Mary Esther, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Esther, Florida
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| City of Mary Esther, Florida | |
Mary Esther City Hall, September 2014.
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| Motto(s):
"A Growing Community "
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Location in Okaloosa County and the state of Florida
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Okaloosa |
| Incorporated | 1946 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.46 sq mi (3.79 km2) |
| • Land | 1.46 sq mi (3.77 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,982 |
| • Density | 2,736.77/sq mi (1,056.63/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
32569
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| Area code(s) | 850 |
| FIPS code | 12-43375 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0286480 |
Mary Esther is a city in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,982 at the 2020 US census. This was a small increase from 3,851 people counted in 2010.
Contents
Why the Name Mary Esther?
Mary Esther got its name from its first postmaster, John Newton. He decided to name the city after his two daughters, Mary and Esther.
Where is Mary Esther?
Mary Esther is located in Florida. You can find it at 30°24′44″N 86°39′33″W.
U.S. Route 98 is the main road that goes through the city. This road leads east about 4 miles (6 km) to Fort Walton Beach. If you go west, it's about 37 miles (60 km) to Pensacola.
The United States Census Bureau says that Mary Esther covers about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
What's the Weather Like?
Mary Esther has a climate with warm temperatures and rain spread out throughout the year. This type of weather is called a "humid subtropical climate." It means the summers are hot, and there is plenty of rain.
How Many People Live Here?
Mary Esther has grown over the years. Here's how the population has changed:
- 1950: 332 people
- 1960: 780 people
- 1970: 3,192 people
- 1980: 3,530 people
- 1990: 4,139 people
- 2000: 4,055 people
- 2010: 3,851 people
- 2020: 3,982 people
In 2020, there were 3,982 people living in Mary Esther. There were 1,573 households and 1,149 families in the city.
Mary Esther Public Library
The idea for a public library in Mary Esther started on February 4, 1974. It was first called the Mary Esther Community Library. Volunteers ran it, and it didn't use tax money.
The first library building was small, only 585 square feet. People paid a small fee to use it, from $1.00 per person to $5.00 for a family. Later, the building got a bit bigger, expanding to 810 square feet.
In October 1976, the library's name changed to the Mary Esther Public Library. By 1988, the library was too small. A group called "Friends of the Library" asked citizens to sign a petition. They wanted the City Council to build a new, larger library.
On February 6, 1989, the City Council agreed to a new location and size for the library. The state of Florida also helped by giving $175,000 to match funds for construction. Building started on February 28, 1991. The new Mary Esther Public Library opened on March 9, 1992.
For many years, people talked about creating a library system for all of Okaloosa County. This idea was turned down many times. Finally, in 1997, the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative was formed. Mary Esther's library became one of its members.
The library had its most recent update in 2004. It received a $350,000 grant, which added another 2,000 square feet to the building.
See also
In Spanish: Mary Esther (Florida) para niños
