PENSACOLA • PENSACOLA BEACH • PERDIDO KEY
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Golf Course • Bar • Restaurant • Events
Social Membership Benefits Starting at $85/mo, No Monthly Minimums, Club Charging Privileges, Member-Only Tournaments and Events, 10% Discount Food Purchases, 10% Discount Golf Shop Purchases, Preferred Rates on Golf, May Make Tee Times 14 days in Advance, Discount on Banquet Facilities.
Full Membership Benefits Starting at $145/mo, All Social Member Benefits, Unlimited Golf, Walking Option, Special Pricing on Lessions, Preferred Rates for Accompanied Guests, Club Cleaning and Storage, Member Locker Rooms.
Student Membership Benefits $150/Semester, Unlimited Golf Semester Membership is valid from the first day of classes of the membership semester until the first day of classes for the following semester. Membership dues must be paid in full at the beginning of each semester.
Scenic Hills Country Club boasts an 18 hole championship golf course with a wide selection of tee boxes to challenge players of all abilities. Scenic Hills has hosted many prestigious amateur and professional events and is currently the only course in Florida to host a USGA open event. Voted “Best of the Bay” many times over, Scenic Hills is the perfect venue to play with family and friends, and for groups of any size and skill level.
Open to the Public
Scenic Hills Weddings • Accommodates Up to 225 guests • Free Champagne Tour and Consultation • Experienced Venue Manager • Ceremony Space • Reception Space • Custom Layout Options • House Linen (chair cover add on option available) • Dance Floor • In House Catering Menu(s) • Custom Menu Options Available • Cake Cutting • Bride and Groom Ready Rooms • Bridal Lunch • Grooms Golf Package (upgrade options available) • Free Guest Parking
8 8 9 1 B U R N I N G T R E E R O A D | P E N S A C O L A , F L | S C E N I C H I L L S .C O M | 8 5 0 . 4 7 6 . 0 3 8 0 2020
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Congratulations to
Douglas M. Patton, CPA, AIF® Senior Vice President/Investments
on being named to the Barron’s Top 1,200 U.S. Financial Advisors list for 2020
(850) 470-2929 | pattond@stifel.com www.pattonadvisory.com 25 West Cedar Street, Suite 600 | Pensacola, Florida 32502 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com Barron’s “Top 1,200 Advisors,” March 13, 2020, as identified by Barron’s magazine, using quantitative and qualitative criteria and selected from a pool of over 4,000 nominations. Advisors in the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience. Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, compliance record and philanthropic work. Investment performance is not a criterion. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Neither the broker-dealer nor its financial advisors pay a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
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New ways to shop at Today’s Boutique LADIES UPSCALE FASHION & ACCESSORIES
With the changing times, Today’s has decided to temporarily close our doors, but that won’t keep you from shopping. Here are some new ways to shop safely as we embrace our fashion concierge style service!
Private Appointments Facetime Appointments or Texted Photos Shop from the comfort of your home as we show your favorite lines with a personal tour! Just select what you would like and purchase. We will ship for free or you can swing by and we will pop it in your trunk.
Appointments are one hour of one-on-one shopping time. Keeping the traffic to a minimum makes it simple for us to keep a high level of cleanliness and keep everyone safe. We also encourage everyone to reschedule if they are not feeling 100%.
Gift cards Gift cards are a great idea for a friend’s birthday, or if you want to buy from us but would rather wait until you can visit in person.
Facebook Store Coming very soon we will have a Facebook web shop up and running. If you don’t see your favorite brands, please let us know via message or call. We will happily get it on there – We have so many lovely things in stock!
We have loved being in your lives for 39 years and will continue to do so. Please stay strong and safe. If we can help you get away for a moment through fashion and fun, we will be here for you!
Fashionably yours - Jim, Kim, Kristin & Today’s Team Voted Best Boutique and Best Local Retailer 2020
BEST Locally Owned Retailer BEST Women’s Clothing
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OVER THE LAST 17 YEARS!
850.837.5565
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contents
Volume V • Issue IV
events 12 Women’s Empowerment Luncheon 14 Magnolias & White Linen Preview Party 17 PACE Awards 23 Impact 100 Grant Reveal 30 Magnolias & White Linen Luncheon 46 21 Forever Tournament 50 40th Annual Pilot Club of Pensacola Pancake Festival 55 Crawfish for a Cause 61 43rd Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5k Run 62 UWF Conference Women in Leadership 67 13th Annual Gala Dinner & Auction
features 35 2020 Best In Pensacola
Category Listing
Take a look at the line-up and get ready for nominations starting online April 1 at www.VIPPensacola.com!
on the cover
departments 28 38 40 48 52 58 64 70
Coastal Cuisine Style Adventure Out Swizzle Give Care Share May We Suggest Locale I Am Pensacola
business profiles 20 Qwiet Type 26 Arbors of Gulf Breeze 32 Freeman Roofing
VIP Pensacola Staff Publisher Greg Alexander
Tori Woods & Dr. Kimberly Thomas
Associate Publisher Verla Price
Photography by Kristina Wright
Production Editor Jessica Graña
Women’s Empowerment Luncheon at Pensacola Country Club
Managing Editor Steve Barber
Advertising Steve Barber Verla Price Penny Stricklin
Designer Priscilla Atkins Sheila McDiarmid Contributing Writers/ Photographers Greg Alexander Courtney Murray Verla Price Catherine Rowan Kristina Wright VIP Founder Jeff Watson
Publisher’s Assistant Anna Stockton April 2020 | 9
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letter from the Publisher To all of our readers, partners, organizations, non-profits, and events in the Pensacola community we love to serve - we hope that you and yours are staying safe and well. In this time of physical distancing, we are doing our best to remain positive and proactive and we will continue to do so each day. So many of you devote yourselves to helping others and in this uncertain time, we need to support each other now more than ever. We will be here to assist our fellow small businesses in any way possible to help navigate through each day. We hope that you can use this issue to briefly escape your social distancing by remembering fun times, seeing pictures of your friends, and to look forward to future events when we overcome this tribulation. We have always promoted the community in a profound and meaningful way by showcasing the events, business leaders, non-profits, and the people that make Pensacola great. Right now, that philosophy could not be more important or more resounding as we, just like you, plan and strategize about how to remain engaged, keep our employees working, and continue with a business we have worked so hard to build. We are currently more focused than ever on getting the message of our advertisers and supporters out to the community. We are doing things like never before to get our new issue in the hands and homes of readers. We are implementing new channels to get both the digital version and the hard copy of the magazine to our readers, some of which we expect you will like so well that we will keep in place. It often takes a challenging time to reboot what you are doing and find different, and maybe even better, ways of doing things. While this COVID-19 crisis is beyond what any of us could have imagined, our community, our state, and our country shall come out stronger and more viable.
Greg Alexander Publisher Greg@VIPMag.com
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| VIPPensacola.com
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VIP Pensacola at Pensacola Country Club
photos & story by Kristina Wright
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he Junior League of Pensacola held their Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on March 6, at the Pensacola Country Club. The luncheon was filled with powerful women in the community, and invited those in attendance to celebrate local women in leadership. This special occasion honored five women who received a Women’s Empowerment Award. The purpose of these awards was to build up women in the community who display the traits of what it truly means to be a woman leader in the Pensacola area. Awards were presented to Shelley Reynolds for Woman in Philanthropy, Audrey Moore for Woman of Service, Zenani Johnson for Youth Woman in Leadership, and Jennifer Grove for Woman in Business. The Mary Raine Hill Award went to Cheryl Howard. Special guest Vicki Clark spoke passionately about her experiences, and how the Junior League impacted her life. This event was sponsored by West Florida Hospital. An additional special award was presented by West Florida Hospital to Dr Joyce Hopson for outstanding generosity in the educational community, and her dedication to giving back. Junior League members also host the annual Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) to help raise funds that support their mission as a community-building organization. The Junior League of Pensacola supports a number of community projects and activities that focus on the needs of children and families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The League partners with various local and national family-centered nonprofits to maximize their impact.
Stephanie Mickler & Krista Silverman
Terri Ramos & Erin Luttrell
Kristen Longley, Dr. Kim Krupa, Jessica Duncan & Jennifer McFarrow
Kelly McLeod & Shawn McCorkle 12
Jane Parkin & Becca McKeithen
Tori Woods, Meagan Kennedy, Dr. Kimberly Thomas, Angel Bradley & Aja Roland
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Michelle Salzman & Melanie Dillon
Maegan Leonard, Katie Garrett & Suzie Kelly
Crystal Silins & Sabrina Simpson
Trish Cross, Vicki Clark & Laure Swann April 2020 | 13
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VIP Pensacola at The Home of Todd Snyder
Magnolias and White Linen photos & story by Kristina Wright
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very special Magnolias and White Linen Preview Party was held at the home of Todd Snyder on March 3. Guests were welcomed to enjoy an evening of libations, hors d’oeuvres, and wonderful music provided by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon, Hutton Wilkinson, was also in attendance, showcasing the incredible jewelry line he created alongside his late business partner Tony Duquette, which featured several one-of-a-kind fine jewelry pieces. Twenty percent of the purchases of each piece went to the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild. Two very special items were on auction during the evening, including a two-day turkey hunt package in Alabama, complete with meals, lodging, and bourbon tastings; as well as two dinner packages for eight guests in the Beverly Hills home of Tony Duquette. Wilkinson also gave guests a sneak peek of his new book featuring images of the beautifully restored Dawnridge. He is a Beverly Hills designer and purveyor of the decorative arts, as well as the president of the Elsie De Wolfe Foundation, a non-profit private foundation dedicated to furthering the decorative arts in America. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild (PSOG) came into being when the Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Women’s Auxiliary, originally formed in 1956 by a small group of visionary and innovative women who loved classical music, re-organized in 1973 to become the current PSOG. Today they are a non-profit organization of volunteers who assist and support the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra while promoting musical education and cultural enrichment throughout the area.
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Claire Bockwith & Davide Von Mager
Gary Michaels & Diane Appleyard
Robin Zimmern & Holiday Whisenant
Roger & Ellen Vinson
Venesuela Carr, Dona Usry, Verla Price, Romana Lopez & Marte Picker
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Jessica Hyche & Peter Rubardt
Lynne Tobin & Dr. Nell Potter
Charlie Sherrill & Todd Snyder
Dick & Bonnie Bedics
Tom Roberts & Charlotte Cheny
Connie Crosby & Hal Holder
Sue-Sue Sherrill, Hutton Wilkinson & Roz Leahy
Fred Hulett & Mandy Glickman April 2020 | 15
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Have YOU been screened for LASIK?
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VIP Pensacola at Hilton Pensacola Beach
Laverne Baker & Mallory Studer
Jared Benson, Brooke Carlan, Carol Carlan, Zachary Holland & Tracey Carlan
photos & story by Kristina Wright
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he Greater Pensacola Chamber hosted their 60th annual PACE Awards ceremony on March 5 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front. The PACE Awards are presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the area’s economic, educational, and community progress. This event is the Pensacola region’s preeminent celebration of the community’s visionary entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders, and exemplary corporate citizens. Awards were presented for eight categories, including Emerging Leader of the Year to Robin Zimmern, Business Leader of the Year to Will Condon, Professional Leader of the Year to Don Snowden, Community Leader of the Year to Brent Lane, Advocate Leader of the Year to Kim Krupa, Leader in Education to Kim LeDuff, Spirit of Pensacola to Carol Carlan, and the Pioneer Award to John Appleyard. The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce promotes and endeavors to improve the region’s quality of life driven by the growth, success and civic engagement of the business community. The Chamber provides leadership and resources to a diverse audience, including community and military leaders, entrepreneurs, business executives, and educators. They offer numerous programs and events to help members develop strategic relationships within the business community. Several events throughout the year are held to reach their target market and help local business men and women grow their clientele.
Sara & Jason Lefevers
Carson DeFerrai & Gina Cagle
Ildi Hosman & Stacey Kostevicki
Mike & Addie Murdoch, Robin Zimmern & John Gormley April 2020 | 17
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VIP Pensacola at PACE Awards
Curt Morse, Fran McCurdy & Paul Stanley
Melissa Speck, Katie Alderman & Melanie Brinson
Kirk Waters, Johanna Pohlmann, Shelly Davis & Jonathan Taylor
Justin Beck, Jessica Simpson & Doug Bates
Bradley Sanders & Ellen Kent 18
Jarrett & Cali Scully
Angela & Brent Lane, Allan Sherman
Kelly MacLeod, Jessica Duncan, Lisa Shard & Aaron Ball
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Business Profile
photos & story provided by qwiet type
E
ven though Qwiet Type is a brand-new artist, Matt got his start at a very early age. He began at 5 years old when he received his 1st drum set. Matt’s first performance came at 7 years old drumming at his school’s talent show. Although primarily a drummer, his talents range in the entertainment arts. Matt went on to form an all original band with 3 best friends at 15 years old that gained recognition quickly at many of the battle of the band’s competitions, often in bars too young to attend. The band stuck together nearly 10 years but eventually went their separate ways when a promising record deal fell apart. Even with the mounding pressures from his parents and friends to join corporate America, Matt kept at his music dream. He continued drumming and DJing at bars and clubs in Atlanta. Matt began capitalizing on his skills when he started a DJ company in Atlanta where he entertained at countless weddings and parties. Needing a change of environment and with the angst to travel, Matt signed on with Princess cruise lines as Entertainment Director for 4 years. After entertaining thousands at sea, Matt moved closer to family in Pensacola, FL. 20
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“Qwiet Type is a solo artist, songwriter and producer of his own music. While his genre has been tough to nail down with his music as a whole, his songs display a fusion of indie, alternative, pop, synth pop, experimental, electronica, new wave and even a touch of hip hop. “I love music from all genres and decades. The music from my past and the music I love today seems to be coming out of me in such a blended way that I can’t explain. I am not copying anyone, I am just releasing the music that’s in my head on to my recordings the best I can.” - Qwiet Type
From passion to
rolling expressions of music and emotions, Qwiet Type, is just that. And Qwiet Type will be releasing a new single every few weeks, to celebrate such journey.” - Come Here Floyd Magazine
Once in Pensacola, Matt created a position of Entertainment Director at the iconic bar Seville Quarter with 7 stages of entertainment. After meeting and marrying his wife he left the bar scene and started Powell Entertainment, an entertainment, audio/visual and lighting company on the Gulf coast. While Matt loves his business, his other passion in his spare time is recording all aspects of his music as a solo artist in his home studio. Although only beginning in 2019, Qwiet Type’s been steadily recording new tracks with no end in sight. It is apparent he’s never stopped making music in his head and now he has the pleasure of releasing it and we all get the pleasure of listening to it. Never forgetting his dream, Matt is finally in a position to create the artist that has always lived inside of him, the Qwiet Type.
qwiet type live June 06, 2020
Court Of Deluna Event Space, Downtown Pensacola Free Show - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm An all original album release concert, mark your calendar! In exactly one year to the date of Qwiet Type starting this project, he will be showcasing the entire album live on June 06, 2020. This will be an eye candy production with amazing stage lighting, special effects/pyrotechnics LED Walls and incredible sound. Each song will be supported by wonderful musicians, depending on the song, will reach up to 10 musicians on stage. Don’t miss this show! FREE Tickets available @ Facebook.com/qwiettype and Event Bright
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| VIPPensacola.com
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VIP Pensacola at Pensacola Yacht Club
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photos & story by Kristina Wright
MPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women’s philanthropic organization announced this week its 2020 Membership Drive has concluded with a total of 1,166 members. IMPACT 100 will give back $1,166,000 by awarding 11 transformative project grants of $106,000 each to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Oct. 11, 2020. This is the 17th anniversary year of IMPACT 100 awarding grants to local nonprofits. After awarding the 2020 grants, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area will have funded 120 grants, totaling $12,830,000. Two grants will be awarded in each of five focus areas: Arts & Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation & Preservation; Family; and Health & Wellness. Due to the overwhelming response to the Membership Drive, one additional grant will be awarded in one of the five focus areas for a total of eleven transformative grants. IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area is hosting a free Nonprofit Workshop on April 16 at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 West De Soto St. Registration is at 8:30am with the workshop held from 9am until 12:15pm. Guest speaker Cathy Brown, associate director of education at The Fund-Raising School, Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, will present “Building Blocks for Sustainable Success.” All nonprofit organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are invited to attend and learn about the grant process, get tips for writing a successful grant and be inspired to create a winning project for the 17th year of giving. Additional information is available on the IMPACT 100 website at www.impact100pensacola.org.
Jen Wells & Olevia McNally
Maria Dunn & Sabrina Kaestle
Sabrina Simpson & Kolleen Chesley
Angela D’Alessandro & Monica Sanford
Alicia Ahern & Roz Leahy
Marlene Young & Nan Harper April 2020 | 23
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VIP Pensacola at IMPACT 100 Grant Reveal
Amy Goetz, Genevieve Kurpius, Dianne Bakarian & Katrina Crowe
Kristin Longley & Jessica Duncan
April Lackey & Karen Emmons
Miriam B. Fussell, Aimee Dumas & Jennifer Covalt 24
Lisa Fairbanks & Liz Doenlen
Rachael Gilmer, Virginia Buchanan & Denise Prindiville
Amy Kovach, Marilyn Gleaton, Judy Tice & Vivian Krumel
Jacey Cosentino & Teresa Barham
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Lisa Fairbanks & Liz Doenlen
Stephene Garnett, Katy Hendry & Christie Parker
Cyndi Warren, Kim Chope & Maria Goldberg
Meri Asmar, Brigette Brooks & Madrina Ciano April 2020 | 25
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Business Profile
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photos & story provided by Arbors of Gulf Breeze
esidents at The Arbors of Gulf Breeze have chosen a unique lifestyle experience. “Live like you are on vacation� is our approach to senior living. The Arbors of Gulf Breeze offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The Arbors of Gulf Breeze offers resort style, coastal living in the heart of Gulf Breeze proper. Our community is within walking distance to churches, shopping, Gulf Breeze schools and football stadium. Our community is only 1.9 miles from the sugar white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. The Independent Living Community offers studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments with spacious floor plans. The apartments are pet friendly, private, and beautiful with a coastal vibe and include private screened balconies. The Arbors features upscale amenities such as all-inclusive dining, daily social hours, complimentary housekeeping, a wellness program, and a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Socialize in our piano lounge, enjoy Saturday brunch with friends and family, or just sit back and take in the beautiful scenery of our 3 gorgeous courtyards. The Arbors will ensure that everything is taken care of, so you can put some much-needed focus on what is most important – you. The Assisted Living Community is available for those that choose to customize their activities of daily living with a personalized service plan to fit their unique needs. The activities, amenities, and services promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The Arbors also offers onsite therapies and transportation to medical appointments and shopping. The entire Arbors team is dedicated to providing personalized care so residents can enjoy all that life has to offer.
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The Arbors of Gulf Breeze is strategically and conveniently located only 1.7 miles from the award winning Gulf Breeze Hospital and The Andrews institute. Staying active, nurturing friendships, and caring for your health is living your best life. The Arbors of Gulf Breeze combines the comforts of home and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a compassionate, around-the-clock staff is fully committed to serving resident needs. Specialized Memory Care services are also available at The Arbors. Caring for a loved one living with memory loss can be overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and mentally. By reaching out for help, it’s common to feel a sense of guilt or doubt. When families can no longer manage alone, we are here. The Arbors team has been trained to provide specialized care and engage your loved one to live their best life.
The Arbors of Gulf Breeze Memory Care programs are individually customized to encompass the core ideas of family, comfort, and new experiences, with the intent of becoming an “extended-family” for your loved ones. We are committed to providing an environment that is compassionate and caring; a place where individuality and belonging coexist. The Arbors of Gulf Breeze has Signature Programs that set us apart from other senior living communities. ARTFUL Dining, ZESTFUL Activities, and HEARTFUL Care happen when talent and passion merge. Stop by to take a tour and experience our beautiful coastal community. At the end of the day, it’s The Arbors pleasure to say…Thank you for letting us serve you. 50 Joachim Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 | 850-934-1018 www.ArborsOfGulfBreeze.com
April 2020 | XX
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A Tasty
story by Liesel Schmidt
A
s pretty much anyone knows, pretzels are traditionally dough formed into the shape of a knot before being baked. Their shape is distinctively symmetrical, with the ends of a long strip of dough intertwined and then twisted back onto itself in a loop. Generally speaking, pretzels are seasoned with course salt, which complements the process of using sodium carbonate or lye to create their signature skin and flavor, and their loops may have once served a practical purpose, as bakers of old could hang them on sticks. These days, pretzels come in all shapes, sizes, forms, and even flavors. Bits, bites, sticks, minis…salty, sweet, savory, spicy…hard or soft. And it’s understandable. They’re tasty enough on their own merits but neutral enough in flavor to be the perfect canvas for a wide range of spices and flavorings, making them wildly appealing and extremely popular as a snack. Add to that the fact that they’re low in fat (unless, of course, you get one of the fully-loaded versions that make them the equivalent of a decadent dessert), and you’ve got the perfect way to munch without feeling terribly guilty. But just where did these baked delights get their beginnings? There are many unreliable stories surrounding the origin of pretzels, as well as the origin of their name, though most accept the idea that they were invented by European monks. Popular legend has it that an Italian monk invented pretzels as a way to reward children who learned their prayers and that he called the strips of baked dough, which he had folded to resemble arms crossing the chest, “pretiola”—Italian for “little reward.” Other stories credit the invention of the pretzel to a monastery in southern France, while Germany holds to the story that pretzels were the invention of anxious bakers who were being held hostage by local dignitaries. The German name “Brezel” may derive Latin terms meaning “bracelet” or “little arms.”
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Other popular stories assert that pretzels were invented by a Christian monk to represent arms crossed in prayer to the Trinity, while some modern scholars believe the pretzel to be a symbol of human sacrifice to a Celtic goddess. In the Christian church, pretzels were once considered to have religious significance for both their ingredients and their shape. Pretzels made using only flour and water could be eaten during Lent, when eating eggs, lard, or dairy products such as milk and butter were forbidden. Over time, pretzels became associated with both Lent and Easter, and pretzels were hidden on Easter. Fast-forward to the late 18th century, and you’ll see the presence of the traditional soft pretzels pop up in Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants made their homes. As their popularity spread, the rest of the country began to fall in love and even eventually welcomed the advent of the hard pretzel in 1850; and by the 20th century, larger cities were mass-producing pretzels of both kinds. So important to Pennsylvania’s history and economy is the pretzel, in fact, that Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell declared April 26 to be “National Pretzel Day” in 2003. Regardless of whether one prefers hard or soft, one of the beautiful things about pretzels is that they can be eaten at any time, for any occasion. Snack time, lunch time, even during cocktail hour— depending, of course, on how much they’ve been dressed up or down. For some, the simplicity of course salt isn’t enough, and popular ways to impart flavor and interest to the humble pretzel are the addition of cheese, sugar and cinnamon, chocolate, glazes, nuts, and butter, though the imagination would hardly limit the possibilities. Of course, soft pretzels should be eaten when fresh, while hard-baked pretzels allow a greater window of opportunity for consumption.
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Pretzels INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups warm water 1 tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 pckg. active dry yeast 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 oz. unsalted butter, melted 10 cups water 2/3 cup baking soda 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp. water Pretzel salt Vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: Combine the first three ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam, then add flour and butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined, then increase to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl (approximately 4 to 5 minutes). Remove dough from the bowl and clean it. Oil it well with vegetable oil and place the dough into the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size (approximately 50 to 55 minutes). Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Bring the water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan. Meanwhile, place the dough on a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope and make a U-shape with the rope. Holding the ends, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined sheet pan. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula, then place back onto the sheet pan. Brush the top of each pretzel with the egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. April 2020 | 29
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VIP Pensacola at New World Landing
Magnolias and White Linen photos & story by Kristina Wright
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he Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild hosted their 34th Annual Magnolias and White Linen luncheon on March 4 at New World Landing. The idea for the luncheon was created by Connie Crosby, and was for guests to enjoy the “Southern Magnolia” style of dining on fine white linens. This year, the guild hosted guest speaker, Hutton Wilkinson; who was the protégé and business partner to the late decorator Tony Duquette. Wilkinson became the owner, creative director, and president of Tony Duquette Inc. when Duquette died in 1999. He and his wife Ruth moved into Dawnridge, the fabled Beverly Hills home where Duquette and his wife, Elizabeth “Beegle” had resided since 1949. Wilkinson has endeavored to preserve the lifetime work of his mentor with the restoration of his home in Beverly hills. He launched a collection of one-of-a-kind fine jewelry, which has been popularly accepted by both the public and fashion press. A silent auction was also held, from which the proceeds went to the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild was founded by a dedicated group of women in 1973 who wished to support the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. In addition to being one of the largest financial contributors to the symphony, the guild also provides volunteer services for the orchestra, including hosting rehearsal dinners, furnishing refreshments for musicians during intermission, hosting Opening Night Reception, bi-annual orchestra auditions, and the Family and Fifth Grade Concerts. The guild hosts meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, and feature new local musicians.
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Kristin Fairchild & Dr. Sherry Hartnett
Sue-Sue Sherrill & Susanne Pfeffle
Jane Litvak & Kristin Longley
Norma Crooke & Dee Green
Robert Turner & Roz Leahy
Melinda Saunders & Sarah Seykowski
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Connie Crosby & Laverne Baker
Jill Clark & Sue Flanders
Holiday Whisenant, Sid Williams-Heath & Robin Zimmern
Stacy Robello & Lisa Johnson
Deb Watts, Pat Dickson & Caroline Kelly
Linda Ayres & Lydia Abram
Lorraine Bracher & Maureen Hurst
Davide Von Mager & Hutton Wilkinson
Jessica Hyche & Courtney Dell
Audra Sebastian, Andra Morgan, Justin Gentry & Kathy Dreadin April 2020 | 31
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Business Profile
photos & story provided by Freeman Roofing
Our Story James “Jimmy” Freeman began roofing for his eventual father-in-law in the early 1970s. His desire to learn and “do the job right with no shortcuts” allowed him to master the trade. Knowing the importance and investment in a sound roof, Jimmy Freeman had the desire to provide a fair-priced, quality roof to everyone. This has become the company’s goal and mission statement. Consequently, Freeman Roofing was formed in 1976 by Jimmy Freeman and Bernie Freeman. Since 1976, Freeman Roofing has provided honest, quality workmanship to countless clients all along the Gulf Coast.
Experience In 1980, Jimmy Freeman was hired at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, as a roofing supervisor. A staunch determination coupled with a strong work ethic allowed him to continue to grow his roofing business while working full time at NAS. During Jimmy’s time at NAS, he gained extensive knowledge of commercial roofing. He used this knowledge to expand his roofing business in the commercial arena and was recognized on numerous occasions for his superior performance and immense knowledge of the roofing industry. After the loss of his father in 1994, Jimmy decided to retire from Naval Air Station and focus on growing Freeman Roofing. team.
All in the Family Freeman Roofing is truly a family business. As the company grows, family involvement follows suit. Jimmy’s daughter, Melissa Freeman, obtained her contractor’s license in Alabama and Mississippi in 2006. The participation of additional skilled family members and dedicated workers have allowed Freeman Roofing to branch out into commercial endeavors in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Always in mind, the Freeman Roofing motto remains “providing a fair priced quality roof to everyone.” Jimmy and his family have developed Freeman Roofing into a trusted, locally-owned company known for its efforts to give back to the community to a greater extent than he ever imagined. Freeman Roofing has always been a family business and it will continue to grow with sons, daughters, nephews, and grandchildren offering honest, quality workmanship for generations to come. 32
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Community Being a long-time local business, Freeman Roofing is quick to act when disaster hits home. In 2004 when Hurricane Ivan pummeled the Gulf Coast, Jimmy, along with the help of his family, provided emergency clean up and roof assistance to devastated local families. He generously purchased several thousand-gallon gas tanks, chain saws, tarps and more supplies. These resources proved invaluable to our community during such difficult times. Jimmy’s altruistic nature was recognized and Freeman Roofing was asked to assist with installing blue roofs in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. Again, Jimmy and his crews packed up and set out to aid those affected by the storms. Freeman Roofing makes generous donations of time, services, and sponsorships in our community. They were a key contributor in renovating the home of an area Purple Heart Veteran (1)(2). Freeman Roofing is also a sponsor/participant in local youth sports and community non-profit programs. Freeman Roofing understands the importance of having a sound roof overhead. We are licensed and insured (License #RC0058058) and dedicated to making sure we deliver quality work with quality products and manufacturers. Maintaining our family company’s stellar reputation is a top priority. Freeman Roofing offers a variety of services from small repairs to total reroofs on residential and commercial structures of all sizes. Do not trust such a critical investment to just any company. Contact the dependable experts at Freeman Roofing at 850.994.1078 to handle your residential and commercial roofing needs today.
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NOMINATE YOUR
FAVORITES IN EACH CATEGORY
From April 1-19, nominate your favorites in a variety of categories. Remember to nominate daily because entries with the most nominations in each category will move on to the of cial Best In Pensacola ballot starting May 11-31.
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VIP
VOTE ONLINE!
2020
S TAR T NOMINATING ON AP RIL 1
PENSACOLA .COM
C A T E G O R I E S ENTERTAINMENT Annual Event Golf Course Music Venue Place for a Date Place for “Girl’s Night Out” Place to go Dancing Place to people Watch Place to Stay Place to take the Kids/Family Entertainment
Computer/IT Firm
Pool/Spa Sales/Service
Seafood Market
Homebuilder
Property Management
Wine Shop
General Contractor
Real Estate Agent- Commercial
Women’s Accessories
Specialty Contractor
Real Estate Agent-Residential
Women’s Apparel
Customer Service
Real Estate Company
Event Rentals
Real Estate Professional - Female
WEDDING
Event Space
Real Estate Professional - Male
Bridal Store
Financial Advisor
Real Estate Team
Ceremony Venue
Flooring
Staffing Company
PhotoBooth
Florist
Title Company
Place for a Tux
Golf Cart/ATV
Veterinary Clinic
Place for Rehearsal Dinner
Hair Salon
Videographer
Place to Buy Engagement Ring
SERVICES
Home Repair/Handyman
Accounting Firm
Insurance Firm
Shopping & RETAIL
Wedding Cake/Confections
Air Conditioning & Heating Company
Interior Designer
Boutique
Wedding Caterer
Alarm/Security
Landscaping
Eyeglasses/Sunglasses
Wedding Florist
Apartments
Law Firm
Furniture
Wedding Photography
Automobile Dealer - New
Limo/Transportation Service
Gift Shop
Wedding Planner
Automobile Dealer - Pre Owned
Locksmith
Home Decor/Accessories
Wedding Rentals
Automobile Repair Service
Place for a Massage
Jewelry Store
Barber Shop
Mortgage Co
Liquor Store
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Luxury Automobile Sales
Nail Salon
Locally Owned Retailer
Aesthetician
Bank/Financial Institution
New Business
Men’s Apparel
Alternative/Natural Medicine
Banker
Payroll/HR
Motorcycle Shop
Anti Aging Service
Boat Sales & Service
Pet Grooming/Boarding
Nursery/Plants
Chiropractor
Charity/Non Profit
Photographer
Pet Store
Dentist
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Dermatologist
Walk In Clinic/Urgent Care
Bushwhacker
New Restaurant
Eye Care Professional
Weight Loss Program
Casual Dining
Pizza
Famiy Care Physician
Women’s Wellness Provider
Catering
Place for Cocktails
Chef
Restaurant - Downtown
Med Spa Medical Center
Cocktails & Cuisine
Place for Coffee
Restaurant - North/Nine Mile/UWF
Medical Practice
Appetizers
Dessert
Restaurant - Pensacola Beach
Orthodontist
Asian
Fine Dining
Restaurant -Overall
Pain Management
Bar
Food Delivery
Special Occasion Restaurant
Pediatrician
Bartender
Food Truck
Seafood Restaurant
Permanent Make Up
BBQ
Burger
Sports Bar
Physical Therapy
Beer Selection
Happy Hour
Steakhouse
Plastic Surgery
Bloody Mary
Italian Restaurant
Sushi
Podiatrist
Breakfast
Locally Owned Restaurant
Wine List
Senior Living Community
Brewery/Craft Beer
Place for cocktails
Surgery Center
Brunch
Neighborhood Bar
WHO DO YOU THINK DESERVES THE TITLE BEST IN PENSACOLA? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO CAST YOUR NOMINATION!
2020
OVER 150 CATEGORIES
20 17
BALLOT AVAILABLE ONLINE
W W W.V I P P EN S A C OL A .C OM
F ro m A p r i l 1 -19, nominate your favorites in a variety o f c a t e g o r i e s. Remember to nominate daily because ent r i e s w i t h t h e m o st no mina tio ns in e ach cat e gor y will mo v e o n t o t h e o ff icia l Best In P ensa cola ballot in May.
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Fashions
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photos & story provided by Gr
W
ould you rather make lifelong memories with your children, family or friends or spend that time mowing your lawn? You no longer have to make that choice. Gr nbots Inc is a new company in your area that offers affordable robotic automowers for residents and commercial properties.
nbots
more efficient, the smaller clippings created by continual cutting is better for the grass too”. Shelley, “I personally love the smart home integration. Customers can connect to Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Imagine simply saying, ‘Alexa, mow the grass.’ Yep, it really can be that easy.”
Gr nbots is the exclusive dealer for Husqvarna and Echo Automowers from Panama City to Mississippi.
We offer mowers that:
• Mow up to 6 acres • Are smartphone controlled • Are weather resistant • Are GPS and theft protection Owners Steve and Shelley Black have been in the Green Industry for over 32 years. Their knowledge, experience and professionalism has made them leaders in this field along the Gulf Coast. In Europe today over half of all lawns are mowed by robotic mowers and more than half of those are Husqvarna. “Husqvarna is the world’s number one selling robotic lawn mower. They have been selling these in Europe for the last 20 years” states Steve. “The concept behind the automower comes straight out of nature - the principle of the grazing animal. The grass is cut a little and often. This is not only 40
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• Quiet • Emission-free, low energy • Less fertilizer needed • Long lasting, rechargeable battery The units are controlled by your smartphone, enabling you to monitor and keep track of them in real time. Want to park your unit when your kids come home, run the unit when your pet is inside, you are in control of the automowers schedule with a push of a button. Husqvarna’s intelligent design allows the Automower to maneuver around your lawn without supervision, even over tricky terrain and around obstacles. It knows when it needs to be charged and directs itself back to the charging station. With convenient control options, the Automower allows you to set it and forget it, even from your smartphone. Gr nbots can install and set up your units, or install kits are available to purchase for that do it yourself individual. On the Professional Side - Robotic mowers are the perfect addition to the fleet of any green care company. While they tirelessly spend their days producing a carpet-like lawn quality, you can spend your days doing other things. And since our professional robotic mowers all come with Husqvarna Fleet Services™ built-in, you can control them from anywhere.
Want to see one in action? Come visit us at our location, 2629 S. Hwy 29, Cantonment. We can ensure Christmas delivery if ordered by December 15. Oh, did we say we gift wrap?!
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Thanks for voting us Best Caterer in Pensacola... AGAIN!
850-469-0445
www.culinaryproductions.net
15% O Military Discount
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3/31/20 2:42 PM
photos & story provided by Courtney Murray
The world is changing day to day and minute to minute and everyone is learning to cope with a new reality. A huge population of the country is off work or working from home... with no definite end in sight! While the world is spinning with worry and anxiety of being out of control, many families are choosing to use this time to improve themselves. If you don’t have kids you may be using some of this extra time to read that dusty stack of books that has been sitting in your corner…since 2007. You may be attempting to learn a new skill like playing the guitar, learning a new language, how to knit or finding your inner Julia Child and experimenting with new recipes. With public establishments shutting down and talks of schools closing through the end of the year families with children are beginning to dread…..What do we do now??? Take a deep breath, hold it…1, 2, 3…and release. We will make it through this. Kids are missing their friends, going to school, playing on playgrounds, and are struggling without their everyday normal routines. So now in between working from home, learning how to homeschool your children and making 47 snacks a day, you also have to remember what day it is and if you’ve showered or not?! And let’s not forget fighting the crowds for toilet paper at the store. So how do you keep your kids happy and keep yourself sane during this quarantine? The answer is easy; crafts and simple activities. Life is complicated enough right? It’s time to think outside the box and here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
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- Cabin fever has set in and it’s got everyone turning into Marie Condo. While you are busing organizing your drawers and purging old toys, set aside some old light colored T- shirts you probably haven’t worn since high school. With some rubber bands, water and food coloring kids can create their own tie dye masterpieces. *Bonus, tie dye is super on trend right now. - Cardboard Boxes: It’s amazing how far an old box and some ingenuity can take you. Put all of your amazon purchases to good use. A box can become anything you can imagine. Build a robot, make it a pirate ship, create a castle and play dress up, cut it up and build a cardboard dollhouse and complete it with LEGO furniture and people. Have your kids help with the laundry by matching all of the socks into pairs and then balling them up for a sock war! Take two large boxes and use them as your hideouts. Cut holes in the top of a box and let your little ones decorate it. Put a basket of pompoms next to it and let them push each one through the holes. *Bonus learning if you make it a color coding matching game.
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If you’re avoiding the stores and Amazon is sold out, roll up your sleeves for some creative do it yourself projects. It will be a fun time for your kids and they will feel accomplished and proud of themselves for their creations. - Make your own playdough. Playdough is a classic favorite for kids of all ages for a reason. The possibilities are endless for hours of fun with building, rolling, using cookie cutters, etc. It is super simple to make your own and it is taste test safe for little bitty ones! *Bonus, letting the kids help with measurements is a built in math lesson.
We are so lucky that we live in Florida where the spring weather is perfect right now to get outside and get active in your yards during this quarantine. Do family yoga, make an obstacle course, or plan a backyard campout. When in doubt, bubbles are always a hit! Order yourself an automatic bubble blower, set up a baby pool in the backyard, blend up a fruity cocktail and give yourselves a break; you’ve earned it!
1 cup flour ½ cup table salt 2 tbsp cream of tartar 1 tbsp oil 1 cup boiling water Food coloring Instructions: In a bowl combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar. Mix well. Add the oil. Mix a few drops of food coloring into the boiling water and add to the bowl. Mix everything very well and massage with your hand until it is no longer sticky. Once it has fully cooled, wrap in plastic and put in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for about 6 months. - Channel your inner Bill Nye the Science Guy and make some Fizzy Blocks.
1 cup baking soda 1 tsp clear gelatin ¼ cup water Food coloring Ice cube tray Vinegar Instructions: Mix together the baking soda and gelatin. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water and pour into the baking soda mixture. Mix Well. Separate the mixture evenly into the ice cube tray. Freeze overnight. Remove the cubes from the tray and use an eye dropper (or anything you choose) to drop vinegar on top. Watch it fizz!!
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VIP Pensacola at Scenic Hills Golf Course
21 FOREVER photos & story by Kristina Wright
Marty Stanovich & Brittany Davis
Jennifer Kennedy & Chris Fabian
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n February 29, a large group of golfers, friends, and local businesses gathered at Scenic Hills Country Club in support of the 4th Annual 21 Forever Golf Classic in memory of Sam Gorman, daughter of Rick and Kim Gorman. Hosted by Scenic Hills Country Club and sponsored by SHMGA Foundation, all proceeds from the event went towards The Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola and The Miracle League. The sold-out tournament ended with prizes, giveaways, and music by Three Bean Soup; followed by a community shrimp boil. Major sponsors for the event were as follows: Award Masters, Bay Area Printing, Buffalo Rock, Emanuel Sheppard & Condon, Emerald Coast Grass Company, Goldring Gulf Distributing, Gulf Coast Dental, Henry Chiropractic, Insurance Zone, Jubliee, Krewe Of Airship Pirates, Levin Papantonio, Lewis Bear Company, Lighting Partnership Group, Reese Construction Services, Rhino Pool and Spa Services, The Ticket, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trinity Heating & Air Conditioning, and Tropical Smoothie CafÊ.
Pearl Fuller & M.E. Cates
Patti Hall & Harry Adams 46
Maria Etheridge & Linda Jackson
Alex Mason & Kelly Kennedy
Marguerite Byrd & Kathy Trainor
Martina & Mal Mason
John Manzanet & Justin Gates
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John McDonald & Jason Kyle
Eddie & Lena Pressley, Dennis Forester
Madison, Kim & Rick Gorman
Ed Villar, Verla Price & Romana Lopez April 2020 | 47
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AT HOME story by Liesel Schmidt
T
he taste of a well-mixed cocktail or a sip of a silky smooth spirit is something that can make us relax and unwind after a long day at work, and for the hard working men of the 1950s, those after-hours drinks were the very reason behind the advent of the home bar. After all, those hours spent at the office were stressful, and coming home meant it was time to loosen the tie, settle in, and let the stress melt away like the ice cubes in a Scotch rocks. And while the wood-paneled, male-centric domestic bars of yesteryear may have become outdated and sexist, the allure of a well-stocked liquor cabinet and all its accouterments has never lost its luster. Looking back over the history books,
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home bars hit the scene after World War II, when men returned from the war and were reestablishing themselves. They popped up in suburban homes all over the map, making a nightly cocktail or drink not only possible, but a sign of having made it. Consequently, home bars became part of everyone’s dream house, an aspirational feature that could be shown off during dinner parties or social gatherings. And despite the fact that many of them were in the basement, people made a point of decking them out, often modeling them after supper clubs with fancy bars and inviting their friends over for a dressy night in. These days, we might not have the same ideas about home bars as they did back then, but they still have great appeal and
are a common feature in home design. And whether they are a part of the blueprint or simply occupy a special cabinet in your home, there are still some basics that every home bar must have. Firstly, there are the liquors: dry gin, premium vodka, bourbon, Scotch, gold tequila for mixed drinks, sliver tequila for straight drinking, dark rum for punches, and light rum for cocktails. And, of course, don’t forget various types of craft beers and wine varietals. Mixers are next, and a properly stocked home bar must have club soda, tonic water (both regular and diet), cola, lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, orange juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and bitters.
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No craft drink is complete without garnish, so stock up on cocktail olives, horseradish, limes, lemons, oranges, maraschino cherries, cocktail onions, Tabasco sauce, salt, pepper, and rim sugar. And, of course, make sure you have ice. Have we mentioned accouterments? Naturally, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for making those mixed drinks, but you’ll also need a wide variety of glasses, as each drink has a specific glass associated with it. Line your shelves with Pilsner glasses, beer mugs, red and white wine glasses, champagne flutes, highballs, and shot glasses, just to name a few. These specialized glasses are made for a reason, as their size and shape help maximize the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel of a beverage and make drinking it even more pleasurable. You’ll also need foil cutters, corkscrews, jiggers, speed pour spouts with flapper tops for the liquor bottles, ample prep space, and a trash can be placed somewhere close but out of sight. If you have a fullsize home bar, take it to the next level by adding a sink, kegerator, and a wine fridge. Take the idea of luxury and socialization up a notch with a real bar space, complete with a counter and seating. Get bar stools that are comfortable and stylish, and equip the bar with a foot rail. Both are finishing details that can make an incredible difference to the overall look of your bar and make it even more enjoyable to use. Whether you want to have the best home for entertaining or simply appreciate a good nightcap and want your ritual to have its own sacred space, creating your very own home bar is the perfect way to make sure your perfect drink is never far away.
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VIP Pensacola at Ashbury Place, Cokesbury Methodist Church
photos & story by Kristina Wright
P
ilot Club of Pensacola hosted their 40th Annual Pancake Festival at Ashbury Place, Cokesbury Methodist Church on March 7. There were a variety of baked goods, casseroles, soups, and other homemade items available for purchase, as well as meal tickets for $5. Local celebrities from the community and students from Escambia High School were in attendance pouring coffee, while Pilot Club members served bacon, coffee, juice, and milk to enjoy with their pancakes. Pilot Club of Pensacola has been fundraising in various ways since inception. For the past 30 years, they have held very successful pancake breakfasts. Pilot Club strives to influence positive change in their community by coming together in friendship and providing an outlet for service. The club dedicates its volunteer time and services to providers who care for individuals in the community who live with brain related disorders and brain injuries. Their fundraising efforts help these groups to continue with much needed services and all funds raised stay in the Pensacola area.
Derek Pratt & Lynne Pinder
Jobena Sellers & Sheri Myers 50
Caroline Solchenberger & Leighton Prescott
Stacey Kostevicki & Don Parker
Stephen MacBeth & Ron Helms
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Anise McGuire, Malcom Thomas & Linda Petty
Joyce Blackwelder, Kathy DeMaria & Susan Harrell
Clint Retherford, Janet Shannon & O.B. Pettit
Nancy Worth, Kathleen & Paul Sims April 2020 | 51
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photos provided by Bread and Table Club
M
any of us use food and dining as a social outlet. We create various food related experiences and get-togethers with our friends and loved ones to fulfi ll our appetites and our social needs. As many have often done, one Pensacola couple ventured to start a supper club with friends to share their love for food. This dynamic power couple was not quite content with just having a dining club for their own personal pleasure, so they catapulted it into a cause. Steve and Shelley Black, along with a host of friends have turned their Bread & Table Club into a forceful and fun means to feed children who are going without enough food. Their desire was so strong that they established non-profit status and added Feeding the Gulf Coast as their partner. Shelley Black shares how she has met many new people and established great friendships through this mission of bringing food lovers together while helping undernourished children.
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Interview with Shelley Black Co-Founder of Bread & Table Club
What is the primary mission of Bread & Table Club? To support local efforts to combat childhood hunger through a series of culinary events and experiences. Bread and Table is all about engaging socially around food, cooking, and the pleasures of breaking bread with others. When was it started and what was your inspiration? Steve, my husband, and I started this club in the fall of 2016 for selfish reasons... we love food, and, love friends who love food! We looked around and saw there was nothing that brought these people and their passions together. We believe in the power of food to tell stories, enrich daily lives, deepen relationships, and forge connections with the world around us. We took this wonderful concept a step forward in March 2017 and changed our status to a not for profit 501 C. This has enabled us to partner up with Feeding The Gulf Coast Children’s Backpack Program. How did you choose your partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast? As a food and wine club, we knew we would fit best with a local charity that helps to feed the impoverished. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful charitable organizations helping the less fortunate children in our communities, however, if a child consistently goes to bed hungry, so many of these programs become null and void. The mission of Feeding the Gulf Coast’s Backpack Program is to meet the needs of chronically hungry children by providing them with nutritious and easy to prepare food to take home on weekends and school vacations when other resources are not available. This program is located at elementary schools that have a high incidence of children in need. Teachers distribute a pack of food to each participating child on Friday afternoons. This is done discreetly while the children are in recess so there is no social stigma attached to those who receive the food. The teachers are trained in advance to look for a multitude of signs in their students before reporting the number of children they believe face hunger issues in their homes. The names of the children receiving the meals through this program are kept confidential from the food bank and volunteers; only the teachers and the recipients are notified. Each bag contains enough food for six meals and two snacks. What type of events do you have and are they exclusive to members? We typically hold 1-2 larger community fundraising events. Our largest, Croquet & Rosé on the Bay is held in the spring. Unfortunately, this year due to COVID 19, we did have to cancel. However, all of the sponsors who previously signed up chose to donate 100% of their sponsorship fee directly to the backpack program. This enabled us to submit over $5000 without even holding this event this year! Our other large fundraiser is our Bon Vivant Chef Competition. Although you have to be a member to compete, we invite the public to come out to taste and vote. All of the proceeds from this event are going to the Backpack Program. We hold approximately 8-10 smaller club gatherings throughout the year. As a food and wine club, each of these are culinary related. Some are smaller, more intimate gatherings held at members’ homes, local restaurants, beaches, etc. Some events are larger where we rent venues and bring in professionals. Either way, they are always unique
and always fun. Some of the most recent ... we have brought in a private chef for dinner in a beach penthouse, had dinner in the middle of a corn field, hosted a dinner in the dark with glow paint and necklaces as the only light to dine by. This fall we will be hosting a Safari evening at the new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, cocktails with the giraffes and a South African wine paired dinner overlooking the animals. How does one become a member? We currently have 150 members, and all new members are referred by existing members only. We started with 20 of our closest friends, who then brought in their friends. It is still continuing to grow! How did Bread & Table impact the community in the last year? Besides raising the needed funds for our local children, I would have to say we have had a large impact in spreading the word of our wonderful culinary community. We are very active in the local food and wine scene as well as regular attendees at most all of our local restaurants. We consistently post the great experiences, favorite dishes, etc. on social media. What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with the organization? In 2017 when we became a 501C organization, we had approximately 60 members and 3 board members, counting myself. As of today, we are 150 members with a board of directors consisting of 14 people. It never ceases to amaze me at the personal friendships that are constantly made. I believe something wonderful happens when you sit down at a table and break bread with strangers for no other reason than to get to know the people around you. Watching as people discover personal connections they wouldn’t have found otherwise always makes me smile. What is one thing you want readers to know about Bread & Table Club? I have always thought this concept is something that could be repeated in many other communities. There is a reason it has grown so incredibly fast and members have been anxious to bring all of their friends in. Our board of directors is working on a template to help more people in more areas duplicate this idea. Having many chapters of Bread & Table would not only continue to expand everyone’s circle with like-minded food and wine lovers, but also continue to feed the many, many, impoverished children in our world!
“They broke bread in their homes, and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46 April 2020 | 53
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Pensacola • Pensacola Beach • Perdido Key
Your MONTHLY
Social & Lifestyle Magazine
calendars social events local cuisine community highlights business spotlights
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VIP Pensacola at Seville Quarter
Austin Quina, John Quina, Amanda Huggins & Rory Stiglitz
Ian Martin & Maddie Bell
photos & story by Catherine Rowan
S
aturday March 7, Crawfish for a Cause was hosted at Seville Quarter. This event benefits Pensacola’s Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Guests enjoyed delicious crawfish provided by Cordova Crawfish Company, which is a locally owned and operated Crawfish Company, had live music from different bands, and Seville offered great drink specials. Crawfish for a Cause is Rally Foundations’ kick-off event that will lead up to their main fundraising event: Rally on the Runway, where local rally children get to walk side-byside with professional athletes and celebrities. Rally on the Runway will be held on August 14. Pensacola Rally Foundation for Childhood cancer is a non-profit organization that helps empower others across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments, and finally, a cure. For more information on Rally Pensacola, their events and ways you can get involved, please visit: www.rallypensacola.org
Ally & Mark Leidner
Jim & Miriam Hannon
Jaden Hamann, Lauren Bonner, Tyler Ryals & Cristian Garan
Jada Leahy & Matt Couch April 2020 | 55
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VIP Pensacola at Crawfish for a Cause
Ava Adams, Ansley Gill & Mary Bennett Lipham
Feature Your Business in the May
Heather Boatwright, Cindi Bonner & Jamie Mitchell
Pets & People Issue
Shelby Daniels, Drew Adams & Chad Bonner
Anita, Craig & Courtney Dean 56
For More Information Call 850-502-7970
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Pileas Air Comfort Chair by American Leather Fabric Starting at: $3399/Leather $3999 isidro dunbar Modern Interiors www.idMIdesign.com
Husqvarna 450XH - $3499 Grēnbots www.Grenbots.com | (850) 390-4777
Intellishade® Matte age-defying tinted moisturizer with sunscreen $65 Retail- 25% off in May (for Skin Cancer Awareness Month) Available at Aqua Medical Spa (located inside of Dermatology Specialists of FL) www.AquaMedicalSpa.com
Cirrus Comfort Air Chair by American Leather Fabric Starting at $3199/Leather $3799 isidro dunbar Modern Interiors www.idMIdesign.com
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“Nature Lashes” - naturally based lash growth serum, works perfectly with OR without lash extensions - also works on eyebrows! One package lasts about 4-6 months with daily use. - $80 Amazing Lash Studio 850-424-4779
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VIP Pensacola at McGuire’s Irish Pub
Amy Gokey, Tom Flanagan, Holiday Whisenant & Dustin Perry
Christina Stifflemire & Brent Isbell
photos & story by Kristina Wright
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cGuire’s Irish Pub held their 43rd Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run on March 7. The certified course was 3.1 miles, start and finish were at McGuire’s Irish Pub, and participants were allowed exactly one hour to run or walk the route. Registration fee included a race t-shirt, race number, and a pre-race breakfast of donuts, bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee. A post-race party was held featuring Rich McDuff’s Irish-Sing-A-Long, and included specials on Irish Fare, Irish Wakes, Bud Light, McGuire’s Red Ale, and soft drinks. The rules required each runner/walker to predict how long it will take them to complete the course. The finishers who came closest to the time predicted on their registration form won. Best Costume Awards were given for Individual, Team, and Sharpest Military Formation, Individual Speed Awards, and Team Speed Awards. Trophies were awarded to the first three teams in each division. Male, Female, and Military (active duty, reserve or ROTC). A team could hold between five and seven runners. The first five finishers scored for the team. Proceeds went to benefit the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, The Pensacola Police Department, McGuire’s Family Matters Program, Blue Angels Foundation, and Boy Scouts of America Troop 104.
Craig Weber & Dan Buryj
Jill Andrusko & Patty Spradling
Elizabeth & Mark Baer
Allie Smith, Catie Traynom, Shane Bragg, Megan Teschner & April Baker April 2020 | 61
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VIP Pensacola at UWF Conference Center and Auditorium
Women in Leadership photos & story by Kristina Wright
Brandi Gomez & Nicole Coxwell
Diane Mack & Patrice Whitten
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he College of Business Executive Mentor Program at the University of West Florida was proud to host the biggest event of the year for women: Women in Leadership “Designing Your Future,” which was held on February 28, in the UWF Conference Center and Auditorium. The conference offered opportunities to hear from and connect with prominent women leaders who have achieved both personal and professional success. This year’s keynote speaker was Deshauna Barber, a former Miss USA, U.S. Army Captain, and STEM graduate. Her speech, titled “I Don’t Like Being Told It’s a Man’s World,” aims to empower women and draws on Barber’s experiences in two male dominated organizations, the technology industry and the U.S. Army. Barber encourages women to break through their glass ceilings and chase their dreams. This conference teaches leverage of unique strengths and qualities to thrive and succeed in one’s current and future leadership roles by teaching how to drive a career through thoughtful and effective leadership, how communication skills can be a pathway to career success, and understanding issues women face in various career paths, aligning personal values with everyday leadership behaviors, and strengthening a network with successful women. As women navigate the path of higher management positions, they are challenged to proactively manage their growth and development to prepare for the leadership roles they desire. Female students need to increase their leadership capacity and prepare themselves for success in the workplace. This conference serves to connect both men and women with ideas, best practices, recognized thought leaders, resources, solutions, and peers.
Tia Robbins & Laura Gilliam
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Kimberly Watson, Lisa Mair, Christina Hawkins & Chuntell Patterson
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Meredith Edwards & Dr. Judy Bense
Stephana Gaudin, Morgan Milbradt & Rachael Gillette
Bibi Reed, Julianna Gaubron & Micaila Hamner
Dr. Richard Fountain, Dr. Sherry Hartnett & Dr. Eric Bostwick April 2020 | 63
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Feeding the Gulf Coast Opens Sites to Feed Kids During School Closures
Feeding the Gulf Coast is diligently working to provide food for those who are currently and will be impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The food bank is partnering with local community organizations to offer free meals to children, 18 and under, who are no longer receiving free or reduced lunch due to school closures. The program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Distribution sites will begin serving on Monday, March 23 (Site list below). Sites may be working at capacity and will need extra hands to help distribute meals to kids. The food bank is looking for volunteers to lend a hand during specific dates and times. Healthy volunteers and donations are essential now more than ever, for the food bank to serve the vast need in the communities the organization serves. Individuals looking to donate or volunteer can do so by visiting www.feedingthegulfcoast. org. As families are faced with an increased need for food due to school closures, inability to work, or facing self-quarantine requirements, the “Find Help” feature available at www. feedingthegulfcoast.org, is the best source of information for families and individuals seeking assistance. Individuals can also call (888) 704-FOOD. For needs specific to child nutrition, text “FOOD” to 877-877. During this time of uncertainty and crisis, Feeding the Gulf Coast remains dedicated to serving the community. Working with community partners, the food bank will continue to be an organization of hope and support for families facing hunger. For more information regarding the work Feeding the Gulf Coast is doing to fight hunger during this time of increased need visit https://www. feedingthegulfcoast.org/learn-more/covid19-response. For distribution site days/times please visit https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/findhelp/find-a-pantry. WSRE Adjusts Daytime Schedule to Air “At-Home Learning” Programs for Students Starting next week, WSRE will begin airing a new daytime schedule of “At-Home Learning” PBS programs suited for students from Pre-K through 12th grade from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The schedule change is part of a state-wide effort among PBS stations 64
in Florida to support families, educators and students during school closures brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. Like the digital resources available online through PBS LearningMedia, this new weekday television schedule will provide educational programs that are aligned to state standards for Florida schools and are free and accessible from home. “This special educational programming and the PBS LearningMedia website are extraordinary tools that are free and easy to access from home, and they can play a critical role by providing trusted, aligned education resources for students, parents, teachers and caregivers during these challenging times,” said Jill Hubbs, WSRE general manager. The new daytime schedule replaces WSRE’s usual lineup of PBS KIDS programming on the main channel, 23.1. This programming for early learners will remain available on the WSRE PBS KIDS channel, 23.4, and streaming online at pbskids.org. PBS KIDS is for grownups, too. At PBS KIDS for Parents (pbs.org/parents), searches can be fi ltered by topic and age. For example, select Social Skills for age 3 to find appropriate articles, printable activities, recipes, games and apps. The article, “How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus,” is an example of how PBS KIDS for Parents provides up-todate information aligned with current events. Designed for teachers and students, PBS LearningMedia (pbslearningmedia.org) is accessible for everyone. Search by grades Pre-K through High School to find videos, games and activities aligned to state and national school standards. WSRE’s new daytime television schedule will include specific blocks of time for Pre-K through 12th grade levels and cover English language arts, social studies, science and math. “PBS stations like WSRE are ideally suited to deliver this content, not only because of the educational quality of our programs, but also because our broadcast signal is available for free to all homes in our coverage area,” said Hubbs. “It is our hope that families will tune in and use these online educational resources to create at-home learning environments for their children.” The WSRE program schedule, along with links to the PBS LearningMedia and PBS KIDS for Parents websites, can be found at wsre.org. Earth Day Network announces shift to global digital mobilizations for 50th anniversary of Earth Day
The pandemic will affect regions and countries differently, and some individuals and communities may decide to still hold in-person events. Earth Day Network urges everyone to assess their situation individually, take precautions and follow the recommendations and advice from the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from local authorities from your city and country. “Whether it be coronavirus or our global climate crisis, we cannot shut down,” said Rogers.“ Instead, we must shift our energies and efforts to new ways to mobilize the world to action.” Earth Day’s updated digital-first strategy will leverage the global power of some of the world’s most innovative digital media platforms to mobilize millions in a collective call for transformative action for our planet. The coordination will deliver an Earth Day unlike any other in history as the movement marks its 50th anniversary. The global conversation will be unified and tracked by the shared hashtags #EarthDay2020 and #EARTHRISE. Earth Day Network will provide live coverage of the global digital mobilizations from its social media accounts (@earthdaynetwork). “When 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, they believed the warnings of scientists, as did the U.S. Congress,” said Denis Hayes, Board Chair Emeritus of Earth Day Network and the principal national organizer of the first Earth Day in 1970. “In a decade of bipartisan support for science, Congress passed a set of forward-thinking laws that protected human health, species and the planet.” “Our current pandemic demonstrates that governments must embrace science early. As we see now, many governments were slow to respond or even indifferent about the science of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rogers. “But the last few weeks have also demonstrated that our society, even at the international level, is capable of mass shifts across all sectors to meet a crisis head-on. We must apply the same scale and urgency of our response to climate change.” “We hope you will stand with us as we fight for a safer, healthier and more just future for all,” added Rogers. “Together, we can build an Earth Day unlike any other — an Earth Day that defines us as a global community, united by our challenges yet unshrinking from the bold, urgent action needed to overcome them.” For more information go to www.earthday. org or contact: dzeck@mediaforum.org
Amid the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, Earth Day Network, the global organizer of Earth Day, will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with the first Digital Earth Day, a global digital mobilization on April 22 to address the most urgent threats to people and the planet.
| VIPPensacola.com
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NEW DATE!
AUGUST 21-22, 2020 PRESENTED BY THE
JUMONVILLE FAMILY
DCWAF.ORG
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VIP Pensacola at Pensacola Yacht Club
photos & story by Kristina Wright
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edeemer Lutheran School hosted its 13th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction on the evening of March 13. Guests who attended this year’s Gala enjoyed a “Pirate’s Ball” at Pensacola Yacht Club, inspired by Hollywood’s “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Over 160 people attended this event. The funds generated from this event are used to enhance the education of the children who attend Redeemer Lutheran School and support their efforts to make the community a better place. Past funding went to updating the school’s community playground, improve school security, and the purchase of Chromebooks. This year their goal is to update the K-5 playground and fencing, as well as continue to enhance school security. The mission of Redeemer Lutheran School is to prepare a child for a responsible role in the community through intellectual, moral, physical, and spiritual development in a caring, ethical Christ-centered environment. Redeemer Lutheran School is located in Warrington area near the front gate of Pensacola N.A.S. Currently, they have 185 plus students from VPK - 8th Grade.
Benjamin & Emily Linck
Rachael Heitman & Dyana Davis
Leslie & Andrew Adams
Kathleen & Tim Shoop
Dottie & Bill Calmes
Karla & Bob Heinicke April 2020 | 67
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VIP Pensacola at 13th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction
Shirley Barber & Sal Tese
Mack & Shirley Gafford, Cameron Pyle
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Dan & Sheri Hoffman
Melanie & Pastor Christopher Cole
Ken & Marissa Melvin, Pastor Steve Linck
Jason & Sonya Price
Eddie & Cynthia Henderson
Jill Gonzalez & Rhoda Simkins
Chris & Carol Bridges, Buffy & Tom Little
Ryan & Jennifer Mills
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Dolores Price & Tres Jefferson
Jill O’ Dea, Kirk & Abby Stonecipher
Keri Hankins & Jeff Williams
Laura Wanek, John Price & Sherry Hulien April 2020 | 69
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I AM PENSACOLA
Marty Stanovich
What is your hometown, what brought you to PENSACOLA and how long have you been here? Pensacola is my hometown—I was born at the Naval Hospital onboard Saufley Station and came home to our family’s Par-3 Golf Course— Hill and Dale on Michigan Avenue (sadly long gone). We moved to Beach Haven when I was eight, and I attended Navy Point Elementary, Warrington Middle and graduated from Escambia High School. After eight years away (Go Noles) for college and graduate school, I returned to teach College History and Humanities 25 years ago. What is your profession, and what led you to chose it? I left teaching college to work as a talk radio show host, but 11 years ago, decided to leave that profession to run the nonprofit of which I was a co-founder—The First Tee of Northwest Florida. My father was a PGA Professional from whom I learned the game—and in the end I followed in his footsteps as a Golf Professional and devotee of Junior Golf. What do you like best about Pensacola? What makes it unique? Pensacola represents the best of both Southern Hospitality and Florida Sunshine…with great golf courses. I have long said it is The Biggest Small Town in America (or maybe the Smallest Big Town?). Either way…you feel like you know everybody. What are some of your favorite things about Pensacola? Our walkable downtown, great local dining, festivals and cultural activities, the aforementioned golf courses and the people—wonderful, caring, genuine people. AND the coming renaissance of the west side that is long overdue.
photo by Kristina Wright
Finish this statement, I AM PENSACOLA because… of a story I have seldom told: I am daily living a challenge that was issued me when I was away at graduate school and lamented how this community miserably failed to save one of its great icons--The Hotel San Carlos: “Instead of complaining about Pensacola--why don’t you go back and try to make it better?” So, for the past quarter-century, I have worked hard to be a small part of the big changes that are making this wonderful place a little bit better every day.
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