Pensacola Magazine, July 2023

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Hangar Bay One with an expanded Apollo Space exhibit, Marine One helicopter, F/A-18

Hornet & Women in Naval Aviation exhibit

Laser Powered Giant Screen Digital Theater

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Groundbreaking Care

Baptist Women’s Center

“ Throughout my labor and delivery experience, I appreciate how my nurse listened to my every concern and need, how empathetic she was towards my feelings, and how patient and nurturing she was in my painful moments. Thank you, you made my labor and delivery one of my favorite memories with my little girl.”

Patient Review

850.434.4080

ebaptisthealthcare.org

Note

EDITOR’S NOTE

JULY 2023

Owner Malcolm Ballinger

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death sentences for too many people battling Covid. While genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.

NoteNoteWelcome to July, my fellow Pensacolians—or, if June was any indication, it might be more apt to say welcome to hell. Although I’ve lived in the South for much of my life, I am not one of those people who gleefully soak up the summer heat and sunshine. Instead, I am constantly searching for shade (or air conditioning) from May to September.

strange spring. The novel in our so far been it from print with time, Escambia Santa quickly once

Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com

2021 issue survived barrage loss and entire loved ones, kept side, at least will change vaccines coronavirus, some freely What has suspect it mental time positive experiences. resolutions Instead, brought home have uncertain. my community. health is our knew it.

Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com

Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator

The fact is, virus or be symptoms. That is community, stay possible--leaving the idea, too, rather than social via world—phone encourage tribe. We bring and something this.

in our will see that community groups and safe ways difference distancing. I must outpouring amongst my toilet paper more than to make up applause for our

already? assure you equally— alone. it—the I’m over on a word: over Only suspect. pandemic the stress, distancing and many things can provide more return. Society has had fostering know that always a sweet kitty sounds check page 34. for our with some

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

As Jane Austin said, “What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.” I can relate. I am in awe of people who float through southern summer days looking completely put together—hair fixed up nice without a hint of humidity-induced frizz, makeup where it belongs rather than melting off their faces and not a drop of sweat to be seen anywhere on their body. I honestly don’t know how they do it. I am a frizzy, sweaty mess all summer long and I just have to learn to live with it.

Alana Cox advertise@ballingerpublishing.com

Passion and Joy

incredible special-needs pets and owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.

first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you!

I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.

Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com

If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.

For those of you who do like venturing out for some sightseeing on a hot summer’s day, our cover story invites you to embark on a journey through the iconic landmarks, attractions and businesses that make Pensacola truly unique. These quintessential Pensacola institutions highlight the charm, quirkiness and history that make our city such a fun and unique place to call home. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a new to the area, we hope you enjoy our curated tapestry of iconic Pensacola.

Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com

Editorial Interns

Destiny Herbert Molly Callahan

Contributing Writers

On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.

We also introduce you to Lamonte Gelato, the newest gem in the local culinary scene. Located in the historic old Sacred Heart Hospital in East Hill, this adorable gelateria brings a touch of authentic Italy to Pensacola, and it’s a lovely place to chill out while keeping cool.

Procrastination

DeeDee Davis

Darien Hardy

If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.

You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful.

For those who love to indulge in the abundance of our waters, we have gathered a collection of seasonal fish recipes from local chefs. These delectable dishes showcase the freshness and flavors of the Gulf as well as the vibrant culinary talents in our fair city.

While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new.

All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.

Jenny Diamond

Sales & Marketing

Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com

Geneva Strange, Account Executive ext. 31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com

/pensacolamagazine

Speaking of seafood, we also shine a spotlight on the vital efforts being made to regrow the oyster population in Pensacola Bay. Oysters are not only a culinary treasure but also play a significant role in our local ecosystem. In this issue, we explore the endeavors of local organizations and businesses that are working tirelessly to restore the oyster beds and ensure the long-term sustainability of this valuable natural resource. Discover their innovative methods and the positive impact their work is having on our environment.

So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!

As always, I hope you enjoy the issue. Stay cool, Pensacola.

As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!

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Kelly Oden

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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. © 2023

Who doesn’t love to eat? No wonder so many people are overweight. It would be easy to say the heck with it and dive in every morning for biscuits and butter. By lunchtime we could inhale a burger with super-sized fries and then go to our favorite buffet for dinner. We are a culture slowly entering a fitness phase, but it has nowhere near replaced our infatuation with food. I think food basically falls into three categories–a dish that is just pure perfection, a dish that has great memories associated with it, and mindless eating. I think obesity could be brought under control if we tackled number three. There is no joy in just cramming in the food–or at least there shouldn’t be. The most vivid example of this involves someone who shall remain unnamed. A small group of us were playing a board game some time ago and as is often the case, bags of snacks were involved. At some point we all broke into hysterical laughter because the entire feeding arm of said player was orange from the goop they put on that particular crunchiness. It took a scouring pad, hot water and detergent to get it off. Taste good? Absolutely. Disgusting? You bet. Since that day, he never inserted that arm, or the other, into such a bag. If his hand and arm looked like that, imagine his guts. I think we all shared the trauma and learned a lesson about mindless snacking.

There are, however, many foods totally worthy of every calorie. Summertime always makes me think of most of my favorites.

1. Stone crab claws. Oh my. I have made myself sick from overindulging in this heavenly treat. And no one, no one, no one, does them like Joe’s in Miami. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t turn them down anywhere. But if you ever have the chance, it is worth a trip into the insane traffic and crowds of Miami just to eat there. It is a rare occasion that anyone in my family is quiet during dinner. We are a noisy bunch and enjoy the time around a table. But put us in Joe’s and you can hear a pin drop. We are that serious about dining on stone crabs. Pure heaven in a shell. I think all crab claws are pretty darn good, but, seriously, these are in a league of their own.

2. Farm fresh tomatoes. I don’t know where to begin to describe the joy of a fresh tomato. Not the kind you get in the winter, not the kind sold in most grocery chains. The kind you grow yourself or the kind you get at the Palafox Market or Bailey’s. We grew up in the deep south and while there are all kinds of things about the 1960’s I would like to change, a tomato sandwich is not on that list. Bread slathered with mayo and then filled with slices of the juiciest, reddest tomato Mom could get. We almost always took our lunch with us to school, but it never included the tomato sandwich. No, this was reserved for weekends and summertime because they were so messy to eat. It didn’t matter when we were home because we could just turn the hose on to make the mess disappear.

3. Mom’s meatloaf. This is one of those memory foods, otherwise known as comfort food. As kids, we would play outside until almost dark and when we went in to wash up, oh, the smell of meatloaf cooking. It didn’t matter what she served with it, though it was usually fresh vegetables and cornbread. I have never been able to totally replicate Mom’s ( I hope she will someday trust me enough to tell me the secret ingredient) but my kids love the way I make it so meatloaf must be a mom thing. Hers gets nice and crusty on the top and it just swims in its own hot fat in the pan she has used for 60

years. We loved seeing the meatloaf pan come out in the morning while she was planning meals for the day because we knew what was coming. We did not feel the same when we saw the liver skillet. Those were the days we stayed out extra late. Side note: some siblings squabble over jewelry and furnishings. We will do the same, I’m sure, but it will be over the meatloaf pan.

4. Fried Fish. Can anyone fry fish the way Peg Leg Pete’s does? They do grouper nuggets like nobody’s business. Delicious, fresh, golden, succulent little morsels of fabulousness. I must admit that all fried food is usually good. Shrimp, chicken, fries, hushpuppies–all of it. Peg Leg’s could probably fry shoe leather and it would be a bestseller. Fried has a bad rap now and I try really hard to avoid it–EXCEPT for those grouper nuggets. Wash it all down with an icy cold beer and you have what would probably be my last meal, if I had to choose.

July

DeeDee Davis, Contributing Writer

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results!

“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me.”

This tragic story was shared with us by John S, a local area resident who has peripheral neuropathy. While no one was hurt in this accident, John S. had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set it. Then he could no longer feel the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“Typically, the first stage is pain,” shares Dr. Rebecca Gibbons of AWP| Acupuncture & Wellness of Pensacola. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems. "

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life. John was reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down HWY 98 or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. Even more common, John's general practitioner and several specialists told him that there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills to ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That’s where Dr. Gibbons and her staff at AWP come in. “About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as John,” tells Dr. Gibbons. "They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it."

"Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," admits John "I was skeptical at first but I had run out of options. Nothing else was helping. But after about four months into treatment, I was confidently able to drive myself to Publix and to my appointments. Dr. Gibbons gave me my life back."

While AWP specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, another secret is a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery,” shares Dr. Gibbons. “It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair ”

Dr. Gibbons and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases that leave other professionals scratching their heads.

For more information about Dr Gibbons and what she treats, visit WWW.AWPENSACOLA.COM Call 850-530-1028 today to schedule your consultation.

"she gave me my life back!"

Lamonte Gelato Brings a Taste Of Italy to Pensacola

by Darien Hardy

Welcome to lamonte Gelato, the newest Italian gelateria in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola, located at 1010 North 12th Ave., Suite 133, inside the historic Sacred Heart Hospital building. Following the closure of their popular pop-up fine dining experience, TROUBADOUR, husband-and-wife team, Alex and Ashley Lamonte, promised to introduce a new concept following their October wedding.

Delivering on that promise, the couple recently opened this small-batch gelato and coffee shop to bring a little piece of Italy to Pensacola. They were inspired to bring fresh, handmade gelato for Pensacola locals to enjoy.

“I worked in a bunch of fine dining restaurants, and got exposed to Italian food and culture,” Alex said. In his undergraduate studies, Alex studied abroad in Italy, where his eyes were opened to the culinary world. “Gelato is a huge part of the community there. When you’re walking down the street, there’s five gelaterias everywhere you go, and I thought it was so cool how it could enhance a neighborhood, especially a close-knit community. Then, when Ashley and I got married, we went to Italy on our honeymoon, and it was such an inspiration.”

The Lamontes are proud to make their gelato in-house daily from scratch using high-quality ingredients and machines that are found in Europe. Guests are invited to enjoy their gelato piled on one of their house made waffle cones. Lamonte Gelato also serves locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea and even a pint to take home to the family.

“We are definitely super inspired by the lifestyle of Italy—the culture and the community,” Ashley, Alex’s wife and co-owner of Lamonte Gelato, said. “I think there is something so special about sharing your love through food. Sharing gelato is so much like ‘I love you. Eat sweet things. It’s so good.’ But in general, I want to make you happy with good food, and that’s kind of what we want to share with everything we do.”

The owners hope to curate an experience that is special to Pensacola, while promoting local artisans within the shop. They hope to develop a courtyard experience where visitors can come to spend the day enjoying themselves, walking around, and finishing with a gelato and a coffee. Lamonte Gelato’s coffee is roasted locally by Alla Prima Roastery. The gelateria’s house blend coffee cannot be found anywhere else. Their syrups are also made in-house with the highest quality ingredients.

For those who would like to try another signature treat, Lamonte Gelato serves Belgian waffles and chocolate truffles, both of which pair nicely with the gelato. Through the simplicity of the concept, Lamonte Gelato customers enjoy high-quality treats.

“We put our names on everything down to the wafers that top the gelato so that we can make sure that everything is always up to par. It keeps us involved, keeps us on our toes and keeps us making sure that everything’s always on point,” the Lamontes explained.

Ashley’s top flavor recommendation for Lamonte Gelato visitors would be the gianduja, which is a chocolate and hazelnut combination that is like if ferrero rocher and nutella had a baby. She pairs it with a lighter gelato such as the pistachio or caramello flavors. This combination is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine. Similarly, Alex’s favorite flavor is a combination of Lamonte Gelato’s high-quality Belgian chocolate and the aforementioned pistachio gelato, which is made with a rich pistachio butter folded into the base to create the soft, buttery, nutty and sweet flavor.

The Lamontes are driven by the idea of creating an exceptional product that is both healthier and fresher than the alternative. They believe in chef-crafted recipes that taste good and, in turn, make their customers feel good. Lamonte Gelato caters to a variety of dietary restrictions, with a quarter of the flavors being vegan and dairy-free, and nearly all flavors made gluten-free. While not vegan, Lamonte Gelato makes all the waffle cones in regular and gluten-free options. They are currently experimenting with different sugar substitutes to curate a sugar-free flavor.

The Lamontes want their shop to be the destination for the best quality gelato in Pensacola. The historic Sacred Heart Hospital building is the shop’s backdrop for date night, a get together with friends or even a calm place to study with a cup of joe.

“We wanted [Lamonte Gelato] to be a blend of Italy meets local culture,” Ashley said. “So, very much like Pensacola, but Italian-inspired Pensacola. When we saw this space, it really reminded us of the beautiful historic old architecture that we saw in Italy. There’s really not that much of that in Pensacola, so we wanted to take that idea and translate it into the space and make it feel like you’re kind of in Italy, but still in Pensacola.”

Lamonte Gelato is located inside of the historical Sacred Heart Hospital building, and elevator access is located on the Gonzales side next to Ozone Pizza Pub. To access the shop, take the elevator down to the first floor and follow the signs through the following hallway. Guests may also enter the shop from the DeSoto side of the building, where they will find the main entrance beyond a lively courtyard.

For hours of operation and shop details, visit lamontegelato.com, or check out the shop’s Facebook (@Lamonte Gelato) and Instagram (@lamonte_gelato) pages.

Hook, Line & Supper

Our Gulf Coast waters are home to some of the most popular (and tasty) species of fish in the sea, especially during the summer months, when local favorites like grouper and redfish are in season. These soft sweet-flavored fish lend themselves to a variety of delicious preparations, and when it comes to cooking these fresh seasonal catches, our local chefs know how to do it best. Enjoy these seasonal seafood recipes contributed by local chefs from some of the best restaurants in Pensacola.

Blackened Grouper with Thai Red Curry Grits

Courtesy of SaBai Thai

Ingredients

1 cup C&D Mills corn grits

1 can of coconut milk

2 tablespoons red curry paste

1/2 cup water

6 fresh grouper filets, 8 ounces each

2 tablespoons butter

Blackened cajun seasoning

2 ounces fresh Thai basil

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup red onions

1 teaspoon of fresh grated garlic

2 ounces of dry white wine

Fresh basil oil

Method

Cook grits according to directions substituting coconut milk and red curry for the liquid. Set cooked grits aside. Melt butter in a frying pan over high heat. Coat grouper in blackened seasoning and char on both sides. Let the fish rest. Sauté fresh Thai basil, cherry tomatoes, red onions, garlic and white wine. Place a scoop of cooked grits on the plate. Add charred grouper and sauteed vegetables. Finish with melted butter and fresh basil oil.

Spinach + Leek Grouper

Courtesy of Carolyn Ore, Chef de Cuisine

George Bistro + Bar

Ingredients

4 fresh grouper filets, six ounces each

Leek Emulsion

2 medium-sized leeks

1 quart of heavy cream

Salt for taste

Roasted Potatoes

2 sprigs fresh thyme

6 ounces fingerling potatoes

Salt and pepper

Sauteed Spinach + Fennel

16 ounces spinach

1 fennel bulb, cored and sliced

1 garlic clove

1 small shallot

1 lemon

Method

To make the leek emulsion, first start by cutting the root off the leek. Slice leeks into thin strips (use white and green part of the leeks). Save 2 ounces of leeks for later. Grab a large bowl and place leeks into cold water and soak for a few minutes to rinse off any dirt, repeat this step twice. Place rinsed leeks into a medium pot with a little bit of olive oil. Sweat leeks for 2 to 4 minutes to make sure there is no color. Add 1 quart of heavy cream. On medium heat, bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, pour leek and cream mixture into Vitamix or any blender and puree until smooth. Strain using a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt. Transfer sauce to a small pot and keep warm over low heat.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse fingerling potatoes and cut into 2 to 3 pcs with 3/4-inch height. Pick and fine chop 2 sprigs of thyme. Grab a large bowl and mix thyme with fingerlings and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place fingerling potatoes cut side down on a sheet tray. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes.

While fingerling potatoes are cooking, season grouper filets with salt and pepper and heat the pan. Sear grouper filets two at a time in sauté pan. Sear one side and transfer onto a sheet tray. After searing all four filets, place the sheet tray into the oven with potatoes and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.

Heat a small saute pan of oil to 300 degrees. Place the remaining two ounces of leeks into oil and fry until crispy. Transfer to a plate with a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

Heat sauté pan with olive oil. Add minced shallot and garlic to the pan. Add spinach and fennel. Deglaze with fresh lemon and season with salt and pepper.

Plate dish beginning with leek emulsion. Add roasted fingerlings around the plate. Add sauteed spinach and fennel and place grouper on top. Add crispy leeks finished with sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Redfish Lafayette Courtesy of Fish House

Gouda Grits

Ingredients

1 quart water

1 quart half and half

(Serves four)

2 cups C&D Mill stone-ground grits

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 pound smoked gouda cheese, shredded Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Combine water, half and half and butter in a pot. Bring to a boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper (the finished grits will taste like the liquid, so add your seasoning now). Add grits to boiling liquid gradually while stirring. Cook and stir the grits until they return to a boil and thicken slightly. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover the pot. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grits have thickened and are tender. Add smoked gouda cheese and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Redfish Lafayette

Ingredients

4 filets of fresh, wild redfish (6 to 7 ounces each)

Blackening spice (such as Paul Prudhomme’s

Blackened Redfish Magic or Emeril’s Blackened Essence)

2 sticks unsalted butter, clarified

Gouda Grits, see above

Creamy Crawfish Étouffée

Ingredients

1/4 pound unsalted butter (one stick)

1/4 pound flour (approximately 1 cup)

1 large yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 ¾ cups)

1¼ cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

Method

5 cups shrimp stock

1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/2 tablespoon cajun seafood seasoning mix (such as Paul Prudhomme Seafood Magic or Emeril’s Essence)

1 each chipotle pepper, seeds removed, finely diced

2 ½ pounds Louisiana crawfish tails, peeled and cleaned, divided

2 each bay leaves

Few dashes Crystal hot sauce

10 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded

1/4 pound green onions, tops only, sliced thin

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven. Cook celery, peppers, onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Stir in flour to make a roux. Add stock in three parts, mixing well and allowing sauce to heat up and thicken between each addition to prevent lumps. Add Ro-tel seasonings and chipotle pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add 2 pounds of crawfish tails and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, reserving the other pound of crawfish tails for frying. Add pepper jack cheese and green onions and stir over low heat until the cheese is completely melted. Add hot sauce and check for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.

Method

Creamy Crawfish Etouffee, see above

1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed

1/2 pound crawfish tails

6 eggs, beaten

3 cups cornmeal breading for fish (such as Zatarain’s Fish Fri)

1 quart oil (for frying crawfish tails)

2 green onions, tops only, sliced thin

Prepare Creamy Crawfish Etouffee and Gouda Grits according to the recipes above.

Heat a cast iron skillet (a regular pan will do, but cast iron is preferred) very hot. Dip the redfish filets in clarified butter, then roll in a shallow dish of blackened seasoning to coat each filet. Add fish filets to the pan without crowding, and pour a bit of clarified butter on top of each filet. If your pan is hot enough, it will probably get pretty smoky in the kitchen, so open the windows and turn on your stove’s exhaust hood. Cook the fish on the first side until

the seasoning forms a crust, then flip them over to finish. This should take 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filets.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pot to 350 degrees. Bread your crawfish tails by dipping them in the beaten egg, then dredging them in the cornmeal breading. Fry the crawfish tails in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Prepare asparagus using your desired method (grilled, roasted or sauteed).

Swordfish Oreganata Courtesy of the Grand Marlin

Ingredients

4 each 7-ounce swordfish filets, fresh local

2 ounces extra virgin olive oil (evoo)

Dijonnaise

1 cup Dijon mustard

1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise

1/2 lemon

Oreganata Crust

1 quart panko breadcrumbs

2 each fresh lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 tablespoon Parmesan, grated

Season to taste

Method

Dijionnaise

Garlic Butter Broccolini

2 bunches broccolini

4 tablespoons evoo

2 tablespoons fresh garlic

1 each lemon zest

1 cup white wine

1/2 cup butter

Season to taste

Parmesan Risotto

4 cups risotto

4 ounces Spanish onions, chopped

1 cup white wine

6 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup Parmesan, grated

Season to taste

Roasted Tomato Sauce

2 quarts fresh tomato, roasted puree

4 ounces Spanish onions, chopped

4 ounces fennel

2 tablespoons fresh garlic

4 ounces vegetable stock

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Season to taste

Combine Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Squeeze in half a lemon.

Oreganata

Place medium-ground panko in a sheet pan and toast in the oven for seven minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly golden.

Mix panko, lemon zest, fresh oregano, grated Parmesan and season to taste.

Parmesan Risotto

Cook risotto with onions and chicken stock. Stir with a wooden spoon and continue to add chicken stock until tender. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste.

Roasted Tomato Sauce

In a medium saucepan, sauté onions, garlic and fennel until caramelized. Add roasted tomatoes. Add vegetable stock, fresh oregano and basil at the end. Season to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes and puree to desired consistency.

Garlic Broccolini

Steam broccolini for three minutes and then sauté in a shallow pan with evoo. Add garlic, white wine and lemon zest. Remove from the stovetop and butter at the end.

Crusted Swordfish

Sear swordfish filets on one side in a medium sauté pan with evoo. Brush four swordfish filets with a thick coat of Dijonnaise and crust with 2 ounces of Oreganata panko mixture onto the seared side of fish.

Place Oreganata crusted swordfish in oven at 350 degrees for seven minutes.

Pour tomato sauce on a shallow plate to cover the bottom. Then, add six ounces of risotto onto a ring mold in the center of the plate. Place four broccolini stems on top of the risotto. Place crusted swordfish Oreganata on top.

92 . 3 FM

Farming the Future: Oyster Populations in Pensacola Bay

by Jenny Diamond

Whether you like them raw, fried or broiled with parmesan and breadcrumbs, oysters are a coastal delicacy and a staple of the Gulf Coast seafood industry. Evidenced by ‘middens,’ or mounds of oyster and clam shells left by Indigenous peoples, oysters have been a pivotal food source along the Gulf Coast for thousands of years. However, oysters are valuable as far more than delicacies: oysters act as natural filters, helping to maintain healthy nutrient levels that prevent toxic algae blooms, and oyster beds provide habitats for countless other fish and crustaceans. However, the once-plentiful wild oyster beds in our area have been in steady decline since the mid1980s. Wild populations have been affected by hurricanes, water pollution, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, climate change and overharvesting. At the center of the declining wild populations and increasing demand for fresh seafood sits aquaculture, defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) as the “methods used to produce food and other commercial products, restore habitat and replenish wild stocks, and rebuild populations of threatened and endangered species.” Local businesses and conservation organizations are dedicated to increasing awareness and community engagement with aquaculture efforts in our area to establish Pensacola Bay and the surrounding waters as thriving oyster habitats once again.

Though there are now several oyster farms operating in Pensacola Bay, the area’s first commercial oyster farm, Pensacola Bay Oyster Company (PBOC), was established in 2013 by local businessman Donnie

Photo by Jenny Diamond

McMahon. Ten years later, PBOC has faced its share of difficulties: in 2019, their farm in East Bay was robbed of 40,000 oysters, and in 2020, a Skanska barge that broke loose during Hurricane Sally destroyed the farm off of Scenic Highway, sinking pilings, damaging and sinking cages and killing nearly 600,000 oysters. In September of

2022, McMahon sold the company to entrepreneur Cody Kreft. Along with co-managers Christine and Robert Griffith, algae and oyster experts, respectively, Kreft hopes to impact both farming and restoration methods in Pensacola Bay: “It’s important to me to uphold Donnie’s legacy and make him proud, and I couldn’t ask for better team members than Robert and Christine. We want our company to help put and keep oyster farmers in business and help to restore the natural resources of this area.”

Oyster farming is no easy business. To begin, a potential oyster farmer must first procure oyster larvae, which must then be hatchery-raised until it reaches the spat stage where it is ready to attach to a shell. From there, the seed is taken to the farming location to be set and grown to maturity. While there are methods of setting oysters to grow on the floor of a body of water called bottom farming, most oyster farms in Pensacola Bay including PBOC use offbottom farming methods, which contain the growing oysters in cages, bags, or trays and help protect the vulnerable stock from predation. One of the main problems Kreft and his team have identified about farming oysters in Pensacola Bay is the lack of viable seed options in the area. Most farmers must procure seed from university marine biology programs like the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory, and Kreft notes that there just aren’t many viable seed options in Florida. PBOC recognizes and hopes to fill that need to provide a reliable and sustainable local crop for farmers by growing their hatchery.

Our goal is for our hatchery to ensure that there will be a sustainable crop of shellfish for farmers each year and to thus help restore our bays.”

Microscopic view of oyster larvae ready to be set

Brood oysters in their spawning tanks

Christine Griffith notes that the “hatchery is where all the magic begins. This is where we reproduce and raise larval oysters for commercial production, restoration projects, and research by creating a controlled environment for the early portions of the oyster life cycle.” Kreft offers a nod to Emile Petro, owner of the Oyster Bar in Perdido Key, for allowing PBOC to collect brood stock, which are mature oyster specimens used for breeding; this brood stock helped to produce PBOC’s first seed crop that will be going to farm in the next 30 days, with the first oysters grown from local seed available by the spring of 2024: “Our goal is for our hatchery to ensure that there will be a sustainable crop of shellfish for farmers each year and to thus help restore our bays.”

Restoring the bays as safe habitats for oysters, whose filtering ability helps to keep the waterways healthy for all marine life, is a goal shared by the Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuaries Program (PPBEP), established in 2018 with a $2 million cooperative agreement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PPBEP has several projects in the works to not only build the oyster population but also to build community support and engagement for the importance of oyster rehabilitation. “Oysters have so much commercial, historical, and community value in our area, and their survival is influenced by so many factors, making them a great vehicle to explore watershed issues,” notes PPBEP Community Outreach Coordinator Logan McDonald. The organization recently received a $10.9 million dollar grant from NOAA for the Pensacola Bay Oyster Restoration Initiative, a ten-year plan to design 1,482 acres – roughly the size of 247 football fields – of oyster habitat in local watersheds, assess sediment quality for prime oyster rehabilitation, and address erosion concerns.

Additionally, PPBEP received $100,000 from the NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education and Training or B-WET division to work with local high school teachers and students to create meaningful

watershed education experiences over the next two years; the B-WET program is invested in providing hands-on experiences to get kids interested in their local watershed issues and thus increase community engagement. The B-WET grant helped fund the Pensacola Oyster Teacher Discovery workshop, a professional development opportunity for local high school teachers. Held in early June, the workshop offered an immersive way for eleven teachers to learn about issues concerning environmental and commercial oyster endeavors from various businesses and organizations including PBOC. From there, the remaining B-WET grant money will be used to help these educators implement the lessons from the workshop into their classrooms. Teachers will work with students to form research questions, investigate using both lab and in-field opportunities, and eventually develop Student Action Projects relating to community engagement, everyday choices, etc. McDonald notes that the aim is for the project to reach 1,800 high schoolers over the next two years.

Despite the momentum of these projects, there are concerns, of course. We are heading into hurricane season, where rough waters and high tides pose a threat to bay farms, and pollution remains a constant concern. Bay waters are constantly tested to ensure that commercial seafood isn’t exposed to toxic pollution levels, and Kreft speculates that the key to making sure that Pensacola Bay remains a safe place for oyster cultivation are the oysters themselves, noting that the reasons that toxic nutrient levels are reported in certain areas of the bay is that the oysters aren’t there. He looks forward to the reestablishment of oyster beds in those areas, not for consumption, but for the purposes of cleaning and improving the water, noting the crucial relationships between the public, oyster farmers, and organizations like PPBEP. “Not only is public awareness through community events and outreach critical to the longevity of the oyster industry, but it’s also an important component of the living ecosystem of Pensacola Bay, its tributaries, and the entire Gulf Coast,” says co-manager Griffith. Kreft echoes this sentiment, noting PBOC’s opendoor policy: “if there is anyone who has any interest in oysters and their value in any shape or form, give us a call and schedule a meeting - educators, oyster farmers, anyone in the local community. We want everyone to see what we’re doing and what we’ve got going on.”

For more about PBOC, visit pensacolabayoyster.com or email christine@pensacolabayoyster.com.

To learn more about Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program and ways to get involved, visit ppbep.org.

Photo by Jenny Diamond

You have no idea how much this program has changed my son’s life in the last 6 months. He has gone from a sad kid not having many friends to coming home from chorus and saying things like, I’ve found kids like me! and I just feel so happy to do something I love! I appreciate all you all do. You’ve put a light in my son’s eyes that I haven’t seen in a while.”

- Ashley K.

ICONIC PENSACOLA

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Pensacola has always been known for its white sand beaches, its low-key coastal vibe and its naval and maritime history. While these aspects of Pensacola are deserving of acclaim, the city is also host to an eclectic variety quirky landmarks, unique attractions, historical architecture and creative small businesses that reveal our personality as a community and offer cultural touchstones that a create an ever evolving tapestry of life in our beloved little town. We’ve searched high and low to bring you some of the iconic sights and experiences that make Pensacola such an interesting and fun place to call home.

Nicole Willis, Destiny Herbert & Molly Callahan

ICONIC RESTAURANTS

McGuire's Irish Pub

McGuire’s irish Pub is an iconic restaurant, but it did not start out that way. McGuire’s first began in 1977 as a small pub run by McGuire Martin and his wife Molly. The pub was started in a small shopping center, Town & Country Plaza, but it soon grew large enough for a change of scenery. In 1982, it was moved to its current location, the Old Firehouse on Gregory Street, and business has been booming ever since.

One of the many things that McGuire’s is known for is its iconic dollar bill decor. The restaurant boasts of having more than one million one-dollar bills hanging from the walls and ceiling. The staple-hung dollar bills are even considered an asset that the restaurant must pay taxes on.

Turning to the menu, the restaurant also offers an 18-cent bean soup, the cheapest item available to buy unless purchased by itself, then it costs $18. This can be considered quite a bargain, as long as you get something else on the menu alongside the soup. The story goes that the Senate Bean Soup was served in US Senate for 18 cents, which is why McGuire’s is proud to still sell the soup at that same price today.

Knowing the most affordable meal on the menu brings into question the most expensive. For the price of $100, the Grand Burger is made up of filet mignon, ground and chargrilled to form a delightful burger patty. The Grand Burger is not a solo show, as it comes with a side of caviar and a bottle of imported champagne. If you are looking for an undeniably iconic meal, the Grand Burger awaits.

Being an Irish pub, McGuire’s also offers a range of drinks like the Irish Wake, a bright green drink that will “knock you dead.” Limited to three per person, the Irish Wake

comes in a mason jar you can keep. Another notable feature on the drink menu is the James Bond, taken directly from the James Bond official website. If you want to drink like an icon, order the super spy’s signature drink.

As Florida’s oldest brewery, McGuire’s takes customer satisfaction seriously. The pub brews their ale with no chemicals or additives, ensuring the best possible beer to serve to their customers.

McGuire’s has many drink specials, like Monday Margarita Madness and Thursday Ladies Nite. Happy hour is seven days a week, from 4 to 6 pm and 11 pm to close, offering half off the price of draft beer, wine and well drinks.

600 E Gregory St., Pensacola

McGuire’s was named one of Florida’s 12 most iconic restaurants in 2022 by Trips to Discover, according to the energetic atmosphere and unique monetary decor.

In addition to serving quality food and drinks, McGuire’s also holds a 5K run leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. The St. Patrick’s Day Prediction 5K Run is one of the largest 5K events in the area, assembling huge crowds for the last 45 years. Signing up for the run promises a T-shirt and access to the after party.

McGuire’s also sponsors a pipe band, which is made of bagpipe and drum players wearing traditional Scottish dress attire. The McGuire’s Pipe Band began in 1988, and it is now under the leadership of Pipe Major Michael Vazzana. The pipe band plays at the 5K run and at other local events.

The combination of McGuire’s bright atmosphere and the heavy crowd brought in yearly by the St. Patrick’s Day 5K contributes to the Irish Pub’s status of being one of the most iconic restaurants in Florida. Pensacola is the proud home of McGuire’s Irish Pub.

Address: 600 E Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502

Website: mcguiresirishpub.com

Coffee Cup

520 E Cervantes St., Pensacola

The Coffee Cup first opens its doors in 1945 and was later purchased by John Henry Cagle in 1947. The restaurant is considered a historic landmark. Coffee Cup is known for the “Nassau” grits, which include bacon, ham, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and various seasonings.

Jerry’s Drive In

2815 E Cervantes St., Pensacola

Jerry’s Drive In was founded by Jerry Glass in 1939, beginning as Jerry’s Barbeque. The restaurant once had a carhop-style service, hence the name change to Jerry’s Drive In. Inside, the walls are covered with signs, many with humorous indications, giving the restaurant a distinct and homey interior.

Blue Dot BBQ

310 N De Villiers St., Pensacola

Blue Dot BBQ first opened in 1946, and the outside fits the name as it is a blue bricked building with a singular sign hanging up. Though the sign may be small, Blue Dot is still an iconic place to sit down for a meal. Blue Dot is known for their burgers and for being a cash-only restaurant.

Fish House

600 S Barracks St., downtown Pensacola

A waterfront restaurant in downtown Pensacola, Fish House was opened in 1988. The signature dish is called “Grits a Ya Yam,” which is made of jumbo shrimp and portobello mushroom sauce over smoked gouda grits. Fish House holds a “Thai Night” every Tuesday, along with other events and features. For more information, visit fishhousepensacola.com.

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Peg Leg Pete's

1010 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach

ICONIC BARS

Seville Quarter

seville Quarter is perhaps the most well-known nightlife attraction in Pensacola. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this historic bar on Government Street in downtown Pensacola is decked out with local memorabilia, antique furniture and decor that helps the bar keep its old-timey charm. Established in 1967 by ex-Navy pilot and musician, Bob Snow, the large brick entertainment complex is housed in a historic 19th century warehouse that was formerly home to Pensacola Cigar and Tobacco Company.

When Snow made the decision to rent the vacant warehouse, his initial plan was to transform it into a small venue space to perform with his bandmates. He named the new establishment “Rosie O’Grady’s Warehouse.” After opening the venue and seeing its success, Snow eventually decided to purchase the old building and began to expand it with different rooms.

In 1971, Snow opened a second room in the complex called “Lili Marlene’s,” also referred to as “Lili Marlene’s World War I Aviators Pub.” This room is decorated with old-school furniture and features model airplanes hanging from the ceiling.

As Seville continued to be a success, Snow opened up a second nightclub in Orlando, modeling it after his popular Pensacola establishment. “Church Street Station” opened in Orlando in 1974, with its first room called “Rosie O'Grady's No. 2.” Despite this new venture being hours away, Snow continued to open rooms and upkeep Pensacola’s Seville Quarter.

Today, Seville Quarter is comprised of seven different rooms, each with a different vibe—Rosie O’Grady’s, Phineas Phogg’s, Lili Marlene’s, Apple Annie’s, Fast Eddie’s, End o’ the Alley and Palace Café. As the first room to open in Seville Quarter, Rosie O'Grady's remains true to its original roots, boasting a saloon-style theme with a fun Western vibe.

In 1985, Snow sold the property to a group of investors. However, the group only held onto the property for a short period of time. From January 1987 to December 1988, Seville Quarter doors were closed to the public, until Pensacola attorney Wilmer Mitchell and his family eventually took over the property and reopened it. Mitchell and family still own and operate the bar today.

130 E Government St., downtown Pensacola

Today, Seville Quarter remains a staple in Pensacola’s nightlife scene. People of all ages visit the establishment for good drinks, food and fun. Whether you want a quick bite or a full dinner, Seville’s menu offers something for every hunger level. From traditional bar food like spinach artichoke dip and pretzels to burgers and seafood, every diner is sure to find something to suit them. Seville also offers a variety of beers and cocktails, with specials changing regularly. In addition to being a bar, Seville also serves as an event space. A separate building called Heritage Hall was added to the Seville Quarter complex in 2003. Heritage Hall is a large banquet facility that can host over 1,000 guests, making it the perfect venue for weddings or other large gatherings.

Within the seven rooms of Seville Quarter, there is no shortage of entertainment at Seville, as the bar has grown to host several events every week such as karaoke, bar bingo, dancing, live music and more. Seville Quarter still remains one of Pensacola’s most buzzing establishments. For upcoming events and more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

Elbow Room

2213 W Cervantes St., Pensacola

Founded in 1963, The Elbow Room is a staple in Pensacola nightlife, serving up pub food like pizza and sandwiches. Featuring dim red lighting, the pub has a relaxed vibe in which guests can sit back, play a few games and enjoy a nice cold beer. For more information, visit facebook.com/ ElbowRoomPensacola.

Azalea Cocktail Lounge

810 N Davis Hwy., Pensacola

Azalea Cocktail Lounge, referred to as “The Z” by locals, has been serving up amazing pours to the Pensacola community since 1947. A classic dive bar, The Z is a great place to throw some darts, shoot some pool and enjoy a spirit or two. For more information, visit facebook.com/azaleacocktaillounge.

The Handlebar

319 N Tarragona St., downtown Pensacola

Founded in 1983 and revived in 2022, The Handlebar has been the stomping grounds for Pensacola’s punks and music lovers of several generations. There is no better place in Pensacola to catch some amazing local and big-name artists while sipping on a brew. For more information, visit thehandlebar850.com.

Sandshaker Lounge

731 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach

Originally opened in 1973, the Sandshaker Lounge on Pensacola Beach has become one of the most popular hangout spots on the sand. The Sandshaker Lounge is home to the original Bushwacker, so there is no wonder why this bar stays busy! For more information, visit sandshaker.com.

Hub Stacey’s

Locations at 312 E Government St. & 5851 Galvez Rd., Pensacola

Hub Stacey’s is the place to be if you like amazing food, drinks and live music. The original downtown location opened in 1998, with Hub Stacey’s At The Point opening after. Most known for its delicious sandwiches, Hub Stacey’s has remained a favorite among Pensacola locals. For more information, visit hubstaceys.com.

ICONIC ATTRACTIONS

Pensacola Beach & Fort Pickens

Our belOved cOastal beaches With their signature pearly White sands, crystalline Waters, fauna and Wildlife are undOubtedly pensacOla’s signature icOn. The Gulf Coast beaches serve as a temporary home for leatherback hatchlings and the herons, seagulls and eagles that can often be seen surfing the air above the ocean waves. The ivory sand that shines like a gem because of the gems—or quartz—from which the sand was made, and the morning glories that weave themselves through the dunes are just a couple of the many things that have been charming visitors and locals for decades. Pensacola Beach is neighbored on both sides by the remarkably beautiful and biodiverse Gulf Island National Seashore, a 150-mile stretch of protected seashore that runs from Cat Island, Mississippi to Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Aside from hosting a plethora of unique biological wonders, the beach that we all know and love is also a bustling tourist destination and a go-to spot for summer relaxation. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the many activities the beach offers, including fishing on one of the beach’s many piers, renting a boat and coasting towards the horizon, joining a dolphin tour, attending a wedding and even playing a round of minigolf. Visitors can also indulge in Cajun-style dishes, seafood staples, southern comfort foods or Japanese cuisine at one of the many beachside eateries.

Pensacola Beach also features another legendary Pensacola landmark: Fort Pickens, which was once one of the largest constructed brick structures on the Gulf of Mexico. Made of 21.5 million bricks, Fort Pickens once stood as one of the largest man-made brick structures along the Gulf of Mexico.

Named after Brigadier General Andrew Pickens, who served during the Revolutionary War, Fort Pickens was built to defend the Gulf Coast from overseas enemy attacks and was also the site of the final battle that ridded Pensacola of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War after their consequential failed ambush, the Battle of Santa Rosa Island. This battle resulted in nearly 100 Confederate casualties and 80 Union losses. During the Civil War, Fort Pickens was also one of the very few forts in the South to be and to remain under Union occupancy.

Also, among its other prisoners of war, Fort Pickens once held Geronimo, a leader of the Indigenous Ndendahe Apache people. The fort would also come to be an intermittent stop on the Underground Railroad, acting as a means to freedom for the enslaved people that also helped to build it. Two centuries later, the fortress still stands and draws curious adventure seekers from far and wide with its incredible view, meticulous construction, walkable nature trails and its camping grounds and the occasional Blue Angels practice session. For more information on events, activities and lodging, visit pensacolabeach.com.

Pensacon

201 E Gregory St., Pensacola

Each year in February, Pensacola hosts its own pop culture convention attracting fans, regional media outlets and pop culture enthusiasts from across the country. Hosted at the Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacon provides the chance for fans to meet revered movie and television stars, attend community panels, stock up on merchandise from their favorite pop culture icons and revel in the artistry of cosplay. To learn more about Pensacon, visit pensacon.com.

NAS Museum & the Blue Angels

1750 Radford Blvd., aboard NAS Pensacola

Pensacola is known as The Cradle of Naval Aviation, and the Naval Aviation Museum upholds that reputation by giving visitors a glimpse into the histories of the country’s Navy, Marine and Coast Guard, and showcases the feats of aerospace technology. The Naval Air Station is also home to Pensacola’s legendary and beloved Blue Angels—the infamous Navy flight demonstration squadron that can be seen practicing throughout the year. Each year, The Blue Angels are the stars of two Pensacola air shows that are are must-see, bucket list events. For more information visit navalaviationmuseum.org.

Downtown Pensacola

Serving as the city’s lively cultural hub, downtown Pensacola has no shortage of memorable experiences to offer with its unique bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and live performance venues. Appreciate its beautiful 19th century architecture, take in the glistening waters and refreshing air at Palafox Pier, or attend one of the many exciting festivals that take place throughout the year. For more information on events and activities visit downtownpensacola.com.

Blue Wahoos Stadium

351 W Cedar St., downtown Pensacola

Home of Pensacola’s three-time championship winning minor league baseball team of the same name, the Blue Wahoos Stadium hosts the team’s home games, weekly fireworks shows over Pensacola Bay and many other family-friendly events throughout the year.The ballpark serves as a hub for community fellowship, and the team prides itself on its wonderful fan culture. For more information, visit milb.com/pensacola/team/about.

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Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

311 E Government St., downtown Pensacola

Every fall, hundreds of artists, performers and craftsmen—both local and from across the nation—gather in downtown Pensacola to showcase their work and celebrate the arts. For three days in November, the public is invited to come out and revel in live music and entertainment, flavorful food, and the works of creatives of all ages, skills and backgrounds. Learn more about this award-winning arts festival and some of the featured artists at ggaf.org.

ICONIC ARCHITECTURE

Historic Pensacola

pensacOla’s mOst prOminent architecture is displayed On buildings and structures thrOughOut histOric dOWntOWn pensacOla. Comprised of 30 different properties, Historic Pensacola spans across eight-anda-half acres which feature some of the most unique buildings in Pensacola. The architectural styles of the structures range from French Creole, Greek Revival and Folk Victorian to Mediterranean, Classical and Renaissance Revival. The structures feature a variety of different architectural styles. More than 150,000 historic artifacts are located in the buildings of Historic Pensacola.

A selection of 12 of the 30 buildings that make up Historic Pensacola are open to the public, and some offer tours. In certain locations, visitors can meet and interact with history interpreters to enhance their touring experience. One of the structures included in Historic Pensacola is the Old Christ Church. This church, true to its name, is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in Pensacola. Built in 1832, the architecture of the Old Christ Church contains elements of Norman-Gothic, which is a style transitioning from Roman-Classical to Gothic. While the architect and builder of the church are both unknown, it was built to be an Episcopal church. It now serves as a popular venue for events and weddings. Tours of the church are open Tuesday through Saturday and include the exploration of other historic sites as well.

Included in the tour is another significant building in Historic Pensacola called the Lear/Rocheblave House. This house was built in 1890 for John and Kate Lear, but they never lived in it. Instead, the house was inhabited by Captain Benito Rocheblave for many years and has been a museum house since 1988. The architecture is Folk Victorian, two-story and with Queen Anne design elements. The interior of the house reflects the Pensacola of the 1920s.

Also featured in the Tuesday through Saturday tours, is the Dorr House. Clara Barkley Dorr had the Dorr House built in 1871 for her and her five children during an economic boom in Pensacola. This Victorian era home has Greek or Classical Revival features, and the architect and builder are unknown. The Historic Pensacola Preservation Board purchased the house in 1975. The Barkley House was built around 1835. George Barkley first purchased the lot in 1825, and the Barkley House is the oldest surviving high-house in the city. It is now a popular event and wedding venue due to its beautiful grounds and great view.

Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola

The Pensacola Museum of History (formerly the Pensacola City Hall) is a three-story building of Mediterranean Revival architecture built in 1907. The museum has both permanent and changing galleries. Two of the most popular permanent exhibits are The City of Five Flags, artifacts telling the history of Pensacola and Trader Jon’s, memorabilia of Martin "Trader Jon" Weissman.

Another important property is The Quina House at 204 S Alcaniz Street, which may have been built as early as 1810, but the earliest documentation is 1821, making it the oldest structure in Pensacola that is still located on its original site. The building is a Spanish structure, one-and-a-half stories tall and was built from local pine, cypress and oak.

Being one of the oldest settlements in the United States, Pensacola has many more notable historic structures. These buildings have weathered hurricanes and stood the test of time, leaving their mark on Pensacola’s history. Find out more about Historic Pensacola and the available tours at historicpensacola.org.

Crystal Ice House

501 E Jordan St., Pensacola

The Crystal Ice House is a vintage ice station built in 1932. It is the lone survivor of four ice stations, and the architecture makes it look like it is built of ice. The ice station has a plaque that has a hand signal guide for ordering ice.

Blount Building

3 W Garden St., downtown Pensacola

The seven-story Blount Building is named after William Alexander Blount. Blount had the building constructed after a fire on Halloween night in 1905 which destroyed the building that occupied the site before. Completed in 1907, it was the tallest building in Florida at that time.

UFO House

2 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach

The small house on Pensacola Beach was built in 1966. The unique spaceship house is a “futuro” prefabricated home that was designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. A favorite spot for photos, the UFO house has survived many hurricanes despite its unusual structure.

Saenger Theatre

118 S Palafox Pl., downtown Pensacola

First opened in 1925, the Pensacola Saenger Theatre is affectionately known as the Grand Dame of Palafox. The Saenger Theatre was built in the Spanish Baroque and Rococo architecture style and took almost 13 months to complete. The first shows hosted by the Saenger were Vaudeville shows, Broadway plays and silent screen classes. It was later used as a movie house until it closed in 1975 and was restored and reopened in 1981. The Saenger is currently home to Pensacola’s symphony, opera and ballet performances as well as touring musicians, comedians and off-Broadway shows. For more information, check out pensacolasaenger.com.

Historic Sacred Heart Hospital

1010 N 12th Ave., East Hill

Formerly known as the Pensacola Hospital, the historic Sacred Heart Hospital first opened in 1915. It was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style by Evans Brothers Construction. It was the first Catholic hospital as well as the first surgical, radiological, and bacterial facility in Florida. The name of the Pensacola Hospital changed in 1948, and the historic Sacred Heart Hospital was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The building currently houses O'zone Pizza, Lamonte Gelato and a variety of other businesses.

ICONIC MARKETS

JOE PATTI'S SEAFOOD

caPtain Giuseppe “Joe” Patti and his family have cemented themselves in Pensacola history through their service to the people and restaurateurs of the Gulf Coast. With a legacy as lengthy and rich as the fisherman’s life, the Joe Patti Seafood Company has set a standard for their products and services that honors Joe Patti’s own values of perfectionism and integrity.

Joe Patti was born in Riposto, Sicily in 1901 and found his way from New York to Pensacola, where his journey to veneration began when he worked his way up from a humble snapper fisher to the captain of his own boat. He was a simple yet stern man that believed in equity, reason, independence, and honest, hard work. He applied those beliefs to the founding of his company, which started 90 years ago from the front porch of his home on DeVilliers Street. It was here that he and his wife, Anna Patane-Patti, would sell the fish and shrimp that he caught from his boat to their neighbors. The couple then opened a shop on the same street that they lived on, and the rest was history, as his six sons and daughters carried the torch of his legacy into the future of fishing, shrimp grading, vending, distribution and wholesale retail.

Over the years, their shop moved from De Villiers Street to a more suitable location on B Street just off the bay in downtown Pensacola. Since then, the market has expanded immensely, now offering not just freshly caught and fileted fish, shrimp and shellfish, but also sushi, baked bread, ice

524 S B St., downtown Pensacola

cream, artisan deli meats, wines, cheeses, coffee and more. The market itself is a spectacle for the senses with stunningly fresh tuna and shrimp being crowd favorites.

Visitors can rarely find Joe Patti’s without a parking lot full of cars and a queue that reaches beyond the front entrance. The quality of its seafood and the lively character of the staff all contribute to the success of this world-renowned fish market.

The Patti family has brought an irreplaceable presence with them to Pensacola and continues to go above and beyond in their service to the community. If you haven’t already given Joe Patti’s a visit, be sure to stop in this summer and see for yourself what all the commotion is about. For more information, visit joepattis.com.

Shoreline Foods

1180 W Main St., Pensacola

Shoreline Foods International Market and Deli is a Grecian, family-owned grocery that prides itself on its specialty, handmade and meticulously curated products, such as legendary olive oil, Diamantopetra wines, honey, spices, home and personal products and delicious deli meats. For more information, visit sfpensacola.com.

Apple Market

1021 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola

Deemed “The Biggest Little Store In Town,” David Apple’s Apple Market has been a pillar of the Pensacola community since 1996. The cute red and white shop located just off of Scenic Highway in Pensacola has it all: fresh cut deli meats, produce, delicious Drowsy Poet coffee and even an off-site catering service. For more information, visit applemarketpensacola.com.

Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Café

315 W Garden St. & 1000 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola

Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Café has been providing the Gulf Coast with healthy and organic groceries, deli items and personal care products since 1973. Ever’man’s commitment to a vibrant and healthy community is evident in their many low or no cost educational, fitness and wellness classes as well. For more information, visit everman.org.

Bailey’s Produce & Nursery

4301 N Davis Hwy., Pensacola

Known by locals as the home of the Jolly Green Giant, this locally owned, year-round market and nursery has been bringing the finest produce and plants to the Pensacola community for more than 80 years. In addition to their large assortment of fresh veggies and flavorful fruits, Bailey’s also offers a variety of plants in their nursery. Their Christmas tree sale is a favorite among locals. For more information, visit baileysproduce.com.

Palafox Market

121 N Palafox St., downtown Pensacola

Boasting a variety of artisan and craft foods, home goods, art and other locally-made goodies, the Palafox Market has been a means of the community serving itself and others for over a decade. The market operates every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. The original runs in the median of Palafox between Garden and Wright Streets, and its newest expansion, Palafox Market South speaks to the market’s success, evolving from a modest pop-up consisting of a handful of farmers to a flourishing economic cornerstone of Pensacola. For more information, visit palafoxmarket.com.

ICONIC LANDMARKS

Graffiti Bridge

this small railrOad trestle bridge On 17th avenue in pensacOla has served as a pOpular canvas fOr everchanging graffiti fOr generatiOns. The 17th Avenue railroad trestle bridge, more commonly known as the Pensacola Graffiti Bridge, was constructed in 1888 as railroad overpass, but the first coat of graffiti paint was not applied until at least 1935. Before then, it was just a regular old bridge, but because of years of graffiti done by countless artists, it now stands among Pensacola’s most iconic landmarks. Under normal circumstances, graffiti is considered vandalism, but the Graffiti Bridge welcomes it. The bridge functions as a public art space that allows for anyone to use its surface for self-expression. One of the most interesting aspects of the bridge is that the art on its surface is always changing, depending on recent political movements, the events in individuals’ lives and current issues in society.

The Graffiti Bridge is an open canvas for anyone, artist or not, to declare their love, express their opinion, or voice their support for an individual or a movement in whatever way they please. There are no rules when it comes to painting the bridge. Anyone can leave a mark at any time of day. The only rule is that all art will soon be covered by someone else’s art. Over the years, the Graffiti Bridge has played a significant part in powerful movements. In June of 2020, local protesters gathered at the Graffiti Bridge to voice their support of the Black Lives Matter movement. These protesters also covered the bridge in portraits that honored people who were victims of police brutality like George Floyd.

Not only is the bridge a space for protesting, but its surface is an open space for voicing calls for change through art. On April 20 of 2022, the bridge was decked out in green when a group ventured out to express their desire for cannabis to be legalized in Florida.

Aside from politics, the bridge can be a space to raise awareness for other movements. In September of 2015, the bridge was painted entirely in gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. A portion of the text that was spray painted on the bridge reads: “Kids get cancer too.” Though this bridge takeover was more color focused than art focused, it still delivered an impact.

One can almost guarantee that the bridge will be painted for holidays. Quite recently, the bridge was decorated for

N 17th Ave., Pensacola

Memorial Day, depicting the well-known image of American soldiers raising the flag, along with the words “All gave some, some gave all.” This tribute to fallen American soldiers is one of many holiday-themed art takeovers the bridge has hosted.

The bridge is often used to celebrate milestones, birthdays, anniversaries and birth announcements, as well as honor loved ones who have passed.

The Pensacola Graffiti Bridge acts as a public drawing board, allowing for new artworks daily, sometimes smaller individual works, and sometimes the whole bridge is covered in a uniform theme. Each layer of spray paint carries the emotions of a different space in time, giving a deeper meaning to the iconic landmark. As long as the Graffiti Bridge stands, the expressive art of so many people will live on, locked beneath layers of paint.

Pensacola Beach Sailfish Sign

Gulf Breeze Pkwy., at turnoff to Pensacola Beach

The “Turn Right Pensacola Beach” sailfish sign is an iconic Pensacola landmark that has become a popular subject of Pensacola art and decor found in many local shops and markets. The original sign was built in 1960 and had two sailfish, but it rusted and has been replaced three times since then. Today the sign features one sailfish jumping over the brightly colored yellow and red words directing drivers to Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola Lighthouse

2081 Radford Blvd., aboard NAS Pensacola

The Pensacola Lighthouse offers an incredible view of the Gulf Coast from its observation tower, which is 177 steps high. The lighthouse is located in the Naval Air Station and was first built in 1859. Pensacola lighthouse houses one of the few remaining Fresnel Lenses, a rare french lens that still serves as an active navigation guide. The Pensacola Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. For more information, visit pensacolalighthouse.org.

Beach Ball Water Tower

Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola Beach

The Beach Ball Water Tower is a landmark that reassures visitors that they are at the right place: Pensacola Beach. The currently nonfunctional water tower now serves a fully decorative purpose after being voted to stay in its place near Casino Beach in 2005. It remains one of the most iconic landmarks on the beach.

St. Michael’s Cemetery

6 N Alcaniz St., downtown Pensacola

St. Michael’s Cemetery is a historic landmark in Pensacola. It is a burial ground that contains graves dating all the way back in the 18th century. People of diverse backgrounds and religions have been buried at the cemetery, and in 1949 it was dedicated as a state park.

Pensacola Hardware Co.

20 E Gregory St., downtown Pensacola

Among Florida’s oldest, continuous businesses, Pensacola Hardware Company is not only Pensacola’s oldest retail business, it is also one of the 50 oldest businesses in the United States. Established in 1851, it has changed hands and locations several times, but through wars, depressions and hurricanes, the store has never closed its doors. Now, at the venerable age of 171, Pensacola Hardware can lay legitimate claim to the title of “Florida’s oldest private retail business.” Specializing in contractor and industrial hardware supplies, they also carry a large selection of upscale housewares, including cutlery, cookware and unique gift items. For more information, visit pensacolahardware.net.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Angels Practice Dates

July 11, 12, 25 & 26

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

Pensacola Splash Fest

July 15

Come cool off at the 1st Pensacola Splash Fest at Community Maritime Park (301 West Main Street). There will be numerous water slides, bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip-n-slides, and more to help you cool off and have fun. For more fun, there will also be a variety of food, a dunk tank, corn hole, sports games and a watermeloneating competition! Access to the water activities is gained via wristbands, which are $15 for each participating adult, $5 for each non-participating adult, $10 for each child 17 and under, and free for children 5 and under. Additional costs may apply

to additional activities. Wristbands can be purchased at the door or online. For wristbands and find more information, visit apexshowsandevents.com/pensacolasplash-fest.

White Tie Rock Ensemble: British Rock @ the Pensacola Bay Center

July 15

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

Bands on the Bayou

July 22

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

Bluey’s Big Play @ Pensacola Saenger

July 25 & 26

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon rest, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before. Doors open at 5 pm and the show begins at 6 pm each day. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Place. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band @ Vinyl Music Hall

July 28

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

Movies in the Park

July 28

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

America @ Pensacola Saenger

July 30

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

Business Climate

45 Port of Pensacola Receives Funding to be Host Port to American Magic

The Port of Pensacola has secured grant funding to allow American Magic to permanently relocate their headquarters to the Port of Pensacola.

48 Around the Region

Find out what's happening in business, government and cultural news throughout Pensacola and Northwest Florida.

Our local care model provides health solutions that benefit your team.

With Florida Blue and Truli for Health, you can offer employees access to quality coverage, with less administrative work for you and lower costs for everyone. Our group health plans offer benefits like $10 copays for virtual visits for general medicine, plus access to 8,000+ doctors,* 180+ hospitals, and most major pharmacies.

*Provider networks are subject to change. They are made up of independently contracted physicians, hospitals, and ancillary providers. Health benefit plans have limitations and exclusions. The amount of benefits provided depends on the plan selected and the premium may vary with the amount of benefits selected. Health insurance is offered by Florida Blue, a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. and HMO coverage is offered by both Florida Blue HMO, a trade name of Health Options, Inc. and Truli for Health, a trade name of BeHealthy Florida, Inc., both HMO affiliates of Florida Blue. These companies are Independent Licensees

the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 113844 0523

Port of Pensacola Receives Funding to be Host Port to American Magic

by Morgan Cole

the pOrt Of pensacOla has secured a total of $12.4 million in grant funding to complete renovations to Warehouse 10, which will allow American Magic to permanently relocate their headquarters to the Port of Pensacola.

American Magic is the American entry in the 37th Cup in Barcelona which is a prestigious international sailing competition.

Of the $12.4 million secured, $8.5 million is being provided by Triumph Gulf Coast, and $3.9 million is being provided by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The funding will cover the design, renovation, and completion of Warehouse 10. As part of the renovations, a 50-foot addition will be made, and a dock and boat ramp will be designed and constructed.

“Once completed, the facility on the Port of Pensacola will allow American Magic to permanently relocate

their training and boat building facility creating 170 high wage jobs in advanced manufacturing, engineering and research and development for marine and other technology sectors,” Pensacola Port Director, Clark Merritt said.

American Magic has used the Port of Pensacola on a temporary, seasonal basis since 2018, most recently training on Pensacola Bay in preparation for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.

American Magic is developing a pathway for a generation of engineers, boatbuilders and technicians to enhance the marine industry in the United States and set Pensacola on a trajectory of being a leader on the world stage.

“This award to the City of Pensacola will strengthen the Port of Pensacola’s infrastructure and promote economic opportunities in the sailing industry for the Florida Panhandle,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a news

release. “We believe in making strategic investments that will create job opportunities and ensure Florida’s prosperity for generations to come.”

The grant-funded project will be constructed on publicly owned land, with the City of Pensacola retaining ownership of the land, facility, and associated infrastructure. American Magic, along with the other tenants of the Port of Pensacola, will have the privilege of utilizing the warehouse facility, with the dock and boat ramp made accessible.

“Today is a huge step in making Pensacola, Florida the sailing capital of the United States,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “The support from the Triumph board and American Magic Sailing is monumental for the city, The Port of Pensacola and the entire region. We appreciate the board seeing this project the way our administration has: The American Magic team calling Pensacola its permanent home will be transformational for this community.”

The design and construction of this project is anticipated to take 24 months. Job creation is expected to begin immediately, with a total ramp-up period of 24 months from construction completion.

This project aligns with the publicly approved Portside Vision Plan, and it firmly establishes the Port

of Pensacola and the state of Florida as the premier location for cutting-edge watercraft and boatbuilding innovation on a global scale.

For more information about the Port of Pensacola, visit portofpensacola.com.

To learn more about American Magic, visit americanmagic.com.

Around the Region

Baptist Health Care Foundation to Name New Hospital Surgery Discharge Lounge in Honor of Margie & Alan Moore

UWF Receives $170,000 Donation to Fund Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship

Margie and Alan Moore have made an impactful gift to Baptist Health Care Foundation to benefit the new Baptist Hospital campus, scheduled to open in September. The Foundation will name the surgery discharge lounge and the 4th floor conference room in the hospital’s cardiovascular intensive care unit in honor of the Moores’ gift.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support an organization like Baptist that is community-owned,” Margie Moore said. “The hospital itself is going to be a game changer for our entire community. Baptist has put so much thought into every single step. Some of the strategic decisions that went into the hospital are amazing. It’s going to help people through whatever their journey is to make it the best possible situation they can have, not even just for the patients and families but for the employees too. Baptist has been very thoughtful in making a great place for everyone to work and heal.”

The surgery discharge lounge will provide a quiet discharge area for outpatient surgery patients to exit the hospital privately. This space will have a dedicated elevator between the surgery floor and the lounge waiting area that will offer increased privacy and allow patients to be picked up directly outside the lounge by their caretakers.

Margie and Alan Moore, who have been married for more than 40 years, said that supporting Baptist seemed like a natural fit in their philanthropic priorities. Alan was born at Baptist in 1952, one year after the hospital opened. Both of their daughters were born at Baptist, as well as two of their four grandchildren. Margie has been serving on Baptist boards and committees since 1990.

“Margie has been passionate about Baptist’s Mission through her continued service to our organization for more than 20 years,” President and CEO of Baptist Health Care, Mark Faulkner said. “We are truly thankful to her and Alan for their long-term support, dedication and generosity. Their gift will help us serve our patients and families in the best way possible for generations to come through our new Baptist Hospital campus.”

The University of West Florida celebrated a $170,000 donation to UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music in support of the Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship Fund on June 12 at the Flora-Bama in Perdido Key. The new funds are a result of a Music City Hit-Makers fundraising concert held at the Saenger Theater in downtown Pensacola in November.

Members of the Hit-Makers, and representatives from the Frank Brown International Foundation for Music and UWF’s Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship Fund joined forces to present the concert. Backed by a Foo Foo Festival grant and generous local individual and business sponsors, more than $170,000 was raised for the scholarship fund.

The Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship was created in 2015 by Peggy Butler in memory of her husband, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, and Pensacola native. The scholarship provides financial assistance to UWF music students as they complete their degree programs and provides them the opportunity to travel to work with worldclass artists and attend competitions, conventions and performances.

“The generous gift that Peggy Butler has provided the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music has been transformative for our students,” Corey McKern, interim director of the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music said. "Like Larry Butler, whose dreams started in Pensacola, our students are able to launch themselves into the greater world of music because of Peggy’s vision, dedication and hard work. Our students, who might not have been able to seek certain opportunities due to financial limitations, are able to bolster their career and musicianship. I speak for our entire faculty when I say thank you!”

The Butler family and friends have raised more than $250,000 to support the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music. Nearly $113,000 in scholarships have been awarded from the fund.

“Larry was passionate about music and its power to bring people together,” Butler said. “He would be so proud of our community’s continued commitment to showcasing the arts and supporting the next generation of music artists through the Larry Butler Memorial Music Scholarship at UWF.”

Larry Butler worked with renowned recording artists Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers, among others, during his career in Nashville, and displayed his generosity by holding various benefit concerts for his hometown and Northwest Florida.

The Frank Brown International Foundation for Music produces the 39 year old Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival annually. The event hosts Grammy Award-winning and rising stars, who perform original songs in multiple locations in the greater Pensacola area. It attracts over 200 songwriters and thousands of attendees from all around the world.

For more information about giving to UWF, visit uwf.edu/give. For more information about UWF’s Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, visit uwf. edu/music.

8110 Hutchins Rd

Milton, FL, US

$1,465,000

Log Cabin: 4 Beds 2 Baths plus bonus rm Ranch House: 3 Beds 2 Baths

Recreation Center with Kitchen Bath House with Studio Apartment above MULTI-DWELLINGS on this Secluded 20+ acres along 1,340 ft of COLDWATER CREEK perfect for a hunting lodge, personal retreat , hosting short-term rentals, equestrian property, operating a wedding venue/event catering business, or plenty more! Zoned AGRR. Storage shed near the barns is equipped with plumbing to a sink and electrical. With direct access to the creek and private beaches you can hop on a float in Coldwater creek and float to the bridge at Munson Hwy and Bob's Canoe Rentals which is just a 4 mile drive from the property. Or just stay at the beaches along the shallow banks and enjoy the refreshing water

ON THE MARKET a

Real Estate Section

52. Reconsider That Fixer Upper Financing option makes home improvement more attainable

58. Unlocking Hidden Potential: Five ways to elevate your laundry room

In This Section

BY THE NUMBERS

A Look at May's Market Highlights

Market Highlights

May sales rebounded 22% compared to April but were down 11% from last May.

45 DAYS ON MARKET

For Sale

352

The average days on market for residential and condos combined was 45, almost a week less than April.

Most sales activity was in the $300k to $499k range, followed by the $200k to $299k range.

May’s 352 pending sales were virtually identical to last May.

300k PENDING SALES

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

Data courtesy of the Pensacola Association of REALTORS ®

Reconsider That Fixer Upper

For younger homeowners and first-time homebuyers in particular, money is likely to be tight. When most available cash is directed to the best possible down payment to secure a home in a desired neighborhood, there’s often little left for improvements.

According to a Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preference Report from the National Association of Realtors, 53% of homebuyers took on a home improvement project within three months of buying with kitchen projects being a priority for 47% of those surveyed. However, when buyers finance a home renovation into their mortgage application, they can broaden their options of available properties to include fixer-uppers that can be upgraded prior to move-in.

but prior to moving in with contractor commitments to stay within budget. If cosmetic or structural improvements are needed when prospective homeowners find a property worth bidding on, they can work with a licensed loan officer to secure a home renovation loan. The borrower’s choice of contractor that meets the lender criteria submits an estimate that’s reviewed and validated by the lender. Once approved and the mortgage is closed, the renovation can begin with costs paid upfront, added to the loan and repaid as part of the mortgage.

Consider renovation projects like these:

Non-Structural Renovations do not affect load-bearing elements and are often more cosmetic, including remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, repainting, replacing siding and upgrading for accessibility.

Consider the out-of-pocket costs of similar non-structural renovation projects according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report when compared with the monthly price of financing via a Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan based a sample mortgage payment of $2,525/month*.

• Bathroom remodel: $24,606 out of pocket versus $127 per month financed

• Hardwood flooring: $4,900 out of pocket versus $25 per month financed

A finance

option like

the Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan allows homebuyers to visualize the home they want versus the one that’s listed. By rolling renovation costs into their mortgage, buyers can enjoy a home tailored to their vision while paying a little extra each month for upgraded windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms or a walk-in closet. In many cases, the project can be completed after closing

Luxury Renovations are geared toward the enjoyment of a home. They might be as easy as updating an entertainment room or reworking existing landscaping or as complex as adding a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen or fitness area.

Structural Renovations affect loadbearing elements like posts, beams or even the foundation or walls of the home. Some examples include adding a garage, raising a roof, converting rooms or adding square footage to the house.

• Finished basement: $18,400 out of pocket versus $95 per month financed

• Kitchen remodel: $77,939 out of pocket versus $402 per month financed

• Solar panels: $20,000 out of pocket versus $103 per month financed

Find more solutions to make the home renovation process easier at Rate.com.

*Example portions of payments allocated to renovation costs are based on a purchase price of $388,800, down payment of 20%, 30-year [fixed] rate mortgage at a rate of 6.69%/7.364% annual percentage rate (APR) and 360 mortgage payments of $2,525. FICO score and lock days based on 740 FICO and 45-day lock. Advertised rates and APR effective as of 05/25/23 and are subject to change without notice.

Financing option makes home improvement more attainable

“

Tabitha helped us sell our home AND simultaneously buy our new one! We built new and it was an absolute breeze! She made all transitions and paperwork as smooth as possible for us. Our home sold in UNDER 8 days!”

Benjamin R.

“Tabitha is a great agent! She represented us, and our interests, from across the country. When we couldn’t be there, in the immortal words of Michael Jackson, she said “I’ll be there!” And she was. Even after closing escrow she has been there for us, helping get the right contractors and checking the status of various matters when we couldn’t. I just can’t express in words how much we appreciate her and how great she is. Don’t hesitate to work with her if you are in need of a realtor!

Jess S.

If you’re looking for experience and exceptional service when buying or selling your home, choose Tabitha!

When you’re seeking ways to optimize your home, it’s easy to overlook the humble laundry room. But there are many ways to improve your experience of this room, making it more functional and attractive. A beautifully appointed laundry room is a sight to behold, helping to transform ordinary tasks into enjoyable routines.

If you’re ready to turn your laundry room into a space you love, consider these upgrades.

1. Shed some light on the subject

Is your laundry room too dark? Improving the room’s lighting will make daily chores easier to do while also making the room feel more bright and cheerful. You may need to add several recessed lights to really see well, especially if there’s no window, and cooler-colored LED lights can help you sort colors better.

Consider adding a window if possible, or enlarging an existing window to boost natural light. Applying a fresh coat of lightcolored or white paint can also make any space feel open and airy.

Unlocking Hidden Potential: Five ways to elevate your laundry room

arched spout and single lever handleoffers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any room design, and the touchless functionality makes tasks simpler.

3. Get organized

Increasing shelving and/or cupboard space is always smart for a laundry room upgrade. If you select open shelving, use matching baskets, boxes or trays to create a unified look. Make sure to include a large drying rack to hang delicates and other items that need to be air dried.

2. Make it functional and multi-purpose

Every good laundry room needs a utility sink deep enough to soak soiled clothing. How about a sink you can also use to bathe your dog? You can create the perfect pet beauty parlor with a 12” deep Cairn Utility Sink from KOHLER. It offers a generous workspace, along with a stainless steel utility sink and accompanying wash bin. Both slide on the ledge in the sink, so you can tailor it to suit your needs. The offset drain increases the sink’s workspace as well as potential for storage underneath. Its soft curves and matte finish add beauty to any room, and you can choose one of six colors to suit your design: White, Black, Taupe, Grey, Graphite, Brown and Black Plum. The sink is made of KOHLER Neoroc composite material that’s extremely durable and will resist scratches and stains.

To make it easier to use your new sink for washing your pet or anything else, choose a handshower or faucet that functions well and looks even better. KOHLER’s Awaken four-function handshower provides advanced spray performance with three distinct sprays - wide coverage, intense drenching or targeted - with the smooth rotation of a thumb tab.

Or consider the Crue touchless pulldown sink faucet with a three-function sprayhead. The Crue faucet collection represents a true high point in userfocused, sophisticated plumbing design. The contemporary silhouette - a simple

One idea that’s seriously trending is combining the laundry area with the mudroom, which helps contain the mess coming in from outside. When designing your mudroom/laundry room, make sure to provide sturdy benches for sitting and removing boots - ideally with space inside for added storage.

Not just for kitchens anymore, installing an island in your laundry room is a great way to provide the perfect folding space - and another opportunity to add more storage underneath. Limited space? Consider using a rolling kitchen cart

4. Elevate the situation

One way to truly elevate your laundry room is to put your machines up on pedestals. This option not only makes maintenance and cleaning a lot easier, but is also much gentler on your back - you’ll do a lot less leaning and bending over every laundry day.

5. Flaunt your style

There’s no reason your laundry room can’t also be pretty. Consider bright paint colors or whimsical wallpaper when you’re giving the room a makeover. Fun art accents and even a whiteboard or chalkboard for laundry instructions (or playful notes!) may encourage more family members to join the laundry routine.

Even achieving a couple of these upgrades can make a big difference in how you use and perceive the humble laundry room. Following through with all of them might just make it your favorite room in the house.