History of Pensacola, Florida in Timeline
Pensacola, the westernmost city in Florida's Panhandle, serves as Escambia County's seat and only incorporated city besides Century. The 2020 census recorded its population at 54,312, reflecting an increase from 51,923 in 2010. As the core city of the Pensacola Metropolitan Statistical Area, it contributes to a total population of 509,905 (2020).
1907: Creek Enrollment in Pensacola
In 1907 and 1908, 116 Creek individuals residing in Pensacola applied for enrollment in the Eastern Cherokee tribe, mistakenly believing that all Native Americans were eligible. Genealogical research, based on Alabama census data, suggests that many of these individuals were descendants of Creek people who had relocated to the Pensacola area from southern Alabama following the Indian Removal Act of the 1830s.
1908: Pensacola Streetcar Strike
In 1908, Pensacola experienced a citywide streetcar strike, prompting the deployment of state militia and the declaration of martial law.
1914: Naval Air Station Pensacola Commissioned
Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) was commissioned in 1914, marking a significant milestone as the first Naval Air Station established by the U.S. Navy.
1928: Frisco Railroad Acquires Short Lines
The Frisco Railroad acquired several short rail lines extending north from Pensacola, Alabama. This strategic acquisition provided the company with access to the port of Pensacola, enhancing its transportation network.
1953: Five Flags Speedway Opens
The Five Flags Speedway, a half-mile paved racetrack, opened its doors in 1953, becoming a hub for motorsports in the region.
1955: Frisco Passenger Service to Pensacola Ends
The Frisco Railroad discontinued its passenger service to Pensacola. This marked a change in travel options for residents and visitors.
1958: Pensacola Open Begins
The Pensacola Open, a PGA Tour golf tournament, was established in 1958, bringing professional golf to the city and attracting renowned players.
1962: John H. Glenn Orbits Earth
In 1962, John H. Glenn, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator who received training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, achieved a historic feat by becoming the first American to orbit the Earth.
1965: Pensacola Ladies Invitational Launched
The city expanded its golf presence with the introduction of the Pensacola Ladies Invitational, an LPGA Tour event, in 1965, showcasing women's professional golf.
1968: First Snowball Derby
The inaugural Snowball Derby stock car race was held at Five Flags Speedway, marking the beginning of a beloved annual tradition.
1968: Pensacola Ladies Invitational Concludes
After a successful four-year run, the Pensacola Ladies Invitational, an LPGA Tour event, concluded in 1968.
1969: Neil Armstrong Walks on the Moon
In 1969, Neil Armstrong, who had previously undergone training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, etched his name in history by becoming the first human to set foot on the Moon.
1971: L&N Passenger Service to Pensacola Ends
The Louisville and Nashville Railroad (L&N) ended its passenger service to Pensacola, including the popular streamlined Gulf Wind train. This decision reflected the declining popularity of passenger rail travel at the time.
1975: Hurricane Eloise
In 1975, Hurricane Eloise made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
1979: Hurricane Frederic
In 1979, Hurricane Frederic made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
July 14, 1980: Record High Temperature
Pensacola, Florida, experienced a record high temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit on July 14, 1980.
January 11, 1982: Single Digit Temperature Recorded
Pensacola, Florida, experienced a single digit temperature of 8 degrees Fahrenheit on January 11, 1982.
January 21, 1985: Record Low Temperature
Pensacola, Florida, experienced a record low temperature of 5 degrees Fahrenheit on January 21, 1985.
1985: Hurricane Juan
In 1985, Hurricane Juan made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
1986: New City Hall Opens
Pensacola's current city hall opened its doors, providing a new seat for the city's government.
1988: Pensacola Open Ends
After three decades, the Pensacola Open, a PGA Tour event, came to an end in 1988, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in Pensacola's golf history.
1990: Pensacola Classic Begins
The Pensacola Classic, a Nike Tour golf tournament (now known as the Korn Ferry Tour), was established in 1990, providing a platform for up-and-coming golfers.
1993: Amtrak Sunset Limited Begins Service
Pensacola regained passenger rail service when Amtrak's Sunset Limited route began serving the city. This tri-weekly service connected Pensacola to destinations east and west.
1994: Republican Shift in Pensacola Politics
Republican candidate Joe Scarborough won a landslide victory in the election for Florida's 1st congressional district, unseating the incumbent Democrat and marking a significant political shift in Pensacola and the surrounding area.
1995: Hurricane Erin
In 1995, Hurricane Erin made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
1995: Pensacola Classic Ends
The Pensacola Classic, a Nike Tour golf tournament, concluded in 1995 after a six-year run.
1998: Hurricane Georges
In 1998, Hurricane Georges made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
2002: Pensacola Pelicans Baseball Team Formed
The Pensacola Pelicans, an independent league baseball team, was established in 2002. They played their home games at Jim Spooner Field.
September 16, 2004: Hurricane Ivan Devastation
On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused significant devastation to Pensacola, Florida, and its surrounding regions. As Pensacola was on the eastern side of the hurricane's eyewall, a massive storm surge inundated Escambia Bay. This surge resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge, rendering it impassable in both directions.
2004: Hurricane Ivan
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
2004: USS Oriskany Sinking
In 2004, the USS Oriskany was deliberately submerged off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, with the intention of creating an artificial reef.
July 2005: Hurricane Dennis
In July 2005, Hurricane Dennis made landfall just east of Pensacola, Florida. While the city was spared the severe damage inflicted by Hurricane Ivan the previous year, hurricane-force winds were recorded in the downtown area, leading to moderate damage.
August 2005: Amtrak Sunset Limited Service Suspended
Amtrak suspended service of the Sunset Limited route east of New Orleans, including the Pensacola segment, due to extensive damage to CSX Transportation's rail lines caused by Hurricane Katrina. This disruption left Pensacola without passenger rail service.
2005: Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, Pensacola, Florida, experienced light to moderate damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The aftermath of Katrina led to a significant decline in tourism from neighboring states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
2008: First Pelican Drop New Year's Celebration
The first-ever Pelican Drop New Year's Eve celebration took place, organized by the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency. The event was held at Plaza Ferdinand VII and broadcasted live on WEAR-TV.
2008: First Pelican Drop
The inaugural Pelican Drop New Year's Eve celebration was held, featuring the lowering of a giant pelican replica. This event attracted approximately 45,000 attendees, including visitors from neighboring towns and cities. This marked the beginning of a tradition in Pensacola.
2009: Citizens Approve New City Charter
Pensacola citizens voted in favor of a new city charter, setting the stage for significant changes in the city's government structure.
February 12, 2010: Snowfall in Pensacola
On February 12, 2010, Pensacola, Florida, experienced a snowfall event.
2010: Pensacola Pelicans Cease Operations
After eight seasons, the Pensacola Pelicans baseball team ceased operations in 2010, marking the end of an era for the team and its fans.
2010: 2010 Census
Based on the 2010 United States Census, there were 51,923 individuals, 23,768 households, and 13,646 families residing in the city.
2010: 2010 Census
Data from the 2010 Census indicated a population of 448,991 individuals within the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
2010: 2010 Median Income
In 2010, the median household income in the city was $34,779.
2010: 2010 Census
In 2010, there were 24,524 households in the city.
2010: 2010 Census
The 2010 Census recorded Pensacola, Florida, as having a population of 51,923.
June 2011: Temperatures Exceed 100 Degrees
In June 2011, Pensacola, Florida, experienced temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit for two out of the first four days of the month.
2011: Strong Mayor-Council Government Implemented
Pensacola transitioned to a strong mayor-council form of government, granting more power to the elected mayor and restructuring the city council.
June 2012: Rainfall and Flooding
In June 2012, Pensacola, Florida, and its surrounding areas experienced over a foot of rain, leading to widespread flooding.
June 11, 2013: Charter Amendment Approved
Pensacola voters approved a charter amendment to eliminate two at-large seats on the nine-member city council. This change aimed to make the council more representative of the city's districts.
April 29, 2014: Record Rainfall and Flooding
On April 29, 2014, Pensacola, Florida, experienced over 20 inches of rain within a 24-hour period, resulting in the worst flooding in 30 years.
November 4, 2014: Charter Amendments Grant More Power to City Council
Two more charter amendments were approved, one making the mayor subject to recall and the other giving the city council authority to hire its own staff. These changes aimed to increase accountability and balance power within the city government.
November 2014: First At-Large Seat Eliminated
The first of the two at-large city council seats was phased out, reducing the council size and reflecting the changes mandated by the 2013 charter amendment.
2014: Pelican Drop Earns Recognition
The Pelican Drop received national recognition in 2014 when it was named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, solidifying its status as a major attraction.
January 8, 2015: Low Temperature Recorded
Pensacola, Florida, recorded a low temperature of 19 degrees Fahrenheit on January 8, 2015.
February 23, 2016: EF3 Tornado
On February 23, 2016, a significant EF3 wedge tornado struck the northwest region of Pensacola, Florida, resulting in substantial damage and numerous injuries.
November 2016: Second At-Large Seat Eliminated
The second at-large city council seat expired, completing the elimination process and solidifying the seven-member structure of the council.
December 9, 2017: Snowfall in Pensacola
On December 9, 2017, Pensacola, Florida, experienced a snowfall event.
2017: Pelican Drop Broadcasted Online
Beginning in 2017, the Pelican Drop expanded its reach by broadcasting the event live on WEAR-TV's website, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the festivities.
2018: No Freeze in Winter Season
During the winter season of 2018-2019, Pensacola, Florida, did not experience a freeze.
2018: Pelican Drop Continues to Draw Crowds
The Pelican Drop continued to be a popular event in Pensacola, drawing crowds of up to 50,000 people. It became known as one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in the Central Time Zone.
June 1, 2019: Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad Acquires CSX Line
The newly established Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad, a Class III railroad, acquired the CSX Transportation main line running from Pensacola to Baldwin, Florida. This acquisition made the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad the primary east-west freight carrier in the Florida Panhandle.
December 2019: Pelican Drop Canceled
In December 2019, organizers announced the cancellation of the Pelican Drop due to financial challenges and the strain it placed on local law enforcement and public services. A smaller fireworks show, causing less disruption, was chosen as a replacement.
September 2020: Hurricane Sally
In September 2020, Hurricane Sally caused extensive damage to Pensacola, Florida. Local officials estimated that Escambia County alone sustained approximately $29 million in damages. Downtown Pensacola experienced significant flooding.
2020: 2020 Census
According to the 2020 United States Census, the city was recorded as having a population of 54,312 individuals, 22,926 households, and 12,247 families.
2020: 2020 Census
As per the 2020 United States Census, the Pensacola metropolitan area had a population of 509,905.
2020: Hurricane Sally
In 2020, Hurricane Sally made landfall at or near Pensacola, Florida.
2020: 2020 Census
The 2020 Census recorded Pensacola, Florida, as having a population of 54,312, an increase from the previous census.
August 2023: Pensacola International Airport Airlines Update
As of August 2023, Pensacola International Airport, the busiest airport in Northwest Florida, was served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines, providing a range of travel options for passengers.
2024: American Magic to Depart Pensacola
American Magic, an America's Cup sailing team, will conclude their time in Pensacola as their home port when the 2024 America's Cup commences, marking the end of their presence in the city.