Wellness

Jayla's Voice

A Family's Heartbreak Became a Mission to Educate, Advocate and Save Lives Article by Suzanne Pope | Photography by Lakesha Davis "We were so ready to see what she would become." For Lakesha Davis, those words capture the deepest heartbreak of losing her daughter, Jayla Michelle. Not because Jayla lacked ambition or potential. Quite the opposite. The oldest of seven children, Jayla was a singer, writer, athlete, Disney enthusiast, JROTC cadet, and aspiring OBGYN. She was fiercely...

Life + Culture

Pet Adoption Changes Lives

Across Pensacola and Northwest Florida, Families and Pets Benefit From the Beauty of This Awareness Article by Will Estell | Photography by Stephanie Hardin There is something special about the moment a shelter pet realizes it has finally found a home. You can see it in their eyes, in their actions, and in the sense of security and trust that continues to build as your new pet becomes acclimated to his or her adopted family. Some may call it nature. Some may call it nurture. But, after seeing...

Life + Culture

Gulf Coast Kid’s House:

Giving Children Hope and Healing Across Pensacola and Northwest Florida Article by Will Estell Few organizations in Northwest Florida have a more profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children than Gulf Coast Kid's House does. For more than two decades, this Pensacola-based nonprofit has served as a beacon of hope for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other traumatic circumstances; providing a safe, child-focused environment where healing can begin and positive change can...

Life + Culture

Life On Call

Two Doctors. Two Boys. One Beautiful, Complicated, Intentional Life Article by Suzanne Pope | Photography by Addie J Photography Ashwin was eight months old the first time he landed in India. His parents wanted him to know where he came from before he was old enough to remember the flight. That instinct to root their children deeply while opening the world to them is the thread that runs through everything the Parikh family does. For Dr. Kati Parikh, a trauma surgeon at Ascension Sacred...

Life + Culture

History Awaits

Step Back in Time at Pensacola's Historic Village Article by Will Estell | Photography by Provided by UWF Historic Trust Tucked away in a beautifully shaded area within the heart of downtown Pensacola lies one of the area’s most fascinating hidden treasures: The Historic Pensacola Village, managed by University of West Florida’s Historic Trust. For visitors and locals alike, the village offers a remarkable walk through more than two centuries of Pensacola’s history, architecture, culture, and...

Wellness

THE COURAGE WITHIN

From Soldier to Healer, Matthew Jeffries Helps Others Find Hope Again Article by Suzanne Pope | Photography by Addie J Photography, Matthew Jeffries From soldier to healer, Matthew Jeffries helps others find hope again. Army Sergeant, Afghanistan & Kuwait Veteran | Former Law Enforcement Officer and Founder of Warfighter Fitness Matthew Jeffries has worn many uniforms: police officer, soldier, mentor, and coach. But the hardest battle of his life began after the uniform came off. Matthew had...

Auto + Marine

WOMEN DRIVING THE TIDE

Lauren Chapman’s Women’s Sailing Collective helps Gulf Coast Women Build Confidence, Connection, and Courage Article by Suzanne Pope For many women, sailing can feel like a world reserved for those who grew up around boats, yacht clubs, or generations of nautical tradition. But along the Gulf Coast, a growing movement is quietly changing that narrative, one woman, one sail, and one shared experience at a time. At the center of that movement is the Women’s Sailing Collective, founded in 2026...

Arts + Culture

Above the Shoreline

Pier Suite Events: Where Moments Matter Article by Suzanne Pope Michelle Wardlaw and Laura Pinzone are quietly creating the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments high above Pensacola Beach. There are moments in life that deserve more than a reservation. The kind we remember years later, a rehearsal dinner filled with anticipation before forever begins, a milestone birthday surrounded by generations, a nonprofit gathering around a mission that changes lives, or a sunset toast where no...

Sports + Recreation

Discover Gulf Coast’s State Parks

With tens of millions of visitors annually, these nearby wilderness getaways make the ideal weekend adventure Article and Photography by Will Estell While many of us love to spend our days off work basking at the beach or by the pool, there is so much to discover by visiting one of our regional state parks.  In my two decades as a tourism and lifestyle editor for numerous publications I have been surprised by how many people live along the coastal communities of Northwest Florida’s and...

Auto + Marine

Choosing the Right Boat:

Making The Vessel Match Your Lifestyle Article by Will Estell For many of us few purchases capture our excitement quite like buying a boat. A boat purchase represents freedom, adventure, and the promise of time well spent on the water, whether solo, with family, or friends. However, choosing the right boat -one that truly fits your lifestyle and needs- requires more than falling in love with a sleek hull or a powerful engine. The ideal boat is the one that aligns seamlessly with how, and...