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Pensacola Magazine Est. 1987

FEATURES 10 PENSACOLA OPERA’S JUKEBOX GALA TURNS GIVING INTO A GAME Pensacola Opera’s Jukebox Gala returns for a night of incredible music and giving

13 ESCAPE TO WIND CREEK Wind Creek’s spa offers the perfect luxurious retreat

16 A VOICE FOR THE GULF Dr. Enid Sisskin’s dedication to local environmental advocacy

19 CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF What it takes to earn your private pilot certificate

23 SPEARHEADING CHANGE FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational brings together divers, conservationists and the community to take on an invasive species

TOPICS 8 Editor’s Note 29 Event Calendar

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

BUSINESS CLIMATE ON THE MARKET A REAL ESTATE SECTION ON THE COVER: Man spearfishing lionfish © FtLaudGirl via canva.com

6 | SEPTEMBER 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE

Kelly Oden Editorial & Creative Director

Every year, in late August, Pensacolians start to hope that September will bring a slight reprieve from the heat. Maybe it’s because September marks the start of fall for so many other Americans that we can’t help a little wishful thinking of our own, hoping for just a touch of a cool breeze. We won’t get it. Not until midOctober, if we’re lucky. Somehow, though, we still start thinking about getting outside more in September. Labor Day weekend alone is filled with barbecues, beach days and camping for the more adventurous among us.

Note

Even with the crazy heat, there’s plenty to do and see this September. From Sept. 25 to 27, the First Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational and Festival brings divers, conservationists, chefs and the community together at Plaza de Luna and Palafox Pier to take on an invasive species. Teams of divers compete to remove as many lionfish as possible, and the festival includes tastings of dishes created with Obesity, diabetes and heart disease became death To be honest, spearfishing looks like a blast. this venomous, beautiful predator. sentences many people battling Covid. While I’d lovefortotootry it someday.

ss Note Note

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: stay mmunity, 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.

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genetics predispose some to these illnesses, many can be managed or eradicated by lifestyle changes. I’d If you’re looking for some high-flying adventure, check out Dawn Gresko’s story like to focus on making healthy choices while still on private flight schools in Pensacola. She talks with SkyWarrior’s Greg Sigler enjoying the bad-for-you good stuff in moderation.

about what it takes to earn a private pilot certificate. Whether you want to learn

first responders and hospital workers? Thank

to fly for fun Passion and Joyor as a first step toward a professional pilot career, there are plenty of you for putting yourselves onand the front incredible special-needs pets their lines owners I to don’t know about you, but 2020 local keep usoptions. as safe asthat possible. bigoffered shout far too and she discovered whileAlso, thesea precious little of these to me. I the waslove so toconsumed out toof alleither the teachers out there scrambling babies may take a little more care, with myinmom’s illness and then with surviving put together online to keep our kids they give return islessons worth every second. Dawn also profiled local environmental advocate Dr. Enid Sisskin. For 18 years, engaged learning worryingof about the grief and of her loss instead and theof anxiety the

Sisskin hasareproduced EcoMinute, the one-minute environmental segment on things cannot We you! Ifpandemic exoticthey animals more your thing, head and thecontrol. sorrow ofappreciate so many national WUWF that’s become a fixture for so many of us. She’s also a professor, a scientist, on over to the brand spanking new and news stories I took you littleto time for myself. On that note,that I encourage read our significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. chair of the Natural Resources Committee for a former Everglades researcher, COVID-19 provides This year, I Resource hope to Guide, explorewhich creative and personal The new location features allcommunity the hands-on, up resources for food, business, the League of me Women Voters and a major force behind the fight to keep offshore endeavors that help rediscover myself and close as the previous location and interaction more. The ever-changing nature of plus discover newaway outlets for personal expression. drilling from Pensacola Beach. If you love her radio show, you’ll be happy added attractions, amenities and experiences this crisis necessitates that I mention that that make for a wonderful day out. a podcast, EcoMinutes, giving her room to dig into towill know she’s expanded into these resources may or may not family be available Procrastination to you by the timehurricanes you read this issue. I topics like and data centers in more depth. IfWhile you’reitmany interested ina conservation, check out people made headway on hope will provide place to glorious start, some Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop ideas or some inspiration either way. projects in 2020, home improvement and personal Nesting Biologist, Rebekah is Snyder. Through If a fancy dinner more your style, I You didmay not.also I did notthat organize I did not Pensacola Opera’s annual fundraiser might notice we haveanything. some nonher work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps be for you. Taking place Sept. at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, Jukebox Gala fix anything. I did notinlearn a language or a19 new pandemic related stories this safe issue. We made to ensure local shorebirds have nesting gives guests the chance to bidhere. silent auction style on their favorite arias and show the call include already planned articles that skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still spaces in to an increasingly overpopulated region. might an stillaccomplishment. be helpful, relevant or enjoyable in for2021, I’d That’s However, tunes, with the winning bidder enjoying a tableside performance of their selected

our readers. Weahope you find useful. All ofto this, plus fewload DIY pet them treat like lighten my and empty my housetalented of song by one ofnews the company’s singers. recipes andthe some goodand from the junk that fills much clutter unnecessary As for of us, Pensacola Magazine has been Florida legislature regarding protection one title or another for it.published It’s timeunder to make room for something new. Inpets this issue, we also explore a retreat just over the state line in Atmore, Alabama. formore in abusive situations. than 40 years. We have no plans on changing We will continue tohas publish Wind that. Creek Atmore a casino, a hotel, bowling, an arcade and even a golf

In this of these So, turn issue, off thewe’ve news,covered put downallyour phonetopics and to bring you all the information we can simulator, but myshift personal is the Spa at Wind Creek, with its sauna, steam and enjoy thesehelp heartwarming talestheir and ownfavorite and more for as long to as we can.readers Please reach out to us focus in adorable of ideas, photos of local animals and 2021. We hopeinspiration you enjoy. to your health! room, hot tub and cold plunge, plus indulgent treatments and cozy nooks for with story orHere’s just a quick the folksWe who for them. When you’re hello. are care all working from homeit, andwe we could all use a little more relaxation this year. unwinding. Let’s face done, give your little catnip and are missing our kitty wateracooler conversations. throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple Stay safe,that stay healthy strong, Pensacola! Hope you enjoy the issue! pleasures will keepand us stay all sane.

PENSACOLA

MAGAZINE

Pensacola's Premier City Magazine Est. 1987

SEMPTEMBER 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 Contributors Alex Hilkey SB Visual Sales & Marketing Maggie Banks, Account Executive maggie@ballingerpublishing.com Jaami Clement, Account Executive jaami@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

No Alarm Clock. No Meetings. No Stress. Foo for the Soul.

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Photos courtesy of Pensacola Opera

Pensacola Opera’s Jukebox Gala Turns Giving Into a Game By Alex Hilkey

Get ready to press play on an unforgettable evening as Pensacola Opera’s Jukebox Gala returns for a night of incredible music and giving on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach. The signature fundraising event invites guests to step into a one-of-a-kind game-inspired experience where intimate performance takes center stage. Guests can expect an evening filled with beloved arias and musical theatre pieces, performed by world-class voices in an intimate and energetic setting. Rather than simply watching a performance, guests become part of the experience. Event-goers enjoy a cocktail hour featuring free-flowing wine, champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres, while the bidding heats up over opera and musical theatre’s mostloved pieces. Guests bid on song selections, silent-auction style, and when the bidding closes, the lucky winner gets that song performed for them, table-side. A few slots even let the highest bidder choose a piece of their very own. In past years, we’ve enjoyed on-the-fly performances spanning from theatre to classic rock. The evening flows with a multi-course meal timed with song sets and up-close live performances featuring some of Pensacola Opera’s most-loved singers alongside a new group of Jan Miller Studio Artists.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Jukebox Gala combines the excitement of live performance with the opportunity to support Pensacola Opera’s mission of bringing professional opera and arts education to audiences throughout Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, song bids and paddle raises, this one night event is designed to help raise enough funds to support the ever-rising cost of mainstage productions. “Jukebox Gala is really about celebrating what we love most with incredible music selections, breathtaking performances and the people who make Pensacola Opera possible,” Pensacola Opera Director of Advancement Alex Hilkey said. “Funds raised at the gala not only keep the art alive, but it supports the artists – the real people involved both on stage, off stage and below stage – as well.” Whether guests are longtime opera supporters or simply looking for a memorable night out, Jukebox Gala offers a chance to play, sparkle and give while experiencing some of the art form’s finest vocal talent. “Jukebox Gala is one of the most unique fundraising events I’ve encountered at any opera company,” Pensacola Opera Artistic Director Corey McKern said.

“A group of world-class singers perform beloved selections from opera, musical theater and the American Songbook – and as the audience bids to bring them to their table, the excitement in the room becomes electric. Very few events are equally thrilling for lifelong opera lovers and first-timers alike. That’s why people keep coming back for more.” Pensacola Opera’s Jukebox Gala will take place Saturday, Sept. 19. at Hilton Pensacola Beach, located at 12 Via De Luna Drive. Single tickets are $175 and are all-inclusive for the evening’s experience, which include cocktail hour drinks and hors d’oeuvres along with a three-course meal. For tickets and complete event details, visit pensacolaopera.com/ events/jukebox-gala-2026 and follow Pensacola Opera on social media. To learn more about available sponsorship opportunities, contact Brooke Fleming at brooke@pensacolaopera.com.

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Photos courtesy of Wind Creek Atmore

Escape to Wind Creek

By Kelly Oden

tmore: a small Alabama town with a charming main street and farmland stretching in every direction, may not be the first place you’d expect to find a luxurious retreat with a steam room, sauna, hot tub and cold plunge.

Girlfriends enjoy the Ladies’ Day Out package, which includes a Coconut Crush Scrub, a 50 minute G.M. Collin Signature Facial, a SunCatcher manicure and a Moon Dance pedicure. The package is designed for a full day with friends rather than a single treatment.

But that’s just what you’ll find at The Spa at Wind Creek, a part of Wind Creek Couples have their own package too. Atmore, a sprawling resort developed by Tranquility for Two offers side-by-side, the Poarch Creek Indians.

50-minute Fiji Fifth Element massages followed by Paradise pedicures. Couples also have access to separate wet spa areas and a coed relaxation room where they can meet before and after their treatments. The spa features eight treatment rooms, wet areas and relaxation spaces, with every service including access to the spa’s amenities.

The Poarch Creek Indians became Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe in 1984, after nearly 200 years in and around the Poarch reservation. Their gaming operations grew from a single bingo hall into what is now Wind Creek Hospitality. The Atmore casino and hotel opened in January 2009, and the spa opened that June. While the casino is a big draw, General Manager Tim Ramer said guests drive from places two or three hours away just to spend the day at the spa. “It is really an oasis,” Ramer said. “That’s how I would describe it.” For many guests, the spa has become their favorite spot for friendly gatherings and couples’ retreats.

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 13

“We have guests who spend part of the day relaxing and enjoying the spa treatments, and then choose a hands-on cooking class for a completely different dinner experience.” “The experience begins the moment a guest arrives at the spa,” Spa Director Jolanta Gizowski said. “After check-in, the guest is welcomed with a tour of the spa, provided with a robe and spa sandals, assigned a secure locker for personal belongings, and invited to enjoy the spa amenities.”

understand each guest’s needs and customize the experience accordingly,” Gizowski said. “We don’t want a treatment to feel routine.”

The spa’s most popular treatments include the Fire & Ice Massage, a signature stone treatment that alternates heated and cooled Before each treatment, a therapist stones; the Coconut Crush Scrub, an conducts a short consultation to discuss 80-minute body treatment built around the guest’s preferences for pressure, crushed coconut shells and pineapple scent and technique. Gizowski explained enzymes; and the G.M. Collin Signature that personalization, more than any Facial, a treatment that uses a hydroxy single treatment, is what sets the acid blend to exfoliate and stimulate spa apart. cell renewal, along with peptides and antioxidants to protect the skin. “What really distinguishes our spa is not necessarily the type of treatment Many of the treatments draw inspiration that we offer or a certain product line from the coastal region, incorporating but the combination of personalized ingredients such as coconut, citrus, service and therapists, aestheticians eucalyptus and lavender throughout the and nail technicians who take time to menu. Gizowski said that connection to

14 | SEPTEMBER 2026

the area comes through in the overall feel of the spa rather than in any one themed treatment. “Our connection to the local area is reflected more through the overall sense of relaxation and hospitality than through treatments specifically identified as Poarch Creek-inspired,” she said. “Our treatment menu complements the warm environment of the Alabama Gulf Coast.” Guests can also book hands-on cooking classes at Wind Creek’s Culinary Studio next door. “We have guests who spend part of the day relaxing and enjoying the spa treatments, and then choose a hands-on cooking class for a completely different dinner experience,” Gizowski said.

Ramer added that the cooking classes have become one of his favorite amenities, and not just for the ladies’ groups they were designed for. “I’ve taken a lot of my guy friends, and they end up having a better time than most,” he said. The spa can also be part of a larger Wind Creek getaway, with a hotel, casino, restaurants, bowling, a movie theater, an arcade and a golf simulator all on the property. “The goal across the property is the same one that drives the spa – to give people a reason to relax and stop thinking about everything else for a day,” Ramer said. “When you come here, we want you to be able to escape and just focus on yourself and have a good time.” Whether it’s a solo massage, a day with friends or side-by-side treatments with a partner, The Spa at Wind Creek offers an easy way to turn a visit to Atmore into a full day of relaxation. Book your session or discover more at windcreek.com/atmore/ resort/spa.

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 15

Photo by SB Visuals

A Voice for the Gulf Dr. Enid Sisskin’s Lifelong Environmental Mission

By Dawn Gresko

For more than 20 years, Dr. Enid Sisskin has made environmental protection more than a career: for her, it’s a calling.

Resources Committee of the League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area, where she has worked on issues including clearcutting, overdevelopment, plastic pollution, native plants and Sisskin has helped Northwest Florida regenerative agriculture. re sident s better understand the environmental forces shaping their She is also a board member of the communities. As a broadcast associate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, where at WUWF-FM, she has spent 18 years she focuses on climate initiatives and producing EcoMinute, a one-minute the transition to cleaner, less expensive radio feature that breaks down complex renewable energy. Locally, she has environmental science into practical worked with citizen groups seeking a information listeners can understand moratorium on large data centers. As and use. the director of Gulf Coast Environmental Defense, Sisskin played a key role in But Sisskin’s work extends well beyond efforts to prevent offshore drilling near the microphone. A scientist, educator, Pensacola Beach. researcher and longtime environmental advocate, she has spent decades studying With so many environmental challenges the relationship between human health facing the world today, Sisskin is reluctant and the natural world while working to to limit the conversation to just three. protect both. “It’s really hard to narrow it down to three, Sisskin earned her Ph.D. in pathobiology but many of them intersect,” Sisskin from Columbia University Medical said. “There’s climate change, plastic School before completing a fellowship and other pollution. Land use issues, at the National Institute of Environmental which could include ways we develop Health Sciences, part of the National our communities, data centers and Institutes of Health. Her career has polluting industries. And a fourth – the included work as a researcher and dismantling of our environmental laws natural resource specialist at Everglades and regulations.” National Park, as well as faculty and research positions at the University of For Northwest Florida, these issues are particularly immediate. Of all these West Florida. challenges, however, Sisskin highlights Today, she remains deeply involved in climate change as one of the biggest environmental advocacy throughout the threats. region. She serves as chair of the Natural 16 | SEPTEMBER 2026

“Climate change is to me the existential threat to people worldwide,” Sisskin said. “There are so many ripple effects for every degree of warming including some I mentioned: sea level rise, increased temperatures, extreme weather events, increased threats to human health as well as loss of glaciers and ice sheets, ocean warming and acidification.” As a coastal community, Pensacola is vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels caused by climate change. Sisskin points to the flooding already experienced in other coastal cities, including so-called sunny-day flooding, as a glimpse of what could become increasingly common here. The region is also experiencing extreme heat. Recent heat indices exceeding 110 degrees demonstrate how climate change can affect residents not only environmentally but physically, particularly people who work outdoors or lack access to reliable air conditioning. Sisskin notes that warmer conditions have expanded the range of some diseasecarrying mosquitoes and ticks, while cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially dangerous bacteria found in warm coastal waters, have increased over the past several decades. Plastic pollution poses its own threat to the Gulf Coast. Plastic debris can injure or kill birds, sea turtles and other marine animals, while the microscopic remnants of plastic are increasingly difficult to

escape. Sisskin points to research showing that people tested in other parts of the world have been found to have microplastics and chemicals associated with plastics in their bodies. Then there is the question of how, and how quickly, Northwest Florida develops. Clearcutting and overdevelopment can contribute to flooding, water pollution and habitat loss while reducing biodiversity and potentially worsening climate change. Sisskin is particularly concerned about large data centers, which can require enormous amounts of electricity and water, occupy large areas of impervious surface (that do not let water pass through), generate noise and produce electronic waste. Sisskin’s role as an environmental advocate naturally led her into public speaking. When Gulf Coast Environmental Defense was fighting offshore drilling, she regularly spoke before groups and at public hearings to build support for the effort. Her work with the League of Women Voters has also put her in front of local audiences, while her years as a university faculty member gave her experience teaching and communicating complex subjects. Her broadcasting career began in a similarly organic way. Sisskin started working at WUWF-FM 26 years ago and admits she often found herself offering environmental advice. Eventually, she and the station’s program director decided to see if she could develop a one-minute environmental program. The result was EcoMinute. After 18 years, the project has become a significant part of Sisskin’s environmental outreach. This year, she expanded the concept into a podcast, EcoMinutes, giving her the opportunity to explore subjects in greater depth than a oneminute broadcast allows.

“I consider the EcoMinutes still a work in For those who want to become more progress,” Sisskin said. “With each one I involved locally, Sisskin recommends the do, I learn some more.” League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area, as well as organizations including That spirit of continued learning also the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, informs her work with the League of Sierra Club, Bream Fishermen Association, Women Voters. The Natural Resources Earth Ethics, Francis M. Weston Audubon Committee is preparing to begin another Society, Healthy Gulf, Save Our Soundside, year of work, with members considering Friends of Perdido Bay, garden clubs and a range of environmental issues identified native-plant organizations. through a recent survey. After decades of research, education and For residents wondering what they advocacy, Sisskin remains committed to can do on an individual level, Sisskin helping communities understand that recommends starting with practical informed residents can make a difference. changes, and reducing activities that Whether through a one-minute radio contribute to climate change is one place segment, an in-depth podcast, a public to begin. These activities include: meeting or a conversation with a neighbor, she continues to make environmental • Drive less and choose fuel-efficient science accessible while encouraging vehicles Northwest Florida residents to recognize • Use ceiling fans and keep homes that protecting the region begins with at comfortable, but not excessive, understanding it. temperatures For Sisskin, environmental advocacy is not • Plant trees and preserve as many a single issue or a single organization. It is existing trees as possible, especially a lifelong commitment to asking difficult live oaks questions about how communities grow, Reducing plastic consumption is another how natural resources are used and what important step, and anyone can help if they: kind of environment future generations will inherit. • Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles and coffee cups Listen to her daily broadcasts and learn more at wuwf.org. • Choose natural fibers

The idea emerged during hurricane season last year, when Sisskin produced a series of EcoMinutes about rapidly intensifying • Shop at thrift and consignment stores hurricanes. Listeners wanted more information, and the expanded format Her third recommendation may be the provided an opportunity to dig deeper. most important: Get involved.

Her most recent podcast focused on data “Monitor and follow what your elected centers and their environmental effects. officials do,” Sisskin said. “Tell them your opinion on the issues and vote!” PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 17

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Photos courtesy of SkyWarrior Flight Training Inc.

Cleared for Takeoff Becoming a Private Pilot By Dawn Gresko

For many people, the dream of flying starts with a What Does It Cost? simple question: What would it take to get behind the One of the first questions prospective aspiring pilots typically ask controls of an airplane? is how much it will cost. There isn’t one universal answer because Earning a private pilot certificate can open the door to the final price depends on the aircraft used, the flight school, recreational flying, travel and further aviation training, but the student’s pace of learning and how frequently they train. getting there requires time, commitment, study and a financial At SkyWarrior, Sigler estimates that earning a private pilot investment. certificate can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $23,000, At SkyWarrior in Pensacola, Vice President Greg Sigler has depending on several factors. One of the biggest is the aircraft watched aspiring pilots take their first steps toward a range of itself. Students can choose newer airplanes equipped with aviation goals. With a lifelong connection to aviation, he offers modern avionics and digital displays or opt for an aircraft with a practical perspective on what prospective students should lower operating costs. know before beginning their flight training. But a student’s training habits can have just as much impact on Although his professional role at SkyWarrior focuses primarily the final cost, particularly when it comes to consistent practice. on business development and relationships, Sigler is also a Someone who flies only once every few weeks may need private pilot. His interest in aviation began long before he joined significantly more time to develop and retain the necessary skills than someone who trains several times a week. the company. “My dad was into aviation,” Sigler said. “So he had me helping him fly since I was 7 years old. My father started a small flight school with James Rockhill called SkyWarrior Flight Training to support the United States Navy.” After spending 10 years coaching college football, he eventually joined his father at SkyWarrior. What began as a small operation with 10 airplanes has grown into a much larger flight-training organization with a fleet of about 108 aircraft and programs ranging from private pilot training to Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification.

“Someone who just takes to it faster and is more natural, the cost will go down because probably the number of flights they have to do will go down,” Sigler said. “It’s always better to just do it as a full-time job because with frequency usually the easier it becomes.”

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 19

Part 61 or Part 141?

The Path to a Private Pilot Certificate

Another important decision is choosing the type of training The process of earning a private pilot certificate involves several program. Flight training generally falls under Federal Aviation components, including knowledge testing, medical certification Regulations (FAA) Part 61 or Part 141. and a practical test. According to Sigler, the simplest way to think about the distinction is that Part 141 programs operate under greater FAA oversight and follow an approved, structured curriculum, while Part 61 provides a more flexible training framework.

The knowledge test is essentially the aviation equivalent of a written driver’s test. Rather than demonstrating that a student can physically operate the airplane, it evaluates whether they understand the rules and concepts necessary to fly safely.

“It’s kind of the difference between your mom and dad teaching The knowledge test covers subjects such as regulations, you how to drive versus driving school,” Sigler said. “That’s an airspace, weather, navigation, aircraft operations and safety. easy way to think about the difference between Part 61 and 141.” The FAA private pilot airplane knowledge test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 42 Part 141 can offer advantages for students who want a structured correctly to pass. path or plan to pursue aviation professionally. Depending on the school and program, students may also have access to Students must also meet the applicable medical requirements. financing options. SkyWarrior offers aviation loans through their For most private pilots, this involves obtaining an FAA medical partnered institution Sallie Mae along with other benefits such certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner. as GI Bill benefits and SkillBridge opportunities, which allows transitioning military service members to spend their last 180 Sigler recommends prospective students look into the medical requirement early before making a substantial investment in days on active duty completing aviation training. flight training. One feature Sigler highlights is examining authority. Before receiving a pilot certificate, students must successfully complete “It’s just too expensive of a hobby to find out later, like, for some a practical test, commonly known as a checkride. Depending reason you don’t qualify medically,” Sigler said. on the training organization, this may require scheduling the Medical eligibility can involve a variety of factors, so anyone test with an FAA-designated pilot examiner. with questions about a particular medical condition, medication Designated pilot examiners are in high demand, which can or history should discuss the issue with an Aviation Medical Examiner before beginning training. create scheduling delays. At schools with examining authority under Part 141, however, certain qualified personnel within the organization can conduct the required practical tests. That can potentially help students move through the final stage of training more efficiently. At SkyWarrior, for example, after a student finishes their last lesson they can issue your ratings and private pilot certificate on the spot.

The final practical hurdle is the checkride. Much like a driver’s test, the checkride is designed to determine whether a student can safely demonstrate the required skills. An examiner sits with the student in the airplane and evaluates a series of tasks and maneuvers.

“Can you fly the airplane? Can you do certain maneuvers? Are For prospective pilots, understanding the differences between you safe?” Sigler said. “There’s no limit on how many checkrides Part 61 and Part 141 before enrolling can help determine which you can take or failed attempts.” approach best fits their goals, schedule and budget.

20 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Students who don’t pass every required portion don’t necessarily have to start over. Areas that were not completed successfully can be addressed through additional training before another practical test. The goal, of course, is to arrive at the checkride prepared and confident.

Learning to Fly Once training begins, students work with flight instructors to develop the skills required to safely operate an aircraft. SkyWarrior has 120 flight instructors, most of which possess Is Flying Right for You? CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument), an FAA-certified For anyone considering flight training, the best first step may pilot rating that allows an instructor to teach instrument flight be to ask questions rather than immediately sign up for lessons. rules (IFR), guiding students through instrument procedures, approaches and how to fly safely through clouds and low visibility. Sigler encourages prospective students to watch educational videos, attend recruiting events and visit flight schools in At SkyWarrior, instructors use a syllabus to track each student’s person. Getting a firsthand look at the airplanes, instructors progress. Lessons and performance are recorded electronically, and training environment can help students understand what allowing instructors to see what a student has mastered and they’re signing up for. what still needs work. Flying may look effortless from the ground, or even on the big “If you can, then you keep progressing,” Sigler said. “And if screen, but earning a private pilot certificate requires significant you can’t, then you’ll have to redo those things which you study, practice and commitment. don’t do well.” For those who want to experience flying firsthand before That individualized approach is important because students committing to training, SkyWarrior offers a Discovery Flight, don’t all learn at the same pace. allowing prospective students to take to the sky under the guidance of a certified instructor. One person might naturally pick up a particular maneuver while another may need additional practice. Taking longer doesn’t Ultimately, preparation can help make the experience more mean a student can’t become a successful pilot; it simply means manageable. Understanding the costs, training options, medical additional instruction and flight time may be necessary. requirements, scheduling considerations and school resources can minimize surprises along the way. A structured system also helps when students change instructors. Flight instructors sometimes move on to airline And for those who stick with it, the reward is unlike earning a jobs, but detailed training records allow another instructor to typical driver’s license. see where the student left off and continue from there. “You like to see people succeed,” Sigler said. “It makes you feel Choosing a Flight School even better when you see them two or three years down the Before signing up for lessons, prospective pilots should take road wearing a captain’s uniform.” the time to research and compare flight schools.

For some students, a private pilot certificate will remain a way Sigler recommends asking about the school’s aircraft fleet, to fly for recreation, adventure or personal travel. For others, instructor availability, maintenance capabilities, training it will be the first step toward a professional aviation career. structure and the number of students competing for aircraft. Either way, the journey begins with the same thing: deciding Weather can affect flight schedules, but maintenance issues to learn how to fly. and aircraft availability can also cause delays. Those delays can have financial consequences when training stretches longer than expected. For that reason, the size and condition of a school’s fleet, as well as its approach to maintenance operations can make a significant difference. SkyWarrior, for example, handles its own aircraft maintenance rather than relying entirely on an outside company. Prospective students should also ask whether the school has FAA examining authority, how frequently they can realistically expect to fly and what happens if an instructor leaves during their training.

LOCAL FLIGHT SCHOOLS: • SkyWarrior Flight Training 4141 Jerry L. Maygarden Rd., Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 433-6115 • Pensacola Air 4343 Jerry L. Maygarden Rd., Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 316-8825 • AMS Flight School 5600 N. Airport Rd., Milton, FL 32583 (850) 623-4704 PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 21

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Spearheading Change First Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational

By Morgan Cole

There’s a fish lurking beneath the emerald waters of the Gulf that looks almost too beautiful to be a problem. With fanlike fins, vivid red-and-white stripes and venomous spines, lionfish are undeniably striking beneath the surface. But their beauty belies a more troubling role: As an invasive predator, lionfish can disrupt Florida’s marine ecosystems, competing with native species and putting added pressure on vulnerable reefs. This September, Pensacola will take on that challenge head-on. From Sept. 25–27, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Reef Rangers will bring the inaugural FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational and Festival to Plaza de Luna and Palafox Pier. The three-day event will bring divers, conservation advocates, local businesses, vendors and the community together around a handson approach to conservation: removing lionfish from Gulf waters. The tournament will run from first light until last light on its tournament days, with teams able to launch from any legal waters where lionfish harvesting is permitted. The public festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 am to 5 pm.

For Tony Hart, FWC’s Lionfish Program Coordinator in the Division of Marine Fisheries Management and tournament director, bringing the competition back to Pensacola is about more than a fish count. “As the Tournament Director, I am excited to help bring removal efforts back to the Pensacola area,” Hart said. “My goal is to make it a fun and successful event, while educating the public about the importance of getting involved and making a difference in the fight against lionfish invasion.” The beginnings of the lionfish invasion is one of those environmental stories that begins with an almost deceptively simple problem: a fish that does not belong here. Lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific, not the Gulf of Mexico. But over the past several decades, they have established themselves throughout the Southeast, including the Gulf, where they have found an abundance of prey and relatively few natural predators. The problem is not simply that lionfish are newcomers. It is how effectively they have adapted to their new environment. “Lionfish are extremely detrimental to Florida’s reefs and marine ecosystems,” Hart said. “With no natural predators,

rapid reproduction rates and large stomachs, they can consume significant amounts of marine life.” Lionfish can prey on more than 100 species of fish, competing with native species for food and habitat. Their venomous spines also offer an effective defense against potential predators, and they reproduce at a remarkable pace. “A healthy female lionfish in warm waters can spawn every 2 to 4 days, releasing 15,000 to 30,000 eggs each time,” Hart explained. “When you realize how often that happens, it really puts the scale of the problem into perspective.” That reproductive capacity helps explain why simply removing a few lionfish is not enough to eliminate the invasion. Instead, biologists and conservationists focus on sustained, targeted removal — particularly in areas where divers can repeatedly harvest lionfish. For years, organized tournaments have provided one of the most visible ways to encourage that work. Divers compete to remove as many lionfish as possible, turning conservation into a competition while putting invasive fish on the dock rather than the reef. “We’ve seen a meaningful reduction in lionfish in areas where tournaments PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 23

and ongoing removals are consistently conducted,” Hart said. “These efforts help protect native fish populations and reef ecosystems. While lionfish remain a serious threat, tournaments like this make a measurable difference by removing large numbers of invasive fish and raising awareness about the importance of continued control efforts.”

industries. The tournament draws on that coastal culture and channels it toward protecting the waters that sustain it.

That is part of the reason FWC wanted to bring a tournament back to Pensacola.

The competitive portion of the weekend is designed for divers, but visitors do not have to own a dive tank or even know the difference between a lionfish and a red snapper to participate in the larger celebration.

In the past, Gulf Coast Lionfish Tournaments organized the annual Pensacola Lionfish Festival, creating a local tradition centered on lionfish removal and marine conservation. When the organization recently stepped away from the event, FWC stepped in to carry that tradition forward. The new festival aims to continue the community’s efforts to remove invasive lionfish while bringing people together to protect the Gulf’s marine environment. “It was important to keep a tournament in the Pensacola area,” Hart said. “Ensuring the continuity of this tournament promotes removal efforts of this invasive species and brings the community together.” The new Invitational is built around that idea of community. Pensacola’s relationship with the Gulf runs deep, woven into the area’s fishing, diving, boating, seafood and tourism 24 | SEPTEMBER 2026

“What makes this tournament unique is the community behind it and our commitment to bringing people together around the shared goal of lionfish removal,” Hart said.

Teams are invited to begin their hunts from any legal waters where lionfish harvest is allowed, with the tournament operating from first light until last light on the designated tournament days. Standard entry is $100, with a discounted $75 entry available for participants who actively submit fish in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge. Beyond the tournament, Plaza de Luna and Palafox Pier will transform into a waterfront gathering space. Vendors, educational activities, live entertainment and family-friendly programming will give visitors a chance to learn more about lionfish and the work being done to protect Florida’s marine resources. The festival will also highlight lionfish as a Gulf seafood option. Local chefs will host cooking demonstrations and showcase creative ways to prepare the

invasive species, while tastings will give festivalgoers the chance to sample lionfish and decide for themselves whether this predator deserves a place on the dinner plate. For Har t , encouraging people to eat lionfish is another way to create demand for an invasive species that conservationists want removed from the water. “Encouraging people to eat lionfish helps create a demand for this invasive species and supports the effort to remove lionfish from our waters,” Hart said. There is, however, one important distinction for anyone handling lionfish: They are venomous, not poisonous. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that lionfish are poisonous and cannot be eaten,” Hart said. “In reality, lionfish are venomous, not poisonous. The venom is found only in their spines. Once the spines are safely removed, lionfish are completely edible and are a fantastic food source.” The meat itself is mild, white and flaky, making lionfish a surprisingly approachable seafood choice. “And if you’ve never tried lionfish, I encourage you to give it a taste,” Hart said. “Lionfish is a delicious, mild, white fish, and it’s a great way to enjoy a meal while supporting conservation efforts.”

Photo courtesy of FWC Reef Rangers

The festival’s tastings offer more than a culinary introduction, giving people who may never participate in a lionfish tournament a simple way to become part of the solution: eat lionfish and do your part to protect local reefs. The weekend will also introduce visitors to the FWC Reef Rangers, the program hosting the event and one of the agency’s key initiatives for supporting lionfish removal across the state. The Reef Rangers program focuses on education, outreach, tournament support and participation in the annual FWC Lionfish Challenge, a free online competition that runs each year from May through September. Divers who remove and submit lionfish can earn prizes while contributing to statewide efforts. “The Reef Ranger Program supports lionfish removal efforts across the state of Florida,” Hart said. “We promote education about the lionfish invasion, support tournament efforts and manage the FWC Lionfish Challenge.” The Pensacola Lionfish Invitational fits naturally into that larger mission. “Our ultimate goal is to educate the public about the lionfish invasion and the importance of removing this invasive species from our waters,” Hart said. “The Reef Rangers and Pensacola Lionfish Invitational help support FWC’s larger conservation goals by bringing people together, raising awareness and showing the public how they can get involved in lionfish removal efforts.” Hart joined FWC in June 2024 as its Lionfish Outreach Coordinator. With a background in media and the fishing industry, he now works with dive shops, divers and schools across Florida, leading outreach and education efforts and supporting lionfish events throughout the state. For Hart, the goal is ultimately to turn awareness into action.

“It was important to keep a tournament in the Pensacola area. Ensuring the continuity of this tournament promotes removal efforts of this invasive species and brings the community together.” from learning more about the invasion and spreading awareness to choosing lionfish when making seafood selections. “Whether you’re removing lionfish from the water or choosing it at a restaurant, there are simple ways for everyone to support the effort and help make a difference,” Hart said. The Pensacola festival will give attendees even more opportunities to learn about lionfish and discover wways to get involved in removal efforts. FWC Reef Rangers staff will be on hand to discuss lionfish management, while representatives from Catch a Florida Memory will showcase FWC’s free Saltwater Angler Recognition Program. The weekend will also feature vendors, raffles and family-friendly activities.

“ That’s the easy part — Become a certified diver and go spear lionfish,” Hart said.

“Everyone is welcome,” Hart said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our conservation efforts, try some delicious lionfish and even participate in raffles.”

But becoming a diver isn’t the only way to get involved. For those who aren’t ready to take up a spear, there are still plenty of ways to support lionfish removal efforts,

That spirit of getting everyone involved is especially important when it comes to tackling the lionfish invasion. Removing the species from Florida’s waters isn’t

something that can be accomplished througha single tournament or agency; it takes divers, anglers, educators, businesses and members of the community working together. The fish have established themselves across a vast area, and their ability to reproduce rapidly means removal will remain an ongoing effort. But targeted harvests can reduce local populations, protect native species and reefs, and keep the issue in the public eye. Hart says the sheer number of lionfish harvested through organized efforts surprises people, but so does the scale of the population that remains. “The number of lionfish harvested each year would amaze a lot of people, but it is still only a fraction of the overall population,” Hart explained. That reality makes the Pensacola Invitational about more than declaring a winner. The competition gives divers a reason to get in the water, remove as many lionfish as they can and keep the momentum going.

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 25

Photo courtesy of FWC Reef Rangers

At Plaza de Luna, the bigger story will be what happens when conservation becomes a community effort, giving people a chance to learn, participate and see firsthand how they can make a difference. There are plenty of ways to be part of the effort. Divers can help by catching lionfish, chefs can put them on the menu, and families can learn more about why the species is invasive. Even diners can play a role by simply opting for lionfish when they see it on a menu. When enough people make those small choices, they can add up to a larger community effort right here along the Gulf Coast. The 2026 FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational and Festival will take place Sept. 25–27 at Plaza de Luna and Palafox Pier. The free, family-friendly festival will be open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm Sept. 26 and from 10 am to 5 pm Sept. 27, with activities and programming for all ages.

“ Whether you’re competing in the tournament or simply coming out to enjoy the festival, learn about lionfish and take part in the activities, there’s something for everyone,” Hart said. “Conservation is a community effort, so bring your family and join in the fun.”

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For tournament registration, rules, o ff i c ia l e ve nt d e t a i ls a n d m o re information on lionfish programming, visit the FWC Reef Rangers Lionfish Invitational page at reefrangers.myfwc. com/lionfish-invitational and follow @FWCReefRangers on Facebook.

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EVENT CALENDAR September Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium For tickets and information, visit milb.com/pensacola. September 8-12 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos September 13 at 1:05 pm - Biloxi Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos

Blue Angels Practice September 1, 9, 15, 22

The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola on select days throughout the year. Watch them soar and visit the museum for free. The gates to the flight line viewing area open at 9:30 am, and the Blues will take flight at 10:30 am. The 55-minute practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola, including Fort Pickens, boat cruises and various points throughout downtown Pensacola. The National Naval Aviation Museum is located at 1750 Radford Blvd. in Pensacola. Access to NAS Pensacola for those without a Department of Defense ID begins at 9 am through the West Gate. Please ensure everyone in your vehicle who is 18 years of age and older is in possession of a REAL ID or valid U.S. passport. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/ blueangels.

Emerald Coast Beer Festival September 11

Sip, chill, and enjoy the best brews at Emerald Coast Beer Festival on September 11 from 5:30 to 9 pm at Seville Quarter. This 21+ event is a must-attend for craft beer lovers, mead enthusiasts and wine fans looking to experience the best of the Emerald Coast’s thriving beverage scene. With over 250 craft beers available to sample, plus a curated selection of artisan meads and premium wines, this event delivers one of the largest and most exciting Pensacola beer tasting experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just exploring, you’ll find bold flavors, local favorites and unique pours all in one place. The VIP experience is $109.77 per ticket and includes exclusive limitedrelease beers, wines and meads, access to select distilled spirits, plus complimentary food, a private air-conditioned lounge and limited-edition sampler mug. General admission tickets are $47.20 per person. Find more information or get tickets online at emeraldcoastbeerfest.com.

Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience September 11 to 13

Set sail for a weekend celebrating the life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett in Mobile! The Jimmy Buffett: Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience opens at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf on September 12, with opening festivities beginning September 11 at the Mobile Saenger Theater with Margaritas and Memories, featuring Mac McAnally and Scotty Emerick. Saturday brings the grand opening, which unveils a larger-than-life bronze Buffett sculpture on the waterfront at the museum. The weekend will feature a nautical-inspired mural festival at Cooper Riverside Park with live music and plenty of food trucks to fuel the fun. Admission is $19 per person and includes museum entry. For more details and tickets, visit nmmog.org/ jimmy-buffett-experience.

Steps for Autism September 12

Honor a loved one, friend, family member, or yourself by creating a fundraising team for Steps for Autism 2026 and joining Autism Pensacola on Saturday, September 12 at the Pensacola State College Track from 11 am to 1 pm. Participants can walk at their own pace, all ages are welcome and admission is free. Additionally, there will be family-friendly activities and a resource fair with access to providers and information on how to receive assistance. Every dollar raised stays local and is invested directly back into our community through: family support and resource navigation, adaptive and communication devices, summer camp scholarship opportunities, Christmas assistance programs, community events and social groups, as well as advocacy and education initiatives. Wear your team shirts, signs, colors, or full regalia to celebrate the autism community. Learn more at autismpensacola.org, or following Autism Pensacola on social media.

cancer. The cost is $50 per person for teams of 5, which includes shoe rental, three games per team plus a cash bar as well as complimentary food and drinks courtesy of Sonny ’s Barbecue. So lace up your bowling shoes, hit the lanes and show your support. Proceeds support the association’s mission for education, screening and diagnosis of breast cancer in the Florida Panhandle indigent and underinsured patient population. Learn more at pensacolabreastcancerassociation.com.

Luncheon with Master Portraitist Jeff Bass September 15

The Pensacola Museum of Art Guild invites you to a special luncheon with Master Portraitist Jeff Bass at Pensacola Country Club on Tuesday, September 15 at 10:30 am. Gather for an inspiring morning as Bass shares the stories behind his remarkable paintings. His work is featured in the U.S. Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, the CIA and other major museums nationwide, including Pensacola’s own National Naval Aviation Museum. The social opens at 10:30 am and the presentation will start at 11 am, with lunch immediately following. Tickets are $50 per person with all proceeds supporting the Pensacola Museum of Art. Find more details at pensacolamuseum.org.

Ninth Annual Oktoberfest at Gary’s Biergarten September 12

Enjoy some good ol’ Oktoberfest fun at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest celebration on September 12 at 208 Newman Ave. Doors open at 12 pm and the celebration kicks off at 1 pm. Expect lots of Bavarian-themed goods ranging from bratwurst to pretzels with mustard or beer cheese. The brewery’s regular menu will be available from noon to 9 pm, and Flourish Food Truck will be onsite from 5 to 9 pm. Live music will run from 1 to 8:30 pm, featuring Spicy Daner and Hypno Nun. Join in plenty of fun games like SteinHoist, Hammerschlagen, keg tosses and sack Pensacola Breast Cancer Association’s races. Sample from a variety of on-tap Annual Bowl-A-Thon beers that will have you saying “prost!” September 12 The event is free to attend. Learn more by Strike up some fun for a good cause! Join following Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten on Pensacola Breast Cancer Association at social media. Cordova Lanes on September 12 for its Annual Bowl-A-Thon starting at 2 pm. Gather friends, family and coworkers for a day of bowling, laughter and friendly competition while helping raise awareness and support for those affected by breast PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 29

EVENT CALENDAR Josh Turner at Pensacola Saenger Theatre September 17

Country music powerhouse Josh Turner brings his unmistakable deep bass and traditional country sound to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on September 17 starting at 7:30 pm. More than 20 years after his debut, the South Carolina native continues to captivate audiences with his commitment to timeless country music and exceptional songwriting. A beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry, Turner has sold more than 6 million albums, earned five Number 1 hits and amassed more than 5 billion career streams. His latest album, This Country Music Thing, features 11 tracks that blend classic country, heartfelt romance, Southern pride and modern energy. Fans can expect favorites alongside new songs showcasing Turner’s signature sound, including My Side, Two Steppin’ on the Moon and Whirlwind. With his powerful vocals and unmistakable style, Turner promises an evening of pure-country entertainment. Tickets start at $58.90. Learn more and get tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

The Girl on the Train at PLT September 18 to 27

Grab a seat and follow The Girl on the Train at Pensacola Little Theatre running from September 18 to 27. This story centers on Rachel Watson, a lonely woman obsessed with the couple she watches from afar. When the girlfriend suddenly disappears, Rachel becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront fractured memories, manipulation, addiction and buried violence. This all builds to a shocking revelation about trust, abuse, and survival. Tickets range $30 to $45 per person. There will be $3 discounts for military, seniors and students, plus Theatre Thursdays are half-off adult ticket price. For more information and tickets, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com

Gulf Coast Summer Jazz Fest September 18 to 20

The 10th Annual Gulf Coast Summer Jazz Fest takes the stage at Community Maritime Park for the weekend of September 18 to 20. Bring your lawn chairs, coolers and umbrellas to enjoy eight hours of non-stop jazz. The line-up has been curated to include a variety of artists bringing their unique flair, including names like Antoine Knight, Pieces of a Dream, Jazz Funk Soul and Pensacola’s own American Idol star Keyla Richardson. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of 30 | SEPTEMBER 2026

energy and captivating music that ensures an unforgettable experience for all. Guests can look forward to plenty of onsite dining options from local food vendors as well. No grills, glass containers or children under 18, but attendees are welcome to bring 10x10 tents to keep cool from the Pensacola heat. Gates open at 1 pm and shows begin at 2 pm. Special three-day general admission passes are available for $300 per person, the preferred seating three-day price is $400 and day-of-event admission is $200 per person per day. Discover more and purchase tickets at gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com.

2026 Pensacola Seafood Don McCloskey 5K September 26

Don’t miss an opportunity to kick off your fall racing with the Pensacola Seafood Don McCloskey 5K on September 26 from 7:30 to 9 am. This 5K is an incredibly fast, flat and scenic 5K race through downtown Pensacola that starts and finishes in front of Seville Quarter. There will be short sleeve shirts for participants, and one of the most amazing and fun after parties with delicious food and beverages offered after the race. This is both a great chance to get outdoors, take in the beautiful scenery of Pensacola and help the Third Annual Suicide Prevention Pensacola Runners Association give back to Awareness Walk the running community. Registration is open September 19 now, starting at $45 per person that wants Come together with Trauma Release Invest to either run or walk the route. Children can (TRI) for their Third Annual Suicide Prevention enter the Kids Mile for free. Learn more and Awareness Walk at Museum Plaza from 5:30 register online at pensacolarunners.com. to 8 pm on September 19 for a day of raising Pensacola Latin Salsa Festival awareness and supporting those affected by September 26 suicide. This family-friendly community event will also feature vendors, live music and a DJ Pensacola’s biggest celebration of Latin plus line dances and more. Attendees can music, dance, food and culture is back! Join also enjoy a meal from an onsite food truck, Pensacola Latin Salsa Festival on September and explore access to education resources at 26 at Maritime Park for an unforgettable day the event. Lace up your sneakers, bring your filled with salsa, live entertainment, delicious friends and family and walk together to make a food and nonstop energy from 2 to 10 pm. In difference breaking the stigma and supporting addition to live performances there will be those in need. Learn more at supporttri.org. food vendors like the Rican Vegan on site to offer samples of delicious Latin flavors. Pensacola Seafood Festival Admission is free. This annual festival aims September 25 to 27 to foster cultural education by embracing Seafood lovers unite! The Pensacola Seafood diversity and bringing people together to Festival returns the weekend of September create an inclusive space where all can 25 to 27, taking place in historic downtown experience the rhythms, flavors and traditions Pensacola across Seville Square, Fountain of the Caribbean. This year’s event will also Park and Bartram Park. Onsite food vendors support Storytelling Solutions of America, will offer a variety of coastal dishes like crab whose goal is teaching youth to share their cakes, lobster rolls, gumbo and boils. For “land story and access mental health care through lubbers,” there will be plenty of non-seafood the art and skill of public speaking. So mark options available as well. Fiesta Seafood your calendars, grab your crew and get ready Grille, presented by Pensacola Energy, will because this is one event you won’t want to showcase some of Pensacola’s best chefs miss. Find out more at nwfba.com. in action while they share their recipes in an outdoor demo kitchen. With over 170 artists exhibiting their work and crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy or take home. Exhibits will include paintings, prints, drawings, photography, ceramics and pottery, clothing and accessories, woodcraft, metal and glass, soaps, candles, jewelry and more. Expect live musical performances running throughout the weekend across the park areas. Admission is free and hours are Friday 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Find out more information at pensacolaseafoodfestival.com.

Oddities & Art Market September 26

Explore the weird and wonderful at the first annual Oddities & Art Market in Pensacola, coming to the Interstate Fairgrounds on September 26 from 11 am to 6 pm. Step into a fully indoor, all-ages welcome marketplace featuring over 100 incredible artists and vendors offering a selection of oddities, crystals and gems, handcrafted art, taxidermy, fossils, jewelry as well as other unique gifts and finds. Attendees are also invited to explore the mystical with psychics

EVENT CALENDAR and tarot readers, plus indulges in delicious bites from food trucks and vendors. It’s a weird-in-the-best-way experience you won’t want to miss. Parking is free. Tickets are $15 day of the show, while children 10 and under get in free. All proceeds go directly to Access Art, helping fund programs and scholarships that provide underprivileged youth with access to the arts. So come shop weird, support art and make a difference. Discover more at accessflart.org.

Garden Variety Book Signing September 29

Ready to spice up your cookbook collection? Join author Timothy Pakron on September 29 from 5 to 7 pm at End of the Line Cafe as he celebrates the launch of his newest cookbook, Garden Variety. Swing by to meet Pakron, grab a signed copy and enjoy your favorite bites from the cafe’s regular menu. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply love good food, come hungry and say hello. For more details or to RSVP, visit mississippivegan.com.

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival

First Fridays Art Walk

October 1 to 11

October 2

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festivals returns to unite music, nature and community at venues across Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola from October 1 to 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 and discipline. The festival is free and open to the public. For more details, visit songwriterspensacolabeach.com.

First Fridays Art Walk is a monthly celebration of local art in downtown Pensacola, taking place the first Friday of each month from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Explore participating galleries, meet local artists, enjoy live music and refreshments and discover new exhibitions throughout the evening. Experience cultural connection in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, where residents and visitors are invited to venture through downtown’s creative spaces at their own pace. Complimentary trolley transportation is available during the event, and admission is free. Follow First Fridays Art Walk on social media for updates and more information.

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Special Section • September 2026

City of Pensacola Launches Pallet Shelter Program

New Horizons Village expands transitional housing options

Around the Region

Find out what's happening in business, government and cultural news throughout Pensacola and Northwest Florida

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 33

Photos courtesy of City of Pensacola

City of Pensacola Launches Pallet Shelter Program

New Horizons Village Expands Transitional Housing Options By Morgan Cole

The City of Pensacola and Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola (REAP) marked a significant milestone in the community’s efforts to address homelessness on Aug. 21 with the grand opening of New Horizons Village, a new transitional housing community made up of pallet shelters. Located at 1551 Blount St. in Pensacola, New Horizons Village is part of the city’s Pallet Shelter Program, an initiative designed to expand access to safe, temporary housing while connecting residents with the resources and services they need to work toward long-term stability and permanent housing. The community features 14 individual pallet shelter units. The climate-controlled shelters are designed to provide residents with a secure place to live and meet Florida’s building and wind-code requirements. An onsite restroom and shower facility is located nearby, providing residents with access to basic amenities.

The goal is to give residents more than simply a place to sleep. By pairing stable temporary housing with individualized support, New Horizons Village aims to help residents move toward employment, improved access to health and social services, greater financial stability and, ultimately, permanent housing. Opening Doors Northwest Florida has already processed 30 applications for the pallet shelter program, with residents expected to begin moving into New Horizons Village during the week of Aug. 17. REAP also plans REAP Executive Director

But housing is only one part of the program. New Horizons Village is designed around a transitional model that combines shelter with case management and connections to community resources. Two case managers will be available onsite to work with residents and help them address some of the barriers that can make it difficult to secure permanent housing. Services will include assistance with employment opportunities, referrals for medical and mental health care and help navigating programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Case managers will also help residents connect with other essential community resources based on their individual needs. PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 35

to expand the community in the near future, adding another 14 pallet shelter units as part of a second phase. Once complete, the expansion will increase the village’s capacity and allow the program to serve more individuals experiencing homelessness. The project represents a collaborative approach involving several local organizations. REAP is one of two nonprofit organizations selected by the City of Pensacola in 2025 to receive funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city allocated a total of $1 million in ARPA funding toward expanding shelter access and providing services intended to help people experiencing homelessness move toward greater stability.

New Horizons Village is part of a broader network of local organizations working together to address homelessness in Pensacola. In addition to REAP and the City of Pensacola, partners include Opening Doors Northwest Florida, which assists with the application and housing process, as well as Community Health Northwest Florida and other community service providers. “This is how we create real solutions to homelessness,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “By collaborating with our community partners at REAP, Opening Doors, Community Health Northwest Florida and more, we can create pathways to stability, opportunity and the prospect of a better future.” For REAP, the opening of New Horizons Village represents a continuation of its work helping individuals transition from homelessness toward greater independence. The organization’s approach focuses on providing residents with the structure, resources and support needed to address challenges that may stand between them and permanent housing. The addition of the second phase will further expand that effort. With plans for another 14 shelters, New Horizons Village is expected to grow into a larger transitional housing community capable of serving additional residents while continuing to provide access to case management and wrap-around services. Individuals interested in applying for housing at New Horizons Village can apply online through Opening Doors Northwest Florida at odnwfl.org. To learn more about the City of Pensacola’s Pallet Shelter Program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit cityofpensacola.com/3576/Pallet-Shelter-Program.

36 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Pensacola Little Theatre Welcomes Sandy Cox as Executive Director Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandy Cox as its new Executive Director. Sandy joined the organization on August 10, bringing more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in organizational transformation, community partnerships, and missiondriven leadership. Following a nationwide search, the Board of Directors selected Sandy for her proven ability to lead organizations through growth and change. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of TexARTS in Austin, Texas, where she led the purchase and renovation of the organization’s first permanent home while expanding programming, philanthropic support, and community partnerships. She also held executive leadership roles in the technology sector and served as Mayor of Lakeway, Texas. “Throughout our search, one quality stood above all others: Sandy’s ability to bring people together around a shared vision,” said Beth Skarda, President of the Pensacola Little Theatre Board of Trustees. “We believe she is the right leader to build on PLT’s remarkable legacy, strengthen our connections throughout the community, and help shape an exciting future for Pensacola Little Theatre.” “Pensacola Little Theatre has been bringing people together through the magic of live theatre for nearly 90 years, and I am honored to become part of that story,” Cox said. “I believe theatre has an extraordinary ability to inspire confidence and create connections. I cannot wait to get to know this incredible community, listen, learn, and begin building the next chapter of Pensacola Little Theatre together.” As Executive Director, Sandy will oversee PLT’s operations, fundraising, education programs, community partnerships, and strategic growth while advancing its mission to enrich lives through the performing arts.

Pensacola Humane Society Launches Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities for 20th Annual Barktoberfest The Pensacola Humane Society is now seeking sponsors and vendors for the 20th Annual Barktoberfest, one of the Gulf Coast’s largest pet-friendly festivals. the organization’s secondlargest fundraiser of the year. Presented by Action Therapy Group (Beagle Benefactor sponsor) and Bob Tyler Toyota (Bow Wow Backyard sponsor), Barktoberfest will take place Sunday, October 18, from 10 am to 4 pm at Seville Square and Fountain Park in downtown Pensacola. Businesses, organizations and community partners are invited to support the milestone event through sponsorships and vendor participation. Since its debut 20 years ago, Barktoberfest has raised awareness for homeless pets while generating critical funding to support the Pensacola Humane Society’s mission of caring for animals and helping them find loving homes. In 2025, Barktoberfest saw an estimated 4,500 event visitors and featured more than 70 vendors, including pet-centric and local area businesses, veterinary practices, animal rescue organizations and shelters offering adoption opportunities. “As we celebrate 20 years of Barktoberfest, we’re inviting businesses and community partners to join us in making

an even greater impact for homeless animals,” Pensacola Humane Society Vice President of Development Mary Donovan McClellan said. “On average, it costs our shelter more than $1,400 for every animal we intake. That’s why sponsorships and donations are such an important part of Barktoberfest. Every dollar stays right here to provide shelter, medical care and the opportunity for more pets to find loving families.” Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels and provide businesses with visibility before, during and after the event while directly supporting animal welfare in the Pensacola community. Vendor applications are also now being accepted. For more information, including details on sponsorships and vendor opportunities, visit pensacolahumane.org/barktoberfest or email barktoberfest@pensacolahumane.org.

Jason Libbert Named President and CEO of Pensacola Sports The Pensacola Sports Board of Directors has named Jason Libbert as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Libbert returns to Pensacola Sports after serving as Director of Events for 12 years, where he helped recruit, create and manage many of the organization’s signature events while strengthening Pensacola’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. He brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, event operations, marketing and sponsorship development. Since leaving Pensacola Sports in 2022, Libbert has remained active in the Pensacola community while continuing to build relationships throughout the region. His return marks both a homecoming and the beginning of a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of using sports to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Northwest Florida. “I’m incredibly honored to return to Pensacola Sports and lead an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” Libbert said. “Pensacola Sports has built an outstanding reputation for bringing premier sporting events to our community while creating lasting economic impact and unforgettable experiences. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors and community partners as we continue to grow our mission, strengthen our partnerships and build on an incredible legacy.” Libbert succeeds Ray Palmer, whose nearly 25 years of leadership transformed Pensacola Sports into one of the nation’s most respected sports tourism agencies. “Serving Pensacola Sports has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” Palmer said. “Jason understands our mission, our partners and the important role Pensacola Sports plays in our community and throughout the sports tourism industry. His passion, experience and leadership make him the right person to guide the organization into its next chapter. I couldn’t be more excited for Jason and for the future of Pensacola Sports.” Board Chair Will Moore said Libbert’s experience, vision and deep understanding of the organization’s culture made him the clear choice to lead Pensacola Sports. “Jason’s passion for Pensacola Sports, our staff, and our community, is unmatched,” Moore said. “His proven leadership, extensive event management experience and commitment to excellence make him uniquely qualified to lead our organization. The Board of Directors is confident Jason will further develop Pensacola Sports’ remarkable legacy while positioning the organization for even greater success.” PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 39

Around the Region UWF and NWFSC Expand Engineering Pathways with Four New Transfer Degree Programs The University of West Florida (UWF) and Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) are expanding opportunities for students to pursue engineering careers in Northwest Florida through four new Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer, or SAAT, degree pathways that create a seamless route from associate-level coursework at NWFSC to bachelor’s degree completion through UWF. Approved by the Florida State Board of Education during its July 22 meeting in Orlando, the new pathways allow students to begin their engineering education at NWFSC’s Niceville campus and continue into UWF’s upper-division engineering programs at the joint NWFSC-UWF campus in Fort Walton Beach. The four newly approved SAAT programs include civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. “This partnership reflects what higher education should do – create opportunities that meet students where they are and prepare them for where they want to go,” UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said. “Together, UWF and Northwest Florida State College are expanding access to engineering education while strengthening the workforce that will drive innovation and economic growth across Northwest Florida. Students can begin their academic journey at NWFSC and then complete a UWF engineering degree without leaving the community they call home.” The new engineering pathways build upon the longstanding partnership between the two institutions to increase opportunities to complete bachelor’s degrees without leaving the region. “A student can start here, stay here and build a successful future here,” NWFSC President Mel Ponder said. “Students will be able to start their engineering degree at Northwest Florida State College, continue through the University of West Florida and complete a high-quality bachelor’s degree close to home. By working together, NWFSC and UWF are removing barriers, expanding access and building a stronger pipeline of engineers prepared to support our region’s military installations, defense industry and growing technology economy.” The SAAT degree allows state colleges like NWFSC to provide additional lower-division coursework beyond the traditional 60-credit Associate in Arts degree when students need specialized preparation before transferring into designated university programs. The structure helps students complete the mathematics, science and engineering prerequisites required for upper-division study before entering their bachelor’s degree programs. “This is exactly the kind of partnership that strengthens both our College and the communities we serve,” said Rhea Goff, chair of the NWFSC District Board of Trustees. “Students should not have to leave Northwest Florida to pursue an engineering education or prepare for careers in industries that are vital to our region. These new pathways give local students an affordable and accessible starting point while helping employers develop the highly skilled workforce they need.” The coordinated pathway is designed to provide students with a more seamless transition from NWFSC to UWF. Students will begin by completing foundational coursework at NWFSC before advancing into upper-division engineering instruction through UWF at the institutions’ joint campus in Fort Walton Beach. The new pathways will also support the region’s need for engineers in high-demand fields connected to aerospace, defense, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and advanced industry. By combining the accessibility and affordability of NWFSC with UWF’s upper-division engineering programs, students will have a clear route from their first college course through completion of a bachelor’s degree.

40 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Additional information regarding program enrollment, advising, course sequencing and anticipated start dates will be announced as implementation plans are finalized. To learn more about UWF transfer pathways, visit uwf.edu/2uwf. To learn more about engineering programs at Northwest Florida State College, visit NWFSC.edu/engineering.

Caroline Powell Named Head Coach of Pensacola State College Softball Program Caroline Powell has been named head coach of the Pensacola State College (PSC) softball program following 10 years as an assistant coach for the Pirates and as the sports information director for PSC Athletics. She brings championship-level coaching experience, a proven track record of developing successful student-athletes and a wealth of institutional knowledge to her new role. Since joining the PSC staff in September 2016, Powell has been instrumental in all aspects of the softball program, including recruiting, player development, game preparation, practice planning, scouting and program administration. With her as an assistant coach, the program has produced 50 All-Panhandle Conference selections, 10 FCSAA All-State selections, two NJCAA All-America selections and a two-time FCSAA State Player of the Year. “Coach Caroline Powell has been a cornerstone of the Pensacola State College Athletics Department, playing an integral role in the success of the Pirates softball program,” PSC Athletic Director Bryan Lewallyn said. “During her tenure as an assistant coach at PSC, the program captured two Panhandle Conference Championships while producing numerous All-Panhandle Conference, All-State and AllAmerican student-athletes,” he said. “Under the mentorship of Lyndsey Angus, she has grown into an outstanding leader, guiding and developing student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community.” “I am excited to see Caroline step into the role of head softball coach at Pensacola State College. She has earned this opportunity through years of hard work, loyalty and dedication to our program,” said Lyndsey Angus, who served as the college’s head softball coach since 2015 and has become the first athletic director for the PSC Charter Academy, while continuing to serve the college as associate athletic director and academic advisor for student-athletes. Before PSC, Powell served as an assistant coach at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan., where she contributed offensive and defensive instruction, practice planning and mental skills training that helped the Scotties capture a Region VI championship, advance to the NJCAA National Tournament and produce seven All-Region selections and a Region Player of the Year. She also served as an assistant coach at Chattanooga State Community College, where she helped guide the Tigers to a thirdplace finish at the 2015 NJCAA National Tournament. During her time with the program, Chattanooga State produced three NJCAA All-Tournament Team selections and two NJCAA First Team AllAmericans. A native of Semora, N.C., Powell graduated from Person High School in Roxboro, where she lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball. She began her collegiate playing career at Palm Beach Community College before transferring to Samford University, where she competed during her final two seasons and later served as a student assistant coach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Samford and a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology from the University of Tennessee, where she worked with the softball program as a graduate assistant manager. Following college, Powell went overseas to serve as a head coach in the Netherlands’ top softball league, where she led Olympia Haarlem to three playoff appearances and helped seven players earn Dutch

National Team selections. She also directed social media operations for the 2014 International Softball Federation Women’s World Championship, hosted by Olympia Haarlem. “I am honored and grateful to be named head coach at Pensacola State College. After 10 years as an assistant coach, I am excited for the opportunity to lead the program that I care deeply about,” said Powell. “This new season is about developing disciplined, resilient young women who understand the value of hard work and perseverance. Our goal is to create an environment where every student-athlete is empowered to reach her full potential, both as a player and as a person.” “Caroline has experienced every stage of our softball program’s journey — from championship seasons to the challenges of the COVID era — and has remained a steady leader throughout,” said Lewallyn. “She is certainly deserving of this opportunity, and I am excited and proud for her to become the next head softball coach at Pensacola State College.”

Pensacola Airport Receives $6 Million Infrastructure Grant Pensacola International Airport has been awarded $6 million through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The award provides the critical funding needed to launch the first construction phase of the airport’s Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program, marking a major milestone in one of the largest infrastructure investments in the airport’s history. The grant will fund the airport’s apron expansion project, a foundational phase of the Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program that will prepare the airfield to accommodate the new, five-gate concourse. The project will create the operational capacity necessary to support construction of the airport’s expanded security checkpoint, new passenger concourse and additional aircraft gates while maintaining safe and efficient airside operations. This award builds on another significant federal investment announced earlier this year. In May, the Airport received a $9 million Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fund expansion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint and other terminal improvements. Together, the two federal grants provide more than $15 million in funding to advance components of the Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program. While the $9 million Airport Terminal Program grant funds improvements within the terminal, the $6 million Airport Infrastructure Grant provides the critical airfield infrastructure necessary to support that expansion. “This grant is the catalyst that moves our Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program into construction,” Airport Executive Director Matt Coughlin said. “While passengers will ultimately experience a larger security checkpoint, additional gates and a transformed terminal, those improvements begin with the infrastructure that makes them possible. The apron expansion is the critical first construction phase that lays the foundation for everything that follows, and we’re incredibly grateful to the FAA for investing in our future.” The Airport Infrastructure Grant Program was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to provide dedicated federal funding for airport infrastructure projects that improve safety, capacity, sustainability and resilience while enhancing the passenger experience. Coughlin noted appreciation to U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis for their continued support of the Airport and their advocacy for federal investments that strengthen aviation infrastructure across Northwest Florida. Patronis, who is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the grant is evidence of the value of federal investment in the community.

Around the Region

“I’m proud to see this administration deliver more than $6 million to Pensacola International Airport to expand and modernize our terminal, improve safety and support the growth of our community,” Patronis said. “Under President Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy, Northwest Florida is winning. I will continue fighting to bring our taxpayer dollars home, strengthen our infrastructure and ensure Northwest Florida gets the investments it deserves.” Construction on the apron expansion project is anticipated to begin in the next 90 days. For more information about Pensacola International Airport, please visit flypensacola.com.

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ON THE MARKET a Real Estate Section

In This Section 44. By the Numbers A look at July’s real estate market highlights

46. The New Rules of Remodeling How to balance style, durability and cost

48. Forever to For Sale The resilient flooring benefits for short- and long-term homeowners

PENSACOLA MAGAZINE | 43

BYA Look THE NUMBERS at July’s Market Highlights Market Highlights

38 Med 62 Avg * DAYS ON MARKET

YTD combined sales totaled for 2026 stand at 5,761, representing a 7.2% increase from the same period in 2025. Total sales for July 2026 were down 4.7% compared to June 2026, and up 2.18% from July 2025.

325k MEDIAN SALE PRICE

New residential listings increased by 55% and new condo listings increased by 15.1% in June 2026 when compared to June 2025. Pending sales in July 2026 increased by 0.6% over July 2025, and increased 3.1% from June 2026.

292 PENDING SALES

1,081

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. 44 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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toward researching projects upfront to ensure smarter, more efficient execution. Homeowners can now test design choices, align expectations with budgets and move forward with greater confidence. “With the launch of our new website and Design Canvas, our goal was to create a seamless and inspiring experience that reflects the innovation and breadth of our product offerings,” said Steve Booz, vice president of marketing at Westlake Royal Building Products. “This is a launch pad where customers can explore everything Westlake Royal has to offer, discover the right products for their next project and bring their visions to life through creativity, education and interactive design.”

The New Rules of Remodeling

How to Balance Style, Durability and Cost

Durability is as Important as Style Once the homeowner establishes a clear vision, material selection becomes the next critical step. That is particularly true for siding, which plays a central role in both aesthetics and protection.

Products like TruExterior Lap Siding demonstrate how manufacturers are responding to modern homeowner priorities. Designed to replicate the look of traditional cedar, Homeowners are approaching exterior remodeling with a it delivers the depth and shadow lines associated with sharper focus than ever before. Higher material costs, longer classic wood siding, without the vulnerabilities that often project timelines and a growing emphasis on long-term come with it. value are reshaping how they make decisions. The “new rules of remodeling” are clear: Success depends on striking the right balance between style, durability and overall cost of ownership. Curb appeal still matters, but not at the expense of performance or maintenance demands. Likewise, upfront savings mean little if materials require frequent repair or replacement. The most effective projects begin with thoughtful planning and product selection while keeping an eye on long-term outcomes.

Its poly-ash composition provides resistance to warping, cracking and splitting while maintaining dimensional stability in varying climates. The material can be installed with standard tools, painted in a wide range of colors and even used in ground-contact applications. These attributes translate to lower maintenance requirements and fewer long-term repair costs. This combination of aesthetic flexibility and durability directly supports the new remodeling framework. Homeowners no longer need to choose between appearance and performance. They can achieve both while staying within budget.

To get a better understanding of these updated guidelines, consider this guidance from the home remodeling experts at Westlake Royal Building Products, a leader in the manufacturing of siding and accessories, trim and moulding, Cost and Timing are Still Deciding Factors roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Timing and cost efficiency also factor into the equation. Projects that begin with clear planning and reliable materials tend to Planning Takes Precedence move more smoothly, avoiding delays tied to redesigns, product Digital tools are playing a larger role in helping homeowners substitutions or unexpected maintenance considerations, which can also help keep the project on budget. make informed decisions earlier in the remodeling process. In fact, nearly 30% of homeowners plan to invest more than Ultimately, the new rules of remodeling are less about 10 hours researching before hiring a contractor, highlighting tradeoffs and more about alignment. Style, durability and a shift toward more deliberate, front-loaded planning, cost are no longer competing priorities. Rather, they are according to Modernize’s 2025 Homeowner Insights survey. interconnected elements of a successful project. Platforms like Design Canvas reflect this change. The tool allows users to visualize exterior renovations using realistic As the remodeling landscape continues to change, those previews, experiment with materials and color palettes and who approach projects with this balanced mindset will generate product lists, all before beginning construction. be best positioned to achieve results that look better, last longer and cost less over the long haul. Explore products This kind of planning reduces uncertainty and helps avoid and design tools to assist with your next project at costly mid-project changes, which is part of a broader westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com. trend: More homeowners are investing significant time 46 | SEPTEMBER 2026

An Evening of Fashion Presented by

Friday, October 23, 2026 Hilton Pensacola Beach 12 Via De Luna Drive 5:30 p.m. Cocktails, Silent Auction and Hors D’oeuvres 6:30 p.m. Program and Live Auction 7 p.m. Fashion Show

Fashions provided by Bluetique, Colette, Dillard’s and The Market & Mainly Shoes

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Forever to For Sale The Resilient Flooring Benefits for Short- and Long-Term Homeowners Whether you just closed on your forever home or decided to stay put with a low-interest loan and renovate, choosing the right flooring often pays off. Flooring is a foundation homeowners count on every day in their homes and often a key factor for potential buyers. No matter where you are in your home journey, your flooring needs to deliver. Great design, durability, ease of maintenance, convenience, indoor air quality, performance and value – these are universal considerations when choosing flooring, but not every type of flooring offers these benefits with such a wide breadth of options. Resilient flooring has a host of solutions that offer a balance of performance with personalization, making it a great option for homeowners at every stage of their building or renovation journeys. Resilient Meets You Where You Are If you’re staying put, one of the most impactful things you can do to improve your home is refresh your floors. In addition to a new and inspiring aesthetic, resilient flooring offers numerous options that deliver more. Ease of maintenance is one of the most valued attributes in flooring. Resilient flooring has a host of options that are known for how easy they are to clean and how well they stand up to furry friends’ claws and accidental spills. On the other hand, if you’re moving on and up, it’s important to remember dated and poorly maintained flooring are red flags for potential buyers or renters, making them consider repair costs or whether the rest of the home has been maintained. Updating flooring prior to selling often supports the value of your home compared to similar homes with worn or outdated floors. They inspire in the listing photos, create a positive first impression and make your home feel move-in ready. 48 | SEPTEMBER 2026

No matter where you are in your home journey, when you’re balancing your budget for upgrades, it’s important to consider where you’ll get a good reward for your investment. Resilient flooring offers thousands of options to refresh any space in your home at a host of price points. When designing or redesigning a space, it’s important to also look beyond durability and performance and consider the invisible benefits like indoor air quality. Resilient flooring offers two major third-party certifications in indoor air quality. The FloorScore certification means your floors have been tested and confirmed to promote good indoor air quality. For rigid core flooring, Assure Certified also has strict standards for indoor air quality and content and performance requirements. Both give you and your family peace of mind, knowing your floors are creating a better home environment where you live, play and work. Sound Footing for Any Stage in the Home Journey Ultimately, resilient flooring has numerous options that deliver beauty and performance for your family now and years down the road. Whether you’re staying put or moving to your next home, resilient flooring meets you where you are in life and helps you enjoy the next step. Its combination of thousands of designs, durability, ease of maintenance, third-party certifications and more make it a great option for sellers and dwellers. To learn more about the benefits of resilient flooring, visit beautifullyresponsible.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. © 2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. 8736971 Vault-BA119Q8 | TEMP-01-26-2512 | MLWM-245-AD | 02/2026

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