Baptist Health Care offers groundbreaking heart and vascular care and is Northwest Florida’s largest and most experienced team of cardiovascular specialists. Collectively the group has pioneered virtually every new innovation in heart care in our region and continuously earns awards for quality and excellence. Our many convenient locations throughout the area offer easy access to the region’s top specialists.
Deeply rooted in our mission of helping people throughout life’s journey to make us – our community – better, we are continuing our legacy of transforming for the future.
already?
Owner Malcolm Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com
Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com
Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com
Garrett Hallbauer advertise@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.
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.
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
strange spring. The novel in our so far been it from print with time, Escambia Santa quickly once 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
The holidays are upon us, folks. In just a blink of an eye, it will be Thanksgiving. Time to pull out the roasting pans, the nice dishes and the gratitude. The truth is, it’s a lot of work to pull together a holiday feast. My mother was a pro—turning out multiple courses with a smile on her face and a truly grateful heart. I don’t think she was much happier than when her family was gathered around her table celebrating, laughing and just sharing time together. I miss those moments always, but especially at the holidays. While I love that sense of family and togetherness almost as much as she did, I did not inherit her cooking skills or her organizational strategy for bringing large meals together. Therefore, my holiday dinner prep is usually stressful, messy and always late. It’s the thought that counts, however, and I do manage to get a meal to the table at some point. My frantic cooking usually makes for a few good laughs at my expense, which I don’t mind once I’m sitting down with a nice glass of wine watching everyone enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com
Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com
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.
Contributing Writers DeeDee Davis Darien Hardy Alex Hilkey
This year, we asked a few local chefs to share their takes on the holiday casserole – something a little different, but still in line with the harvest season. They delivered a handful of uniquely delicious and gorgeous dishes to complement your holiday spread. I hope you will try your hand at one, or all of these tasty recipes. I know I’ll be making one or two!
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.
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.
Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange, Account Executive
31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com
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.
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.
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 me, the fall is also the time for harvesting my backyard citrus. We have a few varieties of oranges and some small lemon trees. When my daughter was little, it was the highlight of the season to harvest the trees and deliver the fruit to family, friends and neighbors. My mom, however, had the Meyer lemon tree to end all Meyer lemon trees. This beast produced hundreds of grapefruit sized Meyers each season. We spent weeks making every conceivable lemon product we could think of. We gave away bags upon bags of lemons and then we froze bags and bags of juice and we still had lemons left. I’ve rounded up a few of our recipes for your Meyer harvest this year. I highly recommend the preserved lemons!
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.
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.
Renew
All of this, plus info on Pensacola Opera’s 40th anniversary gala, the return of Winterfest and a local mushroom grower who is growing tons of unique fungi for use in culinary and health products.
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!
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.
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!
I hope you enjoy the issue and I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving full of family, friends, food, love and gratitude.
Kelly Oden Executive EditorNW
Oden Executive EditorSubscription
Kelly Oden Executive Editor/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine
/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine
/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine
your
One
$14.95 and two years $22.75.
One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.
Davis, Contributing Writer
Where has this year gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was packing the ornaments to go back into storage and here I am schlepping all of the boxes back out again. Well, I schlepped them in October as I like to decorate and have time to actually enjoy the results. Nothing screams Christmas like early October heat and hurricane season. Once upon a time my husband expressed serious concerns about my timeline for decorating, but now he just hopes the pumpkins aren’t out by the 4th of July. Yes, we are those crazies who crank up the AC so that we can enjoy the fireplace. True, he has gotten used to Halloween décor by Labor Day and Christmas by Halloween but that is not what really changed things. Hallmark changed things. When he first got hooked on the Hallmark Christmas movies, there were only a handful of them played repeatedly through the month of December. Now, however, there are something like 4000 of them and they go fulltime 24/7 by, go figure, October! I was way ahead of my time. So now he enjoys the movies, surrounded by lovely Christmas decorations in October. Additionally, my husband now has most of our family addicted to the channel as well. He also takes manly fishing trips several times a
year where he and his friends go deep into the swamps or everglades or rivers or whatever water they decide to conquer. We are talking limited technology in these remote regions. His friends are doomed. They leave for the trip with all of their gear, talking trash about the fish, you know the drill. And guess what? They come home trying to act normal, but they have this texting network going on because they all were exposed. To Hallmark. They compare notes on the characters (Yes, Candace Cameron Bure is their darling) and curse the villain, because every one of the movies has one. They even act as if they don’t know how the movie will end. It’s very suspenseful. Lovely girl has a jerk for a boyfriend. Her work requires her to go at Christmas time to a place with a name like Evergreen. While there she enters gingerbread contests, gets flour smudges on her face, stands under mistletoe and takes a hayride and falls in love with a local guy and they live happily ever after in Evergreen. There is usually some drama while she is in the town and this is when it really gets good. Most nights my husband starts the waterworks about this time. Yes, tears. Not like sobbing or anything, but sniffly emotional cant-help -himself tears. This took me some getting used to. I was so surprised at first because this is just not like him. “Corbett!” “Be a man!” Now, however, the only surprise is when he doesn’t require a hanky. And he’s not alone. The second the movie is
over, his phone starts beeping like crazy because his “network” is all checking in to debrief about the “film”. I kid you not. I will not name names in order to protect the guilty but the Hallmark phenomenon is far more prevalent than you would think. And I am right in there with them now. I have my own favorites as they have several that involve a Royal. Now these are the real deal. Girl goes to Europe and falls in love with a guy who turns out to be a Prince. There is always a gala involved with beautiful gowns and a perfect ending. Sigh. What’s not to love about a story like that? Real life includes far too much… real life. Aging issues, ugly politics, children with their own crises, health scares- what the world really needs is a heavy dose of Hallmark. And, evidently, plenty of people feel the same way. They now have not one, but two channels, and they have movies all year long. To think it all started with simple greeting cards and now we have a multi gazillion dollar business — all created to play on emotions, sentimentality, and love of holidays. What a country. And while Hallmark may have set the stage, Publix isn’t far behind. Have you seen any of their holiday ads? I can’t even get passed a 30 second spot without a lump in my throat. Soldier comes home for the holidays. College kid comes home and instead of going out with his friends, has pie with his mom. Pie! They know just what resonates. Our family usually gathers at our house for Thanksgiving where
50 or so feast and imbibe. Four generations come together for a wild, not-so-Hallmark kind of day. There is usually at least one argument about politics. Inevitably, someone drinks too much and WAY too much family history is unleashed. For the most part, everyone leaves full and happy, except for the one or two of us left to clean up. This year we are doing something different and going to a restaurant. My daughter would have once considered this blasphemy, until the first time she helped clean up after one of these celebrations. I think it was her who actually called and made the reservation this year. The group will be small and intimate and there is no planning, shopping, cooking, or cleaning involved. God bless restaurants.
I hope that every one of you have a lovely Hallmark, Publix kind of Thanksgiving and that you get to spend it with people you love. Happy Thanksgiving!
1 Sandy Ceserretti
15 Malcolm Ballinger
15 Bo Johnson
21 Judy Johnson
25 Beej Davis
30 Diane Somer
nov. 3-14, 2022
PENSACOLA, FL
BUBBLE ALLEY
Presented by Friends of Downtown | Nov. 3-14
UNREQUITED Presented by Pensacola Little Theatre | Nov. 4-9
VANDALS TO VANGUARDS Presented by Pensacola Museum of Art | Nov. 4-14
SCHUMANN SYMPHONY NO. 3 Presented by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra | Nov. 5
BÉLA FLECK MY BLUEGRASS HEART Presented by Great GulfCoast Arts Festival | Nov. 5
KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE Presented by Jazz Pensacola | Nov. 7
THE SONGS, THEIR STORIES, A SYMPHONY Presented by UWF & Frank Brown Int’l Foundation for Music Nov. 8
THE SECOND CITY COMEDY “OUT OF THE HOUSE PARTY” Presented by PSC | Nov. 9
BORN TO HAND JIVE, A GREASE SING A LONG Presented by Choral Society of Pensacola | Nov. 10
STAMPED: LBGTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL Nov. 10-13
FORTY FORWARD: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF OPERA IN PENSACOLA Presented by Pensacola Opera | Nov. 12
JAZZ FOR JUSTICE Presented by Legal Services of North Florida | Nov. 13
events
by Alex Hilkey, Pensacola Opera
Pensacola Opera has been a staple in our community since 1983; even before that, Pensacola has had a strong tradition of grand opera. The Pensacola Opera House that once stood at the corner of Jefferson and Government St. opened its doors in 1883, with a seating capacity of 1,400 people and—at its most prosperous—averaged 57 performances a year. Some argue that this historic southern opera house set the stage for the thriving arts scene in Pensacola today. And it is thriving!
In celebration of Pensacola Opera’s 40th Anniversary Season, and through grant support by Pensacola’s Foo Foo Festival, Pensacola Opera proudly presents Forty Forward: Celebrating Four Decades of Opera in Pensacola. On November 12, sixteen thrilling vocalists will take center stage at the historic Saenger Theatre to present an unparalleled
one-night-only gala concert, honoring the history of musical storytelling in Pensacola and looking forward to the bright future of Pensacola Opera. Joining our vocalists will be the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Opera Chorus, Pensacola Choral Society, Pensacola Children’s Chorus and Ballet Pensacola.
The sixteen featured soloists all have a special connection to Pensacola Opera. Four of them are nationally renowned artists who have performed multiple times in mainstage productions (Thomson, Orozco, Diegel, Quagliata). Four of them are alumni of the Artists in Residence Program (now known as Studio Artists), who are returning to the Pensacola Opera stage from continuing their successful careers (Chang, Triebold, Scheuermann, Hopkins). Four of them are amazing local singers who appear with the Opera regularly for community events and fundraisers (Dunn, Tarabay, Lake, McKern). And rounding out the soloists are our 2022-23 Studio Artists (Abramowitz, Nanto, Ho, Lee). All of these singers will also be backed up by the wonderfully talented Opera Chorus and members of the Choral Society of Pensacola.
Singers Include: Kara Shay Thomson, Soprano; Elise Quagliata, Mezzo-soprano; Adam Diegel, Tenor; Luis Alejandro Orozco, Baritone; Bizhou Chang, Soprano;
“Having sixteen world-class singers come to Pensacola for a concert of this magnitude is a testimony to how far the Pensacola Opera has come in forty years,” Artistic Director Corey McKern said. “What started as an amateur grassroots organization with homemade costumes and non-paid singers has blossomed into an Opera company that is nationally respected. The ability for us to bring in singers, some of whom have international careers, and some who are destined for great things in the future is a luxury that would have been unfathomable 40 years ago. These artists sharing our stage with every other major musical arts organization in town is not only a celebration of our opera company's past, but it is a celebration of the deep cultural roots in the city of Pensacola, and how the arts are thriving!”
Forty Forward will celebrate Pensacola Opera’s ongoing collaborations with local arts organizations, including the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Children's Chorus, Ballet Pensacola, and the Choral Society of Pensacola. The program will feature selections from favorite productions throughout the Opera’s history, presented concert style with the PSO players on stage with the soloists.
“This is going to be more than just a concert, it’s truly a showcase of the caliber of artistic talent we have here in Pensacola. You’ll see familiar faces from our Opera Chorus, Children’s Chorus, Ballet and Symphony, and experience world-class opera singers who are traveling in from all over the country. If you’ve ever been interested in attending an opera, a night at the symphony, or even a ballet performance - join us for Forty Forward where they will all combine on one stage, for one night, for one price,” Pensacola Opera Marketing Director, Alex Hilkey said.
In addition to highlighting some of Pensacola Opera’s most beloved productions over the past forty years, the concert program will also introduce works never performed by the company. “The most exciting part of this concert for me is being able to perform challenging and exciting pieces of operatic repertoire that we wouldn’t normally get to produce in our mainstage season,” Conductor and Pensacola Opera Music Director, Cody Martin said. Examples include the sumptuous final trio from Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier – one of the grandest Romantic operas ever performed, and Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams – a symphonic tribute to the power of music written for 16 soloists breaking into as many as 12 parts and full orchestra. Ballet Pensacola will also offer a special interpretation of the Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana.
“To end the program, we are doing one of my all time favorite pieces of music, Make our Garden Grow from Leonard Bernstein's Candide. You would be hard pressed to find a better way to end a concert than with this electrifying selection written for two soloists and a powerful ensemble. With all of these new selections paired with familiar hits including the beloved Nessun Dorma, I think this concert will be like nothing the city of Pensacola has ever seen,” McKern said.
Tickets to Pensacola Opera’s anniversary concert range from $25 to $75. Tickets can be purchased online at pensacolaopera.com, from the Saenger website and by calling the Pensacola Opera office at 850-433-6737. More information can be found at pensacolaopera.com/event/ forty-forward.
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE TRADITION OF WINTERFEST STARTED WITH A SINGLE HISTORIC TROLLEY TOUR? After years of new ideas and exciting developments, downtown Pensacola's Winterfest has grown into a must-see family event.
It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit, and this year, Winterfest is kicking off the festivities earlier than ever before. This year’s event will run November 18 through December 24 and feature updated tours, returning event favorites and more fun activities. The Winterfest festivities all take place at 223 South Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. This year’s Winterfest festivities will kick off with the Christmas Jubilee and the Elf Parade, which will be returning for the first time since before the pandemic. Each weekend throughout November and December, the streets of downtown Pensacola will come alive, and the entrance of the downtown courthouse will transform into the magical Plaza Wonderland, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the magic of the season.
The Elf Parade is a children’s focused, non-commercial event where kids are invited to dress up in costumes and participate in contests designed for their decorated wagons and strollers. Parents can also participate in an ugly sweater contest, to be judged by Dee Dee Davis, who serves as the Christmas Fashion Institute President. The parade will start at the Escambia County Courthouse and span for a few blocks to the plaza behind the Pensacola history museum where the Christmas Jubilee will be waiting.
“It’s all free at the Christmas Jubilee. It’s just our way of saying thank you to the people that came out and want
to go to Winterfest,” Winterfest Board President Denise Daughtry said.
This year, the Winterfest event and kick off will be scheduled differently. Typically held in the late afternoon, the popular Elf Parade will start earlier in the day to allow for a special jubilee celebration immediately following the parade. For about two hours after the parade, guests can hang out at the jubilee where they will have opportunities to win a variety of exciting prizes and visit the Christmas Market.
Josh Davidson, Winterfest Treasurer, said this new schedule will be more helpful to parents with young children and will also allow for more time for those without tour tickets to hang out a little longer and enjoy some of the fun festivities that Winterfest has to offer. The three themed trolley performance tours and other events will begin earlier this year, as well.
On November 25, the parade lineup and contests will begin at 12:30 pm, with a special kickoff party and market activities that will begin at 2 pm. Winterfest performances will be held on Friday nights at 5 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 pm, with performances running every 15 minutes up until 8 pm.
In addition to earlier start times and a host of additional activities to enjoy prior to this year’s tours, Winterfest guests can look forward to even more special engagements during the performance tours, special effects, new lighting and all-new costumes.
Santa Claus is coming to town and will be available for pictures after each trolley tour. Professional photos will be available for purchase and guests are welcome to bring their personal cameras to take pictures or video during their visit. Children can also bring their Christmas letters to give to the jolly man himself, or they can drop them off in mailboxes that will be stationed throughout the event space
November 18 & 20, 25 - 27 and December 2 & 3, 9 - 11, 16 - 18
& 20 - 24
Mr. Grinch sure is a mean one, but Santa’s favorite nemesis is begrudgingly allowing Winterfest guests to invade his space for a photo or two. Guests will meet the Grinch at his throne behind Santa’s sleigh. Unlike Santa, he likes to ask children what they don’t want for Christmas. Guests should take caution, as Mr. Grinch has some tricks up his sleeve and has a special lever that can launch guests out of their seats.
November 18 & 20, 25 - 27 and December 2 & 3, 9 - 11, 16 - 18 & 20 - 24
Grow your heart at Christmas on a wacky adventure on the stolen trolley. Mr. Grinch used all of the trash from Mt. Crumpit to craft the best trolley at Winterfest. Throughout the tour, guests will get to see more of Dr. Suess’s beloved characters, such as Cindy Lou Who, The Mayor of Whoville, The Cat in the Hat and
many more. As everyone knows, an evening in Whoville is the best way to get in the Christmas spirit. The Who’s aren’t sure how well this trip will work, but don’t worry, the Whoville Fire Department is ready with an emergency exit slide just in case. Guests can win the Grinch Award by wearing their best "Who" costume. The most Seusian-looking Who on each tour will win their entire party a train ticket, so come dressed to impress.
November 20 & 25 - 27 and December 2, 3, 9, 11, 17, 18 & 20 - 24
Join the Conductor for a magical journey through a wormhole in a life-size steam engine, the Polar Express. Share in the adventure as the Conductor recounts the story of the boy who received the first gift of Christmas: a bell from Santa’s sleigh. Onboard the Polar Express Tour, guests will see tap dancing hot chocolate servers and snowy landscapes. Rekindle the wonder of the beloved storybook, along with the belief in the magic of Christmas. All passengers will receive a
mini cup of hot chocolate. Come dressed in pajamas, if you’d like. The best pajama set will win a ticket to ride the train. Remember to dress warm and cozy for this open-air trolley ride.
November 20 & 25 - 27 and December 2, 3, 9, 11, 17, 18 & 20 - 24
This year, Scrooge is getting his very own trolley. Take part in some ghostly fun with the classic tale: A Christmas Carol. Beginning at the steps of the old courthouse for a free to the public pre-show, guests will encounter Ebenezer Scrooge’s long-deceased partner Jacob Marley. Marley wears many chains around him with each link representing a selfish misdeed from his life. Marley must make Scrooge change his ways before it’s too late and Scrooge faces the same fate as Marley. Soon after, guests will meet the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as they show Scrooge how he became so callous toward others, what the true meaning of Christmas is and that fortune isn’t as important as he thought.
Encounter the Ghost of Christmas Future at the Winterfest event and get a photo taken with your own tombstone including a personalized epitaph. There will be 12 styles of epitaphs for you to choose from.
For tour tickets and complete details on this year’s Winterfest events, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.
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If you have been on social media or done some online shopping recently, you may have noticed the abundance of mushroom-themed products. Social media influencers, foodies and health gurus alike are raving about the life-changing benefits of incorporating mushrooms into their lifestyles. From hundreds of new mushroom-infused beauty products on Amazon to health supplements, tinctures,
topical creams and more, mushroomrelated products are being sold practically everywhere. To get the scoop on the latest craze of mushroom madness and to learn more about why people are implementing mushrooms in their daily lives, we went local and spoke with self-taught mycologist Troy Groff of Lost Bay Farm And Gardens at 11545 Sorrento Road in Pensacola.
Groff has been growing mushrooms since 2016 when he took on mycology (the study of fungi) full-time by reading books, watching videos and experimenting. He has grown mushrooms commercially since 2018 and has worked at Pensacola’s Lost Bay Farm And Gardens for over a year. Groff first connected with Lost Bay owners Brian Barr and Bill McLendon after his own growing operations were shut down as a result of the pandemic. Barr and McLendon invited Groff to move his operation to Lost Bay and the
team has been working together ever since.
Lost Bay grows a colorful assortment of mushrooms several types of tree oysters including blue, pink and golden oysters, as well as black pearls, king trumpets, lion's mane and more. They currently sell eight types of gourmet edible mushrooms, but are working on growing new types to begin selling in the near future.
According to Groff, lion’s mane is the most sought-after species of mushroom. “Lion's mane is probably our
number one seller right now,” he said. “It has erinacines in it, which are really good for your brain. It helps with memory and focus. They're actually trialing it on dementia and Alzheimer's patients,” he explained.
You do not have to eat mushrooms with every meal to reap their benefits. Lost Bay also offers lion’s mane tinctures, capsules and powder for adding into things such as coffees, teas and smoothies.
Lion’s mane is not the only type of mushroom with health benefits, however. “Almost all mushrooms have vitamin D and different
vitamin Bs, they have beta-glucans in them (which support blood sugar and cholesterol regulation), ergothioneine which are good cancer fighters, plus iron, protein and fiber,” Groff explained.
Many people are also consuming mushrooms for their unique flavors and not just for their health benefits. Groff explained that some people prefer to eat mushrooms in a more traditional way by utilizing them when cooking, and often as a meat substitute as well. The protein and iron content of mushrooms coupled with their umami flavor and versatility make these delectable fungi desirable for just about any type of plant-based cooking.
Because mushrooms are sought after for a bounty of reasons, Lost Bay grows and cultivates more than 100 lbs. of mushrooms per week, and Groff says they hope to triple that number in the near future. To accommodate such high production, a new and much larger growing lab was recently constructed. The lab is a critical component for the farm’s overall growing operation, as mushrooms must be grown in a controlled and sterile environment in order to successfully grow healthy mushrooms. “Contamination is one of the biggest issues in growing mushrooms,” Groff said.
Inside the lab, Groff propagates mushrooms from various cultures. A mushroom culture can be taken from spores or the tissue of another mushroom. “We grow our mushrooms from cultures and we have Petri dishes that we grow our cultures on,” he explained. “We also have a liquid culture that we use to grow our mushrooms on and then we transfer
that to sterilized grain and from the sterilized grain it goes into our bulk substrate. That's basically how we grow our mushrooms.”
The overall growth process can be long and depending on the type of mushroom, this process can take anywhere from one to four months.
To cut out the lengthy process for those looking to grow their own mushrooms at home, Lost Bay offers grow blocks that include all of the necessary supplies and materials for growing your own mushrooms.
“We make it super easy for people– all they have to do is cut the bag open, spray it and you have mushrooms. We have about five different kinds that you can get,” Groff said. The grow kits are available for purchase at Lost Bay Farm And Gardens or at the Palafox Market on Saturdays at which they are a regular vendor at. Lost Bay also pops up at various events and markets throughout town, most recently at the Vegan Market at Trader Bo’s. In addition to the grow kits, they
sell a variety of other mushroom products, including the lion’s mane tinctures and powders, dehydrated mushrooms, and freeze-dried mushrooms that have a long shelf life. Whichever form of mushrooms interest you, Groff can certainly help you find a product that fits your lifestyle.
If you are interested in learning more about the wondrous world of mushrooms, you can stop by the Palafox Market or visit Lost Bay Farm And Gardens located at 11545 Sorrento Road in Pensacola. You can also find them online at lostbayfarmandgardens. com or follow Lost Bay Farm And Gardens on Facebook.
Pink Oyster Mushroom
By Kelly Oden
While citrus tends to bring to mind cool glasses of lemonade on hot summer days, the truth is, citrus season actually starts in the fall here in Northwest Florida. Beginning in late October, backyard growers start to see the actual fruit of their labor in the form of plump lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits and more. Meyer lemons, in particular, are a favorite along the Gulf Coast. Believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, Meyers are favored for their thin, edible skin and their sweet juice. The Meyer originated in China, where it was primarily used as a decorative houseplant. Frank Meyer, a plant explorer for the United States Department of Agriculture, brought the plant to the United States in 1908. It has since become one of the most widely used citrus fruits and is a favorite of backyard growers.
Established Meyer trees can often bear more fruit than the average person knows what to do with. Sweeter than your average lemon, Meyers can grow to the size of small grapefruits, and their thin skin and juiciness lends itself to a number of culinary uses. So, what do you do once you’ve juiced a few dozen Meyers and still have more left on the tree? We’ve gathered up a handful of recipes that aim to preserve your harvest in delicious ways, plus a few that will just simply taste good right now.
Preserved lemons are a fantastic way to keep lemon season going all year long—plus, they smell like heaven and taste like salty sunshine.
• 8 to 10 Meyer lemons
• 1/2 to 1 cup kosher salt
• Extra fresh squeezed lemon juice, if needed
• 2 or 3 small wide-mouth canning jars
Rinse and scrub the lemons to remove any wax or blemishes. Remove any stem or leaves and trim 1/4 inch from the tip of the lemons. Cut the lemons into quarters, but keep the lemon attached at the base—do not cut all the way through. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to the bottom of a sterilized wide-mouthed canning jar. Pull open lemons (keeping them attached) and fill with salt. Add salted lemons to the jar, one at a time. Press each lemon firmly into the jar to release juices. Continue adding lemons and salt until the jar is tightly packed and the juice reaches the top of the jar and covers lemons. Add more salt and fresh lemon juice to the top as needed. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 4 to 6 weeks. Turn every day or two to dissolve and distribute salt.
Preserved lemons can be used in almost any recipe that would benefit from a bold spark of citrus. The most common way to use them is to rinse the preserved rind briefly and mince. Add minced lemon to dressings, marinades, rice, or any recipe. The brine makes an excellent addition to marinades. You can even puree the preserved lemons and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add puree to recipes, yogurt, cocktails and more.
This basic lemon pepper is delicious on absolutely everything. Keep it simple or add a few extra ingredients to create a seasoning blend.
• 4 tablespoon lemon zest, about 5-6 lemons (for best results, use a microplane)
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
Spread lemon zest on a foil-lined pan. Bake on lowest setting until completely dry. In a small bowl, mix dried zest, pepper and salt. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Store in an airtight container.
Add two tablespoons of garlic powder and one tablespoon of onion powder to the lemon pepper mix.
Lemon curd is a deliciously decadent treat that can be used as a base for tarts and pies, added to yogurt or ice cream, or just eaten by the spoonful.
• 1 teaspoon Meyer lemon zest
• 6 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice (2-3 lemons depending on the size)
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Lemon infused vodka makes for a bright and zesty mixer for many refreshing cocktails. Add a little sugar and you’ve got sweet lemon drops to sip or shoot.
• 2 cups vodka (neutral flavor)
• 3 medium lemons, rinsed well and quartered
• Quart size Mason jar with lid
This recipe makes excellent use of leftover peels from juicing. While this recipe calls for lemons, any citrus will work— you can even mix them together. While this cleaner works great on most hard surfaces, it is not recommended for granite, marble, or other porous stone surfaces. It is also not recommended for use on natural hardwood floors or wood furniture. When in doubt, test in an inconspicuous place.
Set a stovetop burner to low. Whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and eggs in a saucepan. Whisk constantly until thickened. Add the butter pieces one at a time and whisk continuously until melted. Continue whisking until the curd is smooth and thick and coats the back of a spoon with no movement. Remove from the heat immediately. Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, making sure plastic wrap touches all of the curd to prevent a film from forming. Chill the curd in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
Place quartered lemons and vodka in the Mason jar. Seal and store in a dark, cool place for one to four weeks, testing each week until mixture reaches desired flavor. Remove lemons and strain vodka. Return to the jar and seal. Enjoy with your favorite mixer. Store in the refrigerator.
For a sweeter vodka (like a lemon drop), add ½ to 1 cup of sugar, to taste.
• Lemon peels
• Distilled white vinegar
• Water (optional)
• Airtight Glass Container
• Spray Bottle
Add a sprig or two of aromatic rosemary, sage or thyme to the solution before sealing. Dilute with a small amount of water in the spray bottle for a milder cleaner.
Fill the glass container to the top with lemon peels. Add vinegar to cover peels completely. Seal the jar and let sit for two weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain the solution and pour into a spray bottle.
Contributed by Morgan Cole
This family recipe for Meyer Lemon Upside-Down Cornmeal Cake is perfect for the upcoming holidays, especially with the citrus season in full bloom. The ombre-like effect that the layered lemon slices create on top of the cake make this dish a stunning addition to any holiday spread.
Servings = 8
Prep Time & Cook Time = 1 hr 45 min
Ingredients
• Cooking-oil spray
• 3/4 cup butter, softened, divided
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 or 3 whole Meyer lemons, plus zest of 2 large Meyer lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup fine cornmeal, such as Bob's Red Mill
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray inside of a 9-inch springform pan with cooking-oil spray. Snugly line pan with a 12-inch circle of parchment paper, pressing pleats flat. Spray parchment with oil; set aside
Bring 1/4 cup butter and the brown sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Pour into a lined pan and spread evenly.
Thinly slice 2 lemons crosswise, using a handheld slicer and removing seeds with a knife tip as you go. Discard ends. Set a small lemon slice in the center of the butter mixture in the pan. Arrange more slices in overlapping circles to fill the pan (each slice should overlap the previous one by half). Save any extra lemon for other uses.
Beat remaining 1/2 cup butter, the granulated sugar, and lemon
zest in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed to blend, then on high until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1 egg at a time, scraping inside of the bowl and beating well on high speed, about 1 minute per egg. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Combine milk and vanilla.
Add a third of flour mixture to butter mixture and blend on low speed; scrape inside of bowl. Blend in half of the milk mixture. Repeat to incorporate remaining ingredients, ending with flour mixture. Pour batter into pan; spread evenly.
Bake until the cake springs back in the center when lightly pressed, 50 to 55 minutes (it will be well browned). Let cool in the pan on a rack for at least 2 hours. Run a thin knife between parchment and pan; release rim. Invert cake onto a plate. Remove parchment and cut cake with a serrated knife.
Helpful Tip: For an even circle, use a pencil to trace around a 12-inch plate onto parchment Make Ahead: Up to 1 day
The traditionally humble casserole can be considered the supporting cast of the holiday feast. Often overshadowed by the glitzier and more glamorous stars of the show like turkey, prime rib or crown roast, the casserole brings interest and variety to the table by offering complementary flavors, textures and colors in the form of fall harvest vegetables. We’ve asked a few local chefs for their takes on the quintessential holiday dish and they’ve offered up a few ideas that are sure to win best actor nods at your holiday dinner this year. Bon appétit!
Photos by DanaDay Photography
This creamy casserole gives the often under rated Brussels sprout the holiday respect they deserve. Brussels pair well with so many flavors and here they are complemented by a velvety, cheesy veloute and thick chunks of small batch bacon. This casserole will be a crowd pleaser at any family holiday gathering!
Place a 4-quart saucepot on the stove on medium heat and add the oil. Once the pot is hot, add the onions, celery, carrots and cook for 2 minutes stirring as it cooks. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add the stock and bring to a boil, stirring occasion ally so the vegetables don’t stick to the bottom. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cook until the stock has reduced by 40 to 50 percent. Add the heavy cream, return to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Slowly pour the stock and cream mixture into a blender, then blend smooth. Pour the blended mixture through a strainer and set aside. In a small saute pan, add the butter and melt on medium heat. Once melted, slowly add the flour, whisking con stantly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and set aside. Return the blended stock and cream mixture to the stove and return to a boil. Slowly add the butter and flour mixture (roux), whisking constantly, and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat; then slowly add the cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is completely melted. Salt and pepper to taste.
Place a large cast iron pan on the stove on medium heat. Add the large pieces of diced bacon and render down until it’s nice and crispy, but not overdone. Remove the bacon and drain 50 percent of the fat. Return the pan to the stove and add the brussels sprouts to the pan. Mix the brussels sprouts with the remaining bacon fat, coating well. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat without stirring to create a nice crust on the sprouts. Gently stir in 3/4 of the bacon and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Re move from heat.
Mix the panko breadcrumbs and lemon zest together; set aside.
In a greased 10x12 casserole dish add the brussels and bacon mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over the brus sels sprouts and stir gently. Top with the remaining bacon and panko mix ture and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place uncovered in a 350-degree oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3/4 cup diced celery
• 3/4 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 pound American cheese
• 2 pounds halved brussels sprouts
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced large (preferably a small-batch bacon like Bill-E’s)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup lemon zest
• 4 confit duck legs, meat and skin picked off bone (cooking instruc tions below)
• 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (medium dice)
• 1 green apple (medium dice)
• ½ cup green olives (sliced in half)
• 2 Yukon gold potatoes (medium dice)
• ½ cup bacon
• 2 cups sourdough bread (medium dice)
• 1 cup chicken or duck stock
• ½ cup fresh herbs – equal parts parsley/tarragon (chopped)
• ½ stick butter
Duck legs can be cooked in duck fat in the oven to confit for about 4 hours at 300 degrees or until bone comes out with ease, or sous vide at 165 degrees for 24 hours. You can also order them precooked. Markys or D’Artagnan are good online purchase options.
Sauté shallot, garlic, celery, potatoes, bacon and green olives in butter. Let butter brown a bit. Cook the mix until just barely tender as it will cook more when baking the casserole.
Mix all ingredients together and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Courtesy of Chef Blake Rushing, Union Public House
Bringing earthy fall flavors to the table is a Thanksgiving-must, and this vegan-friendly casserole compliments the flavors of your Thanksgiving centerpiece or is delicious enough to stand on its own! With a short list of ingredients you might al ready have on hand, Chef Gus Silivos' Kale & Butternut Squash Casserole can easily be made ahead so you have something delicious for the table already checked off on the big day.
• 1 half butternut squash
• 8 ounces chopped kale
• 3 tablespoons diced onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 4 slices vegan smoked gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• salt & pepper to taste
• Breadcrumb Topping Mix the panko breadcrumbs and lemon zest together; set aside.
Courtesy of Chef Gus Silivos, Nancy's Catering and Events Serves 4 as a main dish, 6 as a side
Peel and dice butternut squash into small pieces.
Salt and pepper the butternut squash to taste then driz zle with olive oil. Roast in preheated 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
Heat sauté pan. Add EVOO and onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic. Add kale until wilted, then add roasted butternut. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
Place in ovenware dish, top with cheese and walnuts. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Serve warm.
(vegan & gluten free)• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2" dice
• 2 yellow beets, peeled and cut in 1/2" dice
• 2 leeks, sliced thin
• 1 small yellow onion, diced small
• 3 carrots, peeled and dices small
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mixed mushrooms
• 1 lion’s mane, oyster mushroom, trimmed
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sea salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 to 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons almond or soy milk
A modern take on a cool weather favorite. It's flaky crust, meaty mushrooms and fresh herbs bring this cozy and healthy dish together to welcome the fall season.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss sweet potatoes and beets in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 2 teaspoons of salt. Pour onto parchment lined sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes until lightly crisp. Heat remaining olive oil in a large pot. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then quickly add leek, onion, carrot and celery. Sauté until translucent and carrots have softened. Add mushrooms and herbs. Sauté until mushrooms are cooked through, pressing down briefly on the lion’s mane with the back of a spatula. Add 1 cup vegetable broth and yeast flakes, stir to combine and cook until thickened. Add more broth, if needed. Lightly oil a pie plate, fill with mixture, top with puff pastry and brush with milk. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes or longer.
(vegan) Courtesy of Jen Knight, End of the Line Café
With over 50 participating local attorneys experienced in many different areas of law, we can help you find an attorney to handle your case.
Your call is free. When you meet with your lawyer, there will be a small fee of $40.00 for the first half-hour consultation. Fees for additional services after the first half-hour are arranged between you and your lawyer.
do not have attorneys who accept
bono or contingency cases.
November Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.
November 11 at 7:05 pm - Fayetteville Marksmen vs Ice Flyers; Veterans Appreciation Night
November 12 at 7:05 pm - Fayetteville Marksmen vs Ice Flyers; Small Dog Race Night
November 19 at 7:05 pm - Roanoke Rail Yard Dogs vs Ice Flyers; Star Wars Night
November 23 at 7:05 pm - Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Thanksgiving Eve
November 1, 2, 8 & 9
DoD identification card holders and their guests who are able to access Naval Air Station Pensacola and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum can view the Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations directly from the flight deck. The gates open at 9:30 am, with the Blue Angels taking off around 10:30 am. Practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises and various locations throughout downtown Pensacola.
The 38th annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is an 11 day-long festival featuring performances by over 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters. The festival will take place at a variety of venues all across the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast. The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival allows artists to share their songs and the stories behind them. A variety of venues are participating in the festival, including bars, restaurants and more. The festival will be held from November 3 to 13 with performance times varying each day. The festival’s full schedule including times, venues, acts and other information is available online at frankbrownsongwriters.com.
Get an exclusive viewing of the purely Pensacola film, Sacred, at this special Black Tie Premiere. Sacred is a drama movie that was created and filmed in Pensacola. The plot revolves around the “first family”, the Brooks’, and their fight to rule over the City of Pensacola. The film is filled with drama, secrets and deceit that will keep audience members on the edge of their seats. The event begins at 7 pm and runs till 9 pm. The premiere will be hosted at the WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at 1000 College Boulevard, Building #23. Ticket prices start at $30. For more information visit eventbrite.com.
The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of the most attended events in Pensacola, attracting 150,000-180,000 spectators every year. This two-day event features a world class show with aerobatics performed by Pensacola’s own Blue Angels. This event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring their own seating or purchase seating. Seating is available for purchase with the option of box seats on the flight line and a more lux seating experience featuring a reserved table, catered buffet and private restrooms. The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is held at Naval Air Station Pensacola at 150 Hase Road. Gates open at 8 am and the show begins at 9:30 am. For tickets and more information, visit naspensacolaairshow.com.
The 2nd annual Pensacola Maker Faire is a free family-friendly event featuring over 100 makers showcasing their creativity and ingenuity. Some makers will be doing demonstrations or selling goods and others will be offering attendees workshops or other hands-on activities. Makers include students from the UWF College of Science and Engineering, UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Pensacon, Sea3D Lab, IHMC Robotics, Pensacola MESS Hall, Pensacola State College, Pensacola Museum of Art, First City Arts
Center, local businesses and the community at large. The Pensacola Maker Faire will run from 10 am to 4 pm at the UWF Historic District’s Museum Plaza Park (201 E Zaragoza Street). For more information, visit pensacola.makerfaire.com or check out @pensacolamakerfaire on Facebook and Instagram.
Pensacola EggFest combines the love of cooking and the joy of giving back. At EggFest, teams from all across the country will cook up their favorite dishes on a Big Green Egg and serve hundreds of tasters.
Pensacola EggFest donates to local charities including Rally Pensacola, Manna Food Pantries, Studer Community Institute and more. Since 2013, over $500,000 has been donated to local charities from this BBQ party. This year’s Pensacola EggFest will be held from 12 pm to 3 pm on November 13 at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Tickets to be a taster start at $45 and kids 10 and under are free. For team registration and ticket information visit pensacolaeggfest.com.
November 17
The Pensacola Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Street is hosting Dirty Dancing in Concert, the film’s live film to concert experience. Attendees will enjoy the classic film like never before on a cinema screen with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. After the film, the band will perform an encore party in which guests can sing and dance along to their favorite Dirty Dancing tracks. This concert experience provides a fresh take on the 1980s classic film. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the show start at $47. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Kick off the Thanksgiving Day festivities early by participating in or watching the Pensacola Turkey Trot. This 5k race’s course runs through the heart of downtown Pensacola, with the race beginning and ending in front of Seville Square 399 S Alcaniz Street. Attendees and runners alike are invited to get in the spirit by dressing up in their most fitting turkey-themed apparel. The race begins at 8 am on Thanksgiving Day. A post race party and awards ceremony will be held at Seville Square. For more information, visit runpensacola.com/event/ pensacola-turkey-trot.
Legendary soul group Earth, Wind & Fire are stopping by the Pensacola Saenger Theatre (118 South Palafox Street) on their “Legacy Reunion of Earth, Wind and Fire Alumni” tour. Relive the glory days of the best jazz, R&B, funk, disco, and soul music while boogying with the group. Earth, Wind & Fire have a decade-long career in which they garnered 20 Grammy nominations and won 6 Grammy awards. Earth, Wind & Fire are playing the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on the 26th night of November, and you won’t want to miss it! Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the show start at $34. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Christian contemporary group Casting Crowns are bringing their “The Healer” tour to the Pensacola Bay Center. Performing since 1999, Casting Crowns has become one of the most popular names in Christian music. The Grammy award winning group will be bringing their songs to the Bay Center at 201 E Gregory Street. Attendees can expect a night of worship music with songs such as “Only Jesus,” “Praise You In This Storm” and more. The event also includes additional performances by fellow Christian contemporary artists CAIN and Anne Wilson. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.
The Snowball Derby is an annual 300-lap short track race that has solidified its place in short track racing history. This four-day event has attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in short track racing, some of the sport's biggest fans and even NASCAR. In 2017, NASCAR changed the dates of their Cup Series prize-giving banquet so that drivers would be able to participate in the Snowball Derby, which previously conflicted with the event. In previous years, NASCAR’s Kyle Busch has won and Steve Wallace, Bobby Gill and Chase Elliot have participated in the event. The 55th Annual Snowball Derby will be held at Five Flags Speedway at 7451 Pine Forest Road. For tickets and more information, call (850) 944-8400 or visit 5flagsspeedway.com.
The Holiday Market at Seville Square is the perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done and have some fun. The market will feature a variety of vendors selling art, holiday-themed decor, gifts and more. There will also be several food trucks, raffles and live entertainment. The event is family-friendly and features arts and crafts and a bounce house to keep the kids occupied while you shop. Admission is free and the event runs from 10 am to 5 pm at Seville Square (311 East Government Street). Whether you need to pick up a few gifts or find some holiday decor, the Holiday Market at Seville Square has you covered. For more information, visit apexshowsandevents.com/holiday-market.
2022 marks the tenth year for O’Riley’s Santa Pub Crawl, which benefits Toys for Tots, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Shriner's International. Crawlers will get jolly while supporting a good cause with 22oz. themed mug refills for $5 Bud Light draft and $7 Jingle Juice cocktails. To add to the Christmas cheer, guests are asked to get as creative as possible with Santa-themed costumes. The pub crawl kicks off at 4 pm at O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown, 321 South Palafox Street, runs to Seville, and back to O'Riley's for the afterparty and raffles at 10 pm. Pub crawl attendees must bring a donation for Shriners International, St. Jude or an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots in order to register. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com.
by Morgan Cole
With 1,142 members this year, IMPACT 100 was able to award $103,820 to each of the eleven nonprofit organizations for a total community impact of $1,142,020. Since its inception in 2004, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has awarded 142 grants totaling $15,092,020 to Pensacola Bay Area community organizations. The IMPACT grant process is a rigorous one; but very rewarding for the nonprofits chosen as recipients.
On October 16, IMPACT 100 Pensac ola Bay Area announced the eleven grant recipients selected at this year’s Annual Meeting, which was held as an online event. Each of the selected non profit organizations will each receive a grant of $103,820 from the members of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area to support their specific project or initiative.
“IMPACT members were able to choose to meet at either in-person Fo cus Area Committees or virtual Focus Area Committees,” Roz Leahy, pres ident of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area said. “Again, this year, hundreds of IMPACT 100 members participated in the process to review each grant application, conduct site visits to all applicants, and select finalists from each Focus Area Committee. We are so thankful for our members who par
ticipated and to our volunteer board. Their dedication enables IMPACT 100 to continue serving the community we love.”
The IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Grant Recipients for 2022 are as fol lows.
Pensacola Little Theatre Inc.
It Starts with Art: Building the Foundation of Arts Education at Pensacola Little Theatre
Pensacola Little Theatre's project reimagines the classroom space and how it is best utilized to grow its out reach and impact. The Rehearsal Hall, home to the education department, trains students in everything from Broadway Babies to Acting for Adults through studying diverse artforms like improv, scriptwriting, musical theatre,
choreography, stage combat and tech nical production. The program offers a well-rounded curriculum using art as a tool to instill fundamental skill sets in students like self-confidence, public speaking, perspective, collaboration, and understanding diverse viewpoints. The IMPACT 100 grant funds will be used to overhaul the space to cre ate a classroom setting that is more functional, innovative, accessible and fun so PLT can accommodate more students and elevate their educational experience. The funds will be used for the labor cost of installation and includes all site preparation, demoli tion of existing cabinetry, disposal of unnecessary items, and cleanup.
Santa Rosa Community Theatre Inc.: Provide a State-of-the-Art Theatre for Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa Community Theatre’s rel atively small theatre group of talented and dedicated actors, technicians and volunteers have supported the theatre and been its lifeblood since its incep tion. Together, they have transformed a vacant space into a performing arts theatre and brought it up to code, erecting walls, installing lighting, building risers and much more. They have demonstrated a commitment to the high standards of much larger performing theatre companies through their productions. In 2022, SRCT successfully increased their annual number of performances from six to eight. The IMPACT 100 grant funds will be used to update the antiquated theatre and transform it into a stateof-the-art performing arts center by replacing outdated equipment with modern, state-of-the-art equipment that meets current theatre standards. This includes a new lighting system, new sound system, adjustable/porta ble stage, curtains and rigging system, and an exterior LED lighted sign.
The project will significantly expand the Freedom Schools program begin ning the summer of 2023. Through
partnership with the school district and UWF, Freedom Schools will provide a six-week summer enrichment program in two locations for 150 elementary and middle school students whose reading level is below grade level and whose families are living in poverty. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund services for the students. Grant funds will cover the Children's Defense Fund national program fees of $285 each for 150 students, which include new books for the children to keep, curriculum and staff training. The Freedom Schools will utilize ECSD personnel. The grant will cover payroll costs for ECSD security personnel, custodial services, and medical clinic services at the two Freedom Schools locations. Funding will cover the cost of vehicle rental and drivers for the days the county buses are unavailable (Fridays and the month of July), as well as classroom supplies, health and safety supplies and meals and nutritional items that the USDA does not cover.
At this time, Healing Paws for Warriors is reliant upon volunteers using their personal vehicles to tow their oper ations trailer. These operations trail ers contain all the field supplies and necessary materials specific to each type of planned event or activity. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund an appro priately equipped and durable truck with ample load and towing capacity to pull an existing Healing Paws for Warriors operations trailer. Additionally, it will transport veterans and service dogs to various outreach, education al, fundraising and training events. The grant will also fund the purchase of truck accessories and insurance coverage. The operational trailer sup ports many events, including Veteran Outreach, Mental Health Education, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Military Sexual Assault and Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery programs and dog rescue efforts.
Through KPB's mission, programs, and services, there is a constant focus on revitalizing, restoring and enhancing the environment in Escambia County. Currently, personal vehicles are used for programs. The IMPACT funds will allow Keep Pensacola Beautiful to purchase one new Services Truck and one new Programs Van. The van will be an addition to the current fleet and be used solely for programs, initia tives and outreach in the community. Both of these vehicles will be used throughout all of Escambia County, allowing KPB to more effectively fulfill its purpose and enhance the quality of life across all five districts of Escam bia County. With the Programs Van, KPB will be able to travel to each of the Escambia County Schools with all of the supplies needed in one trip to the school. With the new Services Truck, the services team will be able to service Escambia County's parks and boat ramps more effectively.
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Inc.: From Hatchlings to Adults, Come Join Us on Our Journey
Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conserva tion Center’s visitation continues to grow, and the current building reaches maximum capacity quickly. This means visitors must wait outside, often in in clement weather, until there is room to accommodate additional guests. The IMPACT grant will fund a portion of an expansion that will provide a hands-on Enclosed Interpretive Education Room and a Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue Assessment Area where guests can begin the educational process. This enclosed space will have two entrance and exit doors and at least four win dows and skylights. Static and interac tive educational displays will connect guests with sea turtles and marine and coastal ecosystems and inspire visitors to work toward protecting these valu able natural resources. The space will feature a garage door to facilitate night
storage for the utility terrain vehicle that the Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue Team uses to transport the rescued sea turtles from the Navarre Pier to a private vehicle that takes these sea tur tles to a rehabilitation facility.
Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence, Inc.: Parent University: Bridging Resources and Community Needs
Parent University provides hands-on lessons and resources for parents to become more engaged in their chil dren’s education. Education, services, and resources are based on the choice and requests of parents, and the skills learned not only help them with their children but also employment, money management, and healthier lifestyle choices. The target population is parents of children enrolled in the Es cambia County Public School System. Of the approximate 37,000 students, 53% are from low-income families with resource constraints. During the 2021-2022 school year, the Parent University program reached 1,000 par ents through 10 events annually. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund the expan sion of Parent University in Escambia County by approximately 30 percecnt. Funds will pay for a 3-event expansion in the 2022-2023 school year, with the cost for each event averaging $34,150.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Inc.: Community Land Trust - Affordable Housing in Perpetuity
Increasing expenses, inflation, stag nant salaries, and the pandemic have pushed families into the low-income range and drastically increased de mand for affordable housing. Rising real estate values and limited rental options have reduced the supply of affordable housing. As costs increase, building affordable homes for those in the "very low- income" range, or 30 to 50 percent AMI, is not sustain able long-term for Pensacola Habitat. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund the purchase of a minimum of 6 individual parcels of land, which will be added to a Community Land Trust (CLT). The CLT is a legal trust entity wholly owned
by Pensacola Habitat with terms to include 99-year land leases and the requirement that CLT homes be resold only to those in the 30 to 80 percent AMI. Once the CLT is established, Pensacola Habitat will transfer owner ship of the parcels to it. Once the land is placed into the CLT, the trust per manently defines them as affordable housing. Pensacola Habitat will prep sites and build homes for qualified buyers as they do currently; however, these homes are designated for those in the "very low-income" range for the 99-year lease term in the trust.
District One Medical Examiner Support, Inc.: Family Advocacy Rep resentative - providing support to Family, Community, and Staff
Victim advocate services are provided by other agencies in cases of criminal activity or influence; however, in the majority of D1MEO cases the sudden loss that is experienced does not involve criminal charges and the nextof-kin are left without critical support. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund a D1MEO Family Advocate position to provide direct customer and support services to families that have lost a loved one to an unexplained or sus picious death, including overdoses, suicides, and child death scenarios. The Family Advocate, based in the Pensacola office and serving Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents, will create an avenue for families to have a point of contact with medical examiner staff for family follow-up until the case is complete. It will allow for collabora tion with medical examiners and death investigators to provide timely and accurate case information to family members.
The Backpack Program and School Pantry Program do not benefit from federal and state funding and are entirely reliant on obtaining multiple funding sources, including private support and grants. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund the expansion of the Backpack Program and School Pantry
Programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Grant funds will pay for the startup costs of new Food Pantry loca tions and will be used for the purchase of supplies to include scales, cabinets, shelving, refrigerators and food to fund these programs during the 2023-2024 school year. The Florida Child Nutrition Programs Manager will contact each school site to verify interest and capac ity in participating in the program, pro vide training to the new schools, and determine the number of children eligi ble to be served each month. Once the sites are established and the school year has started, the Child Nutrition Programs Team will build food orders based on the number of children to be served at each site.
Healing Paws for Warriors, Inc.: Save a Veteran, Rescue a Dog: Mobile Unit
At this time, Healing Paws for Warriors is reliant upon volunteers using their personal vehicles to tow their oper ations trailer. These operations trail ers contain all the field supplies and necessary materials specific to each type of planned event or activity. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund an appro priately equipped and durable truck with ample load and towing capacity to pull an existing Healing Paws for Warriors operations trailer. Additionally, it will transport veterans and service dogs to various outreach, education al, fundraising and training events. The grant will also fund the purchase of truck accessories and insurance coverage. The operational trailer sup ports many events, including Veteran Outreach, Mental Health Education, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Military Sexual Assault and Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery programs as well as dog rescue efforts. Having a dedi cated tow vehicle enhances the visual presence of HP4W to bring individuals to the table where vital information is provided, and a safe relationship with HP4W is established.
For complete details on this year’s IM PACT 100 grant recipients and to learn more about membership opportunities, visit impact100pensacola.org.
The City of Pensacola has completed the 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey, gathering valuable feedback from residents about areas of success with city services and identifying opportunities for improvement. A total of 1,133 residents completed the online survey to provide their input.
The survey was conducted by the University of West Florida Haas Center to assess resident satisfaction with a variety of city services and determine residents' top priorities for the City of Pensacola. Data will be used by the city to identify budget priorities and areas for improvement to provide high quality services to residents.
"Resident feedback is incredibly important for us to continue to enhance the services we provide to our residents and keep improving the quality of life in the City of Pensacola," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "I am proud to have conducted this survey all four years I served as Mayor, and I'd like to thank every resident who took the time to provide us with their valuable feedback to help us succeed. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the City of Pensacola as we work together to continue to improve our community."
Highlights from the survey results include:
• 80 percent of participants found the Mayor’s Bulk Cleanup (Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup) efforts either moderately, very, or extremely effective.
• Only 18 percent of respondents showed dissatisfaction with ease of obtaining information about City services.
• When participants rated their satisfaction with the city’s economic development efforts over the last year, they were most satisfied with public access to waterfront, with 41 percent of respondents either satisfied or very satisfied.
• 61 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the City of Pensacola has provided quality fire services over the past year, 57 percent agreed or strongly agreed that the city has provided quality parks and community centers over the past year, and 52 percent agreed or strongly agreed that the city has provided quality police services over the past year.
• Pensacola International Airport, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department services ranked higher in responsiveness and customer service than any other City of Pensacola departments.
• Pensacola Fire Department received the highest five star customer service satisfaction rating of any city department, with 77 percent of respondents giving PFD's customer service five star ratings. A total of 87 percent of respondents gave PFD four and five star customer service ratings.
• Other departments that received high customer service ratings included Pensacola International Airport (88 percent four and five star ratings), Pensacola Police Department (71 percent four and five star ratings), Sanitation Services (66 percent four and five star ratings), and Pensacola Energy (61 percent four and five star ratings).
• For the second consecutive year, more than half of respondents said they were satisfied with the City of Pensacola’s handling of COVID-19.
• Community safety is the top priority for responding residents, followed by housing and infrastructure.
Areas for improvement identified by the survey include:
• Two net promoter score questions suggest there is still some work for the city to do in order to move more residents from a “passive” category to “promoters” of the city as a recommended place to live and as a "City of Excellence."
• Customer service and responsiveness ratings with some outward-facing departments
• Continued improvements related to neighborhood safety, traffic safety and infrastructure
• Housing market affordability
The online survey period began in August 2022 and ended in September 2022.
The City of Pensacola is pleased to announce two promotions in Development Services and Planning and Zoning, with Cynthia Cannon promoted to the new Planning and Zoning Manager and Leslie Statler promoted to the new Development Services Coordinator.
"I'm excited to have Cynthia and Leslie's experience and institutional knowledge help lead the City of Pensacola's Development Services Department and Planning and Zoning Division as we work to continue to provide the best service possible to our residents," Mayor Grover Robinson said. "We know how important these services are as our city continues to grow and develop, and I look forward to further enhancing the level of service with an incredible leadership team in place."
Cynthia Cannon has been selected as the new Planning and Zoning Manager for the City of Pensacola, bringing over 25 years of experience in urban and comprehensive planning, project management and community resiliency to the position. In her new role as Planning and Zoning Manager, Cannon will be responsible for overseeing all activities of the Planning and Zoning Division within the Development Services Department, including coordinating and implementing the City of Pensacola's Comprehensive Plan.
Cannon has been with the city since 2019 as the Assistant Planning Services Administrator, also working for the city from 2011-2012 as the Administrator for the City of Pensacola Office of Sustainability. She earned her bachelor's degree in environmental resource management and planning from the University of West Florida, along with her master's degree in public administration and coastal zone management.
Prior to working for the city, Cannon served on the City of Pensacola Planning Board from 2009-2011. She has also been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2008.
Cannon's previous experience also includes serving as an Associate Planner with CH2M HILL, where she worked on military base master plans for U.S. and Iraqi military bases, and Senior Planner for West Florida Regional Planning Council implementing the U.S. EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program.
As the Planning and Zoning Manager, Cannon will work under the direction of Development Services Director Sherry Morris. Her responsibilities will include working with staff to implement sustainability and resiliency goals for the city, coordinating the division's long-range planning initiatives, preparing the division's annual budget and more. Cannon will also act as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies, along with working with various official citizen committees and boards to promote long term community resiliency.
Leslie Statler has been selected as the new
Development Services Coordinator for the City of Pensacola, bringing more than 20 years of planning and development experience to the position. As the Development Services Coordinator, Statler will be responsible for coordinating the city's "One Stop" Development Services, advising on Planning and Zoning regulations for development plans, and working with city review boards as needed.
Statler started at the City of Pensacola in 2016 as a Planner, later being promoted to a Senior Planner. She earned her bachelor's degree in building construction from the University of West Florida, along with a bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation/park administration from the University of Memphis and an associate's degree in pre-engineering from Pensacola Junior College (now Pensacola State College).
Statler's previous experience includes serving as a Planner III in Planning & Zoning for
Santa Rosa County, where she served as the staff coordinator for the Zoning Board before assuming a senior role in commercial development review, and a Clerk III in Building Inspections for the City of Pensacola. In her new role, Statler will work under the direction of Development Services Director Sherry Morris. Her responsibilities will include coordinating the City’s “OneStop” Development Services, in addition to reviewing plans, proposals, and permit applications for compliance with Planning and Zoning, providing guidance to developers and citizens on various planning and development matters. Statler will also research and recommend methods for improving plan review and permitting expediency, and will serve as a staff advisor to various city review boards as needed.
Market Highlights Sales slipped 10% compared to the same period last year. However, YTD sales were 2% over YTD sales reported in 2021.
The median sale price (both property types combined) was $315,000.
Compared to August, average DOM for residential and condos combined increased a week to 28 days.
Single Family inventory fell for the first time following four months of gains to 2,568.
September pending sales were virtually identical to the same month last year.
When it comes to upgrades and functional design, a rental property is often a space that's left on the backburner. Whether it's prepping for new tenants or simply giving a space a quick face lift, these projects can sometimes become overwhelming. See below for easy installation ideas and simple tips to ensure you have a fully functional bathroom with a beautiful design aesthetic.
It doesn't matter if the goal is to up grade a bathroom or if one is start ing from scratch, assuring the sink space is multi-functional is a crucial step! Replacing a faucet could seem daunting, but the Peerless® Precept® Single-Handle Bath Faucet makes this process a breeze. What's great about it is it saves both time and money as it comes with a Push Pop-Up Drain Assembly included! Unlike other drain assemblies that require multiple parts (and purchases), this user-friendly accessory works seamlessly with the faucet itself and comes with all neces sary parts to easily install it.
By simply pushing down on its head, a sink can quickly be filled up with water for a variety of uses. One can create an at-home ice water face dip for the ultimate self-care regimen, an emergency stain soak, or even a bath for the little ones.
A bathroom can easily feel cluttered when it has too many elements and colors. A simple way to forgo this overwhelming feeling is by imple menting a uniform finish. Not only will one finish and style lend clarity to a bathroom design, but it will also help deliver that polished and flawless look. For instance, for a bath space that has a black finish, small adds like a black-rimmed mirror, dark-stained stool, or charcoal vase will provide the accents to the overall color scheme. The possibilities are endless!
Rental property bathrooms often times deliver the bare minimum by only providing a basic toilet, working faucet and a showerhead. For those looking to level up their rental show er experience without breaking the
bank, an easy way in is by installing a multifunctional fixture beyond just a showerhead. The Peerless® Precept® Slide Bar with Hand Shower delivers just that. When added onto an existing showerhead, it can operate on its own or also at the same time, creating an instant at-home spa-like experience. Not to mention its pause feature re duces water to a trickle, giving space for shaving and lathering - ideal for any guest shower.
When thinking through ways to trans form a rental investment property, being efficient, yet thoughtful is the way to go. Extensive restorations are a thing of the past when one can find easy-to-install and functional items that still deliver a beautiful design. From unifying the color scheme to implementing new fixtures, even the slightest updates can make the big gest difference.
Did you know you and your fami ly might only have two minutes to escape from a fire in your home? Because fires can start and spread quickly, it's important to take steps to prevent fires from starting, learn about fire safety in the home and develop an escape plan.
For Fire Prevention Month, take time to bolster safety measures and help protect your loved ones from fire and other threats.
Here are a few tips to help improve fire safety around your home from The Home Depot.
You should install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including:
* Kitchen
* Every bedroom and outside all sleeping areas
* Living area
If you don't have smoke alarms, you need to cover more areas of your home or your alarms are more than 10 years old, one great option is the Kidde 10 Year Worry-Free Smoke Detector. This device operates on a 10-year, sealed, tamper-resistant lith ium battery, using ionization sensor technology to alert you to invisible fire particles, even during power outages. An internal timer alerts you to replace the detector after 10 years. If you're using a traditional battery-powered alarm, make sure you test it every month, replace batteries at least once a year and replace smoke alarm de vices every 10 years.
While escaping the house during a fire is vital, it is possible to stop very small fires, such as on your stovetop, from getting out of control. Put fire extin
guishers on each level of your home, near fire-prone areas like kitchens, fireplaces, garages or workshops.
Consider a Kidde Full Home Fire Extinguisher with Hose, Easy Mount Bracket and Strap for use in a ga rage, workshop or shed. Lightweight and durable, this fire extinguisher's flexible, extended hose makes it easy to aim, and the clear instruction label shows the steps to operate it safely. Replace fire extinguishers every 12 years or after use.
It's important to remember that fire extinguishers are only one element of a complete fire survival plan. Use your extinguisher only to keep a small self-contained fire from growing, only when the room is not filled with smoke, or to create a safe pathway out of the home.
To make sure your family is prepared for emergencies, it's crucial to cre ate a home fire escape plan for your household - which includes designating two exits from every room.
Once the plan is in place, practice your fire drill twice a year and review tips on how to prevent fires with fam ily members. Your plan should desig nate a clear meeting place at a safe distance from your home.
Within the plan, each family member or resident of the home should be as signed responsibilities in the case of a fire. For example, one member could be responsible for ensuring all infants and small children are accounted for when evacuating, while another mem ber could be tasked with directing any guests toward pre-approved exits. Once everyone is safely outside of the home, designate someone to ensure all parties remain outside of the home and another to call 911.
Once you've taken these steps to safeguard against fire hazards, you can also bolster protection from other risks, like carbon monoxide (CO). A great tool to help protect loved ones from multiple dangers is the combina tion Kidde SMART Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor. This all-in-one smart home safety device integrates smoke and CO detection with indoor air quality monitoring. A built-in air quali ty sensor measures levels of tempera ture, humidity and Total Volatile Or ganic Compounds (TVOC) - harmful chemicals in the air that can impact health - plus mold risk notification, which alerts you when humidity levels are high enough to be conducive to mold growth, with recommended steps to remedy the situation.
Ready to protect your home?
In honor of National Fire Prevention Month, The Home Depot is offering up to 30% off on select fire safety equip ment in select stores through October. The Home Depot offers buy online and pickup in-store for all the above products, along with secure storage locker pickup for fast and convenient shopping, giving you peace of mind as quickly as possible.
Visit HomeDepot.com/firesafetyevent to learn more.
Prepping windows for cold, gusty weather is essential no matter your home’s age, but what exactly needs to be done? Read on for the ultimate breakdown of how to seal windows and protect your home from the winter chill.
Step 1 – Test for Air Leaks. Any style of window could have small air leaks that allow drafts and moisture to enter without your knowledge. Check your windows’ seals by lighting a match or candle and seeing if the smoke is affected by a breeze. The smoke trail can help pinpoint any small cracks you should address while weatherizing.
Step 2 – Fill the Seals. Reinforcing the seal around the entire window frame will ensure it’s ready for cold weather. Using a product such as Duck brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals will help form a solid barrier around window edges, thanks to self-adhesive foam strips that block drafts. This can help lower utility costs by stopping leaks. Updating these seals every few years helps keep the window frame in the best possible shape and maintains protection from the winter winds.
Step 3 – Restore with Paint. Updating your window with a fresh coat of primer and either paint or stain helps keep it in great condition for a change in season. Not only will it provide a new look, but paint or stain also creates a tight seal around the wood framework and acts as an additional barrier for pinhole cracks or air leaks.
Step 4 – Insulate the Frame. Winter weather can be brutal in certain regions. Rolled Window Insula tion Kits are crystal clear and create an additional cold-air barrier for when you need extra protection on top of foam seals. The window kit film comes in an easy-to-use roll of shrink film, which means no measuring is needed, and excess film can be cut once applied. Once secured to indoor window frames, the film provides an airtight seal that can be removed once warmer weather arrives.
Step 5 – Add Thermal Protection. After preparing your window for the approaching winter winds, swap out your everyday curtains for thicker, ther mal fabric window treatments. These insulating curtains typically have two or three layers of thick fabric, combined with a layer of acrylic foam, to prevent air infiltration and cold.
Precautionary steps to seal in warm air and keep out potential drafts will help reduce energy costs this winter – and help protect the longevity (and comfort) of your home.
While home maintenance may seem pricey, being proactive about home upkeep can save more money by preventing expensive repair or replacement costs in the future - not to mention safeguarding against damage to your home. The hard part is knowing how often and what type of maintenance to do, and where to start.
According to State Farm, fall is the perfect time to take care of many jobs, wheth er by yourself or by hiring professionals. Here are some top maintenance tasks to help protect the largest investment you have - your home.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 96% of homes are now installed with smoke detectors. However, nearly 20% of them have non-working smoke alarms. The NIST estimates that if every home had working smoke alarms, deaths from U.S. residential fires could drop 36%. Why aren't these smoke detectors working? Primarily missing or dead batteries. Smoke detector batteries need to be replaced at least annually, not just when they chirp. The average claim from a home fire according to State Farm is $57,000. So buy some batteries, and replace those old ones.
Little known fact, you're responsible for the damage if a tree on your property falls on a neighbor's house. Or if a dead branch damag es your home, it can result in a homeowner's insurance claim, meaning you have to pay the deductible. For peace of mind, trim the trees on your property every fall. Find tips on tree trimming at StateFarm.com/simple-in sights/residence. If you prefer hiring a professional, contact your local State Farm agent and they can help you find an arborist with community roots.
Did you know a washing machine hose holds 70 pounds of pressure? If it fails, it can spray 650 gallons of water per hour into your home. So if you're away for the weekend and a hose bursts, you may open the door to the equivalent of a 20-foot by 40-foot in-ground pool's worth of water, which can damage floors, drywall and personal items. Be tween June 2021 and June
2022, State Farm paid nearly $36.7 million to help custom ers recover from damage due to washing machine hose bursts, with an average claim of over $12,000. Hose maintenance is easy: Inspect the hot and cold wash ing machine supply lines monthly, looking for blisters, worn tubing, cracks or loose connections. It's best to replace supply hoses every 3-5 years.
A portable generator is handy equipment for when the power goes out, and regular maintenance will ensure that it works when you need it. First, always un plug and turn off all power to the generator. Examine the AC wiring and alternator to clear dirt and debris. Inspect the air intake system and replace the air filter. Oil in your generator needs to be changed every 25 hours of running, or one year unused. When you're ready to use the generator, take it outside to a well-ventilated area be fore starting up. Generators produce carbon monoxide from the exhaust and can cause serious injury or death if used indoors, in a garage (including with open doors) or even on a porch.
One of the most critical items to maintain is your heating, ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC) system. Regular maintenance helps keep the system in working order, extending the life of the system and saving on energy costs. According to HomeAdvisor, replacing an HVAC system costs from $5,000 to $10,000. To save money and extend the life of your system:
* Change air filters regularly. Set a reminder every few months to replace filters. Dirty filters can impede airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, de creasing efficiency and increasing energy costs.
* Schedule regular main tenance checks (spring/ fall) from your local HVAC professional. Some HVAC companies and local utilities have service programs where you pay a month ly or annual fee and they will conduct semi-annual maintenance checks. Pros will check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lu bricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils and investigate unusual nois es. Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of reliable HVAC pros.
Take care of your home, so your home can shelter you and your family. These reg ular maintenance tasks will help reduce the likelihood of unpleasant surprisesand costs - to help give you peace of mind.
With this in mind, FrogTape brand painter’s tape and celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak have identified the top design trends for 2023, all with an eye to how travel can inspire home décor.
1. Redrock Renewal: Breathe fresh air and renewed energy into your space with “Redrock Renewal,” which incorporates both nature and spirit through earthy tones paired with bold influences of turquoise, clay and olive. Embrace a clean, light slate layered with simple textures to create a room that is calm, joyful, serene and spiritual. This trend can make a big impact in any space through small details like textured pillows, cozy blankets and clay vases.
2. Bohemian Bazaar: The “Bohe mian Bazaar” style is about creating an environment that emboldens everyone in it to live a vibrant, authentic life. To achieve this look, add a pop of color where it’s least expected, like mixing chairs in different shades of fabric around the table or adding bright, bold hues to an otherwise small, dark hall way. Inspired by the people, culture and food of destinations like Morocco, India
and Africa, this trend merges the details of handcrafted goods with soulful ex periences by encouraging the mixing of patterns and colors.
3. Nordic Nature: “Nordic Nature” encourages a pure, clean and fresh space by bringing elements of the outdoors into your home. The palette is reflective of a Scandinavian aesthet ic, consisting of concrete, wood and crisp white walls to create a space with natural, modern and organic appeal. Look for unique opportunities to make nature-inspired but daring statements that balance the rustic feel with an un cluttered and contemporary vibe. Apply a subtle concrete layer to your walls for added interest, movement and texture. Before you begin, tape the edg es with Nayak’s preferred painter’s tape, FrogTape, to keep lines sharp and neat.
4. Midtown Modern: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and excitement of a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, but the “Midtown Modern” movement is about turning your place into a space to pause and savor every moment of each day. Implement satu
rated hues like black or navy to create an urban, contemporary vibe. Elevate the look with plush fabrics like velvet, wool and satin. Complete the room by adding a special sparkle, with state ment pieces that have bright, brass or metal finishes.
“If your hardware is losing its luster, remove it and spray paint it with a new finish for a fresh new look,” recom mends Nayak.
Interested in refreshing your home’s interior with the latest trends? Visit https://www.frogtape.com/inspira tion/2023-trends for more information and ideas.
Let the sights and experiences of the world not only inspire your adventures, but also your home.
