Pensacola Makes Top 25 List of Most Desirable Places to Live in the United States

We all know Pensacola is an amazing place to live, but it's always a plus when our great city is recognized at a national level. MSN recently included Pensacola in its Top 25 Most Desirable Places To Live in the U.S. in 2019 list, confirming what locals have known for years. 

Among the factors contributing to the rankings were affordability, job market and population growth due to net migration. MSN surveyed people throughout the country to determine where residents would live if given the choice.  

"For access to Florida beaches and a bit more of a southern feel, look no further than this metro area in the Florida Panhandle," the list states. "While Pensacola may not get the same attention from tourists as the likes of Orlando or Miami, Pensacola still sees plenty of visitors and new residents every year."

Read the full list here.

Palafox Street Transformation Highlighted in Jacksonville

A recent article in The Jaxson Magazine points to Palafox Street as a lesson for Jacksonville, also including some striking before and after photos of our now-vibrant city street. 

From the article:

"Pensacola has played the urban revitalization game of small ball to perfection, transforming Palafox Street into an urban, exciting and lively pedestrian friendly atmosphere that would make cities ten times its size envious. As a result of Pensacola’s hard work and vision, Palafox was designated by the American Planning Association as one of ten Great Streets in America."

Read the full article and view before and after photos here.

Mayor Joins Sen. Rick Scott for Hurricane Preparedness Press Conference

Mayor Robinson also joined Sen. Rick Scott Tuesday morning at Pensacola Hardware to talk about hurricane preparedness, reminding residents about the importance of having a plan in place. More information is available at cityofpensacola.com/beready and myescambia.com/beready, and we will work closely with local partners to keep our residents informed during hurricanes and other disasters. 

Do You Have What it Takes to Win a Wiffle Ball Tournament?

Parks and Recreation is co-sponsoring a ChampionCHIP Wiffle Ball Tournament hosted by Backyard Rule on Friday, July 26 at Exchange Park. The cost to play is $125 per team with 4-5 players per team. All teams are guaranteed a three game minimum, or nine  innings total. Click here to register online for the wiffle ball tournament. 

We're also starting Open Gym Wiffle Ball Nights on Thursdays at the Vickrey Resource Center from 6-8 p.m. starting Thursday, June 6. The cost is $1 per person and is open to ages 14 and up.

Bayview Senior Center Renovations and Programming Update 

Progress is continuing on renovations at the Bayview Senior Center located at 2000 E. Lloyd St., with an anticipated completion date of early 2020. Renovations began in fall 2018 and were initially expected to be completed in late winter or early spring 2019. Renovations to the facility include new restrooms to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards, new carpeting, safety handrails and interior painting. The new completion timeline is due to hidden water damage that contractors uncovered after work commenced on the project, requiring the budget and completion date to be amended for the additional work needed. 

Since the Bayview Senior Center closed in September 2018, its programs have been operating out of the Brownsville Community Center under a cooperative agreement with Escambia County. Most classes and programs will be relocating again starting Monday, June 3. The following programs will move to Gull Point Resource Center: Bridge, Pinochle, and Hand & Foot. All other programs will relocate to Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center. 

Read more about the Bayview Senior Center changes here.

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