Greater Pensacola Parent Childcare Issue (February 2025)

< Eat 5 or more setting of fruits and vegetables each day

< Be active for 1 hour or more each day

< DO NOT use tobacco

February 2025

Teaching Children How to Be Humble

Helping them learn

Why Day Care Is Great for Kids

Check out these four amazing benefits.

Fitness & Family Time

Fun ways

Child Care Guide

Our detailed guide to Mobile daycares, preschools and MMO programs.

Justus Ruffin (17 months old), son of Jeremy and Alexandria Ruffin and little brother to sister Langston Green (8). Grandparents are Rubin and Doris Ruffin, and Sonya and Phinney Davis.

Justus likes to eat, play outside (especially with sticks), play with his sister inside the house, watch Miss Rachel and Gracie’s Corner, and he loves singing Bible and church songs!

FromThePublisher

One evening during the holiday break, we ran a slideshow of old photos on the TV, which gave us a brief look at the last several years. As the pictures scrolled through, we reminisced over family vacations; the girls made fun of each others’ creative outfit choices and laughed until we cried over homemade videos. As I sat there, looking at my family, younger on the screen and now almost grown in my living room, my heart was truly full thinking about how much joy being a mother had brought me.

As all parents know, it is not an easy path, especially in the beginning. With my first, I had a tough time adjusting when it came time to go back to work. I had a full-time job, my maternity leave was ending, and I had to find the strength to leave my sweet girl with who I felt were strangers for the whole day. Fortunately, I had some amazing ladies at our childcare center who helped make the transition much easier. They shared their years of experience and nurturing and grew to be our extended family. As a bonus, we also developed lifelong friendships with the other parents and their children.

It does not matter if you are going back to work full-time or looking at part-time care, or preschool, the transition can be a big adjustment, but once everyone is settled into the new routine, having your child in some type of childcare program or preschool can be a very positive experience for both the child and the parents. For some encouraging news on the benefits of childcare, check out Why Day Care Is Great For Your Kids by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Finding the right childcare is so important. If you find the right fit, it is truly a blessing. The key is to find the right fit for YOUR family. Childcare is not a “one size fits all” option. What works for your neighbor or best friend may not work for you. Whether you are looking at full-time childcare for an infant, a part-time program, or a preschool program, you can find a list of local programs in our annual Childcare Directory. One very important piece of advice: do not wait until six weeks before you need the childcare to start looking. Many centers are full and have waiting lists. If you begin the search the day you realize you will need childcare, the more options you will have and the more time you will have to research the center’s policies, procedures, curriculum, registration process, and more. While you are visiting centers, make sure you listen to your gut too.

Whether you have children in school or childcare, most families struggle with fitting everything into their schedule, and we tend to put exercise on the back burner. Fortunately, Pam Molnar shares some great ideas for combining two very important activities in this month’s feature, Fitness and Family Time: Fun Ways to Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle. Spoiler alert: She mentions participating in local 5K/fun runs together. You will find several options for runs/walks in this month’s Family Calendar, along with several other family-friendly activities and, of course, Mardi Gras Parades!

As we step into February, I wish you all a warm and cozy month filled with sweet family time, self-care, peace, and laughter.

Lynnlynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher

Lynn Knighton

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Editor

DeAnne Watson

editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Research Editor

Lucy Green

Contributing Writers

Kristi Bush, LSW

Tanni Haas

Gabriele Jones

Pam Molnar

Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC

Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography

Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President

Jason Watson

Advertising Sales

Lynn Knighton

ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2025 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Teaching Children How to Be Humble

Pride destroys relationships. Pride prevents successful conversations, hinders people from accepting responsibility, disregards others, eliminates a person’s ability to compromise or connect, and eradicates vulnerability. When a person struggles to maintain successful relationships, pride is often the problem. If pride is the disease, humility is the cure. If you want to raise children who love others well, you must teach them to be humble.

humility is lacking, there is an abundance of selfishness, anxiety, and insecurity.

Here are seven ways to teach your children how to be humble.

Humble people care for others. Prideful people focus on themselves. To fight against our self-centered culture, parents must focus on the cultivation of humility in their homes, their children, and themselves. The trademark of humility is a genuine care for others. When you model caring for and serving others, you are laying the groundwork for your children to learn humility. In contrast, when

1. Teach them to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Help your children to become curious about others. Teach them how to meet people, ask questions, and listen intently to the answers. Teach them to listen to answers to get to know others better, not so they know to respond. Prideful people walk into a room with an attitude of “Here I am.” Humble people walk into a room with an attitude of “There you are, I am so happy to see you.”

2. Make them practice empathy. Help them see that every living thing has value. You first do this by showing your children how important they are. Help them feel valued by focusing on them and what they want to do. You can also teach empathy by

giving your children chores to help around the home and having them care for pets.

3. Help them see inconveniences as opportunities for interaction. For example, if your car battery dies and you must alter plans, encourage your children to be extremely kind to the person who assists you and emphasize the blessing of the interaction over the inconvenience of the dead battery.

4. Commit to serving others as a family. Research has repeatedly shown that people who serve others are generally happier and more content than those who do not. The high of making the game winning goal, winning a trophy, or obtaining perfect grades provide children with fleeting satisfaction. Serving others provides them with a consistent sense of fulfillment and purpose.

5. Make a habit of stating at least one thing each person is thankful for every day.

6. Cultivate respect by helping your children notice what they admire in others.

7. Embrace encouragement by having kids say and write uplifting words to others.

Raising children who are humble will always be a work in progress for your family. Do not become frustrated by the slow movement of this process. Just remember that you are raising adults, not children. Your focus must always be on who they will eventually become.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest

Join us for the second Annual Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest that will be held at Community Maritime Park, downtown Pensacola on February 16, 2025, from 10 am - 6 pm. We will have food trucks and vendors selling Chocolate and Cheese themed items as well as other vendor and menu items. $5 Entry fee and kids 12 and under are free. Vendors, Chocolate Martini’s, Contests, Free Chocolate and Cheese sampling tent, Live Music, Kids Bounce House and more. Please visit apexshowsandevents.com for more information.

Bay to Breakfast 8K Trail Run

Join us on February 22, 2025 for the Bay to Breakfast 8K Trail Run. Come enjoy the beauty and challenge of running an 8k trail at Big Lagoon State Park. All participants will enjoy a pancake and bacon breakfast at the Governor’s Pavilion after the race. Please visit https://runsignup.com/ Race/FL/Pensacola/BaytoBreakfast8KTrailRun for more information.

Bed Race 2025

Support the mission of Family Promise in its first-ever Bed Race to End Childhood Homelessness on March 29, 2025 in Fountain Park. This unique race with beds-on-wheels is a fun filled community event that highlights the work we do and what families without housing go through each week.

The Bed Race drives our ability to mobilize community resources to provide compassionate care, shelter, meals, and case management to homeless children & their families.

Teams of four (4) racers, race a bed on wheels down a 100-yard track. The bed on wheels will be provided. Youth teams (ages 12+) and adult teams (18+) are accepted. Teams choose their own theme and participants are encouraged to dress along with the chosen bed theme. The entry fee for teams is $150 to be paid at the time of registration. (Fee includes event t-shirt for each participant and a Crew Bag!) Teams advance through a series of heats and some serious fun! Please visit https://www.fpesc.org/bedraceteam for more information.

Pensacon

Pensacon is an all-inclusive pop culture convention for the fan community, spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming, and fantasy. Pensacon 2025 will take place from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16, 2025. The primary convention venue, the Pensacola Bay Center, is where ticketing, celebrity autographs and photo ops, and the vendor floor will be located. Other official venues include the Rex Theatre and the Pensacola Cultural Center, among others. Most official events and activities will take place from 1-8pm Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. Please visit https://pensacon.com/ for more information.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Bond & Beyond

Join us on Saturday, February 15, at 7:30 p.m. for Bond & Beyond at the Saenger Theatre. Enjoy a night of musical intrigue as Broadway and pop vocalists Chloe Lowery and Ron Bohmer join the orchestra for the music of the spies, from James Bond hits to The Pink Panther, Indiana Jones, and The Incredibles. Please visit https://pensacolasymphony. com/ for more information.

Rock the Runway

Pensacola Opera is pleased to bring back its ground-breaking, musical fashion-fusion event, Rock the Runway! On February 13, 2025, at Vinyl Music Hall, the fashion runway will be filled with the sound of iconic rock and pop songs from your favorite bands from the 70s, 80s, and 90s melding with operatic masterpieces to create an experience unlike any seen in Pensacola. Featuring designs inspired by iconic opera characters and curated by local boutiques, this evening promises to bring together the worlds of music and fashion in a way that is visually stunning and artistically inspiring. Please visit https://pensacolaopera.com/events/rock-therunway/ to purchase tickets.

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents

The Play That Goes Wrong

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents

The Play That Goes Wrong, March 7-16, 2025. The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage. Despite their best efforts, the amateur actors struggle to keep the show together, resulting in a side-splitting spectacle that leaves the audience in stitches from start to finish. Please visit https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/the-playthat-goes-wrong for tickets.

The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl

Join us in the fight against hunger, Thursday, March 13, 6-8pm, at Pensacola State College’s Lou Ross Center to benefit Manna Food Pantry. This unique fundraiser with an artsy twist features the work of local artists and the fare of local vendors. Choose a one-of-a-kind handcrafted clay bowl thrown by a local potter to keep, sample some of the best soups in town, sip on wine and beer (must be 21 or older), and enjoy a few special features! Each ticket sold will provide 30 healthy meals to neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Please visit https://www.mannahelps.org/events/pick-a-bowl-fill-a-bowl/ for more information.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Returns to the National Naval Aviation Museum for a Public Concert

We are delighted to invite you to join us on February 6th, 2024, for an evening concert with the most popular and sought-after big band in the world today. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered one of the greatest bands of all time. Hear all the timeless classics like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pennsylvania 6-5000, String of Pearls, and Tuxedo Junction at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Please visit https://naval-aviation-museum-foundation.idloom. events/the-glenn-miller-orchestra-2025 for tickets.

Pensacola MESS Hall Presents Science Night Live Series for Adults

Hands-on Science isn’t just for kids. The Pensacola MESS Hall is proud to announce the launch of its new Science Night Live series for adults, aimed at inspiring creativity, exploration, and lifelong learning. These innovative programs will provide opportunities for adults to dive into the world of math, engineering, and science in an interactive, social, and fun environment.

“We believe that learning should never stop,” said Dr. Megan Pratt, Executive Director of the Pensacola MESS Hall. “Our new adult programs offer a chance for grown-ups to rediscover the joy of discovery, con nect with like-minded individuals, and engage in activities that foster curiosity and critical thinking.”

Upcoming programs:

Extreme Precipitation Workshop, January 30, 6-8 PM. Free. In this facilitated, interactive program, attendees will explore the social, economic, and environmental impacts of extreme precipitation, work with others to recommend resilience strategies, and learn about how participating in community science can help inform scientists about which communitie at risk for extreme precipitation.

Singles Science Night, February 13, 7-9 PM. $30. In this interactive adult program, participants will team up with fellow science enthusiasts to tackle exciting math, engineering, and science challenges that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and maybe even a sp connection. Ticket price includes admission, access to regular MESS Hall exhibits, themed activities, and drink tickets for adult beverages. Light refreshments will also be available.

Pi Day, March 14, 6-8 PM. $30. Celebrate irrationality at the MESS Hall. We will have pies, both pizza and dessert, from area restaurants for you to sample while exploring the properties of the other kind of pi. Ticket price includes admission, access to regular MESS Hall exhibits, themed activities, and drink tickets for adult beverages. Additional programs during the coming year will be announced soon. These programs are sponsored in part by the Bear Family Foun For more information about the MESS Hall, visit pensacolamesshall.org.

CHS National Honor Society Welcomes New Members

The Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society recently made history at Catholic High with the addition of a record 60 new inductees. National Honor Society membership at CHS is open to high school Junior and Senior students who are eligible based on four criteria: character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Students who meet the scholarship requirement based on their GPA are evaluated for the equally important criteria of character, leadership and service. The Catholic High NHS moderators are faculty members Chris Gulig and Jennifer McCarthy. Congratulations to the new members of the CHS National Honor Society. New Inductees to the CHS National Honor Society: Ella Adams, Lily Covill, Harrison Keesler, Ellie Nissim, Michael Baroco, Aidan Dolan, Jillian Lacour, Katie Overholtz, Abby Barzacchini, Antonio El-Sayah, Jax Lagergren, Riley Parker, Ben Bates, Ava Galinis, Maddie LeCroy, Jack Phillips, Anna Baumann, Addison Garrett, Tori Lee, Emma Rettig, Gabby Beal, Kirsten Gaubert, Lennon Lusanne, Lily Rodriguez, Allison Bennett, Bella Geri, Brooke Macaluso, Maya Sandfort, Caleb Bobe, Mac Gilmer, Blaise Maddrey, Aaron Seegert, Ben Sabat Brinson, Sara Gray, Lily Manzoli, Mack Sherill, Gianna Brown, Colton Guillot, Lilah Messerly, Kelsey Smith, Nick Buelow, Eva Hammergren, Gabrielle Millender, Jackson Snyder, Ella Cage, McKenna Hindman, Chase Miller, Avery Taylor, Olivia Carlson, Maddie Hughes, Gabby Moseley, Madison Walker, Maya Chavan, Olivia Jens, Meredith Moulton, Riley Walsh, Louisa Coleman, Kate Johnson, Ava Nelson and Kaila Wilson.

Please send school news and photos by the 15th to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

ECPS Superintendent’s Student Council

Superintendent Leonard introduced the members of the 2024-25 Superintendent’s Student Council, comprised of student-leaders from each ECPS high school. This year’s members are: Westin Rhymer - BTWHS; Da’Rieon Gilbert - BTWHS; Grace Guerrier - PHS; Alex Kinney - PHS; Natalie George - Tate HS; Aiden BramblettTate HS; Randelaysia Grier - WFHS; Chrissie Fuller - WFHS; Payten Sims - EHS; Xandria Smith - EHS; Maddie Driskill - NHS; Braden Glick - NHS; Delaria Pogue - PFHS

St. Paul Catholic House Tournament

St. Paul Catholic School Middle students celebrated the end of first semester exams with a House Tournament in December! The house of St. Michael won the top spot!

Aletheia Christian Spanish 1 Students Have a Taste Test

Aletheia Christian Spanish 1 students wrapped up their food and restaurant unit with Latino food taste testing. They got to sample traditional cuisine such as plantains, beef empanadas, pastel tres leche, (three milk cake) and a traditional beverage called Malta, cooked by Sra.

Lanning. The most popular was the empanadas followed by pastel de tres leches. Most students were surprised by the beverage and a few found a new drink to like.

Creative Learning Academy’s

Darsana Lamichhane Places First at FBLA Competition

Creative Learning Academy’s Fifth Grade student Darsana Lamichhane recently claimed first place in the local Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Middle School competition. Competing in the “Exploring Business Issues” category, Darsana impressed the judges with her presentation on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the future of work. Her standout performance focused on the changing landscape of jobs in healthcare, transportation, and retail, highlighting both the benefits and potential drawbacks of AI integration in these sectors.

FBLA Middle School is a division of the largest business career and technical student organization in the world, introducing students in grades 5-9 to the world of business through real-world activities. The organization’s competitions recognize and reward excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas, preparing students for successful careers by providing opportunities to apply classroom concepts in work environments. These competitions not only sharpen students communication, leadership, and teamwork skills but also prepare them for high school and the workplace ahead of their peers. Darsana’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as she placed first among 21 local students participating in the competition. Her exceptional performance, along with 15 other students who excelled, has earned them the opportunity to compete in the State-wide competition. This accomplishment highlights FBLA’s role in setting the trajectory for young entrepreneurs, offering them a platform to explore diverse career paths, connect with industry leaders, and develop essential skills sought by employers across various fields.

Montessori School of Pensacola Literature Program

We take pride in our Middle School Literature program at Montessori School of Pensacola. Our 7th and 8th-grade students read 3 to 5 novels each year, carefully selected to promote critical thinking and an appreciation of diverse perspectives. One of the novels currently being studied is The Outsiders. This timeless story delves into themes such as peer pressure, social divisions, family dynamics, and the challenges of adolescence—issues that resonate deeply with middle school students. Pictured are some of our middle school students engaged in their weekly literature discussion, reflecting on the novel’s thought-provoking themes.

NAS STEM Day Event

Before the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, over 3,000 Escambia and Santa Rosa County students participated in a STEM Day. NAS Pensacola hosted exhibits and static displays from numerous Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-focused organizations.

Escambia County Public Schools’ Holiday Food Drive Helps Others

Escambia County Public School hosted a food drive through December 6 to help support Manna Food Pantry. The need for nutritious food is getting higher and donations are slowing. This food drive will support their community long after the holidays. Kerri Smayda, associate executive director for Manna, said that while their partnership with the school district has been in place for many years, this year’s holiday food drive is especially significant since food insecurity is rising in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with no indication that things will slow. This year, the school district is hoping to beat last year’s record of 16,885 pounds of food and about $1,200 in financial donations, equating to about 20,172 healthy meals.

Lego Robotics at St. Paul Catholic School

RoboSpartans, the St. Paul Catholic School LEGO Robotics Team, competed in the NWFL FIRST LEGO League Regional Tournament. The future looks great for this team! Thirtysix teams qualified for this regional tournament based on their overall achievements in an earlier tournament. Teams competed for awards in Core Values, Innovation Project, and Robot Design by preparing presentations to demonstrate their team’s understanding of the engineering design process in identifying a problem and solution related to this year’s theme, creating a robot and programming code to complete missions in the robot game and answering questions from judges.

Aletheia Christian’s Field Trip to Roy Hyatt Environmental Center

Aletheia Christian’s first and second grade students took a field trip to the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center last month. They participated in the “Birds of a Feather” program and “Snakes and Scales and Turtle Tails” program. They had so much fun learning about the characteristics of both birds and reptiles, examining feathers, and bird watching on the Bird Bus. Finally, they had the opportunity to meet three of the RHEC animal ambassadors up close and personal: Ozzie the Diamondback terrapin, Blackbeard the bearded dragon, and Slither the Florida Kingsnake. What a fun day to be a scientist.

Escambia High Choral Group Shines

The Escambians, Escambia High School’s choral group, stopped by the School Board workshop and delighted those in attendance with some beautiful holiday music. Another example of the immense talent shining in our schools every day.

Escambia County Schools Honors Veterans

We are proud to be a military community. On Veterans Day, the students at our schools stood up and stood tall to honor our local veterans.

Aletheia Christian Participates in “Hour of Code”

Every year, Aletheia Christian participates in “Hour of Code,” a worldwide movement that aims to introduce millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities. Through Hour of Code, educators aim to demystify coding and show that anyone can learn the basics, inspiring future interest in computer science. Students in grades 2nd-6th joined students from all over the world in a one-hour coding challenge sponsored by Code.org. Fifth and sixth graders designed and coded Christmas cards for their teachers.

Please email news schoolnews@ greaterpensacolaparents.com!

Lessons & Carols at St. Paul Catholic School

St.Paul Catholic School’s First through Eighth Grade came together to give a performance of Lessons and Carols on the last school day before Christmas break. Families attending enjoyed student band, orchestra and piano performances, along with songs and lessons focusing on the true reason for the season. Kindergarten made a special appearance reciting a poem written by Sister Anne McGoldrick. Students played and sang beautifully and all who came left feeling the joy of the Christmas season.

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Mackinley Cross is a retired school teacher with over 20 years spent teaching in an elementary classroom. After retirement, she decided to take on a position as a School Liaison Program Manager at Hulburt Field Air Force Base in Okaloosa County.

“I absolutely love my job, which I began in September 2024,” shared Mackinley. “It is the perfect blend to my experiences as an educator and a life-long military connection — my dad was in the Air Force, my husband is in the Navy, and my son is in the Coast Guard.”

Mackinley and her husband, Sean, have been married since 2010. They met in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was teaching, and he was stationed as a diver for the US Navy. He still actively serves in the military and coaches soccer for Bayside Rush in Gulf Breeze.

Together, they have two children. James (20) is an electrician serving in the Coast Guard. He is currently stationed in Guam. Their daughter Kaia (10) is in the school choir and the Jr. Optimist Club, plays club soccer, loves art, and the list of extracurricular activities and hobbies could go on and on.

“As a family, we enjoy spending time together playing board games or card games. Some of our family favorites include Backgammon, Life, Monopoly, Phase 10, Uno, and Five Crowns,” shared Mackinley. “We also enjoy going to concerts, music festivals, and stage productions together. We also prioritize traveling and experiencing life outside of our own cul-

ture, with recent trips including Singapore, Vietnam, and South Africa.”

The Cross family tries hard to eat together around the kitchen table most nights but with demanding schedules for each one of them, it doesn’t always happen. Long nights often mean they eat dinner together while watching a favorite movie or TV Show. As of recently, they have been enjoying holiday movies and the sitcom Young Sheldon.

“I am always looking for meals I can prepare ahead of time, that freeze and reheat well, or that come together quickly,” said Mackinley. For this reason, she decided to share her favorite soup recipe with the Greater Pensacola Parents a Corn Chowder.

“This recipe has been a favorite in our family for many years, with many iterations along the way. I believe the original recipe came from a cooking class I took at a local Junior College, but that was close to 20 years ago,” Mackinley shared. “I refuse to prepare or eat soup when the weather is warm, so when the cold weather hits, this is always the first soup to be made. It reheats well, so if there are any leftovers, it makes a great lunch the next day.”

• 1/2 cup diced carrot

• 4 cups corn kernels (frozen)

• 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, placing it on a paper towel to cool, leaving fat in the pot.

2. Add onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Cook over low heat until soft.

3. Add flour to veggies, stirring until veggies are coated. It will be thick!

4. Slowly add the first cup of broth, using a whisk to stir until the mixture is smooth.

5. Once smooth, add in the rest of the broth, continuing to stir. Increase heat to medium-high and let it come to a boil. Be sure to stir frequently!

6. Once boiling, carefully add corn to the pot. Reduce heat to low-medium and let the soup cook for 10– 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. At this point, you can turn the heat all the way down to simmer and let sit, partially covered, until you are five minutes away from serving.

8. Prior to serving, stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer on low for five minutes.

9. To serve, carefully ladle into each bowl, sprinkling crisp bacon on top.

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August.

Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, diced

• 1/4 cup flour

• 1/2 cup diced sweet onion

• 1/2 cup diced celery

Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.

As our family grows, it is hard to squeeze in everything we have on our to do list. At the end of the day, we end up pushing off exercise until tomorrow, promising ourselves we will be less tired if we take a night off. Instead, we spend our downtime flopped down on the couch, lost in a digital world of glowing screens.

As parents, we are leading by example. If we want our kids to lead a healthier lifestyle, we need to show them how it’s done. It’s time to get up off the couch, shut off the screens and bring back an interactive family time. Can’t think of anything to do? Keep reading for a little inspiration.

Family Fun Runs – Sign up the family for a 5K walk/ run in your area. These family friendly courses lead participants through colored foam, glo paint, mud and even obstacle courses. While every child is different, many kids over 8 can walk or run a 5K.

Laser tag – This adrenaline raising activity is a great rainy day plan for families. Players wear lightweight targeted vests and carry a “loaded” laser gun. Played in a semi dark room with plenty of places to hide, teams try to hit their opponent’s target and get points for each hit.

Play Pickleball – Pickleball isn’t just for suburban moms. Make it a family affair and run off some of the kids’ energy while enjoying some friendly competition. While everybody is different, a 150 pound person can burn 178 calories in 30 minutes. Check out how many calories you can burn on carloriejam.com.

Post-Workout Smoothies

Your Kids Will Love:

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

1 cup milk of choice

1 cup strawberries

1-2 tablespoons of Nutella

1 avocado

3 cups baby spinach

1 scoop chocolate kids’ protein powder

1 cup of ice

Watermelon Delight Smoothie

1 medium seedless watermelon –cut in chunks and frozen 1 cup milk of choice

1/2 cup non fat Greek vanilla yogurt

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon flax or chia seeds to thicken

PB&J Smoothie

1 cup frozen mixed berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries

1 banana, sliced

2 tablespoons peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice)

1 cup baby spinach

1 ½ cups of milk of choice

Many of the local trails are set up for bikes as well. Let the kids ride their own bicycles or bring them

choreography but are fast moving and fun. heck out slower how-tos on YouTube to

Jumping on a trampoline uses a lot of energy so you burn calories while having fun. In addition to simple trampoline jumping, many arenas include dodgeball courts and air-robics classes.

Challenge your family to walk and ride bikes to do local errands like picking up a loaf of bread or dropping off books at the library. Walking burns 100 calories per mile, leaving plenty of room for a guilt free dinner.

Become a Ninja Warrior – This training is a fun way for kids, teens and adults to tackle a variety of obstacle courses as they do in the TV show American Ninja Warrior. Facilities offer classes, open gyms, and one time events like birthday

In and On the Water – Rent a canoe, rowboat, kayak or paddleboat for a little exercise and inexpensive fun. Did you know that paddling uses 7 muscle groups including arms, shoulders and core? You can also head to the local pool to race in the lap lanes or play a simple game of Monkey in the Middle.

Try a Climbing Wall – Climbing walls are a great family bonding activity. Kids as young as 4 or 5 can participate in indoor climbing structures. Not only do you get a full body workout, but you will build confidence, improve communication and make memories to last a lifetime.

Play Classic Backyard Games –

Step back in time and head outside. Play classic games like tag, four square, kick the can, hide and seek, Frisbee, kickball and jump rope. You can also play cornhole, bocce or even shoot hoops in the driveway.

Video games – Yes, you read it right. I am encouraging family fitness in the form of a video game. Try Nintendo Switch Sports, Fitness Boxing, Ring Fitness Adventure, Just Dance or Beat Saber for PS4 or PS5. The kids will love the opportunity to play with their game systems and their parents will like the games that get them off the couch.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three busy teens. They are a multi-tasking family that combines fitness and family time whenever possible.

Middle School students at Creative Learning Academy enjoy enriching field trips that bring learning to life beyond the classroom. These experiences are thoughtfully designed to align with the curriculum and foster curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Trips TripsField Field

St. Augustine Florida History (5th Grade)

Tallahassee Museum Sleepover (4th Grade)

Middle School Retreat (5th – 8th Grades)

Washington, DC Civics Trip (7th Grade)

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Biology (6th Grade)

Montgomery Civil Rights Field Trip (8th Grade)

These trips are an integral part of CLA's commitment to experiential learning, empowering students to connect academic concepts with tangible, impactful experiences while building memories and skills that last a lifetime.

Outward Bound (8th Grade)

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Online Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Mufasa: The Lion King Theaters

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

When a floo d separates him from his parents, young Mufasa has the good fortune to be adopted by another pride of lions. The king ’s son becomes his best friend, and when disaster befalls, the two go on a quest for a magical green oasis called Milele. But it isn’t an easy journey. Once again, Disney produces a beautifully animated film that is strong on technique and low on heart. The soundtrack is strangely forgettable, the meticulously recreated lion faces struggle to depict emotion, and the film feels like a lost opportunity. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

After 50 years trapped in a government cryochamber, Shadow is out for revenge and he’s teaming up with Dr. Robotnik to get it. The only way to stop them is the combined talents of Sonic and Tails – if they can work together. Over-the-top, goofy, and slyly self-referential, this is the prototypical good bad film. With videogame levels of violence, the movie is okay for most kids, who will enjoy the action and jokes. Even adults will grin at the self -aware writing and campy tone. Photo ©Paramount Pictures

Sentenced to time in the local zoo for attempting to steal a famous diamond, Feathers McGraw seeks revenge against the man who brought him to justice. Eccentric inventor Wallace has invented a robotic gnome and the vengeful penguin finds a way to overwrite the programming Luckily, Wallace’s canine sidekick, Gromit, quickly becomes aware once the penguin ’s plot starts to unfold Like all other outings of Wallace and Gromit, this film features brilliant stop motion animation, sly British wit, slapstick action, and constant sight gags. Silly and fun, there’s something here for everyone Photo ©Netflix

When Edith and Sebastien learn that three of their four children have retinitis pigmentosa and will eventually go blind, they take the family on a globetrotting journey, which includes riding camels in Egypt, surfing in Indonesia, white water rafting in Ecuador, and eating ice cream in Turkey. Beautifully made, this documentary will appeal to anyone who’s willing to read subtitles (the family are from Quebec and the kids speak French on screen). Not only is this an inspiring story of a loving family, it’s a tribute to the beauties of planet Earth. Photo ©Disney+

Massive flooding has drowned the world. Amongst the ruins, a cat, a capybara, a lemur, a secretary bird, and a Golden Labrador find themselves navigating a watery landscape in a sailboat. Entirely wordless, this film offers a richly layered story for viewers of all ages and cultures. Created with open -source software and produced on a tiny budget, Flow is a stunning animation achievement, w hich was recognized with a Golden Globes Award. It’s highly recommended for viewers who want something a bit different. Photo ©Janus Films

SecRet WorLd of AriEtTy

ThaT's So RavEN

AmiR TalAi - KunG Fu PanDa: LegENdS of AweSOmeNEsS • JamIe MarChi -

VarNeY - The LegENd of KorRa

JefFreY ComBs - JusTicE LeAguE UnLimITed

I’ll never forget the first time I dropped off my now-teenage son at day care. He was just three months old, but I had to go back to work and I didn’t have any family members living nearby who could take of him; dropping him off that first day, I felt really sad and guilty. In hindsight, I didn’t need to worry so much. My son has grown to become a smart, confident, and well-adjusted teen, and apparently so do other kids who were babies or toddlers in day care. Research shows that attending a quality day care is good for kids in so many ways, and those benefits persist over time.

Communication and Social Skills

In a typical day care, your kids spend their days in the company of many other kids and adults. So it’s not surprising that kids who attend day care develop excellent communication and social skills. They’re well-behaved, good at playing, taking turns, and sharing with other kids, and can solve conflicts with peers on their own. Since they’re exposed daily to a lot of adults with different personalities, they become versatile communicators who successfully interact with people in different situations. That’s certainly the case with my son. Since he was a toddler, he has engaged with confidence with all kinds of adults, including teachers, after-school counselors, and doctors.

Cognitive and Language Development

Kids who spend so much time in the company of other kids and adults at day care also develop language skills rapidly. “Highquality daycare focusing on structured educational activities,” says Dr. Noam Shpancer, a clinical psychologist, “has been linked to improved cognitive and language development.” I observed this from my own experience. When my son first started day care, I was concerned that he’d be confused when spoken to in two languages: English in day care, and Danish (my native language) at home. I was wrong. One of the care givers from South America told me that my son understood Spanish after a year there. With continued Spanish language classes at school, today he’s fluent in all three languages.

Academic and Employment Preparation

Virtually all day cares have a daily schedule that includes play, meal, story, song, and nap time. The structured environment makes it easy for the kids to transition to a formal school day, teaching them both discipline and the ability to focus and listen attentively to teachers. These benefits persist over time. One recent study, which tracked a large sample of kids over several decades, found that kids who went to day care were more likely to earn college degrees, and they had an easier time finding jobs than kids who hadn’t gone to day care.

Health Benefits

Some parents are very concerned about health at day care centers. They hesitate to send their kids to day care, fearing their kids might frequently get sick. They’re not completely wrong: research shows that kids who attend day care get more infections than those who don’t. However, here’s the good news: they build up their immune system so well that by the time they start elementary school, they’re much less likely to get sick than their peers. As Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, a prominent researcher of the health benefits of day care, puts it, attending day care “benefits the immune system and the ability to fight infections.”

February 5th 2025

Molino Library, 4:30 PM

February 8th, 2025

Youth Arts Day, 12:30 PM

Pensacola Museum of Art

Amazing Grace Christian Preschool ad on page 9

6601 North 9th Avenue, 32504

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm (extended hours 8:00am-2:00pm) Ages: PK 850-505-7735 preschool@gracepensacola.org www.gracepensacola.org

BE Academy, LLC

ad on page 11

2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard, 32526

Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-972-8202 info@beacademyllc.org www.beacademyllc.org

Children’s Place Preschool at Gulf Breeze UMC ad on page 7 67 Nightingale Drive, 32561

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am-1:00pm (early and aftercare available 7:30am-4:30pm) Ages: infant - 5 years 850-932-1647 childrensplace@gbumc.org www.gbumc.org/childrens-place

Creative Learning Academy ad on page 19

3151 Hyde Park Road, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm (before/after care available) Ages: 3 yrs - 8th grade 850-432-1768 admissions@creativelearning academy.org www.creativelearningacademy.org

Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool ad on page 15

6205 North “W” Street, 32505

Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 6:00pm

Ages: infant - 3 years, after-school care for K5 through 5th grade 850-479-1605 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Marcus Pointe Christian Preschool at Beulah ad on page 15

8300 Beulah Road, 32526

Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 6:00pm

Ages: 1 year - 3 years 850-607-9170 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Pensacola Christian Academy ad on page 25

10 Brent Lane, 32503

Hours: Days and Hours for K4-K5 are Monday - Friday: 8:30-12:30 (Extended school day hours are available for an extra fee). 850-478-8483 pensacolachristianacademy.com

A Touch of Love Children’s Center, Inc.

3762 Gardenview Street, 32571

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm

Ages: 1 year - PK 850-994-5111 atouchoflovechildrenscenter.com

Aletheia Christian Academy 1700 Woodchuck Avenue, 32504

Hours: Elementary (K5-6th): Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:45pm, VPK: Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 12:00pm ( wrap around option available Monday – Thursday from 12:00pm - 3:00pm)

Ages: K4 - 12th grade

850-969-0088 secretary@acalions.org www.acalions.org

Beach Kids Learning Center

5 Hoffman Drive , 32561

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:30pm

Ages: 18 months - VPK , PK and After School Care through 2nd grade

850-934-9665 beachkidslearningcenter@gmail. com www.beachkidslearningcenter.com

Berryhill Child Care

5762 Berryhill Road, 32570

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:15am - 6:00pm

Ages: 1 year - PK, After School Care for school age M-F from 1:30pm-6pm during the school year and M-F, 6:15am-6pm during the summer 850-623-4509 berryhillchildcare@gmail.com www.berryhillchildcare.com

Beulah’s Pre-K and Learning Center 1505 West Avery Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm Ages: 2 years - 12 years 850-435-6943

Big Lagoon Learning Center

5655 Bauer Road, 32507

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm A ges: 1 year - 11 years 850-696-2352 www.biglagoonlearningcenter.com

Blessed Star Montessori

Christian School

9151 North Davis Highway, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: PreK - 12th grade 850-476-9208 Blessedstar.mcs@gmail.com www. blessedstar.com

Brite Start Learning & Child Care Center, LLC

5000 Mobile Highway (Suite 9), 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-457-0096 britestartkids@gmail.com

Camp Fire - Century Youth Learning Center

6031 Industrial Boulevard, 32535

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-256-0953 info@cfgulfwind.org www.campfirekidsfl.org

CAP Head Start

Several Locations,

Hours: Hours vary by location Ages: Ages vary by location. (6 weeks - 5 years) 844-308-7165 capc-pensacola.org/head-start/

Capstone Academy Milton Child Care

5308 Stewart Street, 32570

Hours: Monday – Friday Ages: Infants - 5 years: VPK & School Readiness 850-626-3091 jbroussard@capstoneadaptivelearning.org www.capstoneacademy.org

Carden Christian Academy 3290 Bauer Road, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday, Part Time: 8:00am11:30am, Full Time: 8:00am-2:00pm, Extended Day: 7:00am - 5:00pm Ages: PK4-12th grade 850-492-4873 cardenpensacola@gmail.com www.cardenchristianacademy.com

Child Discovery Center of First Presbyterian Church

33 East Gregory Street, 32502

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade

850-433-2463 www.fpcpensacola.com/childdiscovery-center/

Childcare Network - Bowman (#141)

9441 Bowman Avenue, 32534

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-477-9508 www.childcarenetwork.com

Childcare Network - Creighton (#112)

4079 Creighton Road, 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-477-1451 www.childcarenetwork.com

Childcare Network - Oriole Beach (#150)

1269 Oriole Beach Road, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-932-1669 www.childcarenetwork.com

Childcare Network - West Fairfield (#111)

2623 West Michigan Avenue, 32526

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-944-5491 www.childcarenetwork.com

Childcare Network - West Fairfield Drive (#113)

7525 West Fairfield Drive, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-445-3096 www.childcarenetwork.com

Childcare Network -Navarre Granada Street (#151)

1883 Granada Street, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-936-9700 www.childcarenetwork.com

Children’s Learning Center

4401 Avalon Blvd, 32583

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: 1 year - 5 years

850-476-0630 clcstaff@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/clc2004/

Christ Church Little Learners Day Center

18 West Wright Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm

Extended care available from 12:00pm until 2:30pm and from 12:00pm until 4:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3.5 years

850-436-4631 www.christ-church.net

Coastline Christian Academy

1122 Oriole Beach Road, 32563

Hours: 3 year olds: (Monday & Wednesday, Tuesday & Thursday) 9:00-1:00; VPK: (MondayThursday) 9:00-1:00; Preschool After Care 1:00pm-2:45pm; Elementary: (Monday-Friday) 8:30pm-2:30pm; Elementary After Care 2:30pm3:30pm Ages: 3 years - 3rd grade (850) 565-5118 www.coastlinechristian.com

Cokesbury Methodist Children’s Center

5725 North 9th Avenue, 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm, VPK

8:30am - 12:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years

850-476-5847 www.cokesburychurch.com/ childrens-center

Connect Christian Academy 4115 Soundside Drive, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm, PartTime: 9:00am-1:00pm, VPK Instructional Hours are 9:00am–12:00pm Ages: 8 weeks-4 years, VPK

850-916-7496

www.clc.life/connect-christian-academy/

Curious Apples Early Learning Center

2716 Highway 87 South, 32566

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 2 years - 5 years, VPK, After School Care 850-936-4663 www.curiousapples.com

Destiny’s Child Learning Academy

2525 North Tarragona Street, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:00pm Ages: infant - 12 years 850-791-6552 funandlearningchildcare@yahoo.com

DT Child Development Center

1780 West Detroit Boulevard, 32534

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-969-1903 www.dtchilddevelopment.com/

East Hill Christian School 1301 East Gonzalez Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: Pre K - 12th grade 850-438-7746 info@ehcseagles.com ehcs.org

Episcopal Day School, HiltonGreen Campus

601 North Palafox Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: Pre K2 - 8th grade 850-434-6474 info@edscc.org www.edscc.org

Escambia Christian School

3311 West Moreno Street, 32505

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:30pm, extended care available Ages: K3 - 8th grade 850-433-8476 ecs@escambiachristian.org www.escambiachristian.org

First Baptist Christian Preschool

500 North Palafox Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 5 months - PK 850-433-0063 www.fbcp.org/preschool

First Steps Christian PreschoolImmanuel Baptist Church 4187 Highway 90, 32571

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-994-6092 jkimbro@ibcpace.com www.ibcpace.com/firststepschristianpreschool

Funplex Daycare

3123 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years 850-932-2297 gulfbreezegym@gmail.com www.the-funplex.com

Gonzalez UMC Child Enrichment Center

2026 Pauline Street, 32533

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.(before care 6:30am-7:00am and extended care 5:30-6:00pm, After School Program (K-5th), VPK 8:30am-11:45am Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-968-6245 www.gonzalezmethodist.org/childenrichment-center

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

4257 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: PK - 5th Grade 850-932-9127

Grace Child Development Center

7181 Pine Forest Road, 32526

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: 1 year - 12 years 850-944-5140 gracechilddevelopmentcenter.net

Greater Little Rock Preschool

901 North A Street, 32501

Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am-5:30pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 11 years 850-433-9476 www.glrockbc.org/greater_little_ rock_pre_school

Grow With Us Learning Academy 9490 Pensacola Boulevard, 32534

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: Infant - PK 850-473-8912 www.growwithuslearning.com/ pensacola-blvd-pensacola

Hillcrest Church Mother’s Day OutNine Mile Campus

800 East Nine Mile Road, 32514

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Ages: 1 year - 4 years

850-476-2233 hillcrestchurch.com/ministry/preschool

Holly’s Adventurers Learning Center

4508 Twin Oaks Drive, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: infants - 12 years

850-434-3937

Jacqueline Harris Pre-K

8190 Pensacola Boulevard, 32534

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm, VPK

9am-12pm, Aftercare: 12pm-2:30pm, Extended Care: 2:30pm-5pm Ages: PK3 - PK4, VPK 850-432-2273 www.jhpacademy.org/prekvpk

Jubilee Christian Academy

5910 North “W” Street, 32505

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: 1 year - 12th grade

850-494-2477 info@jcakids.org www.jcakids.org

Kids Discovery 5

2800 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-932-4409 www.kidsdiscovery.com

Kids Discovery 6

5753 Highway 90, 32583

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-623-4800 www.kidsdiscovery.com

Kinder World

2000 Toni Street, 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:45pm, VPK

Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 12:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 11 years 850-477-7080 www.mykinderworld.com

Knowledge and Fun Learning Center, LLC

596 North Fairfield Drive, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-456-4133

L.E.A.D. Academy Classical School 7121 Chumuckla Hwy., 32571

Hours: Monday - Friday, Grades K4-K5 8:00am - 2:00pm, morning and after school care available Ages: K4-12th grade 850-889-7080 www.leadacademylions.com

La Petite Academy, Inc. 9601 Pickwood Drive, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-478-6772 www.lapetite.com

Little Flower Catholic School 6495 Lillian Highway, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: K4 - 8th grade 850-455-4851 www.ptlittleflowerschool.org

Little Inspirations Learning Academy 9318 Pensacola Boulevard, 32534

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: 2 months - 12 years, VPK 850-478-5733 littleinspirationsLA@gmail.com www.littleinspirationslearningacademy.com

Little Red School House 3785 East Olive Road, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 2 years - 11 years

850-477-2773

Loving Hearts Child Care Center

227 North Old Corry Field Road, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks -12 years

850-453-2342

Methodist Children’s Academy

6 East Wright Street, 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Ages: infant - 5 years, VPK, after school care

850-438-6761 www.fumcpensacola.com/mca/

Methodist Children’s Academy East Hill

2203 N 12th Ave, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Ages: infant - 4 years 850 432-7778 www.fumcpensacola.com/mca/

Ministry Village Early Learning

1724 East Olive Road, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm

Ages: infants - 5 years 850-378-8044 www.MinistryVillageELC.org

Miss Kathy’s Early Learning Center

2275 East Johnson Avenue, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK

8:00am - 11:00am Ages: 2 years - 5th grade 850-479-6031 www.misskathys.com

Miss Kathy’s Pre K and Discovery Center

8721 Chemstrand Road, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:00pm, VPK 8:00am - 11:00am Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade 850-476-8320 www.misskathys.com

Montessori School of Pensacola

1010 North 12th Avenue (Suite 138), 32501

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 2 years-Kindergarten 850-469-8138 www.montessoripensacola.com

Montessori School of Pensacola

4100 Montessori Dr., 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: Preschool-8th grade 850-469-8138 www.montessoripensacola.com

MY Little Explorers Learning Academy

2406 Langley Avenue, 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

850-432-4100

Myrtle Grove Baptist Preschool Learning Center

5920 Lillian Highway, 32506

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years

850-455-3352 facebook.com/myrtlegrovebaptistplc

New Beginnings Preschool Center

4645 School Road, 32571

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm Ages: 3 years - 4 years 850-995-4936 newbeginningspreschoolcenter.com/

Northeast YMCA at the Vickrey Center Afterschool Childcare

2130 Summit Boulevard, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday after school care6:00pm Ages: 5 years -12 years 850-478-1222 www.ymcanwfl.org

Olive Baptist

1836 East Olive Road, 32514

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am1:30pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-476-1932 www.olivebaptist.org/kdo

Paradise Child Development Center

113 Joachim Drive, 32561

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:00pm

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-932-0722 paradisecdc@gmail.com

Potential Preschool Academy

3351 Creighton Road, 32504

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm (PK2K4 options, 7:30-12:30, 7:30-2:30, aftercare until 5:30 available) Ages: 2 years - 1st grade 850-777-3876 pensacola@ilovepca.com www.facebook.com/potentialpensacola

Redeemer Lutheran School

333 Commerce Street, 32507

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: VPK - 8th grade 850-455-0330 redeemerschoolpensacola.org

Redwood Blue Angels

10271 Sorrento Road, 32507

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: 2 years - PK, VPK, After School Care 850-456-9501 Blueangels@earlyclc.com www.redwoodschools.com

Sacred Heart Cathedral School

1603 North 12th Avenue, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: PreK - 8th 850-436-6440 info@shcs.ptdiocese.org www.shcs.ptdiocese.org

Santa Rosa Christian Learning Center

6331 Chestnut Street, 32570

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 3 years - 4 years 850-623-4607 www.santarosachristianschool. com/learningcenterdaycare

Santa Rosa Community Preschool Program

100 Andrew Jackson Trail, 32561

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm, VPK

Monday -Thursday, Extended Care available 7:30-9:00am and 1:00-4:30pm

Ages: 3 years - 4 years

850-934-4095 www.coms.santarosaschools.org/ en-us/gb-community-preschool-7a50c975

Scenic Preschool Daycare and Learning Center, Inc.

945 Scenic Highway, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:15pm

Ages: 2 year - 12 years 850-438-2692 scenicpreschool@bellsouth.net

Scholars Academy, Inc.

2610 West Michigan Avenue, 32526

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 5:30pm, VPK

8:00am -12:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years 850-944-5580

St. Ann Discovery School

100 Daniel Street, 32561

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 8 weeks - 5 years 850-932-9330 www.stanndiscoveryschool.org/

St. James Early Learning Center

219 East Johnson Avenue, 32514

Hours: M - F, 6am - 5pm Ages: 6 wks - 12 years 850-549-4771

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School

325 South Navy Boulevard, 32507

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:45am - 2:45pm, VPK 7:45am - 11:00am (extended care available) Ages: PreK3 - 8th grade 850-456-5218 www.stjohnschoolpensacola.com/

St. John’s Children’s Center

401 Live Oak Avenue, 32507

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3 years 850-453-9076 stjohnspensacola.org/st-johnschildrens-center

St. Luke UMC Preschool

1394 East Nine Mile Road, 32514

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 2pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years 850-477-9299 www.stluke-umc.org/preschool

St. Paul Catholic School

3121 Hyde Park Road, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday Ages: PreK3 - 8th grade 850-436-6435 www.stpaulcatholicschool.net/

St. Paul Lutheran Preschool

4600 North 9th Avenue, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 2:00pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years 850-438-3805 www.stpaulpensacola.church/ preschool.html

St. Paul Methodist Church Preschool 4901 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 32563

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm, Extended Care Hours: 7:30am - 8:30am &

12:30pm - 1:30pm Ages: 2 years - 5 years 850-932-0692 preschool.stpaulmethodist.org

Trinity Learning Center

3400 Bayou Boulevard, 32503

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm,:half day option 8:30am-12:30pm Ages: 1 year - 4 years 850-435-7829 www.trinitypcola.org

UWF Educational Research Center for Child Development

11000 University Parkway (Building 99), 32514 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 6 months - 5 years 850-474-2195 www.uwf.edu/childdev

West Florida Baptist Academy

5621 Highway 90, 32583

Hours: Monday - Friday, K3/K4 - 1/2 day or full day option Ages: PreK3 - 12th grade 850-623-9306 www.wfbacademy.org GPP

The Game’s Not for Everyone

Q. I’m 38, and after looking and waiting for years, I think I’ve found a rental property scenario I like. My plan is to take $30,000 out of my retirement account, and use it as a down payment on a property. My loan payment would be $1,400 a month, but I could easily rent the place for $1,800 a month. What are your thoughts?

A. No offense, but I can tell you’ve never been a landlord before. Bringing in nearly $1,800 a month, while paying out $1,400 may seem like a nice place to be. But you’ve left one very important factor out of your equation—risk. Rental properties just sit there empty sometimes. And this happens to all rental properties. You’ll also have repairs to contend with, renters who don’t pay and other expenses. See what I’m saying? You won’t

be able to count on an easy $400 in your pocket every month.

Now, I love real estate. I understand the excitement and allure. But what you’re really saying is you want to cash out part of your retirement, get hit with a penalty and take on debt, all to buy an investment property. This is not a good plan.

My advice is to save up, and pay cash for one small, decent rental property to see if the landlord game is really for you.

The Safest Place?

Q. Where is the best place to keep my savings?

A. In my mind, when it comes to savings, the idea is to park the money in a safe place—like a money market account or basic savings account—and keep it separate from the rest of your cash, so you don’t accidentally spend it on the wrong thing. I’m not really concerned with making money in a savings scenario, so things like setting money aside for an emergency fund or vacations fall into this category.

Investing, on the other hand, is when you’re going to leave the money alone for a bare minimum of five to 10 years to grow it. Things like college planning and retirement fall into this category. In these instances, I recommend good, growthstock mutual funds that have stable track records of at least 10 years.

We’ve

all been

there: despite our very best efforts – and cajoling - our kids simply won’t eat healthy, home-cooked food. How about trying a new strategy and making healthy eating a fun activity?

Here are some fun ways to inspire the kids:

Dinner for breakfast

Everyone knows about “breakfast for dinner,” but have you ever considered “dinner for breakfast”? “Well, why not,” says Shannon Crocker, a dietician. “If it was a healthy, balanced meal last night, it’s still a healthy, balanced meal this morning.” If your kids’ favorite food is pizza, serve mini-pizzas with healthy fillings like tomato sauce, ham, pineapple, and cheese.

Cooking club

Get some of your kids’ friends or classmates together and start a cooking club on afternoons or weekends. You could hire a local culinary student to teach basic cooking skills. “Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if the presentation is appetizing and if they have a hand in preparation,” says Patti Ghezzi of Greater Good Communication, a non-profit that focuses on nutrition and food.

Roll-ups

Have the kids “roll” their own food, sushistyle. They can roll whole wheat tortillas with ham and cheese or peanut butter and banana. They can also roll pizzas with shredded mozzarella and tomato sauce. The possibilities are endless. “Kids love these fun snacks, and they’re packed with protein, potassium, and filling fiber,” says Angelina Sickora, a dietician.

Funny faces

Take a bunch of vegetables and have the kids make the funniest faces possible on the kitchen counter. Hint: peas are good for eyes. “This is a great way to increase children’s sensory experiences (and then

probably acceptance) with veggies in a fun and entertaining environment,” says Karina Savage, a dietician.

Healthy plates

Have the kids create a meal that includes items from all four food groups: fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. “Assembling a balanced plate is one of the most practical skills you can teach a child,” says Shannon Doleac, a nutritionist, “and creating plates can become fun nutrition activities for kids.”

Guess the fruit or vegetable

Put a bunch of fruits and vegetables in a bag, have the kids close their eyes, and ask them to choose one thing. The goal is to guess what it is based on how it feels and smells. “Exploring food with all of their senses moves them closer to trusting and eating that food,” says Ms. Savage.

Dessert as main course

Put a small portion of dessert on their plates, just enough to keep them hungry and eat the main course. “You’ll be surprised when your child suddenly takes a bite of dessert along with a bite of some-

thing else, instead of just gobbling up the dessert,” says Jennifer House, a nutritionist.

Guess the fruit

Have your kids guess which fruit you’re thinking of by describing its color, shape, texture, and taste. “It’s a great way to have fun while promoting healthy eating in kids,” says Ms. Savage.

Follow their passion

Kids have different passions. Some are interested in certain countries or cultures, others in specific colors or textures. “What’s your child’s current obsession?” asks Katie Kick, the author of Good Life Eats. “Incorporate that into their food.” Kids are more likely to take an interest in what they eat if it aligns with their passions.

Healthy recipes

How about having the kids collect all their favorite, healthy recipes and make a book

out of them? For added fun, each recipe could have a key ingredient starting with a different letter. “Creating your own family recipe book is always a memorable project,” says Ms. Doleac.

Plant person

Take a bunch of vegetables, put them on the kitchen counter, and ask the kids to make a “plant person.” “Once you’re done,” says Ms. Savage, “it’s a great chance to ask the kids if they want to eat some of their plant person.”

Let them dip

For a healthy afternoon snack, give the kids some food they can dip: fruits and vegetables, whole wheat crackers, or pita. The dip could be fat-free yogurt, salsa, or guacamole. “A great dip makes everything better!” says Aracely Rojas, a dietician.

Plant a garden

If you have an outdoor garden, dedicate a small area for the kids to grow their own fruits and vegetables. If not, grow a small kitchen garden. A hydroponic (water) gar den is a lot of fun. “Kids are invested and interested in foods they’ve watched grow in a way that’s otherwise hard to replicate,” says Alisha Grogan, a pediatric occupational therapist.

Bake something wholesome

Kids love to bake. Have them help you make a loaf of bread with whole wheat flour or a banana bread with some overripe bananas. “Making pasta or gnocchi is another fun option,” says Ms. Savage, “but be prepared for the mess!”

Cut out images of food

Gather old magazines and have the kids cut out images of all the farm-fresh foods they can find. “This is one of the best nutrition ac tivities for discussing whole foods and clean eating,” Ms. Doleac says, “and why they’re an important base to build our meals from.”

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Child meal sites across the Gulf Coast are offering healthy, FREE meals for children, ages 18 and younger.

FamilyCalendar

Saturday February 1

Double Bridge Run

7:00 AM Join us on February 1, 2025 for one of the premier 15k races in the country. The race runs from Downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze over the Pensacola Bay Bridge, and over the Santa Rosa Sound Bridge into Pensacola Beach! There will be a 15k run, 5k run, and 5k walk. www.pensacolasports.org/double-bridge-run/

Podcastapalooza 2025

10:00 AM Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Pkwy Pensacola, FL, 32504 Podcastapalooza is an one-of-a-kind opportunity for parents, guardians, students, and the wider community to engage with the insightful and inspiring guests from our “Voices United in Education” podcast.

Improvable Cause

10:30 AM 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Improvable Cause is Pensacola’s best professional improv comedy troupe! Performing the first Saturday of every month at the Pensacola Little Theatre, IC’s unscripted shows are sure to bust you at the seams with over-the-top, anything-goes hilarity! Everything is created in the moment with audience suggestions, so each show is different! https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=239806

Royal Doughnut Breakfast

2:00 PM The Beach Church, 920 Panferio Dr Pensacola, FL, 32561 The Krewe of Kids hosts a Royal Doughnut Breakfast (open to krewe members only, so be sure to sign up!)

https://pensacolabeachmardigras.com

Martini-Gras – Martini Shake-off and Cajun Food Competition

6:00 PM St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563 The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is excited to announce the upcoming Martini-Gras – Martini Shake-off and Cajun Food competition, scheduled to take place on February 1, at St Sylvester’s Catholic Church from 6pm until 10pm with a Mardi Gras themed evening filled with great libations, food and fun. www.emeraldcoastwildliferefuge.org/martini-gras

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Short Attention Span Theatre

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Step right up to the spotlight, folks! Short Attention Span Theatre is back by popular demand, lighting up the stage again for another unforgettable performance at PLT. Prepare to be transported as we delve into a night filled with one-act plays. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/

The Great Pages Circus

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 Pages Circus show. https://pagescircus.com/tour-dates/

Sunday February 2

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Short Attention Span Theatre

2:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Step right up to the spotlight, folks! Short Attention Span Theatre is back by popular demand, lighting up the stage again for another unforgettable performance at PLT. Prepare

to be transported as we delve into a night filled with one-act plays. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/

The Great Pages Circus Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 Pages Circus show. https://pagescircus.com/tour-dates/

Tuesday February 4

Riverdance 30 - The New Generation 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance that blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class dancers, musicians, and singers in the Riverdance ensemble. www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Wednesday February 5

Mato at the Library

4:30 PM Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Hwy 95A N Molino, FL, 32577 Bring the whole family out to a FREE musical production, designed just for kids at your local library! Performed by our Studio Artists, join us on the Gulf Coast for a brand new children’s opera! 850-436-5060 www.mywfpl.com

Riverdance 30 - The New Generation 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance that blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class dancers, musicians, and singers in the Riverdance ensemble. www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Thursday February 6

Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert

7:00 PM National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32508 Join us on February 6, 2025, for an evening concert with the most popular and sought-after big band in the world today. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered one of the greatest bands of all time.

https://navalaviationfoundation.org/glenn-miller-2025/

Friday February 7

Torreya State Park Overnight Backpacking Trip

3:00 PM Pensacola, FL We will camp out one night and be hiking on fantastic trails the next morning. The hike will be roughly 12.5 miles. www.cityofpensacola.com/2806/Programs-Events

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Saturday February 8

Beginning Birding Guided Hike

(Free event with regular park entry fees)

9:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages. www.floridastateparks.org/

Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Flora-Bama , 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL, 32507 A Fundraiser for Relay For Life and The American Cancer Society https://www.florabama.com/chili-cook-off

Kids and Kritters Parade

1:00 PM Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola, FL The annual Kids and Kritters Parade will take place in the Casino Beach parking lot across from Sidelines on Pensacola Beach.

https://pensacolabeachmardigras.com/

Evening Under the Stars

5:45 PM - 10:00 PM, Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL Big Lagoon State Park along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association would like to invite you to spend an evening gazing at the skies! Clear skies permitting, members of the Association will set up telescopes and binoculars to capture views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects. The gaze will be held at the Amphitheater, telescopes will be set up on the SE side of the parking area.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/events/eveningunder-stars-27

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart Madness

7:30 PM First Baptist Church, 500 N Palafox St Pensacola, FL, 32501 The beautiful sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Pensacola provides the stunning setting for our annual celebration of Mozart! This chamber orchestra concert features Hedi SalankiRubardt and Blake Riley as soloists for the composer’s Concerto for Two Pianos. The program also includes his Symphony No. 39, one of Mozart’s final masterworks. www.pensacolasymphony.com

The Big Gala

The Sanctuary, 716 N 9th Ave Pensacola, FL, 32501 Prepare for an evening of elegance and excitement at our highly anticipated 2025 Big Gala! This prestigious event will take place on Saturday, February 8th at the Sanctuary. It promises to be a night of gourmet dining, delightful drinks, live music, captivating presentations, heartwarming testimonials, and silent and live auctions. Guests will also be treated to a show by the popular 80’s band ‘The Molly Ringwalds”. www.bbbsnwfl.org/events/big-gala-/

Monday February 10

Pensacola Mess HallHomeschool Programs ($35 members | $40 nonmembers) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Pensacola Mess Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32502 We invite young explorers ages 7-12 to take part in our Home School Science Explorations. Students will participate in hands-on science lessons designed to foster a life-long love for science.? Feb 10 – Have a Heart, Additional Session – Feb 17 877-937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org/

Thursday February 13

Rock the Runway ($150)

7:00 PM Vinyl Music Hall , 2 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL, 32502 On February 13, 2025, at Vinyl Music Hall, the fashion runway will be filled with the sound of iconic rock and pop songs from your favorite bands from the 70s, 80s, and 90s melding with operatic masterpieces to create an experience unlike any seen in Pensacola. Featuring designs inspired by iconic opera characters and curated by local boutiques, this

FamilyCalendar

evening promises to bring together the worlds of music and fashion in a way that is visually stunning and artistically inspiring.

https://pensacolaopera.com/events/rock-the-runway/

Singles Science Night ($30)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Pensacola Mess Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32502 In this interactive adult program, participants will team up with fellow science enthusiasts to tackle exciting math, engineering, and science challenges that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and maybe even a spark of connection. Ticket price includes admission, access to regular MESS Hall exhibits, themed activities, and drink tickets for adult beverages. Light refreshments will also be available.

https://pensacolamesshall.org

MANIA the ABBA Tribute

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Mania The ABBA Tribute the tribute takes you back in time by recreating one of the world’s finest pop groups in a live stage performance. www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Friday February 14

Pensacon

1:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Pensacola Bay Center, Various locations Pensacola, FL Pensacon is an all-inclusive pop culture convention for the fan community, spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming, and fantasy. www.pensacon.com/

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

7:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Saturday February 15

Beginning Birding Guided Hike (Free event with regular park entry fees)

10:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages. www.floridastateparks.org/ Pensacon

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Pensacola Bay Center, Various locations Pensacola, FL Pensacon is an all-inclusive pop culture convention for the fan community, spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming, and fantasy. www.pensacon.com/

Milton Mardi Gras Parade

2:30 PM Milton , FL, 32570 The Emerald Coast Krewe of Airship Pirates cordially invite you to join us for the Milton Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday at 2:30pm. After the parade stay for a free concert and after party.

www.kreweofairshippirates.com/

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Bond & Beyond

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Enjoy a night of musical intrigue as Broadway and pop vocalists Chloe Lowery and Ron Bohmer join the orchestra for the music of the spies, from

James Bond hits to The Pink Panther, Indiana Jones and The Incredibles. www.pensacolasymphony.com

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

7:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Sunday February 16

Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Community Maritime Park , 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Chocolate and Cheese Fest will be at Community Maritime Park, downtown Pensacola. We will have food trucks and vendors selling Chocolate and Cheese items as well as other vendor and menu items, live entertainment and bounce house for children. https://apexshowsandevents.com

Pensacon

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Pensacola Bay Center, Various locations Pensacola, FL Pensacon is an all-inclusive pop culture convention for the fan community, spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming, and fantasy. www.pensacon.com/

4th Annual Pensacola Paw-di Gras

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, 32502 This year’s event will be held in downtown Pensacola on a closed Garden Street between Tarragona and Palafox Streets. This outdoor festival, filled with Mardi Gras fun, is free and open to the public. Enjoy dog parade, costume contest, vendors, sponsors, and entertainment www.wolfgangparkandbrews.com/

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

2:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Elvis In Person: Matt Stone as Elvis 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Monday February 17

Archery/Fishing Day Camps and Outdoor Adventure Day Camps

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Bayview Community Resource Center, 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL, 32503 We will split the day between learning and practicing archery, and fishing at Community Maritime Park. Registration required. www.cityofpensacola.com/

Tuesday February 18

Brown Bag Opera (Free)

12:00 PM Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Brown Bag Opera is Pensacola Opera’s lunchtime recital series! Bring your lunch to the Opera Center and enjoy a free, laid-back

concert featuring the 2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artists performing favorite aria and musical theatre pieces. Brown Bag is the perfect way to add a little music in your afternoon. www.pensacolaopera.com

Friday February 21

Alton Brown Live: Last Bite

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Alton Brown Live: Last Bite www.pensacolasaenger.com/

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

7:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Saturday February 22

Bay to Breakfast

8K Trail Run

7:30 AM 12301 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL, 32507 Come enjoy the beauty and challenge of running an 8k trail at Big Lagoon State Park. All participants will enjoy a pancake and bacon breakfast at the Governor’s Pavilion after the race. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/BaytoBreakfast8KTrailRun

Beginning Birding Guided Hike

(Free event with regular park entry fees)

9:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages. www.floridastateparks.org/

North Florida Renaissance Faire

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, 8700 Randy Brown Rd. Milton, FL, 32583 Experience the magic of the Renaissance era with a full array of festivities: from full contact jousting tournaments and medieval markets to live music, artisans, and theatrical performances. Join us for a journey through time and witness the splendor of days gone by, all crafted with the expertise and passion that only Knights of Valour can deliver.

https://jubileefairetickets.ticketspice.com/north-florida-renaissance-faire

Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade

1:00 PM Navarre, FL The Navarre Krewe of Jesters Mardi Gras Parade will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1 PM in Navarre Beach, Florida. The theme for the 2025 parade is “Celebrating Navarre 100 years”.

https://business.navarrechamber.com/

Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices

3:30 PM First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL, 32501 Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents One World, Many Voices www.pensacolasings.org/

An Evening Under the Stars

5:45 PM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association would like to invite you to spend an evening gazing at the skies! Clear skies permitting, members

FamilyCalendar

of the Association will set up telescopes and binoculars to capture views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects. www.floridastateparks.org/

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

7:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Sunday February 23

North Florida Renaissance Faire

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, 8700 Randy Brown Rd. Milton, FL, 32583 Experience the magic of the Renaissance era with a full array of festivities: from full contact jousting tournaments and medieval markets to live music, artisans, and theatrical performances. Join us for a journey through time and witness the splendor of days gone by, all crafted with the expertise and passion that only Knights of Valour can deliver. https://jubileefairetickets.ticketspice.com/north-florida-renaissance-faire

UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

2:30 PM UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts , 11000 University Pkwy. Pensacola, FL, 32514 UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts presents Fiddler on the Roof

https://uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/boxoffice/current-season/

Roman Street featuring Andy Vargas

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/roman-streetfeaturing-andy-vargas/

Monday February 24

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information. https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Tuesday February 25

2025 Bingo, Beads & Beans - A Fundraiser for the Santa Rosa Woman’s Club

5:30 PM St Sylvester Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563 Join us for a fun night of bingo, fun, and Mardi Gras food to raise funds for the GFWC Santa Rosa Woman’s Club in 2025! www.eventbrite.com

“I Am He Said” - Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place

Pensacola, FL, 32502

www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/i-am-he-saidcelebrating-the-music-of-neil-diamond/

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information.

https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Wednesday February 26

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information.

https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Thursday February 27

Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Gala Celebration

7:30 AM St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL, 32563 This isn’t just any celebration; it’s a two-day extravaganza that kicks off with our Annual Awards & Installation Breakfast on Thursday, where we’ll be handing out the prestigious SAIL AWARDS! These awards shine a spotlight on the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have truly gone above and beyond this past year to make our community a better place.

https://business.navarrechamber.com/

Sean of the South with Three on a String

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Sean will be joined by his buddies of Three on a String for a show full of music, stories and laughs!

https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/sean-ofthe-south/

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information. https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Friday February 28

Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Night Parade

7:30 PM Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL We entertain the people of Pensacola during the Mardi Gras season with our own Krewe of Lafitte’s Illuminated Parade featuring our 12 hand-built, pirate-themed floats, joined by other organizations in our area, throwing beads, stuffed animals, moon pies and other surprises to the awaiting crowds. www.kreweoflafitte.com

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information.

https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Gala Celebration

Juana’s/Sailors’ Grille, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway Navarre, FL, 32566 Come enjoy the Grand Gala Celebration.

https://business.navarrechamber.com/

Saturday March 1

Perdido or Blackwater River Trip ($75 with kayak rental | $50 with own kayak and equipment)

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Pensacola, FL Cool clear waters, picturesque sand bars, fascinating wildlife. A classic river trip. River location dependent on water levels. Van shuttle included. You don’t want to miss this! www.cityofpensacola.com/2806/Programs-Events

Beginning Birding Guided Hike (Free event with regular park entry fees)

9:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages. www.floridastateparks.org/

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade

2:00 PM Palafox St, Pensacola, FL Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade https://pensacolamardigras.com/event/ pensacola-grand-mardigras-parade-2/

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and apparel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information.

https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Sunday March 2

Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade

2:00 PM Via de Luna and Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola, FL The parade rolls at 2 p.m. from Via de Luna and Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion.

https://pensacolamardigras.com/event/krewe-ofwrecks-beach-parade/

Pensacola Foiling Week

Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Foiling Week tests and trials are open to sailors and beginners with the possibility to sail the latest foiling boats, boards and gears. During the weekend the Foiling Week Village at Maritime Park will give the opportunity to watch close racing, visit an expo showcasing the latest in high-tech nautical equipment and ap-

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parel, listen to discussions on the evolution of foiling, and enjoy musical performances. Visit our website for more information.

https://foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025/

Tuesday March 4

French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration

11:00 AM 130 E Government St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Organizers are going for a Big Easy-style Mardi Gras Festival that will include a low country Boil, food trucks, and dancing and partying downtown.

Wednesday March 5

Killer Queen

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 A tribute to queen show. www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Thursday March 6

Mom 2 Mom Kids Resale Event ($1.00)

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 Gulf Coast’s Largest Kids Resale Event-A semi-annual event located at the Pensacola Fairgrounds www.mom2momsale.net/

PSC Performing Arts Presents The Crucible 7:30 PM Ashmore Fine Arts Center, 1000 College Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32504 Presented by PSC’s Performing Arts Department, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of

the consequences of blind conformity. The Crucible remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain. https://performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/upcomingevents/

Friday March 7

Mom 2 Mom Kids Resale Event ($1.00)

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 Gulf Coast’s Largest Kids Resale Event-A semi-annual event located at the Pensacola Fairgrounds www.mom2momsale.net/

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

Arts Department, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Miller’s narrative not only captures the historical context of the trials, but also serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity. The Crucible remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain. performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/upcoming-events/

Saturday March 8

Mom 2 Mom Kids Resale Event ($1.00)

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 Gulf Coast’s Largest Kids Resale Event-A semi-annual event located at the Pensacola Fairgrounds www.mom2momsale.net/

Beginning Birding Guided Hike (Free event with regular park entry fees)

9:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages. www.floridastateparks.org/

Pensacola Home Show

Ashmore Fine Arts Center, 1000 College Blvd

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home improvement - whether it’s a minor renovation or a major remodel. www.homeshowspensacola.com/

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Symphonic Spectacular Dress Rehearsal ($10)

1:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a working dress rehearsal of this program. General admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door, by phone, or in person.

https://pensacolasymphony.com/

An Evening Under the Stars

5:45 PM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park along with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association would like to invite you to spend an evening gazing at the skies! Clear skies permitting, members of the Association will set up telescopes and binoculars to capture views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects.

www.floridastateparks.org/

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage.

www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

Symphonic Spectacular

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Some composers looked within for inspiration, while others looked up. Join us for Gustav Holst’s The Planets, evoking the astrological characterizations of our celestial neighbors.

https://pensacolasymphony.com/

PSC Performing Arts Presents The Crucible 7:30 PM Ashmore Fine Arts Center, 1000 College Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32504 Presented by PSC’s Performing Arts Department, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Miller’s narrative not only captures the historical context of the trials, but also serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity. The Crucible remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain. https://performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/upcomingevents/

Project Formal Trunk Show for FREE Formal Wear

Register for a time Pensacola, FL, 32505 4EVR DEZ, a 501c3 nonprofit has released its Prom Trunk Show Dates for the 2025 High School Prom Season. Students wanting FREE formal wear will have two weekends to choose from, March 8 - 9 & April Date: TBA. Students or parents are encouraged to register for free formal wear. Registration helps the nonprofit plan for dress sizes and volunteers. www.projectformal.com

Sunday March 9

Pensacola Home Show

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526

At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home

improvement - whether it’s a minor renovation or a major remodel.

www.homeshowspensacola.com/

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

2:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

PSC Performing Arts Presents The Crucible 2:30 PM Ashmore Fine Arts Center, 1000 College Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32504 Presented by PSC’s Performing Arts Department, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Miller’s narrative not only captures the historical context of the trials, but also serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria and the consequences of blind conformity. The Crucible remains relevant today as a cautionary tale about the fragility of justice and the ease with which fear can be manipulated for political or personal gain. performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/upcoming-events/

Project Formal Trunk Show for FREE Formal Wear

Register for a time Pensacola, FL, 32505 4EVR DEZ, a 501c3 nonprofit has released its Prom Trunk Show Dates for the 2025 High School Prom Season. Students wanting FREE formal wear will have two weekends to choose from, March 8 - 9 & April Date: TBA. Students or parents are encouraged to register for free formal wear. Registration helps the nonprofit plan for dress sizes and volunteers. www.projectformal.com

Thursday March 13

Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl

6:00 PM Pensacola State College’s Lou Ross Center, 1000 College Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32504 Choose a one-of-a-kind handcrafted clay bowl thrown by a local potter to keep, sample some of the best soups in town, sip on wine and beer (must be 21 or older), and enjoy a few special features! Each ticket sold will provide 30 healthy meals to neighbors in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. www.mannahelps.org/events/pick-a-bowl-fill-a-bowl/

Friday March 14

Pi Day ($30)

6:00 PM Pensacola Mess Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Celebrate irrationality at the MESS Hall. We will have pies, both pizza and dessert, from area restaurants for you to sample while exploring the properties of the other kind of pi. Ticket price includes admission, access to regular MESS Hall exhibits, themed activities, and drink tickets for adult beverages. https://pensacolamesshall.org

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage.

www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

Pensacola Opera Presents Pagliacci

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502https://pensacolaopera.com/ events/pagliacci/

Pensacola Opera- Pagliacci

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Pensacola Opera- Pagliacci www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Big Bounce America

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 The world’s biggest touring inflatable theme park! Currently touring the US delivering super-sized fun!

https://thebigbounceamerica.com/event/pensacola/

Saturday

March 15

Shamrock Stroll 5K Fun Run/Walk | Pet Parade | Costume Contest on Navarre Beach

8:00 AM Navarre, FL, 32566 Lace up your sneakers and join us on Saturday, March 15th at 8 am on Navarre Beach for a morning filled with fun and excitement. Participants will start at the south end of the Navarre Beach Boat Parking Lot and make their way down Gulf boulevards multi-purpose trail. Don’t forget about the Pet Parade, which will take place simultaneously behind the serious runners. After completing the race, stick around for refreshments and prizes.

https://business.navarrechamber.com/

Beginning Birding Guided Hike (Free event with regular park entry fees)

9:00 AM Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32507 Big Lagoon State Park, is offering a beginning birding guided hike. This program is open to all ages.

www.floridastateparks.org/

Spring Pensacola Community Outdoor Flea Market ($2 entry at entrance. Kids 12 and under are free.) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Community Maritime Park , 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Come on out to the Spring Pensacola Community Outdoor Flea Market Extravaganza and MORE! 100% of Net Proceeds goes to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Food trucks will also be on site.

https://apexshowsandevents.com/3%2F15-springflea-market

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage.

www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

Big Bounce America

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 The world’s biggest touring inflatable theme park! Currently touring the US delivering super-sized fun!

https://thebigbounceamerica.com/event/pensacola/

FamilyCalendar

Sunday March 16

Pensacola Opera Presents Pagliacci

2:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502https://pensacolaopera.com/ events/pagliacci/

Pensacola Little Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong

2:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy that follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery play titled “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” However, everything that can go wrong goes wrong, leading to hilarious chaos on stage. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ the-play-that-goes-wrong

Pensacola Opera- Pagliacci

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Pensacola Opera- Pagliacci www.pensacolasaenger.com/

Big Bounce America

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 36526 The world’s biggest touring inflatable theme park! Currently touring the US delivering super-sized fun! https://thebigbounceamerica.com/event/pensacola/

Monday March 17

Survival Skills Camp

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Pensacola, FL Learn fire and shelter building skills, try out some camp cooking

recipes, learn species identification and enjoy hikes at new locations each day in and around Pensacola. March 17-21

https://webtrac.cityofpensacola.com/wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/SPLASH.html

Tuesday March 25

Brown Bag Opera (Free)

12:00 PM Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Brown Bag Opera is Pensacola Opera’s lunchtime recital series! Bring your lunch to the Opera Center and enjoy a free, laid-back concert featuring the 2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artists performing favorite aria and musical theatre pieces. Brown Bag is the perfect way to add a little music in your afternoon. www.pensacolaopera.com

Friday March 28

Disney On IceFind Your Hero

7:00 PM Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to Florida with a magical adventure for the whole family! www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Saturday March 29

Bed Race 2025

8:00 AM Fountain Park, Pensacola, FL Support the mission of Family Promise in its first-ever Bed Race

to End Childhood Homelessness! This unique race with beds-on-wheels is a fun filled community event that highlights the work we do and what families without housing go through each week. The Bed Race drives our ability to mobilize community resources to provide compassionate care, shelter, meals, and case management to homeless children & their families. Teams of 5 people, 4 racers and 1 rider (ages 12+), will construct a bed on wheels to race down a track competing for fastest time. https://www.fpesc.org/bedrace2025

Books by the Bay Festival

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Museum Plaza, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Festival for book enthusiasts of all ages. Join us for a day brimming with activities that celebrate the magic of storytelling and the written word. https://www.booksbythebay.info/

Strauss & Schubert Dress Rehearsal ($10)

1:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a working dress rehearsal of this program. General admission tickets are $10 https://pensacolasymphony.com/

Strauss & Schubert

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL, 32502 Pensacola native Titus Underwood returns home to perform Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto. The program also includes Strauss’ Serenade for Winds and Schubert’s Ninth Symphony, “The Great” https://pensacolasymphony.com/

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Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to Florida with a magical adventure for the whole family! 11am, 3pm, 7pm www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Sunday March 30

Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero

2:00 PM Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Get ready to discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns to Florida with a magical adventure for the whole family! www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Zarzaur Law Maritime De Luna Youth Duathlon Community Maritime Park , 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 The event features a full duathlon experience for children from 6 to 15 years old while friends and family cheer them on. With a fully supported event on a closed course, safety and encouragement from volunteers complement the excitement of children becoming multisport athletes. www.tgcyouthmultisport.org/duathlon.html

Every Monday

Baby Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes. This program is suggested for babies ages 0 to 2 years and their caregivers. 850-436-5060 www.mywfpl.com

Every Tuesday

Baby Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes. This program is suggested for babies ages 0 to 2 years and their caregivers. 850-471-6980 www.mywfpl.com

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL, 32507 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot. 850-453-7780 www.mywfpl.com

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway Pensacola, FL, 32526 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-471-6360 www.mywfpl.com

Every Wednesday

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-436-5060 www.mywfpl.com

Every Thursday

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-595-1047 www.mywfpl.com

Family Story Time at Your Library

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. Pensacola, FL, 32504 Join us for exciting stories, songs, and movement. This program is suggested for children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. STEAM Story Time will happen once a month at each location during the regular story time slot.

850-471-6980 www.mywfpl.com

Every third Friday

Gallery Night

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Gallery Night is an all-ages community arts and culture event which happens on the third Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. www.gallerynightpensacola.org

Every Saturday

Palafox Market

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 100 N Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Shop for farm-fresh produce, plants, baked goods and more at the event that’s consistently voted “Best Farmers Market” and “Best Free Thing to Do.” www.palafoxmarket.com

Every first Saturday

West Florida Genealogical Society Meeting (Free) 10:30:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM, Downtown Pensacola Library , 239 N Spring Street Pensacola , FL, 32502 WFGS is for anyone interested in genealogy and family history. A brief meeting followed by presentation. info@wfgs.org www.wfgs.org

Every first and third Saturday

Hwy 87 Market

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Sand Dollar Plaza, 1900 Hwy 87 Navarre, FL, 32566 Enjoy a wide variety of booths, offering food items, art, decor, and so much more. 850-368-9500 facebook.com/sanddollarsaturdays

Every other Saturday

Art Academy for Autism

1:30 PM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Ages 5-9-Alternating Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Ages 10-15-Alternating Saturdays from 1:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Various Dates-April

2025

Ice Flyers Games

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32501 Championship hockey team that prioritizes consistently delivering the highest level of entertain ment to our fans and support to our community. Visit our website for more information. www.iceflyers.com

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Embracing the “Let Them” Theory: A Powerful Approach for Parents

As a devoted reader, I get genuinely excited when I discover a book that can truly benefit parents. Recently, I came across “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, a renowned influencer, public speaker, and author, and it sparked my interest immediately. Mel discussed this theory on her podcast last year, and it resonated with ideas I have long advocated for in my work with kids and teens.

The essence of the “Let Them” Theory is straightforward yet profound. It encourages us to let them —if someone says something mean about you, let them; if you’re not invited to a party, let them; and if someone doesn’t like you, let them. However, this approach’s critical second part is titled “ Let Me. ” This means acknowledging that while we cannot control others’ behavior, we can control our reactions. Let them be who they are, dig their holes, and express themselves. The key is to recognize that we hold the power over our own responses. When faced with negativity, remind yourself: “Let them,” followed by “Let me” decide how I will take care of myself.

I introduced this concept to middle school students last year, and initially, their reaction was hesitant. When I suggested they respond with “let them” in the face of cyberbullying, they felt vulnerable and fearful of being an easy

power, conserving energy that would otherwise be wasted in futile arguments or confrontations.

Moreover, it’s important to note that Mel Robbins wrote this book primarily for adults, emphasizing the critical role parents play in helping children regulate their emotional responses. This is why it’s vital for parents to be attentive to their child’s social media interactions. As issues arise, parents can lead the way by modeling appropriate responses.

target. However, as we dove deeper into the meaning of “let me,” they began to understand its significance. They realized that if they become victims of cyberbullying, saying “let them” means choosing not to engage with the bully. Instead, they could follow up with “let me” and reach out to a trusted adult, contact a resource officer, confide in a counselor, or inform their parents. They could block the bully on social media or simply ignore hurtful comments. This approach allows them to reclaim their

Social media can be an emotional regulation time bomb for kids—and adults—who face daily challenges online. By using the “Let Them” Theory with parental support, children will learn to step into their power. They will realize that while changing another person is impossible, they are responsible for their own reactions and actions.

How empowering is that! Together, we can guide our children to navigate the complexities of social media with confidence, resilience, and self-awareness!!

Bush serves as a national education consultant and

media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

Kristi

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