Bayou Chico is a tidal creek and estuary located in Pensacola, Florida. It is part of the larger Pensacola Bay watershed and is fed by several smaller tributaries.
Bayou Chico has a long history, dating back to the Native American and Spanish settlements in the area. During the colonial period, Bayou Chico was an important shipping and transportation route, as it provided access to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bayou Chico was heavily impacted by industrial and commercial development, including shipbuilding, sawmills, and oil refineries. This led to significant pollution and degradation of the estuary and its surrounding wetlands.
In the latter half of the 20th century, efforts were made to clean up and restore Bayou Chico, including the implementation of more stringent environmental regulations and the creation of several parks and green spaces along the creek.
Today, Bayou Chico is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and is home to a variety of fish and wildlife species, including blue crabs, oysters, and various bird species. Despite ongoing efforts to improve water quality and habitat, Bayou Chico still faces challenges, including ongoing pollution from stormwater runoff and pollutants from surrounding industrial activities.