Inweekly Aug. 17 2023 Issue

LifeView Group team members have been serving our community since 1954. Thanks to our leaders for fostering an inspirational culture and furthering our mission of “helping people throughout life’s journey.”

Runner-up Best Boss

Allison Hill President and CEO, LifeView Group

winners & losers

winners losers

NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Navy Federal Credit Union recently presented a check to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for $24,000. The funds are from the 13th annual Navy Federal Credit Union 5K, which had more than 1,800 participants. The foundation funds projects and programs for students, teachers and schools, including Grants for Excellence, Take Stock in Children and most recently, the soon-to-be-launched Teacher Resource Store.

2023 CEO SOAK On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Escambia County Fire Rescue, along with several local organizations, gathered at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach to participate in the 2023 CEO Soak to raise funds for the ALS Association Florida Chapter. Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak gathered local CEOs and community leaders, and they lined up to get sprayed with water by ECFR firefighters. Throughout the fundraising event, more than $20,000 was raised toward research to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NORTHWEST

FLORIDA The healthcare provider recently celebrated National Health Center Week to showcase the impact of community health centers serving a growing number of patients in Florida and across the country. Nationwide, one in 11 people get medical care from a community health center, including 400,000 veterans, nearly 9 million children and 1.4 million people experiencing homelessness. Community Health takes care of 55,000 people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

UWF CENTER FOR CYBERSECURITY The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity received a $2.5 million grant from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program at the National Security Agency to expand the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program, CyberSkills2Work. In its first phase, the program trained more than 1,700 veterans and first responders for cybersecurity jobs. Over two years, the expansion will prepare more than 1,520 newly credentialed cybersecurity professionals.

TOMMY TUBERVILLE

The U.S. Senator from Alabama may live in Northwest Florida, not Auburn, Ala. The Washington Post reported Tuberville sold off his last Alabama properties in Macon and Tallapoosa counties for $1.1 million. Campaign finance documents and property records obtained by the newspaper indicate his primary home may be a $3 million property in Santa Rosa Beach that he's lived in for almost 20 years. A Santa Rosa Beach resident notarized his July sale. His wife is a licensed Florida real estate agent and has worked at a Santa Rosa Beach firm since the beginning of the year. In 2019, Tuberville voted in Florida's midterm elections. Then a week before announcing his Senate bid, he registered to vote in Alabama, listing a home owned by his son in Auburn as his residence.

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA

The American Historical Association (AHA) has sent a letter to Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida, expressing "deep concern about New College's decision not to renew the contract of Erik Wallenberg, a visiting assistant professor in the Department of History." AHA pointed out that board trustee Christopher Rufo mocked Wallenberg's course and called him and another faculty member "pure left-wing Mad Libs" on Twitter. The organization said the New College violated "academic freedom in its decision not to renew Professor Wallenberg's appointment." AHA asked Corcoran, who is a finalist to be New College's next president, to reconsider the decision.

BRETT FAVRE

The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that former NFL star Brett Favre won't be removed from a civil lawsuit aiming to recover millions of dollars in allegedly misspent welfare cash. Favre's attorneys argued that "utterly meritless" legal arguments had been made to bring him into the civil case. Prosecutors allege that millions of federal welfare dollars were funneled to projects backed by wealthy and well-connected people from 2016 to 2019. Allegedly $5 million was spent on a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre attended and his daughter plays the sport.

Photo Courtesy of Navy Federal Credit Union

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

LET VOTERS DECIDE

On the presidential campaign trail, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis touts the laws he has pushed through the Florida Legislature. However, several remain on hold as the governor and the state battle a slew of lawsuits challenging his policies on abortion, transgender rights, drag shows, voting by felons, the discussion of racial issues in schools and school library books.

When Axios asked the DeSantis campaign about the costly legal battles, campaign officials wrote that "activists seek to use the court system to enact their agenda by judicial fiat because their agenda did not succeed at the ballot box."

The statement struck me because Gov. DeSantis has twice removed state attorneys elected by the voters because he disagreed with their policies and public statements, not because of any violation of Florida law. The governor didn't wait for the ballot box and instead imposed his agenda by gubernatorial fiat.

5, Viel was killed by the Orlando SWAT team after allegedly shooting two police officers Friday. The Fraternal Order of Police of Orlando called Worrell "soft on crime" in a social media post after the shootings.

DeSantis also cited Florida Department of Corrections data, which he said showed that prison admission rates for Worrell's region "are below—often far below— the statewide average across all categories of criminal offenses, except three."

imposed his agenda by gubernatorial fiat.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the frontrunner to be the GOP's nominee for governor in 2026, spoke at DeSantis's presser, saying Worrell's suspension was "absolutely imperative for the protection of our citizens."

Moody said, "If she were allowed to continue in this office, her failure would continue to cause needless pain, suffering and death."

In August 2022, DeSantis suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren. The governor was upset because the twiceelected Democrat commented he would not enforce any current or potential state laws regarding abortion or transgender health care.

A federal judge ruled the suspension violated the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, but he lacked the authority to reinstate the prosecutor. The GOP-controlled Florida Supreme Court rejected Warren's request to be reinstated.

With his presidential aspirations dimming, the governor removed another Democratic state attorney, Monique Worrell, accusing her of "neglecting her duty." Orange and Osceola county voters elected Worrell to her first term in 2020, and she would face the voters next year.

But the governor took her job out of the voters' hands and appointed someone to run the state attorney's office according to his agenda.

What put Worrell in DeSantis' gunsight? The governor accused Worrell's office of mishandling the arrest and detention of Daton Viel, who was arrested in March. He was charged with sexual battery on a minor and released a month later after posting a $125,000 bond. On Saturday, Aug.

Worrell told reporters she plans to fight the suspension. She said, "I was elected by the people of the 9th Judicial Circuit to lead this circuit. And yes, to do things unconventionally, to do things differently. But I didn't hide … I did exactly what I said I would do, and that is what you want from an elected official."

She defended her record. When she ran for office in 2020, Worrell pledged to hold law-enforcement officers accountable for their actions.

"On that, I delivered, and that is the reason that law enforcement galvanized behind the governor's undemocratic attack," Worrell said.

The Florida Constitution gives the governor the authority to suspend elected officials. The ultimate decision on removal from office rests with the Florida Senate. With Republicans controlling the upper chamber, Worrell does not expect that the state senators will reinstate her.

Worrell will make her case before the voters during the 2024 election cycle. She declared, "I will not be quiet. I will not sit down. This office is just a building. I have been a public servant for my entire career. And I will continue to serve our community. I will continue to stand for democracy. I will continue to protect the rights of the disenfranchised." {in} rick@inweekly.net

The governor didn't wait for the ballot box and instead

PICKLEBALL DEAL

SIGNED At his weekly press conference, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced he had executed the contract with Warehouse 4 Sports to convert the Port of Pensacola's Warehouse 4 into an indoor sports facility for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports. The operator has 18 months to complete construction.

Rob Fabbro of Warehouse 4 Sports said, "The focus for day play will be pickleball, but then the facility can change. We can take down the nets and fences and turn it into something else. We really see a big demand for youth sports, table tennis and all kinds of pro sports."

Warehouse 4 Sports has 90 days for due diligence, and the building has structural challenges.

"Right now, we're doing all our engineering and architecture," said Fabbro, who is also the president of Whitesell-Green, Inc. "That's a hard row to plow whenever you do adaptive reuse. I'm just a fanatic about old buildings, but it's almost impossible to repurpose an old building when you try to bring it up to the modern codes."

He added, "But we have assurances from the mayor and city council that they're going to do everything to help everyone be creative about making this a reality."

To learn more, visit warehouse4sports.com.

"I was having issues with my iPhone, and I was concerned that the few public records on my phone might be lost," Bergosh said. "I understand I'm the custodian of my own personal records that are on my devices, whether it be my phone or my home computer. So I went to the county's IT department … and with their assistance, was able to get it downloaded and get the phone stripped so that I could start all over again."

Bergosh said he asked the IT department to delete the files after they gave him the records.

Somehow the text messages IT downloaded from Bergosh's phone were stolen off the server and ended up on a thumb drive given to Owens. Ironically, Bergosh thanked the IT department for their help during the commissioners' forum at the board's Feb. 10, 2022, meeting.

"And finally, the IT staff, Bart (Siders) and James McCasland, we had a significant problem with my iPhone," Bergosh said. "It was operator error and my fault completely, but there were public records on my phone that had to be preserved. The staff stayed here till 7 o'clock at night on my behalf and helped me with a solution that preserved the public records."

He said to Siders, "I want to publicly thank you for that. Without your help and Mr. McCasland, I don't know what would've happened, but now we're back. We're back on track. So thank you for your help."

that time, Perdido Key was in District 2 under former Commissioner Doug Underhill.

When Perdido Key shifted to District 1, Bergosh said he was told the project was fully funded, and no one mentioned the state report.

"We have a new study underway where we're filming it in the busiest times, and whatever the experts recommend is what we're going to implement to solve the issue there," Bergosh said. He anticipates the traffic recommendations to be received by mid-September.

INSULIN PRICE FIXING Thirteen pending insulin price-fixing lawsuits against the companies that dominate the insulin manufacturing and pharmacy benefit management markets have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation.

"The consolidation is definitely going to help us," said attorney Troy Rafferty of Levin Papantonio Rafferty, one of the lead firms in these cases. "It's going to help us take on these massive corporations. There are 13 right now, but there will be hundreds and hundreds more, because as we find out, these corporations have been milking patients, taxpayers, everybody for decades."

He added, "The consolidation in New Jersey in front of Judge Brian R. Martinotti allows us to take on these large corporations for what they've been doing."

largest corporations in America, have increased the price of it across the board, over a thousand percent in the last 20 years."

What's next? Rafferty said, "The judge will set an initial case management conference, and we'll propose trial dates and set schedules for discovery. It's really up to the judge how fast it goes. We will be pushing this because it's costing taxpayers and patients millions of dollars. I hope to get something on the trial docket in 2024."

GO FOR THE JOBS Escambia County has received a $40-million bid for all 540 acres of OLF 8. County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh says the Tampa-based Eisenhower Property Group's proposal has many of the same issues as the D.R. Horton proposal because it asks for several variances and digresses from the master plan developed by DPZ.

COUNTY'S DEEP STATE

The FBI is investigating how 60,000 text messages from County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh's cellphone ended up with the attorneys representing Dr. Rayme Edler, who is suing the county.

Jonathan Owens, the aide for former Commissioner Doug Underhill, told PNJ reporter Jim Little the messages were on a thumb drive left by an unknown person on his desk at the county office in 2022. Instead of turning the stolen records over to the county attorney or county administrator, Owens gave the texts to Edler's attorneys.

On WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen," Commissioner Bergosh explained how the county's IT department got his text messages.

The FBI has confiscated a county server and computer to find out how the records got from the IT department into Owens' hands. Stay tuned.

ROUNDABOUT WORRIES

The Escambia County Commission has received complaints about traffic jams on Perdido Key, and many blame a roundabout at the intersection of Perdido Key Drive and Johnson Beach Road. The county has traffic consultants studying the issue.

District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh believes the roundabout should not have been built. The county's new traffic director, Chris Phillips, found a 2018 state report that recommended against the traffic calming strategy. At

The defendants in these cases include insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, and, on the PBM side, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, Optum Rx and their various corporate affiliates.

Rafferty explained that the cost of insulin has soared in the past 20 years, even though the product hasn't changed since it was discovered in 1921.

"These pharmaceutical companies aren't spending money on research and development, and the cost of production has gone way down," he said. "They're spending money on marketing, rebates and kickbacks. These pharmacy benefit management companies, some of the

Commissioner Bergosh believes the county should move ahead with infrastructure on the 250 acres set aside for economic development and job creation."Let's move forward with the 250 acres. Let's get the plan going with Triumph. Let's get the jobs going," he said on my radio show this morning. "We've got this offer, it's a lot of money, but meanwhile, I almost feel handcuffed to some of these things folks are demanding. So I want to move forward with the jobs, and we can leave the lower portion of the field (for commercial and residential development)."

In December, Triumph Gulf Coast approved funding up to $14.2 million to build a road and other infrastructure at OLF 8 on Nine Mile Road in the Beulah community. Escambia County must deliver the 338 jobs to the site or face claw backs from Triumph Gulf Coast.

D.R. Horton had offered $42 million for the entire property of 540 acres but dropped the offer to $24.1 million for 297 acres when the County Commission said it would retain 250 acres for job creation. D.R. Horton proposed to use 99 acres for commercial use and 170 acres with 1,133 residential units, including 360 townhomes and 336 apartments. {in}

Last week, we printed 88 pages—which is literally four times the size of a typical Inweekly—but even that didn't come close to covering all the Best of the Coast bases.

So we're back, as is tradition, for round two with Rest of the Best. In this issue, we're celebrating the runners-up and giving them their own moment in the spotlight. We count the votes, which means we know just how

competitive some of the categories are (looking at you, Best Burger). That's why we think each and every business that places deserves a shout out.

Plus we're re-running the complete 2023 winners and runners-up list, in case you missed something or just need to read it again. It's a lot to take in, after all. We're also blessing your eyes with a little more art by Poppy Garcia, because one cover just wasn't enough. {in}

Art by Poppy Garcia | @thepoppygarcia / theartofpoppygarcia.com / etsy.com/shop/theartofpoppygarcia

BEST NONPROFIT

Winner: A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue

Ballet Pensacola

Gulf Coast Kid's House

Pensacola Children's Chorus

BEST CHARITY EVENT

Winner: Winter Wonder Ride (onbikes Pensacola)

Art of Fashion (Covenant Care Foundation)

Brunch & Bubbles (Gulf Coast Kid's House)

Cabaret (Pensacola Little Theater)

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Winner: Navy Federal Credit Union

Community Health Northwest Florida

Innisfree Hotels

University of West Florida

BEST BOSS

Winner: Stacey Kostevicki (Gulf Coast Kid's House)

Allison Hill (Lakeview Center)

Bridget Middleton (Fiesta Pensacola)

Chandra Smiley (Community Health

Northwest Florida)

BEST COMMUNITY LEADER

Winner: Alex Gartner

Michael Kimberl

Hale Morrissette

Quint Studer

BEST RISING LEADER

Winner: Debi Janea

Cody Martin

community, media & culture

Trevor Schaettle

Margaret-Anne West

BEST POLITICIAN

Winner: D.C. Reeves

Teniadé Broughton

Lumon May

Michelle Salzman

BEST ADVOCACY/ACTIVIST GROUP

Winner: Strive

Food Not Bombs Pensacola

Pensacola Dream Defenders

Sunday's Child

BEST PLACE TO TAKE

OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Winner: Pensacola Beach

McGuire's Irish Pub

National Naval Aviation Museum

Palafox Market

BEST DAY TRIP

Winner: Fort Pickens

30A/Seaside

Destin

Fairhope

BEST ANNUAL EVENT

Winner: Christmas on the Coast (Pensacola Children's Chorus)

Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

The Nutcracker (Ballet Pensacola)

BEST FOOD EVENT

Winner: Pensacola Seafood Festival

Pensacola Crawfish Festival

Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival

Pensacola VegFest

BEST PARADE

Winner: Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade

Grand Fiesta Parade

Pensacola Christmas Parade

WolfGang's Pawdi Gras

BEST REGULAR/REOCCURRING EVENT

Winner: Gallery Night

Bands on the Beach

Hot Glass Cold Brew (First City Art Center)

Palafox Market

BEST FREE THING TO DO

Winner: National Naval Aviation Museum

Bands on the Beach

Gallery Night

Palafox Market

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Winner: East Hill

Cordova Park

East Pensacola Heights

North Hill

BEST PENSACOLA LANDMARK

Winner: Graffiti Bridge

Fort Pickens

Pensacola Beach Sign

Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

BEST PUBLIC PARK

Winner: Bayview Park

Seville Square

Veterans Memorial Park

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

BEST PET-FRIENDLY PARK

Winner: Bayview Park

Pensacola Beach Dog Park

Roger Scott Dog Park

Shoreline Bark Park

BEST PLAYGROUND

Winner: Alabama Square

Benny Russell Park

Perdido Kids Park

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

BEST PALAFOX MARKET VENDOR

Winner: The Crafted Makerie

Annie's Naked Cookies

Jade Tree Succulents

Whim Cotton Candy

BEST MAKERS/CRAFT MARKET

Winner: Palafox Market

East Hill Makers Market

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Pensacola Arts Market

BEST REASON TO ATTEND A

BLUE WAHOOS GAME

Winner: The View

Fireworks

Food

Roach Run

P’cola Location: 2620 Creighton Rd. Suite 302 @shopcoastalkicks / @coastalkickspcola shopcoastalkicks.com

community, media & culture

BEST REASON TO ATTEND AN ICE FLYERS GAME

Winner: Wiener Dog Race Night

The Atmosphere

Fights

Maverick

BEST YOUTH SPORTS/REC PROGRAM

Winner: Greater Pensacola Figure

Skating Club

Pensacola Youth Soccer

Seastars Aquatics

Southern Youth Sports Association

BEST DANCE STUDIO

Winner: Ballet Pensacola

First Dance Ballroom Studio

LaBelle Performing Arts

Mixon Magic Performing Arts

BEST AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY

Winner: Pensacola Children's Chorus

Ballet Pensacola

Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club

Neighborhood Children's Theatre

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Winner: UWF's Explore Summer Camps

Ballet Pensacola

Neighborhood Children's Theatre

Pensacola Children's Chorus

BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY

Winner: Pensacola MESS Hall

Dreamland Skate Center

Laguna's Adventure Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY

Winner: Hannah Holtsclaw

Emily Ley

Sue Straughn

Bubba Watson

BEST TV STATION

Winner: WEAR

Blab TV

WKRG

WSRE

BEST RADIO STATION

Winner: Cat Country 98.7

NewsRadio 92.3/1620

Real Women Radio

WUWF 88.1

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Winner: Brent Lane (Cat Country 98.7)

Big Moose (Cat Country 98.7)

Melissa 'Mel' McCrae (Cat Country 98.7)

Andrew McKay (NewsRadio 92.3/1620)

BEST MORNING RADIO SHOW

Winner: The Cat Pack Morning Show (Cat Country 98.7)

NPR Morning Edition (WUWF 88.1)

Pensacola Morning News with Andrew McKay (NewsRadio 92.3/1620)

Real News with Rick Outzen (WCOA 1370)

BEST PODCAST

Winner: Raising Pensacola

The Derek Diamond Experience

Some People Suck Stay On The Line

BEST WEBSITE/BLOG

Winner: Visit Pensacola (visitpensacola.com)

Cat Country 98.7 (catcountry987.com)

Pensacola Beach (pensacolabeach.com)

Pensacola Mom Collective (pensacola.momcollective.com)

BEST BUSINESS OR PERSON TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Winner: Pensacola Vibes

The 850 Foodie

All Things Emerald Coast

Pensacola Mom Collective

BEST WAY TO GET CULTURED

Winner: Pensacola Opera

Ballet Pensacola

Foo Foo Fest

Pensacola Little Theatre

BEST ART GALLERY/MUSEUM

Winner: Pensacola Museum of Art

Artel Gallery

Easy Going Gallery

Quayside Art Gallery

BEST ARTIST

Winner: Poppy Garcia

Austin Garcia

Lindsay Keeling

Eniko Ujj

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Winner: Sarah Coleman

Sean Mullins

Andrew Velasco

Dustin Williams

BEST MUSIC VENUE

Winner: Vinyl Music Hall

Easy Going Gallery

The Handlebar Saenger Theatre

BEST BAND

Winner: ego death

Ben Loftin & The Family

Brave New World Stormfolk

BEST CONCERT/CONCERT SERIES

Winner: Bands on the Beach

Bands on the Bayou

Blues on the Bay (Blues Angel Music)

Masterworks (Pensacola Symphony Orchestra)

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION

Winner: The Addams Family (Pensacola Little Theatre)

Carousel (Pensacola Opera)

Christmas on the Coast (Pensacola

Children's Chorus)

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ballet Pensacola)

BEST COMEDIAN

Winner: Olivia Searcy

Emily Dillon

Andrew Ferrara

Delisia Nicholas

BEST GYM

Winner: Regymen Fitness

Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA

Burn Boot Camp

Coastal Fitness Training

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Winner: Jake Schwartz (Burn Boot Camp)

Jenn Jordan (Regymen Fitness)

Candace Rorrer (Essentially Fit)

Bree Uher (Anytime Fitness Cantonment)

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

Winner: Essentially Fit

Disko Lemonade

Pure Pilates

Wild Lemon

BEST YOGA

Winner: Disko Lemonade

URU Yoga & Beyond

Wild Hare Wellness

Yoga Abode

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Winner: Angie Chapa (Disko Lemonade)

Donna Dickey (Yoga Abode)

Jessica Marickovich (Regymen Fitness)

Andrea McMillian (Wild Hare Wellness)

BEST PILATES

Winner: Wild Lemon

Disko Lemonade

Pilates Core Training

Pure Pilates

BEST FITNESS CLASSES

Winner: Regymen Fitness

Essentially Fit

Ride Society

Wild Lemon

BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Winner: Amelia Murphy (Bear Levin

Studer Family YMCA)

Barbara Bruni (Pilates Core Training)

Leah Seacrest (Regymen Fitness)

Rachel Smith (Community YMCA at Gulf Breeze)

BEST BOOTCAMP

Winner: Burn Boot Camp

Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA

Coastal Fitness Training

Fitness Impact Training - FIT

BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Winner: Ideal Weight Loss

Emerald Coast Medical Group

Evolve Medical

Woodlands Medical Specialist

BEST RUNNING CLUB

Winner: Running Wild 200 South Bar & Kitchen

Fleet Feet

A Little Madness Brewing Company

BEST 5K

Winner: McGuire's St. Patrick's Day Prediction 5K

Double Bridge Run

health & wellness

Graffiti Bridge Run

Pensacola Seafood Don McCloskey 5K

BEST PLACE TO WALK/RUN

Winner: East Hill

Downtown

Pensacola Bay Bridge

University of West Florida Campus Trails

BEST PLACE TO RIDE A BIKE

Winner: Ride Society

East Hill

Pensacola Bay Bridge

Pensacola Beach

BEST HOSPITAL

Winner: Ascension Sacred Heart Baptist Hospital

Gulf Breeze Hospital

HCA Florida West Hospital

BEST GENERAL CARE PHYSICIAN

Winner: Dr. Mitchell Whitehead (Baptist Medical Group)

Dr. Kacey Gibson (Emerald Coast Medical Group)

Dr. Mark Ryan (Woodlands Medical Specialist)

Dr. George Smith (Community Health Northwest Florida)

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Winner: Dr. Jason Stern (Stern Chiropractic Clinic)

Dr. David Edge (Edge Family Chiropractic)

Dr. Craig Henry (Henry Chiropractic)

Dr. Lindsey Jeudevine (Olde Seville Chiropractic)

BEST DENTIST

Winner: Dr. Stephanie Tilley (Emerald Coast Smiles by Design)

Dr. Kaitlin Forshee (Advanced Dental Concepts)

Dr. Terry Richmond (Northeast Dentistry)

Dr. Ben White (White Smiles General Dentistry)

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Winner: Dr. Ben Fishbein (Fishbein Orthodontics)

Dr. Clay Sims (Sims Orthodontics)

Dr. Edwin Witcher (Smart Smiles Orthodontics)

Dr. Greg Woodfin (Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics)

BEST ENDODONTIST

Winner: Dr. Josh Todd (Elite Endodontics)

Dr. Phillip Bell (Pensacola Center for Endodontics)

Dr. Thomas Lyons (Pensacola Endodontics)

Dr. Sidney Rosenthal (Pensacola Endodontics)

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

Winner: Dr. Amy Foland (Pensacola Pediatrics)

Dr. Brandy J. Boutin (Ascension Medical Group)

Dr. P. Michelle Grier-Hall (Community Health Northwest Florida)

Dr. Heather Lenga (Pensacola Pediatrics)

BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Winner: Tamara Driskell, LMHC (Arya Therapy Services)

Scott Durrance, APRN (Apex Psychiatric Services)

Kam Kingsland, APRN

(Apex Psychiatric Services)

T. Katie Perry, APRN (The Anchor Clinic)

BEST OB/GYN

Winner: Dr. Brian Sontag (Ascension Medical Group)

Dr. Jairan L. Duke-Elmore (Ascension Medical Group)

Dr. Regina McCutcheon (Baptist Medical Group)

Dr. Erika Schneider (Baptist Medical Group)

BEST OPTOMETRIST

Winner: Dr. Lindsay Durtschi (Midtown Vision)

Dr. Mary Charbonneau (Community Health Northwest Florida)

Dr. Gene Terrezza (Terrezza Optical)

Dr. Jennifer Werrell (Eye Institute at Medical Center Clinic)

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Winner: Dr. Kevin Welch (Welch SkinCare Center)

Dr. Jenna Beasley (Vital Dermatology)

Dr. Sean Branch (Proper Dermatology)

Dr. Amy Pote Watson (Pensacola Dermatology)

BEST PLASTIC SURGERY

Winner: Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery Derek Jones Facial Plastic Surgery Restore Plastic Surgery Shaddix Plastic Surgery

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY

Winner: SWELL Physical Therapy & Performance

Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Stark Performance Physical Therapy Stern Chiropractic Clinic

BEST PHARMACY

Winner: First City Drugs

Community Health Northwest Florida East Hill Pharmacy

Everwell Specialty Pharmacy

BEST WALK-IN CLINIC

Winner: Community Health Northwest Florida

Baptist Urgent Care

ProHealth Medical Care

HCA Florida West

BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY

Winner: Sunburn Cannabis

MÜV

Sunnyside

Trulieve

BEST HAIR SALON-PENSACOLA

Winner: Salon San Carlos

Loxx by Natalie & Co.

The Powder Room

Volume ONE

BEST HAIR SALON-GULF BREEZE/ PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: The Blue Magnolia Salon

All Things Nikki

Izzo Hair

Olli + Izzie Style House

BEST HAIR SALON–MILTON/PACE

Winner: The Hair Loft

The Hair Suite Salon & Spa

Penton House Salon & Day Spa

Stewart Magnolia Salon & Spa

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Vanessa Myers (Parlour Hair Salon)

Linda Bryant (Vibe Inc. Studios)

Alex Horne (Hairy Alex Horne)

Shannon Pope (Olli + Izzie Style House)

BEST HAIR COLORIST

Winner: Gabrielle Montoya-Frias (Loxx by Natalie & Co.)

Jennifer Brewer Martin (The Powder Room)

Sidni Mickel (Style FX)

Courtney Northington (Peach Fuzz)

BEST BARBER SHOP

Winner: Pensacola House of Barbers

Barberos

East Hill Barbershop

Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods

BEST MEN'S HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Noel Delarosa (Pensacola

House of Barbers)

Ryan Kolb (Pensacola House of Barbers)

Chase Thompson (Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods)

Luna Zepp (Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods)

BEST DAY SPA

Winner: Escape Wellness Spa

DESHI

Stay The Spa

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST MASSAGE

Winner: Escape Wellness Spa

12th Avenue Massage Therapy Group

Bodyworks of Perdido Key

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

Winner: Whitney Pike (Escape Wellness Spa)

Ben Driskell (House of Triad)

Stephanie Knight (Escape Wellness Spa)

Claire Lawry

BEST PEDICURE

Winner: Élan The Beauty Bar

Bellagio Nails and Day Spa

DESHI

Vibar Nails

BEST MANICURE

Winner: Élan The Beauty Bar

Gilded Pensacola

HyVy Nail Spa

Vibar Nails

BEST HAIR REMOVAL

Winner: Dela Beauty Bar

Beauty and the Beam Laser and Electrolysis

Escape Wellness Spa

Serendipity Skincare Studio

BEST FACIAL

Winner: DESHI

Escape Wellness Spa

Jo Rich Beauty

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Winner: Megan Carnley (Escape Wellness Spa)

Kaylee Barker (Stay The Spa)

Lauren Jernigan (The Skin Care Center at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery)

DeSheri McClure (DESHI)

BEST SKIN CARE OVERALL

Winner: Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

DESHI

Escape Wellness Spa

The Skin Care Center at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery

BEST BANK

Winner: Regions Bank Bank of Pensacola

Hancock Whitney Bank

Synovus Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION

Winner: Navy Federal Credit Union

Gulf Winds Credit Union

Harvesters Credit Union

Pen Air Federal Credit Union

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Winner: Andrew Martin (Atlas Financial Strategies)

Jacey Cosentino (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management)

Jarrod Dawson (Nautilus Private Wealth of Raymond James)

Jeff Hendrix (American Heritage Financial)

BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM

Winner: Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund Brown Thornton Pacenta & Company, P.A. Jones&Co.

Warren Averett

BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Winner: Levin Rinke Realty

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties

Conna O'Donovan Real Estate

Kuhn Realty

BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Winner: NAI Pensacola

Beck Partners

Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty

The Zimmern Team

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Winner: Simone Sands (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties)

Conna O'Donovan (Conna O'Donovan Real Estate)

Minh Tran (CENTURY 21 AmeriSouth Realty)

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL/INN

Winner: Celestine Bed and Breakfast

Lily Hall

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

Solé Inn and Suites

BEST HOTEL–PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: Hilton Pensacola Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach

Paradise Inn

The Pensacola Beach Resort

BEST HOTEL–PENSACOLA

Winner: Hilton Garden Inn

Holiday Inn Express Downtown

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

Solé Inn and Suites

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

Winner: Rhelm

Avalon Apartment Homes

The Crossings at Milestone

Southtowne Apartments

BEST ARCHITECTURE FIRM

Winner: Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

Brett Duch Architect

Caldwell Associates Architects

SMP Architecture

BEST LAW FIRM

Winner: Levin Papantonio Rafferty

Crawford Law

Ward & Barnes, P.A.

The Watson Firm

BEST ATTORNEY

Winner: Chris Crawford (Crawford Law)

Scott C. Barnes (Ward & Barnes, P.A.)

Aaron Watson (The Watson Firm)

Joe Zarzaur (Zarzaur Law P.A.)

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

Winner: Will Rentschler (State Farm)

Trevor Hadder (Fisher Brown Bottrell)

Joe Pace, Jr. (Joe Pace Insurance Agency)

Courtney Peterson (Peterson Insurance and Financial Services)

BEST VET

Winner: Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital

East Hill Animal Hospital

Pine Meadow Veterinary Clinic

Scenic Hills Veterinary Hospital

BEST DOG GROOMER

Winner: ShamPoochies

Blue Angel Pet Salon

Dogs By Design

Vanity Fur

BEST DOG TRAINING

Winner: East Bay Dog Spot

The Dog Stop

Off Leash K9 Training Emerald Coast

ReviveK9 Dog Training

BEST DOGGIE DAY CARE/BOARDING

Winner: Fetch Fido

Pensacola Pet Resort

Play-N-Stay

Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital

BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Winner: Hanto + Clarke

aDoor Properties

Bear General Contractors

Morette Company

BEST AC COMPANY

Winner: Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical

Air Design Systems

Commander Air Inc.

Hugh's Air Repair

BEST LANDSCAPING

Winner: Blue Sky Landscaping

A Cut Above Landscaping

Eye Candy Lawns

New Roots Lawn & Landscapes

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Winner: Blu Salmon

3A Design Studio

Mallory Gillette at STUDIO PICA

Nest Interiors by Kristin Bouchard

BEST CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Winner: Aiken Picture Frames South

Framing by Design

Just Plain Putter

Marty Campbell Gallery & Frame Shop

BEST TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO

Winner: Portside Tattoo

Sacred Grounds Tattoo Studio

Salter Studios

The Western Rose

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

Winner: Alex Curran (Portside Tattoo)

Samanah Guyah (All About Ink)

Shauncey Fury (Sacred Grounds

Tattoo Studio)

Erin O'Shea Salter (Salter Studios)

BEST SPECIAL EVENT SPACE

Winner: BLUSH Venue & Studio

5eleven Palafox

De Luna Winery and Court

of De Luna Event Space

Rich Events

BEST PARTY DECOR

Winner: Blaque Balloon Designs

Alpha-Lit

Blushing Balloons

Slumber Haven

BEST CATERER

Winner: Classic City Catering

Culinary Productions Inc.

Nancy's Catering & Events

Whim Cotton Candy

BEST FLORIST

Winner: Fiore of Pensacola

Celebrations The Florist

Chrissy Floral Design

Just Judy's Flowers, Local Art & Gifts

BEST PORTRAIT/FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Winner: Geoff Peck

Kelsei Frazier Photography

Lindsey Friar Photography

Wave Photo by Aislinn Kate

BEST TAILOR/ALTERATIONS

Winner: Ruthy's Creations and Alterations

3 Muses Costumes & Alterations

Bosa's Tailor Shop

Julie Devine's Sew Shoppe

BEST CAR WASH/DETAILER

Winner: Sandbox Mobile Detailing

Eco Car Wash

Perdido Auto Spa

Ronny's Car Wash

BEST AUTO SERVICE SHOP

Winner: East Hill Automotive Center

Evans Automotive Service Center

Gary Sapp Automotive

Pine Forest Automotive Center

BEST GREEN BUSINESS

Winner: Salon San Carlos

The Daily Squeeze

LemonBright

SunFarm Energy

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Winner: Celestine Bed and Breakfast

Back To The Rack Thrift Store

Blaque Balloon Designs

Lamonte Gelato

BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE

Winner: Pensacola Beach

Downtown

Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina

Posh Picnics Pensacola

BEST PLACE TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING

Winner: Jewelers Trade Shop

Beré Jewelers

Elebash's Jewelers

Rock Hard Design House

BEST CEREMONY VENUE

Winner: Sowell Farms

Live Oak Pensacola

Old Christ Church

Supposey Warehouse & Gardens

BEST RECEPTION VENUE

Winner: Supposey Warehouse & Gardens

5eleven Palafox

Pier Suite Events

Sowell Farms

BEST OFFICIANT

Winner: Bryan Adams

Tyler Burns

Tom Schwarz

Kevin S. Tillman

BEST BRIDAL STORE

Winner: The Bridal Loft

The Bridal Suite

Simply Elegant Couture Bridal and Prom

Two Times A Lady

BEST PLACE TO RENT A TUX

Winner: Gent's Formal Wear

Don Alans

Nixon's

Randall's Formal Wear

BEST BRIDAL MAKE-UP ARTIST

Winner: Kendall Frazee (Skin by Kendall Lyn)

Hayley Gurney (Gulf Coast Glam House)

Kendra Korn (Kendra K Beauty)

Waverly Norris (Waverly MUA)

BEST WEDDING HAIR SALON

Winner: The Powder Room

Hair + Co

Kendra K Beauty

Volume ONE

BEST WEDDING HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Tonya Penrose (The Powder Room)

Chelsey Swann (Hair + Co)

Alexandra Evans (Hair by Alexandra Evans)

Shelley Troutman (GrowOlogy The Salon)

BEST WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR

Winner: Supposey

Aislinn Kate Weddings

Phocus & Company

Southern Frills Weddings & Events

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Winner: Aislinn Kate Weddings

Melissa Wilson Photography

Phocus & Company

Taylor Howton Photography

Betty Weber Cakes

“Together

BEST PHOTOBOOTH

Winner: Phocus & Company

Pensacola Photo Booth

The Posey Bus

Southern Frills Weddings & Events

BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY

Winner: StoryLive Productions

Aislinn Kate Weddings

Lother Co.

Phocus & Company

BEST WEDDING BAND

Winner: Marvelous Strings

Ben Loftin & The Family

The Six Piece Suits

Stormfolk

BEST WEDDING DJ

Winner: DJ TreVy

AnyDayDJ

DJ Phatchi & Co.

Southbay Event Group

BEST WEDDING CATERER

Winner: Culinary Productions Inc.

Classic City Catering

Nancy's Catering & Events

The Whistling Pig

BEST WEDDING CAKE

Winner: Craft Bakery

Betty Weber Cakes

Bluejay's Bakery

Sweet Magnolia's Baking Co.

BEST WEDDING FLORIST

Winner: Chrissy Floral Design

Fete + Flora

Fiore of Pensacola

Florals by Mallori

BEST WEDDING RENTALS

Winner: Supposey

Events Styled by LUXE

Hemstitch Rentals

WeddingWalls

BEST WEDDING PARTY TRANSPORTATION

Winner: Supposey

Beach Bum Trolley

Five Flags Trolley Co.

Pensacola Party Bus

BEST PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING GIFT

Winner: Artesana

duh for garden and home

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

So Gourmet

BEST PLACE FOR A REHEARSAL DINNER

Winner: The Grand Marlin

The Fish House

Jackson's Steakhouse

V Paul's Italian Ristorante

BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN

GUESTS TO STAY

Winner: Hilton Pensacola Beach

Celestine Bed and Breakfast

The Pine House

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

Winner: Sandy Sansing

Frontier Motors

Kia Autosport of Pensacola

Pete Moore Automotive Team

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

Winner: Ride MORE Bicycles

Bikes Plus

CycleSports Bicycles

Truly Spokin Bicycle Company

BEST BOUTIQUE

Winner: SoBo Boutique

GRAY Boutique

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST MEN'S APPAREL

Winner: Garden Street Vinta ge

Coastal Kicks

Don Alans

Panhandle Kicks

BEST WOMEN'S APPAREL

Winner: SoBo Boutique

GRAY Boutique

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique

Scout

BEST CHILDREN'S APPAREL & GIFTS

Winner: Haus of Clementine

Artesana

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

Sparkle

BEST ACCESSORIES

Winner: SoBo Boutique

Bluetique

Glassy Day Studio

The Stellar Maker

BEST THRIFT STORE

Winner: Waterfront Thrift Store

Marcus Pointe Thrift Store

Ministry Village Bargain Center

Teen Challenge SuperThrift

BEST ATHLETIC/OUTDOOR STORE

Winner: Running Wild

Fleet Feet

Waterboyz

Weatherford's

BEST FURNITURE/HOME DÉCOR STORE

Winner: duh for garden and home

Bo's Local Finds

Haus of Hue

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST ANTIQUES

Winner: Bo's Local Finds

All About Antiques

Blue Moon Antique Mall

Oooodles Antiques

BEST VINTAGE SHOP/SELLER

Winner: Rocket To Saturn Vintage

Garden Street

Vintage

The Modern Eclectic

Sporadic Vintage

BEST MAKER/ARTISAN

Winner: The Stellar Maker

The Crafted Makerie

Glassy Day Studio

Pensacola Candle Co.

BEST GIFT SHOP

Winner: Rusted Arrow Mercantile

Angel's Garden

Celebrations The Florist

Video Game Trading Post

BEST PLACE TO BUY GREETING

CARDS/STATIONERY

Winner: Charlotte Mason

Printing Company

Artesana

Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST PLACE TO BUY A BOOK

Winner: Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe

Blackwater Book Exchange

Open Books

Pensacola Pop Comics

BEST COMIC BOOK STORE

Winner: Pensacola Pop Comics

Mr. Comics

Necroptik: Comics & Collectibles

TBS Comics

BEST NEW STORE

Winner: Rocket To Saturn Vintage

Coastal Kicks

Fleet Feet

Haus of Hue

BEST JEWELER

Winner: Jewelers Trade Shop

Beré Jewelers

Elebash's Jewelers

Susan Campbell Jewelry

BEST SURF/SKATE SHOP

Winner: Waterboyz

Innerlight Surf & Skate

Maverick Board Riding Company

Ron Jon Surf Shop Pensacola Beach

BEST NURSERY/PLANTS

Winner: Bailey's Produce & Nurser y

Jade Tree Succulents

Millie's Garden Boutique

Pensacola Seed & Garden

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Winner: Pensacola Hardware

ACE Hardware of Gulf Breeze

Hall's Hardware & Lumber

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore

BEST COMPUTER/TECH STORE

Winner: Palafox Computers

Tech Advanced Computers

The Tech Handyman

Technologies For Tomorrow, Inc.

BEST MUSIC GEAR/INSTRUMENTS

Winner: Blues Angel Music

A Joyful Noise Music Store

Leitz Music

Schmidt's Music

BEST RECORD STORE

Winner: Revolver Records

Easy Going Gallery

Music Box Pensacola

Remember Wynn Records

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Winner: Richey's East

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

Bambooze Fine Wine & Liquor

The Bottle Shop

BEST WINE SHOP

Winner: Aragon Wine Market

The Bottle Shop

The East Hill Bottle Shop

Green Thumb Wines (formerly The Nest General Store)

BEST WINE TASTINGS

Winner: Aragon Wine Market

The East Hill Bottle Shop

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

Green Thumb Wines (formerly The Nest General Store)

BEST GROCERY STORE

Winner: Ever'man Cooperative

Grocery & Cafe

Apple Market

Bailey's Produce & Nursery

Shoreline Foods International Market & Deli

BEST PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE

Winner: The Farm

Bailey's Produce & Nursery

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

Palafox Market

BEST INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET

Winner: Saigon Oriental Market and Deli

Four Winds International Food Market

International Grocery & Halal Meat

Merefa Eastern Europe Grocery Store

BEST GOURMET/SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP

Winner: Four Winds International Food Market

Bodacious Olive

Costello's Butcher Shop

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

Photo by Kayla Baptista Photography

bars, drinks & nightlife

BEST BAR OVERALL

Winner: Sister Hen

The Handlebar

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Play

BEST NIGHT CLUB

Winner: Seville Quarter

Blend Lounge

The Cabaret

The Handlebar

BEST BAR–DOWNTOWN

Winner: Play

Blend Lounge

The Kennedy

Odd Colony Brewing Company

BEST BAR–CORDOVA AREA

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

George Bistro + Bar

O'Riley's Uptown Tavern

Wisteria Tavern

BEST BAR–NORTH PENSACOLA/ NINE MILE ROAD

Winner: A Little Madness

Brewing Company

Coastal County Brewing

Goat Lips Chew and Brewhouse

Sammy Barker's

BEST BAR–WEST PENSACOLA/ PERDIDO KEY

Winner: The Grid Arcade

The Elbow Room

Gary's Brewery & Biergarten

Kingfisher

BEST BAR–PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: Sneaky Tiki Bar

Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar

Casino Beach Bar & Grille

Paradise Bar & Grill

BEST BAR–MILTON/PACE

Winner: Beardless Brewhaus

The Country Gym

Gulf Coast Garage Patio Bar

Ollie's Neighborhood Grill

BEST NEW BAR

Winner: Sister Hen

The Grid Arcade

The Handlebar

Secret Sagittarius Brewery and Scratch Kitchen

BEST DRINK SPECIALS

Winner: Play

Badlands Roadside Bar

The Cabaret

The Wine Bar on Palafox

BEST COVER CHARGE

WORTH PAYING

Winner: The Cabaret

The Handlebar

The Roundup

Seville Quarter

BEST DAY DRINKING

Winner: Sneaky Tiki Bar

Alga Beer Co.

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Paradise Bar & Grill

BEST DRINK MENU

Winner: The Kennedy

George Bistro + Bar

Sister Hen

The Well

BEST DAIQUIRIS/ FROZEN DRINKS

Winner: Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar

The Dock

Flounder's Chowder House

Perennial Patio Bar

BEST BUSHWACKER

Winner: Sandshaker

Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar

Flounder's Chowder House

Paradise Bar & Grill

BEST BLOODY MARY

Winner: Ruby Slipper Cafe

Aunt Katie's

The Fish House

George Bistro + Bar

BEST MIMOSA

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Ruby Slipper Cafe

BEST MARTINI

Winner: Sister Hen

Global Grill

The Kennedy

Restaurant IRON

BEST SELECTION OF WINE

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox

Global Grill

Restaurant IRON

Union Public House

BEST MARGARITA

Winner: Garden & Grain

Juan's Flying Burrito

Sneaky Tiki Bar

Taco Agave

BEST SIGNATURE DRINK

Winner: Bees Knees (Sister Hen)

Bramble (Union Public House)

The Iron Goddess (Restaurant IRON)

King Koopa (Play)

BEST BREWERY

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

Alga Beer Co.

Coastal County Brewing

Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

BEST LOCAL BEER

Winner: Bone Harvest (Odd Colony Brewing Company)

East Hillsner (Alga Beer Co.)

Kayak Fuel (Beardless Brewhaus)

Ten Wraiths (Emerald Republic Brewing Co.)

BEST SELECTION OF BEER ON TAP

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

200 South Bar & Kitchen

Alga Beer Co.

Emerald Republic Brewing Co.

BEST BARTENDER

Winner: AJ Galecki (Sister Hen)

Erin Cuneo (Odd Colony Brewing Company)

Nate Simmons (Union Public House)

Conor Wahl (The Kennedy)

BEST DJ

Winner: dr0ne

Albert Lao

hdycvt

DJ Hale

BEST DRAG PERFORMER

Winner: Terrah Card

Alastina Jade Samore

Kendyll Michaels

Monica Heart

BEST SPORTS BAR

Winner: Badlands Roadside Bar

200 South Bar & Kitchen

Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

The Ticket Sports Bar

BEST SPORTS TEAM

CLUB HEADQUARTERS

Winner: Play

Badlands Roadside Bar

Blend Lounge

Union Public House

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

The Handlebar

Sister Hen

Wisteria Tavern

BEST PET-FRIENDLY BAR

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

Emerald Republic Brewing Co.

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

BEST HOTEL BAR

Winner: Lily Hall

Hilton Pensacola Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach

Paradise Inn

BEST BAR WITH A VIEW

Winner: Casino Beach Bar & Grille

The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge

Paradise Bar & Grill

Sneaky Tiki Bar

BEST BAR AMBIANCE

Winner: The Well

The Elbow Room

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Sister Hen

BEST BAR FOR GAMES

Winner: Play

The Elbow Room

Emerald Republic Brewing Co.

The Grid Arcade

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

The Grid Arcade

A Little Madness Brewing Company

Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

BEST KARAOKE NIGHT

Winner: The Handlebar

The Cabaret

Play

Seville Quarter

BEST BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC

Winner: The Handlebar

Paradise Bar & Grill

Sandshaker

Seville Quarter

BEST BAR FOOD

Winner: The Kennedy

200 South Bar & Kitchen

The Elbow Room

A Little Madness Brewing Company

BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano

Restaurant IRON

Union Public House

BEST RESTAURANT–DOWNTOWN

Winner: Restaurant IRON

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Global Grill

Union Public House

BEST RESTAURANT–CORDOVA AREA

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Mr. Pollo Pensacola

O'Brien's Bistro

Sake Cafe

BEST RESTAURANT–EAST HILL

Winner: Cactus Flower Cafe

Bonelli's

East Hill Pizza

O'Zone Pizza Pub

BEST RESTAURANT–NORTH PENSACOLA/NINE MILE ROAD

Winner: VooDoo BBQ & Grill

Lost Pizza Co.

Petrella's Italian Cafe

Sammy Barker's

BEST RESTAURANT–WEST PENSACOLA/ PERDIDO KEY

Winner: Kingfisher

Fisherman's Corner

The Jellyfish

Sunset Grille

BEST RESTAURANT–EAST

PENSACOLA HEIGHTS

Winner: New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

Agapi Bistro + Garden

Calvert's in the Heights

Jerry's Drive In

BEST RESTAURANT–GULF BREEZE

Winner: The Pointe

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

Taco Rock

Taste of Thai

BEST RESTAURANT–PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: The Grand Marlin

Casino Beach Bar & Grille

restaurants & food

Native Cafe

Peg Leg Pete's

BEST RESTAURANT–MILTON/PACE

Winner: Blackwater Bistro

BAR515

Cosse's Place

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Winner: Brother Fox

Bavaria Pensacola

Gaby's Taqueria

Tacos El Fluffy

BEST BAKERY

Winner: Craft Bakery

J's Bakery and Cafe

Make Ends Sweet

Milton Quality Bakery

BEST BREAKFAST

Winner: Native Cafe

Aunt Katie's

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Coffee Cup Restaurant

BEST BRUNCH

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

The Fish House

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Ruby Slipper Cafe

BEST LUNCH

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

Hub Stacey's

Kingfisher

SaBai on Jefferson

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Winner: MI SU Street Food

Brown Bagger

Nomadic Eats

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

BEST GREEK CUISINE

Winner: Greek's Catering and Events

Agapi Bistro + Garden

Founaris Bros. Greek Restaurant

Zaytouna Greek and Lebanese

BEST MEXICAN CUISINE

Winner: Cactus Flower Cafe

Taco Rock

Tacos Mexicanos

Taqueria El Asador

BEST ITALIAN CUISINE

Winner: Angelena's Ristorante Italiano

Bonelli's

Petrella's Italian Cafe

V Paul's Italian Ristorante

BEST CAJUN CUISINE

Winner: VooDoo BBQ & Grill

Cafe Nola

Cub's Crawfish

Ruby Slipper Cafe

BEST CHINESE CUISINE

Winner: Chen's Kitchen

Grape Garden

House of Chong

Uncle Jiang

BEST JAPANESE CUISINE

Winner: Sake Cafe

Ichiban

Khon's on Palafox

Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

BEST THAI CUISINE

Winner: SaBai on Jefferson

Siam Thai

Taste of Thai

Thai Rice Restaurant

BEST VIETNAMESE CUISINE

Winner: Saigon Oriental Market and Deli

Basil & Sprout

Pho Golden Palace

Tu-Do

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN CUISINE

Winner: End of the Line Cafe

The Busy Bee

Kingfisher

SaBai on Jefferson

BEST SUSHI

Winner: Sake Cafe

Dharma Blue

Ichiban

Khon's on Palafox

BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

End of the Line Cafe

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Pearl & Horn

BEST SEAFOOD

Winner: The Grand Marlin

The Fish House

Kingfisher

Peg Leg Pete's

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Winner: The District: Seville Steak & Seafood

Jackson's Steakhouse

McGuire's Irish Pub

Restaurant IRON

BEST BBQ

Winner: Hot Spot Barbecue

Brothers BBQ

VooDoo BBQ & Grill

Water Pig BBQ

BEST SOUL FOOD

Winner: Five Sisters Blues Café

The Dwarf (Legendary "Chicken Stand")

Englewood All In One

Hattie Marie's Cafe

BEST WINE MENU

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox

Global Grill

Restaurant IRON

Union Public House

BEST ORIGINAL MENU

Winner: Union Public House

George Bistro + Bar

Global Grill

Restaurant IRON

BEST CHEF

Winner: Edward Lordman (The Pointe)

George Lazi (George Bistro + Bar)

Alex McPhail (Restaurant IRON)

Amy Potmesil (The Burrow)

BEST UP-AND-COMING CHEF

Winner: Carolyn Ore (George Bistro + Bar)

Ian Gillette (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano)

Brendan Heath (Formerly of Restaurant IRON)

Darian Hernandez (Brother Fox)

BEST WAIT STAFF

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Global Grill

Restaurant IRON

Union Public House

BEST WAITER

Winner: Frank Perez (Brother Fox)

Jamal Jadallah (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano)

Ryan Seeley (The Grand Marlin)

Tony Williamson (Global Grill)

BEST WAITRESS

Winner: Jessica Martin (Cactus Flower Cafe)

Cori Perez Holden (Carmen's Lunch Bar)

Crystal Stewart (George Bistro + Bar)

Naree VanNess (SaBai on Jefferson)

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Winner: Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Bodacious Brew

Fosko Coffee Barre

Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar

BEST BARISTA

Winner: Marilyn "Beef" Lehman (Jitterbug Beverage Co.)

Heather Bowman (Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar)

Jake McGray (Formerly of Craft Bakery)

Caleb Pierce (Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar)

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Winner: Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille

Calvert's in the Heights

The Fish House

Gaby's Taqueria

BEST PLACE TO EAT HEALTHY

Winner: End of the Line Cafe

Carmen's Lunch Bar

The Daily Squeeze

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Winner: Whim Cotton Candy

BAM! Snoballs

Craft Bakery

Lamonte Gelato

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Winner: Flounder's Chowder House

Cafe Single Fin

Calvert's in the Heights

Red Fish Blue Fish

BEST PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Winner: Lucy's in the Square

Brown Bagger

Hub Stacey's

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille

BEST TAKEOUT/TO GO

Winner: SaBai on Jefferson

MI SU Street Food

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A DATE

Winner: Union Public House

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano

Brother Fox

Restaurant IRON

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A BIRTHDAY DINNER

Winner: Global Grill

The Elbow Room

George Bistro + Bar

McGuire's Irish Pub

restaurants & food

BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPORTS FANS

Winner: Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

Bubba's 33

The Pointe

Sammy Barker's

BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

Winner: The Elbow Room

Graffiti Pizza

McGuire's Irish Pub

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Winner: McGuire's Irish Pub

The Fish House

George Bistro + Bar

The Grand Marlin

BEST GONE-BUT-NOTFORGOTTEN RESTAURANT

Winner: The Magnolia

chizuko

Hopkins Boarding House

Nom Sushi Izakaya

food

BEST UNIQUELY PENSACOLA DISH

Winner: Grits à Ya Ya (The Fish House)

The Boss Burger (Sauce Boss Burger Co.)

Mullet Platter (Kingfisher)

Spanish Lump Crab Melt–Open Face (Carmen's Lunch Bar)

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Winner: Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar

Fosko Coffee Barre

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

The Rex Cafe

BEST COLD BREW

Winner: Mrs. Jones Cold Brew

Buzzed Brew Coffee

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

The Rex Cafe

BEST LATTE

Winner: Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Bodacious Brew

Craft Bakery

Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar

BEST ICED TEA

Winner: Sweet Jackson Tea

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Craft Bakery

Nomadic Eats

BEST JUICES/SMOOTHIES

Winner: The Daily Squeeze

Cafe Single Fin

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

Sean's Smoothie Shack

BEST PIZZA

Winner: Sky's Pizza Pie

East Hill Pizza

Flourish Food Truck

Graffiti Pizza

BEST STEAK

Winner: Jackson's Steakhouse

The District: Seville Steak & Seafood

McGuire's Irish Pub

Restaurant IRON

BEST BURRITO

Winner: Juan's Flying Burrito

Cactus Flower Cafe

Taqueria El Asador

Tacos El Fluffy

BEST TACO

Winner: Taqueria El Asador

Tacos El Fluffy

Tacos Mexicanos

Taco Rock

BEST SOUP

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

The Farm

McGuire's Irish Pub

New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

BEST DELI

Winner: New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

Apple Market

Costello's Butcher Shop

Four Winds International Food Market

BEST BREAD

Winner: Craft Bakery

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Casita Bread

Kingfisher

BEST SANDWICH

Winner: The LaRua (Hub Stacey's)

MI SU Melt (MI SU Street Food)

Shrimpburger (Kingfisher)

Spanish Lump Crab Melt–Open Face (Carmen's Lunch Bar)

BEST CHICKEN SALAD

Winner: Craft Bakery

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Jo's As Always

New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

BEST BURGER

Winner: Sauce Boss Burger Co.

Brown Bagger

MI SU Street Food

Tops Choice Hamburgers

BEST HOT DOG

Winner: Dog House Deli

The Elbow Room

Sammy Barker's

The Wacked Out Weiner

BEST CHEESE PLATE

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox Brother Fox

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Union Public House

BEST APPETIZERS

Winner: Global Grill

George Bistro + Bar

McGuire's Irish Pub

Union Public House

BEST MAC-N-CHEESE

Winner: Kingfisher

End of the Line Cafe

Five Sisters Blues Café

Melt

Follow

BEST PASTRIES

Winner: Craft Bakery

Casita Bread

Make Ends Sweet

Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar

BEST BREAKFAST DISH/MENU ITEM

Winner: Khachapuri (Craft Bakery)

Bourbon Street Pancakes (Another Broken Egg Cafe)

Hoe Cakes (Aunt Katie's)

Savory Bread Pudding Benedict (George Bistro + Bar)

BEST GRITS

Winner: The Fish House

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Coffee Cup Restaurant

Kingfisher

BEST DONUTS

Winner: Parlor Doughnuts

Más Que Dulces

Maynard's Donut Co.

Milton Quality Bakery

BEST FRENCH FRIES

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Kingfisher

Pearl & Horn

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Winner: MI SU Street Food

The Dwarf (Legendary "Chicken Stand")

Five Sisters Blues Café

What the Cluck Chicken Truck

BEST WINGS

Winner: What the Cluck Chicken Truck

Hub Stacey's

Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

Sky's Pizza Pie

BEST OYSTERS

Winner: Peg Leg Pete's Brother Fox

The Grand Marlin

Pearl & Horn

BEST SALADS

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

The Daily Squeeze

George Bistro + Bar

Kingfisher

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN DISH

Winner: Knuckle Sandwich (End of the Line Cafe)

Jackfruit Sandwich (Kingfisher)

Moroccan Vegetable Curry (Carmen's Lunch Bar)

Pepper Noodles (SaBai on Jefferson)

BEST DESSERTS

Winner: Union Public House

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano

Carmen's Lunch Bar

End of the Line Cafe

BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT/GELATO

Winner: Lamonte Gelato

Craft Bakery

Mr. C's Homemade Ice Cream

Wild Honey Frozen Yogurt

BEST CAKES/CUPCAKES

Winner: Craft Bakery

J's Bakery and Cafe

Kingfisher

Make Ends Sweet

BEST COOKIES

Winner: Itsa Cookie

Annie's Naked Cookies

Craft Bakery

Pretty Baked (at Cafe Single Fin)

BEST KING CAKE

Winner: Craft Bakery

End of the Line Cafe

J's Bakery and Cafe

Maynard's Donut Co.

BEST ORIGINAL MENU ITEM

Winner: Shrimpburger (Kingfisher)

Black Garlic Butter Gnocchi & Escargot (Restaurant IRON)

MI SU Melt (MI SU Street Food)

Scotch Egg (Union Public House)

BEST LUNCH SPECIALS

Winner: Nomadic Eats

SaBai on Jefferson

Sky's Pizza Pie

BEST WEEKLY SPECIAL

Winner: Super Tuscan Tuesday (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano)

Hopkins Fried Chicken Wednesday (McGuire's Irish Pub)

Prime Time Tuesday (Jackson's Steakhouse)

#WingWednesday (What the Cluck Chicken Truck)

BEST COOKING CLASSES

Winner: So Gourmet

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe

Jackson's Steakhouse

Pensacola Cooks Kitchen

BEST LOCAL FOOD MANUFACTURER

Winner: The Hummus Lady

The Black Garlic Market

The Sealey Sauce Company

Whim Cotton Candy

BEST LOCAL BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER

Winner: Big Jerk Soda Co.

Mrs. Jones Cold Brew

Sweet Jackson Tea

Wild Magnolia Kombucha

BEST MOBILE BEVERAGE SERVICE

Winner: Tap the Coast

LaTeeLa

The Red Snake Coffee Truck

The Thirsty Ranch

Community, Media & Culture

ALL THINGS EMERALD COAST allthingsemeraldcoast.com

What inspired you to get started? So, I hopped on social media to share the beauty of the Emerald Coast. I mean, seriously, come on. It's one of Florida's most picturesque regions, you know? Gotta show off those stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets and unique wildlife to everyone—locals and travelers alike.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The content I create serves different purposes for different people. Some follow to plan their vacations, while others enjoy my beach videos to feel relaxed or connected with the beach. What really drives me is knowing that my content is making a positive impact on people's lives.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? All Things Emerald Coast is a resource for finding exciting activities and inspiring destinations to explore on the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Get ready for some exciting updates! Currently, I'm working on multiple thrilling projects. I'm developing a website to provide top-notch advertising services for local businesses, starting a blog and gearing up to launch my incredible photography and merch store. Stay tuned, because there's so much more coming your way.

Answers by: Sarah Emily, Founder GALLERY NIGHT gallerynightpensacola.org

What inspired you to get started? Gallery

Night is dedicated to inspiring culture and engagement by showcasing different practices of art and art forms in an entertaining event for all ages and walks of life. Our monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists and recruit our area's best creators.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The opportunity to create an event offering those local to our area, and those visiting, the chance to create unforgettable moments drives us to continue elevating our event towards a premier regional and destination experience.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Gallery Night is a downtown festival-like event where we take art to the streets, inspiring culture and engagement in an entertaining and familyfriendly environment.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We look forward to the future growth of our events, hosting more local artists, adding more familyfriendly activities and continuing collaborations with other local organizations.

Answers by: Jacqueline A. Tarver, Executive Director

GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL

ggaf.org

What inspired you to get started? After visiting an art festival in Annapolis, a small group of art patrons were inspired to create a gathering in downtown Pensacola to promote the arts. It was a vision of what could happen if people were willing to pool their energy and resources. The first festival was in 1973.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? GGAF is an all-volunteer nonprofit. The committee members who organize the festival's juried fine art show, heritage arts, music stage, dance stage, children's area, food vendors, sponsors and volunteers are motivated by their love of the arts and of the Pensacola community. It's hard work, but so worth the effort. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  GGAF is an annual celebration of the arts in historic downtown Pensacola. It features a juried fine art show and includes music and performing arts. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? GGAF celebrated its 50th year in 2022, and we hope to keep the festival strong for future generations. We would like to see fresh faces added to the committee to bring new ideas and enthusiasm for the arts. We also need a lot of volunteers to help during festival weekend.

Answers by: Joy Ward, GGAF Art Show Committee

NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN'S THEATRE

2800 Wilde Lake Blvd., myneighborhoodtheatre.com

What inspired you to get started? Starting a theatre company has been on my "dream list" since I was in college. I didn't know it would be an education-based company, but my experience lent itself to the idea. I battled imposter syndrome for a long time, but a little voice kept whispering, "Just do it!"

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Every single one of our

students. The joy on their faces when they walk into the classroom and the fact that they keep coming back and filling the classes tells me that we're meeting a need in the community.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  Neighborhood Children's Theatre is a theatre arts training program for children and pre-professional teaching artists. We offer classes and performance opportunities to all ages.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?  I have so many ideas and so little time! Neighborhood continues to grow and I'm excited to expand our programs and performance opportunities this year and beyond.

Answers by:

Kayla May, Owner and Artistic Director

PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART

407 S. Jefferson St., pensacolamuseum.org

What inspired you to get started? Our location on South Jefferson Street was originally built in 1906 as the Pensacola City Jail. Since 1954, we have been providing an environment of art education and immersion to the Northwest Florida community, first as a community art center and then as the museum you know today.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our vision is to create an inclusive community space that increases the visibility of diverse artists and ideas. We aim to be a catalyst for cultural growth in Pensacola and act as a bridge between UWF's campus and the downtown historic district.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  The

premier hub of art exhibits, art education, art programming and art-focused experiences in downtown Pensacola.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Welcome more visitors to our museum year-over-year and produce programming and education opportunities to engage all Northwest Florida citizens.

Answers

by:

Claire Stewart, UWF Historic Trust Director of Marketing

REPRESENTATIVE

MICHELLE

SALZMAN

votesalzman.com

What inspired you to get started? My work in the nonprofit sector led me to evaluate higher level needs for our community.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Being home with the great people of our community is how I not only stay motivated, but also grounded through the process. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  It is my job to be the voice of our community in Tallahassee as we navigate the state budget and the legislative process.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?  I will continue to work on Alzheimer's, mental health care, the Dozier School victims and surviving relatives, as well as the work for my native tribe.

Answers by: Michelle Salzman, State

Representative

SANTA ROSA ISLAND AUTHORITY

1 Via De Luna Dr., sria-fla.com, visitpensacolabeach.com

What inspired you to get started? The opportunity to serve the public and make a positive impact on society. It provides a platform to contribute to policy-making, promote public welfare and address societal challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and civic responsibility. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The opportunity to continuously learn, grow, and help others is what keeps us going. The satisfaction of solving problems, making a positive impact and the drive to pursue personal and professional goals fuels my determination to keep moving forward and striving for excellence.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) is the governing branch overseeing the direction of Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Pensacola Beach. We approve frequent beach cleanups to help ensure the long-term sustainability and beauty of our coastal ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

Answers by: AJ Powell, Assistant Manager, HR and Events

SUNDAY'S

CHILD

sundayschild.org

What inspired you to get started? Sunday's Child was founded in 2014 to promote wider visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community by setting a philanthropic example. Since our inception, we have donated nearly a million dollars to local nonprofits working to make the Pensacola Bay area a better place to live, work and thrive.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Each year our grant winners make a tremendous impact in our local community and drive positive change in creating a more inclusive and accepting Pensacola. We are motivated by our grant winners and by the nonstop work that needs to be done to advocate for diverse and marginalized communities. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Sunday's Child is a Pensacola Bay area member-based philanthropic group that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality by awarding grants to significant charitable and economic initiatives. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Sunday's Child strives to be a pillar in the LGBTQ+ community, and we are currently working to expand our education and outreach efforts to provide DEI training opportunities to nonprofits, businesses and community members.

Answers by: Dakota Parks, Chair of Marketing Committee

Health & Wellness

APEX PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

308 S. Jefferson St., apexpsychiatricservices.com

What inspired you to get started? Scott Durrance grew tired of working for systems where making change was next to impossible. Rather than changing the system, he and his wife, Abby, decided to create their own clinic that allowed quality mental health care to be accessible to all, hence our affordable fee-forservice model.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Hearing our clients' success stories and how Apex played such an integral part in their success is what keeps us inspired. To be an integral part of anyone's ability to regain a quality life makes us feel invested in their success as much as they are invested in ours. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  We offer top-notch mental health care that includes highly effective treatment plans and medication management.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We plan to expand access to novel and potentially life-changing treatments, such as ketamine and Spravato for treatment-resistant depression and other difficult-to-treat conditions.

Answers by: Abby Durrance, Practice Manager

COASTAL FITNESS TRAINING

6057 Gulf Breeze Parkway, coastalfitnesstraining.com

What inspired you to get started? We wanted to create a welcoming, supportive environment for women to become the best versions of themselves, surrounded by like-minded women. Additionally, we wanted to provide a place for mothers to feel comfortable bringing their kids to the gym, because a mom isn't at her best unless her kids are.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Empowering other women and supporting them to reach their fitness goals is what motivates us. We live in a world where it's too easy to tear people down, so being able to celebrate with each client who reaches a goal and encouraging them to keep going is a true blessing. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Coastal Fitness Training is dedicated to transforming our

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members' lives by helping them achieve their goals, develop inner strength and be their best selves. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We believe in our methods, but we are also dedicated to embracing the opportunities, techniques, technology and products that continue to emerge. We are committed to the evolution of our brand and the ongoing enhancement of our services to better serve our members.

Answers by: Paula Laurendine and Jaid Slaughter, Owners

GULF COAST PLASTIC SURGERY

543 Fontaine St., gulfcoastplasticsurgery.com

What inspired you to get started? Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery has served the needs of Northwest Florida for more than 21 years. Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque and Nathan Patterson offer the latest in cosmetic and reconstruction surgery, as well as non-surgical aesthetic medicine, all in a caring and professional environment. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Every day, the members of the Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery team are excited to care for our patients. We care deeply about our patients, and our desire to provide the best medical care possible is our driving motivation. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Drs. Butler, Leveque and Patterson have national reputations as gifted plastic surgeons, as well as caring and compassionate doctors who give back to the community.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery is the largest plastic surgery practice in the region and offers comprehensive surgical and non-surgical procedures. In the coming year, we will be constructing an entire aesthetic medical campus, featuring a state-of-the-art surgery center and a medical spa in one convenient location.

Answers by: Cathy Butler, Practice Administrator

LIFEVIEW GROUP

1221 W. Lakeview Ave., lifeviewgroup.org

What inspired you to get started? Our mission. Our team of 2,400 shows up every day to help people through our subsidiaries: Lakeview Center, FamiliesFirst Network and Global Connections to Employment. We began as a small child guidance clinic and have since identified other ways to help people facing life challenges.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Helping people during some of their most vulnerable moments by providing services for mental health, child welfare, and employment and training for people who have disabilities.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We're a nonprofit operating in 15 states with 2,400 employees. We provide behavioral health services, jobs for people with disabilities and services for foster children.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our promise is to continue listening and adapting to meet people where they are in life. There are so many needs in the communities we serve, and being part of the solution to those challenges is an important part of who we are and what we do every day.

Answers by: Allison Hill, President and CEO

URU YOGA AND BEYOND

2400 Executive Plaza Dr., uruyoga.com

What inspired you to get started? I was inspired to open yoga studios because of how the yoga practice has affected me and others positively.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The amazing community of teachers and students keeps me motivated. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a yoga studio that hosts many styles of yoga and amazing community events. URU is a welcoming, inclusive community.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our next project is to host URU Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica and beyond.

Answers by: Rebecca Sathre, Owner, Founder and Yoga Teacher

WHITE SMILES DENTISTRY

1108 N. 12th Ave., Ste. C, whitesmiles.us

What inspired you to get started? For me, dentistry as a profession is the perfect mix of science and art. I always say, "You can't eat a cheeseburger with a Picasso!"

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I get to see patients' self confidence grow after giving them the smile they deserve.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a dental practice that uses the most advanced technology to provide a better experience for our patients. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? To continue to improve our patient experience using 3-D digital imaging, printers and milling machines.

Answers by: Dr. Ben White, DDS

YOGA ABODE

iamabode.com

What inspired you to get started? I stepped on my yoga mat in 2009 and I haven't looked back since. In 2017, I fell in love with teaching and practicing yoga with others. In 2019, Yoga Abode was born with hopes of offering total mind/body relaxation, restoration and healing in every class I lead.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The amazing students (who have become like family) who show up to practice with me every week are my highest inspiration. I am also motivated by Pensacola's incredible and powerful yoga community. I love collaborating with local businesses for pop-up yoga classes and events.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Yoga Abode is a pop-up yoga studio based in Pensacola. The mission of Yoga Abode is to make yoga accessible to anyone, anywhere.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I will continue to offer, create and execute fun yet meaningful Yoga Abode classes, events and retreats that bring our community and local businesses together.

Answers by: Donna Dickey, Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) and Founder Services

ALPHA-LIT

alphalitletters.com/pensacola

What inspired you to get started? As the

Photo by @jordanwestphoto

Photo by Sidney Ruedy Photography

world started slowly opening back up from Covid, we saw a need in the event planning and wedding industry. Everyone was planning a party. Large marquee letters would be new and exciting. After all, who doesn't want to see their name in lights?

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Every event we do is a happy occasion, and nothing makes us prouder than seeing that bright glow on our clients' faces when the letters for their special event are lit up. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We rent out large marquee letters and numbers for parties, weddings, special occasions and corporate events in the greater Pensacola area. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We want to continue growing and getting more involved in this amazing community. We really enjoy lighting up nonprofit events.

Answers by: Lea Richardson, Owner

AVALON APARTMENT HOMES

8800 Pine Forest Road, avalonliving.net

What inspired you to get started? Having the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our continuous approach to creating value for our residents, guests and clients. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? In multifamily, we wear many hats, but ultimately we help people find home.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our

central focus is the rebranding of our community. We're redesigning our amenity spaces for our residents and upgrading the building exteriors.

Answers by: Dylan Spivey-Harris, Community Manager

BEAUTY AND THE BEAM LASER AND ELECTROLYSIS

4290 Woodbine Road, beautyandthebeamle.com

What inspired you to get started? I have always enjoyed aspects of the beauty industry and wanted to expand my knowledge on different subjects within the field.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? My clients. I truly love what I do, and my clients are like family. My goal is to make people feel their best. It can be a vulnerable position to be in, and I just want to help people through that.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Permanent hair removal and skin care.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I would love to buy a building and expand within the next couple of years.

Answers by: Amanda Hartz, CCE, CME, LE, FS, Owner

BEN DRISKELL, LMT

7004 Pine Forest Road, pensacolamassagetherapy.com

What inspired you to get started? I have a certain knack for helping people, so massage therapy came pretty naturally to me. My motto is to leave people a little better off than when you found them.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Having a career is so fulfilling for me. Sometimes life deals you a rough hand and you have to make the most out of what you were given. This career is my lifeblood. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  It's about helping your muscles relax and destressing yourself. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I'd love to start getting certified in new modalities so I can offer my clients different varieties of massage. That'll be fun and exciting for me.

Answers by: Ben Driskell, LMT

BLUSHING BALLOONS

blusheventsco.com

What inspired you to get started? My love for parties and creating joy inspired me to start this business almost three years ago. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I love seeing the happiness that balloons bring to my clients of all ages. Whether it is for baby showers, first birthdays or 100th birthdays, everyone enjoys balloons. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? The trendiest balloon decor on the Gulf Coast. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Would love to design more custom, organic, elegant installations for events such as weddings, corporate events, showers etc., instead of your average balloon garlands!

Answers by: Chelsi Canan, Owner

BODYWORKS OF PERDIDO KEY

12385 Sorrento Road, Ste. D1, bodyworksofperdido.com

What inspired you to get started? I didn't want this business to just be a dream I had and never pursued. I wanted to show myself and my daughter that dreams only stay dreams if you allow them. My daughter Rylee, family and close friends all believed in me, and that alone was all the inspiration I needed.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? My team and our community. I am constantly motivated to look beyond the standard and increase the value we provide to our guests. I want Bodyworks of Perdido Key to be a place where guests and our team feel cared for and proud to be.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We enhance whole-body well-being and create a harmonious healing environment by providing a blend of relaxation and results-driven massage therapy and skin care services.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? It takes a team to achieve our goals. It's a collaborative team effort to create remarkable guest experiences. I will continue to focus on the growth and success of my team and will continue to build positive community relations. My goals are to always enhance the well-being of others around me.

Answers by: Cindy Rodriguez, CEO and Founder

3, 4 & 5, 2023 • Seville Square • ggaf.org

CONNA O'DONOVAN REAL ESTATE

913 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Ste. 38, connaodonovanteam.com, pensacolahomelistings.com

What inspired you to get started? I've been in the "people services" business since I was a child helping my parents with their assisted living facilities by visiting residents, and later as an event planner. My love of helping people evolved into real estate when, in 1991, I became a realtor and dove in heart and soul.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? My wonderful clients are the biggest motivators. It's a great feeling to be trusted and relied upon. I could have never done it without them. And success—the more success I achieve, the more I want to achieve success.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Boutique real estate company that specializes in real estate on the Gulf Coast. Providing good communication and a personal touch.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

Growing the CORE team while mentoring and coaching agents to be client-oriented. Continue winning awards for our customer service and being the best agents on the Gulf Coast.

Answers by: Conna O'Donovan, Realtor and Owner

EVANS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER

11225 Lillian Highway, evansautopensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? We saw a need for a top independent shop in West Pensacola.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Happy customers and happy employees.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a family-owned, independent automotive repair shop that focuses on quality service, parts and customer service.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We would like to add another lift and highly qualified technician to our team so we can service even more satisfied customers.

Answers by: Pauline Evans, Director

FRAMING BY DESIGN

4718 N. W St., framingbydesignpensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? I was an art major with a minor in business, and in my graduating year, I found a part-time job with a picture framing company. With my background in pottery and sculpture, I found that picture framing fit my need to create—and someone paid me to do it.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The same things motivate me now as they did when I started: loving to see our clients' faces when they pick up their pieces. Working with them to create the perfect design that fits into their surroundings. Helping them understand the proper way to preserve their art. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Custom picture framing at its finest, with certified picture framers on staff to make sure your art is preserved properly.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

Picture framing is a never-ending project; each piece becomes our next goal. Our long-term goal is to continue to give clients our best advice to help them meet their goals and exceed their expectations.

Answers by: Gyna Sellers, CPF, Owner

GILDED NAILS

@gilded.pensacola

What inspired you to get started? I was looking for a creative outlet and a career. Boom, two in one!

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I feel like there are endless ways to grow in this business, and I just want to continue to evolve in my craft. I also have the best clients ever, and even on my worst day, going to work is a joy.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Nails mixed with fun art, friendship and a dash of therapy. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I used to play around with silversmithing and I would love to get back into that eventually. That's actually why I chose the name Gilded; I hope to one day adorn hands with both beautiful nail art and jewelry.

Answers by: Savannah

HAIRY ALEX HORNE SALON

2590 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 508, hairyalexhornesalon.com

What inspired you to get started? I've always been a creative but never knew how to capture

and hone it until I started working with hair in 2015. It's my favorite ever-changing medium. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? My motivation lies in the endless possibilities for self-expression. Each client's unique personality and desires fuel my passion to explore new looks, push boundaries and create transformative experiences that challenge normal beauty standards. What even is normal, am I right?

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Laid-back, high-quality, welcoming hair care in a private space. Offering customized haircuts, colors and curl care in a one-on-one setting, tailored to your needs.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? In 2024, I'll be traveling for ongoing education to maintain and upgrade my technical skills. Currently, I'm focused on streamlining my online booking platform for a faster and easier client experience.

Answers by: Alex Horne, Owner and Stylist

JACEY J. COSENTINO, MORGAN STANLEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

850 S. Palafox St., Ste. 200, advisor.morganstanley.com/jacey.cosentino

What inspired you to get started? It was a combination of situations. Money wasn't typically discussed in my household growing up, so I had to take it upon myself to seek out correct information, especially when I became a business owner and started opening boutiques. Through each, I developed a passion for wanting to assist others.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? There is truly no better feeling than being a part of a client reaching a goal. It could be opening or selling a business, saving to buy a home, putting kids or grandkids through college (debt-free), buying a vacation home or realizing they have saved enough to retire early.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? I assist people with managing personal, sudden, and/or inherited wealth in a way that will improve their lives and the lives of others.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I would like to find more time to start offering a wider array of seminars to the general public, especially children, on how to navigate the world of building, growing and maintaining wealth.

ness and make my dream come true of having a studio to work from.

Answers by: Kelsei Frazier, Owner and Photographer

KUHN REALTY

1718 N. 9th Ave., kuhnrealty.com

What inspired you to get started? I started Kuhn Realty the same month and year my daughter was born. I knew that I wanted to make my family proud, and starting my own business was a goal I made early on. Shoutout to John and Libby Klein, Dana and Lisa Foster and Josh and George Sitton for their support and trust.

Answers by: Jacey

J. Cosentino, Financial Advisor

KELSEI FRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHY

@kelseifrazierphotography

What inspired you to get started? Becoming a mom. I knew the pictures I wanted to capture couldn't happen unless I was the one doing it. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The experiences I get to have and the families I meet.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Someone who captures the memories you never want to forget.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? My goal is to work towards 15 years in the busi -

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I really enjoy helping and guiding our agents at Kuhn Realty. Mentoring helps to keep me motivated toward our collective goal of improving the quality of life here in Pensacola. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a homegrown residential real estate company that puts a focus on our client relationships and community development.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? To continue to help and support our agents to effectively grow their business while also maintaining client satisfaction and growing our collective community involvement in Pensacola. Answers by: Larry Kuhn, Broker and Owner

LEVIN PAPANTONIO RAFFERTY

316 S. Baylen St., Ste. 600, levinlaw.com

What inspired you to get started? The firm was established in Pensacola back in 1955.

Nearly 70 years later, we continue to represent local clients, working tirelessly to resolve their personal injury claims. We're deeply passionate about the community we serve and strive to give back in numerous ways through philanthropic support and employee volunteerism. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? As one of the most successful personal injury law firms in the nation, we represent some of America's most significant litigation. We are proud to drive mass tort cases across the country that build advocacy around important causes and ultimately bring justice to victims. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We champion accountability around negligence involving prescription drugs, medical devices, product liability, defective products, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, consumer protection, accidents and workers' compensation.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Today, we're leading the national fight on serious issues ranging from "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in our water systems, overpricing of insulin needed by diabetics, defective earplugs that triggered hearing loss for our military members to giving victimized, exploited teens a voice—issues that have a profound impact on our community.

Answers by: Mark Benhard, Chief Marketing

Officer

LOXX BY NATALIE & CO.

1308 W. Nine Mile Road, Ste. 4, facebook.com/loxxandcosalon

What inspired you to get started? An interest

in hair and a strong desire to be an entrepreneur, to own and operate my own business, led me to opening Loxx 12 years ago.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I've always enjoyed working with my hands to make other women feel and look beautiful; that still motivates me today. I think of myself as a social person, so a career as a cosmetologist just seems right. And working with my salon group daily inspires me.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A welcoming and trendy family salon that offers a variety of cosmetic services for both men and women. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?  I would love to continue to service our community and bring in more services to offer our clientele.

Answers by: Natalie Parsons, Owner and Stylist NAI PENSACOLA naipensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? After 25 years of being structured in the field of education, I wanted a change that allowed me flexibility and open-ended income.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Every day is different, and I meet all kinds of people. It's never dull and is rewarding in so many ways.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a full-service commercial real estate company. We are part of an international brand, but we pride ourselves in concierge service.

WINNER BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar for Games

Best Bar Food, Best Hot Dog and Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I love seeing the younger agents develop their professional and leadership skills. We will focus on this in the next year.

Answers by: DeeDee Davis, Owner and Broker

PEACH FUZZ

2590 N. 12th Ave., @velluspeachfuzz

What inspired you to get started? The start was back before memories were even being tucked in the old filing cabinet upstairs—I've forever been interested in all things in the beauty category. Hair, makeup, dress-up and any form of self-expression have been with me since the beginning of my life.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I keep going despite the awfully achy bones before 30 because it's the most fulfilling thing I've ever done. The short answer: I keep going for my clients. I love you.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Peach Fuzz is a cozy and colorful place where you can come to transform your look. It's a safe space for all people (excluding the bullies).

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Not to risk sounding complacent, but I have no future goals for Peach Fuzz at this time. I'm working with people I love and things are going fine, oh fine! I'm living day by day and enjoying this current path.

PINE MEADOW VETERINARY CLINIC

610 W. Nine Mile Road, pinemeadowvetclinic.com

What inspired you to get started? Wanting to help animals in their time of need and to become a business owner.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Being part of a great community and providing excellent patient care. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A familyoriented small animal practice that prides itself on patient care. We will know your name when you come in.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Continue to expand our care to new and established resident pets of Pensacola and to host community events to help raise awareness of various animal needs.

Answers by: Lance Coy, DVM and Joy Stafford, DVM

SACRED GROUNDS TATTOO STUDIO

7 E. De Soto St., sacredgroundstattoostudio.com

person who did the best they could and made people's lives better, right? Right? How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Sacred Grounds refers to the idea that at the tattoo shop, everyone is equal. We see eye to eye because if we didn't, we'd leave.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I'm excited for some big changes. Looking forward to creating a tattoo shop that prioritizes the client experience, with like-minded artists who hold one another accountable. A safe space for the weirdos who never felt safe in puritanical normie judgment zones. Let's jazz it up!

Answers by: Shauncey Fury, Inweekly's 9X Runner-Up Best Tattooer

SALTER STUDIOS

8107 Pensacola Blvd., Ste. C, erinosheatattoos.com

What inspired you to get started? I got started with owning a tattoo shop in hopes of creating an environment in which clients can experience the full joy of what the art can be.

furthering our artistic abilities while maintaining our supportive and positive environment.

Answers by: Erin O'Shea Salter, Owner and Artist

SERENDIPITY SKINCARE STUDIO

208 S. Alcaniz St., Ste. A, serendipityskin.square.site

What inspired you to get started? Growing up, I always loved playing with skin products and makeup. I had several friends with acne issues, and I always wanted to find ways to help them. I finally found a way to help everyone by going through training 18 years ago at GCSCD, and haven't looked back since.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? It's the clients that keep me motivated—I wouldn't be where I am without my wonderful clients. It's been a rough few years with Covid and I'm still here, so I just appreciate the business and hope I can do this till I'm too old to anymore.

Answers by: Courtney Northington,

Owner and Stylist

What inspired you to get started? In the Bible it says, "We get knocked down, but we get up again. You're never gonna keep us down." Now, I'm usually a Hoobastank man myself, but even I can admit that "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba is holy scripture from above. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? That's the game, baby. You don't do good work so you can earn the right to screw people over one day. You do the best you can forever because you want to be known as a

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I am daily motivated by the ability to assist people with finding a visual narrative representation of who they are on the inside. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? The tattoo industry is a journey towards external visual self-fulfillment—artistic expression that is used to tell the narrative of a client.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? My next goal, for my employees and myself, is

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Serendipity Skincare Studio is a small boutique-style skincare studio offering unique wellness treatments and specialty skincare for everyone. All are welcome.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We are looking to incorporate some new treatments and new skincare and body care lines that will help us all stay happy and healthy in these trying times. We specialize in acne treatment and hope to help many more acne sufferers become acne-free for life this year!

Answers by: Jen Messer, Owner, Clinical Esthetician and Cosmetic Tattooist

SOLÉ INN AND SUITES

200 N. Palafox St., soleinnandsuites.com

What inspired you to get started? We wanted to offer downtown Pensacola a nice, clean, affordable location to stay at when coming downtown. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Continued great service and happy, satisfied guests that enjoy staying with us.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A retro, boutique, 50s-style hotel located downtown. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Continuing to keep the property up to date and doing some refreshing updates.

Answers by: Mark Bodiford, General Manager

WARD & BARNES, P.A.

222 W. Cervantes St., wardbarnes.com

What inspired you to get started? It was always our dream to open a law firm in Pensacola as both founding partners are Pensacola natives. We wanted to create a law firm that provides the highest quality legal services and is focused on individual client and case needs. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Pensacola continues to grow and it has been wonderful to see and experience. With the influx of people, our area is experiencing new legal and practical challenges each day. We are excited to be a part of this area's business community as it continues to develop.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A personal injury law firm that is big enough to handle any case, but also provides the personal touch and attention to each client.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Professionally, we would like to continue providing the same quality of legal services we've always provided. While we've been involved in numerous community organizations, we would like to expand our outreach in the community and get even more involved in new areas.

Answers by:  Scott Barnes, Partner

WARREN AVERETT

350 W. Cedar St., Ste. 400, warrenaverett.com/offices/pensacola

What inspired you to get started? Our passion for our clients underscores why we do what we do. That passion remains at the core of our promise and mission to help you thrive and accomplish more of what's important to you, always.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our people—both our clients and our team members. The opportunity to make a difference for our clients and give them insights into their businesses to help drive success, but also inspiring and empowering our team members to serve the industry or service focus they are most passionate about.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Warren Averett is a full-service accounting and business advisory firm, serving your accounting, HR, technology and strategic consulting needs. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Continuing to serve our clients not only with the compliance side of accounting, but really diving in to help consult with clients on financial

strategy, M&A, etc. Also, preparing the next generation of accountants.

Answers by: Cyndi Warren, CPA, Office Managing Member

THE WATSON FIRM

850 S. Palafox St., wedemandjustice.com

What inspired you to get started? My wife, family and mentors inspired me to become an entrepreneur.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? As a father, it brings me joy to watch my kids grow up. Parenthood is a lot of work, but it comes with great rewards. The same is true in business. Watching my law firm grow from infancy to its current status has been a source of joy and motivation.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a personal injury and criminal defense law firm. If you are wrongfully injured or arrested, we provide legal representation.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? As our law firm grows, we hope to build larger offices in Pensacola to accommodate our growth.

Answers by: Aaron Watson, Managing Attorney

Weddings

D J PHATCHI & CO. weddingwire.com/djphatchi

What inspired you to get started? My love for music truly started in high school; I listened to a lot of breakbeat DJ mixes on my CD player while riding the bus. Also, having DJ friends inspired me to learn how to produce music and DJ. My first single was released in 2008. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? What motivates me is seeing all my clients happy on their special day. It brings me joy to know that I was a part of their day and it's something that they will never forget. I also gain their friendship—it's definitely rewarding. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? I am a DJ who performs and mixes. It's not just pressing buttons, it's an all-encompassing performance. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? My goal is to continue serving my clients with the best service, making their special day or event even more special.

Answers by: Theresa Chi Hoang, Owner and DJ

FLORALS BY MALLORI

@floralsbymallori

What inspired you to get started? Simply put, people. Floral design allows me to serve and connect with people during some of the most precious times in their lives. Also, designing and working with my hands is a love passed down to me from generations of women in my family. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The relationships I've formed, both with vendors and clients, enrich my life and inspire me so much. On top of that, learning new styles and opening myself up to creative challenges creates such a sense of accomplishment for me that really pushes me forward. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A wedding and events florist who celebrates what is important to each client and couple by creating and executing their custom floral designs. What's the next goal or project you want to

An All-Inclusive Way to GET CULTURED.

see happen for you and your business? To start creating more large-scale installations for events or businesses. If you're getting married in 2024 and are looking for a florist to create a statement piece for your wedding, I am your girl. I would also love to open a flower truck soon.

began working in the industry. In college in 2012, I started Supposey as a florist. Since then, we have transitioned into a wedding planning and rental company, and we now have a venue.

Answers by: Mallori

Carmack, Founder and Floral Designer

KENDRA K BEAUTY

kendrakbeauty.com

What inspired you to get started? The beauty and joy of weddings inspired me to enter the bridal beauty business. Helping brides look and feel their best on such a special day is incredibly rewarding, and being part of their transformation is a privilege I cherish.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? What motivates us to keep going is the continued opportunity to bring happiness and confidence to brides. Knowing that I played a part in making their dreams come true fuels my passion and drives me to share my love for this industry with my fellow bridal artists. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Traveling glam squad specializing in bridal work, and also offering in-studio tanning and beauty services. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? My next goal is to expand our services to include more destination weddings. I want to create unforgettable beauty experiences for brides who choose to celebrate their special day in picturesque locations. We aim to become the go-to choice for destination brides seeking an elevated wedding experience.

Answers by: Kendra K, Owner

LIVE OAK PENSACOLA

7874 Beulah Road, liveoakplantation.com

What inspired you to get started? Before opening Live Oak as a venue, several couples had approached my husband Joe and me about getting married at our property. After researching wedding venues in Northwest Florida, I quickly realized we could fill a niche, as no others offered the same picturesque setting to produce picture-perfect weddings. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Hearing couple after couple profusely thank us and our team of dedicated professionals for helping them create their most perfect, once-in-a-lifetime dream wedding and that they couldn't imagine having it any other place than Live Oak is very motivating. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Live Oak is a full-service luxury wedding venue that strives to exceed every couple's expectations by turning their dream into their perfect, once-in-lifetime wedding. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Everyone on the Live Oak team constantly strives for perfection and to provide the highest quality service in order to produce picture-perfect events. This fall, we plan to introduce a new, super positive wedding coordinator as the newest member of our team and to launch a brand new, beautiful website.

Answers by: Donna Meeks, Owner

SUPPOSEY

101 S. F St., ilovesupposey.com What inspired you to get started? My love for weddings goes back to high school, when I

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? My favorite part of my job is running our venue. We can control so much by being the venue; it allows us to streamline the wedding planning process for our couples and makes things very easy.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  Wedding planning made easy. One-stop shop wedding experience.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Every wedding planner loves surprises, so stay tuned. Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date: @supposey.co, @rentsupposey.co, @poseycab.

Answers by: Chloe Sexton, Owner

WEDDINGWALLS

6434 Open Rose Drive, weddingwalls.com

What inspired you to get started? Our love of weddings, events, parties and really all the occasions for celebrations.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? January 2024 will mark our 20 years in the event industry. Our continued motivation is still our love of this industry, meeting clients who become friends and helping friends and families have a beautiful event. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? An event rental company providing fine-quality rentals with a personalized touch and excellent customer service. If you ask Steve, he'll say, "We're the bomb!"

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? As of June 1, 2023 we actually met our next goal. We are the proud new owners of The Open Rose florist based in Milton, Florida, providing all occasional florals.

Answers by: Tracy and Steve Lastinger

Retail ALL ABOUT ANTIQUES

3940 W. Navy Blvd., facebook.com/allaboutantiquespensacola

What inspired you to get started? To preserve the past and keep antiques alive and in the hands of others that love them as much as we do. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our customers. Just seeing them light up from finding something unique and special.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A beautiful antique store filled with jewelry, art, true antique furniture, MCM, military collectibles and so much more. You will be amazed. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? For us personally, it's to help Rosie's Antique Emporium rebuild after a tornado destroyed her store in mid-June. Rosie and her vendors lost everything. They need as much help as we can give. So that's our goal this year, to give back and to help her rebuild.

Answers by: Paula, Owner

COASTAL KICKS

2620 Creighton Road, Ste. 302, shopcoastalkicks.com

What inspired you to get started? We got

inspired to create Coastal Kicks so that we could provide the local area with the latest and greatest in fashion trends. We also wanted to put a focus on growing the sneaker culture in the area and get people what they're actually looking for.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? We continue to be motivated by our customers and seeing their smiling faces. We love to help all of our customers get what they're looking for and use our years of experience to help them along the process, whether it's their first pair of sneakers or their 100th. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We carry exclusive, sold-out sneakers and clothing to match. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our next project is relocating our original Fort Walton location to a prime downtown area for more exposure and more room to grow.

Answers by: Cody Himes, Owner

GLASSY

DAY STUDIO

glassydaystudio.com

What inspired you to get started? Glassy Day started with a desire to create designs based on the jewelry I've inherited from my grandmothers. As a long-time surfer, using the waste material from the board-shaping process was the perfect choice for creating pieces that other strong and water-loving women will wear. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? It's so much more than jewelry. Ten percent of every sale supports kinship/ relative care of foster children. This goes toward meals and caregiver events. We're helping to fill

a need and serve caregivers that are so often overlooked. Also, seeing a group of Glassy Gals in the wild is powerful.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Glassy Day Studio recycles surfboard resin to create the coolest jewelry around. Every piece is one-of-a-kind. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? The best days on the water are the ones with glassy, peeling waves. In Matthew 8, Jesus calms the storm, making it immediately glassy. The disciples were amazed and said, "Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Let's surf, serve and wear rad jewelry.

Answers by: Erica Karr, Owner

JADE TREE SUCCULENTS

@jadetreesucculents

What inspired you to get started? I made my first fairy garden, and I was hooked. I couldn't get over the endless creative things that you could create with succulents. I loved how easy they were to care for, and loved seeing them change with growth.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Playing in dirt is very therapeutic for me and I have found creating things makes me happy. There is something about seeing the smiling faces of people holding their new plant that is so cool.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Jade Tree Succulents seeks to create healthy, creative plant arrangements, and sets the customer up for success by providing personalized care instructions.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

My next goal for my business is to set up my own greenhouse and have a larger inventory of plants available for customers so they can make their own arrangements.

Answers by: Catherine Boswell, Owner

KIA AUTOSPORT OF PENSACOLA

6637 Pensacola Blvd., kiaautosportpensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? Jessica's family started the business in 1999 and encouraged her to come over and work for the family business. She loved the Pensacola area and knew it would be a great community to be a part of. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Jessica is motivated by many things including her employees, her son and the business itself. She is very family-oriented and wants to work hard for her employees who work hard for her. She is a community giver and always wants to give back.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a new and used auto car dealership located in Pensacola. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We are in the process of starting a renovation to expand our service department to better serve our customers and the community as a whole. We are excited to see Kia grow.

Answers by: Jane Lauter, Social Media and Events Director

THE MODERN ECLECTIC

3721 W. Navy Blvd., @the_modern_eclectic

What inspired you to get started? It all started

with a love for thrifting and fashion. I've always been drawn to the quality of vintage fabrics. The colors and patterns are just so fun. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The love of the hunt. When you are passionate about what you do, it never really feels like work. I've also built so many amazing relationships in the local vintage community.  How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Like walking into a closet full of fun times.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? I'm really looking forward to revamping our shop space inside of Blue Moon. New paint on the walls and a newly decorated fitting room coming soon. Stop by to try something on and check it out.

Answers by: Carly Loss, Owner

OPEN BOOKS

1040 N. Guillemard St., openbookspcola.org

What inspired you to get started? The founders of our bookstore are book lovers, and they wanted to share their love of books with the community and the prison inmates that we serve. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The fact that the community loves and supports us, and the ongoing need for reading material among prison inmates. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? We are a nonprofit, all-volunteer used bookstore that also sends books to prison inmates at no cost to the inmates.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? To

work with other local nonprofits to increase literacy in the general population and to establish several "Little Free Libraries" in the community.

Answers by: Johnny Ardis, General Manager

THE TECH HANDYMAN

6224 N. Ninth Ave., Ste. 6, techhandymanfl.com

What inspired you to get started? Love Apple products and love fixing them. Our area didn't really have any places that would offer repair, so I decided to fill that gap.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I love our customers—everyone is so nice when they come in. Having people come in with problems and being able to solve them most of the time in under an hour makes it worth it.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  We specialize in Apple and Android device repair. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We don't plan to expand—we love our location and plan to be here until they stop making iPhones.

Answers by: Ryan Galvan, Owner

Bars, Drinks & Nightlife

A LITTLE MADNESS

BREWING COMPANY

9838 N. Davis Highway, alittlemadnessbrewingcompany.com

What inspired you to get started? The brewery was founded on producing high-quality products in a sustainable fashion while supporting our local community.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? ALMBC's customers and the desire to expand the knowledge of craft beer provide the motivation to continue pursuing the dream.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Welcoming taproom with high-quality offerings from craft beer to hand-tossed pizzas. Friendly and unpretentious. Uptown not downtown. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? The desire to spread knowledge of supporting local food and drink in this awesome community.

Answers by: THOR, The Brewer

BADLANDS ROADSIDE BAR

23 S. Palafox St., facebook.com/nynbadlands

What inspired you to get started? First day as a busboy, I knew what I wanted to do. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The overall success and not many years left to do it.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A bar without the frills.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Finish up and retire.

Answers by: Nick Zangari, Owner

THE CABARET

101 S. Jefferson St., @thecabaretpensacola

What inspired you to get started? The desire to turn a business that was failing not only in business practices, but failing its customers and community, into an inclusive, successful,

community-supporting business and source of information. Which, in turn, would build the progressive culture in Pensacola.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? A couple things, mainly the sigh of relief and slow growing glow in a customer's eyes that they found home, peace and true acceptance. We often are benchmarked by various competitors. We enjoy helping these people grow by being supportive and inclusive of their ventures.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A progressively casual, fun-loving and diverse bar where strangers become friends, and everyone is truly accepted. Even in times of controversy, as well as compassion.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Father Ron would not approve of these politics being discussed as drag is not a crime.

Answers by: Paul Dye, Manager

THE ELBOW ROOM

2213 W. Cervantes St., facebook.com/elbowroompensacola

What inspired you to get started? My grandmother. She would sit with Maggie on Wednesday nights (which is when I fell in love with the place) so that Jim could have a night off. Ten years after Maggie passed away, Jim started closing more often, and my grandmother convinced me to take over.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The customers, the history, the respectful atmosphere, our little work fam -

ily and having a place that everyone can feel welcomed and comfortable.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A 1970s speakeasy meets a 1980s pizza pub. Thin and crispy pizza, and a full bar with lots of games. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our next goal is to celebrate The Elbow Room's 60th anniversary in October, and to celebrate and honor Jim and Maggie Flynn's legacy. Also, to bring back Schlitz.

Answers by: Lesa Touchette, Co-Owner and Manager

PARADISE BAR & GRILL

21 Via De Luna, paradisebar-grill.com

What inspired you to get started? On the day I purchased the motel, I was sitting on a picnic bench near the water and remembered what my dad used to say: "Build on the water, next to a road, and be a friend to all people." Paradise Bar & Grill was born.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The positive feedback and comments we receive from our customers and guests keep us going and make all of the hard work worthwhile.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? "Paradise"— it's all in the name!

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Would love additional kitchen help to give a much-needed break to all of the hardworking managers and cooks who are working hard to keep our kitchen open.

Answers by: Fred H. Simmons, Jr., Owner

SEVILLE QUARTER

130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com

What inspired you to get started? Seville Quarter was started over 55 years ago by Bob Snow with the inspiration of bringing great music and good times to historic downtown Pensacola. The staff at Seville Quarter is still inspired every day to deliver great Pensacola hospitality to our locals and visiting guests. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Seville Quarter is a landmark in downtown Pensacola, and our goal is to keep delivering memorable moments to the next great generation of great customers. We are always motivated to keep the Seville Quarter Entertainment District as the #1 go-to music and dining venue on the Gulf Coast. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Seville Quarter is the #1 must-visit entertainment venue in downtown Pensacola, offering seven rooms of fun and unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We work hard every day on improving all areas of our business, from updating all of our venues aesthetically to educating our staff to be more informative and professional in the hospitality business. Our goal is to have a staff that gives the best customer service on the Gulf Coast. Answers by: Buck Mitchell, Marketing Director

VINYL MUSIC HALL

2 S. Palafox St., vinylmusichall.com

What inspired you to get started? Inspiration comes in many forms. The Gulf Coast's very own downtown Pensacola is a historical gem and deserves to be featured on an international stage for entertainment. It is a cultural dynamo that continues to attract international and national touring acts to our patrons year after year. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Vinyl Music Hall's main motivation is to meet the community's entertainment needs and continue to exceed expectations for the future. Hearing great feedback from past shows every month motivates us to book bigger and better concerts for our patrons. At our venue, ticket holders are the headliners at every show.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Vinyl Music Hall is downtown Pensacola's premier concert venue. We book national and international touring acts and events. Our venue capacity is set at 850 fans.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Vinyl Music Hall's next goal is to provide our biggest fans with a fun and comfy line of merch. Vinyl merch will showcase the venue's creative new designs for both apparel and accessories.

Answers by: Farren Darnell, Office Administrator

Restaurants & Food

AUNT KATIE'S

3005 E. Cervantes St., auntkatiesbreakfastnlunch.com

What inspired you to get started? We wanted to cook and share the food we love to eat. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Creating new fun dishes for our amazing guests.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Homecooked breakfast and lunch with unique, delicious dishes.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Our hope is that in a couple more years we can expand.

Answers by: Katie and Jimi Scheuch, Owners and Operators

BUZZED BREW COFFEE

501 S. Palafox St., buzzed-brew.com

What inspired you to get started? Our goal was to bring different coffee trends to downtown Pensacola—coffee flights, unique flavored lattes, white coffee and Lotus energy drinks, just to name a few. We also love to keep things simple with a smooth cold brew, americano or latte.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our customers keep us going. We love to experiment with different flavors and themed caffeine flights. We live for the excitement we see on our customers' faces when they get to try a new flavor, or the satisfaction they get with their classic go-to order. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A place with something for everyone. We serve up the classics, fun flavored lattes, energy drinks and even caffeine flights.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We would love to expand to a second location when the time is right. Until then we will continue to focus on our downtown location.

Answers by: Crystal Millard, Owner

THE DISTRICT: SEVILLE STEAK & SEAFOOD

123 E. Government St., districtsteaks.com

What inspired you to get started? The inspiration for The District: Seville Steak & Seafood was to have the best steakhouse in Pensacola. The District adds another piece to the puzzle of the historical Seville Entertainment and Dining District in the heart of downtown Pensacola. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? In August, The District: Seville Steak & Seafood will celebrate its fifth anniversary. Our terrific staff works hard every day to establish the restaurant as one of Pensacola's best restaurants. Our motivation is to deliver to our guests the most memorable and fulfilling dining experience on the Gulf Coast. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? The District: Seville Steak & Seafood is an American steakhouse specializing in aged Certified Angus Beef and great, fresh, local seafood in downtown Pensacola.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? The goal of The District: Seville Steak & Seafood is to step up the level of customer service to our guests. We are working on bringing more musical entertainment to the upstairs District Lounge and making it more of a gathering destination for locals and out-of-town visitors.

Answers by: Buck Mitchell, Marketing Director

EAST HILL PIZZA

2030 N. 12th Ave., easthillpizza.com

What inspired you to get started? Over five years ago, we tried Chubby's Pizza and got hooked. We noticed the owners were selling

and saw a huge need in enhancing this little pizza restaurant. So we took a gamble and created East Hill Pizza.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The community keeps us going. We strive to provide high-quality and delicious food but also strive to give back every chance we can.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? EHP provides high-quality food by making the pizza dough, sauces and dressings in-house. We also strive to give back with our #PizzaPayItForward program. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We hope to continue to serve our community and aspire to be a household name by providing delicious pizzas and our #PizzaPayItForward program. Our next goal would be adding another location hopefully sometime soon.

Answers

by:

Darlyne Abad Zoltak, Owner

END OF THE LINE CAFE

610 E. Wright St., eotlcafe.com

What inspired you to get started? Twenty-one years ago, vegan food options were limited and mostly uninspired when dining out. We wanted a place to enjoy a meal that didn't have half the ingredients omitted. I loved the challenge of bringing new and old ideas to a modern table.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I am fascinated by food. It's math and science experiments. It's history and evolution, art and celebration. It feels good to be a part of that celebration. The reality that clean eating can be beautiful, educational, sustainable and compassionate will always inspire me. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Creative vegan cuisine.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

Stretching out with new ideas and space.

Answers by: Jen Knight, Chef and Proprietor

THE FISH HOUSE

600 S. Barracks St., fishhousepensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? The Fish House opened in 1998 as a place for people to hang out while sharing good food and drinks with friends and family.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Pensacola keeps us going. Over the years we have been honored to serve our community, playing a role in the renaissance of downtown Pensacola.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? On the water, downtown Pensacola. Good grits. Cold drinks. Locally owned and operated.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We have finally seen a bit of light at the end of the tunnel from all of the things over the past several years. It's been wonderful to get back to normal.

Answers by: Maria Goldberg, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Events

FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE

421 W. Belmont St., fivesistersbluescafe.com

What inspired you to get started? In 2010, Cecil Johnson, a former chef at sister restaurant, The Fish House, wanted to honor the recipes of his mother Jeanette and her sisters, Cora, Sara, Dorothy and Margaret. Cecil also wanted to honor the rich blues history of the neighborhood.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? The people, the neighborhood. For decades, this intersection was the epicenter of African-American business and social life. It was here that the progression of musical culture made its mark in Pensacola and served as the hub of the blues community. We want to honor and educate.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A restaurant built on some of Pensacola's deepest history in the heart of historic downtown—The Blocks. Serving up soul food for the soul.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? We are so excited to be bringing live music back on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Answers by: Maria Goldberg, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Events

HOT SPOT BARBECUE

901 E. La Rua St., hotspotbarbecue.com

What inspired you to get started? Inspired by the Lord, Hot Spot Barbecue opened in June 2013 with the goal to serve the very best Southern-style barbecue. Table service with friendly servers. Easy take-out. We simply wanted to be the neighborhood "Hot Spot."

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? It is very gratifying to be named "Best" 11 times straight starting with the very first summer that we were open. The desire to satisfy our guests, and have them respond positively, has always been and still is our motivation.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Hot Spot serves authentic Southern barbecue cooked over a real wood fire. Premium meats, seasoned with our special dry rub, and cooked in our outdoor smokers.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?  Our building is old and small, and we are constantly tweaking things inside to make the most of what we have to work with. Improved air conditioning in the dining area is on top of the wish list. A presence north of I-10 is a longterm goal.

Answers by: James Hlubek, General Manager

JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE

400 S. Palafox St., jacksonsrestaurant.com

What inspired you to get started? Twenty-five years ago, we chose to make an investment in downtown Pensacola. We wanted to bring fine dining, all served in a beautiful setting, to the people of Pensacola.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our guests inspire us daily. Jackson's has the honor of playing an important role in so many of our guests' special occasions— birthdays, weddings, proposals, first date nights— you name it. To help make wonderful memories for so many is truly inspirational.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A cornerstone in downtown Pensacola for over two decades. Surrounded by two museums, theaters and historic Ferdinand Plaza. Serving steaks, fresh seafood, classic cocktails.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?  At this moment, we just completed a kitchen renovation, replacing all of the original equipment. Front of the house saw some upgrades

as well. Looking ahead, we plan on opening up for Friday lunches in August.

Answers by: Maria Goldberg, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Events

JUAN'S FLYING BURRITO

200 S. Alcaniz St., juansflyingburrito.com

What inspired you to get started? Punk rockers need to eat, too, right? In 1997, a group of musicians and artists banded together to create the world's first Creole taqueria, focused on fresh ingredients, great value, and inspired by the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. We are all Juan.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Quite simply, Mr. Juan and his Juan's Army are 'bout dat burrito life. The Juan's fam runs far and wide, and Mr. Juan loves to earn new customers who find the fun vibes and vibrant food and drinks becoming a prime part of their life, and ours as well.

How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Juan's Flying Burrito is your fave Creole taqueria. New Orleans-inspired flavors, sophisticated agaveforward drinks, fun, comfy seating and great staff. This is your spot.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? Mr. Juan hopes to bring Juan's Flying Burrito to new spots in the Gulf South, to continue to grow culinarily, offering new exciting flavors, and to foster strong ties to the communities Juan's serves.

Answers by: Mr. Juan F. Burrito, Owner

MÁS QUE DULCES

GOURMET SWEETS

facebook.com/masquedulces.py

What inspired you to get started? I love spreading happiness, one gourmet sweet at a time. Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? When someone new comes to see me because their friend told them about or treated them to one of my gourmet sweets. Word-of-mouth business is a great motivator. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? Más Que Dulces is an award-winning pop-up bakery that specializes in freshly baked gourmet sweets in cluding some vegan, gluten-free and keto options. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

I want to continue experimenting with new flavor combinations and expanding my seasonal menus. I would also love to have the opportu nity to participate in another local bake-off.

Answers by: Andrea Spradlin, Owner and Baker

THE THIRSTY RANCH

thethirstyranch.com

What inspired you to get started? We built our Little Blue mobile bar for our youngest daughter's wedding. I just hired a bartender for the evening to bartend out of the bar. It was the other wedding vendors at the wedding that pushed me to do something with it, and the business was born.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? I truly love this business. I missed my calling all these years—I should have been in events. I love the people, the planning of their perfect day, the hard work. As we grow into a full-service event company, that is the plan. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it?  We provide custom beverage catering at any of life's celebrations.

What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business? As we continue to grow, I'd love to open a beverage shop and continue to be an event beverage catering company.

Answers by: Melissa Weber, CEO

UNION PUBLIC HOUSE

36 E. Garden St., unionpensacola.com

What inspired you to get started? We wanted to bring something unique and fun to the community.

Now that you're established, what motivates you to keep going? Our guests and the UPH team. How would you describe your business to someone who's never heard of it? A crafty Southern pub where it all comes together. What's the next goal or project you want to see happen for you and your business?

We are moving locations to the East Garden District, next to our friends at The Well and Perfect Plain. It will be awesome to be able to serve Pensacola from our new open kitchen, awesome bar and a special private chef's table.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. A full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook. com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP-

TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. 9th Ave. to meet your furever friend. The next date is Saturday, Aug. 19. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY DOGGIE

BATHE-IN The next doggie bathe-in is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Pensacola Humane Society, 5 N. Q St. Charge is $10 per dog regardless of size. Bring your own towel.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women and sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR MURAL ALLEY

LIVE PAINTING Zarzaur Law, P.A. invites artist proposals for "Mural Alley," a two-day live painting for the Foo Foo Festival activities happening during the first two weeks in November. Visitors can watch artists work on large 5-foot by 5-foot canvases, a 10-foot by 20-foot canvas wall similar to the wall for Zarzaur Law's monthly "Legal Graffiti" fundraiser event held each month during Gallery Night and a four-side 10-foot by 10-foot cube. Up to 10 artists and local school art club will be selected. Each artist (or team) will create an original piece and will receive a $750 stipend.

Zarzaur Law's "Mural Alley" is Saturday Nov. 11 and concludes Sunday, Nov. 12 in Downtown Pen-

sacola on the closing weekend of Foo Foo Fest. The final pieces will be on display in conjunction with a silent auction. Submission is free with a deadline of Friday, Aug. 18.

For more information or to apply, visit zarzaurlaw.com/mural-alley.

ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERY NIGHT Gallery Night Pensacola will celebrate "Wonder Years" 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. This month's gallery features the first ever Youth Entrepreneur Zone.

Gallery Night's Featured Artist for "Wonder Years!" is First City Art Center's Youth Art Program. The extensive art zones will host more than 60 local artisans along Palafox Street at this month's event. This month, shop from local artists as well as the special event featuring the Youth Entrepreneur Zone located at Palafox & Intendencia showcasing varied goods produced by our local youth entrepreneurs 18 and younger. For more information, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

COMEDY CLASSICS SUMMER SERIES AT SAENGER THEATRE This summer, Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St., will feature comedy classics. On Aug. 18, the movie is "Animal House." On Aug. 24, the movie is "Shaun of the Dead." Movies start at 7 p.m. Cost is $5. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

LITTLE WARS A Studio400 production at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. The allfemale drama is set at a dinner party with celebrated writers Agatha Christie, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas—along with a mysterious guest. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 18 and 25, Saturdays, Aug. 19 and 26, and Thursday, Aug. 24 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Aug. 20 and 26. Tickets are $18-$25 at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

THE HIDING PLACE MUSICAL The Pensacola production of the musical "The Hiding Place" is 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and Thursdays, Aug. 24, 31, Sept. 7 and Sept. 17 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at The Rex Theatre, 18 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $17-$25. For more information, visit hiding placemusical.com.

COME ON BARBIE LET'S GO PARTY: BAR BIE INSPIRED DANCE PARTY photo walls, free themed koozie, costume contest

and more. Event is 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Cost is $15. Get tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

RUSTY KNUCKLE TORQUE CLUB CAR

Building. 6, 6655 Mobile Highway. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets are on sale at vangoghpensacola.com.

SHOW

This car show is open to all vintage vehicles at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. starting at noon Saturday, Aug. 19. Drinks and rockabilly music, food from The Sauce Boss. Awards begin at 3 p.m. For questions or entry packet information, contact Scott Bollinger at (850) 5080681 or email ratrodscott@outlook.com.

PMA WORKSHOP: SCREEN PRINTING Enjoy the afternoon learning how to screen print with folks from the 309 Punk Project noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at Pensacola Museum of Art. Register online at pensacolamuseum.org.

GULF COAST CHORALE HOLIDAY PREVIEW Are you looking for a group that welcomes singers of all levels of music experience with no auditions? Why not join the Gulf Coast Chorale, Pensacola's own community chorus. An introduction to the Chorale and a preview of our holiday season is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at Gadsden Street Methodist Church, 901 E. Gadsden St., with lunch provided. Rehearsals begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at the same location. For further information, visit gulfcoastchorale.org, or call (850) 777-1044.

YIKES! STANDUP COMEDY WITH DAVE STONE Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20-$30 at vinylmusichall.com.

MISS FLAWLESS AT LARGE PAGEANT The inaugural Miss Flawless at Large Pageant is Sunday, Aug. 27 at 3300 N. Pace Boulevard. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and pageant begins at 8 p.m. VIP seating is $30 and general admission is $20. Pay via Cash app: $flawlesspageant. For more information, visit taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

BEYOND VAN GOGH "Beyond Van Gogh: The

PALAFOX MARKET SOUTH AT PLAZA FERDINAND Palafox Market South will include a blend of familiar Palafox Market vendors, along with a new mix of local farmers, artists and craftsmen and women, who will fill up Plaza Ferdinand on the corner of Palafox and Government streets. Shoppers can navigate between the new market and the always-humming original located on north Palafox at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday. For more information about Palafox Market, visit palafoxmarket.com. For information concerning other downtown events, please visit downtownpensacola.com

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST

TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more join 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT ARTEL GALLERY

Three new exhibitions are on view at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St., through Aug. 25. In the main gallery is "Playlist," a showcase of music fused with art; in the vault is "Davmo," and in the award alcove is works from abstract artist Lynn Huber. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit artelgallery.org for details.

AL ARMIN Check out the work of Al Armin at Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. Visit facebook. com/openbooksbookstore for more information.

THE LAST SURREALIST Featuring Art by davmo, "The Last Surrealist," is on view through Friday, Aug. 25 inside the Suzanne Robbert Vault at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St.

CHLOE BAILY ART Easy Going Gallery celebrates a new exhibit from artist Chloe Baily— "Kaleidoscopic Topic" at 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

FOOD + DRINKS

ANGELENA'S SUPPER CLUBS The next Supper Club is 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. Join Wine Director Brooke Parkhurst for a tasting tour around the Western Mediterranean. Angelena's is located at 101 E. Intendencia St. Cost is $75. Reservations can be made at greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

GREATER PENSACOLA SEMINOLE CLUB

KICK-OFF MEETING Join the Pensacola Seminole Club at the kick off of the 2023 football season 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Garden & Grain and Perfect Plain Brewing Co. celebrate four years with an ode to Margaritaville 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.

THE DOWNTOWN TROLLEY DINNER:

SUMMER EDITION Join the First Tee of Northwest Florida for a progressive trolley tour of historic downtown Pensacola. Tour includes five courses paired with hand-selected wines 4-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Tour begins and ends at Apple Annie's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $125 or $200 for a pair. Visit sevillequarter.com for tickets.

HANDS-ON CRAB CAKE CLASS Class is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $70 and available at bodaciousshops.com.

HANDS-ON PASTA CLASS Class is 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at bodaciousshops.com.

O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB'S BARTENDER CHAMPIONSHIP

O'Riley's Irish Pub will bring back its bartender championship 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 at 321 S. Palafox St. Up to 12 bartenders will compete for the top prize. Each bartender will make a unique cocktail with a special ingredient. Tickets for attendees are $25 and include several samples of all cocktails prepared by the bartenders and

sponsors. Free appetizers will be available to attendees for a limited time. Tickets can be purchased here and on orileyspub.com.

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT

AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.

JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE FRIDAY LUNCH

SERVICE Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St., is now open for lunch service 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. Chef Irv Miller has created a new lunch menu, which includes selections of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, featured plates and handselected steaks. Visit jacksonssteakhouse.com to see a full menu.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St.. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of Bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF AUGUST 17

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): The Lincoln Calibration Sphere 1 is a hollow globe of aluminum launched into Earth orbit in 1965. Fiftyeight years later, it continues to circle the planet—and is still doing the job it was designed to do. It enables ground-based radar devices to perform necessary calibrations. I propose we celebrate and honor the faithfulness of this magic sphere. May it serve as an inspiring symbol for you in the coming months. More than ever before, you have the potential to do what you were made to do—and with exceptional steadiness and potency. I hope you will be a pillar of inspiring stability for those you care about.

By Rob Brezsny

incubation, preparing the way for your next big thing. Honor the gritty, unspectacular work you have ahead. It will pay off.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): You're entering a phase when you will generate maximum luck if you favor what's short and sweet instead of what's long and complicated. You will attract the resources you need if you identify what they are with crisp precision and do not indulge in fuzzy indecision. The world will conspire in your favor to the degree you avoid equivocating. So please say precisely what you mean. Be a beacon of clear, relaxed focus.

and soul, to one other person—one wonderful, goofy, fallible person—in the hope that happilyever-after really does exist." The authors make good points, but their view of togetherness will be less than fully applicable to you in the coming months. I suspect life will bring you boons as you focus your intelligence on creating well-grounded, nourishing, non-melodramatic bonds with trustworthy allies.

quence every time. Some people live most of their lives this way: following well-established patterns in all they do. I'm not criticizing that approach, though it doesn't work for me. I need more unpredictability and variety. Anyway, Capricorn, I suspect in the coming weeks, you will benefit from trying my practice. Have fun creating variations on your standard patterns. Enjoy being a novelty freak with the daily details.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "Live as though you're living a second time and as though the first time you lived, you did it wrong, and now you're trying to do things right." Holocaust survivor and author Viktor Frankl offered this advice. I wouldn't want to adhere to such a demanding practice every day of my life. But I think it can be an especially worthwhile exercise for you in the coming weeks. You will have a substantial capacity to learn from your past; to prevent mediocre histories from repeating themselves; to escape the ruts of your habit mind and instigate fresh trends.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini author Jamie Zafron wrote an article titled "To Anyone Who Thinks They're Falling Behind in Life." She says, "Sometimes you need two more years of life experience before you can make your masterpiece into something that will feel real and true and raw. Sometimes you're not falling in love because whatever you need to know about yourself is only knowable through solitude. Sometimes you haven't met your next collaborator. Sometimes your sadness encircles you because one day, it will be the opus upon which you build your life." This is excellent advice for you in the coming months, dear Gemini. You'll be in a phase of

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Unless you are French, chances are you have never heard of Saint-John Perse (1887–1975). He was a renowned diplomat for the French government and a poet who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Now he's virtually unknown outside of his home country. Can we draw useful lessons for your use, Leo? Well, I suspect in the coming months, you may very well come into greater prominence and wield more clout. But it's crucial for the long-term health of your soul that during this building time, you are in service to nurturing your soul as much as your ego. The worldly power and pride you achieve will ultimately fade like Perse's. But the spiritual growth you accomplish will endure forever.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "Life is not so bad if you have plenty of luck, a good physique and not too much imagination." Virgo author Christopher Isherwood said that. I'm offering his thought because I believe life will be spectacularly not bad for you in the coming weeks—whether you have a good physique. In fact, I'm guessing life will be downright enjoyable, creative and fruitful. In part, that's because you will be the beneficiary of a stream of luck. And in part, your gentle triumphs and graceful productiveness will unfold because you will be exceptionally imaginative.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "You know how crazy love can make you," write Mary D. Esselman and Elizabeth Ash Vélez in their book "Love Poems for Real Life." "On any given day, you're insanely happy, maniacally miserable, kooky with contentment or bonkers with boredom— and that's in a good relationship." They add, "You have to be a little nuts to commit yourself, body

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "I don't adopt anyone's ideas—I have my own." So proclaimed Scorpio author Ivan Turgenev (1818–1883). Really, Ivan? Were you never influenced by someone else's concepts, principles, art or opinions? The fact is, all of us live in a world created and shaped by the ideas of others. We should celebrate that wondrous privilege. We should be pleased we don't have to produce everything from scratch under our own power. As for you Scorpios reading this oracle, I urge you to be the anti-Turgenev in the coming weeks. Rejoice at how interconnected you are—and take full advantage of it. Treasure the teachings that have made you who you are. Sing your gratitude for those who have forged the world you love to live in. You now have the power to be an extraordinary networker.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The Tibetan term "lenchak" is often translated as "karmic debt." It refers to the unconscious conditioning and bad old habits that attract us to people we would be better off not engaging. I will be bold and declare that sometime soon, you will have fully paid off a "lenchak" that has caused you relationship problems. Congrats! You are almost free of a long-running delusion. You don't actually need an influence you thought you needed.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): If you're like many of us, you have a set bathing routine. In the shower or bath, you start your cleansing process with one particular action, like washing your face, and go on to other tasks in the same se -

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In July 1812, composer Ludwig van Beethoven wrote a 10-page love letter to a woman he called "My Angel" and "Immortal Beloved." He never sent it, and scholars are still unsure of the addressee's identity. The message included lines like "you—my everything, my happiness . . . my solace—my everything" and "forever thine, forever mine, forever us." I hope you will soon have sound reasons for composing your own version of an "Immortal Beloved" letter. According to my astrological analysis, it's time for your tender passion to fully bloom. If there's not a specific person who warrants such a message, write it to an imaginary lover.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): At age 32, artist Peter Milton realized the colors he thought he used in his paintings were different from what his viewers saw. He got his eyes tested and discovered he had color blindness. For example, what he regarded as gray with a hint of yellow, others perceived as green. Shocked, he launched an unexpected adjustment. For the next 40 years, all his paintings were black and white only. They made him famous and have been exhibited in major museums. I love how he capitalized on an apparent disability and made it his strength. I invite you to consider a comparable move in the coming months.

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Make up a story about a time in the future when you will be excitedly content. {in}

freewillastrology.com

freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

I hope you will be a pillar of inspiring stability for those you care about.

Sing your gratitude for those who have forged the world you love to live in.

news of the weird

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE The infamous "Lake Tahoe Foot Fondler" couldn't outrun authorities forever, the New York Post reported. On Aug. 1, Mark Anthony Gonzales, 26, was arrested in Atwater, California, and charged with burglary and battery after two early July incidents at the Club Wyndham South Shore hotel in Nevada. According to police, Gonzales "entered two ... condominiums by opening unlocked screen doors. Once inside, he positioned himself at the foot of the bed and rubbed the feet of two separate adult females" in two different units. Gonzales fled when his victims woke up and confronted him. He is also suspected of trespassing and stealing women's shoes for sexual pleasure. He was being held for extradition back to Nevada.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Pinellas County (Florida) deputies are pleading with the public to stop calling them about manatees in canals and shorelines along the Gulf Coast, Fox13-TV reported on Aug. 1. People think the manatees are in distress because they're swimming in herds and thrashing about, but officials stress that the sea cows are only mating. "IF YOU SEE THIS ... DON'T CALL US," the sheriff's office warned via Facebook post. "We can assure you they are more than fine. Manatees actually mate in herds like these and often they are near the shore. ... There's no need to call, they are a-okay!"

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT In a stunning stroke of genius, the Alpha and Omega Funeral Home in Ahuachapan, El Salvador, started offering Barbie-themed coffins last year, the New York Post reported. With the movie's summer success, undertaker Isaac Villegas said they've been swamped with orders and have sold out of the hot pink caskets. "We wanted to promote the pink coffin as it has become a trend," Villegas said. "Of the 40 people who inquired about it, we have already closed a contract with at least 10 new clients." Similarly, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, funeral home Funeraria Olivares is offering a "Barbie House" coffin, "so you can rest like a Barbie." One manufacturer gushed about their product: "This coffin, with its striking bright pink color, represents the spark and energy of those unforgettable moments they lived." One El Salvadoran commenter conceded, "Eternal rest doesn't look so bad anymore."

NATURE GONE WILD Peggy Jones, 64, of Silsbee, Texas, got a little too close to nature for comfort on July 25 as she and her husband did yard work on their property. The New York Times reported that out of the blue, a snake fell from the sky, wrapped itself around Jones' forearm and started to squeeze. "I immediately screamed and started swinging my arm to shake the snake off," she said. "I was screaming, 'Jesus, help me, please, Jesus, help me!'" But the snake hissed and struck at her face, sometimes hitting her glasses. Then, as Jones struggled, a hawk swooped down and tried to grab the snake, which it had dropped from on high, from her arm. As it wrestled with the snake, its talons slashed into Jones' arm. Fi-

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

nally, the hawk got hold of the snake and flew off. She said the whole incident probably took only 15 or 20 seconds, but afterward, "I looked down at my arm and it was totally covered in blood." Jones' husband, Wendell, saw his wife screaming and running in a zigzag pattern: "By the time I got to her, she was pretty hysterical," he said. Doctors said most of her wounds were caused by the hawk rather than the snake. Jones says that she is healing physically but is still having nightmares about the incident.

NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP Early on July 28, Thornton, Colorado, police were called out about a stolen car, KKTV reported. As the officers gathered information, the suspect, 36-year-old Julian Fernandez, returned to the scene, but "quickly ran on foot from the area and out of sight," police said. While they watched, the man jumped over a security fence and started climbing a 320-foot radio tower. He eventually reached the top, where he stayed for 12 hours as crisis negotiators tried to reason with him. In the end, firefighters climbed the tower and brought Fernandez down.

UNCONVENTIONAL WEAPONRY A Sonic Drive-In restaurant in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was the scene of a gruesome assault on Aug. 1, Fox News reported. Police arriving at the scene found a man with a flagpole—American flag still attached— through his head. They said it had entered under his jaw and exited near his right temple. Witnesses reported that the suspect, Clinton Collins, allegedly charged the victim and ran the pole through his head, saying, "That's what he gets. He deserved it." Collins was taken into custody immediately. Emergency responders had to cut part of the flagpole away in order to fit the victim in the ambulance. He survived but may lose an eye, police said.

BRIGHT IDEA Pinecrest, Florida, has a peculiar problem: peacocks. The New York Times reported on Aug. 9 that the city has been overrun with the large, loud, destructive birds, which peck at roofs and cars and relieve themselves all over driveways. The solution? Peacock vasectomies. Dr. Don J. Harris, the veterinarian who will snip the feisty birds, said they're "bona fide polygamists. We're going to catch one peacock and probably stop seven females from reproducing. It's going to have an exponential benefit." County commissioners approved the plan, and city officials designated $7,500 a month to cover trapping and surgery.

IRONY An instructor at a driving school in Lakewood, Colorado, won't be getting a passing grade after crashing a car into the school's front window on Aug. 8—just under a sign that says "Learn To Drive." KDFW-TV reported that the driver, who was trying to park a Hyundai Tucson in front of the Community Driving School, was cited for a traffic violation. Police said there was only one minor injury. {in}