Where I am... Pensacola, Florida
By Chris Mucci
12 Sep 2009
What city do you live in? What neighborhood?
I live in the panhandle of Florida in a place called Pensacola.
What are some adjectives that describe your neighborhood?
Pensacola has many faces. The one I typically see is the "Navy Town". The Cradle of Naval Aviation, home of the Blue Angels and the center of Naval Cryptology and Information Technology, you simply can't turn a corner without running into a Squid.
The town has a great sense of pride in country an an abiding patriotism because of its military roots. It also has a great history stretching back to the time of Spanish explorers.
Colorful is also a good descriptor especially during Mardis Gras.
If you love to people watch, and I do, the Krewe parades here in town and on the beach are really spectacles to behold.
How long have you lived there, and what brought you there?
As a Sailor I have been in Pensacola 4 times in 22 years. I retired following my last tour here in 2005 and never left. I am still employed as a civilian for the Navy.
What is your favorite thing about this place? Your least favorite?
Well, I truly love the beach. I could be happy anywhere that I can walk a beach and see the waves. I spent over 8 years in Hawaii and that is my favorite place to be.
My least favorite thing is the growing urban decay and crime. I'm not sure what is happening, perhaps it is the economy since Hurricane Ivan, but things just seem run down in places and businesses aren't doing well.
Do you feel that you belong there?
First, I belong where my daughter is....at least until she runs off to college. Second, I belong by the ocean and this place has the most beautiful white sand beaches that you can imagine. My heart is here and in Hawaii.
What is the most common misconception about where you live?
Well, most of my relatives are from the New England area so the belief is that because I live in Florida that things are always warm and sunny. Those of us here in the Panhandle (affectionately called LA for Lower Alabama) would like it known that we do get cold and could get to Virginia before Miami.
What is a special fact about your city that you have to live there to know?
Its the Home of the Blue Angels and is also the Cradle of Naval Aviation.
Navy Pilot candidates come here to earn their wings...or not. We have the National Museum of Naval Aviation as well....I never get bored there and have spent hours on hours just walking around.
What aspect of your city do you secretly love?
The dichotomy between the young and the old Sailors. This town is full of super intelligent and professional veterans who have done their time and stayed here to support the Navy in civilian life or have even taken on the job of training the new Aviators, Cryppies and IT guys. It permeates so much of this town and often lends to a feeling of empathy, understanding, and mentoring.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Come visit...you won't be disappointed with the beaches!
1 response
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james robinson gave props (13 Sep 2009):
Pensacola was always Spring Break for my family when I was growing up. Nice story.
