The
Holiday Table
Celebrate the Season
Inspired Table Settings by Shannon Pallin of Fioré
How to
Help
Ways to give back to the community that you love
Heritage Holidays
LOCAL CHEFS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONAL FAMILY DISHES
+
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
BUSINESS CLIMATE
ON THE MARKET
DECEMBER 2019 • PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM
OUR CALLING. YOUR SUPPORT. As Pensacola’s only locally-owned not-for-profit health care organization, we’re following our calling by caring for communities throughout the region. Since 1975, the Baptist Health Care Foundation has been proud to partner with our community to help support life-changing programs at Baptist Health Care. We depend on donations from individuals, families, organizations and local businesses to continue our Mission of helping people throughout life’s journey. This holiday season, consider helping us further our Mission by making a donation at BaptistHealthCareFoundation.org or call 850.469.7906.
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THRILL, THEN CHILL.
Summer Camps
Editor’s Note
PENS ACO L A M AG A ZIN E
the arts issue
Weddings 2019
Volvicus Radiolarian by Kristen Regan
The Ultimate
Local Wedding Stylebook On the Market
+Business CliMate a real estate section
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” ― Neil Gaiman
Your Guide to everYthinG WeddinGs on the Gulf Coast
SHADOW + LIG HT the fine art of photography
January 2019 • pensacolamagazine.com
P EN S ACO L A M AG A Z I N E.CO M
Home + Garden the truth about superfoods
Makers Spaces
Spring Outdoor trends for 2019
Spaces for makers, crafters and artisans
p. 26
Fitness on a budget
Get Fit For Free
Fuel for a Healthier You
the drip has dropped IV Vitamin Therapy Arrives in Pensacola
A Light into the Bay
The Pensacola Lighthouse celebrates its 160th anniversary
Gus Silivos
Housing History
On the Market
North Hill Home Preserves History and Art
+Business CliMate a real estate section
As 2019 comes to a close and we put another year in the books, I find myself reflecting on the last 365 days and how very quickly they passed. I remember being young and the days and years stretched before me like an eternity. A single day could feel like forever. Now, a day is a blip—sometimes gone so fast I can’t be completely sure it really happened. This is what they warned me about.
Celebrating 60 Years of Iconic Eateries
on the Market
+business CliMate a real estate section
MARCH 2019 • pensAColAMAgAzine.CoM
April 2019 • pensAcolAmAgAzine.com
Kids Run the Market
Pensacola is gearing up for the first ever Children's Business Fair
Animal Encounters
Local spots to get up close & personal with wildlife
The official parade of homes guide
On the Market
+Business CliMate a real estate section
Floor plans + maps inside
SUMMER FASHION
For Toddlers, Tweens & Teens
Summer Camps 2019
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
ON THE MARKET
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A REAL ESTATE SECTION
BUSINESS CLIMATE may 2019 | PensaCoLamagazine.Com
JUNE 2019 • pensacolamagazine.com
Pet Haven Cemetery
Cute as a Fox
a final resting place
The Angler's Paintbrush
an interview with the caregiver of Juniper the fox
Petsacola! A guide to pet friendly Pensacola page 28
Also In This Issue:
Business Climate
NYC to PNS:
How marketers are selling Pensacola in the Big Apple
Rescue Me! adorable & adoptable pets
From the gulf of mexico to escambia Bay, pensacola is rich with underwater adventures
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
ON THE MARKET
+
A REAL ESTATE SECTION
neXtgen
tech
NWFL credit uNioNs in the digital age
Pensacola's young technology professionals are driven to succeed
DeSignXL Pensacola's first designer-focused conference
The
State of tech
Fiddle Leaf Propagation
Learn how to grow this popular plant from cuttings
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
BUSINESS CLIMATE
Crazy for Foo Foo!
Pensacola’s annual celebration of art and culture returns
AmyJo Traylor creates museum quality hats
Mid-Century magnificent ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
ON THE MARKET
A REAL ESTATE SECTION
That pride all comes down to the great people who work here at Ballinger Publishing. Without their creativity, talent and tenaciousness, we would certainly be far less of an organization than we are. Our designers, writers, sales executives and administrative staff come in every day and bring their very best. For that, I am grateful. And our fearless leader, Malcolm Ballinger, give us the autonomy and trust to do what we do best without being endlessly micromanaged. I am also very grateful for that.
Home + Garden
Hats Off to Bespoke Local Milliner
IN COLLABORATION wITH ITEN wIREd SUMMIT
ON THE MARKET
Explore the Best of Northwest Florida's Kayaking, Birding and Walking Trails august 2019 | pensacolamagazine.com
JULY 2019 • www.pensacoLamagazine.com
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Happy Trails
Underwater Escapes
BUSINESS CLIMATE
A real estate section
revolutionizing defense training
premier adventure park offers something new and different
at the Leaning Post Ranch
On The Market
BeAst code
Adventures on the Beach
an interview with alan Woolford
A New Trail to Healing
A North Hill home offers a perfect blend of mid-century magnificence and modern amenities
A REAL ESTATE SECTION September 2019 | penSacolamagazine.com
october 2019 | pensacolamagazine.com
The
Holiday Table
Celebrate the Season
Inspired Table Settings by Shannon Pallin of Fioré
How to
Help
Ways to give back to the community that you love
HONORING OUR
VETERANS VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK • MONUMENT TO WOMEN VETERANS THE BLUE ANGELS • 100 FACES OF WAR
Heritage Holidays
+
Now, on to the issue at hand (see what I did there?). Our December issue is, as one might expect, an ode to the holidays. We’ve got every holiday event you could possible want or need along with inspirational table settings, opportunities to give back and my personal favorite—holiday recipes from a few of our favorite local chefs. These recipes reflect the heritage and family traditions of each chef, and I have to tell you, they all look unbelievably delicious. I hope you are inspired to create or continue your own family traditions this holiday season. Happy Holidays and see you next year!
Kelly Oden Executive Editor
LOCAL CHEFS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONAL FAMILY DISHES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
BUSINESS CLIMATE
ON THE MARKET
NOVEMBER 2019 | PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM
On a personal level, I am glad to say goodbye to 2019. It was a rough year for many of the people I love the most—and therefore a rough year for me, too. Professionally, however, we had a very good year. We put out some wonderful issues of our own publications, and we created some fantastic work for our clients as well. All in all, I think we had a year we can be proud of.
This year, we lost a couple of wonderful employees—Will Isern and Kaitlyn Peacock went off to discover new opportunities, but there is no doubt they contributed immensely to our creative output in 2019. While we were sad to see them go, we are excited to welcome Gina Castro and Dakota Parks to our team. They each bring their own unique view points and talents to our office, and they have already proven to be perfect additions to the team.
DECEMBER 2019 • PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM
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BEDS | COUCHES | CHAIRS | DINING TABLES | DINING CHAIRS | BAR STOOLS | OTTOMANS | SIDE TABLES | SCONCES CHANDELIERS | LAMPS | RUGS | COFFEE TABLES | ART | INDOOR PLANTS | OUTDOOR PLANTS | VASES | OUTDOOR FURNITURE | OUTDOOR RUGS | WOMEN’S CLOTHING | MEN’S CLOTHING | WATCHES | TRAVEL BAGS | PURSES JEWELRY | ACCESSORIES | BEDDING | DECORATIVE PILLOWS | BOOKS | PLANNERS | CARDS | STATIONARY | GLASSES FRAGRANCES | CANDLES | PICTURE FRAMES | COOK BOOKS | CHEESE BOARDS | CUTTING BOARDS | FOOD
Contents HAPPY HISTORIC HOLIDAYS! 16 Discover Victorian holiday traditions with a little help from the UWF Historic Trust. HOW TO HELP Explore ways to give back to the community you love.
19
THE HOLIDAY TABLE 23 Local florist and designer, Shannon Pallin, offers inspiration for setting the perfect holiday table.
16
23
27
19
27 A list of the best ways to celebrate the holidays on the Gulf Coast. HERITAGE HOLIDAYS 32 Six local chefs share family recipes of their favorite holiday meals that reflect their own unique heritage.
IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s Letter 6 Page 10 10 Pensacola Seen 12 Play/Live/Give 45
SPECIAL SECTIONS Business Climate On the Market
47 61
ON THE COVER:
Me-Ma's Gingerbread Cake, Carmen's Lunch Bar + Tapas photo by Guy Stevens
32 8 Pensacola Magazine
MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2019 Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Guy Stevens guy@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Bara’ah Jaraiseh baraah@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Gina Castro ginac@ballingerpublishing.com Assistant Editor Dakota Parks dakota@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Interns Scott Emerline Tana Rogers intern@ballingerpublishing.com Contributing Writers DeeDee Davis Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange, Account Executive ext. 21 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand, Account Executive ext. 23 becky@ballingerpublishing.com
314 N. Spring St. | Pensacola, FL 32501 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com Published by Ballinger Publishing:
magazine
Proud member of the
NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. 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. © 2019
PAGE 10 with DeeDee Davis
O
nce Labor Day arrives, it seems that life becomes one big blur until after we ring in the New Year. Despite the fast pace, Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. First, it’s football season. I love every intense, glorious moment of it, particularly when Auburn is winning. You would think I would be immune to losses by now but obviously, the disappointment never gets easier. Every time they take the field, magic begins and when time expires with us on the low side of the scoreboard, misery ensues. Just wait until next year! I also love Fall because we have such a lovely change, albeit brief, of seasons. The sunsets are so beautiful here and are so vivid throughout autumn. And Fall includes such wonderful seasonal decorations. My Halloween tree goes up in September and morphs into an autumn tree that finally gives way to the spectacular glitter of Christmas décor. The decorations, the holidays, and food all have such distinct identities in the fall. Pumpkins, pine straw, chrysanthemums, butternut squash soup and sweet potato casserole. Fabulous. My husband and I are each the oldest of all the kids born into our respective families, and with that birth order comes a sort of inherent family responsibility. We have hosted Thanksgiving dinner for 35-45 relations for many years. I would love to write details of what those dinners looked like, because few would believe the stories. Alas, I would be banished from the kingdom if I shared. Somehow, it always works out, though Lord knows how. Alcohol is the saving grace for some of us through the extravaganza, and, unfortunately, the source of drama and meltdown for others. Sure creates some interesting dynamics, though. This Thanksgiving was unlike any other I have experienced. My father-in-law was not there. I am so very, very fortunate to have both of my parents healthy and local, so the loss of Corbett Davis, Sr. was the first family member that I considered close to pass. His wife died shortly after I knew the family, so I never really had the chance to know her the way I did him. But I am grateful to her. Because of her I got to know him. And know him well.
10 Pensacola Magazine
blood. He told me things that I doubt very seriously he would ever share with his children. Additionally, we did not share the same political views at all, but somehow, we found common ground on the subject that provided a table to connect, rather than bash or lash out as so many do when someone doesn’t agree with them. Sometimes when the days were long and hot during the summer, we had two beers. That’s when the stories got really good. He grieved deeply when she died. And it hurt so much to watch. He didn’t care to do much of anything other that stare at Gunsmoke on the TV for hours and hours every day. Out of sheer frustration to help I started going to his house to tend the gardens every day. This was largely a selfish gesture, as I am a gardener at heart, and it was bad enough watching him fall apart. Seeing the plants and flowers wither as well was almost too much to take in. I guess he felt badly that I would get so hot and dirty working that one day he invited me in for a cold beer. Sweat and all. It was usually a Sam Adams but sometimes a Fat Tire or a Yuengling, and he always gave it to me in a bottle with a paper towel wrapped around it. We both agreed that beer is best in an icy bottle and that you may as well not even bother if you have to drink a light beer. He had drawers full of bottle huggies, so I never knew where the paper towel came from, but white glove service couldn’t have been better. I had never really spent much one-on-one time with him, so this was big. He talked. And talked and talked. Stories of his childhood, his romances, his sports, his escapades and oh, his friends. This became pretty much a daily ritual for a year and a half. And trust me, you get to know someone over hard labor, beer, and grief. The plants all rallied, and I suppose I did too because I knew I had a relationship with him that no one else did. He was such an iconic figure here and knew everybody. He became a successful businessman starting Jewelers Trade Shop because he knew he sure as hell didn’t want to break his back working on the railroad the way his father did. Funny, he ended up doing back breaking work anyway, but it was work that he loved. And sometimes a person needs someone to talk to that isn’t directly related to them by
One day he wasn’t there when I went over to do my thing. He called me later to say he had stayed too long in his Grief Class. When it happened a second and then a third time, we all got suspicious. Yes, he was DATING. The family was shell shocked, and I thought it was great, though it’s never fun losing a drinking buddy. Dating evolved into love and Corbett and Ann became a couple and my extended gardening came to a happy end. He was usually first in line after the Thanksgiving blessing. He loved the turkey legs and was not going to risk missing getting one, as the supply was limited. He also used to call before the feast and remind me that he liked his mashed potatoes a little on the lumpy side. I must admit that I agree. And to be so slim, he certainly could eat. He was not one to converse much during a meal because that was not his focus. And despite the huge crowd we host, his absence was so notable. Sometimes I think it is harder losing someone that has been around for so long. They become such an established part of your life that it is incredibly painful accepting their passing. Corbett Sr was one month short of his 91st birthday and he would be the first to tell you that he knew he had a great, full, rich life. Gratitude. His absence on Thanksgiving, a time when we pause to reflect on all of our blessings, makes me all the more aware of just how fortunate I am and for how much I appreciated the time I spent with him. I prefer wine with my Thanksgiving dinner, but I started this year’s festivities with a cold beer and a paper towel. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your Christmas will be joyous.
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Pensacola Scene The Baptist Health Care Foundation 2019 Hollinger Award Recipients
Heather Moorer, Melissa Schmiedeskamp, KC Gartman, Maegan Leonard, Sophia Frome
Zak Stefanko, Kristina Stefanko, Michael Stefanko, Tammie Stefanko, Rachel Stefanko, Jake Stefanko, Abbie Smith
KC Gartman, Candy McGuyre, Joy Sharp, Jennifer Grove
Margaret Stopp, Monica Sherman, Mark Faulkner
12 Pensacola Magazine
Vikki Jordan, Joy Sharp
Xan Smith, Edna Williams, Allison Hill
Kathryn Moore, Edna Moore, Bill Moore, Teresa Beck, Kenneth Beck
2019 Hollinger Award Recipients: Edna Williams, Tammie Stefanko, W. Luther Taylor, Edna Moore, Monica Sherman, Michael Dolister, M.D.
John Kizziah, W. Luther Taylor, Kathy Taylor, Tiffany Woodward, Doug Woodward
photos by PS Cobia Photography
ENTRECON 2019
National Philanthropy Day
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Pensacola Scene
photos by Nick Bridges, Liz Painter + Guy Stevens
The Inagural DesignXL Conference
Pensacola’s first creative design conference, DesignXL, welcomed over 250 creative professionals across the Gulf Coast region, and over 11 states, to Downtown Pensacola on Nov. 9, 2019. The full-day event, organized by local nonprofit group, Pensacola Designers, brought in nationally-acclaimed design-focused keynote speakers from across the country to share their knowledge and skills with local creative professionals and business owners alike. Among the keynote lineup include Phoebe Cornog, Scott Fuller, Michael Janda, and Von and Savannah Glitschka. Local experts Caitlyn Cooney, Shelley Henseler, Casey Ligon and Christine York also provided hands-on learning workshops. DesignXL will be an annual event with next year's date announcing soon. 14 Pensacola Magazine
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and Kate Lear originally built the house in the 1770’s, but Benito Rocheblave later purchased it in 1897. Rocheblave’s family is known to have settled in Colonial Spanish Florida around 1817. The house is maintained in its original form, so it makes a wonderful setting to discuss the history of holiday celebrations. The Lear/Rocheblave house is also located right across the street from the Tivoli High House where the UWF Historic Trust sells merchandise and admissions tickets. The Tivoli High House makes the location easy for visitors and locals alike to navigate.
Happy Historic Holidays! by Tana Rogers photos by Bara'ah Jaraiseh Everyone has treasured holiday traditions and special moments of festivity that bring joy to the people around them. Personally, I set up my Christmas tree, hang my stockings and watch stop-motion holiday films to get into the spirit of the season.
Not only is the Lear/Rocheblave house conveniently located in the historic district but each room is steeped in classic Victorian architecture: tall ceilings, a winding staircase, a brightly-lit parlor and an elegant dining room. Now imagine that sweeping grace of architecture and then imagine it decorated for the holidays and you have a truly magical sight. Every year, the UWF Historic Trust holds a holiday themed tour of the Lear/Rocheblave house that they call Victorian Holiday Traditions. The tour travels throughout the house and covers holiday tradition origins spanning from ancient times all the way through the Victorian era. Mumming and wassailing were two rather interesting traditions that I hadn’t known about before I took the tour. Mumming was when men and women would exchange clothing and essentially go from house to house spreading cheer and wassailing was when people would go to houses and sing for food and drink.
Sounds an awful lot like going Christmas caroling, no? Other topics covered on the tour are the origins of the Christmas feast, There are so many different traditions Santa Claus, why we hang stockings on out there from caroling and gift giving to the fireplace, how poinsettias came to be cooking family feasts. But, just where do associated with the holidays and so much these traditions come from? How often do we more. Plus, you get to see the inside of a stop and think about why we participate in traditionally decorated Victorian home, these traditions during the holidays? For the which has been kept in pristine condition by answers, I turned to the University of West the UWF Historic Trust. Florida’s Historic Trust that manages several historic properties in downtown Pensacola as The Lear/Rocheblave house is just one of well as the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in the many historic houses that is owned Milton. and preserved by the Historic Trust. John 16 Pensacola Magazine
The UWF Historic Trust has been hosting the Victorian Holiday Traditions tour for about five years now, so even though the history itself doesn’t necessarily change, the extent of the decorations on the house does. “We try to refresh [the tour] every couple of years to see if we can find any additional information, but unless new discoveries are made, history doesn’t change,” said Sheyna Marcey, director of education at the UWF Historic Trust. “What we do though, is try to change the interpretation a little bit in terms of what we add to the house. We can only do so much at a time, so every year we try to incorporate another holiday tree or decoration. We try to incorporate a little bit more of what’s in the house for visitors to see.” Beyond the experience of seeing the beautiful decorations and architecture, there stands the question of why. Why does it matter that we hold onto these histories and pass them on to the younger generations? After taking the tour and speaking with Marcey, it
is clear that the UWF Historic Trust believes that history is more than just notes on a page. History, and more so, knowing and sharing history is their passion. “We do a lot of great things. We have a lot of programs throughout the year, and I think we’re just passionate about sharing history. We try to do that in really creative ways. I do think that it benefits our kids, who will grow up and perhaps become stewards of the community. So, I think it provides a buy-in to your community and caring about what you have here,” Marcey said. This holiday season come learn about your own traditions along with those of the entire community while enjoying the magic of the holidays. The Victorian Holiday Traditions tour will run from Nov. 19 to Dec. 21 starting at 3pm at the Tivoli High House. The tour will also be included in the Trust’s bigger holiday special “Holy Dickens! A Village Carol,” an evening of Dickens’ Christmas – a lantern led tour which will cover four properties including the Lavalle House, the Dorr House, the Old Christ Church and the Lear/Rocheblave house.
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 800.745.3000.
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How to Help Ways to give back to the community you love by Scott Emerline Volunteering in the community is an amazing way to close out the year. This holiday season, consider showing our local community that you care by supporting local charities and non-profit organizations. Giving back to your community can be as simple as filling out a quick form, a short phone call to see what a local soup kitchen may need donated or making monetary donations to local charities. No matter what you choose, Pensacola has plenty of ways to help out, and if none of these projects interest you or meet your schedule, there are more available on volunteermatch.org.
Project Connect
Project Connect serves our community by helping at-risk children stay on the right track and increase employability in the future. This organization is currently looking for mentors to be role models for kids who are attempting to transition from a residential program for delinquent children to their home communities. Project Connect offers both individual and group mentoring for its participants and promotes life skills and the development of professional skills. For more information, visit projectconnectfl.org.
Park Cleanup
Tired of seeing litter in our local parks? Around Pensacola, various cleanups are held to improve our parks and keep the local environment beautiful. Park cleanups ensure that the community stays pristine and that everyone gets to enjoy the local area. Between the 2018 and 2019 cleanups, Ocean Hour collected over 17,000 pounds of trash out of local parks. Every month, cleanups take place at Bay Bluffs Preserve and Chimney Park on the second Saturday and at Wayside and Bartram Parks on the third Saturday. For more information, visit oceanhourfl. com or check out Ocean Hour on Facebook.
Pensacola Magazine
19
How to Help Palafox Market Volunteer
If you’re a fan of the Saturday Palafox Market, maybe the best volunteer job for you could be helping the Downtown Improvement Board keep the market going by volunteering to set up the market, help it run and clean up after it’s over. While the market is open, volunteers are assigned only two hour blocks, which allows this job to work around your schedule. After you’re done volunteering, you can enjoy what the market has to offer. If you are interested in volunteering, contact dib@ downtownpensacola.com.
Animal Allies Florida
If you’re an animal lover and would like to help a cat find a home, Animal Allies Florida is an animal shelter whose goal is to reduce the number of animals that must be put down in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The organization is looking for volunteers that would be happy to care for and spend a few hours with the foster cats. Animal Allies could also use volunteers to help them organize and execute fundraising and adoption events. If you would be interested in coming to their foster homes one day a week and
20 Pensacola Magazine
socializing with the cats for just two hours or helping them set up events, visit ecaafl.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is in need of caring adults who would be happy to mentor young children currently facing struggles and adversities in their personal lives. Mentors are asked to spend a few hours with a child that lives in their community twice a month and be an active positive role model in a child’s life. Currently, the local Big Brother Big Sisters agency has over one hundred and fifty children on its waiting list. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida marks its 30th anniversary this year. The fundraising from their 30th year anniversary will benefit their new campaign, Bold Steps, which expands its program to better serve the local community's underprivileged youth. If you would like to become a mentor or donate to its Bold Steps campaign, visit bbbsnwfl.org or call 850-433-5437
Loaves & Fishes
Organized in 1983, Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen has been around for more than 30 years and helps feed around 4,600 people each month. The kitchen is largely supported by
donations to the organization by our local community. Loaves & Fishes also offers emergency shelter for up to 10 families at a time and offers a transitional housing program, which helps provide shelter for homeless families for a period of two years. To help Loaves & Fishes, volunteers simply need to fill out an online form on its website, or because the holidays are a busy time for everyone, donations are always an option. More information is available at loavesandfishessoupkitchen.com.
Holiday Maker’s Market
On December’s gallery night, the Rising Tides Society will be sponsoring a Holiday Maker’s Market at 1 Palafox Place where proceeds will benefit The Secret Place, a charitable foundation that seeks to help the survivors of human trafficking by providing young women the chance to recover from trauma in a safe environment. The event will feature a silent auction as well as local makers who will be selling
last minute Christmas gifts. This Maker’s Market gives you a chance to wrap up your holiday shopping while benefitting a good cause.
Council of Aging: Heaters for Seniors
The sudden, unexpected temperature drop in Northwest Florida has highlighted the challenge many senior adults are faced with in the colder months. Without dependable sources of adequate heating, vulnerable elders are subject to extreme discomfort and health complications. Each year, Council on Aging of West Florida provides brand-new space heaters to these individuals to keep them warm during the colder Florida months of November, December, January and February. If you are interested in donating visit www.coawfla.org.
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The
Holiday Table
Written by Kelly Oden photos by PS Cobia Photography Decor & Floral Arrangements by Fioré of Pensacola
Hosting a holiday meal requires a good bit of planning and a lot of creativity. While we tend to focus on the food, setting the mood by setting the table can add another layer of festivity and cheer to the occasion. Creating a gorgeous tablescape doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult either. We enlisted florist and designer extraordinaire Shannon Pallin of Fioré to create a couple of unique table settings to help inspire your holiday table. Pallin’s philosophy? Use what you have, mix it up and have fun. »
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Bohemian Rhapsody Succulents take center stage on this earthy, boho tablescape. Green echeveria and red faux succulents combined with vintage candlesticks, wooden platters, shed antlers, nuts and bold pottery make this the perfect table setting for a low key, casual and festive event. “I love using nuts on the holiday table. It reminds me of the holidays because growing up, we always had nuts in our stockings,” Pallin said. Mixed seating includes vintage, boho chairs and an antique iron bench. “I always mix chairs and seating because I never have enough and it works,” Pallin said. This table uses a teal tablecloth by the local company Tablevogue as well as Pallin’s personal collection of pottery and vintage candlesticks. The mural by Cindy Mathis creates the perfect backdrop for this bold arrangement.
Fitted teal tablecloth by Tablevogue.
Sage and lavender bundles make the perfect earthy place card.
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European Charm This bright and cheery table was inspired by European design. “Using the citrus and combining yellow and red is little bit of a different combination than one traditionally sees for the holidays,” Pallin said. “Yellow cassias are blooming all over town right now, so I thought that was beautiful center piece. The vintage red and amber goblets add a modern twist.”
For this setting, Pallin used her personal china and silver collection, vintage red and amber goblets, hand-blown water glasses and a washed-red damask table cloth by the local company, Tablevogue. “I love a dressed table,” Pallin said. “I like setting all of the silverware—whether you use it during the meal or not, it looks good. This type of setting would work well for any holiday gathering but is particularly well-suited for a holiday brunch.”
Flowers include blooming cassia, free spirit roses, white spider mums and white ranunculus.
Round fitted washed-red tablecloth with Bali print by Tablevogue. Pensacola Magazine
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Celebrate the Season by Tana Rogers
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! It’s been 11 months in waiting, but we made it. December is finally here, and the holiday season is in full swing. The holidays evoke feelings of joy, family and friends come together, gifts are being bought and wrapped, parties are being planned and the charities and good deeds keep on flowing throughout our community. That being said, we here at Pensacola Magazine are here to make sure that you don’t miss a single opportunity to fully embrace this holiday season. From events that are just for kids and families, to events where it might be wise to leave the kiddies at home, there is something for everyone this year. So, go on out there and try something new, or try everything! And as always, happy holidays!
MONTH-LONG/MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS DEC. 1 – JAN. 15 FIRST CITY LIGHTS FESTIVAL Illuminate your holiday season with the First City Lights Festival! Taking place in Downtown Pensacola, starting after the Winterfest Elf Parade (Nov. 29), the festival includes over a month-long display of lights and other activities. Activities include street performances, pop-up operas, trolley tours, opportunities to be photographed with Santa, and a traditional The Nutcracker performance. For more information, search First City Lights Festival on Facebook. DEC. 1 – 21 VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS This event is a blast from the past! Come join the University of West Florida’s Historic Trust as they present the holiday traditions of the Victorian era at the Lear/Rocheblave house. Learn about the long-standing history of the holiday season and how it has transformed into what it is today during the 19th century. Information on this event and on Historic Pensacola can be found on HistoricPensacola.org.
DEC. 1 – 24 WINTERFEST SCAVENGER HUNT A mischievous little elf is loose at the Christmas plaza! Can you and the kiddos help figure out where the elf has gone? If you find all of the clues as to where the elf is hiding, you get a prize. That, and I’m sure Santa would be very grateful. This scavenger hunt event is free to the public and is open every night that Santa is in the plaza – 223 S Palafox. For exact times, search the event on Facebook. DEC. 1 – 24 VISIT #SANTADOWNTOWN One of the best memories a child receives is their visit with Santa. Children and parents alike embrace the joy of the season as they all get to enjoy that magical moment with St. Nick. This year Santa will be visiting Pensacola where he will sit with children, listen to their wishes and have his picture taken with them. His busy elves are great photographers and always make sure to get the perfect shot. Not only will kids be able to visit with Santa but there will also be reindeer games and craft tables where they can make sure their letters to Santa are ready to go! Santa will be located at the Christmas plaza – 223 S Palafox. There is no reservation required but parents do have that option for $10. Photo packages are $25. For more information and times, you can find the event on Facebook. DEC. 6 – 15 WINTERFEST PERFORMANCE TOUR Take a harmonious tour of Downtown Pensacola this December with the Winterfest Performance Tour. Tickets Pensacola Magazine 27
2019 Holiday Events Santa loves it! That’s why this year Santa will be visiting the Gulf Breeze Zoo on Sundays during the first annual Christmas ZOObilee. The Zookeepers are going all out on winter-themed bounce houses, live music, and a candy cane market where local venders, crafty makers, and artists will have all their holiday specialties and treats available for sale (perfect time to pick up some unique gifts). ZOObilee will take place at the Gulf Breeze Zoo during regular business hours with the standard cost of admission. For pricing, see gbzoo.com. DEC. 18 – 23 GRINCH MINI TOUR Who is going to join you on this mini tour? Well the Whos from Whoville, of course! Join the Mayor of Whoville, for $8 to $21 a ticket, as well as the Grinch for this 30-minute tour that entails the Grinch trying to ruin Christmas while the other Whos and other Dr. Seuss characters sing for your enjoyment. Dress up in your best Whoville Christmas attire for a chance to win a prize from the Mayor of Whoville himself! More information can be found by searching Grinch Mini Tour on Facebook.
range from $9 to $36 and include an hour-long trolley trip through downtown Pensacola with 16 different performances! Special appearances will be made by the Grinch, Snoopy and the Polar Express. For more information search Winterfest Performance Tour on Facebook or visit PensacolaWinterfest.org. DEC. 13 – 15 CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST Kick-off the holidays by attending one of the area’s top musical events of the season: Christmas on the Coast. Pensacola Children’s Choir goes all out when it comes to putting on a show. There will be classic, and maybe a few new, songs to get you into the holiday spirit! So, come out and support these talented young people as they perform for you! Christmas on the Coast is an annual event. Tickets range from $15 to $41 and can be purchased from pensacolasaenger.com. DEC. 13 – 22 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Come join Pensacola Little Theater as they present one of the most iconic Christmas stories of the season. Miracle on 34th Street is a story about elderly Kris Kringle – living in a retirement home – is given the opportunity to be Santa at Macy’s. However, this Santa starts sending parents to other stores to fulfill their children’s toy wishes! This certainly will not do, and so poor Kris comes under fire for being incompetent and ends up in a legal hearing with more than his own sanity in question. Support Kris in his adventure to preserve the spirit of Christmas along with the belief in Santa Claus. Tickets range from $15 to $31 and can be purchased from Pensacolalittletheater.com. DEC. 14 – 22 CHRISTMAS ZOOBILEE Who doesn’t love a day at the Zoo? I love it, you love it, even 28 Pensacola Magazine
DEC. 18 – 24 POLAR EXPRESS MINI TOUR Come dressed comfortably in your favorite pajamas as the conductor of this 30-minute Polar Express tour recounts the wonderful story of the first gift of Christmas! Magic will be in the air as snow surrounds the life-size steam engine during the tour. Tickets range from $10 to $21 and more information can be found by searching Polar Express Mini Tour on Facebook. DEC. 20 – 22 THE NUTCRACKER It is impossible to think of the holiday season and not think of the traditional ballet The Nutcracker. If this event happens to be one of your favorites every year, then Ballet Pensacola has you covered. Join them at the Saenger Theater as they perform the whimsical story of Clara as she travels through the Land of the Sweets, with help from the Sugar Plum Fairy of course. Tickets for the event range from $33 to $45 and can be purchased from pensacolasaenger.com.
THESE EVENTS ONLY HAPPEN ONCE A YEAR! DEC. 6 WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE: A WHITE TIE CHRISTMAS Come join the White Tie Rock Ensemble as they celebrate the season by putting on their annual holiday concert! Classical music meets Classic Rock in this production that is sure to please. Concert will be held at the Saenger Theater and all ages are welcome. For ticket and pricing information, visit pensacolasaenger.com. DEC. 6 TOY DRIVE AT THE REX THEATER Come watch the Christmas essential movie Elf at the historic Rex Theater! The whole family is invited to celebrate the season and give back to their community by helping children in need at this event. Just bring an unwrapped gift donation from 7-9 pm to participate. Even Santa is getting in on the action! Help
Levin Rinke and the Children’s Home Society reach their goal of giving back 1,000 presents to children in need. Monetary donations will also be accepted on site. For more information about the Children’s Home Society or to simply donate, visit chsfl.org. DEC. 7 A VERY MERRY GRINCHMAS WHOBILATION! This year have Christmas, er, Grinchmas breakfast with the Whos of Whoville! Bring the whole family down to Crab’s on the Beach wearing the best ugly Christmas sweater you can find and participate in the many different holiday festivities including a candy cane hunt, craft table, and photo booth. Remember the ugly sweater you’re going to wear? Well, the reason is to become the Holiday Cheermeister in the ugly Christmas sweater contest of course! The event will run from 9 am to noon. DEC. 7 PICTURES WITH SANTA AND MUTT PARADE ‘Tis the season to be jolly and not forget about our furrier family members. Spend some time this holiday season supporting the Escambia County Animal shelter by coming out to its Christmas celebration. Kids and fur babies alike can take pictures with Santa, participate in the pet holiday costume contest, buy some yummy food and walk in the mutt parade! So, bring the whole family down to the Spahr Brewing Company from 1 pm to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome, especially those with four legs. The price to purchase your loved one’s pictures is a suggested $10 donation and to walk in the parade is $5. DEC. 7 SANTA PUB CRAWL For the seventh time in a row, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub and Toys for Tots are getting together to organize Pensacola’s largest pub crawl. Last year, they gathered over 800 people, so this year, the goal is 1,000! Come join the fun which gives both to kids in need and back to you. By participating, you will receive a t-shirt (while supplies last), a 22 oz stein that can be used toward drink specials, passport for their raffle as well as access to the block party. Must be 21+ to participate (ID required) and pricing is set at $15/per person along with donation to either Shiners International or an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots. Since this is a Santa themed pub crawl, Santa costumes are mandatory, and creativity is always encouraged. To register, visit the event’s Facebook page or attend registrations from 4 pm to 6 pm on site. DEC. 7 WINTER WONDER RIDE Pensacola’s favorite holiday celebration on two wheels is back for its fourth season! The Fourth Annual Winter Wonder Ride is brought to you by Leadership Pensacola’s Class of 2020, with tickets set at $30 for those above the age of 12. Tickets include
a wonderfully wintry 5-mile ride through downtown Pensacola, access to a postride celebration, drink tickets and some wonderous souvenirs. For information on this event and to register or donate, search for the event on Facebook.com or Eventbrite.com DEC. 7 PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTMAS GALA Come enjoy a little history with your Christmas spirit at the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. Meet Santa and his friends. Play some games and enjoy refreshments. The event is free to the public and runs from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. The event will be held at the museum. DEC. 7 CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA PRESENTS: MESSIAH This season embrace the beauty of classical music as presented by the Choral Society of Pensacola. Messiah by George Frideric Handel was first performed in 1742 and reflects the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. Along with the Pensacola orchestra, performers such as soprano Carla Connors, mezzosoprano Monika Cosson, tenor Randall Black and baritone Patrick Jacobs will come together with 70 other beautiful voices to perform this masterpiece as directed by Xiaolun Chen. The event will be held at the Saenger Theater at 7:30 pm and tickets start at $30. For more information, visit choralsocietyofpensacola.org DEC. 7 SANTA’S LEGO WORKSHOP An event just for kids! Bring the kids (12 and under) down to Christmas Town during Winterfest to participate in Santa’s Lego Workshop! The kiddos will be placed into groups according to age and able to create to their imaginations delight! The best creations will receive a photo with Santa with what they’ve made as well as being featured in billboard promotions throughout the Pensacola area. The event will be held from 11 am to 2:30 pm at 223 S. Palafox Place.
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2019 Holiday Events Many kids ask for puppies for Christmas and what better way to fulfill that wish then to have Santa himself be a part of it? The event is courtesy of the Escambia Animal Shelter and will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm at 223 S. Palafox Place. DEC. 8 SURFING SANTA PARADE Even Santa loves the beach! Every year Santa visits Pensacola beach to spread the joy of the season and thousands of people join him! The Parade will begin on Pensacola Beach at 2 pm. Once the Parade is completed, children of all ages will be able to meet with Santa himself until 3 pm at the Gulfside Pavilion. DEC. 14 CHRISTMAS PARADE 1-MILE DASH Come join the Pensacola Runners Association and run the annual Christmas Parade 1-mile Dash! This is a great way to kick off the season as all ages are welcome to participate. The Dash itself will lead into the start of the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, is celebrated by spectators and there’s great stuff to be had by the first 300 people to register! The dash itself if from 5 pm to 5:30 pm. For more information and registration prices, visit pensacolarunners.com.
DEC. 7 JASON & JESSICA'S NAUGHTY & NICE COMEDY CABARET Looking for something to do that’s full of holiday cheer while being perfect for some adult only time? Join Back Porch Bar & Grill as they host Jason & Jessica’s Naughty & Nice Comedy Cabaret! This hour-long comedy show is bound to be perfect for a holiday date night since it is recommended for mature audiences. This show that is full of comedy stand-up, music, juggling and more is all bound to tickle your funny bone. So, give the gift of laughter this season and join in on the fun! Tickets will be $10 at the door. Event begins at 8:30 pm. DEC. 7 LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Parades that embrace the holiday spirit aren’t always on land here in Florida. That’s why we have the annual Lighted Boat Parade at Pensacola Beach! Starting from Sabine Marina at 6:30 pm, heaps of decorated boats will travel the Santa Rosa Sound all the way to Pensacola Boardwalk. Prior to the grand launch, a kids Christmas party will be held at Shaggy’s from 4 pm to 6 pm, and after the parade, Santa will head to the Quietwater Shell to meet with the children before ending the night with a show of magical fireworks. DEC. 8 SANTA’S PUPPY PARTY Come join Santa at his puppy Christmas party! Kids and adults alike are welcome to join the fun, get to meet and play with puppies as well as have the opportunity to adopt one of them! 30 Pensacola Magazine
DEC. 14 COX PENSACOLA CHRISTMAS PARADE the biggest event of the season, you do not want to miss the annual Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade. The parade is so huge that it boasts over 110 entries, more than 70 floats, Eight different bands from Escambia county, New Orleans and Mississippi, pays tribute to the Navy’s Blue Angels, and to top it off, the whole event is televised live on WKRG-TV5 (CBS). The parade will be held in downtown Pensacola and begins at 4:15 pm. For more details about the parade, visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org. DEC. 14 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA This season, the restaurant Jo’s as Always will be hosting a Christmas themed breakfast for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious meal and decide if you want to meet with Santa or Sing with Carolers – or both! Because it’s Christmas, who doesn’t want to sing a carol or two with Santa? The event is by reservation only and held hourly from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Pricing is $10 for kids and $15 for adults (Oh and there will be $10 bottomless mimosas or sangrias)! To make reservations, call (850) 466-5136. DEC. 15 KLOVE CHRISTMAS Do you want a new Christmas tradition that you’ll LOVE? Then come celebrate the season with the K-LOVE Christmas Tour! Tickets range from $25.20 to $75 and includes performances from Matthew West, I Am They, Hannah Kerr, and Matt
Maher. The concert starts at 7 pm. For more information and to buy tickets, visit awakeningevents.com/events/k-love-christmas, EventBrite.com, or search KLOVE Christmas on Facebook. DEC. 18 WINTER QUEERSTICE Christmas is the most fabulous time of year! So, come join the only osteopathic clinic in Northwest Florida: Pensacola Osteopaths as they celebrate the season while supporting the health and wellness of all people. Tickets range from $40 to $50 each, which guarantees not only a great time (booze, food, and fun) but also that nice warm fuzzy feeling of giving back to your community. For more information, search Winter Queerstice on Facebook. DEC. 20 MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE The Gatsby Girls are up to something new this Christmas! This year, they are attempting to break the world record for the most people kissing underneath the mistletoe! This age-old romantic tradition is also being used as a platform to help fundraise for the Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. Couples can register at the cost of $35 per couple. The ticket will also get you a t-shirt! So, come on out and kiss someone you love, like, or even tolerate for a good cause and break a world record! For more information and registration, visit gatsbygirls.bpt.me. DEC. 21 UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER BRUNCH We all love Christmas, and we all love brunch. Now the Brunch Effect is taking both to a whole new level by combining them into one event! This holiday season get you’re brunch on from 11 am to 4 pm with a brunch buffet, bottomless poinsettias and sangrias, music, and hookah all while donning your most heinous Christmas sweater—you could win a prize! Tickets are $35 per person, however, group reservation pricing is available. To purchase tickets, search for the event on Eventbrite.com DEC. 24 SANTA SEND-OFF One of the most iconic moments to celebrate this holiday season is the Santa Send-Off. For the last two years, Pensacola has been home to Santa’s launching point—the place where the magic happens. But before he treks out on his magic journey, Santa, who has been diligently checking his list and reading Christmas letters from children, will pick the best six letters that represent the spirit of Christmas. The children who wrote these letters will be recognized and whoever has the absolute best will win a “Santa Scholarship” of $500, on top of being given Santa’s very own sleigh bell! This festive ceremony will be from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 223 S. Palafox Place.
NEW YEAR’S EVENTS DEC. 31 NOON YEAR’S EVE AND BEACH BALL DROP Do you struggle to stay awake until midnight on New Year’s Eve? Want the kids the get a good night’s sleep? Or perhaps you’re an early bird rather than a night owl? Well struggle no more! Come celebrate New Year’s from 10 am until 12 pm at the Noon Year’s Eve and Beach Ball Drop presented by Crabs! Included in this event is live entertainment (to include crab races and games), mocktails and games. Find more information by searching Noon Year’s Eve and Beach Ball Drop on Facebook. DEC. 31 PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR! Are you someone who would appreciate the sounds of a beautiful symphonic concert over the boisterous party atmosphere of a New Year’s party? There are so many people who would agree with that and Pensacola Symphony Orchestra is there to help you ring in the new year. PSO will be performing its New Year’s concert at 7 pm which includes light and timeless classics. Tickets are $23 and can be purchased from pensacolasaenger.com DEC. 31 THE GATSBY GIRLS 6TH ANNUAL SPEAKEASY BALL The year is going to be 2020, what better way to ring in the new year than to celebrate with a proper roarin’ 20s black tie ball? Join the Gatsby Girls at the annual Speakeasy Ball to celebrate with friends or family (21 and up) as they celebrate a new decade. The ball will include an open bar, champagne tasting room, bootlegger man cave, macaroni and cheese bar, and DJ for dancing. Tickets are $100 per person or $185 per couple and can be purchased through Eventbrite.com. DEC. 31 SKÓPELOS NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Ring in 2020 with style and elegance with Skópelos at their premier downtown location, which is also Pensacola’s largest private event space. Dance the night away in your best party dress to live music and a professional DJ, enjoy party favors, an open bar, midnight champagne toast, then top off the night with a perfect gourmet breakfast buffet. Tickets before 5 pm on New Year’s Eve are $95 and after 5 pm they are $125. Event is 21 and up. For more information or to buy tickets, search the event on Facebook or Eventbrite.
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Heritage Holidays
Intro by Kelly Oden Photography by Guy Stevens
Laab Issan Pam VanNess, Chef + Owner SaBai on Jefferson
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The holiday season is a time for family and friends to take a moment out of their busy lives and spend some quality time with the people they love. One particularly wonderful aspect of these holiday gatherings is the variety of dishes served at the holiday table. Most people have a favorite family dish that is a must have at holiday meals and this dish is often a reflection of the family’s heritage. Whether it’s your great grandmother’s Buche de Noel, your aunt’s Weiner Schnitzel or your mom’s pork dumplings, the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without them. We asked a few local chefs to share their favorite holiday heritage recipes with our readers and they came through with six stunning recipes to inspire your holiday feast. Pensacola Magazine
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Good Luck New Year Billy Ballou, Executive Chef 5 Sisters Blue Café On New Year’s Day in the South, you’ll find many kitchens filled with savory and pleasing aroma of the South’s lucky New Year’s meal.
Comprised of black eyed peas, cabbage or collards and cornbread, this tradition is said to bring the consumer good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Commonly, the peas represent coins, the collards represent dollars and the cornbread represents gold, but other variations on the theme exist as well. Cornbread Serves 4 3 cups cornmeal 2 large eggs
Blackeye peas Serves 4
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 cups bacon fat
¾ cup sour cream
1/3 cup diced yellow onion
½ cup buttermilk
2 pounds applewood smoked bacon (cooked)
¼ pound unsalted melted butter Mix together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, sugar and sour cream until smooth. Add cornmeal and whisk until smooth consistency. Put cornmeal mixture in baking dish or muffin tins. Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 15 minutes.
¼ cup minced garlic 6 pounds blackeye peas 2 tablespoons Louisiana Hot Sauce ¼ cup minced shallot 1 tsp liquid smoke 3 1/3 quarts of water
Sauté onions in ½ cup bacon fat in large skillet on high heat. Add peas and remaining ingredients, cover with water and simmer for about 40 minutes or until peas start to soften. Allow to cool and serve. Collards Serves 4 ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup minced garlic ¼ cup minced shallot 1 cup bacon fat
18 cups water 7 pounds shredded collards 2 pounds smoked pork shank meat diced 1 cup packed brown sugar Salt and pepper to taste Sauté garlic and shallots in oil and bacon fat until fragrant. Add prepared ham hocks and saute until wilted. Add water, ham base, seasoning and brown sugar, bring to boil. Add collards and cook for 2-2.5 hours. Allow to cool and serve.
Nana’s Christmas Eve Pasta Chef James Briscione, Angelena's Ristorante Italiano The Seven-Fishes dinner is a family tradition which has been passed on to Chef James from his grandparents who were first generation Americans. Every year,
Christmas was a time for the whole family (including extended family) to come together and share wonderful seafood dishes with each other. Here, Chef James shares part of that precious family tradition—his Nana’s Christmas Eve Pasta, a seafood extravaganza as beautiful as it is delicious!
Nana’s Christmas Eve Pasta Serves 6 2 lobsters 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried oregano
8 fl. oz. white wine
Pinch red pepper flake
28 fl. oz. San Marzano tomato puree
24 mussels, cleaned 24 clams, cleaned 1 lb. gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb. spaghetti or linguine 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
To prepare the lobster, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Dispatch the lobster and separate the tails and claws for boil. After 3 minutes of rapid boiling, remove the tails and place in an ice bath to chill. Allow the claws to cook 1 minute longer (4 minutes total) and then cool in the ice bath. When cool enough to handle, split the tails and remove the claws from the shell and reserve. Leave the water on the stove for cooking the pasta. In a large, wide pot heat the oil and butter over medium high heat. When the butter begins to bubble, add the garlic, oregano and red pepper. Cook, stirring often until the garlic is lightly browned at the edges. Add the mussels, clams and shrimp to pan. Stir well, then add the wine and place a lid
on the pot. Cook until all of the mussels and clams have opened, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked seafood to a bowl and reserve. Leaving all of the wine and juices and from the shellfish in the pot. Turn the heat to high and boil until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in the same pot that the lobster was boiled in. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Transfer the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce and stir well. Return all of the seafood to the pot and simmer everything together until heated thoroughly. Transfer to a large bowl and serve family style. Pensacola Magazine
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Laab Issan Pam VanNess, Chef + Owner SaBai on Jefferson The dish Laab is served at most Thai gatherings.
It means luck, or to bring luck. In Thai culture, we serve Laab on birthdays and holidays, when we are lucky to be surrounded by friends and family and lucky to have such a simple food in front of us. It’s such a simple dish to make and a true authentic dish eaten in Thai culture. 1 lb. Minced chicken or pork 1 cup Red onions thinly sliced 1 cup green onions 1 cup cilantro leaves ½ cup mint leaves 2 tbs. fish sauce 1 whole lime 1 tsp. chili power 3 tbs. toasted rice powder 1 tsp. sugar Cook your protein in a wok or skillet over a medium-high heat. While that’s cooking have all your fresh herbs prepared and chopped. In a large mixing bowl, add your protein with fish sauce, squeeze half a lime and add the sugar and mix together. Give it a taste, Laab is meant to have a salty and tart taste. Once all of your seasoning is mixed together, add your fresh herbs and toasted rice powder. We add the fresh herbs last so they won’t wilt. The toasted rice powder can be found at your local Asian grocery store, but at SaBai on Jefferson we make our own. We add it for flavor and texture. You can serve Laab with fresh green leaf lettuce or cabbage and long beans. 36 Pensacola Magazine
Me-Ma's Gingerbread Cake MariCarmen Zachary Josephs, Carmen's Lunch Bar & Tapas
My family recipe for Gingerbread Cake comes from my grandmother, who surely learned the recipe from her grandmother. I don’t really know how
long our family has been making this recipe. I just know that when I smell it and taste it, I think of the warm feelings you get from family and the holidays, especially Christmas. My mom’s family, of ScotchIrish-English descent, is deeply rooted in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Our family, the Zachary family, was granted land in Cashiers, North Carolina, in the War of 1812. Gingerbread had a very early prevalence in Europe, and the recipe was carried with European settlers as they migrated to America. Molasses, being cheaper than sugar, created a softer cake and was quickly incorporated into the recipe. The first American cookbook (1796) by Amelia Simmons included seven unique recipes for gingerbread. This is my family’s recipe… and I hope it brings you comfort and joy!
Me-Ma’s Gingerbread Cake 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (room temperature)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried ground ginger
1 cup unsulfured molasses 3 large eggs 3 cups plain flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using electric beaters or stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter until well incorporated. Add the molasses and three eggs and continue to mix well with electric beaters or stand mixer on low speed for two minutes. Gradually add the flour that has been sifted with the salt, cloves, dried ginger, cinnamon and baking soda. Add the sour cream and incorporate it into the batter. If using two 8” round cake pans, spray
½ teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1 cup sour cream the pans with baking cooking spray and bake for 20-30 minutes. Cooking time will vary according to your oven and the size pan or dish you use. At Carmen’s we bake them individually in heat safe coffee cups! This aromatic gingerbread cake is best enjoyed warm and can be accompanied by your favorite cream cheese icing, freshly whipped cream or simply with butter!
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Mom’s Kugel Chef Irv Miller, Jackson's Steakhouse My mom and dad cooked intuitively on every Jewish holiday during my youth, using recipes their parents used to make, and from recipes shared with family and friends within the small Jewish community in York, Pennsylvania. During the nineteenth century, German Jews were the leaders in most Jewish communities in the Unites states. The earlier Sephardic families had already integrated into American life, which to this day has influenced American Jewish cooks. Kugel and matzo ball soup are two of my favorite Jewish foods. Traditionally the Sabbath is the basis for holiday cuisine; however, times have changed for the better, and now preparing Jewish food is no longer just for the Jewish calendar holidays. A few of my fondest childhood memories are when mom and dad would battle over whose matzo ball recipe reigned supreme; when dad made them they were hard, and when mom made them they were soft like dumplings. I don’t recollect my dad preparing kugel, but I do remember him enjoying it. When it comes to kugel, the crown always went to mom, and I’m thrilled to be able to share Mom’s Kugel recipe with everyone. 38 Pensacola Magazine
Makes one 12-inch cast iron skillet For the kugel: 1 (16-ounce) bag plus 1 (8-ounce) bag wide egg noodles ¼ cup melted butter 5 large eggs 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 pint low-fat, small-curd cottage cheese 1 pint low-fat sour cream ¾ cup golden raisins 1 teaspoon vanilla Pinches of cinnamon 2 ounces blanched almonds, sliced
For the egg noodles: Place a 2-gallon pot over medium-high heat. Add 1½ gallons of water and bring to a rolling boil. Add noodles and stir. Once water returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium and let noodles simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until they become tender. Do not overcook. Empty the noodles from the stockpot into a large colander and run cold water over noodles, stirring well to cool and stop the cooking process. Drain off water completely. Transfer the cooked noodles into a large mixing bowl. For the kugel: Preheat oven to 350°F. Preheat the cast iron pan and use a paper towel to rub in half the melted butter. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs until blended. Add sugar, salt, cottage cheese, sour cream, raisins, remaining melted butter and vanilla. Use a whisk to
blend well. Pour the wet mixture over noodles and stir with your hands to distribute the mixture evenly. Transfer mixture to the preheated cast iron pan and fill evenly. Sprinkle several pinches of cinnamon and the sliced almonds over top of kugel. Cover with foil and place on middle rack in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, and for additional crispy noodle edges and to brown the almonds, remove the foil and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Total baking time is approximately 50 minutes. Let sit for 30 minutes before portioning into squares. Note: I like to make kugel one day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Next day, cut into squares and reheat, loosely covered, in a casserole dish for 20 minutes at 350°F, just before serving.
Greek Style Roast Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans Executive Chef Gus Silivos, Skópelos at New World Growing up, there’s no question that any Greek holiday dinner–and especially Easter and Christmas– included a roast leg of lamb.
I remember the aroma of the roast permeating not only the house but the neighborhood as well. All the houses on the island of Skópelos are next to each other, and you can imagine the collective kitchens cooking the same dish. My favorite part of the roast was the shank, and my grandmother always knew to save that for me. As a child I would hold it by the bone and pretend it was a harmonica, all the while savoring every bite.
The Lamb 1 ea. Domestic Lamb Leg 2 tbsp. minced garlic 2 tbsp. leaf oregano To taste salt & pepper Preheat oven 350*. Prep lamb by rubbing it with garlic, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle oregano all over lamb. Place in roasting pan with enough water to cover bottom of pan. Cook lamb for 55-75 minutes or until internal temperature is 120*. Remove and allow to cool down.
The Potatoes 6 Idaho potatoes cut in wedges 2 tbsp. EVOO 2 cloves minced garlic 1/2 tsp leaf oregano 1 tbsp. lemon juice To taste salt & pepper Place potatoes in baking pan and toss with olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, and lemon juice; toss together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add some water in bottom of pan and bake in 350* oven for 20-30 minutes until brown
The Green Beans 2 lbs. green beans 1 medium onion diced 2 cups diced tomatoes 2 tbsp. EVOO 1 tbsp. chopped dill To taste salt and pepper In a heated sauté pan add oil, add onion and cook until translucent. Add tomatoes, beans, dill, and mix all together. Reduce heat. Cook till beans are done, 20-25 minutes.
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Kids do better when we work together. Nemours and West Florida Healthcare are working together for Gulf Coast Region families. At Nemours, we’ve always believed that every child deserves pediatric expertise—close to home. Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, located on the same campus as West Florida Hospital, makes accessing the highest quality of care that much easier. For over twenty years, Nemours has provided pediatric specialty care for Northwest Florida families. From complex conditions to simple check-ups, our teams work together with researchers, physicians and specialists to achieve the best outcome possible. Rest assured that our collaboration promises the highest level of compassionate care for your child in the Gulf Coast region.
To explore our collaboration, visit Nemours.org/westflorida.
Will and Juliette Nemours cardiac patients © 2019. The Nemours Foundation. ® Nemours is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation.
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play/live/give VISIT SANTA DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA DEC. 1 – 24 One of the best memories a child receives is their visit with Santa. Children and parents alike embrace the joy of the season as they all get to enjoy that magical moment with St. Nick. This year Santa will be visiting Pensacola where he will sit with children, listen to their wishes and have his picture taken with them. His busy elves are great photographers and always make sure to get the perfect shot. Not only will kids be able to visit with Santa but there will also be reindeer games and craft tables where they can make sure their letters to give Santa are ready to go! Santa will be located at the Christmas plaza – 223 S Palafox and where there is no reservation required, parents do have that option for $10. Photo packages are $25. For more information and times, you can find the event on Facebook. CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW DEC. 6 – 8 Stop by St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church to find some unique holiday gifts and treats. The Christmas Caravan Arts & Crafts Show will feature about 40 different vendors, a delicious bake sale, a silent auction and raffle, yummy concessions, children’s activities on Saturday and Flori-Bama Small Breed Pet Rescue adoptions. WINTERFEST PERFORMANCE TOUR DEC. 6 – 15 Take a harmonious tour of Downtown Pensacola this Dec. with the Winterfest Performance Tour. Tickets range from $9 to $36 and include an hour-long trolley trip through Downtown Pensacola with 16 different performances! Special appearances will be made by the Grinch, Snoopy and the Polar Express. For more information search Winterfest Performance Tour on Facebook or visit PensacolaWinterfest.org. TOY DRIVE AT THE REX THEATER DEC. 6 Come watch the Christmas essential movie Elf at the historic Rex Theater! The whole family is invited to celebrate the season and give back to their community by helping children in need at this event. Just bring an unwrapped gift donation from 7-9pm to participate. Even Santa is getting in on the action! Help Levin
Rinke and the Children’s Home Society reach their goal of giving back 1,000 presents to children in need. Monetary donations will also be accepted on site. For more information about the Children’s Home Society or to simply donate visit chsfl.org. WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE: A WHITE TIE CHRISTMAS DEC. 6 Come join the White Tie Rock Ensemble as they celebrate the season by putting on their annual holiday concert! Classical music meets Classic Rock in this production that is sure to please. Concert will be held at the Saenger Theater and all ages are welcome. For ticket and pricing information visit pensacolasaenger. com. PICTURES WITH SANTA AND MUTT PARADE DEC. 7 ‘Tis the season to be jolly and not forget about our furry family members. Spend some time this holiday season supporting the Escambia County Animal shelter by coming out to their Christmas celebration. Kids and fur babies alike can take pictures with Santa, participate in the pet holiday costume contest, buy some yummy food and walk in the mutt parade! So, bring the whole family down to the Spahr Brewing Company from 1pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome, especially those with four legs. The price to purchase your loved one’s pictures is a suggested $10 donation and to walk in the parade is $5.
Christmas on the Coast, where we’ll transform sunny weather into a winter wonderland. Christmas on the Coast is a well-loved holiday tradition on the Gulf Coast, featuring some familiar PCC classics as well as exciting new material under the direction of Artistic Director, Alex Gartner, assisted by Hanan Tarabay, Katie Powell, and Shelby McConnell. Enjoy dynamic choreography by Michael Dennis, dazzling costumes by Heidi Jade Warriner and set design by Dom Johnson will be sure to impress and entertain! Experience all the sights and sounds as we sing in the season with the Pensacola Children’s Chorus at Christmas on the Coast HOT GLASS, COLD BREW DEC. 13 – FIRST CITY ART CENTER This Hot Glass Cold Brew event will also include a gallery opening, showcasing works from FCAC’s Gallery 1060 artists, and an Art Market featuring a Holiday Ornament Sale. Patrons will enjoy light fare along with two complimentary beers from Pensacola Bay Brewery. Additional beer tickets available for purchase at the FCAC merchandise tent. Bring the whole family! Reduced Admission (without signature cup) for children over 12 is $10. Children under 12 are free. Weather permitting, there will be a children’s activity area set-up. The event is rain or shine!
SANTA PAWS DEC. 8 – GULF COAST BREWERY Tis the season and everyone's favorite Holiday Pawty is BACK! Enjoy some holiday spirits, pictures and pitchers with Santa for you and your pups! Come down to Gulf Coast Brewery on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2-5pm, and get your pictures taken with Santa on a beautiful Holiday set by Fabadashery! Our photographers will be onsite ready to take pictures with your camera for the purrrfect holiday cards and posts! Free to attend, families welcome, donation recommended. All proceeds benefit Pensacola Humane Society!
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET DEC. 13 – 22 Come join Pensacola Little Theater as they present one of the most iconic Christmas stories of the season. Miracle on 34th Street is a story about elderly Kris Kringle – living in a retirement home – is given the opportunity to be Santa at Macy’s. This Santa in the true spirit of the season though sends parents to other stores to fill their children’s wishes! This certainly will no do, and so poor Kris comes under fire for being incompetent and ends up in a legal hearing with more than his own sanity in question. Support Kris in his adventure to preserve the spirit of Christmas along with the belief in Santa Claus. Tickets range from $15 to $31 and can be purchased from Pensacolalittletheater.com.
CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST DEC. 13 -15 – PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS The best times of the holidays are the ones spent together. Your family won’t want to miss
PENSACOLA CHRISTMAS PARADE DEC. 14 Possibly the biggest event of the season, you do not want to miss the annual Cox Pensacola Magazine
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Pensacola Christmas Parade. The parade is so huge that it boasts over 110 entries, more than 70 floats, Eight different bands from Escambia country, New Orleans, and Mississippi, pays tribute to the Navy’s Blue Angels, and to top it off, the whole event is televised live on WKRG-TV5 (CBS). The parade will be held in downtown Pensacola and begins at 4:15pm. For more details about the parade visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org.
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CHRISTMAS ZOOBILEE DEC. 14 – 22 Who doesn’t love a day at the Zoo? I love it, you love it, even Santa loves it! That’s why this year Santa will be visiting the Gulf Breeze Zoo on Sundays during the 1st annual Christmas ZOObilee. The Zookeepers are going all out on winter-themed bounce houses, live music, and a candy cane market where local venders, crafty makers, and artists will have all their holiday specialties and treats available for sale (perfect time to pick up some unique gifts). ZOObilee will take place at the Gulf Breeze Zoo during regular business hours with the standard cost of admission. For pricing see gbzoo.com. BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: THE NUTCRACKER DEC. 20 – 22 It is impossible to think of the holiday season and not think of the traditional ballet The Nutcracker. If this event happens to be one of your favorites every year then Ballet Pensacola has you covered. Join them at the Saenger theater as they perform the whimsical story of Clara as she travels through the Land of the Sweets, with help from the Sugar Plum Fairy of course. Tickets for the event range from $33 to $45 and can be purchased from pensacolasaenger.com. MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE DEC. 20 The Gatsby Girls are up to something new this Christmas! This year they are attempting to break the world record for the most people kissing underneath the mistletoe! This ageold romantic tradition is also being used as a platform to help fundraiser for the Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. Couples can register at the cost of $35 per couple. The ticket will also get you a t-shirt! So, come on out and kiss someone you love, like, or even tolerate for a good cause and break a world record! For more information and registration visit gatsbygirls.bpt.me.
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SANTA SENDOFF DEC. 24 – PENSACOLA WINTERFEST One of the most iconic moments to celebrate this holiday season is the Santa Send-Off. For the last two years, Pensacola has been home to Santa’s launching point. The place where the magic happens but before he treks out on his magic journey, Santa, who has been diligently checking his list and reading Christmas letters from children, will pick the best 6 letters that represent the spirit of Christmas. The children who wrote these letters will be recognized and whoever has the absolute best will win a “Santa Scholarship” of $500.00, on top of being given Santa’s very own sleigh bell! This festive ceremony will be from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 223 S. Palafox Place. NOON YEAR’S EVE AND BEACH BALL DROP DEC. 31 Do you struggle to stay awake until midnight on New Year’s Eve? Want the kids the get a good night’s sleep? Or perhaps you’re an early bird rather than a night owl. Well struggle no more! Come celebrate New Year’s from 10:00 am until 12 pm at the Noon Year’s Eve and Beach Ball Drop presented by Crabs! Included in this event is live entertainment (to include crab races and games), mocktails, and games. Find more information by searching Noon Year’s Eve and Beach Ball Drop on Facebook. SKÓPELOS NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH DEC. 31 Ring in 2020 in style in downtown Pensacola's largest private event space, the Skopelos Grand Ballroom! For the third straight year, Skopelos at New World's prime downtown spot will host an all night party with premium open bars, midnight champagne toasts, party favors, open seating, lounge areas, and a large open dance floor with live music from Nobius plus DJ spins from Matt Powell of Powell Entertainment. After the midnight champagne toasts, the chefs from Skopelos will fill you up with a midnight breakfast buffet.
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SPECIAL SECTION
Magazine
December 2019
51. Putting In the Work Mayor Grover Robinson discusses his first year as mayor.
¡ OTHER STORIES ¡
49 The New Way to Cut Your Lawn The newest app-based lawncare service comes to Pensacola.
55 Repurposing and Recycling for
63 Around the Region
A historical overview of Escambia reef program and new developments
Find out what is happening in business, government and cultural news in the greater Pensacola area and Northwest Florida.
Artificial Reefs
Business Climate 47
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The New Way To Cut Your Lawn Lawn Love’s platform digitizes lawn service providers and allows you to schedule an appointment with a click of a button. By Scott Emerline businesses scale and grow their companies and compete with the big guys, and that’s exciting and a big part of what makes our business so interesting,” Yamaguchi said.
L
awn Love is coming to Pensacola to revolutionize the way that lawn maintenance works within our local area. Founded by Jeremy Yamaguchi in 2014, Lawn Love’s goal is to help lawn care providers step into the 21st century by providing them with software that provides them with more jobs and allows them to manage their time better. Yamaguchi has worked in the tech industry for years and has already sold one company that was designed similarly to Lawn Love but benefitted the home service industry, such as housecleaning, pool maintenance and window washing. One week after selling his former company, Yamaguchi started working on Lawn Love to bring the lawn care industry into the 21st century. Lawn Love wants to work as a partner with local lawn care providers to supply them with software that is capable of increasing business for lawn companies by allowing customers to schedule and pay for jobs via an app on their smartphone. In other cities, Lawn Love has created a large boost in business for lawn care providers since customers can request services so easily and since smaller, local companies are now featured right alongside corporate lawn care companies. “Ultimately, we help lawn maintenance
“We’re essentially giving them democratizing software that lets them compete with the big players like Trugreen because there is half a million lawn care companies in the U.S. The average business consists of only one to two people in size, and that’s exactly the fit that’s best suited for our platform.” Lawn Love attempts to help both lawn care professionals and customers by providing software that works as a medium between lawn care providers and their customers to minimize the hassle of finding quality lawn care. Lawn Love also strives to provide a quality software platform to small businesses in the lawn care industry that may not be able to afford to go digital, so lawn care companies can give price quotes and invoices that can all be handled either through the Lawn Love app or its website. “We’re not just a listing of service providers. We are much more similar to something like Uber,” said Yamaguchi. “We use satellite mapping tools and quoting algorithms to measure your lawn area. We then use that to generate a price estimate for the service, and we show that to you so you can book your service from there with just a few taps and manage it all online.” By using satellite imaging, Lawn Love is capable of giving customers a quote in under two minutes instead of scheduling an appointment with a lawn care provider just to receive a quote for later. By functioning similarly to Uber, Lawn Love
speeds up business for both parties, and like Uber, they run checks on the validity and quality of service that lawn care professionals provide to ensure that you’re satisfied with the job you paid for. Lawn Love isn’t just mowing and weed whacking either. Customers are able to receive almost any lawn care they could need and all from Lawn Love’s app. The company offers services in lawn edging, leaf blowing, lawn fertilization and aeration, gutter cleaning, lawn seeding and gardening as long as local companies have applied to take these jobs online through lawnlove.com. Operating in over 100 cities across America and having completed over half a million jobs, Lawn Love has grown rapidly since its inception in 2014, and Yamaguchi has no intention of slowing down. The company has partnered with over 20,000 local lawn care professionals to help the industry adapt in the age of the internet. “Our goal is to build an IPO scale lawn care marketplace and fundamentally transform this broad industry, and we want to do that by not rolling over the existing service providers but instead by partnering with them and giving them the tools to run their business platform more effectively,” said Yamaguchi. “That’s been the model from day one and it’s been working amazingly well.” Lawn Love is a company that is propelling the lawn care industry into the age of technology in an attempt to benefit local lawn maintenance companies. To sign up for Lawn Love whether you’re a customer or would like to register as a lawn care professional, visit lawnlove.com.
Business Climate 49
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Putting In the Work by Gina Castro
Mayor Grover Robinson completed his first year as mayor as of November. Robinson is Pensacola’s second strong mayor. He also was a longtime Escambia County Commissioner. Business Climate sat down with the mayor to discuss his first year as mayor as well as the future of his term.
When we interviewed you after you were elected, you said a major focus during your time as mayor would be connecting with citizens. Do you feel you have accomplished that?
One of the initiatives you’ve been doing since you’ve been in office is Mondays with the Mayor press conferences. Do you think that has been effective?
I feel like we’re working to be better at that. That’s an ongoing process. We’ve been having town halls, engaging with our neighborhoods director and engaging with neighborhoods. We’re reaching out to be more connected. We have our weekly press conferences. We’re trying to be out there in more ways to connect with citizens. I think we have accomplished that. It’s one of those things I don't think you can be totally done with. We’re going to work hard on it this year and continue to do the same thing.
I think it’s been good. I think it's allowed us to talk about things and to have a place to talk and answer questions. It has also allowed us to put out more information about the city and try to be there whenever we have challenges as well. I think it's something we promised to do, and we’ve been consistent with doing it. It's our feeling to continue to keep doing all the things we can do to try to be more connected with our citizens—to let them know what is happening here in city hall.
Business Climate 51
You recently joined the National League of Cities Task Force, which has a membership of more than 2,000 cities. How does your being a part of this league benefit the city of Pensacola? That task force is dealing with the presidential election. The whole purpose of it is it’s bipartisan. The idea is to talk about things that happen in cities and the need for whoever is president to see the importance of what cities bring and commit to their organizations working with cities. As I have said before, we call it “purple solutions” they are not red or blue or democrat or republican. They are things that we do every day. We just try to get cities to function, and we want to make sure we get support from whoever is running for president and that they are supportive to helping cities be the kind of places we need them to be, like great places to live, work and play. There are a few issues Pensacola has been dealing with before you became mayor, such as the growing homeless population. Do you have a plan of action to address that during your time as mayor? We’re trying to work on that. I think part of the challenge is that there is no silver bullet. It’s a continuous process. There are some things that I think will help us engage with that population, but also serve the general population. The challenge is they all take money, and we’re just trying to find ways to prioritize, but I have been happy about the discussions we’ve had. We had a meeting back in April 52 Business Climate
Commissioner May and I met with several organizations that deal with homelessness. Some common themes came up in that, and I think we’re trying to address those. We will continue to talk about those things because this is not something that is unique to Pensacola. Homelesness and challenges around that are in every single city in the United States. We’re just trying to work on being better about it. It’s going to take cooperation with the city and county with other organizations, private organizations who are working in that field as well. The Pensacola Police Department has been experiencing some controversy since the Tymar Crawford incident. The Pensacola Dream Defenders have asked for a few demands from the city
“
I think part of the challenge is that there is no silver bullet. It’s a continuous process. There are some things that I think will help us engage with that population, but also serve the general population.”
including creating a civilian oversight board. Will you be implementing any of their demands in place? I would say there are a lot of things that we are working to be better at. One of the things we focused on from the very beginning is how to be more oriented at the neighborhood level. All neighborhoods are a little bit different, and the way that we implement services is going to be a little bit different in each neighborhood. I think there has been something that came out of the event this summer that showed there are areas that we can always improve, but I think the men and women who work for the police department do a wonderful job. Even if there are a number of neighborhoods that aren’t having challenges, there cleary are some neighborhoods that
are. From the very beginning, we said that we’re going to keep working to be a better police force and be a better city. So, toward that end, yes, I think you’re going to see something happening. I want to be clear that I think you’re going to see more of an advisory committee. I think that one of the challenges is that as far as oversight, we have a citizens’ oversight. They are called the city council. They are citizens that provide oversight. We’re not looking to duplicate that effort, but there are certain things we can do to improve that and improve it in a way that engages citizens’ input. I do believe that the police force has been working on that, but I do believe we can absolutely be better in everything we do. We can continually work to improve. I’m proud that every department that I've worked with in Pensacola is willing to look within themselves to find ways to become better. Even if they’re doing an excellent job, they always believe that they could be doing better and be
delivering better services to the citizens. Pensacola has been experiencing an uptick in gun violence. You reached out to U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe about the issue. Has that benefitted you and your team’s ability to handle the issue? This is another issue that is not unique to Pensacola. This issue is happening all across the nation, so again, from our standpoint, any gun violence is something we need to be addressing. There has been a conceivable amount of energies that have taken place in the past six months in working together with the federal government and local government in trying to make our community safer, and I think we’ve seen at least in the last couple of months a curtailing of that gun violence, and we just need to stay on it and keep moving forward. I think it also points to initiatives that we need to do
within these neighborhoods to provide alternatives to things that introduce them to gun violence, and I think part of that is staying involved at the community level and at the neighborhood level, so I do think that we’re going to continue to do as much as we can to offer alternatives to our citizens and youth. I think that’s a big part of it as well. Another concern of many citizens of Pensacola is pedestrian safety. Do you plan to make strides to make the city more pedestrian friendly? We’ve hired a complete streets coordinator. We’ve been working to make ourselves more walkable in our community. We believe it's essential here in downtown, but it’s not just downtown, we also have several walkability issues that are moving out of the downtown area across the entire city. It goes to the western end and
to the northern end of our city. So, for me, it’s not just about downtown; being a more walkable city extends throughout the city. We have a number of initiatives that are in the works now: introducing bike lanes, switching some roads that are one-way to two-way and introducing more pedestrian accentuated cross walks. We have a host of projects going on right now where we are trying to find ways to make our community more walkable, safer to walk and easier for our citizens to walk. We’ve spoken about a lot of progress and projects you’ve accomplished within your year as mayor. What do you think has been your biggest success this year? I think our biggest success is really straightening out things here in city hall, developing a good relationship between council and mayor, investing in people to make sure we get the services administered correctly and investing in our employees and making sure they have training and proper compensation. Those things will help us be more effective when we are administering those services. I think out of this first year, we got ourselves internally focused, so now we’re ready to work externally. I think year two, three and four you will see us on a much more external focus, and I think we’ll be in a better position because we spent this year internally getting ourselves better prepared.
Business Climate 53
These hands once trembled with fear and uncertainty. Now, they’re holding on to brighter days.
*The coin you see is an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) token, given to those in alcohol or drug recovery. The tokens give AA members a physical reminder to take sobriety one day at a time.
We are a non-profit, faith-centered ministry offering food, addiction recovery services, housing, spiritual guidance and more to Escambia County’s most vulnerable and under-resourced residents.
850.912.8383 • BrightBridgeMinistries.org
REPURPOSING AND RECYCLING FOR ARTIFICIAL REEFS By: Dakota Parks
Pensacola is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, attracting tourists, avid anglers and snorkeling/scuba enthusiasts alike. What the average beach goer may not know is what Pensacola is known for below the crystal-clear saltwater—a bolstering system of artificial reefs.
Pensacola is a hotspot for artificial reefs, housing more than 500 public, man-made reef systems, including the largest artificial reef in the world, the U.S.S. Oriskany. Constructed between 1946 and 1950, the U.S.S. Oriskany is a 911-footlong aircraft carrier that primarily operated in the Pacific in the 1970s. The ship earned two battle stars for service in the Korean War and five for service in the Vietnam War.
After being decommissioned in 1976, sold for scrap in 1995 and repossessed in 1997, the 44,000ton aircraft carrier was thoroughly cleansed of toxic substances and sunk off the coast of Pensacola in 2006. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) selected Escambia County as Florida’s best candidate for reefing the Oriskany because Pensacola was a leading location for artificial reefs. Escambia County was not only one of
the first counties designing, permitting and deploying artificial reefs, but it also continues, to this day, to lead the state in the sheer number of reef systems. The Oriskany is just one of twelve sunken carriers along the Florida Panhandle’s “Shipwreck Trail.” Five of the twelve sites are located in Pensacola and house thriving marine ecosystems and dive sites with varying depths and complexities.
Artificial reefs are beneficial to both aquatic life and human life. Using decommissioned ships, vehicles, planes and construction rubble, man-made reefs provide hard surfaces where algae and invertebrates such as barnacles, corals and oysters can attach, which in turn boosts the ecosystem of fish and marine animals. Reefs are built for a wide variety of reasons including promoting marine life in areas with featureless ocean Business Climate 55
“The Escambia Southeast Reef Site encompasses nearly 9 square miles of Gulf of Mexico seafloor, and is located southeast of Pensacola Pass. Water depths in the site range between 80 feet and 100 feet. The large site was needed to deploy the anticipated concrete from the Pensacola Bay Bridge demolition, as well as artificial reefs funded by the oil spill... ” floors, controlling erosion, blocking ship passages, blocking the use of trawling nets and even improving surfing. Over the years, the public popularity of reefs in Pensacola has continued to flourish as a byproduct of the increase in marine life and boosting the fishing and tourist economies. The Escambia County Marine Resources Manager Robert Turpin explained just how beneficial the reef programs are to our local economies: “In 2015, the FWC funded a study of Florida artificial reefs. The study concluded that fishing and diving on Escambia County's artificial reefs provide for an annual economic impact of $150.8 million and supports more than 2,000 jobs.” The popularity is not trailing off anytime soon: the artificial reef program overseen by The Escambia County Marine Resources Division has plans to deploy more than 700 additional reefs off the coast of Pensacola. The new reefs are being funded partly
56 Business Climate
by restitution money paid by the oil company BP in the aftermath of the massive 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Another buzzing plan in the works is the decommissioned Pensacola Bay Bridge, known by locals as the “Three-Mile Bridge.” With construction closing in on the new bridge, sections of the decommissioned bridge are set to be sunk in three locations. Escambia County partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies to obtain the site for the decommissioned bridge, which is now the largest permitted artificial reef site in Florida waters. “The Escambia Southeast Reef Site encompasses nearly 9 square miles of Gulf of Mexico seafloor, and is located southeast of Pensacola Pass.
Water depths in the site range between 80 feet and 100 feet. The large site was needed to deploy the anticipated concrete from the Pensacola Bay Bridge demolition, as well as artificial reefs funded by the oil spill,” said Turpin. Continuing to construct new artificial reefs is paramount to the success of reef programs. Fish and wildlife respond to newly commissioned reefs almost immediately. The reefs provide shelter, food, and the growth of marine ecosystems. However, while Escambia County uses the most stable and durable reef materials that are available, reefs are prone to natural erosion. “The physical and chemical forces of the underwater marine environment cause the eventual deterioration and/or subsidence of artificial reefs over decades. The most
economically feasible longterm means of maintaining artificial reef habitat is to create new habitat at a greater rate than deterioration or subsidence,” explained Turpin. Continuing to build more reefs, just like the Marine Resources Division has set in the works with their estimated 700 new reef sites, is the solution to maintaining reef networks and oceanic life. Repurposing and recycling construction debris and military vessels for artificial reefs saves material from ending up in landfills and junkyards, while benefiting aquatic life and local economies. To learn more about the artificial reefs in our local waters, check out: myescambia.com/ourservices/natural-resourcesmanagement/marineresources/artificial-reefs.
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AROUND THE REGION UWF Board of Trustees welcomes three appointees The Florida Board of Governors has appointed Stephanie White and Jill Singer and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reappointed Alonzie Scott to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. White, an attorney specializing in adoption and child-related issues, and Singer, vice president of national security for AT&T, will replace Adrianne Collins and Mort O’Sullivan and serve five-year terms beginning in January 2020. Singer currently serves on the board as a governor appointee. Scott, director of the Enterprise Talent Management Office and a senior executive advisor at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division, will continue to serve for the remaining three years of his term as a governor appointee, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. “These individuals have the proper credentials and Argo spirit needed for guiding UWF,” UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. “I welcome their insight and value their commitment as Board of Trustees members.” White graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University with a juris doctorate. After law school, she was a commercial litigator with Winstead PC in Dallas. Before specializing in child advocacy law, White represented abused and neglected children as the courts decided adoption, placement and parental rights matters. She also served as a supervising attorney for the Children’s Advocacy Legal Clinic at the SMU Dedman School of Law and as a contract research 58 Business Climate
attorney for Texas Lawyers for Children. She is admitted to the Texas Bar and the Florida Bar. White also serves on the board of directors for Student Leadership University, Baptist Hospital Inc. of Pensacola, the Northwest Florida YMCA, Take Stock in Children Leadership Council and World Help. Additionally, she is a seventh grade Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. Singer currently leads AT&T business activities serving the intelligence community, overseeing the delivery of strategic technology solutions and services to national security agencies throughout the global public sector marketplace. She was previously a partner with Deep Water Point and CEO of Tummler Singer Associates consulting firm. Her senior government experience includes chief information officer for the National Reconnaissance Office, deputy CIO for the Central Intelligence Agency and director of the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service for U.S. Department of State. In addition to her 25-plus years in government, she also held industry positions with Science Applications International Corporation Inc., GE Aerospace and IBM. Singer currently serves as an executiveon-grounds for the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and a director on the boards of the International Spy Museum and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance. She is actively involved in other national security-related professional groups including the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the Cipher Brief ’s Cyber Advisory Board. Scott received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UWF. He also earned an
executive leadership certificate from eCornell and a Navy non-appropriated unlimited contracting warrant and contracting officer representative certification. Scott has been a leader in Navy initiatives to increase diversity across the civilian workforce and student interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He established the NAVSEA STEM Partnership with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers to build diverse pipeline of STEM junior chapters and future engineers in over 318 Latino communities around the nation in partnership with Penn State University. He also created and released an innovative STEM student engagement and outreach video targeting K-12 in partnership with the Public Affairs Office. The UWF Board of Trustees is the 13-member governing body for the institution. The Governor of Florida appoints six of the members, who serve five-year terms, and the Board of Governors appoints five of the members, who also serve five-year terms, with the president of the Faculty Senate and the president of the Student Government Association filling the remaining two seats. All appointments must be approved by the Senate. For more information on UWF’s Board of Trustees, visit uwf.edu/trustees.
Rat Pack Reunion raises over $200k for vulnerable elders The ninth annual Rat Pack Reunion fundraiser, hosted by Council on Aging of West Florida to increase awareness and support for senior citizens in the area, raised over $200,000 on Oct. 25, putting the event among the most successful in its history. More than 350 individuals attended the black-tie gala, which featured a world-class meal, dancing, a Frank Sinatra tribute artist and live band, a “raise the paddle” fundraising segment and honorary videos and speeches from four community leaders. This year, those leaders were Ashton Hayward, Michael Murdoch, Michael Riesberg, and Brenda Vigodsky. The Rat Pack Reunion has earned and maintained its reputation as one of the premier fundraising and social events of the year, drawing outside visitors and city insiders alike to join together and support elder adults in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The monies raised at the annual event go directly to the programs and services provided by Council on Aging of West Florida, such as Meals on Wheels, adult day care, respite, in-home services, companionship and more. Council on Aging boasts the BBB Accredited Charity designation and less that 9 percent of annual revenue is allocated toward administration; the rest goes directly to older adults who need our help. “We had one of the best Rat Pack Reunions ever because of the hard work, creativity and generosity of our community,” said Larry Morris, Rat Pack committee co-chair. “We raised a lot of money for senior adults and will literally put food on the table for many of the elderly in our community.” Sponsors for this event include Andrew’s Research and Education Foundation, Ashton & An Hayward, Ballinger Publishing, BBVA USA, Bob Tyler Toyota, Brenda Vigodsky, Carlette Howell, Cat Country 98.7, Charlie & Fran Switzer, Covenant Care, Edward Jones - John
Peacock, Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon Attorneys at Law, Escambia County Sherriff’s Office, Fabadashery, Flack & Kathleen Logan, Florida Community Care, Gulf Power Company, Jewelers Trade Shop, Jim & Ann Neal, John B. Clark, Larry & Lynn Morris, Levin Papantonio Personal Injury Lawyers, Levin Rinke Realty, Lois Lepp, Marianne & John McMahon, Michael Murdoch, Pete Moore Automotive, Ray & Valerie Russenberger, Riesberg Institute, Sammy’s Management,
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Sandy Sansing Chevrolet, Susan and Brian Finger, Synovus Bank, The AKWO Justice Foundation Inc., Tom Pace Jr., Skopelos at New World, Valley Services, Vinyl Music Hall, Vitas Healthcare, and WEAR-ABC3. For more information on the Rat Pack Reunion or to attend or support next year’s event, contact Josh Newby at (850) 2662507 or jnewby@coawfla.org.
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Business Climate 59
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ON THEA MARKET Real Estate Section
Remodel your Way to a Bigger ROI
In This Section By the Numbers: A Look at October's Market Highlights page 62 Mortgage Insurance: A Faster Way Into Your First Home page 66
page 64
Sophisticated Kitchen Design for a Stately Aesthetic page 72 8 Fire Safety Tips that Could Help Save Your Life Page 74
On the Market 61
BY THE NUMBERS A LOOK AT OCTOBER'S MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
900 54
Monthly Sales
Avg. Days on Market
2818 $215k
Quarterly Sales
Median Sale Price
MARKET HIGHLIGHTS October sales were virtually identical to September’s, yet outpaced last October by 13%.
62 On The Market
Median sale price also remained virtually identical to September’s $215,000 figure.
Combined DOM for the month was 54, four days less than the previous month.
Pending sales for October were up 23% compared to both the previous month and October of last year.
Information courtesy of Pensacola Association of Realtors
ON THE MARKET
Remodel Your Way to a Bigger ROI Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign and restructure their homes for a variety of reasons. Even a newly constructed dream home needs improvements over time. Common renovation projects include upgrading wornout surfaces, finishes and materials, or adding features and improving livability. Other homeowners invest in remodeling simply because they're ready for a change. However, many find the idea of taking on a remodeling project too overwhelming to attempt. Thirty-five percent of U.S. homeowners would rather move to another home than remodel their current home, according to research by the National Association of Realtors.
biggest return on investment with the leading in-demand projects identified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Realtors. Exterior Upgrades Generally speaking, improvements to your home's structural features and exterior elements drive the greatest returns on your renovation dollars.
What those homeowners don't realize is that taking on projects is often worth the investment and time. The same study showed that among those who did undertake a home improvement project, 75% had a greater desire to be in their home when the project was completed. Others reported increased enjoyment in their home and a major sense of accomplishment.
New Roof: Your home's roof takes a real beating from the elements, and upgrading this protective feature is one of the greatest investments you can make for your home with an estimated 109% return on value. There's a reasonable expectation for long-lasting results and you're likely to see some improvement in your home's energy efficiency.
Satisfaction aside, there are financial implications that may influence how you prioritize renovations in your home. Learn which interior and exterior upgrades are likely to bring the
Garage Door: Proving that curb appeal counts, a new garage door is another exterior feature that's likely to bring a strong return. A new door may be an opportunity to create a new look for your home, but it's also a
64 On The Market
way to improve the function of a worn-out door. Updated Siding: Enhancing an architectural element like siding is another way to improve your home's aesthetic appeal while making it easier to maintain. Be thoughtful in selecting your materials, though; fiber-cement siding brings a slightly higher return than vinyl selections. Interior Upgrades Although many improvements inside the home tend to be based on your personal tastes and lifestyle, you can still reap the benefits of undertaking certain high-return projects. Wood Flooring: Refinishing existing wood floors or installing new wood floors is likely to bring at or near a 100% return on investment. The project improves a home's aesthetic appeal and eliminates possible signs of wear while bringing a more modern feel to the living space. Sustainable Considerations: Also high on the list are projects that improve a home's energy efficiency, such as upgrading
insulation. Not only does improved quality or quantity of insulation help reduce energy bills, it's an investment you can expect to recoup a large percentage on. Similarly, replacing the HVAC may be a necessary project if the old unit is failing to perform, but it can also improve energy efficiency and result in better functionality and livability for the home. Livable Spaces: Adding square footage always helps a home value, especially when you can convert unused, unfinished space like a basement into a comfortable, cozy living area. Another place where you can expect a big return is on a complete kitchen remodel, which will allow you to improve function while adding modern touches and upgrading outdated and worn features. Find more advice to maximize the value of your next home improvement project at remodelingdoneright.com.
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ON THE MARKET
MORTGAGE INSURANCE:
A faster way into your first home For many Americans, the biggest hurdle in buying a home is the down payment.
According to a recent report, 49% of non-homeowners stated that not having enough money for a down payment and closing costs was a major obstacle to purchasing a home. Many people also mistakenly believe lenders require a 20% down payment to qualify for mortgage financing. Data shows that by using private mortgage insurance (MI), millions of homebuyers with down payments as low as 3% or 5% have been approved for affordable and wellunderwritten mortgages. In the past year alone, MI has helped more than 1.1 million borrowers purchase or refinance a mortgage. Nearly 60% were first-time 66 On The Market
homebuyers, and more than 40% had annual incomes below $75,000. How MI works In addition to the other elements of the mortgage underwriting process - such as verifying employment and determining the borrower's ability to afford the monthly payment - lenders require borrowers to commit some of their own money before approving their mortgage loan. This is where MI entered the system more than 60 years ago, to bridge the down payment gap and help creditworthy borrowers qualify for a mortgage without large down payments.
earning the national median income of $61,372 to save 20%, plus closing costs, for a $262,250 home, the median sales price for a single-family home. MI helps borrowers qualify with as little as 3% down.
Benefits of MI
It is temporary, leading to lower monthly payments down the road. MI can be cancelled once 20% equity is established, either through payments or home price appreciation. Borrowers typically can cancel MI within the first five to seven years. This is not the case for the vast majority of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA mortgage insurance premiums stay on the loan for the life of the loan.
It helps you buy a home sooner. On average it could take 20 years for a household
It provides several flexible payment options. Your lender can offer several MI product
options for MI payment; the most common is paid monthly along with your mortgage until the MI cancels. MI is a stable, cost-effective way to obtain a low down payment mortgage, and offers distinct benefits to borrowers. It's been a cornerstone of the U.S. housing market since 1957, providing more than 30 million families with the opportunity to own homes despite financial barriers. If you are considering purchasing a home, it is important to understand your options, including your low down payment options. To learn more, visit LowDownPaymentFacts.org.
PENS ACO L A M AG A ZIN E
Weddings 2019
The Ultimate
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Your Guide to everYthinG WeddinGs on the Gulf Coast PE NS ACO L AM AG AZINE .CO M
We’re looking for the perfect Pensacola bride for the cover of Pensacola Magazine: Weddings 2020. Submit up to three of your individual wedding photos (high resolution please) to Kelly@ballingerpublishing.com, and you could be featured on the cover of the February 2020 issue.
Editorial-style shots by your professional photographer are preferred. Please include the names of the bride, groom and photographer. For more information, visit www.pensacolamagazine.com.
Submissions due by January 21, 2020.
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LOANS FOR LAND, HOME AND FARMS If you’re ready to invest in timberland, a farm, or just a place to hunt and fish, turn to our team of Rural Lending Experts. With historically low interest rates and our unique ability to lock in rates long-term, there has never been a better time to buy that tract you’ve always wanted. LOANS FOR: • Small farms to large plantations • Homes and home construction with no acreage limitation • Profits shared with member/borrowers through Patronage Program • Up to 20 year fixed rates with no balloons on real estate
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ON THE MARKET
newly configured Articulating Bridge Faucet adds a layer of refined sophistication for an elevated kitchen space. Carry craftsman style through even the seemingly minute details and select artisanal accessories, from coordinating drawer pulls and cabinet handles within the Rook Kitchen Collection, to a hammered, copper-framed mirror for a harmonious design.
SOPHISTICATED KITCHEN DESIGN FOR A STATELY AESTHETIC A balanced aesthetic across styles creates a truly sophisticated kitchen design. Bring this concept to life with contemporary nuances that complete a space and complement an overall traditional tone. From spatial layout to thoughtful fittings, merge design influences to elevate the heart of the home and achieve an altogether stately elegance.
Contemporary classic Embrace classicism while maintaining a modern overtone and celebrate the kitchen as a true focal point with an open concept, removing barriers to free the space and framing it with a wide archway trimmed with intricate crown molding. With an eye for pragmatism, add bold design elements. Consider a custom-built kitchen island with integrated plush, tufted velvet bench seating for an air of stately elegance, or a bespoke canopy that conceals the range hood while making a structural statement. Ground the aesthetic in darker tones, such as a deep Aegean blue or juniper green for a rich and dignified quality, and offset with contemporary components, such as deepveined marble countertops or unexpected skylight windows. Exquisitely balanced Balance is key in sophisticated kitchen design, whether
70 On The Market
Dignified details
referring to spatial balance or the perfect blend of form and function. Make calculated design choices to anchor the room. For instance, bookmatch marble countertops for symmetrical impact, creating a strikingly beautiful center point, or further institute the equilibrium and crown the room with a tiered-ring chandelier directly above. Meanwhile, consider dark maple or walnut chevron floors to provide a warm elegance and classic foundation for contrast. Elegant craftsmanship To achieve a true sense of stately luxury, incorporate elements of craftsmanship and customization throughout the kitchen. Integrate panelready appliances to streamline the aesthetic and seamlessly unify the room with Shakerstyle cabinetry, or recall the architecture of classic hardware with the Rook Kitchen Collection by Brizo. Providing a sense of visual intrigue, the
Complete the space with accent elements to culminate a sophisticated look and feel, identifying finishing touches that take the design beyond the expected. Ground the kitchen island with handcarved, understated corbels to augment a classic aesthetic, or modernize the space with an antiqued mirror tile backsplash next to a quartered, swept head window for the perfect juxtaposition of forwardthinking traditionalism. As a space is coming together, contemplate subtle yet distinguishing enhancements. Place a light, white oak backing inside kitchen cabinetry and showcase the grain through bubble-glass doors, or take a creative approach to lighting and integrate floor fixtures for a soft, unexpected glow to elevate the overall kitchen experience.
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ON THE MARKET
8
FIRE SAFETY TIPS THAT COULD HELP SAVE YOUR LIFE
Having working smoke alarms in your home is as important as wearing a seatbelt in your car. It's a necessity that protects you and your loved ones. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately three out of five home fire deaths occur in residences with no working smoke alarms or without any smoke alarms at all. These cases can be avoided as smoke alarms are accessible and easy to install. Smoke alarms serve a critical and life-saving purpose, sounding when smoke is detected to give people the most time possible to escape and call for help. The NFPA shares that the risk of dying from a home fire is cut in half if working smoke alarms are in place. However, only 23% of Americans check their smoke alarms monthly, according to data from a new survey conducted by UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI). Smoke alarms with dead, missing or disconnected batteries account for a significant number of fire tragedies, and according to the NFPA, 46% of nonworking smoke alarms are due to missing or disconnected batteries.
74 On The Market
While an unexpected chirp - beep, beep, beep - from a smoke alarm may sometimes be a nuisance, the need for working smoke alarms is critically important. Forty years ago, people had around 17 minutes to escape their home in the event of a fire. Today, due to synthetic materials, furniture, more spacious floorplans and lighter-weight construction materials, people now have three minutes or less to escape their home. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning that there could be a fire. New technology has made smoke alarms better at differentiating common smoke from cooking, and an actual, potentially life-threatening fire. While it is difficult to eliminate all nuisance chirps, the next generation of alarms will greatly reduce nuisance alarms due to cooking - the leading reason for a smoke alarm to be disabled, according to the NFPA and Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This practice is extremely dangerous. "Simply put, the complacent 'it won't happen to me' approach many take when it comes to fires can have significant consequences today," said Steve Kerber, vice
president, Research, UL FSRI. "Working smoke alarms are an easy and effective safeguard to protect you and your family, and with new technology greatly reducing nuisance alarms, we're hoping to see significantly fewer disabled alarms in the field when responding to fires." Smoke alarms help save lives. Here are helpful fire safety tips to follow: • Install working smoke alarms on every level of the house, in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and in the basement. • Position smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall. Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet away from the stove. • Test all smoke alarms once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. • Don't disable your smoke alarms.
• Working smoke alarms will continue to provide protection through the end of their 10-year life span. At the end of the 10year span, install new alarms with enhanced technology. • Create an escape plan, practice it with your immediate and extended family and caregivers, and act on it when an alarm sounds. • Close Before You Doze. A closed door can be an effective barrier against deadly levels of carbon monoxide, smoke and flames, keeping rooms survivable for longer. • Get down, get out and stay out if a smoke alarm goes off in your home or building. For information on the technology advancements behind these life-saving products and for more fire safety tips, visit smokealarms.UL.org.
1013 Via De Luna Dr. • Pensacola Beach MLS # 559614 • $579,000 Nan Harper & John Pinzino 850-293-9321
Island Realty of Pensacola Beach welcomes Charlie Rotenberry as a Broker Associate to our staff of professionals. Charlie is a lifelong resident of Pensacola and has always been a strong proponent of the Pensacola housing market. You can reach him at (850) 525-9212.
1178 Grand Pointe Dr. • Gulf Breeze MLS # 562360 • $539,000 Krystal Hood • 601-416-3402
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