Bella Magazine September 2026

Spirit of the

COAST Explore the artistry, collaborations and traditions that make coastal living unforgettable

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets Garage Cabinets Home Offices Wall Beds Wall Organizers Pantries

Laundries Wall Units Hobby Rooms Garage Flooring Media Centers and more...

40%FreeOff Plus

Installation

2025 © All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc.

PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

SPECIAL FINANCING

15% Off

Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700-$999 on any complete unit order of custom closet, garage, or home office, and any other products Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer not valid in all regions.

Expires on August 31, 2026

FOR 12 MONTHS With approved credit.

Call or ask your Designer for details.

Not available in all areas.

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

850-400-6677

www.closetsbydesign.com Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured.

BM

DRESSING THE GENERATIONS SINCE 1978 leetracypensacola.com | 701 E. Gregory St. | (850) 912-8639

from the publisher There’s a strange little stretch of time at the end of summer when the calendar — and the temperature — insists it’s still summer, but the universe starts dropping hints that change is coming.

That change, however, is particularly slow here on our coast. That doesn’t keep us, though, from dreaming of cool mornings and softer light. Somewhere, someone is ordering a pumpkin-spice something, and we all collectively pretend to be annoyed while secretly wondering if it’s too early to buy a sweater.

It’s the season of almost.

Almost fall. Almost a different wardrobe. Almost a new routine. Almost ready.

And maybe that’s why this time of year feels so familiar. We’ve all lived through transitions that didn’t happen with a neat little snap of the fingers. Some changes arrive slowly, dragging their feet and making us wonder, “Are we there yet?” Others feel more like being shoved off a cliff while someone yells, “Good luck!”

Neither is particularly comfortable.

Think about the other transitions we’ve all survived: graduating, changing jobs, moving, becoming a parent, ending a relationship, starting over, watching our kids grow up or realizing we’re growing into someone we didn’t expect to become. Even the good changes can hurt. There can be grief tucked inside excitement, uncertainty hiding beneath possibility.

That’s the annoying thing about transformation: It rarely asks whether we’re ready.

But look at nature. Summer doesn’t become fall overnight. The leaves don’t wake up one morning and announce, “Well, ladies, time for a complete rebrand!” There’s a gradual shift. A little less daylight. A cooler breeze. A few leaves changing before the rest get the memo.

Maybe we’re allowed the same grace.

We don’t have to have the next chapter completely figured out before the current one ends. We can be sad about what’s leaving and curious about what’s coming. We can miss the long summer evenings while still looking forward to crisp mornings. We can acknowledge that something is uncomfortable without deciding the discomfort means we made the wrong choice.

Because sometimes the uncomfortable in-between is where the good stuff starts.

Transitions can be slow and they can be messy. They can make us question our judgment and eat an unreasonable amount of snacks.

But they can also make room.

So as summer slips away, maybe we don’t need to cling to it. Maybe we can let the season change at its own pace — and trust ourselves to do the same.

After all, fall has never needed our permission to arrive.

And neither does the next good thing.

— Kelly MacLeod

VOLUME 21 / ISSUE 9

Bella Staff PUBLISHER / Kelly MacLeod ASSISTANT EDITOR / Courtney Hays DESIGN DIRECTOR / Elizabeth Meyer CONTRIUTING WRITERS Liz Biggs, Sharla Gorder, Jennifer Harrison, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Leslie Peck, Cynthia Reeves

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Toni Sparks, Kate Treick

BELLAMAGAZINE.COM FIND PENSACOLA BELLA MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

SEND EDITORIAL INQUIRIES AND STORY IDEAS TO KELLY@BELLAMAGAZINE.COM

To Advertise SALES@BELLAMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (833) 358-4486

Bella is published the last week of each month and distributed free throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor.

Beautiful Women. Sassy Attitude.

Smart Magazine.

Join the Bella family of advertisers and receive these benefits: ~ Strategic promotion of your business, product, service or event where women gather ~ Be a first-call content expert for stories ~ Connect with community through free digital issue distribution

4 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

~ Strong social media promotion with a monthly audience of up to 45,000+ local women

EMAIL SALES @BELLAMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (833) 358-4486

Your life isn't off the rack.

Your home shouldn't be either.

Window Treatment Specialists

Full-Service Interior Design

Personalized Upholstery

Renovations

850.437.0636

Wallcoverings

Kitchen & Bath Experts

indetailinteriors.com

25 years in Pensacola

meet the team Liz Biggs, writer/columnist Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.

Chelsea Owens, writer Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.

Colette Boehm, writer Colette Boehm is a freelance writer and photographer and a native of coastal Alabama. She specializes in telling compelling stories of the people and places she encounters and also provides effective travel-related content and photography to a variety of clients, including destinations and marketing firms.

Cynthia Reeves, writer Long-time writer Cynthia Reeves spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist in the southeast, including 10 years as a reporter at WEAR-TV in Pensacola. As a high school teacher of journalism, TV production and English, she passed her skills down to young writers. She also served as District 1 director for the Florida Scholastic Press Association.

Gina Dickinson, advertising Gina is a sales and marketing professional with a background in design and digital media. She specializes in building relationships, identifying opportunities and developing solutions. She helps clients achieve their goals through creative problem-solving and exceptional customer service. Her ability to lead teams, coordinate projects and deliver results makes her a trusted partner for long-term success.

Justine Williams Roper, writer Justine Williams Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written women's health articles for publications like Essence and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.

Courtney Hays, administrator/assistant editor Courtney Hays, a West Virginia native, made Navarre her home in 2020 after purchasing her grandmother’s house. A former English teacher for eight years, she now enjoys her work with Bella Magazine. Newly married, Courtney loves traveling, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts and hosting game nights with friends.

Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and “Crayon Dawn,” a coffee table book sold in stores throughout the Pensacola area and at her website, crayondawn.com.

Jennifer Harrison, advertising Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, charitable food distributions, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more.

Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.

Elizabeth Meyer, designer Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The Agency at Cardinal Media at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.

6 • Bella Magazine • August 2026

Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.

Toni Sparks, photographer Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios, Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.

Kate Treick, photographer Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs.

Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture, social media as well as community and public relations.

WOMEN UNITED PRESENTS

BATTLE of the Boards

TASTE, VOTE AND HELP SUPPORT WOMEN UNITED AT OUR GRAZING BOARD COMPETITION AND FUNDRAISER

THE LANDING PENSACOLA BEACH

OCTOBER 4, 2026 | 2-4 PM

UWWF.ORG/BATTLE-BOARDS-WOMEN-UNITED

inside this issue

COVER STORY Andrea Housand Page 22

FOOD & DRINK Renaissance Page 40

LOCAL FARE Beatriz Ball at Haus of Hue Page 32

08 SPEND OR SAVE 10 FASHION: Lovely, limitless, luxe and local 20 BEAUTY: The benefits of red and blue light therapy 38 FOOD & DRINK: Renaissance French Restaurant 42 LOCAL FARE: Stars, stripes and symphony 46 LOCAL FARE: Explore Pensacola: Tours and events 52 OUT & ABOUT: Arc Gateway’s Crab Cake Cook-Off 60 OUT & ABOUT: ESA South’s Pensacola Opening 64 HER PERSPECTIVE: Amy’s grace 66 HER PERSPECTIVE: Time flies except when it stands still

On the cover: Jen Grove, designer behind Drift Jewelry, shares the nostalgia behind every piece on Page 28.

Photo by Kate Treick Photography

8 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 9

spendorsave

BY CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED

• Christopher Esber bandana-print silktwill midi skirt, $865, modaoperandi.com

• Satin handkerchief skirt, $29.99, hm.com

• SIMKHAI Amaya 45 mm strappy leather slip-on sandals, $425, saksfifthavenue.com

• Pia ornamented thong slide heels, $35, target.com

• Gucci Horsebit cat-eye sunglasses, $640, mytheresa.com

• Daphne polarized sunglasses, $60, fifthandninth.com

where to shop

H&M: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 855-466-7467; hm.com Target: multiple area locations; target.com

10 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 11

fashion

Lovely,limitless, LUXE & LOCAL P.S: There are no wrong answers for late summer fashion

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

Wrapping up summer with eyes toward fall calls for some style shift inspiration, and Jen Wells of Jen’s Designer Deals in Gulf Breeze has it.

“Late summer and fall 2026 are all about comfort meeting confidence. We’re seeing fashion become incredibly wearable while still making a statement.”

Look for flowy pants and skirts, lots of wearable art prints, rich chocolate brown, but also all of the colors of a peacock, with blues ranging from cobalt to teal as well as desert-inspired hues and “beautiful purples like plum, eggplant and violet.

“Butter yellow isn’t going anywhere, but it’s being joined by rich golden mustard tones. Reds are deepening into chili pepper, merlot and red wine shades,” said Wells, adding that nature-inspired greens are a late-summer-into-fall staple. “Soft grays and luxe neutrals like cream, oatmeal, parchment and warm ivory round out the palette.”

Easy, functional capris and pedal pushers are trending. But hey! Wear whatever works for you — and own it!

“There are no wrong answers in fashion. What you choose should reflect your own personal style and lifestyle,” said Wells. “For example, while I personally love a flowy palazzo pant, I’m probably not wearing one while riding my bike around East Hill. But since capris aren’t really my style either, I’d be much more likely to grab a skort or a pair of buttery-soft athleisure leggings. Fashion should work for your life.”

While solids are timeless and versatile, prints are defining 2026.

“Animal prints continue to dominate, with zebra and snake becoming more prevalent while leopard and other big cat prints remain wardrobe staples.

Florals and botanicals are everywhere, along with abstract prints, paisleys, portraits, cityscapes, murals and even pet portraits,” noted Wells.

“Some prints are soft, subtle and repetitive, almost like beautiful wallpaper patterns, while others are bold, artistic and mixed together in unexpected ways.

Think about our own Graffiti Bridge!”

Fabrics shift from breathable cottons and linens to jacquard, tweed, faux suede and richly textured as temperatures drop.

“For dressier occasions, we’re seeing tulle, organza, mesh, lace, crochet and fringe,” said Wells.

Accessories?

“Oversized jewelry, lots of layering, gold, pearls, enamel and natural materials are all having a moment,” said Wells. “We’re also seeing themed jewelry and accessories continue to grow in popularity. Mahjong, pickleball and tennis-inspired pieces don’t just complete an outfit. They become conversation starters and let people show off their personalities.”

Shoes and scarves can easily define an outfit.

“Scarves are making a comeback as versatile accessories, while footwear continues to focus on fashion that feels good. Retro sneakers, Westerninspired boots, animal-print shoes and statement footwear that becomes the centerpiece of an outfit are all trending.”

Shopping list: Make a statement in this Italian-made Love is Wild animal-print blazer by Loowie, $99. Team with the Q2 skinny flare jeans with double-button detail in cream, $69, and a versatile Italian sparkle sleeveless knit sweater tank by Loowie, $34.

12 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Shopping list: Festive! Flattering! Fun! This long-sleeve mini dress, $69, by Sugarlips is perfect for mahjong with the girls — and much more.

14 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Shopping list: Warm chocolate brown is trending and is the perfect shade to feel like fall despite toasty temperatures. Madein-Italy one-size mesh high-neck dress by Lorraine, $60.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 15

16 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Mickey Rushing Mother of five, grandmother of 11, September model Mickey Rushing’s local roots are deep.

“I am a Pensacola girl through and through. I was reared in Myrtle Grove — Go West Side — and later settled in Navy Point after meeting my husband, where we built a life together over 49 years of marriage.”

Artistic pursuits are a stream running strongly throughout Rushing’s full life. She was the décor buyer for the successful furniture store she and her husband owned and later the co-owner of Purple Julia, a Garden Street gift boutique, with her daughter.

“Working alongside her every day was one of the great joys of my life,” said Rushing. “Today, I work with several wonderful businesses in downtown Pensacola — the Sarah Soule Webb Gallery, Colette’s on Jefferson Street and Parfums de Marly.”

In addition to artistic pursuits, water sports and other active hobbies fill Rushing’s calendar.

Grand Champion of the Ladies Billfish Club three times in the ’80s and ’90s “still makes me smile,” Rushing said. “I have always loved boating, fishing and tennis, and those passions remain very much a part of my life.

“Pensacola — its people, its spirit, its beauty — is where I belong, and I am proud to call it home.”

Shopping list: Bring your art to the world with this made-in-Italy, one-size floral-print knit sweater by Loowie, $48.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 17

18 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Shopping list: Wear these elegant palazzo pants in royal blue by Nylon Apparel, $49, with a tank now and a sweater later.

Killa knit tank with metal detail also by Nylon Apparel, $49.

About the Locations

• The Old Historic Sacred Heart Hospital • Bayview Community Center overlooking Bayou Texar • 12th Avenue Tree Tunnel

Clothes compliments of Jen’s Designer Deals 360 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze 850-977-4419; jensdesignerdeals.com

Hair compliments of

Anna Orr Nineteen North 6675 Pine Forest Rd., Suite 10, Pensacola 850-471-4840; hairbyannaorr@gmail.com; @hairbyannaorr

Makeup compliments of Kendall Frazee Kendall Frazee Beauty Co. 104 Nightingale Lane, Gulf Breeze KFrazeeBeauty@gmail.com

Model compliments of

Izon Models & Talent LLC 301 N. Barcelona St., Suite E, Pensacola 850-433-2099; izonmodels.com

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 19

stylingtheshoot Photography: Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: Jen’s Designer Deals

Aasha bead necklace by Anju, $40

Aasha bead cuff by Anju, $28

Drift 14K gold-filled amazonite pendant necklace

by Jen G, $49

Aasha bead earrings by Anju, $22

It’s Mahj Time The Darling canvas tote bag, $64

Metal design woven belt by Joia Accessories, $22

Linked mahjong tile earrings in light pink

by Canvas Style, $29

Pair of dragons mahjong ball bead bracelet set

by Canvas Style, $38

Lara buckle cuff bracelet by Eye Candy Los Angeles, $42

20 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Alloy flower ring, $10

Cork simple wristlet with natural zipper

by Nathalie Therese, $32

Dakota white recycled vegan leather shoulder bag

by Melie Bianco, $99

Flora wood bead bracelet by Bamboo Trading Co., $12

Flora wood bead earrings by Bamboo Trading Co., $10

Club bag Van Gogh Cafe by Bamboo Trading Co., $38

Yellow jasmine flower earrings by Eye Candy Los Angeles, $32

The Blessing mixed metal cuff bracelet

by Anju, $24

Aid Through Trade handmade Roll-On bracelets, $13 each

Emery clear strap heel by Oasis Society, $65

Hammered metal half moon earrings by Joia Accessories, $16

Yellow Box Hania cork sandals, $65

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 21

beauty

The benefits of red and blue light therapy Story and photo by Leslie Peck

In today’s rapidly evolving aesthetics industry, clients are looking for treatments that are effective, non-invasive and require little to no downtime.

Red and blue light therapy, also known as LED (light emitting diode) therapy, has become one of the most credible technologies for improving skin health and enhancing the results of professional treatments. Once used primarily in medical settings to promote wound healing, LED therapy is now widely used in spas, medical spas and dermatology offices.

LED therapy does not damage the skin’s surface.

Instead, specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at varying depths to stimulate natural biological processes. Different colors of light target different concerns, with red and blue light being the most commonly used in aesthetic treatments.

Red light therapy is best known for its anti-aging and skin rejuvenation benefits. Typically delivered at wavelengths around 630 to 660 nanometers, red light penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin where collagen and elastin are produced.

Collagen is responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth and youthful. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Red light stimulates cells, encouraging the body to produce new collagen and support healthier skin over time.

In addition to improving collagen production, red light therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process. Over time, clients often notice brighter, healthier-looking skin, while improvements in texture, firmness and fine lines become more noticeable with consistent use over several weeks.

Red light therapy has become a popular addition to anti-aging facials, microneedling procedures and post-laser recovery protocols.

Another significant advantage of red light therapy is its ability to reduce redness and calm irritated skin. Clients with sensitive skin, rosacea or postprocedure inflammation often experience faster

22 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

recovery and greater comfort when LED therapy is incorporated into their treatment plan.

Blue light therapy serves a different but equally valuable purpose in aesthetics. Delivered at wavelengths typically ranging from 405 to 470 nanometers, blue light works near the skin’s surface to target the bacteria associated with acne development. When exposed to blue light, these bacteria produce reactive oxygen that destroys the bacteria without damaging surrounding tissue. This makes blue light therapy a safe, drug-free option for managing mild to moderate acne.

For teenagers struggling with acne, adults experiencing hormonal breakouts or clients with oily, congested skin, blue light therapy can significantly reduce active blemishes and help prevent future flare-ups. Unlike some acne medications, LED therapy does not cause dryness, peeling or increased sensitivity when used appropriately. Many estheticians incorporate blue light into acne treatment programs to complement professional extractions, chemical peels and customized skincare regimens.

One of the greatest strengths of LED therapy is its ability to combine red and blue light in a single treatment. This addresses multiple concerns simultaneously by reducing acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation and stimulating skin repair. Clients with adult acne, who often struggle with both breakouts and signs of aging, benefit greatly from combination LED treatments.

At-home LED devices have become increasingly popular. Professional-grade home masks allow clients to continue treating their skin between appointments, helping maintain results achieved during professional treatments. While at-home devices generally have lower power output than those used by professionals, consistent use several times each week can provide meaningful improvements over time.

Although LED therapy is not a replacement for procedures such as lasers, injectables or surgery, it serves as an outstanding complementary treatment that supports healthier, more resilient skin.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 23

S cover story

Andrea Housand:

A life in full circle Flight attendant, facial liaison, frontwoman — how one Pensacola native turned a life of many chapters into a homecoming Story by Liz Biggs / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

ome people grow into their hometowns slowly, returning only when life nudges them back. Others are woven into the fabric of a place from the start — stitched in by childhood memories, cherished friendships and the undeniable pull of home. For Andrea Housand, Pensacola isn’t just where she grew up. It’s where every chapter of her life seems to find its way back, settling into a story that feels both grounded and beautifully serendipitous.

AN EAST HILL ORIGINAL

Housand grew up as the youngest and only girl in a half-Greek, half-Irish family of six kids. Her parents bought a 1915 East Hill farmhouse and spent more than a decade renovating it.

“We lived my dad’s ‘This Old House’ vision for well over a decade,” Housand laughed. “I don’t think I had a finished bedroom until I was 16.”

But the house became a character in her life: a place filled with warmth, creativity and the kind of imperfections that make a home unforgettable.

“Growing up in East Hill was different in the ’70s. It was an older generation — most of the younger families lived in the Cordova Park area,” Housand said.

She spent her days roaming the streets unsupervised until dusk, playing with neighborhood kids and sneaking off to J’s Bakery whenever she could.

“I’m an alumnus of Sacred Heart School, BT Washington High, PSC and UWF,” said Housand.

She readily admits that Sacred Heart School was her favorite, holding a special place in her heart.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 25

Andrea Housand serves as practice coordinator for Derek Jones, MD, Facial Plastic Surgery, where she’s spent more than a decade as the practice’s “facial liaison” — guiding patients through their surgical journeys from consultation through recovery.

26 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

FLIGHT ATTENDANT ERA: THE WANDERLUST CHAPTER

After college, Housand took off — literally — becoming a flight attendant and bouncing between Boulder, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.

“I was ready to spread my wings and leave Pensacola, but this place has a way of bringing you back,” Housand said.

When her mother passed away, Housand returned to the East Hill farmhouse for good.

“I feel their presence in this house,” she said. “My friends feel it too. They say it feels like a big hug.”

THE DAY JOB: GUIDING TRANSFORMATIONS

Today, Housand is the practice coordinator for Derek Jones, MD, Facial Plastic Surgery, where she’s spent more than a decade helping patients navigate their surgical journeys. She wears many hats, but her favorite is being the “facial liaison” — supporting patients from consultation through recovery, both mentally and physically.

Her connection to the work is personal. Jones recently performed a facelift and pretrichial forehead-lift on her, giving her firsthand insight into the experience she guides others through.

She and Jones also host a monthly show on Blab TV, sharing surgical and nonsurgical solutions for aging gracefully.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness people’s transformations,” she said. “I just love being on his team.”

Jones, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has been in practice for 27 years, stated the impact Andrea has on the practice is immeasurable.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Andrea for more than 11 years, and she has been an invaluable part of my practice. She is exceptionally conscientious, hardworking and genuinely cares about every patient who walks through our doors. Her compassion, attention to detail and ability to guide patients through every step of their surgical journey help create the outstanding experience we strive to provide. She is a trusted colleague, and together we’ve built a team dedicated to delivering the highest level of patient care. I am grateful to have her by my side and proud of the work we accomplish together every day,” Jones said.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 27

WANT TO GO? • What: East HillBillies performances • Where: Various local venues, including Calvert’s, The Burrow, Hub Stacey’s and local breweries • When: Mostly weekend performances; private parties available • Info: Follow the East HillBillies on Facebook for upcoming shows and booking information

28 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

THE EAST HILLBILLIES: A SERENDIPITOUS SIDE GIG

Housand started singing at age 5 along with the Carpenters on her FisherPrice record player. She was awarded a musical theater scholarship at PSC but changed her major, thinking she couldn’t make a living at it. But her dream of singing never died.

Five years ago, Housand’s life took a musical turn. She met Pat Muesel and Ben Bell (original band members) at her boyfriend Eric Jones’ shop, Revolver Records, and before she knew it, she was the lead singer of the East HillBillies. Their first show? A Christmas performance at the public library in front of the DVD section. Punk as hell.

The band’s sound has evolved from rockabilly roots into an eclectic Gen X dreamscape — Patsy Cline, Cheap Trick, Berlin, the Cure, Pretenders, 10,000 Maniacs, the GoGo’s, the Smiths, and the Motels.

“We choose music we love,” Housand said.

The band practices weekly and plays mostly weekend gigs at Calvert’s, The Burrow, Hub Stacey’s and local breweries.

Their iconic “I ♥ East HillBillies” stickers have become a local favorite.

Designed by Shelley Yates and Eric Stracener, they debuted at the band’s first Bridge Bar gig.

“We considered changing our name early on,” Housand said, “but we had a thousand stickers — so it stuck.”

The current band members include Jeff Glickman, Brent Burton and Nicki Skipper.

“I feel very lucky to collaborate with such talented musicians,” Housand said, “and I feel so expressive and free performing in front of an audience.”

STYLE, STAGE PRESENCE AND A WHOLE LOT OF VINTAGE FLAIR

Housand’s onstage look is unmistakably hers — polished, groovy and effortlessly cool. Her fashion sense comes from her mother, who studied dressmaking and tailoring in the 1940s under European couture mentors.

Housand studied fashion history at UWF and later worked as a wardrobe coordinator for an independent film studio in Pittsburgh.

She’s a self-described “clothes hoarder,” holding onto unique vintage

pieces that make her style pop.

“It makes a difference when putting a look together,” she said.

JUGGLING IT ALL — WITH HEART

Between long workdays, TV segments, rehearsals and weekend night gigs, Housand’s life is full, but she handles it with grace.

“I take each day one at a time,” she said.

Being childfree and petfree helps with the schedule, though she jokes she’s an allornothing pet person: “It’s either zero cats and dogs or six.”

Her boyfriend, Eric Jones, is her anchor.

“He’s 64 going on 14,” she said with a smile. “He brings the fun. He keeps me young at heart. And yes, I’ve got to keep up with two Joneses — Eric and Derek,” Housand laughed, giving a glimpse of that keen sense of humor she is known for.

Friendship has always been a guiding light in Housand’s life.

“Andrea and I met in high school gym class in 1984, and what started in a class we both hated turned into a 42-year friendship,” said Shelley Yates, Housand’s bestie.

“She has always been the most fun person to be around. She’s kind, loyal, beautiful, incredibly funny and somehow can look fabulous and be out the door in five minutes, ready for anything. I’ve had the privilege of growing up listening to her sing, watching her perform and working alongside her through several chapters of our lives. Whatever she’s doing, she gives it her whole heart and always does her very best. I love her to pieces, and I couldn’t be more proud of the remarkable woman she is,” Yates added.

FULL CIRCLE

Life has a poetic way of looping back.

The candy store where Housand once traded soda bottles for sweets is now Revolver Records, where she finds “ear candy” and inspiration — and where she reconnected with Eric after decades apart.

“I feel like I’ve made a full circle,” she said.

Pensacola isn’t just where she lives.

It’s where her story keeps unfolding — rooted, joyful, fun and always vibing with music.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NETWORKING LUNCH

FOURTH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH

Join today at: PERDIDOCHAMBER.COM

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 29

local fare

Capturing coastal memories How a childhood on the Maine shoreline and a lifelong love of the Gulf inspired Jen Grove to create Drift Jewelry

By Cynthia Reeves / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

For Jen Grove, the coast isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling.

When Grove was a little girl, she explored the rocky shoreline of Maine with her father, a sailor. Those early mornings were filled with the scent of salt air and fresh coffee, the clanging of sailboat riggings and the simple joy of searching for shells, sea glass and stones along the shore.

“I’ve always collected shells, sea glass and stones wherever I go,” Grove said.

“Something about that salt air, whether it’s the foggy coast of Maine or the turquoise waters here on the Gulf, immediately brings me a sense of calm.”

After living on the Gulf Coast for more than three decades, those memories, as well as her love for the Gulf, inspired her to create Drift Jewelry.

Surprisingly, Drift Jewelry began in one of the smallest spaces imaginable.

While balancing a successful career in community relations, first with Gulf Power and later as vice president of external relations for Baptist Health Care, Grove was also raising four sons in her East Hill home. There wasn’t much room in the busy household for a creative space of her own.

Her creative studio became a tiny nook 30 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 31

32 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

tucked inside her teenage son’s bedroom.

“I just wanted a place where I could create something beautiful after the laundry was done, dinner was over and everyone was settled,” she recalled.

That modest workspace soon became much more than a jewelry bench.

Magazine pages, photographs from family beach vacations and handwritten notes covered an inspiration board while conversations with her son unfolded naturally as she worked. Piece by piece, Drift Jewelry began to take shape.

WANT TO SHOP? • What: Drift Jewelry by Jen Grove • Where: Jen’s Designer Deals Boutique, Gulf Breeze; 98 Treasures, Gulf Breeze • When: Seasonal art markets throughout the year, including WaterColor on 30A’s Annual Fall Market (Saturday after Thanksgiving); Gulf Breeze Recreation Center Holiday Market; Seaside holiday markets • Info: drftjen.com; Facebook: Drift JenG; Instagram: @driftjeng

JEWELRY WITH A STORY

Her designs reflect the natural beauty found along the Gulf Coast. Grove carefully selects gemstones such as amazonite, aquamarine, labradorite and natural bone beads because they mirror shimmering water, soft white sand and the colors of the coastal skies.

“I’m trying to bring the beach into everyday life,” she said. “I want people to put on a necklace or bracelet and immediately remember their favorite day at the coast.”

She combines those gemstones with 14-karat gold-filled components that withstand the Gulf Coast climate and are also hypoallergenic.

She enjoys transforming inherited pearls, treasured gemstones and vintage family keepsakes into custom jewelry.

She has designed unique pieces for weddings, anniversaries and other meaningful milestones.

“I love helping people create something that represents an important moment in their lives,” she said.

She noted that working with others is one of the most rewarding parts because every finished piece tells a uniquely personal story.

Grove welcomes custom commissions, working with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces. If you

don’t find exactly what you’re looking for online, she encourages you to reach out. She works with clients by phone or FaceTime from her home studio, designing jewelry to match their own coastal stories and memories.

In addition to jewelry, Grove creates encaustic wax paintings inspired by Gulf landscapes. Using layers of molten beeswax and pigments, she captures the depth, texture and light of the coast she loves.

Outside of the studio, Grove invests in the community. Throughout her professional career and into retirement, she has served organizations dedicated to education, children and workforce development. She also donates her jewelry to nonprofit auctions that raise funds for local causes. She believes that creativity is most meaningful when it can also make a difference.

Whether she is working with gemstones or molten wax, Grove ultimately hopes her work connects people to the coast.

“If someone catches a glimpse of their necklace during a stressful day,” she said, “I hope it becomes a little pause — a reminder of a peaceful place and a treasured memory.”

Jukebox Gala is Pensacola Opera’s most glamorous night of the season!

Dress up, gather your favorite people, and settle in for a gourmet four-course dinner while world-class opera singers perform table-side, close enough to feel the music in your chest, feel the drama in the room, and enjoy your favorite opera and musical theatre hits.

Throughout the evening, guests bid to claim individual performances with each song performed table-side by one of our artists. Win the bid, and that electric moment is yours. The energy in the room builds course by course as the competition heats up and the music keeps coming. Don’t miss a sparkling evening of fine singing, fine dining, and fine giving.

Love Opera.

Jukebox Gala September 19, 2026 Hilton Pensacola Beach

TICKETS ON SALE NOW PensacolaOpera.com 850.433.6737

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 33

local fare

A coastal soirée

34 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Haus of Hue welcomed award-winning designer Beatriz Ball to Pensacola for a luncheon celebrating her luxury tabletop line

By Leslie Peck / Photos by Toni Sparks

On May 15, Haus of Hue hosted the Pensacola Design Collective for a private luncheon with the talented designer Beatriz Ball to honor the launch of her line. The tablescape was nothing short of spectacular, with a whimsical summer garden ambience inviting guests to linger over every lavish detail.

“The event at Haus of Hue in Pensacola truly exceeded every one of my expectations. I’m still glowing when I think about it. They showcased my tabletop products so beautifully — every piece was styled to perfection and really allowed it to shine,” said Ball.

Ball is a Cuban-born, skilled designer with more than 30 years of experience. She is an eight-time recipient of prestigious ARTS awards for excellence in the tabletop category. She specializes in luxury tabletop, serveware, linens and home décor, with a flagship store in New Orleans.

Ball created her own metal alloy that resembles silver with the same luster and shine but does not rust or require polishing. She has also transitioned some of her pieces to luxury melamine and acrylic, glass and linens.

Her signature metalware is environmentally friendly, made of sustainable and recycled materials.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 35

Clockwise: Guests enjoyed a private luncheon hosted by Pensacola Design Collective at Haus of Hue to showcase pieces from Beatriz Ball’s new line.

Items can be found in over 1,000 stores nationwide and online at beatrizball.com.

Joan Bost, Beatriz Ball, Tish Childs, Pat Selkirk enjoy refreshments. In loving memory of Mary Letitia “Tish” Childs.

36 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

She employs nearly 100 highly skilled artisans in Mexico, where she owns and operates the intricate, handmade process behind each unique piece. Lifestyle and practicality with upscale presentation are always at the forefront of her design method.

Barclay Mutz, director of client experience, and Nina Campbell, designer at Haus of Hue, collaborated to make this summer soirée one of a kind. The Haus of Hue showroom buzzed with excitement to experience the collection, meet the guest of honor, mingle with fellow design peers and savor the delightfully curated lunch provided by Beth O’Connor of Colette Café, inside Haus of Hue. “The food and drinks were incredible, beautifully styled and delicious. And I can’t say enough about the warm, gracious welcome I received — it truly meant the world to me and made me feel so valued and embraced. From start to finish, it was a joyful, memorable experience for me, and I’m forever grateful to the amazing team at Haus of Hue for bringing my brand to life in such a spectacular way,” said Ball.

Later that day, the magic continued with an open house for attendees to engage with Ball and experience her collection as they enjoyed sips and bites.

“I loved that everything was so thoughtfully stocked and ready to purchase, so anyone who connected with a piece could take it home at that very moment. The entire store looked breathtaking — warm, inviting and simply magical — and they invited exactly the right mix of people, all of whom showed up ready to have fun shopping,” said Ball.

The Beatriz Ball collection is sold nationwide in more than 1,000 stores, and her pieces have been chosen twice for Oprah’s Favorite Things. The collection is so practical, intriguing and makes the perfect gift for any occasion.

“We had the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented Beatriz Ball, known for the beautiful tablescapes and timeless designs she creates. It was an honor to welcome her into our showroom and to the Pensacola Design Collective luncheon, where she shared the inspiration behind her collection. We thank her for spending time with us and giving us a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every piece. It was a fabulous event and we are grateful to everyone who joined us,” said Jeanna Mincy, director of Haus of Hue. September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 37

38 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 39

food & drink

Vive la Renaissance

The French flag returns to the City of Five Flags

40 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Renaissance introduces French tapas to downtown Pensacola dining

By Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal Photos by Greg Pachkowski, Pensacola News Journal

N

ew Pensacola French restaurant Renaissance is beginning to serve customers during its soft opening, which runs now through

Les St. Jacques (scallops)

Boeuf Bourguignon

July 2.

The Pensacola restaurant at 3 W. Main St. is the second location for owners Natasha and Martin Arnt, who also own a popular spot in Santa Rosa Beach that specializes in modern French cuisine.

The Arnts, both born Parisians who met in the United States, have brought food and décor inspired by the city to the Panhandle. They’ve designed every detail of the diners’ experience, even down to the curated playlists.

“America is our place, our country, our life, but France — it’s just so much of our heart,” Martin said. “By finding each other, we were also finding what was missing from our country, the culture, the food, obviously ... Natasha is French American; she already had roots here. But me, I did the old-school immigrant thing, I left everything I had — my friends, my job, my apartment, everything to start a new life in America.”

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 41

Clockwise from top left, owners Natasha and Martin Arnt with their children Sarah, Isaak and Noah at their new Renaissance French Restaurant.

42 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

The Pensacola kitchen will be run by Martin, alongside a sous chef flying in from France to assist. The 30A location, which opened in 2024, will continue to operate as a well-oiled machine, using the recipes and practices Martin has established, with Martin returning in person as needed, while Pensacola serves as their family’s new home base.

Their 30A location has received a slew of awards since opening, including OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice award for 2025 and 2024, as well as Emerald Coast Magazine’s Best of the Emerald Coast awards for Best New Restaurant of 2025 and Best French Restaurant of 2025.

While the two restaurants resemble each other in design and cuisine, the 30A restaurant leans into more traditional, composed plates, whereas Pensacola will largely carry Martin’s “French tapas”-style menu, allowing patrons to order multiple dishes to share and experience.

“Old-school, but modern at the same time. It’s definitely still very traditional. ...

It’s really 100% French in every flavor that you’re going to have,” Martin said.

If you really want to leave your dining experience fulWANT ly in Martin’s hands, he will curate a course-by-course TO GO? • What: Renaissance experience just for your table through Chef Martin’s French Restaurant Tour de France, offering four courses that are a surprise to diners, with an option for an additional wine pairing.

• Where: 3 W. Main St., Pensacola During the restaurant’s soft opening stage, Pensacola’s Renaissance will offer a limited menu selection, • When: 4:30 to 9 p.m., Tuesdaybeer and wine and require reservations. However, they Saturday; closed will be leaving room for walk-ins at their bar. Once they Sunday and reopen for their grand opening, they’ll begin to expand Monday their offerings.

• Info: 850Martin said the tapas-style menu was a great way to 462-7195; introduce the area to French cuisine, which has been renaissancefrench. underrepresented in culinary terms. com/pensacola; reservations “I’ve traveled a lot of places in America — the West, available at Midwest, East Coast, the South — I’ve always been opentable.com baffled by their lack of real French restaurants,” he said.

“It’s about putting the French flag back in Pensacola, the city of Five Flags. No person has really established something French here. For us, it’s even more important to bring the culture that once was here.”

In addition to the variety of tapas to try, such as beef carpaccio, duck foie gras and a Gulf Coast-inspired seafood stew, the restaurant also has a few main dishes on the menu, including their signature steak frites and fan-favorite slow-cooked beef bourguignon.

As much as Martin enjoys being innovative with what goes on the plate, he still follows traditions and techniques from the past, such as a French onion soup recipe passed down through generations in his family. While largely self-taught, even turning down prestigious culinary school offers, Martin does pull influences from his father, who is a chef in France.

“I was a young, rebellious man, so I decided not to do it (culinary school). I did want completely different things; I went into music for a long time, sound engineering,” Martin said. “Now, I’m reconnecting to the career I would have been supposed to do when I was 18.”

The Arnts have filled the restaurant with personal artifacts of their lives, including their prized possession: a drawing of the Eiffel Tower by their son.

“When (Martin) creates the environment and the blueprint of the business, he is inspired by the way we do our home. It looks a lot like this, a lot of the art,” Natasha said. “It’s a lot of influences from just everyday life.”

To the guest who wanders in for a glass of wine or a snack, they want it to feel like the hospitality of their own home, or their favorite neighborhood bistro in Paris.

After much preparation, they’re excited to finally have patrons to fill the space they created with exquisite wines, food and atmosphere.

This story is courtesy of the Pensacola News Journal. To subscribe, visit www. subscribe.pnj.com/offers.

GULF COAST MINORITY

CHAMBER

ADVOCACY | STRATEGY | EQUITY DEVELOPMENT | OPPORTUNITY | MENTOR NETWORK | TRAIN

UPCOMING EVENTS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH PENSACOLA SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE AUGUST 27 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 1

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

GCMCC.INFO

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 43

The Symphony Sparks and Stars Fourth of July Celebration honored 250 years of independence.

44 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Stars, stripes and symphony 10th annual Symphony Sparks & Stars unites world-class music, military tribute & Pensacola’s largest fireworks display Story and Photos by Jennifer Harrison

The warm summer breeze off Pensacola Bay carried something electric this past Fourth of July. Gathering at the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park’s Hunter Amphitheater and neighboring Blue Wahoos Stadium, nearly 5,000 attendees filled the lawn, with thousands more lining Bayfront Parkway and over 20,000 more tuning in via NewsRadio 92.3 FM. The occasion? The 10th Annual Symphony Sparks & Stars Fourth of July Celebration, a night that felt all the grander as our nation kicked off the countdown to America’s 250th, commemorating two and a half centuries of independence.

What began 10 years ago as a partnership between attorney Peter Mougey of the Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm, his wife Katrina Mougey, former Mayor Ashton Hayward, Colonel Eric Buer and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra has evolved into a centerpiece of Pensacola’s Independence Day festivities.

Peter Mougey, with support from the City of Pensacola and NewsRadio 92.3 FM, presented this free community event that stands as an example of Pensacola’s vibrant spirit and deep civic pride.

This year’s programming delivered magic from the start. A fleet of military aircraft — including helicopters, T-6 Texans and Boeing T-45C Goshawks — roared overhead in a series of flyovers honoring Pensacola’s aviation tradition.

The evening took a truly cinematic turn when Valerie Matheny, a vocalist, drama teacher and fifth-grade educator at St. John the Evangelist Catholic

School, took the stage to sing the national anthem. As her beautiful vocals filled the amphitheater, her husband, Lt. Tanner Matheny, a Naval Flight Officer instructor stationed at NAS Pensacola with the VT-86 training squadron, flew overhead in a T-45C Goshawk trainer.

The perfectly timed moment drew cheers from the crowd as this power couple harmonized from earth and sky.

Adding to the evening’s emotional impact was the performance of McGuire’s Pipe Band. Taking the stage ahead of the symphony, the band brought the audience to its feet with a medley honoring every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Active-duty service members, veterans and military families all stood as their respective anthems played, honoring the deep military roots that define our coastal community.

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra then treated the crowd to a two-part concert. During intermission, the city paused to hear inspiring remarks from local leadership, including the Mayor and the Commodore of NAS Training Wing SIX, honoring over 50 distinguished military guests, Air Wing flight crews, the Color Guard and local veterans. The blend of live music, civic honors and military tributes built up to a grand finale at 9 p.m., illuminating Pensacola Bay with the area’s largest fireworks display.

As the fireworks reflected across the water, the 10th anniversary of Symphony Sparks & Stars reaffirmed what makes Pensacola so exceptional: world-class music, deep military appreciation and a tight-knit community bound together under a sky full of stars. It was the perfect celebration to honor America’s Independence.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 45

out&about Symphony Sparks & Stars Photos by Jennifer Harrison

Mitch Provosty, Mike Provosty, Mike Spencer

An Hayward, Ashton Hayward

Phil Salzman, Molly Minor, Michelle Salzman, Christian Minor

Malcolm Ballinger, Cari Wilson

Sally Bergosh, Jeff Bergosh

Kristen Watson, Trey Watson

Ethan Burke, Sam Burke

Sterling Gilliam, Kim Gilliam

46 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

If only removing emotional scars was as easy as removing paint.

Adult survivors of childhood abuse are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorders and substance use disorders.

Y O U H A V E THE P O W E R TO CHA N GE A C H I L D ’ S L I F E. K N O W C H IL D A B USE .

Funding for this program is made possible in part by a grant from Aetna Better Health of Florida, supporting the health and well-being of our youth.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 47

local fare

Explore Pensacola:

TOURS & EVENTS

48 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

From walking and trolley tours to climbing the lighthouse, discover the spookier side of Pensacola this fall

UWF HISTORIC TRUST Throughout the year, UWF Historic Trust brings Pensacola’s history to life through tours, exhibits and family-friendly events. This fall, check out tours of historic downtown and enjoy the 36th Annual Haunted History Tours.

• Where: 330 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola • Info: historicpensacola.org; advance tickets recommended CALENDAR • Tuesdays-Saturdays: Historic House Tours, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.

• Sept. 10: Sweet Tea Murders: Hank Killam, 6 p.m.

• Sept. 11: Sweet Tea Murders: The Cruel Murder of Charles Sudmall, 6 p.m.

• Sept. 18: Dead Man’s Chest: A Murder Mystery Dinner, 6 p.m.

• Oct. 2-3: Tormented Trolley Tours • Oct. 8: Exclusive Haunted Experience • Oct. 9-10, 23-24: Haunted History Walking Tours: Macabre Museum Mysteries and Haunted Village • Oct. 16: Halloweentowne, a family-friendly Halloween celebration • Oct. 17: Spirits of the Simpson House at Arcadia’s Simpson Homestead • Oct. 30-31: Talking to the Dead: The Victorian Séance at the Barkley House

SEASONAL FAVORITES FOR HOME, HOSTING, AND GIFTING —IN STORE AND ONLINE. 130 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 850) 285-0371 info@rustedarrowmercantile.com www.rustedarrowmercantile.com

Scan to Shop

GO RETRO Discover Pensacola aboard a vintage trolley or on foot with Go Retro. From local landmarks and historic sites to haunted cemeteries and a 21-and-over pub tour, these experiences offer something for everyone.

• Where: 1800 N. E St., Pensacola • Info: 850-466-5220; info@goretro.us; goretro.us; advance tickets recommended CALENDAR • Mondays: Pensacola Beach Tour, 8:30-11 a.m.

• Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Ghosts and Graveyards Trolley Tour, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Wednesdays: St. John’s Cemetery Walking Tour, 5 p.m.

• Fridays: Andrew Jackson Tour, 9-10:30 a.m.

• Saturdays: Suds and Spirits Tour (21+), 4:30-6 p.m.

• Saturdays: Kids Ghost Tour: The Witch of East Hill, 3:30-4:15 p.m.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 49

PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE & MARITIME MUSEUM Known for its rich maritime history, the Pensacola Lighthouse offers seasonal afterhours experiences ranging from guided ghost hunts to moonlit climbs of the historic tower.

Expect a unique experience and incredible views.

• Where: 2081 Radford Blvd., Pensacola • Info: 850-393-1561; pensacolalighthouse.org • Admission: Prices vary; advance tickets recommended. Civilian guests must use the shuttle service to go to the lighthouse. Guests 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other accepted identification to enter.

CALENDAR • Sept. 5 and 19; Oct. 17, 24 and 31: Ghost Tour, 6:45-9 p.m.

• Sept. 25-26: Light of the Moon Climb, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Oct. 26: Light of the Moon Climb, 4:306:30 p.m.

50 • Bella Magazine • September 2026 2026

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 51

out&about

Arc Gateway’s Crab Cake Cook-Off Arc Gateway hosted its 28th annual Crab Cake Cook-Off on July 22 at Seville Quarter. The event featured 18 competing teams and raised more than $100,000 to support Arc Gateway’s mission. The District won Judges’ Choice, Krewe of Priscus placed second and Azalea Trace earned the People’s Choice award.

Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios

Jeff Rogers, Robert Warren, Alicia Christy

52 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Jim McGowin, Lucy McGowin

Lauren Bohon, Tito Bohon, Kim Rutherford

Josei Verschueren, Reese Foret

Saylar Green, Kym Darveau, Steven Sandy, Kyle Swift

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 53

Bella Magazine celebrates the women of our community. Bella is seen as not only the place for women to find supporting, uplifting inspiration, but also a place for women to be honored for their contributions to our community.

Elise McWilliams, Jenny McWilliams

To Advertise EMAIL SALES @BELLAMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (833) 358-4486

Brian Beauchaine, Vicki Beauchaine

54 • Bella Magazine • August 2026

Jonah Rampersad, Stephen Rampersad, Noah Rampersad

Melissa Brewer, Rodney Brewer

Beautiful Women.

Sassy Attitude.

Smart Magazine.

TO ADVERTISE: EMAIL SALES @BELLAMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (833) 358-4486

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 55

Nicole Wages, Joanne Oliver

Niels Andersen, Stacy Keller

125 PALAFOX STREET | DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA

850.432.1264 | @bluetique_pensacola

56 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Ann Mitchell, Dawn Cooper, Sandee Houston, Carol Cooper

See you every Tuesday Night at Bands on the Beach

catcountry987.com

o c a s PeBne a c h co a s n Pe e a c h B

@CatCountry987 September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 57

Clay Sims, Nancy Holston, Tammy Bonnin, Stu Bonnin

Petland Pensacola

MEOW

6235 N Davis Hwy, Suite 118 Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 637-1123 PetlandPensacola.com

Tail wags start here

Reward Program Playtime with Pets

58 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

Locally Owned

Family Friendly

Amy Carrington, Larry Love, Andrea Hamilton

Martiza Ryther, Dawn Psaltis Grace

Crystal Maxwell, Tracy Carreola, Wendy Green

Dr. Stephanie Flynn

TILLEY

emeraldcoastsmiles.com 3927 Creighton Road 850.479.2525

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 59

out&about ESA South’s Pensacola Opening

ESA South hosted a community open house July 24 to celebrate the opening of its new corporate headquarters in Pensacola’s East Hill neighborhood. Founded in 1999, the company welcomed local leaders, business partners, clients, employees and community members to tour the new space and celebrate its continued growth.

Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios

Sherri Mason, Alexa Harmon, Nicole Harmon, Kennedy Morgan, Jourdan Harmon, Kamryn Morgan, Halston Harmon, Patti Harmon, Collins Harmon, Delaney Mason, Tiffani Reaves, Declan Morgan, Karigan Kowal, Kyndall Morgan, Demi Morgan

60 • Bella Magazine • September 2026 2026

Tommy Harmon, Phoebe Scheidegger

David Sharp, Bob Sidoti, Kevin Harmon, Sean Harmon, Jim Baker, Alex Johnson, Mike Neuser, Jim Harmon

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 61

ICED MATCHA LATTE WITH BANANA COLD FOAM

COLD BREW MOCHA WITH BANANA FOAM

PUMPKIN LATTE

850-542-7400

85 West Airport Blvd Pensacola

Yvonne Harmon, Kevin Harmon

start your weekend at jackson's!

FRIDAY LUNCH EVERY FRIDAY FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM JACKSONSRESTAURANT.COM RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED 850-469-9898

62 • Bella Magazine • August 2026

Sally Bergosh, Jeff Bergosh, Jakob Carmichael, Chloe Carmichael

Sean Harmon, D.C. Reeves, Alexa Harmon

For tickets and more information:

THE

Based on the bestselling novel by

Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks film Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel

GIRL ON THE TRAIN

Directed by

Billy Buff SEPTEMBER 18-27

400 S Jefferson St | (850) 432-2042 | www.pensacolalittletheatre.com Presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 63

her perspective

By Sharla Gorder

Amy’s Grace Turn… turn… turn…

“To everything there is a season… and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

At least that’s what King Solomon said — and the 1960s band, the Byrds.

I play this song often during the cooldown portion of a class I teach at the Y. It is especially resonant for me this time of year as we turn, turn, turn the corner from the heat and buzz of summer to the cooler, slower days of fall. Intensity gives way to mildness, heaviness to airiness, glare to glow.

And holding on to letting go.

The trees relinquish their summer blooms. The monarch butterflies embark on their journey south to Mexico. The sea oats here on the beach release their seeds to the wind.

Nature has no problem letting go.

Why, then, is it so hard for me?

I’ve been holding on to a resentment for so long that it feels like it has always been a part of me. I don’t know how to let it go. In fact, it feels scary to think about forgiving. I don’t want to be hurt again.

Forgiveness is a fickle thing — or we make it so. In our minds, we often equate it with complicity, capitulation, or even weakness. But the truth is, forgiveness is anything but weak. It is our superpower. It is grace made manifest.

A couple of years ago, I witnessed the most heartwrenching demonstration of mercy I have ever seen. It changed me.

I was making my way down the walkover to the beach when I got the call.

“She’s gone,” a quavering voice said.

My heart stopped. My friend went on to tell me that her little dog, Ronnie — her very best friend in the world — had been killed, eviscerated, actually, while sunning herself on the front porch. A neighbor’s German Shepherd had escaped his backyard and gone on a tear. Ronnie died in Amy’s arms.

64 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

I arrived at Amy’s house 10 minutes later to see a small group of people gathered in the open garage next door. The neighbors, visibly shaken, had witnessed the gruesome attack. The owner of the rogue dog sat among them.

He was wrecked.

He stood when Amy approached, surely with no idea how to adequately apologize for such a tragedy.

Amy — shy and shattered Amy — walked up to the young man and embraced him.

“You didn’t mean for this to happen,” she said quietly.

I will never forget this interaction. I am crying as I write these words.

Amy and this young man did not become best buddies. I don’t think they ever interacted again. And Amy, I am sure, was tasked with the burden (or gift?) of choosing forgiveness over bitterness anew each day as she processed the grief and loneliness of her loss. But she made that choice from the get-go — a choice born of her faith and empathy. It must have been scary to go out on that limb in such a fragile state, allowing herself to feel the pain of another alongside her own horrendous pain. A total stranger’s pain.

Forgiveness, I’ve come to understand, is not just saying the words. It is deeper than that. It asks a lot of us but gives so much in return. It sometimes requires us to reach beyond our own pain and acknowledge the humanity of the very person who hurt us. That vulnerability is scary as we put ourselves in the shoes of our offender and find a way to relate, even as we find a way, if necessary, to detach. It’s tricky.

But it is beautiful.

With that first oh-so-humble, ever-so-merciful gesture of compassion and forgiveness, Amy had thrown her seeds to the wind.

Where they took root and prospered.

Where they inspired her dear friend to write this story — and throw my own seeds to the wind.

Talk About It Tuesday on

Sonshine’s Corner Bella Magazine is teaming up with Sonshine’s Corner to bring you the most inspirational show on the Gulf Coast — and you’re invited!

Join us live at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month on WPAN-TV / BLAB-TV for Talk About It Tuesday — a powerful, uplifting hour featuring Bella’s finest: beautiful women, bold voices, smart conversations, and stories that empower, inspire, and uplift.

From Escambia to Santa Rosa, we’re changing the conversation and celebrating the confidence, culture, and community that make us shine. So grab your coffee, tell a friend, and tune in.

Sonshine’s Corner + Bella Magazine — where sass meets substance.

Let’s talk about it.

The place to be inspired,informed & uplifted

September 2026 • Bella Magazine • 65

her perspective

By Liz Biggs

Time flies except when it stands still They say time flies when you’re having fun. But dang, it sure stands still when you’re not. Lately, I’ve been noticing this a lot more. Like when you have a good night of sleep — you close your eyes and poof, like magic — you wake up hours later as if no time has passed. But a restless, sleepless night seems to last forever — the cat keeps meowing, you hear strange noises, you think of all the things you forgot to do … and the clock just keeps ticking away slowly. Tick tock. Sleep has never been a struggle for me, but some nights are like England Dan & John Ford Coley’s yacht rock hit, “Nights Are Forever.”

Driving home the other night, I heard an annoying song on the radio.

I didn’t change the station because I thought it would only last about 4 minutes, like an average pop song. It lasted 8 minutes and 37 seconds. I’m pretty sure if I loved the song, I would not have been watching the clock, lol. Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead and Australian psychedelic bands are allowed to have 8-minute songs, but up-and-coming acoustic balladeers with repetitive lyrics should know better. I know I sound like Oscar the Grouch, but I’d rather hear thrash metal than a young dude crooning the same sappy lyrics for over 8 minutes.

Yawn. Even a good drummer and a bass player couldn’t save that song.

The same curse applies to sports. If your team is winning, the game flies by. But if your team is losing, it seems to take forever. A one-hour yoga class feels like two hours to me. But in my favorite Barre class at the Y (shoutout to Fabienne), I never look at the clock. I’m always surprised when the class is over. Poof, like magic.

Besides being in jail or being tortured, long flights and long drives are probably the worst watch-the-clock

66 • Bella Magazine • September 2026

activities. Time really seems to stand still when you are in an economy middle seat on an international flight. Believe me, I know this to be true. (Glad that I can’t report on the jail or torture experience, though.)

I’m not a natural-born writer. It takes me more time than I’m willing to admit to write a feature story about someone, especially if I really like that person and want to get it right. Sometimes I’m so filled with dread about getting it wrong that I put off starting until my deadline looms scarily close. But here’s the thing I recently discovered: I must really like writing. Because time flies when I do it. When the ideas and words start flowing, I lose all sense of time and place. I can blink my eyes and 6 hours have passed. And if I feel like I’ve told the story the way they wanted — really captured them — it gives me great joy.

Sometimes I feel like I’m not employed for my writing skills. Plenty of people are better writers than I am. I can labor over the choice of one word — hmm, should I use unmistakable or undeniable — let me look up both definitions and then look up all the synonyms to see if a better word exists. Ooh, I like unequivocal better. But no, my readers may not relate to that word. (I decided upon undeniable, but I still have doubt and may change it on the fourth draft.)

I fear I may be employed for my ability to find interesting people, places and things to write about.

And I am pretty good at asking the right questions in an interview — getting people to trust me with their story and paying attention to details. Someday I’m going to get better at the writing part. Practice makes perfect.

(Forgive me, but I’ve always wanted to start and end a column with a trite cliché, so now I can check that off my bucket list.)

TAKE THE

RISK

BE BOLD

Bold mov es to weather fash break free; cooler Stone, Son ion; trailblazers Mar gie ya Ahmed and Taxie Lambert; strength train ages; navi ing for all gating diab etes

munity s bold com ders discus advice; mobile Local lea ; negotiating ut to you; initiatives the worko gym brings nksgiving Tha nal nontraditio •••••

: THIS ISSUE ALSO IN About is back! t& Bella's Ou

Indulge!

DISCOVER LIFE’S SWEET LUXURIES — FROM IN-HOME SERVICES TO FASHION, SPAS TO TRAVEL

10/13/22

ber Bella Novem

2022.indd

PLUS

Go charming with ALK Designs!

Exploring Abbeville, AL

9:36 AM

1

For almost two decades, Bella Magazine has been celebrating the women of our community.

Bella is seen as not only the place for women to find supporting, uplifting inspiration, but also a place for women to be honored for their contributions to our community.

To Advertise EMAIL SALES @BELLAMAGAZINE.COM OR CALL (833) 358-4486

5033 N 12th Ave • Pensacola, FL 32504 • (850) 477-6818 Hours: Tue - Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00pm | Sun - Mon: Closed VISIT US ONLINE AT BEREJEWELERS.COM