Live Here

The City of Marianna is bordered on the beautiful Chipola River which is a designated paddling destination. Founded in 1827 by Robert Beveridge, the City of Marianna has been the county seat of Jackson County for more than 150 years. Once the center of a vast area of plantations, today’s tourists are invited to enjoy a stroll along the City’s oak canopy sidewalks and take the Historic Self-Guided Tour.
In addition to historic homes, visitors are invited to view the local war hero memorials in downtown Marianna, including World War I, World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veteran Memorials located at the Jackson County Court House square, and also the state memorial honoring those who died in the 1864 Battle of Marianna. While in downtown, leisurely walk the charming streets for shopping and dining.
With multiple parks that support organized team recreational activities, the City manages approximately 291 acres of State-owned land, including the Chipola Greenways Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area, located on Highway 73 south.
If you want to escape the heat of the summer, you can cool off at Blue Springs Recreation Area or Spring Creek.
Of course, no trip to Marianna would be complete without a visit to Florida Caverns State Park. The guided tours through the limestone caverns offer dazzling views. Although caves are the main focal point of the park, the 1,300-acre grounds also boast a wide variety of plants, animals, and other natural resources. It is a perfect environment for all your favorite outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, swimming, or canoeing.
"NextStep at Endeavor Academy has my strong support for the essential work they do for individuals with autism. My son is currently enrolled in their program, and the transformation we have witnessed in him is nothing short of life changing. Before NextStep, we worried about his future. Like many parents of children with autism, our greatest fear has been: What happens to our child if we are no longer here? NextStep has alleviated that fear. Through their structured curriculum, job coaching, and life skills training, our son has gained the confidence and ability to handle daily responsibilities on his own."
- Father of a current Transition Academy Participant
"As the parent of a young adult with disabilities, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that NextStep has on its students and their families. The dedicated staff, well-designed curriculum, and forward-thinking approach to independent living make NextStep a model program that deserves recognition and support. From the moment we stepped onto the campus, we were impressed—not only by the facilities but by the kindness and dedication of the teachers and staff. The program’s comprehensive approach to teaching life skills has given my daughter knowledge and confidence that she carries with her in everyday life."
- Mother of a current Short Course participant
"The transformation I have witnessed in my son during the two-year program and since graduation has been truly remarkable. My family and I have been extremely impressed by the substantial progress and newfound confidence that NextStep has fostered in my son. Unlike other organizations, NextStep was instrumental in securing employment for my son and providing intensive job coaching, which they continue to provide even after graduation. Seeing my son gain confidence, feel valued, maintain a good job, communicate more effectively, socialize more, and smile more often has been beyond our expectations."
- Mother of a 2024 Transition Academy graduate