Pensacola (pop. 54,312; met. area pop. 509,905) is Florida’s largest deepwater seaport. It lies on Pensacola Bay in northwestern Florida. Its economy is based on military activities; service industries, such as health care and tourism; and construction. The city’s factories produce chemicals, paper products, and other goods. The University of West Florida is in Pensacola. The area is the site of Naval Air Station Pensacola (see Naval Air Station Pensacola ).
Diego Maldonado, one of explorer Hernando de Soto’s captains, reached Pensacola Bay, probably in 1540. In 1559, Spanish adventurer Tristán de Luna y Arellano founded a settlement that lasted two years. Spain reoccupied Pensacola in 1698, when Spanish military leader Don Andres d’Arriola built a fort where the city now stands. Pensacola has a council-manager government. It is the seat of Escambia County.
