SoundBytes

Emerald Coast // Local Honors

New director creates a venue for all seasons

Photo Courtesy of Individuals

»  The Pensacola Beach Resort has appointed Misty Pacheco to director of sales. Pacheco is managing sales for the property and soliciting new business opportunities for the 161-room resort. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pacheco is a seasoned professional. Her most recent role as the director of catering and convention services at The Hilton Pensacola Beach & Holiday Inn Resort provided her with extensive knowledge of the market, and she has successfully coordinated events for up to 2,000 attendees. Before joining the team in Florida, Pacheco worked in hotels in New York City, where she oversaw group events such as meetings and social functions. Pacheco will work in her new role with the hotel team to secure and host social bookings at the property’s recently renovated 1,200 square feet of event space.

»  Florida Blue welcomes Leslie Moland, MHA, senior director of regional business development, and Ashley Saba, market development manager, to the northwest Florida Blue Team. Providing a local commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the communities that Florida Blue serves is critical to the success of the company. Moland and Saba’s geography scope will include 19 counties across the Panhandle and North Florida. In her new role, Moland will be responsible for strategic business growth and community engagement. Prior to joining the Florida Blue team, she served as a senior leader at one of the area’s largest multi-specialty physician groups with responsibility for business development, corporate development, strategic marketing and public relations. Currently, she serves as chair of the Niceville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Because of her commitment to the community, Moland has been recognized as a United Way Emerald Coast 40 Under 40 and a Niceville Making a Difference recipient. Saba will be responsible for the planning and execution of local go-to-market efforts and community engagement. Before joining the Florida Blue team, she was the business development specialist for a large regional food and drink distribution company and had responsibility for business relations, sales and marketing. Through her career, she has been able to build trusting relationships with key businesses and community leaders throughout Northwest Florida. Saba is an alum of the University of West Florida and has graduated from Leadership Pensacola, class of 2023. In February, Saba was recognized as a 2024 InWeekly Rising Star.

Photo courtesy of individuals

Hotel Effie joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection

»  Hotel Effie, the 250-room boutique hotel located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, announced that it has become a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. As a newly minted member of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie enters the brand’s unique portfolio of diverse and dynamic properties, with more than 295 hotels globally. Carefully selected for hotels’ thoughtful vision and passion, each Autograph Collection property creates a singular and special guest experience through its inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality.

»  Beau Box Commercial Real Estate (BBCRE), one of the Gulf South’s leading commercial real estate firms, announced today it has hired John Porter to join its Pensacola office. Launched in 2005, BBCRE is one of Louisiana’s highest-grossing commercial real estate and property management firms. Beau Box Commercial Real Estate (BBCRE) opened its first out-of-state location in Pensacola, Florida, in January 2021. BBCRE’s professional services include sales and leasing of commercial, industrial, retail, land and investment properties, through buyer, owner or tenant representation. Porter received his A.D. in nursing from Columbia State Community College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State, and a Master’s in Hospital and Health Administration from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He joins BBCRE after spending the past 33 years with Baptist Health Care.

»  Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast announced that Trey Abshier, MHA, FACHE, will serve as president and CEO. Abshier succeeds Bryan Walrath who is now president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County, located in the Jacksonville area. Abshier has held numerous leadership positions before joining Ascension. Most recently, he served as CEO for HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford, Florida. He also served as CEO of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Abshier is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned his Master of Health Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. BJ Fontaine, RN MSN, IHI IA, CPPS, has returned to the hospital serving as chief nursing officer and chief operating officer of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. Fontaine, who was CNO/COO of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay for the past two years, brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 19 years of experience as a strategic nurse leader. Fontaine spent more than 18 years at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast where she served as CNO for almost four years. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from American Sentinel University and her Bachelor of Nursing from the University
of Alabama. 

NEW & NOTABLE

Celebrate Grand Openings in The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Photo Courtesy of Individuals

»  5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf celebrated grand openings with a ribbon cutting ceremony and concert. At 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, guests will be treated to idyllic ocean views, curated retail offerings, inviting wood burning fireplace, an indoor/outdoor bar and captivating live entertainment that promises an unforgettable experience celebrating the essence of coastal living. LandShark Bar & Grill stands as a vibrant oasis of entertainment and relaxation that proudly boasts two bars, each exuding a lively ambiance that invites conversation and celebration. This includes a convenient outdoor covered grab-and-go bar option for those on the move. As guests are captivated by the panoramic views and enjoy signature dishes, they can stop by the retail shop to find a memento from paradise to take home.

»  Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, The University of Florida College of Medicine, and The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton)/Walton Community Health Center (CHC) are partnering together for a new type of Family Medicine Residency program. This is the first residency program in the state to partner with a health department and federally qualified health center. Residents will work in many areas including inpatient adult medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, women’s health and mental health. During their three-year residency, they will complete clinical hours at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Sacred Heart Gulf and in the offices of area community providers. The program is modeled after the successful residency programs at Sacred Heart in Pensacola. Students enrolled in the program will be eligible for Board Certification in Family Medicine. 

HAPPENINGS

»  Vue on 30a has recently added Executive Chef Christopher Mayhue to its culinary team. Chef Mayhue is a world-class chef with over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at prestigious establishments such as Wilson Hospitality and St. Joe Hospitality, as well as the Watersound Club and The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill. He has also held leadership positions at distinguished establishments like Fish Out of Water at Watercolor Inn, Watercolor Resort and Stars Rooftop & Grill Room in Charleston. His accomplishments in the culinary arts include Employee of the Month and Manager of the Quarter awards. Notably, Chef Mayhue has worked beneath Emeril Lagasse, the “Bam!” chef, at high-profile culinary events. With international influences and a distinct Southern flair, Chef Mayhue will bring class and elegance to the dining experience at Vue on 30a, which is renowned for its award-winning views and experienced staff, making it a unique, must-see restaurant on 30A.

CAPITAL // LOCAL HONORS

Photo by Ti Adoro Studios

Award-Winning Woman

»  Ashley Guy, owner and founder of Tallulah CBD Mushrooms THC, recently announced two prominent achievements. Tallulah CBD was ranked as one of Inc.’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for 2024. This annual list acknowledges America’s fastest-growing private companies, ranked by growth rate. Tallulah was also awarded as a 2024 Top 100 Women-Led Business in Florida by The Women’s Edge, an organization that connects, supports and advances women business leaders. The top 100 list is ranked through an algorithm that factors in revenue, diversity, innovation and customer benefits. Since opening in 2019, Guy has established six stores in Tallahassee and one in Thomasville, Georgia, selling premium THC, CBD, mushroom products and more.

»  The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency (IA) was recently recognized by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and awarded the prestigious 2024 Environmental Project of the Year in the $5 million to $25 million category for the 3D-B Stormwater Facility project. The facility spans 5 acres along the Capital Cascades Trail on FAMU Way, next to the St. Marks Trailhead at the Robert and Trudie Perkins Way roundabout. This cutting-edge stormwater treatment system serves multiple essential purposes, enhancing floodplain capacity for sustainable, infill development, and the innovative technology provides effective water treatment, removing contaminants before flowing into downstream water bodies like Lake Munson and Wakulla Springs. The 3D-B Stormwater Facility project emphasizes Blueprint’s commitment to environmental conservation and community enhancement.

»  Leon County Government launched the Targeted Emergency Assistance Microgrants (TEAM) Leon Business Assistance Program on May 23, 2024, with plans to distribute up to $1 million from the county’s catastrophe fund to assist unincorporated (outside the city limits of Tallahassee) households and businesses most greatly affected by the May 10, 2024, tornadoes. Leon County Government will recognize its first recipient of the microgrant by supporting local Italian restaurant, Bagigio’s, with $5,000 in direct financial assistance. Within the first 24 hours, the TEAM Leon program received more than 1,200 applications from businesses and households in the hardest hit areas of Leon County. Requests for aid are still being processed while the community continues to recover.

»  NABIP Capital Area was recently recognized with Gold Certification on May 2, 2024, as part of NABIP’s Chapter Certification Program, which is an ongoing program recognizing chapters who excel throughout the calendar year. NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable health care and related benefits.

»  Oak View Group’s Ryan Fink, event manager at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on the campus of Florida State University, has been named to the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 class of 2024. The Build an Amazing Future campaign designed this prestigious honor to focus on students, young professionals and mid-level venue management. The 30|UNDER|30 program recognizes the best and brightest young professionals as emerging leaders in the venue management industry for their efforts to accelerate the industry and carry it into the future. Prior to joining Oak View Group, Fink, a Lock Haven University graduate, was the stadium facilities intern with the Kansas City Chiefs and an operation supervisor at Penn State University’s Pegula Ice Arena and Beaver Stadium. After joining Oak View Group in 2019 as the event coordinator at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Fink was quickly promoted to event manager in 2021 and continues to serve in this role.

»  Architects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW) has proudly announced the promotions of three team members to recognize their professional excellence and contributions to the firm’s success. The company has elevated Emily Ely, Matt Persinger and Ryan Sheplak to the positions of vice president. Emily Ely is a licensed interior designer with 17 years of dedicated expertise in commercial architecture and design. Her portfolio highlights high-profile interiors with extensive regional experience in institutional, workplace and educational design. She’s executed many notable projects such as the TCC Center for Innovation Renovation, North Florida Innovation Labs and the new City of Tallahassee Senior Center. As vice president of interior architecture, Ely will lead the interior team in developing research-based solutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the client’s vision and programmatic needs. Ely’s human-centered and empathetic design approach fosters long-term relationships and a collective appreciation of the project’s value by all stakeholders. She consistently delivers beautifully crafted spaces founded on creative expression, function and innovation. Matt Persinger is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional with 14 years of architectural experience in Chicago, Illinois, and Jackson, Mississippi, where he led a variety of successful projects in the institutional, community focused, private sector and historic preservation markets. As vice president of operations, Persinger will leverage his project management experience and honed communication skills to ensure each project reaches its greatest potential. His management style skillfully provides detail-oriented guidance to the design team while responding to the unique needs of clients. Ryan Sheplak, a native Tallahassean and creative visionary with over a decade of experience crafting spaces that inspire, harmonize and elevate the human experience, has a unique talent for storytelling through architecture that engages users on multiple levels. He has a proven track record of creating award-winning projects like the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion in Sarasota, Florida, the Florida State University (FSU) Student Union, Envision Credit Union and Tallahassee National Bank. Recently, Ryan led the design team for the new Rosewood Memorial Pavilion, receiving the Honor Award in the Unbuilt category from the AIA Florida 2024 Design Awards. As vice president of architecture and design, Sheplak will continue to set the stage for the creative direction for the firm, mentor design team members and maintain brand consistency.

»  Leon County Government has once again demonstrated its continuous commitment to excellence in public service by earning eight prestigious Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). This year’s awards bring the County’s total to an impressive 111 Achievement Awards received since 2013, including one initiative recognized as the best in its category nationwide. The NACo Achievement Award program honors outstanding county government programs and practices across the nation, highlighting Leon County’s ongoing efforts to set the standard in public service. The awarded programs and projects, ranging from historic preservation to county resiliency, reflect the county’s dedication to enhancing the lives of its residents. For 2024, Leon County earned the following Achievement Awards for exceptional programs and services: Crosswalks to Classrooms – Dempsey Mayo Road Initiative (Designated “Best in Category”) in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Historic Amtrak Building Renovation and Site Reconstruction in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Leon County-Tallahassee Bicentennial Celebration in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Septic Upgrade Incentive Program in the category of County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability; Combatting Food Insecurity in the category of Human Services; EMT to Paramedic Trainee Program in the category of Personnel Management, Employment and Training; North Monroe Revitalization Efforts in the category of Planning; and Risk and Safety Management Enhancements in the category of Risk and Emergency Management.

NEW & NOTABLE

»  SRJ Architects Inc., a distinguished architectural firm composed of architects, project managers, construction specialists and interior designers based in Albany, Georgia, known for its steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable architecture, proudly announces its expansion into the vibrant Tallahassee market. The decision to expand into Tallahassee was driven by several factors, including the city’s rapid growth and its burgeoning need for innovative architectural solutions. SRJ Architects aims to address the specific needs of clients in the Tallahassee area by offering tailored architectural services that align with the city’s unique characteristics and challenges. This expansion not only allows SRJ Architects to better serve existing clients in the region, but also positions the firm to engage with new clients seeking forward-thinking design solutions tailored to Tallahassee’s evolving landscape.

»  Aegis Biz Tech, formerly Aegis Business Technologies, announced its new name, new logo, new website and new headquarters at 246 E. 6th St. in Midtown Tallahassee as well as new regional offices in Panama City and Gainesville. “We have spent the past three decades fighting and climbing to be more than just another tech company. We needed a work space that matched that constant quest for innovation, and we have found it,” said CEO Blake Dowling.