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67-518: Hotshot ensign Alan Drake, fresh from flight school at Pensacola, Florida , gets off to a bad start with the pilots of an elite Fighting 8 squadron (VF-8), nicknamed the "Hellcats", to which he has been posted in San Diego . Making a nearly disastrous landing attempt in heavy fog against orders and disqualifying the squadron during a competitive shooting exercise by colliding with the target drogue does not endear him to his fellow pilots. He also asks out

134-420: A base for Spanish efforts to colonize Santa Elena (present-day Parris Island, South Carolina .) But the colony was decimated by a hurricane on September 19, 1559, which killed an unknown number of sailors and colonists, sank six ships, grounded a seventh, and ruined supplies. The survivors struggled to survive, most moving inland to what is now central Alabama for several months in 1560 before returning to

201-477: A bill prohibiting Indians from living in the state, and provided for capture and removal to Indian Territory. While the bill excluded mixed-Indians and those already living in white communities, they went "underground" to escape persecution. No Indians were listed in late 19th and early 20th century censuses for Escambia County. People of Indian descent were forced into the white or black communities by appearance, and officially, in terms of records, "disappeared". It

268-481: A female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.92. In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $ 34,779, and the median income for a family was $ 42,868. Males had a median income of $ 32,258 versus $ 23,582 for females. The per capita income for

335-468: A large number unmarked. Tensions between the white community and Indians tended to increase during the Removal era. In addition, an increasing proportion of Anglo-Americans, who constituted the majority of whites by 1840, led to a hardening of racial discrimination in the area. There was disapproval of white men living with women of color, which had previously been accepted. In 1853 the legislature passed

402-514: A large part of Pensacola's tourism industry. The USS Oriskany was purposefully sunk in 2004 to create an artificial reef off the shores of Pensacola. Douglas Shearer Douglas Graham Shearer (November 17, 1899 – January 5, 1971) was a Canadian American pioneering sound designer and recording director who played a key role in the advancement of sound technology for motion pictures. The elder brother of actress Norma Shearer , he won seven Academy Awards for his work. In 2008, he

469-467: A low of 19 °F (−7.2 °C) was seen. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the city was 5 °F (−15 °C) on January 21, 1985 . Snow is rare in Pensacola, but does occasionally fall. The most recent snowfall event occurred December 9, 2017, and the snow event previous to it occurred on February 12, 2010. The city receives 68.31 in (1,740 mm) of precipitation per year, with

536-620: A major blow on February 23, 2016, when a large EF3 wedge tornado hit the northwest part of Pensacola, causing major damage and several injuries. Pensacola's location on the Florida Panhandle makes it vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricanes which have made landfall at or near Pensacola since the late 20th century include Eloise (1975) , Frederic (1979) , Juan (1985) , Erin ( 1995 ), Opal ( 1995 ), Georges ( 1998 ), Ivan ( 2004 ), Dennis ( 2005 ), and Sally ( 2020 ). In July 2005, Hurricane Dennis made landfall just east of

603-528: A major trade center. It was a garrison town, predominantly males in the military or trade. Americans made raids into the area, and settlers pressured the federal government to gain control of this territory. In the final stages of the War of 1812 , American troops launched an offensive on Pensacola against the Spanish and British garrisons protecting the city, which surrendered after two days of fighting. Pensacola

670-408: A problem in a blind-landing apparatus he is developing. Just after Commander Gary is sent out of town on assignment, Banning decides the apparatus is ready to test in fog — but it fails and Banning is killed. Working with Banning's assistant, Drake soon identifies the problem, but no further testing is allowed until Commander Gary's return. Banning had been a childhood friend of Lorna Gary, and

737-760: A profit of $ 707,000. A. Arnold Gillespie and Douglas Shearer were nominated for the Oscar for Best Special Effects . Pensacola, Florida Pensacola ( / ˌ p ɛ n s ə ˈ k oʊ l ə / PEN -sə- KOH -lə ) is a city in the Florida Panhandle in the United States. It is the county seat and only city in Escambia County . It is the principal city of the Pensacola Metropolitan Statistical Area , which had 511,503 residents in 2020. Pensacola

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804-693: A restaurant she reaches for his hand and in doing so realizes she is falling for him. She quickly breaks away, and says she cannot see him any more. As soon as her husband returns, she tells him she needs to leave him for a while. She explains that she cannot again hide her feelings and carry on after a tragedy, as he expects. He is surprised, and says she should have said so before. Not mentioning Drake, she also says that she has changed. He tells her to leave if she must, but that he still loves her and hopes she will come back to him, but only if she loves him. Because Drake and Lorna were seen together, and Lorna went away shortly after, Lieutenant Commander Dusty Rhodes and

871-477: A short-lived settlement in 1559. In 1698 the Spanish established a presidio in the area, from which the modern city gradually developed. The area changed hands several times as European powers competed in North America. During Florida's British rule (1763–1781), fortifications were strengthened. It is nicknamed "The City of Five Flags", due to the five governments that have ruled it during its history:

938-409: A significant inventor and innovator in sound technology, with one of his many contributions being a system he developed that eliminated unwanted background noise. Over his long career, Shearer was nominated twenty-one times for Academy Awards , winning seven Oscars for Sound and Special Effects. He is credited as recording director in most of the films that MGM produced between 1930 and 1953. Shearer

1005-450: A slightly more rainy season in the summer. The rainiest month is July, with 7.89 in (200 mm), with May being the driest month at 3.90 in (99 mm). In June 2012 over one foot (300 mm) of rain fell on Pensacola and adjacent areas, leading to widespread flooding. On April 29, 2014, Pensacola was drenched by at least 20 inches of rain within a 24-hour period, causing the worst flooding in 30 years. The city suffered

1072-559: A temporary lack of affordable housing in the Pensacola real estate market, and Hurricane Dennis and Hurricane Katrina contributed to a general scarcity of construction labor and resources along the Gulf Coast . In September 2020, Pensacola suffered heavy damage by Hurricane Sally . Damages in Escambia County were estimated by local officials at $ 29 million. Downtown Pensacola was flooded. Pensacola's first appearance in

1139-552: A woman he has met, Lorna, not knowing that she is the squadron commander Billy Gary's wife. However, Drake is earnest and contrite. He mixes with the Hellcats at the Garys' large house, which the sociable couple have opened as an unofficial officers' club. His flying and his social errors are forgiven, and his fellow pilots accept him, nicknaming him "Pensacola". Drake further proves himself when he helps Lieutenant Jerry Banning solve

1206-448: Is badly injured in a crash-landing. Drake acts against orders, and goes to his rescue. Learning that San Diego is fogged in, he arranges to use Banning's equipment to land, and then removes his radio and places Gary in the tail of the plane. Drake then uses the new equipment to lead his group of five down through the fog to a safe landing. In response to a telegram about Gary's crash, Lorna Gary returns to San Diego and visits her husband in

1273-528: Is held annually in November in Seville Square, and often draws more than 200 regional and international artists. The Children's Art Festival, also held in Seville Square, displays art by local schoolchildren. Pensacon is a comic convention held each February, with nearly 25,000 attendees from around the world. The Pensacola Interstate Fair is held each fall. Scuba diving and deep sea fishing are

1340-656: Is located in Pensacola. It is the base of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum . The University of West Florida is situated north of the city center. The area was originally inhabited by Muskogean-speaking peoples. The Pensacola people lived there at the time of European contact, and Creek people frequently visited and traded from present-day southern Alabama and Mississippi and southeast of Louisiana . Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna founded

1407-401: Is not her first friend to die. She sinks into a deep depression. She also knows that Gary will expect her to hide her feelings and carry on, something that is very much not in her nature. Drake, appreciating the help the Garys gave him when he arrived, visits her at her home, and convinces her she should not suffer alone. They go for walks, drives, and tennis; he amuses her with jokes. Finally, at

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1474-472: Is sloped up northward from Pensacola Bay, with most of the city at an elevation above that which a potential hurricane storm surge could affect. Weather statistics since the late 20th century have been recorded at the airport. The city has seen single digit temperatures (below −12 °C) on three occasions: 5 °F (−15 °C) on January 21, 1985 ; 7 °F (−14 °C) on February 13, 1899 ; and 8 °F (−13 °C) on January 11, 1982. According to

1541-723: Is stationed in Pensacola. Naval Air Station Pensacola hosted the commissioning ceremony of the United States Navy 's newest amphibious transport dock , the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) on September 7, 2024. The ceremony featured Shana McCool, the granddaughter of Richard M. McCool Jr. , Shana served as the ship's sponsor. Notable attendees included the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations . LPD 29

1608-640: Is the 13th ship of the San Antonio-class to be commissioned in the United States Navy and is the first vessel to bear the namesake of Richard M. McCool Jr. Pensacola is home to a number of annual festivals , events, historic tours, and landmarks. The Pensacola Seafood Festival and the Pensacola Crawfish Festival have been held for nearly 30 years in the city's historic downtown. The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

1675-604: The Köppen climate classification system, Pensacola has a humid subtropical climate , ( Köppen Cfa ), with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers. Typical summer conditions have highs in the lower 90s °F (32–34 °C) and lows in the mid 70s °F (23–24 °C). Afternoon or evening thunderstorms are common during the summer months. Due partly to the coastal location, temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C) are relatively rare, and last occurred in June 2011, when two of

1742-537: The Pensacola Bay area were Native American peoples. At the time of European contact, a Muskogean -speaking tribe known to the Spanish as the Pensacola , lived in the region. This name was not recorded until 1677, but the tribe appears to be the source of the name "Pensacola" for the bay and thence the city. Creek people , also Muskogean-speaking, came regularly from present-day southern Alabama to trade, so

1809-585: The Seven Years' War ), and French cession of its territories in North America. The British designated Pensacola as the capital of their new colony of West Florida . From 1763, the British strengthened defenses around the mainland area of fort San Carlos de Barrancas , building the Royal Navy Redoubt. George Johnstone was appointed as the first British Governor, and in 1764 a colonial assembly

1876-599: The Southern colonies to come to Florida as a refuge, promising freedom in exchange for conversion to Catholicism . Most went to the area around St. Augustine , but escaped slaves also reached Pensacola. After years of settlement, the Spanish ceded Florida to the British in 1763 as a result of an exchange following British victory over both France and Spain in the French and Indian War (the North American theater of

1943-604: The City of Pensacola in previous referendums, they largely identify as residents of Pensacola. Examples of these CDPs include Goulding , Ferry Pass , Ensley , Bellview , Myrtle Grove , Warrington , and West Pensacola. According to the United States Census Bureau , Pensacola has a total area of 40.7 sq mi (105.4 km ), consisting of 22.5 sq mi (58.4 km ) of land and 18.1 sq mi (47.0 km ), 44.62%, water. The land

2010-433: The Pensacola area from southern Alabama after Indian removal of the 1830s. In 1908, a citywide streetcar strike occurred in the city , this led to state militia being stationed in the city and martial law being declared. Pensacola is located on the north side of Pensacola Bay . It is 59 mi (95 km) east of Mobile, Alabama , and 196 mi (315 km) west of Tallahassee , the capital of Florida . Although

2077-576: The Three Mile Bridge. Over $ 6 billion in damage occurred in the metro area and more than 10,000 homes were destroyed, with another 27,000 heavily damaged. 105,000 households in Northwest Florida were impacted in some way by the storm, and 4,300 businesses in the area permanently closed as a result of Hurricane Ivan. NASA created a comparison image to illustrate the massive damage. This widespread destruction of property caused

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2144-506: The U.S. Census dataset was in 1850, with a total recorded population of 2,164. Pensacola was Florida's largest city in 1860 with the population of 2,876. As of the census of 2020, there were 509,905 people in the Pensacola metropolitan area ( MSA ). As of the 2020 United States census , there were 54,312 people, 22,926 households, and 12,247 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 51,923 people, 23,768 households, and 13,646 families residing in

2211-858: The United States subsequently failed to win the Battle of Pensacola . After the fall of New Orleans in 1862 the Confederacy abandoned the city and it was occupied by the North. In June, 1861, the Pensacola Guards were mustered in as a company in the 1st Florida Infantry Regiment . In 1907–1908 there were 116 Creek in Pensacola who applied for the Eastern Cherokee enrollment, thinking that all Indians were eligible to enroll. Based on Alabama census records, most of these individuals have been found to be descendants of Creek who had migrated to

2278-519: The United States—to New York City —with their mother, Edith. Unable to afford a university education, Douglas Shearer left school and began working in a variety of jobs. In 1924, he traveled to Hollywood, California , to visit his mother and sisters, who had moved there a few years earlier. He decided to remain there too, finding a job at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , where Norma was already under contract. At MGM, working as an assistant in

2345-485: The area were noted through records, travelers' accounts, and paintings of the era, including some by George Washington Sully and George Catlin . Creek women were also recorded in marriages to Spanish men, in court records or deeds. In 1821, with Andrew Jackson as provisional governor, Pensacola became part of the United States. The city was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1822. The Creek continued to interact with European Americans and African Americans, but

2412-466: The city was $ 30,556. About 12.7% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 26.2% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. The city has been referred to as "The Cradle of Naval Aviation". Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP) was the first Naval Air Station commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1914. Tens of thousands naval aviators have received their training there, including John H. Glenn , USMC, who became

2479-557: The city, sparing it the damage received from Ivan the year before. However, hurricane and near-hurricane-force winds were recorded in downtown, causing moderate damage. Pensacola received only a glancing blow from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, resulting in light to moderate damage reported in the area. The aftermath of the extensive damage from Katrina was a dramatic reduction in tourism coming from Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama . On September 16, 2004, Pensacola and several surrounding areas were devastated by Hurricane Ivan. Pensacola

2546-545: The city. As of the census of 2010, there were 448,991 people in the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area ( MSA ). The population density was 2,303.5 inhabitants per square mile (889.4/km ). There were 26,848 housing units at an average density of 1,189.4 per square mile (459.2/km ). In 2010, there were 24,524 households, out of which 24.6% had children living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 16.7% had

2613-406: The coast; but in 1561, the effort was abandoned. Some of the survivors eventually sailed to Santa Elena, but another storm struck there. Survivors made their way to Cuba and finally returned to Pensacola, where the remaining fifty at Pensacola were taken back to Veracruz . The Viceroy's advisers later concluded that northwest Florida was too dangerous to settle. They ignored it for 137 years. In

2680-486: The dominant whites increasingly imposed their binary racial classifications: white and black ("colored", within which were included free people of color , including Indians). However, American Indians and mestizos were identified separately in court and Catholic church records, and as Indians in censuses up until 1840, attesting to their presence in the society. After that, the Creek were not separately identified as Indian, but

2747-576: The first American to orbit the Earth in 1962, and Neil Armstrong , who became the first man to set foot on the Moon in 1969. The Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels , is stationed there. The National Museum of Naval Aviation is located on the Naval Air Station and is free to the public. The museum cares for and exhibits hundreds of vintage Naval Aviation aircraft and preserves

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2814-557: The first four days of the month recorded highs reaching the century mark. The highest temperature ever recorded in the city was 106 °F (41 °C) on July 14, 1980. In the 1991–2020 climate normals, the daily average temperature in January is 53.2 °F (11.8 °C). Freezing temperatures occur an average of 11 days per winter, with the average first and last dates for a freeze being December 12 and February 14, giving Pensacola an average growing season of 301 days. However,

2881-949: The flags of Spain ( Castile ), France , Great Britain , the United States of America , and the Confederate States of America . Other nicknames include "World's Whitest Beaches" (due to the white sand of Florida panhandle beaches), "Cradle of Naval Aviation", "Western Gate to the Sunshine State", "America's First Settlement", " Emerald Coast ", " Redneck Riviera ", and "P-Cola". [REDACTED]   Spanish Empire 1559–1719, 1722–1763 and 1781–1821 [REDACTED] French Empire 1719–1722 [REDACTED] British Empire 1763–1781 [REDACTED]   United States 1821–1861 [REDACTED]   Confederate States of America 1861–1865 [REDACTED]   United States 1865 to present The original inhabitants of

2948-550: The full cooperation of the US Navy, with the loan of VF-6 squadron, flying Grumman F3F biplanes. Noted film pilot and aerial sequence director Paul Mantz was the "air boss" on the production, in charge of all the flying scenes. The USS Enterprise based in California and operating during maneuvers off Hawaii, also featured prominently in the production. The setting of the film is Naval Air Station North Island . Taylor

3015-659: The history of Naval Aviation through displays, symposiums, IMAX movies and tours. Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station serves as an annex for the main base and the Center for Information Warfare Training Command . CWO3 Gary R. Schuetz Memorial Health Clinic is at Corry Station, Naval Hospital Pensacola, as is the main Navy Exchange and Defense Commissary Agency commissary complex for both Corry Station and NAS Pensacola. The Army National Guard B Troop 1-153 Cavalry, Bravo Company 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion

3082-430: The hospital. Rhodes witnesses her praying for him, their tearful reunion, and her promise to come home. Rhodes tells Drake that his resignation has been turned down, and apologizes to Drake for his behavior. But, Drake is still angry and says he will get a transfer. Mugger Martin says, "Come on Pensacola, give in!" and the rest of the squadron urge him to stay. He agrees. Flight Command had impressive aerial scenes due to

3149-475: The incorporated city limits of Pensacola are relatively small, there are numerous census designated places (CDPs) located immediately outside of the incorporated city limits that are widely considered to be Pensacola. Due to their proximity to the city limits, their mailing addresses being listed as Pensacola, and lack of independent government services apart from the City of Pensacola and Escambia County. While residents of these CDPs have rejected incorporation into

3216-838: The invitation. Once the American War of Independence had broken out, the colonists remained overwhelmingly loyal to the Crown. In 1778 the Willing Expedition proceeded with a small force down the Mississippi, ransacking estates and plantations, until they were eventually defeated by a local militia. In the wake of this, the area received a small number of British reinforcements. British military resources were limited and Pensacola ranked fairly low on their list of priorities. For this reason only small token amounts of British military forces were ever sent to defend Pensacola. This

3283-491: The late 17th century, the French began exploring the lower Mississippi River with the intention of colonizing the region as part of La Louisiane or New France in North America. Fearful that Spanish territory would be threatened, the Spanish founded a new settlement in western Florida. In 1698 they established a fortified town near what is now Fort Barrancas , laying the foundation for permanent European-dominated settlement of

3350-454: The latter of which documented the name "Bay of Ochuse". In the age of sailing ships Pensacola was the busiest port on the Gulf of Mexico, having the deepest harbor on the Gulf. On August 15, 1559, Tristán de Luna y Arellano landed with some 1,500 people on 11 ships from Veracruz , Mexico. The expedition was to establish an outpost, ultimately called Santa María de Ochuse by Luna, as

3417-521: The modern city of Pensacola. The Spanish built three presidios in Pensacola: During the early years of settlement, a triracial creole society developed. As a fortified trading post, the Spanish had mostly men stationed here. Some married or had unions with Pensacola, Creek or African women, both slave and free, and their descendants created a mixed-race population of mestizos and mulattos . The Spanish encouraged fugitive slaves from

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3484-658: The people did not disappear. Even after removal of many Seminole to Indian Territory, Indians, often of mixed-race but culturally identifying as Muskogean, lived throughout Florida. St. Michael's Cemetery was established in the 18th century at a location in a south central part of the city, which developed as the Downtown area. Initially owned by the Church of St. Michael, it is now owned and managed by St. Michael's Cemetery Foundation of Pensacola, Inc. Preliminary studies indicate that there are over 3,200 marked burials as well as

3551-480: The peoples were part of a broader regional and even continental network of relations. The best-known Pensacola culture site in terms of archeology is the Bottle Creek site, a large site located 59 mi (95 km) west of Pensacola north of Mobile, Alabama . This site has at least 18 large earthwork mounds, five of which are arranged around a central plaza. Its main occupation was from 1250 CE to 1550. It

3618-628: The relatively recent winter season of 2018-19 did not record a freeze, the median first and last freeze dates are earlier and later than the averages of December 12 and February 14, and the median number of freezes per season is 11 or fewer. The mean coldest temperature reached in a given winter season is about 24 °F (−4.4 °C); although the median is slightly higher, at no colder than 25 °F (−3.9 °C) most years, placing Pensacola in USDA zone 9b. Temperatures below 20 °F (−6.7 °C) are very rare, and last occurred on January 8, 2015, when

3685-496: The scenes of planes flying in tight formations above the majestic clouds, dropping away in screaming power dives, taking off and landing on a carrier's deck. Then you feel it really has wings. Otherwise, 'Flight Command' is just a routine adventure film— exciting for the youngsters, no doubt, but rather pulpy for a grown-up's taste." According to MGM records, the film earned $ 1,445,000 in the US and Canada and $ 847,000 elsewhere resulting in

3752-433: The squadron confront Drake, accusing him of trying to take Lorna from Gary. Out of respect for her privacy, Drake says nothing. But he is extremely offended that they would accuse him of this, and files a letter of resignation. Commander Gary tries to discourage him, but reluctantly puts it through channels. While waiting for a response, they participate in an emergency search and rescue, during which Gary's engine fails, and he

3819-442: The studio's camera department, he pursued an interest in adding sound to film. That interest led to a career that spanned more than four decades in motion pictures. "What I knew about sound you could have put in a nutshell," he said. "Overnight I became the one-man sound department. They ordered me to do the job; they didn't give it to me. And probably they wouldn't have given it to me except that they were desperate." Douglas became

3886-457: Was a ceremonial center for the Pensacola people and a gateway to their society. This site would have had easy access by a dugout canoe , the main mode of transportation used by the Pensacola. The area's written recorded history begins in the 16th century, with documentation by Spanish explorers who were the first Europeans to reach the area. The expeditions of Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528 and Hernando de Soto in 1539 both visited Pensacola Bay,

3953-477: Was a pattern repeated in many Southern settlements. Children of white fathers and Indian mothers were not designated as Indian in the late 19th century, whereas children of blacks or mulattos were classified within the black community, related to laws during the slavery years. Pensacola experienced the Civil War when in 1861 Confederate forces lost the nearby Battle of Santa Rosa Island and federal forces of

4020-669: Was appointed the studio's director of technical research in 1955; and by the time he retired in 1968 Shearer had won an additional seven Scientific or Technical Academy Awards . In summing up his career, The Film Encyclopedia by Ephraim Katz (2001) states that "during his more than 40 years with MGM he contributed more than any other man in Hollywood to the perfection of motion picture sound." Shearer married Marion B. Tilden in Montreal in September 1922. She died on June 6, 1931, and

4087-522: Was conquered again by the US in 1818. In 1819, Spain and the United States negotiated the Adams–Onís Treaty , by which Spain recognized the American control over Florida in exchange of the American recognition of Spanish control over Texas . A Spanish census of 1820 indicated 181 households in the town, with a third of mixed-blood . The people were predominantly French and Spanish Creole. Indians in

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4154-460: Was especially busy in 1940, with three films in production. He also starred in MGM's Escape and Waterloo Bridge . Flight Command was received as a mild attempt to bolster patriotic spirits, but as Bosley Crowther of The New York Times observed, the film had some obvious strengths as well as annoying encumbrances."... as usual in these big flying pictures, the actual air shots are beautiful—

4221-638: Was established. The structure of the colony was modeled after the existing British colonies in America , as opposed to French Canada , which was based on a different structure. West Florida was invited to send delegates to the First Continental Congress which was convened to present colonial grievances against the British Parliament to George III , but along with several other colonies, including East Florida, they declined

4288-525: Was first settled by the Spanish Empire in 1559, predating the establishment of St. Augustine by six years, and was abandoned due to a significant hurricane and not re-established until 1698. Pensacola is a seaport on Pensacola Bay , which is protected by the barrier island of Santa Rosa and connects to the Gulf of Mexico . A large United States Naval Air Station , the first in the United States,

4355-586: Was in contrast to colonies such as South Carolina, where large numbers of British soldiers were sent. After Spain joined the American Revolution in 1779 on the side of the rebels, Spanish forces captured the city in the 1781 Siege of Pensacola , gaining control of West Florida. After the war, the British officially ceded both West Florida and East Florida to Spain as part of the post-war peace settlement . In 1785 many Creek from southern Alabama and Georgia came to trade and Pensacola developed as

4422-637: Was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame . Shearer was born in Westmount, Quebec , to a prominent family that fell on hard times after his father's business failed, which ultimately led to his parents' separation. Douglas remained with his father Andrew in Montreal while his two younger sisters, Norma Shearer (the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star) and Athole Shearer (also a Hollywood actress and one-time wife of director Howard Hawks ), moved to

4489-604: Was on the eastern side of the eyewall , which sent a large storm surge into Escambia Bay ; this destroyed most of the I-10 Escambia Bay Bridge . The storm knocked 58 spans off the eastbound and westbound bridges and misaligned another 66 spans, forcing the bridge to close to traffic in both directions. The surge also destroyed the fishing bridge that spanned Pensacola Bay alongside the Phillip Beale Memorial Bridge, locally known as

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