Florida is not a summertime destination, even the pan handle. Go there in late fall, winter, or early spring. The humidity, heat and sun are more likely to kill you than the black on black gang activity even in Pensacola, where violent crime is about 56% above the national average. Compare that to Indianapolis where the violent crime is $235% above the national average.
I always go in the fall when the water is still warm and summertime tourists with kids are gone. If I time it in between hurricanes, the place seems deserted. No lines for restaurants. Beach is not crowded.