“As announced this morning on the APA Florida website and social media platforms, it is my pleasure to inform you that Downtown Pensacola … is the winner of this year's Great Places in Florida!“

So began the letter from American Planning Association’s Florida Chapter to Pensacola’s Downtown Improvement Board, following an eight-day poll that sought to identify Florida’s greatest place. The APA received nominations for 20 cities and towns, and the list of finalists included the Ancient Spanish Monastery of Miami Beach, Clearwater’s Beachwalk, Downtown Winter Park and Mizner Park & Downtown Boca Raton. 

“Florida is full of amazing places that keep our communities thriving and make this state a wonderful place to live,” reads the APA website about the award program. “Great Places stand out with their exceptional character and lasting value. They are memorable, perhaps even famous, but each is deeply cared for and valued. Citizens, planners, business leaders and elected officials work hard to create, sustain and improve the places that we love and enjoy in our cities.”

“Downtown Pensacola was ranked high by all of the judges as we selected the five finalists, and the number of votes it received from the public just shows how much the community cares,” said Brandon Henry, APA’s Young Planners Group Chair. 

Downtown Pensacola is no stranger to winning APA awards. Palafox Street was named one of the 10 greatest streets in America by the Florida APA in 2013. 

[PHOTO: Laura Bogan]