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

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.