Pensacola, FL July 2024 by City Lifestyle

In July, we Explore!

I was a wild child from an early age, and I have always been captivated by the sheer thrill of discovery. Even now, I remain untamed, constantly pushing boundaries. My travels have taken me across America and beyond, but nowhere have I found a greater thrill than in the skies above Pensacola. Our feature on the Blue Angels is a testament to the power of breaking limits. Watching their breathtaking maneuvers reminds me of the lim itless possibilities that await us when we dare to chase our dreams. These aviators inspire us to reach for the sky, both literally and figuratively, showing us that with precision, dedication, and a fearless spirit, we can achieve the extraordinary.

On a more intimate note, the War Horse Project article is deeply moving. It tells the story of individuals and animals embarking on a journey of mutual healing and understanding. This project touches me profoundly, illustrating that exploration isn’t always about charting new physical territories. Sometimes, the most significant journeys are the ones we undertake within ourselves. Through the gentle, knowing eyes of a horse, many have found a path to recovery, resilience and profound inner peace.

As you get immersed in these stories, I hope you find the inspiration to explore the unknown in your own life and outside of it. Whether it's conquering the skies, healing old wounds, or simply going down unbeaten paths, let the spirit of exploration guide you to new and wonderful horizons.

With absolute Love,

ADINA PRESTON, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Adina Preston | adina.preston@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Melanie Williams | melanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marti Andring | marti.andring@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adina Preston, Alex Boykin, Cindy V. Reeves

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adina Preston, Alex Boykin, Craig "R.J." Wood, Esq., Kyle Adams, Rowan Preston, Kyle Lowry

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Quality Over Quantity In Real Estate!

From the very beginning, we’ve prioritized quality in every property transaction. Today, our commitment remains unwavering.

Thanks to our fantastic Realtors, we’ve built a phenomenal reputation. Whether you’re a Buyer, Seller, or Realtor looking to make a move, trust in our legacy of quality. Every transaction reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring satisfaction at every step.

Elevate your real estate experience with us!

YOUR DREAM BOAT AWAITS

Discover the MarineMax difference. Scan the QR code or learn more at marinemax.com.

city scene

1-7: We kicked off the celebration of the Pensacola City Lifestyle Magazine launch in collaboration with MarineMax Pensacola for their grand re-opening. It was a fantastic evening spent with friends and valued clients, beautifully organized by Billy-Rae DaSilva of DaSilva Event Design. We’re also proud to have supported two incredible Pensacola non-profits: The Kimberly Tauer Foundation and 4EVR Dez Foundation. Venue: MarineMax Pensacola Photography by Rowan Preston, Event & Wedding Planning by Billy-Rae DaSilva of DaSilva Event Design

Photography by Rowan Preston, Event & Wedding Planning by Billy Rae DaSilva of DaSilva’s Event Design.

THE PENSACOLA NAVY BLUE ANGELS

Beyond the Blue Horizon

When you think of the Blue Angels, you probably picture jaw-dropping aerobatic maneuvers, the thunderous roar of jet engines, and incredible precision flying. But behind these spectacular air shows is a team of dedicated professionals whose stories often go untold.

Let's take a look behind the scenes at the ground crew and support staff who keep the Blue Angels flying high.

While the pilots are the stars of the show, it's the ground crew that forms the backbone of the Blue Angels operation. This amazing team includes maintenance personnel, logisticians, public affairs officers, and medical staff, all of whom play crucial roles in ensuring each performance goes off without a hitch.

The Blue Angels' jets are engineering marvels, but they need a lot of TLC to stay in

top condition. The maintenance crew works tirelessly, performing routine checks, repairs, and pre-flight inspections to ensure each F/A-18 Hornet is airworthy. Their attention to detail is crucial because even the smallest oversight can have significant consequences during those high-speed maneuvers.

Coordinating an air show involves more than just flying. The logisticians handle the complex task of planning and executing the transportation of equipment, personnel, and aircraft to various locations. This logistical dance requires precise timing and coordination, often months in advance. From arranging fuel stops to securing accommodations, these behind-the-scenes planners make sure the team arrives on time and ready to perform.

ARTICLE BY ADINA PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE ADAMS & CRAIG “R.J.” WOOD, ESQ.

Public engagement is a vital part of the Blue Angels' mission, and the public affairs team manages media relations, social media, and community outreach. They craft the narratives that inspire and educate the public about the Navy's mission and values. Through press releases, interviews, and social media updates, they help maintain the Blue Angels' positive image and foster a deeper connection with the audience.

Flying at high speeds and performing intricate maneuvers takes a toll on the pilots’ bodies. The medical staff ensures that all team members are in peak physical condition. They conduct regular health assessments, provide medical care, and develop fitness programs tailored to the unique demands of the Blue Angels' schedule. Their vigilance ensures that pilots remain healthy and ready to perform.

To truly appreciate the ground crew's contribution, let's walk through a typical day during the air show season. Long before the audience arrives, the ground crew is already hard at work. Maintenance personnel conduct thorough inspections of each aircraft, checking everything from the engines to the control surfaces. They ensure that every system is functioning correctly and address any issues that may have arisen during previous flights.

Logisticians and support staff coordinate the setup of the show site. They manage everything from the placement of support vehicles to the arrangement of seating for VIPs. Public affairs officers prepare for media engagements, setting up interviews and ensuring that the Blue Angels' message reaches a wide audience.

As the show begins, the ground crew remains vigilant. Maintenance personnel stand by, ready to address any technical issues that may arise. Public affairs officers capture the excitement of the event, sharing real-time updates on social media. The logisticians monitor the flow of the event, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

After the final maneuver and the pilots’ signature walk-down, the ground crew’s work is far from over.

Maintenance personnel perform post-flight inspections, identifying any wear and tear that needs attention. Logisticians begin planning for the next show, while public affairs officers gather feedback and prepare for upcoming engagements.

The 2024 show season kicks off with a joint training exchange between the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. This collaboration will culminate in November, when the Pensacola community will be invited to witness this remarkable and rare spectacle at the Homecoming Air Show. The goal of this initiative is to share best practices and enhance team interoperability, significantly enriching the skills and performances of these distinguished groups.

The Pensacola Blue Angel Team Of Pilots

The Pensacola Blue Angels boast a remarkable team of pilots leading their formation. Here's a brief look at the accomplished aviators at the helm:

CDR Alexander Armatas, Flight Leader / Commanding Officer: With over 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings, Commander Armatas brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Blue Angels.

LCDR Jack Keilty, Right Wing: Hailing from Oklahoma City, Lieutenant Commander Keilty has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and 484 carrier-arrested landings.

LT Wes Perkins, Left Wing: Growing up in Georgetown, Texas, Lieutenant Perkins boasts over 1,400 flight hours and 205 carrier-arrested landings.

LCDR Amanda Lee, Slot: From Mounds View, Minnesota, Lieutenant Commander Lee has amassed over 1,800 flight hours and more than 225 carrier-arrested landings.

LCDR Griffin Stangel, Lead Solo: A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Lieutenant Commander Stangel has over 1,855 flight hours and more than 190 carrier-arrested landings.

CDR Thomas Zimmerman, Opposing Solo: From Baltimore, Maryland, Commander Zimmerman has over 3,100 flight hours and 542 carrier-arrested landings.

Cmdr. Alex Armatas, the commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels, shared his enthusiasm: "Each year, we eagerly anticipate our joint training sessions with the Thunderbirds. This year marks our 5th annual collaboration, which has been crucial for both teams to exchange insights and hone our abilities. The dedication of our Air Force counterparts to mastering the complex demands of nationwide flight demonstrations is truly inspiring."

This partnership underscores the shared dedication to excellence that defines both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds. By combining their expertise, they aim to push the boundaries of precision flying and captivate global audiences with their stunning performances. Their last joint performance at the Point Mugu Air Show in California in March 2023 delighted fans and showcased the strong camaraderie between these elite teams.

The Pensacola Navy Blue Angels are more than just a team of elite pilots. They are a cohesive unit of professionals, each contributing their unique skills to create a seamless and awe-inspiring performance. The ground crew’s dedication, expertise, and hard work are the unsung elements that ensure the Blue Angels continue to inspire and amaze audiences around the world.

Highlighting these behind-the-scenes heroes deepens our appreciation for the teamwork and complexity that make the Blue Angels a world-renowned aerobatic team. Next time you enjoy their stunning performance, remember the ground crew—the real backbone of the team. Together with

the pilots, they form an exceptional team that delivers spectacular performances.

Summary of the Blue Angels' weekly cycle:

The Blue Angels' rigorous year includes a winter training from mid-November to mid-March, and an eight-month airshow season that lasts until mid-November. Their weekly routine during the show season is tightly structured:

Tuesday: The week starts at NAS Pensacola with a practice flight over Forest Sherman Field, followed by squadron briefings and maintenance tasks.

Wednesday: The #7 pilot and crew chief head to the upcoming show location for pre-show activities, while the team practices back at Pensacola. The day concludes with fan interactions at the National Naval Aviation Museum and a debrief.

Thursday: Early morning, gear and luggage are loaded onto "Fat Albert," the team's C-130 transport, which heads to the show site. The demonstration pilots fly out later, arriving in time for local familiarization and practice flights.

Friday: The team engages with the local community through visits to schools and hospitals, followed by a special private show and a community social event.

Saturday: Show day features performances by Fat Albert, precise aircraft launches, and a mix of formations, culminating in a Delta formation. The day ends with autographs and maintenance debriefs.

Sunday: After the final local show, the team packs up and returns to Pensacola.

Monday: Those who traveled rest, while the remaining team members focus on aircraft maintenance and preparation for the next week.

A Tribute to the Photographers Behind the Lens

Craig “R.J.” Wood, Esq. started photographing the Blue Angels professionally in 2021, capturing their precision and grace during the airshow season. Often accompanied by fellow photography enthusiasts, R.J. has showcased Pensacola’s hometown heroes both locally and internationally. His passion for the high-octane thrill of airshows shines through in his work, available for viewing and purchase on his Instagram @r.j.esq_photography.

Kyle Adams’ fascination with military aviation began as a child in Virginia, near Naval Air Station Oceana. His first airshow experience, seeing the Blue Angels at age 7, left a lasting impression. Now living close to their base, in Navarre, Florida, Kyle frequently photographs the team, continually thrilled by each performance. His greatest joy comes from connecting with other aviation enthusiasts. Kyle’s portfolio is available at www.JKAdams.art and Instagram @JKAdamsPhoto

Meet yourIndependent Stylist

Christina has been in the industry since 2005. She is a top graduate of Pensacola State College. Christina Specializes in Hair Coloring and Blonding. She also offers Hair cutting and coloring for men and kids.

“I strive to make each of my clients feel safe and comfortable. Being a Hairstylist and working one-on-one with my clients with the ONE goal to make you feel beautiful inside and out is what I love the most about being in this industry.”

War Horse THE PROJECT

Exploring How to Give Back to the Community

ARTICLE BY CINDY V. REEVES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADINA PRESTON

With a series of soft whistles and clicks, Dr. Sean Hollonbeck coaxes Romeo, a gentle brown painted horse, to come to his call. Romeo is vulnerable like the veterans who come to The War Horse Project farm for healing. Romeo is a rescue horse once abused and injured. Hollenbeck’s clients are veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, or people with other physical or emotional challenges.

“I made a promise because a lot of people didn’t come home to commit funds and knowledge to truly make a difference in a place where there is a lot of need.” Hollonbeck MD, MPH, is the 30-acre farm’s owner. The farm is in the Garcon Point Community, directly across Escambia Bay from Pensacola.

Dr. Sean, as he is known, is a retired Army colonel and military physician, but he is also an equine therapy expert. He spent his life in the military doing six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He agrees it is a fair assessment that he suffers from PTSD due to witnessing countless injuries and casualties.

He prefers to take the “D” off the acronym 'PTSD' because he sees it as more of a stress-related condition rather than a disorder. While serving as a chief medical officer at over twenty-two hospitals and medical facilities around the world, he has seen a rise in “behavioral issues, PTSD and suicide." He believes, “There is a serious gap in fixing the problems.” His farm offers a unique refuge to educate, empower and engage injured souls. “When we welcome guests in, we tell them to leave all things in your life at the gate. You’re here to learn a new way of seeing things.”

Dr. Sean studied natural horsemanship, which in some circles is known as being a horse whisperer. He explained, “Horses can calm down and come to a space of peace when humans often cannot.” He added, “They [clients] come here and learn to be a horse. We educate them and give them the tools.”

Since he started equine therapy in 2013, Dr. Sean has treated hundreds of veterans, but the practice of helping men and women with Post Traumatic Stress has evolved into helping veterans who are amputees, paraplegics, children, elders and those in hospice. His clients mostly come by word of mouth. There is no staff. It is a project run by volunteers, donors and clients who often return to give back. “How do we measure success?” He answers, “We measure the success in smiles and people reaching back to us!”

Dr. Sean, who served all over the world, chose the Pensacola area for his War Horse Project because it “has the largest density of veterans in need in the country. It is ground zero.”

His project is at a crossroads because he knows he needs more funds to realize the growth he would like to see. Up

until now, he has funded most of the project from his own pocket. He envisions improvements to the land, more health, wellness and survival programs for clients as well as satellite stations modeled after the current farm. He has hosted Boy Scout troops, children with autism, vision problems and more.

He is working on fundraising and writing grants. He welcomes groups with creative ideas like donating supplies or building a barn or shelter for the animals. He likes the idea of naming a bench or trail for an organization. In the meantime, he never charges a person in need for service on the War Horse farm.

It is a project from the heart: “There is a power in horses and nature. It is a gift to the community.”

Gulf Breeze

Exploring for Wine?

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX BOYKIN

Every wine lover dreams about going on a wine trip

There is a passion for searching out and discovering a treasured bottle or finding a new favorite. One might call that person a wine explorer. So how do you capitalize on your wine exploring if you find yourself on one of these magical wine trips? With research and by using a few key words! Research the attributes of the wine that you liked while also answering why you liked it. Next, learn a few key words in that language (even if that language is English) to convey those attributes. Never be afraid to ask for help. Just try it in the local language first, especially while exploring in France: “Que recommendez-vous?” You will get a MUCH better recommendation!

2015 Crusted Port

One of my favorite finds while exploring for wine was an unassuming half-wine-shop, half-grocery-store in Porto. At first, it seemed like a waste of time, but as I walked in and turned the corner, I encountered a treasure trove of hard-to-find wines! The purveyor spoke no English but was very nice and listened to what I was searching for. My research and a few key words resulted in two bottles of very rare 2015 Crusted Port! I had a bottle of that wine at my house with a few of my neighbors three days after Hurricane Sally to celebrate the power coming back on. It was so good that I have been searching for another bottle ever since!

Thoughtful Research

I always have multiple wines (vintages, types, etc.) that I am looking for when I go exploring for wine, whether foreign or domestic. Don’t get stuck on a particular wine and always be open to trying new ones. If they don’t have what I am looking for, then I thank them and move on. Yet often, they will have something else that they recommend I try based on the attributes I shared with them. These recommended wines are often outstanding! Moral of the story: a little thoughtful research and a few key words to translate can really open the door to a treasure while exploring for wine!

Meet Tami, the expert when it comes to helping individuals navigate the choppy waters of dating and relationships Think of her as your very own love guru, equipped with all the tools and insights you need to feel like a pro in the dating scene. Get ready to take charge of your love life with confidence and purpose!

Ready to rock your world and unleash your inner superstar? Tami's got your back! With her resultsdriven action, you'll be sprinting towards the finish line in no time Her personalized guidance is like a bolt of lightning, sparking inspiration and empowering you to take charge of your life! Brace yourself for a fun-filled journey, packed with growth and rock-solid relationships!

RO A D CHOW

A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK

GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!

BREAKFAST COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

DIRECTIONS:

• 1/3 cup apple butter

• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/2 cup raisins

1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.

3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)

4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin

• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum

• 1/2oz- Lime juice

• Topped with ginger beer

• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH

• Small paint brush

• Simple syrup

• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

INSTRUCTIONS

Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The Magic Dragon

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

The Establishment 201 S Baylen St, Pensacola, fl

Seville Quarter 130 E Government st, Pensacola, fl

The Bottle Shop 120 S Baylen ST, Pensacola, fl

The Kennedy 1 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, fl

The Well 42 E Garden St, Pensacola, fl lagritona.com

BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before

The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

Refresh your view

CUSTOM ROLLER SHADES, BLINDS, MOTORIZED SHADES, PLANTATION SHUT TERS, DRAPERY, AWNINGS & STORM PROTECTION

Based in Pensacola, our team of window treatment experts have more than 20 years of experience helping our customers select the best custom shades, shutters, blinds, motorized shades, screens and hurricane protection for their homes and businesses. Come in to our showroom and select your window coverings today!

I (850) 332-2100 | gc shadesandblinds

Designing Curated Spaces For Our Clients Throughout The Gulf Coast.