The Armpit of Florida
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
The name "Florida" usually conjures up many vivid thoughts. Mention Florida to most people and they get mental images of white sand beaches, palm trees, exotic nightclubs, flamingoes and grown people walking around in God-awful heat dressed as cartoon characters and frightening small children in theme parks. Some people picture sweltering primeval swamps full of dank black waters patrolled by alligators and snakes. Some people picture enormous luxury cars apparently driving themselves until you catch a glimpse of silvery blue hair barely visible over the dash.
People picture a lot of things when they try to visualize Florida. An image of Florida that probably never occurs to them is that of the armpit of Florida, tucked away in the Northwestern corner of the state almost, but not quite, in Alabama. This is where I live.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The first thing most people notice about the armpit of Florida is the fact it doesn't look quite finished yet. Sure, most cities have a certain amount of construction going on all the time owing to urban renewal and growth, but the armpit of Florida looks like they simply got stuck halfway through building it. They also appear to have switched decorators and designers several times.
The major city in the armpit of Florida is Pensacola. Pensacola is recognized as the cradle of naval aviation. The world-famous Blue Angels flight squadron has its home here. There is also the Pensacola Naval Air Station which sports a museum of naval aviation which is probably about the most interesting thing you'll find around here.
They once tried to popularize Pensacola with a truly ghastly syndicated television show entitled "Pensacola: Wings of Gold" starring James Brolin.
The US Naval live oaks reserve is located along the shores of Pensacola bay. It is far less interesting than the naval aviation museum but they tried, they really did. Trees, however exciting they may be, just can't compare to airplanes.
People picture a lot of things when they try to visualize Florida. An image of Florida that probably never occurs to them is that of the armpit of Florida, tucked away in the Northwestern corner of the state almost, but not quite, in Alabama. This is where I live.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The first thing most people notice about the armpit of Florida is the fact it doesn't look quite finished yet. Sure, most cities have a certain amount of construction going on all the time owing to urban renewal and growth, but the armpit of Florida looks like they simply got stuck halfway through building it. They also appear to have switched decorators and designers several times.
The major city in the armpit of Florida is Pensacola. Pensacola is recognized as the cradle of naval aviation. The world-famous Blue Angels flight squadron has its home here. There is also the Pensacola Naval Air Station which sports a museum of naval aviation which is probably about the most interesting thing you'll find around here.
They once tried to popularize Pensacola with a truly ghastly syndicated television show entitled "Pensacola: Wings of Gold" starring James Brolin.
The US Naval live oaks reserve is located along the shores of Pensacola bay. It is far less interesting than the naval aviation museum but they tried, they really did. Trees, however exciting they may be, just can't compare to airplanes.
