Milton

Milton was settled in the early 1800s as a small village centered on the lumber industry. The settlement originally was known as Scratch Ankle because of the briars and bramble that grew in the area. Another name was Jernigan's Landing after Benjamin Jernigan (died April 1847), who built a water-powered saw mill at what is now Locklin Lake between 1828 and 1830. Other names were Lumberton, Black Water, and Hard Scrabble, but by 1839, it was being referred to as Milltown. Milton was incorporated as a town in 1844, one year before the Territory of Florida joined the United States as the 27th state.

During the Civil War, much of Milton was burned by Confederate forces retreating from the Union capture of Pensacola in May 1862. The Confederates intended to prevent the town's industries from falling into Union hands. After the Southern forces evacuated the Union troops had a small garrison in nearby Bagdad where they had a base for expeditions in the surrounding area. Many Milton residents fled to Alabama.

Naval Air Station Whiting Field was constructed during World War II with the help of many German prisoners of war who were housed in a camp on the site. The station was commissioned on July 16, 1943, by Rear Admiral George D. Murray and the widow of Captain Kenneth Whiting, after whom the station was named.

On March 31, 1962, an F3 tornado hit the northwest side of Milton, causing 17 deaths and 100 injuries. It was Florida's deadliest tornado until February 22, 1998 when 25 people were killed in Kissimmee. It was also the deadliest tornado in 1962.

Freeman Roofing

Freeman Roofing has proudly provided quality service to the Gulf Coast’s roofing needs for over 40 years. We offer a variety of residential services with quality craftsmanship and materials on every job from small repairs to complete re-roofs.

Our Story

James “Jimmy” Freeman began roofing companies in pensacola for his eventual father-in-law in the early 1970s. His desire to learn and “do the job right with no shortcuts” allowed him to master the trade. Knowing the importance and investment in a sound roof, Jimmy Freeman had the desire to provide a fair-priced, quality roof to everyone. This has become the company’s goal and mission statement. Consequently, Freeman Roofing was formed in 1976 by Jimmy Freeman and Bernie Freeman. Since 1976, Freeman Roofing has provided honest, quality workmanship to countless clients all along the Gulf Coast.