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Florida Blue is pleased to congratulate our very own Hong Potomski, Market Leader, for being named to Inweekly’s 2025 Power List
For more than 80 years, Florida Blue has been bringing health solutions to our communities that help them thrive. Whether that means being there for our members and non-members or supporting partners in the community, we are committed to addressing the needs of people and communities across the state.
HUNTER SCOTT In 1996, Ransom Middle School student Hunter Scott chose to research the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II. Former Congressman Joe Scarborough and this newspaper championed Scott's research. His school assignment evolved into a nationwide campaign that helped clear the name of the ship's captain, Charles McVay III, who had been unjustly court-martialed for the disaster. In 2000, Congress passed a resolution exonerating Captain McVay. Commander Hunter Scott will be the guest speaker at a special ceremony honoring the legacy of the USS Indianapolis on Tuesday, March 11, in the Blue Angels Atrium of the National Naval Aviation Museum.
PENSACOLA BEACH The 2024 Visitor Survey conducted by the University of West Florida's Haas Center revealed that Pensacola Beach is more than just a premier destination. It's an "economic powerhouse" for Escambia County, according to Santa Rosa Island Authority Executive Director Mike Burns. Tourism supported 8,242 jobs on Pensacola Beach, from hospitality and retail to entertainment and transportation. Visitors generated $287.6 million in personal income, helping sustain local workers and businesses. The total economic impact of $966.4 million fueled multiple industries beyond just hospitality. Tax revenue from tourism reached $131.8 million, directly funding public services.
WINN-DIXIE The grocery chain's parent company is encouraging applications for its annual grant program in honor of Black History Month. The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant supports organizations that work to address racial disparities in healthcare, food insecurity and education. Winn-Dixie created the program to honor the legacy of the grant's namesake, Ms. Romay Davis—a WWII veteran of the first all-Black Women's Army Corps unit and a cherished Winn-Dixie associate. Since its inception in 2020, the grant has awarded nearly $1.6 million in support of deserving nonprofits throughout the Southeast. Organizations throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are encouraged to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 at seggives.com/ grantapp through Aug. 31.
ASHLEE HOFBERGER The District 4 county commissioner had a rough week. Her attempt to fire County Administrator Wes Moreno and replace him with Chief Deputy Sheriff Tommi Lyter was dead on arrival. Her claim that she and fellow Commissioner Steve Stroberger were elected "on change and planning and moving forward" failed to get any support, even from Stroberger. Hofberger also found herself on the wrong side of a 7-2 vote at the Escambia Tourist Development Council meeting on Feb. 18, when fellow Tourist Development Council member Jim Reeves tried to get $1 million for the Gen. "Chappie" James Monument. Somebody is giving Hofberger bad political advice.
LEWIS The founder of Jaqueline Harris Preparatory Academy has made plenty of money thanks to the Escambia County School District. On Feb. 12, Lewis tried to buy the John Gibson School without telling the school board that her school needed a new location because her nonprofit was selling its current building. The same nonprofit was supposed to buy the former Agnes McReynolds School in East Hill from the school district in 2001. However, at close, Creative Projects (Lewis' for-profit company) bought the site. The academy then paid $10,000 monthly for the use of the school, which easily covered the $480,000 note. In 2014, Lewis sold the McReynolds property for more than $1.3 million.
Florida House Speaker Danny Perez set up working groups to review Gov. Ron DeSantis' vetoes in the 2024-25 state budget and determine if any should be overridden. Rep. Michelle Salzman chairs the House Combined Workgroup on Vetoed Water Programs. Her panel looked at 160 projects and agreed on 22 that could be considered for overrides. The list might get even shorter if any of the 22 projects are included in the Department of Environmental Protection's Water Quality Improvement Grant Program. It's uncertain if they will receive a floor vote, but Salzman told The News Service of Florida, "What we can say is what we did was effective, efficient and definitely benefited Floridians and even ourselves."
By Rick Outzen
In Escambia County, the powerful have found a new way to move forward when they don't win votes to kill projects before the Tourist Development Council or the Board of County Commissioners. The key is leaning on County Clerk Pam Childers, who will refuse to cut the checks.
The latest example is the Sacred Heart Foundation's request for $250,000 to promote its Wine on the Water fundraiser. On Dec. 17, the Tourist Development Council (TDC) approved the funding allocation for the new event, which aims to increase tourism in Escambia County. Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners also unanimously approved it.
The Sacred Heart Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Ascension Sacred Heart's mission of providing high-quality healthcare services to the community. The funds it raises contribute to the hospital system's ability to provide approximately $16 million annually in charity care and $122 million in uncompensated care charges annually. It's not difficult to see why the TDC and Escambia County Commission wanted to help them promote the event.
However, Pam disagreed, picked apart the Miscellaneous Appropriations Agreement and publicly mischaracterized the event. Rather than get into a political fight with the county clerk, the Sacred Heart Foundation withdrew its request last week.
In an email to Commission Chairman Mike Kohler, Pam wrote, "I've made some calls around the state, and I did not get any comfort that this event would qualify under scrutiny. I will accept the short snippet of 'tourism' expressed on the dais last night. However, I cannot pay under the current MAA (Miscellaneous Appropriations Agreement). The proposed MAA is written as a general funding agreement with 'public purpose' and 'health, safety and general welfare' findings. The Board did not make those findings. WW (Wine on the Water) is not receiving funding to promote health, safety and general welfare under a public purpose."
How is raising money for those who cannot afford healthcare not promoting health? Pam claimed the auditor would reject the funding and force the foundation to repay the
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money because "we do not pay for alcohol, and this is a 'wine' event." Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger brought up the same point at the TDC meeting last week when the panel discussed getting Pam's office to develop a checklist for funding requests.
"Melanie [Luna] in my office was also working with the clerk's office on almost a quick reference guide," Hofberger said. "So, for example, one of the last things that came up is you absolutely can't buy alcohol. So yes, you can use it for this, but no, you can't use it for that, just so it's clear to whoever's applying for the money."
But here's the rub. All the wine and alcohol for Wine on the Water will be donated. Pam and Ashlee would have known if they had called the foundation.
Also, the Walton County TDC does not have a problem promoting events that involve alcohol. It supports several such events, including a Bloody Mary Festival that raises funds for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County and other charities.
The irony is, at the same meeting where the Sacred Foundation withdrew its request, Pam went through verbal gymnastics to figure out how to give $1 million to the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation for its monument and plaza honoring the war hero.
The TDC rejected the group's request for $1 million. TDC Chairman David Bear informed the commissioners that the statute concerning the tourist development tax does not permit the construction of a plaza. Only convention centers, sports stadiums and arenas, aquariums and museums are allowed.
However, Pam and the commissioners wanted to give the nonprofit $1 million, so they circumvented the law.
"When I first looked at this, I immediately thought this is an open-air museum," Pam proclaimed. "It is the legislative finding that you need to make. This is tourism, to get off ground zero."
To date, no one has overruled the clerk. Her decisions are arbitrary and appear to please unknown persons. If you agree with me, let her know. Email pchilders@escambiaclerk.com. She should fight as hard for families as she does for "open-air museums." {in} rick@inweekly.net
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sacola State College.
The event's Walkabout Tasting includes local chefs serving Creole-inspired cuisine and the music of Corey Ledet Zydeco from 7-10 p.m. The zydeco artist has performed in 15 countries. In 2012, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for his "Nothin' But the Best" album, and then again in 2021 for his self-titled album on Nouveau Electric Records.
The VIP package includes the Crescent City Soirée from 6-7:30 p.m. on the college's Morette Sky Terrace. The rooftop reception features a special cooking demonstration by New Orleans chef John Besh. His flagship restaurant, August, is a Gayot Top 40 Restaurant and a Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Restaurant. It was nominated in 2012 and 2013 for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award and in 2014 for the Outstanding Service Award.
Besh will share the spotlight with local executive chefs Darian Hernandez, Irv Miller and Gus Silivos. The 9th Avenue Brass Band will play while guests are offered champagne, craft cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Standard tickets for the Walkabout Tasting are available for $65, while VIP packages, which include access to both events, are $125. Proceeds benefit the programs and mission of WSRE PBS. Visit wsre.org/events for event details and to purchase tickets.
CREATIVE FUNDING At its Feb. 20 meeting, the Escambia County Commission tackled how to give a local nonprofit $1 million to complete the proposed Gen. "Chappie" James monument at Wayside Park. Thanks to creative wordsmithing and the county clerk's blessing, they came up with the funds.
The crux of the debate was whether Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds could legally be used for the project. The Tourist Development Council (TDC) had previously recommended
$750,000 in funding, but the council rescinded the recommendation after questions arose about whether a "plaza" qualified under state statutes governing tourist development taxes.
TDC Chairman David Bear clarified that the original $750,000 TDT funding recommendation was conditional on getting an Attorney General opinion confirming eligibility. Pointing out that the requested funds were for the construction of a plaza for the monument, Bear said the only construction expenditures allowed for TDT funds were convention centers, stadiums, sports arenas, aquariums and museums: "This plaza does not fit within any one of those categories."
Two commissioners tried to reframe the project. Commission Chairman Mike Kohler said, "I agree that the word 'plaza' is wrong, but I also agree that in legal terms, lawyers technically use words that have to be argued in front of judges because it benefits their pocketbook."
Commissioner Steve Stroberger chimed in. "It's not a plaza. Let's not call it a 'plaza.' We can call it anything we want to. The local governing body decides. I don't believe we need an opinion from the attorney general so we can decide that."
Deputy County Attorney Kristin Hual said the commissioners needed to make a legislative finding that the project promotes tourism to allocate TDT funds. "We would need documentation of public ownership, which would mean the city must be the applicant and the recipient of the funding. We would need an independent economic analysis to support a finding that this, in fact, does promote tourism as it's defined in the statute."
Commissioner Lumon May offered to fund the project using funds other than TDC dollars.
"If we can't get this off base for TDT dollars, I'm willing to commit $150,000 of my discretionary out of my LOST [Local Option Sales Tax] to move this forward ... This is important to me. [General Chappie James] deserves to be recognized."
County Clerk Pam Childers said she would write the check using TDT funds. At the TDC meeting on Tuesday, she refused to comment on the issue but offered her views to the commissioners.
"This is going to be so simplified, but when I first looked at this, I immediately thought this is an open-air museum. That was what? Over a year ago. How long have we been talking about this?"
She continued, "It is the legislative finding that you need to make. This is tourism, to get off ground zero. There does have to be ownership through the city. There does have to be the feasibility study. I do not believe you have to go back to the attorney general. I believe that this board can handle it. I believe you understand the terminology, and I believe you need to check a couple of boxes. That sounds very simple, but that's where I stand."
The commissioners voted unanimously to give the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation $750,000 in TDT funds, $100,000
from the county's general fund and $25,000 from Chairman Kohler's discretionary fund.
The funds are contingent upon the city of Pensacola taking ownership of the monument and an economic analysis by the University of West Florida Haas Center to show the project promotes tourism.
Kohler mentioned that the foundation needed to raise more private donations since over 90% of the funding has come from government sources. "I've been frank with the foundation that they need to raise more money," he said.
However, Kohler's motion did not tie the county's funding to a specific dollar amount the foundation needed to raise.
At the same meeting, the Escambia County Commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about County Administrator Wes Moreno's employment contract. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger requested placing his contract on the March 6 agenda for discussion, citing the six-month window before the contract renewal date and expressing a desire to plan ahead.
"From an HR standpoint, you don't wait until 30 days out to decide if you're going to renegotiate or replace or suspend that contract," Hofberger said.
However, other commissioners pushed back on the proposed timeline and the public nature of such a discussion. Commissioner Lumon May expressed concerns about holding a public discussion on personnel matters, warning it could destabilize the organization. He said, "Once an administrator doesn't have the support of his board, he's a lame duck."
Deputy County Attorney Kristin Hual clarified that the administrator's contract provides two review options: individual reviews within a sixmonth window before expiration, or a collective review within 30 days of expiration in July.
Commissioner Steven Barry said he regularly provides feedback to both the administrator and county attorney. "I'm giving them an evaluation on a biweekly basis," Barry said, adding that he wouldn't support putting the contract discussion on the March 6 agenda.
Commission Chairman Mike Kohler suggested that commissioners meet with Moreno individually to discuss any concerns about county operations. He strongly disapproved of how some aspects were being handled, specifically mentioning an incident in which someone called him about the job while he was getting off a plane.
"I don't like how this process is going," Kohler said. He told the county administrator, "I'm going to dignify your 38 years of service. I am not going to have someone call me and tell me they're going for the job."
The chairman added, "Commissioner Hoffberger, I don't know if you were involved with it or if you know who called me, but I would rather do business a little bit different for me. And I'm just saying that I don't like doing that with people."
Hofberger defended her proposal. "I think as a county, a lot of us were elected on change and
planning and moving forward, so we need to plan for that. And I would like to discuss that plan more than 30 days out."
The commission ultimately did not schedule a formal discussion for March 6. Kohler said, "I don't think you're going to get a vote today on this. I think we should move forward in the next month with each individual commissioner talking with Wes about the issues."
SHE'S BACK The founder of Jaqueline Harris Preparatory Academy, Celestine Lewis, nearly scooped up the Gibson School at the Escambia County School Board meeting on Feb. 18. The board eventually approved the sale to the City of Pensacola with a 3-2 vote, with David Williams and Carissa Bergosh dissenting.
"Our building is up for sale," Lewis said. "I know I have been retired 30 years, have been running Jacqueline Harris for 24 years, and this coming school year will be 25. Johnny Gibson is a school I attended. We would like to develop that building and keep the structure there. I would like for it to be the home of Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy."
She offered the school board a letter of intent signed by her board chairman, David Alexander, "to renovate that property to have it be a school for children."
"John Gibson way back in the day—now we are African American, but it was for colored children. I was a little colored girl there at 876 North C Street," Lewis said from the microphone. "We'll pay you whatever you ask for it. We have been looking for property, and a lot of you I've spoken to—this is dear to my heart, and I think it'll be dear to this community's heart. I don't know what the city plans to do with it, but it needs to be there for children."
She accused the School District of closing every school in the African American community. "I'm not talking race; I'm talking about a fact here today. I paid my taxes, I've worked hard, and from May now, to have been in an operation. I want to go back to C Street. I think you need to give me that opportunity."
What Lewis didn't tell the school board is that New Road to Learning owns the school's current building. New Road to Learning is the nonprofit she formed in in 2001 to run Jaqueline Harris Preparatory Academy and buy the former Agnes McReynolds School from the school district. However, at close, Creative Projects (Lewis' for-profit company) bought the site. New Road to Learning signed a 10-year lease with Creative Projects and agreed to pay $10,000 per month.
In March 2014, Durga Das Trust bought the McReynolds School from Creative Projects for $1,305,000—$830,000 cash and a note for $475,000 due to Creative Projects. New Road to Learning continued to pay rent to Durga Das Trust, including the three years after the charter school moved to Pensacola Boulevard. The Durga Das Trust demolished the historic building and built housing on the site. {in}
By Rick Outzen
In Pensacola, one publication is crazy enough to quantify influence—annually ranking the movers, shakers and decisionmakers who shape our community. The Inweekly Power List emerged from an impromptu discussion at Atlas Oyster House in 2007, when a simple question sparked an ambitious project: who in Pensacola could make things happen with just one phone call?
The answer that night was clear—Fred Levin. But as the conversation flowed, I scribbled more names on a cocktail napkin: Judge Lacey Collier, Ted Ciano, Jim Reeves, Lewis Bear Jr., Ernie Lee Magaha, Collier Merrill, Quint Studer, Jim Cronley and Mort O'Sullivan. Little did we realize that informal list would transform into one of Pensacola's most anticipated and controversial features.
When a planned cover story fell through the next day, the cocktail napkin's top 10 expanded
into a list of 50. Published under the title "Who's the Man?", the inaugural Power List sparked immediate reaction. The phones lit up with those questioning their absence or ranking. An Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association luncheon turned heated over the list's title and its lack of diversity. Gulf Power CEO Susan Story ranked highest among women at number 16.
The controversy revealed something crucial: people were paying attention. What began as an emergency cover story had struck a nerve, demanding annual revisitation and expansion.
Today's Power List, now 100 names strong, has evolved beyond its humble origins. While elected officials rarely appear (their influence being inherent to their positions), the list celebrates a broader spectrum of power, from established business leaders to emerging voices driving change through grassroots organization and advocacy.
The selection process has matured from barstool discussions to a rigorous evaluation involving community input, multiple drafts and continuous refinement. Through spreadsheets and deliberation, we weigh additions and deletions, measuring impact against visibility, and traditional influence against transformative potential. It's an imperfect science, but one that captures a moment-in-time snapshot of who shapes Pensacola's present and future.
Belle Bear tops the 2025 Power List, making her the sixth woman and the third member of the Bear family to be ranked #1. Her influence may not be as visible and evident as others on this list, but when Belle Bear calls, you answer the phone. And if she asks for help, you—whether you are a weekly newspaper publisher or the governor of Florida— do everything possible to fulfill her request.
We hope you enjoy the 2025 Power List. {in}
Exquisite artwork hangs on the walls and the waterfront view is stunning in the main house of Belle Bear's Gulf Breeze estate.
As the matriarch of the Bear family, 84-yearold Belle is extraordinarily influential and yes, wealthy, but anyone who truly knows her describes her as unpretentious, sweet and humble. Belle shops at Dollar Tree, invites neighborhood children over to bake cookies and pays medical bills for her seamstress.
"I've never known anyone like her in my life; she has no ego," her best friend Mary Hoxeng said.
Co-founder, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area
President, University of West Florida
By Tom St. Myer
Hoxeng put Belle's kindness in perspective, saying that Belle discovered Mary was sick recently and within two hours delivered homemade matzo ball soup to her.
Ask Belle questions about the thousands of lives she has positively impacted through her philanthropy, and she defers credit to her late husband, Lewis Bear Jr.
"Well, you know, Lewis made it possible. He truly made it really possible for me. He taught us well. All of our children are really involved in the community, which is wonderful. We're lucky,"
said Belle, who joins Lewis (2009) and son David (2023) as the third Bear to rank No. 1 on the Inweekly Power List.
March 3 will mark two years since Belle lost her husband of 56 years. Born on Christmas day, Belle grew up in Selma, Ala., graduated from the University of Arizona and began teaching at a private school in Atlanta. She returned to Alabama for a wedding in Birmingham and met Lewis at the rehearsal dinner. The bride played matchmaker, sitting the two of them together, and Belle said it was love at first sight. The
couple began dating and were married within five months.
Lewis left an indelible legacy with his fingerprint on virtually every significant economic development in the region. Contrary to what she humbly says, Belle contributed significantly to his achievements. Lewis confided in her and sought her opinion on important issues, and she accompanied him to all of the events and business trips.
"For my dad, she was very loyal," their oldest child, Lewis III, said. "My mom always did all of that. She never knew it was an option not to."
Lewis III said his mom cooked dinner each night, and his dad always left the Lewis Bear Company in time for the family to eat together at 6 p.m. sharp. The couple still spent their nights eating together long after their three children, Lewis III, David and Cindi Bonner, moved out.
After his death, Belle managed to put on a brave face in public and kindly accept countless condolences, but at home, she felt the heartache and unfillable void that comes from losing the love of your life. The heartache remains today but she is slowly coming to grips with life after Lewis.
"The first year I was totally in denial, and now reality is setting in, to a point—but I still think he's coming home," Belle said.
Her children and grandchildren check on her daily and stop by the house frequently. Belle plans to move out of the Gulf Breeze estate and back to Pensacola to be closer to her family, but that requires sorting through a treasure trove of collectibles and opening a floodgate of memories.
"I'm not ready to clean the house," she said. "That's my big issue. Lewis was a collector. We both were, so there's lots of stuff to go through." Belle continued, "I have to move to town, though, because it's kind of silly when I'll call and I'll say, 'Lewis [III], I can't get so-and-so on my TV,' and he comes over the bridge to do it. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but yes, they keep up. Actually, one of the last things that Lewis said to them was, 'Take care of your mother and take care of each other.' And they are wonderful with me, and I try not to be a burden. I don't think I am. I'm not real demanding, but I always tell them I'm really in charge."
Belle starts every morning with two cups of coffee, changes into workout clothes and then eats a bowl of granola cereal while exercising for 30 minutes on her treadmill. "I'm just determined to keep moving," she said. Belle then vacuums up the crumbs and prepares for a day of meeting with friends or family.
One common characteristic among her friends is that they share her positive attitude.
"I made a decision several years ago that I don't have to be around anybody negative, because when they're negative, it pulls me down," Belle said. "I'm just not willing to do that. Life's too short for that."
Her closest friends are members of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. A founding board member in 2003, Belle is still extremely active in the organization. IMPACT 100 consists of women providing substantial grants to nonprofits in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Belle is the star recruiter for the organization, persuading women to pay the annual $1,000 membership cost. Pensacola Bay Area tops all IMPACT 100s across the county with over 1,000 members.
"She's probably responsible for 50% of the membership," Hoxeng said. "No one wants to say no to Belle Bear because she'll be the first to help you."
IMPACT 100 Founder Debbie Ritchie said Belle commits her heart, passion and financial resources to causes in the community. Her commitment includes extensive research to understand the issues.
IMPACT 100 members gravitate to Belle.
Her positive energy and sense of humor draw them in.
Ritchie recalls Belle hosting a group of women in her hotel room at an IMPACT 100 conference. The women laughed and told stories until security knocked on the door and asked about the ruckus.
"Belle opened the door and said, 'You must be making some kind of mistake because this is an old women's room. It couldn't possibly be this room.' She loves fun and she's fun to be around," Ritchie said.
Belle grew up in Selma with a family that prioritized philanthropy, and she has never wavered in her commitment to causes that better the community. Her philanthropic efforts for IMPACT 100, Arc Gateway, Junior League of Pensacola and a multitude of other nonprofits will be felt for years to come.
"When she believes in an organization, she's 100% behind it," Lewis III said. "When we buy things, she's not interested in that—she thinks we're wasting money. Her first comment is, 'You could have given it to charity.' She's just a goodhearted person."
Belle is a powerful presence in Tallahassee, successfully advocating for local nonprofits to receive state funding. During past trips, Belle developed friendships with former Gov. Rick Scott and his wife Ann. She attended parties and dined with the couple at the Governor's Mansion. The Scotts respected Belle so much that Ann assigned her to chair a committee in charge of the mansion grounds.
"She called me and asked me if I would be the chair. I said, 'Well, sure,' and she said, 'Well, it's for the grounds and all of that.' And I said, 'You mean, I gotta work in the yard,'" Belle said with a laugh.
For all of her remarkable philanthropy, her crowning achievement is the Bear Family Foundation that she co-founded with Lewis. Since 2003, the foundation has donated tens of millions of dollars to over 100 nonprofit organizations. Foundation contributions include $5 million to the University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and $4.5 million to the Baptist Health Care Bear Family Foundation Health Center.
The foundation comprises family members who award grants to nonprofits as far away as Tallahassee. Belle hosts the meetings in the pool house, which she describes as "neutral grounds," and her opinion carries tremendous weight with the family.
"She carries a strong voice in every conversation she's a part of," Cindi said. "We respect her opinions because she can speak on behalf of my dad also. She knew what his dreams were when he created that foundation."
Belle falls asleep each night and wakes up each morning missing Lewis, but she tackles the day with a purpose. The opportunity to help the less fortunate energizes her just as much as two cups of coffee, granola cereal and 30 minutes on the treadmill.
"When you help somebody or you feel good about something, you get that feeling right here," Belle said as she pointed to her heart. "You get more out of it than you're giving; you get that feeling."
Gulf Winds is proud to congratulate Daniel Souers on being named to Inweekly’s 2025 Power List.
At Gulf Winds Credit Union, we believe financial success starts with a partner who is invested in you, your goals, and your community. For 70 years, we’ve been empowering our members with the tools, resources, and personal service they need to move forward with confidence.
Congratulations to our own CEO, Ray Palmer for his leadership in local, regional and national sports tourism. And congratulations to Douglas Bates, Pensacola Sports board member, for his continued support of sports tourism and dedication to making the community better for all of us.
Pensacola Sports continues to drive economic impact and national recognition for our region, celebrating two major victories in sports tourism:
Beyond these milestone achievements, Pensacola Sports remains deeply committed to our community through legacy programs like the Bud Light Charity Tennis Challenge, raising funds for ARC Gateway, and the High School All-Star Series, recognizing and celebrating young athletes across the region.
George Bernard Shaw famously said, "Youth is wasted on the young." Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is defying that precept. The youngest person to be elected Pensacola mayor in 101 years, Reeves continues to positively impact his hometown.
Last February, Reeves signed a 10-year lease agreement with American Magic to establish Pensacola as the sailing capital of the U.S. Other significant accomplishments during his two-plus years as mayor include the largest citywide pay reform in city history (with 75% of that investment going to employees earning under $50,000 annually) and establishing a grants office responsible for over $100 million in grant funding in just two years.
Projects he is currently prioritizing include updating the Land Development Code to ease affordable housing construction, weighing bids from demolition companies to raze the Baptist Hospital legacy campus and launching early stages of the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park Project. That last project will focus on improving the 1.3-mile park area and amenities, expanding and beautifying the stormwater pond and connecting the park and pond to surrounding neighborhoods.
"There are a lot of projects that will have a positive impact on our community long after my time in office," Reeves said. "The last two years we've been setting up pins, and this year we're knocking them down."
Reeves is making his presence felt nationally, too. Last year, fellow mayors from across the county selected Reeves to serve on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The workaholic Reeves somehow manages about seven hours of sleep each night, but when awake, he grinds away for the sake of his hometown. The mayor put in his share of long days as chief of staff for Studer Community Institute and then owned four bars and oversaw 50 employees—but the hours as mayor come with an unmatched intensity.
"There are days when every 30 minutes there's a meeting that sets the direction for the city," Reeves said. "When you're being proposed to and talked to and relied on for decisions, those hours can be taxing. The quantity isn't the issue. It's the intensity."
The first Pensacola police chief to be elected Escambia County sheriff, Chip Simmons notched another milestone this past year when he became the first sheriff to run opposed for re-election in the 200-plus year history of the office.
Popular for ample reasons, Simmons prioritizes transparency and community engagement, embraces technology and bullishly tackles the fentanyl crisis
Accomplishments during his tenure include the narcotics unit doubling in size and his office opening channels with state and federal law enforcement agencies. The result? In 2024, his narcotics unit ex-
"I have been in law enforcement for nearly 40 years, and I've never seen anything as deadly as fentanyl," said Simmons, who began his career as a corrections officer for the county. "We know there's money involved in it and we can point to the connec-
Community engagement by Simmons and his office includes hosting roundtables on gun violence and mentoring youth through the male and female blazer academies. The academies immerse teenag-
ers ages 13-15 in mentorship and instruction on topics such as courtesy, empowerment, respect and responsibility. Earlier this month, his office launched the Dream Big Academy for children ages 5-11. The children receive specialized training and experience the life of a junior deputy.
"There's a need for mentorship to stop crime before it happens, address it before it blossoms into criminal behavior," Simmons said.
His office has embraced technology by establishing a real-time crime center. Star Network is a specialized facility that utilizes advanced technology and data analytics to gather, analyze and disseminate real-time information related to public safety. Simmons said the center acts as a deterrent and pays dividends in response time and apprehension of criminals.
Simmons previously served as chief deputy before being elected and taking office in 2021. The sheriff stepped into the role with a vision that has turned into a reality.
"I felt like we were a sleeping giant at the sheriff's office," Simmons said. "Now we're set up to enhance all of our engagement platforms, and we did the same thing with the enforcement side."
Vice President/General Manager NWFL, Florida Power & Light
Florida Power & Light's core values include commitment to excellence, doing the right thing and treating people with respect. No one incorporates those values better than J.T. Young.
The hometown son returned in 2022 to be the vice president and general manager of FPL's Northwest region. Since his return, Young has fostered initiatives that significantly increase employee engagement and has ensured the company remains steadfast in support of local nonprofits.
The charitable arm of FPL's parent company, NextEra Energy Foundation, awards grants three times a year to Northwest Florida nonprofits. Recent $10,000 recipients include AMIkids Pensacola, Pensacola Yacht Club's Satori Foundation and Youths Left Behind Corp. ReadyKids! and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida are other recent grant recipients.
Last year, Young served as chair of the Northwest Florida Heart Walk, and the charitable event surpassed its goal by raising $162,000. Young serves as co-chair of the Business Alliance for Escambia
and Santa Rosa counties and on boards for Health & Hope Clinic, Northwest Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Young balances his career and community activities while spending quality time with his family. He and his college sweetheart, Deidre, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this November. Their oldest son, Thomas, and his family live in Pensacola and their youngest, Joseph, lives in Paris. Young's mother and sister live in Pensacola, too. "I really enjoy our family time together," Young said. "Even though Joseph and his wife live in Paris, we generally get to talk to them most every day. And, of course, Deidre and I are extremely blessed and grateful to have Thomas and his family living near us, especially since it helps us to see Jordan often. We get together with them for meals frequently. And I am really blessed to still have my mother living less than 10 minutes away from us. She will be 100 years old in May and still lives with my sister in the house I grew up in. I either see her or talk with her every day."
Local government agency and business executives know to call on Pensacola State College President Dr. C. Edward Meadows for workforce development initiatives.
PSC serves as the epicenter of workforce development in the region. The college offers programs in aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics, carpentry, commercial driver's license training, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, electricity, engineering technology, hospitality, HVAC, massage therapy and welding, among others.
About to enter his 18th year as president, Meadows credits workforce development partnerships for the college continuing to increase enrollment since COVID-19. Examples include PSC partnering with the City of Pensacola to provide professional development programs and cohort-based classes for its employees. Another beneficial partnership for the region is with the Santa Rosa County Commission and Santa Rosa County Economic Development. County employees train at the PSC Truck Driving Training Facility to earn their CDL.
In January, the college launched its inaugural aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics course and in April, PSC will break ground on its Airframe and
Aviation Mechanics Training Center at the Pensacola International Airport. The partnership includes the City of Pensacola, the airport, ST Engineering, the State of Florida Department of Commerce and Santa Rosa County Economic Development. Funding sources include Triumph Gulf Coast, the Governor's Job Growth Grant and state appropriated funds.
"There are three certifications that students can get, and it certainly is going to boost the emerging aviation maintenance industry in Northwest Florida," Meadows said. "It's a big deal for our community and certainly some well-paid jobs down the line for not only adults that want a changing career but exiting military people that are getting out of the military that already have a background in aviation maintenance, as well as dual enrollment students."
Meadows' commitment to the community extends beyond PSC. He chairs the HCA Florida West Hospital board and serves on boards for FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and Achieve Escambia. His statewide reach includes serving on the advisory council for the Florida State University Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research and Education (InSPIRE) and as immediate past chair of the Florida College Systems Council of Presidents.
6. Peter Mougey Shareholder, Levin Papantonio
Recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Florida, Peter Mougey has represented over 1,500 state, municipal and institutional entities and tribal sovereign nations in litigation and arbitration. He served as a key negotiator in the nearly $60 billion settlements with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the "Big Three" drug distributors (Cardinal Health, Cencora and McKesson). Mougey serves on various boards and spearheads various community projects. He and his wife Katrina founded Heart of Pensacola to tackle health and nutrition in food deserts and have partnered with Backpack USA and Escambia County Public Schools to supply healthy, nutritious food to children.
7. Allison Hill
President/CEO, LifeView Group
CEO since 2016, Allison Hill is responsible for the daily functions of a $230 million, 2,500-employee human services organization that impacts lives in mul-
The University of West Florida graduate is active in the community. She serves in the UWF Executive Mentor Program, the UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Advisory Council and on local and statewide boards of directors, including the YMCA of Northwest Florida and the Florida Net-
8. David Deliman
Market Vice President Gulf Coast, Cox Communications
A former reporter and managing editor at WEAR-TV, David Deliman has been responsible for Cox Communications' day-to-day operations in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview and Niceville since 2016. Deliman is extremely active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, First Place Partners and Achieve Escambia.
Robert Rinke is in charge of the No. 1 independent real estate brokerage in the area, selling over $3 billion in real estate over the past 30 years. He and his partners have improved the quality of life for locals and tourists by developing over 1,000 resort condominiums including the Portofino towers on Pensacola Beach. Growing up in California, Rinke developed a passion for surfing. He is just as comfortable in the wa
Julian MacQueen founded Innisfree Hotels nearly 40 years ago. He still serves as its chairman, but his primary focus is on philanthropy. He and his wife Kim better the community, specifically the lower-income population, by supporting the Bail Project, Dixon School of Arts and Sciences, Escambia Children's Trust, the Equity Project Al liance, From the Ground Up Community Garden, The Hive, Independence for the Blind and Parent University. MacQueen attributes his generosity to the Bahá'í Faith, a religion that emphasizes the unity of all people.
Chandra Smiley, MSW CEO, Community Health Northwest Florida
Congratulations to our Power List honorees, who live and lead by our Mission each and every day.
Natasha Howard, MPA COO, Community Health Northwest Florida
Committed to assuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for the underserved, underinsuredand uninsured population, we treat each person with respect, dignity, and compassion regardless of age, gender, race, religion, circumstances or ability to pay.
Bill Yarbrough CEO, Emergency Care Partners
With over three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Bill Yarbrough has earned a stellar reputation for building and leading successful companies. Emergency Care Partners works with emergency medicine groups nationwide to provide world-class resources and emergency medicine management services that support hospitals, emergency physicians and advanced practice providers. The company serves 1.4 million patients annually. A University of West Florida graduate, Yarbrough is a board member of Arc Gateway and a member of the Alzheimer's Association and Lions Club International.
12. Marcus Michles Owner/Managing Partner, Michles & Booth
A member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for Trial Lawyers, Marcus Michles is responsible for some of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Northwest Florida. A retired Army captain and son of a disabled Vietnam veteran, Michles and his wife Cindy founded the Michles & Booth Family Freedom Foundation. The foundation provides financial assistance and professional services to the families of servicemen, firefighters and police killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The foundation puts an emphasis on establishing educational trust funds for the children.
13. Dr. Sunil Gupta Founder, RSI, IRIS & USR
A nationally recognized retinal surgeon, successful entrepreneur and healthcare pioneer, Dr. Sunil Gupta is the co-founder and medical officer of USRetina and founder, chairman and chief medical officer of Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems. IRIS is an FDA-cleared, cloud-based telemedicine tool for assessing retinal eye disease. His award-winning IRIS team is on a mission to end preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy and other conditions. Dr. Gupta is past chairman of the Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center and serves on the board of its research and education institute.
14.
Gabe Bullaro
CEO, HCA Florida West
CEO of HCA Florida West since 2022, Gabe Bullaro is maintaining its high standards. In 2024, HCA earned the Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, a database of ratings and comparisons for physicians, hospitals and healthcare providers. Healthgrades named HCA among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety for the eighth consecutive year. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Bullaro to the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees in 2022 and he serves as vice chair. Before venturing into healthcare, Bullaro served as the operations officer for the U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flew missions in response to Hurricane Katrina.
For the second year in a row, congratulations to Ascension Sacred Heart leaders for being named to InWeekly’s 2025 Power List. From care for everyday health to specialty and emergency care, we’re committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care, close to home.
Best Regional Hospital, 2024-25 U.S. News & World Report
Will Condon President and Chief Executive Officer
15. DeeDee Davis
Owner/CEO, NAI Pensacola
A former Gulf Breeze High School teacher who earned the Florida Teacher of the Year Award, DeeDee Davis bought NAI Pensacola in 2013. She guides a skilled team of commercial real estate professionals in brokering commercial sales, leasing and property management transactions. Davis served in the Florida House of Representatives and co-founded the Pensacola International Film Festival. Her affiliations include serving as a board member of the University of West Florida Foundation, past chair of the Board of Directors Council on Aging and chairman of the Pensacola Redistricting Commission.
16. Aaron Watson
Founder, The Watson Firm
Named one of the National Black Lawyers' Top 100 attorneys in the United States, personal injury attorney Aaron Watson founded The Watson Firm in 2016. Watson serves on the board of governors for his alma mater, Stetson University College of Law. He has served on the board of governors for the American Association for Justice, Florida Justice Association and the YMCA of Northwest Florida. He and his wife, Kimberly Watson, co-founded the Watson Family Foundation to provide support, mentoring and resources to local families. Their charitable activities include handing out over 1,000 turkeys and hams each Thanksgiving and hosting the Juneteenth Festival each summer.
17. Britt Landrum, III
President/CEO, Landrum
Britt Landrum, III began at the family company in 1992 and served 25 years before being named president and CEO. His experience includes sales, information technology, operations and management. Landrum serves on the University of West Florida Foundation Board of Directors, Northwest Florida Mental Health Taskforce, National Association of Professional Employer Organizations Board of Directors and as treasurer of the Florida Association of Professional Employment Organizations. His extracurricular activities include competing in Ironman races and playing in a band. He is the worship leader at Central Waterside Church.
18. Bruce Vredenburg
Pensacola & Emerald Coast Market President, Hancock Whitney Bank
A banker invested in community development, Bruce Vredenburg is in his 17th year at Hancock Whitney and 14th as market president for Pensacola and Emerald Coast markets. Vredenburg serves as board chair and executive committee chair of the University of West Florida Board of Directors. He is a member of the recently established Business Alliance. Business owners and managers formed the alliance to share thoughts, insights and advocacy on issues impacting commerce and economic development in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Vredenburg previously served as board chairman for HCA Florida West.
President/CEO,
Ted Ent began his hospitality career over 30 years ago as a dishwasher at a state park. Today, he runs the day-today operations of a company with $1 billion in assets under management and properties in Florida, Alabama and South Carolina. His philosophy is "focus on the people first, and the product will follow." Ent is active in the community supporting philanthropic initiatives by Innisfree founder Julian MacQueen and serving on the University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business Advisory Council.
20. Justin Witkin
Founding/Managing Partner, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
Under Justin Witkin's guidance, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz has grown from two attorneys and two staff members to over 20 attorneys and 300 staff members. Witkin serves as settlement counsel for the law firm. He has negotiated settlements for thousands of clients and secured over $2 billion in settlement funds. Awards and recognitions for Witkin include American Jurisprudence awards in torts, income tax, antitrust and social science, member of the Order of the Coif and Martindale-Hubbell "AV" Rating. The Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Justice Foundation contributes to dozens of local charities and sponsors the Justice Jog to support its scholarship fund.
A seasoned real estate attorney serving the Pensacola community for over 30 years, Stephen Moorhead's primary areas of practice include real estate litigation, real estate development and all aspects of complex commercial and real estate transactions. Moorhead is extremely active in the community. He serves as general counsel for the Home Builders Association of West Florida and serves on boards for Achieve Escambia, ReadyKids! and the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. A sixth generation Floridian, Moorhead graduated from Woodham High School.
Named president and CEO in 2022, Daniel Souers has infused Gulf Winds Credit Union with his energy, leadership, marketing touch and community outreach. Shortly before Souers came on board, the credit union established the Gulf Winds Foundation. Since his arrival, the foundation has financially supported basic needs, elder and youth services, and financial education including scholarships for high school seniors. Before Gulf Winds, Souers served as chief experience officer for the $1.3 billion First Service Credit Union in Houston.
Known for passionately serving clients, Cyndi Warren is an expert in individual and corporate tax planning and tax code compliance, specializing in the construction board. She shares her expertise as a keynote speaker at conferences across the country. Her extensive community involvement includes being co-chair and treasurer of IMPACT 100 Global Council, past president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola, University of West Florida Foundation Board of Directors, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation Executive Board and Fiesta Pensacola Executive Board.
25. Joe Zarzaur Founder, Zarzaur Law, P.A.
Perhaps the most recognizable attorney in the panhandle, billboards with pictures of Joe Zarzaur and the catchy "I Hate Joe Zarzaur" slogan are seemingly everywhere. The personal injury attorney is among the 1% in Florida who are board-certified civil trial lawyers. His clients have re ceived record jury verdicts in Escambia ($9.3 million) and Santa Rosa ($16 million) for injury and wrongful death cas es. Zarzaur is active in philanthropy through the Zarzaur Law Legal Graffiti event and by making direct gifts to Gulf Coast Kid's House and FavorHouse. He is also an accom plished Ironman athlete.
26. Delbert Lee Morgan
President/CEO, Pen Air Federal Credit
Named the president and CEO in 2021, Delbert Lee Morgan provides Pen Air with 30 years of credit union experience. Early in his tenure, Pen Air converted from a federal charter to a state charter. Members voted for the conversion. Pen Air offers 12 locations in Northwest Florida and South Ala bama and serves customers from Mobile County to Leon County. Its assets top $2.9 billion. The credit union actively supports the community including scholarships for students in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Baldwin counties and its Jeans for Communerosity in which employees donate $50,000 annually to local nonprofits.
27. Bryan Aylstock
Founding Partner, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
Named a 2024 Florida Trend Florida 500 honoree, Bryan Aylstock made national headlines as co-counsel in the 3M case. Aylstock represented veterans who said 3M earplugs failed to protect their hearing during their military service. Aylstock won four of the first five bellwether trials before 3M settled, agreeing to pay his clients $6.01 billion. His memberships include the American Inns of Court, the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association and the Florida First Judicial Bench and Bar Professionalism Committee Panel.
28. Mark Faulkner
President/CEO, Baptist Health Care
Mark Faulkner oversees the only locally-owned, nonprofit healthcare organization in Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Baptist Health Care is settling into its new state-of-the-art campus at the intersection of Brent Lane and I-110. The organization consists of four hospitals, two medical parks, Baptist Manor, Baptist Leadership Group, Andrews Institute, Lakeview Center, Baptist Medical Group and Cardiology Consultants. Faulkner prioritizes health and education for children. His community service includes being Achieve Escambia chair, launching Achieve Healthy EscaRosa and supporting the Escambia Children's Trust referendum.
29. Chandra Smiley
Executive Director/CEO, Community Health Northwest Florida
Driven by a desire to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare for low-income families, Chandra Smiley is in the perfect role overseeing the nonprofit Community Health Northwest Florida. Since Smiley took over in 2014, Community Health has expanded access to care by increasing the number of employees, sites and types of services offered to patients. Smiley serves on the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Governors, the YMCA Board of Directors and is the North Florida regional representative for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers.
30. Lee Bell
President, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Responsible for promoting the strategic plan of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, Lee Bell is in charge of the 80-yearold CPA-led consulting firm. Saltmarsh is one of the largest firms in the Southeast and provides accounting, tax and advisory/consulting services to clients throughout the U.S. Bell plays integral roles in firm practices, serving highly regulated industries including financial institutions and healthcare. His consulting background includes private equity matters, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation and litigation support.
John Adams
Brian Aylstock
Douglas Bates
Nix Daniel
Robert Emmanuel
Ed Fleming
Therese McKenzie
Marcus Michles
Stephen Moorhead
Peter Mougey
Eric Stevenson
Scott Remington
Shane Rowe
Aaron Watson
Justin Witkin
Joe Zarzaur
and Executive Director
Allison Hill President and CEO
Shawn Salamida President
1. Belle Bear, Co-founder, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area
2. D.C. Reeves, Mayor, City of Pensacola
3. Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff
4. J.T. Young, Vice President/ General Manager NWFL, Florida Power & Light
5. Dr. C. Edward Meadows, President, Pensacola State College
6. Peter Mougey, Shareholder, Levin Papantonio
7. Allison Hill, President/CEO, LifeView Group
8. David Deliman, Market Vice President Gulf Coast, Cox Communications
9. Robert Rinke, Developer, Levin Rinke Realty
10. Julian MacQueen, Chairman/ Founder, Innisfree Hotels
11. Bill Yarbrough, CEO, Emergency Care Partners
12. Marcus Michles, Owner/Managing Partner, Michles & Booth
13. Dr. Sunil Gupta, Founder, RSI, IRIS & USR
14. Gabe Bullaro, CEO, HCA Florida West
15. DeeDee Davis, Owner/CEO, NAI Pensacola
16. Aaron Watson, Founder, The Watson Firm
17. Britt Landrum, III, President/ CEO, Landrum
18. Bruce Vredenburg, Pensacola & Emerald Coast Market President, Hancock Whitney Bank
19. Ted Ent, President/CEO, Innisfree Hotels
20. Justin Witkin, Founding/ Managing Partner, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
21. Stephen Moorhead, Founder, Moorhead Real Estate Law Group
22. Daniel Souers, President/CEO, Gulf Winds Credit Union
23. Chad Henderson, CEO, Catalyst HRE
24. Cyndi Warren, Managing Member, Warren Averett
25. Joe Zarzaur, Founder, Zarzaur Law, P.A.
26. Delbert Lee Morgan, President/ CEO, Pen Air Federal Credit Union
27. Bryan Aylstock, Founding Partner, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
28. Mark Faulkner, President/CEO, Baptist Health Care
29. Chandra Smiley, Executive Director/CEO, Community Health Northwest Florida
30. Lee Bell, President, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
31. Will Condon, President/CEO, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola
32. Sandy Sansing, President, Sandy Sansing Automotive
33. Dr. Morley Stone, CEO, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
34. Dr. Lonnie Wesley, Pastor, Greater Little Rock Baptist Church
35. Bobby Switzer, Managing Partner, One Palafox Place
36. Travis Jones, Mill Manager, International Paper
37. Hong Potomski, Market Leader, Florida Blue
38. Scott Remington, Shareholder, Clark Partington
39. Greg Harris, Owner, Pensacola Ice Flyers
40. Mary & Dave Hoxeng, Owners, ADX Communications
41. Robert Emmanuel, Director, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon
42. Brian Spencer, Founding Principal, SMP Architecture
43. Cindi Bonner, Pensacola Director, Rally Foundation
44. Holly Benson, CEO, Screen Corps
45. Justin Labrato, COO, Ascension Sacred Heart
46. Howard Reddy, Vice President for University Advancement, University of West Florida
47. Rick Byars, Senior External Affairs Manager, Florida Power & Light
48. Brian Barr, President, Levin Papantonio
49. Ray Palmer, President/CEO, Pensacola Sports
50. Haley "Hale" Morrissette, Director of Operations, Overflow Health Alliance; Owner/CEO, Life is Hale & Soul Step Solutions
51. Michael Carro, Principal, SVN Southland Commercial Real Estate
52. J. Nixon Daniel, III, Attorney, Beggs & Lane
53. Johnnie Wright, Senior Vice President/Market Leader, SmartBank
54. Larry Kuhn, Founder, Kuhn Realty
55. Shawn Salamida, President, Lakeview Center
56. Shane Rowe, Shareholder, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon
57. Dr. Justine Williams Roper, Owner, InHer Physique
58. Therese Felth & Alistair McKenzie, Attorneys, McKenzie Law Firm
59. Kristin Longley, Director of Public Affairs, Cox Communications
60. Kimberly Adams, General Counsel, Levin Papantonio
61. John Adams, Managing Partner, GrayRobinson
62. Eric Stevenson, Attorney, Fasig Brooks
63. Lewis Bear III, Vice President, Lewis Bear Co.
64. Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager, International Paper
65. Robert Hill, Owner, WRNE
66. David Peaden, External Affairs Manager, Florida Power & Light
67. Walker Wilson, Executive Director, Downtown Improvement Board
68. Madrina Ciano, Founder/CEO, Krewe of SWAT
69. Jennifer Mancini, Executive Director, Home Builders Association of West Florida
70. Ryan Wiggins, Chief of Staff, Lincoln Project
71. Leslie Perino, COO/Account Manager, EW Bullock Associates
72. Mark Lee, Broker, Levin Rinke Realty
73. Kathy Sandstrom, Founder/Partner, The Handlebar
74. Cameron Cauley, PresidentProperty Management, NAI Pensacola
75. Veronique Zayas, Owner/Creative Director, HatchMark Studio
76. Monique Brown, Operations Support Manager, Emergency Care Partners
77. Maria Goldberg, Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Events, Great Southern Restaurants
78. Lisa Long Lyter, Owner/Creative Strategist, Red Iron Design House; Partner/Editor-in-Chief, Local Pulse
79. Gary Michaels, Operations Director/ Realtor, Levin Rinke Realty
80. Josh Newby, President/CEO, Council on Aging of West Florida
81. Ebony Cornish, Account Manager, Amergis Healthcare Staffing
82. Danny Zimmern, Commercial Division Owner, The Zimmern Team
83. Lusharon Wiley, Executive Director, Equity Project Alliance
84. Jenny Pittman, Vice PresidentProperty Management, NAI Pensacola
85. Ryan Tilley, Director of Strategic Program Execution & Innovation, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
86. Sid Williams-Heath, CEO, The Clark Family Cultural Center
87. Natasha Howard, Chief Experience Officer, Community Health Northwest Florida
88. Devin Cole, President, Strive
89. Grace McCaffery, President, Latino Media Gulf Coast
90. Alicia Waters, Client Relationship Manager, Watson Law Firm
91. William Reynolds, Creator, northescambia.com
92. Douglas Bates, Attorney, Clark Partington
93. Todd Thomson, President/CEO, Greater Pensacola Chamber
94. Harold Griffin, Director of Business Development, ITL Solutions
95. Mike Kimberl, Director, Alfred-Washburn Center
96. Brian Wyer, President/CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber
97. Jeff Nall, Executive Director, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
98. Robin & Lloyd Reshard, Founders, Kukua Institute
99. Lauren Anzaldo, Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System
100. Sylvia Tisdale, Founder, Epps Christian Ministries
When we created the first Inweekly Power List in 2007, we wanted it to be vibrant and ever-changing as influence and power evolved in our community. As roles shifted and greater Pensacola grew, we wanted the names and rankings to reflect what was happening. However, those who topped the list needed a special place. Thus, the Power List Hall of Fame was created.
The flamboyant Pensacola trial attorney and native son was an easy choice to top the inaugural Power List. In 1993, he crafted Florida's $13.2 billion settlement with the tobacco industry. Levin received the Perry Nichols Award in 1994, the highest honor bestowed by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. In 2009, Levin was inducted into the National Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He passed in 2021 but is remembered for his brilliance, showmanship and quick wit. Several buildings bear Levin's name, like the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law and Fred Levin Way in downtown Pensacola.
Few Pensacola natives have accomplished as much as Merrill has in so many areas. In real estate and commerce, he is the president of Merrill Land Company and the Great Southern Restaurant Group. He has served as president of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida and chaired Visit Pensacola, Community Maritime Park Associates, Pensacola Chamber and the Pensacola-Escambia County Promotion and Development Commission. In the community, Merrill served as the founding chairman
of the University of West Florida's Board of Trustees, Pensacola Museum of Art's president and Fiesta's DeLuna LXV. Merrill knows not only the powerful but also their gatekeepers. He helped guide American Magic's relocation to Pensacola.
Pensacola lost one of its biggest champions when Lewis Bear Jr. passed in 2023. As president and CEO of the Lewis Bear Company, a wholesale beer distributorship that his great-grandfather founded in 1876, Bear played a major role in the area's economic development for decades—with the Pensacola Chamber, FloridaWest, Pensacola-Escambia Economic Development Commission, University of West Florida and Triumph Gulf Coast. He was a legendary force in Florida politics, both locally and statewide. Politicians knew to take his phone calls. The Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart, Baptist Hospital and YMCA have facilities bearing his family's name, as does the University of West Florida's Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business.
The Studer Group founder has been the catalyst for Pensacola's renaissance—from championing the Community Maritime Park, to bringing Pensacola an MLB Double-A team, to investing over $100 million in new office buildings and housing in downtown Pensacola, to donating millions towards local education, healthcare and charities. Inc. Magazine named Studer its Master of Business, and Modern Healthcare chose him for its 100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare. He has authored over a dozen books. "Results That Last" and "The Busy Leader's
Handbook" became Wall Street Journal bestsellers. His Studer Community Institute has launched several projects, including the Building Brains program, Venture Mentoring Services, EntreCon and CivicCon. He has personally mentored and coached hundreds in Pensacola and other communities nationwide.
In 2010, the Pensacola native was elected Pensacola's first strong mayor since W.D. Chipley. Hayward oversaw the completion of the Community Maritime Park and Admiral Mason Park, and the renovation of the downtown library. He championed diversity and built two community centers in the city's urban core, the Theophalis May Resource Center and Woodland Heights Resource Center. Since stepping down in 2018, Hayward has served as president of the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, working with Dr. James Andrews to expand orthopedic research and innovation nationwide. No one works a room better than Hayward.
Pensacola came to know Dr. Bense through her "Unearthing Pensacola" segments on WUWF. Before being the University of West Florida's fifth president in 2008, she established the UWF Anthropology/Archaeology program and the Florida Public Archaeology Network. As the institution's first female president, Bense transformed UWF from a commuter campus to a residential one with students living and learning on campus by adding residential halls, modern academic facilities and a football program. After she stepped down in 2017, the UWF Board of Trustees cemented her legacy by naming her president emeritus.
The unknown retired Air Force police officer and private investigator shocked the good old boys when he beat the well-financed, twoterm incumbent in a GOP primary in August 2008—the biggest upset in Escambia County history. The powerbrokers and the News Journal didn't know how to deal with a sheriff who didn't play favorites. They did their best to make him a one-term sheriff, but Morgan
easily won re-election twice. Despite constant political attacks, he built a professional organization that the community trusted.
Considered the nation's top trial attorney, Pensacola's Renaissance man is a lion in the courtroom, the author of several bestselling thrillers and an accomplished jazz musician. He helped create Air America Radio, which has evolved into The Ring of Fire Network and amassed over one million subscribers. He has been awarded the Perry Nichols Award, Defender of Justice Award from the American Association for Justice, Temple University Beasley School of Law's Award for Social Justice and the Compassionate Gladiator Award from the Florida Justice Association. He has been featured in several award-winning documentaries, including "Jesus Camp," "The Devil We Know" and "The Oxy Kingpins."
The president and CEO of Gulf Power Company worked his way up Southern Company's corporate ladder with steps at all its subsidiaries. After he came to Pensacola in 2012, Connally served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of Achieve Escambia, Capital City Bank Group, Florida Council of 100 and Enterprise Florida. Before Gulf Power's sale to NextEra Energy, he was promoted to executive vice president of operations for Southern Company.
In 2017, we lost Terry when she was promoted to senior vice president of the Metro Atlanta Region for Georgia Power. However, her decade of living in Pensacola profoundly impacted this community. She was the highest-ranking Black woman at Gulf Power and served on the Community Maritime Park Associates and the University of West Florida boards. Terry also worked to make the multicultural center Voices of Pensacola a reality and mentored several young female leaders in our area.
The Studer Family of Companies co-CEO has created and overseen several businesses in downtown Pensacola and Janesville, Wisc. Her retail shops have revived the once-dead Main and South Palafox intersection into the vibrant SoGo District. Studer has had a hand in all the family renovations, including Five Sisters Blues Café in the heart of historic Belmont-DeVilliers and the former SunTrust Building on Garden
Street. She and her husband, Quint, have made numerous sizable donations to nonprofits and local hospitals and funded several scholarships at the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College.
The veteran politician, banker, attorney, developer and entrepreneur has been a force in Pensacola for decades. He was elected to the Florida House and Pensacola City Council. He sponsored the bill that created the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board, which has evolved into the University of West Florida Historic Trust. Reeves chartered two federal savings and loans, three banks and one bank that he took over—Liberty Bank, which became Hancock Whitney Bank. On Pensacola Beach, Reeves built the Tiki Motel, Howard Johnson Inn and the Mai Kai Motel, home to the Sandshaker Lounge. He also founded the McGuire's Irish Politician Club with McGuire Martin, further validating his induction into the Hall of Fame.
The Pensacola native, general contractor and co-founder of the Southern Youth
Sports Association (SYSA) won a third term on the Escambia County Commission in 2020. He has become one of the most popular and, at times, controversial commissioners due to his advocacy for those often overlooked. May created Escambia County's Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides paid internships to local youth in various community departments. He received support from his fellow commissioners to develop the Brownsville Community Center. May has successfully reached across political lines to help Escambia County residents.
For over 40 years, Straughn has been a regular guest in homes as the evening news anchor for WEAR-TV. In 1979, Straughn created Communities Caring at Christmas, which annually provides a special holiday season for our most vulnerable children. She helped found the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) and has served on countless boards, including Covenant Hospice Foundation, Autism Pensacola, American Red Cross and Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board. She's also a longtime supporter of Arc Gateway and Fa -
vorHouse. Straughn is a much sought-after emcee for local charity events.
Rafferty has litigated cases many saw as impossible and received numerous jury verdicts and settlements over $10 million. He served as Florida Justice Association's president from 2014-2015. In 2016, FJA awarded him the Perry Nichols Award, its highest honor. Rafferty championed the cause of the men who had been tortured and raped while attending the Dozier School for Boys. Thanks to his advocacy, the Florida Legislature approved $20 million for a fund to compensate the victims. Rafferty has since launched his own firm, Rafferty Domnick Cunningham and Yaffa, with offices in Pensacola and West Palm Beach.
The weight of leading a family-owned business founded in Pensacola in 1876 might seem daunting. Add to that pressure following a father's legacy of having a hand in every Escambia County economic development for 50 years, and you might be tempted to sell the business and retire. Not David Bear. He has accepted these challenges and added to
the Bear family's rich legacy. When the Arts Council fell apart, Bear founded Art, Culture and Entertainment, Inc. (ACE), which created Foo Foo Fest to promote local arts and culture. He chairs the Triumph Gulf Coast, FloridaWest and Escambia County Tourist Development Council boards. Bear gets things done, like his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
Dr. Saunders has transformed the University of West Florida during her eight-year presidency, leading the institution to record enrollment, fundraising success and national recognition. Under her guidance, UWF achieved status as one of Florida's top-performing public universities for three consecutive years and consistently ranks among the South's top public regional institutions. Described by colleagues as "inspiring, driven, tenacious, energetic and focused," Saunders brings decades of experience as a trailblazing leader, having broken glass ceilings across multiple states. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision have attracted major gifts, including two $5 million donations naming the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and the Usha Kundu MD College of Health. {in}
KREWE OF LAFITTE ILLUMINATED
MARDI GRAS PARADE Head to downtown Pensacola for the Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 on Palafox and Government streets.
ILLUMINATED LIGHTS: MARDI GRAS
VIEWING PARTY Watch the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade from the balcony of Bodacious with treats 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $60 and available on Eventbrite.
MARDI GRAS DOG SHOW Dog competitions, food vendors and more 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 2 at Escambia Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway.
MARDI GRASS & BRASS AT THE HANDLEBAR Show featuring The New Cahoots and 5 Mile Brass 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets and information at thehandbar850.com.
MARDI GRAS WEEKEND AT SEVILLE QUARTER Start your Parade Day off at Seville Quarter with all the festive Mardi Gras Krewes and pre-parade parties 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 and 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1 ahead of the Grand Mardi Gras Parade, which rolls at 2 p.m. On Fat Tuesday, Seville Quarter will transform into the French Quarter from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Located at 130 E. Government St. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MARDI PARTY AT THE LOFT Watch the parades and enjoy festive drinks, king cake and more at The Loft at the Mercantile, 2 Intendencia St. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Details at rustedarrowmercantile.com/events.
PENSACOLA GRAND MARDI GRAS PARADE Watch the Grand Mardi Gras parade 2-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1 in downtown Pensacola on Palafox and Government streets. Details at pensacolamardigras.com.
MARDI GRAS PARTY AT ODD COLONY Get in spirit of Mardi Gras with Nite Tripper Kettle
March 1 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.
KREWE OF WRECKS STREET DANCE Bring your beads, napkins, umbrellas and more to enjoy a New Orleans-style street dance at Crabs, 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk, 12 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Open to the public.
KREWE OF WRECKS PARADE Head to Pensacola Beach for the Krewe of Wrecks Parade 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2 along Via de Luna to Gulfside Pavilion.
RED BEANS AND RICE The Krewe of Wrecks serves up free red beans and rice 11 a.m. Monday, March 3 at Sandshaker, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Open to the public.
KREWE OF COMA Mardi Gras season finishes with Krewe of Coma Lighted Hat Contact and Coronation ceremony 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4.
4TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BEAD TREE
CLEAN-UP Help clean up the beads in downtown Pensacola to be collected and donated to Arc Gateway where they will be sorted, sanitized and repackaged for next year. The clean up is 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 9 on Palafox and Government streets. Find the volunteer sign up sheet at pensacolamardigras.com.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS ANNUAL LUNCHEON The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Northwest Florida Unit will host its annual luncheon 11 a.m. Friday, March 7 at the University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 22 Room 230. Tickets are $25. Tables are $150. Details available at naswfl.org/northwest-unit.html.
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. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must
be 18 or older 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. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
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 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are poptop 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, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 7233390 for details.
MORNING AT THE MUSEUM AT NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM "Morning at the Museum" at the National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd., includes a Chick-fil-A breakfast, presentations from the Museum's curatorial staff and a movie in the giant screen theater. Guests also have the chance to win prizes. Doors open at 9 a.m. and presentations begin at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 each. No admission for children under 4. Purchase tickets at navalaviationmuseum.org/tickets. Dates include Feb. 25, Jerusalem; Feb. 28, Desert Elephants.
SEAN OF THE SOUTH Event is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
24 HOUR THEATRE Actors and writers will audition, write and produce a play within 24 hours starting 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 and perform the play 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and information available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
ARTIST MINGLE Come meet Artist of the Month Roy Davidson and mingle with friends at The Gordon, 306 N. DeVilliers St., 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Free admission.
PENSACOLA COMMUNITY ARTS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: HALLELUJAH CAFÉ From playwright Leroy Williams, this comedic play will be performed at Pensacola High School Auditorium, 500 W. Maxwell St., 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Tickets are $15 and available at pcaraonline.com.
CUBED 2025: LIVE PAINTING EVENT
Head to Museum Plaza and watch artists paint murals 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Details at pensacolamusuem.org.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE Monthly improv show the first Saturday of the month. The next Improvable Cause show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1
at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and information available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
STAMPED OSCAR PARTY Watch the 97th Annual Academy Awards with Stamped Film Festival 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details at facebook. com/stampedfilmfestival.
COMEDIAN STEVE HOFSTETTER Show is 8 p.m. Monday, March 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets and information at thehandlebar850.com.
IHMC LECTURE SERIES The next IHMC lecture is 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 with Michael Larson located at 40 S. Alcaniz St. Details at ihmc.us.
SCENES AND SIPS Watch an exclusive short film showcase with samples of five wines and handcrafted drinks 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at 121 S. Palafox St. Email forc3studiosllc@gmail.com for details.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Pensacola Little Theatre production with showtimes 7:30 p.m. Fridays March 7 and 15, Saturdays March 8 and 15 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays March 9 and 16. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and information available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
2025 PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL Pensacola Cinema Art is hosting a weekend of screenings featuring the Oscar-nominated short films as well Oscar-nominated and winning films. Showtimes are 1 p.m. Friday, March 7, 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8, and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at Pensacola Cinema Art, 220 W. Garden St. All screenings are $10 cash per person, per film. Free snacks and one free beverage included. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for details.
GALLERY TALKS: PAGLIACCI Enjoy a short performance from Pensacola Opera and lecture highlighting opera's relationship with visual art, history and music. The talk is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.
BLUE MORNING GALLERY: SPRING FLING
The latest Blue Morning Gallery exhibit is Spring Fling with featured artists Jan Hoffman, Mark Schmitt and Kathy Stewart. The gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St. Join the artists for a reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
RISING TIDE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN
DEPP This exhibition is part of Ben Depp's ongoing project documenting the rapidly shifting landscape of Southern Louisiana. Depp has been flying above the bayous and wetlands of Southern Louisiana in a powered paraglider for 10 years, photographing the visual clues that tell the story of this place and its destruction. Exhibit on view through Friday, April 4 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for hours.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch oth-
ers perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
THE BRENT LOFTS ART EXHIBIT Exhibit of Sally T. Miller, abstract painter, and Erica Dukes, travel photographer inside The Brent Lofts, 17 S. Palafox St. Exhibit will be on display through March 30. Details at facebook.com/thebrentlofts.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.
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 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 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Se -
ville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
SAGE IN BLOOM: COOKING WITH THE SEASONS Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday February 28 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classes-and-events.
7TH ANNUAL GIRL SCOUTS COOKIES
AND CRAFT BEER Craft beer and Girl Scout cookie pairing event 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Tickets are $20 and available at facebook.com/garysbrew.
FUN WITH FONDUE Cooking class is 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C. Cost is $100 per couple (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ classes-and-events.
LUNCH AND LEARN: VINAIGRETTES Class is 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $35 and available at Eventbrite.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS Sip samples from Asesinato Tequila. Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 Barracks St. Tickets are $30 per person. Limited seating. Reservations required. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com for reservations.
CRAVIN ASIAN: KOREAN FLAVORS Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 7 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C. Cost is $60 per person (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classes-and-events.
SUSHI SKILLS Cooking class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C. Cost is $50 per person (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classesand-events.
KITCHEN 101: KNIFE SKILLS Class is 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C. Cost is $60 per person (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ classes-and-events.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries author Anne Lamott articulated a thought that's perfect for you to hear right now: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." I might amend her wisdom a bit to say "for a few hours" or "a couple of days." Now is a rare time when a purposeful disconnection can lead you to deeper synchronization. A project or relationship will improve after a gentle reset. Your power mantra: "Renew yourself with quiet inaction."
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Beavers are the engineers of the natural world. The dams they fabricate not only create shelters for them, but also benefit their entire ecosystem. The ponds and marshes they help shape provide rich habitats for many other species. Boosting biodiversity is their specialty. Their constructions also serve as natural filters, enhancing water quality downstream. Let's make beavers your inspirational symbol for the coming weeks, Taurus. In their spirit, build what's good for you with the intention of making it good for everyone whose life you touch. Ensure that your efforts will generate ripples that nourish your tribe and community.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I predict that you will soon have reason to celebrate a resounding success. You will claim a welldeserved reward. You may even shiver with amazement and gratification as you marvel at how many challenges you overcame to emerge triumphant. In my view, you will have every right to exude extra pride and radiance. I won't complain if you flirt with a burst of egotism. In accordance with my spirituality, I will tell you, "Remember that this wonder you have spawned will live for a very long time."
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): When you see the stars in the night sky, you're looking at the ancient past. Light from those heavenly bodies may have taken as long as 4,000 years to reach us. So we are beholding them as they used to be, not as they are now. With that as your inspiration, I invite you to spend quality time gazing into your own personal past. Meditate on how your history is alive in you today, making its imprint on all you do and say. Say
By Rob Brezsny
prayers and write messages to yourself in which you express your awe and appreciation for the epic myth that is your destiny.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): I mourn the growing climate calamity that is heating up our beloved planet. Among many other distortions, it has triggered yellow forsythias and blue gentians to blossom during winters in the Austrian Alps—an unprecedented event. At the same time, I am also able to marvel at the strange beauty of gorgeous flowers growing on the winter hills of ski resorts. So my feelings are mixed—paradoxical and confusing—and that's fine with me. I regard it as a sign of soulfulness. May you be so blessed, Leo: full of appreciation for your capacity to hold conflicting ideas, perspectives and feelings.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The quietest place on earth is a room at Microsoft's headquarters near Seattle. It's made of six layers of steel and concrete, and its foundation includes vibration-dampening springs. Within it, you can hear your heartbeat, the swishing of your clothes, and the hum of air molecules colliding. The silence is so eerily profound that many people become flummoxed while visiting. Here's the moral of the story: While you Virgos are naturally inclined to favor order and precision, a modicum of noise and commotion in your life is often beneficial. Like background sounds that keep you oriented, minor wriggles and perturbations ensure you remain grounded. This will be extra important for you to acknowledge in the coming weeks.
One of your capacities has dimensions you have not yet explored, but are ready to.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): To make a Mobius strip, you give a half twist to a strip of paper and attach the ends. You have then created a surface with just one side and one edge. It's a fun curiosity, but it also has practical applications. Using Mobius strips, engineers can design more efficient gears. Machinists make mechanical belts that are Mobius strips because they wear out less quickly. There are at least eight other
concrete functions, as well. Let's extrapolate from this to suggest that a similar theme might be arising in your life. What may seem like an interesting but impractical element could reveal its real-world value. You may find unexpected uses for playful features. One of your capacities has dimensions you have not yet explored, but are ready to.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Sandra Cisneros is a visionary writer with Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius. She is always in quest of the next big lesson and the next exciting adventure. But she also has the Moon, Venus and Saturn in Scorpio. Her sensitive attunement to the hidden and secret aspects of reality is substantial. She thrives on cultivating a profound understanding of her inner world. It took her years to master the art of fully expressing both these sides of her character. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because you're primed to go in quest for experiences that will open your heart to novel amazements—even as you connect with previously unknown aspects of your deep self that resonate with those experiences.
(NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The Moeraki Boulders are spread along a beach in New Zealand. Many of the 50 big rocks are nearly perfect spheres and up to six feet in diameter, so they provide a stunning visual feast. Scientists know that they have steadily grown for the last 4 million years, accumulating ever-new layers of minerals. I propose we make them your symbols of power until July 1. In my astrological estimation, you are in a phase of laying long-term groundwork. What may seem to be a tedious accumulation of small, gradual victories is part of a grander undertaking. Like the Moeraki Boulders, your efforts will crystallize into an enduring foundation.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): A Japanese proverb says, "The bamboo that bends with the wind is stronger and more resilient than the oak tree that resists." That's true. When storms bluster, oak branches get broken and blown away. Bamboo may look delicate, but it is actually strong and capable of withstanding high winds. It flourishes by being flexible instead of rigid. That's the approach I recommend to you, Capricorn. Challenges may emerge that inspire you to stay grounded by adapting. Your plans will become op -
timal as you adjust them. By trusting your natural resilience, you could find unexpected chances for interesting transformation. Your potency will lie in your ability to bend without breaking.
The right elements are in place, but you need to adjust the timing and rhythm.
(JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Seattle's Space Needle serves as an observation tower. It's 605 feet high. For years, there was a restaurant with a rotating floor at the top. In its early days, the movement was so brisk that some visitors got dizzy and nauseous. Engineers had to recalibrate the equipment so it was sufficiently leisurely to keep everyone comfortable. Your current situation resembles this story. The right elements are in place, but you need to adjust the timing and rhythm. If there are frustrating glitches, they are clues to the fine-tuning that needs to be done.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Octopuses have three hearts, each with a different function. Every one of their eight limbs contains a mini-brain, giving them nine in total. Is there any doubt, then, that they are the patron creature for you Pisceans? No other zodiac sign is more multifaceted than you. No other can operate with grace on so many different levels. I celebrate your complexity, dear Pisces, which enables you to draw such rich experiences into your life and manage such diverse challenges. These qualities will be working at a peak in the coming weeks. For inspiration, consider putting an image of an octopus in your environment.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Make a promise to yourself that's hard but not impossible to keep. {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny
IT'S COME TO THIS Visitors to the Chengdu Snow Village in the Sichuan province of China were left with a "bad impression" of the tourist attraction in early February, Reuters reported. Because of unseasonably warm weather, project coordinators had to improvise the "snowy" atmosphere, stapling cotton sheets to the rooftops and scattering white sand, cotton batting and soapy water to simulate snow throughout the property. Snow Village organizers said entry fees would be refunded, and the village has closed.
IT'S A MYSTERY Investigators in Munich, Germany, are stumped by the sudden appearance of more than 1,000 small stickers on grave markers in three different cemeteries, the Associated Press reported. The stickers feature a QR code that, when scanned, reveals the name of the person in the grave and the location within the cemetery. "The stickers were put both on decades-old gravestones and very new graves that so far only have a wooden cross," said police spokesperson Christian Drexler. Police are investigating property damage as well, because when removed, the stickers leave discoloration.
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A HOBBY Clem Reinkemeyer, 87, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has an unusual collection—and now he has a Guinness World Record. United Press International reported on Feb. 17 that Reinkemeyer's collection of 8,882 bricks includes a Roman brick from 100 A.D. and a sidewalk brick made in a facility where the Pentagon now stands. "What appealed to me about bricks is they have names and you can trace them back historically to places," he said. Some of the most valuable ones are those with misspellings. "I think Oklahoma has a history for the most misspelled bricks," he said. "I don't know why."
SPACE TRASH Officials at Poland's space agency POLSA are examining debris that fell onto the premises of a business in Komorniki on Feb. 19, Reuters reported, to determine whether it originated from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Later that day, a second "identical" container was found about 19 miles away in a forest. POLSA said it has been monitoring the flight of the Falcon 9, which launched on Feb. 1 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and "will verify the object with SpaceX." News outlets in Poland reported that flashes were seen in the sky on the morning of Feb. 19.
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINES
Residents of Godstone High Street in Surrey, England, may be out of their homes for months after a huge sinkhole opened up on Feb. 17, the BBC reported. Two sections of the road caved in, causing people in 30 homes to be evacuated. "We'll be looking to completely rebuild the road," said Surrey County Council's Matt Furniss. "It's currently stable, it isn't growing anymore." Local business owners are concerned about how the closure will affect them. Shane Fry of DD Services said it would be "a trialling few months for us."
NEWS YOU CAN USE The SS United States, which has been docked and deteriorating at a
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
Philadelphia port since 1976, started its 18-day passage to Alabama on Feb. 19, NBC10-TV reported. The ocean liner, in service from 1952 to 1969, holds the record for fastest eastbound and westbound trans-Atlantic crossings, but on this final journey, it will be towed at 5 knots (or about 6 miles per hour). In Alabama, it will be stripped of its innards—furniture, engine room equipment, cables and flooring—and then will be moved to Okaloosa County, Florida, where it will be sunk offshore and turned into a scuba-diving destination. Capt. Joseph Farrell, a ship-sinking and reef expert, said the sinking will be "a final chapter for the last all-American-made, American-flagged ocean liner."
REPEAT OFFENDER For the second time in a month, a teenager in the Bronx has been charged with trying to take a subway train for a joyride on Feb. 18, Pix11-TV reported. Police said the 15-yearold tried to operate the No. 2 train from the Prospect Avenue station. He was arrested in late January with a group of kids who drove the R train in Brooklyn. He was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing.
THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS In the aftermath of the wildfires in California, at least two residents have returned to their homes only to find new and unwelcome tenants, the Los Angeles Times reported. Homeowner Sean Lorenzini evacuated during the Eaton fire, and upon his return found a black bear sleeping in the crawlspace under his home and lounging by the pool during the day. The large bear seems to be foraging in neighbors' trash bins and is probably behind an attack on a neighbor's pet goat, Lorenzini said. "It's definitely not moving," he said. He's hoping to get the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to help after they relocated a 525-pound bear at the end of January. In that case, the Altadena-area bear was lured into a trap with peanut butter and rotisserie chicken, then moved to Angeles National Forest. The wildlife agency told Lorenzini that after his bear is removed, he'll need to seal up the crawlspace, as it will probably try to return. "I know we're encroaching on their territory," Lorenzini said of the bear, "so I'm sympathetic to that. But at the same time ... I'm exposed if anyone gets hurt. This is a wild animal."
SAW THAT COMING An unnamed 55-year-old Canadian woman lost both her hands on Feb. 7 when she "attempted to engage" with a 6-footlong shark while snorkeling in Turks and Caicos, The New York Times reported. The tourist reportedly wanted to take photos of the animal. After she was treated in the Caribbean, she returned to Canada for further medical attention, but doctors could not save her hands. Conservationist Chris Stefanou said the shark might have mistaken the woman's phone for a fish. "Sharks, or any predatory animal in the ocean, can confuse that as, like, a bait fish," he said. {in}
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S TO ALL THOSE HONORED ON THE I N 2 0 25 P O W E R L I S T
The Lewis Bear Company and the Bear Family
would like to thank ever yone who shares our commitment to giving back . We are grateful and indebted to the members of our company and to ever yone in the community who volunteers their time and talents to make a positive impact in Nor thwest Florida .