What is 850 Area Code
Area code 850, part of the North American Numbering Plan, covers the Florida Panhandle region and includes cities such as Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City. Established in 1997 through a split from area code 904, 850 remains the sole area code serving this particular area. This code is essential for facilitating communication within the vibrant communities and picturesque landscapes of the Florida Panhandle.
Where is 850 Area Code
The largest cities within the 850 area code include Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, and Milton. Additionally, other notable cities in the region encompass Crestview, Panama City Beach, Marianna, Defuniak Springs, Chipley, Quincy, Crawfordville, Navarre, Miramar Beach, Gulf Breeze, Port Saint Joe, Perry, Lynn Haven, Madison, Vernon, Cantonment, Cottondale, Santa Rosa Beach, Valparaiso, Havana, Century, Jay, Panacea, Molino, Monticello, Baker, Destin, Greenville, Pinetta, Shalimar, Graceville, Bonifay, Eastpoint, McDavid, Holt, Laurel Hill, Freeport, Blountstown, Apalachicola, Grand Ridge, Youngstown, Malone, Lee, Bristol, Carrabelle, Westville, Altha, Alford, Chattahoochee, Wewahitchka, Ponce De Leon, Niceville, Mary Esther, Hosford, Sopchoppy, Caryville, Fountain, and Salem. These diverse cities offer a range of cultural, recreational, and historical attractions for residents and visitors alike.
The Time Zone of 850 Area Code
The 850 area code spans across the Eastern and Central time zones. The Eastern time zone, referred to as America/New York, is where cities like Tallahassee are located. On the other hand, the Central time zone, known as America/Chicago, covers areas such as Pensacola. These time zones not only affect the local time but also impact businesses operating in the region, influencing their hours of operation and communication with clients in different parts of the country.
The History of 850 Area Code
The official implementation of area code 850 marked its creation through a split from area code 904. Subsequently, area code 448 was introduced as an overlay for all services within the 850 region on June 22, 2021. As of May 22, 2021, ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) became mandatory in the 850/448 overlay to address instances where different residences in close proximity could share the same seven-digit phone number but with distinct area codes. This change aimed to streamline communication and ensure accurate connections within the evolving telecommunications landscape.
The Demographics of 850 Area Code
Based on 2010 census data, the 850 area code is home to a population of 1,258,677 individuals, consisting of 952,484 white residents and 240,189 black residents. The remaining population is predominantly of Hispanic or Asian descent. Additionally, in 2010, the 480 area code encompassed an area with an average household value of $73,144.00 and an average household income of $34,220.35.
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, serves as the county seat and sole incorporated municipality in Leon County. Designated as the capital of Florida in 1824, Tallahassee had a population of 189,907 in 2015, ranking it as the 126th largest city in the United States. The Tallahassee metropolitan area boasted a population of 377,924 in 2015.
Pensacola, situated as the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, recorded a total population of 51,923 during the 2010 census, a decrease from 56,255 in 2000. Serving as the primary city in the Pensacola metropolitan area, the region was estimated to house 461,227 residents in 2012.
Panama City, located in Bay County, Florida, acts as the county seat and lies along U.S. Route 98, positioned as the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola. As the more populous of the two principal cities in the Panama City-Lynn Haven, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, Panama City reported a city population of 36,484 in the 2010 census. Upon its incorporation in 1909, Panama City's original city limits extended from 15th Street (Hwy 98) in the north, Balboa Avenue in the west, and Bay Avenue in the east.
The Main Industries of the 850 Area Code
Tallahassee, the largest city in the Northwest Florida region, serves as a prominent hub for trade and agriculture in the Florida Big Bend and Southwest Georgia areas. It is renowned for being the home of Florida State University, ranked as the nation's thirty-eighth best public university by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Tallahassee boasts Florida A&M University, one of the largest historically black universities in the country. The city is further enriched by Tallahassee Community College, a significant feeder school for both Florida State and Florida A&M, contributing to a vibrant student population exceeding 70,000.
Noteworthy landmarks in Tallahassee include the Florida State Capitol, Supreme Court of Florida, Florida Governor's Mansion, and nearly 30 state agency headquarters. The city is also recognized for its abundance of law firms, lobbying organizations, trade associations, and professional bodies such as the Florida Bar and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, Tallahassee stands out as a regional center for scientific research, hosting the prestigious National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. In recognition of its civic achievements, Tallahassee was honored with the All-American City Award by the National Civic League in 2015. Currently, it holds the esteemed title of the 18th best college town in the nation according to Best College Reviews.
Moving on to Pensacola, a bustling seaport situated on Pensacola Bay, protected by the barrier island of Santa Rosa and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. The city is home to a prominent United States Naval Air Station, the first of its kind in the country, serving as the base for the renowned Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum. The University of West Florida's main campus is located north of the city center, adding an academic dimension to the area.
Historically, Pensacola has been inhabited by various indigenous peoples, with Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna establishing a short-lived settlement in 1559. Over time, the city evolved from a Spanish presidio into a thriving modern metropolis, witnessing multiple changes in governance as European powers vied for control in North America. Notably nicknamed "The City of Five Flags," Pensacola reflects the diverse heritage of the five governments that have ruled over it throughout its history: Spain (Castile), France, Great Britain, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America.
In addition to its rich history, Pensacola is celebrated for its stunning white sand beaches along the Florida panhandle, earning it the moniker "World's Whitest Beaches." The city is also known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State," "America's First Settlement," "Emerald Coast," "Red Snapper Capital of the World," and affectionately referred to as "P-Cola" by locals.
Exploring the 850 Area Code: Sightseeing and Delicious Dining Options
The 850 area code covers a large area in Florida, including cities like Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. Here are some recommended tourist attractions and restaurants in the 850 area code:
Tourist Attractions:
1. Tallahassee Museum - A wildlife sanctuary and outdoor museum in Tallahassee that showcases North Florida's natural environment.
2. St. George Island State Park - A beautiful barrier island with pristine beaches and nature trails for hiking and birdwatching.
3. National Naval Aviation Museum - Located in Pensacola, this museum features historic aircraft and exhibits on naval aviation history.
4. Panama City Beach - Known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters, this popular vacation spot offers water sports, shopping, and dining options.
5. Wakulla Springs State Park - Explore one of the world's largest freshwater springs, take a boat tour, or go hiking in this scenic state park near Tallahassee.
Restaurants:
1. Backwoods Crossing - A farm-to-table restaurant in Tallahassee known for its Southern cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
2. Firefly - Located in Panama City Beach, this upscale restaurant offers seafood dishes and a romantic atmosphere.
3. The Fish House - A waterfront restaurant in Pensacola serving fresh seafood and Southern specialties with views of the bay.
4. Andrew's Capital Grill & Bar - A popular spot in Tallahassee for steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a casual yet elegant setting.
5. The Grand Marlin - Enjoy Gulf Coast seafood and waterfront dining at this restaurant in Panama City Beach.
These are just a few of the many attractions and dining options available in the 850 area code. Be sure to explore further and discover even more hidden gems in this diverse region of Florida!
850 area code keeps calling me? Should I answer it?
Is it safe to answer calls from the 850 area code? Generally, most calls from this area code are from businesses seeking to engage with customers. However, there is a possibility of receiving fraudulent calls from 850 numbers.
It can be challenging to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent 850 calls. The best approach is to answer the call and determine the caller's identity. If it's someone you know, you can proceed with the conversation. If not, it's advisable to hang up immediately.
How to block 850 area code on iPhone?
You can block 850 area codes numbers on your iPhone by adding them to the block list in 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Open Recent on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap on the 850 phone number then press "i" icon.
Step 3: Scroll down and press Block this Caller.
How to block 850 area code on Android?
You can block 850 area code numbers on Android by adding in the block list 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Call history on your android smartphone.
Step 2: Tap on the 850 phone number then press "i" icon.
Step 3: Tap the “kebab” icon (three vertical dots) and press Block contact.
(Note: the steps may vary in different android phone brands.)
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