

Our Local Area

Located in Florida’s panhandle, Pensacola is surrounded by 50-plus miles of coastline which includes the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters and crystal clear bay areas. This makes Pensacola the perfect combination of a relaxed beach town and bustling metropolitan center. The temperate climate and a friendly community that is driven toward success present an unparalleled quality of life.The city has a proud military heritage, thanks to the Naval Air Station. In addition to being the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," the Pensacola Bay Area is proud to call itself home to the renowned Blue Angels, officially known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Welcoming family or friends for a visit is convenient with Pensacola International Airport.
Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the premier gateway to the Gulf Coast. The airport offers convenient, nonstop flights from nine airlines to 24 major markets across the United States, including 17 connecting hubs worldwide. There is no shortage of entertainment, and Pensacola prides itself on its diverse and emerging cultures. Annual festivals, events, and performances display the region’s greatest musicians, food, artists, shows, and vendors that captivate the heart and history of the area. Residents benefit from an abundance of resources, from the more than 40 primary and secondary schools which boast some of the highest standardized test scores in the state, to area hospitals and retirement homes which have won numerous awards and continuously rank among the best in the state. Pensacola’s heritage includes a mix of many different cultures, making it the ideal place to learn, grow, work, and play.
The variety of opportunities available in Pensacola attracts people from all backgrounds to the region. From military personnel to snowbirds, the area is rich in life, commerce, and southern culture.Pensacola BeachPensacola Beach was awarded TripAdvisor's 2015 Traveler’s Choice Award for being one of the top 5 beaches in the nation. It has also been ranked among the best in the country by Dr. Beach and the Travel Channel. Located on Santa Rosa Island, our beach is one of the longest barrier islands in the world. In addition to the sugar white sand and crystal clear emerald waters, our beach also offers first-rate fishing, many local hang-outs and top-notch restaurants, as well as the historic Fort Pickens.The famous 1,471 feet Pensacola Beach Pier is one of the longest in the Gulf.
The Portofino Boardwalk, on the Santa Rosa Sound, is home to local open-air bars and restaurants, shops, piers, and shallow water for children.Another popular attraction is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is the longest stretch of protected seashore in the United States. Located on both sides of Pensacola Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore earned the title of "No. 1 Best Florida Beach," in USA Today's "10 Best Readers' Choice" awards, chosen by voters of USA Today and 10Best. It is an ideal area for all kinds of aquatic and land activities, such as biking, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, collecting seashells, or kayaking. During the summer, visitors can be entertained with free concerts four nights a week.We are proud of our beautiful beach, which offers some of the best fishing and boating in Florida.Downtown PensacolaA combination of rich history and cosmopolitan success make Downtown Pensacola the heart and soul of our city. From award-winning restaurants, unique boutiques, incredible event venues, to the multiple beautiful and historical parks, there are arts and cultural experiences at every turn.Downtown Pensacola is home to the historical district, filled with 500 years of great facts, as well as one of the American Planning Association’s “top 10 Great Streets in America”: Palafox Street. Palafox Street is a great place to discover all types of remarkable local businesses in Pensacola.
Visitors and residents alike enjoy strolling through our beautiful parks, including Plaza Ferdinand, the Veterans Memorial Park, Alabama Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza DeLuna. Many bike-ride and run next to the shining waters of Pensacola bay. Downtown is also filled with great art museums, such as the Pensacola Museum of Art and Artel Gallery. Children enjoy the Children’s Museum or Mess Hall where they can have hands on fun with science, math and engineering. Residents and visitors flock downtown for the endless festivals, art shows, Gallery Nights, parades, and performing and visual arts. Downtown is the heart of America’s first city; it’s where the city began, and where growth and progress continue to meet with a past more than 400 years old. Modern condominiums and historical houses complement each other right next to the waterfront, culture thrives, and excitement is never-ending.
DID YOU KNOW?⇒ Pensacola's average commute time is 21.5 minutes.⇒ The Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Metro Area's cost of living is 5.80% lower than the U.S. National Average.⇒ The Pensacola area averages 220 sunny days per year.
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Contact Us

Kadee Kennedy Roddy
Residency Program Coordinator
Florida State University College of Medicine
Email: Kadee.Kennedy@ascension.org
5151 N 9th Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32504
Phone: (850) 416-2418
Fax: (850) 416-2460