The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-10-25
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County commissioners and commit
tee from Escambia and Santa Rosa
counties will go over to Tallahassee to
present the claims of this county to the
members Of the state road department.
There seems every probability that
this committee will receive at least
some measure justice from the de-
partment, in obtaining it's rightful
share Of public funds for road and
bridge construction in this section of
the state.
Such aid was promised this county
contingent on a bond issue Of $780,
000 Instead this county bonded for
$4,000, 900, $500, O0O for county devel-
opment and 100000 for the Gulf
Beach Highway.
With the assurances already given
the committee. there seems every rea-
son to believe that the state road de-
partment win render to Escambia the
necessary financial aid for carrying on
its contemplated road and bridge pro-
gram.
The fact that this section. for so
many years has been shut off from
communication with other parts OF
the state, accounts for much Of the
Misunderstanding and misrepresenta-
ton as to West Florida.
The people Of South and Central
Florida know practically nothing of
this part of the state. through first
hand knowledge.
They have been told that West Flor
ida is arid and unprogressive. And
they believe these things, because they
have no reason to believe otherwise.
With good roads through West Flor
ida, connecting with good roads in
other parts of Florida, not only would
there be closer union Of the state, but
visitors to Florida would come to this
section in large numbers. and many
of these would doubtless make in
vestments here.
But the good roads viii not do much
to aid in the development of West
Florida, anless we have something to
offer visitors in tl34 way OF amusement.
People of means who come to Flori-
da. want to play. That is what brings
them to the state. 1t is this class of
visitor that has built up Miami, and
1t is this class of visitor which VIII /,
help in the development OF Pensacola |
and Escambia county. st. Petersburg, |
Fla, has made itself famous as a |
tourist resort through the old game
OF Quoits, or horse shoe pitching
Men come from all parts Of the United /
States to PLAY this game. Others are
lured tc Soi.th Florida year after year
by Tarpon fishing. Others come to
play golf. Others for the joys of the I
open road, at time when cold wealth /
er at the north makes automobiling /
impossible. Others come for water
sports.
Is there anywhere in the world where
there is better fishing or hunting than
here in Escambia county? Is there
anywhere that there are such posi-
oilities for water sports2
All forms Of outdoor diversion are
possible in Pensacola with the build
ng Of the Gulf Beach highway
md the opening of a big hotel on
he Gulf Beach. we shall be able
% offer visitors not only diversion for
| few months, but we shall have an
I'll the year round resort, unequalled
anywhere in the state.
And when the day comes that we
nave something in the way OF pleasure
% offer visitors after we get them Il
lere. then and only then viii they
,ome in large numbers. And then and
,nly then win capital be attracted to
his section. For capital comes to
florida. first or all, for Its own pleas
ire. and in nearly every case. invest
nents have been the outgrowth OF
lists made on trips, the primary pur-
,ose OF which was recreation.
They came to play and remained to
,uild.