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

78 IamPensacola - Judy Fitzpatrick.indd   1

12/27/18   3:38 PM