Downtown Crowd, May 2020

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DOWNTOWN CROWD MAY 2020 CONTENTS Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

Editor’s Letter

Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Gina Castro

Gina Castro, Editor

Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer Editorial Assistant Dakota Parks Editorial Interns Josh McGovern Sean Williams Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode Paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange Geneva@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand becky@ballingerpublishing.com For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433-1166 · Fax: 435-9174 DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.

Offices located at 314 N Spring St., Ste. A, Pensacola Florida 32501 Published by Ballinger Publishing

Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida. All Right Reserved.

Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2020

8 It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Pensacola. Despite the circumstances, at least we’ve been given good weather!

Blessed be the fruit. Yes, that was a reference to Handmaid’s Tale. As you can tell, I’ve been keeping myself busy by catching up on plenty of television shows.

This month’s cover is a reference to the most wholesome of television shows: Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Pensacola has been affected

by COVID-19 for more than a month now. Mister Rogers has a famous quote for dealing with challenging times like this: “When I was a boy, and I would hear about something scary... my mother said, ‘Always look for the helpers. You’ll always find somebody who’s trying to help.’

To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people around this world.”

So, in this issue, we focused on the helpers in our community. There are so many individuals, businesses and churches helping their neighbors within Pensacola. You can read their stories and see how to support their efforts in this issue. If you know someone who is helping the community that isn’t mentioned in this story, reach out to us on social media @DowntownCrowd. We would love to share their story.

Although the Pensacola Beach Pride Weekend has been canceled, we can still remember the 60+ years of pride that took place here. You can read about how much revenue, tourists, love and acceptance the LGBT+ community has brought here in this issue, too.

11

Mayor Grover Robinson announced that the city will be opening up slowly as city officials keep an eye on Pensacola’s number of COVID-19 cases. Since social distancing will continue to be enforced, we gathered up some at-home entertainment for ya. We have all the fixins’ from new television shows, movies and podcasts to virtual museum exhibits.

As for the Military Matters section, we are honoring Military Appreciation Month. Only 1 percent of the U.S. is in the military, yet Pensacola is chalk full of veterans and servicemembers. It’s no secret that the military community plays a major role in making Pensacola memorable. And come this Memorial Day, remember that this holiday is more than just a day off of work. It’s a day to honor the many men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. You can read more about the military’s contributions to Pensacola in this issue.

From everyone at Ballinger Publishing, thank you for your service!

G. Castro

15

22 7 5 Questions with Creatives: Savon-M 8 Virtual Entertainment Lockdown 11 Still Proud

15 Look for the Helpers 20 Military Matters: Thank You for your Service 22 NAS Pensacola Tower Still ‘Buzzing’

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Garrett Hallbauer

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 5

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5 QUES TIONS WITH

CRE ATIVES SAVON- M

BY S EA N WI L L I A MS

Local rapper Savon Morris is at the start of his music career and has already seen the release of one EP with more on the way. A Pensacola native, Morris has been involved with the music scene in one way or another at various stages of his life. He began singing in a church choir and later moved on to form a Christian rap group called the Messengers with his friends. After at decade break, Morris is back in the rap game with his own blend of numerous genres. Morris sees his music as an extension of his life story, using rap as a means to express his closest emotions.

You can find Savon-M on Spotify, SoundCloud or Tidal.

Pensacola has a budding music culture and a strong Christian influence. Did those elements impact the beginning of your rap career?

I used to do music with my cousins back in 9th and 10th grade. My cousin B.J. had the bare necessities of studio quality equipment. We made songs in his closet filled with clothes.

It was a humbling beginning.

My career went nowhere fast.

Mom made me choose between Christian Hip-Hop and Secular Hip-Hop. I chose Christian HipHop. I was in a group called “The Messengers.” The members included Wellington Burns, Nik English, Ashton Woods and me.

I birthed the group at New Dimensions Christian Center. We opened up for Christian artists like Pastor AD3, Suzy Rock and DA T.R.U.T.H. Making this a career never dawned on me. My biggest influence is Drake. He panders to both sides: the pop and dancehall heads, the lyrical rap and hip-hop heads. That’s what I strive to do. Drake has killed the game for 10 years, so when people hear Savon-M, I want them to say, “Oh, he can do it all.”

Pensacola has a unique sound that embodies the southernness and bop of Florida. In most regards, people consider Pensacola an Alabama city. Even cities further down the turnpike consider Pensacola a city of Alabama because we’re on a different time zone. I think we are hybrid between the two, and you can hear that in the music.

Your music seems to blend some hip-hop, rap and lo-fi elements together. Is there any particular style you’re trying to go for?

I think that when I first transitioned back into creating music I didn’t have a set sound. I was in search of my sound. I listen to music 10 hours out of my day.

I’m influenced by Drake, Miguel, Andy Mineo, Wale, J. Cole, and so on. I listen to those artists daily, and when you don’t have your own identity in music, you will sample styles.

I implemented this idea in not only music but also my everyday life. I don’t want to be onedimensional. I always strive to be efficient, so my style covers every facet of music. I have pop music I haven’t released yet. I have indie-style music I haven’t

released yet. I pride myself on the versatility of my music.

One of your songs, “To My Pops,” is devoted to your dad.

Has he been a major supporter of your rap career?

Yes, my dad supports anything I do. My father, Ronald Morris I, sacrificed so much for our family. He placed his dreams on the back burner so that he could be present in our lives. He was always at our sporting events, and he led by example. I wanted to pay homage to a great man and father. I grew up the youngest of seven. We grew up closeknit and became each other’s biggest fan. I gauge support by time. If you took the time to critique me, listen to a song, direct me to a producer, and paid for studio time, then you’ve supported me.

The beats for each track stand out to me. Do you produce your own beats or have someone else produce for you?

I’m super picky on my beat selection. I spend hours on top of hours finding the right beats. It’s a tedious process but a rewarding one because the beat selection stands out to the listeners.

As an artist, you’re a consumer and a product, so if I wouldn’t want to hear it, then fans or listeners wouldn’t want to either.

I love beats that can make me go through something. The feeling doesn’t have to be identified, but as long as the sense shoots throughout my body.

Most of my beats came from YouTube in the beginning. Starting off, I didn’t know many producers, and YouTube is accessible. They’re plenty of brilliant producers via YouTube.

You have an EP releasing soon.

What was it like getting songs together for it?

I have an EP release in June titled “Connection.” I have an LP dropping in October called “Ascension: Freshman Year.” For “Thoughts of an Open Mind,” coming up with concepts was a simple process. The name of the EP is broad, so it allowed

songs like “Travelocity” to make the cut. The first song I wrote was “Just Go With It.” I wrote the song in one night, and it’s the song that ignited my music career. It’s also the song that’s very popular.

I’m a poet at heart, so most of the songs were from my past poems. I write a lot. Some days, I can write thirty song concepts.

They don’t have to be great, and I don’t want them to be.

I created “Thoughts of an Open Mind” as a platform to vent about certain things like love, people saying I travel too much, student loans, college and my music career. My creativity stems from my life experiences.

Rap is poetry to beat. It’s expressive and gritty. Overall, rap is a platform for me to convey my story. I want my story heard from farther than Pensacola.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7

Virtual

ENTERTAINMENT

LOCKDOWN

by Gina Castro

(OR NOT)

As Downtown Crowd was compiling this list of entertainment, we were in the mandated 30-day lockdown due to COVID-19. We didn’t know if Pensacola, or even the world, would be continuing the lockdown or back to the good ole days. But, we figured a round up of some new television shows, movies and podcasts would be good to have in case our readers need to entertain themselves during another month of quarantine or if they want to keep up with the joneses. No matter what the future holds, we’ve got you covered, Pensacola.

Television Shows

Atypical (NETFLIX) If you are looking for a com-

bination of laugh out loud and “someone hand me the tissues,” you should check Atypical out. This show follows the life of Sam Gardner, a teen on the autism spectrum, who deals with the same problems any other teenager faces. Throughout this show, you’ll learn about autism and, strangely, a lot about penguins. Atypical is a hit for fans who love How I Met Your Mother. Both shows were created by Robia Rashid. So, gather the family on the couch because you have a couple of seasons to catch up on. The fourth season of this Netflix Original primeres May 11.

La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) (NETFLIX) The law meets its match in the Spanish crime drama series La Casa de Papel, or Money Heist in English. A squad of outlaws led by the introverted genius the Professor plan a heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. The series’ many twists and turns will have you considering if anything is truly impossible. If you aren’t fluent in Spanish, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the show through English subtitles or English voice over. Trust us, by the end of the first episode, you’ll be humming “Bella Ciao” and giving banks the side eye.

Mrs. America (HULU) Let me start off by

Space Force (NETFLIX) In 2018, the newest branch of the U.S. military was

established: Space Force. This television series is a comedic take on how the service members assigned to this branch discover what exactly the purpose of this branch is. Is it to fight aliens? Is it to fight Nazis on the dark side of the moon? You’ll have to watch and see. This show will be spearheaded by comedian and creator of The Office Steve Carell. Carell will be playing General Mark R. Naird. Carell and Greg Daniels, who has written for King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, are the show’s producers. You can stream Space Force on Netflix on May 31.

8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

dropping the F bomb: Feminism. Whether you love it or you hate it-- It’s a hot topic.

The Hulu miniseries Mrs. America tells the partially fictionalized story of second-wave feminists, such as Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug, journey to getting the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) passed

by Congress. The ERA guarantees citizens equal rights regardless of sex. As secondwave feminists join forces to create an inclusive feminism, conservative woman Phyllis Schlafly does her best to deconstruct their every effort. Who will win? As time does tell, feminists kinda won. Congress passed the ERA in 1972 but only 38 of the 50 states have ratified it. Even though feminists won the battle, the war has yet to be won. You can catch up with history now on Hulu.

Movies

Podcasts

The Half of it (NETFLIX) Roman-

tic comedies are like the chicken noodle soup of movies, and the plot of The Half of It is the pick-meup you’re looking for. The Half of It follows the life of a shy, ChineseAmerican teen who discovers her sexuality while helping a jock woo his crush, but in the process of helping the jock, the protagonist realizes she has fallen in love with the jock’s love interest. Directed by Alice Wu, The Half of It will show you how clumsy and touching love can be no matter who it’s between. This film will be available May 1 on Netflix.

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics Parasite (HULU) This

Korean thriller puts a horrific spin on the haves and the have nots. The Kims are a working class family in Seoul, Korea, who con their way into a rich family’s life. You may think you know where this story is heading, but you don’t.

This film examines classism in a way that will cut you to your core. This Oscar winning film will have you challenging the dream of the self-made man like never before. You can watch Parasite on Hulu now.

(NETFLIX) As a kid, were you told that psychedelics would fry your brain? Us, too. The documentary Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics is trying to dispel the common myths surrounding psychedelics through science, history and testimony of real-life experiences with psychedelics from comedians, actors and musicians. This film will investigate the benefits, drawbacks and spiritual impact of hallucinogens with a comedic spin. Get ready to see hilarious, real-life psychedelic stories from celebrities like Sarah Silverman, A$AP Rocky and Rosie Perez. You can stream this documentary on Netflix May 11.

Local Entertainment Pensacola Museum of Art The Pen-

sacola Museum of Art (PMA) has established a way to enjoy the museum from your own home. The museum has virtual art shows such as Poppy Garcia’s Bless Your Heart and STEAM2020, which engages contemporary art with science and new technologies. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for the full list of virtual art shows.

The website also has a lengthy list of arts and crafts activities you can do at home including DIY journals and citrus painting.

Keep It

Have you ever wondered what happens when pop culture and politics smack into each other at an alarming speed? You get the Keep It podcast. The podcast’s weekly hosts Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel and Aida Osman bring guests like journalists, comedians, actors and activists to examine the intersection of pop culture and politics. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Answer that question yourself every Wednesday night on any platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Behind the Grind

This local podcast interviews entrepreneurs and high performing individuals to create an entrepreneur think tank. The hosts interview local businesses like Tacos Mexicanos, Long Hollow Creatives and Mrs. Jones Coffee. Behind the Grind publishes a new episode every Monday, so there are plenty of episodes to catch up on. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or you can visit the behindthegrindshow.com/ for all of the show’s episodes.

UWF Historic Trust

The UWF Historic Trust is expanding the way its visitors can experience the authentic and rich history of Northwest Florida in response to COVID-19.

You can now find the trust’s Museum at Home resources, virtual tours and a wide range of other fun ways staff are sharing Pensacola history. The museum’s website lists several fun at-home projects for children including how to make Dr. Seuss inspired slime. You can also try your hand at colonial cooking with the museum's downloadable recipes. New recipes will be uploaded under Colonial Cooking At Home every Saturday. The Museum’s staff is also working to upload virtual tours to the website. Even the museum’s social media is filled with fun activities for all ages. Since the Appleyard Storytelling Cottage is closed until further notice, the museum’s YouTube channel will be airing 15 minute episodes of John Appleyard reflecting on Pensacola history. The museum’s Facebook and Instagram also have daily posts about Pensacola’s history. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9

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Pensacola Beach Pride Weekend 'Still Proud Even if Pride is Canceled'

by Dakota Parks

A

cross the nation, events and gatherings have come to a crashing halt in response to COVID-19 social distancing—including annual LGBT+ pride celebrations observed in May and June during National Pride Month. Major cities like New York City, San Francisco and Chicago have pushed their parades and park celebrations back one calendar year to protect citizens. For LGBT+ individuals, pride celebrations are a welcoming space to meet people, build a support system and find valuable resources. Within Pensacola, two out of three LGBT+ events have been cancelled and postponed until 2021. Pride in the Park, held in June in Seville Square, and Pensacola Beach Pride Weekend, held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, have both been cancelled, leaving Stamped Film Festival as the only remaining LGBT+ event scheduled for later in the year.

While National Pride Month is observed in June following the history of the 1969 New York City Stonewall Riots, which set a catalyst for the gay right’s movement, Pensacola’s pride gatherings date back to the early 1960s. One Pensacola couple, Ray and Henry Hillyer, are widely recognized for establishing the weekend beach celebrations by simply inviting a few friends out to Pensacola beach. Now, Pensacola Beach Pride Weekend is considered to be one of the biggest LGBT+ events held in America bringing in thousands of tourists and millions of dollars each year.

According to data collected from Visit Pensacola, last year, the event brought in an estimated number of 54,000 people, 76 percent of which were tourists, collectively bringing in over $17 million in spending to Escambia County. While many locals claim these numbers are down compared to numbers observed prior to Hurricane Ivan in 2004, this is one of the first times the event has ever been officially cancelled.

Event sponsor, Johnny Chisholm announced the cancellation on April 2, which prompted other sponsored circuit parties to cancel their pride events as well.

Paul Dye, the owner of Cabaret, has been going to the LGBT+ celebrations since the mid-90s and hosting events at his bar since its opening in 2009. Cabaret also raises money for HIV organizations and local charities by fundraising during the pride weekend.

“With pride celebrations being canceled, of course there is going to be a financial impact—May is one of our strongest months at the bar—but, I’m lucky that we have a great cliental. Our locals here are a strong group, and they’re resilient,” said Dye. “We have

to acknowledge that this isn’t going to be our best year, but we’re going to persevere and get back to life as normal.”

Dye has been using his time during the shutdown to bring some renovations and upgrades to the bar, while making sure his employees and regular drag queens continue to get paid. When asked about the changing social reception and importance of pride events, Dye explained that he hasn’t seen protestors at events for several years.

“There aren’t nails on the beach anymore. One year, protestors scattered nails in the sand, so everyone got flat tires. We aren’t having to stamp our money with pink triangles to let the town know how much revenue is coming in from pride. There is finally this understanding that the event has a large impact on the entire community. And, we’re still going to be proud this year, even if pride is cancelled,” said Dye. One Pensacola local Echo Samore, a transgender college student, has been going to pride events since she came out of the closet. Like many, she views pride celebrations as something to look forward to every year.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11

Stamped Film Festival Board of Directors

Cabaret brings large crowds during Pensacola Beach Pride Weekend to see their performers and celebrity guests from RuPaul's Drag Race “I didn’t even know we had such a big event until I was 18. It just meant a lot to me because that was my first experience being around other LGBT+ people. Growing up, there were only two gay people at my high school,” said Samore. “So, it was the first time I really got 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

to accept myself for who I was and got to hang out with like-minded people. I think it will be sad missing out on all of the sponsored circuit parties, but knowing the community around here, if the beaches are open again, we’ll still be there— just not as many of us.”

While this year would have marked nearly 60+ years of Pensacola Beach pride celebrations, the other cancelled pride event, Pride in the Park, celebrated its 10th year anniversary last June. Stamped Film Festival, which takes its namesake from the same activist money stamping Dye mentioned, is going on its 9th year. Originally set for August, Stamped has been rescheduled for Nov. 12-15 to ensure the safety of guests.

President of the Stamped Board, David Newton explained his excitement for continuing to plan the festival this year and giving people another outlet: “representation for LGBT+ characters in books and

“...it was the first time I really got to accept myself for who I was and got to hang out with likeminded people. I think it will be sad missing out on all of the sponsored circuit parties, but knowing the community around here, if the beaches are open again, we’ll still be there—just not as many of us.”

films is very important. I never had that growing up.

I can actually remember the moment in my life when I discovered that the video store actually had a gay and lesbian section—it was emotional. To see LGBT+ as a genre on mainstream movie platforms or being able to host an LGBT+ film festival for the 9th year in a row is just incredible.”

Emily Williams, volunteer committee chair for the Stamped Board, said, “I think all three of our local pride events provide the space for people to come together in a capacity that fits their lifestyle. Some people may not like to drink and party on the beach, but they might like dressing up and coming to see LGBT+ films or walking around Seville Square and seeing all of the organizations and people that support them.”

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ART CLASSES

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Look for the Helpers

by Gina Castro

A

s the threat of COVID-19 moved closer and closer to the Pensacola community, we at Downtown Crowd remembered the comforting words of our friendly neighbor Mister Rogers: “When I was a boy, and I would hear about something scary... my mother said, ‘Always look for the helpers. You’ll always find somebody who’s trying to help.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people around this world.” So, we did as Mister Rogers advised us to do– we looked for the helpers. And Pensacola, you made that job easy for us. There is such a surplus of kind-hearted individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits in this community that we’re convinced Pensacola can survive anything thrown its way. We aren’t sure how long COVID-19 will affect the health and wallets of our community, but we do know you can always rely on this neighborhood. So, here’s a collection of our helpers doing what they can during this difficult time.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15

COUSIN CARWASH: ‘Stay Where You Are While We Wash Your Car’

Sisters Creagh Proctor Ekelund and Catherine Proctor Jehle were looking for something to entertain their four boys, aside from a television screen, while also helping the Pensacola community. “This was a combination of wanting to give the kids something to look forward to and taking this opportunity to do something good with the time we have sitting around all day,” Ekelund said. So, the cousins Brody Ekelund, 6, Gannon Davis, 12, Patrick Jehle, 7, and Chapman Jehle, 3, formed the Cousin Carwash. Together the boys washed cars in their driveway and collected donations, which they later donated to local organizations. Jehle explained that the boys followed social distancing guidelines by having the people stay in their vehicles as they washed the cars. “The boys got really into it,” Jehle said. “Their motto was ‘Stay where you Cousin Carwash 

16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

are while we wash your car.’”

The first organization the Cousin Carwash donated to was the Pensacola Humane Society. They raised more than $140. “Our initial idea was to raise money to give to the Pensacola Mask Sewers, but we started talking about animals and how many animals have been abandoned because their owners can’t afford to pay for them,” Ekelund said. “So, the four of them unanimously decided that they wanted to donate to the Pensacola Humane Society.” The Cousin Carwash will be fundraising for a different local organization each week until the shutdown is over. If you would like to get your car washed or donate to the Cousin Carwash, message Ekelund on Facebook.

EMERALD REPUBLIC BREWING Gives Water to Those in Need

Although the Emerald Republic Brewing Company has been a part of the Pensacola community for less than a year, it is helping the area in a big way. When bars were ordered to shut down on March 17, Emerald Republic immediately started thinking of ways it could help the community in its time of need. “We’re the only brewery that uses a reverse osmosis

system in the brewing process. The water coming from the city has calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and a lot of different chemicals,” Emerald Republic owner Phil Zayas explained. “Not everyone can use that water. People with medical devices require water that’s as pure as possible for some of their machinery. If it's anything like the toilet paper situation or hurricane season, water disappears fast, so we're using our system for people who need water.”

The brewey’s reverse osmosis system produces about 1,000 gallons of chemically pure water a day. All that the brewery asks in return is for a $1 donation for every five gallons of water to help them maintain the reverse osmosis system’s maintenance costs. The brewery set a limit of 10 gallons of water per person per day. Zayas said that they have about 10 to 15 people coming to the brewery in need of water each day. They have given hundreds of gallons of water to the community. “If you go to the store, they're charging $4 a gallon, and we're giving five gallons for a dollar,” Zayas said. “As money gets tighter for people, they’re going to need all the help they can get.” Emerald Republic will be giving free water for as long as the shutdown persists. Emerald Republic is open from 4 to 10 pm Monday through Thursday, noon until midnight Friday through Saturday and noon until 10 pm every Sunday.

HATCHMARK STUDIO Raises Money for Manna Food Bank

HatchMark Studio, a design studio in Pensacola, had considered starting an ongoing project that gave back to the community several times. “We thought this was a perfect opportunity to launch that and see what the response would be,” the Founder and Creative Director of HatchMark Studio Veronique Zayas said. “So, we took the time to create some pieces and set up an online store to make everything on demand.” So, they launched the Art for the Upside project. They will be donating 100 percent of the profits from this project to fund different local organizations in need– starting with the Manna Food Bank. “It's not going to just be for Manna, but they are definitely the group that has the most need right now, so we're going to keep doing this one for now,” Zayas explained.

For 37 years, Manna has provided food for vulnerable children, seniors and families in Escambia and Santa

Rosa counties. Since the pandemic, the community’s need for Manna’s support continues to increase. As of April 15, HatchMark has been able to donate 407 meals to Manna. “It's been really great,” Zayas said.

“We'd love to hit over a thousand if we can or even more.”

The Art for the Upside store features a single design with aspects of Pensacola along with the phrase “Pensacola Strong,” which has become a popular hashtag on social media since the NAS shooting. HatchMark is selling T-shirts, which come in a variety of colors and sizes, mugs, pillows, tote bags and posters with the same inspiring design.

“Even if people aren't able to donate or make a purchase, they can share the information about the project. The more people see it, the more money we can raise,” Zayas said.

Visit hatchmarkstudio. com/art-for-the-upside/ to make a donation.

JUBILEE CHURCH Unites with Local Nonprofits to Donate 10,000 Pounds of Food

On April 4, Jubilee Church partnered with Pensacola Caring Hearts to distribute 10,000 pounds of food, 1,040 rolls of toilet paper and 1,450 cases of water to the Pensacola community. “We were extremely thankful for the people we were able to help on Saturday, but there were a lot of people we were not able to help,” Jubilee Church Pastor Tim Fox said. While Jubilee Church put the food drive together, Pensacola Caring Hearts collected the food from Feeding the Gulf Coast. The rolls of toilet paper were donated to the church by an anonymous donor. Fox explained that this food drive is part of the church’s two-prong strategy.

“The first part of our strategy is all about helping those

that are in most need,” Fox explained. “The second part is for the folks who may not want to sit outside for a banana box worth of food and water; however, they still would like to be blessed.”

During the month of April, Jubilee Church made 250 lunches, which they distributed across the city to locations such as Council on Aging, the Alpha Center and Northwest Florida Health Care. “We feel that if the church is able to step in and meet the needs not only physically but spiritually, what a time to be stepping up,” Fox said.

PENSACOLA MASK SEWERS Makes 20,000 Masks and Counting

Although this Facebook group is rapidly growing, it started with a single member. Jess Patton saw a clip on the news of a person asking for viewers to sew face masks to help replenish health care facilities' shortages of masks. “They gave a link to instructions on how to sew the masks, and it was really easy,”

Local Facebook group  makes 20,000 masks for healthcare workers.

Patton recalled. “So, I went to the sewing machine and I made one, and I realized I'm sure there are other people who have a sewing machine and some free time and could make masks.” On March 21, Patton created the Pensacola Mask Sewers Facebook group, and almost instantaneously, she was receiving requests for masks from healthcare agencies and nurses. Each day since, Patton received 300 plus requests from users wanting to be a part of the group. Within the first week, the sewers in the group used up all of their own fabric to make masks, so Patton reached out to Fabric Zoo owner Jenna Pitts. “She allowed people to call the Fabrics Zoo and say ‘Hey, I want to donate $100 to the mask group,’ and then she would donate a hundred $100 worth of materials to us at cost.” But within another week or so, the sewers used up all the fabric they could use to make masks and surgical gowns from the Fabric Zoo. “So, we started accepting donations, and we raised $4,000 within three days to buy fabric.” As of April 24, the mask sewers have donated 20,000 masks to health care workers and

 Church volunteers deliver food to those in need.

other essential service workers and another 225 surgical gowns to local hospitals and facilities throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. “We have 42 volunteer coordinators and team leaders working together in harmony everyday to lead this effort, which does not include every single woman and man who is sewing tirelessly day in and day out, going on five weeks now,” Patton said.

Patton recently started another initiative that benefits local businesses and mask sewers. Patton will be partnering with businesses to give citizens masks in exchange for a $6 donation.

One dollar from that donation will go toward the business, $2 will go to supplies for the sewers, and $3 will go into a fund to give a mask sewer a $100 grocery gift card. Patton said that members of the group will nominate the gift card recipient. Search Pensacola Mask Sewers on Facebook to become a member, donate or request for masks.

INNISFREE HOTELS Donates 6,300 Rooms to Florida Healthcare Workers

Innisfree Hotels is making rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families through the end of May. Innisfree Hotels is Northwest Florida’s largest owner of beachfront hotels.

They will have rooms available at several locations including Hilton Pensacola Beach, Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach, Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach, Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach and Embassy Suites Sarasota. This initiative is part of Innisfree’s partnership with Hilton and American Express’s commitment to donate up to 1 million hotel room nights across the United States.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17

 Community leaders distribute Easter bags to provide a 'sense of normalcy' for families.

“In the spirit of hospitality, Innisfree is opening our doors to medical workers and first responders who are courageously and selflessly serving on the frontlines of the gulf coast,” said Ted Ent, President and CEO, Innisfree Hotels. “The concept of helping those who help us has long been ingrained in our company culture, so the decision to join Hilton in providing relief for thousands of medical staff enduring long hours under challenging circumstances was an easy one.” Innisfree is communicating with local organizations who represent healthcare workers in Pensacola, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach and Sarasota spread word about the program. Innisfree team members received training on relevant health and safety measures to safeguard their own and their guests’ well-being. All 18 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

common areas at each property will continue to be sanitized using industrial-grade cleaners and updated cleaning protocols. “It is an honor to offer the healthcare heroes in several of our communities a place to rest and recharge during this time,” Ent said.

“Our goal is to support individuals who would otherwise have to spend their own money on accommodations as a show of both thanks and compassion.”

For more information on this program, visit hilton. com/en/corporate/coronavirus/.

COMMUNITY OFFICIALS Work Together to Make Easter Special for Children

On April 11, community leaders and local celebrities distributed 2,000 Easter goody bags to local children as part of the GrabN-Go Easter Celebration.

District 3 Commissioner Lu-

mon May, retired NFL guard Josh Sitton, retired professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. and retired NFL defensive tackle Fred Robbins gave children free boxed lunch, fresh vegetables and fruit at Legion Field from 10 am to noon. "The last few weeks have been a difficult time for all of us as we adjust to the new normal of limiting gatherings and social distancing amid COVID-19," Commissioner May said.

"We wanted to give kids and families a sense of normalcy and provide a fun way

to get out of the house and still celebrate the holiday.”

Mayor Grover Robinson and the Pensacola Police Department were also supporting the event by providing resources from PPD for traffic control and distribution assistance. The Easter Grab-N-Go event was sponsored by the Sitton family, Troy and Ashley Rafferty of the Levin Papantonio Law Firm, Cindi Bonner, Dave Sharruf and Sandy Veillet from the Farm.

UWF COACH Runs Seven Marathons in Seven Days as Fundraiser to Help Feed the Community

Since the spread of COVID-19, many people in the area are facing financial hardships. Food pantries such as Feeding the Gulf Coast are seeing an increase and people’s need for food.

Feeding the Gulf Coast reported a 500 percent increase in food assistance.

Many students employed at the University of West Florida have had to utilize the Argo Pantry since the campus has shut down. UWF cross country coach Caleb Carmichael was looking for ways to help the community during this challenging time when he heard about a runner from Palm Beach, Florida, who ran 100 miles in a single day to raise money for COVID-19 relief funds. So, Carmichael decided to challenge himself for the benefit of the community. At 5 am April 6, Carmichael ran his first of seven marathons, which is about 27 miles, in three and a half hours. From April 6 to April 12, Carmichael ran a total of 186.2 miles, which is a first for him. “As a community we’re going to have a lot of people lose jobs and not be able to feed their kids and we need to do something about it,” Carmichael said.

“It needed to be something crazy enough for people to take notice. Doing seven in a row is a monumental task.”

As of April 23, he has raised $4,779. Feeding the Gulf Coast’s website explains that for every $25.00 raised, it can provide 125 meals to individuals and families in need. So, the seven marathons Carmichael ran raised approximately 23,897 meals!

To make a donation, visit app.mobilecause.com/vf/ Marathons4Meals.  UWF Coach Caleb Carmichael

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY Pet Pantry Offers Assistance for those in Need

Although the Pensacola Humane Society is temporarily closed for adoptions, the Pet Pantry, which provides dog and cat food for pet owners in need of temporary assistance, is still operating. The Pet Pantry is open seven days a week from 10 am to 3 pm.

“We are the only organization that offers these times.

The other two are only one day a month,” Jennifer Bitner, Executive Director of PHS said. “I do not feel that we are ever taken advantage of. I truly feel we are providing a needed service to our community.” The Pet Pantry provides dog and cat food, litter and treats at no cost to pet owners who come to the shelter and present an acceptable form of identification, such as a driver’s license.

GULF WINDS Commits $100,000 to Combat COVID-19

Gulf Winds has committed $100,000 through the Gulf Winds Cares Program to combat COVID-19 and its many effects on our society. “There are countless people in our community being directly or indirectly impacted by the pandemic,” Gulf Winds’ CEO/President, Chris Rutledge said. “We are

The specifics of these partnerships are still being finalized and will be updated at GoGulfWinds.com/COVID19.

fully committed to helping our members and team through this event, but we also want to do our part to support the broader community.” Gulf Winds is also donating to health care facilities. The credit union donated $65,000 to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola to help the hospital purchase personal protection equipment. Gulf Winds explained that this donation is equivalent to the cost of one month’s worth of PPE under normal circumstances at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital. “During this difficult time, we are grateful to have companies like Gulf Winds who are willing to use their resources to fund support of Personal Protection Equipment,” Carol Carlan, President of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation said. “Their gift will help hundreds of employees and patients who are impacted during this time of greatest need.” Gulf Winds donated another $15,000 worth of protective equipment to first responders, including gloves, cleaning products and 84 gallons of hand sanitizer. The remaining $20,000 is committed to partners in Alabama and Tallahassee, Florida.

UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA Distributes $246,266 in Phase One of COVID-19 Response Funding

United Way of West Florida (UWWF) is helping the community during the pandemic by distributing $246,266 to nonprofit agencies providing direct support to impacted individuals and families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This donation is phase one of UWWF’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which will aid ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households that have been economically impacted by the pandemic with expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities and childcare.

“The ALICE population has been significantly affected by this pandemic,” said President and CEO, Laura Gilliam.

“These are hardworking individuals, but one missed paycheck can lead to financial crisis, which is where many of them are now.” The $246,266

is roughly 70 percent of the response fund, and it is being disbursed via an expedited grant process to current UWWF Certified Partner Agencies. Some of the nonprofits that will be receiving funding are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Community Health Northwest Florida and Manna Food Pantries. Businesses are also contributing to UWWF’s relief fund. The Gulf Power Foundation donated $250,000 to the fund and Florida Blue donated $30,000. The fund also received $11,000 from 66 individual donations. “The outpouring of support from our community has been inspiring,” said UWWF Board Chair, Jack Lowrey. “We’ve had significant corporate contributions, individual gifts, and some folks have donated their Economic Impact Payments to us,” he added. “No matter the size, they all make a difference in our ability to respond to this unprecedented time as a community.” To make a donation to United Way of West Florida’s COVID-19 Response Fund, text 850Respond to 41444 or visit www.uwwf.org/covid19fund. Businesses considering a corporate contribution are encouraged to contact Di Buff City Soap

rector of Development, Bart Hudson, at bart.hudson@ uwwf.org.

BUFF CITY SOAP Delivers Care Packages to Health Care Facilities

Buff City Soap is a handcrafted soaps and bath products franchise that recently opened in Gulf Breeze. The Buff City Soap corporate office had all of its stores post on social media about its $5,000 giveaway to healthcare workers. The giveaway asked followers to tag an inspiring healthcare worker they know to enter the worker into a chance to win a $50 gift card. The company then gave 100 gift cards to the workers who were randomly selected. After participating in the giveaway, co-owner of Buff City in Gulf Breeze, Jennifer Nolan said that she and her husband, who she co owns with, wanted to do more. So, their store started making and delivering care packages to nearby health care facilities. “We’ve definitely delivered more than 100,” Nolan said. “We’ve taken them to the Gulf Breeze Baptist, Navarre Urgent Care, Aspen Dental, Twelve Oaks Recovery, and the Gulf breeze Fire Department. It's an ongoing process. We try to find a different clinic or hospital to give to each week.”

To learn more about Buff City, visit its Facebook page @BuffCityTigerPoint.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19

MILITARYMATTERS AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

THANK YOU by Gina Castro FOR YOUR SERVICE If you’re from Pensacola, then it is no surprise to you how ingrained the military community is in this city. The Naval Air Station has been a part of Pensacola since 1913, and in those 107 years, NAS became a place of great pride for this city. People gather from near and far to see our Blue Angels soar across the sky. The military has even given our citizens the ability to make history. America’s first African American FourStar General in the armed forces, General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. grew up in Pensacola. One of the first

women to bomb ISIS, Caroline Johnson trained at NAS. The military community has given us plenty to be proud of even in moments of tragedy.

On Dec. 6, 2019, NAS was attacked. Three young sailors died and eight were injured. Although our hearts ached from this loss, we’re proud of their sacrifice. Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23, a student in the Naval Aviation Schools Command from Coffee County, Alabama, alerted first responders of the shooter’s whereabouts despite being mortally wounded. Airman Mohammed

Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham

Sameh Haitham, 19, student in the Naval Aviation Schools Command from St. Petersburg, Florida, is also said to have died trying to stop the shooter.

Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21, and student in the Naval Aviation Schools Command from Richmond Hill, Georgia, died serving his

Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson

country that day, too. Pensacola will never forget the sacrifice these men made for our community and country.

Today, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens this country, the military continues to work despite the risks. May is Military Appreciation Month. This

SEEING WOMEN VETERANS IN 2020

THE HER FOUNDATION POSTPONES “WE SEE YOU” PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

by Gina Castro

20 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Women in the United States have been serving in the military, legally, since 1917 during World War I. Although women have been in the military for more than 100 years, veterans like Nancy Bullock-Prevot, the CEO and Founder of The HER Foundation, believe women veterans don’t get the same amount of recognition that men veterans do.

“Whenever holidays where the military is being recognized come around, most campaigns will put up billboards or ads with the service member being a male,” Bullock-Prevot said. “With my organization focusing on women veterans, I wanted to do something to recognize the women veterans here.”

Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters

month, as well as every month, is a time to be thankful for veterans and the men and women in uniform. And come this Memorial Day, remember the ultimate sacrifice these three men and many others paid to keep this country free. From everyone at Ballinger Publishing, thank you for your service.

To recognize women veterans in the Pensacola area, BullockPrevot created a photography exhibit featuring the portraits of 100 local women who have served in the military. The photography exhibit is called “We See You.” Bullock-Prevot partnered with Kate Treick Photography to capture what women veterans look like in the Pensacola community.

The exhibit is postponed due to COVID-19, but here are some of the women featured in the exhibit.

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NAS PENSACOLA TOWER STILL ‘BUZZING’ DURING COVID-19 Story and photo by Jason Bortz As “The Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola continues to train and support the approximate 6,000 military students onboard the installation during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Sailors and civilians who operate the Air Traffic Control Tower on NAS Pensacola play a vital role to the aviation students learning to fly as well as

the multitude of regular flights that arrive and depart from the base daily.

Air traffic controllers at NAS Pensacola are responsible for the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of aircraft on and around the installation. Positioned in a 20 foot by 20 foot control tower, they monitor the position, speed, and altitude of aircraft visually and by radar.

“We haven’t had a drop off in the number of flights on NAS Pensacola during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Lt. Pat Khoryati, air traffic control officer, NAS Pensacola.

To ensure the tower remains operational and to protect the air traffic controllers from the virus, several health precautions have been implemented. The tower is disinfected regularly and the five person crews limit their exposure to other personnel on NAS Pensacola. Prior to the epidemic, service members at the Air Operations Departments would cross train in other areas to learn different aspects of the airfield, but that training has been suspended until the outbreak is over.

“Air traffic controllers are vital to running an efficient and safe airfield,” said Khoryati. “We

NAVY EXCHANGE SERVICE COMMAND DONATES 240 N-95 MASKS TO NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA FIRE DEPARTMENT by Kristine Sturkie An employee of the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) in Pensacola, Fla., discovered a stockpile of N-95 masks in the maintenance supply room and donated them to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., firefighters last week.

While clearing out the maintenance supply room at NEXCOM’s Southeast Distribution Center (SEDC) located in 22 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Pensacola, Fla., Dayton Briggs, Maintenance Manager for SEDC, discovered 170 N-95 masks. He brought this discovery to the attention of Donna McCallion, General Manager of SEDC. McCallion then worked with James Mulligan, Loss Prevention/Safety Manager for SEDC, who contacted NAS Pensacola leadership to notify them of the discovery.

Mulligan offered to donate all of the N-95 masks to another

are doing everything we can to keep them and all personnel on base safe.”

Following guidance from the Secretary of Defense, the air traffic controllers are now wearing face coverings while in the tower.

The guidance requires the use of face covering onboard installations when proper social distancing (6 feet) is not feasible, such as the close confines of the tower.

command on NAS Pensacola that may have more of a need.

Executive Officer, NAS Pensacola, Commander Michael Harbison, connected Mulligan with NAS Pensacola, Fire Chief Daniel Chiappetta. On Apr. 2, Chiappetta picked up all 170 N-95 masks. On Apr. 3, 70 more N-95 masks were located by the SEDC and were also transferred to the NAS Pensacola Fire Department.

“I knew that our first responders were in need of N-95 masks, so I scoured our maintenance supply room and discovered a small stockpile of N-95 masks that could be donated to the first responders on base,” Briggs said. “I’m thankful these masks will be put to good use by the NAS Pensacola Fire Department. I’m honored to work for

“The face coverings don’t interfere with our jobs,” said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Matthew Wiedenhoeft, who is from Davenport, Iowa. “We are essential, and we still have a mission to do.”

The air traffic controllers are just one example of military personnel and civilians on NAS Pensacola who continue to work during the outbreak to ensure the installation remains mission capable. a command that constantly goes that extra nautical mile to support our military.”

N-95 masks are not required for wear at NEXCOM’s SEDC facility and will be replaced by high quality surgical-type masks that are available in the commercial supply system.

Based on Apr. 5 DoD directive, all individuals on DoD property, installations and any facility are required to wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers. Therefore, NEXCOM personnel are directed to wear personally-owned personal protective equipment, masks and gloves, scarves or bandannas while in the workplace when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance.

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