to Marianna, once they come here, they fall in love with it and never want to leave.” From its historic downtown to its state-of-the-art infrastructure and growing industries, Marianna is investing in the future while preserving the traditions that make it special. With thriving schools, a strong local economy, and natural assets like the Florida Caverns State Park, the town continues to attract residents and businesses alike, offering both quality of life and opportunity. A COMMUNITY WITH DEEP ROOTS AND NATURAL BEAUTY Marianna is a town deeply rooted in history, with generations of families calling it home for centuries. Roberts, a lifelong resident, embodies this connection to the community. “I think I’m a sixth-generation Floridian. My children are seventh, my grandchildren are eighth,” he shares. After graduating from Florida State University Law School in 1969, he returned to Marianna in 1970 to open a law practice, where he has remained ever since. Beyond its rich history, Marianna is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. “It is heaven on earth,” says Kay Dennis, Director of Municipal Development. “Some of the things that are really great about Marianna are its environment. It’s a beautiful environment. We have passive recreational opportunities all over the place, caves and trails.” Among its most prized natural attractions is Florida Caverns State Park, home to the only cave system in the state. The town is also known for Blue Springs, a first-magnitude spring that attracts visitors for its crystal-clear waters, outdoor recreation, and scenic beauty. These natural wonders, combined with Marianna’s close-knit community, make it a truly special place to call home. FUELING GROWTH: INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Marianna’s economy is anchored by strong public sector employment, major distribution operations, and ongoing infrastructure investments. Federal and state institutions, including a federal prison and two correctional facilities, play a vital role in job creation. Additionally, the Jackson Hospital, a long-standing employer, has provided stability to Jackson County for generations. A significant economic driver is the Family Dollar Distribution Center, which employs 800 people across multiple counties.“50 years ago we were fortunate to get a Family Dollar Distribution Center,” says Roberts. “One of the assets that we have is the Interstate 10 run just south of Marianna… people come from Washington, Holmes, and Gadsden counties to work at that distribution center.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 MARIANNA, FL
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