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Everyone Against Racism


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Community

The movement we are seeing in the U.S. was inspired by the unfortunate stories of many people – Black, White, Hispanic, Native American, LGBTQ, police officers, women, children, and well everyone. This movement is not just about one man or one race. This is about racism – getting rid of racism.

This is a time to come together – to focus on the things that we have in common. All of us want respect, love, opportunity, and a peaceful life.
We are all ONE RACE – the HUMAN RACE. Let’s come together in cooperation and respect to solve the problems of our world.
Let’s all stand together to end RACISM. Stop the Hate and Spread the Love!
#EAR, #EveryoneAgainstRacism

Stand With Us To Stop Racism

  1. Put our Twibbon Ring around your profile picture on Facebook.
  2. Use one of our FaceBook covers for your FaceBook page.
  3. Educate By Watching The Videos Below

Systemic Racism

System Racism And Black Women

Discussion: The Path To Ending System Racism In The US

Emergency Preparation


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Community, Guides, Pensacola

What Is A Hurricane Watch?

hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

What Is A Hurricane Warning?

An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

How To Prepare And Stay Safe During A Hurricane

During A Hurricane

  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
    • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Be extra careful when walking outside.
    • Storm damage such as downed power lines and fallen debris could injure you.

6 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Close storm shutters if possible and stay away from windows.
    • Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary.
    • If you lose power, food will last longer.

6 To 12 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your local government’s website frequently.
    • You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your phone.
    • You’ll have a full battery if you lose power.

12 To 36 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
    • These may become a safety hazard.
  • Bookmark your local government’s website.
    • This gives you quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

36 To 48 Hours Before The Arrival Of A Hurricane

  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.
    • Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.
    • For example, you can use phone, text, social media, or email.
  • Create an evacuation plan with your family.
    • You may have to leave quickly.

A Picture Guide To Shelf Invertebrates From The Northern Gulf Of Mexico


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Beachcombers Field Guide


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides, Pensacola

Florida Coloring Books Guide: Immerse Yourself In The Vibrant Beauty Of The Sunshine State


Written By Kathlene Rushing
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, Guides

Let your creativity soar as you explore the vibrant wonders of the Sunshine State with our Florida Coloring Books Guide. Delve into a world of intricate line art and captivating illustrations, capturing the essence of Florida’s diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and unique flora and fauna.

Unleash your imagination as you bring these black and white pages to life with a burst of color. From the breathtaking beaches of Pensacola to the enchanting Everglades, and from the lively streets of Miami to the historic charm of St. Augustine, these coloring books offer a captivating visual journey through the many facets of Florida.

Immerse yourself in the therapeutic art of coloring, allowing your mind to relax and your creative spirit to flourish. As you fill in each page with your chosen hues, feel a sense of connection to the beauty and wonders of the Sunshine State. These coloring books are not only a delightful pastime but also an opportunity to learn more about Florida’s rich culture, natural wonders, and architectural marvels.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, these Florida coloring books provide a unique way to appreciate the diverse landscapes and vibrant charm of the state. Let your imagination run wild, and let the colors dance across the pages, capturing the essence of Florida’s breathtaking scenery.

salt marsh activity book
boating activities for kids
Florida panthers
mosquito study unit
sea turtle coloring book

Stress Relief in Stressful Times


Written By PensacolaFlorida.com
Posted on
Categories: Guest Posts

Stress Relief in Stressful Times

By Elizabeth Curl

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of additional stress in everyday life. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 8 in 10 adults say that the pandemic is a significant source of stress. Stress may also strain your personal relationships, especially now if you are an essential worker, working from home with children, or going to school online. When stress becomes a constant issue, it can lead to physical or mental health issues. In order to better cope with stress, it is important to understand what it is. Though everyone’s personal definition of stress may be different, stress is generally considered to be the body’s response to situations that cause emotional or physical tension.

Symptoms of stress may include: 

  • Physical pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Exhaustion
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tension

 

Here are some stress-relief techniques to try on your own!

Tapping

Otherwise known as EFT (emotional freedom technique), tapping is an alternative treatment used for relieving physical pain and emotional distress. It is a treatment that is still being researched. EFT is based on traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture. Instead of applying pressure with needles, fingertips are used to put pressure onto specific areas of the body.

 

Box Breathing

According to Medical News Today, box breathing is a simple relaxation technique that helps bring the body back to a regular breathing pattern. 

First of all, make sure to prepare by sitting in a chair where your back is supported and your feet are on the floor. 

To start, close your eyes, breathe in through your nose, and count to four. Make sure to focus on feeling your lungs fill with air. Then, hold your breath while counting to four and make sure to avoid inhaling or exhaling. Begin to exhale for four seconds. 

Make sure to repeat this process at least three times or until you begin to feel calm again.

 

Positive Affirmations

Saying positive things about yourself can help to change a negative mindset into a more positive one. It can also help you gain more confidence, and focus less on insecurities and perceived flaws. Positive affirmations are pretty simple.

Instead of saying something negative such as, “I can’t get this assignment done, I’m going to fail,” use a positive affirmation such as “I will do what I am able to complete this assignment, but my grades do not define me as a person.” 

Repeating positive affirmations a few times daily can help shift your mindset so that you are better prepared to take on stressful situations.

 

Counseling

Counseling is a mental health tool that has grown in popularity during the pandemic in order to cope with stress. It is not just for people with severe mental health issues, either. Speaking with a professional regularly can give you advice and guidance in order to deal with everyday stressors, in addition to addressing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Though counseling is becoming more accessible with the rise of telehealth services, it must be acknowledged that not everyone has equal access to a counselor, especially with the increase in demand during the pandemic. According to the American Institute of Stress, there are some smartphone applications that may be able to help with stress management and relief if counseling is not accessible or available.

  • Headspace
    • A meditation application. Users can complete a free trial and purchase a subscription to gain wider access to more meditation sessions and programs.
      • Free and available on both the iOS and Google Play stores.
  • Sanvello
    • Sanvello, formerly known as Pacifica, is an application that is based on principles used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Users are able to track how they feel, set personal goals, and practice relaxation techniques. 
      • Free and available on both the iOS and Google Play stores.
  • ReachOut Breathe
    • This application helps users control their breathing. It has a unique feature that can detect the user’s heart rate through the device’s camera.
      • Free and available on the iOS App Store.
  • WoeBot
    • WoeBot is a messaging-style application that utilizes artificial intelligence in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help users deal with distressing emotions and thoughts. 
      • Free and available on both the iOS and Google Play stores.
  • Virtual Hope Box
    • For people who have PTSD, Virtual Hope Box provides a variety of tools to help reduce stress and has been one of the few phone applications empirically tested to support users at risk for suicide.
      • Free and available on both the iOS and Google Play stores.

 

If you or a loved one is dealing with a mental health crisis, there is support available. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more information.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

If you or someone else is in danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

How to Help End Homelessness in Pensacola


Written By Mitch Wisinekwski
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

How to Help End Homelessness in Pensacola

 

Pensacola’s homeless population surged to the forefront of city conversation recently when it was announced that the city would be moving a well-populated encampment of people experiencing homelessness near Hollace. T. Williams Park under I-10. The city says that the reported move is necessary to clean up the park but some local activists see it as a thinly veiled attempt to evict the encampment.  The mass unemployment rates due to Covid-19 are only making matters worse for people experiencing housing insecurity. Opening Doors Northwest Florida, a local nonprofit that provides assistance and resources for the homeless populations of Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, reported in their annual Pensacola headcount, an additional 200 people added to the population of unsheltered homeless people. This number is a 34 percent increase from last year before the pandemic largely hit the United States. This number could easily rise when the CDC lifts the eviction moratorium and landlords are able to legally evict residents. The moratorium is currently extended through March, but with the increased rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, its days could be numbered.

 

Pensacola’s Citywide Response

The response from the city seems to be indicative of a tipping point in the fight to end homelessness in Pensacola. Though the underpass eviction seems like a step back, recently Mayor Grover Robinson asked the City Council to approve the spending of 200,000 dollars for homeless initiatives. Robinson seeks to follow the plan already being enacted in Tallahassee, a multiple-phase plan that starts with building a day center with resources for the homeless. However, Robinson is reluctant to follow the plan to its final phase, the building of a tiny home village to house the homeless. Robinson encouraged private sector individuals to take charge in the building of a tiny home village.

 

Big Plans for Tiny Homes

This dream of a tiny home village is already taking shape through the actions of Jim Reeves and the affordable housing nonprofit AMR. Reeves is building a pilot tiny home on East La Rua St, in order to encourage and normalize the concept of tiny homes used as starters for affordable housing. The eventual goal for Reeves is a small village of tiny homes, similar to The Dwellings in Tallahassee, that would be used to provide reasonably priced housing in order to get homeless and low-income individuals on their feet.  The project hasn’t been without setbacks though, Reeves is currently working with the county and city in order to make it easier and more affordable to obtain permits to build this type of housing.

 

Activists stepping up

The massive increase in unemployment rates, caused by Covid-19, has brought the long problem of housing insecurity to the light in many cities across the country. In Los Angeles, a city with huge populations of unhoused folks, activist and urban planner Nithya Raman ran for city council and unseated incumbent David Ryu in a runoff upset. Her strategy for winning? Providing a comprehensive, common sense, and humanity-focused plan to provide people experiencing homelessness with legal assistance, community resources, and affordable housing. These kinds of plans, formerly seen as radical, are gaining popularity in cities all across America. As Covid-19 forces us to slow down and take a look at the world around us, many activists like Caleb Houston are taking action to make that world a better place. After experiencing homelessness himself for a decade, Houston is working to not only provide housing, in the form of a village of 50 hut-like structures, but also mental health, addiction, and job assistance. Houston is building the first of his structures this weekend with a community build event called Huts 4 our Friends. The structure will be built in Brent Athletic Complex and will be able to house two people comfortably. Activists like Nithya, Jim Reeves, and Caleb Houston are just a few of the many individuals taking on this problem and working to benefit the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community, and all across the country.

 

5 Easy things you can do to help

 

  1. Shop at a thrift store run by a homeless shelter. Thrifting is already an awesome way to score affordable, one-of-a-kind, usually vintage clothes, accessories, and furniture. By shopping second-hand, you’re not only helping the environment by reducing clothing waste, but you’re also helping to fund homeless shelters. Check out Waterfront Rescue Mission Thrift Store, Heavenly Blessings Thrift Store, Loaves and Fishes Thrift Store, and Helping Hands Thrift Store the next time you need a unique piece or are looking to refresh your wardrobe and help out a good cause.

 

  1. Make blessing bags and give them out. Blessing bags are small, gift types, bags full of essentials that people experiencing homelessness may not have access to. Items like toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, gift cards, hand sanitizer, gloves, face masks, tampons, and clean socks are all basic essentials that go into these small drawstring bags. There are plenty of resources online that provide full checklists of the most in-demand items. Get together with some friends and head to a big box store like Costco or Sam’s Club to stock up on the most amount of items. Don’t forget to include small notes of inspiration to help make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

 

  1. Volunteer if you can. There’s no better way to help than to directly spend your time and energy assisting charities like Opening Doors Northwest Florida, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, and Waterfront Rescue Mission. Even if you aren’t able to help in person contacting these organizations to see what areas they are in need of assistance in may help you connect them with volunteers in those fields who can help. Everyone has a network of unique and talented people whose resources can be used in order to help.

 

  1. Work with a local business franchise to donate resources. Many grocery stores like Publix, Winn Dixie, and Target simply throw away perfectly good food that doesn’t sell. Contact the manager of a local store and see if you can set up an agreement to pick up food that doesn’t sell to be donated to a local charitable organization or food pantry.

 

  1. Call or email your city council representative. The more noise that people make the more things will get done. Call for repealing the Camping Law that criminalizes homelessness, call for city funds to be directed to programs for homeless populations. Call for mental health professionals and social workers, not just police, to be present when handling concerns related to the homeless population. Call for access to affordable housing, especially in the rapidly rising downtown neighborhood that many unhoused people call their home. The handling of this situation shouldn’t rest solely on the hands of charitable organizations. By reframing the conversation around homelessness from a criminal one to one of providing help and humanity, the city of Pensacola can ensure safe housing for its most vulnerable residents.

 

Layers and Layers: The Ephemeral Beauty of the Graffiti Bridge


Written By Mitch Wisinekwski
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Layers and Layers:
The Ephemeral Beauty of the Graffiti Bridge
By Mitch Wisniewski

 

 

Arguably Pensacola’s most instantly recognizable landmark, the small railroad bridge, constructed in 1881 to connect Pensacola to Louisville and Nashville, has over time become covered in countless layers of paint. It’s hard to say how the Graffiti Bridge became the Graffiti Bridge that we know and love today. Much like the bridge itself, there are innumerable layers to its history. Pensacola historian John Appleyard puts 1956 as a possible date on which the bridge was first painted. That date is as likely as any other in the storied past of the bridge. Over time the bridge has adapted, now complete with its own website, Facebook, and Twitter account, all providing daily snapshots of the ever-changing face of the bridge.

This changing face has changed with the nature of our country in recent and has become a more explicitly political one. This past summer the bridge served as a meeting place for protesters expressing their outrage at racial injustice, painted stark black and grey with a Thomas Jefferson quote about the value of human life. The bridge is, in its very nature, a canvas for citizens of all political ideologies to express their beliefs, in bold and bright spray paint. I’m tempted to call the bridge bipartisan in that way, given that it featured both a Trump and Biden-themed mural around the time of the election, both painted over after the election had come and gone in its painfully extended way. But the bridge represents something deeper than simply reaching across the aisle. It’s about humanity. It’s about the proposal spray-painted on its concrete surface just a few days ago, whizzing by and hoping Pamela said yes. It’s about the quotes of positivity, the fabric of memes, caricatures, and artistic expression.

The very nature of the Graffiti Bridge is that nothing lasts forever. It holds a mirror to the world and sends back a reflection in a million colorful strokes. It is the ultimate equalizer, anyone can walk up to it with a can of spray paint and put whatever they want on it. Given that nature, there is the occasional offensive word or symbol painted but these instances are always covered up with other layers of paint. Beauty being sprayed atop of hate. Ultimately, the bridge itself is a canvas, it requires artists and everyday people alike. Teams of people from charities or schools, supporting causes, expressing grief, raising awareness with a can of paint. The bridge serves to bring people together, it unlocks a kind of freedom and abandonment of the rules. A can of spray paint on a concrete wall anywhere else is a crime, but at the bridge, it’s a tool of beauty. Take a drive down 17th avenue and slow down when you get to that curve. Take in whatever you see at the bridge, it won’t be there for long.

Five of the Best Walks in Pensacola to Help You Beat Online School Fatigue


Written By Mitch Wisinekwski
Posted on
Categories: Blog Posts, UWF Student Authors

Five of the Best Walks in Pensacola to Help You Beat Online School Fatigue

Spring semester is just getting started and, as I learned last semester, in these very strange times that means a lot of time spent hunched over a laptop, trying to look presentable for Zoom classes, and longing for the feeling of going to a physical classroom. With very few students actually on campus this semester, and the majority experiencing the endless torture of Zoom University it can feel really frustrating. I personally feel like school never ends. When scheduling your assignments rests solely on the hands of the student, it becomes difficult to not feel like you should be doing something at all times. However, I’ve found a simple way to combat this Zoom/Canvas fatigue.

I’ve been getting out of my apartment every day and taking a long walk. I started for around a half hour, then an hour, and now I’m averaging around two hours. I’ve found that it’s the best way to collect my thoughts, unplug from my phone and my laptop and enjoy everyday nature here in Pensacola. Plus if you go for a walk at sunset and listen to indie pop you get to feel like the main character in a coming-of-age movie and honestly who doesn’t want to feel like that. In an effort to help elevate us all out of our desks and onto the streets  I’ve gathered five of my favorite relaxing and beautiful walks in Pensacola. Enjoy!

The Downtowner

Downtown Pensacola is probably my favorite place to walk around at sunset, the historic homes and buildings look so beautiful at golden hour and there’s nothing like standing on the Palafox Pier and watching the colors change in the sky.

 

The Route: Start on the corner of Palafox and Garden St. Head east on Garden street until you hit S De Villiers St, take S De Villiers down to the Blue Wahoos stadium and loop around the stadium back to Main St, walk on Main until you get to the Palafox pier and head down there as well OR just continue on Main until you get to Veterans Memorial Park by the Gulf Power Building, loop around the park and walk on Romana back to where you started.

 

The Scenery: Old brick, historic houses, water views, and spanish moss.

 

The East Hill Explorer

After moving off campus this year, I recently discovered East Hill when I went for a haircut (Shoutout to Steve DuPont at East Hill Barbershop). I was shocked that after almost four years in Pensacola I hadn’t fully explored this amazing historic neighborhood. So here’s

 

The Route: Start at the East Hill Publix on the corner of Cervantes and 12th ave. While you’re there grab a little walking treat, you deserve it. Walk up 12th Ave until you get to Blount Street. Take a right on Blount and head east until you hit Bayview Park, do a few laps around Bayview or enjoy the sights of the Bayview dog beach or some of their free outdoor workout equipment if you’re feeling really fit and then head back the way you came.

 

The Scenery:  Seriously historic mansions, the cutest little shops you’ve ever seen, and swimming dogs.

 

The Campus Crawl

On the UWF campus the nature trails are great but sometimes you just don’t feel like wandering around in the woods and getting your shoes dirty.

 

The Route: Start on the Edward Ball Nature Trail loop, once finished with that little forest adventure, continue on to Campus Drive heading away from the Commons and towards the University Parkway main entrance. Take a left on Campus Lane and reconnect back with Campus Drive. From there walk past Martin and Heritage Hall ending near Lot X, you’ll find some benches with a wonderful view of the Escambia River.

 

The Scenery: Lakes, Rivers, and lots of tired college students.

 

The Beach Bum

Listen, ever since the barges decided to play pinball with the General Chappie James Memorial Bridge which connects Pensacola to Gulf Breeze during Hurricane Sally, it’s felt like the biggest schlep in the world to get to Pensacola Beach. But, provided there’s minimal traffic, it’s actually only a 25-30 minute drive from Campus. A little long sure but put a few more songs on your driving playlist and make the trip, the walk is worth it.

 

The Route: Simplest one yet, park at the big parking lot near the Beach Ball water tower and pier and walk down the convenient walking trail along Fort Pickens Road.

 

The Scenery: Sun, sand, and those signature Pensacola clear blue waters.

 

The Country Clubber

This one has such a cool aesthetic but unfortunately no sidewalks. It goes through a residential neighborhood though so it’s fairly quiet and safe.

 

The Route: Start at the Scenic Hills Country club, walk the loop north until you get to Tam O’Shanter Road, take a left and walk until you hit Greenbrier Boulevard, walk on Greenbrier until you get to the bridge with the creek, enjoy the natural creeklife and then double back to Burning Tree Road, follow the Burning Tree Loop until you end up back at the country club.

 

The Scenery: Rolling hills, manicured greens, and a lazy creek full of turtles.

 

So there you go! I hope you try out any or all five of the best walks in Pensacola. We all feel better with some sunshine on our faces and endorphins in our veins. So close your laptop and go for a walk. I’ll see you on the sidewalks.

Non-Profit Organizations In Pensacola You Can Help


Written By PensacolaFlorida.com
Posted on
Categories: Family

Non-profit organizations and businesses reflect the selflessness that has been lost in America.

Our capitalist culture has created a “me first” attitude for many of us, making it hard to find someone willing to give of their time freely … or has it?

If you are reading this, you probably disagree with the previous statement.

You are someone who gives of their time, resources, money consistently, and you know many others who also do the same.

 

Thank you!

 

Because of people like you, non-profit organizations are able to help individuals get back on their feet. With programs for food, shelter, and even healthcare, non-profit organizations are able to give back to those who are less fortunate.

Too many people see non-profits as welfare centers, helping to feed the problem in America, but that is simply not true.

We have all had bad days, weeks, months, years … if not, be thankful.

 

There are more than 1.3 million charitable non-profit organizations in America that help feed, shelter, teach, nurture, and restore individuals of all ages, race, and economic status.

If you are interested in helping out, here are a list of non-profit organizations that we support and we would love if you would too.

 

[insert list]

 

If you know of a non-profit organization that we should add to this list, please let us know. Tell us why they would be a great candidate to be added to our list and we will look into it.