Newly Opened Businesses, a New Police Chief, and Things To Do

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In today’s line:

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- The Bay Line Crew

Let’s talk about the selection of Pensacola’s new police chief. But before that, if you are new to our area here is a list of city, county and state law enforcement;

Before we get to Pensacola, Milton Police Chief Jennifer Frank has been active in the community and is hosting a women’s self defense class. Limited spots are available but keep your eye out for future dates if it fills up (link in the Around Town section).

Pensacola has a new Police Chief. Eric Winstrom, the soon-to-be former chief of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, Police Department, was selected from a field of more than 80 applicants. He will take over from the current Captain and Interim Chief Kristin Brown, who was asked to delay her January retirement until a permanent chief could be found.

How did we get here?

In 2020, then-Mayor Grover Robinson went outside the department to find Chief Eric Randall. For the first time in the department’s history, an outside chief was selected.

In June of 2025, new Mayor D.C. Reeves asked for Randall’s resignation following a loss of confidence by the PPD rank and file.  This news blindsided many in the community - but no one in the department.

By all accounts, Winstrom is more than qualified for the job. He is leaving Grand Rapids on good terms. He is transitioning from a city of approximately 200,000 residents and 314 police officers to Pensacola, which has 57,000 residents and 155 officers.

If he is looking to advance in law enforcement, he may be looking in the wrong direction. If he is looking for a solid department with strong support and a generous city in which to raise his young children, he is spot on.

But this hire, too, is not without commotion. The local favorite was Captain Erik Goss. Had there been an election, he would have been the chief, prom king, and HOA president. Is everyone here named Erik/Eric?

Anyway, Captain Goss served as the Acting Deputy Chief under Brown and applied for the chief’s position. But Goss had missed out on the mentoring he would have received from a chief, like past captains and deputy chiefs, in preparation to sit behind the big desk.  

If Chief Winstrom serves the nationwide average of 2-4 years as an outsider chief, and Goss leverages his time in the #2 role, he will be ready to take over. Or at least the officers and prom committee hope so. We all wish Chief Winstrom the best; however, there may be no need to look outside the Pensacola Police Department to find a leader again.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Women’s Self Defense Class - February 18 and 25 - Milton Police Chief, Jennifer Franks, hosts an introductory women’s self-defense course. meets 6-9pm on Wednesday the 18th and 25th at Clyde Gracey Community Center. Register ahead of time - 25 slots available.

Seaside Swing Outs - Free lesson and social dance - February 11th, 7-9pm - Odd Colony Brewing Co. For those wanting to dip their toes into the swing dance community. Starting in November, they will be at Odd Colony the first Wednesday of the month offering a free 30 minute lesson and social dance. Find them in the back room.

Glaze and Graze: Galentine’s Day Gnomes – The Makery (Pace) - February 13 | 6:00 PM - Flex your creative skills with this paint-your-own pottery night, guided by Color Me Mine. Each guest will glaze a pre-made, bisque-fired gnome while enjoying a girl-tastic charcuterie board from The Makery. No experience needed—just come ready to relax, be creative, and leave with something fun and functional for your kitchen. Finished pieces will be kiln fired and ready for pickup within two weeks. Also coming up: an Easter Lamb Cake Decorating Class on April 2.

Car Show, Import Face Off - Five Flags Speedway - February 15th, 11am-5pm - The Import Face-Off national car show series will be at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL. The event features include meet, judged car show, drifting, stereo contest, low car limbo, 2 step competition, vendors, and DJ. Gates open for vendors and drifters at 10am, hard open for show cars and spectators 11am.

Pensacola Ice Flyers and Public Skate - February 15th - Pensacola Bay Center - The game is at 4pm and you can sign up for the public skate after. This is Military Appreciation day and military personnel, active, retired, and veteran, can purchase discounted tickets for their entire party at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office on these select nights.

Santa Rosa Beekeepers Association February Meeting - February 19
All beekeepers—and those curious about beekeeping—are welcome to this monthly meeting featuring a potluck dinner from 6:00–7:00 PM. A mini newbie beekeeping class runs from 6:00–6:30 PM, followed by a discussion on swarms, including trap building, hardware, and essential hiveware. A great chance to learn, connect, and share with the local beekeeping community.

A Taste of Ireland – Saenger Theatre - February 21 | 7:30 PM
This high-energy Irish music and dance sensation returns with world-class performers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Expect a lively mix of traditional and modern Irish dance, live music, storytelling, and a touch of Irish wit—all wrapped into an unforgettable stage production.

Mardi Gras Parades - February 13 - Krewe of Lafitte Parade. February 14 - Grand Mardi Gras Parade. Due to the Palafox construction the parade route has been adjusted.

Up Close Magic with Nathan Nickerson - February 20 - Magic at the Gordon - Join magician Nathan Nickerson at the card table and witness unforgettable sleight of hand and impossible moments happening in your own hands, just inches away. This is not a stage show — it’s an intimate, adults-only magic experience where every seat is part of the performance.

Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair - February 28-March 1, and March 7-8- At Five Points Speedway. We have not been to this event but it looks like they are trying to have something for everyone with the standard renaissance fair, Wild West round up, and Pirate Fest. It is a ticketed event. Looks like $20 (or $35 for the weekend) for adults and $10 (or $15 for the weekend) for kids.

Pensacon- February 20-22 - Pensacola Bay Center and additional venues - Pensacon is the Gulf Coast’s premier pop culture convention celebrating the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, cosplay, animation, video games, books and much, much more. The three-day event draws tens of thousands to downtown Pensacola and takes place across multiple venues

West Florida Fire and Nature Festival - March 7, 9am-3pm - Family-friendly event at UWF nature trail that is designed to help kids and adults learn how prescribed fire helps protect forests, wildlife, and communities.

Arts, Crafts and Culture Festival - March 14, 9am-4:30pm - 4750 Willard Norris Rd, Milton, FL - arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, tours of Native American Cultural Center and Native American Roundhouse and traditional Creek stomp Dancing.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Let’s highlight some recently opened businesses in the area.

Hula Hawaiian Barbecue - A lunch plate restaurant (like Pounders - which we also love). This spot has Loco Moco in addition to the usual finds. We have not been yet but the reviews are looking good. 2170 W 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534.

Blackwater Boxing - Newly opened boxing gym in Milton. They have youth and teen classes available as well. The girls classes on Saturdays look like a fun option if you have some no nonsense women in your house. 6835 Caroline St. Milton.

Monkee’s of Pensacola - Ladies clothing boutique downtown - 192 N. Palafox St. - The store is a high end women's boutique that offers the best of clothing, accessories, gifts and shoes through a mix of selected brands and designers.

Bar-Celona - Tapas bar and restaurant that opened in the old Beardless Brewhaus in Pace. Only 27 reviews so far on Google but they are 5 stars. The food looks great and it adds something new in the Pace area. 5642 Woodbine Rd, Pace, FL 32571.

February 12 - The Real Josh Davis @ Amvets Post 420 - Listen Here

February 26 - Brantley Gilbert @ Pensacola Bay Center - Listen here

March 21 - Third Day @ Pensacola Bay Center - Listen here

April 1 - Santana: Oneness Tour 2026 @ the Pensacola Bay Center - Listen here

April 18 - Brandon Lake @ Pensacola Bay Center - Listen here

Thanks for being here.

We appreciate you taking the time to read the Pensacola Bay Line today.