Downtown Crowd, April 2024

Downtown Crowd

Pensacola’s New

Artist Bear Walker Carves

Rishy Studer Photo by Matthew Coughlin, 850 Magazine

DOWNTOWN CROWD | APRIL 2024

Editor’s Letter

Morgan Cole, Editor

Spring is, without a doubt, the best time of the year here in Pensacola. The month of April not only marks the start of my favorite season and many sunny beach days ahead, but it also serves as the kick off to festival season in Pensacola! From local favorites like the Pensacola Crawfish Festival and JazzFest to the anticipated return of Hangout Music Fest on May 17, this year’s spring calendar is packed with all types of new and returning festivals for everyone to enjoy. To help you soak up all of the fun that the spring season has to offer, we have brought you the scoop on some of our favorite new and returning festivals happening across the Gulf Coast in the coming month.

We’ve also brought you details on all the bustling new businesses that have opened their doors in East Hill’s historic Sacred Heart Hospital within the past year. Not only does this building serve as an architectural and medical landmark of Pensacola, but it also serves as a gathering place at the heart of one of our city’s most beloved neighborhoods.

In this issue, you’ll also learn about some upcoming fun taking place at the new Icon Modern Art Gallery in downtown Pensacola and the official opening of the Bear Walker Skateshop on East Wright Street. We had a chance to sit down with Walker to learn more about his craft and what all he has in store for the new storefront he recently opened right here in Pensacola! Be sure to check out the story on page 18.

As always, I hope you enjoy the read, and until next time,

5 Questions with Creatives

Taya Vande Vegte, Owner of TVVart

Taya Vande Vegte is a local mixed-media artist and the owner of TVVart. Her work is characterized by bright and funky colors with retro and popculture-inspired designs. From rockstars and pop culture icons to her own quirky characters, Vegte depicts her subjects in a creative pop art style.

You can find Vegte’s work at several locations throughout Pensacola, such as the Palafox Market on Saturday and her booth at Bo’s Local Finds located on N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola. She also sells her work online through her Etsy shop, TVVart and takes custom orders via Instagram direct messages and email at tvvartstudio@gmail.com. You can check out more of Vegte’s work on Instagram @TVV.art.

DTC: Let’s start with you telling me a little bit about yourself and your professional background.

TVV: I was born and raised in Iowa and moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida in 2014. I was in my sophomore year of high school when we moved. I graduated high school and took a year off to work and try to find my passion. When the year ended, I found myself going to Pensacola State College to study art. By the time I graduated, I found a love for sculpture and digital art.

DTC: What type of artist would you categorize yourself as?

TVV: If I had to choose, I would have to say I’m a mixed media artist. I jump back and forth between a selection of mediums. Currently, I would say the media I’m using the most now would be digital art. Most of my painting drafts, designs for sweaters and art are done on my iPad, but every once in a while, I love to go back to sculpture like with my sculpted guitar projects.

DTC: Tell me more about the inspiration behind your work and the different types of pieces you create.

TVV: I get a lot of my inspiration from the music I love to listen to. I love Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Three Dog Night, but almost anything with that sweet 70s sound gets me

going. I also get a lot of inspiration from being out in nature and bathing in natural beauty.

Some of the different types of art pieces I make are 13”x19” pop art prints of musicians and bands. I also create 8.5”x11” whimsical 70s-style prints of my characters in flared pants. I’ll even hand-sew custom designs onto sweatshirts. Finally, I handprint portraits onto vinyl records and sculpt cardboard guitars. I love to have a wide variety of projects.

DTC: Can you take me through your creative process and describe what goes into creating one of your pieces?

TVV: The creative process for a pop art print is started with a bit of research. I will listen to the band’s music, watch music videos and look up album covers to get the vibes of the band. I also like to try to find recurring colors from their album covers or music videos. After all the research, I will then start the drawing of the print, typically taking me about a day or two to finish. I get very picky with the colors and will adjust them for hours if I have to! Then, I get the colors exactly how I like them and polish the design before printing them out for sale.

DTC: What are some of your most popular items, and is there currently a specific piece or design that you are receiving a lot of requests for?

TVV: I would say most of my art is loved equally, but recently I’ve noticed that people have really been enjoying more of my whimsical smaller prints and that makes me so happy. I was worried about selling these pieces at markets; they’re much more personal pieces than my pop art. I have absolutely adored their reception at the markets. People really connect with my characters and they are some of my favorite prints to work on. I love getting to see people laugh and smile and fall in love with the odd little characters.

by Nicole Willis

Heart of East Hill

Old Sacred Heart Hospital Bustles with New Business

by Morgan Cole

Situated in the heart of historic East Hill at 1010 N. 12th Ave., lies one of Pensacola’s most mysterious and beloved architectural landmarks, the old Sacred Heart Hospital. Formerly Pensacola Hospital, the historic Sacred Heart Hospital opened its doors in 1915 as the first Catholic hospital in Florida. Boasting impressive late Gothic Revival-style architecture, it took only one year for Evans Brothers Construction to complete the entire building. The thriving hospital eventually outgrew the building, and was moved to a much larger and modernized facility, which is what we know today as Sacred Heart Hospital. The name was changed from Pensacola Hospital in 1948, and the historic Sacred Heart Hospital was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Back in the hospital’s heyday, nurses would walk the wards tending to its around 150 patients—some say they still do. Over the years, there have been reports of numerous sightings of a ghostly apparition dressed in a nurse’s uniform, who still continues to roam the building. Today, the structure remains as both a medical and architectural landmark and houses a number of small businesses that serve as the heart of the East Hill neighborhood. The building currently serves as home to an eclectic mix of both old and new tenants, ranging from the beloved O’Zone Pizza Pub and private CPAs and attorneys to performing arts and yoga studios and more. We have brought you details on some of the bustling new businesses that now call the historic building home.

Lamonte Gelato

The makers behind Pensacola’s wildly popular pop-up dining experience, TROUBADOUR Dining Pensacola, returned to the local dining scene in February 2023 with the debut of their latest business venture, Lamonte Gelato. Owned by local husband-and-wife restaurateurs, Alex and Ashley Lamonte, this authentic Italian-style gelateria offers an impressive lineup of artisanal small batch gelatos. Each gelato flavor is made from scratch by Alex himself, without the use of premade mixes, artificial flavoring, dyes or fillers. Some house specialties include gelato truffles, fraps and affogatos. The menu also features hand-crafted waffle cones, espresso drinks from the shop’s fullystocked espresso bar and locallyroasted Alla Prima Coffee. A variety of dairy-free and gluten-free options are also available. Lamonte Gelato is located in suite #133 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. Check out the full menu online at lamontegelato.com, or follow Lamonte Gelato on Facebook and @lamonte_gelato on Instagram.

A Mano Panino

Also the brainchild of local restaurateurs Alex and Ashley Lamonte, this new Italianinspired sandwich shop made its debut in January alongside the couple’s existing gelato shop, Lamonte Gelato. The menu features 10 signature sandwiches with flavors inspired by the street food of Florence. Each of the sandwiches are made from scratch with fresh, all-natural ingredients and served on homemade schiacciata bread (an Italian flatbread similar to focaccia). The flavor profile for each of the schiacciata-based sandwiches are matched to an Italian classical music term. One customer favorite is the #9 Delicato Sandwich, which is the shop’s signature vegan option that includes balsamic roasted eggplant, marinated zucchini, sunflower seed and arugula pesto with giardiniera relish. You can order online and enjoy on the go, or dine-in at Lemonte Gelato. A Mano Panino is located in Suite #128 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 4pm. View the menu and order online at amanopanino.com, or follow @amanopanino on social media.

A Curious Wine Shop

The Burrow This neighborhood biergarten, cocktail lounge and eatery made its debut in early 2024 as the new extension of Pensacola’s popular Odd Colony Brewing Company. Meticulously crafted by co-owners Brett Schweigert and Blake Foster, The Burrow perfectly fuses the warmth and coziness of a rustic wilderness lodge with the unique vibe of a European biergarten to create an eclectic—and comfortably elevated—experience. The restaurant and brewery are both nature and seasonally inspired, featuring earthy cocktails, campfire-inspired menu offerings and loads of Belgian-style lagers. The inner quarters provide an intimate experience for dinner and drinks, while the 8,000-square-foot outdoor biergarten is more laid-back with picnic table seating and outdoor entertainment. The beer menu is offered both in the taproom and outdoor biergarten and primarily focuses on lagers. The eye-catching house food menu was cultivated by local chef Amy Potmesil, who has ties to many popular restaurants such as Union Public House, The Well and The Nest General Store. Her menu design complements the rustic, cabin-esque vibe, with hickory smoked menu items such as smoked mussels and wild boar meatballs. Other menu favorites include Bone Harvest lager boiled peanuts and the beer brined pork chop. The Burrow if located in Suite #111 and is open Tuesday through Sunday (hours vary). Check out @TheBurrowbyOC on Facebook or @theburrow.oddcolony on Instagram.

This quaint wine shop is packed with delightful curiosities, and of course, plenty of tasty wine. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife, John and Hilary Towns, A Curious Wine Shop celebrated its opening on January 23. The shop is located in a portion of the building that formerly served as the principal’s office for the Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts, providing the perfect ambiance for the couple’s niche business concept. With Hilary’s extensive background in wine education and John’s profession as a geologist, the two have set out to not only make wine more accessible to the average consumer, but also to educate them on the stories and science behind the wines they drink. Hilary became a Certified Specialist of Wine through The Academy of Wine Educators in 2014 and, most recently, served as the Sommelier for Restaurant Iron here in Pensacola. The shop offers regular wine tastings during operating hours, but the main pillar of the business is Hilary’s self-curated wine tasting boxes, which include three bottles of wine and assorted education materials based on a specific theme. Each day, the shop showcases a different tasting box with relevant maps, rocks and aromas for customers to sample and explore. Private tasting classes are also hosted Tuesday through Thursday, which can be booked for groups of 6 to 12 guests. The shop also offers a wine club subscription called the Wine Curiosity Club for $65 per month, which includes a featured tasting box (three bottles of wine with educational materials) and an invitation to the class monthly. A Curious Wine shop is located in Suite #221 and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 pm. For details, visit curiouswineshop.com, or follow @drinkwinecuriously on Facebook and @a_curious_wine_shop on Instagram.

O’Zone Pizza Pub

Although this popular dining spot has been a long-time tenant of the building, we would be amiss to not include it on our list. If you’re looking for an eclectic experience and really good pizza – look no further! Housed in the basement (or former morgue) of the old hospital building, O’Zone is notable not only for its delectable pies and selection of cold draft beers, but also for its many ghostly encounters. Rumored to serve as stomping grounds to some spooky resident ghosts, this laid-back pizza pub has become a popular dining and hangout spot for both locals and visitors. The pizza itself draws attention with its Romanstyle crust, which is nothing like the other crust varieties you’ll find around town. Made daily, their tasty dough is unique in that it doesn’t quite qualify as hand-tossed, but isn’t exactly thin crust either; it lies somewhere in between, creating a unique flavor and texture that you’re sure to instantly fall in love with! Their menu offers a variety of signature pie options, as well as build-your-own pies. One local favorite is the Ponderosa Stomp, which comes topped with a cheddar-cheese blend, barbecue sauce, chicken, bacon, green peppers, green onions and drizzled honey. Gluten-free crust is also available, as well as many veggie-oriented toppings, including a vegan cheese. Pair your pie with a generous twenty-ounce pour of one of the many beer selections available on tap or a specialty cocktail from the bar. O’Zone Pizza Pub is located in suite #111 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm. Check out the full menu online at ozonepizza.wordpress.com.

ICON MODERN ART GALLERY

by Austin Mason

Holding its official grand opening in September of 2003, Icon Modern Art Gallery is the latest addition to Pensacola’s thriving arts scene. Standing different from its peers, Icon is the only for-profit art gallery in the area. This key difference allows Icon to go all-in on promoting both local and regional artists who submit their work to the exhibition.

Icon Modern Art Gallery is located in the heart of the Seville Historic District at 213 S. Alcaniz St. in downtown Pensacola. Avian Noble, the founder of Icon, was inspired by art galleries she saw on her travels around the world and was determined to establish a gallery that could rival those she saw.

“Ever since I bought a historic home in downtown Pensacola, I knew I wanted to be involved in the arts but saw the lack of drive to represent the artists at the non-profit galleries. As owner and founder, my passion is to help artists to be

“Ever since I bought a historic home in downtown Pensacola, I knew I wanted to be involved in the arts but saw the lack of drive to represent the artists at the non-profit galleries.”

productive and for clients to find the right piece of art for their budget, space and style. Immediately, our staff naturally gravitated toward finding homes for these beautiful pieces of artwork everywhere from a hotel in New Orleans to a penthouse in New York. We truly work hard to find a home for each piece of art,” Noble explained.

One of Icon’s main goals is to create a better place for artists to sell their work and garner exposure. Each month, the gallery allows artists to submit their work for $25. This fee goes toward the prize money for the winner. In addition to supporting the contests, Icon only receives a 25 percent commission with the rest going directly to the artist.

A contest theme and solo artist exhibit are held at the gallery each month, where any artist can submit to be featured as the monthly spotlight. If selected, they will have the option to rent out a room for a month to showcase pieces of their work.

“Each event is made to encourage artists to push themselves and gives our staff a chance to creative out-of-the-box receptions each and every time,” Noble said.

A reception is also held to celebrate each month’s theme, which is also hosted at the gallery and includes food, drinks and live music. Winning artists also receive recognition and are awarded prize money at the monthly receptions.

The next theme Icon Modern Art Gallery will be hosting is Pop Art. Interested artists are invited to drop off their work between April 6 and 7 to take part in the Pop Art exhibition. The exhibition will run publicly from April 11 through April 28. A reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibit will be held on April 12 from 6 to 9 pm.

Pop Art began as a British art movement, which crossed over to America in the 1950s and 1960s. Pop Art was inspired by the television, comics and advertisements of the time, which

created a unique and appealing aesthetic. The goal of the Icon Modern Art Gallery is to create a unique and modern spin on the theme of Pop Art.

The theme for May will be Under Pressure. This theme honors the fact that May is mental health awareness month, which aims to take back the title of tortured artist. The exhibit’s goal is to showcase the many sides of mental health including misunderstandings, pain and recovery.

Pieces will be accepted for the upcoming Under Pressure is accepting pieces on May 4 and May 5. The exhibit will run from May 9 to May 31. Under Pressure will also feature an opening night reception on May 10.

Icon may be new to the Pensacola art scene, but in its short time, it has surely justified its existence by creating a unique art gallery that exists to support artists. Icon has the potential to cement itself as a local gallery that’s definitely worth the visit.

Tby Carey Clarkson

is the season to get outdoors and enjoy some fun in the sun! The spring season offers a variety of festivities to choose from, with a little something for everyone. From music and food to art and entertainment, the spring season offers a diverse and engaging entertainment atmosphere that is sure to be the background of many wonderful memories. Immerse yourself in culture, community and art by attending one of the many exciting festivals that the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Pensacola JazzFest

When: April 6-7, 2024

Where: Seville Square, 311 E. Government St.

Pensacola celebrates the vibrant and diverse jazz music genre with the annual JazzFest, which welcomes talented artists with a passion for jazz. Celebrating the rich history of jazz and the jazz culture, JazzFest allows attendees to enjoy the talents of local school bands, regional acts, and national headliners while picnicking with the family and enjoying any of the many local cuisine, arts, and other cultural activities. JazzFest has become a much-anticipated annual tradition attracting thousands to enjoy a weekend of relaxing with wonderful music the whole family can enjoy. The festivities begin on Saturday at 10 am with Hobbs Middle School band and winds down at 5:40 pm with the Jazz Pensacola Orchestra closing the day at 7 pm. Other acts include Bailey, Ransom and Gulf Breeze Middle School bands, the Color Guard, Ali Riverson, Mike Levine, Miami Spice, and Matt McCarty’s Sidewinder. The fun continues into Sunday, with High School taking the stage at 10 am and rounds out the day with Danny Abel Trio with Joe Ashlar from 6:05 to 7:15 pm. In between, sit back and enjoy the likes of Escambia High School, Milton High School, Northwest Florida State, University of West Florida and Swingin’ with John Saaverda, among others. With a history spanning 35 years, JazzFest has become a beloved tradition in Pensacola. For complete event details, visit pensacolajazzfest.com.

2024 Spring Festival of Flowers

When: April 5-7 (times vary)

Where: Pensacola State College Milton Campus, 5988 Highway 90, Milton

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Pensacola State College Milton Campus invite you to join them for one of the largest festivals of the season. This popular three-day event draws plant enthusiast from near and far. Attendees will have a chances to shop from more than 100 vendors selling a variety of plants from natives to ornamentals. In addition, there will be various craft and food vendors, with proceeds going to student scholarships, student field trips and student computer lab needs at the University of Florida, IFAS Milton Programs. The festival also provides a platform for an array of horticulturists, botanists and gardening experts who will share their knowledge and expertise through interactive sessions and panel discussions. The event is free and open to the public, and is handicap accessible. The festival will run from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday (April 5), and from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday (April 6 & 7). Come early, and don’t forget to bring your wagons! For complete event details, visit wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu.

Pensacola Paddle Fest

When: April 11-13 (times vary)

Where: Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola

The Pensacola Paddle Fest is an annual event that celebrates the love of paddling with kayaking, paddle board races, demonstrations and clinics for all skill levels. Paddle Fest offers many demo kayaks and paddle boards for anyone to try out for free.There will be local vendors selling food and beverages. Not interested in paddling? No worries. There will be guided hikes and self-guided tours of local attractions, or you can just sit back and enjoy music while the kids engage in fun games. Need to get some stretching in? Sessions of stand up paddle board (SUP) Yoga will also be offered at the event.

The Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) Paddle Fest/CT Reunion is an annual gathering of passionate paddlers. FPTA was established in 2007 to support and maintain the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (also known as the “CT”). This year, Paddle Fest celebrates the reopening of Big Lagoon State Park amenities with social gatherings after a series of professionally guided paddlers and coalesce around one of two CT Termini to celebrate the accomplished CT paddlers. The event will also provide networking, knowledge and support to paddlers interested in paddling the 1,515-mile CT.

Each year, FPTA partners with Florida State Parks to hold the event at a different location, allowing participants to explore local State Parks and support local area businesses. Paddle Fest Pensacola is a valuable form of community engagement highlighting the preservation of regional water resources by emphasizing paddling. To learn more about FPTA events, visit floridapaddlingtrails.com

Fred Levin Way Fest

When: Sunday, April 14, 11 am to 3 pm

Where: Downtown Pensacola (Palafox & Government streets)

The Fred Levin Way Fest is a free annual event designed to help families and individuals in need. It serves as a platform for promoting community cohesion through activities that unite the community. Founded in 1992, the Fred Levin Way Foundation encourages organizations and rewards individuals dedicated to caring for and assisting children with the basic needs of life food, shelter, clothing, a safe home environment and education. The event will host more than 60 nonprofit organizations; 10 food trucks dishing up everything from pizza and Mexican food to German and Cajun cuisines, cotton candy and ice cream. The festival will also

feature a number of games, live music, children’s activities and more to combine a day of family fun with charity.

Thanks to the University of West Florida, the Pensacola Museum of History, Pensacola Children’s Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art and the downtown YMCA will open its doors for free entry during the noon to 5 pm festival hours. Youth can enjoy hours of free swimming, basketball, yoga and more. For complete event details, visit fredlevinfest.com.

Crawfish Festival

When: April 26-28 (times vary)

Where: 200 N. Palafox St., downtown Pensacola

Hosted annually at Fountain Park in Seville Square, the Crawfish Festival is one of the largest crawfish boils in the Southeast. Enjoy thousands of pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish boiled up by Pensacola locals, Cordova Crawfish Company and more. Other delicious foods and beverages will also be available, along with cool festival merchandise, live music all weekend and a free kid’s activity area sponsored by Cox. The festival will also host a variety of craft and art vendors selling products throughout the festival, including jewelry, metal, glass, pottery, soaps, candles, woodcraft, paintings, photography, clothing and more. This year’s festival kicks off on Friday, April 26 at 2 pm. Bring your dancing shoes, and remember, come hungry! For complete event details, visit fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival.

Earth Day Pensacola

When: April 21, 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola

This annual event serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices as it brings together individuals, organizations and businesses to promote awareness and action toward protecting the planet. Hosted annually at Bayview Park in East Hill, this family-friendly event includes live music, a sustainable art show, garden displays, an arts market, vegan/ vegetarian food vendors, a children’s area and more. The event will also offer numerous exhibits featuring local businesses and non-profit organizations making positive differences in Pensacola, along with a variety of vendor booths to inform and educate the community of the importance of a clean environment. Enjoy a fun-filled day of activities, while educating yourself and your family on environmental issues impacting our earth. For complete event details, earthdaypensacola.com.

4th Annual Gulf Coast Culture Fest

When: May 11, 10 am to 6 pm

Where: 311 E. Government St. (Seville Square), downtown Pensacola

This community festival was designed to highlight the Gulf Coast’s rich cultural diversity by bringing together artists, businesses, vendors and community members for a funfilled day of artistic expression and captivating live entertainment. This family-friendly event offers the opportunity to celebrate and learn from one another through live performances, exhibits, traditions and music. As the sun sets, guests will also have a chance to immerse themselves in a local film screening sponsored by Gulf Coast Short Film Fest held from 8 to 10 pm at Bartram Park. This year, a portion of all event proceeds will be donated to We Reign Sickle Cell Corporation, which is dedicated to increasing awareness and support for individuals with sickle cell disease. Gulf Coast Culture Fest is free and open to the public. Check out Gulf Coast Culture Fest on Facebook or, visitpensacola.com/events/gulf-coast-culture-fest for more information.

Hangout Festival

When: May 17-19, 2024

Where: 101 E. Beach Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL

Take a deep dive into the highly anticipated annual event that draws music enthusiasts from all over—the Gulf Shores Hangout Music Festival! With its picturesque setting along the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Aside from performances by Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, ODESZA, A Day to Remember, Subtronics, The Beaches and more, the festival offers a variety of activities and attractions to round out an all-encompassing experience that celebrates the spirit of the Gulf Coast. Enjoy all-day beach parties at the Monster Beach Club, volleyball at Corona Beach, or chill in a hammock under the canopy of palm trees by the beach at Hammock Beach.

Hangout Music Festival is more than music; it is a unique atmospheric experience that makes it a perfect weekend getaway. Visit hangoutfest.com to purchase tickets and view the 2024 festival lineup. Be sure to follow @hangoutfest on Instagram and @hangoutmusicfestival on Facebook for the latest updates.

PENSACOLA’S NEW SKATESHOP

Artist Bear Walker Carves his Niche

by Nicole Willis

If you’ve driven along East Wright Street anytime in the past few months, you have more than likely noticed the freshly painted black building simply labeled “SKATESHOP.” The mystery of this building has come to an end, as local woodworking artist, Bear Walker, has announced that the building will serve as his first official storefront.

Walker has built a career combining his love for pop culture and skateboarding culture with his passion for art by intricately carving and handcrafting pop culture-themed skateboard decks. From Pikachu to Spiderman, Walker handcarves the images of a slew of pop culture icons into wooden skateboard decks. Walker will now be sharing his designs at his new storefront in downtown Pensacola.

Located at 410 E. Wright St. in the former home of Pure Health CBD, Bear Walker Skateshop sits only a short walk away from the Blake Doyle Skatepark. The shop’s location fills a retail gap in the community, serving as the perfect spot for skaters to pick up gear, browse new decks and chat with fellow skaters.

Despite opening his first shop in Pensacola, Walker did not get his start in the area. He began his artistic career in Charleston, SC, where he worked for a wooden sign company fresh out of college.

“I was making these high end wooden signs and carving on them every day. Eventually, it led to the inspiration of using carvings on skateboards to function as the grip. I just made one for myself,

and then people started asking where I got it from. That’s when I realized I could potentially make a business out of it,” Bear Walker, CEO and creative director of Bear Walker Industries explained.

After struggling to get his business off the ground in South Carolina, Walker moved to Fairhope, AL, where his family is also from. Knowing that he had a good thing going, he decided to give his business idea another shot, this time in a different area. Headquartered in Daphne, AL, Walker began making and selling skateboards along the Gulf Coast and online through his website.

He achieved both local and national success, receiving coverage from TIME magazine and The New York Times . Walker’s portfolio also boasts collaborations with globally known franchises

There just seems to be a really cool crowd here. I wanted somewhere close to home, but somewhere that also fit the vibe of what I was going for,”

like Pokémon, Marvel, DC Comics and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“We work really heavily with Pokemon. We’ve been doing drops from them for about five years now. They have us do their skateboards for their world championship events every year. Last August, they flew me to Japan and I did a signing and a drop there; it was super dope,” Walker said. “We also work with Marvel, DC and the Ninja Turtles. Honestly, most pop culture stuff we have a hand in now is pretty fun.”

Today, Walker still builds his boards in Daphne, but decided to open up his first storefront in Pensacola. He

plans to open up many storefronts in the coming years and cited the city’s culture, people and proximity to the bustling Blake Doyle Skatepark as the reason why Pensacola is the perfect place to get started.

“There just seems to be a really cool crowd here [in Pensacola]. I wanted somewhere close to home, but somewhere that also fit the vibe of what I was going for,” he explained. “When I heard about the skatepark, I started putting plans in the works. Our shop is positioned directly between the skatepark and the Bay Center, so I thought it’d be a perfect place to do this.”

Walker’s skateshop will, of course, display and sell his handcrafted skateboard decks, as well as apparel, skating accessories and more. The shop will go beyond skate-related items, though. In addition to selling custom skateboard decks, Walker also creates guitars that follow the same pop culture theme as his decks. Some of his hand-carved guitars will also be up for grabs at the new shop. Walker emphasizes his love for pop culture, streetwear and his desire to share this love through his shop.

“We carry high-end, pop culture, limited edition collectibles,” he said. “We’re going to be doing drops of Nikes and stuff like that when there’s limited edition drops of those. We’re treating the storefront like a pop-up shop; every time we have a new drop coming, or if there’s some really cool thing happening in the pop culture or streetwear industry, we will do a small drop at our store and hopefully be the hub for hype in Pensacola.”

Whether you’re a seasoned skater looking to pick up a standard popsicle deck or an art collector and pop culture fanatic looking for a beautiful, intricately designed art piece, Bear Walker Skateshop has something to impress every eye.

“My main goal and the stuff that I like to make is something that’s very artistic and beautiful, but also has a really functional side to it as well,” Walker said.

During Pensacon weekend, Bear Walker Skateshop capitalized on the pop culture-obsessed crowd and hosted the soft launch of the new shop. The skateshop’s official grand opening is March 23. For updated shop hours and more information, visit bearwalker.com. To check out Walker’s work, follow @bearwalkerofficial on Instagram and Facebook.

APRIL COMMUNITY EVENTS

Pensacolat Blue Wahoos Schedule

April Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For more information and tickets, visit milb.com/pensacola

April 5 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

April 6 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

April 7 at 4:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

April 16 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 17 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 18 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 19 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 20 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 21 at 4:05 pm - Rocket City Trash

Pandas vs Blue Wahoos

April 23 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

April 24 at 11:05 am - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

April 25 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

April 26 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

April 27 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

April 28 at 4:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

DeLuna’s Open Water Swim

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 12-13

Come on out to Pensacola Beach for the annual DeLuna’s Open Water Swim. With 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mile swim options, you can challenge your skill and speed. As legend has it... Don Tristan de Luna, a Spanish conquistador of the 16th century who led an ill-fated expedition to the Pensacola area in 1559, is credited as America’s first settlement. A scroll of de Luna’s was recently discovered in the sand of Pensacola Beach outlining a competitive open water swim they were planning. Unfortunately, a hurricane changed the course of Pensacola’s history, wiping out the settlement, thus never allowing the swim to take place. This event is an effort to continue what de Luna started. Check-in is on April 12 and the race begins the following morning. For the event timeline and more information, visit pensacolasports.org/delunasswim.

Pensacola Beach Firefighter’s Challenge 2024

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 12-13

Firefighters and civilians! Come out April 1213 for the toughest firefighter challenge in the US! Test your skill, strength and stamina on the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach. Register a team or challenge yourself and do the course solo. There will be individual and team firefighter challenges, as well as individual and team civilian challenges. Each participant will be required to wear full structural firefighting gear including boots, gloves, air packs (breathing on air), helmets, and masks. Team and individual checkin is on Friday 5 to 8 pm at the Gulf Side Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. To register or learn more, visit pensacolasports.org/penbeachfirefighters.

Dogs, Drafts & Daisies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 13

WolfGang’s Dogs, Drafts, and Daisies Paw Painting event is a unique and exciting event that brings together pet and art lovers alike. This event is centered around creating beautiful and one-of-a-kind works of art using the paws of our furry friends. Hosted in the beautiful outdoor and indoor setting of Garden & Grain, this event is perfect for a day of fun and creativity. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with your furry friend, socialize with other dog owners, and unleash your artistic side. Tickets include all necessary material for paw painting, a spring-themed dog bandana, dog treats and drink specials. The event begins at 11 am and runs until 2 pm. To RSVP or learn more, visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com/ event-details/dogs-drafts-daisies-1.

Corks for a Cause

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 18

Get ready for an exciting event at 5eleven Palafox in Pensacola—Corks for a Cause. Hosted by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office (GAL), Corks for a Cause gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a variety of delicious wines while making a positive impact. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass, this event promises an evening filled with laughter, great conversations, music from Roman Street, and, of course, amazing wine and food. The Northwest Florida GAL Foundation supports, mentors, advocates, and provides for abused, abandoned and neglected children. The event begins at 5 pm and ends at 7 pm. Tickets are $50 and available for purchase at nwfgal.org/events.

Crawfish 5K

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 20

The Crawfish 5K is a race you won’t want to miss. The course is flat as can be, and the scenic beach 5K route through the streets of Pensacola Beach comes with beautiful views of the gorgeous Gulf Coast. Packets can be picked up

on April 19 from 3 to 6 pm at Running Wild (3012 E. Cervantes St.), or on April 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 am at Bamboo Willie’s Boardwalk Parking Lot (400 Quietwater Beach Rd. Suite 14, Pensacola Beach). The post-race party and awards ceremony will be at Bamboo Willies with live music and great food. Bring your appetite for lots of delicious steamed Crawfish! For more details, visit runpensacola.com/event/crawfish-5k.

PSO Season Finale

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 20

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s season is coming to a close. The season closes in a riot of rhythms as the orchestra performs George Gershwin’s Concerto in F, with pianist Orion Weiss and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony. Composer Wang Lu joins us from the stage to share her work, Surge, commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The season finale performance will be held at 7:30 pm at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, located at 118 S. Palafox St. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

Brit Floyd @ Saenger Theatre

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 23

Brit Floyd P-U-L-S-E is not just a tour; it’s a journey through time, a tribute to the timeless artistry of Pink Floyd. Known for their unwavering dedication to recreating the magic of Pink Floyd’s music, Brit Floyd brings audiences a breathtaking audiovisual experience that pays homage to the original band’s unique blend of music and visual effects. To mark the 30th anniversary of The Division Bell, P-U-L-S-E will captivate fans with a stunning setlist, featuring tracks from this iconic Pink Floyd album, as well as other beloved classics from the group’s extensive discography. Brit Floyd will be performing at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, located at 118 S. Palafox St. Doors open at 7 pm and showtime is 8 pm. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 23

The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour is coming with game like never before! As your favorite Globetrotter stars bring out their amazing basketball skills and outrageous athleticism, there is sure to be a fun time had by all. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team! The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their game to the Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E Gregory St. Doors open at 6 pm and the event

begins at 7 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

The Wailers at Vinyl Music Hall

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 27

Head over to Vinyl Music Hall for an extraordinary musical journey with The Wailers! This year, the iconic reggae band celebrates two significant milestones: the anniversary of Bob Marley’s legendary album Legend and the release of the eagerly awaited biopic Bob Marley: One Love. Under the leadership of Aston Barrett Jr., The Wailers are not just preserving their timeless sound but also enriching it with new dimensions. This tour is set to be a spectacular tribute to the Legend album, bringing its classic hits to life on stage. Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S. Palafox St. in downtown Pensacola. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

18th Annual Connecting the Pieces Gala

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 2

Join Autism Pensacola for the 18th annual Connecting the Pieces Gala this May. Since 2004, the Connecting the Pieces Gala has been one of the major sources of revenue for Autism Pensacola, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, guests and donors. This gala empowered Autism Pensacola to transform the organization from an all-volunteer group of parents, families and advocates of children with autism to the professionally-run nonprofit it is today. Tickets for the gala start at $150. Sponsorships are still available. The gala will be held from 5:30 to 9 pm at the Sanders Beach Community Center. For tickets and more information, visit autismpensacola.org/gala.

Ballet Pensacola’s The Sleeping Beauty

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 3-5

Ballet Pensacola presents The Sleeping Beauty. At birth, it was known that Aurora would be the most beautiful and enchanting of princesses; however, an evil curse condemned Aurora to a 100-year slumber by age 16. The Royal family did their best to protect Princess Aurora but Aurora soon discovers that you can’t avoid an evil curse in this magical kingdom. Will Prince Désiré be able to wake Aurora from her 100-year slumber with true love’s kiss? Or will she be doomed to never wake up? Find out at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre this May. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox St. For showtimes, tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

NAS PENSACOLA HOLDS INTEGRATED PRIMARY PREVENTION WORKFORCE SYMPOSIUM

STORY & PHOTO BY GARRETT DEPUMA, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA

Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted an Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) symposium at the Mustin Beach Club, March 7 and 8.

“Integrated primary prevention isn’t just about mitigating risks; it’s about fostering a culture where safety and wellbeing are intrinsic values,” NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terry ‘Village’ Shashaty said. “By proactively addressing potential hazards at their roots, we not only safeguard our Sailors and civilian employees, we also cultivate a workplace where everyone feels empowered to thrive.”

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) and Commander, Navy Installation Command (CNIC) are focusing on the primary prevention and human factors process as part of the Navy’s integrated culture framework to mitigate, eliminate or manage risk factors, including sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, child abuse and suicide to foster healthier command climates, enhanced readiness and a greater ability for service members to execute critical missions and promote protective factors in the prevention of destructive behaviors.

“The goal of this workforce is to be able to assist at a command level by looking at various factors that show us what that command climate looks like,” NAS Pensacola Supervisory Integrated Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Cauley said.

OPNAV and CNIC identified NAS Pensacola as a ‘proof of concept’ site and conducted the symposium in order to provide information concerning Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) and IPPW to area leadership and key stakeholders.

“We are using Pensacola as a proof of concept site because it is such a unique place that what will work here will be easy to extrapolate to other commands,” Cauley said.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is using IPP to foster a culture of prevention to address harmful behaviors through preventives instead of using a reactive approach to foster healthier command climates, enhanced readiness and a greater ability for service members to execute critical missions. Some examples of this in practice include communities that encourage healthy habits, empathy, communication, and help-seeking; and cultivating the values of inclusivity, connectedness, dignity, and respect while enhancing access, equity, rights and engagement.

NAS Pensacola, referred to as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC); Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC); Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and serves as the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Corks

Join the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation for an evening of wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and music from Roman Street as we raise awareness and funds to advocate for the most vulnerable children in our community.

April 18

5:00-7:00 pm

5eleven Palafox

511 S Palafox St., Pensacola

More Info: