There is no other area in Pensacola that can consider itself as much of a “secret” as Sanders Beach can. We are lovingly “kissed” by the beautiful waters of Pensacola Bay and share the old maritime stories of the Bayou Chico. One hundred years worth of ship builders, wood workers, plumbers, electricians, masons, brick layers and ditch diggers that helped build Pensacola have lived here. One hundred years worth of fishermen called the waters off of Sanders Beach their second home while their house on shore was their first. Our legacy is Pensacola’s history. Enjoy the view and welcome to your Sanders Beach and My Sanders Beach.
“Sanders Beach Begins….”
In 1908, Pensacola Mayor Calvin C. Goodman requested and received a donation of two blocks of waterfront from the Maxent Land Company. The parcel was developed as a public park and was eventually named for Frank Dent Sanders, a former Pensacola fireman, police chief, commissioner and mayor. According to minutes from a Recreation Board Meeting, Sanders Beach opened to the public and began being operated by the city in 1947. Prior to that, it had been leased to individuals to maintain and run. The formal opening was 2-27-48.
“The Den”
September 16th, 2004 changed the landscape of Sanders Beach, it’s community center, Pensacola and miles of surrounding area forever. Hurricane Ivan made landfall at around 2 a.m. on that morning and left a path of destruction that is still visible in some ways today. Many say it was a Category 3 while others are sure it was a 4…but regardless of strength, it made itself well known in our area.
Quite a few of the old, historic homes in Sanders Beach survived with different levels of damage. Some did not. And, notably, “The Den”, being so close to Pensacola Bay, incurred heavy damage from the high winds and shoulder-high flooding. Unsalvageable and out-of-date…it was time for something new.
To Be Continued…