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BEST OF THE COAST | Vol. 7, No. 42, October 18, 2007
(Best of the Coast 2007)
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Goods & Services



Still Waters Medical Spa
Winner: Best Day Spa, Best Skin Care
Top 3 Finishes: Best Salon for Waxing Services, Best Nail Salon, Best Massage

Still Waters Medical Spa is a downtown oasis where you can relax and engage in world- class spa treatments and medical aesthetic treatments to enhance the appearance of your skin or body. Their signature massage combines specially blended massage lotion of essential oils with classic Swedish massage techniques adapted to your needs. They use long, soothing, rolling strokes to promote the body's natural healing ability and relaxation. Make your appointment before others fill up their books.    

Bere Jewelers    
Winner: Best Place To Buy  an Engagement Ring
Top 3 Finishes: Best Jeweler   

So you're ready to tie the knot with that special someone? IN readers say go to Bere Jewelers to choose from more than a dozen bridal jewelry designers or go to them for a custom design. Known for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Bere Jewelers' professional staff can help you design that one-of-a-kind wedding band that fulfills your dreams.

Jewelers Trade Shop
Winner: Best Jeweler    
Top 3 Finishes: Best Place To Buy Engagement Ring

Jewelers Trade Shop owners Corbett Davis Jr. and Corbett Davis III continue the shop's tradition of fine quality and outstanding service since it opened in 1956. The family-owned and operated shop devotes its full attention to the customer because it wants to be "your jewelers and gemologists for every generation." From bridal, jewelry, watches or custom design, Jewelers Trade Shop can help you find the perfect gift for that special someone for every occasion.

Pensacola Blues
Winner: Best Boutique    
Top 3 Finishes: Best Women's Clothing, Best Casual/Hip Clothing

Pensacola Blues is a breath of fresh air in Pensacola's sometimes stagnant women's clothing climate. With an eclectic mix of high-end denim, chic dresses, cool casual wear and accessories from brands like Ella Moss, Citizens of Humanity, Habitual and t-bags, Pensacola Blues brings a touch of New York City class to Pensacola.

Radiante Jacqueline Day Spa
Winner: Best Nail Salon
Top 3 Finishes: Best Day Spa, Best Skin Care

Set in the historical East Hill surrounded by live oaks, crepe myrtles, camellias and azaleas, Radiante Jacqueline offers quality European Spa services and prides itself for being on the cutting-edge of beauty through health. They also offer a wide-range of hair care, nail care, waxing, hair removal and tanning services. In addition, they offer massages and sports grooming services for men. Treat yourself and go to Radiante Jacqueline.

Regions Bank
Winner: Best Bank
Top 3 Finishes: Best Place to Work   

The recent completion of the Regions and AmSouth merger makes Regions a top 10 U.S. bank holding company. Regions provides consumer, business banking, commercial and private banking operations of 83 branches in 13 counties from Pensacola across the state to St. Augustine. Nationwide it operates more than 1,900 branches and 2,400 ATMs in 16 states in the South, Midwest and Texas. Recently, Regions named Martha Lanahan as the North Florida Area executive and Jim Donatelli Pensacola City president. Like their ad says, "Expect more."

Sassafras Stationery and Gifts
Winner: Best New Retail Shop
Top 3 Finishes: Best Gift Shop    

New owners Saranne and Margherita Soule have kept the quaint ambiance that won the store, previously Ginger Bender Stationery, a major local following. With an atmosphere that's friendly and inviting, and with an array of unique, high-quality merchandise for every special occasion, it's easy to see how Sassafras has won over IN voters. And the Soules have more in store for Sassafras. They have expanded their children's section and hope to have an e-commerce system in place by early next year. We can't wait!

Spencer Maxwell Bullock
Winner: Best Architect
Top 3 Finishes: Brian Spencer, Best Community Leader    

Listen, interpret, translate. The architects of Spencer Maxwell Bullock have made their mark on Pensacola with their residential and commercial designs. Many of the renovated buildings in the downtown Pensacola area were done under their expert eyesThiesen Building, Don Alans, Palafox Pier Phase 1, Martine's Corporation, Beggs & Lane and Lozier-Tipton.    

Studio b
Winner: Best Casual/Hip Clothing    
Top 3 Finishes: Best Boutique, Best Women's Clothing, Best New Retail Shop

Newcomer Studio b is a terrific addition to downtown Pensacola's growing retail market. Designer-owner Jeni Bailey opened her doors earlier this year and IN readers have flocked to the chic, intimate boutique in the heart of Pensacola's historic district. As low-key as it is hip, Studio b features an eclectic mix of dresses, skirts, tops and bags from national and international labels including Parameter, Max Studio, D.E.P.T. of the Netherlands, Eco-ga'nik and Industry, as well as custom clothing by Bailey.
    
Susan Campbell Jewelry
Winner: Best Fashion Accessories
Top 3 Finishes: Best Boutique, Best Unique Jewelry

Pensacola native and young professional Susan Campbell returned here from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to open a shop that has caught the eyes and pocketbooks of IN readers. Susan Campbell Jewelry is located in the historic Quina South House (circa 1840) and is filled with unique, cutting-edge, but designed-to-last pieces that ranging from $100 to more than $1,000. Care has been given into selecting every necklace, bracelet, ring and earring offered.

Adams Homes
Winner: Best Homebuilder  

First-time homebuyers and young families know that Adams Homes is the homebuilder that can make their dreams come true. With 20-plus years experience, Adams Homes is one of the fastest growing builders in the Southeast and the homebuilder of choice for affordable housing.

Adorn Lingerie
Winner:  Best Lingerie

Adorn Lingerie was an easy pick for IN voters in this year's Best Lingerie category. Pensacola has long lacked variety in lingerie, and since opening its doors earlier this year, Adorn Lingerie has impressed IN readers with its mix of high-end intimate apparel and everyday essentials. Owner Rachael Friedmann offers her expertise in an intimate, upscale environment, and IN readers are loving it.

Artesana Imports
Winner: Best Gift Shop

Located in historic downtown on Garden Street, Artesana has been an importer of wonderful wooden dinnerware, cookware, lamps, linens, baby and wedding gifts and other unique gifts for 40 years. It is the largest importer of wooden dinnerware in the Southeast. If you need a meaningful gift, this place should be one of the top stores on your list, according to IN readers.

Celebrations
Winner: Best Florist

IN readers agreeyou're not really sorry unless you send flowers from Celebrations. Anything less is asking for it. If flowers aren't her thing, Celebrations also features a wide variety of unique gifts to help mend the fences. Of course, you could surprise your special someone and just send flowers because you feel like it, too.

Coldwell Banker United
Winner: Best Residential Real Estate Agency

In August, Coldwell Banker JME Realtythe Pensacola area's largest residential and commercial real estate companywas bought by Texas-based Coldwell Banker United. The sale added the Gulf Coast to Coldwell United's well established business in Texas and North and South Carolina. Coldwell United is the No. 1 Coldwell Banker affiliate in the country. The combined companies have 77 offices in six states with more than 2,400 agents. IN readers trust the companies' experts for their residential, commercial and vacation housing needs.

Cordova Cigars
Winner: Best Cigar Store

Opening a new store in February, Cordova Cigars has quickly won over IN cigar aficionados. The new location opened with a bang, hosting cigar celebrity Ernesto Padilla, whose cigar brands include the new Padilla Signature 1932. Cordova Cigars offers a wide selection of cigars, including some that are very hard to find, and will special order a brand for customers if they don't have it. The store includes a walk-in humidor, comfortable, luxurious smoking area and all kinds of tobacco accessories and luxury cigarettes.

Dollarhide's Music & Sound
Winner:  Best Store For Musical Instruments

Serving 18 counties in Florida and Alabama, owners Bill and Margaret Dollarhide have provided band instruments and pianos to area schools and musicians for nearly 20 years. Their passion for music in the public schools carries over into their support of Bravo for Kids, a community non-profit that solicits donations of money and instruments for public school kids who might have to drop the class due to not having an instrument. Visit their showroom in downtown Pensacola and you'll agree that IN readers have great taste in music.

Elite Repeats
Winner: Best Consignment/Vintage Clothing

For years, Elite Repeats has carried a large selection of new and gently used clothing and accessories. New owner Lisa Compton has built on the store's selective consignment policies to guarantee high-quality options for her customers. Whether IN readers are looking for casual or formal clothing, jewelry, shoes or housewares, they know there are always unique finds at this Gulf Breeze consignment shop.

Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon
Winner: Best Law Firm

Established in Escambia County in 1913, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon is one of the oldest law firms in the area. Today, it boasts more than 100 attorneys, paralegals and staff and recognized as one of Northwest Florida's pre-eminent law firms. The full-service firm has experienced lawyers providing services to individuals and organizations on legal matters ranging from commercial litigation, real estate loan closings, and estate planning to personal injury, employment, social security and domestic law.

Fisher-Brown Inc.
Winner: Best Insurance Agency

Founded in 1911, the largest insurance agency in Northwest Florida is still going strong and meeting the challenges, for instance, of rising homeowners' insurance rates in the wake of an unprecedented rash of hurricanes in recent years. Fisher-Brown, whose parent company is Trustmark National Bank in Jackson, Miss., offers a wide range of insurance products and other services, including automotive, property and liability insurance, worker's compensation, group accident and health insurance and contract surety bonds. It employs 135 people in five offices from Pensacola to Panama City. The established insurance agency ensures its customers, "Our commitment is your peace of mind."

Hilton Pensacola Beach
Winner:  Best Hotel

This full-service hotel on the Gulf of Mexico has become the area's premier destination resort. Hotel guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool, large free-form heated outdoor fantasy pool with its Latitudes Beach Bar, whirlpool and exercise room. The rooms are loaded with amenities: microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, on command video and wireless high-speed Internet access. It may be time to sneak away for a couple nights. Just tell your boss that you're at a conference.

Hula Moon Tattoo Studio & Piercing
Winner: Best Tattoo/Piercing Shop

You know any tattoo shop calling itself a "studio" and whose slogan is "Make art NOT money!" is going to be an excellent, quality place. IN readers choose Hula Moon year after year because Hula Moon definitely does art. Just go to its MySpace to check out some of the colorful, detailed tattoos that its seven tattoo artists, including "Famous" Gabe B. Smith, have done and you'll agree. Founded in 2000, Hula Moon aims to bring respect and integrity to the area's tattoo industry at its studio where the art always comes first. IN readers have judged for themselves and say when you've made the serious commitment to permanently mark your body, Hula Moon should be your choice.

Just Plain Putter
Winner: Best Framery

The 12th Avenue frame shop owned by John G. Bell has been a Pensacola staple for more than three decades. Located in East Hill, the mom-and-pop shop's specialty is custom framing. Whether it be a treasured family photo or an antique tapestry, Just Plain Putter can take care of all your custom framing needsand IN readers know it!

Innerlight Surf & Skate
Winner: Best Surf/Skate Shop
Whether you want a marine forecast, surfing classes or the latest in surf and skate fashion, footwear or gear, you can count on Innerlight to have it at one of its stores in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze or Destin. Yancy Spencer III and his sons, Yancy Spencer IV and Sterling, help run the stores that also rent surfboards of various sizes. This is one of Pensacola's oldest surf shops, operating since 1969. If you need a surf report, call them at 432-3566.

Levin, Papantonio law firm's Mike Papantonio
Winner: Best Attorney
Top 3 Finishes: Troy Rafferty

Right now, Pensacola trial attorney Mike Papantonio is making headlines in a case in West Virginia against DuPont Company, which allegedly knowingly dumped dangerous heavy metals at an industrial site there that exposed about 7,000 residents to toxic levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead. Papantonio, who heads his firm's mass torts division, is known locally for helping lead a $70 million settlement against Conoco for contamination of Bayou Texar residents' properties from the Agrico Superfund site. Papantonio also helped start the Pensacola Gulf Coastkeepers Inc., an organization that serves the community as a public advocate for the waterways of Northwest Florida. And the Pensacola attorney currently co-hosts with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the nationally syndicated radio show "Ring of Fire," which airs on the Air America Radio network.

Montage Salon and Gallery
Winner:  Best Art Gallery

The 12th Avenue gallery, which is located next to J's Bakery, displays a cut glass stool made by owner Cathy Bridgesoil paintings, beaded jewelry, pottery, decorative ceramic fish, a cut glass framed mirror and much more. Bridges combined two loves in opening the business about eight years ago: art and cutting hair.

NAI Halford
Winner: Best Commercial Real Estate Agency

In today's tough and complex real estate market, many turn to NAI Halford for help because of its record of success since 1983. The Northwest Florida full-service commercial real estate firm helps those developing a large-scale project or small businesses looking for just the right office at the right price.

Abhaya Yoga Center Nancy LaNasa
Winner: Best Yoga

The yoga center located on North Tarragona Street was opened in October 2006 by Nancy LaNasa. LaNasa, who earned certification in yoga in India, is a longtime yoga instructor in  Pensacola who began her practice in New York City more than 20 years ago. LaNasa, who mixes traditional Indian music with contemporary music like The Beatles, teaches high-energy, aerobic classes with a flair. Expect a good workout and stress relief with LaNasa or any of her six other instructors.

Pensacola Hardware
Winner: Best Hardware Store

The locally owned Pensacola Hardware traces its roots back to 1851. The owners James Coe Jr.'s and Martin Coe's grandfather, R.G. Martin, bought the hardware store in 1921. Since 1948, the store has operated in its current location on Gregory Street near the corner of Palafox Street. Whether you're a contractor or do-it-yourselfer, Pensacola Hardware is a full-service store that can meet your needs.

Pensacola Pools
Winner: Best Pool & Spa

Founded in 1976 in the garage of Larry Robbins' home, Pensacola Pools has grown to be Northwest Florida and South Alabama's premier pool and spa dealer with seven convenient locations. Whether you need a custom in-ground pool, above-ground pool, spas or pool accessories and supplies, Pensacola Pools can help you. It currently has stores in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Foley.

Pensacourt
Winner: Best Place To Work Out

Open since 1982, Pensacourt's Dr. Keith Shearlock and his wife Linda, an RN, believed regular exercise helped prevent diseases, lengthen lifespans and improved the quality of life long before studies showed just that. Pensacourt's professional staff personalize your exercise program, and then monitor your progress. The health club offers tennis courts, a pool, group fitness classes, including spinning, the latest cardio and weight training equipment, kids programs and much more.

Pilates Core Training
Winner: Best Pilates

Pilates Core Training is Pensacola's most complete Pilates studio offering all levels of training. The studio uses state-of the-art equipment and features a veteran staff, ranging from 11 years to 20 years of experience. Barbara Bruni, the owner, is highly trained in Pilates and even teaches a course at the University of West Florida. Her local TV show, "Pilates Core Training," airs on Cox Cable channel 4 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

POOR RICHARD'S ANTIQUES
Winner: best antique shop

In a city as historic as Pensacola, you're bound to find a multitude of antique dealers. This year, IN readers chose Poor Richards Antiques for its high quality antiques, artwork and collectibles. Owner Tim Hammond offers a variety of memorable articles from various periods both here and abroad. For expertise and variety when antique shopping, IN readers have spoken: Poor Richards is the place to go.

Revolution Studio
Winner: Best Salon For Waxing Services

A first-time winner in Best of the Coast, the Garden Street studio provides all your waxing needs. Whether you're a 40-year-old virgin with too much chest hair or you just need to look super good in that bikini, this is the place to come. Revolution also provides hair, skin, massage and nail service.

Sacred Heart Health System
Winner: Best Hospital

Since opening the Pensacola area's first hospital in 1915, Sacred Heart Health System has grown into the regional healthcare leader. Its more than 600 primary and specialty physicians provide high-quality healthcare to children and adults at its 458-bed acute care facility, its children's hospital and women's hospital. In recent years, the non-profit healthcare organization has expanded with a 50-bed hospital in South Walton County and currently has plans underway to expand to Port St. Joe and Baldwin County. For 12 years in a row, the National Research Corporation has named Sacred Heart Hospital as the area's leader in quality healthcare and winner of the 2007 Consumer Choice Award.

Sandy Sansing
Winner: Best New Car Dealership

Pensacola native Sandy Sansing has become an icon with his TV ads showing him perched atop an elephant and in support of various youth sports teams from the area. IN readers believe "Sandy Sansing Can!" when it comes to offering a good deal on a new car. The Sandy Sansing Automotive Group includes Chevrolet, Nissan, BMW, Mazda, Hyundai and Chrysler in the Pensacola-Mobile area. All are staffed with professionals ready to make your car purchase as painless as possible.

Studio 13
Winner: Best Hair Salon

Laura Darling-Morris is called a trendsetter and hairstyle visionary by her clients at her hair salon, Studio 13. Darling-Morris, who opened her salon five years ago, with husband, Todd, says she takes one look at someone and she imagines a new hairstyle or color for them. Her Cervantes Street salon's artfully placed furnishings and fixtures give off both a retro and modern vibe all at once. It keep's loyal customers coming back and new ones finding their way to Studio 13's door.

Ted Ciano's Used Car Center
Winner: Best Used Car Dealership

Ted Ciano has been a trusted name in the Pensacola car dealership business for more than 30 years, owning Key Ford from1967 to 1999. Now the owner of Ted Ciano's Used Car Center, the so-called "Dean of Car City," offers a wide selection of quality import and domestic cars, trucks and SUVs. With about 125 used cars on its lot, the used car dealer earns the trust of buyers in part by providing a detailed history report in seconds on any of the vehicles.

What Ever!
Winner: Best Place To Buy Home Decor

What Ever! promises an eclectic and affordable mix of home accessories, furniture, gourmet food, and walls of art.  The West Pensacola store on K Street has hand-crafted modern pieces to antique designs. You can stroll around hand-made farm tables, a variety of armoires, lamps, chandeliers, and sculptures. Visit the outdoor courtyard for cement statues, ornate candles, ironwork and fountains. One of the best things is its inventory changes regularly, that's why the store's motto is, "When you love it, you make room for it," What Ever it is.

Wild Child
Winner: Best Place To Buy A Baby Gift

If you're looking for cool, unique children's gifts, then Wild Child is the right place to go. The North Ninth Avenue store features toys, accessories, books and children's and infants' wear that you just can't find anywhere else.a
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