The Next Generation: Youth LeaP inspires tomorrow’s leaders
Summer Camp beat the summertime blues
teaching
digital natives SPECIAL BUSINESS CLIMATE SECTION INSIDE
May 2016 • pensacolamagazine.com
DO MORE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
WITH A PHONE SYSTEM THAT CAN DO MORE. Put IP Centrex to work for your business. IP Centrex is an innovative, fully-managed telephone system, offering over 20 professional features to help your business get more done. Unlike traditional PBX or Key systems, IP Centrex is designed to offer scalability and flexibility for your business. Switch to get more from your phone system today. What makes IP Centrex different? Low, predictable costs, including no upfront hardware costs Worry-free, since Cox maintains and upgrades your system Advanced features and benefits include: Disaster Recovery, Voice Mail to Email and Auto Attendant Fully-maintained system with professional installation and local support Personalized training included with all IP Centrex systems
CALL (877) 984-0167 to set up an appointment VISIT coxbusiness.com/ipcentrex
Š 2016 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
WE’LL BE HERE. Caring Physicians. Innovative Treatments. When cancer tries to take you away from the things that matter most, Baptist Cancer Institute is here. From caring physicians to the most innovative treatment options and our collaboration with Mayo Clinic, we’re here to help you during the most difficult of times.
David Mann, M.D. Hematology-Oncology
German Herrera, M.D. Hematology-Oncology
Sherif Ibrahim, M.D. Hematology-Oncology
Nutan DeJoubner, M.D. Hematology-Oncology
James Adams, M.D. Radiation Oncology
Zheng Topp, M.D. Hematology-Oncology
BAPTIST CANCER INSTITUTE 850.434.4080 / e BAPTISTHEALTHCARE.ORG
pensacola magazine | 3
Infants Through Grade Five
Marcus Pointe Christian School strives to offer an academically excellent, Christ centered education to our families in the Pensacola area. Programs are available for infants all the way through fifth grade. Students enjoy the attention and instruction they receive from our experienced teaching staff, as well as the top notch facilities at MPCS. Discover learning in a loving and safe elementary school environment with Marcus Pointe Christian School!
Marcus Pointe Christian Academy Online provides a home learning option for students in grades 3-12 that is taught entirely online. All you need is an internet connection! ·
Students can work at their own pace
·
Flexible scheduling
·
One on one teacher support
·
Subjects taught through a Christian worldview
·
No textbooks to purchase
Summer Camps Available! www.kidzpointe.com
A Christian School Serving Infants Through Grade Five With A Heart For Pensacola P: (850) 479-1605 F: (850) 479-0743 A: 6205 North W Street, Pensacola, FL 32505
Editor’s Note my two cents on the subject Kelly Oden Executive Editor All right, parents, we have about a month left in the school year, and, if your kids are like mine, they are already fantasizing about a fun-filled, homework free summer. I can already see my daughter mentally “checking out” of school. With her mind occupied by all the things she wants to do with her visiting cousins, she has no room left for math or spelling. For many parents like me, summer is just work as usual, but with the added worry of making sure our kids are safely taken care of and engaged in enriching and fun activities. Lucky for us, Pensacola is home to dozens of excellent summer camp options. So many, in fact, it can be hard to choose and I’m actually a little jealous of a few of them. Where are the summer camps for parents? Until that glorious day comes, we’ve made finding camps for your kids a bit easier with our annual Summer Camp Guide. Filled with all the information you need on the best camps this season, from science and art to surfing and adventure, you are sure to find the perfect fit in our annual guide. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how kids learn. The rigorous academics expected of kids at a relatively young age astounds me. Sometimes, when I help my daughter with homework, I am amazed by the complexity of the work and by the depth of her understanding. When I was in second grade, well, I’m so old, I honestly don’t remember what I was doing, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the same! For one thing,
Subscription Expiration Date is printed on the address label. Renew your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.
6 | pensacola magazine
the technology available to this generation of kids is incredible. These kids use technology every day in a variety of ways and many researchers believe it has changed the very way that they think and process information. In this issue, I spoke with a handful of schools to see how they are teaching this generation of digital natives and how they are integrating technology into the classrooms. I hope you find it as interesting as I did. All this and much more in our annual parenting issue of Pensacola Magazine. Be sure to read about the great things young people are doing in an organization called Youth LeaP. You can also learn about the value of foster parenting and see if you have what it takes to truly make a difference in a child’s life. Plus, read about the upcoming monument to Galvez and the new downtown Sacred Heart clinic. I hope you make it through this last month of school and I hope you and yours have a fantastic summer!
When your child needs advanced care, we’re with you every step. As one of the nation’s leading children’s health systems, Nemours has made a promise to bring you the care you need – where and when you need it. And when you need a pediatric specialist, the experts of Nemours are here for you, close to home. Pediatric specialty care in orthopedics, hematology/ oncology, pulmonology, urology and more. See all that we offer at Nemours.org.
© 2016. The Nemours Foundation. ® Nemours is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation.
Nemours Children’s Clinic is here for you in: Pensacola For Appointments: (850) 505-4700 Destin For Appointments: (850) 505-4745 For Appointments: (850) 505-4700 Bonifay
April 22 - Aug 27
April 22 - July 16
Stephen Knapp: Lightpaintings
The Artist Revealed: Artist Portraits & Self Portraits
Right: Chuck Close, Alex, 1992, color woodcut on laid paper, image courtesy of the Syracuse University Art Collection Left: Stephen Knapp, Installation Image, Courtesy of artist
pensacola magazine | 7
contents May 2016 36
Summer camps The area’s best camps to beat the summertime blues.
14
23
Page 10 with DeeDee Davis 10 Pensacola Scene 12 A New Heart for Downtown 19
a monumental project: Pensacola Heritage Foundation and the Pensacola “Galvez” Monument
Play Live Give 42
a new generation: Youth LeaP inspires tomorrow’s leaders by engaging with current high school students and demonstrating for them how local government, infrastructure and utilities work.
26 30 Special Section 49 On the cover:
Waterboyz Surf Camp photo courtesy of Waterboyz
8 | pensacola magazine
homes of hope:
Understanding foster parenthood and how FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview works with the local community to give the gift of hope to foster children across our four-county area.
TEACHING digital natives:
In the ever-changing landscape that is the technological environment, teachers are faced with new challenges regarding how to adapt to new forms of comprehension and cognitive agbility.
MAGAZINE
May 2016 Owners
Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger
Publisher
Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com
Executive Editor
Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com
Art Director
Guy Stevens guy@ballingerpublishing.com
Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Anna Hitchcock anna@ballingerpublishing.com
Editor
Josh Newby josh@ballingerpublishing.com
Assistant Editor
Dawn Gresko dawn@ballingerpublishing.com
Editorial Interns
Kayla Glaze kayla@ballingerpublishing.com Marsha Wood marsha@ballingerpublishing.com
Sales & Marketing
Stephanie Boyce, Account Executive ext. 21 stephanie@ballingerpublishing.com Paula Rode, Account Executive ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com
314 N Spring St. | Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax:850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com Published by Ballinger Publishing:
magazine
Member of:
NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. Š 2016
pensacola magazine | 9
page10 with DeeDee Davis
We are approaching the season of graduations and weddings, both requiring the right gift. Everyday life experiences hold the secret to choosing memorable gifts. Yesterday morning, just as I do every day, I opened the front door after inhaling three cups of coffee and headed for the gym. Despite the early hour and promise of sunrise, I noticed something unusual on our porch. Stepping a little closer I could see that my neighbor’s cat had paid us a visit in the night with yet another gift. Lately I have been spending a lot of hours out of doors gardening, and the cat is frequently my companion. He is a friendly little guy and interrupts my pruning and planting with his purring and need for a bit of attention. I usually cooperate and take a break to scratch his ears or rub his arched back. For this I am occasionally rewarded the following morning with his gift of love. And, while a dead rat may not be your idea of a present, I am touched. First of all, I would much rather see the rodent deceased than otherwise and, secondly, this is the way a cat expresses love, kindness and pride. I thought about this later as I shopped for a wedding gift for my nephew and realized that gift giving is truly an art. Some are so much better at it than others. Most people go through the motions when a gift is required. They hurry out, usually at the last minute, desperately searching for something appropriate. It probably gets stuffed inside a bag and might have a greeting card attached. None of this is a bad thing, but just imagine what a little planning can produce. It’s not as if you have to lurk in the bushes watching for some sign of life to pounce on and then drag the carcass to your recipient. No, it is far more complicated in the human world. Cost has absolutely nothing to do with the perfect gift but it does need to be something carefully thought out. Don’t get me wrong. When in doubt, jewelry is always the answer. But even precious gems require the
right touch. Some of my favorite gifts of all times were not the expensive ones, but the little things that came from the heart. A poem written by my small son, dinner proudly prepared by my adolescent daughter, clothing made by my mom consuming hours on her sewing machine, and anything that my husband gives to me as everything he selects is thoughtful. Almost as important is the wrapping. Whitman’s Sampler candies hit it big in 1912 when they put a tiny piece of cellophane around their sweets and saw sales increase by three times almost overnight. The custom of wrapping actually began when early shopkeepers would put brown paper around purchased goods, but it was Hallmark who made a fortune by understanding this and taking it to a whole new level. Traditional wrappings can be beautiful but adding something like fresh flowers or a sprig of herbs to a plain package is fabulous. MANY years ago, a guy friend gave me 40 lottery tickets in a brown lunch bag for that milestone birthday and I have never forgotten it. Different. One of my children’s elementary school teachers had them wrap a gift in simple paper and write personal things all over it. The possibilities are endless with a little thought. By far, the most important ingredient to the entire gifting operation is gratitude. Be grateful that you have an occasion to provide an offering and, on the other side, be so humble and appreciative that someone has taken the time and trouble to give you something. Haven’t you received plenty of smelly rat equivalents in your life? I have a relative that has developed quite a reputation because she unabashedly takes back every single thing anyone has ever given her. I found a cure for this and now she has one less return to worry about. Any gift is a good gift if a cheerful giver and grateful recipient are involved. You can always love the gesture. Just keep a shovel handy. Meow.
Patrick & Sharon Duplantis
Boo & Cody Rawson
Nina Campbell & Peggy Woolverton
Dr. Will & Michelle Henghold
Sandy Ray & TJ Henriquez
Diane Robbins & Teri Levin
Evan Jordan, Whit Johnson & Teri Levin
Bruce Pattion & Wes Reader
Dee Krueger
Mark Ciano & Madrina Newcomb
10 | pensacola magazine
page10 with DeeDee Davis
Children’s Home Society. Maybe because the weather was so magnificent after three rainy years, the entire party couldn’t have been nicer. Food and wine was first class all the way, and Portofino is not exactly a shabby setting for an afternoon fundraiser.
Springtime in Pensacola is always a good time to host special events. One of the most popular fundraisers, Men Who Cook, was recently held at Sanders Beach Community Center to benefit the PACE Center for girls. Our area has many outstanding amateur chefs and more than 75 generous men put on aprons and served samplings of their best dishes. If you haven’t gone to this event, mark your calendars now! The food is delicious, the entertainment is lively and the cause is worthy. All of this and a beautiful Sunday afternoon overlooking the water. Life is good. And. while all of the chefs performed admirably, I must say the shrimp linguini by Whit Johnson and the salmon prepared by Terry Gross were at the top of my list. A full house turned out, including Dr. Steve and Evan Jordan; Moose and Lynn Morris; Brian and Susan Finger; Mark Ciano and Madrina Newcomb; Lou and Sandy Ray; and TJ and Mary Henriques. Bruce and Allison Patton opened their lovely downtown apartment to friends who share a common denominator of wine and jazz. Several couples have joined efforts and resources to continue the tradition, which was due to expire, of weekly Tuesday jazz at Lili Marlene’s in Seville Quarter. One of the performing ensembles that included Gino Rosario and Jim Green spent the evening at the Pattons playing for their new sponsors and guests as all enjoyed fine wines from the expansive Patton wine cellar. Among the friends were Jim and Ann Neal; Larry and Dianne Robbins; Sean Twitty and Teri Levin; Wes and Carolyn Reeder; New Orleans restauranteur and owner Hans Limburg; and Fred Hemmer. Congratulations to The Brits on the Bay, an all-British car show that is the largest and most spectacular on the Gulf Coast. 132 fabulous cars were on display. A welcome party was held the night before where Mayor Ashton Hayward was presented with a birthday cake in honor of his special day. Next year will see the 25th anniversary for the show and promises bigger and even better entertainment. Bob Manske is the go-to guy for more information about next year’s fun. April was also the month for Soundside Splendor, an annual (11th) event benefiting
v
A new standard was set for wine and food tastings, as this one will be hard to top. Among the standouts was Magnolia Wine from Krutz Family Cellars in California. Richard Liveakos presented an amazing selection of wines, but this one was special. Bryan Krutz came in for the event. Chef Dan Dunn from Hilton H2O grilled oysters poolside that were “melt in your mouth” delicious and Chef Jim Caruth of Portofino Island Resort hit a homerun with grouper over dirty rice. There was no bad dish and there were far too many to sample them all, though I did my best. The gazillion guests included Kurt and Dee Krueger; Margaret Biggs; Mark Wassil and Shannon Cook; Clay and Debbie Roesch; Jim Rigsbee; Dr. Will and Michelle Henghold; Nels and Abbie Offerdahl; Hosts Robert and Abby Rinke; Mark Lee and Gary Michaels; and Cody
and Boo Rawson. Many thanks to all of the chefs and to Richard Liveakos who made this the best wine and food tasting ever. Happy Birthday to Lois Lett who celebrated her 50th in a grand way at her law office on 9th Avenue. Approximately 100 guests enjoyed a house-wide buffet that featured a dog theme with plenty of paws, honoring her favorite pets. Sadly we said goodbye to two great men this month. Jim McKenzie and Denis Braslow were larger than life locals. Both attorneys, both shared a passion for justice and fairness. Both loved their families with every breath they took. Both lived life in a large way and both with be greatly missed.
Aromatherapy Facial & Therapeutic Massage $115
La Serene Day Spa Hair • Skin • Nails Massage • Spray Tan • Make-Up Salt and Sugar Scrubs www.laserenedayspa.com • (850) 994-8816 • 3637 Hwy 90 Pace, Fl pensacola magazine | 11
pensacolascene who/what/when/where
Pensacola Little Theatre’s Cabaret 2016
Katrina Zeigenhirt + Caitlin Newby
Joe Abston + Aimee Wilson
Donna Jane
Richard Vige
Lisa Taylor, Jackie Tucker, Wendy Countryman + Ryan Seifert
The PACE Center for Girls Men Who Cook Charity Event
Raymond Palmer, Carolyn Palmer + Shaun Maynard 12 | pensacola magazine
Andrew McKay and Brent Lane
Madrina Newcomb + Cristina Williams
Nick + Taylor Ellwood
Operazzi Ball
Norman + Nina Fritz
Michael Burton, Jenna Gongora, Jarin Algie + Tatiana Jensen
NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Robyn Harvard, Angela A’lessandro, Amy Day + Karen Bodwich
Glenys Ballinger, Larry Work, Elodie Cardon, Ruth Orth + Rick Harper
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Call 850.477.1722 to schedule your child’s appointment with Northwest Florida’s Premier pediatric dentist, Stu Bonnin DMD, The Kids’ Dentist.
OUR LOCATIONS: 3201 E. Olive Rd. Pensacola FL. 32514 • 101 E. 4th St. Crestview FL. 32539
pensacola magazine | 13
A Monumental Project Pensacola Heritage Foundation and the Pensacola “Galvez� Monument
By Nancy Fetterman
P
ensacola Heritage Foundation (PHF), the oldest historic preservation group in Pensacola, was created in 1964 by Mary Turner Rule with the vision to foster the preservation, and increase community awareness, of the rich heritage of Pensacola and Escambia County, Fla. in order to ensure that the unique history, architecture, and landmarks of the area are available for the enjoyment of future generations and tourists who visit the area. Since Pensacola began, generations of men and women have invested in building this city. They built churches, homes, offices, factories, and public buildings for their needs at the moment. But, more often than not, they recognized that those structures were investments with value beyond their own lifetimes. Today those investments constitute the rich inventory of the history, the evolution and the soul of Pensacola.
14 | pensacola magazine
Computer rendering of the Galvez monument on Palafox St. Pensacola Heritage Foundation (PHF), the oldest historic preservation group in Pensacola, was created in 1964 by Mary Turner Rule with the vision to foster the preservation, and increase community awareness, of the rich heritage of Pensacola and Escambia County, Fla. in order to ensure that the unique history, architecture, and landmarks of the area are available for the enjoyment of future generations and tourists who visit the area. Since Pensacola began, generations of men and women have invested in building this city. They built churches, homes, offices, factories, and public buildings for their needs at the moment. But, more often than not, they recognized that those structures were investments with value beyond their own lifetimes. Today those investments constitute the rich inventory of the history, the evolution and the soul of Pensacola.
As PHF President Jim Green knows, this organization spearheaded and continues to encourage local efforts to create a thriving historical region. In the last 40 years, PHF restored homes and historic properties with determination, including the Old Barkley House and Dorr House, now a part of the University of West Florida Historic Trust, another professional partner in cultural resources. In past years, PHF’s efforts enhanced the renewal of the Old Seville Square area from ruins to a thriving historical park via the creation of “Evenings in Olde Seville” concert series, which for 25 years attracted over 50,000 visitors during the summer months. Additionally, PHF hosts a decades-long lecture series featuring beloved storyteller, John Appleyard. History essay contests for local high schools allow local students the opportunity to receive a college scholarship. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2014, PHF agreed to partner with the City of Pensacola in a series of monuments, gardens, recognitions and presentations that would feature their common missions of heritage tourism. To that end, PHF recognized that the renewed interest in local historical characters would be a fine way to begin this coordinated effort with the city. The first subject will be a life-sized bronze, equestrian statue at the top of the median of Palafox and Wright streets. This statue is the likeness of Bernardo de Gálvez, Pensacola’s hero of the American Revolution. Now you may ask—who was Gálvez? Why was he the first character PHF chose to share one of the chronicles of Pensacola’s history? Here is a brief “rest of the story.” In March 1781, General Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez was a Spanish military leader and colonial administrator who sailed into Pensacola Bay to deliver West Florida from the British in one of the longest battles of the American Revolution. As a unique Spanish character in the narrative of
Pensacola, Gálvez’s story is extraordinary. To those who study the American Revolution, this man was a true hero. During the course of several years, this dynamic, energetic man supported the cause of the American patriots against the British. Spain had not yet declared war against the British, but as Spain’s agent in Louisiana, his country was sympathetic to the patriot’s cause. Functioning under the direction of Spain, Gálvez assisted American patriot Oliver Pollock along the southern part of the Gulf in the Spanishowned territory of Louisiana. Gálvez was able to keep the British away from the Mississippi River, which they were using to supply their troops. East of the Louisiana Territory, then called West Florida, was under British control and was considered a critically strategic asset. Additionally, it was a former valued colony of Spain. When Gálvez received information indicating that Spain had declared war against the British in 1779, his orders were to “drive the British forces out of Pensacola, Mobile, and the other posts they occupy on the Mississippi.” On his own, as the recently named Governor of Louisiana, he began recruiting soldiers to support his mission across West Florida—to take the forts away from the British. His expedition across the Gulf Coast was called “La Marcha” and with a force of men that included French, Spanish, Creoles, Native Americans, Africans, Swiss, Mexicans and Arcadians, he overtook the forts of Baton Rouge, Manchac and Natchez and drove the British away from the Mississippi River and its environs. Fort Charlotte in Mobile fell soon after, but because of weather, Gálvez’s trek east and “La Marcha” had to wait a bit for the prize of Pensacola and the English Fort George. By this time, the English had the time to repair and reinforce their stronghold in preparation for the siege that was inevitable. Gálvez knew he needed Havana’s support from the sea in order to take the British fort in Pensacola. He requested and received 30 ships and they arrived in March of 1781. By now, because of his success along the Gulf Coast, Spanish King Charles nominated Gálvez to command all forces even over the more senior officers on board the Spanish ships. When Spanish Admiral Calvo, who was in charge of the fleet, arrived at the mouth
Bernardo de Galvez. Oil painting.
property of the de Haya-Galvez Family, Malaga, Spain. of the cut into Pensacola Bay, he declared that the water was too shallow for his ships and they would be at risk from nearby batteries. By that evening, a frustrated now General Gálvez sent a cannon ball with a letter wrapped around it to Admiral Calvo, and suggested that he alone (Yo Solo) would go through the cut to prove it possible. He further added the phrase that indicated: “and let those who were brave enough follow him.” The next morning, Gálvez sailed into Pensacola Bay in his flagship and very quickly the rest of the fleet followed. Quietly, Admiral Calvo returned to Havana. As an aside, in the year that followed, with the Spanish king’s permission, “Yo Solo” (I Alone) is on the Gálvez family coat of arms. Gálvez’s ships landed at Santa Rosa Island on March 9, 1781 and, over the course of almost three months, continued skirmishes with the British. Finally, Gálvez’s forces dug trenches up to the top of Gage Hill, the location of Fort George, and during the course of fighting on May 8, “a grenade from a Spanish siege howitzer ignited the powder store in the Halfmoon Redoubt, a key strongpoint in Pensacola’s fortification system. Further resistance was useless.” British Commander General Campbell surrendered and West Florida was again under Spanish control. pensacola magazine | 15
A Monumental Project This concise narrative gives only highlights of Bernardo de Gálvez’s intrepid chronicle. It is interesting to note that many scholars have written the history of the “Battle of Pensacola” and a recent interview with Spanish historian Carmen de Reparaz helped codify for me the importance of Gálvez to Pensacola’s history. In the last few decades, Bernardo de Gálvez’s name has become familiar to many historians and the general public. He has never been overlooked in his native Spain as he was always their hero of the American Revolution. In 2007, my friend and Pensacola resident Molly Long was living in Spain as the wife of a Spanish Naval Officer. She was also the president of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Madrid. She urged me to ask our congress to support the American Citizenship of Bernardo de Gálvez. To that end, the Malaga Declaration in support of citizenship was coordinated by Federico Souviron, who was President of Foro Bernardo de Galvez, and Molly’s DAR Madrid. As Molly’s friend, I could not say no, but had no clue how to make this happen. However, I was game to try. Over the course of several months, I was patted on the head by many, who assured me that there had only been seven individuals named an “Honorary Citizen of America”– Hannah and William Penn, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Raoul Wallenberg, and Mother Teresa. Interestingly, two more honorees were contemporaries of Gálvez: Marquis de Lafayette of France and Casimir
Bronze Maquette of Galvez
16 | pensacola magazine
The Galvez Monument’s Steering Committee: (From left to right) David Richbourg, Diane Appleyard, Jim Green, Nancy Fetterman, Claudine Kriss, Norman Ricks and McGuire Martin.
Pulaski of Poland. It seemed fair to me to include Bernardo de Gálvez in this pantheon of the Revolution and I thought this just might work. Timing is everything. It did not happen from 2007 to 2010, but neither Molly nor I forgot. There were many coincidences that happened in the period after, and, so this too includes the rest of the story. Bernardo de Gálvez is the native son of the city of Macharaviaya, and because of his support of the American Revolution, that small town in the northern province of Malaga has a Fourth of July event each year. For years, this delightful city has reenactments of the Battle of Pensacola on May 8. In 2012, several of us traveled with Honorary Spanish Consul Maria Davis to support Macharaviaya as Pensacola’s “Sister City.” Upon his return to Pensacola, Mayor Ashton Hayward declared every May 8 would be celebrated as “Galvez Day” in Pensacola. Additionally, because of various gifted scholars who began writing extensively about Bernardo de Gálvez, his surname was becoming increasingly familiar. In 2012, Governor Scott recognized him as a “Great Floridian.” Our own University of West Florida and WSRE hosted an original film about Bernardo de Gálvez with a charming actor named Chaz Mena, who portrayed Bernardo de Gálvez. Old friend David Hartman, former host of Good Morning America supplied the historical perspective in the film. The Studers also allowed their library to be used in the film. That film is
still available online and I encourage you to view it: Yo Solo: Bernardo de Gálvez on the Stage of the American Revolution. Interestingly, two other actions materialized in 2012 that serendipitously buttressed later events. That year Congressman Jeff Miller renewed his interest in our effort, encouraged by his aid, Sharon Santurri. (Santurri is a descendent of one of those on the “La Marcha” expedition in 1781.) Three city administrators dedicated time to this project and gathered a small cadre to join us. We then resubmitted the argument for the nomination for Galvez’s Honorary Citizenship. By now, numerous scholars had reviewed the original argument from 2007, adding new information, and it was traditionally vetted for accuracy. With the encouragement of the Mayor, the City of Pensacola, Escambia County officials, and various state representatives, the entire Florida delegation unanimously voted to support this effort. Regional Gulf Coast support soon followed thanks to the tireless efforts of Congressman Miller’s staff. Two years went by but Congressman Miller and his dedicated staff never stopped working this issue and gaining support from other Gulf Coast states, especially Texas and Louisiana. It was then that serendipity stepped in. In an unanticipated incident, a letter from the period discovered by a Spanish national indicated that Bernardo de Gálvez was assured that his portrait would be hung in perpetuity in the halls of Congress.
Pensacola’s efforts and this event happened almost concurrently. In late 2013, Galvez’s portrait was officially hung in the halls of Congress, recognizing him as an American hero of the Revolution and the name Bernardo de Gálvez was a buzz word for American pride. Finally, in December 2014, Congressman Miller kindly called to tell me that Bernardo de Gálvez Citizenship passed unanimously in both houses of Congress. In January of 2015, President Obama signed the declaration. I cried. Now, 235 years later, Pensacola Heritage Foundation is working to preserve the memory of Bernardo de Gálvez and his aid to the colonists during the American Revolution. The life-sized bronze statue, created by Capt. Robert Rasmussen, is Bernardo de Gálvez astride his horse, headed north up Palafox Street to Fort George, which is across the street from the First Baptist Church–the highest point in Pensacola. His gesture with his hat seems to say, “Follow me boys!” The base of the statue, designed by local architect Dio Perera, will be locally resourced Spanish granite. The shallow pool around the base will have flowing water running off bronze Fleur di Lis surrounding the base, which represents Gálvez’s time in New Orleans. The pool represents the fact that Gálvez arrived by the sea and each of the four sides of the monument will have the names of the British forts which he captured: Baton Rouge, Manchac, Natchez and Pensacola. Surrounding the statue will be knock out red roses with yellow centers which are the colors of the Spanish flag and represent those who died in the battles. With permission from his heirs, the Gálvez coat of arms will be on the north side of the statue as a reminder of our Pensacola hero and one of the lengthiest battles in the American Revolution. Upon completion on May 8, 2017, the statue becomes a gift to the City of Pensacola from Pensacola Heritage Foundation and the committed donors who supported it. This equestrian statue honoring Gálvez is not the first in America. Another likeness of Bernardo de Gálvez was dedicated in Washington, D.C. during the 1776 Bicentennial of the American Revolution. The Spanish granite base has the following words inscribed which were taken from remarks given that day by the King of Spain: “May the statue of Bernardo de Gálvez serve as a reminder that Spain offered the blood of her soldiers for the cause of American Independence.” Indeed.
Creatisphere Summer Art Camp Creatisphere is the ultimate summer art experience for children age 8-14 who want to create! Each week will be a be a new and different adventure in art making featuring workshops in: Glassblowing • Pottery • Photography Painting • Sculpture • Mixed Media • Mural Art Fiber Arts • Collage • Comics and Illustration 3-D Design • Technology Lab And Much More!
For 2 weeks of camp Creatisphere will be joining with the Mess Hall! To see available dates and details for age groups 8-11 and 11-14 look under workshops at Firstcityart.org, or call (850) 429-1222
pensacola magazine | 17
18 | pensacola magazine
A New Heart
For Downtown
Photo by Anna Hitchcock
By Dawn Gresko
T
here’s a new heart in downtown Pensacola: a Sacred Heart, that is. The Sacred Heart Medical Group opened the doors of its new family and sports medicine clinic last month at the corner of Spring and Main streets, near the entrance to Blue Wahoos Stadium and Maritime Park.
Following the explosive economic growth and developmental expansion in our metropolitan downtown, Sacred Heart Medical Group saw a bigger focus on heath care as a natural response to the growing population and development of more apartment complexes and condos.
The grand opening of the Sacred Heart Family and Sports Medicine Clinic took place on April 1 when a crowd of 100 gathered inside the 3,000 square-foot facility to witness the rise of the first Sacred Heart branch to be built in downtown Pensacola. After serving the area for over 100 years, this is Sacred Heart’s first clinic branch in downtown.
In addition to serving as a family medicine clinic, which within convenient walking distance for the many residents of downtown, the clinic is also equipped to treat some sports injuries. For this reason, beyond the walls of the waiting room you’ll find six patient rooms decorated with athletic memorabilia from seven athletes hailing from the Pensacola area.
Before opening officially on April 4, the downtown family and sports medicine clinic was in construction for roughly a year. Sacred Heart Medical Group met with Beck Properties in January of 2015 to determine what would be the best spot to build the clinic.
Each of the six patient rooms contain souvenirs from seven famous Pensacola of various athletic fields: Doug Baldwin, Jr. (NFL wide receiver), Derrick Brooks (NFL linebacker), Justin Gatlin (Olympic sprinter), Fred Robbins (NFL defensive tackle), Buck Showalter (manager of
Baltimore Orioles), and Michelle Snow (WNBA center). Each athlete donated at least ten items of athletic memorabilia, including autographed footballs, basketballs, helmets, and jerseys. In fact, Fred Robbins donated a game helmet he had worn through four New York Giants games, while Derrick Brooks gave the new clinic five jerseys autographed by the entire team of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Patients ask if they get to choose the room they see their doctor in,” said Justin Labrato, vice president/COO of Sacred Heart Medical Group. “The answer is yes! That is the charm and uniqueness of this clinic. Depending on what high school you went to in Pensacola, or what sports team you might follow, you’ll be able to pick the room. If I went to Woodham High, for instance, I’ll want to check out the Justin Gatlin room because he went there and I can relate to him because of it.” pensacola magazine | 19
A New Heart For Downtown
Regardless of what room you choose, you still get the chance to admire a myriad of sports and athletic memorabilia framed and cased in this clinic. From cleats worn by Gatlin to a height chart for you to compare your tallness to that of the towering WNBA legend Michelle Snow.
Photo by Anna Hitchcock
Not only did the clinic’s unique location and proximity to the Wahoos Stadium make it ideal for a sports clinic, but there was another driving force behind the clinic’s unique sports theme: Sacred Heart Medical Group believed our local athletes deserved recognition for their community spirit and generosity.
“We picked these seven An Inside look at the Derrick Brooks room, featuring an autographed football by the athletes not only because Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Every door displays a unique decal like the one on the nearby Buck they are from seven local Showalter room. high schools in Pensacola,” said Labrato. “But, because, we wanted to give the athletes outlets for charging electronic devices while recognition for all the good they are doing. you wait. All the walls feature works by local The two physician offices are reserved We believe each athlete aligned well with artists and the cozy area is completed by a for Dr. Jeremiah Dreisbach and Dr. Reed the mission of Sacred Heart, which is to give calming waterfall fountain and scattered Gahagan, each bringing exceptional back to the community.” sculptures of marine life. experience and expertise to the clinic’s new and returning patients. For an example of what our local athletes The clinic has a new system for filling out have done and continue to do for the paperwork and paying for your doctor’s Dr. Dreisbach has medical interests in community, look no further than the visit all before you see the physician. When musculoskeletal and sports injuries, sports initiative started by Fred Robbins called you walk in the door to sign in at the front injury prevention, concussion management “Mr. Robbins Neighborhood,” a cleverly desk, you’ll be greeted and given a Phreesia and keeping all of his patients in top shape titled a movement for football and youth tablet. On the tablet, you provide your through health and fitness coaching. On sports. information, which is automatically sent to the other hand, Dr. Gahagan’s medical the electronic medical record system called interests include preventative medicine and The total care team at the downtown facility Athena. osteopathic treatment with an expertise includes nine employees: two doctors, one in treatment multiple chronic conditions office manager, three clinical staff members like diabetes and hypertension, but he also “The best part is seeing or medical assistants, and two medical office enjoys geriatrics and treating the entire where these athletes secretaries. family while promoting healthy lifestyles. There’s also an in-house lab for running basic tests, such as blood work. Following the sports theme, the facility also has an ultrasound machine on hand for better accessing and addressing sports-related injuries. You’re not likely to get white-coat syndrome from the waiting room at this clinic, where there’s comfortable, living-room like seating for up to 13 guests with plenty of nearby 20 | pensacola magazine
were and how they reached success and are bringing that success back home to share with the community.”
In short, using the Phreesia tablets reduces a typical 30-minute waiting room time to a mere 12 to 15 minutes, since the medical assistants no longer have to enter your data into the system by hand.
Make your next doctor’s appointment a little more interesting, and sport your own favorite jersey, when you schedule with Downtown Pensacola’s Sacred Heart Family and Sports Medicine. Check out more on the new clinic by visiting sacredheart.org/ medicalgroup, or talk to a member of the care team by calling 850-416-7544 for more information.
Learn To Sail With Confidence
And Have Fun Doing It!
A place for you in Pensacola
Business
n
Vacation
n
Extended Stay AIRPORT/CORDOVA MALL
2187 Airport Boulevard 850-478-1123 HamptonInnPensacolaAirport.com
All Summer sessions offer Beginner to AdvancedAges 6-17 Children learn basic knots, boat handling, sailing fundamentals, and how to be a Pirate! They will experience sailing windsurfers, catamarans, Flying Scot, 420, Laser, and prams. Sessions are weekly from June 6- August 5th. Register on-line at: pensacolayachtclub.org
1144 Airport Boulevard 850-479-8900 HiltonGardenInnPensacola.com
5049 Corporate Woods Drive 850-474-3777 HomewoodSuitesPensacola.com
PENSACOLA DOWNTOWN
601 East Chase Street 850-432-0202 ResidenceInnPensacolaDowntown.com
700 East Chase Street 850-439-3330 CourtyardPensacolaDowntown.com
PENSACOLA BEACH
16 Via DeLuna 800-934-3301 • 850-934-3300 DaysInnPensacolaBeach.com
850-932-9314 • Highpointe.com • 311 Gulf Breeze Pkwy • Gulf Breeze, FL
pensacola magazine | 21
Now Building Huntington Creek Just West of the Equestrian Center
Free Design Service Build on our lot or yours! Parade Winner 2013, 2014, 2015 Builder of Dream Home 2015 Builder Of The Year 2015
Come visit our furnished model homes M-Sat 11 to 5pm, Sun 1 to 5pm
T: (850) 944-6805 • E: chopllc@yahoo.com • classichomesofpensacola.com 22 | pensacola magazine
The
Next
Generation: by Josh Newby
Youth LeaP inspires tomorrow’s leaders
By now, the Pensacola Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) program is well known in the community both as an initiative to continually renew the pool of leaders in the city and as the kickstarter for many great community projects, like the LeaP Trail near the airport, a playroom at Sacred Heart, and most recently parking meters for the homeless. What is less known is the Youth LeaP program, a curriculum created by LeaP alumni that reaches into area schools and engages with sophomores, juniors and seniors in much the same way the adult version does for lawyers, doctors and business professionals. pensacola magazine | 23
The Next Generation
and Education training firefighters, decided to work with the Foundation for Excellence, a facet of the Pensacola Chamber. They directed him to the Escambia County School Board, and in 1988, the very first Youth LeaP program, then called Pilot, took place at Pensacola High School. “It was such a success that the district wanted to expand it to all 39 schools,” said Larson. “We didn’t have the infrastructure for that, so we decided to just do all the high schools. From that point, the alumni took over facilitation of the program.” It started out small, with five days outside of class throughout the year dedicated to learning about civics and leadership. Gradually other elements, like a class project, were added and qualification requirements were tweaked.
Youth LeaPers learn about the history of the BelmontDevilliers area.
Youth LeaP was designed to expose high school students to various elements of Pensacola life—as well as movers and shakers that may positively impact them in their future careers. The program gives them a behind-thescenes look, for example, at the region’s justice system, utilities infrastructure, military industry, healthcare hubs and more, while also providing thoughtprovoking exercises on ethics and best practices. “We want to plant the seed of Pensacola’s excellence so that after they complete their education, they will stay here, raise a family and be successful,” said Scott Grissett, who works at Andrews Institute but also helps head up the youth program. It all started just a few years after LeaP’s inception in the 80s, when a group of alumni realized that the city’s talented kids were going away to college in Tallahassee and Gainesville and never coming back. The best and brightest of our region were vacating the very place they grew up. To combat this, a core collective of early LeaPers decided to market Pensacola’s excellence and infrastructure to those still in school. Kurt Larson, whose day job is now at the Florida Institute of Research
24 | pensacola magazine
“Kids from the early class who stayed in Pensacola did take on more leadership and volunteer roles,” said Larson. “So in that way, I think it was a success.”
“
Youth LeaP exposes high school students to new career opportunities, diverse perspectives and real-world value not offered in the classroom.”
The program also aided with future college enrollment applications, as Bright Futures requires a certain number of volunteer hours, a condition Youth LeaP helped fulfill. Today, the Youth Leap program continues to engage with the district to fine-tune the class every year. “We recently created a focus group that engaged the Escambia County school district, their guidance counselors and other professionals to make the program into something that adds value to these kids,” said Grissett. “The demands on kids are much greater than when I was in school, so we want to make sure each day is worthwhile.” Guidance counselors work with students to select those with the most potential for the program. After they have been nominated, the student will fill out an application and submit it to a Youth LeaP selection committee by April 15. There is a GPA requirement and some essay questions that factor into the decision. That committee will then select 50 students by May to begin in late August and continue
through until April, with monthly days or half-days during which the students will travel about and learn about their city. The students visit places like the Pensacola Cultural Center, Gulf Power, the Emerald Coast Utility Authority, a courthouse and more. “Youth LeaP exposes high school students to new career opportunities, diverse perspectives and real-world value not offered in the classroom,” said Clay Ingram, Greater Pensacola Chamber President & CEO. “The program curriculum allows students to take a closer look at our community, generating a new appreciation and desire to stay here.”
Now Enrolling for Fall 2016
A Classical & Christ-Centered Education trinitaschristian.org | (850) 484-3515
Each year, the LeaP alumni select curriculum chairs who work hard to make each day as engaging and enlightening as possible. “We want to ensure it’s a quality product,” said Grissett. Much like adult LeaP, the youth program is also encouraged to select a class project that will benefit the community in some way. These projects are less labor- and funds-intensive than their adult counterparts, but they provide an opportunity for the students to understand what it takes to make effective change happen. “We don’t want the project to be a laborsome commitment, but we do want them to understand what goes into creating positive change,” said Grissett. All LeaP Alumni dues go to fund the Youth LeaP program, making the latter a completely free experience for the participants. The Youth LeaP program has been a great success, both for the kids involved and the business that participate in sharing their business models and lessons learned with the next generation. The applicant pool is competitive, but Grissett encourages students to apply for the program and give it their best shot. “Any students that see youth leadership as a value sort of select themselves,” said Grissett. “We want to accept a wide range of students. We want the program to be something the chamber, the city and the alumni are proud of.”
pensacola magazine | 25
What it means to be a foster parent and how to extend your heart and home to local children in need by dawn gresko
I
t takes a whole village to raise a child: nothing could be more true than in the case of fostering children. The saying is not a low blow to moms and dads, implying they are incapable of parenting on their own; instead, it brings to light the fact that no parent is alone because the community can share in the role of shaping and steering the future of every child within its reach. In our own community, spanning the four counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton, FamiliesFirst Network (FFN) of Lakeview works hard to ensure neither parent nor child ever feels alone. The FFN is a community-based care agency contracted by Northwest Florida’s Circuit 1 Department of Children and Families to provide foster care and related services to the four counties listed above. The network includes Lakeview Center as the lead agency, sub-contracted service providers, foster parents, agency stakeholders, as well as the four-county region as a whole working together to implement community-based care. In Northwest Florida, FFN provides child protective services to families, independent living services for teens and youths who age out of foster care, adoptive services for children in the dependency system, and places foster children in licensed homes and residential facilities. So, when could be a better time to explore foster parenthood and ways to help out local foster families than during May, Foster Care Appreciation Month? For this reason, Pensacola Magazine reached out to FFN’s foster care home recruitment and licensing managers, as well as two local foster parents, who outline what it means to be a foster parent and how you might extend your heart, if not your home, to local youth in need.
What is foster care? In most cases, foster care means providing temporary care for children who have been removed from their biological, or “bio,” family for various reasons, some of which include abuse, abandonment, or neglect. By all means, foster care is intended to be a temporary situation and a way for foster parents to provide support and stability to children in need until the situation at home can be resolved. At FFN, all foster families are taught to embrace a family-centered practice, which encourages working with families of foster children, focusing on the family as a whole and not just the children. Biological family members are viewed as partners in the process of fostering, helping to define problems and identify solutions. photo by London Scout 26 | pensacola magazine
What does it mean to be a foster parent? “Foster parenthood means you must be willing to take on the role of mentor,” says Dana Walker, mother of three and president of the Emerald Coast Foster/Adoptive Parent Association. “Not only for foster children, but for the biological parents and families who may be looking for guidance and a support system, too.” Although each foster family’s level of engagement with the biological family is different, every foster family is expected to maintain a level of respect for the biological family to ensure the family and child maintain a positive and healthy bond. To encourage family engagement, foster parents are asked to provide transportation to visitation with the bio family and act as a thirdparty supervisor for visitation, as well as invite bio parents to medical appointments, teacher conferences and special events like plays and picnics, along with sending the foster child’s class and art work to the bio parents. In addition to supporting relationships among foster children and their birth parents, the role of foster parent includes but is not limited to protecting and nurturing children in a safe environment with unconditional positive support, helping children cope with separation and loss, using discipline appropriate to a child’s age and stage of development, as well as building a child’s self-esteem, giving positive guidance, and supporting a foster child’s cultural identity and religious belief regardless of what your own may be. “The benefits well outweigh the many challenges that come along with foster parenting,” said Jennifer Perry, a foster parent and mother of five who is also an elementary school teacher. “People often say they could never be a foster parent because they couldn’t give a child back. I would say that if it was easy to send a child home, you aren’t doing it right. If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, I cannot think of a better way.”
How do you become a foster parent? Becoming a foster parent entails a rigorous licensing process, which is not for everyone. “While foster parenthood is not for everyone, everyone can do something to help the cause,” said Linda Roush, foster care recruitment manager at FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview. “You can support a foster family by making donations on the FamiliesFirst Network Facebook page.” Before entering the licensing process, you should be aware that every prospective foster parent must be at least 21 years old and earn sufficient income to support the household
without relying on foster board payments from FFN. Also, being single does not disqualify you from becoming a foster parent as long as you earn enough to support you and your foster family. On the flip side, if you are either married or cohabitating, both parties are required to participate in foster parenting. To receive your foster care license, you are required to first complete an online orientation followed by pre-service training. The online orientation and a short assessment quiz may be accessed on FFN’s website: familiesfirstnetwork.org. On the site, you’ll provide contact information that allows FFN’s recruitment manager Linda Roush and licensing manager Connie Werner to help you register for training. Finishing pre-service training means attending one class a week from 6 to 9 pm for a total of nine weeks, and these classes are held in Pensacola, Milton, Crestview and Fort Walton Beach. “Many use pre-training as a test drive,” said Connie Werner, foster care licensing manager at FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview. “Pre-training helps prospective foster parents make an educated decision on whether or not fostering will be right for their family. From there, you are not required to follow through with licensing, and it is not unusual for an individual or family to contact us more than once, as it may be anywhere from six months to a year before they feel ready to take on the role.” Once you’ve completed the training, a counselor will be assigned to you to start working on a home study process, which means a series of background checks, home inspections, family assessment, DMV checks along with employment and personal references. Essentially, anything you’d want to know about a person who is going to take care of your child is what FFN looks to gather from prospective foster parents. There’s also the matter of re-licensing, which every foster parent is required to complete at the end of every year. Re-licensing takes you through the same steps as the procedure for licensing, so more checks and evaluations, but instead of nine weeks of training you are only required to complete eight hours of training.
photo by Danielle MacInnes
As of February 2016, FamiliesFirst Network counted 2,000 children in their care: • 806 of 2,000 reunited and living with parents • 656 of 2,000 living with either relatives or non-relative caregivers • 403 of 2,000 living in foster placements • 96 of 2,000 living in licensed residential group homes • 39 of 2,000 living in adoptive placements
As of February 2016, FamiliesFirst Network had a total of 305 foster care homes: • 248 foster homes from FamiliesFirst Network • 67 foster homes from subcontractors
pensacola magazine | 27
homes of Hope What does foster care look like in our area?
PATIO PERFECT In Stock 10-40% OFF All Patio Furniture We Deliver!
IN HOME CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE
Largest Selection in the Pensacola Area!
Valid at NE Pensacola location only through 5/31/16. See store for details.
NE PENSACOLA 8090 N. 9th Ave.
850-484-3631 ©2016 Pinch A Penny, Inc.
28 | pensacola magazine
The number of children in foster care changes every day. As of February 2016, our four-county area had a total of 2,000 children in the care of FFN. In comparison, our region has 305 foster homes and is always in need of more. Ten staff members at FFN are dedicated to training, licensing and re-licensing foster families, which are supervised by Connie. Linda manages two recruiters for foster care; one recruiter reaches out to residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, while the other covers Okaloosa and Walton counties, both extending the reach of FFN in the hopes of inspiring others to become foster parents. When placing children in foster care, FFN aims to keep children in the same county as the home from which they are being removed, so the children may maintain some sense of continuity and stability by staying in the same school and interacting with familiar faces. FFN also assesses each child’s individual needs, making a decision on home placement according to factors like behavior, age and background. Besides traditional foster homes, there are several placement options for foster children, including matrix, therapeutic, and medical foster homes, as well as group homes and treatment facilities. Matrix homes are for children who may have minor behavioral issues, while a step up from matrix homes are therapeutic homes for children with significant behavioral issues. For foster children who may require care from a person with a medical background, there are medical foster homes, while children who have suffered abuse may be placed at a local treatment facility. For children who may not have a foster home placement yet, and for those who have aged out of the foster care system, there are group homes. FFN enlists the help of subcontractors like Children’s Home Society, Florida Baptist, and United Methodist Children’s Home for providing placements for children in the foster care system. Out of the 305 total foster homes in the four-county area, 67 homes are provided by aforementioned subcontractors. Businesses, organizations and others from the local community also reach out to foster families through partnership and collaborations with FFN. For instance, the recent partnership between Papa John’s Pizza and FFN was forged so that all foster families in the area can be treated to a free dinner of pizza, cookies and soda delivered for one night, so the family has chance to enjoy a meal together without worrying about the mess of cooking and cleaning.
What are some resources for foster care parents? If you’re ever feeling tentative about your choice to enter foster parenthood, remember that in each of the four counties there are groups for foster and adoptive parents, such as Escambia County’s Emerald Coast Foster/Adoptive Parent Association. You can bet your local group of parents will have helpful advice and answers to your questions about what to expect in court, or how to navigate the foster care system. The association meets on the third Monday of every month at 6 pm on the Crown Church campus (9600 N. Palafox St.). At foster care training sessions, you’ll likely meet a representative from one of the four county foster/adoptive parent associations promoting awareness about the group and the fact that no foster, or adoptive, parent is ever alone. Outside of monthly meetings, which count toward the hours needed for foster care relicensing, the association holds events during the summer, for back to school functions, and they organize fun programs like gift exchanges during the holidays. “My biggest piece of advice is make sure you have a support system,” said Walker. “I am thankful for the strong relationships I’ve developed with other parents in the association. We’re an extended family and there’s always someone you can call who’s been in your situation, or one like it.” Should you be a foster parent? Find out if fostering might be the right fit for you by viewing a full list of requirements along with qualities FFN looks for in all potential foster care candidates online at familiesfirstnetwork.org.
Family Foster Home Licensing Requirements: • Must be 21 years or older • Household income must support family without relying on boarding payment • Can be single or married; if married, or cohabitating, both must participate in parenting • No more than five children in the home at one time • Must provide employment references, three personal references, adult child references, as well as school and daycare references *For a full list of requirements visit familiesfirstnetwork.org
The Retreat is a special place, and experience, that has been described as refreshing, supportive, fun, assuring, caring and heartwarming by those who participate and their families. Positive outcomes for participants include increased socialization, improved mood and behavior, greater sense of purpose and improved sleep habits. Family caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe place while they go off to work or get much needed respite.
Call 850.266.2503 to arrange a tour. 875 Royce Street, Pensacola (ACHA#9051) Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm Daily fee includes breakfast, lunch and activities.
Come see what you are missing! To learn more, visit www.coawfla.org. pensacola magazine | 29
teaching
digital natives
Teaching the Generation That Is Growing Up With Technology by Kelly Oden
30 | pensacola magazine
hildren under 25 likely see the world very differently than you did growing up. These kids, often termed digital natives, have not known a world in which computers and other advanced technologies have not been a part of their everyday lives. They are all native speakers of the digital language. Computers, digital music players, videogames—and for the younger ones, tablets and smart phones—have been a part of their daily routines as far back as they can remember. Many have never used a rotary dial telephone, or even a phone book for that matter. The very idea that their parents once had to remain connected to a wall while talking on the phone is at once hilarious and horrifying to these kids with their mobile, fast-paced lives. When considering this brave new world of children and students, it is helpful to remember that often the parents and teachers of these natives were born into a primarily analog world and they have had to learn the digital language as adults. For this reason, they are referred to as digital immigrants. Early on, this digital divide was quite wide with parents and teachers struggling to keep up with both the gains in technology and the mental processing skills of their kids and students, but the divide between natives and immigrants seems to be narrowing as digital natives grow older and become parents and teachers themselves, and as parents and teachers become more immersed and fluent in digital language and skills. Most educators believe that today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors. According to Marc Prensky, a writer and education consultant who coined the term, digital
natives are “used to receiving information really fast. They like to parallel process and multi-task. They prefer their graphics before their text rather than the opposite. They prefer random access (like hypertext). They function best when networked. They thrive on instant gratification and frequent rewards. They prefer games to ‘serious’ work. They are used to the instantaneity of hypertext, downloaded music, phones in their pockets, a library on their laptops, beamed messages and instant messaging. They’ve been networked most or all of their lives. They have little patience for lectures, step-by-step logic, and ‘tell-test’ instruction.” Since these digital natives process information differently than earlier generations, researchers and educators generally agree that a student-centered approach is most beneficial to this generation of learners. What does student centered mean? This type of learning shifts the focus from the teacher (think lectures and textbooks) to the student (think research, hands on projects, simulations, and collaboration) and often gives the student a choice in terms of how they want to approach a learning objective and eventually display their mastery of the topic. While there are debates surrounding the issue of technology and kids—too much, too little, and too soon being the biggest conflicts, most educators agree on one thing: technology should be used as an educational tool to engage and facilitate students to achieve a variety of learning outcomes including critical thinking, problem solving, experiential learning, practical application and much more. When used in this manner, technology has the potential to connect students to content in ways never imaginable in our old rote memorization days of school.
Life is different and “ so education has to
be different. We can’t teach the same way we taught 30 years ago.”
Here’s a look at what schools are doing locally to teach these digital natives by individualizing instruction, advancing technology and science skills and promoting critical thinking.
Escambia County School District The Escambia County School District (ECSD) is in the first year of its Vision 2020 goal. Superintendent Malcolm Thomas recently signed the Future Ready Pledge to ensure that the district is taking the necessary steps to inspire and educate digital natives in a variety of ways. The cornerstone of Vision 2020 is personalized learning. “Personalized learning empowers students with voice and choice in the learning process,” says Instructional Technology teacher Lauren Thurman. “It is a student-centered approach that is facilitated by the teacher based on each learner’s mastery of the standards. A personalized approach will take into account each learner’s unique learning style, abilities, and interests. It is built on the premise that learning happens anywhere, anytime, and in flexible learning spaces.” To this point, the district has already implemented a number of unique teaching approaches and methods in its four pilot sites C.A. Weis Elementary, West
Pensacola Elementary, Bellview Middle, and Woodham Middle (eight more sites will be added in the 2016-2017 school year). All students in these pilot schools are issued Chromebooks. These laptops are checked out at the beginning of the year and the students may take them home each day. “This ensures each student has access to the technology they need to be successful in school,” says Thurman. “The goal of ECDS is that all students in grades 3 through 12 will have individual Chromebooks by the year 2020.” Additionally, the district has transformed the role of the media center to that of innovation labs. One of the most dynamic offerings in the new labs is called Makerspace. Here, students can come experiment, explore, create and tinker with a variety of tech driven kits or activities. This open-ended, hands-on learning style engages and inspires students in ways that traditional lectures just can’t. Another curriculum addition, Genius Hour, allows students to explore specific topics and real world problems that are important to them. Students enrich their understanding of the topic via a variety of research methods and keep detailed logs of their research. Eventually, they develop ideas for or solutions to the problems they chose to explore.
Episcopal Day School Episcopal Day School (EDS) has long understood that this generation of digital natives approaches learning in ways that are significantly different from traditional modes of instruction. Because of this, they
“They are thinking in different ways and viewing the world in different ways and that’s really the reality of it. So, the question is, how do we manage the good and the bad?”
recognize alternative methods of learning, particularly those that address the fact that students’ patterns of literacy are changing– they are coming of age in the digital age– and they read and absorb information in multiple ways that we are only beginning to understand. At EDS, tech integration begins early with pre-K students using iPads for skill building and assessments. “We believe it’s a part of who they are already, so let’s capitalize on that,” says Becky Share, head of the EDS lower school. “We don’t ever stick an iPad or a computer in front of a student without a purpose. It’s always used for an end game result. Sometimes that result is tech related and sometimes it’s not.” With a focus on 21st century learning skills, the curriculum at EDS engages students in exploratory learning and collaborative groups. Teachers encourage critical thinking skills and creativity. Technology integration is seamless through the use of iPads, laptops, video cameras, a 3D printer, and more. Students develop the ability to use these devices as tools for learning, and they apply these skills in their research and productivity. “Teachers now are doing a lot more hands-on and integrated teaching than before,” says Share. “Long gone are the days when a teacher was a stationary fixture in the classroom. Now they are facilitators of instruction. So instead of just sitting and reading from a book about invertebrates, second grade teachers recently brought in actual worms and then they wrote about the worms and they looked at worm videos and used the web for research. It’s a very integrated, project-based way of learning and applying knowledge.” The use of technology as a learning tool becomes increasingly interesting in the middle school program at EDS where the focus is on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Middle school students have their own school-issued Chromebooks and participate in a project-based, handson, style of learning. Projects range from research heavy simulations, collaborating via Google Docs; conceiving, designing and printing objects via a 3D printer, and video production and editing. At EDS, middle school students also use desks with attached seating that swivels and rocks. The idea being that kids are naturally squirmy and if pensacola magazine | 31
teaching digital natives
you give them an outlet for that energy, they can better concentrate on their work. In the 2016–17 school year, EDS will unveil the Kugelman Innovation Lab, which will be a dedicated space where students can be dreamers, inventors, and designers. Students will be urged to take risks and to make, invent, program and design. These skills will be reinforced with the study of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEaM). The intent is that exposure to these subjects will lead students to become inventors, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and problem solvers. Sample themes for instruction include: robotics, 3D printing, design and fabrication, coding, computer programming, wearable tech – sewing with electronics, molecular gastronomy, and stop-motion animation. “Life is different and so education has to be different,” says Share. “We can’t teach the same way we taught 30 years ago. We say all the time that we are teaching kids for jobs that we don’t even know what they are because they don’t exist yet. So we have to do our best to stay current. And really make sure that we are, as a society, moving along together in terms of technology.”
Creative Learning Academy Creative Learning Academy’s (CLA) mission is to nurture and strengthen each child’s foundation of academic excellence, creativity, independence, and integrity in a culturally enriched community. To this end, CLA takes a very balanced approach to the technology component of teaching digital natives. “We want curriculum to drive technology, not the other way around,” says Dana DeYoung, head of school. The school’s curriculum is advanced, comprehensive, and enriched with music, art, technology, library science, physical education, and Spanish. There are additional courses in middle school, such as geometry, health, creative writing, research skills, and yearbook. CLA’s pre-primary is 32 | pensacola magazine
Montessori based, so technology use is minimal. As students rise up, technology becomes more and more integrated. Middle school students do use computers often for projects and the school is currently working on a school provided laptop program for next year. CLA has two computer labs and a state-of-the-art science lab. “One of our goals is not only for us to use technology as a tool to enhance and enrich what we do, but we want to make sure we are always thinking of the balance, too,” says De Young. “That’s an important part of our philosophy— maintaining balance.” That said, DeYoung knows that technology does and will continue to play an integral role in the lives of her students, saying, “I’ve seen education evolve from the acquisition of information to a much more sophisticated system of thinking and communication. CLA also recognizes that each student learns in his or her own way and Dana sees technology as a great help in terms of differentiated learning. “To me, the greatest gift that technology has to give is differentiated learning. So if you have a group that is really strong, you can use iPads to get them doing something a little more challenging. It allows you to address more kids at a variety of levels at one time,” says DeYoung. Vicky Wonders, IT director at CLA, says that while middle schools students often enjoy using technology for projects, it’s really the collaborative environment that they most enjoy. “We had a really interesting conversation with the 8th grade and they said that they don’t want to do a Google hangout or a Skype chat. They want to be together in a room and collaborate and work on their projects together. I thought that was really interesting.” And while technology can be a useful and it is certainly not going anywhere, DeYoung acknowledges that it comes with its own challenges, “I think that the access to technology does give students the immediacy that they
want. But, not having that pause or that time for reflection is an area that I worry about sometimes,” she says. “But at the same time, there are lots of positives, too. They are thinking in different ways and viewing the world in different ways and that’s really the reality of it. So, the question is, how do we manage the good and the bad?”
Montessori School of Pensacola On the other end of the spectrum is Montessori School of Pensacola. Montessori has been teaching kids via the same methods for over a hundred years and although they do integrate technology in the higher grades, it’s a very measured and conscientious approach. Montessori schools are based on the educational philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. Montessori education emphasizes internal (self ) motivation. Specially designed Montessori materials are used to maximize children’s time in the classroom and teachers present carefully demonstrated lessons. Introduction of new lessons is tailored to the individual needs and interests of children. One unique aspect of Montessori is the mixed age group classrooms. Classrooms cover three year spreads—Pre K through Kindergarten, 1st through 3rd grades, 4th through 5th grades and the middle school program for 6th through 8th grades. Additionally, they have recently implemented a transitions classroom for students in 1 through 6 grades who may need a little extra one on one time with a teacher. The Montessori philosophy understands that digital literacy is an important component of modern education, but they also believe that children in the two to six year age group do not need to be using computers. Rather, they need to have extensive manual and other direct sensorial activities because children in this age group learn best by working with materials and manipulating them with their hands.
“We do very little with computers in the 3 through 6 age groups,” says Maria Mitkevicius, head of elementary and middle schools. “The kids might go on the computer on occasion to look at the weather or something specific, but all of the learning is done with materials. In order for a child to be able to understand math, for example, they need to be able to see, touch and compare differences. The Montessori materials provide a sensorial experience that shows the kids the difference between one and 10 or 100. All the materials connect with the brain in a different way than screen time would.” At higher levels, Montessori sees technology as a way to enhance student research through the ability to access and exchange information in global learning communities. In middle school, much of the students work is done on school supplied computers because the Montessori system sees this as a developmentally appropriate time for the use of technology. The American Montessori’s official position on technology states that, “It is important to remember that technology and its applications, such as computers and software, evolve and change rapidly from year to year. The needs of the youngest children however do not change with the changes in society. As they grow and become socialized, responsible use of technology will be a part of their classrooms and their lives.” At Montessori the focus is also on respect and responsibility. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own education and the curriculum is a mix of brief lessons, independent work and group projects. At the higher levels, 25 hours of community service is required of students each year both within the school community and the community at large.
Give me kindness. I need comfort. Give me a bed, I need to rest. I am just a kid. Give me a home.
Become a Foster Parent.
850.453.7777 FAMILIESFIRSTNETWORK.ORG
Digital Citizenship Any discussion of digital learning should at least touch on the concept of digital citizenship. It would be remiss of educators and parents alike to send these young minds out into the digital landscape without a good map and a solid rulebook. The Internet is scary place and kids need to know both the risks involved and the strategies to keep them safe. All of these schools place digital citizenship instruction as a top priority. Whether integrated into the curriculum or taught as a special unit, it’s imperative that these digital natives understand how to navigate the web, apps and social media safely whether for academic or personal reasons. Each school also stressed the importance of parental involvement in the digital lives of their children. Parents should speak candidly with their kids about the dangers of the Internet, cyberbullying, and appropriate posting. They should also know all of their children’s passwords and email addresses and consider parental controls for computer networks.
YOUR SCHOOL YOUR COMMUNITY n n n n n
Preschool through 8th grade Small class sizes 21st Century Learning Culturally enriched community Student achievement ranks in nation’s top 10%
Creative Learning Academy 850.432.1768
| 3151 Hyde Park Road | Pensacola, FL 32503
www.CreativeLearningAcademy.org pensacola magazine | 33
R C E A M MPS M SU
Pl
ay •l
e ar n •
w o gr
written by Kayla Glaze
For kids, summer time is about slip and slides, pool parties, beach days, and just having fun. For working parents, however, this time of year can be a struggle to entertain kids in a safe environment all week while still meeting their work obligations. There are many ways for parents to give kids the opportunity to create fantastic summer memories and learn a thing or two in the process. Enter Pensacola’s local summer camps, which offer a middle ground for parents and children with diverse projects that stimulate young brains and bodies with plenty of fun activities while giving the parents the time to work. Each camp offers an array of themes per week-long session that aim to get students involved in various topics including art, education, physical activities and more. However, if students are attracted to a more specific subject in the arts, academic or active categories, there are specialty camps designed for each child’s individual interests and skills. If your child has a knack for creating, or enjoys any of the performing arts, then you’ll want to check out programs and camps with Ballet Pensacola, First City Arts Center, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola Opera, and Pensacola Museum of Art. On the other hand, if math and science are among your child’s fortes, then you might consider Pensacola MESS Hall, UWF Explore, and National Flight Academy’s Ambition or Flight Adventure Deck summer programs. More recreational choices for camps outdoors include those at Play Pensacola, YMCA, and UWF Argo Kids Adventure Camp. If you’re looking for more mixed activities from which your child can sample in sessions, then look no further than Episcopal Day School, Montessori School of Pensacola, and PSC Kids’ College. 34 | pensacola magazine
Arts••••••••••••••••••••••
First City Arts Center “Creatisphere” Dates: June 20-14; June 27- July 1 Times: 9 am - 4 pm Ages: 8-14 Where: First City Arts Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. Cost: $225/nonmember session, $200/member session Info: firstcityart.org First City Arts Center has expanded its “Creatisphere” summer art program for children, and now offers week-long sessions for students who are grouped by age—one session for ages 8–11, and another for ages 11–14. Children will learn about pottery, sculpture, photography, glassblowing, STEM projects, bookmaking, 3-D mixed media, painting, printmaking, and drawing, as well as other creative outlets. Creatisphere is open to students of all skill levels and encourages children to make art that’s “out of the box” in order to promote creative development, critical thinking and innovation. To showcase what the children have learned, Creatisphere will end with an art party and student art show, which parents and friends are invited to attend. Supply and material costs are included with the price of each session, but students are responsible for bringing snacks and lunch each day.
Ballet Pensacola Dates: June 6-9; June 13-16; June 20-23; Aug. 1-4 Times: 9 am - noon for 3-4 year olds/ 1 pm - 4 pm for 5-6 year olds Ages: 3-6 Where: Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. Cost: $125/one-week, $325/three-week, $450/four-week session Info: balletpensacola.com Ballet Pensacola is offering a summer children’s program with two sessions per day with students grouped together according to age—there will be one session for three-and four-year-olds, and another session for five-and six-year-olds. Young performers will learn instruction in indi-vidual and group dances, character acting, as well as in crafts and mime work. There is a Beginning Session for students who have already completed one year of Pre-Ballet, as well as a Children’s Session for students just starting ballet. This year, students enrolled in the Children’s Session will learn dance in their choice of one of the following productions: The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Angelina Ballerina, Anna and Elsa. Classes are Monday through Thursday, but sessions run from 9 am to noon for three and four-year-olds, and from 1 to 4 pm for five and six-year-olds. Students are asked to bring a healthy snack for each day, and to wear uniforms of solid black leotards, pale pink-footed tights, as well as full-soled, pink ballet slippers.
Pensacola Little Theatre Dates: June 6-10; June 13-24; June 27- July 8; July 11-29 Times: 9 am - 5 pm Ages: 6-15 Where: Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. Cost: Varies by session from $155 to $525 Info: pensacolalittletheatre.com/education/acting-classes Pensacola Little Theatre’s Education Department has a wide selection of summer camps and classes lined up this year including Creative Drama, Puppet Camp, Break a Leg, Musical Masters, Movie Magic, and Summer Stars. Students will learn the fundamentals of puppetry, and how to use their voice and body movements to create a character. Young actors will also learn how to design props, sets and costumes, as well as other backstage duties, and how to perform singing and dancing numbers. Students learn through hands-on experiences in a non-competitive atmosphere, the primary purpose of which is to help our local youths by providing the opportunity to develop, practice and hone the skills needed in all aspects of the theatre arts and theatrical production.
Pensacola Museum of Art Dates: May 31-August 5 Times: 8 am - 5 pm Ages: 6-9 (Mini Masters), 10-13 (Junior Artists) Where: Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Cost: $200/member session, $250/nonmember session/ Individual Classone class per week $75/nonmember, $60/ member Info: pensacolamuseum.org Pensacola Museum of Art is offering up to ten weeks of creative fun in its annual Summer Art Camp in which students are shown a variety of mediums with which to create unique works of art. Some of the camp themes include Animal Adaptations, Ocean Commotion, Meet the Masters, 20,000 Leagues, The World of Dreams, Sea Monster Mania, Scultpurepalooza, eARTh Art Adventures, Emerald Coast Explorers, and Blast Through the Past. Have your children dressed in clothing they can get messy, and make sure they wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company Dates: June 13 - 17 Times: 9 am - 4:30 pm Ages: 9-17 Where: 1010 N 12th Ave. Cost: $235 Info: setsco.org
Pensacola Opera Camp Dates: July 11-15 for Youth Camp; July 25-29 for Teen Camp Times: 9 am - 2 pm for ages 8 - 12/ 9 am - 4 pm for ages 13-16 Ages: 8-17 Where: Pensacola Opera, 75 S. Tarragona St. Cost: $150 for ages 8-12, $175 for ages 13-16 Info: pensacolaopera.com/camps Each year Pensacola Opera holds summer Opera Camps in which sessions focus on vocal and dramatic coaching, audition techniques, as well as set and costume design. At the end of each session, which will be on July 15 and July 29, campers will star in a final performance for parents and friends. Campers are asked to bring a lunch each day. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
It’s a mystery of Shakespearean proportions as this year’s campers create a whodunit from the ground up using Shakespearean characters, plots, intrigue, dialogue, and combat. Each camper will get to choose a Shakespearean character to play, agree on a Shakespearean murder victim, and help write and perform an original play using Shakespearean themes. Campers will learn about the plays, acting, and stage combat in this week-long experience that culminates in a live performance! SETSCO will provide everything except underwear, shoes, and lunch. Tuition is $235. The first five people to register receive a 10 percent discount!
pensacola magazine | 35
education Pensacola Yacht Club
Episcopal Day School
Dates: June 6-10; June 13-17; June 2024; June 27- July 1; July 4-8; July 11-15; July 18-22; July 25-29; August 1-5 Times: 8:30 am - 4 pm Ages: 6-17 Where: 1897 Cypress St. Cost: $200 members/ $250 non-members Info: pensacolayachtclub.org
Dates: June 6-July 22 Times: Full and half day options available Ages: 4-12 Where: The Hilton-Green Campus, 601 N. Palafox St. Cost: $195/one-week session; $125/half-day one week session Info: edssc.org
Pensacola Yacht Club is having its annual summer sailing program stating in June. Students will learn to sail with confidence. All sessions offer lessons for beginner to advanced students. Students will learn boat rigging, boat handling, basic knots, sailing fundamentals, sportsmanship, and boat responsibility. Students are asked to bring personal floatation device, safety whistle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, dry change of clothes, clothes to get wet in, closed toed shoes, water bottle, sack lunch, and snack.
Episcopal Day School is planning for eight weeks of summer fun with its annual summer camp session, stretching Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. For rising Pre-K3 through Kindergarten students,all camps will have a STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) emphasis and themes will include space, oceans, fairy tales, gardens, cooking and robots. Rising 1st through 8th graders will have the opportunity to pick a morning and after-noon session to complete their schedule. Options will vary each week, and many camps will have a STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) emphasis. Choices will include TV broadcasting, ceramics, wearable technology, basketball, perform-ing arts/musical theater, A Not So “Simple Inventions” Rube Goldberg Lab, themed reading camps, flag football, ballet and many more. Students should bring a snack, drink and lunch each day. Although supplies are covered by the camp fee, additional items may be needed for certain activities, such as goggles and coats for the science-themed camps. Full and half day options are available for both sections of camps. Morning and after care is provided from 7 am to 8:30 am and from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. The morning and after care is complimentary with registration.
Pensacola MESS Hall Summer Camps PSC Kids College Dates: June 6- August 5 Times: Varies by session Ages: 6-12 Where: PSC Main Campus, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 96 Cost: Varies by session from $29-$175 Info: pensacolastate.edu/ce Pensacola State College is offering specialty camp sessions, as well as summer courses you can pick and choose for children in the 2015 PSC Kids’ College Summer Program. The options for enrollment are practically endless and parents have the choice to register children for individual courses, or week-long sessions that run daily from 8 am to 4:45 pm. A few of the themes for Kids’ College courses include sports, book clubs, jewelry making, learning about local and foreign cultures, computers, photography, movie making, newspaper reporting, zoology, art, ecosystems and so much more. Students must bring or purchase a lunch, and lunches are available for purchase at the on-campus Subway restaurant, for each full day of classes. Students are also encouraged to bring snacks and water, too. For a successful first day at PSC Kids’ College, make sure your child wears comfortable clothing and give your child a written list of their classes.
36 | pensacola magazine
Dates: May31-June 3, June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27- July 1, July 6-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August 1-5 Times: Morning sessions 9 am - noon/ afternoon sessions 1 pm- 4 pm Ages: 6-14 Where: Pensacola MESS Hall, 116 N. Tarragona St. Cost: $100/member session, $125/nonmember session Info: pensacolamesshall.org This summer, the camps offered at Pensacola MESS Hall focus on building math, engineering and science skills, and students are organized according to grade levels. Themes at MESS Hall include Tinker - Explore - Create Studio, Inventor’s Workshop, Code Academy, MESSlandia, Light it up!, Rockin’ Out, Discover Architecture, Nature Ramble, Space Explorers, Robot, Set, Code. Students will learn about the basic elements of architecture, anatomy, DNA, sailing and Lego robotics, as well as space, earth and ocean sciences. Camp days are half-days with either morning sessions from 9 am to noon, or afternoon sessions from 1 pm to 4 pm. Students should bring snacks for all sessions.
National Flight Academy Ambition & Flight Adventure Deck Summer Programs Dates: May 22 - Aug 19. Ages: 10-12 (Flight Adventure Deck), 12-18 (Ambition) Where: NAS Pensacola, 1 Fetterman Way Cost: $165/one-week session for Flight Adventure Deck, $1,250/six-day session for Ambition Info: nationalflightacademy.com/ambition-program/ The National Flight Academy and Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp are now launching programs for summer enrollment. The Flight Adventure Deck Summer Camp is open to rising fifth and sixth graders, who will learn how to launch their own rockets and build gliders. Other activities include watching the Blue Angels practice, experiencing Giant Screen Theater films, or using the museum’s exciting flight simulators during a week-long session. At the conclusion of the camp, students will receive their own “Flight Adventure Deck” t-shirt. The National Flight Academy focuses on building science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, along with critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. Rising seventh through twelve graders participating in the National Flight Academy’s program live aboard a multi-story facility, AMBITION CVT-11, the world’s only virtual land-locked aircraft carrier for six days. Participants eat on the mess deck, sleep in staterooms and plan missions with their squadrons in an immersive, theme-park like environment to provide a “best-in-the-world” learning environment.
UWF Explore Summer Camps Dates: June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-27; June 29-July 2; July 6-10; July 13-17; July 20-25; July 27-31; Aug. 3-7 Times: Varies by session Ages: 5-17 Where: UWF Main campus (11000 University Pkwy.), Historic Pensacola campus, Gulf Breeze Elementary School, Arcadia Mill Cost: Varies by session from $25 to $370 Info: uwf.edu/explorecamps UWF Explore Summer Camps will be offering STEM, language and writing, art, and social studies camps for campers between ages 6-17. Kindergarteners will have their own summer camp in which they will become ocean explorers, dinosaur experts, and adventurers who journey through the galaxy. Each STEM camp is a week-long session that encourages students to discover the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. Art and writing camps will teach students how to express themselves in new, creative ways. Social studies camps will teach students about archeology and local history, and will include trips to the Arcadia Mill in Milton.
Montessori School of Pensacola Dates: June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27- July 1; July 5-8; July 11-15; July 18-22; July 25-29; Aug. 1-5 Times: 8 am - noon Ages: 2-12 Where: MSP Campus, 1010 N. 12th Ave. Cost: $150/one-week session Info: montessoripensacola.com/summer
Pensacola Cooks Kids Summer Camp Dates: June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27- July 1; July 11-15; July 18-22; July 25-29; August 1-5 Times: ages 5 - 9/ 9 am - noon; ages 10 - 14/ 1 pm - 4 pm Ages: 5-14 Where: Pensacola Cooks, 3660 Barrancas Ave. Cost: $175/one-week session Info: info@pensacolacooks.com Pensacola Cooks is having its annual Youth Summer Cooking Camp starting in June. This year, the weekly themes range from Baking Basics, Baking Bootcamp, Taste of TV, Olympic Tribute to Global Foods, Foodie Movie Fun. Students will get to create dishes from cooking shows and learn to create dishes from countries that are participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Stu-dents are asked to wear closed toed shoes and pull any long hair back in a ponytail. Food and drinks are included in class fee.
Montessori School of Pensacola has two summer camp sessions lined up this year—one camp for preschoolers between the ages of 2–5, and the other for children between the ages of 6–12. In addition to recreational summer fun outdoors, preschoolers will learn about different world cultures, theatre terms and production, jewelry-making, cooking safely and hygienically, science experiments and discoveries, music styles and instruments, as well as different artistic styles and mediums. Elementary-level students will transport themselves into the wizardly world of Harry Potter, bring their favorite stuffed animals into the stuffed animal vet clinic, create and play Pokemon, work on drama exercises like pantomime and improvisation, engage in woodworking, puppet-making, crafting with fabrics. Camps run weekdays from 8 am to noon.
pensacola magazine | 37
active PlayPensacola Summer Day Camp Dates: June 5 - Aug. 5 Times: camp times varies by session Ages: 6 - 14 Where: Cobb Resource Center (601 East Mallory St.), Fricker Resource Center (900 North F St.), Gull Point Resource Center (7000 Spanish Trail), Woodland Heights Resource Center (111 Berkley Dr.) Cost: Varies by session from $45 to $130 Info: playpensacola.com
Creative Learning Academy
PlayPensacola will host nine weeks of summer camps at each of these four resource center locations: E.S. Cobb, Fricker, Gull Point, and Woodland Heights. Field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, plus games and sports are just a few of the activities students can enjoy this summer with PlayPensacola summer camps. PlayPensacola is also offering specialty camps this year, which will include beginning and advanced fishing camps, as well as SUP, adventure, dance, teen, playground, British soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and junior tennis camps. Outdoor spe-cialty camps are located at Community Maritime Park, Roger Scott Athletic Complex and Tennis Center, Malcolm Yonge Gym, and Gull Point. Camps run Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm.
Dates: June 8 – July 31 Times: Full day 8 am - 3 pm/ half day 8 am - noon Ages: 3 – 14 Where: Creative Learning Academy, 3151 Hyde Park Rd. Cost: Varies by session, $175/full-day week and $100/half-day week sessions Info: creativelearningacademy.org Creative Learning Academy is providing the following summer camps this year: Junior Camp, Classic Camp, and Enrichment Camp. Students between the ages of 3 and 7 may enroll in Junior Camp, while those between the ages of 8 and 14 may sign up for either Classic or Enrichment camps. Junior Camp sessions have weekly activities with exploration, mad scientists, pirates and art, as well as under the sea and true outdoors camping themes. Classic Camp sessions are packed with arts and crafts, sports, and science activities, as well as team-building exercises, free play outdoors each day, and weekly water activities. Enrichment Camp sessions feature robotics, creative writing, photography, music, ceramics, and sports, as well as Lego, Harry Potter and Shakespeare themes. All classes in Enrichment camps run from 8 am to noon but, for an additional $75, you can register your child for Classic Camp from noon to 3 pm. Although healthy snacks are provided, all campers are asked to bring lunches Monday through Thursday. Every Friday is pizza day!
Innerlight Skate Camp Dates: July 17; July 24; August 7; August 14 Times: 9 am - 1 pm Ages: 6-12 Where: 6307 N 9th Ave Cost: $10 a session Info: innerlightsurf.com Innerlight Surf Shop is hosting a summer skate camp for from 6–12 years of age. The students will receive instruction on skating, basic knowledge of skating, a T-shirt, coupons, and other goodies. The students are asked to bring a skateboard, helmet, closed toed shoes, snack, lunch, and a drink. Camp is from 9 am to 1 pm.
38 | pensacola magazine
Innerlight Surf Camp Dates: June 1-3; June 6-10; June 13-15; June 17; June 20, 22, 24; June 27 and 29; July 1; July 6-8; July 11-13; July 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29; August 1-3; August 8-10 Times: 9 am - 1 pm Ages: 8 and older Where: Pensacola Beach Cost: $160 per session Info: innerlightsurf.com Innerlight surf shop is hosting their surf summer camp starting in June. Students will learn to surf, surfing etiquette, culture, techniques, wave knowledge, and tides and marine biology. Even if the surf is flat, the students will still have fun games and activities. Each student will receive a Surf Camp T-shirt, stickers, coupons, and other goodies. The students are asked to bring board-shorts or swimsuit, a towel, a lot of sunscreen, a rash guard, a snack and lunch, and something to drink.
Cordova Lanes Pins and Pals Summer Camp Dates: June 6-10; June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27- July 1; July 11-15; July 18-22; July 25-29; August 1-5 Times: 10 am - 1 pm Ages: 5-18 Where: 2111 Airport Blvd Cost: $125 weekly- includes own bowling ball and lunch/ $85 weeklyWithout bowling ball Info: cordovalanes.com Students will begin with bowling basics and end with a greater appreciation for bowling and a comfort level that will let them enjoy bowling more; all with your very own bowling ball. Coaches are available to help you develop a killer shot, or to just show you enough to allow you to enjoy the sport. Lunch is provided each day. Camp runs Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.
Waterboyz Surf and Skate Camp Dates: May 30-June 2; June 6-9; June 13-16; June 20-23; June 27-30; July 4-7; July 11-14; July 18-21; July 25-28; August 1-4 Times: 9 am - noon Ages: 6 and up Where: Pensacola Beach and Waterboyz Cost: $170 per session for Surf camp/ $120 per session for Skate camp Info: waterboyz.com Waterboyz is offering Surf camp and Skate camp this summer. Both camps offer lessons for beginners to advanced students. The students attending the surf camp are asked to bring sandals, sunscreen, rash guard, lunch, snack, and a towel. The students will learn surfing, paddle boarding, ocean awareness and safety, and wave knowledge and etiquette. In the skate camp, the students will set their own goals each week and work to achieve each trick. The students attending the skate camp are asked to bring a skateboard, and sack lunch. Both camps run from 9 am to noon.
Northeast Pensacola’s YMCA Summer Day Camp Dates: June 6-10; June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27-July1; July 4-8; July 11-15; July 18-22; July 25-29; Aug. 1-5; Aug. 8-12 Times: 8:30 am - 4 pm/ early drop off 6 am and late pick up no later than 6 pm Ages: 5-12 Where: Pensacola’s Northeast Branch, 3215 Langley Ave. Cost: $60/member session, $120/nonmember session Info: ymcanwfl.org/programs/youth-development/day-camp YMCA Summer Day Camp is hosting summer camp sessions at its Northeast Pensacola location this year. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, indoor and outdoor games, swimming, skits, singing, field trips, as well as other themed sessions. In addition to offering swimming lessons for an extra $20 per session, YMCA Northeast is offering Leader in Training Programs for youths between the ages of 13 and 15. Field trip opportunities this summer for YMCA Northeast include excursions to Dreamland Skating Center, Waterville USA, Pensacola MESS Hall, Sam’s Fun City, Gulfarium Adventure Park, Bounce House Pensacola, Mobile Exploreum, and Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Sessions will include projects, games and events built around weekly themes such as the 80s, great outdoors, water adventures, Olympic Games, space camp, and much more. Campers should bring a bag packed with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a water bottle, as well as a lunch that does not require special heat or refrigeration.
UWF Argo Kids Adventure Camp Dates: May 31-June 3; June 6-10; June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27-July 1; July 11-15; July 18-July 22; July 25-29; Aug. 1-5 Times: 7:30 am - 5: 30 pm Ages: 5-11 Where: UWF Campus, 11000 University Pkwy., Bldg. 72 Rm. 278 Cost: $35- $160 Info: uwf.edu/offices/recreation-and-sports-services/argoadventure-kids-camp/camp-information/ UWF Argo Kids Adventure Camp will be using the following themes for its summer camps this year: Underwater Adventure, Around the World, Wizarding Week, American Heroes, Dino Week, Sports Week, Toontown Week, and Best of the Best. Outdoor time will be spent on natural trails, hiking and doing rope courses, while indoor activities will include dance, swimming and rock climbing. Safety activities will also be offered to give students instruction on knot tying and self-defense, and sports activities will allow students to play softball, kickball, tennis, and much more. Every day students should bring a backpack or gym bag with sunblock, extra clothes and shoes, swimming gear, and a water bottle labeled with your child’s name.
pensacola magazine | 39
Map out a fun-filled family adventure with the Pensacola Explorer Passport Visit Pensacola invites families to become “Pensacola Explorers” with a new passport and activity guide highlighting 25 unique attractions covering nature, history, science and archeology, arts and culture in the Pensacola Bay Area. The Pensacola Explorer Passport adventure begins when visitors either download a passport online at explorepensacola.com or pick-up a passport at one of three Pensacola Visitors Centers. Kids and families are encouraged to visit sites, collect stamps and post pictures to earn the title “Pensacola Explorer.” Explorers are eligible to win prizes at the end of their vacation! Get started mapping out an anything-but-boring beach vacation in Pensacola and Perdido Key. Here are a few highlights of the new discoveries waiting for you: Take the family into nature on the most pristine, uncrowded white quartz sand beaches along the Gulf Coast. Pick up shells and get up close to sea life including dolphins, fish, birds and turtles. Take a walk along the Eco-Trail on Pensacola Beach where you’ll learn about local plants and common wildlife as you walk along and see the 29 signs along the trail. Head out to the northern shoreline of Big Lagoon State Park and climb the three-story Observation Tower for a bird’s eye of the park’s 655 acres overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are available to rent. Step back in time, 450 years, to walk through history. History buffs can explore historic Pensacola where the past comes to life with colonial-era costumed staff, guided walking tours and hands-on activities including butter churning and open-hearth cooking. Climb through old military forts, a lighthouse or spend a day or two at the National Naval 40 | pensacola magazine
HOW TO BE A PENSACOLA EXPLORER! Explore 450 years of history right here in one of America’s First Settlements. Walk through forts, historic landmarks and the largest Naval Aviation Museum in America. Get hands on with real science and engineering experiments or blow your own glass. Discover new trails and habitats of seashore birds while biking, hiking or kayaking in our state and national parks.
Are you ready to see and do it all and be an official Pensacola Explorer? Here’s how! STEP 1
GET YOUR PASSPORT
Go to ExplorePensacola.com to download and print your passport OR stop by one of our visitor centers, OR participating accomodations to pick up your passport.
START EXPLORING
Visit as many of locations listed in the passport as you can.
COLLECT YOUR STAMPS
Receive one stamp in your passport from each participating location.
GET YOUR EXPLORER PRIZES! Return your passport with four (4) or more stamps and receive your Pensacola Explorer prizes!
DON’T FORGET! CONGRATULATIONS!
You are an official Pensacola Explorer. Hold on to your passport and be sure to check out the locations you missed the next time you come to Pensacola.
Post your photo to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #ExplorePcola to share your Pensacola discoveries!
Aviation Museum with nearly 350,000 square feet of indoor exhibits. When you need a break from the sun, it’s the perfect place to let the kids have fun in the Kitty Hawk play area, or spend time testing out simulators, seeing a movie on the giant screen theater or meeting the Blue Angels for autographs after a weekly practice flight. Pensacola has art. Explore galleries, museums, music and the theater. At the First City Arts Center everyone has a chance to find the artist within through hands-on classes in glassblowing, glass bead making, clay sculpting, pottery on the wheel, drawing and painting. Science minds who like to tinker will find plenty to inspire their creativity. One such stop is the Pensacola MESS Hall, where making a mess is encouraged. MESS stands for Math, Engineering, Science and Stuff and different MESS kits each day encourage experimenting. What kids and parents find out is that getting
to the answer isn’t the best part; what’s most interesting and exciting is what you learn in the process. Plan your Pensacola Explorer passport adventure at explorepensacola.com. The world is waiting to see your Pensacola discoveries! Post your photos to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ExplorePcola and Visit Pensacola will select photos to share on the Explorer website. Passports can be picked up at any of these Visitors Center Locations: *Pensacola Visitors Center, 1401 E Gregory Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 *Pensacola Beach Visitors Center, 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 *Perdido Key Visitors Center, 15500 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507
BOWLING
PINS & PALS BOWLING CAMP Learn A Sport That Lasts A Life Time With Qualified Instructors June 6-10 • June 13-17 June 20-24 • June 27-July 1 July 11-15 • July 18-22 July 25-29 • August 1-5 9-12pm Ages 5 - 18 Monday - Friday
SPACE IS LIMITED CAMP INCLUDES:
LESSONS, RENTAL SHOES, LUNCH, CUSTOM FITTED BOWLING BALL $125 PER CHILD
Cordova Lanes
850-477-2300 2111 AIRPORT BLVD. PENSACOLA
Episcopal Day School is dedicated to preparing your child for a life of learning. Explore our school and learn how to enroll in PreK2 - Grade 8.
223 N. Palafox Street | Pensacola, FL 32502 | 850.434.6474 | www.edscc.org pensacola magazine | 41
Play / Live / Give May APR 1415
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Auditions 2016–2017 Calling all Pensacola youth: are you ready to sing your heart out? Pensacola Children’s Chorus auditions return on May 14 at the Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center (46 E. Chase St.). For the 2016-2017 season, artistic director Alex Gartner will audition rising fourth through 12th graders, assessing the vocal range and tone quality of each student. Additionally, high school students will be required to work with a choreographer during auditions to assess their movement abilities. Please call the Chorus office at 850-434-7760 to make an appointment for your audition, or visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com for more details on the Chorus’ 27th season.
may Showtime at Saenger 6 Theatre
Pensacola Children’s Chorus will present its 26th annual production of Showtime in the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre from May 6 to 8. Showtime features the six choirs of the Pensacola Children’s Choris with over 200 members performing a variety of music, as well as showcasing spectacular costumes, dynamic choreography and impressive staging. Highlights this year feature patriotic numbers including a USO set and the always popular, Salute the Armed Forces. Creative themed segments include “Finding Neverland, “In the Jungle,” “Music Through the Decades,” a “Rat Pack Tribute,” and “Songs of Judy Garland.” Showtime will send the founding artistic directors of Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Susan and Allen Pote, off with a band as they retire at the end of the 2015-2016 season. Reservations are required and seats range $25 to $41. Get your tickets now by visiting pensacolasaenger.com.
may East Hill Tour of 7 Homes
Explore a side of East Hill you might not have seen before with East Hill Tour of Homes on Saturday, May 7, from 10 am to 2 pm. In addition to the McIlwain Home, the tour includes five wonderful homes ranging from 1914 to 2015. Tickets are $15 per person and $25
42 | pensacola magazine
per couple (with a $5 discount for East Hill Neighborhood Association members). Tickets are purchasable at 1200 E. Blount St. (McIlwain Home), and all proceeds go toward making improvements to East Hill Neighborhood. For more information, visit myeasthill.org.
may Mother’s Day Brunch 8 at a Great Southern Restaurant
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so what better way to treat Mom than to take her out to a Sunday brunch at a Great Southern Restaurant? Jackson’s is serving brunch from 10:30 am to 3 pm, and you can expect entrees like eggs benedict with an English muffin, smoked ham, soft poached eggs and hollandaise, accompanied by bottomless Piper Sonoma champagne for $10 (or complimentary for moms). Brunch at The Fish House will run from 11 am to 3 pm with menu items like seared salmon served on toasted pumpernickel bagels with grilled tomatoes, house-pickled red onions and two poached eggs finished with a rich avocado béarnaise, which you can wash down with either $5 bottomless champagne and mimosas or $2 bloody marys. Visit fishhousepensacola.com, or jacksonsrestaurant.com, for more details.
may Second Annual 13 Baller’s Ball
Pensacola’s all-women krewes, The Mystic Mafia and The Daisy Dukes, are proud to announce their second annual Baller’s Ball to be held on May 13 at 8 pm in the beautiful event space of New World Landing (600 S. Palafox St.). The two krewes have created a community-wide gala celebrating the city’s heritage for a once a year, over-the-top experience unlike any other. Dress to impress, or put on attire that supports your krewee’s theme, and get ready for live entertainment, high end casino-style gaming with professional dealers, and top-shelf beverage choices. For more information, email April Davison at aprilddavidson@me.com, or follow Pensacola Baller’s Ball on Facebook.
may Pensacola Beach 14 Triathlon
Are you ready to give this year’s Pensacola Beach Triathlon your best try? Put on your most aerodynamic gear and head to Flounders for the 2016 Pensacola Beach Triathlon on Saturday, May 14. The course includes a 300-yard swim (in the protected waters of the Sound behind Flounders), a 10-mile bike, and threemile run. Packets will be available for pickup on May 13 at Running Wild from 11 am to 2 pm and Flounders from 5 to 7 pm. For more info, visit multisport.com, or contact Sean McSheehy at multisport3@gmail.com or 850-499-8457.
Play / Live / Give may Fiesta Family 14–15 Weekend
Fiesta Family Weekend is a timehonored tradition that gives children the chance to learn about Pensacola’s rich history in a fun and engaging way, such as through the Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt returning this year on Saturday, May 14. This free event will be held during the weekend of May 14 through 15 at Bayview Park in East Hill, where there will be two full days of treasure hunting, toys, games and beach adventures for kids and families. Learn more at fiestaofffiveflags.org.
may Lionfish Removal and 14–15 Awareness Day
How many invasive lionfish can we remove in one weekend? Find out at the 2016 Lionfish Removal & Awareness Festival and Tournament at Plaza de Luna (900 S. Palafox) from May 14 to 15 from 10 am to 5 pm. This free event will have lionfish tastings and fillet demonstrations by celebrity chefs, as well as family activities, raffles and prizes. There will also be conservation vendors from Sea Grant Florida, Edible Invaders, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and more. Learn how to donate to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, or find out more about the upcoming event, by checking out reefrangers. com.
May APR 1415
may Seventh Annual
15 Beauty by the Bay
Join The King Richard Foundation on Sunday, May 15 for the seventh annual Beauty by the Bay fashion show and dinner benefitting the “Send a Kid to Camp” program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The show begins at 3 pm inside the Sanders Beach-Corrine Jones Center, featuring the ladies of AKA, Delta, Zeta and Sigma Gamma Rho and the men of Alpha, Kappa, Sigma and Omega. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased at It’s Personal by Sheila (2610 W. Cervantes St.) and Me & Mom’s Hair Care (2428 N. 12th Ave.). For more information, call Ann Richard at 850944-9408, or email king100490@aol. com.
may Cooking Demos
18 with Chef Irv Miller: 100-Mile Cooking
Save the date for Chef Irv’s 100-Mile Cooking demonstration on May 18, which will celebrate and promote the abundance of ingredients from nearby farms, local food markets, and the food-producing community of Northwest Florida and lower Alabama. The 100-Mile Meal is a way of eating, thinking, and cooking; it is Chef Irv’s and Jackson’s way of supporting local farms and, overall, the local economy. Chef Irv will select ingredients from
local growers for each course, so you can savor the flavors of our region. The cost is $45 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 850-469-9898, or visiting jacksonsrestaurant.com.
may PLT Presents I Love
19–21 You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
We’re all familiar with the contemporary fairy tale known as “the relationship,” but Pensacola Little Theatre is taking the celebration of the mating game to another level with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Travel with the theatre troupe as they follow the long and winding road from dating and waiting for love and marriage to the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, as well as trips in the family car and the pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. Leave the kiddos at home, because this show is intended for mature audiences only (due to strong language and adult situations). The show will be performed on May 13 to 15 and May 19 to 21 beginning at 7:30 pm, except on Sunday when it starts at 2:30 pm. Tickets range $10 to $17. Learn more about the upcoming production, or purchase your tickets now, by visiting pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Murder Mystery at the Museum Is Clue still your favorite board game? Then you won’t want to miss your chance to play the game live at Pensacola Museum of Art’s Murder Mystery at the Museum Bash starting at 6 pm on Saturday, May 14. Guests are invited to experience the museum like never before: as suspects in a murder mystery. Guests will portray a specific alias during the night, as well as share and gather telling clues that outline their involvement, or lack there of, in the deadly crime committed inside the museum. Attendees will receive details about their character after registering, so they have enough time to familiarize with their role and pair it with the perfect costume. While uncovering the mystery, feel free to wine and dine as food and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included with each ticket. Tickets are $60 per person. Get yours now by visiting pensacolamuseum.org.
pensacola magazine | 43
5308 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Phone: (850) 626-3091
4901 West Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, FL 32506 Phone: (850) 458-7735
EDUCATION & THERAPY SERVICES AT CAPSTONE ACADEMY
Play / Live / Give may Relay for Life 21 of Pensacola
It’s time again to celebrate Relay For Life Pensacola-style at the Community Maritime Park on May 21. The opening ceremony starts at 11 am, bringing together everyone for a high-energy event kickoff that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer and reminds us all that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority. At 11:15 am, cancer survivors will take the first lap, aptly called the “Survivor’s Lap,” around the track, cheered on by other participants and the sound of upbeat music, allowing survivors at the event to celebrate their victory over cancer. Anyone who has ever cared for someone with cancer also walks a special lap so they can be honored, and caregivers can walk this with the person they helped if the person is present. The candlelit Luminaria Ceremony begins at 8 pm, when loved ones lost to cancer are remembered, supportive messages are sent out to those who currently have cancer, and those who fought cancer in the past are already honored. Questions about this year’s Relay? Contact Jaimie Watts by email at jaimie.watts@cancer.org, or by phone at 302-540-4966.
www.CapstoneLearning . org 850- 458-7735
Angels Practice may Blue Soar away with the Blue Angels during 10–11 17–18 31
44 | pensacola magazine
their practice performances every Tuesday and Wednesday at the National Naval Aviation Museum for May 10-11, May 17-18, and May 31. Make sure to grab your concessions before practice begins at 11:30 am. Then sit back, relax, and watch as the Angels maneuver into formation and jet out creative contrail-cloud shapes left in their wake. Find out more about upcoming practices and shows by going to blueangels.navy.mil.
may Take Me Out to the
4–8 Ball Game 14–18 We’re well into baseball season and there’s 25–29 plenty of Blue Wahoos home games to look forward to for the month of May. If Mom likes baseball, or she just enjoys watching the uniformed players dive for first base, don’t forget to invite her out for some peanuts and Cracker Jacks this Mother’s Day (on May 8, when the Wahoos will be taking on the Biloxi Shuckers). Questions? Contact info@ bluewahoos.com. Otherwise, get your tickets now by either calling 850-9348444 or emailing tickets@bluewahoos. com. May 4-8: v. Biloxi Shuckers May 14-18: v. Mississippi Braves May 25-29: v. Birmingham Barons
www.downtowncrowd.com
may Bands on the Beach 10 17 24 31
Sink your chairs and toes into the sugarywhite sands of Pensacola Beach while you get ready to enjoy our area’s free concert series every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 pm at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach. This month includes a performance by Northwest Florida’s only Beatles Tribute Band: Not Quite Fab. Pets and glass must stay at home. For more information, call the SRIA at 850-932-2257, check out visitpensacolabeach.com, or tune in to Cat County 98.7 to hear the latest updates. May 10: True Blue Band May 17: Mr. Big & The Rhythm Sisters May 24: Southern Breeze May 31: Not Quite Fab
may Vinyl Music Hall 4 6 20 21 30
Every month, Vinyl Music Hall hosts a wide variety of acts, events, performances and more that draw a diverse crowd to Downtown Pensacola’s go-to venue. This month is no exception, so don’t miss out on any one of the upcoming shows. Get your tickets now, or find out more on May’s calendar of events, by visiting vinylmusichall.com. May 4: Blue October May 6: Strangelove – The Ultimate Tribute to Depeche Mode May 20: Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute May 21: Sister Hazel May 31: Buckethead .
GULF COAST POOL & SPA The Ultimate in
Vinyl lined Pools Quality, custom In Ground Construction & Service
Gulf Coast Pool and Spa, Inc. 2461 Langley Ave Pensacola, FL (850) 478-1343 gulfcoastpoolandspa.com Gulfcoastpoolandspa@gmail.com FL License #: RP0054512 | AL License #: 048321 pensacola magazine | 45
46 | pensacola magazine
NOW SELLING!
SOUNDSIDE SHORES IN GULF BREEZE
GATED COMMUNITY
SOUNDSIDE SHORES STANDARD FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS • 8’ Exterior and Interior Doors • Upgraded all wood cabinets with maple face fronts with 42” upper cabinets in kitchen. Includes crown molding and shaker style door. • Radiant barrier OSB roof sheathing • Grid coffer ceiling in great room with crown molding, per plan • 5 ¼” crown molding in Foyer, Dining room ceiling and coffer • Carrier/Bryant 15 S.E.E.R. rated heating, ventilation and A/C system
• Brick paver driveway • Decorative outdoor shutters with hardware • Built in 36” cooktop • Built in wall oven/microwave combo • Upgraded bath faucets and fixtures in your choice of Oil Rubbed Bronze or Brushed Nickel • Recessed LED Lighting • Twice The Warranty - Two Year Non-transferable Holiday Builder Warranty • Bonded Builders 10 Year Limited Structural Warranty
Call Emily Adams for your tour of Soundside Shores!
866-640-3710
PRICES STARTING IN THE HIGH $300’s
*Prices, terms availability, features, amenities, specifications, plan dimensions and design vary per plan and are subject to change or substitution without notice. Holiday Builders Copyright ©2008
HOLIDAYBUILDERS.COM
ank you to our sponsors May 22 2016 11am
Palafox Wharf
Benefitting Gulf Coast Kid’s House
Join us for a Sunday champagne brunch event featuring James Beard nominated, Chef Briand, from Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina. Guests will also enjoy a bay cruise, and a live “experience” auction. Call for tickets 850.595.5800
Presented by
&
e Teri Levin Family
Gulf Coast Kid’s House is located at the Marilyn Kapner Levin Center for Children’s Advocacy and Child Abuse Prevention and the Allen R. Levin Family Advocacy and Education Wing
Veranda
of Pensacola
Veranda of Pensacola is a retirement community which fosters long-lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. Visit with friends, enjoy the numerous activities, or relax in your own beautiful apartment. Come and see for yourself how our residents are enjoying, “Retirement Living at its Finest.”
Hear what actual residents have to say at www.verandapensacola.com
Veranda of Pensacola, Inc. · 850-417-7869 · 6982 Pine Forest Rd., Pensacola
AL#11190
48 | pensacola magazine
SPECIAL SECTION
SPECIAL SECTION 55
Public Private Profit HOW PRIVATE HOTELIERS ARE IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY FOR THE GOOD OF ALL.
· OTHER STORIES ·
50
59
63
Smart Selections
Call It a Night
THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IS BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE WITH LIMITED FUNDING BUT INCREASED HEALTH EXPECTATIONS. SO HOW DO THEY DO IT?
PENSACOLA’S MOST POPULAR MONTHLY EVENT IS COMING TO AN END. HOW DID A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF ART AND CULTURE BECOME A RIVALED POLITICAL ISSUE THAT WAS SIMULTANEOUSLY SCORNED AND CELEBRATED?
Around the Region FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT AND CULTURAL NEWS IN THE GREATER PENSACOLA AREA AND NORTHWEST FLORIDA.
nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 49
Education
Smart Selections
A peek inside Escambia County school lunches and how the ECSD Food Services department meets federal nutrition standards to promote healthy eating habits while staying within budget. By Dawn Gresko
GOOD
BETTER
BEST
W
hat’s going on your child’s plate? While children are especially susceptible to the misconception that eating healthy requires giving up some (often unhealthy and sugar or fat-laden) favorite foods, it’s important to realize that these foods can be included in a healthy eating plan if consumed in moderation. However, since parents are not present to moderate what their children eat during school hours, this is where the local food services department steps in to enforce a balance between calorie and nutritional needs and the foods and beverages consumed by children. Northwest Florida’s Business Climate spoke with Jaleena Davis, director of the 50 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
Food Services Department of the Escambia County School District (ECSD), for the scoop on meal budgets, federal and nutrition guidelines, and other factors that influence what local schools are offering your children for snacks and lunch meals. Healthy, wellbalanced and nutritious eating promotes higher performance both in and out of the classroom, so ECSD Food Services has been working closely with the local Department of Health and school cafeterias across the county to ensure local youth are receiving smarter selections when it comes to school lunch for the right amount of nutrients to sustain a healthy lifestyle beyond the school campus.
According to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a federally-assisted meal program operating in over 100,000 public and non-profit private schools, including over 56 sites in Escambia County, all school lunches must meet meal pattern and nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Currently, the meal patterns outlined by national dietary guidelines are designed to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the school menu, and decrease the level of sodium and fats in all meal offerings. The meal patterns also set specific calorie limits to make sure children from kindergarten through fifth grade,
sixth through eighth grade, and ninth through 12th grade receive age-appropriate meals. Although all school lunches across states and counties must meet federal meal requirements, decisions about what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared are made by local school food authorities, such as our own Department of Food Services. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the NSLP get cash subsidies and foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each meal they serve. In return, they must meet federal requirements and offer free or reduced-price lunches to eligible children. In regards to budget, ECSD
“The meals offer a variety and demonstrate appropriate portion sizes, as well as the importance of having items from all food groups.” Food Services receives an annual amount of $20 million, which is allocated between 56 sites in the county according to the number of meals served. When purchasing food for school lunches from vendors, Food Services aims not to exceed spending more than $1.50 per lunch meal. On average, a total of 20,000 meals are served in Escambia County per day. The USDA provides financial support to schools in the form of cash reimbursement for each meal served. As of the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the current basic cash reimbursement rates, if school food authorities served less than 60 percent free and reduced price lunches during the second preceding school year, are as follows: $2.93 per free lunch, $2.53 per reduced lunch, $0.28 per paid lunch. On Feb. 1, 2013, the USDA proposed changes to provide healthier food options in schools called “Smart Snacks in School,” which became the newest addition to federal requirements that all schools under the NSLP must meet. The new standards were put in place to make sure healthy options were offered throughout schools, extending beyond the lunchroom to vending machines and snack bars. The proposal suggested more snack foods with whole grains,
low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and proteins as the main ingredient. Also, the proposal requires schools to offer snack foods lower in fat, sugar and sodium content. Even products from cafeteria stations for Chik-Fil-A, Dominos, and Subway must comply with the new USDA guidelines. As for lunch meal patterns on the local level, Escambia County bases servings for fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein and sodium, according to a student’s grade level. The amount is also based on the average calorie intake for a five day school week. All food items across grade levels should have nutrition labels, or manufacturer specification, which indicate zero grams of trans fat per serving. Also, servings for all grade levels should contain saturated fat less than 10 percent of total calories consumed. For elementary students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, the daily number of calories can be anywhere between 550 to 650 per student meal, while sodium should be less than 640 mg. Each middle school lunch may not exceed 700 calories, and sodium intake should be less than 710 mg.
Each high school lunch may not exceed 850 calories, or contain sodium over 740 mg. Today’s school meals provide plenty of variety and alternatives for students to choose from, and many menu items have been added because of student responses to food-preference surveys and tastetesting. A “good,” or well-balanced, lunch is considered a combination of foods providing approximately a third of the daily requirements for vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fats. All students are encouraged to take charge of their diet by making smart selections for their lunch meal and choosing at least three out of the five offered components of every lunch meal with the idea that “three is good, four is better, and five is best” promoted to assure greater variety of nutrient intake. To further encourage healthy eating habits, the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDA) has held produce shows in Escambia County to allow select students from all grade levels to taste fresh produce and new recipes using those fresh food items. Moreover, Food Services
participates in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program that allows some schools to offer fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks during the week with an educational component teaching children the important difference between processed and fresh produce. “We also partner with the local Department of Health to provide the Let’s Go Program in select elementary schools,” said Davis. “The program encompasses healthy food choices and increasing physical activity in our youth.” All of these efforts are geared toward lowering childhood obesity rates in Escambia County. Data from the latest 2014-2015 school year revealed that over 15 percent (15.70 percent) of Escambia County students who were screened were clinically obese. However, the good news is that this is a decrease from the previous 2013-2014 school year, when over 17 percent (17.22 percent) of students screened fell under the category of obese. “Our Food Services Department follows federal meal guidelines to help students either maintain or obtain an appropriate weight,” explained Davis. “The meals offer a nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 51
Education
variety and demonstrate appropriate portion sizes, as well as the importance of having items from all food groups.” ECSD Food Services works closely with food suppliers, such as US Foods Montgomery, Kelly Foods, Sysco, Butlers, Southeastern Produce, Big Charlies’, and Flowers Bakery. Although Food Services
does not work directly with farmers, produce vendors will alert the department when products coming in are local—meaning the products came anywhere from Mobile, Ala. and Jacksonville, Fla. to areas along the southern Alabama and Georgia borders. In the case of a product recall from any one of its vendors, Food
Services receives a notification from either the vendor or USDA. Once the notification has been received, Food Services immediately checks both the warehouse and school site inventory for the recalled product, and, if the product is in stock at any one of our area’s schools, it is pulled from inventory immediately and not served to students.
WUWF PUBLIC MEDIA
For more than three decades, NPR's
Morning Edition has prepared listeners for the day ahead with up-to-theminute news, background analysis and commentary taking listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories.
Morning Edition
Weekend Edition
4-8:30 AM
8-10 AM
weekdays
weekends
Listen on WUWF 88.1FM or wuwf.org. Learn more and find the full list of WUWF programs at wuwf.org/programs.
52 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
In addition to complying with USDA requirements for the NSLP, ECSD Food Services works closely to follow standards that are up to par with those of the FDA, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FLDACS), School Nutrition Association (SNA), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and American Heart Association (AHA). This is all done with the aim of enhancing the Food Services department’s vision of providing excellence in food and nutrition services, as well as promoting nutritious school meals and making nutrition education programs available for all children regardless of economic status, cultural background, or special needs. Find out more about what’s going on your child’s plate by viewing cafeteria menus categorized by school on the ECSD Food Services website. Also, keep up to date with the latest department news on fundraisers, nutrition and wellness education opportunities, and ways to apply for free or reduced lunch for your children online at: www1.escambia.k12.fl.us/ foodsrv/index.html.
THURS, MAY 26 ▪ 7PM (DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM)
WSRE JEAN & PAUL AMOS PERFORMANCE STUDIO PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE 1000 COLLEGE BOULEVARD PENSACOLA free admission RSVP requested; not required wsre.org/speakers
WSRE PRESENTS:
TRACE BEAULIEU & FRANK CONNIFF STARS OF THE PEABODY AWARD WINNING SERIES MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 ON THEIR CREATIVE JOURNEY AS WRITERS AND ACTORS ON THE SERIES, ALONG WITH THEIR THE MADS ARE BACK! LIVE MOVIERIFFING SHOW
Sponsored in-Part by:
PBS for the Gulf Coast
An Original Production of WSRE
Over 20,000 boys and girls lost their fathers during the Vietnam War. WSRE is proud to present They Were Our Fathers, a documentary filmed in Washington D.C. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as hundreds of these children, now men and women, honored their dads on Father’s Day with a special ceremony and remembrances left at The Wall. Each of these sons and daughters has a unique story to tell. They are bonded together in tragedy but also joined together in patriotism, honor and respect for the fathers they loved and lost. Their stories serve as powerful testimonies about the true cost of war.
17080-0416 WSRE Public Sq-TWOF FP May ad.indd 1
Father’s Day Premiere 7pm Sunday, June 19
wsre.org
4/18/16 10:00 AM
Economy Community
Public Private Profit It’s no surprise that where public money is involved, misallocation sometimes follows. Occasionally, we understand that this is just the cost of doing business when fallible humans are placed in charge of an imprecise process full of special interests lobbying for that money. There are instances, however, where that misappropriation and ineffectiveness could bring about disaster for a major sector of public and private development, employment and economic opportunity. Luckily, private businesses have become the latest arbiters of efficient and effective capital outlays, often finding ways to balance their own interests with the general public’s through advocacy and action. By Josh Newby
Tourism is a competitive business that benefits almost every industry in the area in some way, and not surprisingly, many agencies are charged with promotion, marketing and ensuring the ongoing sustainability of Northwest Florida’s visitorship. Also not surprising is that a large amount of public funds are collected via taxes to serve as a resource for the continued viability of the tourism industry. These taxes, called Tourist Development Taxes and colloquially referred to as bed taxes, are a 4 percent levy on the total payment received for the rental or lease of living quarters and accommodations, like hotels, motels, condos and more. The exact amount of the tax is county-specific, and, in fact, the State of Florida allows for up to 6 percent. The hotels and motels collect these taxes, levied by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, and the funds are then administered by the Clerk of Court’s finance office. According to Florida statute 125.0104(3)(1), the revenue is to be used for “the acquisition and operation of convention centers, sports stadiums and arenas, auditoriums and museums, promotion and/or advertisement of tourism and funding of tourist and convention bureaus and tourist information centers.” Since the 2010 BP oil spill, Northwest Florida has ironically been collecting record amounts of bed tax during the busy season of May through August. The summer of 2015 saw TDT revenue of over $5 million. Those numbers are even higher in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties, often clocking in at an excess of $10 million. With this insurgence of money, events and promotions agencies like
nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 55
Economy Visit Pensacola, Pensacola Sports, and ACE (Art, Culture and Entertainment, Inc.) are able to do more than ever. While the above agencies are certainly responsible for much of the growth in tourism over the last few years, an often-unsung hero of this story is the hotels themselves. Many years ago, local hoteliers like Julian MacQueen of Innisfree and Jay Patel of various franchised lodging businesses, got together, put forth their own private funds, and formed the Escambia County Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in order to serve as a concerted voice for the hotel-owners. MacQueen admits that his initial goal at that time was to spin the tourism arm of the Greater Pensacola Chamber off into its own independent agency run by an independent board. “Almost every visitors bureau is independent; very few are under a chamber,” said MacQueen. “We thought it was very important for them to be uniquely and specifically focused on tourism and to have a clearly-defined cross-section of stakeholders.” The process took over a decade, but in 2013,
Visit Pensacola finally spun off and is now run as an independent agency. Now, the DMO mainly serves as an advocate for the agencies like Visit Pensacola to ensure they are receiving the public funds they deserve. “Oftentimes, this money ends up being used for general funds,” said MacQueen. “We’re there to serve as a voice for these non-profit agencies, so that they can market and promote the region and not spend all their time going after the money that is due to them.” “Essentially, these hoteliers took it upon themselves to take their own private dollars and contribute to a single entity—a single person— to make sure these groups are being funded properly,” said Rusty Branch, the new executive director of the DMO. “And this rising tide lifts all ships. If the beach fills up with tourists because the area has been marketed well, then downtown will fill up and vice-versa.” Instead of these various hotel-owners viewing each other as competitors, they have decided to work together and use a private approach to public growth. And while tourism may seem insurmountably strong in Northwest Florida,
“We’re there to serve as a voice for these non-profit agencies so that they can
MARKET AND PROMOTE THE REGION and not spend all their time going after the money that is due to them.”
*
Pensacola TDT is up about 15 percent over 2015. while occupancy is up about 6 percent.
56 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
*
During the summer, most visitors to Pensacola are from Mobile, Atlanta, Nashville and Jackson. During the winter, they hail from Mobile, Atlanta, Ft. Walton and New Orleans. The average visitor age is 46 and makes around $78,000.
*
The average party spends nearly $2,000 going to the beach, visiting museum, dining, shopping, and attending a ticketed performance of some kind.
*
Forty percent of visitors to Pensacola are here for the first time, and 98.5 percent are likely to return. Branch said he feels that people take it for granted. “It is the third stool of our economy,” said Branch. “We just had the best January and February—which is traditionally the off season—in the last decade. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because folks do what they’re supposed to do.” Unemployment is down in Escambia County, from 10 percent after the oil spill to 5.3 percent now, and the tourism industry is adding jobs even in the summer months as hoteliers from the beach to the west side of Pensacola work to advocate for funds promoting downtown—an area of the city in which they may not even own property. Of course, more jobs in the tourism industry means more jobs in the service industry, as well. These introductory and transitional jobs are great for programs like the University of West Florida’s hospitality, recreation and resort management degree. “They may start at the front desk, but as these businesses get more customers and are able to do more, they will be promoted to manager,” said Branch.
All these tangential repercussions, of course, do not directly affect MacQueen’s or Patel’s bottom line. “They could be doing their own things,” said Branch. “They would certainly make more money if there was a monopoly where maybe the Hilton is the only option you have on the beach. But they’re being selfless by coming together, realizing, of course, that they will still make money in the long-run.” These individuals have put their advocacy where their mouth is on other issues, as well. The DMO is active in city meetings and planning boards working to push for better tourism infrastructure on the beach to support the growing demands placed on our shores. “We want a better atmosphere for familyoriented guests,” said MacQueen of the DMO’s current big advocacy project. “We want to be distinguished from the Panama City college crowd. We believe that attracting families is a more sustainable model and provides a yearround opportunity.” The DMO was actually instrumental in the implementation of the recent open-container laws in commercial areas of Pensacola Beach.
“The Sheriff and the county simply didn’t have the laws to enforce,” said MacQueen. “This gives them a mechanism to help curate a more family-friendly atmosphere.” Agencies like Visit Pensacola speak very highly of the DMO, calling them partners and an indispensable aspect of the tourism industry. “They help us grow tourism in a way that’s going to produce a great return on investment,” said Steve Hayes, president of Visit Pensacola. “They take a particular stand on something and have the clout to wield political influence. This past legislative session, for example, they reach out to our delegation here that may not have been as favorable to some issues pertaining to us.” Government works best when it serves as a facilitator for a positive business environment that encourages private individuals to thrive and promote the issues that matter to them. With Visit Pensacola, Pensacola Sports, ACE, the county and the DMO, our area has forged the definition of a successful and long-term publicprivate partnership. Those partnerships, be they real estate, healthcare, defense or tourism, have been instrumental in propelling the area forward.
nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 57
A place for you in Pensacola
Business
n
Vacation
n
Extended Stay AIRPORT/CORDOVA MALL
2187 Airport Boulevard 850-478-1123 HamptonInnPensacolaAirport.com
1144 Airport Boulevard 850-479-8900 HiltonGardenInnPensacola.com
5049 Corporate Woods Drive 850-474-3777 HomewoodSuitesPensacola.com
PENSACOLA DOWNTOWN
601 East Chase Street 850-432-0202 ResidenceInnPensacolaDowntown.com
700 East Chase Street 850-439-3330 CourtyardPensacolaDowntown.com
PENSACOLA BEACH
16 Via DeLuna 800-934-3301 • 850-934-3300 DaysInnPensacolaBeach.com
850-932-9314 • Highpointe.com • 311 Gulf Breeze Pkwy • Gulf Breeze, FL
Events
Call It A Night Gallery Night, the signature downtown Pensacola event responsible for almost half a million dollars each month, will be ending its 25-year tenure in September 2016. The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) elected to sunset the popular street celebration due to problems with funding and recent complaints about the event’s departure from its original intention. By Josh Newby. Photos by Randy Hamilton.
It has been a few weeks now since the April 12 decision and public reaction has been predictably mixed. Reception of the news has been characteristic of many opinions surrounding Gallery Night for the past several years, as the event has grown in popularity and spurred policy and infrastructure changes that have propelled downtown forward but rubbed many the wrong way. It has not always been like this, of course. The “street party,” as it has been disparagingly called, started in 1991 as a quiet evening a couple times a year where the focus was art, wine and hushed acoustic and jazz music. Andy Witt, executive director of the Arts Council of Northwest Florida, thought it would be a great idea to partner with local galleries while bringing some attention to the downtown area. Similar events had served as both a cultural and economic catalyst in places like Nashville, Charlotte, Savannah and other peer and aspirant cities. The DIB was one of the first sponsors of the event, along with eight participating galleries. The affair was held three times a year to coincide with Spring Break, July 4 and the Blue Angels schedules. Gallery Night was a middling success, drawing between a hundred and 300 art-connoisseurs over the first couple of years. As more bars and restaurants emerged downtown, the average age of attendees began to drop as music and socialization eclipsed art and culture as the event’s primary focus. The DIB took over planning and facilitation of the event soon thereafter, and eventually the board elected to expand Gallery Night to 12 nights a year and continue the street closure until midnight, even though there were funding and budgetary concerns. The thought was that the traditional 5 to 9 slot would remain an art-centric festivity, while 9 to midnight would be more of a Bourbon Street-style street party for college-age and young adults. With the expansion came an increased economic impact and business for bars and restaurants downtown, even as various galleries and retail spaces grew increasingly alienated with the development. “They only come down for the drinks and to browse but not buy any art or merchandise” was a frequent complaint at the DIB Special Events Committee meetings. The conflict came to a head in 2015 when funding troubles reached the nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 59
Events and clothing purchases). In public’s attention. Between all, total spending in Escambia police, insurance and other County on Gallery Night infrastructural and administraoften reach over a million doltive needs, each Gallery Night lars. While this understandcost about $8,500 to conduct. ably disenfranchised many of While some of this was raised the retailers and galleries who via sponsorships and participawere the original beneficiaries tion fees, more and more busiof Gallery Night, some of nesses were participating withthese more traditional stores out fronting any of the cost. did quite well. Official participants dropped Jim Sweida, former chairfrom an average of 35 to just man of the DIB’s special eight over the course of several events committee and partmonths. operator of Blue Morning With no funding mechaGallery, reported that his galnism in place—and no enforcement available for the current fee structure—the board decided to call it a lery was successful on these nights because he knew how to market it. Sweida believes that the DIB did not market the event properly and impress upon night. “The event has served its purpose,” said John Peacock, chairman of the downtown retailers the value of bringing 15,000 potential customers to their DIB. “It has become something else entirely. We don’t want to wake up doorsteps every month. “There are too many 10 to 5 businesses downtown,” said Sweida. “Gallery Saturday morning and find out streets littered with trash. We don’t want to constantly struggle for funding. To be honest, this conversation started over Night should’ve encouraged these retailers to stay open and take advantage of the tens of thousands of people, but instead they don’t know how to use a year ago.” Peacock said he was happy with the decision, that this was an opportunity it to their benefit. Maybe if they did, we wouldn’t have a funding problem.” Peacock assessed a fundamental conflict between what Gallery Night for the DIB to get back to its roots of removing commercial blight, enhancing property values, encouraging economic development and so on. He also should have been for DIB purposes and what it seemingly became—a street said that, while the DIB is ending its facilitation of Gallery Night, he plans party that Pensacolians actually wanted. “Gallery Night did some very good things, but it also did some bad for the board to start a new event in the spring of 2017 that focuses more on things,” said Peacock. “It was a bad atmosphere and a bad image for the city, the arts, an original objective of the event. “The DIB isn’t going to do nothing; it just isn’t going to do this,” said especially into the later hours. So we’re going to look at what we did well Peacock. “We did a survey and 50 percent of businesses said there would be and take away the bad things and hopefully have a great event not called no negative impact from removing Gallery Night. I was at a rotary meeting Gallery Night starting next year. If the street party was so important to the and asked people to raise their hands if they’d miss the event. Not a single Downtown businesses, they would’ve written checks, but they didn’t.” This does not have to be the end of Gallery Night as we know it, though. hand went up. I don’t think very many people are upset.” The indirect effect of Gallery Night tells a different story. More than But, while Peacock has encouraged private enterprise to take over the respon15,000 people crowded downtown each event evening, 92 percent of whom sibility and facilitation, many do not see that as realistic. “I don’t think a private takeover is going to solve the funding problem,” were residents and 8 percent of whom were visitors. said Abston. “The retailers don’t see the value, but “The City and the DIB don’t realize the larger they certainly benefit from the value of increased impact of what goes on,” said Joe Abston, owner “We’re going to look at what awareness.” of Hopjacks and The Tin Cow, two bars/restauFor now, the DIB will focus on holiday lights, rants that experienced record profits on Gallery we did well and take away the beautification and other aspects of Downtown life Night. “It’s a good night for the bars and restaubad things and hopefully have on which there is broad consensus. rants, sure, but there’s also a lot of people who plan As Gallery Night sunsets and the glow of holitheir regional trips based on Gallery Nights. This a great event not called Gallery day lights takes it place, the conversation will likely is a bigger event than just people in the streets. Night starting next year.” continue for many months. Peacock encourages I would argue Gallery Night made Downtown individuals to participate in board meetings, held what it is today, it rejuvenated things, and people the second Tuesday of each month, and Special don’t remember what those times were like.” Abston went on to say that there’s an element of classism in this deci- Events Committee meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month. “It’s sad,” said Abston. “The DIB used to be a place where you could come sion—that the decision-makers want only high-brow individuals to enjoy what Downtown has to offer. The event’s primary patrons were those ages 35 up with big splashes and talk about big ideas for downtown. Now it’s a place to 44, followed by the 25 to 34 crowd. The average household income was where we talk about holiday decorations.” $52,783 and around 90 percent of people routinely cited a positive experience with the event. The individuals enjoying the party were not what one might consider typical of debauchery and drunkenness, but the problem stemmed from how they spent their middle-class income. The average individual would spend about $85 per night on food and drinks, but just $37 on retail (art, jewelry 60 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SMALL ABOUT YOU.
BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SMALL ABOUT YOU. National Small Business Week is May 2nd — May 6th. #SBW2016
CoxBlue.com
© 2016 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
62 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
Around the Region
Public relations professionals honored at local 2016 FPRA Image Awards Area public relations programs and practitioners were honored at the 2016 Florida Public Relations Association Pensacola Chapter Local Image Awards April 20 at the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. The local Image Awards competition serves to recognize the best in public relations. FPRA Image Awards for the Pensacola chapter were presented for programs, printed tools and online/audio/visual tools of public relations. Entries were judged on a written summary and work samples. The following received the Grand All Image Award: • Pensacola International Airport Transforms into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, Emagination Unlimited The following received an Image Award: • Pensacola International Airport Transforms into Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, Emagination Unlimited The following received an Award of Distinction: • United Way Employee Campaign, Gulf Power Company • University of West Florida Luna Settlement Media Kit, Megan Gonzalez, Matt Rowley, Alyssa Townsend • 2015 Taste of the Beach Website, Nicole Stacey, Leslie Perino, Katie King The following received a Judges Award: • United Way Employee Campaign ? Gulf Power Company • Corporate Sponsorship Packet, Brandi Gomez, Council on Aging of West Florida • University of West Florida Luna Settlement Media Kit, Megan Gonzalez, Matt Rowley, Alyssa Townsend
MANNA purchases Pensacola mill supply building On April 12, MANNA Food Pantries purchased its new future home, the Pensacola Mill Supply Building on North “E” Street. The 23,000 square foot building is located less than two miles from MANNA’s current home near two bus routes and the bus terminal. The building is large enough to house both client services and warehouse operations under one roof for the first time in decades — greatly improving service quality to the hungry. The non-profit hopes to have renovations completed and to be moved into the building by early 2017.
PSC associate degree nursing program continues national accreditation Pensacola State College’s Associate Degree Nursing program, also known as registered nursing (RN), has been notified that its national accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) continues through 2021. In nursing education, ACEN is one of only two national accrediting bodies in the country recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. While Pensacola State’s RN program has always been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it has maintained additional national accreditation by ACEN since 2008. The initial ACEN accreditation was earned over a two-year process that included a self-study document, a three-day, intensive site visit and a review by a panel of experts from the accrediting agency. In October 2015, ACEN representatives spent two days on the PSC Warrington campus that houses all nursing programs and granted continuing accreditation based on the following six standards: mission and administrative capacity; faculty and staff; students; curriculum; resources; and outcomes. Pensacola State’s registered nursing program has enjoyed decades of success in preparing students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with pass rates that are above state average. Employment rates for PSC nursing graduates have a three-year average of 90 percent.
Causes of gender wage gap still unclear Since women began entering the workforce in large numbers, a gap has existed between the wages women earn and the wages men earn. According to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women’s earnings have consistently lagged behind those of men and, in 2015, remained at only 81 percent of men’s earnings. Wage data from the U.S. Census Bureau for year-round, full-time employment also reflects this reality for the Pensacola Metropolitan Statistical Area. The American Community Survey five-year estimates for 2014 document a median wage for males of $45,625 in Pensacola and $33,577 for females. While the wage gap itself is well-documented, the severity of the gap and the factors that cause and contribute to it are still debated. Many researchers have looked at the issues and have come to a variety of conclusions. Initially, it should be noted that discussion of this issue generally focuses on gender differences in earnings and not differences in wages paid for the same work. Both the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantee that men and women who perform the same job will receive the same wage from an employer. Instead, analysts looking at this issue focus on the fact that despite the outlawing of varying pay scales for the same job based on gender, women’s overall earnings continue to be less than men. Studies have found that women have fewer years of work experience, work fewer hours per year, are less likely to work a full-time schedule and leave the labor force for longer periods of time than men. Other factors found to account for earnings differences included industry, occupation, race, marital status and job tenure. No researcher claims to have a single answer for what is obviously a complex issue. Some offer suggestions for fixing the problem such as comparable worth policies that would force employers to pay equally for work that is judged by skill, effort, responsibility, working conditions, etc. to be equivalent within the company. But such a change in the way business is done may seem a bit extreme until such time as someone can determine whether the wage gap is a problem that needs solving or just a statistical reflection of acknowledged gender differences.
nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 63
FAMILY OPERA-TUNITY DAY Saturday, May 7 • 9am-12pm At the Pensacola Opera Center • FREE
ARTS & CRAFTS • STORY TIME • REFRESHMENTS • LOCAL VENDORS • OPERA
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy opera for the entire family! Event sponsored by Wendco Corporation.
This Spring, Make Some New Friends Adopt -AManatee
®
Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org
Photo © David Schrichte
pensacola magazine | 65
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Pool sales and service
THE POOL EXPERTS We offer comprehensive service for pools and spas. Get the expert repairs and service that you need.
vinyl liner and fiber glass pool construction pump, filters, pool chemicals, screen enclosures, florida rooms, patios
VAUGHNPOOLS.COM
call 850.476.5517 Vaughn’s Inc Of Pensacola 1290 W. Nine Mile Rd Pensacola, FL 32534
wvaughn1941@bellsouth.net
66 | pensacola magazine
’ s d Ki lege l o C
Join us for the 26th Annual
Summer 2016
More than 50 courses • Flexible schedule Three age groups (Ages 6–12) • Safe environment PARENT’S OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, May 17 • 4:30–6:30 p.m. PSC, Bldg. 96, Rm. 9663 Call 850-484-1797 Visit www.pensacolastate.edu/ce Join us! facebook.com/PSCKidsCollege
Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the college’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity/Title IX Officer at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.
16928_PnsMag_Kids.indd 1
4/18/16 11:14 AM
pensacola magazine | 67
52 | pensacola magazine