Where History Meets Progress

Blending rich heritage, natural beauty, and forward-thinking development to create a thriving future.

Nestled in the heart of Jackson County, Marianna, Florida, is a small town with a rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and a community-driven approach to progress. With a population of just under 6 000 within city limits, and closer to 20 000 in the surrounding area, Marianna offers a unique blend of small-town charm and economic opportunity.

“Marianna is a great place to live and raise a family,” says Mayor John Roberts. “Most people who come 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.”

Beyond job creation, Marianna has taken proactive steps to modernize its utilities and infrastructure. The town’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant services both city and county residents, with room for expansion. “To have economic growth, you’re going to have to have water and sewer available, and it is available here in Marianna,” says Roberts.

“We used to be able to discharge into the Chipola River, but that was a thing of the past, maybe 30 years ago, and we went out and got all kind of grants, and we built a new wastewater treatment facility, and I said that facility treats all the city of Marianna sewage, but it also treats all the sewage in the interstate,” he adds. Additionally, the town operates its own natural gas department, ensuring a stable energy supply for businesses and residents.

Stormwater management is another key focus. William Long, City Manager, highlights ongoing projects, “we have a number of infrastructure projects in play… including a mega regional stormwater pond that will impact about 120 acres just south of Marianna.” These efforts, combined with water and sewer expansions, are paving the way for sustainable growth while reinforcing Marianna’s position as an economic hub in Northwest Florida.

Downtown Revival: Market Street and Marianna’s Economic Heartbeat

Like many small towns, Marianna’s downtown once thrived as a bustling hub of commerce and community. However, shifting retail trends and the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018 left parts of the area in need of renewal. Now, the city is taking bold steps to restore and revitalize its downtown core, focusing on Market Street as the centerpiece of this transformation.

“We certainly have some exciting days ahead of us,” says David Melvin, Consulting Engineer for the City of Marianna. “Historically, we all grew up here in downtown in the old days with a vibrant area, and like most small towns, when they build a Walmart, it kind of sucks the life out of downtown… but fortunately, there’s a blessing out of that curse that the grant funds have become available for us to do some renovations and improvements.”

The city has secured grants to enhance infrastructure, including road improvements and pedestrian-friendly developments along Market Street.

“One challenge with our town is US Highway 90 runs through the middle of the town, and it’s a very busy 30 000 vehicle a day, four-lane road, and it kind of divides the town. But just to the north, we have Market Street that parallels that,” explains Melvin.

A key initiative has been the demolition of a dilapidated building at a major downtown intersection, making way for future commercial and community spaces. Additionally, Marianna has acquired a 22 000 square foot building, with plans to introduce retail, restaurants, and potentially upper-level residential units to attract both visitors and new residents.

“Market Street is going to be revamped to make it pedestrian-friendly, business-friendly, restaurant-friendly, and so some significant work, some significant plans, and time, and energy, and money spent to sort of revamp downtown and give people a reason to come back to downtown Marianna,” explains Long.

“We’re going to turn Market Street into the new Main Street and make it a very nice area for businesses to locate, for pedestrians, and for events,” Melvin adds. With a renewed focus on economic growth and partnerships with developers, Marianna is reclaiming its downtown as a vibrant destination.

Strengthening Marianna’s Foundation Through Education and Healthcare

Education and healthcare play a vital role in Marianna’s growth, providing essential services and workforce development for the region. Chipola College, a longstanding institution in the community, has expanded beyond its origins as a junior college to offer four-year degree programs and workforce training in high-demand fields. “They have a nursing program… a public service component that does law enforcement, public safety training as well,” Long says. The college also provides training in engineering technology, cosmetology, and automobile technology, attracting students from across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Healthcare is another pillar of the community, anchored by Jackson Hospital, a 100-bed county-owned facility. The hospital offers oncology treatments, orthopedic surgeries, and ENT services, ensuring residents do not have to travel far for specialized care. Recognizing the need for expansion, the city recently provided 20 acres of land to support future healthcare growth.

“They have a very big plan to greatly expand the hospital,” says Roberts, noting that it will include outpatient surgery centers and diagnostic centers. With strong education and healthcare resources, Marianna is building a foundation for a healthier and more skilled workforce, securing its future as a regional hub.

Industry, Agriculture, and Business Expansion

Agriculture has long been the backbone of Marianna’s economy, though the industry has evolved over time. “There used to be a lot of small family farms,” says Roberts, “but basically, there are not that many small family farms anymore… the farms are all large, and it takes that kind of growth and that kind of land to basically make a profit.” Today, the region is known for cattle ranching, peanut, and cotton farming, with large-scale operations like Herman Laramore’s ranch, which runs 1 000 cow-calf pairs year-round.

A major new development in the agricultural sector is a milk processing facility, addressing a regional supply gap caused by the closure of the nearest plant in Alabama. “There’s a project that’s budding literally as we speak,” says Long. “It appears they will invest about $80 million in capital in a new milk processing plant here just on the edge of Marianna.” This facility will provide local grocery stores with a steady supply of milk while supporting area dairy farmers.

Another transformative project is the redevelopment of the Dozier School for Boys site into an industrial and residential area. “The city, partnering with the county, is in the process of revamping that community,” explains Melvin.

“We’ve got a first-class autism transition program there… an old gym that will be converted into a civic center, and a dining hall being turned into a museum.” With these projects, Marianna is fostering job creation and long-term economic stability.

Marianna’s Next Chapter

As Marianna looks to the future, city leaders are focused on attracting new businesses, creating high-paying jobs, and expanding development opportunities. Efforts to revitalize downtown Market Street will continue, with plans to transform underutilized spaces into retail, dining, and residential areas. Additionally, the city is working to address affordable workforce housing shortages, partnering with developers to build new residential communities.

The Marianna Municipal Airport is another key focus, with plans to establish a flight training program in partnership with Chipola College. “We believe there’s sufficient interest in the area among young people,” says Long, noting the potential for economic growth through aviation training.

“It’s a small city-run airport, during World War II, they had an Army air base here that trained pilots. Then later on, there was an independent contract that operated out of that same base, and it trained pilots. A lot of pilots that went through here were pilots in the Vietnam War,” Roberts adds.

Ultimately, Marianna remains committed to sustainable growth while preserving its close-knit community. “The main thing is that we want to have good-paying jobs,” says Roberts, “so that when our young people graduate, they have opportunities to come home to.”

A Community Rooted in Tradition, Growing for the Future

Marianna is a town where history and progress go hand in hand. With ongoing investments in downtown revitalization, infrastructure, and industry, the city continues to grow while preserving its heritage. Expanding education and healthcare resources, along with a strong agricultural and business foundation, ensure long-term prosperity.

As Marianna moves forward, it remains a resilient, connected community, embracing new opportunities while staying true to its roots.

AT A GLANCE

Who: City of Marianna, Florida
What: A historic town focused on downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, and economic development while preserving its natural beauty
Where: Jackson County, Florida
Website: www.cityofmarianna.com