Florida Senate - 2021 (NP) SR By Senator Broxson 1-04883A-21 20212074__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Senate Resolution A resolution recognizing the bicentennial of Escambia County on July 17, 2021. 3

WHEREAS, Escambia County is the site of the first Spanish settlement within the United States, dating back to 1559, and

WHEREAS, when Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 7 1821, the entire territory was divided into just two counties, 8 Escambia and St. Johns, and

WHEREAS, on July 17, 1821, the Spanish flag was lowered and the American flag was raised in the new territory, and

WHEREAS, the boundary of the territory known as West Florida, which became Escambia County, extended east to west for more than miles, from the Suwanee River to the Perdido River, and

WHEREAS, Escambia County has the longest-standing county commission, office of mayor, and fire and health departments in this state, with each of those entities celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2021, and

WHEREAS, today, Escambia County has grown to more than 20 318,000 residents, many of whom live in the county seat, 21 Pensacola, and

WHEREAS, Escambia County is home to the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, and Pensacola Christian College, and its beautiful beaches draw visitors from around the globe, and

WHEREAS, NAS Pensacola is the advanced training base for most naval flight officers and is the home base for the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the precision-flying team known as the Blue Angels, and

WHEREAS, Escambia County is known as “The Western Gate to the Sunshine State” and as “First Place City,” and

WHEREAS, steeped in history, but forward thinking, Escambia County is a wonderful place to visit, but a better place to call home,

NOW, THEREFORE, 41

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 43 That July 17, 2021, is recognized as the bicentennial of Escambia County. 46