Escambia county is on life support.
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12/17/2022
I grew up in Pcola and moved away after hurricane Ivan over a decade ago. I have recently moved back and was shocked to see the rate of decline it has endured over the years. Hardly any new buildings or establishments have been built unless you go past the 9-mile road area. It seems most new businesses are in old businesses that used to be car part stores, fast food places, gas stations, etc.. Businesses that do not fit that style of building, it's very odd. There is no industry in Pcola besides the military, which means there are hardly any young go-getters trying to create something new or anything that brings industry here. The median age on this site says 38, but I would argue that most of the young people they are counting are military that moves away after their time. The real age of the population is much older. Most are retired military receiving a fixed income, which means there is no real wealth in this town, which trickles down to the type of businesses being built here. There seems to be some type of dollar general store on just about every main road here. The low income along with the hurricane damages cripples this town. There are still rooves in just about every main neighborhood that have tarps on them from hurricane Sally a couple of years ago.
There is not much to do here but drink, very few gyms, mostly CrossFit if your into that. There are only a few parks, and hardly any places to take your dog. Escambia county does not allow dogs on the beach, which is crazy that they don't have at least a section zoned for them where they could charge and make revenue from. There are a few very tiny private beaches for dogs, but they are crap.
Unless you go downtown or by the mall the food choices are terrible. Hardly any Mom and Pop places, mostly fast food, and they love Mcdonald's down here??. Escambia county is on life support. If you are wanting to move to Florida I would suggest moving more to the east or heading down south.
Mike | Myrtle Grove, FL