Population Growth

The City’s population as of the 2010 Census was 51,923. Our current preliminary population estimate for 2017 is 54,071. This is an increase of 2,148 since 2010.

Pensacola has several new developments expected to bring more jobs and housing to the city, including the VT MAE project and several housing developments.

"I'm proud to say that the numbers are booming," Hayward said. "Pensacola is now being known as a city that is very fast-growing. We are in fast-growth mode as a city."

This current estimate does not take into account the population that the residential units currently in various stages of completion within the downtown area will bring. It also does not include the multiple residential subdivision plats that have been approved in recent months. Our upward trend in population growth and overall urban density should not only continue, but significantly increase. Read more.

Inclement weather precautions and reminders

City officials are aware of the weather forecast and we continue to take necessary precautions.

We continue to remind residents to be mindful of any impending weather forecasts. Public Works and Facilities crews will continue to be out prior to and during weather events as part of normal precautionary operations. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as they become available.If you see a storm drain that appears to be obstructed, please remove the obstruction. Get more information here.

Congratulations to the Fire Cadets

All 11 of the Pensacola Fire Cadets passed both parts of the Florida Firefighter Certification. The Office of Human Resources is working with Pensacola Fire to get Fire Cadets into regular Professional Firefighter positions.

First row: Tyler Haswell, Nicholas Fernandez, Zach Morris-Webb, Andrew Tucker, Noah Saenz, Second row: Lee Benton, Nicholas White, Domonic Jones, Scott Huey, Willie “Lewis” Pope III, Christopher Sims

Hayward selected for Leadership Florida annual program

Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward joins Jim Fletcher, (Vice President, Gulf Power Company), Mary Allison Hill, (Senior Vice President, Baptist Health Care, President/Chief Executive Officer, Lakeview Center) and Renee Bookout, (Corporate Counsel/Radio Show Host, Center for Individual Freedom) as the selections from the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze area to the Leadership Florida Cornerstone XXXVI program.

Participants were selected on the basis of a variety of complex factors. The Selection Committee devoted a considerable amount of time and attention to each application, making the final decisions very difficult.

To view the full press release please click here. Rosters can also be found on the Leadership Florida website here.

Employee of the Month

This week, we took time to recognize the milestones and accomplishments of some of our employees. One of the people recognized was our Employee of the Month, Pensacola Police Officer Justin Roedel.

Officer Roedel was dispatched to a call regarding a juvenile that was throwing rocks at a passing train. He arrived to find an 11 year old boy, Gregory, whose toes were visible through his shoes and his clothes were tattered and torn. Officer Roedel made contact with Gregory's mom only to discover she is a single mom working three jobs to support her three children. She explained that her two boys had always wanted to go to camp but she couldn't afford it. She apologized for Gregory's behavior. Leaving the family's home, Officer Roedel began making phone calls to his church and fellow police officers. After a few days, he acquired clothing vouchers for all three children for his church's thrift store, he purchased a new pair of shoes for Gregory, and even raised enough money to send all three kids to our City Of Pensacola summer program.

Our Pensacola Police Officers really are some of Pensacola's finest and Officer Roedel is a testament to that. Thank you for all that you do for our community.

SHNA 'Days in the Parks'

The Scenic Hills Neighborhood Association (SHNA) partnered with Parks and Recreation for a SHNA Days in the Parks with projects taking place in Eastgate, Belvedere and Tierre Verde Parks. The neighborhood had 16 volunteers show up throughout the day on Saturday, August 19th and gave a total of 64 volunteer hours picking up trash as well as painting benches, basketball goals, and playground equipment. One neighbor with a pressure washing business also pressure washed the basketball court at Belvedere Park at no charge, with another neighbor letting him hook up to the water at his home across the street from the park. It was truly a day of neighbors showing love and friendship to other neighbors! (Photos are attached.)

Parks and Recreation pressure washed benches, playground equipment, and repaired signage equipment and water fountains ahead of the volunteer project. SHNA’s Jo Matthews had this to say about the collaboration, “The large number of people who stopped by to inquire as to what was going on and the number of Facebook posts show the incredible energy this project generated and the appreciation to the CITY for the helping hand.”

Excellent customer service and news from 311

"I would like to thank you very much for your assistance Friday with our sanitation issues. The City of Pensacola Sanitation was out within 20 minutes from our correspondence to pick up ours and our tenant’s garbage.

Thank you again for everything!"

~ Kim Rape

INSTAGRAM: Photo of the Week

Don't forget to share your photo with us on Instagram. Tag us with #upsideofflorida or @cityofpensacola. Your image could be featured in the next UPwords newsletter. We'd love to see your photos! Photo credit: @gotogulfcoast