Downtown Crowd
ICE ICERETURNFLYERS RETURNFLYERS
LSHOUT OUT
Celebrating the Wins That Lift Us All
‘City
LinkedIn®
on the Rise’
highlights area for booming job market, talent growth, and quality of life
inkedIn® has spotlighted Pensacola as one of its inaugural ‘Cities on the Rise’ — a curated list highlighting the 25 mid-sized U.S. metropolitan areas experiencing exceptional growth in hiring, talent migration, and job postings.
What’s Driving the Momentum?
LinkedIn’s ranking examines year-over-year percentage increases across three key metrics: hiring activity (defined by the number of people adding new positions to their profiles), job-posting volume, and the net influx of professionals relocating to the area.
Pensacola stood out in all categories, showcasing strength in several pivotal industries, including healthcare, professional services, and government administration — sectors that form the backbone of the city’s labor market.
Why Pensacola?
The region’s focus on supporting local businesses, helping startup companies, and creating a vibrant downtown has helped keep talent at home, attract new talent, and build a national reputation as a great place to live, work, and play.
Top employers: Navy Federal Credit Union, the U.S. Navy, and the University of West Florida are among the city’s largest employers by volume.
What’s Next?
Pensacola’s growth as a thriving Gulf Coast economic hub:
Sustained Growth: Continue supporting local businesses, startups, and entrepre neurs to foster local growth and economic resilience.
Workforce Development:
Prioritize building a skilled, reliable work force to meet the demands of expanding industries.
Safe, Accessible Infrastructure: Invest in walkable, safe infrastructure to enhance quality of life and accessibility for residents and visitors.
Project Follow-Through:
Ensure that long-announced projects are actually completed:
• New apartment and hotel complexes.
• High-profile opportunities like American Magic.
• Deliver results that strengthen Pensacola’s reputation.
Methodology Note:
LinkedIn’s ‘Cities on the Rise’ ranking draws on anonymized data from March 1, 2023 to February 1, 2025.
5Eleven • Blue Wahoos • Bodacious Shops • Bodacious Bookstore Bodacious Brew Thru •
•
• Studer Properties Submit your shout out: info@quintstuder.com
Bubba’s Sweet Spot
Oyster Bay
DOWNTOWN CROWD | OCTOBER 2025
Morgan Cole, Editor
Ah, fall—that magical time when the air gets cooler, the lattes get spicier and plastic skeletons become part of the neighborhood decor. For us autumn lovers, this is our Super Bowl. Halloween decorations are popping up everywhere, and the spooky vibes are officially in the air.
To help you make the most of spooky season, we’ve brought you details on some of our favorite Halloween happenings taking place across this city. From haunted houses and ghostly gatherings to eerie ghost tours throughout the downtown streets, there’s plenty of frightful fun to get you in the Halloween spirit!
The fun doesn’t stop with the supernatural. This month also marks the start of the Pensacola Ice Flyers’ 2025-26 hockey season, and the Hangar is ready to rumble. This season, fans will enjoy an expanded lineup of 29 home games with a packed schedule of fan-favorite theme nights. The Ice Flyers will take the ice for their home game opener on October 18 under the leadership of new head coach Jeremy Gates. We had a chance to catch up with Gates to learn more about his career and goals for the team ahead of his first season as the new head coach. Check out the full Q&A on page 16.
All this, plus details on Pensacola’s first-ever zine fest: HalloZine, the Pensacola Humane Society’s annual Barktoberfest event and more.
As always, we hope you enjoy the read!
Until next time, Cheers!
5 Questions with Creatives
Katie Follett
Katie Follett is an acrylic painter and the artist behind the local traveling art exhibit, Indy the Art Vending Machine. Inspired by vibrant colors, nostalgic themes and captivating moments, Follett’s pieces are bursting with color and symbolize the sweet things in life.
As a way to make her art more accessible, Follett established Indy the Art Vending Machine, which dispenses signed mini prints of her original artwork for four quarters each. Once a print sells out, it is never printed again, so you’re guaranteed to snag your own unique mini creation. Indy travels throughout Pensacola, moving between different locations frequently. Be sure to follow Follett’s Instagram page, @katiefollett__art, for updates on its latest location.
You can view more of Follett’s work at katiefollettart.com and on her Instagram page, where she also accepts commissions. Locally, you can find her work at Bon Beans Coffee on Nine Mile Rd. and at Native Cafe in Pensacola Beach.
Tell me more about yourself and how you became interested in creating.
For me, painting started when I was 10 years old, living in Juneau, Alaska. My grandfather came to visit and had recently picked up a new hobby of acrylic painting, which he then shared with me. From the first painting of an island sunset that we did together, I was hooked. Growing up, I was homeschooled, and I started college early. I received my bachelor’s degree in history from Thomas Edison State University when I was 19 years old. I moved to Pensacola from Alaska in March of 2020 and joined my older sister here. I left behind three feet of snow and everything I couldn’t fit into two suitcases.
In the past 30 years of my life, painting and creating have been the only constants. I don’t think there was an exact point of my interest beginning; it’s been innate. I am one of six siblings, and I have always been the one who got art supplies for every birthday as long as I can remember, and even now, it’s at the top of my list when my mom asks what I want for Christmas.
What inspires or influences your art?
I am drawn to saturated colors and capturing moments of time. Many of my pieces are an overhead, birds-eye view of a memory. Sometimes, in capturing reference photos, I find that I remove myself from a moment and become an outsider to my own memories. I want to paint them the way I wish they were—saturated, simple and beautiful. My hope by doing that is that it gives the observer permission to be a part of the memory and superimpose their own moments onto mine.
@katiefollett__art katiefollettart.com
Can you take me through your creative process and describe what goes into creating one of your pieces?
I keep a living file of reference photo ideas in my phone; I add to it any time something becomes sentimental to me. Everything starts there. When I sit down to paint, I instantly have a photo that I have an emotional attachment to. I have found that emotional attachment drives me to the canvas and keeps me from abandoning pieces. I then decide the size I want the piece to be, color-wash the background with a contrasting color to the reference and I am off to the races with sketching and painting until I am pleased with the result. I work on most of my pieces over a few days in the evenings, and I limit my color palette to make re-mixing colors easier.
What inspired you to create an art vending machine?
Growing up, I loved using the vending machines in the supermarket—though my target was usually the plastic jewelry or the fruit-shaped candy. I tossed around the idea of an art vending machine for months, running it by my friends and family to see what they thought of it. One night, I was telling my boyfriend about it for the tenth time, and he pulled up the website in front of me and told me to pull the trigger. I am so glad he didn’t let me send the idea to my vast business idea graveyard. Indy has been such a great adventure and connection point with other people that share the same memories I do!
What are your future plans for Indy the Art Vending Machine?
Currently, Indy travels throughout Pensacola, and she will continue to do so. She has spent September at Rosie’s Antique Emporium and will be headed to Bon Beans in October. I will be adding a new sister machine—Mindy— who will be able to be scheduled specifically for events and pop-ups. This new venture will open up the door for custom mini prints, as well as party favors for weddings, graduations, business events and more.
By Nicole Willis
HalloZine Proves Print's Undead
By Nicole Willis
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration of zines and indie media at Pensacola’s first-ever zine fest—HalloZine Festival.
Hosted and organized by 309 Punk Project, this all-new, two-day event is set to be a spooky celebration of zines and indie media. Held on the day before and the day of Halloween, HalloZine Festival is a 2025 Foo Foo Fest grantfunded event and will kick off this year’s official festival lineup.
“At 309 Punk Project, we have been reading zines, making them and collecting them, and we have a zine archive at our project,” 309 Punk Project Special Projects Coordinator Lauren Anzaldo said. “We appreciate and enjoy zines and everything about zine culture.”
Taking place at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center in downtown Pensacola, HalloZine Festival will feature a zine market of local and national zines by DIY creators, an exhibition on the evolution of zine culture, engaging guest speakers, film screenings, workshops by zine makers and creatives and more.
If you are unfamiliar, zines are small, self-published, low-circulation booklets created by artists to share their work, personal expression or interests. These self-made booklets typically contain a combination of creative graphics, photographs, personal essays and poetry.
Zines gained popularity in the 1990s, particularly within the American punk scene, where they served as a form of activism and a creative outlet for expressing personal or political viewpoints.
Today, zines are experiencing a resurgence, fueled by their raw, handmade charm. In an online world polished to perfection, these little booklets offer a breath of authenticity—a space where creativity thrives without filters or algorithms.
“We’ve noticed that recently, zines are back in a huge way. A lot of people are making zines, distributing them and trading them. Even though Pensacola has had a long history of zine-making over the decades, we’ve never had a zine festival before. So, it just seems like a really good time to hold this festival,” Anzaldo explained.
This free event will also feature a series of DIY maker stations for zinemaking, button-making and block printing, as well as a Take a Zine, Leave a Zine trading table.
Over the course of the two-day event, guests will have the chance to enjoy a series of engaging keynote speakers from local and national zine-makers, including Julia Arredondo (Vice Versa Press and Curandera Press), Alex Wrekk (Stolen Sharpie Revolution) and Julia Gorton (Beat It! Zine).
HalloZine Festival kicks off at 11 am on Thursday, October 30 at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center in downtown Pensacola.
Day one will kick off with the opening of the zine market and exhibit, where attendees will be able to purchase and trade zines, as well as learn more about the zine’s roots.
Following the market and exhibit, there will be a showing of the zine documentary, $100 & a T-Shirt. After the film wraps up, lunch will be served. Next on Thursday’s agenda will be a presentation by artist Julie Arredondo, in which she will share stories from her career, discuss her life as a traveling artist and some of the zines that inspire her.
Following Arredondo’s presentation, attendees will have the option to attend several afternoon workshops. A pizza party will be held to round off the evening’s festivities.
HalloZine will pick back up on Friday, October 30 at 11 am. Similar to Thursday, the zine market and exhibit will be open at the start of the day, followed by a short zine-related video presentation. The Franken-Zine workshop will be held at 11:30 am, focusing on the disappearance and revival of print media.
After a brief lunch, Alex Wrekk—author of Stolen Sharpie Revolution (SSR) and SSR 2—will kick off the afternoon with a talk exploring the collaborative, creative and community-driven roots of zine culture.
Next on the schedule is artist Julia Gorton, who worked on a DIY music fan zine and spent much of the 1970s photographing iconic musicians in NYC. Gorton’s talk will feature stories of her photography and analog production during this time period. Gordon’s talk will conclude the event, but the fun will continue at the HalloZine afterparty.
Starting at 7 pm, the iconic Handlebar in downtown Pensacola will host a spooktacular Halloween afterparty featuring a costume contest, spooky drinks and more haunted fun. Like any party at the Handlebar, there will be plenty of music, with a DJ playing plenty of goth, dark wave and post-punk music. The afterparty is open to individuals ages 21 and older, and the cover charge is $25 in advance, or $30 on the day of the event. For tickets and information on the official HalloZine afterparty, visit thehandlebar850.com.
Browse through a variety of unique zines, meet talented artists and create your own zine and artwork on October 30 and 31 at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center located at 117 E. Government St. in downtown Pensacola.
Whether you’re a seasoned zine enthusiast or just curious about this creative medium, HalloZine Fest offers a little something for everyone.
Daytime HalloZine events at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center are free for all ages, but registration is required to attend. To register, visit bit.ly/hallozinefest.
For more information on HalloZine Festival and 309 Punk Project, visit lnk.bio/pensacolazinefest.
Julia Gorton
Julia Arredondo
Alex Wrekk
Frightful Fun
Local Hauntings & Ghostly Experiences
By Morgan Cole & R. Aaron Gilmore
October is the best time of year for eerie encounters along Northwest Florida’s infamous “Ghost Coast.” You never know when you might stumble upon a ghostly surprise—especially in downtown Pensacola.
From historic ghost tours winding through eerie downtown streets to ghostly trolley tours through the macabre and spine-chilling haunted attractions, there are plenty of fun ways to get your ghoul on all October long.
Whether you’re a horror fan looking for the next scare or you’re into ghost hunts and paranormal activity, we’ve rounded up some of the area’s most frightful events and haunted attractions to help you make the most of the spookiest season of all.
Pensacola’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt
Pensacola’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt takes you on an eerie adventure through some of Pensacola’s spookiest landmarks. From historic buildings to old cemeteries, search for scavenger hunt clues while exploring and learning about the supernatural history of the city’s most infamous haunted locations. Participants will utilize a mobile app and digital adventure travel guide for the self-guided tour, so be sure to bring a charged cell phone. Whether you’re a supernatural skeptic or a true paranormal believer, this tour is sure to leave you with goosebumps. Tours are hosted on select dates and times through the end of October, and reservations are required. Tickets are $30 each, and all ages are welcome. Participants should meet at 221 E. Government St. in downtown Pensacola 10 minutes prior to scheduled tour times. For tickets and information, visit bit.ly/PcolaHauntings.
Spirits of Seville Quarter Ghost Tour
Learn the history of this storied Downtown Pensacola establishment, where ghost sightings and paranormal activity have been reported for years. The experience is complete with ghost hunting equipment to use as you tour the restaurant and bar spaces, followed by lunch or dinner. Offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays for all ages, Spirits of Seville requires a reservation. Tickets are $50 each and include a $12 credit toward your meal. For tickets and information, visit bit.ly/SpiritsofSeville.
Spirits of Seville Quarter Ghost Tour
Creepy Hollow Woods
The unknown awaits around every corner at Creepy Hollow Woods, one of Northwest Florida’s favorite haunted trails. Nestled in the heart of a mysterious and intriguing forest, this frightful outdoor festivity offers a unique haunt, inviting visitors to explore the winding trails through Creepy Hollow’s haunted woods, where the unknown awaits you at every twist and turn. The attraction offers the choice of two different experiences, “Normal” or “Night of Insanity,” where guests will navigate their way through “the haunt,” exploring the different rooms and creatures that await them inside. For “Normal” tours, guests are not touched by the actors, and tour group sizes are limited. Guests can also enjoy other fun on-site activities, including live music, axe throwing, food trucks and more. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/ CreepyHollowTix, or in person at the door. “Night of Insanity” tours are only for adults 18 and older, and valid ID is required. Opening weekend is scheduled for September 26, starting at 6 pm, and the full 2025 season schedule is listed on the @CreepyHollowWoodsFL Facebook page. Creepy Hollow is located at 2251 Wade Road in Jay, FL. For tickets and information, visit facebook.com/CreepyHollowWoodsFL.
Pensacola Lighthouse Ghost Hunts/Tours
The Pensacola Lighthouse has been called one of the most haunted in America. Find out for yourself as you hunt spirits in the historic Keeper’s Quarters, built in 1859. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. Featured on The Travel Channel and SyFy Network’s Ghost Hunters, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum is located at the Pensacola Navy base and open for ghost tours on select Saturday evenings. Admission is $30 and open to ages 15 or older. Tours fill fast. Public access to NAS Pensacola must follow current Dept. of Defense procedures. It is recommended to check the website for specific instructions before you visit. For tickets and information, visit pensacolalighthouse.org.
Go Retro Ghosts & Graveyards Tour
Discover some of Pensacola’s deepest secrets on a guided, ghost-themed bus tour. This riding frightseeing tour explores the darker side of this waterfront city that is one of the earliest European settlements in the US. Guests will also learn about the five types of hauntings that are common in Pensacola. The tour will hit all your favorite spooky spots, including the downtown historic district, Seville Quarter, Sanders Beach, North Hill and a cemetery, of course. This scary, fun and informative adventure is for mature audiences, and parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $33 for adults ages 18 and older, $28 for youth ages 13 to 17 and $23 for children ages 5 to 12. Tours run for two hours and can be booked online at goretro.us.
Hadji Haunted House
Prepare for a spine-chilling journey at the annual Hadji Haunted House. Enter a realm where fear reigns supreme, with haunted houses, a 3D Fun House with visual effects, eerie mazes and other terrifyingly fun attractions. Hosted annually by the Hadji Shriners and the Pensacola Breast Cancer Association, the Hadji Haunted House features more than 40 themed rooms of terror with scares and spooks at every corner. The Hadji Haunted House is open October 10–11, 17–18, 22–25 & 31 and November 1 from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. Tickets range from $10 to $30, depending on the experience selected. Get spooked and support a good cause at the Hadji Haunted House at the Hadji Shrine Temple located at 800 W. Nine Mile Rd. in Pensacola. For tickets and information, visit hadjihauntedhouse.com and follow @HadjiHauntedHouse on Facebook.
Creepy Hollow Woods
Hadji Haunted House
Historic Pensacola’s 35th Annual Haunted Tours
Historic Pensacola will once again host a series of haunted tours and events throughout the month of October. For tickets and to learn more about each of this year’s tour offerings, visit historicpensacola.org/planyour-visit/haunted-happenings.
Haunted History Village Walking Tour
Step inside to explore the ghost stories of the historic Dorr House, Old Christ Church and Lear/Rocheblave House in downtown Pensacola. Haunted History Village Walking Tours wlll be offered on Friday, October 10 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm, and Saturday October 11 at 6, 7 and 8 pm. Adults (ages 21+) will also be able to enjoy a spirit in the speakeasy following the Saturday night tours. Reservations are required. Tickets are $25 for adults 15 and older, and $15 for children ages 3 to 15.
Haunted History Museums Tour
Step inside the Arbona Building and the Pensacola Museum of History for an evening of spooky stories and sites. Haunted History Museum Tours will be offered on Friday, October 10 at 6, 7 and 8 pm, and Saturday, October 11 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Adults (ages 21+) will also have a chance to enjoy a spirit in Trader Jon’s following the Saturday night tours. Reservations are required. Tickets are $25 for adults 15 and older, and $15 for children ages 3 to 15.
Trolley of the Night
Explore the ghosts and haunted homes of North Hill this year on Historic Pensacola’s Trolley of the Night. Tours will be offered October 24 and October 25 at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for children ages 3 to 15. Children under the age of 3 are admitted for free. Trolley of the night tours are limited to groupd of 28 people per session, and reservations are required. For tickets and information, visit historicpensacola.org.
Spirits of the Simpson House
Join Historic Pensacola on October 18 for a spooky evening of history and hauntings at the historic Simpson House at the Arcadia Homestead site in Milton, FL. Spirits of the Simpson House will include guided tours of the historic grounds and house, campfire stories with s’mores, activities for the kids, refreshments and more. Tours will be offered at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm, and reservations are required. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $15 for children ages 3 to 17. Children ages 3 and under are free. The Simpson House is located at 4755 Anna Simpson Rd. in Milton. For tickets and information, visit historic historicpensacola.org.
Talking to the Dead: The Victorian Séance
Join Historic Pensacola for its fifth annual Talking to the Dead: The Victorian Séance on October 31 at the historic Barkley House. This educational living history program explores the history, fascination and theatrics of Victorianera spiritualism and séances. Historic Pensacola’s living history department will share the origins of All Hallow’s Eve and the rise of spiritualism and death customs of the Victorian era into the 1920s. Guests will also enjoy a variety of Victorian refreshments and entertainment. The event will be hosted October 31 and November 1, with sessions available at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm. Tickets are $35 each, and guests must be 21 or older to attend. Space is limited to 8 guests per session, and reservations are required. The Barkley House is located at 410 S. Florida Blanca St. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and information, visit historicpensacola.org.
Haunted History Village Walking Tour
The Simpson House
Pensacola Ice Flyers Return to The Hangar
By Morgan Cole
Gearing up for their 17th season, the Pensacola Ice Flyers are set to begin their annual quest to bring another Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) championship back to the Gulf Coast.
Marking the beginning of another action-packed season of SPHL, the Ice Flyers will drop the first puck of the 2025-26 season on October 18 in their highly anticipated home opener against the Macon Mayhem.
The Ice Flyers will play a 58-game regular season schedule, with 29 home games at the Pensacola Bay Center. This season, fans will also enjoy a packed schedule of fan-favorite theme nights, promotions, giveaways and an expanded lineup of 29 exciting home games at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“We’re thrilled to offer our fans additional Ice Flyers hockey this season with our expanded schedule,” Ice Flyers Director of Marketing and Operations Brenden Arney said. “From our home opener against Macon to our creative theme nights, the 2025-26 season is set to be our most entertaining yet.”
This season, the Ice Flyers will also welcome three-time SPHL Champion Jeremy Gates as the team’s new head coach. As a former Ice Flyers defenseman and having previously served as the team’s assistant coach, Gates’ return to Pensacola marks a full-circle moment not just for him, but also for the organization.
“Jeremy knows what it means to be an Ice Flyer,” team owner Greg Harris said. “He’s lived it as a player and understands what it takes to win in this league. His ability to lead, teach and inspire, combined with his firsthand knowledge of our championship culture, makes him the perfect choice to lead this next era of Ice Flyers hockey.”
Gates has played 95 games over the course of four seasons, amassing 60 points and 148 penalty minutes as a defenseman, including 14 points in 25 playoff games.
“It’s an incredible feeling to come back to this organization as well as the Pensacola community as they hold a special place in my heart,” Gates said. “I’ve experienced some of the greatest moments of my playing career here, and I’m ready for this opportunity to reclaim the Ice Flyers’ winning culture, develop and galvanize our players, and be stewards in this great community.”
Known for his steady presence on the blue line and leadership in the locker room, Gates is one of just three players in Ice Flyers history to have hoisted the President’s Cup three times, winning SPHL championships with the team in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
In addition to a new head coach, the team also welcomes Justin Stevens as its new assistant coach. Stevens arrived in Pensacola following a historic season as assistant coach for the University of Ottawa, where he helped lead the program to its first ever National Championship.
Photos courtesy of Pensacola Ice Flyers
“The opportunity to be part of a team with such a passionate fan base and strong organizational culture is extremely exciting. This team has consistently been one of the league’s premier organizations, with multiple President Cup Championships,” Ice Flyers Assistant Coach Justin Stevens said. “The pride our team brings to the community and the energy and support that is generated in our building on game nights is some of the best in all of pro hockey. We are looking forward to pushing for a championship this season.”
This season also includes a special milestone celebration, as the Ice Flyers commemorate three decades of thrilling hockey action in Pensacola. Mark your calendars for February 28, when the team will host an unforgettable evening honoring 30 years of goals, victories and memories that have shaped the city’s rich hockey heritage.
In addition to an exciting lineup of home-game theme nights, the team will also host several jersey giveaways this season. The first giveaway will be on November 14, with an Adult Navy Jersey Giveaway for the first 1,500 fans.
Later in the season, fans can also look forward to two White Ice Flyers Jersey Giveaways. The first jersey giveaway will be on January 18 for the first 1,000 kids (ages 12 and under), followed by an Adult White Jersey Giveaway on February 6 for the first 1,500 fans.
The return of the highly anticipated Small Dog Race Nights are sure to be a fan favorite, with the first Small Dog Race Night event set for November 29. The beloved Wiener Dog Race will also return on January 17, with another Small Dog Race on March 14 marking the final race of the season.
The Ice Flyers will return to The Hangar on October 18 at 7:05 pm for the first game of the season against the Maycon Mayhem.
Both full- and half-season tickets are also on sale, and can be purchased online at iceflyers.com/tickets/season-tickets.
Single game tickets are also on sale for $24.05 each, and can be purchased online at ticketsmaster.com, or in-person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.
“Every off-season we focus on creating more interactive moments during games that will have everyone on their feet. This year, we’re particularly excited about introducing some new technology to enhance the fan experience, including live broadcast cameras with fun interactive filters that are sure to bring a smile to peoples faces,” Ice Flyers Director of Marketing and Operations Brenden Arney said. “The energy in the Hangar is something we take pride in, and we’re counting down the days until we can share that incredible atmosphere with everyone in our community.”
For tickets and information, including the full line-up of scheduled theme nights, promotions and jersey giveaways, visit iceflyers.com.
For special announcements and to keep up with the team on and off the ice, follow @PcolaIceFlyers on Facebook and Instagram and download the Ice Flyers mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play.
Q&A with New Ice Flyers Head Coach, Jeremy Gates
We had a chance to catch up with Coach Gates to learn more about his career, coaching philosophy and his journey back to Pensacola ahead of his first season as the team’s new head coach.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your personal and professional background?
I’m originally from Jackson, MI, and hockey has been a constant in my life since I was 4 years old. My coaching journey began with an internship under Sheldon Keefe, an experience that sparked my passion for coaching at a high level and eventually led to Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris and Head Coach Rod Aldoff hiring me as the first assistant coach in Ice Flyers history in 2017.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from different coaches and managers and be part of different organizations, which shaped the way I approach the game today. As a hockey player, I feel extremely lucky to have played and contributed on some amazing teams with great teammates. In junior hockey with the Pembroke Lumberkings, we won two championships in my two years there, then won an NCAA National Championship with Neumann University, as well as three SPHL Championships with the Ice Flyers.
Those experiences as a player have allowed me to reflect on the dynamics of a winning culture for each team. When the opportunity came to sign with the Ice Flyers after college graduation, it seemed like a great fit. Not only because of the team, but also because of the city and the passionate fan base. Pensacola has a special energy around hockey, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that. My focus has always been on building a team-first culture where players can develop, compete, and enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.
How does it feel to go from assistant coach—and former player—to now being the head coach of the Ice Flyers?
It feels a bit like a full-circle moment. I absolutely love this community and the time I spent here as a player. Playing with such amazing teammates and contributing to our championship teams’ success were incredible experiences. I feel very lucky to have shared those moments with them. Getting my start as the assistant coach in Pensacola was extremely meaningful, as this is where my new journey began. Greg Harris and Rod Aldoff created the assistant coach position, as this was the pathway I truly wanted to take and give my best effort towards. To now be the head coach is something I take with great honor and respect. This organization has done so much for me as both a hockey player and a person that the decision was an easy one. My heart, effort and attitude are in the right place to give my very best in creating my vision for what our standard and culture will be. This is something I am extremely excited to begin.
How would you best describe your coaching style?
I like to believe I am a transparent and honest coach. When it comes to what we are trying to do as a team, we must have discipline in our game and pay attention to the small details. I’d say my coaching style is pretty balanced. I like to keep things light and ensure the guys feel the arena is a place where they can enjoy themselves and perform at their best. When we’re preparing for a game, practice, video session or getting on the ice, there’s no question about our purpose, and we do it with class.
What have you learned from your time as a player and assistant coach that you’ll bring into your new role?
As a player, I learned what it’s like to be in the dressing room and the importance of a coach who communicates clearly and sets expectations. From my time as an assistant coach, I learned how much goes into preparation, not just with systems and game plans, but with building relationships and trust with the players. Now, stepping into a head
coaching role, I want to combine those experiences. I’ll bring that player’s perspective of what guys need to feel supported, along with the preparation and accountability I picked up as an assistant, to create an environment where the team can succeed.
What are your biggest goals for the team this season, both on and off the ice?
The biggest goal I have this season with this team is to reshape the culture and standard, maximize the players that are here and win hockey games. I wanted good hockey players, good people and people who are going to engage in this awesome community that supports us. Obviously, I want nothing more than to win a championship. That is something we strive for every year in Pensacola. With that, winning isn’t easy in many aspects. It starts with our team setting goals. The real challenge is the commitments needed to reach those goals, asking ourselves: what are we willing to commit to and maybe sacrifice to reach those goals?
What do you want Ice Flyers fans to know about your vision for the future of the team?
Empowering people around you with clear expectations and accountability has been something I have learned. I have gathered experiences from great people and sometimes not-so-great people. These experiences have shaped my vision of how I see the mentality of our team being. I want to have positivity, as this incites enthusiasm. I go into every day believing that something good will happen that day.
With that, it is ultimately up to me who gets to be in our dressing room. I am looking for good hockey players, good people, who want to be in this community. I want players to embrace what we are doing and buy into our standard and culture. Preparing with clear messaging and having the players here who understand that this drives our team’s culture, with the ultimate goal that it is special to be able to say you played for the Pensacola Ice Flyers, as we are in the best place to play hockey.
Barktoberfest Has Gone to the Dogs
Park at the 24th Annual Barktoberfest benefiting the Pensacola Humane Society (PHS).
Barktoberfest will take place from 10 am to 4 pm, bringing together dogs, dog lovers and animal advocates for a tail-wagging celebration that has become a beloved Gulf Coast tradition. Best of all, there is no cost to attend this annual family-friendly event, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.
Barktoberfest isn’t just a party, it’s a lifeline for abandoned and neglected animals. Every dollar raised through this event helps provide critical medical care, safe shelter, and the promise of brighter futures for pets in need. The celebration blends fun, community spirit, and compassion, all the while making it a day with a purpose that reaches far beyond the park.
This year’s event is proudly presented by the Pensacola Ice Flyers, returning for their third consecutive year as the event’s title sponsor. Known for giving back to the community both on and off the ice, the Ice Flyers have shown incredible commitment to helping animals in need. They join a roster of generous partners including Fishbein Orthodontics, Taylor, Warren, Weidner, Hancock & Barnes, Animal Hospital of Pensacola, Varona Paradies, Zarzaur Law, Pensacola Lighthouse Museum, Cat Country, Xtreme Logistics Gulf Coast, Ballinger Publishing, Wolfgang and many more whose sponsorships make this event possible year-after-year.
What to Expect at Barktoberfest
Get ready for a day filled with activities designed to entertain animal lovers of all ages. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy lively contests, exciting
Mary Donovan McClellan, Pensacola Humane Society VP of Development
Photos courtesy of Pensacola Humane Society
races, children’s games and pet adoption opportunities. Barktoberfest is known for its friendly competitions. Competitors can show off their furry companions and vie for Best Owner and Dog Lookalike, Best Trick and the wildly entertaining Best Dog Costume.
Children will find plenty to enjoy in the Bow Wow Backyard, a dedicated area filled with games, pup-themed activities and interactive demonstrations that are designed to entertain and educate animal lovers young and old.
Visitors can explore booths hosted by local vendors, animal welfare organizations and community partners. These booths will feature everything from pet supplies and specialty treats to information on veterinary services, training and adoption opportunities.
Whether you’re competing in a contest, browsing the vendor booths or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Barktoberfest promises a day full of joy, laughter and wagging tails. It’s the kind of event that brings people together, celebrates the human-animal bond and raises critical funds for animals who need it most.
About Pensacola Humane Society
For over 80 years, the Pensacola Humane Society has been a beacon of hope for animals along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Founded in 1943, PHS began with a small group of passionate volunteers determined to make a difference for abandoned and neglected animals. Today, it has grown into a thriving nonprofit shelter dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts that transform lives both for animals and the people who love them.
PHS works closely with Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties Animal Shelters and animal welfare partners in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Together, these organizations form a united front to promote adoption, reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare across the region. The partnerships allow resources, knowledge and support to be shared, ensuring that every animal receives the best possible chance at a happy, healthy life.
Adoption efforts are at the heart of PHS’s mission. In 2024, the shelter completed 826 adoptions, giving cats and dogs across the Gulf Coast a chance at loving forever homes. With 2025 already off to a strong start, the shelter expects to surpass that number this year, continuing its proud tradition of successful placements.
One of PHS’s major commitments is to its spay and neuter procedures, a number that has exceeded 1,500 since May 2024. Among those surgeries are those provided for Everett Animal Welfare Tag-Neuter-Return Program which humanely manages community cat populations. This program alone has made a significant impact on controlling the number of free-roaming cats in the area, improving the health of the animals while preventing future suffering.
The shelter maintains its No-Kill Shelter status with a 2024 save rate of 97.6 percent, well above the 90 percent threshold required for this designation. This achievement reflects the dedication of staff, volunteers and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure every adoptable animal has the opportunity for a second chance.
The Pet Pantry, offered twice monthly, distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food and supplies in 2024 alone, providing essential support to families facing financial hardship so they can continue caring for their beloved pets.
Volunteers remain the heart of PHS. In 2024, they donated 8,850 hours of service. Their dedication ensures that every animal in PHS’s care receives love, attention and enrichment while waiting for a forever home.
The shelter also invests in its staff through skills and professional development opportunities. This training equips the team with the latest best practices in animal care, adoption programs and community outreach, helping PHS remain a leader in animal welfare.
Ways to Get Involved
Supporting the Pensacola Humane Society comes in many forms. Adopting a pet opens your home and heart to an animal in need, giving them the chance for a loving forever family. Fostering provides temporary care for animals while freeing up space in the shelter for others in crisis. PHS supplies all the necessities for fosters — food, bedding and veterinary care — so volunteers can focus on providing love and socialization.
Volunteering offers hands-on ways to help by walking dogs, cleaning kennels, assisting with events or distributing pet pantry supplies. Donations of money, food and supplies also make an immediate impact, funding medical treatments, outreach programs and shelter needs that save lives every day.
The PHS Pet Pantry, held twice each month, remains one of the most valued outreach programs, ensuring that families facing tough times can still care for the pets they love.
Be part of the community that can make a difference. Join us at Barktoberfest on October 18 from 10 am to 4 pm to celebrate the pet-human bond, enjoy a day of fun and support a brighter future for pets in need.
For complete event details and to learn more about the Pensacola Humane Society, visit pensacolahumane.org or email barktoberfest@ pensacolahumane.org.
OCTOBER COMMUNITY EVENTS
Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games & Theme Nights
October home games and theme nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. Games begin at 7:05 pm. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.
October 18 - Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers; Opening Night
October 25 - Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; $5 Night
Pensacola Beach
Songwriters Festival
. . . September 30 to October 12
Featuring performances at nearly two dozen beachside bars, restaurants and venues on Pensacola Beach and throughout downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival has evolved to become a cherished annual event. The festival features live performances by 130 songwriters from across the globe from a variety of genres. Throughout the two-week festival, Grammy Award-winning artists, hit songwriters and upand-coming artists will host live performances of their original songs as they share the stories behind them. This year’s festival is also jampacked with a variety of special events, with most performances free and open to the public. For complete event details and to view the full lineup of performances, visit pensacolabeachsongfest.com.
Bands on the Bayou
October 3
Don’t miss the next installment of the popular outdoor concert series Bands on the Bayou on Friday, October 3. Presented by Kuhn Realty, this free waterfront concert will feature local band Cowboy Park. Concerts are held at Bayview Park located at 2001 E. Lloyd St. in East Hill. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy local tunes and local vibes overlooking Bayou Texar. Food trucks and local vendors will be set up at 4:30 pm, and the concert kicks off at 6:30 pm, so come early to claim your spot near the Community Center. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information and to view the complete lineup of scheduled performances, visit bandsonthebayou.com.
White Tie Rock Ensemble’s Tribute to Kings of British Rock
October 4
Join White Tie Rock Ensemble as they present a Tribute to the Kings of British Rock. Featuring the psychedelic soul of Pink Floyd and the thunderous power of Led Zeppelin, this incredible tribute concert will be a night to remember. The concert takes place at the Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E. Gregory St. in downtown Pensacola. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.
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October 10 & 11
The 15th Annual Festa Italiana brings the flavors and spirit of Italy to downtown Pensacola. Enjoy two days of authentic Italian cuisine—spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, sausage sandwiches and award-winning shrimp scampi—plus homemade desserts. Sip Italian wines and beers while watching live chef and artist demonstrations. Also, take part in a silent auction and a raffle with cash prizes. With live music, family-friendly activities and plenty of Italian hospitality, this festival is a community favorite. The Festa Italiana will take place from 11 am to 6 pm at Fountain Park, located at 300 E. Zaragoza St. For more information, visit buonafortunalodge.org/festa-italiana.
Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic
.October 11
Enjoy a morning of fun and fishing at the 13th Annual Sea No Limits Fishing Clinic on October 11 from 8 am to 12 pm at the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park in downtown Pensacola. Established by the Gulf Breeze Masonic Lodge #347, this family friendly event offers citizens with special needs—and their caregivers—a safe place to experience the joy of fishing. The clinic will include fishing education and hands-on instruction. Participants will also receive free lunch, an event t-shirt and fish identification booklets. This free event is open to all citizens with physical or intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. All ages are welcome, and advance registration is required to attend. Free rods, reels and t-shirts will be given to the first 250 applicants. Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritume Park is located at 301 W. Main Street in downtown Pensacola. For more information and to pre-register for the clinic, visit seanolimit.com. For details on volunteering and available sponsorship opportunities, email ehac4491@aol.com.
Pensacola Half Marathon & 5K
October 12
The Pensacola Half Marathon course was designed by locals to highlight the beauty of Pensacola and give participants a run that they will love. The half marathon starts and ends at Community Maritime Park by the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Participants will loop through the historic North Hill community just before crossing the Bayou Chico bridge, capturing marina views of both Bayou Chico and Pensacola Bay. Next, the course takes you to Pensacola’s downtown Historic District before returning to the Maritime Park. The race is a great event for Columbus Day weekend. To register or learn more, visit runpensacola.com.
Blue Angels Practice Dates
. . . . October 15, 21, 22, 28 & 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.
Pensacola Interstate Fair
. October 16 to October 26
The 2024 Pensacola Interstate Fair is here this October. With over 60 rides, top-name entertainers, loads of entertaining and educational exhibits, delicious fair food and more, there is always something new to see and do at the fair! We provide facilities for the agricultural, educational, scientific, livestock, cultural, commercial and industrial resources of surrounding counties and states. The Pensacola Interstate Fair is a star-spangled parade of exhibits that attracts participants from all over the country. The Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds are located at 664 Mobile Highway. For tickets, fair hours and more information, visit pensacolafair.com.
WolfGang Pensacola’s Yappy Hour Dog-O-Ween
October 16
Get ready for a frightfully fun time at WolfGang Pensacola’s October Yappy Hour Dog-O-Ween event! Join fellow dog lovers for an evening of Halloween-themed fun. From Halloween-themed bingo and craft beer specials to spooktacular costumes and adoption opportunities, this event is perfect for dog lovers looking to have some spooky fun. The event is open to everyone, whether you’re bringing a dog or just looking to join in the fun. All dogs must be well-behaved and on a leash at all times. WolfGang Pensacola’s Yappy Hour Dog-O-Ween will be held at Pensacola Bay Brewery, located at 225 Zaragoza St. from 6 to 8 pm. For more information, visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
Ballet Pensacola’s Dracula
October 17-19 & 24-26
Dracula reawakens, but not as you remember him. Ballet Pensacola unveils this reimagined tale of temptation and terror that will transport audiences into a world where elegance meets the eerie. Featuring original, pulse-pounding choreography by a special Guest Choreographer, this chilling reinvention weaves gothic horror with hypnotic beauty, creating a mustsee ballet that’s as thrilling as it is elegant. From sweeping romantic duets to explosive ensemble work, every moment is infused with danger, beauty, and passion. This isn’t just a ballet; it’s dark, daring, and it’s waiting for you. Performances will be held October 17-19 and October 24-26 at Pensacola Little Theatre, located at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. Visit balletpensacola.org for tickets and show details.
Opera After Dark
October 17
Join the Pensacola Opera for a unique outdoor concert like no other, featuring the incredible Jan Miller Studio Artists under the stars. The artists will take center stage at the UWF Historic Trust Museum Plaza, located at 300 S. Tarragona St. in downtown Pensacola. In addition to music, there will also be food trucks and local vendors. The event is free and begins at 7 pm. For more information, visit pensacolaopera.com.
Stories in Stone: A Twilight Walking Tour of St. Michael’s Cemetery
October 18
Hosted in partnership with the Florida Public Archaeology Network, the UWF Archaeology Institute and the UWF Department of Anthropology, this twilight program invites guests to explore the shadowed corners of Pensacola’s past. Through guided walking tours of St. Michael’s Cemetery, participants will encounter the complex history of the city and reflect on how the cemetery serves as both a resting place and a keeper of memory. The tours will highlight the lives, professions and stories of those who shaped the community across centuries while also examining the challenges of preservation and the cultural significance of remembrance. Groups are limited to 15 and scheduled every half hour, with the first tour at 4:30 pm and the last at 6 pm. To register and learn more, visit uwf.edu/gulfcoastculture.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
October 24
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. At Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics, your favorite Halloweeninspired hits will be brought to life. Hear seasonal favorites like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the Halloween theme, and the Ghostbusters theme like you’ve never heard them before. Get your tickets now to witness the music of the Halloween season at First United Methodist Church under the glow of candlelight. First United Methodist Church is located at 6 E. Wright St. in Pensacola. Showtimes begin at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime. For tickets and more information, visit feverup.com.
Josh Gates Live at the Pensacola Saenger
October 26
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Join explorer, talk show host and author Josh Gates from Discovery Channel’s smash-hit series, Expedition Unknown and Josh Gates Tonight for an evening of adventure! Josh will take viewers around the world and off the map with stories from his greatest expeditions. From hilarious misadventures to thrilling moments of discovery, Josh keeps audiences on the edge of their seat. VIP meet and greet tickets are also available. The Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. Doors open at 5 pm and the show begins at 6. For tickets and complete show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Festa Italiana 2025
MILITARYMATTERS
AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION
2025 NAS PENSACOLA BLUE ANGELS HOMECOMING AIRSHOW RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 14 AND 15
One of the largest events in northwest Florida – the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow – is being rescheduled to Nov. 14 and 15.
Originally scheduled a week earlier (Nov. 7 and 8), an unexpected commitment for the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow headline performers – the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) The Blue Angels – resulted in the shift.
“The opportunity for the NAS Pensacola-based Blue Angels to perform at another event in celebration of Navy 250 [the U.S. Navy’s 250th Birthday celebration] is an honor for the team, for our Navy, for Pensacola and for our country,” NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer
Capt. Chandra ‘Mamasan’ Newman said. “The pride our community has in the Blue Angels and our Navy and
Marine Corps combat team is unparalleled, and while this rescheduling could present challenges, the Sailors and civilian employees who put this Airshow together every year are dedicated to bringing the community who embraces us a great airshow.”
The NAS Pensacola Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department said Preferred Premium Seating tickets will be shifted from the original date to one week later, with ticket holders having the same access and seating as what they originally purchased.
Questions about Preferred Premium Seating for the 2025 Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow should be directed to Attendstar at (615) 223-1008, or through email at tickets@attendstar.com.
‘One of the hallmarks of being a Sailor, of being an aviator and of being part of a team is flexibility,”
Newman said. “Just like countless Sailors and Marines have done for 250 years, the NAS Pensacola team will adapt to this situation, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th Birthdays with a great Airshow. We are thankful the Blues were able to extend their season an additional week to fly their homecoming performance.”
The two-day NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow, a mainstay in the area and one of the largest events in Florida’s Panhandle, is the culmination of the NFDS annual schedule, and this year celebrates the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
More information concerning the 2025 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow will be published to the NAS Pensacola Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin social media pages as it becomes available.
COURTESY OF NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
PHOTO BY GARRETT DIPUMA, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA
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