Pensacola, FL March 2026

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A City Catching Wind

There are moments when a city quietly shifts when something bigger than “the usual” arrives, and suddenly you can feel it in the air.

That’s what American Magic feels like.

Not just a world-class sailing team choosing Pensacola as home… but a statement. A signal. A reminder that extraordinary things can happen here right in our own backyard. If we’re willing to believe in what’s possible and show up with pride.

American Magic isn’t only about speed, innovation, and competition on the water. It also represents discipline, excellence, courage, and vision. It’s about community. It’s about inspiring the next generation to dream beyond what they see and to work toward what they want.

Pensacola has always had something special: our coastline, our character, our resilience, our people. This is next-level.

It’s proof that we are becoming a place that attracts greatness. Even more importantly, we are becoming a place that can support it, celebrate it, and grow alongside it.

This issue reflects that spirit.

This month, we also share a few refreshing reminders of how small changes at home can bring clarity, how spring can feel like a reset, and how the simple act of caring for what’s around us can restore something inside us too.

Yes, it’s a tribute to American Magic and the pride we should all feel that they are here. It’s also about the heartbeat of our community, the way Pensacola continues to evolve, not by accident, but because of the people who keep building, creating, restoring, and believing.

In these pages, you’ll find stories that bring life to that same energy, whether it’s learning something new, finding beauty in everyday routines, or discovering the small shifts that make a home (and a life) thrive.

The truth is: greatness doesn’t always arrive with fireworks.

Sometimes it arrives like a sail catching wind.

Quiet. Powerful. Unstoppable.

This season, Pensacola is catching wind.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for supporting local. Thank you for believing in what we’re building because this magazine is more than a publication. It’s a love letter to the place we call home.

With pride and gratitude,

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Will Estell | Will.Estell@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Sydney Steffen | Sydney.Steffen@CityLifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Katie Harris | Katie.Harris@CityLifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Will Estell, Alex Boykin, Bentley Estell, Michelle W. Parnell, Angela Broockerd, Sean O’Keefe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alex Boykin, Bentley Estell, American Magic, BMW Cars NA, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Amanda Proudfit, Sinclair Franklin, Dan Jenkins

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

SUZANNE POPE, PUBLISHER @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

FULL SPEED AHEAD

American Magic recently hosted a crowd of over 300 enthusiastic attendees as they officially opened their American Magic High Performance Center, an industrial-scale, waterfront headquarters built to chase the fastest sailing on the planet - all while simultaneously launching a new chapter in advanced manufacturing and engineering in Pensacola.

ARTICLE BY WILL ESTELL

“We chose Pensacola not only because of the location for sailing, but because of the genuinely friendly people.”

The project certainly has numerous moving pieces and took years to bring to fruition, combining the efforts of the American Magic team and the City of Pensacola. The result of their vision is now evident in a state-of-the-art $20 million facility inside warehouse 10 at the Port of Pensacola.

I sat down with American Magic COO Tyson Lamond, who explained that the 56,000 square foot facility will be home to so much more than high-performance sailing and the technology that powers it.

“What makes the facility such an opportunity is what American Magic plans to do here: on the water, on the shop floor, and in entirely new markets that stretch well beyond competitive sailing,” said Lamond. He described the headquarters as an “innovation hub,” a place where elite athletic preparation and precision engineering share the same address. And that address is Pensacola.

The new center is designed for team training, boat development, composite manufacturing, and technical work, all with direct access to Pensacola Bay. Lamond went on to say that these are all necessary ingredients for modern foiling sail racing, where the difference between first and fifth can be measured in fractions of a knot and tiny gains. This competitive edge mindset is a primary reason the team chose Pensacola as their new home base, and why they intend to take that same philosophy to other industries as part of the new center and team base.

To American Magic’s Co-Founder and Team Principal Doug DeVos, sailing is a passion but it’s also a serious business. At this level sailing is as much aerospace as it is seamanship. The boats fly above the water on hydrofoils, and the organizations behind them operate more like Formula One teams than traditional yacht clubs. That’s why American CONTINUED >

Magic’s choice of Pensacola as their headquarters matters so much: it’s a permanent home that allows the team to design, build, test, and train with yearround continuity. That’s something every top challenger in the world treats as non-negotiable, when they intend to win.

Just as important, this facility is not meant to serve American Magic alone. As part of the recent grand opening announcement, the new center was also named the official North American training base for SailGP teams, under a five-season agreement. This ties Pensacola directly into a global circuit of foiling. Starting in September 2026, SailGP teams are expected to use Pensacola for their on-water and shore-based training, technical development, and performance prep. With these moves it seems Pensacola is quickly becoming an integral part of the infrastructure for the entire sport.

Inside the High Performance Center sits the operational hub for American Magic Services -a platform that applies America’s Cup-grade composite manufacturing and engineering expertise to projects beyond racing. From advanced manufacturing and marine technologies to aerospace projects, American Magic is leveraging the same design and production mindset that produces race yachts. For Pensacola, this is the kind of diversification that can help transform a regional economy. Composite structures, hydrodynamics, simulation, prototyping, and systems integration don’t belong to just one industry. A racing team that can build cutting-edge foils and components can also consult on performance structures, marine engineering, specialized manufacturing workflows, and next-generation materials challenges. Lamond emphasized that this is exactly the point: to create a company and facility that wins on the water, then translate that culture and know-how into winning advancements for other industries.

American Magic’s move to our area is also a serious employment story. Lamond said the facility will create around 170 high-wage jobs, while Pensacola Mayor DC Reeves emphasized that the project is already tied to internships and workforce development with local higher-ed partners like the University of West Florida. When asked about how these jobs will pay, Mayor Reeves added a detail

“Elite athletic preparation and precision engineering share the same address. And that address is Pensacola.”

locals will certainly be happy to hear: the average salary is expected to be over $100,000 annually, and the organization has been clear about sourcing talent locally where possible. When I asked Lamond how many of these positions will be filled by locals, he told me that he expects 90-95 percent of the jobs to be filled from Pensacola and surrounding areas.

American Magic’s high-powered ambitions are equally matched by the people behind it. The team was formed with principal backing that

includes business and sporting heavyweights Doug DeVos (Orlando Magic, Amway) and Roger Penske -along with other principals- bringing the kind of long-view commitment that elite campaigns and companies require to win… whether at business or sporting endeavors.

In short, Pensacola didn’t just land a sailing team. We landed a modern, high-wage technology enterprise with saltwater in its veins and global competition in its sights. I think we can all agree that’s a definite recipe for winning.

Commercial Real Estate Value

Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties.

Scan for more!

Our locally owned restaurant invites you and your four-legged family members to enjoy flatbreads, tacos, and other thoughtfully crafted delights. Set inside a charming home built in the early 1900s, Lucy’s blends historic character with warm hospitality.

From our friendly service to our inviting atmosphere, everything we do is meant to make you feel right at home.

Spring Into Wine

UPGRADE YOUR “PORCH POUNDER” PLAYBOOK

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX BOYKIN

As temperatures rise, the preferences of many wine drinkers change. It usually starts around Easter and is in full effect by Memorial Day. This is when many wine drinkers cut back on their red wine and reach for the light, white, and refreshing. I have a name for these months: “Porch Pounder Season.” Trust me, it’s not derogatory. As temperatures heat up the human body naturally craves something lighter and refreshing. While I understand this, my wine tastes do not necessarily change with the temperature. Am I wrong to seek a silky red, while others in the 86-degree afternoon heat enjoy a refreshing white? Could I be missing something, or are many wine lovers inadvertently doing something wrong?

This is not the first time that I have covered the “Porch Pounder.” As a quick refresher, a porch pounder is a wine that you find refreshing and could drink a lot of. Those wines tend to be lighter in body and higher in acidity, with roughly equal notes of fruit and minerality on the palate. Examples range from wines made with Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, to Albarińo. Many Rosé wines are made with the sole intention of being refreshing and are great porch pounders. Yet the biggest reason these wines are refreshing is because they are served cold. Drink any of these at room temperature, say 72 degrees, and I doubt you get the same level of refreshing enjoyment.

We also need to define “cold.” Cold in the world of wine is generally defined as 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. I like most white wines closer to 45F and my Rosé closer to 55F. Now, let’s go back to the idea of me missing something as I reach for a glass

of Malbec on that 86-degree evening. There is something about the term “room temperature” that can be quite misleading.

Many people hear room temperature, assuming it means a room they are in. Room temperature in wine is 60-68F. However, there are two very important things to keep in mind: First, red wines are divided into two temperature categories. Lighter to medium bodied reds are in category one, while full-bodied reds are in category two. Room temperature only applies to full-bodied, category two wine. Category one wines are to be served at cellar temperature of 55-60F. I consider the transition from category one to category two wines to be around Sangiovese/GSM Blends/Tempranillo. Wines lighter than those are category one, wines fuller will be category two.

Second, and this applies to all wines, don’t serve a wine at the top end of its temperature range when it’s hot outside. You pour that refreshing 55-degree Rosé into an 86-degree glass, it is not going to stay at 55 degrees! Start with the wine at the cold side of its range.

But rule number one of wine is this: do not serve hot wine! As our spring rapidly turns into summer, I challenge you to try your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon at 60F on one of those first warmer evenings outside. If you want a really good time, find a nice Merlot and go from bottle to glass to mouth with it at 55F! Here’s a tip: open the bottle and then put it in your fridge to let it breathe until it gets to 55F. If you have a wine fridge, open the bottle and place it back in for two hours at 55F. You just might find a few more Porch Pounders. Cheers to that!

“The best Porch Pounders tend to be lighter in body and higher in acidity, with roughly equal notes of fruit and minerality on the palate.”

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

BMW’s 2026 iX3 EV

This Isn’t Your Mom’s X3, But She’ll Probably Want One

If you know anything about automobiles, you already know that BMW’s X3 has proven to be one of the most popular mid-size luxury SUVs of the last decade. From soccer moms to traveling professionals the sporty and responsive X3 has managed to appeal to a wide array of buyers and drivers, making it somewhat difficult to outdo with any new SUV offering from the coveted marque.

ARTICLE BY WILL ESTELL

Fear not though, because if there is one thing the great auto minds of Bavaria know how to do, it’s one up themselves. Meet the new BMW iX3! The first production vehicle built on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform, the Ix3 is a bold shift in design, technology, and driving dynamics. With its sharply contoured bodywork, flush door handles, and an aerodynamic profile that make it look as if it could conquer the Tail of the Dragon, this is actually a great looking EV.

Inside the iX3 features BMW’s Panoramic iDrive display and Operating System X, blending a large touchscreen with panoramic instruments that sweep across the dash. It also boasts BMW’s Intuitive Voice Control powered by enhanced Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ integration. All of this allows you to interact with entertainment, navigation, and climate control by voice. If you’re not into tech you probably need to buy something else. Because this thing is full of it!

Beyond the sporty exterior you’ll find a 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, powering BMW’s sixth- generation eDrive technology on an 800-volt architecture. The launch iX3 50 xDrive uses dual electric motors, coupled with all-wheel drive, to provide 463 hp and 476 lb.-ft of torque, pushing the new EV to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.

Range figures are among the most competitive in the EV class, at up to 400 miles on a single charge. Great for easing your range anxiety on long trips. Charging is also impressive, thanks to the Ix3’s 800-volt system, that can accept DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, adding around 200-plus miles in 10 minutes at capable stations. Additionally, bidirectional charging functions also allow the iX3 to power your tools, home circuits, and even send energy back to the grid.

As for handling, I would say the iX3 balances BMW’s signature German feel with a refined level of comfort, compared to most EVs. The steering has that tight, agile BMW feel we’ve come to expect, and the road holding ability is worthy of the brand’s sports-minded reputation, while the regenerative braking is smooth, even in stop-and-go traffic.

As a self-professed car aficionado who has written about BMW’s for many years, and owned everything from vintage 80’s 320i sedans, an M Roadster, a Z4 3.0 to various 3,4, and 5 series - and even a trusty X3- I would conclude that at around $60,000 MSRP for the U.S. launch model, the brand new 2026 BMW iX3 represents a compelling argument for the ideal mix of modern EV technology meets traditional BMW pedigree. Would I drive one? I don’t know… but I’d probably buy my wife (or mom) one if she wanted it.

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Spring SWINGING

ARTICLE BY BENTLEY ESTELL

Golfing Northwest Florida’s Coast

If you’re a fan of the great game of golf, you are well aware of the advantages of living and playing along our beautiful Gulf Coast. With an abundance of well-designed championship courses stretching along this portion of the Sunshine State, it’s easy to see why amateurs, pros, and even celebrities and well-known business moguls travel great distances to play right in our own backyard.

Having a multitude of courses designed by famed course architects like Carl, Jones, Nicklaus, Fazio, Palmer, Player, and Pate guarantee that wherever you choose to play along this stretch of coastal communities you’ll have plenty of fun doing it, and you’ll probably be planning your next golf outing by the time you settle into the 19th hole.

Thanks to extremely comfortable temperatures in the shoulder seasons, swinging your sticks along Northwest Florida’s “Golf” Coast is particularly ideal in spring, so here Pensacola City Lifestyle has compiled a list of area courses you may want to consider, as you venture slightly outside of the Pensacola area. Many of these Northwest Florida courses offer both cart rentals and walking, so in lots of cases all you will need are your spikes and clubs – along with the focus to pay attention to your game while being distracted by the abundant beauty of the area’s unique coastal landscape.

COURSE LISTING:

• Marcus Pointe Golf Club, Pensacola, 850-484-9770, MarcusPointeGC.com

• Scenic Hills Country Club, Pensacola, 850-476-0380, ScenicHills.com

• NAS Pensacola Golf Course, 850-452-2454, NavymwrPensacola.com

• Osceola Golf Course, Pensacola, 850-453-7599, CityofPensacola.com

• Perdido Bay Golf Course, Perdido Bay, 850-492-1223, PerdidoBayGolf.com

• Tanglewood Golf & Country Club, Milton, 850-623-6176, Tanglewood-Golf.com

• Pensacola Golf at Cypress Lakes, 850-937-3820, CypressLakesGolfClub.com

• Stonebrook Golf Club, Pace, 850-994-7171, Stonebrook-Golf.com

• The Club at Hidden Creek, Navarre, 850-939-4604, TheClubatHiddenCreek.com

• Tiger Point Golf Club, Gulf Breeze, 850-695-9500, TigerPoint.com

• Sandpiper Cove Golf Course, Destin, 850-837-9121, SandpiperCove.com

• Indian Bayou Golf Club, Destin, 850-837-6191, IndianBayouGolf.com

• Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club, Destin, 850-337-8080, RegattaBay.com

• Seascape Resort Golf Club, Miramar Beach, 850-654-7888, Seascape-Resort.com

• Emerald Bay Golf Club, Destin, 850-837-5197, EmeraldBayGolfClub.com

• Burnt Pine Golf Club, Sandestin, 850-267-6500, Sandestin.com

• The Links Golf Club, Destin, 850-267-8211, Sandestin.com

• Camp Creek Golf Club - Fazio Panama City Beach, 850-231-7600, CampCreekGolfClub.com

• Sharks Tooth Golf Club, Panama City Beach, 850-249-3041, SharksToothGolfClub.com

• Holiday Golf Club, Panama City Beach, 850-234-1800, HolidayGolfClub.com

• Bluewater Bay Golf Resort, Niceville, 850-897-3241, BWBResort.com

• Kelly Plantation Golf Club, Destin, 850-650-7600, KellyPlantationGolfClub.com

• Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club, Santa Rosa Beach, 850-267-2229, SantaRosaClub.com

PLAY Ball

ARTICLE BY WILL ESTELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos Are On Deck For A Winning 2026

If you reside anywhere near Pensacola, and you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime, you know spring doesn’t just arrive with warmer days and longer sunsets; it arrives with another season of Blue Wahoos baseball. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ 2026 season brings another full slate of Double-A action to Community Maritime Park, where the sights and sounds of the ballpark blend with views of Pensacola Bay and the beautiful Gulf Coast skyline. With 69 home dates, and visits from every Southern League opponent, 2026 proves to be a season built for cold drinks, ballpark cuisine and lots of fun with family and friends cheering on the Wahoos.

The Blue Wahoos open their 14th season in Pensacola on Friday, April 3, welcoming the Montgomery Biscuits to start a three-game set that also lands on Easter weekend (April 3–5) an early-season marker that helps set the tone for a calendar packed with crowd-friendly dates.

And while the wins and losses matter -especially in a league where future big-leaguers are constantly honing their craft and practicing their swings- the Blue Wahoos’ game nights are designed as community events. In fact, that has been a central theme of the club’s identity from the beginning. So has its role as the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and as a winning franchise that won Southern League championships in 2017 and 2022. Let’s root for another in 2026!

The Blue Wahoos’ stadium is one of the most intimate parks in the Southern League, with a capacity of just over 5,000 fans. It’s the kind of ballpark where you feel close to the action from every seat in the park. The stadium sits in Pensacola’s Community

Maritime Park, and the playing surface is officially named Admiral Fetterman Field, honoring Admiral Jack Fetterman’s civic impact and connection to the creation of the park (something a lot of locals may not even know). The stadium is also used for soccer, concerts, and various other community events.

That waterfront location is a big part of what makes a Wahoos night different. You can arrive early for a stroll around the park, then settle in for baseball with a breeze off the bay. The setting elevates everything—especially the postgame moments, when the skyline, the water, and thestadium lights all feel like part of the show.

If you’ve been to a Wahoos game, you know their home calendar runs on a rhythm of weekly events with themes for each home game. In keeping with this tradition the 2026 season is full of these gameday spectaculars:

• Winging Wednesday: This is a brand new Blue Wahoos’ theme, where select Wednesday home games will feature chicken wing specials, plus a new aviation-themed alternate identity -the Pensacola Sky Jockeys.

• Mullet Thursday: The Pensacola Mullets return for Thursday night fun, drink specials, and a brand of ballpark energy that feels tailor-made for Pensacola.

• Giveaway Friday: Every Friday home game includes a premium giveaway item.

• Fireworks Saturday: A postgame fireworks show after every Saturday game, lighting up Pensacola Bay and turning Saturdays into a fun and games kind of day.

• Military Family Sunday: A community-minded staple that includes free general admission for active duty and veterans, plus kid-friendly postgame opportunities like running the bases and playing catch on the field.

The team also celebrates special calendar moments including Mother’s Day weekend (May 8–10), Memorial Day weekend (May 22–24), Juneteenth, and Father’s Day weekend (June 19–21).

As fellow Pensacolians, many would agree that the Blue Wahoos impact more than just baseball fans. Any professional sports team works best when it becomes part of the city’s culture, and Pensacola has embraced the Wahoos as a true anchor to its downtown vibe. Home games drive traffic to restaurants, bars, and other area businesses. The games also help fill hotel rooms during busy series weekends, and give our vibrant community a fun venue, and reason to gather. Whether you’re hitting a Wahoos game for date night, a family night out, hosting out-of-town guests, or meeting up with friends, you’re sure to have a great time watching America’s favorite pastime in one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities!

“Whether for a date night, time with friends, or a family outing, a Blue Wahoos game is fun for all!”

2026 HOME SCHEDULE

• Apr 3–5: vs. Montgomery

• Apr 14–19: vs. Knoxville

• Apr 28–May 3: vs. Biloxi

• May 5–10: vs. Rocket City

• May 19–24: vs. Columbus

• Jun 2–7: vs. Chattanooga

• Jun 16–21: vs. Birmingham

• Jul 7–12: vs. Montgomery

• Jul 21–26: vs. Columbus

• Aug 4–9: vs. Montgomery

• Aug 18–23: vs. Knoxville

• Sep 8–13: vs. Biloxi

For the full 2026 schedule and official information, visit: BlueWahoos.com

WHERE FOREVER MEETS THE

KEY SECRETS FOR A SPARKLING HOME

A SPRING KIND OF CLEAN

TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen

A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”

To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.

TIP #2 Spruce up the Living Room

The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”

To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.

TIP #3 Brighten up Windows

Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

Connell & Company Realty, Inc. is comprised of a team of local Realtors committed to selling some of the most desired homes in Pensacola.

Our team of local experts is ready to guide you throughout the home buying or selling process. We are committed to fast, professional, and courteous service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home buying process.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”

PROJECT CREDITS

HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate

AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY

There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment.

The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!

By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.

Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are

ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE

many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the home, house plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.

Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends.  Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.

Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.

Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls.

No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace?

Happy gardening!

events

MARCH 3RD-9TH

Sun Belt Basketball Championship Games

Pensacola Bay Center | 5:00 PM

Marking the beginning of NCAA March Madness, the 14 Sun Belt teams are competing for a chance to play in the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament.

MARCH 13TH

Kites on the Coast

Pensacola Beach | 10:00 AM

Experience the magic of Kites on the Coast, March 13–15! This three-day festival features massive professional kite displays, demonstrations, food trucks, and local vendors. Schedule: Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM. Perfect for families and enthusiasts alike—don't miss the spectacular sights!

MARCH 14TH

Flora-Bama Beach Run for

America's Warriors

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar | 7:00 AM

Join Flora-Bama’s 13th Annual Beach Run/Walk for America’s Warriors! All registration fees for the half-marathon and 5K go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, providing scholarships and counseling to children of fallen special operations personnel. Enjoy a post-race breakfast buffet to celebrate. Register today to support our heroes' families!

MARCH 17TH

39th Annual St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl

Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce | 9:00 AM

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with the "Go Irish on the Island" Pub Crawl! Explore Pensacola Beach bars, restaurants, and hotels offering Irish drink specials, music, and mischief. Wear your best green and support local businesses while enjoying the island revelry. Join the fun and crawl your way across Pensacola Beach!

MARCH 21ST

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles

Pensacola Saenger Theater | 8:00 PM

Experience Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles at the Saenger Theatre! As the only tribute with "official authorization" to perform the Eagles’ legendary catalog, they deliver a world-class performance worthy of platinum artists. Don’t miss this incredible musical tribute and get your tickets now for a night of timeless hits!

MARCH 28TH

Flora-Bama Easter Egg Hunt

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar | 11:00 AM

Hop over to the Flora-Bama for an Easter Egg Hunt starting at 12 PM! Watch the Easter Bunny skydive onto the beach, then meet him for photos inside the tent. Don't forget: Bring your own baskets and cameras to capture the fun!