Florida Panhandle, Northwestern region in Florida, United States
Florida Panhandle is a narrow strip of land in northwestern Florida, running between Alabama and Georgia along the Gulf coast. The thirteen counties cover sandy shores, inland pine forests, and shallow bays with clear water.
After World War II, large military installations including Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base opened across the region. These facilities brought new residents and permanently changed the economy of coastal communities.
The western portion belonged to Spanish territory known as West Florida before joining the rest of the state. Coastal towns today still carry names and architectural traces from that Gulf connection.
Most beaches and bays lie along the southern coastline, while forests and smaller towns spread to the north. Kayaking and fishing gear can be rented in coastal towns, and camping sites are available both by the sea and inland.
Ten aquatic preserves and a national research reserve around Apalachicola protect river mouths and tidal flats. These zones attract migrating birds and serve as resting stops during spring and autumn routes.
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