Pensacola Florida Military Bases

The Emerald Coast stretches from Panama City to Pensacola for one hundred miles, and through five counties. Pristine beaches, pine forests, lakes, and waterways are the backdrop to the area’s military presence. The warm, deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico make sport-fishing a regional pastime, and watersports of all kinds are a way of life. The beaches are known for having a fine-textured sand, almost like confectioner’s sugar, that gleam brilliant white. It’s contrasted by the calm, deep turquoise waters that gently lap against the shore.

Culturally, the region is incredibly laid back, hospitable to visitors and transplants and fiercely patriotic. The economy of the region relies heavily on the military. Though we’re talking about Florida, most consider this region to be more “Lower Alabama” and deep south. God, guns, and country are core values in this conservative haven, and this is definitely part of the “Bible Belt.” Sundays are set aside for worship and family, so adjust your errands accordingly as many establishments close for the day. Many of the towns that draw military families have a super small-town vibe and are more “country” than “coastal.” It’s also closer to New Orleans than Orlando, so there is a heavy Cajun influence in the region.