The Men's Issue
AARON WATSON
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Beyond the Surface: Delving into the Depths of Character, Choice, and Contemporary Sophistication
In this special edition, we delve into the multifaceted world of the modern gentleman celebrating those who embody grace, innovation, and intentionality.
The true measure of a man lies not in what he possesses, but in how he carries himself; quiet confidence, unwavering integrity, and purposeful ambition. In a world of surface, he’s defined by substance. He leads with grace, builds with intention, and leaves a legacy rooted in character and class.
For millennia, great thinkers have grappled with the question: What defines a man’s true worth? Across time and cultures, the consensus is clear: the measure of a man lies not in wealth or power, but in integrity, purpose, and how he chooses to live.
In this issue we recognize notable men within our community whose lives reflect a commitment to excellence and purpose. Their stories offer insights into the diverse paths of contemporary masculinity.
In the realm of refined indulgences, where tradition meets personal ritual, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of wine, fusing timeless connoisseurship with modern innovation. Just as the culture of cigars reveals a layered world of craftsmanship, complexity, and quiet contemplation, these evolving technologies invite us to experience old-world pleasures through a new lens.
Finally, we reflect on the art of saying no, a subtle yet powerful skill that safeguards our time, energy, and well-being. Mastering this art is not about rejection but about making deliberate choices that align with our values and priorities.
This issue is a tribute to the enduring qualities of character, innovation, and refinement. We invite you to immerse yourself in these narratives that celebrate the essence of the modern gentleman.
BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR & EDITOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Pope | suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
bianca.bainvillegas@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
bianca.bainvillegas@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Stephanie Boerjan | stephanie.boerjan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alex Boykin, Suzanne Pope, Stephania Streit, Bianca Bain Villegas, Anna Wall, Laura Watts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matthew Coughlin, Kevin Houghton, Blake Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Pensacola City Lifestyle’s Harbor Luxe Experience at MarineMax with Gulfcoast Wines, Bread & Table, and Engel & Völkers. Music by Jazz Pensacola added to the ambience with delectable bites from Costello’s Butcher Shop, MR Catering & Consulting, Southern Grit Culinary, From The Crown Catering, The Golden Pineapple NBTX, The Fancy Foodie, Summer’s Sushi, Rina Thoma, and Chef Steven Chang.
Photography by Kevin Houghton
The Measure of a Man
PROVIDED PHILOSOPHERS AND OTHER LEADERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY ON THE IDEAL MALE
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS | PHOTOGRAPHY
What makes a man? Across centuries and civilizations, great thinkers have wrestled with this question, not to prescribe masculinity, but to elevate it. From the East to West, the ideal man has been imagined not by strength alone, but by the pursuit of virtue, wisdom, and purpose.
Plato envisioned the “philosopher-king”, a man ruled by reason, not impulse. In his just society, the highest man leads with wisdom and moral clarity. Aristotle, meanwhile, proposed the “great-souled man,” who lives in excellence, achieving eudaimonia through intellect, virtue, and grace.
To Confucius the junzi, a gentleman, embodied humility, reverence, and harmonious conduct. He uplifted others not by force but by virtue. Similarly, Buddha’s ideal transcended ego and gender, focusing on compassion, clarity, and the alleviation of suffering.
Nietzsche introduced the Übermensch, a man who forges meaning beyond dogma, a bold creator of values. Kierkegaard’s “Knight of Faith” internalized paradox: to surrender all, yet believe, with unwavering faith, that nothing is truly lost.
Jesus modeled the man who leads through love and sacrifice. Krishna echoed this, teaching detachment, balance, and inner discipline. The Stoic sage, revered by Marcus Aurelius and Didymus, seeks serenity through virtue and indifference to fortune.
In the modern era, men like Gandhi, Lincoln, and Mandela reframed manhood through moral conviction and service.
Churchill stood for grit and duty; Napoleon for action and mastery. Selassie called for unity and equality, while Constantine fused leadership with spiritual vision.
Each vision varies, yet converges on this truth: a man is not measured by dominance, but by how he lives in truth; with courage, clarity, and character. Whether leading nations or mastering the self, the ideal man is one who rises not for power, but with purpose.
So I ask you this: Where do you fall within these ideals? What is the ethos that guides you? Who do you surround yourself with, and how do you raise the bar for one another? What are your own personal goals for self evolution? If you haven’t already, start the conversation in your circles, and capitalize on it!
3D BREAST ULTRASOUND USING ABUS TECHNOLOGY
B r e
r a d i r
The Gentlemen’s Circle
ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE, LAURA WATTS, BIANCA BAIN
VILLEGAS & ANNA WALL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN & BLAKE JONES
EXPLORING THE LIVES OF MODERN MEN OF DISTINCTION
PETE LAUTER: Purpose-Driven. People-Focused. Always Present.
BY SUZANNE POPE
For some, success is measured in numbers. For Pete Lauter, it’s measured in impact, in how many lives he can uplift, the trust he earns, and how people feel after spending time with him. A devoted husband, proud Pensacola native, and dedicated community leader, Pete lives by a simple but powerful philosophy passed down from his grandfather: “This day will never be again.” Those seven words guide him daily, a reminder to show up fully, live with intention, and treat every interaction as a chance to serve. “I believe in being present,” Pete says. “Whether it’s a client trusting me with their future, a friend who needs encouragement, or someone I’ve never met, how we treat people in those moments matters.”
Pete was raised by his mother, Lynn, a woman known for her selflessness and quiet strength. “She’d stop to help a stranger without hesitation,” he says. “And she wouldn’t think twice about spending her last dollar to help someone else. She taught me what it looks like to live for others.” After a successful career in banking, Pete felt a deeper calling, one that led him to make a major career shift in his late 30s. He left the familiar behind and became a financial advisor, driven by a desire to help people in a more personal, impactful way. “Who changes careers at 40?” he laughs. “Someone crazy enough to believe comfort isn’t the goal and lucky enough to have a family who believes in that, too.”
At the center of that support is his wife Jane, and their children, Jack and Sabel.
“Jane is my best friend,” Pete says. “She’s beautiful inside and out, and we share a purpose to love big, serve well, and raise our kids with that same mindset.” Today, Pete serves as a wealth advisor at Waverly Advisors, where he specializes in guiding high-net-worth individuals and families. But his role goes beyond financial planning. “I help people sleep better at night,” he says. “I give them confidence and walk beside them through every season of life.”
Beyond the boardroom, Pete is deeply involved in the Pensacola community. He’s a former Chairman of the Board for First Tee Gulf Coast, where he mentored youth through the game of golf, and currently serves on the boards of the Baptist Health Care Foundation , The Kugelman Foundation , and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department Foundation Once a year, he trades his tie for a tux and takes the runway, all for a good cause. Pete proudly participates in Covenant Care’s Art of Fashion , helping raise funds for Nonie’s Place, a safe haven for women and children named in honor of Jane’s grandmother.“I never thought I’d model anything,” Pete says, laughing. “But if it helps someone else, I’m in.” That blend of humility, humor, and heart is what makes Pete Lauter not just respected, but beloved. He’s the kind of person who leads with presence, listens with intention, and brings people together with grace and purpose.
“Pensacola is home,” he says. “It’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to give. And I want to keep doing my part to make it even better.” Those wise words of his grandfather will continue to ring true: “This day will never be again.” And Pete Lauter is determined to make every one of them count.
JAKOB CARMICHAEL: To the Rescue!
BY LAURA WATTS
It all started with Hurricane Harvey. Over the course of just 24 hours, the menacing storm grew from a Category 1 to a Category 4 before making landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas. While the worst of the devastation was more than 700 miles from Pensacola, the distance didn’t stop Floridians from lending a helping hand to their Gulf Coast neighbors through monetary donations and relief supply runs.
Jakob Carmichael, then a high school junior, watched the crisis unfold and wanted to be part of the solution. “I couldn’t shake the feeling that, with the right technology, some of that damage could’ve been avoided,” he recalls.
That moment was a turning point for Jakob, now age 24 and the president/CEO of RescAlert Inc., a disaster-response platform that employs 23 team members in Pensacola. “From then on, I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of emergency management and technology. I didn’t so much choose this field as it chose me!”
He was already an expert at software development and coding in August 2017 when Hurricane Harvey made impact. So young Jakob did what he knew best: He built a basic prototype of a database mapping system that could track, sync and visualize tools used by first responders, with the goal of forming a united response from those organizations.
That early project stuck with Jakob. Over the years he refined the idea while learning that outdated emergency management technology often leads to poor communication and utilization of resources during a disaster. After extensive research with emergency professionals, he launched RescAlert in February 2022.
What began as a mission-driven start-up has grown into an eight-figure business. RescAlert is an AI-powered emergency management platform designed to help communities and rescue organizations prepare for, predict and respond to crises. It offers the public a reliable way to prepare for disasters and make well-informed decisions even when under pressure.
“As a fellow Floridian, I understand firsthand the challenges that Pensacola faces especially when it comes to flooding, storm readiness and emergency response,” Jakob says. “RescAlert was built to solve these exact problems by delivering real-time, automated public safety solutions through our free mobile app.”
When a major disaster occurs, an area’s emergency operation center is staffed by various organizations such as police, fire, EMS and the Red Cross. Each uses different software management tools, and sometimes those tools don’t communicate well with each other. This can result in unnecessary loss: of time, of resources and even of lives.
RescAlert brings early-warning systems, mobile alerts and AI predictions into one platform meaning responders, governments and the public receive clear, consistent information. This integration reduces confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page when every second counts.
Jakob’s team of professionals works closely with clients to understand their needs, continuously enhancing the platform’s offerings based on customer feedback. “Surrounding myself with people who believe in the mission and bring their own expertise has been critical to building and scaling RescAlert,” he says.
With deep local roots running through his family, being part of Pensacola’s history and community is meaningful to Jakob. Off the clock, he might grab a bite at The Fish House or Jaco’s, catch up with friends on Palafox Street, or unwind and recharge at the beach. He enjoys training in MMA (mixed martial arts), spending time with family, and exploring ways to grow personally and professionally.
From high school passion project to emergency response platform, Jakob has created an innovative product that changes lives. He’s doing his part to empower the people of Pensacola, and beyond, to stay one step ahead of disasters.
RAY HERR: From the Battlefield to Redemption
BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS
It began not with spectacle, but with quiet resolve. At just 17 years old, Ray Herr signed his enlistment papers with his father’s permission, seeking escape from a simple home life and chasing a sense of purpose that extended beyond the confines of his small hometown. The Air Force wasn’t just a career option, it was a calling, a path toward something larger than himself.
Initially tracked toward Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) due to high ASVAB scores, Herr’s trajectory shifted after a conversation with Air Force Special Tactics recruiters. The roles they described operating deep behind enemy lines, directing airstrikes while embedded with Army units struck a deeper chord. He joined the elite Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), a rare and rigorous path, and launched into what would become a 21-year military career spanning nine deployments and countless moments of intensity, sacrifice, and transformation.
His first mission came in 1999, deployed to Kosovo just weeks after the birth of his son. Years later, that same son would join the military, and Herr’s daughter, also in the Air Force, would deploy to the very same region. His youngest son now serves in Korea. For the Herr family, service is not just tradition, it’s legacy.
But even the most steadfast legacies come at a cost.
As Herr rose through the ranks and faced the rigors of war, he also bore witness to its hidden toll. He lost friends to combat, and even more heartbreakingly, to suicide, six close comrades in just over a year. These weren’t just colleagues; they were brothers-in-arms, men he had trained with, deployed alongside, and trusted with his life. The loss was staggering.
When Herr retired from the military, the departure from structure and purpose left a void no civilian routine could fill. The transition to everyday life was jarring. “Strangely enough,” he recalls, “life was easier over there. You knew your mission. You knew your purpose. Back home, something as simple as choosing cereal in a grocery aisle could be overwhelming.”
The disconnect between his wartime clarity and peacetime confusion deepened. Untethered from the camaraderie that had once grounded him, Ray found himself adrift, silently battling depression and suicidal thoughts. The very strength that had carried him through the battlefield now made it harder to reach out for help.
Then came a moment of reckoning. Not a flash of lightning, but a quiet, insistent voice. In the depths of his grief and despair, he cried out, “God, why aren’t You doing something?” The answer he felt in return was unmistakable: “Why aren’t you?”
It was the spark that would ignite Freedom’s Found Coffee, a coffee shop unlike any other. Founded, in June 2024, not just to serve exceptional coffee, but to serve as a refuge, it has quickly become a space for healing. Through peer-led PTSD recovery groups, trauma-informed outreach, and an ethos of authenticity, Freedom’s Found offers what many veterans desperately need but rarely find: connection, compassion, and hope.
“Coffee instead of alcohol. Community instead of isolation,” Herr says. “It’s a healthier way forward.”
Today, Freedom’s Found Coffee offers multiple structured recovery sessions each week and continues to grow as a discreet support network for veterans and their families. It connects them to vital resources such as counseling, housing, employment assistance, without bureaucracy or judgment. It’s a space where veterans hear the words they most need: You are not alone.
Asked what message he would give a fellow veteran or someone else walking the same dark path he once did, Herr doesn’t hesitate. “There’s healing. There’s hope. And there’s a seat at the table for you right here.”
Freedom’s Found Coffee 1765 E Nine Mile Rd, Suite 8
THOMAS SHEPARD COGGIN:
Anchored in Purpose. Rooted in Pensacola.
BY SUZANNE POPE
I first met Shep Coggin during a tour of the docks where America’s Magic is stationed. I didn’t know what to expect but what I found was one of the most memorable personalities I’ve encountered in this city. Within minutes, I was struck by his mix of sincerity, humor, and heartfelt curiosity. It took me a moment to place it, but then it clicked: Shep reminded me of Ted Lasso, the Apple TV character who wins people over not with bravado, but with unshakable kindness and humility. Like Ted, Shep makes you feel seen, heard and genuinely cared for. He’s a quiet leader and a natural connector, the kind of man this issue was created to celebrate.
If you know him, you know him as Shep, a name pulled from his middle name that’s followed him since birth. It fits: approachable, easygoing, and unmistakably genuine. But while the name is casual, his purpose is anything but. Today, Shep is known not only for his role at the Port of Pensacola but for his deep commitment to family, consistency, and service. A self-described homebody who once sailed the world, Shep has traded open waters for something more meaningful; building a life of impact right here at home.
“I grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi,” he says. “We spent a lot of time on the water, small boats, sailboats, powerboats. That’s what drew me to maritime work.” After attending Norwich University and earning his mariner’s license at Texas A&M Galveston, Shep spent over seven years offshore from casino boats to deepwater operations during the Deepwater Horizon crisis. But a different calling brought him home. “I met my wife Ashley here in Pensacola,” he says. “When we started thinking about having a family, I knew I didn’t want to keep working offshore. I wanted to be present, to be there on weekends, at school plays, just in their lives.”
That led him to the Port of Pensacola, where he’s worked for more than a decade. “It wasn’t just a job,” Shep says. “It was a way to support the city’s job creation, tourism, and industry. It felt like I could be part of something that mattered.”
What drives him isn’t legacy, it’s presence. He speaks with reverence about his father, a small business owner who passed away when Shep was 20. “He worked his whole life hoping to retire at 60 and finally enjoy time with his family. But when he got sick, he told me he’d waited too long.”
That lesson stuck. “We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow,” Shep says. “So I’ve always focused on living fully now, especially with my family.” In that way, Shep lives out something Ted Lasso once said: “Living in the moment is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.” He and Ashley, a Pensacola native, are raising two daughters, Harper and Darby, along with their dog, Archie. “They’re my peace,” he says. “Coming home at the end of the day to their love, that’s everything.”
Whether it’s a boat ride, a bedtime story, or a school performance, Shep’s not trying to impress, he’s trying to be present and to love well. When he’s not working, Shep is happiest on the boat, at the pool, or curled up on the couch watching 90s sitcoms. “Right now, we’re re-watching Family Matters as a family. It’s kind of our thing.” He doesn’t talk much about legacy. “Most of us are forgotten after two generations,” he says. “So for me, it’s about helping who I can now, being a good dad, a good husband, and making my little part of the world better.”
Still, his hopes for Pensacola are anything but small. “This place is special,” he says. “And the port is an asset most people don’t realize we have. Infrastructure like this helps cities grow beyond tourism, into something lasting.” And Shep? He’s right where he wants to be steady, present, and deeply anchored in purpose.
RAMEL PRICE: Passion In Practice
BY ANNA WALL
Ramel Price has voraciously chased his dream of becoming a professional violinist since the age of seven. Born and raised in Pensacola, Price grew up watching world-renowned musicians like Itzhak Perlman enrapture audiences on television. He fell in love not just with the sound of the violin, but with the musicians’ stage presence and the respect they garnered from their craft. Price reflects, “I didn’t know how they got to where they were, but I just knew I wanted to do that.”
After years of begging, Price received his first violin at age nine and began a short stint of lessons. “My parents couldn’t really afford to keep the lessons going, but my interest kept going. So I decided to do what [Itzhak] Perlman would say, which is practice,” quips Price. And practice, he did. He learned to play by ear, supplementing his self-education with whatever books and videos he could find. This determination is a hallmark of Price’s personality - he also taught himself Japanese as a teenager.
As a high school student, Price played in several student performance groups. But even with more experience, he wasn’t sure how to translate his passion into a career or take the next step to college. This all changed in 2012 when Don Snowden, then-head of the Performing Arts Department of Pensacola State College (PSC), discovered Price through the Belmont Youth Band. Recognizing Price’s ambition and potential, Snowden offered him a full scholarship to PSC to study with acclaimed violinist, Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy, who would continue to mentor Price at the University of West Florida (UWF).
Price initially struggled with self-confidence at the university level. He would often avoid playing out so his colleagues wouldn’t notice the gaps in his training. Price put his head down and worked through the challenge, practicing four hours a day to catch up. Price graduated from UWF in 2017 a more confident performer, ready to climb the next hurdle and unlock more training. In the following years, Price received funding to pursue his master’s degree at Western Illinois University and his doctorate at the University of Iowa.
Price’s journey came full circle in 2023 when he returned home to teach at UWF while Dr. Yanovskiy was on sabbatical. Price expressed how surreal it felt to teach in the same office where he attended lessons as a student. His solo faculty recital last November was a career highlight. Price described the experience as a taste of his life-long dream of becoming a solo violinist on a much higher level than he had accomplished before.
Price has moved through his career with the goal of staying immersed in music. He describes mastering an instrument as similar to learning a language. “The best way to learn a language is not only to study it, but to be immersed in it and use it, to hear it all the time,” he explains. While in town, Price has immersed himself with many local groups, playing with the Palafox Quartet and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. He is currently in Georgia performing Wagner’s Siegfried with the Atlanta Opera.
Next, he is off to Ohio to earn his Artist’s Diploma at the University of Cincinnati’s renowned College-Conservatory of Music. Despite being largely self-taught until the age of 18, Price has achieved the highest levels of success academically and continues to reach new heights onstage. His success is a testament to his strong work ethic and insatiable drive to learn. Price is an inspiring reminder that anything is possible through practice, discipline, and curiosity, no matter the challenges that stand in your way
Faith, Fire & Family
THE AARON WATSON STORY
ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN
From the pews of Buffalo to the courtrooms of Pensacola, Aaron Watson built a life on purpose, prayer, and fierce advocacy. Now, with a thriving law firm, a growing family, and a citywide Juneteenth celebration, he’s proving what it means to bet on yourself and win.
Aaron Watson’s journey doesn’t begin in a courtroom; it begins with the early memories of church pews and snowy winters in Buffalo, New York, before his family relocated to Pensacola when he was a young boy.
“I remember the snow and the sermons,” he says. “Church and snow, those are my earliest memories.”
Raised by his single father, a pastor with a powerful presence, Aaron learned early what leadership, sacrifice, and love truly looked like. “He was my first superhero,” he says. “Watching him lead people and raise three kids on his own taught me that presence matters more than titles.”
In law school, Aaron struggled to find his place. “I thought I had to sound a certain way, use big words, fit a mold,” he recalls.
That changed the day he heard Willie Gary speak. Gary, an African American lawyer who owned two private jets called *The Wings of Justice*, made an unforgettable impression. “He pulled up in a Rolls-Royce, wore wooden Cartier glasses, an Italiano tie, and a Rolex,” Aaron remembers. “I’d never seen anything like it, especially not from someone who looked like me.”
After Gary’s talk, Aaron introduced himself. “I just wanted to shake his hand, but he invited me to dinner. Before the night was over, he offered me a job.”
“Willie showed me that law could be fruitful for the client and the lawyer. He gave me permission to be powerful.”
He also gave Aaron permission to embrace his roots. “He showed me it was okay to sound like my father to bring the preacher into the courtroom.”
Though Gary offered him a job, Aaron chose not to take it. “I had offers I could have gone to South Florida to work with Gary or join a big firm that paid for my last semester,” he says. “But my dad was in Pensacola. My roots were here.”
Aaron went on to become a national trial advocacy champion. Determined to work with local legend Fred Levin, he sent a resume, followed by a bold move: he got a local paper to run a story about his national win and asked a friend to place it on Fred’s desk. It worked. Fred called him directly to offer a job.
Aaron would go on to try multimillion-dollar cases by Fred’s side. “Fred and Willie both came from nothing and built empires. They taught me that legacy isn’t about money, it’s about impact.”
After years of long hours and courtroom victories, Aaron made partner. But something didn’t feel right. “Two weeks later, I realized I didn’t own anything. I was still working someone else’s dream.”
That realization struck while visiting his father in the hospital. He turned to his wife, Kimberly and said, “I think God’s telling me to open my own law firm.”
He took the leap, and within days of launching his firm, Kimberly found out she was pregnant with twins.
CONTINUED >
“I hope they say I bet on myself and used everything I had to serve others.”
“it felt like confirmation from God. Double for our trouble.”
“Some battles are spiritual. Faith has always been my edge.”
“I want my kids to know that whatever world they dream up, I’m in it with them.”
“People see the suits, the cars, the billboards. But I’m still the same Aaron from Englewood Missionary Baptist, clapping on Sunday morning.”
“I panicked,” Aaron says. “I thought, maybe I need to go back and work for Fred.”
But Kimberly looked him in the eyes and said, “I’m willing to go homeless with you if that’s what it takes.”
Three months later, they landed their first million-dollar settlement. “We didn’t think we could have kids,” Aaron says. “So to find out we were having two at once—it felt like confirmation from God. Double for our trouble.”
Kimberly has always been the firm’s co-visionary, handling everything from branding to billboards. That same spirit led her to create the Juneteenth Family Reunion, now the largest celebration of its kind in North Florida. “She got a call a month before the holiday and just said, ‘I can do it.’ And she did,” Aaron says. “She was having lunch with a city council member, sharing her dream of hosting a Juneteenth celebration. A few weeks later, she had vendors lined up, sponsors on board, and a full team in motion. People now travel from as far as New Orleans to be part of it. She didn’t just organize a festival, she created a community tradition that celebrates freedom, family, and faith.”
Aaron’s passion for justice runs deep. He recalls Jerry, a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a head-on collision. The insurance company offered $500,000. Aaron took it to trial. The jury returned a $12 million verdict.
After the win, Jerry handed him a hummingbird lapel pin that belonged to his mother. “I wear it in court to remind me who I’m fighting for.”
Aaron still prays with his clients before every trial. “Some battles are spiritual,” he says. “Faith has always been my edge.”
Now a father of three, including twin boys and his daughter, he sees time differently, especially since his father’s passing. “My son asks me, ‘Why are you staring at me?’ He doesn’t know I’m thinking about how fast it all goes.”
Even with a packed courtroom schedule, Aaron makes room for memories: pizza nights, bike rides, and superhero cartoons starring his kids. “I want them to remember that Dad was there.”
“The boys came up with this superhero series called The Thunder Twins, and their little sister Mia is the oracle who can see the future,” he laughs. “We used an AI script generator to turn it into a short film and watched it as a family. It was hilarious and unforgettable. I want my kids to know that whatever world they dream up, I’m in it with them.”
“In my profession, there is no peace,” he says. “There is more of a fight for the client. But my house is my peace. No arguing. It’s a safe place. We watched Beauty and the Beast the other night with the kids. That was awesome.”
“People see the suits, the cars, the billboards. But I’m still the same Aaron from Englewood Missionary Baptist, clapping on Sunday morning.”
“I’m a husband, a father, a son, a brother.”
Asked how he hopes to be remembered, Aaron doesn’t pause: “I hope they say I bet on myself and used everything I had to serve others.”
LEARN MORE: Aaron Watson’s story is a masterclass in faith, grit, and generational purpose. From courtroom victories to bedtime story time, bike rides, he shows what it means to lead with conviction and live with heart.
SAVOR THE LIFESTYLE: TEMPERANCE
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIA STREIT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Know thyself”, the Greek maxim inscribed upon the Temple of Apollo has become a timeless question of self-introspection and reflection for those of us who choose the path of enlightenment, dating back to the early 5th century BC. Plato’s “Republic” brought this philosophical thought to the forefront of human development in the 4th century BC in hopes of guiding us as individuals and as collective communities to learn who we are, what makes us tick. Why is this important? If we do not dig deep and know who we truly are, we are unable to capture the flourishing lifestyle we innately crave to experience and explore each and every day of our lives. So, how does one find their true self? Through the virtue of temperance - learning how to say “No”.
So, what is temperance? Choices that promote moderation, self control, and balance to our daily routine creating a harmonious, fulfilling lifestyle. For most of us, in this post modern world of hectic work schedules, kids, sports, and just the plain old daily expectations heaped upon us at home and at work, we are pulled in so many different directions we wouldn’t even know where to start. The old adage of “stop and smell the roses” seems to beheld hostage to the “daily grind” or is it?
Plato suggests that to know one’s true self requires searching and holding on firmly to virtuous traits such as Beauty, Courage, Wisdom and Justice. He explains how difficult this journey of self-actualization is in his allegory of the cave in “The Republic”. The prisoners chained in the cave of darkness, mistake shadows for reality and have a difficult time seeing the difference when freed into the light of day outside of the cave. Perhaps our sight is dimmed and we are deceived into thinking we are “living the life” of ease and tranquility with the conveniences of a first world economy. With over two thirds of the American population overweight, as recently reported in the New York Times, our perception of reality may be one of shadowy figures as opposed to the reality of harmful excess in today’s modern world.
THE BEAUTY OF NO
Excess is not a representation of Beauty, Courage, Wisdom or Justice. It is a representation of ugliness, cowardice, ignorance and tyranny. In his documentary, “Why Beauty Matters”, English philosopher and writer, Roger Scruton asserts that Beauty is a value as important as truth and goodness. His documentary begins with beautiful orchestral music in the background, a patron gazing in wonder and adulation at the Mona Lisa and a beautiful, blooming flower. He postulates we must have beauty in our lives, in every shape and form, to have a fulfilling, purposeful life. Since the 1930s, he observes that our language, art, architecture, music and even manners have become increasingly vulgar, empty and meaningless, lacking positive purpose to uplift oneself and their community. Mr. Scruton strongly believes we are losing the true nature of Beauty and there is a danger that with its loss, we will lose the meaning of life. Beauty has been central to our civilization for over 2000 years. From its beginnings in ancient Greece, philosophy has reflected on the place of beauty in art, poetry, music, architecture and everyday life. Through the pursuit of beauty, we shape the world as a home. We also come to understand our own nature as spiritual beings through this pursuit. Beauty matters; it is not just a subjective thought, but a universal need of all human beings.
There is beauty in being courageous, being wise and being just. There is also beauty in the practice of moderation which in modern times has become a novel, almost whimsical point of view. The beauty of Self care, inside and out, cannot exist without self restraint. Saying no to poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of quality sleep, lack of quality time with positive relationships, and overcommitment says I must know myself to care for myself so I may care for others. It also says that in order to appreciate the beauty of life, I must appreciate the beauty of self, one that is worth preserving and not wasting.
In 1974, Mac Davis said it best in his song entitled “Stop and Smell the Roses”. His thoughts and feelings translated into poetic lyrics describe the beauty in having the courage and wisdom to treat one’s self as a beautiful feature in this world of ours.
Hey Mister
Where you going in such a hurry
Don’t you think it’s time you realized
There’s a whole lot more to life than work and worry
The sweetest things in life are free
And there right before your eyes
You got to Stop and Smell the roses
You’ve got to count your many blessings everyday
Never forget.
You are a blessing.
Treat yourself as one. Every day.
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Man vs Machine
“Alexa, what wine pairs best with …?” Can you be overheard dictating into your phone on the wine aisle in the grocery store, asking your A.I. which wines will pair the best for tonight’s dinner? Last year I conducted Round 1 of Super Taster vs A.I. by picking two wines, a white and a red, that I thought would pair best with some amazing street tacos and pizza. I then asked Siri, Alexa, and Google to do the same. I won last year, but as technology continues to accelerate could I again prevail? Is A.I. now good enough to make those who go through the arduous wine-accreditation courses as irrelevant as a rotary dial telephone? Fight’s On!
Last year the A.I. choices did well, but the tasters agreed that my picks did better because the wines I picked had greater levels of complexity whereas the A.I. picks were simpler, one dimensional. BUT, this year I am using ChatGPT’s paid “Deep Research” function. So… This year’s Challenge: Pick
two wines that cost $30 or less; a white that would pair best with steamed mussels in a shallot, garlic, white wine cream sauce, and a red that would pair best with pan seared grassfed ribeye, baked sweet potato, and roasted broccoli with sweet peppers, with wines sourced locally.
I made my picks first to be fair and here is how I approached it. I always look for wines that enhance similar flavors and complement the contrasting ones. I call these wines “both” wines. My secret weapon on the white side, especially in the $20-$30 range, the “V’s,” Viognier and Verdejo. They live between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. My choice was Nisia’s Verdejo from Rueda Spain at $18. I had two immediate thoughts for the red. My first thought took me to Syrah, then second a cool climate old vine Zinfandel. They both have similar profiles so cost would be my determining factor. After a local search I went with the Zinfandel, Truett-Hurst Old Vine Zin from Sonoma at $26.
ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN OF GULFCOAST WINE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The overwhelming choice from all three A.I.’s was a Sauvignon Blanc. They didn’t specify which Sauvignon Blanc, so I found the best one at $30 or less; Amici’s Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc. We used ChatGPT’s Deep Research function for the red and entered the following: “I am hosting a dinner in Pensacola FL. With a per bottle wine purchase maximum of $30, provide the best wine that will pair with a dinner featuring grass-fed ribeye, baked sweet potato, roasted broccoli with sweet peppers.” ChatGPT’s Deep Research #1 pick; Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Results. The tasting panel included some of the most well renowned wine connoisseurs in the Panhandle! The white wine winner was the Sauvignon Blanc. My tasting panel liked the higher citrus note which cut through the butter cream sauce but still let the flavor of the mussel come through. I personally liked the Verdejo, preferring its roundness of stone fruit and pineapple to the Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus. 1 point to A.I. The red wine winner was the Zinfandel. Everyone agreed that it just paired a little bit better with everything than the Cab. I personally thought that both were not that good, proving just how hard it is to find good wines for less than $30 these days! 1 point to Man!
So, a tie. What did we learn this round? Knowledge, experience, and creativity do still matter, but those of us in the world of wine must continue to hone our skills! I believe that if we pair the best people in wine with latest in A.I., not blindly following what A.I. gives us, rather letting it aid in our creative ideas, we will see a new era of wine emerge before us. Cheers to that!
ARTICLE BY DR. CHARLETHA POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Whispers in Smoke, Power in Presence
SMOKE, SIP, SAVOR, UNWIND
Summer in Pensacola holds a certain elegance, sun drenched afternoons, velvet evenings, and the slow swirl of cigar smoke that says more than words ever could. As a Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, I’ve learned this: cigars are not rushed, and neither is a life well lived.
In June, we celebrate the gentlemen who embody quiet confidence and the women who move through cigar lounges with the same poise and power. This culture is no longer a hidden corner; it’s a lifestyle of presence, taste, and rich tradition.
Whether you’re a novice drawn to the intrigue of the leaf or a seasoned aficionado with a curated humidor, summer is your invitation to elevate. Reach for something bold, a double-aged Nicaraguan, a rare Panamanian blend, or even a boutique label you’ve never tried. Explore the artistry in the wrapper, the mystery in the draw, and the conversation sparked in the stillness.
Pair it with a dark rum or a finely aged bourbon. Sit back, feel the breeze, and let the moment stretch. There’s power in slowing down. In choosing refinement. In savoring something made by hand and meant to be appreciated.
This summer don’t just smoke, make a statement. Light with purpose. Lounge with intention. Let every puff remind you that luxury isn’t loud, it lingers, like the echo of good company and a perfect draw.
ARTICLE BY PENSACOLA CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Father’s Day Picks For Your Favorite Guy
ELEVATE HIS DAY TO DAY WITH ONE OR ALL OF OUR FINDS
Biolite Smokeless Firepit
Enjoy the warmth, smell, crackle, and feel of a wood campfire, without the smoke you’re used to. Create mesmerizing flames with BioLite’s patented combustion and get a full unobscured view thanks to X-Ray Mesh body. Folding legs and packable footprint make FirePit+ highly portable while still fitting standard size firewood. Free grill grate included. bioliteenergy.com
Meater SE: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Ultra Open Earbuds feature a brilliant combination of innovative open-ear design, incredible audio, and all-day comfort. With a cuff-like fit, Ultra Open Earbuds leave your ears open to hear the world around you while OpenAudio technology delivers rich, private sound. bose.com
The USB Lighter Company Motli Lighter
The Motli Light features a patented design, longer battery life, and a new LED flashlight feature, which means it can light just about anything. It features: On/Off Switch for improved child safety, Larger Battery for up to 1000 lights per charge, Multi-Light Battery Indicator, High Powered LED Flash Light. theusblightercompany.com
Introducing MEATER Pro, the smart cooking tool to upgrade your kitchen arsenal. With high temperature limits, a strong, robust design, and long range, MEATER Pro allows you to push your culinary limits to the next level. meater.com
Litflask Smart Water Bottle
LitFlask is more than a water bottle, it is also a premium speaker, portable charger, & LED Light, in one Sleek Package. LitFlask also features bump technology, which allows you to connect multiple Litflasks to each other for surround sound. litfask.com
Refresh your view
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