Pace, Florida is located in Northwest Florida centrally located between Pensacola and historic Milton, Florida. In recent years, there has been a large population grown in the aware, due in part to the Pace community's welcoming atmosphere, relaxed home town feel, and excellent "A" school systems and athletic programs. Pace has all of the amenities of a larger city without all the hassles.
Pace's proximity to Milton and Pensacola offers increased job and commuting opportunities. Local companies such as Walmart, Home Depot, Office Depot, Publix, Lowe's, Sear's, and many other small businesses are offering more residents job opportunities. Pace is home to many military personnel and civilian employees from Naval Air Station Whiting Field, located northeast of Pace, and an easy commute to and from the base. The field has a rich history and was commissioned in 1943 to train aviators. Today, it is still a thriving aviation complex.
The Santa Rosa County school system was rated "Best in State" on FCAT testing. Between the Pace Area school FCAT scores, Pace High School Band, and Pace High School Navy JROTC, the Pace community has many reasons to be proud. Pace High School students’ hard work and dedication has once again paid off. Pace Schools along with other Santa Rosa County schools earned the highest FCAT scores in the state in 2003. The Pace High School Band went to National Competition at the Cotton Bowl and won one first place prize and two-second place awards. Pace High Navy JROTC was also recognized as best in Military Leadership in a worldwide competition, which will prepare the students to be community and military leaders.
Due to the population growth, the Pace area has attracted additional doctors and expansions of medical facilities. With this growth, the need for shopping and entertainment has been in demand. To answer this Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Ruby Tuesday’s, Ryan’s Steakhouse, and Village Inn just to name a few have stepped up to the plate to provide a well needed service. Recreation and entertainment are both high priorities in the community. The Pace Athletic Recreation Association has recently completed an addition to their sports complex, which includes a variety of organized sports. Pace also boasts a state-of-the-art bowling alley and Cinema with stadium seating. One of the favorite entertainment spots of the locals is the Farmers’ Opry House. The Farmers’ Opry House provides dinner with a live band for a minimal cost and also has a campground that can handle larger RV's.
Another way to enjoy the Pace area is to participate in the different festivals throughout the year. The Pace Festival Days are located at Pace High School and the Blue Grass Festival at the Farmers’ Opry House are both held in April. The Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe, Inc has a two day Indian Day Celebration the weekend before Thanksgiving every year at Floridatown Park. These are just a few of the festivals and activities that Pace has to offer.
Even with the hustle and bustle of a growing community, outstanding schools, and numerous recreation activities, Pace has stayed true to the charms and friendliness of its earlier days. Come see what it is like to visit or live in a place that you will be proudct to be a part of year after year.