CITY OF PENSACOLA AND ESCAMBIA COUNTY DESIGNATED THE ONLY AMERICAN WORLD WAR II HERITAGE CITY IN FLORIDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 7, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Stacey
(850) 434-2142
nstacey@visitpensacola.com

Pensacola, Fla. (Dec. 7, 2022) – The City of Pensacola, Fla. and Escambia County have been designated an American World War II Heritage City by The National Park Service. The milestone designation honors the greater Pensacola area's contributions and critical role in shaping the U.S. home front during World War II.

Only one city from each state or territory can be designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as an American World War II Heritage City, making the City of Pensacola and Escambia County the sole designee for the State of Florida. The American World War II Heritage Cities Program honors the contributions of local towns, cities and counties, and commemorates the stories of the men, women, and children whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the U.S. home front during World War II, and still impacts our country today.

“This designation continues to authenticate Pensacola’s deep, rich heritage, and what an exciting honor it is for America’s First Settlement,” said Darien Schaefer, President and CEO, Visit Pensacola. “We’re excited to continue sharing our area’s vast 460-year history on an international stage. We invite travelers from near and far to learn about Pensacola’s extensive history in one of our many attractions.”

Pensacola and Escambia County are now featured on the National Park Service website as an American World War II Heritage City, highlighting the area's military history during World War II. Historical highlights for Pensacola and Escambia County include the most dramatic example of increased military presence in Florida during World War II, along with the largest number of Army Air Fields and Naval Air Stations in the state.

"This designation is a testament to Pensacola's rich history, and it will open the door for new opportunities to promote our history on a statewide and national level," Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "I look forward to continuing to share our stories as America's First City, while also looking toward the exciting things to come for Pensacola’s future. Thank you to the staff from the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, and all of our partners who worked hard to achieve this monumental accomplishment for our community."

The application for the American World War II Heritage City was a joint effort by the City of Pensacola and Escambia County, with support from local elected officials, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Gulf Islands National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service), University of West Florida Historic Trust, Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources, and veteran-related groups.

To learn more about Pensacola and Escambia County's contributions during World War II, click here. To learn more about Pensacola, visit visitpensacola.com.