Aonce-hidden gem is now sparkling on Spring Street:
The Gilded Lady is a fully restored 1880s Victorian home in North Hill that now functions as a boutique Airbnb, featuring five carefully curated, adult-only suites.
Each room tells a story through thoughtfully sourced details, from antique finds of 1898 publications to mantels, portraits and much more.
For Nannette Chandler of Chandler Construction and Company, the first time The Gilded Lady’s potential became truly clear wasn’t at the moment of purchase or even during that first walk through her doors. More than 10 years before Chandler’s purchase, the property remained part of a list of historic homes she wanted to renovate in Pensacola as part of her mission to preserve history through restoration and home construction with a purpose. Every trace of The Gilded Lady’s original Italianate bones and later transformation into Queen Anne style suggested the house had lived many lives and was still waiting for someone patient enough to hear and restore the home to its former glory.
“This property was on my list of houses I wanted to renovate and own for over a decade before the family decided to sell,” Chandler said. “I jumped on it as soon as it hit the market! The beautiful lines are one of a kind and I knew it would be a stunner once complete. It takes a very specific skill set to turn these homes around.”
The Gilded Lady was originally built for Brian Dunwoody and his family, a man whose life on the water shaped both his reputation and the history of the house. He was a waterman in the truest sense: he worked, socialized and spent much of his life aboard boats moving through Pensacola’s bustling maritime world. His name appears in newspaper gossip columns with a mix of admiration and scandal.
One story recounts a night when, after overindulging, he reportedly collided with another vessel in the dark. Another tells of his infamous annual party cruise, an event so exclusive that only 75 guests were invited each year, with each sworn to secrecy about what happened once the boat slipped away from shore. The guest list read like a roster of high society and the history of those evenings still lingers in the salvaged materials and antiques found in the house today.
Originally constructed in the Italianate style, the house was later transformed into the Queen Anne structure
that still defines its silhouette today. That evolution is part of what makes
The Gilded Lady so rare, because the home is not stuck in a single architectural design of its history.
When the renovation began, it became immediately clear that this would not be a cosmetic project. It would be a restoration in the truest sense, one demanding respect for what was original and precision in rebuilding what had been lost.
The first renovation, known as Phase One, took seven months. Costs reached approximately $500,000, though the true investment was time, research and a commitment to getting every detail right.
The process began with historical reconstruction. Archival photographs from the UWF Historic Trust were used to understand exactly what had been removed, altered or allowed to deteriorate over time. Those images became the blueprint for everything that followed. Every missing piece had to be accounted for.
Renovation work also involved collaboration with the Architectural Review Board, presenting plans for approval and ensuring full compliance with preservation standards. The goal was never to modernize The Gilded Lady into something new but to restore the home’s historic voice and architectural significance.
The most challenging aspect of the restoration was the structural damage caused by decades of water intrusion. The box gutters, integrated directly into the roofline, had been neglected for years. Water had funneled into the structure, weakening framing, damaging interior systems and creating a level of deterioration that required what Chandler described as a necessary “surgery” in every corner of the home. Nothing could be assumed stable. Everything had to be opened, inspected and rebuilt with care.
One of the most intricate parts of the restoration involved the decorative fretwork on the porches. Much of it had been lost but rather than replacing it with generic reproductions, the missing pieces were recreated in the workshop using reclaimed wood. For the most delicate and complex components, 3D printing was used to achieve a precise match of the original craftsmanship. The result is a blend of traditional technique and modern technology that remains faithful to the home’s original artistry.
Every exterior detail, including siding, windows, trim and fretwork was treated as historically significant and preserved or rebuilt accordingly. The goal was consistency, not reinvention. But, while structural integrity was being restored, the interior
began taking shape as something equally important: storytelling.
“I love the storytelling aspect of history and I decided to take that on with the design of each room,” Chandler said. “Every room is curated for a different person from the 1880s Pensacola social circles, so there is a huge variety of decor.”
The furnishings and antiques inside The Gilded Lady were curated to reflect not just a time period, but an entire social world, many of which were sourced in Round Top, Texas at one of the largest architectural and antique fairs in the world. One of the most striking pieces is an 1880s pipe organ placed in the foyer, a reminder of the music and formality that once filled homes like this.
There is also Victorian mourning hair art, created from locks of a loved one’s hair preserved as both an artifact and emotional tradition of the era. Original photography and artwork from the era fill the rooms, each piece carefully chosen to evoke the people who may once have stood in these spaces.
Every room in The Gilded Lady was designed to feel like a narrative, like stepping into a different perspective of 1880s Pensacola society.
The Gentleman’s Suite or Green Suite is a retreat designed to evoke the quiet sophistication and authority of a 19th-century patriarch’s private study filled with objects that a man of the era would have valued or proudly displayed.
The Downstairs Suite or Seamstress Suite draws inspiration from Gennieve Ham, a multilingual free woman of mixed race and a highly sought-after seamstress whose clientele included Spanish, French and American women during Pensacola’s evolving cultural era.
One of the room’s most treasured artifacts is an original 1894 marriage wardrobe, hand-painted with delicate florals. The Seamstress Suite feels deeply connected to the women whose labor, talent and artistry shaped daily life behind the scenes of a growing Pensacola.
The Socialite Suite or Plum Suite takes its inspiration from The Pensacolian, the social newspaper that documented the movements and gatherings of Pensacola’s high society. During the late 19th century, social visibility was everything and appearing in print signaled both status and influence.
The suite portrays elegance and personality with its antique furnishings, including a lush velvet sofa, along with soft lighting from Victorian fringe lampshades that combine to create an intimate setting while still maintaining the polished envi-
ronment expected of a socialite’s private quarters. The Socialite Suite captures the energy of a woman who commanded attention through style and social grace.
The Wedding Suite reflects the deeply social and strategic nature of weddings during the 1880s, when marriages often took place for reasons beyond romance. In a growing Gulf Coast city shaped by timber, shipping and rail industries, weddings frequently served as alliances between powerful families whose relationships influenced business, politics and social standing.
Teal blue walls paint the room, creating a space that feels both calm and timeless. Antique lace veils, handwritten letters, wedding portraits and delicate heirloom dishes are carefully arranged throughout the suite, with each object contributing to a sense of personal history preserved across generations.
The Cypress Suite might be the most personal suite inside the home, honoring the life of the property’s original commissioner, Brian Dunwoody, who was closely connected to Pensacola’s waterways and maritime industry.
Rather than focusing on decorative coastal trends, the room embraces the authentic working history of the Gulf Coast, from shipping and timber to other coastal trade. The suite’s walls are clad in sinker cypress pulled directly from the Escambia River, creating a room filled with both texture and historical significance.
Salvaged ship lights cast a soft amber glow throughout the room, while an antique canoe chandelier hangs overhead as a striking centerpiece that ties the maritime theme together without feeling overdone.
Among all these spaces, the greatest source of pride has not been a single design decision but the response from the community. Neighbors and strangers alike have stopped to express joy at seeing the house restored.
Many have asked how they can become involved in preservation themselves. That shift from passive admiration to active participation in historic preservation has become one of the most meaningful outcomes of the entire project.
“I’m really happy with how this house helped level-up community support and awareness for preservation,” Chandler said. “I have had so many neighbors and strangers stop by and express their joy at seeing the house returned to her former glory and ask what they can do to be more involved in the preservation work that I’m doing. It makes my heart so happy.”
Another essential part of the restoration has been the people behind it. Marnie, who serves as on-site manager for The Gilded Lady, worked for two years within the hospitality side of Chandler’s business before stepping into this role. Her passion for antiques and historic properties made Marnie a natural fit for the position. She has traveled extensively to help curate pieces for various properties, including The Gilded Lady, and her eye for detail has been invaluable in maintaining the home’s character while ensuring it functions as a living, welcoming space.
As the main house came to life, it became clear that The Gilded Lady was only the beginning. Phase Two of the project focuses on transforming the ADU into a Vintage Bridal Cottage. The idea emerged from a conversation about the lack of unique, shared spaces where brides and bridal parties could stay together before a wedding. That gap in the experience inspired a new vision: a place designed specifically for gathering, preparing and celebrating.
The cottage will feature three themed bedrooms, each curated with vintage bridal attire and decor spanning from the 1880s through the 1950s. The collection includes bridal gowns, flower girl dresses, cosmetic tins, honeymoon accessories, wedding trunks and even a pristine 1950s Christian Dior featherand-pearl hat. Every object contributes to a layered visual history of weddings across generations.
Outside, the vision will expand into a Victorian-inspired pool and garden area anchored by a large cabana designed for transformation: one moment an outdoor dining space, the next a setting for rehearsal dinners or engagement celebrations.
Guests will eventually be able to rent the cottage alone or the entire campus, including the historic main house. The full campus is scheduled for completion by Fall 2026. Looking ahead, what matters most is not completion but ensuring the house remains lived in, cared for and woven into the community. The Gilded Lady is not a static museum piece but a place meant to be experienced.
For those interested in learning more or booking stays, you can visit TheGildedLady.net or check out updates shared through The Gilded Lady’s social media.
The Gilded Lady is proof of the potential of historic homes, showing that preservation and progress can coexist. Rather than being erased, these properties can be thoughtfully revived with the right vision and willingness to bring it to life.■
Photos by Ashley Livingston
PLEASE CHOOSE THE SUMMATION WEEKLY FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NOTICES
The Summation Weekly, a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association (ESRBA) produced in partnership with Ballinger Publishing, offers highly competitive insertion rates and a way to indirectly support your local bar association.
The Summation Weekly is a subscription-based community newspaper circulated to ESRBA members and made available to the general public throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The publication satisfies Fla. Stat. 50.031, which governs the requirements for publication of legal notices. In addition to the published weekly newspaper,
The Summation Weekly website –summationweekly.com satisfies Fla. Stat. 50.0211, which requires all legal notices to be made available online and on the state registry – floridapublicnotices.com.
Ballinger Publishing manages the day-to-day operations of the publication. Nic Fenger is the contact person for legal notices. He can be reached at 433-1166, ext. 25 or legals@ballingerpublishing.com.
Thank you for your support. Choosing The Summation Weekly generates non-dues revenue that helps subsidize programs and services provide to members of the EscambiaSanta Rosa Bar Association.
ESRBA’s CLE Library is now digital! Go to cle.esrba.com to get your credits. Each download comes with the audio from the seminar, the PowerPoint/handouts, and the CLE Certificate of Accreditation from The Florida Bar. The audio can be downloaded in any file type that you would like including MP3, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, and AIFF formats. For your convenience and ease of listening, the seminars can also be streamed directly from the library.
If you are interested in presenting a CLE seminar or being recorded for a CLE accredited podcast, please email esrba@esrba.com.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Audio Library
Cost: $15 per credit – ESRBA members, $25 per credit –nonmembers
Focus Grouping your Premises Liability Cases
CLE Credits: 1 General
Ethics and Stored Data
CLE Credits: 1 General
Trucking Trends for 2026
CLE Credits: 1 General
Navigating Construction Defect Pre-Suit
CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Car Wreck to Product Liability CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Heir’s Property for Probate CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Practical Tips for Mediation CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Equitable Distribution Credits: 1.0 General Non-Competes
CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Executive Orders Impacting Employment Law CLE Credits: 1 General
Addressing the Overlooked Asset CLE Credits: 1 General
Cybersecurity for Professionals CLE Credits: 1.0 Technology
Portability and Property Tax CLE Credits: 1.0 General
Credits: 1 General
a community event or announcement? You can submit information for possible publication in Community by sending an e-mail to Morgan@ballingerpublishing.com. Submissions must include the organization’s name and details about events including times, dates, locations and any costs involved. Contact information also is required. All submissions are subject to editing to comply with established standards. Items should be submitted at least one
EXCITING THINGS COMING TO SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Buster Wadkins 50 Years of Service to SRC
The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners recognized Deputy Chief Wallace “Buster” Wadkins for fifty years of dedicated public service to the Pace Fire Rescue District and the citizens of Santa Rosa County. Water Quality Monitoring Grant
The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) to accept a $34,227 subaward for participation in the Water Quality Monitoring Collaborative Network project. This initiative will create a coordinated network of sentinel sites to assess water quality conditions and long-term trends
across the Pensacola and Perdido Bay watersheds in both Florida and Alabama. Santa Rosa County will serve as a primary partner alongside regional stakeholders. It will be responsible for conducting monthly water quality sampling at eight sites throughout the County for the duration of the project period, which extends through September 30, 2028. Santa Rosa County Watershed Master Plan
The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the Santa Rosa County Watershed Master Plan developed under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Watershed Planning Initiative through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
UNITED ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES 2026 FOOTBALL KICKOFF
The United Athletic Conference has announced its annual Football Kickoff event set for Tuesday, July 21 at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas. The event will be streamed live on ESPN+ from 11 am CT to 1 pm CT (12 pm ET to 2 pm ET).
The UAC moves its Kickoff event back to the Lone Star state after spending last season in Nashville, Tenn., in part to highlight the site for the FCS Championship, which was held at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium earlier this year.
All eight members of the league will be represented by their head coach and selected student-athletes. The attendees will
participate in the live interview portion on ESPN+ as well as several promotional photo/ video and social media sessions. External media will also have the opportunity to meet with coaches and student-athletes through one-on-one sessions.
In addition, the event includes the announcement of the UAC’s Preseason AllConference Awards and Coaches’ Preseason Poll along with comments about the conference from Unisun Sports CEO Jeff Bacon.
More information regarding the event, attendees, media credentials, etc. will be announced at a later date.
AMERICA 250 EVENTS AT YOUR LIBRARY
America 250: Craft Event
Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.
July 2, 10 – 11:30 am
Celebrate America’s 250th at Pace Library with patriotic crafts, snacks, and star-spangled fun inspired by Independence Day. Supplies provided by the Friends of the Pace Library.
America 250: The American Revolution
Screening Reel
Pace Library – 4750 Pace Patriot Blvd.
July 2, 2 - 3 pm
Celebrate America’s 250th at Milton Library with a free screening reel from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. This screening will feature “Voices & Visions,” a selected clip reel with excerpts that explore the people, events, ideas and lasting impact of America’s fight for independence.
America 250: Stars, Stripes, and Sno-cones Jay Library – 5259 Booker Ln.
July 2, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Celebrate America’s 250th at Jay Library with a fun-filled red, white, and blue celebration! Enjoy Sno-cones, stomp rockets, games, and more as we celebrate America’s story together. Supplies provided by the Friends of the Milton Library.
America 250: The American Revolution Screening Reel – Family History & Research Center – 6275 Dogwood Dr., Milton 10 – 11 am OR 2 – 3 pm
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Family History
Join West Florida Public Libraries as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary with special programs, crafts, music and activities for all ages throughout June and July.
America 250 Trivia
July 1–31 | All Month
Southwest Library
Test your knowledge of American history during the United States Semiquincentennial. Each month, we'll feature a new trivia question highlighting important people, events and milestones from the past 250 years. Answer correctly to win a small prize.
Patriotic Tablecloth
July 1–31 | All Month Century Library
Help us create a community masterpiece by adding your colors and creativity to our patriotic tablecloth display.
GOLDEN
HOUR FOR GOOD: 9TH ANNUAL WINE & FRIES FUNDRAISER PAIRS SUNSET SIPS WITH MCDONALD’S FRIES
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida will host its signature Wine & Fries event, presented by McDonald’s, on Friday, August 28, from 6 to 9 pm at The Alice in Destin, Florida.
This year's "Golden Hour for Good" promises stunning waterfront views paired with crisp wines, local brews and the always golden McDonald’s French fries. Guests will enjoy delicious bites, live entertainment, exciting auction items and a special family story highlighting the meaningful impact of Ronald McDonald House’s mission and the incredible community that helps families stay close to their children during medical treatment. Grab your ticket for a memorable evening of coastal charm and the good feeling of giving back.
The event is made possible through the generous support of community sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Costa Family McDonald’s, Emerald Arches McDonald’s and O’Connor Family McDonald’s; First Pour Sponsor Moorhead Law; Sunset Sponsors Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Stansell Construction; Table Hosts Cox Communications, H/L, Martin Brower and Sandlot; and Friend of the House Sponsors Eglin Federal Credit Union and Florida Power & Light. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida and the families it serves.
Guests will also enjoy offerings from numerous local vendors and event partners. Participating food vendors include Salty Pop Popcorn, Camille’s at Crystal Beach, Bella Donna, Just Think Cake, Sauce Boss Burger Co., Swiftly Catered and The Board Babes. Beverage partners include Wine World, Cafe Thirty-A, Lawless Brewing, Palm Folly Hard Seltzer, Grayton Beer, The 30A Company and Salty Beverages. Entertainment and event partners include The Typos, Entertainment Ignited, Lady Basil, Blown Away 30A, Events Styled by LUXE, Southern Lit Events, B and C Event Planners, Edward McGrath Photography, SunQuest Beach Weddings and Savannah Coates.
Proceeds from Wine & Fries directly benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida, helping remove barriers and promote healing for families with children battling illness or injury.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida is to provide essential services that reduce barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Since opening its doors in 1984, the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida has been a lifeline of hope for families. Locally owned and operated, the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida can continue its mission with the assistance of faithful volunteers and through the community's generosity.
and Research Center with a free screening reel from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Each screening will feature a selected clip reel with excerpts that explore the people, events, ideas and lasting impact of America’s fight for independence.
• July 7—"Documentary Overview"
• July 9—"Faith & Freedom"
• July 14—"Military History"
• July 16—"Revolutionary Youth"
• July 21—"The Spirit of Service"
• July 23—"Voices & Visions"
America 250: The American Revolution Screening Reel
Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.
July 9, 5 - 6 pm
Celebrate America’s 250th at Milton Library with a free screening reel from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. This screening will feature “Revolutionary Youth,” a selected clip reel with excerpts that explore the people, events, ideas and lasting impact of America’s fight for independence.
America 250: 50 States Trivia
Milton Library – 5541 Alabama St.
July 14, 4 - 6 pm
Celebrate America’s 250th at Milton Library with 50 States Trivia. Test our knowledge, learn something new and compete for prizes. Supplies provided by the Friends of the Milton Library.
Patriotic Owls
July 1, 6, 7, and 8 | All Day
Century Library Paint a patriotic owl to celebrate America's birthday. Available while supplies last.
Star-Spangled Station
July 1–31 | All Month
Pensacola Library
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a new self-guided craft station each week throughout July.
In addition to these special events, explore our collection of American history titles at any West Florida Public Libraries location. You can also access eBooks and audiobooks anytime through the Libby app. We look forward to celebrating America's 250th anniversary with you at your library.
BLUE WAHOOS STADIUM TO HOST WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE THIS NOVEMBER
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced Wednesday that the White Tie Rock Ensemble, a Pensacola-based music group, will host “Hits and Home Runs – A Night of Classic Rock” at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Friday, November 13.
This concert marks the second-ever rock concert at Blue Wahoos Stadium after White Tie Rock Ensemble previously played the venue in October 2020.
“We can’t wait to return to Blue Wahoos Stadium and dance under the stars with a night of classic rock,” said the band’s bass guitarist Jon Clark. “The best view in Minor League Baseball will make for a great festival setting, both for
our longtime fans and for people seeing us for the first time.”
Tickets are available now at bluewahooos. com, and various seating options are available, ranging from on-field tables for groups of eight, seating in the Hancock Whitney Club with an included buffet and access to a private charged bar, reserved tickets in the seating bowl, and standing room only. The show begins at 7:00 pm CT.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Founded in 2012, they have won Southern League Championships in 2017 and 2022. Their mission is to create memorable experiences.
TRIUMPH GULF COAST BOARD APPROVES TERM SHEET FOR $76 MILLION BIRDON GRANT
The City of Pensacola has earned the second of three approvals from the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors needed to finalize a $76 million grant that would transform the Port of Pensacola and fuel the creation of 2,000 jobs.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Board of Triumph Gulf Coast approved the term sheet for the grant it approved in January to establish shipbuilder Birdon America Inc.’s Southeastern headquarters and a Tier 2 advanced ship manufacturing facility in Pensacola. The term sheet outlines the components of the grant agreement.
The facility would create 2,000 jobs with 1,437 jobs at an average salary of $68,000 annually and 563 jobs at an average salary of $112,000.
“I am grateful to the team at the City who worked tirelessly to get us to this point," said Mayor D.C. Reeves. "Today we are one step closer to bringing this transformational project to life at our Port. We’re focused on building Pensacola’s future, and Triumph’s investment helps us do just that.”
The next major milestone is approval of the grant agreement, which Reeves said the City hopes to bring to the Triumph Board later this summer. After that would be lease terms between the City and Birdon, both of which require Pensacola City Council approval.
When fully approved, this investment will support a 400,000 square-foot shipbuilding facility at the port, strengthen the local economy and support U.S. military interests through the production of critical modules for ships and submarines.
It will become the largest job creation project in the city’s history and would be one of the largest grants approved by Triumph Gulf Coast, the nonprofit corporation created to manage funds recovered for economic
damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The Next Steps
The total project cost is $275 million, with contributions for the project expected from Triumph, the Florida Job Growth Fund ($14 million), U.S. Department of Commerce ($33 million) and Birdon ($152 million).
Triumph funding will be used for construction costs associated with two new shipbuilding facilities at the port. The $105 million construction program includes a Phase 1 panel line and module fabrication warehouse and a Phase 2 assembly bay, together housing advanced ship manufacturing and office space.
The city will retain ownership of the facilities as public infrastructure and will enter into a long-term ground lease with Birdon America Inc. for its use. Established in 1977, Birdon is a globally established maritime engineering and shipbuilding company with over 15 years of proven performance delivering major defense contracts for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and allied defense forces worldwide.
The new facility will be able to produce complex Navy ship modules for Tier 1 yards, submarine modules, and complete surface vessels up to 400 feet, directly supporting the federal objective of restoring America’s maritime dominance and expanding the U.S. maritime industrial base.
The overall goal is to catalyze a broader maritime and defense cluster, attract suppliers and leverage partnerships with the University of West Florida’s WAVE Center, Pensacola State College and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition to create a sustained talent pipeline and applied research ecosystem.
FOURTH OF JULY SANTA ROSA
The following Santa Rosa County offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day:
• Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners, including the library system, veterans services, animal services, and extension services.
• Santa Rosa County Animal Services and Santa Rosa Library System will also be closed Saturday, July 4.
• The Central Landfill will be OPEN on Friday, July 3, and CLOSED on Saturday, July 4.
• Santa Rosa County 9-1-1 dispatch, Lifeguard Ambulance Service and fire departments are open daily.
• Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Court, Comptroller Office Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
• Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections
• Santa Rosa County Tax Collector will also be closed on Monday, July 6.
• Stay safe! For those celebrating at home, Santa Rosa County Emergency Management urges the use of caution. Each Fourth of July, fireworks account for an average of 19,000 reported fires. In addition, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Follow these tips to help keep you and your family safe:
• Purchase state-approved fireworks and sparklers from licensed vendors.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions before using.
• Light fireworks and sparklers on a flat, smooth surface away from combustible materials (not grass).
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose ready for emergencies.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework or sparkler when lighting the fuse.
• Never allow children to use any firework or sparkler without supervision.
• Light only one item at a time and never attempt to relight a "dud."
• Submerge used fireworks and "duds"
in water prior to placing in trash receptacles.
• Do not store unwanted fireworks at home. Unused consumer fireworks are accepted free of charge from Santa Rosa County residents at the Central Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Keep your pets safe! Remember, furbabies and fireworks don't mix! Shelters often see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays. Santa Rosa County Animal Services asks you to follow these tips to help keep your pet safe:
• Keep pets indoors during the evening of July 4. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains. Provide a pet bed or crate in a quiet place to create a small den-like place and a sense of security.
• Take your pet for an extra potty break before fireworks begin. If your pet becomes frightened, this can help prevent accidents.
• If your pet often becomes stressed from loud noises like thunderstorms, check with your veterinarian to see if a tranquilizer is appropriate for your pet during the festivities.
• If you are near a fireworks display or if neighbors are lighting fireworks, don't leave your pets unattended outside, not even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Frightened pets may try to escape a fenced yard or become tangled in their chains.
• Make sure your pets have proper identification tags with current information in the event they run away. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
• Do not leave your pet in a vehicle while watching a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or death, even at night. Also, a stressed animal can cause major damage to your vehicle's interior.
• If your pet is missing, call Santa Rosa County Animal Services at (850) 983-4680 or click the "Search Lost Pets" tab at santarosa.fl.gov/animals.
CANINE COMPANIONS AND THE BLUE WAHOOS WELCOME NEW SPORTS PUPPY “SKIPPER”
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Canine Companions are excited to introduce Skipper, the newest Sports Puppy to join the Blue Wahoos family and begin his journey toward becoming an expertly trained service dog.
Following in the pawprints of fan-favorite Sport Puppies Watson, Bubba and Diamond, Skipper’s name was selected through a fan vote and officially joins the roster as the fourth puppy raised through the longstanding partnership between the Blue Wahoos and Canine Companions.
Born on April 16, 2026, Skipper is a Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever cross who will spend the next 18 months learning good manners, basic cues and socialization skills as he prepares for professional training with Canine Companions. Throughout his puppyhood, fans will be able to follow Skipper’s adventures at Blue Wahoos Stadium and throughout the Pensacola community as he works toward a future career helping a person with a disability.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Skipper to the Blue Wahoos family,” said Blue Wahoos manager of broadcasting and media relations Erik Bremer. “Our fans have embraced every Sports Puppy we’ve introduced, and it’s been incredible to watch these dogs grow while helping raise awareness for the life-changing work of Canine Companions. We can’t wait for everyone to meet Skipper and follow his journey over the next year and a half.”
Skipper will be raised by volunteer puppy raiser and WEAR Meteorologist Kathryn Daniel, who has played an integral role in the success of previous Blue Wahoos Team Puppies. Through
BAPTIST MEDICAL GROUP PRIMARY CARE – MILTON WELCOMES ABBY MOORE, PA-C
Baptist Medical Group has expanded its provider network in Santa Rosa County by welcoming Abby Moore, PA-C, to its Milton clinic. Moore is a board-certified physician assistant with more than 10 years of experience. She provides high-quality, convenient care to patients at Baptist Medical Group Primary Care–Milton located at 4244 Avalon Blvd. She is accepting new patients.
Moore received her medical degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.
UPDATE: EAGLE DRIVE AT PAR LANE CLOSED BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 29
Due to recent weather conditions, Eagle Drive at Par Lane will now be closed beginning at 7 am on Monday, June 29, as part of the Pine Blossom Drainage Project.
This closure is expected to last for up to three weeks.
Residents will still have access to their homes during this closure.
GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS
daily training, community outings and experiences at the ballpark, Kathryn will help prepare Skipper for his future as a service dog.
“I’m so excited to welcome Skipper to our family and continue this wonderful partnership with the Blue Wahoos,” said Kathryn Daniel. “Each puppy has their own personality, and it’s always amazing to watch them grow and gain confidence as they learn new skills. The Blue Wahoos organization and its fans have been incredible supporters of Canine Companions, and I’m looking forward to sharing Skipper’s journey with the Pensacola community as he takes his first steps toward becoming a service dog.”
As the newest member of the Blue Wahoos roster, Skipper will make appearances at games and community events while learning to navigate exciting environments filled with cheering fans, new sights and plenty of distractions. These experiences are an important part of his training and will help prepare him for the next phase of his journey.
After completing his time with Kathryn, Skipper will advance to professional training with Canine Companions instructors, where he will continue developing the specialized skills needed to become a service dog. Stay tuned throughout the season as Skipper settles into his role as the Blue Wahoos’ newest star player and begins his journey toward making a lasting impact in someone’s life.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. Founded in 2012, they have won Southern League Championships in 2017 and 2022. Their mission is to create memorable experiences.
CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF FLORIDA'S SHOWCASE AT THE GREAT AMERICAN
Governor Ron DeSantis was proud to celebrate the opening of the Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair. Designed as a journey through the Free State of Florida, the pavilion will transport visitors through centuries of history while highlighting the state's natural resources, agricultural heritage, world-famous tourism destinations, and enduring spirit of innovation. The State of Florida will proudly join all 50 states and 6 U.S. territories at the Great American State Fair, hosted by Freedom 250, from June 25 through July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with an immersive pavilion celebrating the people, places, history, and industries that have made Florida the greatest state in the nation.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, Florida is proud to showcase the culture and history that has helped shape America and continues to define our state's success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “From our unmatched natural beauty to our thriving agriculture and world-class attractions, Florida's pavilion will give visitors from across the country a taste of everything that makes the Free State of Florida exceptional.”
“America's 250th birthday is a special opportunity to celebrate the people, industries, and values that have built the greatest nation in the history of the world,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Since our founding, agriculture has been at the heart of the American story, and through Fresh From Florida’s partnership with the Florida Pavilion, we are proud to celebrate the men and women who carry that legacy forward. Visitors to the Florida Pavilion will see how Florida farmers, ranchers, growers, and fishermen feed our families, fuel our economy, and preserve our nation’s freedom, prosperity, and independence.”
“The Great American State Fair is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Americans to celebrate together and honor our nation’s rich history,” said America250FL Chair and Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Florida’s pavilion represents the best of our state from its breathtaking natural beauty to the boundless ingenuity of our people.”
"VISIT FLORIDA is proud to contribute to the Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair to celebrate America and share Florida's incredible story," said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. "Visitors to the Florida Pavilion will be able to explore Florida's long history, natural treasures, and current landmarks as they walk through the exhibit, and experience the important role our state has played in America’s story. We will showcase the people, places, innovation, and courage that made our state—and even offer a few fun Florida giveaways."
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to participate in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., as our nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Through an interactive exhibit showcasing Florida’s iconic wildlife, world-renowned fisheries, and breathtaking natural landscapes, we invite visitors to experience the incredible resources that make the Sunshine State unique. Stop by our booth and discover why Florida is recognized as the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World.”
Guests entering the pavilion will begin their journey in St. Augustine, America's oldest continuously inhabited European-established city, where exhibits will explore Florida's storied history beginning with the arrival of
STATE FAIR
Juan Ponce de León in 1513 and continuing through the generations of Floridians who helped build the state and the nation.
The pavilion will then guide visitors through five signature experiences:
Florida's History & Heritage
Presented in partnership with Florida Power & Light, this exhibit explores Florida's role in powering America's future through innovation and ingenuity. Visitors will discover the Florida connections of visionaries like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin while learning about the state's long history of technological advancement and energy development through interactive displays, historical imagery, and educational resources. The Manatee: Florida's Iconic Marine Mammal
Sponsored by Tampa Electric Company, this exhibit celebrates one of Florida's most beloved wildlife species and the conservation efforts helping the gentle giant thrive. Guests will learn about the unique partnership between Florida's environment and industry through the story of the TECO Manatee Viewing Center, where warm waters from the Big Bend Power Station provide a winter refuge for hundreds of manatees each year. Visitors may even have the opportunity to snap a photo with Florida's favorite marine mammal.
Florida's Natural Resources
Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this exhibit showcases the landscapes and waterways that define the state—from the Everglades to Florida's thousands of lakes, rivers, and miles of coastline. Interactive displays will highlight Florida's world-renowned fishing opportunities and the state's commitment to conserving its abundant natural resources for future generations.
Fresh From Florida: Florida's Agricultural Heritage
Presented by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Fresh From Florida, this section celebrates the farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers who help feed the nation while preserving Florida's agricultural traditions. Visitors will explore the state's diverse commodities and learn why agriculture remains one of Florida's most important industries.
Live More Floridays
Sponsored by Visit Florida, the pavilion's tourism experience invites visitors to discover why there is no ordinary day in Florida. From historic landmarks and pristine beaches to theme parks, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and world-class dining, guests will be encouraged to experience the countless destinations and unforgettable memories that await them across the Sunshine State.
Visitors will conclude their journey through the Florida Pavilion with Florida's enduring role as America’s launchpad to new frontiers. The exhibit will explore Florida's pivotal contributions to the Space Race, from the historic Apollo missions to today’s Artemis journeys and beyond. Guests will leave with an appreciation for Florida's continuing leadership as America reaches toward the stars and charts the next generation of space exploration.
The Great American State Fair is expected to welcome millions of visitors during the nation's Semiquincentennial celebration and will feature state pavilions, industry exhibits, family attractions, military performances, concerts, movie screenings, spectacular flyovers, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.
