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In order to promote infrastructure and growth on the island, the federal government leased the lands now encompassing Pensacola Beach to the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), which in turn has leased the property to homeowners.
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The entire island was initially owned by the federal government. With a bar, tennis courts, bath houses, and a restaurant, it was a popular resort until it eventually closed in the 1960s. The Casino Resort was the first tourist destination constructed on the island (at the present day location of Casino Beach) where a variety of special events including beauty pageants, fishing tournaments, and boxing matches were held from the 1930s through 1950s. Pensacola Beach for many years remained largely undeveloped. Hurricanes in 17 forced its relocation to the mainland. A presidio was constructed on Santa Rosa Island in 1722 near the location of the more recent Fort Pickens. Suffering long-term famine and fighting, this first settlement was finally abandoned in 1561. A hurricane decimated the colony a few weeks later, killing hundreds and sinking five ships. His 11 ships, with 1500 settlers, anchored in the bay and established its colony on the site of today's Naval Air Station Pensacola. In 1559, Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano led the first settlement of the region. He anchored in Pensacola Bay for the winter of 1539–1540. History Also see: History of Pensacola, Florida.įrancisco Maldonado, a lieutenant under Conquistador Hernando de Soto, visited the area during the early Spanish exploration of North America.