Perry, Florida

Perry, Florida
City
City of Perry
Perry City Hall and Fire Department
Wordmark
Motto:  North Florida's Shining Star
Location in Taylor County and the state of Florida
Coordinates: 30°6′52″N83°34′57″W / 30.11444°N 83.58250°W / 30.11444; -83.58250
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Taylor
Incorporated	1903
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
•  Mayor	Ward Ketring
•  Vice Mayor	Diane Landry
•  Council Members	Shirley Hampton, Bill Brynes and Venita Woodfaulk
•  City Manager	John Hart II
•  City Attorney	C. Hope Demps
Area [1]
• Total	9.43 sq mi (24.43 km2)
• Land	9.43 sq mi (24.43 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	46 ft (14 m)
Population  (2024)
• Total	7,417
• Density	731.34/sq mi (282.37/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	32347-32348
Area code	850
FIPS code	12-56150 [2]
GNIS feature ID	0288724 [3]
Website	cityofperry.net

Perry is a city and the county seat of Taylor County, Florida, United States. As of 2020 ^[update] , the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 6,898. ^[4] The city was named for Madison Perry, fourth governor of the state of Florida and a Confederate colonel during the American Civil War. ^[5]

History

In 1922, Perry was a very small town of less than 2,000 people. During this time, a murder happened and three people were lynched for the crimes. Private retribution against the suspected families and those that gave them support ensued. The Perry Massacre occurred in Perry on the 14th and 15 December 1922, during which whites hanged Charles Wright and attacked the black community of Perry after the murder of a white schoolteacher. ^[6] On the day following Wright's lynching two more black men were shot and hanged; whites then burned the town's black school, Masonic lodge, church, amusement hall, and several families' homes. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

Firefighters battling a blaze at a natural gas plant in August 1998 were injured when an explosion ripped through the area, sending a mammoth fireball into the sky. The flames destroyed at least six houses and several vehicles and forced the evacuation of 100 homes within two miles of the plant. Four firefighters were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. ^[9]

In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia impacted Florida. Perry was in the path of the storm and suffered damage across the city.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry as a Category 4-strength storm, causing major damage and loss of power. ^[10]

Geography

The exact coordinates for Perry's location is at 30°06′52″N83°34′57″W / 30.114311°N 83.582609°W / 30.114311; -83.582609 . ^[11]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.3 square miles (24 km²), all land.

Perry is approximately 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Tallahassee. ^[12]

Climate

Climate data for Perry, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1897–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	85 (29)	87 (31)	90 (32)	95 (35)	100 (38)	103 (39)	104 (40)	102 (39)	99 (37)	95 (35)	93 (34)	89 (32)	104 (40)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	79.0 (26.1)	81.2 (27.3)	85.0 (29.4)	88.3 (31.3)	93.7 (34.3)	96.4 (35.8)	96.8 (36.0)	96.2 (35.7)	94.1 (34.5)	90.2 (32.3)	85.2 (29.6)	80.3 (26.8)	98.3 (36.8)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	66.0 (18.9)	69.3 (20.7)	74.5 (23.6)	79.9 (26.6)	86.0 (30.0)	89.2 (31.8)	90.4 (32.4)	89.9 (32.2)	87.7 (30.9)	81.7 (27.6)	74.1 (23.4)	68.3 (20.2)	79.8 (26.6)
Daily mean °F (°C)	54.7 (12.6)	57.8 (14.3)	62.6 (17.0)	68.1 (20.1)	74.9 (23.8)	80.1 (26.7)	81.8 (27.7)	81.7 (27.6)	79.0 (26.1)	71.3 (21.8)	62.4 (16.9)	57.1 (13.9)	69.3 (20.7)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	43.4 (6.3)	46.4 (8.0)	50.6 (10.3)	56.3 (13.5)	63.9 (17.7)	71.0 (21.7)	73.2 (22.9)	73.5 (23.1)	70.2 (21.2)	60.8 (16.0)	50.7 (10.4)	46.0 (7.8)	58.8 (14.9)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	21.9 (−5.6)	25.2 (−3.8)	29.1 (−1.6)	38.0 (3.3)	48.5 (9.2)	61.9 (16.6)	65.9 (18.8)	66.4 (19.1)	57.4 (14.1)	40.0 (4.4)	29.6 (−1.3)	25.6 (−3.6)	20.1 (−6.6)
Record low °F (°C)	7 (−14)	14 (−10)	19 (−7)	29 (−2)	40 (4)	46 (8)	55 (13)	57 (14)	42 (6)	28 (−2)	14 (−10)	10 (−12)	7 (−14)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	4.76 (121)	3.37 (86)	4.74 (120)	3.06 (78)	3.52 (89)	7.22 (183)	7.09 (180)	8.59 (218)	4.81 (122)	2.86 (73)	2.20 (56)	2.77 (70)	54.99 (1,397)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	8.8	8.3	7.4	6.1	6.9	13.2	14.4	15.5	9.3	5.6	5.5	7.3	108.3
Source: NOAA [13] [14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1910	1,012		—
1920	1,956		93.3%
1930	2,744		40.3%
1940	2,668		−2.8%
1950	2,797		4.8%
1960	8,030		187.1%
1970	7,701		−4.1%
1980	8,254		7.2%
1990	7,151		−13.4%
2000	6,847		−4.3%
2010	7,017		2.5%
2020	6,898		−1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census [15]

2010 and 2020 census

Perry racial composition
(Hispanics excluded from racial categories)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)

Race	Pop 2010 [16]	Pop 2020 [17]	% 2010	% 2020
White (NH)	3,804	3,554	54.21%	51.52%
Black or African American (NH)	2,803	2,694	39.95%	39.05%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	34	26	0.48%	0.38%
Asian (NH)	96	153	1.37%	2.22%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)	1	0	0.01%	0.00%
Some other race (NH)	3	17	0.04%	0.25%
Two or more races/Multiracial (NH)	124	218	1.77%	3.16%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	152	236	2.17%	3.42%
Total	7,017	6,898	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,898 people, 2,443 households, and 1,808 families residing in the city. ^[18]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 7,017 people, 2,366 households, and 1,618 families residing in the city. ^[19]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,847 people, 2,661 households, and 1,828 families residing in the city. The population density was 284.6 people/km² (737 people/sq mi). There were 3,073 housing units at an average density of 127.7 units/km² (331 units/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 56.01% White, 41.17% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of the population.

In 2000, there were 2,661 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 23.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.02.

In 2000, in the city, the population age was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $25,986, and the median income for a family was $29,602. Males had a median income of $26,595 versus $19,041 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,845. About 23.0% of families and 28.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.0% of those under age 18 and 26.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Students are served by the Taylor County School District. ^[20] For the 2007–2008 school year, the Florida Department of Education gave the District a "B" grade, with each of its four schools earning a "B" as well. ^[21]

Taylor County High School's Bulldogs ^[22] were the 1977–1978 Class 3A football District 3, Region 2 and State Semi-final Champions, losing to Bartow HS in the championship game, 7–0. The 1978–1979 football team were the District 3 champions and lost to Milton HS in the Regional championship game. The 1980–1981 football team were the District 3 champions and Region 2 runner-up, losing to Milton HS in the Regional championship game. The football team won 1997–1998 Class 3A State Championship. In 2010, the Bulldogs completed an undefeated football season going 10–0, claiming the district championship.

Transportation

Perry–Foley Airport is a public-use airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the central business district.

The city is served by Perry Shuttle, a bus route operated by Big Bend Transit. ^[23]

Roads

See also: List of county roads in Taylor County, Florida

U.S. Highways

• US 19
• US 27
• 
  US 27 Alt.
• US 98
• US 221
• 
  US 221 Truck

Law enforcement

The Perry Police Department (PPD) is a 24-person agency with four Patrol K-9 teams. To be certified, each handler and K-9 partner receive at least 500 hours of training and, in some instances, as many as 800 hours. ^[24]

Notable people

• LeGarrette Blount, NFL player
• Ethel Cain, singer-songwriter and artist
• J. Broward Culpepper, university administrator
• Victoria Joyce Ely, World War I veteran and nurse
• Christine Falling, serial killer
• O. W. Jones, politician
• Claude Pepper, law professor and politician
• Herbert St. John, NFL player
• Saucy Santana, American rapper
• Troy Sneed, gospel singer-songwriter
• Rick Tuten, NFL player
• C. Bette Wimbish, civil rights activist and politician

References

Media related to Perry, Florida at Wikimedia Commons

• Florida portal

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
3. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/perrycityflorida,taylorcountyflorida,US/PST045223 ^{[ bare URL ]}
5. The official web site of the city of Perry, Florida, states: Perry, Florida, was first called Rosehead and information was unavailable as to how this name was chosen. In 1875 it was changed to Perrytown, after Governor Stark Perry. Later the "town" was dropped and the name became Perry. "City of Perry, Florida". Archived from the original on August 9, 2010. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
6. Henry, Charles P. (2007). Long overdue: the politics of racial reparations . NYU Press. pp.  70–71. ISBN   978-0-8147-3692-0 . Retrieved May 23, 2013.
7. Henry, C. Michael (2004). "Introduction". In C. Michel Henry (ed.). Race, poverty, and domestic policy . Yale ISPS series. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN   978-0-300-09541-8 . Retrieved May 23, 2013.
8. Ginzburg, Ralph. "Perry Race Riots". History Engine. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
9. "Perry, FL Gas Plant Explosion, Aug 1998 | GenDisasters ... Genealogy in Tragedy, Disasters, Fires, Floods". www.gendisasters.com. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
10. "Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast". AP News. September 27, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
11. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
12. Stillman, Sarah. "The Throwaways." The New Yorker . September 3, 2012. Retrieved on January 22, 2015.
13. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
14. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved June 24, 2021.
15. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
16. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Perry city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
17. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Perry city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
18. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES – 2020: Perry city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
19. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES – 2010: Perry city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
20. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Taylor County, FL" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved September 28, 2024. - Text list
21. Archived February 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Florida Department of Education. Retrieved on 2009-03-27.
22. "Our Schools". Archived from the original on February 4, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2012. Taylor County School District, Perry Florida. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
23. "Big Bend Transit | COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OF TAYLOR COUNTY". www.bigbendtransit.org. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
24. "Perry PD HOME PAGE". Archived from the original on July 20, 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2007.