Gulf Breeze Magazine Winter 2014

GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

TM

Issue 21/Winter 2014

Gulf Breeze: A Resilient Community

Plus

Santa Claus is Coming

to Town on a Fire Truck and the Holiday Calendar

Place a classified ad in the Gosport and over 25,000 people will see it every week.

Call 433-1166 ext. 24 and thin out that garage.

2

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Winter/2014

contents inside Gulf Breeze Magazine

feature 10) Gulf Breeze: A Resilient Community Looking back/ahead after disasters

12) Holiday Giving A look at nonprofits

slices

10)

5) commentary 6) businessofthemonth 6) businessbriefs 7) chambernews 7) ambassadorofthequarter 15) inthebreeze

12)

Santa Claus is Coming to Town on a Fire Truck

15) Holiday Calendar 15) Chamber Calendar

12)

Cover photo: Courtesy of the American Red Cross, Northwest Florida Chapter WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

3

GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

GBACOC EXECUTIVE BOARD SHARON PITTS, CHAIRMAN LOFTIS MARINE DIVISION KAREN JURKOWICH, CHAIR ELECT LEVIN & RINKE RESORT REALTY DAVE MUNGAI, PAST CHAIRMAN CHOICE VIDEO SERVICES KAREN ALOY, TREASURER A LOYAL VISION SHANNON WESTMORELAND, SECRETARY BAYSIDE COLLISION CENTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DON ABRAMS, GULF BREEZE CINEMA 8 ANGELA CARTER, GULF POWER COMPANY MICHAEL HAMSTRA, APPRIVER LLC MICHELLE HORTON, PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE - SOUTH SANTA ROSA CENTER JAN HRUSKA, BREEZY BOAT CITY MIKE LAYTON, FSI GROUP STEVE MCNALLY, J.W. DUNNWRIGHT CONSTRUCTION LLC LISA NEWELL, GULF BREEZE NEWS & SPLASH! MAGAZINE DON RICHARDS, UNITED PENINSULA ASSOCIATION JIM ROBERT, PLASTIC ENGRAVING SCOTT SHANKS, CFP, EDWARD JONES - SCOTT SHANKS, CFP TODD ST. ORES, GULF COAST AIR CARE DAVE SZYMANSKI, CITY OF GULF BREEZE - LIAISON JAMIE WALKER, EGIVINGS TIM WISE, PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL STAFF KRISTEN LOERA, PRESIDENT/CEO SHARON WEST, BOOKKEEPER LORAINE CERNA, MEMBER ADMINISTRATOR GULF BREEZE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409 GULF BREEZE PKWY. • GULF BREEZE, FL 32561 (850) 932-7888 www.gulfbreezechamber.com • www.gulfbreezemag.com

Gulf Breeze Magazine is a joint venture of Ballinger Publishing and the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.

GRAPHIC

L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D B Y MALCOLM & GLENYS BALLINGER PUBLISHER • MALCOLM BALLINGER E X E C U T I V E E D I T O R • K E L LY O D E N A R T D I R E C T O R • R I TA L AY M O N D E S I G N & A D C O O R D I N AT I O N • G U Y S T E V E N S E DITOR • E M I LY L U L L O B USINESS E DITOR • J O S H N E W B Y

SALES & MARKETING S HARYON M ILLER , A CCOUNT E XECUTIVE EXT. 28 B ECKY H ILDEBRAND , A CCOUNT E XECUTIVE EXT. 31 PHOTOS

P R OV I D E D B Y

VISIT

OUR

BALLINGER PUBLISHING WEBSITE

OR THE

CHAMBER

UNLESS NOTED.

AT W W W. B A L L I N G E R P U B L I S H I N G . C O M

EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402, PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 • 850/433-1166 • FAX 850/435-9174 Yearly Subscriptions Available • For subscriptions or to be a sales outlet call 433-1166 ext. 30 Member of

4

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

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. © 2014 Ballinger Publishing and Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

commentary After another successful Business and Family Expo in September, it is time to start planning for the end of this year, the upcoming Gala, and many exciting adventures slated for 2015!

This year has flown by and we have some wonderful success stories. This spring, we welcomed Kristen Loera as our new President and CEO, and we have enjoyed a fast paced, event filled year. We kicked off the year with the Gala, overcame an epic flood, pulled together as a community to face those challenges and then managed to breeze through our storm season without any major hurdles. Thankfully, we had our own Blue Angels to entertain us in July as the entire region celebrated their return to flight over the most gorgeous beaches in the world – right here before a home-town crowd.

Santa Rosa County students faced the challenges of higher test score requirements and still maintained an “A” school status. Thank you to our excellent teachers, students, administrators and the Gulf Breeze Chamber Education Committee for your continued focus on our career academies and overall student excellence. Local economic development starts with our students – and we are blessed with the top performing students in the nation.

As we say goodbye to 2014, I hope that you will join me in making a commitment to pursue excellence as we strive to increase the quality of life here in Gulf Breeze. Our Gala Committee is about to start planning the biggest Chamber celebration of the year and I hope that you will join me for the Greek themed Gala on January 17, 2015.

I have truly enjoyed serving as Chairman of the Board for the Gulf Breeze Chamber this year and know that Gulf Breeze will continue to attract new businesses, families and professional talent. To all of you who have attended events, participated on committees, written notes of encouragement and recruited fellow chamber members, a huge “thank you.” If there is any way that I may assist with your future endeavors, please let me know.

Sharon Pitts Chairman of the Board Gulf Breeze Area Chamber

As 2014 comes to a close I look back and reflect on the new experiences the year brought. From our community experiencing a debilitating ice storm followed by the 100 year rain event and flooding; to starting a new job as your President/CEO and becoming a new mom, some experiences were difficult and some were joyous, but the one thing I can say is that they were all memorable. Some might hope that 2015 is a little calmer because we went through so much this year, but I look forward to continuing the momentum with exciting new changes at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber-changes that will help us provide better service to our members and to the community and position us for growth.

As we looked inward to see where we should start to provide better service to our members we determined that it was important for us to focus on technology. More and more people are looking to have information at their fingertips, or should I say, their thumbs. We read our news, connect with others, and search for information online from our computers, tablets, and smart phones. Because of that shift, this will be our final print edition of the Gulf Breeze Magazine. We have enjoyed highlighting our community through this publication for the past seven years, but we look forward to the next chapter. Read more in our Chamber News section about how you will be able to find the same great info from the magazine on the new chamber website launching soon. This is just the start of new things to come from the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber and I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2015.

Kristen Loera President/CEO Gulf Breeze Area Chamber

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

5

businessofthemonth September 2014 – St. Ann Catholic Church St. Ann Catholic Church was once a small mission chapel.

Established in 1949, with only summer parishioners and tourists in attendance, they have grown to a year round church with approximately 900 families. Their mission is to promote the spiritual growth of the parish in all aspects of service to the community. They are dedicated to responding in charity to the needs of others, especially those of the poor and oppressed. They are committed to working for social justice and ensuring the dignity of the individual person.

Their mission of service to the community is felt all throughout Gulf Breeze and South Santa Rosa County through their various outreach ministries.

October 2014 – Bay Breeze Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center Bay Breeze Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center is an assisted living facility in Gulf Breeze, Fla. that offers residents independent living options and daily support services. They provide extended-stay nursing care to seniors with varying levels of disabilities.

Services provided on sight include physician, nursing, activities, clinical lab, dietary, mental health occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatry, social work, speech/language and pathology.

However, the following remarks from one of the resident’s family members best sums up the quality of care that Bay Breeze Senior Living & Rehabilitation Center offers.

“Our mothers are both residing in the assisted living facility here, and I couldn't be happier with the care and compassion the staff offers to them. The everyday life is interesting for them, they like the food, they have special outings to enjoy and look forward to, and they truly like the people that care for them. I just received some pictures from the activities director of our moms having fun, and I am thankful that she took the time to let us have a look into their happy lives, even more thankful that she develops exercises, spa days, and activities to let them pass the time enjoyably. When the rare problem arises, the management seems thankful to know how they can make things better and corrective action is promptly taken. Great job! Great facility!” GB

businessbriefs United Peninsula Association received 501c3 Status After more than two years of trying, the United Peninsula Association (UPA) has received 501c3 status from the IRS. UPA is a community driven organization composed of citizens from residential and business interests in Southern Santa Rosa County in an area referred to over the years as Fairpoint Peninsula. You have probably noticed the results of their efforts as you have driven along US98 in the form of landscaped medians in front of Tiger Point Walmart and most recently Villa Venice. These were the first two phases in a peninsula wide beautification project to landscape the medians from Naval Live Oaks to the county line. The first two phases have been completed and the third phase in Navarre is in the works. The beautification project consists of 10 phases and is funded through FDOT grants. Once the landscaping is installed however, it is the responsibility of UPA to maintain it. The 501c3 status will allow donations by businesses and individuals along the peninsula to help maintain the beautification efforts to be tax deductible. The organization is working harder than ever to expand its membership to be able to continue the momentum they have supporting the interests of residents and businesses in the south end of the county. You can learn more about UPA by visiting www.unitedpeninsula.org.

Santa Rosa has Record Breaking Tourism Summer, Year Robust summer tourism has driven bed tax revenue to be the greatest in Santa Rosa County history. Numbers have consistently trended upward all year with August bed tax collections showing the greatest growth, a 33 percent increase over August of last year. Eleven months in to the current fiscal year, revenue is $1.61 million compared with a total 2012/2013 fiscal year revenue of $1.33 million. Previously, 2012/2013 fiscal year had the highest revenue recorded.

Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Jim Melvin credits a change in marketing efforts and BP funding for the increase, “We have the right business model and the right people in place and the numbers are proving it.”

Mike Loera, Tourist Development Council chairman continues, “It is very exciting to see such positive growth in bed tax collection this summer.

The TDC has worked hard with our marketing and advertising agency to target the markets and segments we feel would help us grow and it certainly appears to have worked. The numbers clearly show that Santa Rosa County is holding up to its name of ‘Florida’s Playground’ by being a fun, clean, affordable, and family friendly vacation destination for people of all ages to enjoy.”

It is important to note that a one percent bed tax increase for beach renourishment began in June, which slightly inflates the actual percentage increase. Even with removing the increase, bed tax collections are up 14 percent this fiscal year over the same period in 2012/2013. Bed tax revenues are one way to measure the health of a local tourism industry.

Morgan Selected to Lead Tourism Office Julie Morgan has been hired to serve as Santa Rosa County’s tourist development office director. The position was vacant after Kate Wilkes, director for seven years, retired in August. She was selected out of 38 applicants by a four-person selection committee. Morgan has an associate degree in business with major in tourism/hospitality and her bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum College. She has spent her entire career in different positions within the tourism industry with the latest being the executive director of tourism for Monroe County Government in Tennessee. Over the last nine years, Morgan spent an extensive amount of time developing and implementing new tourism programs that would benefit tourism stakeholders and increase revenues and return on investments. Originally from Michigan, Morgan stated, “The Emerald Coast was where I needed to be after vacationing there my entire life. I love the area and people.”

GB

6

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

chambernews

ambassadorofthequarter

Date Announced for 2015 Annual Awards Gala The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Awards Gala on January 17, 2015 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. In honor of our outgoing Board Chairman Sharon Pitts and her love of Greece, guests will be transported to beautiful Santorini. The Annual Awards Gala is our opportunity to reflect on the past year and celebrate our members as we award Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, the Nancy Keyes Spirit Award and the Mayor Lane Gilchrist Award. If you love to plan a party and are interested in helping on the Gala Committee please contact Kristen Loera at the Chamber at (850) 932-7888 or ceo@gulfbreezechamber.com.

Governmental Affairs Committee Reorganizes One of the most important things the Chamber does for its members is to be the voice for the business community and stay connected to issues that affect our area businesses at all levels of government. One of the ways we do this is through a group of dedicated volunteers on the Governmental Affairs Committee. The Governmental Affairs Committee of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber’s mission is to act as a conduit for communication between local, county, regional and state elected officials and the Gulf Breeze business community, and to serve as an advocate on behalf of, and an information resource for issues that affect our area businesses. To better serve our members and the business community, the Governmental Affairs Committee has reorganized. The new structure of the Governmental Affairs Committee will consist of a leadership team with each member focusing on issues related to the City of Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa County, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, State and Federal. This team will ensure we do not miss any issues that will affect our business community and will be meeting on a monthly basis.

A bi-monthly Governmental Affairs Committee meeting will be held that is open to all interested individuals to discuss items of concern, items requiring action and any upcoming events sponsored by the committee such as candidate forums, workshops or town hall meetings. Increased communication with the membership at large will also be renewed with Governmental Affairs update emails being sent regularly and shared on the Chamber website. If you are interested in serving on the Governmental Affairs Committee or have any questions you can contact Kristen Loera at (850) 932-7888 or ceo@gulfbreezechamber.com.

4th Quarter Ambassador Margaret Cunningham What company do you work for?

Owner / Operator of Speedy Stamp & Engraving for 28 years in Gulf Breeze. I was one of the original organizers of the Chamber in Gulf Breeze.

Tell us a little about your company?

We make engraved name tags, signs, rubber and self-inking stamps in house. Most orders are delivered in a day or two. We also do special orders of banners, large signs and magnetic signs for cars.

Gulf Breeze Chamber Launches New Website The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber is excited to announce the launch of their new website in mid-November. The new website will be designed to increase accessibility and traffic to our membership directory and make it easier for visitors to find your business. The new website will feature an easy to use design and will highlight chamber and community events, news, area information and our member businesses. It will also offer additional free tools for our members to use such as Hot Deals, where they can feature specials for the community or to chamber members, and Job Postings. The new site will also be responsive, which means it will be optimized to be viewed from any device. We hope you love the new website as much as we do. Call the Chamber to learn about all of the new features you can take advantage of today!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Gulf Breeze Chamber?

I enjoy meeting and helping new members.

Chamber Seeking Participants for a Member Benefits Focus Group The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber believes that to provide the best service to our members, we must constantly change to meet their needs. To ensure we are not just meeting, but exceeding the needs of our members, we will be putting together a focus group to review our member benefits. To have a wellrounded group, we are looking for members that are new to the chamber and those that have been members for years, small businesses, large businesses, and those that are members of other chambers. The time and date of the meeting will be determined once the group is established and will meet no more than two times. If you are interested in participating in the focus group, please contact Kristen Loera at (850) 932-7888 or ceo@gulfbreezechamber.com.

Dumas Realty

GB

What do you like to do in your "off" time?

I enjoy being involved in my community, organizing and putting together events. I serve on the CTST - FDOT Safety Team for Escambia and Santa Rosa County. My husband, Jim, and I also love to travel. GB

who’snewtothechamber?

Pensacola Barre Uptown Home & Gifts 5 Flags Embroidery Re/Max on the Coast – Jennifer Keenan Composite Fingerprinting Services Mr. Tax WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

7

8

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

9

Gulf Breeze: A Resilient Community Looking back/ahead after disasters

By Emily Lullo

Throughout the years, the Florida panhandle has been battered by storms that tested buildings and infrastructure as well as the strength of these coastal communities. On April 28 and 29, 2014 a historic flooding event took the area by surprise. While named storms yield plenty of media coverage that prompts preparation measures, seemingly no one expected the level of disaster that the spring rainstorms would bring to the region.

The night of April 29 brought tornado warnings and emergency alerts, power outages in some areas, and an astounding 10 to 15 inches of rain over the course of the nine hour storm, making it the third greatest rainfall in a single day on record. While some awoke on April 30 to find a soggy landscape, others lost homes or vehicles, and many people had to abandon vehicles in flooded roadways to take shelter. The number of affected residents of Santa Rosa County totaled 782, with 212 of those receiving major damage.

In many low-lying areas of Gulf Breeze, flooding caused immense damage and in some cases short term homelessness for families affected by the flood. The first line of defense in any disaster happens within the community, with organizations like Red Cross and Salvation Army mobilizing while other local agencies put short term emergency plans into action to meet the immediate needs of affected citizens.

10

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

The American Red Cross works hard to address the most urgent requirements of those affected by disaster. Jerry Kindle, CEO of the Northwest Florida chapter, says he believes the coastal region that was doused by the flood has developed great resiliency after having faced hurricanes and other difficulties in the past. For those that suffer massive losses in a disaster, the Red Cross can offer the tools to help get through the initial phase, with the help of around 250 volunteers at their peak.

“What we do in the immediate aftermath is provide emergency shelter, food and sometimes clothing so that people have time to stop an

assess the damage and come up with solutions for long term,” Kindle says.

Daniel Hahn is the plans chief for the Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Team, responsible for overseeing all county disaster exercises, reviewing the emergency plans and creating plans for any disaster that might occur from a hurricane to a chemical spill to a pandemic.

Hahn is also the program manager for the Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness for Santa Rosa — or SAFER Santa Rosa — a coalition of businesses, churches, nonprofit organizations and government agencies that work cooperatively to provide a quick response to disasters.

“Immediately we started two Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs) with our partner organizations,” Hahn says. “One was in Gulf Breeze through the Interfaith Disaster Resource group, which is a group of churches working together in the south of the county. The other VRC was operated in Milton by the United Way.” Once the flood was declared a disaster by the governor and a declaration was submitted to the federal government, the Santa Rosa Emergency Management Team aided FEMA in establishing Disaster Recovery Centers in the recreation center in Gulf Breeze, and at the PSC campus in Milton.

Part of the task of the United Way of Santa Rosa County is securing grants and other funds for unmet needs and aiding in long term disaster recovery, says director of development Kyle Holley.

One of United Way’s immediate projects was utilizing a grant it already had to help families that couldn’t go back to their homes after the flood.

“The flood created short term homelessness which was consistent with the language guiding the expenditure of the money,” he says. “We

were able to put 14 families in hotels right away.”

The next step for United Way is utilizing its contacts with other governmental and ecumenical charitable organizations to facilitate volunteers and relief services for the flood-stricken area.

“While other agencies were working, United Way began to lobby for state funds and interface with the Disaster Relief Fund, as well as raise funds,” Holley says. “It looks like we’ll be able to bring to the unmet needs table about $120,000 total, made up of state money as well as private donations both locally and from throughout the region.”

Bolstering the resiliency of the community is an ongoing process, and must happen on the individual level as well as within the community as a whole. One very practical precaution that homeowners can take is to get flood insurance. Hahn said it was surprising to him how many people didn’t have it before the flood.

Kindle, Hahn and Holley are continuing to be a part of recovery efforts by meeting together with each other along with other organizations regularly—even months after the flood—to discuss and address unmet needs that still exist in the community. While mobilizing local volunteers and advocating for federal and state assistance are important aspects of any disaster recovery, the fact is that funds need to be accessible on a more local level in order to facilitate an immediate response and recovery.

“I would encourage everyone to find a way to participate in recovery,” says Hahn. “Imagine if 100 business and churches donated $100 a month to a disaster fund. In a year we would have $120,000 in a disaster fund. Now imagine if this went on as a habit.”

For communities to form viable disaster relief plans, there must be procedures for preparation, response, recovery and mitigation. As a coastal area, most in the community are aware of steps to prepare for and respond to devastating hurricanes, but the slow moving storm system that struck in April still seemed to catch many in the area off guard. Recovery and mitigation from the disaster will be a long term effort effected by cooperation between volunteers, various agencies and individuals throughout Gulf Breeze and Santa Rosa County.

“We think that the long term recovery from this flood will be just under a year, on the human side,” Holley says. “Infrastructure and mitigation is going to be ongoing.”

GB

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

11

NonProfits Give Back During the Holiday Season

By Alicia Candela

The holiday season is a time when many people give back to those in need in our community.

Every non-profit organization around the area has some type of program that assists those in need during the holiday season. A representative from each non-profit organization mentioned below shares their views on why it is important to give back, especially during the holiday season.

Santa Rosa Kid’s House The Santa Rosa Kid’s House has been serving children who are abused and neglected since June 2008. According to Tamie Peterson, executive assistant at the Santa Rosa Sheriff ’s Office, the mission of Santa Rosa Kids House is “to deliver a well-coordinated and multidisciplined response to child abuse in an environment that puts the needs of children first.”

During the months of November and December the organization has four events; Festival of Trees, Friday Night Christmas Jingle, Saturday Festival Marketplace, and Angel Tree Children Project.

12

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Festival of Trees This year the Santa Rosa Kids House will host its fifth annual Festival of Trees. This event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Imogene Theater, 6866 Caroline St. in downtown Milton. This year the event will be on Friday Nov. 21 and Saturday Nov. 22, 7 pm to 11 pm.

The Festival of Trees is the Organization’s biggest fundraising event of the season. The result of over $63,000 raised last year, proves that the event was a huge success. The community is encouraged to come by and see decorations donated by local businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals. Decorations that were featured last year included “Deer” Santa large Christmas tree, Florida Gators door design, and a small Hallmark Christmas Tree. Event and holiday design sponsorship are needed for this event.

Friday Night Christmas Jingle This event helps to ignite the Christmas spirit in the community.

The Imogene Theater in Milton will be open from 5 pm to 8 pm. to give everyone the chance to view all the holiday designs. Santa will also be making a special appearance for this event. Tickets are available at the door for a $5 donation and children 12 and younger are free. Group discounts of $20 and more get a $4 a person.

Saturday Festival Marketplace There is fun for the whole family at this celebration. Santa will be in town to listen to all the Christmas wishes from the children. The Festival Marketplace arts & crafts fair, 10 am to 2 pm, is a great shopping opportunity for everyone. If you are interested in having a booth, contact Adair Cotton at 850-994-5703.

Angel Tree Children Project This project starts the first of November. Agencies within the Santa Rosa Kid’s House provide a list of names of children that they are working with who need assistance during the holiday season. The Angel Tree Children names and the wish lists are distributed to community businesses, churches, organizations and individuals to fill the wish list. All toys are returned two weeks before Christmas so they can be delivered in time.

Q: Why do you think it is so important to help those in need during the Holiday Season?

A: I think it is so important to help children during the holiday season because they are innocent ones affected by life challenges. If children see a giving spirit from others, hopefully this will have an impact on their lives as they grow into adulthood.

Q: What is something you value about the Holiday Season?

A: I value getting together with family and friends.

Q: What does the word ‘charity’ mean to you?

A: What charity means to me is helping people all during the year.

Waterfront Rescue Mission The Waterfront Rescue Mission helps those who are homeless in the community. According to their website, the goal of the Waterfront Rescue Mission is “to address a person’s spiritual and physical needs and provide services to bring about positive, permanent changes in their lives.”

Bob Ham, vice president of Development, explained that during the holiday season thousands of people are served at one out of the two holiday banquets that the Waterfront Rescue Mission hosts every year.

At the Thanksgiving Banquet and Christmas Banquet, a holiday meal is provided to men and women in the mission’s recovery program. The staff at Waterfront Rescue Mission also provides a safe place to rest and a hot meal to anyone who is in need. Not only does the banquet provide good nutritious food and a safe place to sleep, it also a time of fellowship shared between others who do not have anyone to spend

time with during the holiday season.

Every year at the Christmas Banquet, a special gift is given to those who attend.

The mission distributes Christmas shoeboxes to men, women, and children at the banquet. The shoeboxes have been collected and donated by those in the community. These shoeboxes are filled with necessary supplies such as hygiene items, gloves, scarves, hats, envelopes, and stamps. Ham explains the importance of this project and how it is a blessing to many people in the community.

“It is a huge blessing for someone who has nothing. To receive this gift on Christmas Day that contains basic needs that they otherwise would not be able to obtain on their own.”

Q: Why do you think it is so important to help those in need during the Holiday Season?

A: The holidays are a time to reflect on the year and realize how fortunate we are. At the Mission, we encounter individuals on a daily basis who have lost everything and are having to start over from nothing. For many, the holiday season is a sad time. They have no family or they are unable to provide for themselves and their family. It’s important to help those in need during the holiday season to show them there is hope. At the Mission, staff and volunteers seek to show men and women this hope, which is found through the love of Jesus.

When we help and serve others, it is a reminder to us that Jesus came to this earth to serve others. “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve...” – Matthew 20:28.

Q: What is something you value about the Holiday Season?

A: Family and the ability/opportunity to give back are very important. It doesn’t take long for one to realize how blessed they are when they have the opportunity to serve at the Mission. Having a simple conversation with one of the men or women who arrives at the Mission seeking a hot meal or shower reminds us how quickly things can be taken away from us and how most of us are two to three paychecks away from being in need of the same services offered at the Mission.

Q: What does the word ‘charity’ mean to you?

A: Charity is love for God and our fellow man. We demonstrate charity by providing basic services such as meals, shelter, financial means, an addiction recovery, etc. to people in need. So many times when volunteers come to the Mission to serve they arrive expecting to bless others by giving of their time. However, the Lord surprises them by blessing them through the individuals they encounter. Helping those in need allows us, if just for a moment, to put our needs and wants aside and focus on how we may serve others.

Santa Rosa Federated Republican Women According to the website, The Santa Rosa Federated Republican Women was founded in 1945, with the goal of getting women together to discuss political issues ranging from city council elections and actions to the presidential elections of the United States.

Martha Brenenstahl, vice president of Santa Rosa Federated WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

13

Republican Women, explained some of the events that the organizations hosts during the holiday season. Brenenstahl noted that since November is a time to give thanks, the Santa Rosa Federated Republican Women will be hosting a program honoring active duty military or wounded warriors.

Brenenstahl noted the success of November programs, stating, “November programs are well attended because the membership of SRFRW feels strongly that our service men and women should be thanked and know how much they are appreciated.”

Another program that the Santa Rosa Federated Republican women hosts is in December when members of the Marines are invited to a Christmas party so the membership can donate new unwrapped toys for the Marines Toys for Tots Program.

Q: Why do you think it is so important to help those in need during the Holiday Season?

A: November is the month to think of others and recognize the good things that have happened to us throughout the year and sets us up to give charitably during the month of December. I feel that Americans want to be giving and helpful to others. As a nation we give freely of time, money and material goods.

Q: What is something you value about the Holiday Season?

A: The best thing about the “season” is sharing time with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, with plenty of good food.

Q: What does the word ‘charity’ mean to you?

A: Charity for me is love for others. One can show love for his fellow man by volunteering time through community service organizations. Helping someone in need is best done on a personal level - one on one. The receiver of your charity, be it time, food or material goods will feel appreciative and want to pass that feeling forward when they are able.

A Place Plac l ce for for You You in Pensacola Peensacola Pen Busine Business e

Vacation

Extended d St Stay

Pensacola Do Downtown ow wnto own w

Ch hase Str 85

700 East Chase Street 850-439-3330 courttya ardpensacoladowntown.com

Airport/Cordova Airport/Cordo ova Mall

2187 Airport Boulevard 850-478-1123 hamptoninnpensacolaairport.com

1144 Airport Boulevard 850-479-8900 hiltongardeninnpensacola.com

5049 Corporate Wo oods Drive 850-474-3777 homewoodsuitespensacola.com

Pensacola Beach

16 Viia DeLuna 800-934-3301 850-934-3300 dayyssinnpensacolabeacch h.com

850-932-9314 • Hiighpointe.com

14

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Monument to Women Veterans Janis Wilson, program director for the Monument Women Veterans, summarizes the purpose of the organization, “The Monument to Women Veterans advocates for the establishment of a national monument recognizing the service and sacrifices of all women who have proudly donned a United States armed services uniform, but further seeks to provide resources and services for the numerous issues currently impacting Women Veterans.”

The Home for the Holidays project is the annual event that the organization hosts. Wilson explains how this project got started, “The Home for the Holidays was started in 2012 when the Monument to Women Veterans Inc. and POE In Action Inc., two non-profit organizations headquartered in Gulf Breeze, came together for the purpose of seeking some new means to provide much needed housing for local homeless veterans and their families.

Wilson explains why the holiday season was a good time to launch this project and describes why the holidays are a valuable time for veteran families.

“The holiday season was the perfect time to launch this program so we could help ensure that the veterans in our program would be safe and warm and receive the help they needed to enjoy the holidays. The holidays are a time for hope and happiness as we each celebrate in our own way and we use this program as a means for our veteran families in need to be able to celebrate and have hope and happiness in their future.”

For more information about Home for the Holidays contact Janis Wilson at pcolajan@yahoo.com or call 850-341-1399 or 850-572-5474.

Although these non-profit organizations differ from each other they all share one common trait and that is a passion for giving back to the community during the holiday season. So as it gets closer to the holidays, keep all these events in mind and remember to think of those in need. GB

Santa Claus is Coming to town on a Fire Truck

By Alicia Candela

Flashing lights, sirens, and Christmas music on a weekday in December. Must be Santa coming for his annual Gulf Breeze visit on a fire truck.

Although it is unknown when the tradition started, both the fire chiefs from Midway Fire Department and Gulf Breeze Fire Department recall the event occurring for more than 20 years.

Shane Carmichael, Gulf Breeze Fire Chief, remembers the tradition being part of his childhood. “I can remember it from when I was four and five years old,” said Carmichael. Carmichael says the Fire Truck Santa tradition started out as a fundraiser and it has evolved a lot from then to now.

“Back in that time frame (1970s) the fire department was not financially supported by the city and it may have been tied to some type of fundraising effort. In fact, the fire department predates the city. It was founded in the mid-1950s and the City was not incorporated until 1961.

Today, we are fully funded by the City and no longer have to fundraise.”

Fire Truck Santa is one of the many events that ignites the Christmas spirit in Gulf Breeze and is something that residents look forward to every year.

“I do hear from residents that it just would not be Christmas in the ‘Proper’ without Santa making his annual appearance atop the truck,” said Carmichael.

Community Holiday Events for November/December 2014 November 11 Nov - Veterans Day Parade, Pensacola, www.visitpensacola.com, 850-290-7561

6 - Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade, Gulf Breeze, www.cityofgulfbreeze.com, 850934-5100

21&22 - Santa Rosa Kids House Festival of Trees, Milton, www.santarosakidshouse.org, 850623-1112

7 - Surfing Santa Parade, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com, 850-932-1500

22 - Seville Quarter Turkey Trot 5K Run, Pensacola, www.rosies.com, 850-434-6211

12-14 - Snow Queen, Pensacola, www.pensacolalittletheatre.com, 850-432-2042

27 - Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachturkeytrot.com 850-529-0204

12-14 - Christmas on the Coast – Children’s Chorus, Pensacola, www.pensacolasaenger.com, 850595-3880

28 - Elf Parade & Lighting of the Greens, Pensacola, www.elfparade.com, 850-417-7321

13 - Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade, Pensacola, www.coxpensacolachristmasparade. org, 850-469-0086

Nov - Dec - Winterfest/Trolley Tours, Pensacola, www.pensacolawinterfest.org, 850583-1365 Zoolights, Gulf Breeze, www.gulfbreezezoo.org, 850-932-2229 December 3-7 Dec - Snowball Derby Stock Car Race, Pensacola, www.5flagsspeedway.com, 850-9448400 6 - Lighted Boat Parade, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com, 850-932-1500

19-21 - The Nutcracker, Pensacola, www.pensacolasaenger.com, 850595-3880 31 - 5th Annual Pelican Drop, Pensacola, www.pensacolapelicandrop.com, 850-434-5371 31 - New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com 850-932-1500

GB

Fire Truck Santa not only brings joy to the Gulf Breeze residents, but also to the staff at the Fire Department.

“Our members love doing it. When we normally respond to someone’s house, they are jumping up and down for a less than a joyous occasion. However, when Santa rides by their house, they are jumping up and down in glee,” said Carmichael.

Carmichael explained that sometimes the adults are even more excited about Santa than the kids.

“We find that jumping up and down transcends generations as we have adults do it as well. So for us it is great to see them joyous for the right reasons.”

Josie Cotti, independent consultant at Rodan + Fields, explains the excitement that fire truck Santa brings to her family every year.

“Even in my girls’ teen years we loved Santa’s ride through Gulf Breeze.

You could hear the Christmas music and ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ echoing throughout the streets. It was fun to speculate which street he was on and if he was getting closer to us. One year it was a chilly night so we made chili and hot chocolate and sat on blankets in the yard waiting for him.”

Fire Truck Santa is a highly anticipated event for Gulf Breeze residents and is a tradition that continues to touch the hearts of many. GB

Chamber Calendar of Events: November – December 2014 November 5 - 8:30 am, Blue Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 5 - 9:30 am, Community Garden Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 6 - 9:00 am, Business Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 6 - Board Retreat, St. Ann Chapel Board Room 11 - Chamber Closed – Veteran’s Day Holiday 12 - 8:30 am, Santa Rosa Legislative Coalition, Pace 12 - 9:00 am, South End TDC Meeting, Navarre Visitor’s Information Center 13 - 7:00 am, Rise & Shine Chamber Breakfast, Andrews Institute 14 - 12:00 pm, LEADS Group 2, Working Lunch, La Brisa 19 - 8:30 am, Blue Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 20 - 11:30 am, Networking’s A Breeze, Lunchtime Networking Event, Hampton Inn & Suites – Gulf Breeze 20 - 5:30 pm, Network 98: Business After Hours, co-hosted with Navarre Beach Area Chamber, The Blake 27 & 28 - Chamber Closed – Thanksgiving Holidays

December 3 - 8:30 am, Blue Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 3 - 9:30 am, Community Garden Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 4 - 9:00 am, Business Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 9 - 11:30 am, Technology Committee Meeting, Conference Call 10 - 8:30 am, Santa Rosa Legislative Coalition, Pace 10 - 9:00 am, South End TDC Meeting, Navarre Visitor’s Information Center 11 - 5:30 pm, Chamber Business After Hours 12 - 12:00 pm, LEADS Group 2, Working Lunch, La Brisa 17 - 8:30 am, Blue Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room GB

WINTER/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine

15

Parting Shots

Dr. John and Brittany Neff provided excellent entertainment for the folks at Taste of Gulf Breeze.

The Chick-fil-A Cow, Kazoo, Maverick and Sparky visit with local children at the Business and Family Expo.

Norm Crowder with Gilmore Insurance and Bonding and Jim Robert with Plastic Engraving enjoyed networking and great weather at the Bridging the Gap Business after Hours with the Pensacola Beach Chamber at Bamboo Willies.

Louise Finch with Gibson, Renfroe & Zieman PA and Cecilia McAdams with Beach Community Bank connect during the Business After Hours at Pensacola Beach RV Resort.