Pensacola Magazine, June 2024

MODERN COASTAL

“SHE SAVED MY LIFE.”

Pensacola area resident Anna P. had been experiencing the painful side effects of peripheral neuropathy, “My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was n othing they could do and that I would have to take gabapentin for the rest of my life.” Then she met Pensacola’s Dr. Rebecca Gibbons.

Peripheral neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Anna explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. “How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?"

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe “The way that I would describe it, is that it's equivalent to walking on glass.” Anna hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

Unfortunately Anna’s story is all too familiar. For the over 20 million people in the U.S. suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis, you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall.

Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

Dr. Gibbons, founder of Acupuncture & Wellness of Pensacola, is using the science of acupuncture and other integrative techniques that assist in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,”Jean enthusiastically describes life after receiving Dr. Gibbons treatments. 'I can wear socks and shoes!”

Jean and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

"It's life altering As far as I am concerned, Dr. Gibbons saved my life!"

Dr. Gibbons who has also been an RN for over 18 years, integrates both her western medicine background with effective eastern medicine strategies to be able to offer a different non-drug, non surgical option to those who have chronic pain and complex chronic conditions. She specializes in treating people who suffer from chronic pain, neuropathy, digestive issues and reproductive issues.

Call 850-530-1028 and a Care Coordinator would be happy to schedule your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for their treatments. Or to learn more visit WWW.AWPENSACOLA.COM

Note

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

EDITOR’S NOTE

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE

Owner & Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com

Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com

2021 issue survived barrage and entire ones, kept at least change vaccines coronavirus, some freely What has suspect it mental time positive experiences. resolutions home have uncertain. community. is our it.

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.

Well, here we are in June, folks. If the high temperatures of late May were any indication, we are in for another scorcher. This high heat and humidity can make even the most pleasurable activities, like gardening, seem daunting. Thankfully, I was able to complete the bigger yard projects at my house before the heat set in. Now, I have small gardening and landscaping jobs that I only have the energy and heat tolerance to do on weekend mornings–as early as possible. My yard is quite small and my gardens are not pristine, so it’s a relatively easy task.

Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com

Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Ryan Dugger advertise@ballingerpublishing.com

strange The novel our far been from with Escambia Santa quickly once The fact is, virus or be

Passion and Joy

assure you equally— it—the I’m over a word: over Only pandemic the stress, distancing and things provide more return. has had fostering that always a sweet kitty sounds check 34. for our some

That is community, stay possible--leaving idea, too, rather than social via world—phone encourage tribe. We and something this. in our see that community groups safe ways difference must outpouring amongst my paper more than make up applause for our

first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you!

incredible special-needs pets and their owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.

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.

I can’t imagine how the owners of our five featured gardens were able to create such stunning and, in some cases, massive outdoor spaces. All five gardens were part of this year’s Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Tour, which was held in late May. For those who didn’t make the tour, we have you covered. Our editor, Morgan Cole, braved the heat to tour and photograph each garden. She spoke with each homeowner to learn the ins and outs of their secret gardens. We hope you enjoy reading about them as well. A special thank you to Virginia Page and Lynn Manthei of the Pensacola Garden Center for helping us coordinate these visits.

If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.

Procrastination

Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com

Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com

Editorial Intern Kayla Tolbert

On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.

If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.

This month’s cover story is equally intriguing. See how a group of local designers and a contractor transformed a simple Gulf Breeze piling home into a modern, coastal retreat with sweeping bay views. This story really showcases what is possible when you have a knowledgeable and creative design team with the ability to reimagine a boring space and to bring unique ideas to life. Check out this gorgeous renovation on page 32.

Contributing Writers DeeDee Davis Darien Hardy Jennifer Hill

Sales & Marketing

Paula Rode, Account Executive, ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com

You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic 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.

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.

All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.

In this Home and Garden focused issue, we bring you instructions for preserving your summer garden bounty with a couple of different canning methods. We also discuss ways to propagate some of your favorite plants for growing your collection, or for giving away to friends and family.

Geneva Strange, Account Executive, ext. 31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

All of this, plus info on Pensacola Little Theatre's production of the beloved rock musical RENT. This iconic show is a must see and it’s playing all through the month of June.

E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com

As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations.

So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

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!

Also, be sure to check out the upcoming FavorHouse Round-up on June 21. This event promises to be a great time with the added bonus of raising money for the organization’s intervention, empowerment and prevention programs and services for victims of domestic violence and their children.

Here’s to a hot, humid and frizzy June, folks. May the AC be with you!

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!

Kelly Oden

Kelly Oden

Kelly

Executive Editor

Executive Editor

Oden Executive Editor

/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine

and two years $22.75.

DeeDee Davis, Contributing Writer

“Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music.” George Carlin

Have you ever really considered how very important music is in your life? I feel that my whole personal history could be easily chronicled by a long string of songs. Where words just don’t seem like enough, music takes over as a form of expression that touches every emotion and every nerve.

I can’t hear a song by Tennessee Ernie Ford or Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass without smelling Sunday dinner cooking. Coming home from church as a child, the house was filled with deliciousness drifting out of the kitchen where my mother prepared a mid-day feast for our family. It was usually fried something with mashed potatoes and, of course, gravy, along with whatever vegetables were fresh. This was important as the vegetables hopefully negated the power of the cup of bacon grease that was used to season every dish we ever consumed. My mom would hum happily to 16 Tons while we washed-up and my dad planned for the afternoon football game on a rabbit ears TV set. One chord by either artist and I can describe my Easter dress when I was eight and recall fists flying as my younger brothers fought over the last pork chop.

Growing up in the South, everyone has some memory of Hank Williams.

Whenever I hear his unmistakable twang, I can almost taste the mud at Lake Martin where my father dared to take us on a camping trip one summer. I might add that I have never since ventured out to do anything that even remotely resembles camping. The seven of us slept in a tent by the lake’s shore as part of the big adventure. My poor dad—he meant so well. The mosquitos ate us alive and rocks poked us through the thin sleeping bags, no matter how or where we placed them. The days were a blast as the five of us kids played in the water while Mom read and Dad napped as Ole Hank sang on the transistor radio. We sang Kaw liga and Hey, Good Lookin’ with all the gusto of the Vienna Choir Boys, and I am certain this is when my mother invented “the quiet game.” The trip was cut short as my dad did not want a divorce and we all wore him down with our crying and scratching. I was 10 when the Beatles first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. I screamed and jumped and thought I would die from sheer pleasure as they sang I Want to Hold Your Hand. I vowed on the spot that I would marry Paul McCartney. My perplexed younger siblings watched but didn’t get it…. yet. I taught my mother how to do the twist and the jerk as we played Meet the Beatles on the hi-fi in our living room. Every 10 and 11 year-old mastered these moves while soaking up every second of American Bandstand. Those early Beatles and Rolling Stones songs remind me of growing into a social conscience in a time challenged with change.

Tom Jones came on the radio as I made my first solo drive in the coolest car my father ever bought. I was 16 and if you don’t understand the importance of graduating from the family Dodge station wagon to a brand new sporty green Pontiac Firebird, you haven’t lived. He’s still singing and sends me to a place where everything smells like new car and pure freedom. Jimi Hendrix belted out Fire almost every time I rode in my

good friend Tim Steigerwald’s car during that time. It was high school and he was one of the first to have a cassette player. We would crank it up so loud that the windows shook, because this is exactly how you should play Hendrix. Our group was mostly typical kids of the day, except that we worried about our friends getting drafted and sent to Vietnam.

I am a product of the SEC, and the first notes to the Auburn fight song still give me chills and thrills that are unsurpassed. I watch most of the games now from the comfort of home, but the band starts and I am there in spirit with my orange and blue pom poms. Cool temperatures, changing colors in the trees, a sold out stadium, and the roar as the team takes the field—how much better does it get?

During my short stint in the Florida Legislature, a sizable delegation of us attended an education conference in Orlando. After dinner one evening we were all invited to a party honoring some teachers of the year, with Chubby Checker there to entertain. I was one of the lucky ones that he helped up on stage to twist while he sang his classic Do the Twist. Are you kidding? Talk about a dream come true! I had been training for this moment all my life. Forever I will consider this one of my proudest accomplishments as I twisted with the one and only Chubby Checker. Everyone in that room put aside partisan politics and let the music work its magic. More music!!

I could go on. Every significant memory I have stored in my pea brain has some kind of music association, though there are gaps when the music stopped for a while. But, mercifully, it always starts again and dancing will surely follow.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Plato

“I cannot say enough great things about Home Outlet. My husband and I are remodeling our kitchen and needed cabinets. We went to several places and decided on Home Outlet for one reason: The customer ser vice we received from Jon. From the moment we walked in until we picked up our cabinets, it has been a ver y pleasant experience. He was ver y knowledgeable and fun to work with. He also told us we could expect our order in 10 to 14 days. We are installing them as I write this in 9 days. We will not go any where else from now on for any of our projects. And the selection is amazing. They have ever ything. Thanks John and Home Outlet.”

-Mindy G., Pensacola, FL

PENSACOLA SCENE

2024 HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Photos by @alivecoverage

Measure Your Life In Love

PLT Presents RENT as 2023-2024

by Darien Hardy

Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) proudly presents Jonathan Larson’s RENT, an iconic rock opera musical, as the grand finale of the 2023-2024 season. Running every weekend from June 7 to 23, RENT is directed by Kathy Holsworth, with music direction by Ginger Caro and choreography by Michael Dennis.

Winner of both the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, RENT has transcended generations to become a pop culture phenomenon. Its dynamic soundtrack and compelling narrative have resonated with audiences worldwide.

RENT, loosely based on Puccini’s beloved opera La Boheme, is set in New York City’s 1991 Lower East Side city-scape amidst the rampantly raging HIV/AIDS crisis. The production tells the story of a year in the life of a group of starving artists living rather than dying as they pursue their passions.

The physical and emotional complications of HIV/AIDS deeply impact the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen explores her chronic infidelity through performance art while her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the heartache as she navigates the friend group. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a corporate income

Season Finale

and must negotiate with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. While each character has different motivations and reactions to their respective situations, RENT showcases how this group of friends comes together to support and love one another.

Both new and returning cast members will take the stage to bring this beloved production to life, with Pensacola natives having the chance to enjoy some notable favorites in the local theater scene.

Veronica Lindholm, who plays Maureen, has performed at PLT as the lead in Mamma Mia, as well as at PSC as the lead role of Funny Girl, Fanny Brice. Nick Arnstein, who performed alongside Lindholm in the production as Benjamin Haupt, plays the role of Angel in PLT’s production of RENT. Mark is played by Zander Smith, who many recognize from his leading role in SpongeBob at PSC. Other actors of note are Nathan Simmons, who plays Rodger, and Anthony Broughton, who plays Collins.

“Our cast is amazing, and the energy that they are giving us during rehearsal is just extreme,” RENT Choreographer Michael

Dennis said. “They are super talented and willing to put in all their effort to make it a wonderful show. They’re very dedicated, and our set designer, Kayla Stephenson, is doing an amazing job making sure everything works with the choreography.”

“The power of friendship and love is most important to living with any crisis, and what better way to do it through music and dance that’s both entertaining and educational.”

-Michael Dennis

RENT is set against the iconic 1991 New York City scaffolding featured in the original production, which will prove to be nostalgic for the audience.

“The band will be on stage instead of in the pit, which will make the show feel more live,” Dennis added. PLT’s RENT will not be a direct copy, but show producers are staying true to Larson’s original production.

“I think that people that are older will enjoy the show because it represents their time period, and it appeals to younger audiences because it’s an iconic show,” Dennis said. “It’s a little irreverent, and the music is rocking.” While this show resonates with international audiences, please note that the production does contain strong language and adult themes.

Written in the 90s, it’s interesting that RENT is considered a period piece. People ages 18 and older have grown up cherishing this music but may have lacked true understanding of the material. PLT found itself exploring the concepts with not only the audience, but also the cast as their production of RENT developed.

As PLT’s artistic director, Kathy Holsworth has been directing for 20 years. She works with a selection committee made up of 40 volunteers to select titles, and Holsworth gets to suggest one title a year for her major project. Her original selection was Rock of Ages, but unfortunately, PLT was unable to get the rights to produce the show. Holsworth worked with music director Ginger Caro to brainstorm different rock musicals. They soon found out that there had been no other amateur productions of RENT produced in the area as of yet. The material was nostalgic and challenging, and Holsworth and Caro had lots to say about it. They brought the title to the selection committee and were surprised to find that they were able to get the rights.

Holsworth noted that RENT was the hardest casting call that she’s experienced in 20 years of directing because of the meaning and depth associated with the musical. According to Dennis, RENT felt like a long time coming for Holsworth, Caro and himself.

“It was what we lived through, and we all had friends that died from AIDS. We knew what that was like,” Dennis explained. “Then, our cast is in their 20s. We’ve had to do a lot of education on what the lyrics and some of the references mean because those terms and words weren’t around for them. They don’t understand how deadly AIDS was. We have medications and people have been living with it for years, but during this time in RENT, it was a death sentence.”

Exploring this time period through such artistic expression as RENT can, in turn, change how cast, crew, producers and audience members see themselves.

“RENT has rich meaning for our cast, but also for audiences because it brings perspective for what we have and what we have had, both good and bad,” Holsworth explained..

Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and Red Ribbon Foundation (RRF) are proud sponsors of PLT’s production of RENT. While the show is sure to entertain audience members with songs that rock and a story that resonates with all ages, production organizers and these sponsor organizations plan to educate the public about the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis using real-world experiences. For more information visit hivcare.org and redribbonnwfla.org.

“I hope audience members, and even our cast, gain understanding about what the time period was like for people,” Dennis said. “The power of friendship and love is most important to living with any crisis, and what better way to do it through music and dance that’s both entertaining and educational.”

For event details and ticket prices, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com, or check out PLT on Facebook @pensacolalittletheatre.

Grab Your Hat & Round Up Your Posse!

FavorHouse is Giving Domestic Violence the Boot

by Jennifer Hill, FavorHouse Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator

A fun, new event is ridin’ into town! FavorHouse of Northwest Florida will debut their new signature fundraising event—FavorHouse Round-Up. Happening Friday, June 21 from 6 to 10pm at the Escambia County Equestrian Center located at 7750 Mobile Hwy. in Pensacola, the FavorHouse Round-Up is a country-western themed party to raise critical funds to help domestic violence victims in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The Round-Up features live music from local band Blackwater Country, walk-about food tasting, activities such as a mechanical bull and rodeo roper, bourbon and wine pull, dancing, live auction and more. According to Executive Director Tracie Hodson, the FavorHouse Board of Directors are coordinating this new fundraising event and they are pulling out all the stops.

“We wanted an event that our community would be excited about supporting. The Round-Up is fitting because we all need to come together as a community to ensure that domestic violence has no place here,” Hodson said.

For the first annual FavorHouse Round-Up, the agency has partnered with Cat Country 98.7 and area restaurants to create a toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ good time in support of a good cause.

“We are throwing a party for 400 supporters who want to give back and have a great time with friends while doing it! Financial support raised from fundraising events like the Round-Up is vital to the programs and services that we provide non-stop. We need to raise at least $400,000 every year from our community to stay effective,” FavorHouse Executive Director Tracie Hodson said.

Hodson also bestowed some tips for people interested in going to the Round-Up. “If you are coming with a group of friends, consider reserving a table instead of buying tickets separately. That way you can be guaranteed seats at the same table. Tickets prices are $60 for individuals or $520 for a reserved table of eight. The ground is hard-packed dirt, so we recommend saving fancy shoes for a different event. Come hungry, it’s all you care to eat. Lastly, bring your competitive spirit – you could find it rewarding.”

For nearly 45 years, FavorHouse has provided intervention, empowerment and prevention programs and services for victims of domestic violence and their children.

Intervention services include a local 24-hour hotline at (850) 434-6600 and an emergency shelter. The hotline is staffed by trained advocates who are ready to listen and provide support to victims and those who care about them. The advocates provide information, resources, assist with safety planning and (if appropriate) access to the FavorHouse Emergency Shelter.

The Emergency Shelter is a 45-bed safe haven for those who are escaping an abusive partner and need a safe place to go. A typical shelter stay is a minimum of six weeks during which all basic needs (food, clothing, personal hygiene, etc.) are provided. While residing in the shelter, DV survivors are offered supportive assistance with identifying the next steps necessary for rebuilding life after abuse. These steps include safety planning, processing abuse-related trauma, finding a job, securing safe housing, and connecting to other resources in the community to help them move forward. The shelter is available to victims and their children 24/7 and can only be accessed through the hotline.

FavorHouse’s non-residential services empower survivors to stabilize their life after leaving an abusive relationship. Outreach Advocates provide individual and group counseling, DV-related educational classes, assistance with safety planning and connections to community resources. The Economic Empowerment Program provides financial literacy workshops, individual budgeting and credit counseling, as well as assistance with employment and housing searches. FavorHouse in-house attorneys specialize in legal services associated with obtaining an injunction for protection (aka restraining orders). The attorneys also provide legal advice and referrals to other programs in the community.

FavorHouse’s prevention program aims to end the cycle of violence by providing community education to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, its impact on families and our community and how to assist someone who is struggling with an abusive relationship. FavorHouse’s primary prevention workshops assist our community’s youth (and the adults who work with them) by providing age-appropriate education for understanding healthy relationships and identifying red flags associated with unhealthy/toxic relationships. Trained advocates also provide work-specific training for law enforcement, health care workers, teachers and the community-at-large.

Dedicated to assisting domestic violence victims in healing from the trauma they’ve experienced, FavorHouse creates a safe environment for them and their children to build a bridge to a new beginning. As the only certified domestic violence center serving our two county area, FavorHouse provided services to more than 1,500 adults and children last year.

“From time spent volunteering for special projects to charitable gifts made to support our programs, FavorHouse relies on the generosity of our community to continue providing life-saving and life-changing services to help domestic violence victims go from surviving to thriving. So, grab your hat. Round up your posse. And come out to the FavorHouse Round-Up. Together, let’s give domestic violence the boot!,” Hodson said.

Learn more and purchase tickets at favorhouse.org.

CANYou do it!

Preserving Foods to Make the Most of Your Summer Garden

by Nicole Willis

Florida summertime brings to mind the sights, smells and tastes of all sorts of fresh produce. From juicy berries and plump tomatoes to spicy peppers and crisp okra, we Pensacolians have the ability to grow a variety of fruits, veggies and herbs throughout the summer months. Our summer harvests cannot last forever, though. Rather than letting excess produce rot away, consider preserving the surplus by canning!

Canning leftovers from your summer harvest can help you get the most out of your garden, allowing for the year-round enjoyment of homegrown produce, while also promoting sustainability by minimizing waste and maximizing savings. We spoke with Alisa Ansley, owner of Murder Creek Canning Company, to learn more about canning safety as well as some of the most common canning methods. Ansley has over 50 years of canning experience and sells her own canned goods at the Palafox Market.

Safety

Safety is the most important aspect of canning to consider when starting out with at-home food preservation. When dealing with anything food- or preservation-related, food-borne illness and spoiling must be taken into consideration. If bacteria exists on your canning jars before you seal them, the food can spoil, creating both a waste of time and the chance of sickness after consumption.

“The most important part of doing any canning or preserving is cleanliness,” Ansley explained. “Your jars need to be sterilized before you ever use them. I sterilize mine with boiling water. Some people use the sterilization mode on their dishwasher, but I'm a little old school; I want to bring them

to a boil in boiling water and make sure that they're thoroughly sterile before I put my product in them.”

It is also very important to know the types of foods that can and cannot be canned safely at home. Products like jams and pickles can be canned safely, whereas products like milk or butter cannot be. There are many resources that can help with learning about canning safety, such as the USDA.

“The USDA sometimes offers beginning canning classes. They’re a great resource if you're not sure if something can be safely canned, because not everything can be safely canned. If it's a very dense food, there’s a possibility that the internal

temperature in the center of that product that you are canning is not going to get hot enough to destroy any potential bacteria. The USDA can tell you whether or not something can be safely canned,” Ansley explained.

Even after successfully and safely canning your produce, it is important to consume the preserved products within their new shelf life. Ansley said that if your products are canned correctly, they should last unopened in the pantry for up to 18 months. However, much like grocery storebought jams and pickles, once a preserved product is opened it should be stored in the fridge.

Water Bath Canning

The most popular type of at-home canning is water bath canning. This method involves processing your jarred goods in boiling water until a vacuum seal forms. The process begins by placing your food items into sterilized jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the jar. Wipe off any spillage or excess on the rims of the jars with a clean wet cloth. Then, it is time to seal the jars. “Place your lids and your rings on. You don't want to put your rings on too tight because you want a vacuum to form, so you're just going to finger-tighten the rings, ” Ansley suggested.

After preparing and sealing the jars, place them onto a rack in a pot of boiling water, making sure the tops of the jars are covered with at least an inch of water. The length of time that the jars should sit in the boiling water varies depending upon the recipe. Once the jars have processed the specific amount of time, they can be removed and placed on a surface in a room temperature space for 24 hours. As the jars cool and acclimate to the temperature, a vacuum seal forms. This seal allows the food to stay preserved and safe until the seal is broken. After setting out for 24 hours, your preserved goods are ready to be stored away or consumed.

When water bath canning, the acidity of the product that you are canning is important. Acidity is needed for this process because it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that cause illnesses and poisoning like botulism. High acidity levels create an environment in which these bacteria cannot survive. Foods like tomatoes, berries and pickles are commonly preserved using this process.

“Certain fruits and vegetables can be water bath canned. It depends on the acidity level of the item that you are canning. Most fruits can be water bath canned and jellies can be too because the sugar is a natural preservative,” Ansley said.

Steam Canning

Steam canning is an at-home canning process that is similar to water bath canning in the way that it requires using a stovetop and boiling water, but the processes are also quite different. The main difference between these two canning methods is that with water bath canning, the jars are submerged in water, but with steam canning, the jars only come into contact with steam from a small amount of water.

Like water bath canning, steam canning is suitable for foods with higher acidity levels. Steam canning also involves the same beginning steps as water bath canning—filling your jars, wiping the rims and sealing the lids. The next

step of the steam canning process is different, as the equipment for steam canning is different. Steam canners have a shallow tray in the bottom with a rack that you can place your jars on. After preparing your jars and sealing the lids, place the jars on this rack. Then, place a small amount of water at the bottom of the tray, turn on the heat until you see steam and then cover with the lid. Your product should steam for as long as the recipe recommends.

The steam will circulate around the jars, heating the product. Once the recommended amount of processing time is complete, the jars can be removed and set aside to cool down and come to room temperature. Much like water bath canning, as the jars cool, a vacuum seal forms to preserve the food inside.

Pressure Canning

In contrast with water bath and steam canning, pressure canning is a safe and effective way to preserve lower-acidity foods. Foods like low-acid vegetables, meats and soups are great candidates for pressure canning, because in order to be safe, they require higher temperatures than what water bath or steam canning provides. Pressure canning utilizes high pressure and heat that ensure the harmful bacteria is killed.

Once your jars are filled and sealed like in the previous processes, place the jars inside the pressure canner with a small amount of water at the bottom. Then, latch the lid to the canner and build the pressure. The amount of pressure utilized depends on your altitude and the particular recipe.

“In my area with my altitude, I add 10 pounds of pressure to everything I do,” Ansley explained. “When you latch your lid down, you're going to build the pressure inside that canister until you can see a small stream of steam being released. Then you have a weight that you would place on the 10-pound setting. So, if at any point the pressure builds above 10 pounds, it's going to automatically release pressure.”

After the pressure is maintained for the recommended processing time, turn off the heat and let the pressure go down in the canner. Do not turn the heat off and open the canner immediately, as it can cause burns and make the lids pop off the jars, defeating the purpose of the canning process. Once the canner is cooled and the pressure is back at zero, you can remove the jars and continue to let them cool. As the jars cool, a vacuum seal forms, preserving the food.

Getting Started

After getting a glimpse into the wonderful world of at-home canning, you may not know where to start. Ansley suggests starting simple, “I would recommend starting simple with jams and jellies. You can buy a simple water bath canning kit at a retail store for less than $25 or $30. I would recommend starting with water bath canning as there are a lot of different things that you can water bath can to find out whether or not you like it.”

There are many additional resources available for those looking to get started with at-home canning. “A wonderful resource is the Ball Blue Book of Canning; it provides great insight,” Ansley said. “It is great for people who are new and have never done it before. It lays everything out very clearly and it shows you the times that you need to process each item based on the size of the jar you're putting in or what the contents are.”

Canning can be extremely rewarding, but safety should always be considered first. If you find yourself canning and have a question or need some help, be sure to utilize the USDA’s resources to understand the ins and outs of safe at-home canning. For the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning, visit nifa.usda.gov/ about-nifa/blogs/usdas-completeguide-home-canning.

From One Come Many

Propagating Your Favorite Houseplants

by Morgan Cole

If you’re a plant lover, chances are you look for every opportunity to grow your collection. But did you know that you can grow your own plant babies without a greenhouse or any expensive equipment? The act of propagation—using a piece of one plant to grow another—is a simple and thoughtful way to take something you’ve tended with love and share it with others to enjoy.

You can propagate a plant in many ways—from seed or even spore, by dividing roots under the soil or starting with a plantlet. Propagating from cuttings is one of the easiest and most widely used methods of propagation. While the process requires quite a bit of patience, you’ll learn how to propagate more plant babies in no time. Here, we show propagation with a plantlet or cutting.

Step 1 - Make the Cut

Find a plantlet growing around the base of your mature plant, and follow that plantlet’s stem into the soil a few centimeters down. With sharp scissors or a knife, make a gentle cut to release it.

TIP: If you don’t have a planetlet, you can use a cutting from the mature plant itself. Choose a healthy, nonwoody, green stem. Make a cut just below the bump where a leaf attaches to the stem, this is called a “node.” This cutting can be placed into water to root just like a plantlet.

Step 2 - Settle into Water

Place your plantlet — with its cut end fully submerged—into a clear vessel of warm water. The vessel should have enough space to allow the roots to lengthen and expand.

TIP: A clear vessel is best for propagating because it allows more sunlight to pass through—and it lets you see what’s happening to the root growth and water clarity. If algae and bacteria are taking over, you’ll be able to notice and can do a quick water refresh.

Step 3 - Keep Growing

When the water in the vessel gets cloudy, pour it out and replace it with fresh water (about once a week). Keep your plantlet in bright, indirect sunlight for 2 to 4 weeks, and you’ll begin to see the roots sprouting. Once the plantlet’s roots are at least 4 inches long, it’s ready to be planted in soil.

Step 4 - Pot Your Plant

Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes, and fill it with moist soil. Pull your plantlet out of the water, gently gather the roots into a clump (or “root ball”) and plant it about 2 inches below the soil’s surface. For the first week or so, be sure to keep the soil moist as your plant baby adjusts to life outside its watery vessel.

Monsteras, hoyas, snake plants and pathos are great plants for propagating and have a fairly high success rate.

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Secret Gardens of Pensacola

A Peek Behind the Fences of the City’s Most Stunning Gardens

by Morgan Cole

One of the best ways to discover new species of plants, landscape designs and general gardening techniques, is by visiting other gardens and chatting with the folks who cultivated them. That’s the premise behind the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs Secret Gardens of Emerald Coast Tour. The annual Secret Garden Tour offers both veteran and aspiring gardeners the opportunity to visit the private gardens of local homeowners and find wonder and inspiration in their unique and charming outdoor spaces, both large and small. This year, the tour showcased five private, residential gardens, which were each selected by the Secret Gardens Tour committee based on their creativity, use of native plants, stunning garden features and interesting horticulture specimens.

The Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Tour was held May 17-18, but don’t worry if you weren’t able to attend! We visited and photographed each of the spectacular gardens to bring you highlights from this year’s tour. A special thanks goes out to Lynn Page and Virginia Manthei at the Pensacola Garden Center for all of their hard work and for helping us coordinate each of the garden visits. From shady palm estates and stunning greenhouses bursting with the sights and smells of the tropics to an impressive collection of more than 400 orchids, you’re sure to find some inspiration within these local secret gardens.

Andy + Gen Braun | Milton

Featuring a stunning array of ornate orchid specimens, this poolside garden space is sure to have you in awe. Over the last 20 years, Andy Braun has curated an impressive collection of more than 400 dazzling orchid species. As a young man, he always thought orchids were exotic and too out of reach. That was until the day his wife, Gen, decided to buy an orchid for Easter instead of the traditional lily. Andy was instantly intrigued and headed to the store and ended up purchasing two of his own orchids from the half-price plant rack. He soon began researching just about everything there was to know about orchids and their care, and has been hooked ever since! Andy is fascinated by the dependent relationship between orchids and other flora and fauna. This fascination let to the couple's stunning collection of 482 orchids.

Andy and Gen have lived in Milton for three and a half years and grow a majority of their plants in their poolside greenhouse. Their collection includes species of plants from around the world as well as historical plants. The couple’s collection also consists of many wild-collected species from around the world, including one of Andy’s most prized orchids that was imported from Australia and dates back to the 1940s. During the hot summer months, you will find the Braun’s plants growing inside of their screened-in pool enclosure or hanging from a wooden pergola situated on the side of their yard. “Orchids are not difficult to grow, just different,” Andy explained.

Traverniti Gardens | West Pensacola

Traverniti Gardens is situated on six acres of private land with a freshwater canal flowing across the back of the property. This property enjoys a warmer microclimate than surrounding areas due to its proximity to the wet-prairie landscapes of the nearby Tarkiln Bayou Preserve. Each section of the sprawling tropical oasis was carefully planned out to be accessible yet still secluded, serving as the homeowner’s own private paradise. As you enter the property, you drive down a winding shaded driveway that’s lined with native Magnolia Grandiflora trees and a stunning array of mature palms.

The sprawling gardens are a labor of love for homeowner Joe Traverniti, who repurposed old concrete from a nearby demolition project to construct his own water features throughout the property, including a drainage gully with retaining walls and cascading waterfall flowing into a large pond filled with flowering lily pads. Other defining characteristics of this tropical escape include a number of species of mature palm trees, towering bamboos, banana trees and other exotic plants.

The expansive property also hosts a number of fenced-in and open edible gardens tied together by wide pathways, providing easy access at harvest time. Edible crops include everything from potatoes, elephant garlic, chives and ginger to onions, tomatoes, turmeric, strawberries and beyond. Nestled amongst the edible gardens, grows one of the homeowner’s most prized specimens—an heirloom Florida Cracker Rose (also known as a China rose) propagated from an 1897 cutting.

The homeowner also constructed a large greenhouse on the property, which serves as home to a number of tropical plants and manmade concrete trees for epiphytes to grow on. The lush greenhouse also hosts a number of sprawling cacti, climbing vines and rare plant species—both ornamental and edible. However, the real star of the show is the mature starfruit tree situated at the heart of the greenhouse.

Scott + Becky Snyder | East Hill

Personally landscaped by homeowners Scott and Becky Snyder, this “not so secret” four-season garden boasts more than 100 varieties of different plants and flowers. The Snyder’s corner lot provides ample space for their bountiful front yard gardens, which are filled with flowering ornamentals, tasty edibles and numerous pollinators. The Snyder’s have purposefully cultivated their gardens to not only be accessible to them, but also to their friends, neighbors and passers-by.

The walk from Avery Street enters at Victory Garden, which is filled with ginger and tumeric. Poison bulbs, swamp lilies and thornless blackberries line the street. Endless summer hydrangeas and Texas star hibiscus are situated to the left of Victory Garden beneath two shady oak trees. To the right side of the garden entrance, is an ever-changing vegetable garden. A limelight hydrangea brightens up the yard with beautiful blooms during summer and fall. Along the front porch is a hosta bed with spiral ginger center and three large oak leaf hydrangeas. The step up to the couple’s front porch is filled with lemongrass and potted bromeliads, perfectly framing the entry to the front door.

Along the corner of the property beneath the street sign, is Sundial Garden, which is filled with multiple lilies, blackberries and oregano. Located on the east side of the property, is Stephanie’s Garden, which was named in honor of a dear friend who was blinded by an attempted suicide and now inspires others through her story of resilience. This garden is one for the senses, featuring an abundance of fragrant herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil and Mexican sage at the center. Along the sidewalk is a large crepe myrtle-shaded pollinator garden filled with daylilies, firespike, native azaleas, milkweed and giant coneflower.

Some other highlights of this garden include an eight-year-old plum tree and 100 year-old damask rose trellised by repurposed wrought iron window bars. A teak loveseat is situated along the side of the home in front of three cassia trees, which resemble golden raindrops when in bloom. Along the side of the house underneath a driftwood gate, is the couple’s prized camelia, cultivated by three-time past president and board member of the Pensacola Camellia Club, John Davey. Other varieties of Davey’s camellias are planted throughout the yard to provide some color when nothing else is blooming.

Paul + Virginia Williard | Warrington

From the cottage-inspired garden shed to the tranquil goldfish pond, the Williard’s charming backyard garden is filled with whimsical touches. As you enter the backyard, you are immediately greeted by a stunning array of blooming orchids hanging beneath a large crepe myrtle tree and several fruit trees. The entire backyard is surrounded by blooming azaleas—all planted nearly 40 years ago by Virginia’s parents who once owned the home. The expansive backyard is shaded by a number of large oak trees, one of which Virgina has fond memories of from growing up in the house when she was a child.

Growing under the shade of a large oak tree, sits the Williard’s prized 100-year-old night-blooming cereus plants, which showcase beautiful fragrant blooms several times during the warm season. Near a large outdoor patio space is a lovely garden shed, affectionately referred to as “Grannie’s Gardenia Cottage.” The cottage-like shed houses the Williard’s gardening tools and includes a potting table and numerous shelves for displaying potted plants. The garden shed also boasts a shaded front patio area that’s lined with a variety of potted plants and colorful, blooming bromeliads. Next to Grannie’s Gardenia Cottage, is a large wooden pergola covered with flowering vines, providing overhead shade for the tranquil goldfish pond situated below. The pond was lovingly built by the Williard’s son, and serves as home to a variety of coy and goldfish. A quaint garden bench was situated nearby for relaxing and enjoying the fish. The Williard’s also have a designated space in their garden for different varieties of blooming annuals, making them readily available for fresh flower arrangements.

The large shaded back yard has many separate garden areas, including a circular flowerbed blossoming with beautiful daylilies, numerous vibrantly colored bromeliads, several gardenia bushes and a large shaded plant bed with an iron plant, ginger, hibiscus and more. The real star of this charming garden is the Williard’s 35-year-old staghorn fern that is prominently displayed at the center of the backyard. Hanging from a custom-built wooden structure, the impressive fern spans nearly 4-feet across and weighs more than 40 pounds.

Charles + Tami Buzbee | Pensacola

They say that looks can be deceiving, and this is certainly the case when it comes to the Buzbee’s secret garden escape. As you drive down Chadwick Street off North Davis Highway, you suddenly stumble across a massive garden area, which is fairly uncommon for a property located inside city limits. The Buzbee’s property consists of two separate lots, one of which was later purchased for the sole purpose of expanding their garden. Today, the couple’s nearly 1-acre property boasts a bountiful array of citrus trees, lush tropical palms, larger-than-life elephant ears and edible gardens.

As you enter the left-side of the property, you are greeted by rows of banana trees, thornless blackberries, blueberries and three tall rows of scuppernong and muscadine grapes.

During the summer months, you’ll find vegetables growing between the towering rows of sweet grapes. Some of this year’s crops include tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, jalapenos, okra, sweet potatoes, and last but not least—one of Mrs. Buzbee’s personal favorites—purple hull peas. Situated near the back corner of the property behind the edible gardens, lies an unexpected surprise—a grove of more than 19 citrus trees including lemon, lime, orange, loquat, blood orange and more.

A white sandy pathway lined in lush tropical plants and elephant ears, leads you from the left side of the property into the Buzbee’s shaded backyard retreat. You’re immediately greeted by a large swimming pool and numerous entertaining areas consisting of multi-level decks and patio spaces, including a fire pit. Along the back corner of the pool, sits a one-of-a-kind rock structure with a cascading waterfall, which was designed and built by Charles Buzbee. The impressive waterfall feature boasts a spa tub at the summit and a walkthrough cave that leads to the top of the structure.

The couple’s outdoor living area is surrounded by colorful potted plants and palms, providing an exceptional place for evening dinner parties or relaxing with a drink.

Modern Coastal

by Kelly Oden

Photos by Steven Gray of Camera and Flask

While this standard piling home initially left much to be desired, its bayfront location in Gulf Breeze Proper was a truly spectacular selling point. Previously serving as a long-term rental property for many years, the home was purchased by a young professional who enlisted In Detail Interiors Owner and Creative Chief, Cheryl Kees Clendenon, Senior Designer, Libby Kees and Operations Director and Designer, Liz Lapan, to reimagine the space into a beautiful and modern coastal home. Collaborating with a local contractor, Heath Kelly Construction, they set out to redefine the space and embrace its natural beauty.

While the original structure was functional, it lacked the charm and layout suitable for the client's needs. The team reconfigured the layout to maximize space and capture the breathtaking views, making it more conducive to modern living for the homeowner and his two young sons. They also added architectural elements and layers of texture to create a space that combines subdued coastal and organic themes with a masculine and modern edge.

Once the team established a broad vision for the project, the homeowner gave them creative control of the renovation. “The homeowner was happy to engage someone who knew what they were doing to create something wonderful for him in his space. That trust propagated the creative for the project right on through to the final detail at installation. It was a great case study for how strong design direction from the very beginning works best to achieve the homeowner’s goals. The vision and presentation were comprehensive and allowed him to sit back and say yes to things he loved and then enjoy the journey and the end results,” Clendenon said.

Throughout the renovation process, the team paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element served both form and function. From the strategic placement of the floor to ceiling windows to the selection of materials and finishes, every decision was made with the client's lifestyle and preferences in mind.

“It is such a great example of how a basic builder grade house can be totally upgraded to something refined, more contemporary and unlike anything else on the market. It also shows how one can create a coastal aesthetic with great organic layers and unique materials without a single spot of turquoise or seashells anywhere,” Lapan said.

In the end, this once modest piling house emerged as a modern coastal sanctuary, perfectly tailored to the client's needs and desires. The renovation project underscores the power of vision, creativity and collaboration—transforming a simple structure into a timeless waterfront retreat.

Foyer and Living Area

The transformation of the home is clear as soon as one enters the foyer where the architectural elements take center stage. A striking entry door and tall, offset side window add a sense of drama to the small space. The towering plant wall adds a pop of green and continues the theme of bringing the outdoors inside. Not just for decoration, the plant wall also serves as a drop zone with storage space for kids' backpacks and shoes. More importantly, it was a way to utilize the large space and create a foyer on one side and a masterfully designed casual breakfast nook on the other.

For the living area, the team accentuated the vaulted ceiling with dark box beams and opened up the kitchen and dining area walls to create a more fluid space, allowing for better flow and connectivity. A focal point emerged with the addition of floor-to-ceiling center-opening windows that invite ample natural light and highlight the panoramic views. The living area exudes a masculine coastal vibe, characterized by bold statements and organic textures. The foyer and living area set the tone for the rest of the house, offering a glimpse into the meticulous attention to detail and innovative design solutions employed throughout the renovation.

“The homeowner wanted to embrace the natural beauty because it's a stunning lot. One of the goals was to bring in more natural light and to take advantage of the coastal scenery. Everything we did was to compliment the incredible view,” Clendenon explained.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, modernity meets functionality. Euro-style cabinetry built by Paulk Woodworking is crafted from solid walnut and exudes sophistication and modern style. Clever design choices, such as the waterfall edges and sleek cabinets with hidden hardware elevate the space, making it both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical.

“We wanted something a little more modern. It's a small kitchen, so we needed to pack a lot of architectural design into it. We did a wood bar top with a waterfall and a quartz countertop with a waterfall, so they're married waterfalls. The hood is a concrete faux finish by Big Finish. And then we did something a little unusual where we paired the natural walnut upper cabinets with charcoal painted bottom cabinets for that masculine feel,” Clendenon said.

Dining

Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room offers a tranquil retreat, reminiscent of a treehouse. Textured wallpaper adds warmth and character, while the large, circular wooden chandelier adds height and drama to the room. Minimalistic window treatments allow for unobstructed views of the yard and bay. The harmonious blend of natural elements and contemporary design create an inviting space for intimate gatherings and family meals.

Master Suite

One of the primary changes in the master bedroom was the addition of floor to ceiling windows along the entire bay facing wall. The windows serve as architectural elements that frame the property’s main attraction—the view. A dark wood-slatted ceiling adds a masculine texture, while the wooden headboard and linen bedding add an organic coastal style. The master suite consists of the bedroom, an adjoining office, a master bath and access to an outdoor living space.

In the master bath, an oversized mirror adds drama, while offset cylindrical pendants elongate the marble-topped vanity area. Porcelain tiles in the shower offer the only hint of subtle blue-green in the home, and textured high-end vinyl wallpaper adds a unique touch.

Exterior/Outdoor Spaces

One of the primary challenges during the renovation was the exterior. With a condo-like feel, it needed a facelift to match the client's vision. The siding and garage doors were replaced, the entire house was repainted in deep, natural tones and strategic changes were made to the windows to enhance natural light and frame the picturesque surroundings. The team also reconfigured outdoor spaces to create a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living, inviting the outside in and vice versa.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

June 17-21

Grades 1-6

MondaysJune/July

Grades 6-12 DANCE

June 18-22

Grades 7-12

July29-Aug.3

Grades 1- 8

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Schedule

June home games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For tickets and information, visit milb.com/pensacola.

June 4 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

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

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

June 7 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

June 8 at 6:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

June 9 at 4:05 pm - Mississippi Braves vs Blue Wahoos

June 18 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

June 19 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

June 20 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

June 21 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

June 22 at 6:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

June 23 at 4:05 pm - Chattanooga Lookouts vs Blue Wahoos

Blue Angels Practice Dates

June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 25 & 26

The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola select days throughout the year. Guests can come to the National Naval Aviation Museum to watch the practice for free, with gates opening at 9:30 am. The practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels will take off around 10:30 am and the practices last for about 55 minutes. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels

East

Hill Makers Market

June 4

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, food trucks and kids activities at the East Hill Makers Market. Hosted at Cordova Square by the East Hill Neighborhood Association, the market will feature over 40 craft and food vendors. Come shop, meet and mingle with your neighbors from 3 to 6 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Cordova Square is located at 1101 N. 12th Avenue. For more information, visit myeasthill.org/market.

The Happy Together Tour

June 4

2024 will mark the fifteenth year of the highly successful, hit-filled summer package, The “Happy Together” Tour. The touring sensation that has criss-crossed the nation delighting audiences for over a decade returns this summer with a show full of chart-topping hits from the 60s and 70s—an undeniable 61 Billboard Top 40 smashes. The tour is once again joined by The Turtles, who also act as musical hosts for the evening, as well as Jay and the Americans, The Association, Badfinger, The Vogues and The Cowsills. The show will take place at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, located at 118 S. Palafox St. Doors open at 7 pm and showtime is 8 pm. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Flora-Bama’s 11th Annual Fishing Rodeo

June 7-9

The “Funnest” Fishing Tournament on the Gulf Coast—the Flora-Bama's Annual Fishing Rodeo—is the "Every Man's" fishing rodeo. Join the Flora-Bama team for a weekend of fishing, festivities and fun. The Fishing Rodeo is a 3-day Captain's Choice tournament with anglers competing for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in 30 categories. Accompanying the tournament will be a three day beach party and awards ceremony that will include daily weigh-ins with a viewing area, live music, great food, vendor booths and hospitality done in true Flora-Bama fashion! Bring all the family and friends for a fun packed weekend. The Flora-Bama is located at 17401 Perdido Key Dr. in Pensacola. To register, get tickets or learn more about the event, visit florabama.com/ fishing-rodeo.

EVENT CALENDAR

Sir Richard’s Oyster Bash

June 8

Spend your Saturday eating fresh and delicious oysters at Sir Richard’s Oyster Bash. Starting at 2 pm at Sir Richard’s Public House, guests can enjoy market price oysters by the half-dozen. With so many oysters, it is okay to be a little shellfish and keep a few plates to yourself. In addition, Sir Richard’s will offer drink specials during the bash. If you want something to accompany your oysters, a full food truck menu will be available for orders throughout the event. Sir Richard's Public House is located at 2719 E. Cervantes St. For more information, visit sirrichardslounge.com.

World Ocean Day

June 8

World Ocean Day is here again! Celebrate with a fun day of family-friendly activities. Start off your morning with a beach yoga session courtesy of Bliss Yoga at Perdido Key Beach Access #4. After yoga, participate in a volunteer beach clean-up activity, check out exciting vendors at the beach or interact with a turtle and visit with Ocean Experts. The day will conclude with an ocean-themed family movie at the Southwest Library Branch on Gulf Beach Hwy. All activities will run between 7:30 am and 2 pm and are free to attend. For activity times and more information, visit business. visitperdido.com/events.

Pride-Themed Pensacola Arts Markets

June 8 & 22

Pensacola Arts Market will host two Pridethemed markets during the month of June. On June 8 and 22, enjoy browsing and shopping with LGBTQ+ and ally artists and artisans. Over 50 vendors will be in attendance offering a variety of handcrafted goods, art pieces, homemade treats, vintage wares and more. This family friendly event is open to all ages and admission is free. The markets are hosted at Cordova Square, located at 1101 N. 12th Ave., at the corner of E. Gonzalez St. and 12th Ave. in East Hill. The event begins at 11 am and runs until 4 pm both days. For more information, visit @pensacolaartsmarket on Facebook and Instagram.

EVENT CALENDAR

Pensacola International Billfish Tournament

June 12-16

The Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club will host its 53rd annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. For those who have not fished the Pensacola International Billfish tournament hosted by the PBGFC, you are in for a treat. The tournament is during the hottest billfish action of the season. The event kicks off on June 12 with a captain’s meeting and ends June 16 with an awards banquet. The Pensacola International Billfish Tournament is hosted at the Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor, located at 997 S. Palafox St. For more information, visit pbgfc.com/ pensacola-international-billfish.

PensaPride

June 15

Pensacola’s annual PensaPride event is back! PensaPride is a day-long celebration of LGBTQ+ life, love and togetherness during Pride Month. The event features a variety of LGBTQ+ vendors, small businesses, artists, performers and more. Enjoy browsing locally-made products, listening to local musicians and savoring tasty bites. This year’s PensaPride is switching locations to the expo hall at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds at 6655 Mobile Hwy. The event will run from 10 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is $1. For more information, visit pensapride.org.

Bridgerton Bridal Showcase

June 13

Whether you are a bride-to-be, or simply a fan of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, this bridal showcase is for you. From 5 to 9 pm, guests will enjoy a lovely evening promenade, celebrate and watch the release of the new Bridgerton episode, and view the works of amazing local vendors and small businesses in the wedding and events industry. The evening will feature Bridgerton-inspired wedding gowns and local wedding vendors, a regency era costume contest, a new episode watch party and a regency era cocktail menu. If you are feeling the spirit, wear your most elegant regency wear. The showcase will be held at Garden & Grain at 50 E. Garden St. For more information, visit perfectplain.com.

Opera After Dark: An Evening with Nicole Heinen

June 13

Pensacola Opera is thrilled to announce the new Opera After Dark series! Bathed in the glow of neon lights, local singers bring audiences a cabaret-style concert blending the beauty of opera and classical singing with the vibrant energy that only ignites after dark. On June 13, 2023-24 soprano Studio Artist, Nicole Heinen, will take the stage to perform a variety of cabaret songs, showtunes, and standards—including selections by Benjamin Britten, Kander & Ebb, and songs made famous by Édith Piaf. Heinen will be accompanied by Cody Martin on piano. Opera After Dark is hosted at the Pensacola Opera Center at 75 S. Tarragona St. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the performance begins at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via pensacolaopera.com.

Murder Mystery & Comedy Show

June 14

Calling all sleuths! America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre is now playing in Pensacola. Get ready to laugh and solve a mystery while enjoying a delicious murder mysterythemed dinner. The Dinner Detetive’s engaging and unique murder mystery theatre performances have been playing across the country since 2004. Come out for an evening full of intrigue, hilarity and unscripted moments you simply can’t find anywhere else. The Murder Mystery & Comedy Show will be hosted from 6 to 10 pm at 5eleven Palafox (511 S. Palafox St.). For tickets and more information, visit facebook.com/5elevenpalafox.

Uptown Birthday Bash

June 15

O’Riley’s Uptown Tavern is turning 21! Stop by on June 15 to celebrate at Uptown’s 21st Birthday Bash! There will be an “All You Can Drink” special for $21 on select products from 8 to 10 pm for attendees to enjoy, as well as with commemorative t-shirts for all participants. In addition, enjoy classic American catering from Wrighteous Eats Food Truck and stick around late for a prize balloon drop. O'Riley's Uptown Tavern is located at 3728 Creighton Rd. in Pensacola. For more information, visit orileystavern.com.

Pups for Pride

June

22

Join WolfGang Pensacola and Perfect Plain on June 22 for a fabulous and fun-filled event—Pups for Pride! This event features a human and pup-friendly brunch featuring bagels, fresh fruit, champagne, custom dog treats and delicious pup cups. There will also be drink specials, a doggy glam bar, karaoke and more. Pups for Pride will kick off at Garden & Grain located at 50 E. Garden St. in downtown Pensacola. The event runs from 11 am to 3 pm, and tickets are $40 per person. For tickets and complete event details, visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

White Tie Rock Ensemble Presents Americana Rock

June 22

The White Tie Rock Ensemble is bringing their tribute to Americana Rock to the Pensacola Bay Center. The event will feature music from Americana Rock’s biggest artists including the Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Steve Miller Band, John Mellencap and Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band. Doors open at 7 pm and the event begins at 8 pm. The Pensacola Bay Center is located at 201 E. Gregory St. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and other information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

A Night of Smooth Jazz at The Gordon

June 29

Stop by The Gordon Community Arts Center in downtown Pensacola for A Night of Smooth Jazz. On June 29, jazz musician Christopher Rhodes will take the stage and perform with styles from the likes of Marcus Miller, Stanley Clark and Wayman Tisdale. Rhodes will be playing two shows during the evening, with the first show set to begin at 6:30 pm and the second at 9 pm. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. in downtown Pensacola. Tickets to the event are $35. For tickets and more information, visit lalabeanmusic.com.

Firecracker 5K

June 29

The annual Firecracker 5K is back! Run for a cause in this annual race that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities. The race will take place in historic downtown Pensacola, starting and ending at Seville Quarter (130 E. Government St.). Both runners and walkers alike are invited to join in on the fun. Kids are also invited to participate in a fun run

following the main 5K. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to this Fourth of July-themed race. For more information or to register, visit rmhc-nwfl. org/events/firecracker-5k.

Pensacola Splash Fest

June 29

Come cool off and have some fun at the 2nd Annual Pensacola Splash Fest. Hosted at Community Maritime Park in downtown Pensacola, the event will feature numerous water slide bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip ‘n slides, dunk tank, corn hole, a watermelon eating competition and more. The day of family fun begins at 10 am and runs until 7 pm. Wristbands will be issued at entrance to those who wish to enjoy all of the slides/bounce houses all day long. For advanced tickets and more information, visit apexshowsandevents.com/6%2F29-splash-fest.

Pensacola Habitat For Humanity Takeover Night At Blue Wahoos Stadium

July 3

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity (PHH) will be taking over the stadium at the Blue Wahoos home game on July 3. During the game, PHH staff and volunteers will be filling the concession stands, selling tickets, participating in on-field activities, handing out freebies and more. This evening of baseball, community and partnership will help raise thousands of dollars for PHH’s mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The night will begin at 6 pm and come to a close around 9 pm with a spectacular fireworks show. 100% of proceeds from tickets sold by PHH benefit their mission. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolahabitat.org.

EVENT CALENDAR

Fireworks at the Beach

July

4

Head over to beautiful Pensacola Beach to get into the patriotic spirit this Fourth of July! Enjoy the white sands and crashing waves of the beach. Be sure to keep your eyes on the night sky this Fourth of July for a dazzling fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sky! Both firework shows will simulcast live on Cat Country 98.7 radio station. Event-goers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany both firework displays. The show will begin at 9 pm at the sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.

Business Climate

Special Section • June 2024

47 Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035 City of Pensacola begins strategic planning process

51 Around the Region

Find out what's happening in business, government and cultural news throughout Pensacola and Northwest Florida.

Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035 Pensacola Begins Strategic Planning Process

City officials are seeking input from the public as part of the city’s new 10-year strategic plan, Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035.

In December 2023, the city and Mayor D.C. Reeves hired international urban planning firm Gehl Studio out of Copenhagen, Denmark, to develop a strategic plan for the city for $125,000.

The city will start the strategic planning process with the Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035 Visioning Survey, an online public survey that will serve as a key component in helping shape a comprehensive vision for the Pensacola. The city wants input from anyone who lives, works or visits Pensacola.

The process will include citywide engagement with focus groups, extensive research into the city's strengths, opportunities and how Pensacola can better anticipate and take advantage of global trends. Once complete, the plan will cast a vision for the next decade of investments and set key goals and priorities.

Following a policy analysis phase, which explored key topics like attainable housing, active mobility and economic development, Gehl is now seeking input from Pensacola residents to help shape this strategic vision.

"Before taking office, I promised we would align and collaborate behind a plan. That process starts now,” said Mayor D.C. Reeves. “The process Gehl Studio has laid out for us includes significant engagement with individuals and groups from across our city. This additional input will ensure we hear from every part of our city to create Pensacola's vision."

The City has recently launched the Strive to Thrive Pensacola 2035 Visioning Survey, a public online survey to provide input that will help shape the comprehensive vision for our community. Anyone who lives, works or visits Pensacola is invited to participate.

The Strive to Thrive Pensacola 2035 Visioning Survey builds on the previously conducted Pensacola's Resident Satisfaction Survey, and invites the public to share their perception of Pensacola today, and their ideas about what the future of Pensacola should be. This survey will assist the project team in identifying priority goals and initiatives to help Pensacola become a more equitable, livable and resilient city.

The Visioning Survey will be live through July 31 and will complement a series of additional community engagement

Pensacola will be at its best when it's a city not just for some of us, but for all of us."

- Mayor D.C. Reeves

efforts, including a public open house that will be held this summer for members of the community to share ideas inperson with city staff and members of the Gehl team. Pop-up surveys will also be distributed at various events held in Pensacola neighborhoods throughout the summer.

Gehl is a networked urban design and research consultancy offering expertise in the fields of urban design, master planning, strategy and city planning. Gehl addresses global trends with a people-focused approach, utilizing empirical analysis to understand how the built environment can promote well-being.

Gehl’s work is based on the human dimension – the effect of the built environment on social interaction between people. Gehl considers lively and widely used public spaces to be vital keys to quality of life in cities and to overall well-being. Gehl has led city vision plans and strategies in hundreds of cities around the globe, from Buenos Aires to Charlotte to West Palm Beach.

"Pensacola is growing and has numerous plans from the tapestry of public and private stakeholders that shape this city, Yet, from our research, we haven't found a unifying vision of

what Pensacola aspires to,” Gehl Team Leader Anna Muessig said. “We feel privileged to support a process to understand the common threads that tie this city together, and together with private and public stakeholders, develop a vision to unite the city around the priority goals and aspirations for the next 10 years. We hope to see you at an open house or pop-up event in your community this spring and summer to help craft this vision together.”

To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, visit cityofpensacola.com to sign up for email or text notifications or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.

City Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Provides Opportunities to Local Youth and City Employees

The City of Pensacola and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida matched 11 Pensacola High School students and 10 city employees to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Beyond School Walls program for the 2023 academic year.

The Beyond School Walls program aims to assist selected students by improving their chances of graduating high school and transitioning into college, vocational school or the military. Through the program, city employees are able to mentor high school juniors during their first year and continue mentoring those students until the end of their senior year.

"Witnessing the growth in confidence and seeing the tangible benefits that the program brings to both mentors and mentees is truly heartwarming," BBBS Match Specialist Samantha Romero said. "Every step forward, every moment of breakthrough, reinforces the importance of mentoring and the impact it has on shaping brighter futures in our community. Our partnership with the City of Pensacola is a testament to the idea that you don't always have to carve out extra time to mentor a youth; instead, you can simply share the time you already have."

The city's two-year partnership with BBBS Northwest Florida has removed the main barrier to volunteering that many working-class citizens face — time. Through this partnership and the Beyond School Walls program, city employees have the opportunity to volunteer for one workday a month. During this time, mentors work in groups or individually with their mentees and help them reach their academic and extra-curricular goals through real-life discussions and activities emphasizing the realities of life after high school and its demands. The discussions and activities often include field trips, guest speakers, ACT/SAT preparation, scholarship planning, and summer job or internship planning.

"Beyond School Walls is effective because it allows students to explore the workforce and get a sneak peek at life after graduation," Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator Kelsey Powell said. "We help students identify their passions, set goals, and chart a course for success — whatever that might look like for that particular kid."

Some City of Pensacola employees perform community services throughout the year. However, for many, mentorship provides the best reward. In one day a month, you can truly impact a child's life and show them that their goals are obtainable with planning, dedication and determination.

"It's important to provide city staff with opportunities to reach our young people, as they will one day lead our city and fuel the direction of Pensacola," Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "These students chose to participate in this program, which shows they are willing to take the extra step to learn, grow and forge their own paths. I hope they all continue to build life-changing connections with their mentors and enjoy their experience at the City of Pensacola."

The students completed the last session of their junior year on May 3 and will begin the first session of their senior year in October.

For more information about the City of Pensacola's local youth partnerships, contact Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator Kelsey Powell at 850-435-1682.

Around the Region

Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute Celebrates 1,000th WatchmanTM Procedure

Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists, advanced practice providers and BHVI leadership gathered May 1 to celebrate the performance of its 1,000th Watchman™ procedure. The procedure is a potentially life-saving treatment for people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for having a stroke.

“We’re excited about this tremendous milestone our team has reached,” Baptist Hospital Vice President and Administrator Beau Pollard said. “Our doctors have now provided this treatment that helps reduce the risk of stroke to 1,000 patients, and we’re proud to offer that level of experience and expertise for our patients.”

Patients who may be considered for the Watchman™ procedure have non-valvular atrial fibrillation and are at increased risk for stroke. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers, causing sporadic heart palpitations that can allow blood to stagnate in the left atrial appendage and eventually clot. These clots can break away and enter the bloodstream, causing a stroke. AFib patients are five times more likely to have a stroke.

The Watchman™ device is threaded through a vein in the leg and into the heart where it is implanted at the opening of the left atrial appendage. It serves as a barrier to prevent clots from entering the bloodstream. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the heart catheterization laboratory and usually lasts about an hour followed by a 24-hour hospital stay.

Baptist introduced the Watchman™ procedure to Northwest Florida in 2016. For more information about the Watchman™ and other treatment options available at Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/heart. For appointments, call (448) 227-6500.

UWF announces $150,000 Gift to Establish the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers

A $150,000 gift to the University of West Florida established the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Endowment for Industrial Careers and named the Elizabeth S. Calhoun Analytical Lab, which will benefit undergraduate chemistry majors in UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. The endowment will focus on supporting women and Pell-eligible students.

"We are so grateful for Dr. Calhoun's generosity and for her support of our Chemistry program,” Dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering Dr. Mohamed Khabou said. “Her gift will enhance the hands-on education our Chemistry students receive and will enable them to pursue a career as impressive as Dr. Calhoun's."

Recognized as the first female graduate from the chemistry department at UWF, Calhoun had a successful more than 35-year career in the chemistry industry. Calhoun worked for Celanese, a global chemical and fibers company, in many different capacities including technical development, technical sales and marketing, quality management and environmental, health and safety. Prior to retirement, the last position she held was international director of environmental health and safety for Celanese Acetate where she was responsible for providing the business with effective and efficient environmental health, safety, product stewardship and toxicology programs and services worldwide, which promote regulatory compliance and fosters responsible risk management.

"I believe that I got an exceptional education at UWF that propelled me into the workplace with the knowledge and the poise to be a success,” Calhoun said. “It was almost unseen in the late 60’s and early 70’s for a woman to graduate in chemistry and to go into the workplace in a position other than a secretary or a teacher. It took me a couple of positions at other companies to prove my worth, but I eventually became the first professional (exempt) woman to be hired by Celanese out of industry. I don’t think this would have been possible without my time

Around the Region

at UWF so it is important to me that I give back to the University every year so that they can continue to help others gain the knowledge and building blocks necessary to be successful in today’s workforce.”

For more information about the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, visit uwf.edu/hmcse.

ST Engineering Helps Booker T. Washington

High School Graduates Transition to the Workforce

ST Engineering extended employment and internship opportunities to five graduating seniors from Booker T. Washington High School's Aviation Academy during the school's Honors Night celebration on May 21. Students Rilley Gann, Eric Halseth, Jessica Chan, Danniya Moorer and Robert Tompkins all received either part-time employment or internship opportunities, with four students receiving the $2,500 prestigious Mayor's Scholarship award. The five students are the first Booker T. Washington High School Aviation Academy graduates to gain employment at ST Engineering while undergoing post-secondary training at local institutions — a program ST Engineering and the City of Pensacola are looking to build upon through further efforts to afford all high school students opportunities in high-wage aviation positions. The internship and employment opportunities will allow the students to earn a paycheck and gain industry experience as they complete their academic programs. All students are set to receive their high school diplomas Friday, May 24. If the offers are accepted, the students will begin working at ST Engineering in June.

“This is, first and foremost, a great investment in our youth,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "We’re able to reward these students with scholarships, but also with opportunities at one of the top employers in our community. In that way, we’re also investing in Pensacola by showing these teens that after college or vocational school, there is so much available to them here when they’re ready to start a career.”

Since the June 2018 opening of Pensacola's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, ST Engineering has launched various successful programs that underscore the City of Pensacola and ST Engineering's commitment to developing a skilled local workforce for the aviation sector and a pipeline to employment in the aviation industry — including the Airman Trainee Program, Structures and Interior Internships, and the Military Fast Track program.

The City of Pensacola Economic Development Department's ongoing partnership with Pensacola State College, the Santa Rosa Economic Development Office and ST Engineering to construct an A&P Mechanics School on Pensacola International Airport property will create more opportunities for high-wage jobs for Pensacola youth. Often earning six-figure salaries within a few years into their careers, certified A&P mechanics are in high demand nationwide. For more information about the A&P Mechanics School and Booker T. Washington High School's Aviation Academy, please contact City of Pensacola Economic Development Director Erica Grancagnolo at 850-435-1687 or EGrancagnolo@cityofpensacola.com.

American Magic Unveils AC75 Race Boat

for 37th America's Cup

A landmark day unfolded for NYYC American Magic on Tuesday morning, May 7th, as Boat 3, "Patriot", embarked on its inaugural sail. Team members and their families gathered at their Barcelona team base for a christening ceremony preceding the sail of their new AC75, the foiling monohull set to be tested and raced by New York Yacht Club American Magic this summer in advance of the 37th America's Cup. Clare Harrington, Vice Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, had the honor of christening the team’s AC75 "Patriot."

In her address to an enthusiastic gathering of team members, friends, and family, Vice Commodore Claire Harrington commented, "The New York Yacht Club has never wavered from its core purpose of ensuring international competition at the highest level of skill and performance. That is our tradition. However, the launch of Patriot also signifies innovation, blending two distinct elements: tradition and innovation. And so I bring to American Magic the heartfelt wishes of all 3,400 plus members of the New York Yacht Club for your success in the upcoming competition, maintaining the club's tradition through your inspired innovation."

Terry Hutchinson, President of Sailing Operations at American Magic, contemplated the team's campaign to date, commenting, "As we reflect on the last 21 months, it's remarkable that we set a launch date of just three days from now. As a team, we persevered through adversity, especially in the early stages of the build when things didn't proceed perfectly."

Expressing gratitude towards the team principals, Hutchinson said, "The entire team is immensely grateful to Hap Fauth and Doug DeVos for their unwavering support. Without their vision and backing, none of this would have been possible. As a team, we are dedicated to honoring their commitment by striving for excellence in everything we do." Acknowledging the collective effort, he continued, "When you observe the families and children present, you realize the immense support, effort, and energy required to bring this boat to the water. While the production team's hard work is behind us, the focus and challenges for the sailing team and designers lie ahead."

In his speech to the team, Mike Cazer, CEO at American Magic, emphasized the team's collective dedication, stating, "Every person on this team understands our mission: to win America's Cup. Moreover, they clearly understand their role in helping the team accomplish this mission, and this team is highly talented and dedicated to the mission."

Cazer also highlighted the team's commitment to fostering a positive culture, saying, "In addition, the team is also committed to creating a positive and strong culture. Our culture reflects the values of our founders, Hap Fauth and Doug DeVos. These values champion excellence, innovation, integrity, unity, and teamwork. They give us a strong foundation to strive to accomplish our mission. To win the cup, to bring it back home to the United States and to the New York Yacht Club.

Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, American Magic’s new boat, Patriot, represents the culmination of US boat design and engineering excellence. Notable advancements include:

• Enhanced hull design to optimize performance in varying wind and sea states.

• New lighter foils with an increase in span to 4.5m, facilitating lift out of the water.

• Upgraded electronics, hydraulics, and software systems for improved control and maneuverability.

• Reducing crew size from eleven to eight members utilizes innovative cyclors (replacing grinders) powering the yacht's systems.

• The AC75 features a 26.5-meter mast, meticulously crafted by the American Magic team in the United States.

• The soft sail design comprises twin mainsails and a headsail (jib), resulting in a total sail area of approximately 230m².

• This configuration ensures maximum efficiency and performance. The development of Patriot was a collaborative effort involving American Magic's team of 30 designers, CFD analysts, engineers, naval architects, AI resources, and boatbuilders. Over 108,000 design and 65,000 construction hours were dedicated to refining every aspect of the boat.

Design Coordinator Scott Ferguson reflects, "We followed our own design path with Patriot as we pushed the limits of the AC75 rule while tailoring for the Barcelona venue. Our overall philosophy is minimalistic, as we've tried to squeeze down our volumes to the base minimum while still fitting

the crew and systems into the boat. There are tradeoffs for every decision regarding performance, weight, energy, and forgiveness. The design team, together with the sailing, shore, and build teams, have developed what we feel is a strong package for competing at a high level here in Barcelona.”

Patriot is poised to deliver high-performance sailing on the racecourse. The team anticipates that Patriot will excel in speed, agility, and maneuverability, providing a platform capable of winning the 37th America’s Cup.

Movies in the Park Series Returns to Community Maritime Park

The popular Movies in the Park series has returned to the Community Maritime Park offering free movies showings each month throughout the summer.

Bring your blankets and chairs then spread out on the lawn to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Pre-show activities begin at 6 pm. Movies begin at sunset. Movies are shown at the Hunter Amphitheater with grass seating only. This is a free community event. Parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall.

Concessions from local food trucks may be available for purchase and are subject to availability. Picnic baskets are welcome, however pets and glass containers are not permitted.

For more information, visit cityofpensacola.com/ 1162/Movies-In-the-Park-Series.

Upcoming Movies:

June 1 – The Marvels (Rated PG-13)

July 13 – Wonka (Rated PG)

August 10 - Rain Date

Around the Region

Farm Credit of Northwest Florida Returns Profits to Member-Owners

Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, a customer-owned lending cooperative, is distributing $4.4 million of its 2023 profits in cash to its member-owners. “Farm Credit’s mission is to provide reliable, consistent credit to the rural areas it serves. Returning excess profits to borrowers reduces their effective cost of borrowing and the money distributed to area farmers and landowners has a lasting impact on the economies of their rural communities,” CEO and President of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida John Gregory said. Patronage is a distribution of earnings by the cooperative to members based on the amount of business the member does with the cooperative. “With high interest rates and challenging times for agriculture and rural communities, the board of directors is delighted to distribute these funds back into the hands of our members,” Board Chairman Mark Fletcher stated.

Farm Credit of Northwest Florida is rooted in rural communities and passionate about helping those who call them home prosper. Along with loans to help finance the dreams of people who want to live, work or play in the country, the cooperative’s Rooted in Giving Program invests into the fabric of Panhandle communities through charitable donations, educational programs, sponsorships and this meaningful $4.4 million in funds back to our members and their communities.

ON THE MARKET a Real Estate Section

This Section

56. By The Numbers

look at April's

Estate

Highlights

Elevate Your Outdoor Retreat with Four Innovative Hardscaping Designs 60. How to Buy a Home in a High Interest Rate

62. Five Ways to Add this Trending Color to Your Kitchen and Bath 64. From Kitchen to Curb

Ways to Refresh Your Home

BY THE NUMBERS

A Look at April's Market Highlights

Market Highlights

First quarter sales improved 30% over the same period last year.

April’s combined sales were up 12% over the prior month.

Most sales occurred in the $300k + range.

More new residential listings were taken in April than in any month since 2020.

Both residential and condo inventory continued modest improvement.

Elevate Your Outdoor Retreat

Four Innovative Hardscaping Designs

As spring and summer approach, it's time to consider how you'll use your outdoor spaces this year. Your backyard, patio, front lawn and garden aren't just for outdoor activities. They are natural living areas that you can use to cook, eat, entertain and relax. Belgard wants to help you take your outdoor spaces to the next level. From eye-catching driveways to stunning patios and serene landscapes, the company offers an array of products to complement any home. Here are four hardscaping design ideas you can add to your home to extend your living spaces and maximize your time outdoors.

1. Pave the way

Paved pathways are a practical and striking addition to front or back lawns. They guide guests through your outdoor spaces while adding visual interest and definition. Consider incorporating curves and bends in your pathways to create a sense of discovery and intrigue. You can also enhance paved pathways with landscape lighting that illuminates the way during evenings for added safety and ambiance.

In addition to a paved pathway, you can also consider a paver patio. Paver patios create a relaxing outdoor space that you can enjoy after a long day at work or use to entertain friends and family. Also, adding a paver patio to your home can potentially increase your home's value.

Once you choose what you want to pave, you'll need to decide on the materials you'll use. Whether you prefer the modern appeal of concrete pavers or pavers that mimic the rustic look of natural stone, there are various options to suit your style and budget.

Choose a style like Papyrus pavers for an organic textural experience with a touch of modern elegance. Need material with style and installation efficiency? Check out Basalt pavers for a flame-textured stone design engineered to maximize pallet layout. For homeowners seeking a more traditional aesthetic, choose Charlestone pavers reminiscent of early American streets and walkways for a distinctive look of weathered hand-cobbled stone.

2. Retaining walls and freestanding walls

Retaining walls are a multipurpose outdoor structure that serves functional and aesthetic landscaping needs. They can help prevent soil erosion, create terraced levels for planting, and define different zones within your yard.

Retaining walls can also double as seating areas or garden beds. Whether you're a gardener or regularly host family gatherings, retaining walls can maximize your outdoor living areas for planting and entertaining while adding visual appeal to your environment.

Freestanding walls are most effective when the ground is flat and often used to divide landscapes into distinct areas to enhance the visual appeal of the yard.

Shelton Wall is a small freestanding wall that exudes old world charm with its rustic finish and earth tone blends. You can create intimate outdoor spaces with the privacy offered by this charming and durable wall, great for moderate height retaining walls to add terraces and more usable space in your landscape. Shelton Wall was also featured in Belgard's recent project with Tan France to help create his dream home in Salt Lake City.

3. Outdoor living spaces

Think of your backyard as an extension of your home and find ways to seamlessly incorporate indoor luxuries in outdoor

living spaces. Whether it's a cozy patio, a spacious deck or a stylish pergola, these structures provide comfortable areas for relaxation and entertainment in nature.

Integrate features like built-in seating, fire pits or outdoor kitchens to enhance functionality and create a welcoming atmosphere that your friends and family can enjoy. Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance. Doing so ensures you can enjoy your outdoor living areas for a long time.

4. Water features

Create a visual focal point, add tranquility and mask noise pollution from nearby streets or neighbors in your outdoor spaces with water features. From elegant fountains to serene ponds, water features create a vibrant and dynamic outdoor ecosystem.

Once you choose a water feature that suits your taste and space, find other elements to complement it. Rocks, plants and lighting enhance the natural beauty of your water feature, creating a harmonious balance with the surrounding landscape.

These are just four hardscape and design ideas you can easily add to your home this spring. To find all the products you need to build your outdoor oasis, visit Belgard.com.

How to Buy a Home in a High Interest Rate Environment

Following years of all-time low mortgage interest rates, 2023 saw rates fluctuate between 6% and 8%, complicating the plans of some homebuyers, particularly those looking to purchase their first home. What many renters who are looking to become homeowners may not realize is that mortgage rates are only one aspect of affordability, which should be viewed as a three-legged stool: home price, mortgage interest rate, and down payment. Even in a challenging interest rate or home price environment, private mortgage insurance (MI) can be used to help low down payment borrowers achieve the American dream of homeownership.

In some markets, high interest rates have cooled the trajectory of home price appreciation; with home sales dropping 18.7% from 2022 to 2023 and the national median home price increasing less than 1% in 2023. This is good news for first-time homebuyers who saw home prices in some markets increase 20% or 30% in prior years.

So, if the home price is within range, how much cash do you need for a down payment? You may think it is 20%, but the truth is, you can qualify for a mortgage with as little as 3% down.

According to U.S. Mortgage Insurers, private MI has helped nearly 39 million borrowers access homeownership with low down payments. Further, private MI helped nearly 800,000 homeowners purchase a home or refinance a mortgage in

2023, with nearly 35% having incomes below $75,000 and more than 64% of those loans going to first-time buyers. In addition, the most common form of private MI, paid monthly by the borrower, helps homeowners begin building equity sooner and is also only a temporary cost that can be cancelled after 20% equity is established. Importantly, once private MI is cancelled, the monthly mortgage payment goes down, unlike loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government program featuring monthly MI premiums that are generally not cancellable.

Each homebuyer's finances are different, therefore it is important to do the math before buying a home. Home prices and interest rates impact the monthly cost, but luckily the private MI industry is able to help homebuyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership: the need for a large cash down payment.

There is a saying, "date the rate, marry the home." Borrowers should always stay within their budget, but those who purchase a home now with a low down payment may be able to refinance later when rates decrease. These borrowers can achieve the American dream of homeownership sooner, start to build equity and avoid some competition from other borrowers who are waiting on rates to drop.

If you're interested in learning more about private MI, visit lowdownpaymentfacts.com to learn more about your homeownership options.

Five Ways to Add This Trending Color to Your Kitchen and Bath

Move over, gray. Green is having its moment this year in bath and kitchen design and décor. Whether dark, light or somewhere in between, these luscious hues are on trend right now, but they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, optimism, style and panache.

Kohler knows a bit about that. The kitchen and bath fixture giant was the first to bring bold, coordinated color into kitchens and bathrooms in the 1920s. In 1927, Kohler launched precisely matching colors for cast-iron enamel and pottery glaze - meaning toilets, sinks and baths could be coordinated in matching, vibrant hues. Back then, America took a collective gasp when it saw Kohler bathrooms in living color. It set the design world on fire, with this country's elite clamoring for color, color, color in their kitchens and baths, culminating in an exhibit of a color-coordinated Kohler bathroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1929.

Last year, Kohler celebrated its 150th anniversary with a limited-edition Heritage Colors collection, and this year, that collection expands with the addition of Heritage Greens - Fresh Green, with its bright, lush vibes that bring the garden indoors; Teal's dark, rich, vivid drama; and Aspen Green's soft, soothing shade. These historic Kohler colors were selected to be revived this year because of their connection to nature, relation to well-being and diverse design sensibilities.

Eager to get started? Here are five ideas to green up your kitchens and baths.

Paint! The easiest and least expensive way to add a splash of green into your kitchen and bath is to paint one, or all four, walls in this trending shade. For kitchens, painted cabinets are all the rage. Why not give yours a facelift in green? For baths, accent with green towels and floor mats, and go for a vintage feel by including black or pink in the mix.

Large appliances and fixtures. Go for it! Stainless steel reigned supreme for years, but color is the emerging trend in kitchen appliances now. Major, high-end appliance manufacturers are offering lines in many shades of green, from light and subtle to dark and dramatic. But with this trend, you don't have to go all in at once. One statement piece, like a deep teal farmhouse sink within a white countertop, is a showstopper.

Smaller kitchen appliances. If you're not in the market for a major kitchen remodel, you can still add a pop of green with smaller kitchen appliances like toasters, ceramic tea kettles, coffee makers and even tools like can openers, corkscrews and other gadgets. Bonus tip: Don't forget to accent with kitchen towels, hot pads and even new curtains.

Bathroom fixtures. Hold your breath and imagine your bathroom transformed into a spa, courtesy of vibrant green fixtures. A green clawfoot tub? Yes, you can. A pedestal sink in quiet Aspen Green with a toilet to match? It's yours. These hues evoke the elegance of the past while wrapping you in the comfort of the present, making your bathroom a true oasis.

Tiles. You don't need to do a major renovation to add some color to your kitchen's backsplash or around your tub in the bath. Opt for mosaic tiles in various shades of green, or go with the sleek elegance of just one color.

Color can soothe the spirit, lift a mood, brighten a moment. It can make a small room feel bigger, or turn a dark room into an open, airy space. Kohler's Fresh Green, Teal and Aspen Green can inspire you to bask in living color.

From Kitchen to Curb Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

Following historical trends, spring and summer months represent an active time of year for the housing market. For sellers in 2023, homes listed in the first two weeks of June sold for 2.3% more, a $7,700 increase on a typical U.S. home, according to new Zillow data*. This should come as welcomed news for those homeowners who are considering selling their home and have the luxury of timing the market.

But before listing your home - and well in advance of staging photos for online real estate sites - experts suggest evaluating your home's curb appeal and other cosmetic features that can help attract potential buyers. Consider this: The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics reports that excellent curb appeal alone can raise your home's value by as much as 7% and many Realtors will tell you the same.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity, even new DIYers can undertake home improvement projects designed to enhance aesthetic appeal and add value to their living spaces. One such versatile tool that can help you achieve significant upgrades without spending a fortune is the rotary tool. Capable of tackling a wide array of projects with its ability to cut, carve, engrave, polish and beyond, the rotary tool opens a world of creative possibilities for enhancing your home's aesthetics and functionality. To help homeowners unleash their DIY creativity, Dremel®, the creator of the high-speed rotary tool, shares five tips and project ideas:

Tidy up flooring. Over time, the grout in between tile can be susceptible to buildup - whether it's grime, mold or mildew - causing it to look dull or dirty. While cleaning it by hand can be a tedious, time-consuming task, enlisting the help of a solution and tool will have you knocking that item off your to-do list in no time. Start with a bathroom cleanser to clean any grout stains, followed by a rotary tool to quickly and easily remove the dirty or missing old grout. Top it off by regrouting where needed and from there, you're well on your way to impressing prospective buyers.

Refinish outdoor furniture and fixtures. Can you see rust on your outdoor railings, lawn furniture, mailbox, doorknobs, hinges or other metal outdoor features? Are they discolored,

weathered or worn? With the Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool, you can grind away rust in small, detailed sections, then sand or buff the surface before painting using one of the many compatible Dremel accessories. A key benefit is that the tool is cordless, allowing you to ditch the outlet and move wherever you need to address projects across the yard.

Stand out from the others. A home with custom shelves can be an effective, easy way to add appeal and differentiate your house from the ones around you. Express your creativity while incorporating sleek added storage with a shelf, effectively concealing clutter and optimizing space. Simply grab your favorite rotary tool and get started! From cutting wood to routing, the various rotary attachments on the market make this tool the right one for the job. For project inspiration, see here.

Customize the look of your home. In preparation for selling your new home, the 7350 Cordless Rotary Tool from Dremel is ready to help you elevate your space and infuse some personality. This lightweight tool is a go-to, whether it's engraving your home address into your wooden mailbox, or adding the address number to the perimeter of your home. As the brand's lowest priced rotary tool in the corded and cordless line-up, the 7350 is an approachable introductory tool for new and pro users to execute home improvement projects.

Leave them floored. Flooring can be a challenge to maintain, especially if you have little ones or pets running around. Looking to paint or refurbish? Make sure you start with an even base. With a sanding accessory on your rotary tool, you can easily smooth dents and gouges or sand splinters in wood flooring to create a prepared foundation to work off of before painting or sealing and save yourself time and money by avoiding replacing the floors completely.

Increasing your home's curb and cosmetic appeal doesn't have to cost a lot of money or require a pro's help. With the right tools, you can help DIY your way to a higher asking price and a quicker sale! For more ideas about DIY projects, visit Dremel's project site at www.dremel.com/us/ en/projects/project-plans.

Pamela L. Smith Realtor, CRS, PMN, e-Pro, C2EX Real Estate Counselors, Inc.

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