SHOUT OUT
Celebrating the Wins That Lift Us All
Hollice T. Williams with Transformative Park Project Pensacola Honors Legacy of
Who Was Hollice T. Williams?
• Born in 1929 and raised in Escambia County, Hollice T. Williams became a beloved Pensacola figure and lived until 2005.
• In 1970, he made history as the first African‑ American city council member in Pensacola since the late 1800s, winning community respect and being re‑elected for six terms.
• Hollice spent over 50 years at the Pensacola YMCA, becoming its first Black director and later greeting members warmly even in retirement.
• Beyond civic work, he was a pillar of com munity—leading PTAs at multiple local schools and teaching Sunday school at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
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symbol of civic leadership and community connection, the man behind the park’s name left a legacy of service, resilience, and inclusivity. The ongoing expansion is more than a recreational project—it’s a tribute to a life dedicated to building bridges, both social and literal, across Pensacola.
Winding trails, vibrant playgrounds, community gathering spaces, and stormwater improvements are all part of the vision. The project also aims to honor the cultural legacy of the “Lost Neighborhood,” a once thriving area displaced by highway construction.
In April 2025, the city unveiled a detailed 15 foot model highlighting Phase 1 of the plan, which spans 46 acres. The full transformation will roll out in phases over the next 20 years, with completion expected by 2045.
A key milestone includes a $5 million federal grant supporting safer multi modal paths and bike lanes, reconnecting neighborhoods on the Eastside. As the park evolves, it ensures the mission of community equity continues in the heart of the city.
View Looking South
Downtown Pensacola
Eastside Neighborhood
Maxwell St.
DOWNTOWN CROWD | JULY 2025
Morgan Cole, Editor
Summertime is here, and there’s no better way to soak up some of that sweet summer sun than by taking a breezy bike ride. With local routes ranging from scenic beach paths to challenging trails, riding your bike is a fantastic way to explore the city and discover some of the area’s hidden gems.
This month, we had a chance to catch up with our friend Christian Wagley to bring you details on a local organization called Bike Pensacola—a coalition of bicyclists, bike clubs, bike shops and organizations working to improve conditions for bicycling in Pensacola. In addition to advocating for more bike-friendly streets, Bike Pensacola regularly engages with the local community by hosting group Slow Rides through the scenic streets of Pensacola’s historic neighborhoods. There’s no cost to participate. You simply show up with your own set of wheels, ready to ride! Check out the story on page 13 to learn more about Bike Pensacola’s upcoming Slow Rides and some of the recent initiatives to enhance the bikeability of our city streets.
If you’re looking for ways to cool off and a breezy bike ride isn’t exactly your thing, how about a refreshing craft soda inspired by your favorite mixed drink? A crafty new beverage company called No Spirit recently debuted a line of non-alcoholic sodas that everyone’s buzzing about. We chatted with No Spirit Co-Owners Michael Daw and Michael Newman to bring you the scoop on these tasty new zero-proof beverages.
All this, plus details on the return of the popular Pensacola Vintage Fest, the annual Running of the Bulls hosted by the West Florida Roller Derby and more.
As always, we hope you enjoy the read.
Until next time, Cheers!
Pensacola Pet Cover Contest
Does your pup love to paddle? Does your kitty love to climb? We want to see! Start snapping those highresolution glamour shots of your Pensacola pet and show us what makes them pawsitively cover-worthy! All species of pets are welcome.
Upload your high-resolution image (at least 300 dpi JPG files, please) and fill out the short form at the web address ballingerpublishing.com/petcontest2025 telling us why your pet is pure magic. The winner will be featured on the cover of our August issue and get bragging rights for life. Bonus: You’ll also score a paw-some prize pack full of local goodies!
People are not allowed to appear in photos; only pets. We can not accept copyrighted or professional photo submissions. Photos that do not follow these guidelines will not be eligible. By submitting a photo entry, you warrant and represent that your entry is your own original work created by you and that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to your entry materials. While there is no fee to enter, donations made to the Pensacola Humane Society would be greatly appreciated!
5 Questions with Creatives
Mark Calvo, Tsudo Studio
Mark Calvo is a local painter, chef and the artist behind Tsudo Studio. Using primarily acrylic and spray paint, Calvo has turned his childhood pastime of doodling into bright and bold large-scale art pieces.
Calvo is distinctly recognizable for his cartoonish, graffiti-inspired style and vibrant color choices. As the executive chef at Bonsai on Pensacola Beach, Calvo also incorporates his passion for art into his cooking, with beautifully displayed food dishes.
Within the past year, Calvo started sharing his bright pop-art-meetsgraffiti style with the local community. You’ve more than likely seen some of his work on Pensacola’s iconic graffiti bridge. Calvo is currently gearing up for his next big project, which includes a large-scale mural at Piazza Pizza and the Beach Bodega on Pensacola Beach.
To check out more of Calvo’s work, follow @life_bythe_slice and @tsudo_studio on Instagram.
DTC: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in creating?
MC: I’ve been doodling and painting ever since I was young. It was just a rainy day activity, but over the years, it just became something I really enjoyed. I did a bunch of graffiti when I was in middle school and high school, and that’s kind of what drew me to the scene, just the hooligan aspect of it, haha. I kind of went MIA for a little bit and started focusing on wanting to be a chef. Now, I am a chef [at Bonsai] on Pensacola Beach. So, I started focusing more on food, but the art was still part of it. I work in fine dining, so all my plates are artistic and pretty.
DTC: Tell me about the inspiration or influence behind your work.
MC: I always had an issue with doodling when I was in school. On my notes, I would always just draw cartoon versions of whatever I could see around me—that’s kind of where my work comes from. It’s a cartoony version of whatever is popping out of my head. I love mixing colors, and I like getting people’s reactions to the color. I love combining colors, and that’s why I paint the way I do. It’s graffiti-esque, like graffiti characters and some writing and stuff like that. It’s also a cartoonist’s style. The way I describe it is ‘abstract pop art.’ After I had my first son, he just wanted me to draw cartoons for him all the time when he was younger. So, I started drawing a lot of Disney characters for him. Then, it started becoming more of the type of stuff I would doodle on my notes in high school.
One of my buddies passed away last year, and right before he passed away, he was talking about how great
my art was, how much he loved it, how much other people would love it and that I needed to start putting it out there. I was always kind of nervous to, because I didn’t know what to expect from the public. Naturally, as an artist, you want people to like your art. For all these years, I have mostly made art for myself because I enjoy it. He convinced me to start putting my stuff out there. Once I started to, it started to get kind of popular. People let me know how much they liked my style and my colors, and I started to get noticed. So, I’m thankful for him making me put myself out there. Especially after he passed away, I felt like I owed it to him.
DTC: I know that a lot of your work uses spray paint, but do you ever experiment with other mediums? Is there one that you gravitate towards more than others?
MC: I’ll use acrylic. I really hate pastels, but sometimes I do throw pastels in there. I’ve also used gesso a couple of times, which is fun. But, for the most part, I just stick to spray paints, acrylics and even paint pens, too. Those are really helpful.
DTC: What different types of pieces do you create?
MC: I used to do graffiti all the time, and I never really did canvases. Only recently, within the past two years, have I started putting my art on canvases. As soon as I did, that’s when things started picking up for me, and that’s when I started to get noticed more. Because I’m a doodle artist and a graffiti kid, I love creating art on whatever I can. I paint all my old spray paint cans. I skateboard, too, so I paint all my old decks that I don’t break. During COVID, when custom shoes were hot, I did custom shoes for a few people. I paint all over whatever I can; I like painting on everything.
By Nicole Willis
DTC: Can you take me through your creative process and describe what goes into creating one of your pieces?
MC: I start with a solid background, just whatever color I’m feeling at that moment. As artists, we have an artistic eye. We can see patterns that we like, with colors clashing and random lines, so it’s all kinds of sporadic and random. There have been plenty of times when I’ve made sketches and planned on putting the design either on the graffiti bridge or on a canvas, and then, I go to do it and I end up doing something completely different. So, for the most part, I’d say it’s sporadic. Sometimes I try to plan out the design, but the majority of the time, it’s just off the top of my head, just as I’m going with the flow and feeling it out.
Old-School Cool
Pensacola Vintage Fest Returns to Pensacola Fairgrounds
By Nicole Willis
Grab a tote bag, throw on your best vintage ‘fit and get ready to thrift— it’s time for Pensacola Vintage Fest (PVF).
Hosted by Pensacola Vintage Collective, PVF is the Gulf Coast’s largest vintage clothing event. Now in its second year, the festival features a variety of local and regional vendors selling all types of vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950s through the early 2000s.
Pensacola Vintage Collective is run by local vintage seller Ryan Smith, who has been engaged with the local vintage community for years. Smith sells curated vintage pieces through his local business, Obsolete Heat. You may have seen his booth inside Bo’s Local Finds or Blue Moon Antique Mall.
Since its establishment in 2019, Pensacola Vintage Collective has hosted a multitude of vintage shopping events throughout the community. From the popular Vintage Block Party at The Handlebar to various pop-up events at Odd Colony and Garden Street Vintage, Smith has remained dedicated to promoting local vintage dealers and cultivating a community around a shared love of all things vintage.
Held in July 2024, the inaugural PVF was a huge success, with an outcome of over 1,500 attendees. Despite hosting popular vintage events in the past, the inaugural PVF serves as Pensacola Vintage Collective’s largest event in history.
“I didn’t know how many people would come out until about five days before the event. Then, I realized what was going to happen. The attendance was hard to kind of gauge. It wasn’t until the last few days that we were selling so many tickets per day that we knew we were going to have a huge crowd. We were very pleased with how it turned out last year,” Smith said.
Smith anticipates a similar turnout for this year’s event, stating that tickets are already moving. To accommodate a crowd of this size, PVF is held inside the 22,000-square-foot expo hall at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, and the A/C will be pumping.
“We’ve made provisions to keep the building cool. We want to mitigate some of the heat because it got very hot in there last year. We definitely heard those concerns, so this year, we are making provisions to try to keep the building as cold as possible,” Smith explained.
PVF vendors will be strictly selling vintage clothing event, unlike an antique market with homewares and other goods. Vintage vendors from across the South will line the expo halll with racks upon racks of trendy vintage finds.
More than 75 vendors will be selling highly curated selections of vintage men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing in all styles and genres. Whether you like to rock the retro styles of the 70s or embrace the currently trending Y2K vibes, PVF offers a little something for everyone.
Photos Courtesy of Ryan Smith
With such a successful turnout at last year’s PVF, event organizers are expecting even more attendees to travel to Pensacola. Both dealers and shoppers alike will be coming in from across the Gulf Coast, including neighboring states like Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana.
“One of the main differences this year is that we’re drawing a lot more vendors from out of state. Last year we had a couple, but this year we’ll have close to 20 people who are traveling more than 100 miles to vend with us. I had all sorts of people hitting me up for spots as soon as we made those available a couple of weeks ago,” Smith said.
In addition to out-of-state vendors, a slew of vendors from the Pensacola vintage community, including Spinach Vintage, Second Hand Haven, and Recycled Trendz and more, will also be in attendance. Some of the other confirmed vendors that will be traveling from areas across the Gulf Coast region include Rare Worn from Mobile, Alabama and Retro Ruby from Panama City.
Flipping through racks and digging through bins is sure to work up an appetite. There will be plenty of food trucks on-site to feed all the hungry thrifters. Sauce Boss will be serving up their delicious juicy burgers. Waffle Boutique will bring their unique and delicious bubble waffle treats. The Rican Vegan will dish up delectable vegan food for everyone to enjoy. Finally, Momma’s Lemonade will be there to quench the thrifter thirst!
Whether you’re wearing head-to-toe vintage on the daily or just dipping your toe into the vintage clothing world, PVF is a unique event that is sure to be fun for everyone.
Tickets to Pensacola Vintage Fest are on sale now for $10 at pensacolavintage.com. Early Bird tickets are also available online for $15, which grants early entry to the event for those wanting to beat the crowd and be the first to look through available merchandise. Kids 12 and under may attend for free. Parking at the event is free.
Pensacola Vintage Fest will run from 11 am to 5 pm on July 13, with early entry granted to Early Bird ticket holders at 10 am. The Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds is located at 6655 Mobile Highway in Pensacola.
For complete event details, updates and more, visit pensacolavintage.com and follow @pensacolavintagecollective on Instagram and Facebook.
A Sober Spin on Bar Favorites
No Spirit Debuts Line of Non-Alcoholic Sodas Inspired by Bar Classics
By Morgan Cole
When Pensacola locals Michael Newman and Michael Daw looked at the nonalcoholic beverage shelf, they saw the same thing everyone else did—near beer, hard seltzers with no punch and mocktails that felt more like a compromise than a celebration.
They noticed something was missing, and that something was a satisfying nonalcoholic take on their favorite bar classics. Armed with a new desire to fill a gap in the zero-proof beverage market, Newman and Daw combined forces and set out to find a solution.
In February 2025, the longtime friends established a beverage company to begin producing their own line of non-alcoholic sodas. Aptly named No Spirit, the company produces bold craft sodas inspired by your favorite mixed drinks, minus the booze and the consequences.
“We were both on a break from drinking alcohol, so we were noticing what nonalcoholic options were out there—near beer, of course, bitter-tasting non-alcoholic seltzers and some fruity mocktails. My favorite drink was always a whiskey Coke, so we started coming up with the idea of a craft soda brand that sold mixed drink-flavored sodas. We started with a whiskey cola (our Cowboy Cola) and a rum and cola (Caribbean Cola), since those mixed drinks were not well represented on the shelves,” Daw said.
In May, just a few months after launching the company, No Spirit debuted the first two beverages in its new line of non-alcoholic sodas: Cowboy Cola and Caribbean Cola.
Inspired by your favorite mixed drinks, No Spirit’s Cowboy Cola delivers a refreshing take on a classic whiskey and cola, while Caribbean Cola embodies the rich, caramel taste of a rum and cola.
As production manager at Pensacola-based Milkweed Spirits, which produces local favorites like Big Jerk Soda and Sweet Jackson Tea, Newman is no stranger to the craft beverage industry.
“As someone who works in beverages, I kept noticing that the non-alcoholic options in bars and restaurants were either plain water, weird fake THC drinks or over-fruity mocktails,” Newman said. ”None of it really felt like a proper replacement for a mixed drink. We wanted to make something that actually tasted like what people miss, without the alcohol.”
Photos by Blake Jones Photography
From friends who first met more than a decade ago working together at Old Navy to co-owners of their own bustling new beverage company, Newman and Daw each bring their own unique set of skills to the business operation.
With Newman’s extensive background in the beverage industry and the bold, creative vision of Daw, the duo has crafted a unique brand that feels as rebellious as it is refreshing.
“Mike and I had been wanting to work together on a project that combined his knowledge of craft sodas with my skills in branding and marketing. It just had to meet two requirements: it had to be carbonated and it had to be in a can,” Daw said. “I’m a big branding nerd, and have worked in design and marketing for ten years. I loved the failed branding of OK Cola back in the 90s and the irreverent but clever marketing tactics of Liquid Death. So, the branding was just as important to us as the product, and this ended up being a product that’s very fun to brand and market. Once we came up with the name No Spirit, then our ghost mascot, the rest came pouring out.”
Daw is an award-winning graphic designer, brand strategist and the brainchild behind the company’s creative marketing and branding, which boasts bold colors, witty taglines and an official brand mascot in the form of a cartoon-style ghost.
“We liked the name No Spirit because it kind of reminded us of OK Cola, a failed Coca-Cola offshoot from the 90s that had a very funny approach to their marketing. We brainstormed imagery and realized there was a lot we could do with it. The collegiate/sports angle, ghosts/ghouls, and of course, the literal meaning—non-alcoholic. From there, we thought about how abstaining from alcohol feels boring when you first begin, but after a while, you start to realize all the things you can do better without alcohol. So, we thought, what can we do with the branding that alcohol brands can’t do, either legally or because it’s
taboo? Like using a cartoon mascot, or ‘drink irresponsibly’ as a tagline, or telling people to ‘Drink and Drive with No Spirit’,” Daw explained.
Both actively involved in the production process from start to finish, Newman and Daw hand-pick the ingredients and develop the recipes for each flavor of small-batch soda.
Currently utilizing the Milkweed Spirits production facility as their primary base of operations, Newman and Daw are already busy working on more crafty new flavors, which are set to make their debut by the end of the year.
“Working with Big Jerk Soda for the past five years has given me the tools and know-how to explore the world of beverage making. We are fortunate to have the production facility at our disposal. So, after a few brainstorming brunches, we would head over there and start prototyping with a carbonated water base, and using syrups with different sweetness levels and flavors until we zeroed in on what we liked. Once we had that formulation, I could scale it up to larger batches with a few more tweaks,” Newman explained. “We wanted to start with some classics and get those out there, and there’s nothing more classic than a whiskey and cola and a rum and cola.”
For now, you can enjoy two flavors of No Spirit’s canned zero-proof sodas (Cowboy Cola and Caribbean Cola), which are available for purchase as eight-packs and singles.
“We are currently busy working on our next flavor, which is a non-alcoholic Gin and Tonic called Grandma Tonic. We plan on having six flavors out by the end of the year, all canned,” Daw said.
Eight-packs of No Spirit’s canned zero-proof sodas cost $32 (plus tax), and can be purchased directly from No Spirit through their website at drinknospirit.com.
If you’re looking to sample a soda before committing to an entire eight-pack, you can also snag single cans of No Spirit at the Apple Market and Bailey’s Produce and Nursery in Pensacola.
“We are slowly rolling out our wholesale, so in addition to Bailey’s and Apple Market, you can also find us at The Handlebar, Angelena’s and Mrs. Jones Cold Brew out on Nine Mile,” Newman said.
Bars, restaurants and stores interested in placing orders can reach out via email at sales@drinknospirit.com. For more information on No Spirit, including prices and ordering, visit drinknospirit.com.
You can also stay connected with No Spirit on social media for special announcements, updates on new soda releases and more.
TikTok: @we.have.no.spirit
Instagram: @drink.no.spirit Facebook: @NoSpirit
Bike, Pensacola!
Slow Rides and Local Biking Initiatives
By Nicole Willis
With perfect weather, scenic views and historic landmarks, Pensacola has become a hub for bicycle enthusiasts. Newly constructed bike lanes, trails and multi-use pathways have transformed the city landscape, supporting the strong cycling culture within the Pensacola community.
The City of Pensacola was recently recognized as a “Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists. This prestigious designation is awarded to cities that have made notable progress in creating safer and more accessible biking environments through infrastructure, education, enforcement and community support. The award acknowledges Pensacola’s ongoing commitment to creating a more bikeable and accessible city.
From newly completed and ongoing projects to funding already secured for future improvements, the city’s dedication to creating a more bike-friendly community goes far beyond its recent award designation.
Some of the more recent efforts to enhance bikability include the SUN Trail—a state-funded, non-motorized trail network. In 2023, $8.6 million in funding was secured to construct a portion of the SUN Trail, which included the addition of a 12-foot-wide multi-use bike and walking path along Bayfront Parkway.
With construction on the new multi-use pathway set to begin next year, Pensacola is now gearing up for the addition of two other SUN Trail segments to connect the entire city waterfront.
Photos courtesy of Bike Pensacola
In April, the city was awarded a $441,023 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to fund the design of two additional segments of the SUN Trail Network, though the City Council must still vote to officially accept the funding.
Preliminary project plans show one segment extending from Bayfront down Main Street, turning onto Cedar Street to reach Community Maritime Park. The second proposed segment would run from Pace Boulevard, follow Cypress Street, go through Sanders Beach, continue along E Street and connect to Main Street in downtown Pensacola.
The Cedar Street section would overlap with the long-planned Hashtag Connector project. This project has been on pause due to its costs. It is possible that these new sections, if constructed, could reduce some of the costs of the Hashtag Project.
These two segments are still in the planning stage, with final decisions to be determined during the design process. If approved, construction on the new segments is expected to begin in 2026.
Much of the city’s progress in making biking a safe and accessible mode of transport can be credited to Bike Pensacola—a coalition of bicyclists, bike clubs, bike shops and like organizations working to improve conditions for bicycling in Pensacola. Established in 2015, the group champions a range of bike-friendly initiatives across the city.
“We try to build support for making the city more bikeable and more walkable,” Bike Pensacola Executive Director Christian Wagley explained.
One of Bike Pensacola’s most notable initiatives includes hosting group Slow Rides through different parts of the community throughout the year. Slow Rides are just that—slow bicycle rides through Pensacola’s historic streets and neighborhoods.
These events allow bikers to gather and enjoy each other’s company while taking a scenic stroll through a bikeable area in downtown. Bike Pensacola has hosted Slow Rides since its establishment.
“I think it was like May or June of 2015 when we started the Slow Rides. They started small, with only around 30 people. The next month, 45 or 50 people attended, and I think in the third or fourth month, it blew up to over 100 people, and that’s when we knew we were on to something,” Wagley said.
Today, Bike Pensacola’s Slow Rides continue to serve as a popular community event, drawing anywhere from 200 to 300 people for each ride.
The next Slow Ride is scheduled for July 11 at 6 pm. The ride will begin and end at End of the Line Café at 610 E. Wright St. in downtown Pensacola. The route will take cyclists through the historic Old East Hill and BelmontDeVilliers neighborhoods.
Each Slow Ride takes about an hour and ten minutes to complete, and is roughly six miles. The rides are designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels, including beginners. The pace is relatively slow, at about 6 miles per hour, and all riders travel together as a group to ensure no one is left behind.
“It’s very chill. We describe it as a social ride. You get to go at this slow pace through these neighborhoods, and, a lot of times, people come out and wave at us. All the while, we’re just getting people more comfortable about being out on their bikes and moving around the city,” Wagley said.
During Slow Rides, roads are not closed. However, the group will be joined by police escorts who will temporarily hold an intersection for cyclists to safely pass through.
Following this month’s Slow Ride, cyclists are invited to enjoy an after-party at End of the Line featuring bike films, bike trivia with prizes and refreshments.
“The Slow Ride afterparties vary. This is definitely going to be a special one, because we’re going to be showing bike films after the ride. End of the Line will have some specials for the slow riders to come back and enjoy. We’re going to make it feel like a festival on the street with some displays and a little bit of DJ music playing. End of the Line will bring a beverage cart outside and serve cold beverages, so it’ll be a great space to hang out after the ride,” Wagley said.
Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome to participate in Bike Pensacola’s Slow Rides. Children ages 10 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult and are required to wear helmets. There is no formal sign-up or registration process to participate in rides; you simply show up with your bike, trike or e-bike at the designated time and starting place.
“There’s no sign up. That’s part of the beauty of it; we just keep it simple— just show up and ride,” Wagley said.
If you are interested in participating in the upcoming July Slow Ride, there are a few rules to ensure the safety of riders. Riders must be able to maintain a leisurely pace of 6 miles per hour for an hour. Consuming alcohol during the ride is prohibited. No pets are allowed to participate in the ride.
Self-propelled or electric-assist bicycles are allowed, as well as trikes and ElliptiGOs. Segways, skateboards, scooters or gasoline-powered motorized bicycles are not allowed.
For more information on the upcoming July Slow Ride, visit facebook.com/ share/197cSrmVZh.
To learn more about Bike Pensacola and future Slow Ride events, visit bikepensacola.org. To stay up to date with all things biking in Pensacola, check out @bikepensacola on Facebook and Instagram.
Safe Riding Routes
Bike Pensacola worked with Visit Pensacola to develop and promote several safe riding loops for bicyclists. These routes follow low-speed and lowtraffic roads that pass by historic sites, parks and more beautiful views of Pensacola. Scan the QR code for the mapped route of each of the following loops!
Maritime Park Loop
On the Maritime Park Bike Loop, you’ll witness views of Pensacola Bay, along with places like Corinne Jones Park, Plaza Ferdinand, Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church and Community Maritime Park.
North Hill - Belmont-DeVilliers Loop
This bike loop passes by attractions such as Plaza Ferdinand VII, Belmont-DeVilliers Cultural Arts Center, Alabama Square and Fort George.
Seville Historic District Loop
The Seville Historic District bike loop will take you past the Pensacola Museum of History, Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, Plaza Ferdinand VII, Veterans Memorial Park, Tivoli High House and more.
The Five Neighborhoods Loop
As its name suggests, the Five Neighborhoods Loop takes you through five downtown neighborhoods and past many points of interest, including St. Michael’s Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Park and Seville Historic District.
General Chappie James Memorial Bridge Bike Path
This multi-use path takes you across the Pensacola Bay Bridge, also known as the General Chappie James Memorial Bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists can both enjoy this 10-foot-wide path that is surrounded by Pensacola Bay. Biking this path is a great way to take in the scenic views of the water. While the path is on the bridge, it is separated from vehicular traffic by a barrier. Parking is available at the Pensacola Visitor Information Center.
Cycle Sports of Pensacola Inc. 2125 N. Palafox St. cyclesportsbicycles.com Emerald Coast Tours 225 Zaragoza St. emeraldcoasttours.net
Fun Store 5 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach funstorefl.com
Dolce
are only delivered ldvbeach.com
Trek Bicycle Store of Pensacola 701 E. Cervantes St. trekstoregulfcoast.com
Want something a little spookier after the sun sets?
Take the Pensacola Downtown Haunted Historic Walking Tour, where , ghostly guides recount eerie tales of haunted streets, historic crimes, and lingering spirits. This candlelit journey reveals the eerie side of a city shaped by war, shipwrecks, and centuries of mystery.
Whether you’re racing by day or ghost-hunting by night, Pensacola History & Hauntings is the way to explore the city’s past. This Fourth of July, celebrate by walking through its stories, solving its mysteries—and maybe even meeting one of its lingering ghosts.
and Haunting Histories this Fourth of July
As the oldest European settlement in America, Pensacola doesn’t just celebrate history—it lives it. This Fourth of July, skip the lawn chairs and join Pensacola History & Hauntings Tours for an exciting mix of local history, ghost stories, and adrenaline-pumping scavenger hunts.
This summer’s signature event, the Pensacola Amazing Race: Tour and Scavenger Hunt, lets teams solve clues and tackle fun challenges while racing against the clock through downtown landmarks. Think Gulf Coast reality-TV-style adventure with humor, teamwork, and colonial charm.
Also available throughout the holiday weekend are crowd favorites like:
• Splash and Dash Pensacola Beach Adventure
• Most Haunted: Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt
Madeline Mitchell is a famed theatre actress at the peak of her career. However, her illustrious life on the stage pales in comparison to the drama behind the scenes with her two adult children, Charlie and Bea. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Three Decembers explores themes of family secrets, love, loss, and the challenges of connection.
Three Decembers is a modern, chamber opera presented in English. Lasting 90 minutes, this show features Pensacola Opera family Kara Shay Thomson and two of our 2025-26 Jan Miller Studio Artists, conducted by Music Director Cody Martin.
Three Decembers September 19 + 21,
UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts Tickets: $30; Students: $15
RUNNING OF THE BULLS PENSACOLA
West Florida Roller Derby Bulls Charge the Downtown Streets
By Darien Hardy
The West Florida Roller Derby (WFRD) is rolling back to the streets of downtown Pensacola for its 14th annual Running of the Bulls Pensacola race.
The Running of the Bulls Pensacola is modeled after the world-famous Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain. To maintain the thrilling spirit of the Pamplona bull run without the live animals, the bulls are played by WFRD skaters and guest skaters from leagues across the region.
The fearsome derby bulls will be equipped with roller skates, horns and plastic bats. They will be ready to gently tap runners along the 2K fun run course through downtown Pensacola, which starts and finishes at Seville Quarter.
An afterparty and award ceremony will also be held at Phinneas Fogs inside Seville Quarter immediately following the race. From complimentary beverages—such as soda and beer—and delicious food options—like Al’s Sandwich Shop and Ice Cream and Marco’s Pizza—to live music, costume contests, awards, giveaways and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Running of the Bulls Pensacola was inspired by a similar event in New Orleans after an organizer attended the race, and it has since become a beloved summer tradition in Pensacola. With the city’s historic and unique ties to Spain, the Panhandle region is the perfect place to continue the tradition of this fun-filled event.
Running of the Bulls originally raised funds for the United Service Organizations (USO) until three years ago, when the WFRD officially took it over.
Photos courtesy of West Florida Roller Derby
This year’s fundraising will directly support WFRD’s operating expenses and ensure that the organization is able to keep the league rolling with low membership fees.
The West Florida Roller Derby initially started with two separate leagues, Pensacola Roller Gurlz in 2010, followed by Milton’s league, Emerald Coast Roller Derby. These two leagues combined in 2019 and became a registered 501(c)(3), officially rebranding as the WFRD.
WFRD is dedicated to empowering athletes of all backgrounds through the fast-paced, full-contact sport of roller derby by fostering an inclusive and supportive community that champions athleticism, resilience and camaraderie—both on and off the track. Through teamwork, dedication and fierce competition, WFRD strives to inspire confidence, break barriers and promote the growth of roller derby in the West Florida region. WFRD’s mission is to create a space where skaters, officials and fans alike can thrive, challenge themselves and find strength in every stride.
WFRD extends a warm welcome to anyone who is interested in learning and getting involved in the sport, either as a skater, a referee, or even a supporter on the sidelines. No prior knowledge or experience is needed. The organization even loans out gear to those who are interested in the sport but don’t want to make a financial commitment. WFRD will host an informational meeting for anyone interested in joining on July 2 at 7:15 pm at Weber’s Skate World in Milton.
Breezie Seitz, WFRD Running of the Bulls Pensacola Coordinator, will be in attendance as her roller derby moniker, Clever Girl.
“We are still having floods of registration for both runners and roller derby [racers],” Seitz said. “If you’ve been in Pensacola’s derby community or
into roller derby, we will have a lot of our local celebrities that a lot of people recognize. We have clOverkills—she’s pretty popular at the Bull Run. She has some great horns and has won many awards. We have Audrey Hipburn, who is very active in our community. If you’re involved in the derby community in Pensacola or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, you’re definitely going to recognize those.”
WFRD has already received registrations from racers and runners from across the region, including some traveling from Tallahassee, Louisiana and even Texas.
The West Florida Roller Derby has high hopes that the Running of the Bulls event will grow and become one of the standout events of the summer season in Pensacola. They aim to show the community what dedicated female athleticism looks like while simultaneously engaging and supporting the community. Event proceeds will directly benefit the WFRD and its programs in the local community.
“[Roller derby] is so much fun, and I just hope more people know that roller derby exists,” Seitz said. “It is an amazing sport. So often, people say that they couldn’t imagine themselves doing that, or that roller derby is not for them, but I really feel that roller derby is for everybody within their comfort level. So, I just always say, come out and watch or give it a try if it’s something that feels like it’s calling to you.”
Running of the Bulls is a family-friendly event with activities for everyone to enjoy. Individuals can choose to participate in the race as runners or purchase a ticket to spectate the action. The event will kick off at 9 am at Seville Quarter located at 130 E. Government St., followed by an afterparty at Phinneas Fogs that will run until noon.
Those interested in participating in the race can register online at runningofthebullspensacola.itsyourrace.com. General registration is $40, and includes race entry and admission to the after-party at Seville with complimentary beers, sodas and entertainment. VIP registration is also available for $60, which includes early race entry, a commemorative t-shirt, access to the upstairs VIP area for the after-party, bottomless champagne (while it lasts) and entertainment. Businesses and local groups can also get involved in the Running of the Bulls event by registering a team for a Libation Station. This year’s race is set to take place on July 19 at 9 am with an after-party at Seville Quarter from 11 am to noon.
For more information about the race, visit @bullrunpensacola on Facebook. To learn more about the West Florida Roller Derby and other upcoming events, check out @WestFloridaRollerDerbyFan on Facebook.
Stars, Stripes and Fireworks Stars, Stripes and Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Local Fireworks and Festivities
By Morgan Cole
There are only a few short days left until the best summertime celebration in the country—the Fourth of July! From family-friendly activities on the baseball field and riverside concerts to spectacular fireworks displays, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day holiday along the Gulf Coast.
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, we’ve rounded up details on all the Fourth of July festivities happening in and around the Pensacola area. Here’s how you can celebrate.
Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Fireworks
When: 9 pm on July 4
Where: Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce will host its annual July 4th fireworks display in tandem with the downtown Pensacola show at 9 pm. Cat Country 98.7 will air a live simulcast of both fireworks shows. Event-goers are asked to tune into the station for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany both firework displays. The fireworks will be launched over the Santa Rosa Sound along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.
Pensacola’s Fourth of July Fireworks
When: 9 pm on July 4
Where: Downtown Pensacola
The area’s largest July 4th celebration will be held in Downtown Pensacola, where you can catch a spectacular fireworks display over Pensacola Bay. The fireworks will launch at 9 pm to coincide with the Pensacola Beach celebration. Synchronized fireworks music will also be broadcast on Cat Country 98.7. Parking is available throughout downtown Pensacola, and you’re invited to set up chairs and tents along Bayfront Parkway, which will be closed to traffic from Intendencia to Chase Street. Food trucks and portable bathrooms will be set up at Bartram Park and the Veteran’s Memorial Park. For more information, visit pensacolafireworks.com.
Fourth of July Summer Celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium
When: 6 to 9 pm on July 4
Where: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium, Downtown Pensacola
Grab the family and head out to the 4th of July Summer Celebration at Blue Wahoos Stadium for an evening of dazzling fireworks and fun festivities. The baseball field will be open for wiffleball, lawn games and other fun activities, including waterslides and giant inflatables.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy Pensacola Symphony’s Annual Sparks and Stars show, happening in the Hunter Amphitheater just outside the stadium. The Pensacola fireworks begin at 9 pm, and guests are invited to view the show from the stadium seats or out on the field. Concessions will be open with food and drinks available for purchase throughout the evening. General admission is $7. Guests may also purchase admission to either of two special VIP dinner events being hosted in the Hancock Whitney Club and the Coors Light Cold Zone. Both VIP events will include an exclusive buffet dinner prepared by Executive Chef Travis Wilson and access to a private bar. Hancock Whitney Club tickets are $50 and provide a shaded, bird’s-eye view of the ballpark and Pensacola Bay, with premier fireworks viewing. The Coors Light Cold Zone offers views of the symphony and fireworks, and tickets are $35. The gates will open at 6 pm, with the fireworks beginning at 9 pm. For tickets and event details, visit milb.com/pensacola.
July Fourth Riverfest in Milton
When: 3 to 9 pm on July 4
Where: Milton Riverwalk/Jernigan’s Landing, 5158 Willing St.
The City of Milton is making a splash this Independence Day with Riverfest 2025 at the Riverwalk and Jernigan’s Landing along the Blackwater River. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature water slides, live music, children’s activities, food vendors, the beloved Blackwater Pyrates Duck Race and a fireworks show. The waterslides will open to the public at 3 pm, and the Blackwater Pyrates Great Milltown Duck Race will be held at 5 pm from the Highway 90 Bridge. Bands on the Blackwater will also host a live concert featuring Chase Miller at 7 pm. The evening will conclude with a fireworks
JULY COMMUNITY EVENTS
July Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium
For more information and tickets, visit milb.com/pensacola
July 1 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 2 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 3 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 18 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga
Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos
July 19 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga
Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos
July 20 at 4:05 pm - Chattanooga
Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos
July 29 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 30 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
July 31 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
Red, White & Boo! Pensacola History & Haunting Tours
. Dates Vary
Explore the magic of Pensacola and beyond! Located in the heart of historic downtown Pensacola at 221 E. Government St., Pensacola History & Haunting Tours takes attendees through immersive and educational experiences. A wide range of tours are available, including Ghost Tours, History Tours, Walking Tours, Trolley Tours, Sightseeing Adventures, Water Tours, Amazing Races, and Scavenger Hunts across Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan Beach and all 50 states! Whether you want to explore haunted locations or learn about historic landmarks, there is a tour for everyone. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolaghostevents.com.
Summer Saturdays
Every Saturday in July
Perfect Plain Brewing is celebrating the summer sunshine and good weather with Summer Saturdays—weekly live music performances. Taking place from noon to 4 pm every Saturday in July, Summer Saturdays will feature some of Pensacola’s favorite bands and artists, including the Wavy Winston’s, Hane McLeaish and more. This event is free and open to the public. For updates and more information, visit @PerfectPlainBrewingCo on Facebook and @perfectplain on Instagram.
Bands on the Beach
July 1 - 29
From country to disco and rock to reggae, Bands on the Beach showcases talented artists who’ll have you dancing all summer long. Hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach, Bands on the Beach offers free weekly concerts on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 pm. Cat Country 98.7 will kick off each show and keep the vibe alive with stage announcements and more. Grab some friends, pack the cooler and lawn chairs and head out to the beach for one or all of these free beachside concerts. This month, Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs will play on July 1, Vinyl Revival on July 8, Cadillac Willy on July 15, 12Eleven on July 22 and Mass Kunfuzion on July 29. For more information, visit visitpensacolabeach.com.
Red, White and Blues Week
July 9 - 12
Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the Blue Angels’ annual Pensacola Beach Air Show. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day. Kicking off the air show week is “Breakfast with the Blues,” on Wednesday at 7:30 am, when the Blue Angels arrive and circle overhead to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach. On Thursday at 2 pm, the Blue Angels hold a full practice show over Pensacola Beach. The show dress rehearsal is on Friday, where flight demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performances begin at approximately noon, with the Blue Angels overhead at 2 pm. Saturday marks the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, with flight demonstrations and aerobatic performances. For complete event details, visitpensacolabeach.com.
Dinner Detective Interactive True Crime
Dinner Show
. July 12 & 26
Welcome to The Dinner Detective, where a fun night out collides with a thrilling truecrime mystery. Prepare yourself for a night of brain-teasing fun as you dive headfirst into a crime that’s as challenging as it is hilarious. The guilty party could be anywhere—even hiding in plain sight! Beware, the spotlight of suspicion could turn on you at any moment, transforming you into the prime suspect! This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a high-stakes game of whodunit where you’re at the heart of the action. Since 2004, The Dinner Detective’s unforgettable true crime mystery dinner performances have been thrilling audiences nationwide. The show takes place from 6 to 9 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 8 S. 9th Ave. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and more information, visit thedinnerdetective.com.
Blue Angels Practice Dates
July 15, 16, 22, 23 & 29
The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola on select days throughout the year. Watch them soar and visit the museum for free. The gates will open at 9:30 am. The practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola, including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels will take off around 10:30 am and the practices last for about 55 minutes. The National Naval Aviation Museum is located at 1750 Radford Blvd. in Pensacola. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/ blueangels.
Karlous Miller & Friends
July 18
Don’t miss out on a night of unforgettable laughter and entertainment with Karlous Miller & Friends! Known for his edgy and boisterous style, Miller has captivated audiences as a key member of MTV’s Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon. Miller is also part of the Atlanta-based comedy trio, 85 South, and the co-creator and host of the popular weekly 85 South Show podcast with DC Young Fly and Chico Bean. Karlous Miller & Friends promises a night of laughter that you don’t want to miss. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8. For tickets and complete show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
PenArts presents AIRNESS by Chelsea Marcantel
July 24 - 27
AIRNESS follows six misfits as they attempt to find connections and an escape from reality through Air Guitar Championships. Infused with music from Billy Idol, The Ramones, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and others, AIRNESS is about celebrating the quirks and passions that unite us. AIRNESS is a fast-paced, energetic play that elevates a particularly niche craft into a magical form of artistry and asks the audience, “Are you ready to rock?” Performances take place at 7:30 pm on July 24-26, and at 2:30 pm July 26 and 27. Enjoy AIRNESS at The Gordon Community Arts Center located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and more information, visit penarts.org.
Bands on the Bayou
July 25
Hosted by the East Hill Neighborhood Association, Bands on the Bayou is a free concert series that showcases local talent while raising money for a group of selected local nonprofit organizations. On July 25, Bay Kings Band will take the stage. Local food trucks and pop-up vendors will be on-site dishing up tasty treats and beverages. Grab your chair or blanket
and come set up on the lawn for an evening of live tunes and family-friendly activities. Boat access is also available, and guests may take in the tunes from their anchored watercraft. Food trucks and vendors set up at 4:30 pm, and the concert kicks off at 6:30 pm. Concerts are held on the bank of Bayou Texar at Bayview Park & Community Center located at 2001 E. Lloyd Street in East Hill. For complete event details and to learn more about this year’s non-profit beneficiaries, visit bandsonthebayou.com.
The Magic of Motown @ the Saenger Theatre
July 25
The Motowners show is a fantastic tribute to the many artists and great songs from the classic Motown years. Expect to hear smash hits by the Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many more. The Motowners were founded by producer Derrick Hadley in 2005 to bring legendary and love music to fans everywhere. Their unique and family-friendly show is still a favorite, and their classic group sound and approach never loses its universal appeal. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30. For tickets and complete show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Christmas
In July Marketplace at The Woman’s Club of Pensacola
July 26
Get some of your holiday shopping done super early with the Woman’s Club of Pensacola. Shop local at this indoor marketplace featuring artists, crafters and creators. Escape the heat and stroll through all the gifts you can buy for your family, friends or yourself! The event will be held at The Woman’s Club of Pensacola, located at 1551 E Heinberg St in Pensacola. Stop by anytime from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, visit facebook.com/TheWomansClubofPensacola.
Movies In the Park Series
July 26
The Movies in the Park Series returns to Community Maritime Park this summer with free movies every month. This month, A Minecraft Movie will be shown. Bring your blankets and chairs to spread out on the lawn and watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm, and the movie begins at sunset. Free event parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall. Concessions from local food trucks may be available for purchase, subject to availability. Picnic baskets are welcome too, but please no pets or glass containers. Movies are shown at the Hunter Amphitheater with grass seating only. For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com.
MILITARYMATTERS
AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION
TRAINING AIR WING SIX COMMEMORATES BATTLE OF MIDWAY ANNIVERSARY AT NAS PENSACOLA
Commander, Training Air Wing Six (CTW-6) hosted a Battle of Midway remembrance ceremony on June 5 at the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola to honor the anniversary of a critical turning point in World War II.
Captain Douglas “Cricket” White, the CTW-6 commodore, served as the event’s keynote speaker and reflected on the bravery, sacrifice and legacy of the service members who fought in the historic battle.
“Midway represents more than a victory – it is a testament to courage under pressure and the power of preparation and resolve,” White said. “Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we carry their legacy forward through our continued commitment to excellence in training.”
The Battle of Midway took place from June 4 through 7 1942, just six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thanks to intelligence breakthroughs that allowed U.S. forces to anticipate Japanese movements, the U.S. Navy
was able to launch a surprise counterattack against the Japanese fleet near Midway Atoll.
The victory came at a cost, however. The United States lost approximately 360 service members, one carrier, one destroyer and 144 aircraft. The Japanese lost four carriers, one cruiser, hundreds of aircraft and approximately 3,000 personnel.
NAS Pensacola, known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” played a foundational role in the development of the pilots and aircrew who served during the battle.
“From the earliest days of naval aviation, Pensacola has been where we train the warriors of tomorrow,” White said. “The same spirit of determination and discipline that helped win Midway lives on in every student who trains here today.”
The ceremony included a historical slide presentation, remarks honoring the fallen, and a special tribute to the SBD Dauntless dive bomber housed at the museum. The aircraft, which flew in the Battle of Midway and
was later recovered from Lake Michigan, serves as a living symbol of the resilience and heroism displayed during the conflict.
NAS Pensacola, referred to as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” is designed to support operational and training missions of more than 120 tenant commands, including the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and is the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). With four distinct fence lines – the air station itself, Corry Station, Saufley Field and Bronson Field – NAS Pensacola develops and prepares the future of naval aviation and information warfare, with 60 percent of the fleet training at the air station’s areas.
STORY AND PHOTO BY ENSIGN CLARABELLE KNYZHOV, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA
