurricane Ivan]] devasted the Pensacola Beach area, destroying more than 650 homes and damaging many others.~~ A [[hurricane]] decimated the [[colony]] a few weeks later, killing hundreds and sinking five of the 11 ships.<ref name="UWFh" /> Suffering long-term famine and fighting, this first settlement was finally abandoned in 1561.<ref name="UWFh" /> A [[presidio]] was constructed on Santa Rosa Island in 1722 near the ___location of the more recent [[Fort Pickens]]. Hurricanes in 1741 and 1752<ref name="srhistory" /> forced its relocation to the mainland. ~~On [[10 July]] [[2005]], Pensacola Beach was again in the path of a hurricane; [[Hurricane Dennis\|Dennis]] made landfall between the city and neighboring [[Navarre Beach, Florida\|Navarre Beach]].~~ Pensacola Beach remained largely undeveloped for many years. The Casino Resort was the first tourist destination constructed on the island (at the present day ___location of Casino Beach) where a variety of special events including [[beauty pageants]], [[fishing tournament]]s, and [[boxing]] matches were held from the 1930s through 1950s. With a bar, tennis courts, bath houses, and a restaurant, it was a popular resort until it eventually closed in the 1960s. ~~==Novelty houses==~~ Pensacola Beach is home to several "novelty" houses, including a house with a [[UFO]] attached to its roof, as well as the [http://www.domeofahome.com/default.asp "Dome of a Home"], a home in the form of a large concrete dome, designed to structurally withstand hurricane-force winds and storm surge. The entire island was initially owned by the [[US Federal government\|federal government]]. In order to promote infrastructure and growth on the island, the federal government leased the lands now encompassing Pensacola Beach to the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), which in turn has leased the property to homeowners. As a result, all structures on the island have 99-year renewable leases with the SRIA rather than ownership of the land itself. ==Geography== Pensacola Beach is located at {{~~coor dms~~Coord\|30\|20\|00\|N\|87\|08\|15\|W\|}}, on the [[barrier island]] of [[Santa Rosa. ~~Island~~It is bordered to the south by the Gulf of Mexico, ~~Florida\|~~to the north by [[Santa Rosa Sound]] and Pensacola Bay, and to the east and west by the [[Gulf Islands National Seashore]]. ==Climate== [[File:Pensacola Beach Florida.jpg\|thumb\|300px\|Pensacola Beach in 2022]] While generally cooler than most of [[Florida Peninsula\|peninsular Florida]], Pensacola Beach maintains a more stable [[temperature]] year round than inland areas of Pensacola and Escambia County. As such, winter lows are several degrees warmer than Pensacola proper and summer highs are generally cooler as a result of the surrounding waters. As with many islands, Pensacola Beach enjoys [[sea breezes]] which begin around noon and end around sunset in the summer, and there are often afternoon [[thunderstorm]]s. The average temperature ranges from {{convert\|44\|F\|C}} in January to {{convert\|89\|F\|C}} in July.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datasets/GSOY/locations/CITY:US120032/detail\|title=Global Summary of the Year Location Details: Pensacola, FL US, CITY:US120032 \| Climate Data Online (CDO) \| National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)\|website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov\|access-date=July 17, 2018\|archive-date=July 18, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718001333/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datasets/GSOY/locations/CITY:US120032/detail\|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Hurricanes=== As a community located on a low-lying barrier island, Pensacola Beach is vulnerable to [[hurricane]]s. Landfalling storms have been known to drive [[storm surge]] over the island, damaging or destroying man-made structures and causing [[beach erosion]].<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Eliott C. McLaughlin, Christina Maxouris, Eric Levenson and Amir Vera\|title=Hurricane Delta leaves at least four dead and knocks out power for hundreds of thousands\|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/12/weather/hurricane-delta-monday/index.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=CNN\|date=October 12, 2020 \|archive-date=January 27, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127054921/https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/12/weather/hurricane-delta-monday/index.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1995, two hurricanes made landfall on the island. [[Hurricane Erin (1995)\|Hurricane Erin]] made landfall in August, and [[Hurricane Opal]] blasted the island just two months later, leveling some [[dunes]] and destroying a number of homes.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Peck\|first=Lee\|title=TS Fred a minor inconvenience for Pensacola Beach\|url=https://www.fox10tv.com/news/ts-fred-a-minor-inconvenience-for-pensacola-beach/article_4720e354-ff00-11eb-a1ff-cff4264edb75.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=FOX10 News\|language=en\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902025232/https://www.fox10tv.com/news/ts-fred-a-minor-inconvenience-for-pensacola-beach/article_4720e354-ff00-11eb-a1ff-cff4264edb75.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 16, 2004, [[Hurricane Ivan]] devastated the Pensacola Beach area, destroying more than 650 homes and damaging many others. Ivan was the last hurricane to make Florida landfall in 2004, one of the most destructive hurricane seasons in decades.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Miller\|first=Kimberly\|title=Hurricane Sally's storm surge in Pensacola was historic, but we still don't know how bad it got\|url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weather/2020/10/01/sally-storm-surge-answers-may-months-away/5872759002/\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=The Palm Beach Post\|language=en-US\|archive-date=February 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202004154/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weather/2020/10/01/sally-storm-surge-answers-may-months-away/5872759002/\|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 10, 2005, [[Hurricane Dennis]] made landfall between Pensacola Beach and eastern [[Navarre Beach, Florida\|Navarre Beach]]. However, as with Erin almost a decade earlier, the damage on Pensacola Beach was not nearly as extensive as predicted. In 2020, Pensacola Beach took the brunt of the storm from [[Hurricane Sally]], seeing widespread wind damage, storm surge flooding, and over 20 inches (510 mm) of rainfall.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Hit by COVID, Gulf tourism now gets slammed by Hurricane Sally\|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/9/18/hit-by-covid-gulf-tourism-now-gets-slammed-by-hurricane-sally\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=www.aljazeera.com\|language=en\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902025230/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/9/18/hit-by-covid-gulf-tourism-now-gets-slammed-by-hurricane-sally\|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Photos: Hurricane Sally causes widespread flooding\|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/weather/gallery/hurricane-sally/index.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=CNN\|date=September 16, 2020 \|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062538/https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/weather/gallery/hurricane-sally/index.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> A section of the [[Pensacola Bay Bridge]] (known to locals as the Three Mile Bridge) was destroyed during Hurricane Sally.<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Harmeet Kaur and Tina Burnside\|title=A section of Pensacola's Three Mile Bridge is missing as Hurricane Sally lashes Gulf Coast\|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/us/three-mile-bridge-fl-hurricane-sally-trnd/index.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=CNN\|date=September 16, 2020 \|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062540/https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/us/three-mile-bridge-fl-hurricane-sally-trnd/index.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> The island has been subject to mandatory [[Hurricane evacuation\|evacuation orders]] during some of these hurricanes.<ref>{{Citation\|title=CNN reporter struggles to brave Hurricane Sally winds - CNN Video\|date=September 16, 2020 \|url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/weather/2020/09/16/hurricane-sally-weather-conditions-update-vpx.cnn\|access-date=2021-09-02\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902025229/https://www.cnn.com/videos/weather/2020/09/16/hurricane-sally-weather-conditions-update-vpx.cnn}}</ref> ==Oil spill== {{Main\|Deepwater Horizon oil spill}} The ''[[Deepwater Horizon]]'', a [[BP]]-operated oil-drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico off the [[Louisiana]] coast, exploded April 20, 2010, eventually releasing almost 5 million barrels of [[Petroleum\|oil]] into the Gulf before being capped on August 4, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Oil From Deepwater Horizon Spill Could Take At Least 30 Years to Decompose, Study Finds\|url=https://e360.yale.edu/digest/oil-from-deepwater-horizon-spill-could-take-at-least-30-years-to-decompose-study-finds\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=Yale E360\|language=en-US\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062733/https://e360.yale.edu/digest/oil-from-deepwater-horizon-spill-could-take-at-least-30-years-to-decompose-study-finds\|url-status=live}}</ref> Oil from the explosion did not reach Pensacola beaches until June 4, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Gabriel\|first=Melissa Nelson\|title=Tar balls on Pensacola Beach from 2010 BP oil spill could last at least 30 years, study says\|url=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2019/09/24/pensacola-beach-tar-balls-bp-spill-take-30-years-degrade-study-shows/2419497001/\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=Pensacola News Journal\|language=en-US\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062732/https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2019/09/24/pensacola-beach-tar-balls-bp-spill-take-30-years-degrade-study-shows/2419497001/\|url-status=live}}</ref> Crews posted along Escambia County's coastline quickly cleaned much of the oil that was evident along the beaches.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Oil outrage on Pensacola Beach - CNN.com\|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/07/02/pensacola.oil.outrage/index.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=www.cnn.com\|language=en\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062730/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/07/02/pensacola.oil.outrage/index.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tourism]] in the Pensacola Beach area was adversely affected during the summer of 2010.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Oil soaks miles of Pensacola Beach - CNN.com\|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/06/23/pensacola.beach.oil/index.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|website=www.cnn.com\|language=en\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062538/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/06/23/pensacola.beach.oil/index.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[BBC News]]'' reported that swimmers at Pensacola Beach "encountered an oil sheen and children picked up tar blobs as big as tennis balls."<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2010-06-04\|title=BBC News - Barack Obama cautious on new move to halt Gulf oil leak\|language=en-GB\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/mobile/10243278\|access-date=2021-09-02\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902062938/https://www.bbc.com/news/mobile/10243278\|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Public transportation== [[File:Pensacolabeachfirestationfirestation.jpg\|thumb\|Fire Station #13]] [[Escambia County Area Transit]] (ECAT) provides bus transportation seven days per week.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.goecat.com/routes/_doc/ride-guide.pdf \|title=Archived copy \|access-date=2013-11-26 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917081655/http://www.goecat.com/routes/_doc/ride-guide.pdf \|archive-date=2013-09-17}}</ref> ==Government and infrastructure== Escambia County Fire Rescue operates Fire Station #13 in Pensacola Beach.<ref>"[https://myescambia.com/docs/default-source/sharepoint-public-safety/Fire%20Rescue/escambiafirestations.pdf Escambia Fire Stations] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201004036/https://myescambia.com/docs/default-source/sharepoint-public-safety/Fire%20Rescue/escambiafirestations.pdf \|date=February 1, 2017}}." Escambia County. Retrieved on January 31, 2017.</ref> The [[Escambia County Sheriff's Office]] has Precinct 1 covering Pensacola Beach, operated out of the Pensacola Beach Sheriff's Substation.<ref>"[http://www.escambiaso.com/index.php/about/precincts/ Precincts] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113101744/http://www.escambiaso.com/index.php/about/precincts/ \|date=January 13, 2017}}." Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Retrieved on January 31, 2017.</ref> ==Attractions== ===Casino Beach=== [[File:The beach at Gulf Pier in Pensacola Beach, Florida.jpg\|thumb\|Gulf Pier, located on Pensacola Beach, is 1,471 feet long<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier \|url=https://www.visitpensacola.com/directory/pensacola-beach-fishing-pier/ \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=Visit Pensacola \|language=en-US}}</ref>]]The hub of beach activity, Casino Beach, on Pensacola Beach, is named after the original casino that stood in this ___location and is a popular beach access.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Cosson, Derek\|url=https://pulsegulfcoast.com/2016/02/remembering-pensacola-beach-the-way-it-was/\|title=Remembering Pensacola Beach the Way it Was\|date=2016-02-22\|access-date=2018-11-28\|archive-date=November 29, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054427/https://pulsegulfcoast.com/2016/02/remembering-pensacola-beach-the-way-it-was/\|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ___location is dotted with restaurants and family entertainment areas.{{cn\|date=February 2023}} It is situated next to the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, which at 1,471 feet is described as the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico.<ref>{{Cite news\|last=Hu\|first=Winnie\|date=2005-12-23\|title=36 Hours in Pensacola, Fla.\|language=en-US\|work=The New York Times\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/23/travel/escapes/36-hours-in-pensacola-fla.html\|access-date=2021-09-02\|issn=0362-4331\|archive-date=September 2, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902061942/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/23/travel/escapes/36-hours-in-pensacola-fla.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> The beach is equipped with lifeguard stands and station, volleyball courts, snack bar and large parking lot. The Gulfside Pavilion hosts a "Bands on the Beach" concert series during the summer tourist season.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/\|title=Santa Rosa Island Authority: Bands on the Beach\|website=visitpensacolabeach.com\|access-date=2018-11-28\|archive-date=November 29, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129054431/https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/\|url-status=live}}</ref> === Gulf Pier === [[File:PensacolaBeachgulfpier.jpg\|thumb\|An aerial view of the Gulf Pier, showing how far the pier extends out into the gulf]] The Gulf Pier has been called an iconic part of Pensacola Beach by residents. It is maintained by Escambia County Public Works and the Santa Rosa Island Authority.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=WEAR Staff \|date=2021-06-24 \|title=Pensacola Beach fishing pier set to reopen Saturday morning \|url=https://weartv.com/news/local/pensacola-beach-fishing-pier-set-to-reopen-saturday-morning \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=WEAR}}</ref> In addition to fishing,<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Warren-Hicks \|first=Colin \|title=REWIND: Blue Angels take to skies over Pensacola Beach for final show of season \|url=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/blueangels/2021/11/06/blue-angels-homecoming-air-show-pensacola-beach-2021-saturday-live-updates/6316275001/ \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=Pensacola News Journal \|language=en-US}}</ref> the pier offers sightseeing marine wildlife such as [[dolphin]]s and [[stingray]]s.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Newby \|first=Jake \|title=Why zillions of stingrays are gathering off this Fla. beach \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/11/07/why-zillions-stingrays-gathering-off-fla-beach/839233001/ \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=USA TODAY \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Blair \|first=Kimberly \|title=Dolphin eludes would-be rescuers off Florida pier \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/08/dolphin-eludes-would-be-rescuers-off-florida-pier/16948757/ \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=USA TODAY \|language=en-US}}</ref> It has been closed and renovated a number of times due to storm and hurricane damage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Henderson \|first=Kristie \|date=2018-09-05 \|title=Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier closed due to storm damage \|url=https://weartv.com/news/local/pensacola-beach-gulf-pier-closed-due-to-storm-damage \|access-date=2022-03-08 \|website=WEAR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Tropical Storm Damage Closes Pensacola Beach Pier : NorthEscambia.com \|url=http://www.northescambia.com/2018/09/tropical-storm-damage-closes-pensacola-beach-pier \|access-date=2022-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Escambia Beaches Reopen Friday. Here's What You Need To Know. : NorthEscambia.com \|url=http://www.northescambia.com/2020/04/escambia-beaches-reopen-friday-heres-what-you-need-to-know \|access-date=2022-03-08}}</ref>[[File:US Navy 110707-N-BA418-065 An F-A-18 Hornet flies inverted over Pensacola Beach while performing the double farvel maneuver during a practice fligh.jpg\|thumb\|A [[United States Navy]] [[Blue Angels]] [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet\|F/A-18 Hornet]] [[Multirole combat aircraft\|Fighter Jet]] flying over Pensacola Beach]] === Blue Angels === Pensacola beach is known for [[Flypast\|flyovers]] by the [[Blue Angels]] demonstration team from the nearby [[Naval Air Station Pensacola\|Pensacola Naval Air Station]] base. An annual [[air show]] is held each summer.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Santa Rosa Island Authority {{!}} What's Happening Blue Angels\|url=https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/\|access-date=2021-07-19\|language=en-US\|archive-date=July 19, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719024125/https://visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-blue-angels/\|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Quietwater Beach Boardwalk=== The boardwalk is on the [[Santa Rosa Sound]] side of the island, directly across from Casino Beach. Retail shops, restaurants, nightclubs, street musicians and sidewalk artists line it. The boardwalk has a large sea shell stage where concerts are held several times a year.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.pensacolabeachboardwalk.com\|title=Pensacola Beach Boardwalk\|access-date=2018-11-28\|archive-date=August 20, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820054325/http://www.pensacolabeachboardwalk.com/\|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Fort Pickens=== {{Main\|Fort Pickens}} Located at the western end of Santa Rosa Island, [[Fort Pickens]] was completed in 1834 and used until [[World War II]], when modern weapons made traditional coastal defenses obsolete. It is open to the public as part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with a fee required for entry; campsites are also available for a fee. ==Architecture== === Commercial buildings === [[File:Pensacola Beach Sign.jpg\|thumb\|270x270px\|A Pensacola Beach sign welcomes drivers from [[Gulf Breeze, Florida\|Gulf Breeze]] Parkway to Pensacola Beach Road]] Pensacola Beach is home to some of the tallest buildings between [[Tallahassee, Florida\|Tallahassee]] and [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Buildings in Pensacola Beach (existing)\|url=https://www.emporis.com/city/103281/pensacola-beach-fl-usa/status/existing\|url-status=usurped\|access-date=August 16, 2021\|website=[[Emporis]]\|archive-date=August 16, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816220843/https://www.emporis.com/city/103281/pensacola-beach-fl-usa/status/existing}}</ref> The list below ranks the buildings in height. # Portofino Towers ({{convert\|255\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). # Verandas Tower ({{convert\|255\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). # Beach Club ({{convert\|243\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). #Hilton Pensacola Beach Resort ({{convert\|206\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). # Santa Rosa Towers ({{convert\|206\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). #Emerald Isle Condominium ({{convert\|206\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). #Santa Rosa Towers ({{convert\|206\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). #Tristan Towers ({{convert\|194\|ft\|m\|disp=comma}}). === Landmarks === ==== Pensacola Beach welcome sign ==== Another historical landmark is the vintage Pensacola Beach sign just outside Pensacola Beach in [[Gulf Breeze]]. It was a 60s-era [[neon sign]] that directs drivers towards Pensacola Beach's "scenic" views of the coast of the [[Gulf of Mexico]], as well as towards its white sand beaches, motels, and restaurants.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Pensacola News Journal\|url=https://www.pnj.com/get-access/?return=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2018/12/17/pensacola-beach-welcome-sign-come-down-replaced-new-model/2309866002/\|access-date=2021-08-16\|website=www.pnj.com\|archive-date=August 16, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816202906/https://www.pnj.com/get-access/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnj.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpensacola%2Fbeaches%2F2018%2F12%2F17%2Fpensacola-beach-welcome-sign-come-down-replaced-new-model%2F2309866002%2F\|url-status=live}}</ref> The sign was renovated in 2019 to look exactly like the old sign but feature [[LED lights]] instead of [[Neon lighting\|neon]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Iconic Pensacola Beach welcome sign to be replaced with new model\|url=https://www.pnj.com/get-access/?return=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2018/12/17/pensacola-beach-welcome-sign-come-down-replaced-new-model/2309866002/\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-08-18\|website=Pensacola News Journal\|archive-date=August 16, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816202906/https://www.pnj.com/get-access/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnj.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpensacola%2Fbeaches%2F2018%2F12%2F17%2Fpensacola-beach-welcome-sign-come-down-replaced-new-model%2F2309866002%2F}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Win The Chance To Be The First To Flip The Lights On The New Pensacola Beach Sign : NorthEscambia.com\|url=http://www.northescambia.com/2019/09/win-the-chance-to-be-the-first-to-flip-the-lights-on-the-new-pensacola-beach-sign\|access-date=2021-08-18\|archive-date=August 18, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818043600/http://www.northescambia.com/2019/09/win-the-chance-to-be-the-first-to-flip-the-lights-on-the-new-pensacola-beach-sign\|url-status=live}}</ref> ==== Beach ball water tower ==== {{Main\|Pensacola Beach Water Tower}} The [[beach ball]] painted [[water tower]] is an iconic symbol of Pensacola Beach.<ref>"What's this landmark worth to you?" ''Pensacola News Journal'', February 23, 2007.</ref> Today the water tower is no longer in use, but has been preserved by the city as a historical landmark.<ref>"Beachball land mark saved from demolition." ''Pensacola News Journal'', March 3, 2005.</ref> ===Novelty houses=== [[Image:UFOhousepensacola.JPG\|left\|thumb\|200x200px\|Pensacola's [[Futuro]] house]] [[Image:Domehousepensacola2.JPG\|right\|thumb\|"Dome of a Home" in Pensacola Beach, FL]] Pensacola Beach is home to several [[Novelty architecture\|novelty]] houses, which are homes built with unusual shapes for purposes such as [[publicity]] or to copy other famous buildings in parody. One of the novelty houses in Pensacola is the house "Dome of a Home", built in 2002 using a [[monolithic dome]] in the form of a large concrete dome, designed to structurally withstand storm surge and hurricane-force winds of {{convert\|133\|m/s\|mph}}. It withstood hurricanes [[Hurricane Ivan\|Ivan]] and [[Hurricane Dennis\|Dennis]]. It is also known as the "[[The Flintstones\|Flintstone]] Home" due to the fact it resembles a rock home.<ref>[http://www.monolithic.com/stories/feature-home-doah monolithic.com - There’s a Dome of a Home Going Up On Pensacola Beach!] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112184916/http://www.monolithic.com/stories/feature-home-doah \|date=November 12, 2012}}, 2008-12-30</ref> Another novelty house is the house with a [[Unidentified flying object\|UFO]]-shaped [[Futuro]] attached as a second story. This Futuro house is sometimes known as the "Spaceship House". It was designed in the 1960s by Finnish architect [[Matti Suuronen]]. About a hundred of them were constructed.<ref>{{cite web\|title=The Futuro House - Pensacola Beach, Florida, USA - Information, Photographs, History, Maps\|url=http://www.thefuturohouse.com/Futuro-Gulf-Breeze-Florida-USA.html\|access-date=2018-11-29\|archive-date=November 30, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071507/http://www.thefuturohouse.com/Futuro-Gulf-Breeze-Florida-USA.html\|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Education== [[File:PensacolaBeachES.jpg\|thumb\|Pensacola Beach Elementary School]] There is one school on Pensacola Beach. The Pensacola Beach Elementary School, within the [[Escambia County School District]] (ECSD), is for children from kindergarten through fifth grade. This school has an enrollment ranging from 120 to 140 students. All elementary-school age children on Pensacola Beach are eligible to attend the school. The first year the school was open, for the school year 1977–1978, classes were held in an empty A-frame house. The Pensacola Beach Volunteer Fire Department building was also used in aiding the teachers and administrators. In November 1977, four portable buildings were moved to the present site. They school has received the 5 Star School award since 1998.{{citation needed\|date=April 2016}} In 2001 the Pensacola Beach Elementary lost its direct district operational control and became a [[charter school]].<ref name="Schoolhome">[http://www.pbes.org/ Home] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328022300/http://www.pbes.org/ \|date=March 28, 2017}}. Pensacola Beach Elementary School. Retrieved on January 31, 2017. "After completing Fifth Grade at the Beach School, most children attend Middle and High School in nearby Gulf Breeze which is part of the Santa Rosa County School District."</ref><!--This ECSD page lists the Pensacola Beach elementary school: https://web.archive.org/web/20010409225508/http://www.escambia.k12.fl.us/schscnts/default.html#Elementary--> In September 2004 [[Hurricane Ivan]] destroyed an office and four classrooms. Jeff Castleberry, the principal, argued that ECSD would have closed the school if it had direct operational control. The costs to fix the damage at Pensacola Beach Elementary was $1.5 million. The campus is adjacent to the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and is built on stilt. The school has been described as one of several Escambia County charter schools that "exemplify charter schools at their finest".<ref>{{cite news\|author=St. Myer, Thomas\|url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/education/2016/01/23/charter-schools-cost-taxpayers-produce-mixed-results/79070036/\|title=Local charter schools worth taxpayer money?\|newspaper=[[Pensacola News Journal]]\|date=2016-01-23\|access-date=2017-01-31\|archive-date=September 12, 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012657/http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/education/2016/01/23/charter-schools-cost-taxpayers-produce-mixed-results/79070036/\|url-status=live}}</ref> Pensacola Beach is zoned for (assigned to) a different ECSD elementary school, Suter Elementary School,<ref>"[http://www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/Elem_2011-2012.pdf Elementary School Attendance Zones] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322132723/http://www.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/Elem_2011-2012.pdf \|date=March 22, 2015}}" (2011-2012). [[Escambia County School District]]. Retrieved on January 31, 2017.</ref> as well as Workman Middle School,<ref>"[https://www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/MiddleZones2016.pdf Middle School Attendance Zones] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201002233/https://www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/MiddleZones2016.pdf \|date=February 1, 2017}}" (2016). [[Escambia County School District]]. Retrieved on January 31, 2017.</ref> and [[Pensacola High School]].<ref>"[https://www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/HighZones2016.pdf High School Attendance Zones] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201002240/https://www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/PDF/HighZones2016.pdf \|date=February 1, 2017}}" (2016). [[Escambia County School District]]. Retrieved on January 31, 2017.</ref> However, most middle- and high-school students in Pensacola Beach attend Gulf Breeze Middle School and [[Gulf Breeze High School]], operated by [[Santa Rosa County School District]].<ref name="Schoolhome" /> In addition, some attend Pensacola-area [[magnet schools]].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.pnj.com/story/life/family/newcomers/2015/11/19/pensacola-beach/75707286/\|title=Pensacola Beach\|newspaper=[[Pensacola News Journal]]\|date=2015-11-19\|access-date=2017-01-31\|archive-date=September 19, 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919132938/https://www.pnj.com/story/life/family/newcomers/2015/11/19/pensacola-beach/75707286/\|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Religion== There are only two traditional churches on the island of Pensacola Beach. It is under the laws and guidelines of the Santa Rosa Island Authority that these be the only churches on the island. However, since around 2011, at least two other area churches have held satellite church meetings and openly worshipped on the water's edge on Sunday mornings.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2023}} ==See also== {{Portal\|Florida}} * [[Operation Sandshaker]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} [http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/ Official website] {{wikivoyage-inline\|Pensacola Beach}} [http://www.visitpensacola.com/AreaInfo/pbeach.asp Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau information] [https://monolithicdome.com/homes Monolithic Dome Homes] [http://sria-fla.com/ Santa Rosa Island Authority] (SRIA) [http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/ Tourism website] [http://www.pbrla.com/ Pensacola Beach Residents & Leaseholders Association], established due to lack of responsiveness from the SRIA [http://www.pensacolabeachhistory.com/ Pensacola Beach Preservation & Historical Society] [http://www.pensacolabeachhistory.com/ Pensacola Beach Preservation & Historical Society], To promote knowledge of and pride in the historically significant past of Pensacola Beach. To preserve Santa Rosa Island's natural beauty, the water surrounding it, and the landmarks which lend character and spirit to the island. To establish publicly accessible historical documentation, exhibition facilities and educational events that promote the preservation of Pensacola Beach and its history. [http://~~www.pensacolabeachtoday~~gulfcoastbeachcams.com/ ~~Website set up by~~cameras/pensacola-beach Pensacola Beach ~~resident. Contains forums, pictures, webcams, news, etc.~~Webcam] {{Pensacola}} {{Pensacola metropolitan area}} {{Escambia County, Florida}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:~~Escambia~~Pensacola ~~County,~~metropolitan ~~Florida~~area]] [[Category:~~Pensacola~~Unincorporated ~~Metro~~communities ~~Area~~in Escambia County, Florida]] [[Category:Beaches of Florida]] [[Category:Unincorporated communities in Florida]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico]] [[Category:Beaches of Escambia County, Florida]] [[Category:Santa Rosa Island (Florida)]]