2016 OUR FAVORITE THINGS
This past year saw many moves forward for our collective culture, conversation and camaraderie. From expansive murals to initiatives for the homeless, Pensacola showed its best face in 2016. It is sometimes easy to bemoan the small inconveniences of Downtown life or complain that change is not as revolutionary as we might hope, but it is important to celebrate our successes and revel in our triumphs. In that spirit, we revisit our favorite things of 2016. By Josh Newby and Dawn Gresko.
1
A BETTER WAY TO GIVE
12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
The Leadership Pensacola class of 2016 made some real strides to combat the root causes of homeless while working to decrease panhandling in our area. By installing repurposed parking meters, courtesy of the Downtown Improvement Board, the class reminded the generous citizens of Pensacola that, instead of giving to a panhandler, they can place their change in these “donation stations,” from where the funds would go to the EscaRosa Coalition on the Homeless in order to help those truly in need. The meters were painted by local artists and incorporated public art into the project, which served to not only beautify our city’s sidewalks, but also provide real change for the area’s most destitute. With 38 meters, the class raised almost $60,000, all of which has gone to the homeless.
2
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON PALAFOX
Honestly, we wish the weather outside were a little bit frightful—or at least cold. But at least Downtown’s main thoroughfare is adorned with gorgeous white and gold lights to put us in the holiday mood. When Gallery Night was abandoned by the DIB earlier this year, my first fear was how much else they would discontinue. Luckily, these stringed orbs still sit beautifully atop our city’s trees, reminding us all that Christmas really is a magical time of year, even in Florida.