Cottage Chic EAST HILL
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BUSINESS CLIMATE ON THE MARKET A REAL ESTATE SECTION
ESTABLISHED 1987
OCTOBER 2026 · ballingerpublishing.com
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THE BIGGEST BUFFETT EXHIBIT IN THE COUNTRY The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf | Mobile, Alabama nmmog.org
Pensacola Magazine Est. 1987
FEATURES 10 BARKTOBERFEST Pensacola Humane Society celebrates 20 years of tail-wagging fun 12 A LIVING TRIBUTE Set sail for the new Jimmy Buffett exhibit in Mobile 15 A WALK THROUGH HISTORY Explore North Hill’s historic homes and the stories behind them during the annual Tour of Homes
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19 75 YEARS OF CARE Baptist Health Care celebrates a legacy of service in Northwest Florida 22 BEACHES TO WOODLANDS Your guide to this season’s fresh-air adventures 27 GET YOUR FOO ON Pensacola’s annual celebration of art, culture and creativity returns 31 COTTAGE CHIC Comfort meets chic in this East Hill cottage
TOPICS 8 Editor’s Note 39 Event Calendar
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
BUSINESS CLIMATE ON THE MARKET A REAL ESTATE SECTION ON THE COVER: Photo by Keyside Visuals
6 | OCTOBER 2026
31
EDITOR’S NOTE Note Kelly Oden Editorial & Creative Director
October might be my favorite month in Pensacola. The humidity finally loosens its grip, the evenings are crisp and the whole city seems to head outside at once. Luckily, this month’s calendar is packed with reasons to join them.
ss Note Note
Let’s start with the dogs, because they are the best creatures, and we all know
2021 issue urvived e barrage oss and e entire ed ones, kept strange e, at least ng. novel ? The will de in change our vaccines so far been pronavirus, it from sure you rint with some ually— me, Escambia ne.freely d Santa What has quickly once —the uspect The factitis, I’m over mental virus or be on a ms. That is time word: mmunity, stay positive e over e--leaving periences. Only he idea, too, utions ect. ther than d, ocial via
pandemic d—phone eurage the stress, o tancing tribe. Weand ny ng things and can provide mething ht this. more home nhtreturn. g, in our tyhave has had ll see that tering tain. groups munity owsafe thatways my nd sfference always a munity. kitty g.weet I must ounds utpouring heck my ongst th is our et gepaper 34.
ew it.than more our up s for to make h some lause for our
Obesity, diabetes and heart disease death it’s true. Barktoberfest is became turning 20 this year, which means two decades of sentences for toowagging many people battling While costumes, tails andCovid. people who love their pets as much as their people genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can (if not more!). Turn to page 10 to see what’s happening at the beloved Pensacola be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d Humane Society fundraiser this year. like to focus on making healthy choices while still enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.
If you grew up anywhere near the Gulf Coast, you probably know every word to
first responders and hospital workers? Thank
Passion and Joy at least one Jimmy Buffett song (Margaritaville, anyone?). Parrot Heads will be you for putting yourselves onand the front incredible special-needs pets their lines owners I to don’t know about you, new but 2020 thrilled with the interactive exhibit at the National Maritime us as safe asthat possible. bigoffered shout far too and keep she discovered whileAlso, theseaBuffett-themed precious little of these to me. Iin was so toconsumed out toof alleither the teachers out there scrambling babies may take a little more care, the love Museum of the Gulf Mobile, Ala. Our story on page 12 gives you a look at what’s with my mom’s illness and then with putgive together online to keep our kidssurviving they return islessons worth every second. insidein and why fans will love it. engaged learning worryingof about the grief and of her loss instead and theof anxiety the
things cannot We you! Ifpandemic exoticthey animals arecontrol. more your thing, head and the sorrow ofappreciate so many national on overstories to the brand spanking new andfor myself. Closer to home, the North Hill Tour of Homes opens the doors to some of news that I took little time On that note, I encourage you to read our significantly enlargedmost Alabama Gulf Coasthomes. Zoo. Pensacola’s historic COVID-19 which provides This year, I Resource hope to Guide, explore creative and personalEach one of them has a story to tell, and we The new location features allcommunity the hands-on, up resources for food, business, endeavors that help me rediscover myself and share them with you on page 15. close as the previous location and interaction more. The ever-changing nature of plus discover new outlets for personal expression. added attractions, amenities and experiences this crisis necessitates that I mention that that willresources make celebrate for a wonderful family dayHealth out. We also Baptist Care’s 75 years of service in Northwest Florida. these may or may not be available Procrastination to you by the time read this issue.you I Chances areinyousomeone love was born or cared for there. We are grateful for the IfWhile you’re interested conservation, check out people made hope itmany will provide a place to glorious start, someheadway on work they do can’t wait toinsee what the next 75 years will bring. Turn to page Dakota Parks on and local Panhandle Rooftop ideas or somestory inspiration either way. projects home improvement and personal 2020, Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Baptist’s Snyder. Through 19 to read about past, present and future. I You didmay not.also I did notthat organize I did not notice we haveanything. some nonher work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new pandemic related stories in this issue. We made to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting Forcall those of you looking to venture the already planned articles that skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. a little farther from home, our guide on spaces in to aninclude increasingly overpopulated region. might still be covers helpful, relevant or enjoyable for2021, I’d at this year’s Beaches to Woodlands tour in That’s accomplishment. However, in pagean 22 fresh-air adventures
our readers. Weahope you find useful. All ofto this, plus fewload DIY pet them treat like lighten my and empty myzip house of bicycle races, kiln walks and more. If art and Santa Rosa County. Think lines, recipes and some goodand newsunnecessary from the junk that fills much of the clutter As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been culture are more your thing, Foo Foo Festival is back, filling the city with music, Florida legislature regarding protection one title or another for it.published It’s timeunder to make room for something new. formore petsthan in abusive situations. performances, artnoand energy. Read all about it on page 27. 40 years. We have planscreative on changing that. We will continue to publish
In this of these So, turn issue, off thewe’ve news,covered put downallyour phonetopics and to bring we you all the information can East Hill cottage where comfort and style blend Finally, step inside awecozy and enjoy thesehelp heartwarming talestheir and and more shift own focus in for as long to as we can.readers Please reach out to us adorable of photos of local animals and effortlessly. Wait until you seehealth! that outdoor tub. What a dream! I’m already trying to 2021. We ideas, hopeinspiration you enjoy.orHere’s to your with story just a quick the folksWe who care for them. When you’re hello. are all how working from home and we figure out to add one to my yard. Check out all the lovely photos on page 31. done, give your little catnip and are missing our kitty wateracooler conversations. throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple As always, I hope you the issue. Happy October! Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola! pleasures that will keep us all sane. enjoy
PENSACOLA
MAGAZINE
Pensacola's Premier City Magazine Est. 1987
OCTOBER 2026 Owner & Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial & Creative Director Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Ryan Dugger advertise@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com Assistant Editor Dawn Gresko dawn@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Intern Claire Croley Contributing Writer Mary Donovan McClellan Sales & Marketing Maggie Banks, Account Executive maggie@ballingerpublishing.com Jaami Clement, Account Executive jaami@ballingerpublishing.com 21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com
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NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine and Pensacola Magazine is locally-owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2026
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Photos courtesy of Pensacola Humane Society
Barktoberfest Celebrating the Canines for 20 Years
By Mary Donovan McClellan
For 20 years, Pensacola has gone to the dogs for one very special day each fall, and we mean that in the best possible way. On Oct. 18, the Pensacola Humane Society (PHS) will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Barktoberfest, filling Seville Square and Fountain Park with dogs, dog lovers and plenty of tail-wagging fun. The highly anticipated regional favorite dog-friendly event, Barktoberfest, runs from 10 am to 4 pm and is a day devoted to four-legged friends and their happy humans, all gathered to help animals in need. Best of all, admission is free and all dogs are welcome! No RSVP from you or your pup is required. Barktoberfest has grown into one of the area’s favorite pet-friendly events, featuring vendors, dog contests and races, training demonstrations, children’s activities, food trucks, adoptable animals and more. Behind all the fun is an important purpose. Proceeds from Barktoberfest benefit the PHS and its work providing shelter, medical care, enrichment, and second chances to homeless animals throughout Northwest Florida. 10 | OCTOBER 2026
This year’s event is proudly supported by Beagle Benefactor, Action Therapy Group and Bow Wow Backyard Sponsor, Bob Tyler Toyota. Their support, along with that of numerous local businesses and community partners, helps PHS keep Barktoberfest free for the entire community.
A Day Made Just for the Pups There may be no better place to be a dog on Oct. 18. And, frankly, the humans have a pretty good time, too. Throughout Seville Square and Fountain Park, visitors can browse dozens of vendor booths featuring local businesses,
pet products, specialty treats, animal-related services, rescues and community organizations. The always-popular dog contests give four-legged competitors a chance to show off their personalities, costumes and favorite tricks. Dog races add another dose of friendly competition, and plenty of entertainment for spectators. Whether or not every pup actually runs in the intended direction is all part of the fun. Training demonstrations will showcase what our canine companions can accomplish while offering useful information for pet owners. Kids can also head to the Kid’s Zone to enjoy a variety of activities, and animal shelters and rescue organizations will be on site with opportunities to meet furry friends who just might find themselves heading home with loving new families. Add plenty of food trucks, music and thousands of wagging tails, and Barktoberfest becomes much more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of the bond between people and pets and of a community that continues to show up for animals year after year.
Saving Lives Four Paws at a Time The animals benefiting from Barktoberfest are at the heart of everything the PHS does. Founded in 1943, PHS has spent more than eight decades helping homeless and vulnerable animals find safety, care and loving homes. Today, its work includes adoption, veterinary care, spay and neuter services, fostering, volunteer programs and community outreach. In 2025, 921 animals found homes through PHS, while the organization provided 1,535 spay and neuter services and distributed 13,023 pounds of pet food through its Pet Pantry.
save rate, reflecting the organization’s commitment to giving animals in its care every possible opportunity for a positive outcome. That work extends well beyond the shelter. The PHS Pet Pantry helps families experiencing financial challenges keep their pets fed and at home. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals needing extra care or a break from shelter life. Volunteers provide invaluable support through animal care, enrichment, events and outreach. And every adoption creates space for another animal who needs help, one more reason a “just looking” visit to the adoption area can be a little dangerous for the heart.
Celebrating 20 Years and Counting Barktoberfest may happen only once a year, but the work it supports happens every day. There are many ways to be part of that work: adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, become a monthly supporter, or simply share the story of an animal waiting for a home. Every act of kindness makes a difference. Join the Pensacola Humane Society for the 20th Anniversary Barktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 am to 4 pm at Seville Square and Fountain Park in downtown Pensacola. Bring the family, round up your friends and, most importantly, bring the dog. Admission is free, and all dogs are welcome. For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org/Barktoberfest or email barktoberfest@pensacolahumane.org.
PHS was recognized once again by Best Friends Animal Society for achieving No-Kill status in 2025, with a 98.7%
PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 11
Photos courtesy of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
A Living Tribute The Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Exhibition
By Claire Croley
Something big is happening in Mobile: Jimmy Buffett is coming to life in a brand new way. On Sept. 12, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf debuted the Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf’s goal is to cover the history, economy and culture of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Jimmy Buffett Experience does just that with a permanent immersive celebration of the music, stories, adventures and Gulf Coast spirit that inspired generations. Buffett’s impact goes way beyond Mobile, the town he grew up in, extending across the Gulf and the world through his music and legacy of helping others. The experience gives visitors a closer look at Buffett’s relationship with Mobile, the Gulf Coast and the maritime world through artifacts, photographs, film and firsthand accounts. The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf partnered with Project Art Collective to get to the heart of who Jimmy Buffett really was, and made it their mission to show that in the experience.
The experience showcases more than 130 artifacts from Buffett’s life, many of which have never been publicly exhibited. Highlights from the collection include: • Buffett’s 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame statue • His 12-string Martin guitar, used to write and perform Son of a Son of a Sailor • Handwritten lyrics and other personal papers from throughout his career • Never-before-released concert and recording footage • Personal photographs, scrapbooks and memorabilia offering an intimate look at his life • A recreation of Shrimp Boat Sound, Buffett’s Key West recording studio, featuring personal items from the original space • Exclusive interviews with family members, bandmates, crew members, friends, fishing buddies, boat builders, producers, authors, musicians and business associates who knew Buffett throughout his life
Spanning 6,000 square feet, the Buffett Experience is the largest Buffett exhibit, making it a must-see attraction for Parrot Heads and lovers of music alike.
Buffett’s family played a major role in providing artifacts to the exhibit, as well as supporting the museum throughout the project. His family also attended the opening, with a total of 40 Buffett family members in attendance.
This exhibit has more than enough to keep someone entertained for a day, decorated with stage props from his shows, plus features never-before-seen artifacts and an immersive concert experience.
Museum Director Karen Poth tells us that there were many towns that wished to have this exhibit there, but Mobile was chosen by the Buffett family because of Jimmy Buffett’s
12 | OCTOBER 2026
“It’s not just about his music. It’s about a man who lived life to the fullest and embraced every adventure that ever was.” connection to the city. It was not only because Buffett grew up in Mobile, but also because his grandpa, the sailor from the song Son of a Son of a Sailor, sailed in the bay across from where the museum and the exhibit sits.
From family roots on the Gulf Coast to adventures that inspired songs loved around the world, this exhibition brings Jimmy Buffett home to Mobile through immersive experiences, rare artifacts, personal stories, music, film and memories shared by those who knew him best. The Jimmy Buffett Experience is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The cost of admission is $19, which includes access to both the exhibit and the general galleries of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. For tickets and information, visit nmmog.org.
The exhibit is what the museum calls a living tribute, meaning it will continue to evolve as the museum uncovers new aspects of Buffett’s legacy and history. “We keep uncovering new stories and new things that he did and new ways that he helped people,” Poth said. “And so, I think it’s a given that it will continue to evolve.” Poth sees a bigger story than just a man who made music. He sees a man whose story is worth knowing and sharing. “It’s a great uplifting experience,” Poth said. “I think Jimmy devoted his life to really making people happy and giving them an escape. We think the exhibit kind of does that for people too. So we hope everybody will come.” For Poth, the hope is that the exhibit reaches more than longtime fans. It has something for everyone, especially people from the Gulf, who can take pride in knowing the exhibit’s location here is no accident. “It’s not just about his music,” Poth said. “It’s about a man who lived life to the fullest and embraced every adventure that ever was.”
PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 13
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The Forbes House 903 N. Spring St.
A Walk Through History By Dawn Gresko
Historic North Hill Tour of Homes
If walls could talk, the homes of historic North Hill Pensacola would have decades’ worth of stories to tell. On Nov. 29, six of those homes will open their doors for the Historic North Hill Preservation Association’s Tour of Homes, inviting visitors to step inside and experience the architecture and the stories that have helped shape one of Pensacola’s most distinctive neighborhoods. The tour is self-guided, allowing you to visit each home at your own pace and in whatever order you choose. Attendees may check in at Alabama Square (401 W. Gonzalez St.) or at the front porch of any of the six homes. New to the tour this year is the Christmas Market, filling Alabama Square with local makers, holiday goods, food and music. The market is free to everyone, whether or not they are touring the homes.
Docents are stationed at each home, introducing visitors to the people and stories behind the houses. For added convenience, a complimentary trolley carries guests between the homes. The first Tour of Homes was held on Dec. 8, 2002, and continued every few years through 2016. After COVID made it difficult to open homes for a public tour, almost a decade passed before the event could make a return. Bringing it back has taken many hands and a lot of work to make it possible. “By the early 1970s many of the houses in the North Hill neighborhood had fallen into serious disrepair and some were headed for the wrecking ball,” North Hill Preservation Association President Jennifer Wasilenko said. “The North Hill Preservation Association was created to save them. A tour is one way that we can show the public what that work produced: treasures brought back to their former glory, nearly all of them privately owned and most of the time, only admired from the sidewalk.”
Returning for what will be the first time in 10 years, North Hill Tour of Homes offers a special glimpse inside residences spanning more than half a century of architectural styles, from the ornate Queen Anne era to the clean lines of Midcentury modernism. “We wanted guests to enjoy as wide a range of styles as North Hill has to offer,” Wasilenko said. “So we chose six houses that are nothing alike: an 1899 Queen Anne, a Classical Revival, an English Cottage Revival, a Colonial, a Mediterranean and a 1953 modern home with a butterfly roof. Walk all six and you have walked through more than 50 years of American architecture without leaving the neighborhood.” Together, the homes tell the larger story of a neighborhood that evolved alongside the people who built it, lived there and called it home. The oldest home on this year’s tour is the Forbes House at 903 N. Spring St., a Queen Anne residence dating to 1899. PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 15
The Sublette House 114 W. De Soto St.
The Wright-Touart House 1304 N. Barcelona St.
“These are homes, lived in every day. Nearly every Perhaps the most interesting chapter home’s history occurred just a house on this tour was restored by someone who inyearthelater. decided it was worth it, and it usually took years.” “New Year’s Eve, 1928, Mrs. Touart is William J. Forbes, co-owner of what was then Pensacola’s largest department store, built the home as the centerpiece of a family compound that once occupied the entire block. The house became known as the Spring Mansion, a name neighbors were still using 70 years later. The rooms once hosted butlers and bridge luncheons, while a third-story cupola offered a special vantage point for the children of the household, who were sent upstairs during parties.
upstairs dressing for the dance at the Country Club when a man knocks and says he is from the telephone company,” At the Wright-Touart House at 1304 N. Wasilenko said. “He asks the maid Barcelona St., visitors will encounter to hold the receiver and listen for a a different side of North Hill. Built in 1923, the English Cottage Revival home test buzz, and while she stands there waiting for a sound that never comes, began as a bungalow before being he is already upstairs. He left with expanded to nearly 5,000 square feet. about $4,500 in jewelry, the better part Its resident, M. A. Touart was a prominent of a year’s wages for most Pensacola civic figure whose influence reached well families then, and a sheriff in a small beyond his front door. Touart drove the Missouri town caught him a month later first stake of the Pensacola Bay Bridge with the same trick on his record in and was crowned Mardi Gras King three other states.” Priscus in 1927.
The Forbes House provides a peek into the world of one of Pensacola’s prominent turn-of-the-century families and the grand domestic life of the era. From there, the tour moves into the early 20th century with the Sublette House at 114 W. De Soto St. Built in the Classical Revival style in 1911, the residence was the home of railroad businessmanturned-real-estate success Robert W. Sublette and his wife, Estella Moreno Sublette, the granddaughter of one of Pensacola’s earliest Spanish families. Eleven children were raised in the home, which remained in the family for decades. Over the years, its rooms welcomed wedding celebrations, naval officers and countless family gatherings. 16 | OCTOBER 2026
The Noonan House 1421 N. Baylen St.
The D’Alemberte House 1215 N. Reus St.
At the Noonan House, 1421 N. Baylen St., the tour takes participants further into the Roaring Twenties. Built in 1926 in the Colonial style, the home originally stood at the corner of Baylen and Blount streets and reportedly cost $20,000, a significant amount at the time. For more than 30 years, the Noonan family filled the home with social traditions, including camellia-decorated suppers, coffees and church socials. The house provides a window into a period when entertaining at home was an important part of social life, as both a family gathering place and community meeting ground. The following year brought another architectural statement to North Hill with the D’Alemberte House at 1215 N. Reus St. Built in 1927, the Mediterranean-style home stands out with its white stucco exterior, clay tile roof, arched entry and iron balcony. The D’Alembertes quickly became part of Pensacola’s social scene. Society pages chronicled their arrival and Mrs. D’Alemberte’s bridge teas were among the talk of the town. Four tables of bridge players once gathered throughout the rooms, and on tour day visitors can walk through those same spaces and imagine the conversations, competition and camaraderie that once filled them.
Finally, the tour leaps forward several decades to the Rubin House at 1221 N. Barcelona St. Built in 1953, the Midcentury modern residence is the youngest home on the tour. Designed by celebrated modernist architect Paul Rudolph for Dr. Nathan and Betty Rubin, the International-style home features a dramatic butterfly roof and a strikingly modern aesthetic. The Rubin house is an important reminder that North Hill’s architectural story did not end with the ornate homes of the early 1900s. Instead, the neighborhood continued to evolve,
embracing new ideas about design, space and modern living. Together, the six houses offer more than an afternoon of historic-home sightseeing. They create a timeline of North Hill, from Victorian-era prosperity and grand family compounds to the social traditions of the 1920s and the bold experimentation of 1950s architecture. “These are homes, lived in every day,” Wasilenko said. “Nearly every house on this tour was restored by someone who decided it was worth it, and it usually took years. For example, the Forbes House had been divided into a rooming house before a retired Navy commander bought it in the early 1970s and put it back together, inspired by a neighbor restoring a house across the street. We hope guests leave and see preservation as something within reach, one family and one house at a time.” The North Hill Tour of Homes runs from noon to 5 pm on Nov. 29. Tickets are $50 per person and admission is open to those 18 years or older. To purchase tickets and learn more about this year’s tour, visit historicnorthhill.com.
The Rubin House 1221 N. Barcelona St.
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Photos courtesy of Baptist Health Care
By Dawn Gresko
Great care begins with an even greater commitment to people. For 75 years, Baptist Health Care (BHC) has been part of Northwest Florida’s story, caring for the people and families who call it home. What began Oct. 17, 1951, as a single hospital with 100 team members has grown into a regional health system with more than 4,700 clinical and support team members, making BHC Northwest Florida’s second-largest nongovernmental employer. Today, BHC includes three hospitals, four medical parks, the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and a growing network of primary and specialty care providers. As BHC celebrates its 75th anniversary, the milestone represents more than growth or numbers. It is a celebration of the people behind the organization: the caregivers who have dedicated their careers to serving others, the community members who helped build it and generations of families who have placed their trust in BHC. “This milestone is really a celebration of people and purpose,” CEO Mark Faulkner said. “This anniversary reminds me that Baptist has always been about people caring for people and improving lives across generations. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished because I appreciate the impact we’ve made.”
From One Hospital to a Health System When BHC first opened its doors in 1951, its role was straightforward: to provide quality health care to a growing community. The organization has grown beyond a single hospital into a broad network of services designed to meet people’s needs at every stage of life. Today, that includes primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, wellness programs, community outreach and advanced hospital services. One of the organization’s most significant milestones was the opening of the new Baptist Hospital campus on Sept. 23, 2023, a major investment in the future of health care in the region. Baptist has also expanded its network of partnerships, including a collaboration with PAM Health to address inpatient rehabilitation needs. Looking ahead, BHC is preparing for another major investment in technology and patient care. In 2028, the organization plans to implement Epic, a widely used electronic health record system designed to streamline the patient experience, strengthen coordination among providers and support better health outcomes across the communities BHC serves.
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“Baptist is committed not only to providing exceptional care, but also to being an engaged community partner. Whether it’s addressing local challenges, improving access to care, or supporting educational initiatives that help develop future health care professionals, our role is to help create a stronger, healthier future for the people we serve.” - CEO, Mark Faulkner “I think one assumption that needs to change is that health care is primarily about buildings, equipment or technology,” COO Brett Aldridge said. “While those things are essential, health care is ultimately about people. Technology will continue to advance, buildings will change, but human connection will always be at the center of great health care.”
Having been part of Northwest Florida for 75 years gives BHC a long history with the people and communities it serves. Listening to patients, physicians, community members and team members helps the organization identify emerging needs and determine where investments in programs, services and facilities can have the greatest impact.
A Locally Rooted Mission
Over the next 10 to 20 years, BHC anticipates population growth, an aging community and rapid advances in technology to continue shaping the region’s health care needs. Addressing those evolving needs will require continued investment in people, facilities, technology, partnerships and access to care.
As Northwest Florida’s only locally rooted health care system, BHC operates independently rather than as part of a national organization. BHC’s locally-built identity allows decisions to be made by people who live and work in the communities it serves. “Because we’re locally governed and locally led, we can respond in ways that reflect the unique needs of the people we serve,” Faulkner said. “That’s really been true since the beginning. Baptist was founded because community leaders recognized a need and took action, and we’re committed to carrying that same spirit forward for future generations.” Photo by Guy Stevens
An Economic and Community Impact With more than 4,700 team members and an annual payroll exceeding $390 million, the health system is a significant part of the Northwest Florida economy. Major construction and infrastructure projects, including the new Baptist Hospital campus, represent additional investment in the region. “Baptist is committed not only to providing exceptional care, but also to being an engaged community partner,” Faulkner said. “Whether it’s addressing local challenges, improving access to care, or supporting educational initiatives that help develop future health care professionals, our role is to help create a stronger, healthier future for the people we serve.” The organization also partners with local colleges, universities and training programs to help prepare the next generation of health care professionals. Those partnerships create career opportunities for local students while strengthening the region’s health care workforce. A strong health care system also plays an important role in the broader economic health of a community.
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actions that demonstrate the organization’s values of Employers considering where to locate or expand look at factors such as quality of life and access to medical services. Ownership, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence. For families, businesses and visitors alike, access to health The moments highlight team members whose everyday care is an important part of a thriving community. actions make a difference for patients and colleagues, serving as reminders that health care is ultimately about people. As a locally governed, not-for-profit organization, BHC reinvests in the communities it serves through clinical “People want to know that their work matters, and at Baptist, programs, facilities, technology and services designed to they can see that impact firsthand in the lives of patients, address ever-changing needs. That work includes reducing families and in our community,” Aldridge said. “The impact barriers to care, supporting vulnerable populations and is felt not only by our patients and community, but also by investing in programs that promote health and well-being. The goal is not just to treat patients when they become sick, the team members who grow their career here. That’s what makes Baptist a place where people want to stay, grow and but to contribute to the long-term health of our community. make a difference.”
Generations of Trust
Over the decades, generations of patients have returned to BHC for different stages of their lives. Some people were born at BHC, later brought their children there and eventually watched their grandchildren receive care from the same organization. In some cases, members of those families have gone on to become BHC team members themselves. Those multigenerational connections illustrate that BHC has built something immeasurable by statistics alone: BHC has built trust. For BHC, those stories are among the most meaningful reminders of its role in Northwest Florida: building relationships between patients, families, caregivers and the broader community. “I think it’s important for the next generation to understand that Baptist was founded by caring people who saw a need and decided to do something about it,” Aldridge said. “That commitment to improving health care in our community and serving others has guided this organization for 75 years. Our legacy isn’t found in our buildings or technology. It’s found in the trust we’ve earned and the way our people care for those who depend on us.”
The People Behind the Mission
Looking Toward the Next 75 Years While anniversaries naturally invite reflection, BHC’s 75th anniversary is also focused on preparing for what comes next. Preparing for the future means investing in a strong provider network, new technology, modern facilities and the people needed to deliver care. It means developing partnerships and adapting services as our community changes. Most of all, it means continuing to listen. As our region grows, its population ages and medical technology advances, BHC will continue evolving while remaining grounded in the mission that has guided the organization since 1951. As BHC celebrates 75 years, the organization is honoring where it has been while preparing for where Northwest Florida is going. Throughout its anniversary year, BHC has been sharing stories from its history and highlighting the people and moments that have shaped its journey. Community members are encouraged to join in the celebration by sharing their own memories and experiences by visiting BHC’s website and clicking the Share Your Story link. Learn more about BHC and its mission at ebaptisthealthcare.org.
One way BHC reinforces a sense of connection among its staff across such a large organization is through what it calls “Baptist Way moments,” which recognize and celebrate PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 21
Beaches to Woodlands Explore Pensacola and the surrounding area with our guide to fresh-air adventures and outdoor experiences that invite you to get outside and enjoy the season. For an up-to-date schedule of events, visit beachestowoodlands.com.
Adventures Unlimited Fall Foliage Zipline Tours September – November 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd., Milton, FL
Fall is a great time to enjoy the many natural attractions at Adventures Unlimited, located just north of Milton, FL, in the Blackwater River State Forest. Enjoy the changing colors and the rush of excitement while doing one of the Canopy Zipline Tours. Overnight accommodations at the resort’s campsites or cabins are available, along with canoeing and kayaking down the majestic Coldwater Creek. Inquire about team-building activities and group outings also. For more information, visit adventuresunlimited.com.
Sand Dollar Market
September – November | Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm 1900 Hwy. 87, Navarre, FL Saturdays are a Party in the Plaza. Join the merchants of Sand Dollar Plaza, each Saturday, for our community and customer appreciation event. Additionally, on the first and third Saturdays, the Hwy. 87 Market will have vendors set up outside.
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Bands on the Blackwater Fall Concert Series September – October | Fridays, 7 – 9 pm 5158 Willing St., Milton, FL
Bands on the Blackwater is a free outdoor concert series held Friday nights in downtown Milton. Pull up your boat or bring a lawn chair and relax while listening to great live music! For more information, visit facebook.com/ bandsontheblackwater. • Oct. 2 - Symphonic Thunder • Oct. 9 - Bone Dry Band • Oct. 16 - Anthony Crawford with Savana Lee • Oct. 23 - Blackwater Country • Oct. 30 - The Modern Eldorados
Holland Farms Pumpkin Patch & Maze September 26 - November 1 | 8 am – 6 pm 2055 Homer Holland Rd., Milton, FL
Enjoy a farm hayride that will take you around the farm and to the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin of your choice. Activities include a 0.75 mile train ride around the farm, an inner tube hill slide, corn box, horse and regular swings, spider web, pirate ship, zip lines, pedal tractor cart racing, hill slides, rat racers, sand box and an 8-acre corn maze with a kiddie maze. Every visitor receives a free cup of our famous homegrown boiled peanuts. Sit back and relax on our farm market porch; see you at the farm! For more information, visit hollandfarmsonline.com.
Navarre Fishing Rodeo
October 3 – 4 | Tournament opens at 12:01 am 1451 Navarre Beach Causway., Navarre, FL Fish from the shore, a boat or kayak, or from the pier– you just can’t “fish” from the seafood market! Prizes will be awarded in all divisions. Weigh-in is on the beach at Juana’s, close to Santa Rosa County Boat Ramp and parking. Scales close promptly at 4 pm on both days. Up to two Junior anglers twelve and under can compete in the Junior Division for free with each paid rodeo admission. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Navarre Chamber Foundation, which in turn benefits the Navarre Beach Marine Park. Visit the event website to find discounts from our local lodging partners for the week of the Navarre Fishing Rodeo. For details, visit navarrefishingrodeo.com.
Juana’s Annual Oktoberfest Beer Tasting October 3 | 12 – 4 pm 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre, FL
18th Annual Sweet Season Farms Corn Maze and U-Pick Pumpkins and Sunflowers
September 26 – November 8 | Saturdays from 9 am – 5 pm & Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm* 2260 Horn Road, Milton, FL Visitors can spend time this fall season navigating their way through our fun and unique corn maze with plenty of room to spread out on the farm! U-pick sunflowers will be blooming in October, along with the pumpkin patch. More than 25 fun farm-themed activities, including a cow train, beeline zipline, corn popper jumping pillow, barnyard ball, playground and more! Plenty of food will be available for sale on-site. The farm bakery will offer fresh-squeezed lemonade, homemade caramel apples, roasted sweet corn, sno-cones, kettle corn and more! Find them on Facebook or Instagram for more details and event updates! For more information, visit sweetseasonfarms.com.
Bahia Grass Invitational Lawnmower Racing & Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest
Enjoy a festive atmosphere for adults to sample craft beers and food from the Sailor’s Grill, along with activities for children staffed by the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. For more information, visit juanaspagodas.com.
Take a Kid Fishing
October 3 | 8:30 am Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, 8579 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL This kids’ fishing clinic is staged at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. The first 200 children (12 and under) receive a fishing pole, goodie bag, free bait and fishing instruction. This event fills up quickly. Proceeds go to the Navarre Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3). To pre-register, visit takeakidfishingnavarre.com or navarrechamberfoundation.org.
Depot Day at the West Florida Railroad Museum
October 3 | 10 am – 3 pm 5003 Henry St., Milton, FL
This event will include tours of the museum, historic presentations, model train displays, and the kids’ train and garden. Food vendors will be on site serving up delicious treats. Visit wfrm.org more information.
October 3 | 9 am – 5 pm Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds | 8700 Randy Brown Road, Milton, FL
St. Michael’s Brewing Co. 6th Anniversary Bash
The first-ever Bahia Grass Invitational Lawnmower Racing & Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds. Hosted by the Santa Rosa County Fair Association, the family-friendly event will feature lawnmower racing, a fish fry contest, food, environmental education and a 4-H art show. Proceeds benefit the Milton Rotary Club, Santa Rosa Kids House and the Santa Rosa County Fair Association.
Help St. Michael’s celebrate their 6th year of business. Get ready to drink some awesome beer, get awesome eats, listen to some groovy music in the beer garden and support an awesome local charity. Limited sales of commemorative 6th Anniversary beer mug (20-ounce) that includes a year’s worth of mug club membership. Get a free first 20-ounce pour of our Fest Bier, and then a 20-ounce pour of selected SMBC beers for the price of a 16-ounce pour during the Anniversary Bash!
October 10 & 11 | 12 – 7 pm 2199 Hwy. 87, Navarre, FL
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33rd Annual Charity Chili Cook-off and Volleyball Tourney
October 11 | 12 – 5 pm 1451 Navarre Beach Causway., Navarre, FL
The event is a fundraiser for Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County. Fee required to enter the chili cook-off or the volleyball tournament. A donation fee is required to taste. Bring already cooked and hot chili in crock pots with serving ladles to set up between noon and 2 pm; chili tastings take place from 2 to 4 pm. Volleyball registration is at 10 am, and the tournament starts at 10:30 am Four-person co-ed teams will be paired according to skill level. For more information, visit juanaspagodas.com.
Pink Pirates Get It Off Your Chest Annual 5K Run
October 17 | 8 am 8578 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL
26th Annual Navarre Beach Autorama: Car, Truck, and Bike Show
October 10 | 8 am – 4 pm Navarre High School | 8600 High School Blvd., Navarre, FL The 28th Annual Navarre Beach Autorama will showcase more than 150 historical cars from all decades. The event features music, food and vendor booths. Checkin is at 8 am and judging starts at 11 am. For details, visit navarrebeachcarshow.com.
Run for the Reef 10K/5K and Kid’s One Mile Fun Run
October 10 | 6 am 8597 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL
Features an out-and-back course along scenic Gulf Boulevard. The event is a fundraiser to help “Make Navarre Snorkelicious,” benefiting the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and artificial reefs. Race Day registration will be from 6 – 7 am at Windjammers on the Pier. The run starts at 7:30 am at the Navarre Beach boat launch parking lot. The award ceremony will be held at Windjammers on the Pier. Learn more at navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.org.
Munson Heritage Festival
October 10 – 11 | 9 am to 5 pm Krul Lake Recreation Area, Milton, FL Learn about old-time ways through hands-on demonstrations. There is a Civil War reenactment camp, Native American displays, wood carving, basket weaving, making corn-shuck dolls, dulcimer making, shoe cobbling, cross-cut sawing, oldtime circular sawmill operation, turpentining, displays by local museums and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/ munsoncommunityheritagefestival. 24 | OCTOBER 2026
Breast Cancer Awareness Run. The race starts at the Navarre Beach boat ramp parking lot. Pink Pirates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support early breast cancer detection. Register at active.com/pinkpirates5k. Visit facebook.com/ pinkpiratesnavarre for complete event details.
Boo at the Zoo – Trick or Treat Trail
October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 & 31 | 10 am – 5 pm 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL The Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo festival includes Halloween entertainment and kid-friendly fun around every corner. Explore our trick-or-treat trail complete with candy, treats and toys, bounce houses, face painting, and our Ambassador Animal Headquarters, not to mention the entire Zoo! Please note: There is no admission before 10 am. *Zoo members must purchase tickets to attend this event. The cost is $10 per member. *Safari Express Train Ride is included with regular admission and Adventure Pass holders. For more information, visit gbzoo.com.
6th Annual Batty Fang-Tastic Halloween
October 17 | 10 am – 2 pm Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, 3051 Cloptons Circle, Navarre, FL Don’t be afraid to come out to the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge for a spook-tacular time at the 5th Annual Batty Fang-Tastic Halloween. Arrive in costume (or not) for a boo-licious evening of trick-or-treating with our animal ambassadors, kid-friendly owl-oween haunted trail, pumpkin painting, cake walk, and much more. Food trucks will be on-site to provide all sorts of delicious treats each night. The most fun you can have learning about our native wildlife and getting treats at the same time. For complete details, visit facebook.com/emeraldcoastwildliferefuge.
Annual Fenner McConnell/Mark Wantz Blackwater Heritage Trail Ride
October 24 | 7:30 am 5629 Byrom St., Milton, FL
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and the West Florida Wheelmen are excited to announce the 2026 Fenner Ride will take place on October 24 at 7:30 am at the Clyde L. Gracey Community Center. Cyclists can enjoy routes that start in the city of Milton, all the way to the woodlands of the Blackwater Forest, and back again. Riders will experience Northwest Florida’s native wildlife, natural environments and beautiful scenery. This ride includes routes for all cycling levels: 18, 42, 62, or 100 miles. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Learn more online at bbbsnwfl.org/ events/fenner-ride.
Spirits of the Simpson House
Creek Fest ‘26
Join us as we haunt the historic Simpson House on Saturday, Oct. 18. There will be a tour of the grounds, a tour of the house, a few campfire stories with s’mores, and maybe a haunted skirmish! There will be kids’ activities and refreshments available. For more information on this year’s haunted happenings, visit historicpensacola.org.
The Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee is hosting its annual Creek Fest presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. There will be nationally recognized Native American entertainment each day. The festival will also include Pow Wow drumming by Drum of the Red Boys drum group, Pow Wow-style dancing and traditional Creek stomp dancing. Experience a living Creek village, guided tours and a re-enactment of the battle of Chumuckla between Creeks and Soldiers. Watch Traditional Creek food cooking demonstrations and explore an authentic Hunting Camp with weapons demonstrations. There will be hands-on crafts for children, traditional and contemporary food and drink, traditional Indian roasted corn and fry bread, as well as a plethora of other amazing vendors and activities.
Saturday, October 30 & 31 | 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm 4755 Anna Simpson Rd, Milton, FL
Trash Bash with the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
October 31 | 8 – 10 am 8649 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, FL
Halloween-themed for the month of October. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes that are upcycled and/ or marine-themed! Help protect sea turtles and other imperiled species through a citizen science program that allows volunteers to take an active role in the war against marine debris. Volunteers collect trash from different areas along the 4.5 miles of Navarre Beach and record data that is forwarded to state and federal agencies. Meet in the main Navarre Beach Parking Lot near the Sand Crab Pavilion. A limited supply of gloves, buckets and pickers are provided. For more information, visit navarrebeachseaturtles.org.
Rural Roots Agricultural Expo
November 14 | 10 am – 2 pm UF IFAS Research Center, 4253 Experiment Dr., Jay, FL Celebrate the heart of Santa Rosa County at the 2nd annual Rural Roots Day, a family-friendly event showcase. This agricultural heritage event connects families with the farmers, traditions and values that define Santa Rosa County’s rural roots. Experience engaging exhibits, educational opportunities, local food and activities for all ages! Learn more online at santarosa.fl.gov/ruralrootsday.
November 21 – 22 | 9 am – 6 pm 4750 Willard Norris Road, Milton, FL
Holley Hill Pottery and Art Studio Kiln Openings
Tuesday – Saturday | 10 am – 4 pm 7507 Buckeye Dr., Navarre, FL
Open Tuesday through Saturday for public tours! Holley Hill Pottery has been making pottery in Santa Rosa County for more than 40 years, capturing the lifestyle, scenery and sea life of the Gulf Coast using local clays and their own glaze formulas. For more information, visit holleyhillpottery.com.
Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society Saturdays | 10 am – 4 pm 7507 Buckeye Dr., Navarre, FL
Gulf Coast Kiln Walk has the largest historical 32-foot, wood-fueled “Anagama” cave-style kiln and the only reconstructed wood-fueled Southern Altered Groundhog kiln from the 1940s in the State of Florida. Both historical kilns are available to view on the tour. For complete details, visit holleyhillpottery.com.
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NOV. 1
Featuring 2026
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
MUSEUM PLAZA Flow Trib
e
s t o o h a C w e The N
9th Avenue Brass Band
ADDITIONAL RONALD FREEMAN'S ONE MAN BAND ENTERTAINMENT | E D A D A M S | J B C H A M E L E O N | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
SOUTH MARKET
TUFFALO AND THE TREEWALKERS | SAGA & THE 4 FOURS
WWW.JAZZFORJUSTICE.ORG
Photos and illustrations courtesy of Foo Foo Fest
Get Your Foo On Pensacola’s Annual Celebration of Art, Culture & Creativity Returns
By Claire Croley
It’s that time of year again — Foo Foo Fest is back. Now in its 13th year, Pensacola’s annual
celebration of art and culture brings 12 days packed with unique experiences, live entertainment and creative events, many of them free to enjoy. The Foo Foo lineup is powered in part by this year’s grant recipients, each bringing its own unique perspective and creative programming to the 12-day celebration. This year’s grant recipients include 309 Punk Project, Ballet Pensacola, Fiesta Pensacola, Friends of Downtown, Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, Night Moves Inc, PenArts, Pensacola Mess Hall, Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola Opera, Pensacola State College and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. But the fun doesn’t stop there. In addition to the events presented by this year’s grant recipients, Foo Foo Fest features an even broader lineup of activities and experiences throughout the festival, including the annual Jazz for Justice celebration. Bringing together art, music, history, science and culture, Foo Foo Fest offers plenty of opportunities to experience Pensacola in a whole new way. Whether or not you’ve participated in Foo Foo Fest before, this year’s lineup offers plenty of reasons to get downtown and see what all the Foo is about. Here’s a look at this year’s grant-funded events, along with a few new and returning favorites worth adding to your Foo Foo Fest itinerary. For special announcements, event previews and the complete lineup of 2026 Foo Foo Festival events, visit foofoofest.com or follow @FooFooFest on social media.
309 Punk Project 309 Punk Projects is putting on the second annual Halloween Fest. It is a very unique marketplace, full of self-published stories, and diverse ones at that. Both Oct. 29 and 30 are filled with special events, including an afterparty with that teenage global music sensation The Linda Lindas, and a screening of the documentary Giant Robot. There is also a Q&A with Martin Wong, the cofounder of Giant Robot magazine. This event is located at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center.
Ballet Pensacola Ballet Pensacola presents the Carnival of Animals, which is a wonderful experience that is about a child’s imagination, filled with wonderful and beautiful puppet animals. This is a ballet that brings everyone together, and that doesn’t end when the music stops; it then invites the audience to join in and become part of the ballet. Ballet Pensacola is partnered with Pensacola Humane Society, having adoptable puppies dressed in animal costumes that mimic the ones in the ballet, right outside the theater. This ballet runs from Nov. 1-3 with five showings ranging at different times, and it’s located n the courtroom at The Clark Family Cultural Center.
Fiesta Pensacola Fiesta Pensacola is presenting Living Museum 2026: Anchored in History. Step into a living timeline where history comes alive around every corner. From DeLuna’s PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 27
dramatic arrival in 1559 to the birth of a new nation in 1776 and beyond. Wander each museum floor and meet costumed interpreters representing Spain, France, Great Britain, Colonial America and Historic Pensacola. This year, begin your adventure outdoors on the plaza, where delicious appetizers, drinks and lively entertainment set the stage for an unforgettable historical experience. This wonderful event is only open Nov. 5, and is located at the Pensacola Museum of History.
Friends of Downtown Friends of Downtown presents Lightspill. Open from Oct. 29–Nov. 9, Lightspill reimagines the historic Artel Gallery as a living canvas, where hundreds of mirrored spheres appear to pour over the building and onto the historic streetscape below. The installation blurs the line between architecture and art, transforming one of Pensacola’s most recognizable landmarks into an immersive experience that shifts with every ray of sunlight, every passing cloud, and every visitor who encounters it.
Japan America Society of Northwest Florida Japan America Society of Northwest Florida presents HizashiCon Anime Festival. Experience the vibrant pop culture of Japan steps away from Pensacola’s sunny beaches. HizashiCon offers attendees three fun-filled days of music, cosplay and anime. On Oct. 30, the event will kick off with a special documentary screening for the hit magazine Giant Robot in partnership with 309 Punk Project. Test your knowledge of anime and video games at Coastal Cat Cafe’s Trivia Night right after the screening. Dress in your Halloween best on Oct. 31, for hours of panel programming, Maid Café performances, the cosplay contest, idol festival and karaoke. Gamers young and old are also invited to participate in video game tournaments scheduled throughout the event in the game room. Finally, meet the voices of some of your favorite characters in the Guest Hall. Enjoy brunch before the convention at Coastal Cat Café on Nov. 1, with their special Cat-puccinos and Cosplay event. Wear your favorite cosplay and play with rescue cats and eat a catered breakfast. Finally, join the crowd back at the convention for more programming, cosplay and art!
Night Moves Night Moves culminates in a multi-day,multi-venue music festival throughout Pensacola from Oct. 29–Nov. 8. It will be an eclectic event with multiple genres of music from indie/alternative, psychedelic, punk, EDM and singer-songwriter at several different venues in town like The Handlebar, Laguna’s, Odd Colony, Maritime Park and Betty’s.
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PenArts PenArts presents Side Show. A powerful musical about two young women who were an attraction in a circus side show yet dared to hope for a better life, a normal life. Daisy and Violet Hilton began their career in a freak show. They were conjoined twins. This is their story. Presented by both local and nationally performing actors with a live band, Side Show is a poignant and intriguing look into two unique lives. With circus, side show, freak show and community themes, Side Show is appropriate for elementary school ages and up. Open Oct. 30–Nov. 1 and Nov. 3–8, this is not a show you will want to miss. Before each performance, outside of The Gordon, a rotating display of attractions will be free to all. Anyone can attend the outdoor attractions, whether one has a ticket to the show or not.
Pensacola MESS Hall Pensacola MESS Hall presents Science on the Street and the Sound Booth Pop-Up Experience. Science on the Street encourages guests to discover sound in surprising ways as larger-than-life interactive exhibits transform downtown into a hands-on science playground. Play giant musical instruments, hear sound through your bones, create mesmerizing wave patterns and explore the science behind music through self-guided experiences that are free and available throughout the festival. Also drop in for an exploration of sound with Sound Booth Pop-Up, found near exhibits on Palafox Street. Experiment with tuning forks, make music from rocks, watch sound create beautiful patterns, build simple speakers and discover the science behind everyday sounds through fun, interactive activities for all ages. Science on the Street is open Oct. 29– Nov. 8, and exhibits will be along the sidewalk on Palafox Street between Garden and Main. All events are free and open to the public.
Pensacola Museum of Art
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
The Pensacola Museum of Art will present its triennial Exploring the Wonder of STEAM exhibit and events as part of this year’s Foo Foo Fest. Exploring the Wonder of STEAM is an unforgettable celebration of art, science and technology featuring renowned artists, interactive exhibits, live performances, tours, hands-on workshops and free activities for all ages. This national exhibition is a community-centered experience that merges art with science, new technologies and thoughtprovoking research. Artworks on display create curiosity towards ecosystems and our interdependencies with the environment. Event Details: Nov. 4–7, and tickets are available after Sept. 1.
Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for its Mozart & Bizet concert celebrating the classical and neo-classical styles. The concert begins with the sparking charm and rhythmic vitality of Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. The spotlight then turns to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24, one of the composer’s most dramatic and emotionally profound works, showcasing the dazzling virtuosity of pianist Carter Johnson. The evening concludes with the youthful exuberance and radiant melodies of Symphony in C by George Bizet. In-person tickets start at $26, and virtual tickets are $20. Tickets are available now through the purchase of a Masterworks or Super Series subscription. Individual concert tickets go on sale Sept. 3.
Pensacola State College
Rock the Runway
Pensacola Opera Opera comes alive at Rock the Runway: Living Art, where fashion meets stunning storytelling in a creative fusion of the visual and performing arts. Pensacola Opera will present Rock the Runway: Living Art during the first week of the Foo Foo Festival on Nov. 4 at the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Step inside the story as the Saenger Theatre transforms into a stunning spectacle where breathtakingly larger-than-life projections, soaring opera voices, electrifying beats, ballet dancers and runway models bring iconic operatic scenes to life through a vivid collision of music, movement, fashion and bold artistic immersion. This one-of-a-kind fashion theatre experience celebrates Pensacola’s thriving arts community, inviting audiences to step inside a world where every scene is a work of living art. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Pensacola Opera at pensacolaopera.com.
Pensacola State College presents Synthetic Creativity: Ai-Da Unveiled, which invites audiences to experience the future of art through the groundbreaking work of Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist. This multi-day event will run Nov. 2 and Nov. 4–5, and will feature live on-stage performance from Ai-Da along with an expert panel discussion at the historic Saenger Theatre, an exhibition and reception highlighting Ai-Da’s artwork at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for the Visual Arts and a family-friendly event at the Pensacola MESS Hall with interactive robotics and artificial intelligence activities. Blending art, technology, and innovation, this unique festival experience explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity while inviting audiences of all ages to engage with one of the most talkedabout figures in contemporary art.
Jazz for Justice Jazz for Justice 2026 is a day of celebration and community to raise funds for Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF). LSNF provides no-cost civil legal assistance to those in our communities who otherwise would not have access to professional legal services. This event is free and includes family-friendly activities, access to local food vendors, local artists, and shopping. VIP Experiences are available via exclusive tickets or sponsorships. The concert will be held Nov. 1 at 1 pm. Featured bands include The New Cahoots, Glow Tribe, 9th Avenue Brass Band and more.
PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 29
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Photos by Keyside Visuals
Cottage Chic EAST HILL
By Kelly Oden
Kim Anaston knew she had found something special the moment she stepped onto the covered porch of her East Hill cottage. With its big windows, natural light and inviting layout, the 1928 bungalow had plenty to love, but it was the surprisingly spacious porch that won her over. “I liked the big windows and the light and the layout of the house, but I really loved the porch,” she said. “It’s kind of a congregating place. I feel like porches are one of those things that say welcome to the house. It’s really inviting, and I loved that about it.” Three years later, the porch remains one of her favorite spots. It’s where she starts her mornings with a cup of coffee and her incredibly well-behaved dog, Jean Marc, before heading out for a row on Bayou Texar. The roughly 1,200-squarefoot cottage may be modest in size, but Anaston has made the most of every square inch, creating a home that feels personal, comfortable and anything but small.
Anaston’s mother was born and raised in Pensacola, but Anaston has lived all over, working in yachting, competing as a sailor and a rower, and eventually running a small horse farm. She came back three years ago when her father entered hospice care, and after selling the farm, she went looking for a place that felt like home. This cottage gave her that feeling instantly, especially the stonework on the exterior, which reminded her of her farm. “It was also just the light,” she said. “It was everything that I envisioned — small, but sweet, and it didn’t take a whole lot to change it.” East Hill itself was as much of a draw as the house itself. Anaston had lived in the neighborhood in college, so coming back felt like coming home. “I love the proximity to the boathouse, the big oak trees and the old eclectic cottages,” she said. “It breaks my heart that they’re tearing many of them down. I’m hoping this helps to teach people that small is really okay.” PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 31
Outdoor Spaces Anaston has approached the yard with the same thoughtfulness she brings to the rooms inside, adding some elements while scaling back others to create a more natural setting. “I’ve gone in and added to what previous owners did. And then I’ve subtracted some, too. I’m trying to put in native trees and bring it over to a more natural habitat,” she said. Rather than treating the yard as one large space, she has created smaller areas designed for relaxing and taking in the surroundings. “My design sense is I make rooms outside, like I do on the inside,” she said. “I create areas where you want to go sit and enjoy that space, and enjoy what you see, kind of like when you look out the windows.” Some of what’s growing there didn’t start in her yard at all.
32 | OCTOBER 2026
“If you’ve seen my compost pile, I let it grow, then this winter I’ll take it, fold it back in, add more organic material, and just whatever grows there grows there,” she said. “Many of those are hitchhikers from my farm.” The rock beds were a true labor of love. “I did all the rock work,” she said. “I got 1,500 pounds of rock, dug it all out, made the garden, and then dug all the gardens and put the rock down.” The outdoor tub was one of the first additions she made after finishing the interior, echoing something she loved at the farm. “I wanted to have the outside tub because at my farm I had an outside tub, and I’ve always thought it was such a great idea,” Anaston said. “And when I moved here, we didn’t have a bathtub inside, so I really think that on a cold day there’s nothing like a great hot bath. Likewise, on hot days it’s really nice to get in cold water.”
PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 33
Living Room Anaston said keeping the colors light really helped make the space feel larger. “I think it’s just painting it white and then finding furniture that was small enough to scale. That lightness makes a big difference. I also think the artwork kind of just draws you in, too,” she said. The marble mantel replaced a crumbling one and matches the stone counters and windowsill in the kitchen. “I want that quiet elegance of a marble mantel and having it in both places creates a connection from room to room,” she said. Above the mantel hangs a playful watercolor of koi, one of Anaston’s favorite pieces in the house. “It’s such a vivid watercolor,” she said. “And the movement that she captured is incredible.” Below it, a black pelican sculpture by her good friend and mentor, Bob Green, stands at the hearth. The seating is soft and neutral, with white slipcovers and a few blue linen pillows for color. An antique carved table sits near the sofa and anchors the corner of the room. She describes her style as “comfortable chic,” balancing elegance with a sense of ease. “I wanted to be comfortable. I wanted to be elegant, but I never want to make anyone feel like they can’t sit down and enjoy themselves,” she said. “And it’s pretty eclectic,” she said, because I have antiques, newer pieces and a lot of art.” Her art collection runs through every room of the house. “Almost all of the pieces in here have a story,” she said. “My art is almost like my family. I started collecting it at 16.”
34 | OCTOBER 2026
Dining & Kitchen The dining room is still one of Anaston’s favorite places to entertain, although she does so less often than she used to. For Anaston, setting the table is part of the ritual. “I think when you create a table, you create this atmosphere that makes people feel special,” she said. “All the different glassware and settings, it’s eclectic, but it’s important to me.” The large artwork in the dining room is by Jamaican-born artist Athlone Clark, whose work Anaston discovered at the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. She was drawn to the piece, entitled Enduring Love, for its reflection on the sentimental value of the objects we choose to keep. “This one I loved because it’s called Enduring Love. It’s about treasured objects that we have. And it may mean absolutely nothing to someone else, but it means so much to us,” she said. “I loved the fact that he brought together these dissimilar objects and made a harmonious piece.” The kitchen is where Anaston’s renovation began. She replaced the countertops and backsplash and removed several cabinets to open up the space. In the corner, an open shelf filled with pottery and glassware was already part of the kitchen, but it had been partially blocked by the surrounding cabinetry. “I just needed it open. It felt really claustrophobic,” she said. One of the kitchen’s most personal touches is Anaston’s coffee station, complete with an espresso machine and grinder. She calls it her “Buddha bar,” a nod to her longtime love of coffee and the ritual of sharing it with others. “It’s such a sociable thing. It’s great when you go to someone’s house, and they make you coffee,” she said. “I always ask my guests, ‘Which mug do you want?’ This is my pleasure, and it’s also my gift.” PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 35
Primary Bedroom Anaston prefers the small, sage-green painted daybed rather than anything oversized. “I stayed in Scotland in a box bed, and I loved the closeness of it,” she said. “And then being in yachting, where you always have these little cabins, the rooms are small. And having it small enough, in the wintertime, it stays really warm.” A portrait of a white horse hangs above the bed, and smaller framed landscapes and watercolors are grouped around it. A distressed green cabinet sits next to the bed, and one of Anaston’s first furniture purchases, an antique dresser with a carved wood mirror, stands against the opposite wall. In the primary bath, Anaston decided to leave the existing black-and-white design exactly as it was. Instead, she added a few decorative pieces to the builtin shelves, letting the room’s original look remain the main focus.
36 | OCTOBER 2026
Guest Bedroom The guest room serves dual purposes, doubling as a workout and relaxation space when it’s not hosting visitors. “I use my back room in a few different ways,” Anaston said. “It’s the guest bedroom where my roommate stays when he is in town. We met back in the 80s when he was in Navy Seal training and we’ve been best friends ever since. It’s also my workout room, where I do my Pilates and yoga. It’s where I stretch and unwind.” An antique oak armoire, a writing desk and a trunk fill the room, along with her saddle. Several of the pieces carry family history and are particularly special to Anaston, including a small desk that belonged to her mother and a Navy box that belonged to her father.” That was my mom’s favorite little desk, and this was my dad’s navy box,” she said. “And my saddle, of course.”
Office & Dressing Room The third bedroom serves several purposes as well. “It’s my office, my dressing room and my boot room,” she said. Six pairs of boots line one wall, including tall riding boots, a patterned pair and red Western boots. In the corner, her grandmother’s antique dresser is topped with family photos, while one of Anaston’s favorite pieces of art by Sam Pedisich anchors the corner of the room. PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 37
HALLOZINE FESTIVAL Presented by 309 Punk Project Oct. 29–30
NIGHT MOVES MUSIC FEST
SYNTHETIC CREATIVITY: AI-DA UNVEILED Presented by Pensacola State College Nov. 2, 4 & 5
Presented by Night Moves Oct. 29–Nov. 8
EXPLORING THE WONDER OF STEAM
LIGHTSPILL
Presented by Pensacola Museum of Art Nov. 4–7
Presented by Friends of Downtown Oct. 29–Nov. 9
SIDE SHOW
ROCK THE RUNWAY: LIVING ART
Presented by PenArts Oct. 30–Nov. 1 & Nov. 3–8
Presented by Pensacola Opera Nov. 4
SCIENCE ON THE STREET
LIVING MUSEUM 2026: ANCHORED IN HISTORY
Presented by Pensacola MESS Hall Oct. 30–Nov. 9
HIZASHICON Presented by Japan America Society of NWFL Oct. 31–Nov. 1
Presented by Fiesta Pensacola Nov. 5
MOZART & BIZET Presented by Pensacola Symphony Nov. 7
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Presented by Ballet Pensacola Nov. 1–3
Big Art. Live Music. Real Pensacola. Foo for the Soul.
Oct. 29 thru Nov. 9
foofoofest.com
EVENT CALENDAR hand-blown glass and handcrafted ceramic pumpkins to choose from. The pumpkins are created by local artists working in the glass October home games and theme nights at and ceramic studios at First City Art Center. the Pensacola Bay Center. Games begin at Handmade pumpkins come in all shapes, 7:05 pm. For tickets and information, visit colors, and sizes. Come and purchase oneiceflyers.com. October 17 - Macon Mayhem vs. Ice Flyers; of-a-kind pieces that are guaranteed to be “picked” quickly. Prices for pumpkins begin Opening Night at $20. The event directly supports FCAC October 24 - Huntsville Havoc vs. Ice as a non-profit center offering affordable Flyers; Small Dog Night Race October 30 - Macon Mayhem vs. Ice Flyers; art education and outreach programs, and dozens of local artists! The general sale is $5 Night open to the public with free admission, so come enjoy food trucks, kids activities, music Ballet Pensacola presents Frankenstein and lots of fun at the Pumpkin Patch block October 2 – 4 party. Preview party tickets start at $49.87. Ever y monster begins as someone’s For more information, visit firstcityart.org. miracle . This fall, Balle t Pens ac ola unveils Frankenstein, an electrifying new Boo at the Zoo production that breathes fresh life into October 10–11, 17–18, 24–25 & 31 one of literature’s most enduring legends. Get ready for a wildly fun Halloween Explore the devastating consequences of adventure at the Gulf Breeze Zoo! Boo at abandonment and the desperate need to the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event be seen. Darkly beautiful and emotionally filled with spooky surprises, sweet treats charged, Frankenstein is a ballet that speaks and unforgettable animal encounters. Come as powerfully to modern audiences as it did dressed in your Halloween best and follow two centuries ago. Enter the spirit of the the Trick-or-Treat Trail through the Zoo, where Halloween season with one of literature’s kids can collect candy, toys and goodies classic horrors. Tickets start at $35 and along the way. Little ghouls and goblins can shows will be held at The Center, 400 S. keep the fun going with bounce houses, Jefferson St. For more details or to reserve festive face painting and interactive activities your seats, visit balletpensacola.org. throughout the park. You never know who you might meet along the way, so keep an Decorate with Us at Quayside Art Gallery eye out for zoo keepers roaming with some October 8 – Nov. 16 amazing animal ambassadors. Best of all, the Quayside Art Gallery presents a onefun goes beyond the Halloween festivities. of-a-kind feature event for all who enjoy Your Boo at the Zoo ticket includes admission decorating and living with art, open daily to the entire Gulf Breeze Zoo, so your family from 11 am to 5 pm Oct. 8 to Nov. 16. The can explore exhibits, visit favorite animals Quayside gallery will be transformed into and enjoy a full day at the Zoo. Whether Boo various living venues on the first floor. at the Zoo is one of your family’s favorite Quayside is a locally owned and operated fall traditions or you’re joining for the first artist co-op in the Historical District of time, look forward to celebrating Halloween Pensacola houses three floors of beautifully at the zoo. During Boo at the Zoo, the Zoo displayed art work by over 50 local artists. opens at 10 am and no guests, including Zoo The artwork in the gallery ranges from members, will be admitted before 10 am. collage, glass, fiber, jewelry, paintings, Ready for a frightfully fun day at the Zoo? photography, pottery, sculpture and wood. General admission is $29.95, children 2 and Learn more at quaysidegallery.com. older get in for $22.95. For more information, visit gbzoo.com. 20th Annual Pumpkin Patch
Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games and Themes
October 9
First City Art Center’s 20th Annual Glass and Ceramic Pumpkin Patch returns to the FCAC campus Oct. 9-10. The First Pick Preview Party will be held on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5-8 pm, and the General Admission Pumpkin Patch Sale will be held on Saturday, October 10 from 10 am - 2 pm. Pumpkin Patch attendees will have thousands of unique
Oktoberfest at Bavaria Pensacola October 10–11
Bavaria Pensacola brings the spirit of Munich to downtown Pensacola at 10 S Palafox St. every fall. The festival celebrates traditional German culture with an exclusive lineup of imported festbiers, authentic Bavarian plates like schnitzel and bratwurst, lively games,
prizes and communal beer garden festivities. Guests can look forward to celebratory live music, ceremonial wooden keg tapping, stein-holding contests, nail hammering, bierpuppeteer, plus cornhole, pretzel toss and costume contest festivities. Tickets are $38 per person, which include entry to raffle and giveaways, choice of an Oktoberfest entree, entry to contests and games, as well as one liter stein of German beer plus a take-home Bavaria plastic stein. This public celebration is designed to provide an authentic, energetic Oktoberfest experience without needing to leave the Florida Panhandle. Learn more at bavariapensacola.com.
Hadji Haunted House October 10–11, 17–18, 24–25, 31 & November 1
Looking for jumpscares and frights to get in the Halloween spirit? Hadji Haunted House is ready to scare you with more than 40 rooms of terror! Families can also enjoy the 3D Fun House and a kid-friendly Haunted House designed for younger visitors. Tickets are $25 for regular Haunted House admission, $15 for the 3D Fun House, and $10 per person for the kid-friendly Haunted House. Proceeds benefit the Hadji Shrine and Pensacola Breast Cancer Association. Gather your friends and family for a night of spooky fun and unforgettable scares. For more information, visit hadjihauntedhouse.com.
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Through October 11
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festivals re tu rns to u n i te mus i c , natu re a n d community at venues across Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola from now through Oct. 11. Every October, these venues transform into a lyrical haven, where melodies are woven into the salty Gulf breeze and stories are told through the strings of guitars. This year, attendees can expect performances from over 135 artists. The festival has expanded into a two-week event, and now spreads across historic downtown Pensacola, including locations like Apple Annie’s, Calvert’s in the Heights, Lucy ’s on the Square, the Fish House and more. Among the list of Pensacola Beach venues includes Bamboo Willies, Flounders, Hilton Pensacola Beach, The Landing and more. Music education is the foundation of the festival, which partners with three local schools to teach children the influence music provides in fostering creativity, confidence PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 39
EVENT CALENDAR and discipline. The festival is free and Open Books $1 Book Sale open to the public. For more details, visit October 24 – 25 songwriterspensacolabeach.com. Find your next great read for just $1 at the Open Books Sale on Oct. 24 and 25. WoofStock Thousands of books will be available, offering October 17 plenty of chances to stock your shelves, Join WolfGang Pensacola on Oct. 17 for discover a new favorite or pick up a few their inaugural WoofStock, a neighborhood gifts without breaking the bank. Best of all, dog festival and best in show competition. every purchase supports Open Books and This free, dog-friendly afternoon is built its mission to promote literacy and a love of around good dogs, people and a little reading in the community. Bring your bookfriendly competition at The Burrow 1010 loving friends and family, browse the stacks N. 12 Ave. Ste. 111 from 3 to 6 pm. Bring and leave with a new story or several. Mark your pup, hang out with the Pensacola your calendar and get ready to shop, save dog community, grab a drink and if your and support a great cause. Learn more at dog is feeling competitive then show openbookspcola.org. what they’ve got by entering the free dog contest. Contest categories include Looks Pensacola Hippie Fest Most Like Their Human, Rescue Glow-Up, October 24 Best Trick, So Ugly It’s Cute and Best Game Pensacola Hippie Fest is a free, familyDay Attire – for those who want to break friendly music and arts festival celebrating out the college football gear and represent creativity, community, self-expression and their teams. So save the date, invite your good vibes for all ages. Inspired by the spirit dog-loving friends and start planning of peace, love and togetherness, Hippie Fest those outfits. This event is guaranteed brings people from all walks of life together to be dog-gone good.The event is open for a colorful day from 10 am to 6 pm across to the public, so even if your pup isn’t Seville Square, Fountain Park and Bartram competing, come hang out, support some Park. Enjoy live music, artisan vendors, local vendors, cheer on your favorites and handmade art, vintage treasures, unique enjoy an afternoon made for Pensacola’s shopping, delicious food, sweet treats, tiedog-loving community Pre-registration dye, boho clothing, crystals, spiritual gifts, is free and strongly encouraged. Register wellness vendors, drum circles, colorful online at wolfgangparkandbrews.com, or fashion, photo opportunities, interactive on the day of the event at the WolfGang experiences, and a welcoming atmosphere tent from 3-3:45 pm. filled with friendly faces, creativity, community and positive energy. Wear your tie-dye, Pensacola Interstate Fair flower crowns, bell bottoms, fringe, peace October 22 – November 1 signs and grooviest outfits. Whether you’re The Pensacola Interstate Fair returns as a lifelong free spirit or simply looking for the largest and most exciting event held a fun day downtown, you’ll find plenty to on the Gulf Coast. With over 50 rides, topexplore, discover and enjoy. Discover more name entertainers, loads of entertaining at pensacolahippiefest.com. and educational exhibits plus food galore, there is always something new to see The Rocky Horror Show at PLT and do at the Fair. For younger fair-goers, October 30 – November 8 there’s the Big Red Barn, a free, hands-on Enjoy a night of kitschy and campy fun with educational program with activities like The Rocky Horror Show at Pensacola Little learning how to make butter and water Theatre from Oct. 30 to Nov. 8. In this cult cycle bracelets designed to teach young classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck people the importance of agriculture and with a flat tire during a storm, discover the where the food comes from. This year ’s eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The entertainment lineup includes names like couple meets a houseful of wild characters, The Band Perry, Hunter Hayes, White Tie including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Rock Ensemble and more, with all shows Elaborate dance numbers and rock songs free when you purchase admission to the reveal Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation: a Fair. Get more details at pensacolafair.com. muscular man named Rocky. The Rocky Horror Show will make you want to stand
40 | OCTOBER 2026
up and do the time warp... again! Tickets start at $35 and performances begin at 7:30 pm. Learn more at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Go Retro Ghost & Graveyards Tour From fear to laughter and somewhere in between, Go Retro offers the ultimate Halloween experience for adults every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with its Ghost & Graveyards tour starting at 5:30 pm (children under the age of 13 are not permitted). This riding tour covers a wide area with stops in the Commercial Business District, Seville, Sanders Beach along with North and West Hill. There is even a stop at a cemetery where you can visit the grave of a famous Pensacola madam, and the driver will point out where Go Retro conducts its haunted house investigations. It is designed for mature audiences; therefore parental guidance is strongly advised and no child 13 or younger should attend. No other local tour company has a haunted tour that compares in depth of stories, special effects and length. It is guaranteed to satisfy your every spooky desire. For more information and to book your tour, visit goretro.us.
Seville Spirits Ghost Tour Do you dare dine inside one of Pensacola’s oldest and most haunted restaurants? Go beyond ghost stories on this interactive haunted history experience inside the legendary Seville Quarter. Explore the building’s haunted past as you uncover true stories of ghosts, murder, mystery, pirates and paranormal activity while investigating with real ghost hunting equipment. Learn paranormal investigation techniques as you search for unexplained voices, unusual energy and other reported paranormal activity. Led by expert local guides and real ghost hunters, this hands-on experience offers a unique way to discover one of Historic Pensacola’s most famous haunted landmarks. Tickets are $50 per person. Following your investigation, enjoy an awardwinning lunch or dinner at Seville Quarter using your included $12 food voucher. Will your meal come with an unexpected guest? Tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am, or Sundays at either 2 pm or 6 pm. Discover more or get your tickets at pensacolaghostevents.com.
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ON THE MARKET a Real Estate Section
In This Section 44. By the Numbers A look at August’s real estate market highlights
48. Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Eight steps to prepare your home for cold weather
PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 43
COCKTAILS
DINNER
DANCING
EMPOWERMENT
Independence For The Blind
Eye Ball 10.24.26
Tickets & Sponsorships available! ibwest.org/eye-ball
Mary Claus Elk’s Lodge | Neil and Rhonda Dorfman | Navy Federal Tel Staffing | Ballinger Publishing | Cat Country & News Radio 1620 | Margie Moore Aaron Erskine | Gulf Coast Adoptions | Dave and KC Hemry | Emanuel Sheppard & Condon Frederick V. Longmire | Liberty Sertoma | Loyalty Credit Union | Meredith Bush Law | Sansing Foundation
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BY THE NUMBERS A Look at August’s Market Highlights Market Highlights
34 Med 58 Avg * DAYS ON MARKET
YTD combined sales totaled for 2026 stand at 6,555, representing a 4.3% increase from the same period in 2025.
325k MEDIAN SALE PRICE
New residential listings decreased by 5.1%, but new condo listings increased by 54.4% in August 2026, when compared to August 2025. Pending sales in August 2026 increased by 9.7% over August 2025, and increased 11.3% from July 2026.
325 PENDING SALES
Total sales for August 2026 were down 15% compared to July 2026, and down 1.4% from August 2025.
894
NEW RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS
Data courtesy of the Pensacola Association of REALTORS ®
*To present a more accurate representation of both property types and price ranges, DOM are now shown in average and median totals. Median means half of the sales were on the market above that number and half were below. PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 45
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the heating season begins. Experts often recommend having an HVAC professional perform annual furnace maintenance in the fall before heating season begins. Routine maintenance can help keep a system operating in tip-top shape and allow a technician to identify smaller issues before they become costly repairs.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Eight Steps to Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather
As temperatures cool, now is an ideal time to prepare your home for winter. Taking care of seasonal maintenance before the cold weather arrives can help protect you and your wallet from unexpected and costly repairs. From clearing gutters to scheduling an HVAC tune-up, tackling a few projects now can help set your home up for a safe and comfortable winter. Consider this your ultimate fall home maintenance checklist from the experts at Carrier.
3. Replace HVAC Filters A dirty filter can restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, potentially increasing energy use and reducing comfort. A simple filter check can also help prepare your heating system for increased use. Check your HVAC filter before turning on your heating system and continue inspecting it throughout the winter. To help maintain proper airflow, Carrier typically recommends replacing air filters every 1-3 months.
1. Clean Gutters
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Leaves and debris collect quickly in home gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear so water can drain properly and away from your home’s foundation. If you wait until after temperatures drop, you run the risk of ice dams and water damage.
When changing clocks, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries as needed. Working carbon monoxide alarms are especially important as temperatures fall and home heating systems begin running more frequently.
2. Inspect Your Outdoor HVAC Equipment
5. Schedule Your HVAC TuneUp Before Winter Arrives
Remove leaves, grass clippings and debris that may have accumulated around your outdoor unit. Maintaining proper clearance can help support airflow and system performance throughout the season.
Don’t wait until the first cold day of the season to find out your heating system isn’t ready for winter. Annual maintenance can help improve efficiency, extend equipment life and identify potential issues before
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However, if replacement is recommended, the upfront price doesn’t necessarily have to stand between you and a more comfortable home. Consider options from Carrier, which offers flexible financing options through participating dealers. Depending on the financing plan you qualify for and your home’s heating and cooling needs, a new system could cost less than you think. Homeowners can also explore utility rebates on qualifying equipment.
6. Test Your Thermostat Testing your thermostat early helps ensure your heating system is communicating properly before temperatures drop. Switch to heating mode early to make sure your system responds properly (just don’t forget to turn it back off). Replace batteries, if necessary, and consider whether a smart thermostat could provide additional comfort and control over your home’s heating schedule.
7. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows Drafts can make a home feel colder and allow warm air inside your house to escape. Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace it where needed. Caulk visible gaps to help keep conditioned air inside and improve your family’s comfort.
8. Check Your Home’s Insulation Finally, look at insulation in areas such as the attic, crawl spaces and basement. Doing so can help keep heated air where it belongs and reduce the workload on your heating system all winter long. To learn more about preparing your heating or cooling system for the season, exploring financing and rebates or finding a local expert, visit carrier.com.
Some of your most important connections can be found close to home What would you like the power to do?®
THE HARTY CARPENTER GROUP Corbin M. Ellard, CPFA®, CRPC™, CFP®, ChFC® Vice President Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 815 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502
850.434.7075 corbin.ellard@ml.com
205.572.9280 https://advisor.ml.com/sites/al/fairhope-al/ thehartycarpentergroup
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. The Bull Symbol, Merrill and What would you like the power to do? are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation; all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. owns the service marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo, and the certification marks Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo.CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.The ChFC® is the property of The American College of Financial Services, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission.
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