Downtown Crowd, July 2023

Morgan Cole, Editor

Although it’s already felt like it for months, summer is officially here. In Pensacola, summer days are best spent hanging out on the beach or lounging poolside, but sometimes, all that summer sun gets to be exhausting! Fortunately, Pensacola is just as cool after dark. So, for this issue, we have brought you details on some of our favorite nighttime activities to enjoy in Pensacola. From moonlight zipline rides and glowing kayaks to roller skating rinks and outdoor movies on the beach, you’re sure to find a chill activity to help keep you occupied this summer.

In this issue, you’ll also read about the Apple Market, which has been a staple in the Pensacola community for as long as I can remember. Whether you’re a regular customer, or only shop there every now and then, you’re sure to remember the experience. This family-owned grocery store truly embraces the meaning of the word “community,” and every wall inside the market shows it! From their tasty homemade chicken salad and freshly made sushi to their banana nut bread and key lime pie, the Apple Market has truly carved out its own special place in our community. Be sure to read more about this neighborhood market’s inspiring story on page 8.

You can read all of this, plus a few summer cocktail recipes from some of our favorite downtown watering holes for you to try your hand at home. As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Until next time, cheers!

5 Questions With Creatives

Josie Jackson by Nicole Willis

Josie Jackson is a local textile artist and rug maker who is tufting soft and adorable pieces of art. As the owner of Sunnyside

Rugs, Jackson creates rugs in all shapes and sizes. From cute iconic characters like Hello Kitty and Animal Crossing animals, to rugs featuring the works of famous artists like Keith Haring, Jackson has tufted it all.

As a fairly new face to the Pensacola arts scene, Jackson has recently begun to showcase her work at various local arts markets. You can find her work on her Instagram page @sunnysiderugs, where she also shares information about upcoming markets and events. Jackson also takes custom orders through her Instagram and email at sunnysiderugs@gmail.com.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your professional background.

I was born and raised in Pensacola. Growing up, I wanted to live anywhere but here, and now I can’t picture myself living anywhere else. I love how our city has developed over the years, especially downtown and the artistic community. I originally went to UWF for Marketing, but after a few major life events, I realized the traditional college path was not what I wanted. Over the next few years, I traveled a lot and worked in many different industries and eventually did end up in a marketing and communications role through the work experience I was able to get outside of college.

How did you become interested in the arts and tufting rugs?

I’ve been interested in the arts since I was a kid. I was very into drawing, music, writing and pretty much any creative outlet I could find growing up. In the past few years, I landed a job where I can use my creative strengths for work. My day job is as a communications manager, so I get to dabble in graphic design, but I didn’t want to lose the joy I got from creating just for the sake of creating. Around the middle of last

year, I started seeing videos of people making punch needle art, and then discovered full rugs being made with a tufting gun. I researched for weeks, figuring out the full process and all the tips and tricks I could find while I waited for my supplies to arrive, and the rest is kind of history.

I skipped over punch needling completely and instead went straight for a tufting gun. It’s a hefty list of supplies to get started, and I knew if I jumped in head first, it would be way harder to talk myself out of it or let my perfectionism get in the way. Thankfully, it worked. I do, however, plan to experiment with punch needle art next! I look forward to adding that to my creative skill set in the near future.

Tell me about some of the different types of pieces and designs you create.

The pieces I make range from regular rugs and wall hanging art pieces to more functional pieces such as coasters, plant holders and rug mirrors. One of the things I love about rug making is that there are so many possibilities. A character from your favorite cartoon growing up? Absolutely. A rug that looks like a cup of iced coffee? You got it. A random

funky retro pattern? Done! Any shape and size, anything you can think of— it’s really fun.

Can you take me through your creative process and describe what all goes into creating one of your rugs?

The process starts by coming up with the concept for the rug, making it into a graphic, and using a projector to draw it onto my frame. I use tufting cloth, a tufting gun, and acrylic yarn to make all of my rugs. I have a big frame, so I will usually be making multiple rugs at one time.

Once I find the exact colored yarn I’ll need, it’s time to tuft. When I’m done hand-tufting the images (this takes days depending on how many rugs I’m making), I secure the back of the rugs with carpet glue. Then, I cut each rug out and glue the felt backing fabric on. Next, I trim and carve details into the rug to add dimension. I add non-slip backing if it’s for the floor, or hooks if it’s a wall hanging. The final step is lots of vacuuming and lint rolling. There’s so much that goes into it, so I like making videos that show parts of the process to post on Instagram.

What are some of your most popular items, and is there currently a specific design that you are receiving a lot of requests for?

Some of the most popular items are my mini flower rug coasters and my character rugs; people love to see any sort of character rug! I’m in the process of making a batch of “cute food” rugs that I’m really excited about. I’m always open to suggestions and I’d love to hear more of what people want to see!

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Apple Market A Family Grocery Gets Creative

by Nicole Willis

If you’ve ever driven along Scenic Highway, you’ve likely noticed the Apple Market— the quaint red and white building with an oversized red awning on the South side of the highway that never has an empty parking lot. For 27 years, this little market has been bringing some of the best local goods to the Pensacola area. It serves as much more than just a neighborhood grocery store, as it has truly become an icon of our local community. However, what some may not know is that this small family-owned market and deli has been through its own share of trials and tribulations.

In 2017, the Apple Market faced a small business owner’s worst nightmare—a big-box grocery store opening just two miles away. A competing grocery store, Publix, had opened a new location in East Hill.

“We kind of hit a bump in the road whenever Publix opened up. We’re just a little small mom-and-pop grocery store; a big chain moving in close to us can really affect our bottom line in a matter of weeks,” said Britney Dull, Apple Market manager and daughter of owner David Apple.

Unfortunately, the chain opening up did affect Apple Market greatly. “When Britney says it was a little bump in the road, it was actually that her dad sold his house and lived in an RV in the back, so as not to let any employees go. They did everything they could to be able to keep this place running,” said Jeff Rogers, Apple Market Marketing Director.

Frustrated, Britney created a post on social media that spoke about the differences between a small business and a corporation. The community responded with an outpouring of love for the family-owned market.

“The post wasn’t a plea, it was just to educate people. It went viral as people kept sharing and sharing. It made the news and then our shelves were empty. The community really showed up,” she explained. “People would come in droves and the parking lot was slammed. Well, guess what? That gave us enough to pay payroll. And then everybody came in that had drifted away; they fell back in love with the store and slowly started coming back. We had to adapt but by the grace of God, we were able to bounce back.”

After the scare created by Publix, the Apple Market team knew that they needed to add another element to their store that makes the market stand out from its competitors. In the back of the store, there were some freezers that kept breaking and needing repairs. Rather than spend more and more money trying to fix them, the team decided to remove the freezers and replace them with a seating area so that people could enjoy their deli food in-store.

To decorate the space, they turned to local artists. Dull brought in local artist Karan Sargent to become the Art Director. “I’d go out and scout for artists at shows. I’d ask them to come in and we’d pick out what would fill the area up,” Sargent explained. “Then I kind of stood back and waited to hear what the customers would say. The feedback started coming in and customers were telling me, ‘This is now my go-to place for gifts.’ We were thrilled.”

Photos courtesy of Apple Market

Despite overcoming the challenges prompted by Publix’s opening, tragedy struck the market soon again. On the evening of December 30, 2022, an electrical fire broke out, consuming one side of the building in flames. With a side of the building ruined, destroyed goods, and smoke damage, the future of the business seemed uncertain to outsiders. However, for the Apple Market team, what could’ve been a devastating end to a business became another opportunity to grow stronger, reconstruct and come back better than ever.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Apple family turned to the people who are always there for them when things get tough—the community. Seeing the community’s love for the small artists and artisans section, they decided to incorporate this section into the post-fire plan. So, when the time came to rebuild, the Apple Market team decided to expand upon this section of the store and feature more local artists and artisans than ever before.

According to Sargent, the gallery currently features over 50 artists, but they’ve had as many as 70 artists featured in the past. She fondly refers to the newly expanded art section as “the most unique art gallery in a grocery store.”

“Any kind of talent is what I’m looking for. We have both emerging artists and some well-known names here that are part of other galleries, like Quayside and Blue Moon. We also have a lot of emerging artists who come here, and they’re realizing their dream come true—selling art for the very first time,” Sargent said.

In addition to the expanded art gallery, Apple Market now hosts art workshops for members of the community that are looking to get crafty. Sargent hosts the workshops in the back of the store, right

by the gallery. Stay tuned to Apple Market’s Facebook page, @applemarketinc, for posts about upcoming workshops.

From a multibillion-dollar corporation coming to town to a sudden building fire, the Apple Market has been through a lot in its years here in Pensacola. “The past 27 years have been a roller coaster. Every time we think we overcome something, something knocks us down,” Dull said.

Despite the tragedy, the team has continued to work through it and overcome all of the challenges thrown their way.

“I’ll start crying if I talk too much about it. It’s a place where this family gets knocked down and because of their faith and because of the kind of people they are, they do everything they can to fight to come back. They’ve done it over and over again,” Rogers added.

Today, the Apple Market remains open and operating with employees cheerful as ever. You can stop by this community-favorite store at 1021 Scenic Highway.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Apple Market, stop by their storefront, or reach out on social media. You can find Apple Market on Facebook at @applemarketinc or on Instagram at @Applemarketpensacola1021.

We kind of hit a bump in the road whenever Publix opened up. We’re just a little small mom-and-pop grocery store; a big chain moving in close to us can really affect our bottom line in a matter of weeks,”

- Ashley K.

Experience the City in a Different Light

Name the first thing you think of when you hear “Pensacola.” Sunshine, you bet. Florida and sunshine are basically synonymous. In fact, we get around 230 days of sunshine here annually; they don’t call it “The Sunshine State” for nothing! But all that sun can get exhausting, and sometimes you just need a break from the scorching heat. Fortunately, Pensacola is just as cool, literally and figuratively, after dark. We have rounded up details on some of the best after dark adventures in Pensacola.

Break Out of an Escape Room

Take a Moonlight Zipline Ride

Put your sleuthing, handiness and problem-solving skills to the test by booking a session at one of the many exciting escape rooms in town. Want to try your hand at strategizing your way out of the clutches of an assassin like a suave CIA agent? Check out Exitthis Pnscl, located at 1207 Creighton Rd., and book their Assassin’s Lair room for $25 per-person. Looking for a fright during witching hour? Try out the Haunted room at Escape on Palafox at 28 Palafox Place and uncover the secrets of the ghost that bedevils its visitors for $30 per-person. Think you’d make a good detective? Give it a try at Escape Zone 60’s Crime Scene Room located at 4400 Bayou Blvd. for $28 for you and each of your Watsons. Escape rooms are a great way to team-build with coworkers, drive your friends crazy or explore your family’s unique dynamics. If you’re up for a thrilling challenge, spend a night fighting your way out of any of these Pensacola locations.

Swing amongst the stars at Laguna’s Beach Bar + Grill’s newest addition to the dual restaurant and park, the Scenic Zip Rail. Incorporated among Laguna’s coasters, gokart track and watersports, the new Zip Rail is sure to provide guests with yet another mode of summer fun. Stretching 1,200 feet across the water, the attraction sets a record as the largest zipline in Northwest Florida. Rates for a ride vary depending on the package selected. Available packages include the Ropes Course, which is $20 perperson, and the Combo Ropes Course that includes all of the park’s ziprails and a voided time limit on the line for $45. The Scenic Zip Rail Course is also $20 per-person and gives attendees a gorgeous view of the Santa Rosa Sound; add an extra thrill to the experience by riding the 40-foot-tall line in the evening with nothing but vibrant neon accents and the moon lighting your path. Lagunas is located at 460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. and is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information on rates, passes and more, visit lagunaspensacolabeach.com

By Molly Callan, Morgan Cole & Destiny Herbert

Unleash Your Inner Child at the Arcade

Light up your night with the neon glow of a vintage Pac-Man or Pinball game and take a trip back in time with a visit to The Grid. The super-sized Tron-themed bar and arcade hybrid, located at 2414 N Pace Blvd., offers more than 40 retro game machines, delicious finger foods and a vast beverage selection. The Grid is open from 4 pm to 12 am Tuesday through Saturday (with all ages welcome until 9 pm) and from 12 to 8 pm on Sundays. For more information, visit thegridarcadepensacola.com or @thegridarcadepensacola on Instagram. Play! Pensacola, provides a similar vibe and experience, offering retro arcade games, delicious cocktails and engaging bar activities. Found downtown at 16 Palafox Place, Play! fuses the vintage and the modern with its selection of games that include bar activities like Bingo and Karaoke, as well as pool, skee ball and even shuffleboard. Play! also hosts live musicians and DJs and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7 pm to 2:30 am. Visit these adult themed arcades are sure to have you feeling like a kid again while still enjoying the thirst-quenching perks of adulthood.

Even if you can’t bowl triple digits, there’s plenty of fun to be had at one of Pensacola’s many local bowling alleys. For instance, DeLuna Lanes (590 E. Nine Mile Rd.) hosts a late-night cosmic bowling night on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 pm to 2 am for $15 per-person. If you’re looking to get started a little earlier than 11 pm, check out Cordova Lanes at 2111 Airport Blvd. in Pensacola. On Tuesdays from 6 pm to close, Cordova Lanes offers bowling games, shoes, select items from the snack bar, Longneck beer and draft pints for just $2 each. They also host Penny-a-Pin on Thursday nights from 8:30 pm to close where what you bowl is what you pay. Games during daytime and early-evening hours range from $4.50 to $5 per-person (with $3 shoe rental).

Not only is roller skating fun, it’s also a great workout that’s just as rigorous as running, bicycling, swimming or playing sports. It’s also low-impact—if you’re not too prone to falling or crashing! Grab some friends, hit the local skating rink and bust out some moves like they did back in the day. Pensacola is home to a number of indoor skating rinks. One local favorite is Dreamland Skate Center located at 2607 East Olive Rd. in Pensacola. They have recently updated their rink floor and DJ booth and now offer a weekly Cosmic Light & Sound Show skate on Friday and Saturday nights. You can also compete with friends in one of their skate races, laser tag skate sessions and play some good old-fashioned arcade games while you’re there. Another local favorite is Weber’s Skateworld located at 6056 Stewart St. in Milton. Weber’s hosts themed skate nights throughout the week as well as late-night skate sessions on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission prices range from $5 to $12 per person, depending on what day or session you attend.

Stargazing on the Beach

With so much of our time spent scrolling on our phones or staring at a screen, it’s nice to just take a pause and look up at the sky every once in a while. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association holds public stargazing events a the Gulfside Pavilion and at Ft. Picken’s Battery Worth parking lot. At these free events, you can use their telescope as they assist you so that you can get the best view of the stars. They also distribute free sky maps and calendars, give constellation tours and provide solar eclipse filters when needed. Club members will also provide photography tips for capturing the night sky in the best quality. Stargazing is typically held on Friday and Saturday at the Gulfside Pavilion and on Friday at Battery Worth parking lot at Ft. Pickens and begins around sunset at varying times throughout the summer based on daylight. For complete details and to view the schedule of upcoming stargazing events, visit eaaa.net or check out the Escambia Amateur Astronomy Association (EAAA) group on Facebook.

Challenge Friends to a Game of Mini Golf

Catch an Outdoor Movie

Hanging out with friends is all fun until you have run out of games to play. A great activity to partake in after dark is mini golf. Even better: alien themed mini golf. UFO’s Mini Golf on Pensacola Beach not only features an 18-hole course, but they also have a full arcade and an ice cream bar. After dark, the golf course gives way to a light show and blasts other-worldly themed tunes. It is a great place to go with your friends after the sun goes down. Children 11 and under can play for $10, adults for $13 and children 5 and under play free. Military discounts are also available. UFO Mini Golf is located at 2 Via De Luna Drive on Pensacola Beach.

Summer is here, and if you have run out of things to do, you are probably looking for some new ways to spend your time. A great source of entertainment is the movie screen, but instead of staying cramped up inside, you can see a movie out in the open air under the stars. Grab some friends and a picnic blanket and go catch an outdoor movie. One local place that offers outdoor movies this summer and fall is Cinemas in the Sand on Pensacola Beach. Located at 41 Fort Pickens Rd., this family-friendly event allows you to dig your feet in the sand, sit back and enjoy a movie overlooking the Gulf. Another outdoor movie opportunity is Movies in the Park. These free movie showings are being held once a month throughout the summer at the Community Maritime Park stadium at 351 W Cedar St. in downtown Pensacola.. Movies begin at sunset, and parking is free. To view the schedule of upcoming movies, visit cityofpensacola.com.

Go Ghost Hunting

Try Out Glow Paddle

If you are yearning to hit the beach after dark but aren’t too sure about taking a night swim, Glow Paddle is the activity for you. Located on Pensacola Beach, Glow Paddle offers kayaks with waterproof lights that make for a magical time under the stars. They also have clear bottoms so you can look into the water beneath you as you paddle. This is a great way to explore the ocean after dark but still maintaining a safe distance from sea creatures. Sessions range from $39 to $59 for 45 minutes. Glow Paddle is located at 165 Fort Pickens Rd. on Pensacola Beach. For tickets and details, visit glowpaddle.com.

Feeling bored? Take a group ghost tour through downtown Pensacola with your friends on the Ghost & Graveyards Tour hosted by Go Retro. On this haunting experience, a 1930 Ford transit bus will take you and your buddies to some of Pensacola’s scariest locations. This spooky ride offers a history lesson from a different perspective. Some of the tour’s most interesting points go over bank robbery, live burial and embalming techniques. This event is sure to entertain, and possibly keep you awake at night. This tour is designed for a mature audience, so only kids 13 and up are permitted to attend and parental guidance is strongly advised. Go Retro is located at 610 N. Spring St. in downtown Pensacola. Another fun ghost hunting activity is the Ghosts, Murders and Mayhem Segway Tour hosted by Emerald Coast Tours. This spooky tour through downtown Pensacola tells of wandering ghosts and hangings and is not for those who dislike strange and disturbing stories. A one hour segway tour can be booked for $45 per adult, and $40 for locals, students and military.

Enjoy a Ballgame

A fun way to reel in the day is to snag tickets for a Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s home game at waterfront stadium. Not only do you get to watch the baseball game with a beautiful view of the sun setting on the water, but there are also fun activities held throughout game nights. Some games will have specific themes, like a bobblehead giveaway or the Thursday night tradition of “Pensacola Mullets.” There is hot concession food, plenty of craft and domestic beer and entertainment for both adults and the kids. At the end of each game, you can also enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. For details on upcoming games and theme nights, visit milb.com/pensacola/tickets.

Summer Spritzers

By Morgan Cole

Have you heard? It’s Spritz season. This easy to make (and drink) classic Italian cocktail is having a moment this summer, in part because of the attention the Aperol Spritz is enjoying. The traditional Aperol Spritz, which is made with Aperol, Prosecco and sparkling water, has become as synonymous with summer as striped beach towels and poolside selfies. While there’s no need to mess with a classic, perhaps you’re looking for an alternative beyond the classic Aperol Spritz. Here are a few refreshing summer cocktail recipes from some of our favorite downtown watering holes for you to try at home. Cheers!

Limontini

Courtesy of Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano

This citrus-forward yet balanced cocktail uses Angelena’s house Limoncello, making for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for a cool down aperitif. With only three ingredients, you can easily craft this classic Italian cocktail at home or for friends at your next gathering.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 ouncecs of Angelena’s Limoncello

1 ounce Grey Goose Vodka

1 mint leaf

METHOD

Add vodka, limoncello to cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake mixture until fully combined and well chilled, about 15 seconds. Double-strain cocktail into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with mint leaf and serve.

False Narratives

Courtesy of Jacob Mata, Beverage Director for The Well

This very simple but tasty cocktail uses Cappelletti Apertivo, which is less bitter, sweeter and more floral than Aperol. The flavor lends itself to a more approachable spirit for someone who has never had a bitter cocktail before.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 ounces Cappelletti Apertivo

3 ounces Flora Prosecco

2 ounces Q Soda Water

The Seville Spritz

Courtesy of Kelsey Moody at The District

This fresh summer cocktail is layered with both color and taste. Made with Empress Gin, this refreshing summer sipper brings tart herbal flavors into the spotlight.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 ounces Empress Gin

0.5 ounces rose syrup

4 splashes simple sour mix

4-5 fresh mint leaves (set aside 1 sprig for garnish)

5 cucumber slices

Lemon wheel (for garnish)

2 large ice spheres of ice, large (made with round silicone ice mold)

METHOD

Muddle fresh cucumber slices and mint leaves and place into a cocktail shaker. Add .5 ounces of rose syrup and 3 to 4 splashes (.8 ounces) of sour mix and shake. Pour into glass over sphere-shaped ice cubes and top with 1.5 ounces of Empress Gin. Garnish with remaining mint sprig and a lemon wheel.

METHOD

Fill glass with ice. Add all ingredients and give the drink a light stir. Garnish with an orange slice.

Bands We’re Listening To

Beabadoobee

By Molly Callahan

The Filipino-English singer and songwriter, Beabadoobee, performed in April at Vinyl Music Hall in downtown Pensacola. Beabadoobee, also known as Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus, grew up in London. After being expelled from school, she taught herself guitar and released her first song “Coffee.” Her music went viral, and she was able to kick off her musical career in 2018 after signing with the independent label Dirty Hit. While her latest album, “Beatopia,” was released in July of 2022, her latest single, “Glue Song,” was released this year and has steadily risen to the top of the charts. Most recently, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter also performed as the opening act at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, performing her last show on the pop star’s tour in April of this year. Beabadoobee’s style of performance is described as alternative indie. Her songs range from upbeat indie rock, with tracks like 10:36 to softer sweeter tunes like Glue Song. Beabadoobee’s music is unique, carrying a distinct personality. One of her most notable songs is Beatopia Cultsong, which carries the listener through many different sounds and emotions that are reminiscent of a chaotic state of mind. Overall, Beabadoobee is a promising young artist with a unique style that will carry her career as she continues writing and performing music.

Turnover

By Nicole Willis

Turnover is an American indie and alternative band that formed in 2009. The group is known for their distinct sound, which blends elements of shoegaze and emo music to create an interesting and one-of-a-kind listening experience. I had the opportunity to catch the band live at Vinyl Music Hall this past December and they sounded just as amazing in person as they do on their records. The band explored a variety of their work from their catalog, playing everything from their 2013 debut album, Magnolia, to their most recent body of work, Myself in the Way. Over the years, Turnover has elevated their sound time and time again. The band’s sophomore album, Peripheral Vision, and Magnolia feature a prominent emo sound, characteristic of alternative music from the late 2000s. On the album Peripheral Vision, the group began to introduce dream pop and shoegaze elements. Their third album, Good Nature, demonstrates the group’s shift into a new sound. 2022’s Myself in the Way, finds the group almost dropping the emo sound completely and opting into a style of modern indie music. I have not seen any other band successfully take a complete 180 degree turn with their sound like Turnover. Whether you are into 2000s emo rock or 2010s indie music, Turnover definitely has something everyone is sure to enjoy listening to.

_thesmoothcat and the 9th Life

by Destiny Herbert

Louisiana-based artists _thesmoothcat and the 9th Life and their artfully blended and energetic sound has come to captivate audiences across southern borders. From alternative hip-hop signatures to bits of acid jazz and funk, front man Joshua Henderson and his band transcend convention with Stevie Spring and Paige Wallesverd’s foundation-rattling drum and bass, Aaron Dupre’s airy keyboard riffs and Henderson’s soul-lifting, lyrical mantras.

The band performed in Pensacola earlier this year at a small house show and invigorated the local music scene, with the venue’s intimate ambiance underscoring the sentimentality of Henderson’s bold, poetic flow. Though the performance space was small, the turnout was far from it, with nearly 300 people gathering around a makeshift stage for a taste of the band’s buttery rhythm. Henderson and the 9th Life have been active since 2017 and have more than 15 combined albums, singles and EPs under their belt. If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative sincerity of _thesmoothcat and the 9th Life, you can check out their most recent release, Foundation, on Spotify or Bandcamp or support them directly on thebreatheartproject.com, where physical CDs, merch and a calendar of upcoming show dates are also available.

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JULY COMMUNITY EVENTS

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Schedule

July home games at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. For tickets and information, visit milb.com.

July 4 at 4:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

July 5, 6 & 7 at 6:35 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

July 8 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

July 9 at 4:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

July 18, 19, 20 & 21 at 6:35 pm - Rocket City Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

July 22 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

July 23 at 4:05 pm - Rocket City Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

Blue Angels Practice Dates

July 11, 12, 25 & 26

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The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola select days throughout the year. Department of Defense identification cardholders and their guests (active duty service members, retirees, and their families) can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum to watch the Blue Angels practice. The gates will open at 9:30 am. The practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels will take off around 10:30 am and the practices last for about 55 minutes. Practice schedules are subject to change.

Fireworks at the Beach

July 4

Head over to beautiful Pensacola Beach to get into the patriotic spirit this Fourth of July! Enjoy the white sands and crashing waves of the beach. Be sure to keep your eyes on the night sky this Fourth of July for a dazzling fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. Fireworks are provided by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Escambia County Tourist Development Council. The show will take place at 400 Quietwater Beach Rd Gulf Breeze and fireworks will start at 8:30 pm.

Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration

July 4

Come out with your blankets and lawn chairs and get ready for a fantastic fireworks show over the bay. The fireworks are choreographed to play with music from local radio station Cat Country 98.7. Be sure to bring a radio to get the full experience! Sertoma’s annual Fourth of July celebration will be at William Bartram Memorial Park (211 Bayfront Pkwy). The firework extravaganza will start at 9 pm.

Blue Angels Air Show

July 8

This world-famous Blue Angels will be performing over Pensacola Beach on Saturday, July 8 for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show! Locals and tourists alike flock like seagulls to Pensacola Beach in excitement to see the Blue Angel’s flight demonstration. The airshow is scheduled to start around 11 am at Casino Beach. To learn more, visit visitpensacolabeach.com.

Pensacola Splash Fest

July 15

Come cool off at the 1st Pensacola Splash Fest at Community Maritime Park (301 West Main Street). There will be numerous water slides, bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip-nslides, and more to help you cool off and have fun. For more fun, there will also be a variety of food, a dunk tank, corn hole, sports games and a watermelon-eating competition! Access to the water activities is gained via wristbands, which are $15 for each participating adult, $5 for each non-participating adult, $10 for each child 17 and under, and free for children 5 and under. Additional costs may apply to additional activities. Wristbands can be purchased at the door or online. For wristbands and find more information, visit apexshowsandevents.com/ pensacola-splash-fest.

White Tie Rock Ensemble: British Rock @ the Bay Center

How The Light Gets In by PenArts

July 20-23

The latest production from PenArts at The Gordon is here–introducing How The Light Gets In–a modern-day fable about the kindness of strangers, hope and Kintsugi. Four lonely people happen to meet in a Japanese Garden. Each with their own stories, written on paper and skin, they come together when one of them falls apart. Wrapped around the concept of Kintsugi, this is a hauntingly beautiful and poignant modern-day fable. There will be a daily showing from July 20 to July 23; On Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $17. The Gordon Community Art Center is located at 306 N De Villiers Street. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Gallery Night Pensacola ”Sustainable Summer”

Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before. Doors open at 5 pm and the show begins at 6 pm each day. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Place. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

July 15

Step back in time on July 15 as the White Tie Rock Ensemble presents an evening of British Rock at the Pensacola Bay Center. Featuring the hits of The Rolling Stones, Wings, The Who, Bad Company and a whole lotta Led Zeppelin, this classic rock show will fill the arena with a long-lost familiar sound from the good ole days of British Rock! Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. The Pensacola Bay Center is located at 201 E Gregory Street. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter. com/events/detail.

July 21

This family-friendly, community, arts and cultural event is hosted the third Friday of each month from 5 to 9 pm in the streets of downtown Pensacola. The event monthly themes set the tone for the evening’s featured art, performers, musical performance stage and activities. Gallery Night’s art zones will host more than 60 local artisans along Palafox Street in addition to a newly-added Market Zone located at Government Street across from Plaza Ferdinand. For details, check out visitpensacola.com.

Bands on the Bayou

July 22

Bands on the Bayou is a community-centric outdoor concert series that supports local nonprofit organizations in the community. Ran by the East Hill Neighborhood Association, Bands on the Bayou is bringing Pensacola residents together for family-friendly, free outdoor concerts featuring local musicians and artists. On July 22, beginning at 6:30 pm, local group Ben Loftin & The Family will take the stage. Bands on the Bayou is hosted at Bayview Park located at 2001 E Lloyd Street. For more information, visit bandsonthebayou.com.

Bluey’s

Big Play @ Pensacola Saenger

July 25 & 26

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon rest, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by

Jerry

Garcia Band Cover Band @ Vinyl Music Hall

July 28

Formed in Athens, GA in 2012, the Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band (JGBCB) has been filling a hole in the Grateful Dead scene by offering up spirited covers of classic songs pulled exclusively from the repertoire of the Jerry Garcia Band, Garcia’s long-running side-project. JGBCB has played shows from Key West to Colorado, exciting audiences with performances of beloved Garcia tunes not found within the traditional Grateful Dead catalog. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8. The Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S Palafox Street. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Movies in the Park

July 28

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to Community Maritime Park for a family-friendly movie underneath the stars! The movie Strange World will be shown at the Hunter Amphitheater. The event is free and free parking will also be available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall. Concessions from local food trucks may be available for purchase. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm and the movie will begin playing at sunset. Community Maritime Park is located at 301 West Main Street. For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com/calendar.

America @ Pensacola Saenger

July 30

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When America, the perennial classic-rock favorite, hit the road in 2023, they’ll celebrate their 53rd Anniversary with their powerful performances. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty-plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world, and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Place. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

chain beginning with Navy Recruiting Command and Naval Service Training Command and then through NETC learning centers and schoolhouses. In addition, NETC also has the responsibility of managing advanced technical training, enlisted advancement exams, voluntary education and much more.

Garvin credited the more than 24,000 military and civilian staff personnel at more than 1,640 subordinate activities, sites, districts, stations and detachments throughout the world with serving the needs of the fleet.

“In July of 2020, I asked the NETC team to remain focused on what matters most at the end of the day and that is Sailors that are ready to fight and win against any adversary, at any time, at any location,” Garvin said. “Whatever the conditions, whoever the adversary, our Navy and our nation rightfully demands that we prepare our shipmates to do just that.”

For their efforts, the entire NETC organization earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation under Garvin’s leadership. Garvin will assume the role of president at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, served as the guest speaker and recognized Garvin’s and the NETC team’s steadfast commitment to the men and women of our Navy and our nation, and for having the moral courage to do the right thing in tough times.

“I want to thank you personally for your extraordinary leadership over the last three years, and especially during my time in the [Chief of Naval Personnel] seat,” Cheeseman said. “Not only did you reshape how we recruit and train the next generation of warfighters, you led from the front in advocating for a Navy where all Americans can see themselves succeeding.”

Cheeseman also welcomed Czerewko to the MyNavy HR family.

On May 9, Chief of Naval Air Training Rear. Adm. Richard Brophy named Cmdr. Bryce Aubuchon as the incoming executive officer of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, for the 2024-2025 show seasons.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko relieved Rear Adm. Pete Garvin of his duties as commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) during a changeof-command ceremony held at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida on June 8.

Garvin expressed his gratitude to the NETC team for their unwavering vision and learning mindset, focused on warfighting at every level.

“The teamwork, the drive, the resiliency this Team, Team NETC, displayed over the last three years is nothing short of inspiring,” Garvin said. “I believe it was because we were always mission focused, all centered on what we set out to do as a team nearly three years ago, always locked on to our mission, our “why.”

Through what NETC calls the “street to fleet” process, future Sailors are recruited and forged into highly-skilled warfighters as they are moved through a supply

“I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion and exceed expectations,” Cheeseman said. “In assuming command today, I know the NETC team and [Force Development] domain are in good hands.”

Czerewko, who became the 21st NETC commander, thanked Garvin and the NETC team for the warm welcome.

“Coming from the fleet, I am humbled by the enormous honor to join with you all to serve our Navy and nation,” Czerewko said. “I am energized by the enthusiasm and the dedication of the entire team. Going forward, we will continue to be focused on the fleet to meet any challenges.”`

Czerewko is a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and most recently served as commander of Carrier Strike Group 4 in Norfolk, Virginia.

For more information about NETC, visit the command’s website at netc.navy.mil and follow the command’s Facebook at facebook.com/NETCHQ and Instagram at instagram.com/netc_hq.

STORY & PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS ZACHARY MELVIN, NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND