Time Traveler’s Ball Awards Gala

The Gulf Breeze Chamber held its Time Traveler’s Ball Awards Gala at the Hilton Pensacola Beach on January 13. The evening started with guests mingling, cocktails, and games, while celebrating the past, present, and future with highlights from iconic ages throughout history. Gulf Breeze Area Chamber’s outgoing chairman, Jonathan Tucker, was also honored. Dinner consisted of vintage-inspired dishes in a multi-course banquet. Guests tried their luck at the prohibition wine and liquor pull and were able to place a bid at the silent auction table. While enjoying dinner, the First Dance Ballroom Studio performed. The 2021 winners presented the awards for the 2022 Awards winners. This year’s winners were: Volunteer of the Year – Carrie Carver from Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty, Business Leader of the Year – Donna Smith, University Lending Group, Young Professional of the Year – Leslie Haley from Hampton Inn & Suites - Gulf Breeze, Community Leader of the Year – Matt Lafon, Soar Spirit Award winner – Louie Sanchez of Mass Mutual, Magnolia Wealth Strategies, Nonprofit of the Year - American Legion 378, and Business of the Year - Step One Automotive.

After the awards, the beautifully clad guests took to the dance floor.

As one of the pillar projects of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Foundation, they were excited to announce their plans to annually support Take Stock in Children. Proceeds from this event went to support the foundation’s goal of sponsoring a full, 4-year scholarship to a Santa Rosa County child in need through the Take Stock in Children program.

Hailed as the official kick off of the Pensacola Mardi Gras season, hundreds of people started filtering into the downtown area during the late afternoon and by sunset, the streets and sidewalks were packed with costumed fest goers. “Have you ever wanted to feel like a kid again? That’s what Pensacola’s 12th night celebration is all about,” said Tiffany Bock, a local fest goer. “It’s a family-friendly tradition and a great way to bring in the Mardi Gras season!”

Presented by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, Catalyst Real Estate Development, and The East Garden District, January 6 marked the 12th anniversary of Pensacola’s kick off to the Mardi Gras season. Humbly beginning on a misty winter’s night, the kick off has grown from 10 floats to now several dozen representing krewes from all over the area. With well-known krewes such as the Krewe of Lafitte and the Krewe of Priscus being in attendance, celebrants were getting a peak at some Mardi Gras 2023’s highly decorated floats. From the top of the Lafitte float, Byron and Lynn Gilbert shared a little bit about their krewe. “The krewe was established in 1954 as a Fiesta of Five Flags krewe and [now] has 300 pirates plus 13 floats,” said Byron. Sharing their goals Byron explained that the krewe promotes goodwill and community service across the Panhandle while proudly representing Pensacola by parading in 8 Florida cities across the Gulf Coast.

In addition to the “static parade” there were booths and food trucks scattered throughout the area. A second-line procession blessed the floats and presented the krewes with a Mardi Gras certificate.