Trifter

Photo by PR Mace

A trip to Pensacola, Florida is not complete without a day at the beach. Pensacola is touted as having the “Worlds Whitest Beaches” and a most unusual sign points you in the right direction.

An iconic Gulf Breeze landmark, the Pensacola Beach Sign, uses a rainbow colored sailfish to point the way to the Bob Sikes Bridge and Pensacola Beach. This 60’s-era sign which sits along the Gulf Breeze Parkway not only features a sailfish but has the words “Pensacola Beach” in red against a golden starburst. At night the neon backlights make it a wonder to behold. The sign invites locals and tourist alike to “turn right” for a scenic drive east along the Gulf of Mexico.

Originally commissioned in the late 1950’s by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, the sign was designed by Patricia Born and Frank Craddock and built by Lamar Advertising in 1960.

It was initially erected in downtown Pensacola with the sailfish pointing the way to the Pensacola Bay Bridge. It was moved in 1962 to its current location due to the large number of people who did not know they had to cross a second bridge to reach the beach. Many tourists complained they missed the small sign leading to the beach and continued going on U.S 98 to South Florida.

After more than forty years in service the original metal sign, made up of two sailfish, had rusted and was replaced in July 2003. One fish was donated to the Pensacola Historical Society and the other was sold at auction to benefit the County’s general fund.

Local restaurateur Martin McGuire owner of another famous landmark, McGuire’s Irish Pub and other local eateries held the winning bid at $4,995. It is displayed at his restaurant Flounders, located on Pensacola Beach. Mr. McGuire stated, “It is a Pensacola icon, and a lot of people have seen it. We wanted to keep it on the beach.”

After sustaining heavy damage in Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, the sign was replaced over the course of 18 months in 2005 and 2006. The animated center portion was recreated by Plastic Arts Signs of Pensacola. They won the bid on the $135,000 contract in April 2006. It took miles of wiring and nearly 900 feet of handmade neon tubing to bring the sign back to her former glory.

If you ever travel to Pensacola, Florida and visit our lovely beaches remember to give a salute to the sailfish as you pass by, for she stands now and hopefully forever to show you the way.