Pensacola, FL August 2024 by City Lifestyle

Setting New Standards in

The Pensacola Real Estate Market

Engel & Völkers is a renowned global brand known for its excellence in providing unmatched real estate expertise Stephanie Harington and Nicholas Johnson are thrilled to have joined Engel & Völkers in Pensacola as trusted license partners Together we are committed to delivering unmatched service and real estate experiences to our clients Whether you are buying or selling a home, let us guide you every step of the way

Coming soon to Historic Downtown Pensacola.

Quality Over Quantity In Real Estate!

From the very beginning, we’ve prioritized quality in every property transaction. Today, our commitment remains unwavering.

Thanks to our fantastic Realtors, we’ve built a phenomenal reputation. Whether you’re a Buyer, Seller, or Realtor looking to make a move, trust in our legacy of quality. Every transaction reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring satisfaction at every step.

Elevate your real estate experience with us!

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

As August arrives, I can't help but marvel at how swiftly summer has passed by, much like watching our children grow up before our very eyes. Being a parent to six kids and caretaker to five dogs (my children jest that I have a dog for every child who has flown the nest), I'm thrilled to dedicate this issue to Kids and Pets! We'll have the pleasure of introducing you to the Jernigan family, whose resilience throughout their son Jaxon's medical jour ney is truly inspiring. Despite facing substantial health challenges, they remind us to prioritize what truly matters in life and transform tomorrow's aspirations into today's reality. Additionally, we'll acquaint you with the Pensacola Police K9 unit, and explore delightful ways to savor wine while bonding with our cherished pets.

I urge all families to treasure every moment with their children and pets. While summer may fleetingly slip away, the time we spend with our loved ones is invaluable, whether it involves engrossing conversations with our kids or cherishing moments with our adored pets — which, in some instances, could even be a duck! I recently stumbled upon the heartwarming tale of a retired couple who brought their pet duck along for a holiday at a nearby beachfront hotel. After all, why not?

Wishing you all the best in living your fullest life,

With love,

SUZANNE POPE, PUBLISHER

@PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Adina Preston | adina.preston@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Melanie Williams | melanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Marti Andring | marti.andring@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Alex Boylin | alex@gulfcoastwine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cindy V. Reeves, Alex Boykin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adina Preston, Phillip Salzman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

YOUR DREAM BOAT AWAITS

Discover the MarineMax difference. Scan the QR code or learn more at marinemax.com.

PENSACOLA K-9

Handlers and Heroes

ARTICLE BY CINDY V. REEVES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADINA PRESTON

Her nickname is “Wiggles” because she is a ball of energy with a nubby tail end that is always wiggling in excitement. However, despite her sweet nature, soft brown eyes, and cute white speckles, this German Short-Haired Pointer is a serious working dog. She is a K-9 Police officer with the Pensacola

“They’re assigned an employee number and get an official badge.”

Police Department. She is one of eight dogs currently assigned to the K-9 Unit.

The history of K-9 Units at PPD dates back to 1991. The first K-9 officer was a Cocker Spaniel named “Buster”. “They’re assigned an employee number and get an official badge. They have everything an officer has, except the pension,” explains K-9 Supervisor, Sergeant James Parsons. “The department has several patrol dogs trained in tracking, evidence detection and apprehension.” There is also an electronics detection dog, and a bomb detection dog assigned exclusively to Pensacola International Airport, but Wiggles has a unique job. She is the department's first gun detection K-9.

Actually, her real name is “Oakley” like the iconic Annie Oakley who was a sharpshooter starring in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show at the turn of the

century. Like her namesake, Oakley is also very good with guns. She is specifically trained to detect firearms, ammunition and spent shell casings. Her job is to protect children from potential violence in schools as part of the School Resource Unit.

According to the Pensacola Police Department's website, “The K-9 Unit is a part of the Uniform Patrol Division. K-9 handlers are chosen from the Patrol Division and then trained for 14 weeks with their new partner to meet requirements to be a street team.” Each K-9 team is tested semi-annually for proficiency to meet the standards of the USPCA. In addition, they have eight-hour monthly maintenance training sessions.

Most of the dogs are purchased from Europe and have already been obedience trained. They are trained in voice and hand signal obedience,

building searches, tracking, article searches, pursuit/apprehension techniques and narcotics detection. “The dogs learn to understand German commands and must show proficiency in all areas to be certified by the U.S. Police K-9 Association and Florida standards.”

Oakley came to the department on a different path. She is a rescue dog. Parsons says, “She was found on the streets and taken to the Humane Society.” She was brought to the Police Department through Florida’s Pointer Rescue group, eventually trained as a K-9 gun detection dog, and then paired with her handler, 28-year-old Heather Dekle.

Officer Dekle had been researching the idea of bringing a firearms detection dog to the police force, and the concept had been on the radar of the department for some time in response to the 2018 school shooting at Parkland High School in South Florida. When Dekle joined the K-9 unit and was paired with Oakley, a special bond formed that Sergeant Parsons believes will benefit the entire community. "From Day one the dog goes home with the handler and becomes part of their family.”

This coming school year, Dekle and Oakley will be stationed at Washington High School where they will serve as School Resource Officers. They will work as needed with all the schools within the Pensacola city limits but can also be available for other special assignments. Last year, the pair were assigned to Pensacola High School. Officer Dekle says the students' reaction has been very positive. “They love her, and she loves the attention!”

Although most K-9 officers are German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, Oakley was selected to be a school resource officer because, unlike pointed-eared dogs that can look intimidating, Oakley’s floppy ears present a friendly vibe. Sgt. Parsons says her biggest role is community bonding with kids and young people. Dekle explains

“Essentially dogs know no fear. We don’t send them into a no-win situation, but the caliber of dogs we have know how to complete their tasks.”

that many of her students unfortunately have a negative connotation associated with law enforcement. She and Oakley aim to change that. “Some of them have a bad home life. It is no fault of theirs, but we can show them a different way of life.”

K-9 officers are often known as heroes. Parsons and Dekle have no doubt Oakley will take on that role with gusto. She is just a year and a half old, so she is working through her puppy stage, but she is a hard worker and a fast learner. Dekle laughs, “She is a ball of energy. The more she’s with me, I can figure out her energy. She’s a little Tanzanian Devil! She’s funny!” But like all K-9 officers, she is trained to do serious work.

Sgt. Parsons has witnessed his K-9 officers in heroic action. “Essentially dogs know no fear. We don’t send them into a no-win situation,

but the caliber of dogs we have know how to complete their tasks.” One example is a K-9 officer named “Foster” who bravely disarmed a violent gunman in Pensacola several years ago. Parsons says the suspect was threatening people from the porch of a house with a firearm. “He fled into the house to get a shotgun and more weapons.” Foster was turned loose to apprehend the gunman. The man tried to turn on the dog, but amazingly Foster stood his ground. Parsons says, “He grabbed the gun. He showed no fear. He was able to disarm the man.” Foster held the suspect until officers could make an arrest. No one was injured and a potential shooting was avoided.

Officer Dekle always keeps Oakley on a leash next to her when they are working to solidify the bond between them. When asked if she sees

“Some of them have a bad home life. It is no fault of theirs, but we can show them a different way of life.”

the wiggly pointer as a fellow officer, she answers, “100 percent! She is awesome. I give all the credit to her. She is becoming my best friend.”

The Pensacola K9 teams are credited with making hundreds of arrests annually and answering thousands of calls for service. Like the feisty historical character, Annie Oakley, Oakley the K-9 is ready to make a name for herself.

Meet Tami, the expert when it comes to helping individuals navigate the choppy waters of dating and relationships Think of her as your very own love guru, equipped with all the tools and insights you need to feel like a pro in the dating scene. Get ready to take charge of your love life with confidence and purpose!

Ready to rock your world and unleash your inner superstar? Tami's got your back! With her resultsdriven action, you'll be sprinting towards the finish line in no time Her personalized guidance is like a bolt of lightning, sparking inspiration and empowering you to take charge of your life! Brace yourself for a fun-filled journey, packed with growth and rock-solid relationships!

ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADINA PRESTON

WANT WINE?

WA L K I NG YOUR PET

According to recent studies by both Pew Research and Forbes somewhere between 62-66% of all U.S. households own at least one pet! That equates to around 86 million homes with millennials making up the majority of pet owners. Furthermore, one of the studies cites Florida as the #1 state with the “Most Spoiled

Dogs.” Pensacola is no exception. Just type in “pet friendly [parks/beaches/events/dining] Pensacola” into any search engine and you will get lists of good options. Not only does Pensacola have dog beaches (I saw a cat there once, so there you go) and great dog parks, we even have the best Mardi Gras Pet Parade

Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas

and celebration anywhere: the “Pawdi Gras!” If watching the illustrious parades with your favorite non-human companion is not enough, you and your favorite plus-one can be in the parade itself! Started by two amazing millennials who also founded WolfGang LLC, it is a penultimate way to celebrate with your beloved creature.

Yet on any given beautiful Saturday you can find hordes of pet lovers walking their companions downtown on Palafox. That should be no surprise considering the large population of millennials, young professionals and outdoor lovers in, and around Pensacola. Pet walking in downtown Pensacola, especially along Palafox, is so popular that a local Eagle Scout devoted his Eagle Project to building custom watering bowls for a slew of wellknown local businesses downtown who agreed to maintain them. Well, this is great for our pets, but what about the human side of the equation? Where can we go to get treated to something nice while in the presence of our special friends? I’m not talking about just grabbing some simple treat and an average beer while sitting next to a water bowl, I am talking about treating yourself with some good wine!

I am a HUGE advocate for having a glass (just a glass) of wine at lunch. It is definitely the European in me. A cool and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or the insightful Rioja during a summer lunch is UNBEATABLE! So where can you go and get a good glass of wine while out walking your pet? Here are the top three pet friendly locations that also serve good wine, and no surprise, the top three locations are all on Palafox.

IN ORDER FROM SOUTH TO NORTH:

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grill. Great food with a suburb view of Pensacola Bay and Palafox Harbor, and most importantly, a good wine list. It is hard to get more pet friendly than Jaco’s, the restaurant is even named after the owner’s dog! I recommend the Blackened Mahi Reuben with a glass of Fleur de Mer Rosè, while you and your pet relax, and take in the views.

Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas. As the name suggests it is Spanish based, an amazing fusion of Iberian Tapas and Gulf Coastal cuisine. As it is in its name, Carmen’s is a “Lunch Bar,” so come early! Carmen’s is open from 10am until 4pm and is usually full by 11:30am! Grab one of the few tables outside, and enjoy the people and pet watching as you have a great glass of Garnacha alongside my personal favorite sandwich in all of downtown, the openfaced crab sandwich.

The Wine Bar on Palafox. A mainstay for wine lovers downtown with a great wine menu and good food to boot. Find a table right on Palafox, in the covered alley, or even “out back” at the outdoor bar, no seat will disappoint. They also host several pet friendly events at the restaurant during the year. Order one of their fabulous charcuterie boards with any of their wines, or try the tuna spread with a chilled glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, to really round out an outing.

There are several other spots around town where you can get a good glass of wine while also doing a great job of accommodating your pet, but these are the top three for a reason. They are the easiest to walk to, have watering bowls, ensure both humans and non-humans have a good experience, and have good wine! So, if you find yourself walking your pet downtown and want some wine, check these places out, you may find yourself toasting your favorite companion. Cheers to that!

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grill

The Wine Bar on Palafox

Clear Horizon:

Living Life to the Fullest as a Family on the Water

ARTICLE BY CINDY V. REEVES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL SALZMAN

“I don’t want to do cancer, Daddy.” Six-year-old Jaxan Jernigan uttered those heart-crushing words to his dad, Craig. Craig and Lindsey Jernigan thought their son was suffering headaches due to dehydration, but a seizure which sparked an ambulance ride to the Emergency Room in January 2021 revealed Jaxan had a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.

“It was the worst day of my life with the endless waiting and not knowing the outcome,” Jaxan’s mom, Lindsey, remembers. After a fourteen-hour brain surgery, the Jernigan's discovered their son had an aggressive form of cancer: a CNS Embryonal Tumor.

The Jernigans have raised their son on the water since he was 5 months old. "He was a boat baby,” Lindsey explained. “We would go out almost every weekend.” After months of painful chemotherapy, Jaxan told his dad he was ready to go back to his happy place. He mumbled in a barely recognizable voice, “I miss our dock!”.

“We want you to become part of the MarineMax family and get the most out of your boating experience.”

As soon as Jaxan was in remission, Craig purchased a new boat and had Jaxan back on the dock at MarineMax. “It is a lifestyle,” Lindsey explained. “Our best family time is on the water,” Craig added. “Taking the dinghy out, watching the weather roll in, seeing sunrises and sunsets, treasure hunting, swimming, and playing in the sand.”

The Jernigans also got their son a companion for these excursions, a lively Goldendoodle named Charley. Jaxan admits Charley has good sea legs, but he is the one who loves boating the best.

The Jernigans have always had a goal of living and traveling on a Catamaran. So, with Jaxan’s steady clear scans, they now have a floating home away from home. They purchased a 54-foot Aquila catamaran yacht at MarineMax Pensacola which offers much more than just a place to store their yacht. They are part of the MarineMax family. “We want

you to become part of the MarineMax family and get the most out of your boating experience,” explained Camille Hoskins, sales consultant. “After traveling to Key West with MarineMax in 2022 on our previous boat, it gave me the confidence and confirmation to want to experience more,” said Craig.

Jaxan undergoes brain and spine MRI scans every four months. For each clear scan, the family can breathe a little deeper. For the last two and a half years, the scans have all been clear. He is now nine years old and thriving as a soon-to-be third grader at Creative Learning Academy.

Lindsey works for Caring Hearts Healthcare for Kids which is a daycare for medically fragile children. Craig owns American Heritage Financial which is a financial planning firm operating in 49 states which he started in 2013 in Pensacola. The couple is passionate about their community and giving back, particularly in the children’s charity arena such as Valerie’s House which helps grieving children, and The Rally Foundation that helps pediatric cancer patients and their families.

With the unwavering support from Cindi Bonner of Rally Gulf Coast, Jaxan got into a clinical trial that Lindsey believes helped save his life. “We will support their efforts forever.” Jaxan was able to walk down the aisle as a model during the 2022 “Rally on the Runway” annual fundraiser thanks to his improved health.

Camille at MarineMax said the Aquila catamaran is perfect because it is “truly designed for people to live on. There is lots of open space.” There are three staterooms, a crew quarters, a living room, and an enclosed flybridge on top.” Plus, it has a

“Our best family time is on the water. Taking the dinghy out, watching the weather roll in, seeing sunrises and sunsets, treasure hunting, swimming, and playing in the sand.”

sophisticated Starlink internet system that is engineered by Space X, so Craig can be connected and do his business from anywhere. They eventually want to take their boat for months at a time to the Caribbean while working and boat-schooling Jaxan.

The yacht is a dream come true for the family, but the real wish is their son’s continued good health. When asked about his first night on the boat, Jaxan exclaimed. “It was awesome! I slept so well.” His parents are sleeping better these days as well. They have named the yacht “Clear Horizon”. A fitting name because the goal is for Jaxan to continue to bring home clear cancer screenings and live a happy life on the water.

DOG gone GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Birthday Cake for Your Pup

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

Refresh your view

CUSTOM ROLLER SHADES, BLINDS, MOTORIZED SHADES, PLANTATION SHUT TERS, DRAPERY, AWNINGS & STORM PROTECTION

Based in Pensacola, our team of window treatment experts have more than 20 years of experience helping our customers select the best custom shades, shutters, blinds, motorized shades, screens and hurricane protection for their homes and businesses. Come in to our showroom and select your window coverings today!