Editor’s Note

No matter how hard I try to prepare, the holidays always seem to sneak up on me—always. Perhaps it’s because I’m a procrastinator at heart or perhaps it’s because, as an editor, I work best in a deadline-induced panic. Either way, I’m never quite ready for it. Last year, I hosted a Christmas dinner potluck at my house. Editor’s Note The meal was nearly two hours late and it was a potluck! I was responsible for the turkey and two casseroles. That’s it. As for gift buying, it sure does get harder as the kids grow older. I’m not a fan of giving gift cards, but I also know for certain that my 14-year-old doesn't want me picking out her clothing. Although, she did raid my closet recently and she was delighted to take some “vintage” 90s jeans off my hands. How I ever fit into them and why I still have them are both mysteries to me. But, I digress. Kelly Oden Executive Editor Editor’s Note Editor’s Note We hope to make your holiday shopping a bit easier and a bit more meaningful by suggesting 52 local boutiques for your shopping pleasure. You’ve probably heard Good morning, Pensacola! What a strange the statistics that state for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays within the community place we find ourselves in this spring. The novel (compared to $43 spent at national chains). What that really means is that by shopping coronavirus COVID-19 has arrived in our locally, you are not only keeping businesses open and adding to the tax base, you are community and, although we have so far been also helping to support entrepreneurs who, in turn, create jobs for the local community. luckier than many, the fight to keep it from Plus, by helping small shops keep their doors open, you are helping to perpetuate the spreading continues. We went to print with unique, eclectic and charming vibe that our historic little town is known for. So, get out this issue on March 30. At that time, Escambia County had 42 confirmed cases and Santa Rosa had 30. Those numbers rose quickly once there, brave shoppers, and support your locally owned small businesses. May the force be with you! testing was expanded. Too quickly. The fact is, we don’t know who might have the virus or be I was also thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with the witty and thoughtful carrying the virus without symptoms. That is Southern writer and storyteller Sean Dietrich for this issue. Affectionately known as why it is essential that we, as a community, stay Sean of the South, Dietrich lived in the Florida Panhandle for more than 25 years. home as much as humanly possible--leaving A recent move took him to Birmingham, but he’s back for a one-night-only show only for absolute essentials. I like the idea, too, benefitting Big Brothers, Big Sisters at the Imogene Theater on December 8. Read all of practicing physical distancing rather than about it and learn a little about Dietrich’s life and writing process on page 27. social distancing. We can remain social via many avenues in this modern world—phone In addition, we have a great story on the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club. Learn calls, texts, video calls—and I encourage how this group is fostering a love of ice skating in both children and adults and how everyone to stay connected to their tribe. We their newest program, Adaptive Skating, is helping those with disabilities have access to don’t know what tomorrow will bring and all of the fun and learning opportunities the ice has to offer. we all need to feel connected to something or someone in order to get through this. Plus, we’ve rounded up a few ways that you can help give back to those in need this On the topic of physical distancing, in our holiday season. Supporting your local food bank or food program helps put food on COVID-19 resource guide, you will see that families’ tables during the season and throughout the year, so consider lending a Pensacola neighborhoods and community groups helping hand by donating your time, talent or money during the upcoming holiday. have found several clever, unique and safe ways to stay connected and to make a difference Finally, since the season is also about fun and festive activities, we’ve gathered up some while practicing physical distancing. I must of the best holiday performances happening throughout the month of December. For say, I am very impressed with the outpouring many, these performances have become holiday traditions in their own right. Why not of love and support I have seen amongst my make one of them your own new tradition?fellow Pensacolians—yeah, the toilet paper hoarding was weird, but there are more than Happiest of Holidays, everyone!enough people giving of themselves to make up for it. Can I get a big round of applause for our first responders and hospital workers? Thank How is it August already? you for putting yourselves on the front lines These to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to contradictory, but I can assure you I am feeling them both equally— and I don’t think I am alone. put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you! On that note, I encourage you to read our This year is just too much. All of it—the COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides politics, the pandemic, the pundits. I’m over resources for food, business, community it. So, this month we chose to focus on a and more. The ever-changing nature of much more relaxing and playful “P” word: this crisis necessitates that I mention that Pets. Who doesn’t go all gooey inside over these resources may or may not be available an adorable kitten or a playful pup? Only to you by the time you read this issue. I the most heartless among us, I suspect. hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way. Adoptions are on the rise during the pandemic and it’s easy to see why. Pets alleviate the stress, You may also notice that we have some nonboredom and loneliness of social distancing and uncertain futures. There may be many things out of our control in 2020, but we can provide pandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful. a loving home to a sweet pet and get more love than we could have imagined in return. As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been While the Pensacola Humane Society has had published under one title or another for great success with adoptions and fostering more than 40 years. We have no plans on this year, those who love animals know that changing that. We will continue to publish the shelters are never empty. There is always a and to bring you all the information we can pet in need, so if snuggling up to a sweet kitty for as long as we can. Please reach out to us or playing fetch with a playful pup sounds like a good way to pass some time, check with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations. out our adoptable pet profiles on page 34. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola! We’ve got some feel-good pet stories for our readers as well. Gina Castro met with some

Congratulations. If you’re reading this first 2021 issue it means you have survived 2020, which is no small feat considering the barrage of pain, anxiety, divisiveness, uncertainty, loss and loneliness that 2020 brought to bear on the entire planet. Many have lost their lives, their loved ones, their jobs—one after another, the hits just kept coming. And here we are—on the other side, at least in terms of the Gregorian calendar. What will change incredible special-needs pets and their owners and she discovered that while these precious in 2021? A lot? A little? We have multiple vaccines babies may take a little more care, the love that we hope will eventually reign in the coronavirus, they give in return is worth every second. put the country back to work and allow for some semblance of social normalcy. When we can freely If exotic animals are more your thing, head visit again, how will our lives be different? What has on over to the brand spanking new and 2020 taught us? How has it changed us? I suspect it will take time to unpack all of the physical, mental significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus and emotional impacts of 2020, but I hope time added attractions, amenities and experiences will heal us and that we are able to grow in positive that will make for a wonderful family day out. ways from our individual and collective experiences. In 2021, I’m foregoing the traditional resolutions If you’re interested in conservation, check out with specific, measurable outcomes. Instead, Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through to a few of the themes that 2020 brought to her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region. All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat Losing my mom early in 2020 really brought home recipes and some good news from the the idea that time is a limited resource. We have this moment and the future is always uncertain. Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations. In 2021, I hope to give more attention to my So, turn off the news, put down your phone relationships with family, friends and community. and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re While we have always heard that good health is our done, give your kitty a little catnip and most valuable asset, 2020 made sure we knew it. throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death sentences for too many people battling Covid. While genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.

Passion and Joy

I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.

Procrastination

While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new. In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!

Kelly Oden Executive Editor Kelly Oden Executive Editor Kelly Oden Executive Editor

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PENSACOLA

CULTURE + LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2022

Owner Malcolm Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Garrett Hallbauer advertise@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com Contributing Writers DeeDee Davis Darien Hardy Ashley Wright Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange, Account Executive ext. 31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

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