Category: Services

LGBTQ+ Center Awareness

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Today is National LGBTQ+ Center Awareness Day. For more detailed information on this national event, visit the LGBT Center Awareness Day website.

Since this annual event is designed to help advocate for the work of LGBT community centers everywhere, today’s blog is dedicated to highlighting the local LGBTQ+ Center of Bay County. According to their website, the Bay Center “is currently the only safe space with dedicated programming for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 in the entire Panhandle of Florida, from Mobile, Alabama to Jacksonville, Florida.”

They offer support groups, a safe space, scholarships, community outreach programs, and more! The Center advocates for community engagement, offers volunteer opprotunities, holds events, and works hard to improve the wellness of the LGBTQ+ community while leading the charge for positive change in the area. 

Visit the Center’s official website to learn more. 

Panhandle RV Parks

Debbie Roney Smith on

Traveling via RV can be a great way to save money and enjoy your own space. Luckily, the Florida Panhandle is well equipped for RV travelers, be they tourists or locals exploring their extensive backyard. 

Listed below are just some of the many great RV parks available to visit today:

  • Emerald Beach RV Park (8885 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL)
  • Emerald Coast RV Resort (1957 Allison Avenue, Panama City Beach, FL)
  • Pensacola RV Park (3117 Wilde Lake Boulevard, Pensacola, FL)
  • Pensacola Beach RV Resort (17 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL)
  • Geronimo RV Resort (75 Arnett Lane, Miramar Beach, FL)
  • Ponce De Leon RV Resort (2920 North Highway 81, Ponce de Leon, FL)
  • Live Oak Landing (229 Pitts Avenue, Freeport, FL)
  • Twin Lakes Camp Resort (580 Holley King Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL)
  • Fort Pickens Campground (1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL)

International Coffee Day

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Did you know that coffee has been around since the 15th century? In this modern day-and-age, coffee is celebrated nationally in the U.S.A. on September 29th and internationally on October 1st. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is responsible for the international recognition of Coffee Day as of 2015. The U.S. has been celebrating nationally since 2005. Thanks to these annual events, awareness and appreciation of the art of sustainable coffee has grown.

Spanish Trail Pumpkin Patch

Debbie Roney Smith on

Local favorite farm, Spanish Trail, is hosting a few special fall events this coming month. They will have a 2021 Pumpkin Patch with thousands of pumpkins, a 10-acre corn maze, and wonderful sunflower fields to meander through. This special bundle of fall favorites will open on October 2nd at 10 a.m. and will run the whole month. Bring out the family for a fun fall-themed day! Visit their Facebook page for more details and to stay up-to-date on changes and alerts.

When Buying Your Next Home…

Debbie Roney Smith on

One of the first steps of buying a home is deciding between purchasing a newly built home or an existing property. Each has pros and cons that need to be considered to make the best choice for you. 

Newly Built Homes Pros:

  • Brand new construction with active warranties
  • Customizable floor plans
  • Cost of upgraded features and appliances can be folded into the mortgage
  • Green appliances for better energy efficiency
  • Financing is available through the builder, making it easier to qualify for a mortgage
  • Fewer maintenance costs associated with repairs or renovations

Newly Built Homes Cons:

  • More expensive than resale properties
  • Location may not be ideal (lack of schools and shopping opportunities, possible longer commute)
  • Property values are unknown, and possibly more volatile
  • Lacking in character – cookie-cutter design
  • Ongoing construction in the neighborhood
  • Greater Tax Burden

Existing Homes Pros:

  • Typically less expensive, with more opportunity to negotiate price
  • More desirable locations
  • Known neighborhood dynamics
  • Proximity to schools, shopping, and places of worship
  • Older houses tend to have more character as compared to modern designs
  • Property values can be determined before purchase
  • Lower tax profile

Existing Homes Cons:

  • Smaller inventory of acceptable properties
  • May require extensive repairs and/or renovations
  • Fewer amenities/older appliances
  • Financing can be more difficult
  • Competition from competing buyers
  • Neighborhood may be in decline

Business Women

Debbie Roney Smith on
Debbie Roney-Smith

Today is America Business Women’s Day, celebrated annually on September 22nd to mark the founding date of the American Business Women’s Association. Created in 1949, this day is designed “to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.” It was officially recognized in 1983, and thrives to this day as female entrepreneurship flourishes in the 21st century. Below are just three of many local women-owned businesses to support today:

Our very own Debbie Roney-Smith with American Gold Realty, located in Marianna, FL. Debbie offers specialized information gained from over 20yrs living and enjoying the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas. With 25yrs of realtor experience, Debbie is a wonderful choice for your future buying, selling, and renting needs!

Black Dog Cafe. Located in Tallahassee, FL. Women-owned for over 20yrs, this cafe offers excellent customer service, locally sourced baked goods, sustainable coffee, and more! 

Florida Star Nurseries & Supply. Located in Marianna, FL. This is a local contractor who has been operating for almost 40yrs. They specialize in landscaping, nursery plants & trees, nursery equipment, and more! 

Pensacola Seafood Festival

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Music Schedule

Coming this weekend is the annual Pensacola Seafood Festival! From Friday to Sunday, come down to Downtown Pensacola to enjoy the sunshine, music, food, arts & crafts vendors, and more! Kids and animals are welcome, masks are encouraged but not required. Hours are as follows:

Friday, September 24 | 11AM-11PM

Saturday, September 25 | 10AM-11PM

Sunday, September 26 | 11AM-5PM

For more information on vendors, times, and more, visit the official Pensacola Seafood Festival website. 

Flea Across Florida

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Flea Across Florida is here! FAF is Florida’s longest open market going from Jacksonville to Pensacola and occurs annually in April and September. It is sponsored by Friends of Flea Across Florida. Today, September 11th is the last day to enjoy the fleeting journey of flea shopping until next year. Want to find participating locations near you? Visit the official 2021 map here! For more information or to stay up-to-date on next year’s events, visit the FAF Facebook page.

Free Trees for North Florida

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The Arbor Day Foundation is working with Florida State Parks to help replace trees lost by Hurricane Michael in North Florida. If you live in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, or Washington County, visit Arbor Day – Florida Trees to reserve your free tree.

There are four different native tree species to choose from but supplies are limited so be sure to reserve yours today. When the saplings are ready to be planted, they will be shipped directly to your home. Trees are beautiful, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, provide shade, and more!