Gulf Breeze Magazine Winter 2012 by Ballinger Publishing

Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Issue 15/Winter 2012

Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society

2012

in Gulf Breeze

A City Looking Forw ard

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Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Winter/2012

contents inside Gulf Breeze Magazine 19.

feature 19) Year in Review

slices

23.

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8) commentary 10) businessofthemonth 11) whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;snewtothechamber 11) businessbriefs 12) chambernews 12) ambassador 13) strategicplanning A City Looking Forward 23) inthebreeze Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society 26) holidayevents Holiday Community Events 28) calendar 30) partingshots

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Cover designed by Rita Laymon Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Don’t be the last to find out

What’s Happening in Gulf Breeze

GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

GBACOC EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIRMAN: Cathy Burleigh, Gulf Coast Community Bank CHAIRMAN-ELECT: Dave Mungai, Choice Video Services PAST CHAIRMAN: Karen Jurkowich, Occasions by Karen/Levin Rinke Resort Realty SECRETARY: Jill Teston, Redhaus Design, Inc. TREASURER: Rick Cantin, Richard H. Cantin, CPA PA/Breeze Payroll BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Alverson, Gulf States Insurance Group David Beckham, YP Donna Cooper, Doral Bank Drew Dennis, Omega Construction & Design, Inc. Lindsay Gibson, Pen Air Federal Credit Union Chad Gilliland, Andrews Institute Jan Hruska, Breezy Boat City Kathy Kuehl, Mail’s A Breeze Steve McNally, AVS Systems, Inc. Tom Naile, St. Ann Catholic Church Bronwyn Naylor, CyberTech Computer Services Don Richards, United Peninsula Association Jim Robert, Plastic Engraving Chad Sutherland, Publix – Gulf Breeze Dave Szymanski, City of Gulf Breeze

STAFF Loraine Cerna, MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR Sharon West – BOOKKEEPER Josie Cotti – PRESIDENT/CEO

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GULF BREEZE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409 GULF BREEZE PARKWAY, GULF BREEZE, FL 32561 (850) 932-7888 • www.gulfbreezechamber.com • www.gulfbreezemag.com Gulf Breeze Magazine is a joint venture of Ballinger Publishing and the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2012 Ballinger Publishing and Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

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commentary Wow! It is hard to believe my year as Chairman is ending; 2012 has certainly been a busy and exciting year for the Gulf Breeze Area. I feel very fortunate to live and work in a city where our officials are working diligently to ensure that not only will we continue to have the quality of life expected for Gulf Breeze, but our children and grandchildren will as well. We have experienced growth in our area with the opening of Pensacola State College South Santa Rosa campus, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, and Chick–fil–A. United Peninsula Association worked very diligently to obtain grants to fund the beautification we see going in the median on highway 98. We asked for more lighting and traffic lights for our safety and Commissioner Lynchard heard us! The Chamber has worked hard to keep up with issues that may impact our community and businesses. Our Governmental Affairs Committee keeps their finger on the pulse of issues such as the replacement of the three mile bridge. Together, with the United Peninsula Association we organized a candidate’s forum to help us make informed decisions at the polls. As my time as Chairman comes to an end, I encourage everyone to get involved. The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber has something for everyone. The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber not only has the best networking events in Gulf Breeze, but also an opportunity to meet lifetime friends. I am sure 2013 will be as productive and memorable with Dave Mungai leading the Board of Directors. It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve as your Chairman of the Board and I thank you for your support. Sincerely, Cathy Burleigh Chairman of the Board

November – an orange and brown, golden and red month. A time when I stop and say “Where did the months go? How did we get here so fast?” December – a glorious burst of red and green, blue and silver, white and gold. A time of reflection on the months past and the adventure that lies out ahead. This is the tone of this last issue of Gulf Breeze Magazine 2012. In each of the three previous editions we touched on the big events or issues affecting the Gulf Breeze area. Here we will bring it all together and reflect back and glance forward, focusing on what has been and a little of what it means for tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the pictures and words that describe our 2012. If you are not a member of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber, I hope you will consider making us a part of your business New Year’s resolutions to grow your company. If you are a member, it is my resolution to serve you better in 2013. Yours, Josie Cotti President/CEO Gulf Breeze Area Chamber

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Place a classified ad in the Gosport and over 25,000 people will see it every week.

Call 433-1166 ext. 24 and thin out that garage.

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

businessofthemonth August

September

October

Express Employment Professional Owners: Charlie and Clair Bockwith

Occasions by Karen Owner: Karen Jurkowich

Gulf Coast Air Care Owners: Todd and Kathy St Ores

Twelve years ago, two successful business owners were searching for a way to help their community. The adage that “all successful business operations come down to three basic principles: people, product, profit; and without top people, you can’t do much with the other two,” provided their inspiration. Express Employment Professional has a mission to help good companies in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties find great employees. Their staff provides high quality customer service to businesses and job-seekers alike. They are also well known for their community support and their sponsorship of free business training events. Looking for an excellent employee? Contact Charlie, Clair or one of their staff at 7100 Plantation Hill Road, Pensacola. (850) 494-1776.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as one who organizes, operates, and assumes the risks of a business venture. Karen Jurkowich, founder of Occasions by Karen, fits that definition. With her industry - real estate - feeling the pain of the economic slowdown, she channeled her passion and energy into creating a new business venture. Calling on her notary credentials she established Occasions by Karen. Karen can officiate at weddings and notarize important documents. If needed, she can come to a client’s office. Karen is also well known in the community for her many philanthropic endeavors. Karen also leads the choir at Our Lady of the Assumption on Pensacola Beach. Contact Karen for all your notary needs at (850) 384-5767 or kjurkowich@gmail.com.

Gulf Coast Air Care is committed to providing the best air quality for individuals and businesses in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. They can deal with mold and mildew, moisture and humidity, allergens and spores, and carbon monoxide. Todd is well known for reminding anyone, “If you don’t have a good air filter, you are one!” They specialize in air duct cleaning and leakage repair as well as air filtration. Gulf Coast Air Care is also recognized for its support of numerous non-profit agencies, including Chain Reaction. If you have an issue or are concerned about your air ducts, contact Todd, Kathy and the team at (850) 934-2768 or visit their website at www.gulfcoastaircare.com.

To have your ad placed in the next Gulf Breeze Magazine, please contact Malcolm Ballinger at 433-1166 ext. 27 10

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

businessbriefs City of Gulf Breeze New Art The City of Gulf Breeze unveiled its newest piece of art at Woodlawn Park on Highpoint Dr. on October 17. The beautiful steel piece fits well into the treed landscape of the beloved playground. The piece was designed for park visitors to walk under. Its graceful lines and intricately detailed roof will serve as a resting place for area walkers and children at play. At night, light shines through the roof cut outs with a soft inviting glow. The piece was designed by Lee Mitchell Courtney and donated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Murdoch, one of Appriver’s founding partners. Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office The Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office has made the transition from being a public/private venture to a County Department. Shannon Ogletree, Interim Director, and Tina Stewart, Business Director, provided the continuity needed to continue recruiting businesses to the area. The EDO partners with regional economic development organizations and those in neighboring communities along the Gulf Coast to multiply their successes. Partners include Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Florida's Great Northwest, State of Florida, and federal Economic Development Administration, all of which provide a variety of different advantages to Santa Rosa County. They also meet regularly with representatives from Santa Rosa County’s five chambers. They are dedicated to building a successful and sustainable business community that is in balance with our natural environment. Contact the EDO at 850.623.0174 or edo@santarosa.fl.gov. They are located at 6491 Caroline Street, Suite 4, Milton, FL 32570-4592. Maureen LaMar Joins Richard H. Cantin, CPA/Breeze Payroll Maureen Lamar, former Executive Director of the Pensacola Beach Chamber, has joined the office of Richard H. Cantin, CPA and Breeze Payroll. Before taking the helm of the Pensacola Beach Chamber, she was in charge of the accounting and

membership functions at the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Maureen will be spearheading the business’ expansion plans into the Navarre and Pensacola markets. If you would like to welcome her into her new position she can be reached at 934-3730 or Maureen@cantincpa.com. Pensacola Civic Center Gets a New Name Pensacola Civic Center is evolving. The Escambia County Commissioners voted unanimously to rebrand the venue with a new name and a new logo, changing from Pensacola Civic Center to Pensacola Bay Center. "As we stated in the presentation [to the Commission]…we have to evolve or we will evaporate," said Cyndee Pennington, General Manager of the now, Pensacola Bay Center. The venue was recently ranked by Venues Today, an international trade magazine, as #19 in the world and #1 in Florida for tickets sales over the last decade. Pennington continues, "We think it is critical to inform the community just how successful this building has been and can continue to be. On average, we do over 580 events and meetings per year with 265,000 patrons. Although we have had incredible success, we believe it is time to take it to the next level. As you know, there is plenty of competition and a lot of new buildings that get most of the attention. Now, it is our turn to take some of that attention back." The new name and logo will be phased in to the building immediately. Plans are in place to create a comprehensive marketing campaign that also includes a new website. Stoplight on Highway 98. Highway 98 has seen a lot of tragedy in 2012 with several pedestrian and driver deaths along the busy stretch from College Parkway to Tiger Point East. Local governmental officials and the FDOT moved a project quickly through the system to install a light at Country Club Road. It is hoped that the impact of this light will help to slow traffic down at this busy interchange as well as facilitate safe traffic flow for right and left turns.

John B. Clark to Lead Florida Association of Aging Services Providers Council on Aging of West Florida President & CEO John B. Clark was recently installed as the president of the Florida Association of Aging Services Providers (FASP) at the Florida Conference on Aging. FASP is the statewide organization that specifically represents the full array of direct service providers in aging, including case management, nutrition, senior centers, adult day care and volunteers. Its mission is to support and advocate for public and non-profit organizations engaged in the provision of community-based services to Florida's elders to improve their quality of life. Clark served previously as FASP president from 1992-1994. Clark is also a past president of the Florida Council on Aging, which is committed to serving Florida's diverse aging interests through education, information-sharing and advocacy.

who’snewtothe chamber? Center for Total Women’s Health, P.A. (OB-GYN) Commercial & Coin Laundry Equipment, Inc. Framing’s A Breeze Intelligent Health Services Law Office of Sherry Ivey Jones McDonalds of Tiger Point Naillounge Nature Trail Montessori of Gulf Breeze Rodan & Fields Dermatology Waterfront Rescue Mission, Inc. GB Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

chambernews

ambassador

Annual Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade The annual Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade will be on Saturday, December 1. The parade will start at 10 am on Shoreline Drive behind Gulf Breeze High School. It will continue down Shoreline Drive, turn onto McLane Road, and end at Fairpoint Drive beside First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze. Attendees can line the grassy areas along Shoreline Drive and McLane unless the area has been otherwise marked. Businesses, individuals and groups are welcome to join in the Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade. Participants are encouraged to decorate for the theme: “Home for the Holidays.” There will be awards for the Best in Show, Grand Marshall’s Choice, and Best Holiday Spirit. Register at Gulf Breeze City Hall, 1070 Shoreline Drive (Monday through Friday, 8-4 pm.) The Registration Form can be printed from www.cityofgulfbreeze.com. The entrée fee is $25 ($10 for non-profits) until Monday, November 26. A representative must attend the important parade meeting at Gulf Breeze Recreation Center on Thursday, November 29 at 6 pm. Questions? Call Leslie Guyer at the City of Gulf Breeze, (850) 934-5100 or the staff at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber at (850) 932-7888. Tax Seminar The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber will host “Income Tax Planning for Small Businesses” on Tuesday, December 5 from 9-11 am in the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber conference room. This free seminar will be presented by Rick Cantin, owner of Richard H. Cantin, CPA. Rick will give a presentation updating business owners on the tax issues they face for 2012 and what will be happening in 2013. If you would like to attend, you can make your reservation by calling Richard H Cantin, CPA at (850 ) 934-3730. Annual Member Appreciation Event Every December the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber celebrates its members by hosting a Member Appreciation Event. Pen Air Federal Credit Union will once again sponsor this festive evening. Members are invited to join in the holiday cheer as we toast their support throughout the year. The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Membership Appreciation Party will be on Thursday, December 6th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall of St Ann Catholic Church. Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Annual Awards Gala – A Hawaiian Celebration The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Gala Committee is busy planning for the annual Awards Gala on Saturday, March 23, 2013. This annual fundraising event and awards ceremony will be held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front in their beautiful conference center. The committee has chosen a Hawaiian theme in honor of our outgoing Chairman of the Board, Cathy Burleigh. Members are invited to this semi-formal evening event beginning with cocktails at 6 pm at the cash bar, full dinner and program at 7 and closing with a special surprise. Entertaining activities and a Hawaiian/Beach themed Silent Auction will round out the evening. Early Bird tickets will go on sale at the beginning of November for $65 per person/$120 per couple until January 10, 2013. Excellent Sponsorship opportunities are available. The Maui (Premier) Sponsorship includes a table for eight business representatives as well as a one night stay at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. So make your reservations now to attend the Annual Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Awards Gala – A Hawaiian Celebration. For more information, contact Josie at the Chamber office. (850) 932-7888 or josie@gulfbreezechamber.com. Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Social Media Sites Hook up with the chamber on all social media outlets. “Like” the chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook/gulfbreezechamber.com. Visit with Josie Cotti on Linked-In. And “follow” the GBChamberLady on Twitter to stay on top of all things chamber related. Also follow Josie’s blog at http://gulfbreezechamber.blogspot.com. Watch for our future YouTube page, QR code, and mobile app as well. And don’t forget to check out our new website: www.gulfbreezechamber.com.

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Beth Shoemaker

Ambassador of the Quarter - Third Quarter

Position: Co-owner Company: Advanced Insulation of Northwest Florida. (850) 932-6021. Advanced Insulation provides all your insulation needs for home or business. They also do skylights. Personal Insights: 1. What do you enjoy most about your job? There are no dull moments in my job. I love talking with customers about their need to lower their heating and cooling bill and to be more comfy in their home. We love to solve problems! My husband and I own Advanced Insulation and work it actively with a small crew of four men. As small business owners do, I wear the hat of bookkeeper, inside sales, appointment setter and public relations. No dull moments! 2. Do you have any causes or organizations that you support or are actively involved in? We believe in sharing that which we have been blessed to receive. Our church is first on our community commitment where I am on the leadership team for Stephen Ministry, on the Board of Trustees and the Church Council. I visit in the local nursing home and just love those older souls! We give to many Christian nonprofit organizations, as well as local school and charity organizations. For the Chamber Ambassadors, I love to help at the monthly new member orientation and ribbon cuttings to welcome them!! 3. What is your favorite thing to do in the Pensacola Bay area? I love to watch my son play soccer with Bayside and the High School team. He is a senior this year and we are treasuring this last year. For myself, I have been found on the tennis court at The CLUB! GB

strategicplanning

A City Looking Forward By Josie Cotti

The Draft Preferred Plan that VHB and the Steering Committee will build the Master Plan around, to be presented to the Mayor and City Council in early 2013.

In March 2012

when I was invited to sit on the Steering Committee for the City of Gulf Breeze’s commissioned Master Plan, it didn’t surprise me. As the President/CEO of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber, I’m a business Lorax wannabe. I want to speak for the businesses in all of Gulf Breeze. But it didn’t take long to see that I had a three-fold mission here: I was to speak for the businesses, the Chamber and even myself, a resident of the City. Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

I learned that ultimately the City has an overarching goal to be “recognized as the most livable city in America by 2020.”* But the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) announcement of a 2018 target date to begin construction on a new Pensacola Bay Bridge was the real catalyst that brought the Mayor and City Council to hire an expert team to design a Master Plan for the next 50 years. As a member of the Project Advisory Group for the Pensacola Bay Bridge Project, I knew that the new bridge will be in virtually the same place. But State mandates require it to be higher and wider than its current construction so its footprint will be dramatically different. This will impact the ever increasing traffic through Gulf Breeze. A plan needs to be in place to handle these changes. “The City believes the master plan must have the endorsement and full support of the community, assist with strategies to drive economic redevelopment, strengthen the City’s position with the FDOT, and consider the future impacts of the bridge project and the implication of future travel demand.”* The City contracted with VHB MillerSellen to develop the Master Plan during 2012 and to present it to the City Council in early 2013, well ahead of the starting date for bridge construction. The plan is to encompass particularly the Community Redevelopment District along the corridor of highway 98 but doesn’t exclude other areas from consideration. VHB’s excellent reputation of providing multidisciplinary planning, design, engineering and consulting on ventures nationwide made them an excellent choice for the task. VHB’s team is led by project manager Curtis Ostrodka, and includes transportation engineers, city designers, planners, economists, a retail guru, visionaries and graphic artists. VHB worked closely with the City to select the right mix for the Steering Committee, whose job it is to “create a long-term vision and implementation plan that maintains and protects the quality of life for residents and businesses in the City.” “The Gulf Breeze Master Plan is being created and championed by an 11-member Steering Committee that represents the diverse interests of the community, and input and participation from the entire Gulf Breeze community is desired. After carefully considering and reviewing all public input, the Steering Committee will make recommendations to

the City Council.” * The Steering Committee is led by Dan Kopack, Chair, and Alex Bell, Co-Chair. Most of us actually live in the City, but others just work here. Several are young professionals who speak for the next generation. The schools and area churches, as well as the real estate and medical industry are represented. Several have sat on various City boards. My fellow committee members, along with Dan and Alex, are Alan Bell, Lee Brown, Matt Dannheisser, Cherry Fitch, Bob Harriman, Amy Klotz, and Tom Naile. As we worked together, it was clear that all of us had the same thought; we wanted to ensure “that the City preserves and enhances its hometown character and natural environment to foster a high quality of family life”.* VHB outlined and implemented a very methodical process for gathering input from the Steering Committee and public forums. They helped everyone to understand the context of the plan that it would encompass development patterns, transportation systems, political, social, and environmental issues, as well as a market and financial profile of the City. While the agendas of meetings were controlled, I found the actual events were quite unstructured in that they encouraged creativity and “out of the box” thinking. Enlarged City aerial photos made it easy to see the City as it is now. VHB always provided ample tools – magic markers, pens, sticky notes, and more - for everyone to use. Attendees’ thoughts were heard and documented. • First, they picked the brains of the Steering Committee members through a detailed questionnaire and open discussions. • Individual Steering Committee members and VHB planners then hosted “stakeholder” meetings where focused conversations were held with small groups that represented specific interests such as Chamber members, business owners, young professionals, real estate and development, the schools, and community/civic organizations. These groups also filled out a questionnaire. • Several public forums were the next stage. Residents and business representatives were encouraged to literally “dream” on paper about what they would like to see happen in the City. Legos were provided for 3D expression. It was exciting to be a part of these meetings. So many innovative, fresh ideas were expressed. People began to look at the potential our community had, unlimited by what was already there. Everything was put on the table. Tough discussions ensued. Do we want more large chains? Why not have things available right down the street? Do we really want to draw the tourists to shop here? Or do we like that they just drive on through? Do we have to change? What is so bad with the way it is? Everyone’s thoughts were listened to. It was during this early stage of the plan that some core values, as it were, emerged. They were clear patterns that began to shape the acceptable boundaries of the plan. • Development of a town center was desired. • Gulf Breeze needs to have walkability – where residents can safely walk/bike/run/golf cart around the whole City. And connectivity where they can find easy alternative driving routes that do not involve highway 98. • While the schools are strategically important to everyone, they take up too much property in center of town. Moving the baseball/softball/football fields onto the school One alternative that VHB developed from community input. The Steering campus on the south side of 98 would be Committee and the public selected a preferred direction they wanted the advantageous to growth. strategic planning to go from these alternatives. • Housing is a problem. Not enough diversity. 14

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Need smaller lots/houses/condos/patio homes. Need to have more housing for young professionals – townhouses. Could tear down some old houses to create this. Need to have housing where aging residents can “stay in place”. • The height limitation on buildings is too confining. • “Green” is critical. All of our community’s natural beauty must be maintained. • Traffic flow on 98 needs help. • Business complexes need to improve their look to draw customers off 98. Need more small shops, restaurants, services. Need more local events – art shows, music, etc. • The gateways to the City needs to be considered for first development. • More office space is needed to draw more tech/medical and other similar industries to the area. • More hotel space is needed. • A convention center would be nice where a theatre was available. After gathering all these opinions, the VHB team went to their drawing boards and began implementing what they heard into detailed draft Idea Maps. The transportation, planning, and retail strategists crunched numbers while the graphic designers gave scope to our imaginings. Soon it was time to come back to the Steering Committee and the public to further refine the Plan. VHB presented three potential alternatives that were centered on moving either a portion or all of the baseball/softball/football fields to the school campus as well as on the property that currently holds City Hall and Sailwinds Condominiums. Gibbs Planning Group and WTL+a presented a detailed report on the amount of new tech, service, hospitality and retail businesses the community could potentially support if the new office, retail, and housing options were implemented. They included financial feasibility and TIF revenues analysis of the main catalyst sites that would be the spearheads of the Master Plan. The dollar amounts were amazing as to the prospective revenue and taxes that could be generated if Gulf Breeze expanded its service and retail sector. Lawrence Lewis discussed the transportation alternatives, including the possibility of changing the Pensacola Beach interchange. Attendees went into “breakout sessions” with the new color-coded design maps. Then it was time to vote which alternative was going to take the lead. In my opinion, the most “out of the box” alternative was the one that found resonance with the residents and the Steering Committee alike and became the design of choice. It is great to know that we are in a community that doesn’t mind “going the road less traveled” to reach our preferred destiny. This alternative brings all of the athletic fields off of the north side of Gulf Breeze Parkway and places them on the campus with the schools and connected to Gulf Breeze Recreation Center. While there would be some major hurdles to leap during the next 50 years should the Mayor and City Council choose to implement the Plan, the evidence is clear that it would be well worth negotiating those bumps in the

road. Some of the future redevelopment would include the following: • Total redevelopment of the Live Oaks Complex and the neighboring property at the eastern entrance to the City into an office park for small businesses and high tech companies with parking behind the buildings and a new hotel. • The former location of the athletic fields would become beautifully appointed retail and office complexes with residential properties and family-friendly landscaped green areas. • Exciting development of residential, retail and restaurant space at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge is included. • An emphasis on providing walking/running and natural trails was included. Green spaces would be positioned throughout the community where they could be used for events. • The Plan also incorporates roads that parallel highway 98 throughout the City where locals can avoid the heavy traffic on the Parkway. With the final draft map chosen, the Steering Committee met to outline the priorities that lie ahead. It put pen to paper as to where the first step of the Master Plan should start. Once again the public was called upon to give their input on the alignments presented. As 2012 draws to a close, the future of the City of Gulf Breeze is one of the Mayor and City Council’s top priorities. With the help of VHB’s team of planners and designers and the City’s Steering Committee, that future has begun to take shape. The Steering Committee will submit the entire plan to the Council in early 2013. I believe the Plan meets the goals of the initiative and then some, but it also maintains the character and heart of the City that makes it a great place to live, work, and play. * Quotes were obtained from various VHB published reports on the Master Plan Project, 2012. GB

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Year in Review

By Josie Cotti

Business and Economic Development in 2012 Even with a tight economy, Gulf Breeze saw entrepreneurs stepping out and changing the face of our community in 2012. Enjoy this pictorial look at the new face of the Gulf Breeze area. Economic Development took a turn in Santa Rosa County with the closing of TEAM Santa Rosa – a public/private economic development agency and the opening of the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office (SRC EDO) – a department of the County. “Regionalism” became the buzz word of the year as Vision 2015, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and Florida’s Great Northwest teamed with the SRC EDO to grow Santa Rosa and Escambia counties as a unit with the rest of the Florida panhandle. 1. The center of Gulf Breeze took a dramatic shift in 2012. Walmart Corporation renovated the old Bruno’s. Burger King came down. And the historic Benson Building was demolished to make room for future construction options.

2. Walmart Neighborhood Market filling the parking lot of the Gulf Breeze Center.

3. Chick-fil-A sets up on the corner of Gulf Breeze Parkway (Hwy 98) and Northcliff where Burger King had been for years. 4. The former Benson Building property remains a blank slate.

5. With the departure of Blockbuster from the Dolphin Complex, several businesses took advantage of the available space. Santino’s moved from the back side of the Gulf Breeze Complex for more exposure on Hwy 98. Pure Pilates opened its doors along with several other new stores, including the Naillounge (opening soon). Potential new ownership of the mall itself may soon upgrade its façade and signage, as well. 6. Subway found a new home with a new advantage – a drive through window - in the old Eckerd’s/CVS building by the high school.

7. The hotel at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge has had several names over the years. Now it is getting a neighbor. The free standing wing (black roof) was torn down to make room for new construction.

8. A brand new Hampton Inn takes shape on the same property of the Quality Inn at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.

8. Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Community Gulf Breeze residents already know that this small seaside community is a great place to live, work and play, with water on three sides, beautiful weather throughout the year, and gorgeous natural surroundings in Gulf Breeze, of which 517 acres are devoted to recreation. With many parks and sparkling shoreline, there’s no shortage of outdoor leisure in Gulf Breeze. This year brought even more amenities available to the public for recreation, including expansion of the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center. This much used facility will soon provide even more to the community than ever before. Additionally, action has been taken to further improve the aesthetic qualities of the area with natural elements like plants and foliage in key areas.

1 & 2 The Gulf Breeze Recreation Center has been a major part of the community since 1987. This year it got a long-awaited facelift. A whole new wing has been added and the current facility is being renovated. The project will be complete in May 2013. 1. Aerial of the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center facility. 2. Façade construction on the new entrance area to both buildings of the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center’s new facilities.

3 & 4 Both the City of Gulf Breeze and the United Peninsula Association used grant money to beautify stretches of Highway 98 for the 57,000 vehicles that pass through our area. 3. New foliage along Gulf Breeze Parkway in the City. 4. New plants at the entrance of Walmart and the Garcon Point Bridge. 20

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Transportation

The footprint of the current Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze. The new bridge landing will be 28 feet higher than the current stamp. For more information, visit pensacolabaybridge.com.

Potential alignments for the new bridge with parking and connectors underneath.

Transportation was a hot button item in Gulf Breeze in 2012 because of two issues. First, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) started their PD&E (Project Development and Environment) Study on the replacement of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. It was not in the scope of the plan to look at other alternative sites other than an east or west variation on the current location. As public forums were held and potential alignments were evaluated, contention arose over the potential of tolling the bridge to pay for its construction as well as the added lanes on the construction. The final public meetings, held in October 2012, centered on an alignment that is virtually on the same footprint of the current bridge with a slight easterly or westerly positioning. Both alternatives, while not too strategically different still raised ire as the possibility of tolling is still on the table even after fervent community response against that prospect. The toll controversy will continue to be a hot button topic in 2013, but the impact of construction on traffic in and out of Gulf Breeze will not hit until about 2018. The second transportation issue grew out of tragedy as a number of pedestrians/bikers lost their lives on the darker stretches of east highway 98. While a major paving project is slated to start in 2013, the FDOT moved amazingly quickly, with pressure from local government officials, to install a new traffic light in the Country Club Drive and Greenbrier Parkway intersection.

New street lights go up at the intersection of Gulf Breeze Parkway (east), Country Club Drive and Greenbrier Parkway. Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Arts &Leisure This year has brought a huge boost to the art community in the City of Gulf Breeze. Efforts to make the seaside city a destination for art enthusiasts across the nation have begun materializing in the form of a project called Art for Gulf Breeze. The much talked about project consists of a series of sculptures to be installed on public land throughout the city. Dr. Steve Zieman, a local dentist and artist, initiated the idea for the project and has remained intimately involved in the ongoing planning process. David Alsop, another Gulf Breeze resident as well as downtown Pensacola-based architect, has been actively involved in the technical planning. The first in the series of at least five sculptures was unveiled near the foot of the three mile bridge in Wayside Park on April 24. Called “Fuego,” the 17-foot abstract sculpture wowed viewers as it sparkled with colorful LED lights. The artist who created Fuego is Kevin Marchetti, founder of Renaissance Man, a custom metal fabrication shop in Pensacola. Marchetti is also president of the Pensacola Artists Guild and has won numerous awards for his work over the years. The second piece in the series was recently unveiled at Woodland Park on October 17. The glowing 22-foot sculpture called ‘Starlight’ was created by Pensacola artist Lou-Mitchell Courtney, a painter and sculptor who spent seven years working in the furniture industry designing and building pieces for various companies. She has also garnered many awards for her work throughout the southeast. Courtney’s piece includes an open tower and it sits in Woodland park where people can walk underneath or take photos by it. The piece was sponsored by AppRiver, a local email and web security business. The project is still seeking sponsors for future sculptures as well as for improvements to the space around each piece.

Final Thoughts from behind the President/CEO’s desk… What words would I put to 2012? Hmmm… I would have to say the words “hope” and “hesitancy” are the first that come to mind about 2012. As I talked to many of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber members in 2012, particularly as the year waned, there was always a blending of expectancy and concern. They liked what they saw happening in Gulf Breeze and the Pensacola Bay area. The physical changes inspired them. The renewed energy encouraged them.“Yes, things are a little better,” many would say. “Yes, more clients, more sales, more customers, more contracts…” (whatever was important to their industry.) Many have a long way to go until they recover from the last several years, but positive movement felt good, even if it was small. But, then there was that hesitancy. “What about the shakiness overseas? What about the tax increases and healthcare impact next year? We are thinking of hiring but are just not sure and are worried about the quality of the applicant.” You would be surprised how many of them talked about job seekers showing up looking very unprofessional if they arrived at all for an appointment. Others spoke about undependability and poor quality of work. These are concerns Chambers and education and workforce professionals need to address. It would be sad if how we are as a workforce was the very thing that kept potential growth down. I believe the light is getting brighter at the end of the tunnel. And that light will continue to grow thanks to daring entrepreneurs and

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

government leaders who step out and take a chance. Take a chance on change, take a chance on movement over hesitancy. Take a risk, because of the potential. I encourage small business owners to not stay isolated. Get involved in groups with other business folks; you will find it energizing and encouraging even if 2013 brings you more struggle than gain. You are not alone. We are in this together. Lastly, I would say 2012 was like riding a motorcycle (with your helmet on of course). When you are biking, there are always those wind-in-your-face, sun-in-your-eyes, or rain-on-your-back moments. While it is fun, there are bumps in the road, narrow escapes and stoplights. But you do it because that wind brings a sense of freedom you can’t put words to and the thrill of adventure you wouldn’t want to miss. Being a business owner in 2012 was just like that. For some the ride has smoothed out, and open road lies around the corner. For others they are still pushing uphill. The year 2013 will bring with it new hurdles – potential troublesome taxation issues and lingering unemployment – but hope is in the wind on our faces and the road is calling us to take on new adventures. Serving you, Josie Cotti President/CEO Gulf Breeze Area Chamber

inthebreeze

Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society By Betty Archer Allen

One wonders how such a place as Gulf Breeze came to be; with beautiful water as far as you can see; and white sand that gets into your shoes and an atmosphere that will immediately cure the blues.

Above: Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society officers and board members for 2012-2913 are (L-R) Randall Broxton, Ann Livingston, Kathy Kuehl, Helen Szymanski, Dave Szymanski, Trish Briska, Betty Allen, Laverne Baker, Gordon Sprague and Patricia Moreland. Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

The Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society was formed in 1989; 28 years after Gulf Breeze became a city. On January 10, 1990 the state of Florida and the County of Santa Rosa granted them a Certificate of Registered Agent of Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society Inc. The Society was started by seven active and dynamic women: Jo Ann Jaynes, Betty Ann Johnson, Ruth Van Wezel, Jeanne Hensley (all deceased), Betty Price Repko, Dorthy H. Jordan, and Patricia Briska. These women could visualize, and some even experienced the Santa Rosa Peninsula as just a summer retreat. They wanted a record of animals running loose; plants growing wild; fish and seafood in abundance and birds filling the sky. ♣ Jo Ann Jaynes was the organizer and the dynamic force behind the establishment of the Society. She worked as a volunteer for the City in the Recreation Department. In that position, she cornered people to learn how to organize a historical society and then proceeded to do so. Jaynes said, “There is a whole lot of history in Gulf Breeze; all we have to do is dig for it.” She asked for and got the help of other historical organizations in Pensacola, Milton and surrounding areas.

Betty Price Repko served as the Society’s first Vice President. Jo Ann Jaynes was her younger sister. ♣ Betty Ann Copeland Johnson put together a scrapbook and wrote the history of Gulf Breeze, My Scrapbook Memories of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Betty Ann, along with Ed Lang who was president at the time, went to Eloise Benson and asked her to leave something in her will to the Society so that the organization could carry on the work. Betty Ann was also the second President of the Society. ♣ Ruth Van Wezel was an icon in Gulf Breeze who wrote for The Sentinel (a Gulf Breeze newspaper) for more than 40 years. She not only handled the publicity for the Society but was an active participant in the development of Gulf Breeze for 29 years. She served as chair of the committee to build a library, volunteered at Gulf Breeze Hospital, belonged to the Friends of the Gulf Breeze Library and the West Florida Literary Foundation, and was president of the Temple Beth El Sisterhood. ♣ Jeanne Hunsley probably served as the first corresponding Secretary. She and her husband were active members of the Society and were very creative in helping with the development of the Society. ♣ Betty Price Repko served as the Society’s first Vice President. Jo Ann Jaynes was her younger sister. Betty said, “Jo Ann always told me what to do and I did it.” She remembers the early days and how dedicated all the founders were at finding and preserving the history in the Gulf Breeze area. Betty lives now in the Wesley Haven Villa in Pensacola.

Dorthy H. Jordan served as Treasurer in these early years. 24

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

♣ Dorothy H. Jordan served as Treasurer in the early years and was able to obtain tax exemption status for the Society so that donations could be tax deductable. She said, “I worked very hard on that tax exemption status and had to make the second application before it was granted.” Dot, along with her husband,

Dr. Bert Jordan, helped the organization with entertainment and refreshments and they attended and assisted with field trips in the early days. Dot and Bert Jordan reside in Gulf Breeze and are still active members of the Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society. ♣ Patricia Briska, who served many years as Vice President of the Society in charge of programs, was a natural historian and was fascinated by the history of Gulf Breeze. She helped both with the organization of the Society as well as the planning of interesting programs. Tricia is still an active member of the Society and serves as member of the Board. These dynamic women talked to other interested people and developed the by-laws, as well as the purpose and goals of the Society. The mission statement was written: To collect, preserve, and display historical facts, papers, maps, and artifacts pertaining to the greater Gulf Breeze area. To conduct historical research and disseminate by (L)Patricia Briska, who served many years a Vice President of the Society publications, display at special exhibitions such in charge of programs. (R) Laverne Baker is current President of the information concerning Gulf Breeze and its environs. To arouse pride of historical heritage in Society. our citizens and to pass such knowledge of past generations to the next through educational property. Benson bequeathed to the Gulf Breeze Historical means. Society $30,000 along with selected sections of property that They wanted the generations to come to know that contained four buildings. These buildings are the Benson home throughout history the area was called by many names and on Live Oak Avenue, two buildings on Pfeiffer Street, and one used for many temporary functions. The Native Americans that used to be Dolphin Design and Printing. Mrs. Benson left came to partake of the abundant food supply. The Spanish the Society all the furnishings and personal property located in used the area to “careen” wooden ships - remove barnacles her home to establish and maintain a public museum that will and make repairs. The Pensacola Seaport used the locale to be named the Mark X. and E. Louise Benson Museum. quarantine and to fumigate vessels from other parts of the Gordon Sprague, President of The Historical Society at that world. The Confederate soldiers used it as a camp site, a time, reported that the Historical Society took possession of the lookout tower and a temporary hospital. When Florida became property in mid-February in 2007. The Society established work a United States Territory the peninsula was first recognized for groups and completed the "clean-up" necessary inside the its Live Oak trees. The United States Navy was very interested Benson dwelling and the property. They quickly got insurance in the hardwood trees with the unique shape that resembled coverage for all the property. the bough of a ship. The Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society meets from The members of the Society made trips to historical places, September through May; Board Meetings are held every second held history symposiums and fairs, collected and displayed T uesday at 2 pm and program meetings are held every third artifacts in the Gulf Breeze Library, the Gulf Breeze school T uesday of the month at 7 pm. Currently all meetings are held at libraries, the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber lobby and at the Gulf the Gulf Breeze City Hall. Breeze Hospital. They collected oral histories through audio Current officers are: President, Laverne Baker; Vice President, and video tapes of long-time Gulf Breeze residents who could Helen Szymanski; Secretary, Dave Szymanski; and Treasurer, relate its history and development to others. They contacted Kathy Kuehl. local schools and organizations and asked to speak to these Members of the Board are: Past President, Randall Broxton; groups. They exhibited at the annual Gulf Breeze Expos so that Hospitality, Ann Livingston; Member at Large, Trish Briska; visitors could see and experience some of the documents and Historian, Betty Allen; Past President, Gordon Sprague/Benson artifacts. Building Advisor; Membership, Patricia Moreland; and Curator, Many of the Gulf Breeze Historical Society’s artifacts were Josh Simmons stored in a room at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber office for If you would like to learn more about the Gulf Breeze Area years before the Society received a legacy from E. Louise Historical Society, contact Dave Szymanski at (850) 934-5106 or Benson in October 2006 that included both money and Kathy Kuehl at (850) 932-0410. GB Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Holiday Community Events

Nov - Dec Winterfest Celebration/Trolley Tours Pensacola, www.pensacolawinterfest.org 850-435-0914

Dec 1 Santa Shop & Mistletoe Marketplace Oriole Beach Elementary School Gulf Breeze 850-934-5160

Nov - Dec Zoolights, Gulf Breeze www.gulfbreezezoo.org 850-932-2229

Dec 6 Holiday Evening in Olde Seville Square Pensacola www.pensacolaheritagefoundation.org 850-438-6505

28 Nov - 2 Dec Snowball Derby Stock Car Race Pensacola www.fiveflagsspeedway.com 850-944-8400

Dec 7 Lighted Boat Parade Pensacola Beach www.pensacolabeachchamber.com 850-932-1500

Dec 1 Christmas Parade Gulf Breeze www.cityofgulfbreeze.com 850-934-5134

Dec 8 Christmas Dash & Christmas Parade Pensacola www.pensacolarunners.com & 850-450-3792

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Dec 8 Redneck Christmas Parade Chumuckla www.bonfirejam.com 850-503-6575 Dec 9 Surfing Santa Parade Pensacola Beach www.pensacolabeachchamber.com 850-932-1500 Dec 14 - 16 The Nutcracker Pensacola www.balletpensacola.com 850-444-7686 Dec 21-22 Big Lagoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas in the Park Perdido Key www.visitperdido.com 850-492-4660 Dec 31 5th Annual Pelican Drop Pensacola www.pensacolapelicandrop.com 850-435-1603 Dec 31 New Year's Eve Fireworks Pensacola Beach www.pensacolabeachchamber.com 850-932-1500

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

SUNDAY

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Election Day 12 pm, Leads Group 1, Chamber Conference Room 3 pm, Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference Room

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8 am, McDonalds Ribbon Cutting, Tiger Point

Fireworks, Pensacola Beach

9 8 Christmas Parade Eve

7 Lighted Boat Parade, Pensacola Beach

6 Holiday Evening in Olde Seville Square, Pensacola

12Christmas Parade, Gulf Breeze

Nov-Dec Zoolights, Gulf Breeze

6:30 pm, Gulf Breeze City Council Meeting, City Hall

7 pm, Midway Fire 8:30 am, Gulf Breeze 12 Realtors Blue Ribbon District Commission Meeting, Midway Fire Meeting, Chamber Station Conference Room

5:30 pm, Business After Hours, The Villas of Gulf Breeze

8 am, Community Garden 9 am, Business Meeting, Chamber 6 Development Conference Room Committee, Chamber 9 am, Tax Seminar, Chamber Conference Room Conference Room 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church 4:00 PM, Governmental Affairs Committee, Chamber Conference Room

12 pm, Leads Group 2, Chamber Conference Room

10 am, Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade, Gulf Breeze

WEDNESDAY

11:30 AM, Women’s Business Luncheon, First Baptist Church, Gulf Breeze

Chamber Office Closed for Thanksgiving

9 12 pm, Leads Group 2, Chamber Conference Room

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

8:30 am, Gulf Breeze Realtors Blue Ribbon Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 11:30 am, Board of Director’s Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

12 pm, Leads Group Meeting, Chamber Conference Room

21 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

8:30 am, Gulf Breeze 15 Realtors Blue Ribbon Meeting, Chamber 5:30 pm, Business After Conference Room 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Hours, The Blake at Gulf Storypoint Church Breeze 5:30 pm, Defined Interiors, Inc. Grand Opening, Navarre 6:30 PM, Executive City Council Meeting

FRIDAY

Nov-Dec Winterfest Trolley Tours, Pensacola

MONDAY

8 am, Community Garden Meeting, Chamber Conference

1 9 am, Business Development Committee, Chamber Conference Room 9 am, Chick-fil-A Grand Opening,

THURSDAY

7 am, Chamber Monthly Breakfast, Unique Cafe Room 12 pm, Gulf Breeze 1:30 pm, Commission Toastmasters, Storypoint Discussion on Economic Church 4 pm, Governmental Affairs Development, Commission Committee, Chamber Chambers in Milton Conference Room

WEDNESDAY

Community Events

4 pm, Chamber Executive Board Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 6:30 pm, City Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

Chamber Office Closed for 7 pm, Midway Fire District Commission Meeting, Veteran’s Day Midway Fire Station

6:30 pm, Gulf Breeze City Council Meeting, City Hall

MONDAY

November

SUNDAY

Nov - Dec Winterfest Trolley Tours, Pensacola Nov - Dec Zoolights, Gulf Breeze

28 - Dec 2 45th Annual Snowball Derby, 25 Pensacola

23 - Dec 31 Season the Holidays with Island Spirit, Pensacola Beach 23 Elf Parade, Downtown Pensacola

17 - 18 Creek Indian 18 Tribe Indian Day Celebration, Pace

16 - 18 Pensacola Wine Festival, Pensacola

16 Gallery Night, Pensacola

12 Pensacola Veterans 11 Day Parade & After Parade Celebration, Pensacola

11 Pensacola Marathon, Pensacola Seville Quarter Wine Festival, Seville Quarter, Pensacola

8 - 18 Frank Brown's Songwriters' Festival, Perdido Key

3 6th Annual Martini Festival, Perdido Key

2 - 4 Great GulfCoast Arts Festival, Seville Square, Pensacola

Community Events 2 - 3 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, Pensacola Naval Air Station

theCalendar 2012 - 2013

December

6 Gallery Night, Pensacola 25

21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade, Pensacola

1 Polar Bear Plunge, Pensacola Beach

Community Events

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Chamber Office Closed for Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

6:30 pm, Gulf Breeze City Council Meeting, City Hall

4 pm, Chamber Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 6:30 pm, City Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

12 pm, Leads Group Meeting, Chamber Conference Room

3 pm, Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference Room 7 pm, Midway Fire District Commission Meeting, Midway Fire Station

Chamber Office Closed for New Year’s Day

TUESDAY

12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

8:30 am, Gulf Breeze Realtors Blue Ribbon Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 11:30 am, Board of Directors Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

8:30 am, Gulf Breeze Realtors Blue Ribbon Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 12 pmœ, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church 4 pm, Governmental Affairs Committee, Chamber Conference Room

WEDNESDAY

12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

12 pm, Leads Group, Chamber Conference Room

19 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

24 & 25 Chamber Office closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church 6 pm, Santa Rosa Community Christmas Gathering, Midway Fire Station

THURSDAY

5:30 pm, Business After Hours

7 am, Chamber Monthly Breakfast, Andrews Performance & Research Pavilion

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

January 2013

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Parting Shots

Meredith and Frank Davis (Sand Dollar Construction Co.) enjoy the hospitality of Shannon Westmoreland at Bayside Collision’s Business After Hours in October.

Fritz and Katie Forrer enjoy a light moment with Brenda Hamamura (American Cancer Society) at the October Business After Hours at Bayside Collision Center

Robert Barnes, Brooklyn and Ronnie Westmoreland (Bayside Collision owner) are joined by Dennis Remesch (ReMax on the Coast) as they serve up some delicious fried fish at the Bayside Collision Center’s October Business After Hours.

Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Staff (L-R, Sharon, Loraine, and Josie) join Kazoo and Karen Jurkowich (Occasions by Karen) out on the greens at the Night Golf Tournament at Tiger Point Golf Club.

Maverick and his support crew from the Pensacola Ice Flyers launch t-shirts for the Night Golf Tournament Shenanigans that took place the last Friday in September.

Helen and Dave Szymanski with their WTF Hot Sauces test the golfer’s fortitude during the Shenanigans at the Night Golf Tournament.

The ladies at Hemingway’s and Hooter’s offer up cool drinks and hot wings to the golfers at the Night Golf Tournament. 30

Winter/2012/Gulf Breeze Magazine