Inweekly Oct. 13 2022 Issue

rest of the best.

publisher Rick Outzen edi tor &

Joani Delezen

Practice

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh , Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite,

Best Community Leader Winner Quint Studer

Thank you, Pensacola!

Best Local Celebrity Runner-Up Bubba Watson

Bodacious Brew Winner Best Coffee Shop Runner-Up Best Cup of Coffee

Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe Winner Best Place to Buy a Book Runners-Up Best Place to Buy Greeting Cards/ Stationery and Best Barista— Brandon Goodson

Bodacious Olive Runner-Up Best Gourmet/ Specialty Food Shop

So Gourmet Winner Best Cooking Classes

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Runner-Up Bubba’s Sweet Spot

Winner Best Special Event Space Runners-Up Best Reception Venue, and Best Ceremony Venue

Winner Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay (Wedding category) Runners-Up Best Boutique Hotel/Inn and Best Hotel in Pensacola

Best Reason to Attend a Blue Wahoos Game Winner The View Runners-Up Family Fun, Fireworks and Roach Run

Runner-Up Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

winners & losers

winners losers

KUGELMAN FAMILY The Kugelman Fami ly Foundation announced a $50,000 gift to The Clark Family Cultural Center to renovate the box office. The Center, owned and operated by Pensacola Little Theatre, is entering a $3 mil lion redesign, which includes an overhaul of the first-floor common spaces and performance venues, the installation of a fine art gallery and the creation of a rooftop performance venue.

ARBY'S FOUNDATION

The Northwest Flor ida-area Arby's team recently selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida to be a recipient of a $30,000 grant, which will be used to support the Beyond School Walls pro gram in Escambia County. The Beyond School Walls program is aimed at helping students im prove their chances of graduating and transi tioning to the workplace, post-secondary edu cation, vocational school or the military.

ITG BRANDS LLC Delaware Judge Lori W. Will sided with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and ruled that ITG Brands LLC is responsible for paying Florida under a landmark legal settle ment, engineered by the late Fred Levin. The companies battled who was responsible for making payments to Florida for the Salem, Winston, Kool and Maverick brands that R.J. Reynolds' parent company sold to ITG in 2015. The dispute played out in Florida and Dela ware courts that was rooted in a 1997 settle ment that required tobacco companies to pay the state because of smoking-related health costs. Big Tobacco made an initial payment of $750 million and must continue to pay Florida more than $400 million a year under the set tlement. Judge Will ruled IGT Brands was re sponsible for the payments after the deal.

UWF HAAS CENTER

The U.S. Economic De velopment Administration awarded the Uni versity of West Florida Haas Center a five-year, $548,000 grant to promote business develop ment and employment among Florida veter ans and minority business owners, making the UWF Haas Center one of only two EDA Univer sity Centers in Florida. The UWF Haas Center's award outlines a scope of work that will assist historically underserved populations, including needs assessment studies, new product proto type development through the use of CAD and 3D printing, as well as site location studies, de mographic analyses, business identification and product refinement services.

MOLLY MCGUIRE SCHOLARSHIP

MATTHEW BANKS The State Attorney's Office has formally charged the owner of Banks Construction with felony fraud. In Au gust, Banks was arrested on a larceny charge from the Pensacola Police Department for fail ing to provide a refund to a Pensacola resident who paid Banks $6,740 by check for a renova tion on North G Street. According to police, the contractor never started work and would not refund the money, despite the homeown er's demand. The contractor competency boards in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have ordered him to pay well over $1 million in restitution. The state attorney's office may file more charges as its investigation progresses.

The Mol

ly McGuire Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund sur passed the $500,000 mark due to the generous contributions of the McGuire family and the Irish Politicians Club, making it the second largest en dowed scholarship at Pensacola State College. The late Molly McGuire Martin, with her hus band, opened McGuire's Irish Pub in 1997, with her holding the house as hostess, waitress and charismatic entertainer. The couple would open several more restaurants, including Flounder's and Crabs on Pensacola Beach and McGuire's and Vinny McGuire's Pizza in Destin.

MIKE LINDELL The U.S. Supreme Court dealt another blow to the MyPillow CEO when the justices decided not to hear the case con cerning a federal judge's ruling in August 2021 that allowed the defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems to move forward. Dominion sued Lindell and MyPillow last year, claiming $1.3 billion in damages and alleging that Lindell purposely pushed that Dominion's machines manipulated vote counts to ensure that Joe Biden defeated Trump. The claims have been widely debunked. In the lawsuit, Dominion argues that Lindell knew his claims were false, while Lindell's lawyers say he genu inely believes them.

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

NOT LETTING BULLIES WIN

The night the Pensacola Blue Wahoos won the 2022 Southern League championship, I received a text from Quint Studer with a photo of the team celebrating on the field with the championship banner. My mind immediately went back to another celebration 16 years ago.

After an 18-month battle, Pensacola voters approved a referendum to build the Communi ty Maritime Park on Sept. 5, 2006, 9,684-7,701. While park supporters celebrated at Apple An nie's, Quint, Mort O'Sullivan and I sneaked out to relax and debrief over coffee at the Waffle House on Gregory Street.

Quint had spent over $600,000 on consultants, financial advisors, archi tects, ad agencies, poll sters and political consul tants to fight a group that had successfully defeat ed a city council plan for a new auditorium and festi val park on the land across Main Street from Pensaco la City Hall a few years ear lier. The opponents this time attacked Quint and his wife personally and misstated the facts repeatedly.

They kept creating hoops for Quint to jump through with the promise that they would give their support for the project if he met their demands. He was told an urban planner was needed to review the plan. They wanted him to personally guarantee the 10-year lease and pay for a life insurance policy with the city as the beneficiary. He agreed to pay the market rate for the land lease, even though the team would end up with one of the most expensive leases in the league and one of the smaller ballparks.

Their tactics had worked so many times before with others wanting to bring new busi nesses to the area that they were confident they would run off the man they labeled a car petbagger, but the naysayers underestimat ed Quint. They didn't care how he overcame several setbacks to become one of the most sought-after healthcare speakers in the coun try. They didn't know that the little boy who had been bullied in elementary school would refuse to give in to the Pensacola bullies.

Quint believed the project would be a cat alyst for an area devastated by Hurricane Ivan. We had seen four county commission ers indicted and had very few wins to cele brate. Quint bet on himself, his plan and that the good people of this community who would want something better for their families.

He found an unlikely ally in this weekly newspaper that had barely survived the af termath of Hurricane Ivan and had a reputa tion for challenging the status quo and taking on impossible fights. In May 2004, before Ivan struck, we had published our "Ballsy Plan" that called for a downtown ballpark. We had done our research and seen how minor league ballparks had been difference-makers in other cities.

In 2005, we launched ricksblog.biz, which became a me dium for our newspa per to become rele vant daily. I had spent time with Max Brantley, the editor of the Arkan sas Times in Little Rock, who taught me that a blog could work if you consistently posted to it. He said that eventually, we would hit on an is sue that would catch fire in the community.

For us, the Community Maritime Park ref erendum is what caught fire. It helped attract people to the Pensacola Young Professionals and galvanize the Black community to become more politically active. The blog let us quick ly respond to lies and misinformation and build support for the project.

At the Waffle House, after we realized the referendum had passed, Quint, Mort and I were exhausted. We laughed that in 10 years, few people would admit to having opposed the project, but we were confident the park would spark our renaissance. We never discussed winning baseball championships because the park always was about helping our community.

However, if any owner deserves to win a league title, it's Quint Studer. Thank you for believing in our community and not surrender ing to bullies, my friend. {in} rick@inweekly.net

A PROFILE IN COURAGE Last Thursday, The Equity Project Alliance hosted "An Evening with Elizabeth Eckford: Little Rock Nine Icon" at Pen sacola State College.

Eckford recounted her experience as she and eight other students desegregated Little Rock Cen tral High School in 1957. She discussed her first day of school with Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen."

Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus had called out the National Guard to preserve peace and or der, but he also declared that if Eckford and her fellow Black students showed up at the school, blood would run through the streets. However, Eckford still expected the National Guard would protect all students.

"I knew there were demonstrators across the street from the school, but I wasn't fright ened then," she shared. "So I walked up to the National Guard after I saw them break ranks to admit white students to the school grounds, and they closed ranks when I approached them."

Little Rock Central High covered two city blocks and had three entrances. The guards men blocked all three. Eckford said, "A soldier directed me across the street where those angry demonstrators were. When I stepped out into the street, they continued yelling and threaten ing me. I heard a voice say, 'Let's hang her. Get a rope. Drag her over to the tree,' and other people were threatening my life."

She was familiar with the neighborhood, and the teenager began walking to the bus stop at the end of the street, followed by reporters and the mob. Eckford recalled, "I turned and looked at the crowd because I was looking for help. I saw an elderly woman who had a kind face. As I turned toward her, she spat on me."

She added, "I continued walking to the next bus stop, which in my mind meant safety for me. I felt it would be a respite for me, but they con tinued following me and threatening me. It was very, very frightening."

Four local reporters stood behind her at the bus stop, serving as a human barrier so people couldn't strike her from behind. At the bench, two

education writers from the Washington Post and New York Times tried to comfort her.

Eckford said, "I remember one said, 'Don't let them see you cry.' And when the white man put his arm across my shoulder and comforted me, the crowd started spewing hatred and vitriol to ward them. It was so horrible."

Anxious to get away, she walked to a nearby drug store, hoping to call a cab, but the owners locked the door. When the bus finally arrived, Eckford said, "A woman, who had confronted the crowd and said that they should be ashamed, got on the bus with me. Two teenage boys tried to get on the bus. She kicked them back. The driver slammed the door and drove away quickly."

The bus took the young girl to her mother and safety. She said, "My experience taught me the power of language and what it is like when people turn away or just become bystanders and don't acknowledge what is happening."

Eckford added, "One of the things I try to do in talking about the oral history, I try to impart lessons about what ordinary people can do. I never ask them to try to defend someone being harassed because that can be dangerous, but I asked them to treat other people the same way they want to be treated."

BRIGHT LIGHT LOST Pensacola's environmen tal advocacy community is mourning the loss of a fellow advocate who died after being struck by a vehicle in Tampa. Jessica Koelsch Bibza, engaged on the local environmental front for years, was killed on Sept. 24 as she trained for the Ironman Championships triathlon.

"Jessica was a truly bright light to all that knew her, and her contributions to our community and the Gulf Coast as a whole will be felt for years to come," Matt Posner, director of the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program, wrote on behalf of the estuary program in a letter posted online.

Bibza began working on environmental issues in the local area in 2013 on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). She served on the technical advisory committee of the Bay Area Resource Council, a forerunner to the PPBEP.

"Jessica was instrumental in helping establish the Pensacola & Perdido Bay Estuary Program," Posner wrote, explaining how Bibza was instrumen tal in the grant proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which served to transition the Bay Area Resource Council into the PPBEP.

From 2018-2022, Bibza served as chairwom an of the estuary program's technical committee, where her work included helping to develop the organization's Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. In conjunction with the estu ary program, NWF and Dauphin Island Sea Lab, she also led the effort to establish the Panhandle Manatee Program.

NWF's South Central Region issued a state ment describing Bibza as "a bright light to all who knew her."

"We are so thankful to have worked with Jes sica for the last decade—as she championed oil spill recovery in the Gulf of Mexico and fiercely advocated for marine ecosystems and the wildlife and people who depend on them," NWF's state ment read. "Her contributions to the National Wildlife Federation and her expansive conserva tion network are almost impossible to grasp."

Christian Wagley, a longtime local environ mental advocate who works with Healthy Gulf, described Bibza as "one of my very favorite peo ple." He met her when the two were focused on the RESTORE Act, which directed restoration funds to the region following the 2010 oil spill.

"I gave her a hard time when she moved back south because I knew how much I would miss her," Wagley posted on social media. "And I am so sad that I will not see her again, but I will try to carry forward some of the many good things I loved about her."

MEET URBAN SOUTH CEO On Oct. 1, New Orleans-based Urban South Brewery acquired Perfect Plain and its sister operation. Urban South founder and CEO Jacob Landry told In weekly that he has known Perfect Plain's founder D.C. Reeves and his team for three or four years.

"We just formed a pretty organic natural friendship and developed a lot of mutual respect for what each of us has built," Landry said. He felt

that Perfect Plain's hospitality expertise and vari ous venues matched up well with Urban South's distribution and manufacturing sides.

"As we talked about ways to partner, D.C. got real busy, obviously running for mayor, and just got to the point where he was comfortable hand ing it all over," said the New Orleans brewer. "And so we are excited about the opportunity to con tinue and double down what exists."

He continued, "All current staff is staying on the team. That was a real part of the allure for us, is what a great team they've built. And then we're going to come in and build up the distribution side and really make sure that the Perfect Plain beer is accessible to anyone and everyone, in every gro cery store, bar and restaurant around."

Urban South opened in New Orleans in 2016. Landry said, "It's just been nonstop since then. So it's been great, and I attribute a lot to the team we built and the timing. And today, we're the second largest brewery by volume in Louisiana and one of the fastest growing in the country."

The company later opened a taproom in Houston, Texas. He said, "New Orleans and Houston have a long, long sister-brother rela tionship. Pretty much everyone on our team has some family member who lives in Houston. And so, as we thought about expanding and tapping into much bigger markets, Houston was first on the list. The city's population is double the entire state of Louisiana. So that was our first foray out side of Louisiana."

Landry aims to have kegs of Perfect Plain brands available in local restaurants and bars be fore the end of the year and cans on the shelves in retail locations next year. Lewis Bear Company will be the distributor.

The Urban South CEO added, "The can ning will happen in New Orleans, but we'll still be brewing regularly and have a lot of variety on tap at the Perfect Plain Tap Room in Pensacola.

OUR GOLDEN TICKET Laura DiBella, the dep uty secretary of the Florida Department of Com merce, was in Pensacola last week to speak with local business leaders about Enterprise Florida.

"We are the state economic development

arm, but we are your biggest supporter here at the local level," DiBella told Inweekly on her way to the meeting. "That's the primary message. Economic development is all local. It begins and ends at the local level. So we are primarily there to support that and leverage whatever we can at the state level to bring success to a local com munity. I don't want to say it's a message that's been lost, but it is a message worth repeating and refreshing."

Laura DiBella has a strong background in economic development, having served as the executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association and Nassau County Economic De velopment Council. Having been on the job less than three months, she wanted to introduce herself to local leaders.

The deputy commerce secretary shared, "This gives me an opportunity to introduce myself and hear everybody out as well because every community is just a little bit different. It's good for me to know that when I talk to companies that are looking to be here and also expand here."

DiBella said she is talking to several compa nies about coming to Northwest Florida because of the availability of Triumph Gulf Coast dollars.

"Your golden ticket here really is the Triumph funding," she said, "That is very unique to this part of the state and is something that is a major mag net for industry looking here right now."

She continued, "It is probably one of the number one topics of conversation when I speak to companies that are interested in being here or expanding here. I think it's a tool that is just really beginning to be realized and known to the outside world. So it's exciting."

GIVE RANDEL CREDIT The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won their first undisputed Southern League Championship last month. On WCOA, co-owner Quint Studer credited manager Kevin Randel for the victory.

"I think it shows the power of Kevin Randel, our manager, and our culture," Studer said. "We won the first half with some really good play ers and ended up playing with somebody else in the second half. I'd say 60% of our team won the first half, maybe 70%. Most of our pitching staff, including Roy Johnson, who was named the most valuable, Double-A player by the Marlins, ended up at the Triple-A level."

He continued, "Our second-half team wasn't near as good on the field, but once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen."

Studer talked about how Randel handled a player that hit a double in the first game but got tagged out because he forgot to call timeout when he handed his batting glove to the first base coach.

"The manager did something really neat," Studer shared. "He started him in the second game, like, 'Hey, you made a mistake. Learn from it. You're back in the lineup.' He hit the grand slam that made the difference."

He added, "People make mistakes. I think good leaders let him learn from them and then move on. And that's really what they did here— a great compliment to Kevin Randel and the Marlins organization."

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT The Infla tion Reduction Act was just passed by the U.S. Congress, representing the nation's largest-ever investment in confronting climate change. Join Healthy Gulf to learn more about the act and how it will impact Gulf coast communities, from the municipal to the individual level, at 5:30

LADIES’

“PAY ONE PRICE”

MADNESS

FIRST

PRETTIEST

JOE

YOUTH &

“PAY ONE PRICE”

p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Pensacola Public Library, 239 N. Spring St.

The presenters are four local residents working on climate change issues, energy and the environment—Mark Jackson, City of Pen sacola; Larry Chamblin, 350 Pensacola; Paige Plier, international sustainability consultant; and Christian Wagley, Healthy Gulf. Visit the Healthy Gulf Facebook page to learn more.

2022 QOL SURVEY A Quality of Life Survey has been done annually in Escambia County and Pen sacola since 2008, and the 2022 poll results will be shared at a CivicCon Town Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, at The Rex Theatre.

Quint Studer, founder of the Studer Com munity Institute, and Claire Kirchharr, Director of Community Development for Pensacola

Young Professionals, will present the results. You can register for tickets to attend the free public event at bit.ly/3BXnxtw.

Quint and Rishy Studer established the Quality of Life Survey in 2008. They continue to fund the survey each year but have no control over its content. The purpose of the survey is to provide benchmarks of public opinion, concerns and what the community identifies as the issues of importance.

The Quality of Life survey is an independent survey tool that was developed by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, an independent polling and communications firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and Jacksonville, Fla.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN The City of Pensacola is seeking the public's input to

help develop a forward-thinking Active Trans portation Plan that covers walking, biking and other human-powered modes of getting around the community.

The city is hosting two mobility fairs to provide interactive forums to help identify and set priorities for future infrastructure investments like sidewalks and bike lanes—5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Fricker Community Center, 900 N. F St.; and 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, at Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave. The mobility fairs are openhouse style, so attendees are welcome to drop in anytime during the scheduled timeframe.

The public is also encouraged to complete the project survey that will go live on Friday, Oct. 14, on the project webpage, bit.ly/3yfY6SL. Anyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chance to win prizes.

rest of t h e best.

twenty twenty-two.

Last week, we printed 88 pages—which is literally four times the size of a normal Inweekly issue—but even that wasn't enough to cover all the Best of the Coast bases.

So we're back, just like we do every year, for round two with Rest of the Best.

In this issue, we're celebrating the runners-up and giving them their own moment in the spotlight. We count the votes, which means we know just how competitive some of the categories are (looking at you, Best Sandwich). That's why we think each and every business that earned a spot on the list should be celebrated. {in}

BEST NONPROFIT

Winner: Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter

Gulf Coast Kid's House

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

Phoenix Rising Rescue

BEST CHARITY EVENT

Winner: Winter Wonder Ride (onbikes Pensacola)

AWKO Justice Jog (Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz)

Brunch & Bubbles (Gulf Coast Kid's House) Heroes Among Us (Marine Corps League)

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Winner: Navy Federal Credit Union

Gulf Winds Credit Union

Lakeview Center

University of West Florida

BEST BOSS

Winner: Chris Rutledge (Gulf Winds Credit Union)

Allison Hill (Lakeview Center)

Stacey Kostevicki (Gulf Coast Kid's House)

Justin Witkin (Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz)

BEST COMMUNITY LEADER

Winner: Quint Studer

Sandra Donaldson Michael Kimberl Sue Straughn

BEST RISING LEADER

Winner: Katie Dougherty

Debi Janea

commun ity. media. culture.

Whitney Lucas

Quanda "Q'Lala" Pace

BEST POLITICIAN

Winner: Michelle Salzman

Ann Hill

Lumon May

Grover Robinson

BEST ADVOCACY/ACTIVIST GROUP

Winner: Strive Food Not Bombs Pensacola Pensacola Dream Defenders Sunday's Child

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Winner: Pensacola Beach

A Blue Wahoos Game Downtown Palafox Market

BEST DAY TRIP

Winner: Fairhope 30A/Seaside

Destin

New Orleans

BEST ANNUAL EVENT

Winner: Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show

Ballet Pensacola's "The Nutcracker"

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Pensacola Children's Chorus' "Christmas on the Coast"

BEST FOOD EVENT

Winner: Pensacola Seafood Festival

Pensacola Crawfish Festival Pensacola EggFest Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival

BEST PARADE

Winner: Pensacola Grand

Mardi Gras Parade

Grand Fiesta Parade

Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade Pensacola Christmas Parade

BEST REGULAR/REOCCURRING EVENT

Winner: Gallery Night

Bands on the Beach

Bike Pensacola Slow Ride Palafox Market

BEST FREE THING TO DO

Winner: National Naval Aviation Museum Bands on the Beach Bike Pensacola Slow Ride Pensacola Beach

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Winner: East Hill Cordova Park North Hill Scenic Heights

BEST PENSACOLA LANDMARK

Winner: Graffiti Bridge Fort Pickens

Pensacola Beach Water Tower Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

BEST PUBLIC PARK

Winner: Bayview Park

Alabama Square

Veterans Memorial Park

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

BEST PET-FRIENDLY PARK

Winner: Bayview Park

Pensacola Beach Dog Park

Roger Scott Dog Park

Shoreline Bark Park

BEST PLAYGROUND

Winner: Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

Bayview Park

Benny Russell Park

Hitzman-Optimist Park

BEST PALAFOX MARKET VENDOR

Winner: The Crafted Makerie

Annie's Naked Cookies

Jade Tree Succulents

Mrs. Jones Cold Brew

BEST MAKERS/CRAFT MARKET

Winner: Palafox Market

Odd Colony Brewing Company

Pensacola Arts Market

Pensacola Community Market

BEST REASON TO ATTEND A BLUE WAHOOS GAME

Winner: The View

Family Fun Fireworks Roach Run

BEST REASON TO ATTEND

AN ICE FLYERS GAME

Winner: Big Moose

Chuck-A-Puck

Family Fun

Fights

BEST YOUTH SPORTS/REC PROGRAM

Winner: Southern Youth Sports Association

Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club

Northeast Pensacola Wildcats

Pensacola Redd Diamondz

BEST DANCE STUDIO

Winner: Ballet Pensacola

LaBelle Performing Arts

Life's A Dance Studio

Mixon Magic Performing Arts

BEST AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY

Winner: Pensacola Children's Chorus

Ballet Pensacola

First City Art Center

Neighborhood Children's Theatre

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Winner: UWF's Explore Summer Camps

Ballet Pensacola

Neighborhood Children's Theatre

Pensacola Children's Chorus

BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY

Winner: Pensacola MESS Hall

Dreamland Skate Center

Pensacola Children's Museum Sky Zone Trampoline Park

BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY

Winner: Sue Straughn Hannah Holtsclaw

Roy Jones Jr.

Bubba Watson

BEST TV STATION

Winner: WEAR Blab TV

WALA

WSRE

BEST RADIO STATION

Winner: Cat Country 98.7 NewsRadio 92.3/1620

Real Women Radio

WUWF 88.1

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

Winner: Brent Lane (Cat Country 98.7) Andrew McKay (NewsRadio 92.3/1620)

Linda "Sonshine" Moorer (Magic 106.1) Quanda "Q'Lala" Pace (Real Women Radio)

BEST MORNING RADIO SHOW

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

NPR Morning Edition (WUWF 88.1)

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

REAL News with Rick Outzen (WCOA 1370)

BEST PODCAST

Winner: Some People Suck Beeyond Buzzed

The G Spot Podcast

Stay On The Line

BEST WEBSITE/BLOG

Winner: Visit Pensacola (visitpensacola.com)

Cat Country 98.7 (catcountry987.com)

Pensacola Mom Collective (pensacola.momcollective.com)

The Simplified Blog (emilyley.com)

BEST PERSON OR BUSINESS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Winner: Pensacola Vibes (@pensacolavibes)

The Crafted Makerie (@thecraftedmakerie)

Sarah Coleman Photography (@sarahcolemanphoto)

Tiny Observations (@tinyobservations)

BEST BUSINESS TO "LIKE" ON FACEBOOK

Winner: All Things Emerald Coast Downtown Pensacola

Pensacola Mom Collective Pensacola Vibes

BEST WAY TO GET CULTURED

Winner: Pensacola Opera

Ballet Pensacola Pensacola Little Theatre Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

BEST ART GALLERY/MUSEUM

Winner: Pensacola Museum of Art Artel Gallery

Easy Going Gallery

Quayside Art Gallery

BEST ARTIST

WINNER: Poppy Garcia Austin Garcia Cindy Mathis Eniko Ujj

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Winner: Sarah Coleman Kelsei Frazier Sean Mullins Andrew Velasco

BEST MUSIC VENUE

Winner: Vinyl Music Hall

Easy Going Gallery

Hunter Amphitheater at the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park Paradise Bar & Grill

BEST BAND

Winner: Stormfolk

Ben Loftin & The Family Faux/Fox Surrounder

BEST CONCERT/CONCERT SERIES

Winner: Bands on the Beach

Beginning of Summer Beach Bummer V Blues Angel Music's Blues on the Bay EmoProm (Vinyl Music Hall)

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION

Winner: A Chorus Line (Pensacola Little Theatre) Broadway in Pensacola (Saenger Theatre) Disney's Moana Jr. (Pensacola Little Theatre)

The Wizard of Oz (Ballet Pensacola)

BEST COMEDIAN

Winner: Olivia Searcy

Andrew Ferrara

Kitty Get a Job Delisia Nicholas

BEST GYM

Winner: Regymen Fitness

Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA Burn Boot Camp Coastal Fitness Training

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Winner: Jake Schwartz (Burn Boot Camp)

Hanni Fenton (Coastal Fitness Training) Jenn Jordan (Regymen Fitness) Candace Rorrer (Essentially Fit)

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

Winner: Disko Lemonade Pure Pilates Ride Society Wild Lemon

BEST YOGA

Winner: Disko Lemonade

URU Yoga & Beyond Wild Hare Wellness Yoga Abode

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Winner: Donna Dickey (Yoga Abode) Briana Knight (Disko Lemonade) Andrea McMillian (Wild Hare Wellness) Justin Nutt (Community Health Northwest Florida)

BEST PILATES

Winner: Wild Lemon Club Pilates Disko Lemonade Pure Pilates

BEST FITNESS CLASSES

Winner: Regymen Fitness Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA Disko Lemonade Ride Society

BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Winner: Amelia Murphy (Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA) Angie Chapa (Disko Lemonade) Leah Seacrest (Regymen Fitness) Rachel Smith (Wild Lemon)

BEST BOOTCAMP

Winner: Burn Boot Camp Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA Coastal Fitness Training Fitness Impact Training - FIT

BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Winner: Ideal Weight Loss Ascension Sacred Heart Surgical Weight-Loss Center ProHealth Medical Care Woodlands Weight Loss Center

BEST RUNNING CLUB

Winner: Running Wild 200 South Bar & Kitchen Pensacola Runners Association Seville Quarter

BEST 5K

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

health. wellness.

Bayou Hills Run

Double Bridge Run

Great Pumpkin Run

BEST PLACE TO WALK/RUN

Winner: Downtown East Hill

Pensacola Beach

University of West Florida Campus Trails

BEST PLACE TO RIDE YOUR BIKE

Winner: Ride Society

Blackwater Heritage State Trail Pensacola Bay Bridge Pensacola Beach

BEST HOSPITAL

Winner: Ascension Sacred Heart Baptist Hospital

Gulf Breeze Hospital

HCA Florida West Hospital

BEST GENERAL CARE PHYSICIAN

Winner: Dr. Hillary Hultstrand (Woodlands Medical Specialists)

Dr. Charles Blay (Woodlands Medical Specialists)

Dr. George Smith (Community Health Northwest Florida)

Dr. Adam Tarnosky (Ascension Medical Group)

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Winner: Dr. Jason Stern (Stern Chiropractic Clinic)

Dr. David Edge (Edge Family Chiropractic)

Dr. Craig Henry (Henry Chiropractic)

Dr. Lindsey Jeudevine (Olde Seville Chiropractic)

BEST DENTIST

Winner: Dr. Naomi Norton (Summit Dental)

Dr. Kaitlin Forshee (Advanced Dental Concepts)

Dr. Thuy Nguyen (East Hill Dental Care)

Dr. Ben White (White Smiles General Dentistry)

BEST ORTHODONTIST

Winner: Dr. Ben Fishbein (Fishbein Orthodontics)

Dr. Clay Sims (Sims Orthodontics)

Dr. Edwin Witcher (Smart Smiles Orthodontics)

Dr. Greg Woodfin (Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics)

BEST ENDODONTIST

Winner: Dr. Josh Todd (Elite Endodontics)

Dr. Phillip Bell (Pensacola Center for Endodontics)

Dr. Thomas Lyons (Pensacola Endodontics)

Dr. Sidney Rosenthal (Pensacola Endodontics)

BEST PEDIATRICIAN

Winner: Dr. Amy Foland (Pensacola Pediatrics)

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

Dr. Heather Lenga (Pensacola Pediatrics)

Dr. Randall Reese (Pensacola Pediatrics)

BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Winner: Scott Durrance, APRN (Apex Psychiatric Services)

Tamara Driskell, LMHC (Arya Therapy Services)

David Josephs, Psy.D. (Lakeview Center)

Roshni Patel, APRN (Apex Psychiatric Services)

BEST OB/GYN

Winner: Dr. Brian Sontag (Ascension Medical Group)

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

Dr. Erika Schneider (Baptist Medical Group)

Dr. Lisa Tucker (Santa Rosa Medical Group)

BEST OPTOMETRIST

Winner: Dr. Lindsay Durtschi (Midtown Dental & Vision)

Dr. Mary Charbonneau (Community Health Northwest Florida)

Dr. Jennifer Ham Major (Clarkson Eyecare Nine Mile)

Dr. Gene Terrezza (Terrezza Optical)

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Winner: Dr. Amy Pote Watson (Pensacola Dermatology)

Dr. Sean Branch (Proper Dermatology)

Dr. Danielle Farrior (Medical Center Clinic)

Dr. Kevin Welch (Welch SkinCare Center)

BEST PLASTIC SURGERY

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

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY

Winner: Stark Performance Physical Therapy

Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Body Better Stern Chiropractic Clinic

BEST PHARMACY

Winner: First City Drugs

Community Health Northwest Florida East Hill Pharmacy Everwell Specialty Pharmacy

BEST WALK-IN CLINIC

Winner: ProHealth Medical Care Ascension Sacred Heart Urgent Care Baptist Urgent Care Community Health Northwest Florida

BEST HAIR SALON

Winner: The Blue Magnolia Salon

The Powder Room

Salon San Carlos

Volume ONE

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Alex Horne (Hairy Alex Horne)

Celia Gomez (The Blue Magnolia Salon)

Brittany Hightower (The Blue Magnolia Salon)

Jennifer Brewer Martin (The Powder Room)

BEST HAIR COLORIST

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

Hollyn Champlin (Salon San Carlos)

Sidni Mickel (Color Creations, Cuts, and Styles by Sidni)

Courtney Northington (Peach Fuzz)

BEST BARBER SHOP

Winner: Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods

Barberos

East Hill Barbershop

Pensacola House of Barbers

BEST MEN'S HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Ryan Kolb (Pensacola House of Barbers)

Noel Delarosa (Pensacola House of Barbers)

Zach Roberts (Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods)

Luna Zepp (Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods)

BEST DAY SPA

Winner: Escape Wellness Spa

East Hill Massage and Aesthetics

Stay The Spa

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST MASSAGE

Winner: Escape Wellness Spa

East Hill Massage and Aesthetics

Purple Lotus Massage and Wellness

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

Winner: Whitney Pike

(Escape Wellness Spa)

Ben Driskell (Empathic Practice)

Angela Hegwood (Purple Lotus Massage and Wellness)

Stephanie Knight (Escape Wellness Spa)

BEST PEDICURE

Winner: Élan The Beauty Bar

Bellagio Nails and Day Spa

DESHI

Medina Belleza

BEST MANICURE

Winner: Élan The Beauty Bar

Gilded Pensacola

Medina Belleza

Vibar Nails

BEST HAIR REMOVAL

Winner: Dela Beauty Bar

East Hill Medical Group

Stay The Spa

The Waxing Studio

BEST FACIAL

Winner: Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

DESHI

Escape Wellness Spa

Jo Rich Beauty

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Winner: Megan Carnley (Escape Wellness Spa)

DeSheri McClure (DESHI)

Zoe Rose Pittman (Zoe Rose Artistry)

Sonya Scarbrough (East Hill Massage and Aesthetics)

BEST SKIN CARE OVERALL

Winner: DESHI

East Hill Massage and Aesthetics

Escape Wellness Spa

Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

BEST BANK

Winner: Regions Bank

Centennial Bank

Hancock Whitney Bank

Synovus Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION

Winner: Navy Federal Credit Union

Gulf Winds Credit Union

Members First Credit Union

Pen Air Federal Credit Union

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Winner: Andrew Martin (Atlas Financial Strategies)

Jacey Cosentino (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management)

Jarrod Dawson (Dawson Wealth Management of Raymond James)

Raymond James at Gulf Winds Credit Union

BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM

Winner: Warren Averett

Anglin Reichmann Armstrong Hudson Peden Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund

BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Winner: Levin Rinke Realty

Conna O'Donovan Real Estate

Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast

Kuhn Realty

BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Winner: NAI Pensacola

Gunther Properties

Kuhn Realty

SVN | Southland Commercial

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Winner: Simone Sands (Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty)

Joy Harrell (Real Broker LLC)

Travis "Moose" Mattair (Keller Williams Emerald Coast)

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

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL/INN

Winner: Solé Inn and Suites

New World Inn

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel Paradise Inn

BEST HOTEL–PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: Hilton Pensacola Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach

Margaritaville Beach Hotel Paradise Inn

BEST HOTEL–PENSACOLA

Winner: Hilton Garden Inn

Holiday Inn Express Downtown

Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

services.

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

Winner: Southtowne Apartments

Avalon Apartment Homes

Crestview at Oakleigh Apartment Homes

Governors Gate Apartments

BEST ARCHITECTURE FIRM

Winner: Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

Brett Duch Architect

Bullock Tice Associates

STUDIO PICA

BEST LAW FIRM

Winner: Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon

Crawford Law

Levin Papantonio Rafferty

Ward & Barnes, P.A.

BEST ATTORNEY

Winner: Rachel Sheffield

(Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon)

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

Chris Crawford (Crawford Law)

Kerry Anne Schultz (Schultz Law Group)

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

Winner: Blake Thomas (State Farm)

Will Rentschler (State Farm)

Jordan Reyes (Goosehead Insurance)

Scott Westmark (Allstate)

BEST VET

Winner: Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital

East Hill Animal Hospital

Pine Meadow Veterinary Clinic

Scenic Hills Veterinary Hospital

BEST DOG GROOMER

Winner: Vanity Fur

Blue Angel Pet Salon

Everything's Irie Doggie Salon

ShamPoochies

BEST DOGGIE DAY CARE/BOARDING

Winner: Fetch Fido

Pensacola Pet Resort

Play-N-Stay

Spanish Trail Veterinary Hospital

BEST DOG TRAINING

Winner: East Bay Dog Spot

Mike the Dog Trainer

Off Leash K9 Training Emerald Coast

Total Dog Training

BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Winner: Hanto + Clarke

Bear General Contractors

Morette Company

Parsons Company Construction

BEST AC COMPANY

Winner: All Seasons Service Network Commander Air Inc.

PensaCool

Shannon's HVAC

BEST LANDSCAPING

Winner: Eye Candy Lawns

Blue Sky Landscaping

New Roots Lawn & Landscapes

Outerspaces Landscapes

Lindsey Lay Interiors

Mallory Gillette (STUDIO PICA)

BEST CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Winner: Aiken Picture Frames South

Framing By Design

Just Plain Putter

Marty Campbell Gallery & Frame Shop

BEST TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO

Winner: Sacred Grounds Tattoo Studio

Hula Moon

Portside Tattoo

Salter Studios

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

Winner: Erin O'Shea Salter (Salter Studios)

John Aguirre (Sacred Grounds Tattoo Studio)

Shauncey Fury (Sacred Grounds Tattoo Studio)

Ali Roudabush (The Western Rose)

BEST SPECIAL EVENT SPACE

Winner: 5eleven Palafox

BLUSH Venue & Studio

De Luna Winery and Court of De Luna Event Space

Supposey Warehouse & Gardens

BEST CATERER

Winner: Classic City Catering Culinary Productions Inc.

Jo's As Always Nancy's Catering & Events

BEST FLORIST

Winner: Fiore of Pensacola Celebrations The Florist

Chrissy Floral Design

Just Judy's Flowers, Local Art & Gifts

BEST PORTRAIT/FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Winner: Wave Photo by Aislinn Kate

A. Lynne Photography

Kelsei Frazier Photography

Lindsey Friar Photography

BEST CAR WASH/DETAILER

Winner: Eco Car Wash

Kennedy Kustoms

Perdido Auto Spa

Veteran's Way Mobile Detailing

BEST AUTO SERVICE SHOP

Winner: Gulf Coast Mobile Tire

Able Auto Repair

East Hill Automotive Center

Evans Automotive Service Center

BEST WINDOW TINTING

Winner: West Florida Window Tint

Mike Ryan's Truck & Auto Accessories

Premier Tinting

Trent Ciccone Mobile Tint & Detail

BEST GREEN BUSINESS

Winner: Salon San Carlos

Bailey's Produce & Nursery

The Daily Squeeze

SunFarm Energy

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Winner: WolfGang, LLC

Easy Going Gallery

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

Maker's Coffee Co.

weddings.

BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE

Winner: Pensacola Beach

Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina

Pensacola Picnic Co.

Posh Picnics Pensacola

BEST PLACE TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING

Winner: Jewelers Trade Shop

Beré Jewelers

Elebash's Jewelers

Rock Hard Design House

BEST CEREMONY VENUE

Winner: Sowell Farms

5eleven Palafox

Old Christ Church

Supposey Warehouse & Gardens

BEST RECEPTION VENUE

Winner: Supposey Warehouse & Gardens

5eleven Palafox

Pier Suite Events

Sowell Farms

BEST OFFICIANT

Winner: Bryan Adams

Scott Brown

Curtis Curry

Tom Schwarz

BEST BRIDAL STORE

Winner: The Bridal Loft Bella Bridesmaids

The Bridal Suite

Simply Elegant Couture Bridal and Prom

BEST PLACE TO RENT A TUX

Winner: Gent's Formal Wear

Don Alans

Nixon's

Randall's Formal Wear

BEST BRIDAL MAKEUP ARTIST

Winner: Hayley Gurney

(Gulf Coast Glam House)

Jessica Bosley (Beauty By Bosley)

Kendall Frazee (Skin by Kendall Lyn)

Vanessa Myers

BEST WEDDING HAIR SALON

Winner: The Powder Room

The Blue Magnolia Salon

Bombshell Blowout Bar

Hair + Co

BEST WEDDING HAIR STYLIST

Winner: Tonya Penrose (The Powder Room)

Chelsey Domschke (Hair + Co)

Alexandra Evans (Hair by Alexandra Evans)

Alison Sardina (The Blue Magnolia Salon)

BEST WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR

Winner: Supposey

Aislinn Kate Weddings

Felicia By Design

Fete + Flora

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Winner: Aislinn Kate Weddings

Lother Co.

Megan Muñoz Photography

Phocus & Company

BEST PHOTOBOOTH

Winner: Phocus & Company

The Posey Bus

Revolving Vibe

Tap the Coast

BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY

Winner: Phocus & Company

Aislinn Kate Weddings

Lother Co.

Written in Film

BEST WEDDING BAND

Winner: Nobius

Ben Loftin & The Family

Marvelous Strings

The Six Piece Suits

BEST WEDDING DJ

Winner: DJ TreVy

AnyDayDJ

Albert Lao

Tom Schwarz

BEST WEDDING CATERER

Winner: Culinary Productions Inc. Classic City Catering Nancy's Catering & Events

The Whistling Pig

BEST WEDDING CAKE

Winner: Bluejay's Bakery

Betty Weber Cakes

Craft Bakery

Emerald Coast Custom Cakes

BEST WEDDING FLORIST

Winner: Chrissy Floral Design Fete + Flora

Fiore of Pensacola

Supposey

BEST WEDDING RENTALS

Winner: Supposey

Events Styled By LUXE

Hemstitch Vintage Rentals

WeddingWalls

BEST WEDDING PARTY TRANSPORTATION

Winner: Supposey Beach Bum Trolley

Five Flags Trolley Co. Pensacola Party Bus

BEST PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING GIFT

Winner: Artesana

duh for garden and home

Pizzaz

Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST PLACE TO BUY BRIDESMAID GIFTS

Winner: Rusted Arrow Mercantile

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique

Pizzaz

SoBo Boutique

BEST PLACE FOR A REHEARSAL DINNER

Winner: The Grand Marlin

Jackson's Steakhouse

Pier Suite Events

V Paul's Italian Ristorante

BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN

GUESTS TO STAY

Winner: Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

Winner: Sandy Sansing

Frontier Motors

Pensacola Honda

Pete Moore Automotive Team

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

Winner: Ride MORE Bicycles CycleSports Bicycles

Trek Bicycle Store

Truly Spokin Bicycle Company

BEST BOUTIQUE

Winner: SoBo Boutique

GRAY Boutique

Haus of Clementine Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique

BEST MEN'S APPAREL

Winner: Garden Street Vintage Don Alans

Viola's Men's Apparel Waterboyz

BEST WOMEN'S APPAREL

Winner: SoBo Boutique Bluetique

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique Saturn Collection Vintage

BEST CHILDREN'S APPAREL & GIFTS

Winner: Haus of Clementine Pizzaz

Rusted Arrow Mercantile SML Store

BEST ACCESSORIES

Winner: SoBo Boutique GRAY Boutique Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE

Winner: Elite Repeats & Boutique Lullabies and Mudpies

Prissy Peacock Consignment and Antique Mall Rococo

BEST THRIFT STORE

Winner: Waterfront Thrift Store Ministry Village Bargain Center Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore Teen Challenge SuperThrift

BEST ATHLETIC/OUTDOOR STORE

Winner: Running Wild Coastal Paddle Company Waterboyz

Weatherford's

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Winner: Supertouch Vintage All About Antiques Alyssa's Etc. duh for garden and home

BEST HOME DÉCOR & ACCESSORIES Winner: Rusted Arrow Mercantile Alyssa's

retail.

Aqua Decor & Design duh for garden and home

BEST ANTIQUES

Winner: All About Antiques Alyssa's Blue Moon Antique Mall Trader Bo's

BEST VINTAGE SHOP/SELLER

Winner: Saturn Collection Vintage Garden Street Vintage

The Hippie's Greenhouse Rocket Anyway Vintage

BEST MAKER/ARTISAN

Winner: The Crafted Makerie LemonBright

Papergirl Plants

The Stellar Maker

BEST GIFT SHOP Winner: Rusted Arrow Mercantile Angel's Garden Celebrations The Florist Millie's Garden Boutique

BEST PLACE TO BUY GREETING CARDS/STATIONERY Winner: Charlotte Mason Printing Company Artesana

Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe Rusted Arrow Mercantile

BEST PLACE TO BUY A BOOK Winner: Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe Artesana

Bailey's Produce & Nursery Open Books

BEST COMIC BOOK STORE Winner: Pensacola Pop Comics Mr. Comics

Necroptik: Comics & Collectibles TBS Comics

BEST NEW STORE

Winner: Haus of Clementine Millie's Garden Boutique SML Store Video Game Trading Post

BEST JEWELER

Winner: Jewelers Trade Shop

Beré Jewelers

Elebash's Jewelers Susan Campbell Jewelry

BEST SURF/SKATE SHOP

Winner: Waterboyz

Innerlight Surf & Skate Maverick Board Riding Company Ron Jon Surf Shop Pensacola Beach

BEST NURSERY/PLANTS

Winner: Bailey's Produce & Nursery Jade Tree Succulents

Millie's Garden Boutique Pensacola Seed & Garden

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Winner: Pensacola Hardware

ACE Hardware of Gulf Breeze Hall's Hardware & Lumber Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore

BEST COMPUTER/TECH STORE

Winner: Palafox Computers

Tech Advanced Computers

The Tech Handyman TechWorldRepair

BEST MUSIC GEAR/ INSTRUMENTS

Winner: Blues Angel Music

A Joyful Noise Music Store

Leitz Music

Schmidt's Music

BEST RECORD STORE

Winner: Revolver Records

All About Antiques

Easy Going Gallery Music Box Pensacola

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Winner: Richey's East

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

Bambooze Fine Wine & Liquor Fusion Fine Wine & Spirits

BEST WINE SHOP

Winner: Aragon Wine Market

The Bottle Shop

The East Hill Bottle Shop

The Nest General Store

BEST WINE TASTINGS

Winner: Aragon Wine Market

Agapi Bistro + Garden

The Bottle Shop

The Nest General Store

BEST GROCERY STORE

Winner: Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe Apple Market

Bailey's Produce & Nursery Shoreline Foods International Market & Deli

BEST INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET

Winner: Saigon Oriental Market and Deli Biên Đông Oriental Super Market

Four Winds International Food Market Shoreline Foods International Market & Deli

BEST GOURMET/SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP

Winner: Four Winds International Food Market

Bodacious Olive

Costello's Butcher Shop

Joe Patti's Seafood

bars. drinks. nightlife.

BEST BAR OVERALL

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

Alga Beer Co.

The Cabaret

The Kennedy

BEST NIGHT CLUB

Winner: Seville Quarter Blend Lounge

The Cabaret

The Roundup

BEST BAR–DOWNTOWN

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

The Cabaret

The Kennedy Play

BEST BAR–CORDOVA AREA

Winner: Wisteria Tavern

Alga Beer Co.

George Bistro + Bar

The Magnolia

BEST BAR–NORTH PENSACOLA/ NINE MILE ROAD

Winner: Coastal County Brewing A Little Madness Brewing Company Goat Lips Chew and Brewhouse Sammy Barker's

BEST BAR–WEST PENSACOLA/ PERDIDO KEY

Winner: The Elbow Room Gary's Brewery & Biergarten Hub Stacey's at The Point Kingfisher

BEST BAR–PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: Sneaky Tiki Bar Casino Beach Bar & Grille Paradise Bar & Grill Sandshaker

BEST BAR–MILTON/PACE

Winner: BAR515

Beardless Brewhaus Gulf Coast Garage Patio Bar Ollie's Neighborhood Grill

BEST NEW BAR

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

BAR515

Juan's Flying Burrito Whiskey Joe's Pensacola Beach

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox

The Cabaret Garden & Grain

The Kennedy

BEST DRINK SPECIALS

Winner: Play The Cabaret

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar

The Roundup

BEST COVER CHARGE

WORTH PAYING

Winner: Seville Quarter

The Cabaret

The Roundup Vinyl Music Hall

BEST DAY DRINKING

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

Alga Beer Co.

Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Garden & Grain

BEST DRINK MENU

Winner: The Well

The Kennedy Old Hickory Whiskey Bar Union Public House

BEST SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

Winner: The Kennedy George Bistro + Bar Union Public House The Well

BEST DAIQUIRIS/ FROZEN DRINKS

Winner: Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar

Flounder's Chowder House Perennial Patio Bar

The Wine Bar on Palafox

BEST BUSHWACKER

Winner: Paradise Bar & Grill

Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar Flounder's Chowder House Sandshaker

BEST BLOODY MARY

Winner: Ruby Slipper Cafe

Five Sisters Blues Café George Bistro + Bar The Well

BEST MIMOSA

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Another Broken Egg Cafe Ruby Slipper Cafe South Market

BEST MARTINI

Winner: The Kennedy

The District: Seville Steak & Seafood Jackson's Steakhouse McGuire's Irish Pub

BEST SELECTION OF WINE

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox

Agapi Bistro + Garden

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano Casks And Flights Wine Tasting Room

BEST MARGARITA

Winner: Garden & Grain Cactus Cantina Cactus Flower Cafe Juan's Flying Burrito

BEST SIGNATURE DRINK

Winner: Bramble (Union Public House)

Burnt Fashioned (George Bistro + Bar)

King Koopa (Play) Painkiller (Kingfisher)

BEST SELECTION OF BEER ON TAP

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company 200 South Bar & Kitchen Alga Beer Co. Coastal County Brewing

BEST SELECTION OF BOTTLED/ CANNED BEER

Winner: Alga Beer Co. 200 South Bar & Kitchen Hub Stacey's Wisteria Tavern

BEST BREWERY

Winner: Odd Colony Brewing Company

Alga Beer Co. Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

BEST LOCAL BEER

Winner: Bone Harvest (Odd Colony Brewing Company)

East Hillsner (Alga Beer Co.)

Fred's Red (Coastal County Brewing)

Ten Wraiths (Emerald Republic Brewing Co.)

BEST BARTENDER

Winner: Nate Simmons

(Union Public House)

Erin Cuneo (Odd Colony Brewing Company)

Nicole Greenwell (George Bistro + Bar)

Amber Tirpak (BAR515)

BEST DJ

Winner: dr0ne

Albert Lao

DJ Dad hdycvt

BEST DRAG QUEEN

Winner: Judah

Terrah Card

Monica Heart

Alastina Jade Samore

BEST SPORTS BAR

Winner: Badlands Roadside Bar

Sammy Barker's

Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

The Ticket Sports Bar

BEST SPORTS TEAM

CLUB HEADQUARTERS

Winner: Play Badlands Roadside Bar Seville Quarter Union Public House

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

Winner: Alga Beer Co. Coastal County Brewing The Magnolia Wisteria Tavern

BEST PET-FRIENDLY BAR

Winner: Alga Beer Co.

Coastal County Brewing Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Odd Colony Brewing Company

BEST HOTEL BAR

Winner: Paradise Inn

Hilton Pensacola Beach Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Margaritaville Beach Hotel

BEST BAR WITH A VIEW

Winner: Sneaky Tiki Bar

The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge Casino Beach Bar & Grille Paradise Bar & Grill

BEST BAR AMBIANCE

Winner: The Well

The Elbow Room

Odd Colony Brewing Company Old Hickory Whiskey Bar

BEST BAR FOR GAMES

Winner: Play

Coastal County Brewing The Elbow Room Emerald Republic Brewing Co.

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Winner: Alga Beer Co. The Cabaret Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

BEST KARAOKE NIGHT

Winner: Play The Cabaret Hub Stacey's Seville Quarter

BEST BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC

Winner: Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Odd Colony Brewing Company Paradise Bar & Gril Seville Quarter

BEST BAR FOOD

Winner: MI SU Street Food at Odd Colony Brewing Company Coastal County Brewing Hub Stacey's The Kennedy

Winner Best Late Night Eats & Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key

Runner Up Best Hot Dog, Best Bar Ambiance & Best Bar for Games

BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano Restaurant IRON Union Public House

BEST RESTAURANT–

DOWNTOWN

Winner: Restaurant IRON

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano Global Grill

Union Public House

BEST RESTAURANT–

CORDOVA AREA

Winner: George Bistro + Bar O'Brien's Bistro & Bar Sake Cafe

The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria

BEST RESTAURANT–EAST HILL

Winner: The Magnolia Cactus Flower Cafe

East Hill Pizza O'Zone Pizza Pub

BEST RESTAURANT–NORTH

PENSACOLA/NINE MILE ROAD

Winner: Sammy Barker's I Heart Bento Lost Pizza Co.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill

BEST RESTAURANT–WEST PENSACOLA/PERDIDO KEY

Winner: Kingfisher Hub Stacey's at The Point Jaco's Perdido

The Jellyfish

BEST RESTAURANT–

EAST PENSACOLA HEIGHTS

Winner: Calvert's in the Heights Agapi Bistro + Garden Jerry's Drive In New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

BEST RESTAURANT–

GULF BREEZE

Winner: Taco Rock Lao Ocean

Shan Kishi Japanese Hibachi Taste of Thai

BEST RESTAURANT–

PENSACOLA BEACH

Winner: The Grand Marlin Flounder's Chowder House Native Cafe

Peg Leg Pete's

BEST RESTAURANT–

MILTON/PACE

Winner: Blackwater Bistro BAR515

Cosse's Place

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Winner: Juan's Flying Burrito Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee Pearl & Horn

A Rustyc Spoon

BEST BAKERY

Winner: Craft Bakery Bluejay's Bakery

J's Bakery and Cafe

Milton Quality Bakery

BEST BREAKFAST

Winner: Native Cafe

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Aunt Katie's

The Nest General Store

BEST BRUNCH

Winner: George Bistro + Bar Polonza Bistro

Ruby Slipper Cafe

South Market

BEST LUNCH

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar Kingfisher Nomadic Eats

VooDoo BBQ & Grill

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Winner: MI SU Street Food Brown Bagger Nomadic Eats

A Rustyc Spoon

BEST GREEK CUISINE

Winner: Agapi Bistro + Garden Founaris Bros. Greek Restaurant Greek's Catering and Events Hip Pocket Deli

BEST MEXICAN CUISINE

Winner: Cactus Flower Cafe Taco Rock Tacos Mexicanos Taqueria El Asador

BEST ITALIAN CUISINE

Winner: Angelena's Ristorante Italiano Bonelli's Petrella's Italian Cafe V Paul's Italian Ristorante

BEST CAJUN CUISINE

Winner: Cafe Nola Broussard's Bayou Grill Cub's Crawfish VooDoo BBQ & Grill

BEST CHINESE CUISINE

Winner: TaiPei Asian Cuisine Chen's Kitchen House of Chong Uncle Jiang

BEST JAPANESE CUISINE

Winner: Sake Cafe Ichiban Khon's on Palafox Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

BEST THAI CUISINE

Winner: SaBai on Jefferson Siam Thai Taste of Thai Thai 54 Cuisine

BEST INDIAN CUISINE

Winner: Taste of India Dinner India Restaurant & Grill Indian Grill Spice & Spirits

restaurants. food.

BEST VIETNAMESE CUISINE

Winner: Saigon Oriental Market and Deli Pho Golden Palace Quickly Tu-Do

BEST VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN CUISINE

Winner: End of the Line Cafe The Busy Bee Mercantile Kingfisher Le Dough

BEST SUSHI

Winner: Sake Cafe Dharma Blue Ichiban Khon's on Palafox

BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

End of the Line Cafe Pearl & Horn South Market

BEST SEAFOOD

Winner: The Grand Marlin The Fish House Kingfisher Peg Leg Pete's

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Winner: Jackson's Steakhouse

The District: Seville Steak & Seafood McGuire's Irish Pub Restaurant IRON

BEST BBQ

Winner: Hot Spot Barbecue Brother's BBQ VooDoo BBQ & Grill Water Pig BBQ

BEST SOUL FOOD

Winner: Five Sisters Blues Café Arlene Williams BBQ The Dwarf (Legendary "Chicken Stand") Englewood's All In One

BEST WINE MENU

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox Angelena's Ristorante Italiano George Bistro + Bar Global Grill

BEST ORIGINAL MENU

Winner: Union Public House George Bistro + Bar Kingfisher Restaurant IRON

BEST CHEF

Winner: Edward Lordman (The Pointe)

James Briscione (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano) George Lazi (George Bistro + Bar) Alex McPhail (Restaurant IRON)

BEST UP-AND-COMING CHEF

Winner: Ian Gillette (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano) Dylan Kirby (Polonza Bistro) Carolyn Ore (George Bistro + Bar) Taylor Stoll (Union Public House)

BEST WAIT STAFF

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Restaurant IRON Union Public House

BEST WAITER

Winner: Ryan Seeley (George Bistro + Bar and The Grand Marlin)

Frank Perez (Union Public House)

Jordan Rinaldi (Polonza Bistro)

Tony Williamson (Global Grill)

BEST WAITRESS

Winner: Crystal Stewart (George Bistro + Bar)

Savannah Jenkins (The Grand Marlin) Cori Perez (Carmen's Lunch Bar)

Olyvia Woods (Five Sisters Blues Café)

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Winner: Bodacious Brew

Fosko Coffee Barre

Jitterbug Beverage Co.

The Nest General Store

BEST BARISTA

Winner: Benjamin Haupt (George Bistro + Bar)

Brandon Goodson (Bodacious Bookstore & Café)

Anna Monk (Craft Bakery)

Seb Wynn (formerly at The Leisure Club)

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Winner: Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille Casino Beach Bar & Grille

The Grand Marlin

The Wine Bar on Palafox

BEST PLACE TO SPLURGE

Winner: Restaurant IRON George Bistro + Bar Global Grill

Union Public House

BEST PLACE TO EAT HEALTHY Winner: End of the Line Cafe Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee Carmen's Lunch Bar

The Daily Squeeze

BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH Winner: Craft Bakery Bubba's Sweet Spot

Pretty Baked (at Cafe Single Fin)

Mr. C's Homemade Ice Cream

BEST ROMANTIC DINING

Winner: Restaurant IRON Angelena's Ristorante Italiano George Bistro + Bar Global Grill

BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE

Winner: Union Public House

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grill

Khon's on Palafox

The Wine Bar on Palafox

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Winner: Flounder's Chowder House Cafe Single Fin

Calvert's in the Heights Red Fish Blue Fish

BEST PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Winner: Lucy's in the Square Coastal County Brewing Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille The Magnolia

BEST TAKE OUT/TO GO Winner: VooDoo BBQ & Grill MI SU Street Food SaBai on Jefferson Sky's Pizza Pie

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A BIRTHDAY DINNER Winner: Global Grill Angelena's Ristorante Italiano George Bistro + Bar Union Public House

BEST RESTAURANT FOR SPORTS FANS

Winner: Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant 200 South Bar & Kitchen Calvert's in the Heights The Pointe

BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

Winner: The Elbow Room Graffiti Pizza McGuire's Irish Pub Restaurant IRON

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Winner: McGuire's Irish Pub The Grand Marlin Kingfisher Union Public House

BEST GONE-BUT-NOTFORGOTTEN RESTAURANT Winner: Nom Sushi Izakaya chizuko Franco's Italian Restaurant Hopkins Boarding House

food

BEST UNIQUELY PENSACOLA DISH

Winner: Grits à Ya Ya (The Fish House) MI SU Melt (MI SU Street Food) Mullet Platter (Kingfisher) Red Beans & Green Chile Grits (Le Dough)

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Winner: Fosko Coffee Barre Bodacious Brew Constant Coffee & Tea Craft Bakery

BEST COLD BREW/ICED COFFEE

Winner: Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Buzzed Brew Coffee Jitterbug Beverage Co. Le Petit Pecan

BEST LATTE

Winner: Craft Bakery Constant Coffee & Tea Maker's Coffee Co. The Nest General Store

BEST ICED TEA

Winner: Sweet Jackson Tea

The Busy Bee Mercantile

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Nomadic Eats

BEST JUICES/SMOOTHIES

Winner: The Daily Squeeze Cafe Single Fin

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe Sean's Smoothie Shack

BEST PIZZA

Winner: Sky's Pizza Pie East Hill Pizza

Graffiti Pizza

O'Zone Pizza Pub

BEST STEAK

Winner: Jackson's Steakhouse

The District: Seville Steak & Seafood McGuire's Irish Pub Restaurant IRON

BEST BURRITO

Winner: Juan's Flying Burrito

Cactus Flower Cafe

Tacos Mexicanos

Taqueria El Asador

BEST TACO

Winner: Tacos Mexicanos

Juan's Flying Burrito Nomadic Eats

Taqueria El Asador

BEST SOUP

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar Kingfisher McGuire's Irish Pub New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria

BEST DELI

Winner: New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria Apple Market

Costello's Butcher Shop Four Winds International Food Market

BEST BREAD

Winner: Craft Bakery Casita Bread

Emerald Coast Bread Company Kingfisher

BEST SANDWICH

Winner: Shrimpburger (Kingfisher)

The Baylen (Hub Stacey's)

MI SU Hot Chicken Sandwich (MI SU Street Food)

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

BEST CHICKEN SALAD

Winner: Craft Bakery

Carmen's Lunch Bar

Hub Stacey's Jo's As Always

BEST BURGER

Winner: MI SU Street Food Brown Bagger Sauce Boss Burger Co. Union Public House

BEST HOT DOG

Winner: Dog House Deli The Elbow Room

Sammy Barker's The Wacked Out Weiner

BEST CHEESE PLATE

Winner: The Wine Bar on Palafox

Angelena's Ristorante Italiano Carmen's Lunch Bar Union Public House

BEST APPETIZERS

Winner: Global Grill Carmen's Lunch Bar

George Bistro + Bar Union Public House

BEST MAC-N-CHEESE

Winner: The Magnolia End of the Line Cafe

Five Sisters Blues Café Kingfisher

BEST PASTRIES

Winner: Craft Bakery Casita Bread Le Dough

Pretty Bear's Bakery

BEST BREAKFAST DISH/MENU ITEM

Winner: Eggs Cochon (Ruby Slipper Cafe) Gravlax Bagel (The Nest General Store) Hoe Cakes (Aunt Katie's) Khachapuri (Craft Bakery)

BEST GRITS

Winner: The Fish House Aunt Katie's Coffee Cup Restaurant Le Dough

BEST DONUTS

Winner: Le Dough Lickin Good Donuts Maynard's Donut Co. Milton Quality Bakery

BEST FRENCH FRIES

Winner: George Bistro + Bar

Kingfisher

MI SU Street Food

Sauce Boss Burger Co.

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Winner: Five Sisters Blues Café The Dwarf (Legendary "Chicken Stand") MI SU Street Food Union Public House

BEST WINGS

Winner: Hub Stacey's Kingfisher

The Reef

Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant

BEST OYSTERS

Winner: Peg Leg Pete's The Grand Marlin Pearl & Horn The Well

BEST SALADS Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar George Bistro + Bar Kingfisher Union Public House

BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCE Winner: The Farm Bailey's Produce & Nursery Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe Palafox Market

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN DISH

Winner: Knuckle Sandwich (End of the Line Cafe) Biscuits and Gravy (Le Dough) Jackfruit Sandwich (Kingfisher) Soul Food Plate (The Busy Bee Mercantile)

BEST DESSERTS

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar Chrisoula's Cheesecake Shoppe Kingfisher Union Public House

BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT

Winner: Wild Honey Frozen Yogurt Craft Bakery Frozen Ropes Yogurt Mr. C's Homemade Ice Cream

BEST CAKES/CUPCAKES

Winner: Craft Bakery

BibiCakes Bluejay's Bakery Kingfisher

BEST COOKIES

Winner: Annie's Naked Cookies

BibiCakes

Craft Bakery

Itsa Cookie

BEST KING CAKE

Winner: Le Dough

Craft Bakery

End of the Line Cafe

J's Bakery and Cafe

BEST ORIGINAL MENU ITEM

Winner: Pimento Cheese Pups (Union Public House)

Doughchos (Le Dough)

Hot Chicken Rice Bowl (Nomadic Eats) MI SU Melt (MI SU Street Food)

BEST LUNCH SPECIALS

Winner: Carmen's Lunch Bar

End of the Line Cafe

Kingfisher Nomadic Eats

BEST WEEKLY SPECIAL

Winner: Prime Time Tuesday (Jackson's Steakhouse)

First Dibs Menu (Restaurant IRON) Sunday Brunch (Le Dough) Super Tuscan Tuesday (Angelena's Ristorante Italiano)

BEST COOKING CLASSES

Winner: So Gourmet

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe Jackson's Steakhouse Pensacola Cooks Kitchen

BEST MOBILE BEVERAGE SERVICE

Winner: Tap the Coast LaTeeLa

Le Petit Pecan Maker's Coffee Co.

BEST LOCAL FOOD MANUFACTURER

Winner: The Hummus Lady

The Black Garlic Market

Casita Bread C & D Mill

BEST LOCAL BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER

Winner: Big Jerk Soda Co.

Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Optimus Beverages Sweet Jackson Tea

AYLSTOCK, WITKIN, KREIS AND OVERHOLTZ

17 E. Main St., Ste. 200, awkolaw.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We've built a culture around the prin ciple of servant leadership. Our employees take ownership and pride in their work, and that allows us to provide the best representa tion for all of our clients.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Most of our clients come to us at a low point in their lives. We owe it to them to do everything possible to achieve the best possible outcome. Empowering our employees to be their best selves allows us to deliver for our clients.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Compassionate and relentless advocates for those who need it most.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? The pandemic has shown us the remote workforce concept can be effective. As businesses and employees look at new homes in the future, we expect Pensacola will increasingly be recog nized as a highly desirable option. Exciting opportunities for growth and unlocking our potential lie just ahead.

Answers by: Justin Witkin, Managing Partner

EASY GOING GALLERY

701 N. V St., @easygoinggallery

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Easy Going Gallery is a community space for Pensacola. It's an art gallery, an espresso bar

and a live music venue where anyone and every one is welcome to share their art and craft.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The passion shared by those around me energizes me to innovate, inspire others and be the leader my community needs.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Easy Going Gallery—a celebration of all that is Pensacola art and craft.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Meet ing new people, building and maintaining healthy relationships in and through Easy Going Gallery, and sharing my love of music and community with those new relationships.

Answers by: William Bowers

GREATER PENSACOLA FIGURE SKATING CLUB

Pensacola Bay Center, pensacolafigureskating.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Through Learn to Skate USA® program ming, we offer lessons to all skill levels—ages 2.5 through adults. Olympic national governing bodies U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US Speedskating support Learn to Skate USA® for the many health, social and developmental benefits gained through ice skating.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The smiles on the skaters taking their first steps on the ice and the look of pride in their eyes when they accomplish a goal. Know ing that lessons on the ice are lessons that will carry you through life.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? GPFSC is

a local nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers and increasing ice sports opportunities available to all ages and abilities.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Adap tive Skating classes for individuals with develop mental and physical challenges are being added this fall. This takes us one step closer to achieving our mission to remove barriers that have histori cally prevented ice sports participation in our area and make it a sport that is accessible to all.

Answers by: Melissa Frisco, President and Learn to Skate Program Director

HEROES AMONG US marinecorpsleaguepensacola.org/heroes-among-us

What do you think sets you and your business apart? The Heroes Among Us series features individuals from all branches of the military. The goal is to let these heroes share their experiences with others. The Heroes Among Us is a nonprofit under the IRS Code section 501(c)(3) operating as a public charity and is a tax-exempt entity.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our goal is to demonstrate to the public that we as veterans honor and take care of our own.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? A hand up, not a handout.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? The series will be in its 10th year and is held at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month from MayOctober. It is presented by the local Marine Corps League, J. R. Spears Detachment 066.

Answers by: Edward M Rouse, CPA and Treasurer

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I treat my clients like family from the mo ment they reach out to me. I like to keep it hon est, real, light and fun. Once a KFP client, you're always going to be a friend to me.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My children. My childhood wasn't ideal, but it was the best my mom could give me with the circumstances. I look at my children, and I want them to know their mom gave all that she had for them to have a great life.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? A mom, wife and human who knows time flies and pictures are all we can take with us.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to being more involved with our community. The growth has been amazing in our area, and I love working with other photographers and vendors, learning from them, making memories and cheering them on. We live in a great place, and I'm happy it supports me.

Answers by: Kelsei Frazier, Photographer and Owner

MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS

1010 N. 12th Ave., No. 238, mixonmagic.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We have a distinct passion to educate, encourage and inspire with a spirit of excellence. Mixon Magic Performing Arts provides a per sonalized experience that empowers every skill level to actively participate in our program. We

consistently motivate performers to reach their highest potential.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My passion for teaching and nurturing children and people of all ages is what inspires me. I love using my instincts and natural gifts to influence others, which ultimately energizes me.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Fierce. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to continued growth and development. As a female entrepreneur, I firmly believe in the power of community support and engagement. Mixon Magic Performing Arts would not be what it is without local champions and advocates. I'm eager to build momentum in tandem with our fierce city.

Answers by: Emily Mixon, Artistic Director

NEIGHBORHOOD

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

2800 Wilde Lake Blvd., myneighborhoodtheatre.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I have an unmatched passion for theater education, combined with nearly 13 years of pro fessional experience as a performer and educator. In my training, I was praised for my curriculum creation. Every class, camp and program is care fully planned and well-thought-out—probably overthought, if I'm being honest.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My students and my Enneagram type (3w2), as well as my own experience as a the ater kid—it's a core memory. I have a lifelong theater family and an incredible respect for my

own mentors who taught me to strive for integ rity and excellence in everything I do.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Engaging electives, education and entertain ment for children and children at heart.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? One big goal of mine has been to create professional performance opportunities for local actors. I look forward to finally making that happen this summer with a themed TYA (theatre for young audiences) production. Keep an eye out.

Answers by: Kayla May, Owner and Artistic Director

PENSACOLA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

300 W. Leonard St., pensacolahabitat.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has a long, successful history of building homes, communities and hope. Innovation and col laboration are at the core of Pensacola Habitat's success, fostering new ideas and partnerships to find solutions in an ever-changing market where housing costs continue to rise and hous ing inventories are dwindling.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The individuals and families we serve and the volunteers and partners that do so much to help us achieve our mission and goals year after year.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Seeking to put God's love into action, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

Families achieving the American dream of home ownership with Pensacola Habitat's assistance.

Mortgages paid in full, with Pensacola Habitat's support. Homes in need of repairs and accessibil ity modifications completed for individuals and families. Our vision for the city and beyond—a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Answers by: Sam Young, President and CEO

PENSACOLA MOM COLLECTIVE

pensacola.momcollective.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We are Pensacola's premier parenting resource, created out of a need for a community where all moms are celebrated, loved, supported and empowered.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Learning from all the moms in our com munity inspires us to be our best. We are all in this journey of parenthood together. If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it's the importance of community and connections, especially when it comes to raising our kids.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Educating, encouraging and empowering families throughout the lifelong journey of parenthood. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to growing our Pensacola Mom Collective community and engaging with fami lies in our area to support them in their journey of parenthood.

Answers by: Jen Kinsella, Co-Owner and Co-Founder

ANN HILL

electannhill.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? A proven record—crime is down; revenue is up. We have won national accolades for public safety and "Strongest Town in America." I work every day to bring the prosperity of my first term to all neighborhoods, not just to benefit the same powerful cliques who have controlled local poli tics for decades.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I know what it is like to be ignored. At City Hall, I used to be the one on the other end of that phone call. I do my best because "the little guy" needs me to be their voice, and they are my top priority.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

I have a proven record of fostering economic growth, lowering crime rates, increasing park amenities and being extremely responsive. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I have so many exciting public projects in the works at the planning level, and I am ready to bring them in for a landing. I appreciate the award by Inweekly, and I hope your readers will also re-elect me Nov. 8 for a second term, to finish what we started.

Answers by: Ann Hill, Pensacola City Council President

SANTA ROSA ISLAND AUTHORITY

1 Via De Luna Drive, sria-fla.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We take pride in the quality of our many services and strive to make Pensacola

Beach a place of comfort and satisfaction for locals and tourists.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The outturn of our hard work and dedi cation to the community give us the satisfaction and inspiration to be our best.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Our mission is to preserve our natural resources, manage growth and promote eco-friendly tour ism in a clean, safe community environment.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to furthering the exposure of the Santa Rosa Island Authority through community involvement and welcoming record numbers for tourism by promoting progression and diversity in our city.

Answers by: AJ Powell, Assistant Manager of Human Resources and Events Coordinator

UWF HISTORIC TRUST

120 Church St., historicpensacola.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Since 1970, our organization has been committed to collecting, preserving, interpret ing and sharing the history of Northwest Florida. With our 9-acre museum complex in the heart of downtown Pensacola, we continue to shape the culture, history and ongoing growth of our city. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We live in such a unique and histori cally transformational region. Doing our best means representing our city to the best of our abilities and showcasing the great things our community has to offer.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Im merse yourself in Northwest Florida history, cul ture and art in the heart of downtown Pensacola. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to our growing selection of program ming opportunities, educational offerings and community events scheduled for the next year.

Answers by: Claire Stewart, UWF Historic Trust Director of Marketing

health. wellness.

A NDREWS INSTITUTE FOR ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, andrewsinstitute.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Andrews Institute Rehab is a leader in our community because we focus on care throughout the continuum of a patient's journey. We empha size collaboration with their physician and family to ensure comprehensive treatment options to meet their personal goals.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Andrews Institute Rehab clinicians are motivated every day by the successes of our patients. People in our community trust their care to our team, and this drives us to continue to improve and excel to keep Northwest Florida healthy and moving.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Our mis sion is helping people throughout life's journey. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Andrews Institute Rehab's goal is to continue to provide successful outcomes at each of our

Northwest Florida locations, utilizing innovative treatments and protocols.

Answers by: Christa Newgent, P.T., Corporate Director of Rehabilitation

ARYA THERAPY SERVICES

2701 N. 12th Ave., aryatherapy.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I provide therapy and coaching for nonconformist types in an unconventional setting, with methods that go beyond the stereotypes you might see on TV. I'm direct and solution focused without losing connection to the sacred nature of such vulnerable work.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Seeing genuine and lasting change in my clients in all areas of their life, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond. Any thing is possible once someone discovers who they really were all along beneath any trauma or weighty expectations of others.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Anything but ordinary. Arya is a Sanskrit word that has been translated as "not ordinary," and that sums it up.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Seeing more safe places for authentic exploration and ex pression of non-traditional ways of thinking, cre ating, collaborating and living continue to emerge on the Gulf Coast. I am so proud of Pensacola for the progress we're seeing in celebrating diversity.

Answers by: Tamara Driskell, LMHC, Owner

BAPTIST HOSPITAL

1717 N. E St., ebaptisthealthcare.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Baptist is the area's only not-for-profit health organization led from within this commu nity. Based in Pensacola, all decisions are made locally with the impact to our community in mind. Our history of advancing health care and serving our community has guided us for more than 70 years.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our patients, team members and our community inspire us to do and be our very best. Led by our values of ownership—integrity, com passion, excellence and service—we exist to serve those who trust us with their care. We take great pride in being a part of this amazing community.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Baptist is the community's only locally based, notfor-profit health care organization, and our mis sion is helping people throughout life's journey. What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? Baptist looks forward to sharing with our community our latest groundbreaking initiative—the opening of our new campus in fall 2023. Located at I-110 and Brent Lane, this new hospital campus offers the latest in healthcare innovation and supports our efforts to serve the community for generations to come.

Answers by: Candy McGuyre, Director Corporate Marketing

BAPTIST URGENT CARE

9400 University Parkway, Ste. 101-A, and 5100 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 101, ebaptisthealthcare.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? The compassionate care we deliver to our patients through our team of dedicated phy sicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and staff members.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our patients inspire us. We try our best to "make it easy" for them to come into one of our urgent care locations and receive fast, qual ity medical care without an appointment.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? At Baptist Urgent Care, we are your trusted partner. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Baptist Urgent Care looks forward to continuing to pro vide quality care to our patients in the community and to expand our services with a combined ER and urgent care clinic at our Nine Mile campus. These efforts help support our mission to help people throughout life's journey.

Answers by: Kimberly Telhiard, Executive Director Baptist Urgent Care and Orthopedics

CLUB PILATES

7175 N. Davis Highway, Ste. C, clubpilates.com/pensacola

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We have amazing instructors, a positive atmosphere and more than 45 classes a week.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We believe everyone should be able to work out in a supportive, comfortable studio, no matter size, age or gender. We love them all. If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Pilates is for everybody.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Look

COMMUNITY HEALTH

FLORIDA

2315 W. Jackson St., healthcarewithinreach.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We provide clinical care services to every one in our community—such as primary adult and family care, pediatric care, behavioral health and wellness, dental care, vision care, health care for the homeless and even an in-house pharmacy.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We all love what we do. We are from the neighborhoods we serve, and we are all about building a healthier community where everyone is respected and everyone is welcome.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Health care within reach for everyone, regard less of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or preference, circumstances or ability to pay.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? To continuing our work every day, with hospitals, local governments, other nonprofits, schools and business organizations, partnering to improve health outcomes for people who are medically vulnerable.

Answers by: Chandra Smiley, CEO

ESSENTIALLY FIT WITH CANDACE RORRER

5043 Bayou Blvd., Ste. A, candacerorrer.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We focus on the body as a whole. You can address relaxation and body discomforts with massage. We also offer strength training in a small group or private sessions, ionic foot detoxes and healthy meal plans.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I have always had a passion to help oth ers be the healthiest version of themselves.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We are a boutique fitness studio where you can come and feel comfortable starting your well ness journey.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We added small group classes as an additional service, and I look forward to being able to help even more people in our area.

Answers by: Candace Rorrer, Owner ACSM Exercise Physiologist and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

FIRST CITY DRUGS

6005 College Parkway, Ste. 1, firstcitydrugs.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We are a locally owned, independent pharmacy. We pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know our patients by providing traditional and pet prescriptions, compounding services, vaccinations and charitable gifts. We created a space from the ground up to provide the exact care our patients deserve.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We both grew up in Pensacola and feel a connection to our community. We like to know our patients' names, their stories and how we can help them best. We genuinely care for each of our patients and the stories they bring.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? We are an old-time pharmacy with a modern twist. What are you looking forward to next year—

for your business, our city and beyond? We are excited to continue supporting our local community, events, schools and other businesses.

As we grow to reach more patients, we'll be con nected to the city in even more exciting ways.

First City Drugs will always be the place that knows your name and cares about your story.

Answers by: Natalie Malone, PharmD, and Derek Stephens, PharmD

LADIES FIRST OBGYN BAPTIST HEALTH CARE

3417 N. 12th Ave., ebaptisthealthcare.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I am committed to my patients leav ing better than they came, feeling valued and heard. Whether they come to see me scared, excited, disappointed or unsure, my goal is to find them where they are and walk with them through their journey.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I live my life and raise my family to oper ate on the terms of always giving more than you take in each situation and in life. In my experi ence, it is this spirit of humanity that makes the world so beautiful.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We are invested in your journey and here to walk with you each step of the way.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Baptist is on the move. And with that comes such promise for improvements both aesthetically and as a growing, evolving team of professionals unified in vision and commitment to the service of others.

Answers by: Dr. Erika Schneider

LAKEVIEW CENTER

1221 W. Lakeview Ave., elakeviewcenter.org

What do you think sets you and your business apart? As a comprehensive human services organization, we can bridge gaps unlike any other agency. Substance misuse and mental health is sues can potentially overlap into child abuse and neglect. Our behavioral health specialists coupled with child welfare teams work together to develop innovative solutions in serving Gulf Coast families. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Because of Lakeview Center's compre hensive, personalized care, people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders can get the treatments they need. In 2021, we served 28,205 people from Escambia to Walton County, includ ing more than 7,300 contacts to people in crisis.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Our mission is "helping people throughout life's journey."

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

Lakeview Center's comprehensive services range from residential treatment to outpatient counseling, psychiatry, trauma care, treatments for substance misuse and 24/7 support for those with serious mental illnesses. Our promise is to continue listening and adapting to meet you where you are on your life journey.

Answers by: Kelsi Gulig, Marketing Director

SMART SMILES ORTHODONTICS

3201 E. Olive Road, Ste. A, smartsmilesorthodontics.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our office combines experience with

advanced education, the latest technology and personal care. We offer our patients orthodontic adjustments and dental cleanings in a single visit.

This helps with the hassle of having multiple den tal appointments and rushing to multiple offices. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? It's simple, our patients inspire our team to provide them with the utmost care and treat ment. We listen and communicate with each patient to make sure we were the best part of their day. We strive to give our patients a higher level of confidence and boost their self-esteem.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We treat our patients like they are our own sons and daughters.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

We look forward to continually being able to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Being able to serve not only our patients but also the community is our No. 1 priority.

Answers by: Edwin Witcher, Orthodontist

services.

A . LYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY

alynnephotos.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? My main goal with any client is to focus on the authentic moments and emotions—not so much trying to find the perfect pose—and I think that's why people choose to work with me. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? That's so hard because it's so easy to get burnt out, but I think my clients are who keep me inspired to do my best. When I get a text saying

how much they love their gallery and they can't wait to hang up pictures, that keeps me going.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Just a hopeless romantic creating timeless images.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? I look for ward to really pushing myself to grow my business in ways I've only dreamt about so far and hope fully working more with this amazing community of photographers we have here in Pensacola.

Answers by: Amy Clark, Owner

AVALON APARTMENTS

8800 Pine Forest Road, avalonliving.net

What do you think sets you and your business apart? My team's main focus is customer-cen tricity and providing an inviting environment for our guests and residents.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? It is knowing I'm helping someone find a sense of community at Avalon.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Unscripted, genuine customer service.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? As a Pen sacola native, I love to see our city grow more and more. I'm thrilled to see many career opportunities open up with our company. It's exciting to be a part of the growth of RAM Partners on the Gulf Coast.

Answers by: Dylan Spivey-Harris, Community Manager

BLUSH VENUE AND STUDIO

1308 W. Nine Mile Road, Ste. 3, blusheventsco.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? In the event industry, it is crucial to always

be evolving and updating. By creating a one-ofa-kind customizable space, our guests can set the vibe for any event they want. Our space is the perfect size for intimate showers, parties, meetings and more.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I'm inspired by all of the amazing people I get to meet and help with their event needs. My clients and guests really encourage me with their kind words and continuous business.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Modern, chic and customizable event space for all of your intimate gatherings.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to growing my own businesses, holding many more events at BLUSH and offering more than "just a venue" for our community. You never know what might be in the works in coming years.

Answers by: Chelsi Canan, Owner

CONNA O'DONOVAN REAL ESTATE

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

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I have always been a people person, and I found that my experience sets me apart. I have been in the business for 32 years. I am devoted and love helping people. I dive in with my heart and soul. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My wonderful clients are the biggest motivators. It's a great feeling to be trusted and relied upon. I could have never done it without

*Photo by Aislinn Kate Photography

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

CORE—Conna O'Donovan Real Estate.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Con tinue growing the business. Possibly branding CORE. Mentoring my new agents so that they can become successful. Staying involved with the community and our fundraising. Spending time with family and friends. Beach gatherings at my home. Watching the sunsets and living the dream.

Answers by: Conna O'Donovan, Realtor and Agent

EVANS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER

11225 Lillian Highway, evansautopensacola.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? During our more than 20 years in business, we have focused on excellent customer service coupled with topnotch service, technical skills and equipment. We have attracted and cultivated the best technicians in the area.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Satisfied customers being serviced by happy employees.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Excellence in customer service.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Peace and prosperity—and progress for our city without losing its small-town appeal.

Answers by: Pauline Evans, Director

FRAMING BY DESIGN

4718 N. W St., framingbydesignpensacola.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We specialize in conservation and preser vation framing. With two certified picture framers (CPFs) on staff, we always have someone who knows how to best treat your art investment to keep it from being damaged by the framing. Also, our gratitude for each and every client—no matter how small.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Knowing we are preserving customers' investments or their cherished keepsakes, to be handed down for generations to come. Also, see ing a satisfied customer—can't beat that. Thinking that every time they look at what we just framed for them and enjoy it for years to come.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Custom picture framing at its finest. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Wow, we look forward to continuing to serve our clients, our clients' children and, in some cases, our clients' grandchildren. Our clients become a part of our family. We are filled with appreciation.

Answers by: Gyna Sellers, CPF Owner/President

GILDED PENSACOLA

@gilded.pensacola

What do you think sets you and your busi ness apart? I think what stands out about my business is the intimacy that occurs. I provide one-on-one appointments where both myself and my client can truly be ourselves. I tell ev eryone to get ready because we are going to get close. I am legitimately friends with all my clients. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? As far the business goes, I am the prod uct. My identity is pretty wrapped up in the qual ity of service I provide. I want to deliver healthy,

beautiful nails. If I'm taking your money, I want to give you the best nails I possibly can.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Practice makes progress. If you think you want to do some thing, go do it over and over. You'll be amazed.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I'm always looking forward to growth, both personally and for my business. The same goes for our city.

I'm hoping with the influx of new people and busi nesses, we can grow our community support for the wellness of everyone who lives here—regard less of socioeconomic status.

Answers by: Savannah

GULF WINDS CREDIT UNION

220 E. Nine Mile Road, gogulfwinds.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Gulf Winds is about more than banking. We care for our members, team and communities by investing in their success. We are proud to be a community credit union that supports impor tant cultural events and nonprofit organizations through sponsorships, volunteer efforts and the Gulf Winds Cares Foundation.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We are motivated by our members.

Since 1954, Gulf Winds has offered products and services that empower our members to live their best financial lives. From daily banking needs to investment services, our members aren't treated like an account number, but as part of the family.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? We be lieve banking should move you forward with higher savings rates, better loan rates and lower fees. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are welcoming a new president and CEO, Daniel Souers, as Chris Rutledge (voted Best Boss this year) retires after 20 years. We look to continue thriving under Daniel's leadership by improving the financial lives of our members, providing innovative products and services and positively impacting the communities we serve.

Answers by: Frank Giammaria, Director of Community Relations

HULA MOON TATTOO

@famousgabetattoo

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Hula Moon was not a place. It is gone now. But it will always be here.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Sometimes your best won't cut it. Life is gonna happen. Fate is a cruel mistress. It is what it is. RIP Hula Moon.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? So long and thanks for all the fish.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? Looking forward to the City of Pensacola finally coordi nating with ECUA and properly fixing the plumb ing and streets in the correct order.

Answers by: Gabe, Tattooed at Hula Moon 22 years and 50 days

LINDSEY LAY INTERIORS

lindseylayinteriors.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? The ability to work on projects of all types and sizes, from one-time consultations and furnishing selections to project manage ment for remodels and new construction.

YOU BELONG AT THE CENTER

The Center serves as downtown Pensacola’s cultural and artistic hub.

Our legacy centers on you.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I value the relationships with each cli ent and all partners—architects, contractors, tradesmen, installers and vendors—and strive to provide creative design solutions from start to finish.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Lindsey Lay Interiors helps create a design plan, big or small, for every client's home.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to all new projects in the future.

Answers by: Lindsey Lay, Designer and Owner

NAI PENSACOLA

24 W. Chase St., naipensacola.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We are a woman-owned small business focused on honest and fair concierge service for our clients.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I love the people I work with and want them to all be successful. Their success is my success. Seeing them achieve and grow makes me work all the harder.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We are a full-service commercial real estate company focused on our clients and commu nity involvement.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to a continued robust economy and to working with our newly elected city and county government officials.

Answers by: DeeDee Davis, Owner and Broker

PEACH FUZZ

2590 N. 12th Ave., @velluspeachfuzz

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I think the evident divide from my peers would be my notion that it's OK to embrace your inner child and explore creativity without fear— especially with such a malleable material as hair. I also shoot things straight, and a lot of people like the rawness I offer.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My "best" is like a cold drink of water when my soul is parched. Providing nothing but my best to my clients and seeing the reward of that inspires me to stay consistent. I take extreme pride in my work.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Peach Fuzz can be defined by the phrase, "lookin' peachy, feelin' peachy."

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I'm looking forward to the continual growth of my small business as well as the pulsation of Pensacola as a whole. New flavors, colors and sounds await our city, and I'm excited to enjoy new and familiar experiences alike.

Answers by: Courtney Northington, Owner and Stylist

PERDIDO AUTO SPA

13159 Sorrento Road, perdidoautospa.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our team takes pride in their prep work. The front, back, sides, rear, tires and rims are always prepped prior to entering our wash. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? It all comes from the heart. Because our team considers one another family, it is

easy to pass along these same family values to our customers.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Loving our brothers and sisters, one wash at a time.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to opening our next location, as we are blessed to be a part of such a wonder ful community.

Answers by: Wes Verret, Owner

PINE MEADOW VETERINARY CLINIC

610 W. Nine Mile Road, pinemeadowvetclinic.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? When our clients walk in the door, we know their pets' names. We are your neighbor hood family veterinary practice. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Pets love us unconditionally. Providing them with excellent medical care is small way we can give back to these loving, four-legged family members.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Helping pets and the families live long, happy lives. What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and be yond? Having been established since 1973, our practice has grown immensely, and we only look forward to continued growth with the Pensacola area currently booming. We always look forward to helping more pets and their families.

Answers by: Jenafer Pulmano, Practice Manager

SIMONE SANDS, REALTOR, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PENFED REALTY

17 W. Cedar St., Ste. 2, simonesells.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Communication. While it sounds simple, there are a lot of parties involved in a transaction, and there are even more moving parts. Keeping everyone informed at each step of what to expect next takes coordination and skill, and it's probably my greatest strength.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My customers inspire me. They are relying on me to help them with possibly the biggest investment of their life. It's a lot of responsibility, and I don't take it lightly.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Simone Sells.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? Personally, I look forward to lots of live music now that The Handlebar has reopened. Professionally, I look forward to connecting with my colleagues and continuing my education at the Berkshire Hatha way Sales Convention in Las Vegas next year.

Answers by: Simone Sands

VOLUME ONE

7 W. Main St., volumeonesalon.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We strive to create a culture that is unique and enjoyable for our clients and stylists. We want to curate an unforgettable experience for every one who walks into the space.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"?

At Volume ONE, creating the best experi ence possible for our clients keeps us inspired. We offer cutting-edge styles backed by education.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Culture backed by education.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are excited to open a second location in the Southtowne building on Romana Street. We look forward to expanding and being able to offer more people the Volume ONE experience.

Answers by: Mary Patterson, Marketing Coordinator

WARD & BARNES, P.A.

222 W. Cervantes St., wardbarnes.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We focus on each client's individual needs and goals for their case. We recognize that no two cases are the same, and we strive to provide our clients with tailored services. We pride ourselves on being large enough to handle any case but grounded enough to serve our clients individually.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We are inspired by the ability to use the law to actually help people. There's nothing more rewarding than helping a client recover from his or her losses, and the inspiration that flows from an appreciative client who's healing because of what we've been able to do.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Large firm experience, small firm attention. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to the continued growth of Pen sacola. The past decade has been amazing to our beautiful area, and it shows no signs of slowing

down. We are excited to see what Pensacola is going to be next year, and the following year, and so on.

Answers by: Scott Barnes, Partner

THE WESTERN ROSE

18 S. DeVilliers St., @the_western_rose_

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Each artist at The Western Rose offers his or her own unique and wellhoned style. We function as a collective, be cause artists should keep the money they earn from their work and experience. We embrace all people and all bodies in a safe and welcom ing environment.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I just try to offer the best experience

I can for every client. Best is a funny word; I've grown up with the idea that you can always be better. Never forget, as good as you are at whatever you do, someone is out there doing it better.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

The Western Rose is a safe space where all are welcome, appreciated and heard.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Our group changed this year, so of course we want our shop family to grow even closer. We all want to stand out among the already crowded and still growing industry as a place where tattooing is for everyone. We see the future of tattooing as being even more inclusive.

Answers by: Ali Roudabush, Co-Owner and Artist

weddings.

A LEXANDRA EVANS

@hairby_alexandra

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I've always said, if I could do one thing in my field for the rest of my life, it would be wedding hair. I now have the privilege of staying home with my son during the week and serving the community of Pensacola doing what I love on the weekends.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Knowing I play a special role in helping the bride feel confident and beautiful on one of the most cherished days of her life inspires me to create the best look for each and every one of my clients.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? "Work to become, not to acquire."

—Elbert Hubbard

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Next year I'm looking forward to learning all the new spring wedding trends and focusing on refining my business as a whole. I'm also looking forward to more collaborations with Pensacola wedding vendors to create a premier experience for any bride who gets married here.

Answers by: Alexandra Evans, Freelance Wedding Hairstylist

ANYDAYDJ

anydaydj.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? What sets our business apart is the per sonality of our DJs. Our team has been DJing col

lectively for more than 50 years and has extensive experience with different genres of music.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our clients inspire us. We love music and love that we are able to create the perfect soundtrack for their special day.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? We handle the details so you can enjoy the moment.

Answers by: DJ Ramsey

BEAUTY BY BOSLEY

@beautybybosley

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I believe God is in the details. I always strive to provide my clients with special little touches to make their makeup experience a joy. I speak positive words over them and am the big gest hype woman. I want my clients to leave my chair feeling beautiful and empowered. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My biggest inspiration is my daughter. She's 7. I want to see the world through her eyes. She truly sees beauty in everything and every one. She's a joy and ray of light. I strive to be just like her when I grow up.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Self-love advocate.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to creating an even more luxurious experience for my clients. Improving my skills and expertise, studying my craft and being able to offer even more beauty services for my brides, such as spray tans, facials and skin care services.

Answers by: Jessica Bosley, Owner

BOMBSHELL BLOWOUT BAR

5555 N. Davis Highway, Ste. D, bombshellblowoutbar.com

What do you think sets you and your busi ness apart? We are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. We have times that accommodate everybody, including clients with strict work schedules.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We are all about empowering women. We want everyone that comes in to leave look ing and feeling their best.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We help you unleash your inner bombshell. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are working on expanding into a full-service salon. This will allow us to do more with our charity foundation and the community.

Answers by: Nichole Collins, Operations Manager

HAIR + CO

1627 W. Garden St., hairandco.salon

What do you think sets you and your business apart? The experience and expertise of the styl ists, and the way that they genuinely care for each person that walks through the door.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our guests become our friends and family, and we strive to give them the best pos sible experience in every way.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Professional with a personal touch. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

We love our hometown of Pensacola and are excited about the growth and change that is happening. We are grateful to be a part of it.

Answers by: Jodie Chevillet, Owner

POSH PICNICS

poshpicnicspensacola.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Posh Picnics takes the utmost care in every part of planning your event, from custom hand-lettered signs and custom florals to location and charcuterie. We love to help create moments that will make memories to last forever. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? With a career in the service industry, I truly enjoy extending my hospitality with each Posh Picnic. With a wonderful 7-year-old who watches everything I do in earnest, I'm so proud to be able to show him how far hard work and dedication can take a mere dream.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Posh Picnics curates custom luxury picnic expe riences in paradise. Let's make memories. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

Posh Picnics has some big ideas for 2023, and we couldn't do any of it without the people of Pensacola. We love to see our city grow, and we plan on growing with it. Engagement season was wonderful, and we can't wait to see all of our beautiful couples wed.

Answers by: Vanessa Ochoa, Owner

SUPPOSEY WAREHOUSE AND GARDENS

101 S. F St., supposeyvenue.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We include setup and breakdown in-

house, along with many event rentals, such as centerpieces, dance floor, bar, lighting, lounges and decor that are included in the venue price.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We love weddings, and we strive to create the best experiences for our couples. Events of all kinds are exciting, but the personalities we marry into our designs are what lights our fire.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Effort-filled wedding planning to create events that feel effortless.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are so excited to host all the upcoming weddings through the end of the year and into 2023. So far, 104 couples have selected our venue, and we cannot wait for each and every magical day.

Answers by: Chloe Sexton, Owner

WEDDINGWALLS

4865 W. Spencerfield Road, Pace, weddingwalls.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? January will mark year 19 in business. When we started our business, we focused on great customer service and quality over quanti ty. Here we are, 19 years later, and we still main tain our amazing customer service and continue with the motto of quality over quantity.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Living life to the fullest inspires us. When it relates to our career, we are inspired by the importance of each event and the planning process. We understand it takes great effort to make dreams a reality and the challenge, execu tion and end result is most exciting for us.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Fine quality event decor and rentals with a personal touch.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to all the wonderful clients and ex citing events already on the books and all the new clients we will meet and work with in the future.

We are excited to see our city and vendor friends busy and successful with weddings and events. Answers by: Tracy and Steve Lastinger

WHISTLING PIG

7654 Sowell Road, Milton, whistlingpigbbq.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We are a husband-and-wife-owned business that strives to create amazing food for our customers. Ryan doesn't cut corners in his BBQ. We never reheat BBQ or our sides, and they prepare everything fresh. Ryan and Ashlie have a passion for cooking and demonstrate that every single catering gig.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I have always loved to cook, and I cooked for many events over the years for family and friends. Plus watching Myron Mixon and a love and passion to bring happiness to people through BBQ. I love the process. The seasoning, trimming and the cooking process are all fascinating to me.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Great BBQ that's made with great passion and attention to detail.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We did our first competition last year. We competed in the World BBQ Championship in Memphis and did well. We learned a lot. Our goal is to represent

Best

Pensacola and Milton in BBQ and continuously improve our craft and consistently make great BBQ for our customers.

Answers by: Ryan Abbott, Owner and Pitmaster

retail.

B ODACIOUS SHOPS

407 S. Palafox, bodaciousshops.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our coffee is roasted in-house, salads are customized with healthy ingredients, and high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars add elevation to your cooking. Our specialty kitchen items are carefully curated with an em phasis on local artisans. Our event spaces are a beautiful showcase for making new memories. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Bodacious Shops is a mission-based business, built on improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. Our owners, Quint and Rishy Studer, put all profits back into the community. Our team loves welcoming in new and old friends, sharing their knowledge with craft coffee and delicious food.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? A collection of distinct shops, all under one roof, with something special to delight everyone. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are grateful and proud to celebrate our 10-year anniversary as a vibrant part of downtown this year and are excited to continue supporting our community while welcoming guests for years to come.

Answers by: Noelle White, Director of Retail Operations

JADE TREE SUCCULENTS

@jadetreesucculents

What do you think sets you and your business apart? When you purchase an arrangement from Jade Tree Succulents, you are purchasing not only a living work of art, but also a gorgeous plant arrangement that is set up for success.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The fact that customers want to come shop my booth and be repeat customers inspires me to push myself to always have new and unique pieces. I enjoy seeing the joy people get from shopping with me.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? "Decorating with plants."

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I look forward to finding a space that could be a homebase for me to have my plants available to customers during the week.

Answers by: Catherine Boswell, Owner

PENSACOLA POP COMICS

909 N. 12th Ave., pensacolapopcomics.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I had a customer move away and say, "The only thing I'm going to miss about this town is my neighbor's dog and your store." It might be too cryptic, but it's too good not to share.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I'm still just aiming for better.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Where all of the books have pictures. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I don't

skate, but I'm excited for the new skate park. It's such an awesome opportunity for our youth.

Answers by: Harley Orr, Owner

THE STELLAR MAKER

facebook.com/thestellarmaker

What do you think sets you and your business apart? I think the spark of joy and personal con nection that attracts each individual to my pieces is what makes shopping with us special. When you select locally handmade jewelry, you're further investing in your own community, and that's magical.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The Stellar Maker is actually named for my daughter, Stella. She is my why and the greatest of all my creations. I want her to see that creativity and passion can make an impact. We even have her Florida prepaid college plan linked directly to the business account.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Wearable art to tickle your heart.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? I am loving all the pop-up markets and reinvestment in Pensacola's own people. It's incredible to see so many opportunities for our thriving local maker community.

Answers by: Annette Remitera, Owner and Maker

THE TECH HANDYMAN

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

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our customer service. When customers tell us we treat them like a human as opposed to just another sale, it motivates us to keep going. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Making our customers happy. Almost everyone that walks through our door has a problem, and fixing that problem in the fastest and most cost effective manner tells us we are doing our best.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Pensacola's leader in Apple repair and cus tomer service.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to more growth, new customers and seeing our city become a fantastic community.

Answers by: Ryan Galvan, Owner

TECHWORLDREPAIR

A mobile shop—we come to you, techworldrepair.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? The ability for our customers to have a repair done without having to deal with traffic, gas or leaving the comfort of their business, place of work or home. We go just about any where a customer requests us for a repair. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We are inspired by all the negative feedback from customers with experiences that were not satisfactory. We want our customers to feel like they can ask anything and be told exactly what they can expect from our technicians and how long it might take for a repair.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Service at your convenience.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Growth and expansion.

Answers by: Dustin Eckford, Owner

WATERBOYZ

380 N. Ninth Ave., waterboyz.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? As many of our employees are surfers and skaters themselves, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of knowledge and best experience for all customers. We constant ly look for and accept ideas on how to improve WBZ year after year. Putting our community first is always a priority.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? They say, "Do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life." That's what we all strive for. Putting in the hard work to en sure our shop flows smoothly and provides the best available products to our community is our way of ensuring that lifestyle.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Loyalty, rhythm, soul.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are so excited for the Blake Doyle Skatepark to open and help keep the Pensacola skate community thriving. In our future, we will see the WBZ Winter Classic Surf Contest along with the second annual Red Bull Foam Wreckers Contest on Pensacola Beach, and maybe a few WBZ parties too.

Answers by: Waverly Norris, General Manager

bars. drinks. nightlife.

A LITTLE MADNESS BREWING COMPANY

9838 N. Davis Highway, alittlemadnessbrewingcompany.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? A Little Madness is crafting the best beers and hand-tossed pizzas around, while offering a relaxing environment and stellar customer ser vice. Our focus is on high quality and supporting our community while operating in a sustainable manner at our uptown brewery. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our friends and customers inspire us to do and be our best. They encourage us to con tinue sharing our passion to make great beverages and food while offering fun and unique entertain ment experiences like Open Mic Comedy, MaD TRiViA, karaoke and Tunes in the Taproom, plus our monthly Sunday comedy show.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Great beer and awesome pizza made sustain able in our community-oriented brewery and taproom and pizza kitchen.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We continue to expand on our sustainability initia tives and look forward to introducing everyone to our next level as we work toward completing the circle of brewery to farm to table all at our Little brewery.

Answers by: David Beddick, MaD1

BADLANDS ROADSIDE BAR

23 S. Palafox, facebook.com/nynbadlands

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Consistently being a bar without the frills. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My dream at 14 was to own my own bar and restaurant. This is my 23rd year and my third operation.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? It's a bar.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Look ing for the city to move into a customer-friendly atmosphere downtown.

Answers by: Nick Zangari, Owner

THE ELBOW ROOM

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

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our family here at The Elbow Room strives to provide an experience that is consis tent with the environment and service started 59 years ago by Maggie and Jim Flynn. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? As one of the oldest pubs in the Pen sacola area, we want our guests who visit us in Brownsville to have a unique visit they cannot find anywhere else.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? The Elbow Room—the best bar in Pensacola. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

Expanding and improving our outdoor seating area. The growth in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties has brought many new residents to our area, and we look forward to sharing our little slice of heaven with them.

Answers by: Jonathan Owens, Partner

PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO.

50 E. Garden St., perfectplain.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? It's our people. We have the best employ ees in the world. They care about customers, they take pride in our brand and our future, and they care about each other. Without this team, we are nothing. I'm just so appreciative to have wonderful people willing to work here.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The citizens of Pensacola. It's been a wild five years. Through it all, they've always been there for us. Our city has such promise, and we are inspired to play a tiny part in that and to continue to be a community partner through it all.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? "Business is the most personal thing in the world."—Michael Scott

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? The future is so bright for everyone at Perfect Plain, Garden & Grain, Perennial Patio Bar and The Well. I'm excited to watch the next chapter for these businesses that changed my life for the better and for all the amazing people who will make them thrive.

Answers by: D.C. Reeves, PPBC Co-Founder and City of Pensacola Mayor Elect

SEVILLE QUARTER

130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Seville Quarter is Pensacola's premier entertainment and dining complex. From Rosie O'Grady's dueling piano show to Phineas Phogg's, Pensacola's hottest dance club, Seville is devoted to providing the highest level of customer service as outlined in "The Five F's"—fine quality prod ucts, friendly atmosphere, fast service, fair prices, family business.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Being the best is what all businesses work hard every day to be. Being the best is

what keeps customers coming back year after year. We define best as the one everyone else looks up to for leadership and the one everyone is always talking about.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

The Gulf Coast's No. 1 entertainment and din ing destination since 1967.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to another great year of business. Developing new customers and keeping our loyal regulars happy is our mission every day.

Answers by: Buck Mitchell

restaurants. food. B IBICAKES bibicakes.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? A superb product with a distinguishable freshness made from scratch sets my business apart. Everything is made to order in small batches by hand. I take pride in meticulous at tention to detail, and each baked good is made with love.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The joy I see in the faces of my custom ers inspires me greatly. I am honored to be a part of their celebrations year after year. However, God blessed me with this business and talent to bake, and He is the one who truly inspires me to do my best.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? BibiCakes—Everyone's favorite for every

occasion. Delicious whoopie pies, cupcakes, wedding and celebration cakes.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Next year is going to be exciting for my business. I've founded the Whoopie Pie Academy, so I can teach others how to bake my popular whoopie pies. I really look forward to sharing my recipes so they can also experience the joy that comes from baking.

Answers by: Bibi Reed, Owner

THE BLACK GARLIC MARKET

6404 Mobile Highway, facebook.com/blackgarlic196

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We have created and trademarked our method for creating black garlic. It's smooth and creamy.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We wanted to introduce a new flavor to home culinarians and chefs. Being chefs ourselves, we strive for the best ingredients without compromise.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Small batch, big flavor. A new color for the culinary palette.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We are constantly researching new flavors and new methods of using our black garlic. Introducing the flavor to up-and-coming entrepreneurs and established brands.

Answers by: Matthew Brown, Chef, Founder and Co-Owner

BUZZED BREW COFFEE

501 S. Palafox, Unit No. 9, facebook.com/buzzedbrew

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Buzzed Brew offers a variety of flavors and caffeinated beverages. We are best known for our Caffeine Flights, Lotus Energy Drinks and seasonal lattes that change monthly. We also offer White Coffee—which is an extremely light roast that contains more caffeine than even a blonde roast.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our customers inspire us to serve the best caffeinated beverages around. We are con stantly brainstorming new ideas and flavors for our customers to enjoy. Whether you are trying our new seasonal flight of the month or a simple cold brew, we do it for you.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Buzzed—to be fully caffeinated with an excite ment and joy for life.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Caf feine Flights hold a special place in our hearts. Each month, we are ecstatic to announce our new lineup for customers to enjoy. Beyond sea sonal drinks, we are such a new business that we are truly excited just to see how this business continues to grow in the coming year.

Answers by: Crystal Millard, Owner

CHRISOULA'S CHEESECAKE SHOPPE

236 W. Garden St., Ste. 2A, chrisoulascheesecakeshoppe.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? We take pride in serving our cheese

cakes with the freshest and finest ingredients we bake fresh daily.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? We love our cheesecakes, and you will, too.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Our cheesecakes are always fresh. Never frozen. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Make creative and delicious cheesecakes.

Answers by: Chrisoula Hulion, Owner and Baker

EAST HILL PIZZA

2030 N. 12th Ave., easthillpizza.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Not only do we have amazing homemade pizza, but we also give back to our community as much as we can and stand by our #PizzaPayItFor ward project. We love to be able to spread love and kindness to others with our pizza.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? My children are my true inspiration, and I hope they learn the sky is the limit and to always be kind.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

We strive to provide the highest quality food, customer service and to always give back to our community.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

We hope to help more people and nonprofit agencies with our #PizzaPayItForward project, continue to provide amazing pizza and win the Best of the Coast next year.

Answers by: Darlyne Zoltak, Owner

END OF THE LINE CAFE

610 E. Wright St., eotlcafe.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Staying creative and focusing on clean, healthy options in a cozy and welcoming space for the past 20 years.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Food is inspiring. D.I.Y. new discoveries and sweet smiles from my wee chef.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Creative vegan cuisine.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? New spaces, new ideas, more community and arts events. More food.

Answers by: Jen Knight, Owner

GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS

600 S. Barracks St., greatsouthernrestaurants.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Thanks to Pensacola, we have become a cornerstone for downtown dining, serving the community for more than two decades. This, cou pled with local ownership, great locations, great food and service, helps to add to the uniqueness of our restaurants.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Pensacola.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Cornerstones of downtown dining.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? We look forward to a great year ahead. Our community has seen so much over

the past few years and has experienced so many challenges. It is so wonderful to see the growth that has come out of it. We are excited to have a banner 2023.

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

GREEK'S CATERING AND EVENTS

3960 Spanish Trail, greekscatering.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? An emphasis on preparing delicious and fresh food at a fair price. The hearty portions and excellent team seal the deal. We really like to support the community and to show our thanks for their support of us.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Our family. Everything we do is for them.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Delicious Greek food served fast, fresh and with a smile.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We have been blessed with a lot of growth within our business these past couple of years. We only want to continue to raise the bar and expand our reach. It's also exciting to see the growth within our hometown. We live where you vacation.

Answers by: Stelios and Cristin Peterson, Owners

HOT SPOT BARBECUE

901 E. La Rua St., hotspotbarbecue.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our commitment to God, our guests and the community at large.

What inspires you to be, do and make your

"best"? We never want to disappoint our guests, and that is the focus of everything we do.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Always striving for improvement.

What are you looking forward to next year—for your business, our city and beyond? The completion of the Three Mile Bridge. Pensacola has such a bright future and all of the good things that are happening in Florida in general.

Answers by: James Hlubek, General Manager, and Cheri Hlubek, Catering Manager

ITSA COOKIE

itsacookiebakery.com

What do you think sets you and your busi ness apart? I focus on offering cookies in fun and seasonal flavors. My menu changes monthly, so I can continue bringing out different flavor combinations.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? I find flavor inspiration from many sources, and my passion is figuring how to transform those flavors into cookie form.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Homemade cookies with a twist.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? My plans for next year include expanding my offer ings, both in flavor and location. With the new website, it will be easier to receive orders and ship them. I am also interested in having the cookies available in local stores and will explore commercial options.

Answers by: Katie Kralick, Owner

J'S BAKERY AND CAFE

2014 N. 12th Ave., jsbakeryandcafe.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Our team works really hard to supply the same flavors and baked goods everyone grew up on coming to J's.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Maintaining our customers' expecta tions paired with a strong work ethic.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Purveyors of happy.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond?

Continuing years of tradition.

Answers by: Ryan Thomas, Owner

JITTERBUG BEVERAGE CO.

2050 N. 12th Ave., drinkjitterbug.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? House-made syrups with delicious unconventional flavors, made-from-scratch, gluten-free pastries and a menu featuring or ganic local ingredients—including freshly roasted Alla Prima coffee beans here in Pensacola and smooth cream-top milk from Marianna's South ern Craft Creamery.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Seeing our customers enjoy our handcrafted creations and making a unique physical space people are drawn to and feel safe in. The chance to bond with and be there for people who make a habit of visiting us has been priceless.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Coffee from the mind of a chef.

W Nine Mile Rd.

3 Pensacola,

32534

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? The small business community here is inspiring. From fellow food and beverage entrepreneurs to cre atives and artists popping up, Pensacola seems to be going through a renaissance and we are excited to be a part of it and to see where it goes.

Answers by: Ariel Booth, Co-Founder

MR. C'S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

9329 N. Palafox, pensacolaicecream.com

What do you think sets you and your busi ness apart? Ice cream made in-house daily utilizing original recipes and ingredients from around the world.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? People eat ice cream to make them selves feel better. At Mr. C's, we make and serve our ice cream with passion and pride.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Mr. C's Homemade Ice Cream has the creamy texture and flavorful tastes that your grandpar ents remember as kids.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Mr. C's carries 40 flavors of ice cream daily, and Mr. C has more than 450 different recipes of fantas tic flavors. We would love to be able to display double the amount of flavors available daily.

Answers by: Chris Brewer, Owner

POLONZA BISTRO

286 N. Palafox, polonza.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Polonza Bistro prepares well-loved dishes from scratch and serves them in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. We source our ingredients

locally when possible, including our fresh-roasted coffee. We have cultivated a space that invites the diner in for a congenial dining experience.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? The dining experience is an age-old op portunity to celebrate, fellowship, build relation ships and enjoy life. Polonza Bistro is inspired by the bonds formed as people share our food and experience the hospitality of our space. We strive to bring the best to every diner who eats with us. If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Po lonza Bistro believes impeccable service and wellmade food are the hallmarks of good hospitality. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? We would love to grow our evening dining service in the coming year. We would like to showcase some wine tastings and host some civic events to boost the growth we see in downtown Pensacola.

Hospitality is the key to welcoming newcomers and visitors alike to our beautiful city.

Answers by: Judy Ring, Owner

SAUCE BOSS BURGER CO. saucebossburger.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Sauce Boss has always stood on two main principles—the first being that we have never and will never compromise on quality and the second that we aim to provide a consistent menu and strive to make that menu one of the best in the area.

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Sauce Boss was made by foodies and for foodies. From the very beginning, our family and friends and our community have been so im mensely supportive. With so many people in our

corner, we've got no choice but to maintain the integrity of our concept and to keep cooking.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be?

Uniquely satisfying and craveable. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Sauce Boss is focused on growth both for our business and team. Our end goal is to be able to support our community even more than we can now. We also want to take steps toward expanding our menu options to accommodate more and more dietary needs.

Answers by: Eli Cook, The Sauce Boss

SOUTH MARKET

905 E. Gregory St., eatsouthmarket.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? South Market strives to accommodate those with food allergies and make them feel safe and welcome. We make almost 100% of our items in house so we can monitor what we are serving and make sure it is fresh and healthy for everyone. What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Being able to serve food that is fresh, 'real' and healthy while still tasting good is our top pri ority. We use quality ingredients and avoid added fillers and hidden ingredients such as "flavors," msg, soy, wheat and high fructose corn syrup as it is used ubiquitously in many restaurant foods. If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? Real food for real people. What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? This year is our first at 905 E. Gregory St. Going into 2023, we plan to host more interesting events for

the community—such as wine dinners and charity events. We also have some exciting plans for our bar program and our seasonal menus from Chef Keith Pardue. Stay tuned.

Answers by: Holly Hays, Owner

UNION PUBLIC HOUSE

309 S. Reus St., unionpensacola.com

What do you think sets you and your business apart? Each dish and cocktail we create always has to have that little UPH twist. We always say "OK, this dish is tasty and all, but what is going to make it pop?"

What inspires you to be, do and make your "best"? Every member of our staff is so vital to UPH and so proud of the experience they are creating. That look on our guests' faces when the food is set in front of them and they take that first bite continues to inspire us all.

If you had to define your business with just one sentence or phrase, what would it be? We are crafty Southern pub with a twist and that goes for food, cocktails and the UPH fam.

What are you looking forward to next year— for your business, our city and beyond? Our new location in the East Garden District and our new neighbors at Perfect Plain and The Well.

Answers by: Blake Rushing, Chef and Owner {in}

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

families, food lovers, adventure

and Pensacola

their annual food truck

ticket proceeds benefit their mission

bringing people together

build homes, communities, and

and Santa Rosa

Snail

Goes South

By S.R. Johnson

Indie-rock singer-song writer and guitarist Lind sey Jordan's solo proj ect Snail Mail is making a pit stop in Pensacola this month, a first for the 22-year-old musician who already has multiple tours under her belt.

Jordan spoke to In weekly ahead of her show at The Handlebar, where she will play music from her 2021 sophomore al bum "Valentine."

Snail Mail's current tour is the first for Jordan since taking time off at the end of 2021 for vocal cord surgery, after suffering from polyps, which affected her ability to sing and work.

"The mixture of the way that I was talking, like the way that I learned to speak, and the way that I was sing ing and, you know, not enough water, not enough vocal exercises, like all of it sort of just came to a head," said Jordan.

"There's always been a little rasp, but it got to a point, especially during the pandemic, where I was like, 'Oh, my god, like I'm losing my voice every time I sing.'"

Once the surgery was

finished, recovery made for a very uninspiring time in between shows.

"For the first couple shows, I wasn't allowed to talk at all during the day, only during the show, which was really hard," said Jordan. "I had a whiteboard and couldn't go out and hang out with anybody."

In addition to having to remain quiet more often than she'd prefer, Jordan has had to make significant long-term lifestyle changes to pro tect her voice.

"I quit smoking weed, which didn't cause it, but it just didn't help," said Jordan.

"Now it's really like a matter of being vigilant, which is hard. I completely cut the smoking out. I don't like to really, really keep up with all the steam machines I have to do, but every time I hear a little crack or something, it scares me so much."

One benefit of the vocal surgery is that Jordan now has a wider musical range to bring to her fans.

"For the most part, like I have a brand-new range," said Jordan. "I can sing way higher. It's eas ier for me to sing; I don't lose my voice anymore."

"So other than the constant fear that I'll have to do surgery again one day, it's honestly been so positive."

While Jordan is actively touring, fans will be excited to know she's also started writing for her next record.

"I'm just generally feeling pretty inspired," said Jordan.

But before a new album heads our way, Jordan and her support crew will be taking a well-deserved break after the longest tour of Snail Mail's history.

"There's a point now where I'm kind of like, maybe just wanting to be at home and working on music and stuff," said Jordan.

"So it's definitely starting to slow down, but I'm pretty sure it's not quite over."

Outside of music, Jordan has explored other creative outlets, including modeling and acting, in an effort to diversify her career.

"It's nice to just be able to spread my eggs out a little bit because the one thing about the music industry that I struggle with a little bit is just thinking in the long term. I want to keep making records forever. But I just am so slow, a slow writer."

"You don't know what'll happen; maybe peo ple will lose interest in music," said Jordan. "May be the next record will be bad. It would just be cool to just not be completely stranded if Snail Mail falls apart."

Her latest project, an A24 horror film titled "I Saw the TV Glow," wrapped late this summer.

"The acting thing wasn't something that I ever thought I would be able to do," said Jordan.

"I already knew about the director when we got the email about auditioning," said Jor dan. "And I was just like, damn, this is gonna be so painful because I'm gonna get my hopes up so hard, and I'm not gonna get it."

"I auditioned; I got a callback. Then I met ev erybody in real life and auditioned again, and I got the role. And it's, like, a real role in the movie … it was definitely really terrifying because there's like real actors in it—like talented ones." {in}

SNAIL MAIL AT THE HANDLEBAR

6 p.m.

The Handlebar,

N. Tarragona

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY BATHE-

IN The last bathe-in of the year will be Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Pensacola Humane Society, 5 N. Q St. $10 bath and flea dips and $10 nail trims. Bring your own towel. Visit pensacola humane.org for details.

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Flori da is hosting Bingo at two locations. Dates are 7 p.m., Oct. 18, Nov. 1 and 22, and Dec. 6 and 20, at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burn ing Tree Road. $10 for 30 cards. At The 5 Bar rel Brewery, 121 S. Palafox, dates are 6 p.m. Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and 29, and Dec. 13 and 27. $10 for $10 rounds. Proceeds go to help local animals. You must be 18 years old to play. Visit aaflorida. org for details.

LIGHT UP LEARNING Studer Community In stitute's annual Light Up Learning hosted by Su per Bowl champion Josh Sitton will be held at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Thursday, October 20, located at 351 W. Cedar St. The annual fundrais ing dinner will bring guests on-field at Blue Wa hoos Stadium for an evening of gourmet food and drinks and incredible silent auction items for a great cause. More information on the event is available at studeri.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

"EXPERIENCE A NEW PERSPECTIVE" AT WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARIES MUSEUM SERIES WFPL has partnered up with area museums to showcase a sample of their collec tion. Join us and learn about the Pensacola area's rich culture, art and history. Collections on view at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensaco la Heritage Foundation will be 1 p.m., Oct. 13; and Chappie James Museum, 11:30 a.m., Oct. 20.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND Pack up your beach chairs and a blanket and enjoy family movies on Pensacola Beach this fall. Movies will start at sunset on a giant inflatable screen at the Gulf side Pavilion. Free to the public. Dates are Friday, Oct. 14 ("Hocus Pocus").

MICHAEL BOLES EXHIBIT RECEPTION The Luna Fine Art Gallery, located at Hilton Pensac ola Beach, 12 Via De Luna Dr., will host an exhibi tion reception for Florida artist Michael Boles 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. All commissions from sales of

Boles' art at the gallery will go toward the Brilliant Star Scholarship Fund to benefit students at Dixon School of Arts and Sciences. Visit hiltonpensacola beach.com/art-gallery for more information.

WORLD BALLET SERIES: SWAN LAKE A part of the World Ballet Series, Swan Lake will be performed live by a multinational cast of 50 pro fessional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most famous love story to life 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $45-$83. Details are pensacolasaenger.com.

TERROR IN THE THEATER MILTON'S HAUNTED IMOGENE HALLOWEEN AT TRACTION AND PARANORMAL INVESTI GATION Tour the historic Imogene Theatre in a new wat Saturday, Oct. 15. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Imogene Theater is located at 6866 Caroline St. Tickets are $15 each. For more infor mation, visit miltonghosthunt.com.

STRONG STREET STUDIO PUMPKIN PAR

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL Show is 7 p.m. Sun day, Oct. 16 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $54$84. Details at pensacolasaenger.com.

UWF PACE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Visit the John C. Pace Library, 11000 University Pkwy., on Tuesday, Oct. 18 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for its fall book sale. All are welcomed to attend.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: "THIS TIME TOMORROW" BY EMMA STRAUB Join book lovers at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 to discuss Emma Straub's "This Time Tomorrow," the sto ry of a woman who, after turning 40, finds her self back in 1996 reliving her 16th birthday, re connecting with her father, her high school crush and questioning her life choices.

ART AMONG FRIENDS ANNUAL EXHIBI

TION Art Among Friends will have their fourth annual Exhibition at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. The show runs concurrently with the Cinco Ban deras Collections show through Nov. 18. The ex hibit is free to the public, and the gallery is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

Art Among Friends, composed of 16 local artists, has been painting together monthly since 2018, and each member has been painting for over a decade.

MOVIE NIGHT AT ALGA BEER CO. Visit Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., every Monday at 7 p.m. for movie night. Follow @movie_night_ at_alga_ on Instagram to find out which movies will be featured each week.

LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's life drawing group meets every Monday, except holidays, from 6-9 p.m. in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.

This year, Strong Street Studio is offering a mix of shopping options for your convenience with multiple sales online and in studio. New In ventory will be released for sale online as well as in the studio. Studio sales are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat urdays, Oct. 15 and 29, located at 109 N. A St., Unit B. Details at strongstreetstudioglass.com.

TIES

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CIN

EMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Com munity Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Watch "El vis" with showings at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 15 and "The Watcher" 1 p.m. Oct. 22. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Vis it pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

BALLET PENSACOLA'S THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA "The Phantom of the Opera," Bal let Pensacola's 2022-2023 Season opener, tells the story of a masked figure lurking below in the cat acombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror on all the inhabit it. The masked fig ure falls madly in love with a young ballerina and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurtur ing her extraordinary talents and by employing his devious methods. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, Saturday, Oct. 15, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jef ferson St. Details at balletpensacola.org.

TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the His toric Trust for a monthly lunch and learn se ries on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, locat ed at 117 E. Government St., from noon-1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a va riety of topics. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf.edu or call (850) 5955985, ext. 125. The next date is Oct. 19 with Monica Tapper, who will give a culinary tour through Alabama history.

STUDIO SOUTH CLASSES The Socks 201 class is Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 is Slippers 201 at Stu dio South Yarn Co., 955 E. Nine Mile Road, Unit 101. Visit studiosouthyarnco.com for details.

BLITHE SPIRIT UWF Theatre's latest produc tion is Noël Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit with performances 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 at UWF Mainstage Theatre, 11000 University Pkwy. Bldg. 82. For tickets, visit uwf.edu/cfpa.

BRADLEY COPELAND AT EASY GOING GALLERY

The next featured artist at Easy Go ing Gallery, 701 N. V St., is Bradley Copeland. His work will be on view through Nov. 15. An open ing reception is Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6-9 p.m. with an artist talk at 7 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ easygoinggallery for details.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shop ping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensac ola Arts Market Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1401 W. Intendencia St. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.

GALLERY 1060 JURIED SHOW View works in all media from local artists through Oct. 21 at First City Art's Gallery 1060, 1060 N. Guillemard St. Show will feature work from members and non-members. Visit firstcityart.org for details.

SURVIVING THE WILDS OF THE PANHAN DLE The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida presents "Surviving the Wilds of the Panhandle" by artist Justin Quaid Grubb from through Nov. 11. Artwork will be on display at TAG, located in the Center for Fine and Perform ing Arts, Bldg. 82, 11000 University Parkway.

OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon’s Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.

free will

WEEK OF OCTOBER 13

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "Magic Re alism Bot" is a Twitter account that generates ideas for new fairy tales. Since you will bene fit from imagining your life as a fairy tale in the coming weeks, I'll offer you a few possibilities. 1. You marry a rainbow. The two of you have chil dren—a daughter who can sing like a river and a son who is as gleeful as the wind. 2. You make friends with a raven that gives you savvy finan cial advice. 3. You invent a new kind of dancing; it involves crying and laughing while making holy prayer gestures toward your favorite star. 4. An angel and a lake monster join forces to help you dream up fun new adventures. 5. You discover a field of enchanted dandelions. They have the power to generate algorithms that reveal secrets about where to find wonders and marvels.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): On Feb. 1, 1976, singer Elvis Presley was partying with bud dies at his home in Memphis, Tenn. As the rev elry grew, he got an impetuous longing for an 8,000-calorie sandwich made with French bread, peanut butter, blueberry preserves and slabs of bacon. Since this delicacy was only available at a certain restaurant in Denver, Colo., Elvis and his entourage spontaneously hopped onto his private jet and flew 900 miles to get there. In accordance with astrological omens, Taurus, I encourage you to summon an equally keen determination to ob tain pleasurable treasures. Hopefully, though, they will be more important than a sandwich. The odds of you procuring necessary luxuries that heal and inspire are much higher than usual.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini writer Nikki Giovanni reminds us, "It cannot be a mis take to have cared. It cannot be an error to have tried. It cannot be incorrect to have loved." In ac cordance with astrological omens, I ask you to embody Giovanni's attitude. Shed any worries that your caring and trying and loving have been blunders. Celebrate them, be proud of them, and promise yourself that you will keep caring and trying and loving. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to renew your commitment to your highest goodness.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I was born near Amarillo, Texas, where the US Energy De

By Rob Brezsny

partment stores over 20,000 plutonium cores from old nuclear warheads. Perhaps that explains some of my brain's mutant qualities. I'm not nor mal. I'm odd and iconoclastic. On the other hand, I don't think my peculiarity makes me better than anyone. It's just who I am. I love millions of people who aren't as quirky as me, and I enjoy communi cating with unweird people as much as I do with weirdos. Everything I just said is a preamble for my main message, Cancerian—the coming weeks will be prime time for you to give extra honor and credit to your personal eccentricities, even if they comprise a minor part of your personality.

to be on the receiving end of those brave actions. Congratulations in advance!

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): When he was young, Libran poet W. S. Merwin had a teacher who advised him, "Don't lose your arrogance yet. You can do that when you're older. Lose it too soon, and you may merely replace it with vanity."

I think that counsel is wise for you to meditate on right now. Here's how I interpret it: Give honor and respect to your fine abilities. Salute and nur ture your ripe talents. Talk to yourself realistically about the success you have accomplished. If you build up your appreciation for what is legitimate ly great about you, you won't be tempted to re sort to false pride or self-absorbed egotism.

sible I missed her? Her contemporary, journal ist H. L. Mencken, described her work as "one of the imperishable glories of American litera ture." She received many other accolades while alive. But today, she is virtually unknown, and many of her books are out of print. In bringing her to your attention, I am announcing my pre diction about you: Anything in your life that re sembles Reese's reputation will change in the next 12 months. If you have until now not got ten the recognition or gratitude you deserve, at least some of it will arrive.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Author Jenni fer Huang testifies, "Poetry is what helps me remember that even in my fragments, I am whole." What about you, Leo? What reminds you, even in your fragments, that you are whole? Now is an excellent time to identify the peo ple, animals and influences that help you gen erate a sense of unity and completeness. Once you're clear about that, spend quality time do ing what you can to nurture those healers. May be you can even help them feel more cohesion and harmony in themselves.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Virgo journal ist Sydney J. Harris described "the three hardest tasks in the world." He said they weren't "physi cal feats nor intellectual achievements, but mor al acts." Here they are: 1. to return love for hate; 2. to include the excluded; 3. to say "I was wrong." I believe you will have a special talent for all three of these brave actions in the coming weeks, Vir go. Amazingly, you're also more likely than usual

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In his ab surdist play "Waiting for Godot," Samuel Beck ett offers us two characters, Vladimir and Es tragon, who patiently wait for a white-bearded man named Godot. They're convinced he will provide them with profound help, perhaps even salvation. Alas, although they wait and wait and wait, Godot never arrives. Near the end, when they have abandoned hope, Vladimir says to Es tragon, "We are not saints, but we have kept our appointment." My sense is that you Scorpios, like Vladimir and Estragon, may be close to giving up your own vigils. Please don't! I believe your per sonal equivalent to Godot will ultimately appear. Summon more patience.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Poet Charles Wright has testified, "I admire and re vere and am awed by a good many writers. But Emily Dickinson is the only writer I've ever read who knows my name, whose work has influ enced me at my heart's core, whose music is the music of songs I've listened to and remembered in my very body." In my astrological reckoning, now is an excellent time for you Sagittarians to identify artists and creators who provide you with similar exaltation. And if there are no Em ily Dickinson-type influences in your life, find at least one! You need to be touched and trans formed by sublime inspiration.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): I've read and studied poetry for many years, but only recently discovered Capricorn poet Lizette Woodworth Reese (1856–1935). How is it pos

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Author So phia Dembling defines a friend as a person who consoles you when you're feeling desperate and with whom you don't feel alone. A friend is someone whose life is interesting to you and who is interested in your life. Maybe most im portantly, a friend must not be boring. What's your definition, Aquarius? Now is an excellent time to get clear about the qualities you want in a friend. It's also a favorable phase to seek out vital new friendships as you de-emphasize me diocre and overly demanding alliances.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Do you or do you not wish to capitalize on the boost that's available? Are you or are you not going to claim and use the challenging gift that would compli cate your life but also expedite your growth? Act soon, Pisces! If you don't, the potential dispensa tion may disappear. This is an excellent chance to prove you're not afraid of achieving more suc cess and wielding more power. I hope you will summon the extra courage necessary to triumph over shyness and timidity. Please claim your rightful upgrade!

HERE'S THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What has been your favorite mistake in the past 10 months? newsletter.freewillastrology.com {in}

news of the weird

OVERSTIMULATED A British artist known as Mr. Doodle (real name: Sam Cox) has doodled throughout his entire mansion in Tenterden, Kent, United Press International reported on Oct. 4. Ev erything is covered: walls, furniture, kitchen ap pliances, textiles, floors, ceilings. Cox shared The Doodle House with the world on a YouTube vid eo, taking viewers through the process from stark white to completely doodled. It took him two years, 240 gallons of white paint, 401 cans of black spray paint and almost 2,300 black pens to com plete the project. His wife, Alena, is all in with the doodle decor.

GREAT ART Keith Tyssen of Sheffield, England, has maintained a striking topiary he calls "Glo ria" in his front garden since 2000—the bush de picts a woman lying back in a reclining position with her knees bent. But, MSN reported, Tyssen has a problem with random "drunken louts" en tering his yard, usually during the night, and be coming intimate with the shrub. For one thing, he said, the noise wakes him up. But more disturbing, the "act" damages Gloria's figure. "Someone will squeeze the breasts," he said, "so that will damage it. They're climbing on top of her and pulling her legs apart—you know, it's disgusting." Now Tyssen is begging his community to leave Gloria alone; one Twitter user suggested he grow a thorny vine through her to deter the assaults.

THE AMERICAN TOURIST On Oct. 5, an Amer ican man who appeared to be about 50 years old asked to see Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome, CNN reported. When he was told that would not be possible, he hurled a Roman bust to the floor in the Museo Chiaramonti, then upset a second one as he rushed out. The man was detained by Vati can police and turned over to Italian authorities. Both statues were around 2,000 years old. Press office director Matteo Alessandrini said the busts were "affixed to the shelves with a nail, but if you pull them down with force they will come off." He said restoration work had already begun.

THE OTHER BORDER KTUU-TV reported that on Oct. 4, a small boat carrying two men land ed near the community of Gambell on northern St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. According to town clerk Curtis Silook, the men told villagers they had sailed over 300 miles from Egvekinot in north eastern Russia and were trying to escape the Rus sian military draft. Sen. Dan Sullivan conferred with the Department of Homeland Security, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy said they were transported to Anchorage, where federal authorities were sorting out their status. "We don't anticipate a continual stream of individuals or a flotilla," Dunleavy said.

INEXPLICABLE Tyler Monk, 34, an extermina tor in Kinder, Louisiana, is ... changing. That is, his skin is darkening from white to black, apparent ly because he briefly tried Prozac in January 2021 to help with anxiety, the New York Post reported. "The fact is, (doctors) don't know why I'm chang ing colors," Monk said. After two months, Monk's arms and face took on a grayish tone that con

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

tinued to darken even after he stopped the drug.

"First they thought it was photosensitivity ... but I've been covering up and I'm still getting dark er," he said. He has seen eight specialists, and more appointments are on his calendar. His fam ily is supportive: "We really don't mind the col or change, as long as he's healthy and OK with it," said his wife, Emily.

•Time to decorate the man cave? Three men were arrested on Sept. 24 in Hernando County, Florida, after an off-duty detective spied them using saws to cut traffic lights off the poles, WFTV reported.

By the time deputies arrived at the scene, the men had put three lights into their van. Aaron Wood, James Donnelly and Oleksiy Naumenko were ar rested for theft and admitted to stealing the lights. Each is valued at $5,000.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL

An unnamed 32-year-old woman didn't get far in the Mini Coo per she stole in Lakewood, Washington, on Sept. 19, Fox News reported. The driver, who had her 4-year-old son in the back seat and a bottle of whiskey in her hand, steered the car right into a section of wet cement that had just been poured by city crews. When she emerged from the car, she threw a television and an Instant Pot out of the car before trying to walk away. All items were stolen from the suspect's mother's home. After her arrest, crews went back to work on the pavement.

OOPS The Bay County (Florida) Sheriff's Depart ment has declared it's "officially out of the bonfire business" after an incident at A. Crawford Mosley High School in Lynn Haven on Oct. 5, the Panama City News Herald reported. Although the agency has assisted with bonfires for many years, the 2022 homecoming event blew up when the bonfire liter ally exploded. No one was injured, and firefighters were already on hand as a precaution. Sheriff Tom my Ford said it was unclear what had caused the explosion, but his agency would take responsibility for the incident. The district also announced that they would no longer host bonfire events.

WAIT, WHAT? Two men were arrested in Palm Coast, Florida, on Oct. 6 for a heist of goods val ued at $5,000, Fox35-TV reported. Rui Gen Lin, 48, and Rong Chen, 41, were caught red-handed by a deputy making a security check at Woody's Bar-B-Que; the two men wore headlamps as they transferred a substance from a vat behind the restaurant into a box truck with large storage containers inside. Here's the weird: They were stealing used cooking oil, about 7,000 pounds of it. Lin owns L&L Recycling, a company that buys and recycles cooking oil. "But in this case, they tried to increase their profits by stealing the oil," said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Who knew used cooking oil was so useful? It can be recy cled for use in diesel fuel and other substances, Staly noted. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel