Pensacola Beach, FL

Design Dude Jon Fortuna       Over the past several months we've discussed how to begin the process of furnishing a room. This month is where the fun begins! We will be able to finally leave the house with our design folders, measurements, and color schemes. The question is, where do you want to go? More ... Pensacola celebrates 450 years For 450 days The public is invited to a kick-off celebration on May 23 at 5 p.m. The street party will be held on Palafox Place surrounding the fountain at the Escambia County Courthouse.       Pensacola is throwing one of the longest parties in history to celebrate having the longest history in North America. To commemorate its 450th anniversary, Pensacola will celebrate for 450 days from May 23, 2008 to August 15, 2009. Pensacola was founded in 1559, six years before St. Augustine. More ... 5 things 2 Do: Mothers Day She's Simply MOM! By Karen Murphy Splash! Magazine       What to do for your Mother on Mothers Day if she's not into a Day at the Spa or a fun filled afternoon fighting the crowds at the mall? More ... Sunsets A new tradition: in Plaza de Luna       Where is the best place to enjoy a Pensacola Sunset? Plaza de Luna, the City of Pensacolas newest waterfront park located at the southern end of Palafox Street on Pensacola Bay. The sun sets every evening but each Thursday, Plaza de Luna is THE place to enjoy some live entertainment beginning at... More ... Enjoy more time on your dime!       Northwest Florida offers numerous cost-friendly activities during all times of the year. May, however, presents a certain exciting adventure just waiting to eatup your time, but not your money. May is national bike month. That presents vacationers and locals with exciting adventure opportunities,... More ... Intimidated by cooking fresh seafood? It's actually easy. Here are three recipes, ranging from moderately difficult, to middle of the road, to couldn't be easier. And if you don't have fresh Pompano, substitute your favorite Gulf fish. All recipes provided by "Gettin' Hooked" columnist Mark Clabaugh       This one is real fancy... Pompano with crabmeat and citrus beurre blanc beurre blanc INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup minced shallots 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3/4 cup whipping cream 2 large eggs 1/2 cup whole milk More ... Military Appreciation Pensacola Beach businesses announce events, discounts for Military Appreciation Month       May is Military Appreciation Month, and Pensacola Beach businesses are abuzz with activities and events to honor our servicemen and women. Businesses will offer discounts to active and retired military during May to show their appreciation for our brave heroes. Discounts include 10- 20 percent off... More ... CRITIC'S CORNER 'Prom Night' turns out to be a forgettable experience By DNA Smith       "Prom Night" Running time: 88 minutes MPAA rating: PG-13 "Prom Night" is the latest in a long line of milquetoast horror movies that don't deliver much in screams or suspense. More ... 'Two and a Half Men' are not a duet by Cindy Elavsky       Q: One of my favorite shows is "Two and a Half Men." Can you tell me if the stars sing the theme song? - F.L., via e-mail A: The opening of the popular CBS sitcom, starring Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones, features the stars lip-syncing the theme song. The song is, in fact, sung by s... More ... Pick and choose from this group of 13 short stories "I'd Like" by Amanda Michalopoulou (Dalkey Archive Press, $12.50) Reviewed by Katy Olson       The curious collection of objects that reappear throughout Amanda Michalopoulou's "I'd Like" -- a glass of whiskey, a red beret, soluble aspirin -- grow in meaning as the stories themselves unfurl in this unusual group of 13 short stories. More ... Where does the sand come from?       Pensacola Beach proudly brags of the "world's whitest beaches," and it would be very hard to prove otherwise. Yet, if you asked everyone you knew why our beautiful sugar white sand is so unique, few of us could explain. According to the National Parks Service, the white sands originated from the ... More ... Summer Safety Tips on sunburn, jelly fish stings and undertows       We all love the sun and salt water, and who doesn't want to play in really choppy, high surf? It's fun to feel the waves surge around and beneath us, but we need to know the facts of beach safety to truly enjoy the Gulf Coast safely! More ... Bad Hair Day? The Ronald McDonald House Can Help!       Support the Ronald McDonald House Kaps for Kids event in May and fix your bad hair day! Kaps for Kids is a fun and easy way to help support the Ronald McDonald House. Employers are asked to allow a casual day on May 7th for employees who make a $12- $15 donation to the House. More ... Memorial day a day of remembrance       Memorial Day means boating, cookouts and the official start of summer vacation. But there is a deeper meaning, and many fail to recognize that Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those service men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom. More ... Shorebird disturbances become a matter of survival Many species of Florida's water birds nest right on the beach, including gulls, terns, black skimmers, plovers and oystercatchers.       Barrier islands and sandbars are favored nesting sites because they afford these groundnesting birds protection from land predators. The birds have adapted to the temperature extremes, hurricanes, high winds and coastal flooding. However, human disturbance and domestic animals are another matter. More ...