What is your hometown, what brought you to the
Pensacola area, and how long have you been here?
My hometown is Lake Charles, Louisiana. When I graduated
from College in 1983, my best friend from high school and
I wanted to move. We knew a friend from college living in
Pensacola and we stayed with her while we found jobs. I had
a connection from the fl orist association in Lake Charles that
landed me a job at Flower Fashions, the premiere fl orist of the
day.
What is your profession and give a brief description
of what you do.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from McNeese State
University. I am a Florida State Master Designer and a Florida
Professional Certifi ed Florist. I’m the owner of Just Judy’s
Flowers, Local Art & Gifts located at 2509 N 12th Avenue
which opened in October 2008. Previous to that I managed
the Nina Fritz Gallery in Cordova Mall. I wanted to get back
to my fl oral roots and open a fl ower shop that included local
art. I chose my location because of the artistic nature of 12th
Avenue. Ten years later, I’m still excited to be a part of the
East Hill Family.
What led you to choose this profession?
I am a second-generation fl orist. When I was in high school
my mother and aunt purchased a furniture business that
included a fl orist. I took to fl oral design easily and earned my
Louisiana certifi ed professional fl orist license in 1979. My
mother always called me her “Flower Child.”
What do you like best about Pensacola? What makes
it so unique?
I love my community and the support they give to everything
local. Pensacola is so unique with its rich history and a grass
root feel, but at the same time it is constantly evolving and
changing. I think this is due to the infl uence of the military and
the effects of beach tourism bringing new faces to our area. At
the same time you meet people who have lived here all their
lives and love it.
Three words that best describe you.
Dedicated, Motivated, Caring
Favorite Things you like about Pensacola.
What drew me to Pensacola was the beach, which I still
love. Today it’s the people, the local color, and a sense of
community.
I AM PENSACOLA because…
This is where I’ve put down my roots. I met my husband
when I fi rst moved here. Married over 30 years, we’ve raised
both our children who still live here, along with our grandson.
I’m blessed with this wonderful family, supportive community
and a successful business with the best employees.
I AM PENSACOLA
Judy Fitzpatrick
photo by
Kristina Wright
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