HIDDEN GEMS

Some believe the only “gems” Northwest Florida has to offer are the white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and the bushwhacker served at the tiki beach bar. However, Northwest Florida is a diverse region of the country that boasts not only beaches but also rivers, dense forests, caverns, springs, and much more.

FALLING WATERS STATE PARK 1130 STATE PARK ROAD, CHIPLEY, FL

So, Florida has waterfalls too. Yep, that’s right and the largest waterfall in Florida just so happens to be just a couple hours away. This gem, located right off of I-10 in Chipley, lorida, is a serene state park filled with beautiful scenery. The main attraction is of course, the waterfall. The waterfall drops 73 feet into the Falling Waters Sink, which is 100 feet deep and a nearly 20 feet wide cylindrical pit. What happens to the water after that... is a mystery, although it is assumed the water enters the Florida aquifer. The raised boardwalk trail allows visitors to see the waterfall from many different vantage points, from the bottom to the top, as well as other sinkholes that have formed throughout the years. Falling Waters State Park also has the unique appeal of having hills, yes...actual hills, that can make their trails a little more challenging than other parks.

Besides hiking their trails, Falling Waters State Park also offers camping, with both primitive and traditional sites available. There is a large three-acre lake that attracts swimmers and fisherman alike. The park is also a designated bird watching park as it’s been listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail, with over 100 different birds calling Falling Waters State Park home.

FLORIDA CAVERNS S TATE PARK 3345 CAVERNS ROAD, MARIANNA, F L

If you need a little break from the Florida heat, the Florida Caverns State Park is a perfect day trip. Located in Marianna, Florida, this state park offers a unique attraction for those who want to experience something a little different. The main feature at the park is the cave, a magical area filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies. These caves were formed millions of years ago when the area was covered by an ocean. Coral, shells, and sediment hardened into limestone which was then dissolved by acidic groundwater that created crevices below the surface. While these caves were large enough to walk through, they were helped along by the Civilian Conservation Corp, established in 1933, who enlarged the passageways by hand so visitors to the park could stand upright and move throughout the caves. Today, guided tours are available daily at the park, complete with an LED lighting system. For those not able to make the trek into the caves, a guided cave tour video is available in the visitor’s center.

Florida Caverns State Park also offers camping, swimming, paddling, and trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Including a challenging 6.8-milelong trail for those outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, the Florida wildlife and bugs abound, so plan ahead to bring bug spray and keep your eyes open for bobcats, deer, snakes, and more.

BLAC KWATER R IVER S TATE PARK 7720 D EATON BRIDGE ROAD, MILTON, F L

Sometimes you just have to “go on down to the river” and the Blackwater River has all you need for a day of river fun. Located in Milton, Florida, this park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Despite the name, the river is more of a golden brown with contrasting bright white sandbars throughout. The river runs through forested areas and has the largest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world, which some say is more rare than a tropical rainforest. Kayaking, canoeing, and floating the river are the most popular activities, with outside companies available for rentals and shuttles. Hiking trails are aplenty with a few different trails to choose from based on desired view, length, and skill level. Campsites are available with everything from RV hookups to sites for tent camping.

Wildlife is in abundance at the Blackwater River. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with wading birds making their way through the shallow waters to hunt. Florida favorites like deer, alligators, and snakes also enjoy all the Blackwater River area has to offer.

hi dren s rie u ort on ro t Names Leader Crista Brandt Selected as Valerie’s House Northwest Florida Director

roles. However, it is her personal journey as a grieving child that fuels her passion for helping others navigate through loss.

Having lost her mother to cancer when she was only 11 years old, Brandt understands firsthand the challenges faced by grieving children. It was through her own healing journey and volunteering that she witnessed the transformative power of children connecting and sharing their experiences with peers. Brandt’s mission is to turn her own tragedy into a gift for others, ensuring that no child feels alone in their grief.

Northeast Florida Sertoma Club Hosts 2023 Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival

Valerie’s House, (VH) the leading nonprofit dedicated to helping children grieving the death of a loved one, is pleased to announce the appointment of Crista Brandt as the Northwest Florida Director. Brandt brings her extensive managerial experience and personal passion for supporting grieving children to this pivotal role.

Brandt’s journey with Valerie’s House began when she spearheaded the launch of the Pensacola Chapter in late 2020. As a dedicated volunteer for two years, Brandt played a crucial role in serving grieving families in the community. Now, as the Northwest Florida Director, she will lead Valerie’s House, Pensacola full-time, providing invaluable support to those grieving a loss.

The demand for VH programs has been rapidly growing, with an expansion of nearly 50% in 2023 alone. With the recent establishment of a permanent location and the receipt of funding from Escambia Children’s Trust, the timing was ideal for Brandt to dedicate her efforts full-time to the Pensacola location.

In her new role, Brandt will continue to serve grieving families and oversee group nights at the VHP location on East Gadsden Street. As the Northwest Florida Director, Brandt will be a prominent figure and advocate for VH in the panhandle region. She will be more involved in developing community partnerships, expand her executive leadership responsibilities, and contribute to the management of programs for children and families, ensuring that VH makes a positive impact in the community.

Brandt brings over 25 years of leadership and advocacy experience to her position. With a degree from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, she has excelled in various technology and software consulting, sales, and project management

The 9th Annual 2023 Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival is a festival brought to you by your local Northeast Pensacola Sertoma Club, Inc. On September 30TH, 2023, up to 30 teams, supported by thousands of spectators, will be competing for bragging rights in the 9TH Annual Pensacola Dragon Boat Festival. The races start at 8:00 AM on Bayou Texar, just off Bayview Park, near Downtown Pensacola 2000 E Lloyd St, Pensacola, FL 32503.

NE Pensacola SERTOMA was founded in 1988 for the purpose of contributing to the Greater Pensacola Community in as many ways as possible by raising money and supporting community organizations and charities. SERTOMA is an organization of business and professional people knit together in bonds of personal friendship and united in the idea of service in their community. SERTOMA is a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 notfor-profit international organization. Every year Sertoma clubs raise more than $20 million for local community service projects. Through these projects, as well as grants and scholarships, Sertoma clubs return those funds to their respective communities – and they have loads of fun doing it while building lifelong friendship.

State of Florida awards $2.5 Million Landmark Investment to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to Build Homes, Buy Land

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approved Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity will receive $2,549,565 from legislative appropriations for new affordable homes and a Community Land Trust supporting workforce families and active duty military men, women and their families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. With assistance from the offices of Sen. Doug Broxson, Rep. Michelle Salzman and Rep. Alex Andrade, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity was fortunate to be included in housing conversations leading to funding these two viable housing projects.

“Cost and dwindling housing inventories are adversely impacting too many of our citizens. It’s encouraging to know that local and state officials recognize how important it is to create and sustain housing solutions. Not only do we as an organization feel honored to be the trusted stewards of these project funds,” Sam Young, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity President and CEO explained, “but on a more personal level, I’m inspired to play a bigger role in the lives of our workforce families and the men and women who serve our country. This generous support will play a critical role in building lives, communities and hope.”

Appropriation funds will be used for the development of a 30-parcel subdivision in Pensacola for workforce families, of which 20% of the new homes will be designated as rentals for active-duty military members and their families. Funds will also help to launch the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust (CLT), a shared equity homeownership model designed to make homeownership attainable for low-income households. It guarantees that the home can only be sold to other lowto-moderate income households, creating a permanent affordable housing stock. This is the first CLT in Florida history to be funded by state legislature.

What is your hometown and how did you end up on the Pensacola area?

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. After high school, I moved to Springfield, MO to study business in college. I enlisted in the US Navy in 2000 and was stationed in Pensacola to train to be a rescue swimmer; however, I was honorably discharged for medical reasons after a few years. I met my now-wife while I was here, and we decided to build our lives here.

What is your profession?

I am the Senior Vice President for Community Bank. My mother was an accountant and auditor and I have always been fascinated with the work she did. Math always seemed to come easy for me and I like to help others. Banking ties both together. After the Navy, I began working for Wachovia Bank. It did not take long for me to see how I, along with others in the bank, helped to make a difference in the lives of other people, and it was transformative. Thus, my passion and love for this career was born. I have spent over 20 years in the banking industry, continuing and striving to have a positive impact on the lives of those around me, personally and professionally. I love this community and want to give back, so I choose to actively participate and serve on numerous non-profit boards and most recently, started coaching a non-profit basketball team.

What are some of your favorite things about Pensacola?

I love history and Pensacola is steeped in history. My wife and I chose to raise our family here because of the diversity, culture and growing economy. We can always find something to do! From seafood festivals to Mardi Gras, to relaxing on the sandy white beaches. Such a great city!

Three words that best describe you. Outgoing, approachable, and adventurous. Favorite places in Pensacola?

Peg Leg Pete’s is a favorite spot. I also take advantage of the wonderful golf courses that stretch along the Gulf Coast.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without? I don’t go a day without praying and doing one good deed for someone else.

Finish this statement, I AM PENSACOLA because…

...I symbolize what Pensacola stands for -- community. I work in the community; I volunteer in the community. It’s about diversity, compassion, and acceptance. Coming together as one body for the greater good. Building those up around us when they are down and going that extra mile to help those around us succeed.