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Event Calendar
This warm and welcoming home boutique is beautifully decorated and offers everything for the home from lighting and furniture pieces to home decor and a variety of unique gift items that are sure to please anyone on your holiday shopping list.
1308 W. 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola (850) 332-7311, oakandashhome.com
38) J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty gift option for the foodie in your life, or a sweet treat to bring to Chritsmas dinner, J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co. is the spot to shop. Renfroe Pecan Co. has a variety of gift sets and other confections such as fudges, pies, brittles, candies, and more. J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co. began in Alabama in the 1930s by J.W. Renfroe Senior and became one of the largest wholesalers of in-shell pecans in the country. J.W. Renfroe Junior moved the company to Pensacola in the 1950s. Since then, the Renfroe family has been serving the Pensacola area for more than 60 years and has expanded to now include two locations.
Location at 2400 W. Fairfield Dr. & 794 W. Main St., Pensacola (850) 432-2083, renfroepecan.com
39)Open Books
If you need a great gift for a bookworm, look no further than Open Books. Opened in 2007, Open Books carries a large assortment of books, from children’s books to adults’ and books of every genre. You can feel good about shopping at Open Books because this nonprofit, volunteer-run bookstore is also home to the “Prison Book Project” that sends about 10,000 books to Florida inmates every year.
Pensacola Hardware sells more than your average hardware store, with both a contractor section and a section of homeware and locally-made gifts. From cookware and cutlery, to tool kits and vacuums, Pensacola Hardware Co. has everything you need to make a homeowner’s life easier. First opened in 1851, Pensacola Hardware has a history as long as the list of items it sells. It is one of the 50 oldest businesses in the US.
41) Pizzaz & Sugarbabies
Pizzaz is a boutique featuring locallymade art pieces, goods and holiday decor. Pizzaz was founded over a decade ago by mother-daughter duo Viki Weir and Courtney Henderson. Attached to Pizzaz is a children’s store called Sugarbabies, also owned by Weir and Henderson. Whether you’re searching for locally made decor or a cute onesie for a loved one, Pizzaz and Sugarbabies is a one-stop shop for all your holiday needs.
832 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze (850) 934-3436, pizzazhome.com Pensacola Hardware Co.
42) Quayside Art Gallery
When shopping for an art-lover, Quayside Art Gallery is the place to go. Quayside Art Gallery is the largest co-op gallery in the Southeast. The gallery features all different types of art– from acrylic and oil paintings to ceramics, jewelry, woodwork and more. While Quayside serves as an art gallery, pieces are also available for purchase. Quayside Art Gallery was established in 1973 by Pensacola Artists, Inc. (PAI) and is still maintained by PAI today.
Quayside Art Gallery
Running Wild
43) Revolver Records
First established in 1987, this trendy record and music shop shares a space with Jitterbug Beverage Co. in Pensacola’s historic East Hill. Their wide selection of vinyl records and other music-related gifts is sure to please the music lover on your gift list. Owner Eric Jones, is always on-hand to help you find the perfect vinyl with his decades of experience in the CD and record business.
44) Rock Hard Designs
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and Rock Hard Designs has offered some of the finest diamonds in Pensacola for over 40 years. Rock Hard Design House is run by owner and designer Carla Hard, and master jeweler and in-house metalsmith Jeff Spencer (J David Designs). Together the duo create custom fine jewelry for any gifting occasion. In addition to jewelry, Rock Hard Designs also features restored antique furniture.
16 N. Palafox St., Pensacola (850) 438-5119, rockharddesignhouse.com Revolver Records
45) Running Wild
Running Wild is the perfect place to pick up a pair of fresh kicks for the runner in your life. Established in 2000 by lifelong running husband and wife duo Paul and Cherie Epstein, Running Wild offers professionally fitting running shoes to help runners in their training and injury prevention. The Epsteins take health seriously; Paul is a runner and coach of 40 years and was in the Army during Desert Storm and Cherie has run competitively her whole life in college, marathons and Ironman Florida.
46) Rusted Arrow Mercantile
This mother-daughter owned boutique specializes in coastal farmhouse decor and gifts. Owners Ruth Cornelius and Samantha Breedlove opened Rusted Arrow in 2017 to pursue Cornelius’ lifelong dream of owning a boutique. Rusted Arrow offers solutions to your holiday needs, providing an assortment of seasonal and holiday decor, as well as yearround home goods and restored vintage furniture.
47) Scout
Scout is downtown’s contemporary women's boutique featuring styles of clothing running from casual and going out styles to office wear and formal wear. Scout was founded by fashion designer Julia Ussery in 2007. Though Ussery grew up in Pensacola, she lived in New York for many years while she studied fashion and worked for brands such as Calvin Klein. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Ussery can help customers select and style pieces. If you have a fashionista on your shopping list , be sure to stop by Scout to pick up some sleek modern pieces.
48) SoBo Boutique
SoBo Boutique was opened in 2014 by Pensacola local Alicia Taylor-Printz, who always dreamed of opening a boutique in her hometown. Today, SoBo is supplying Pensacola with Southern Bohemian-style clothing and accessories like jewelry, wallets, sweaters and more. Whether you need a nice dress for a holiday party, or a last minute gift for a girlfriend, SoBo has you covered!
Girly girls and mom’s of girly girls love this precious downtown boutique that carries assortment of handmade clothing and accessories in bold colors and patterns. Particularly loved are their custom hair bows as well as their custom embroidery options for both boys and girls. Make the little one in your life the star of any show with a custom outfit that’s sure to make them sparkle.
Still Waters Day & Medical Spa Waterboyz
50) Still Waters Day & Medical Spa
While not a boutique, per se, Still Waters does offer full lines of some of the best skin care around including SkinMedica, Obagi, VI Derm and Skinceuticals. They also carry a house brand toner and face wash developed for their spa facials. If you’re unsure of what product line to gift, you can grab a gift card for any of their products or services.
Waterboyz began in the 1980s when owner and skater Sean Fell discovered a love of surfing. After getting into the sport, Fell became interested in handshaping surfboards and was joined by surfboard shaper Rick Bullock. Since then, Waterboyz has grown into what it is today– a one-stop shop with everything skate and surf, from new surfboards and skate decks to apparel. Fell and Bullock still handcraft Waterboyz surfboards today.
52) Weatherford’s
Since 1986, Weatherford’s has been providing the Gulf Coast with fourseason apparel including gear for snow sports and outdoor activities. If you can’t find what you need for your adventure, owner David Dodson can order it for you from a variety of exclusive vendors. In addition to their inventory, Weatherford’s also boasts a 35-foot indoor rock climbing wall and a 45-foot outdoor wall for those looking to learn the ropes of climbing.
Pensacola Ice Flyers November Schedule
November Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. Games start at 7:05 pm. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.
December 2: Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Teddy Bear Toss December 3: Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; Big Brothers Big Sisters Night December 16: Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Peanuts Night December 23: Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; An Ice Flyers Christmas December 27: Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers; Canine Companions Night
Gulf Breeze Jolly Holiday Market and Parade
December 3 Gulf Breeze’s Jolly Holiday Market and Parade will make for a day of holiday fun! The Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation are teaming up to host the Jolly Holiday Market and Parade on December 3. The market will be at 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze inside the Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Community Center. Shop from a variety of local vendors from 9 am to 2 pm. After the market, gear up for the 4 pm parade featuring decked-out floats, cars and bikes. The parade will start at Gulf Breeze High School and take a mile long journey to the community center. For more information, contact Tara Carlsrud at Parks and Recreation at (850)-934-5140.
Craft & Vintage Holiday Market at Odd Colony
December 4 Odd Colony Brewing Co. is hosting its Craft & Vintage Holiday Market from 12 pm to 5 pm on December 4. This market is the perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses. There wil be a variety of local vendors selling vintage goods, art, self-care products, handcrafted jewlery and more. In addition to these vendors, there will also be food vendors including MI SU Street Food, Craft Bakery, Maker’s Coffee Co. and Bluejay’s Bakery. Odd Colony Brewing Co. is located at 260 N Palafox Street. For more information, check out @oddcolony on Facebook.
December 4 On December 4, Emerald Republic Brewing is hosting its 2nd Annual Krampus 5k and Pre-Krampusnacht Christmas Market. Arrive at noon to shop from over twenty vendors in the beer garden at 1414 W. Government Street. While shopping, grab a bite to eat from A Rustyc Spoon and enjoy a brew. Drink specials include $1-off saisons, $10 champagne buckets and a variety of holiday drinks including mulled wine, coquito and special Krampusnacht cocktails. After filling up, run it all off while trying to outrun Krampus in the 5k race. The race begins at 2 pm. For more information, visit emeraldrepublicbrewing.com.
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Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade
December 10 Celebrating its 40th year, the 2022 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade will take place on December 10 at 5:30 pm. This annual event draws over 50,000 people to downtown Pensacola, featuring more than 50 floats, marching bands and the nationally-renowned Blue Angels flight team. The Pensacola Runners Association has teamed up with the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade for the annual Christmas Parade Dash, a 1.2-mile run preceding the parade. The parade will be streamed on WKRG.com and broadcast on WKRG-TV5 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org.
HoHo Hustle 5k Race
December 10 Get jolly with some jogging! The HoHo Hustle is a holiday-themed 5k race perfect for the whole family. Hustle along the scenic course while drinking hot chocolate and spreading holiday cheer. Don’t forget to attend the post-race party to take a pic with Santa and snack on some holiday treats. Whether you want to race or cheer others on, the HoHo Hustle is the perfect way to run into the holiday season. The race begins at 8 am at Running Wild (3012 E Cervantes Street). To register and to learn more, visit runpensacola.com.
December 10 Relive the magical sounds of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Vinyl Music Hall. Rumours, also known as Rumours ATL, is a Fleetwood Mac tribute band formed in 2014. The band has since taken the US by storm, performing for fans across the nation. Come experience an authentic recreation of live Fleetwood Mac shows on December 10 at 2 S Palafox Street. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.
3rd Annual East Hill All Vehicle Sleigh Ride
December 17 Spread holiday cheer throughout the streets of East Hill with the 3rd Annual All Vehicle Sleigh Ride! Decorate your car, golf cart, trailers, boats, and bikes for a fun nighttime holiday processional through the neighborhood. All vehicles are welcome but must be lit and able to go at least 5 mph. Line-up starts at 4:15 pm at the Bayview Community Center. The processional starts at 5:30 pm. The event is free to participate in and attend, but donations to support the Gulf Coast Kid's House are encouraged. For the parade route and more details, visit facebook.com/events/328690412445362.
Be sure to check out this month's issue of Downtown Crowd for a complete round up of local holiday markets and shopping events.
Resort-Style Retirement
Independent & Assisted Living
NW Florida’s Business Climate
Special Section • December 2022
47 New Photography Studio Creates Space for All
Pensacola-based photographer and entrepreneur Travis Patterson, has established a new photography studio and workspace in downtown Pensacola Landmark Creative Studio. 51 Around the Region Find our what's happening in business, government and cultural news throughout greater Pensacola and Northwest Florida.
New Photography Studio Creates Space for All
by Morgan Cole
For many part-time or even full-time photographers, studio space can be hard to come by, primarily due to costs and other factors like building maintenance and upkeep.
One local entrepreneur has been working to fill this gap, creating a space of his own, but for others to use. Pensacola-based photographer Travis Patterson has established a new type of creative workspace in downtown
Pensacola, and it’s called
Landmark Creative Studio.
Landmark Creative Owner and Studio Manager, Travis Patterson. As one of the only photography studios in the city, Landmark follows a new national business trend, essentially adopting an AirBnB format, but for photography space. The business model allows local creatives to pay a set rate to have access to the space for an allotted period of time. Housed in a historic building located at 103 W. Intendencia Street in the heart of downtown Pensacola, Landmark officially opened its doors to the community in September of this year. As a professional commercial and editorial photographer himself, Landmark Owner and Studio Manager Travis Patterson, knew that establishing a designated studio space for photography in Pensacola would not only benefit his business, but would serve as a valuable asset to many other photographers and creatives in our community. “I truly believe that Pensacola was in need of a downtown creative workspace that offered both the professionalism of a studio environment and access to our beautiful business district and vibrant Palafox Street, all within easy walking distance,” Patterson said. Landmark offers rental space to both members and non-members, with rentals available by the hour as well as by the day. For creatives interested in utilizing the studio space on a more regular basis, Landmark currently offers three membership tiers—Basic, Pro and Combination. All rentals include access to both studio rooms, the client room and all onsite equipment. Patterson also explained that the studio can be booked 24 hours a day and that there are no designated hours of operation when it comes to renting the space. Although creatives have full private access to the space during rentals, Patterson said that he would be available upon request for any clients wanting him to provide equipment tutorials and review how to operate everything in the space so that they can feel confident while utilizing it. With inflation on the rise and postpandemic aftershocks affecting creatives across the country, many are quickly ditching the by-the-
hour rental spaces and jumping on to more inclusive membership-based plans. For decades, competitors have been charging photographers upwards of $300 per hour to utilize similar studio spaces, discouraging emerging photographers looking to grow their portfolio. Landmark is unique because of its accessible membership approach and central location to the downtown area. The studio comes equipped with just about anything one could need for conducting a professional photo shoot. Inside, creatives have full access to three professional lighting rigs with radio triggers designed for all major camera systems, a rack of light-shaping tools, more than a dozen backgrounds, light stands, two studio rooms, a vanity and dressing area and a client room designated for meetings, image reviews or even a waiting area for others while photographing in the main space. “I like to tell people that all they need to bring is their camera,” Patterson said. Although Landmark primarily serves as a portrait studio, it’s really only limited by your imagination. The space can be utilized for branding and product photoshoots, as well as video productions. The studio recently hosted a crew from CNN/HLN for three days for the filming of an episode that’s part of an ongoing TV series. “As a commercial, member-based, portrait and product photo studio, Landmark aims to attract professional photographers (and even advanced enthusiasts) in need of an open, reliable, inviting space to bring their clients and team to create impactful work,” Patterson said.
Opening a photography studio in the downtown area was a dream that Patterson had had for more than a decade, so when the opportunity to take over the location became an option, his dream quickly transformed into a reality. “In an effort to make the opportunity of studio work space accessible to all of our local creatives, I have worked very hard to keep the most competitive pricing in the Pensacola area,” Patterson explained. Individuals can learn more about pricing and membership tiers by reaching out to Patterson by email at landmarkcreativestudio@gmail.com or by calling (850) 610-1770. “I am grateful to be part of our busy and growing downtown district. I hope that Landmark Creative Studio can become a central space for Pensacola creative professionals as well as photography education,” Patterson said. For more about Landmark Creative Studio, visit landmarkcreativestudio.com or check out @LandmarkCreativeStudio on Facebook and Instagram.
City Announces $5.9 Million in RESTORE Funding for Bayou Texar Water Quality Improvements
The City of Pensacola is excited to announce a $5.95 million RESTORE funding award for the Bayou Texar Outfalls Project, which will help improve Bayou Texar water quality through the addition of five underground stormwater treatment units along the bayou. The underground stormwater treatment units are designed to remove pollutants and prevent them from discharging into Bayou Texar, enhancing the water quality of the bayou and connected waterways. "This funding is monumental in the City of Pensacola's ongoing efforts to improve our waterways," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "We are so grateful to RESTORE, and to our partners at Escambia County who applied for this funding on the city's behalf. Projects like this will help us ensure that our bayous, bays, creeks and waterways can be restored and protected for generations to come." The city has received notice from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of their intent to award the $5.95 million to the City of Pensacola through RESTORE. The funding award is expected to be finalized following the 30-day public comment period from FDEP, which closes December 16. The units installed through this project will collect stormwater runoff from approximately 40 acres of densely populated Bayou Texar watershed and trap sediment, trash, oils, greases, and other pollutants inside. This process will lead to cleaner water being discharged into Bayou Texar and Pensacola Bay. RESTORE funding will include the design and construction of the stormwater treatment units, which will be added at the following locations along Bayou Texar: • Gadsden Street
• East Gonzalez Street
• West Gonzalez Street
• Cove Road
• Hyde Park This project will be managed by the City of Pensacola Public Works and Facilities Department. A project map with additional information is available below.
To learn more about the RESTORE Act, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury website. Amit Gupta, M.D., his wife, Shruti, and their family have made a major gift to support the new Baptist Hospital campus, which is scheduled to open fall 2023. The Foundation will name the diagnostic imaging center in honor of Dr. Gupta’s parents, Girish S. and Vimu G. Gupta. While Dr. Gupta is not an employee of Baptist Hospital, he has served as an independent member of its medical staff since 1997. “The people at Baptist are fabulous – the nurses and the technologists, they’re amazing people,” Dr. Gupta said. “We help so many people. It’s been very rewarding to me. Baptist has afforded me to work with these patients, and we felt like it was time to give back. Being in that new location is going to help us take care of even more people.” The Guptas’ compassion and desire to help others stems from their Indian culture and strong family values. Growing up they learned that giving back is essential and said they are grateful to their parents for teaching them the value of selflessness. They hope their gift inspires others to give. “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Dr. Gupta and his family, as well as for their shared vision to serve our community,” Baptist Health Care President and CEO Mark Faulkner said. “We are blessed with Dr. Gupta’s leadership as a physician and now for this transformational family gift.” For more information, visit baptisthealthcarefoundation.org. The
Around the Region
Dr. Amit and Shruti Gupta Donate to Baptist Health Care Foundation to Name New Diagnostic Imaging Center
