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Best Of The Coast 2009
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Eat Guide 2010
Green Matters 2010
2010 Rising Stars
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2010 Lush Guide
Rising Stars I-Z
 | DOUG JOLLY, 32 Why nominated: He has wisdom and knowledge way beyond his years but hides it well with a great sense of humor. Doug is an extraordinary graphic design artist who is known around town for his originality and his professionalism. His business is also extremely generous when working with area non-profits and special events. On a personal note, he and his wife Karen have taken care of over 13 foster kids until they adopted their beautiful daughter. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Opportunity, 2) Community, 3) The outdoors. Can't help but mention the water. It is a difference maker. What would you like to see in the next five years: Community Maritime Park |
 | KRISTINE KARSTEN, 33 Why nominated: Kristine has always stepped up when there is a need to be championed. She has been a point person to lead the Westside Library reading program for her LeaP class. She was there every Saturday volunteering her time for the children of the Westside Community. Kristine was chosen by the PYP Board to pull together a group to start the successful Pensacola Professional Development Institute. Not only is Kristine an excellent employee that will take on any task given to her, she is a true community leader and a devoted mother. Three best reasons to live here: 1) An absolutely beautiful city with a tremendous amount of potential for growth, 2) The people in our community and the drive that we all share to make a difference, 3) Gorgeous beaches with an abundant amount of sea life What would you like to see in the next five years: Our community come together to adopt the Unified Government |
 | LAURA LEE, 28 Why nominated: Selfless, generous and effervescent, Laura exemplifies civic and community involvement. Laura promotes Pensacola every day at the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Laura is also involved in Pensacola's 450th Founding Celebration planning, the African American Heritage Society Board, Junior League, Gallery Coco and the Pensacola Bay Area Advertising Federation. Laura is truly a Rising Star and someone Pensacola and the greater community can take great pride in calling one of their own. Three best reasons to live here: 1) A welcoming and involved community, 2) Beautiful beaches with lots of water to explore, 3) Fun festivals and events year-round What would you like to see in the next five years: Curbside recycling for the City of Pensacola, not just ECUA customers |
 | EMILY T. LEIDNER, 26 Why nominated: Emily is professional, extremely intelligent, a self starter, and a very capable marketing coordinator. Emily has become involved in several aspects of our community including this year's Leadership Pensacola Class, Pensacola Young Professionals, Escambia County Youth Motivators and Fiesta Forces. She is also the secretary of the Pensacola Chapter of the Kappa Delta Alumni Association. Having spent most of her formative years in Pensacola, she is committed to improving the community and spends her non-professional time volunteering and being involved in the community. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Its southern culture and rich history, 2) Being just minutes away from the World's Whitest Beaches, 3) Small town atmosphere that is centrally located among larger cities What would you like to see in the next five years: People choosing Pensacola to live, work and play. |
 | KEITH MICHAEL LITTLE, 31 Why nominated: Keith joined PJC in the summer of 08. He is a PJC graduate and received his bachelors from FSU and masters from UWF. He previously coached at Godby High School, PJC, TCC and University of Richmond. He was also the Assistant, then Head Coach of the Valley League Champions, Winchester Royals and a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Family, 2) Area, 3) Can get just about anywhere in a day's drive What would you like to see in the next five years: UWF going Division I in athletics |
 | TERRI MARSHALL, 33 Why nominated: Terri is very influential in her many leading roles but leads by a quite example, never expecting anything in return for her spirit of goodwill. She is driven by a true passion of service and the desire to make the quality of life for this community and others better. This individual demonstrates the character, vision and leadership that are great assets to Pensacola's future. Three best reasons to live in Pensacola area: 1) Family, 2) Beaches, 3) What would you like to see in the next five years: Economic Development |
 | MELISSA S. MARTIN, 23 Why nominated: Melissa consistently goes above and beyond helping people. She has been basically supporting herself since she was 15 years old. What she has been able to achieve by herself professionally and personally is a true success story. In her spare time she has raised money for Warrington Middle school's "shooting stars" program. She is a true asset to our staff and moreover our community as a whole. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Close-knit community, 2) The beaches, 3) Great local restaurants What would you like to see in the next five years: Better job market to attract young professionals |
 | ASHLEY MATTESON, 24 Why nominated: Ashley is a miracle! She is truly one of the silent heroes in Pensacola. Aside from work at the airport, she is a mentor and volunteers with the United Way. Before the airport, she worked as the Neighborhood Coordinator in the Community Development Department at the City of Pensacola, where she completely revived people's feeling and actions on the part of their neighborhoods. She will be in Pensacola long term, and she will consistently make a difference. Three best reasons to live here: 1) The most beautiful beaches in the world, 2) Amazing food/culture/history at your fingertips, 3) The perfect size city filled with incredible people What would you like to see in the next five years: A greater number of jobs for young people fresh out of college |
 | LUTIMOTHY MAY, SR., 31 Why nominated: Young, intelligent, energetic, relentless. All these words epitomize LuTimothy. He has spearheaded various projects, including a Voters' Registration Drive for neighboring churches, hurricane relief drives and inner city tutoring, just to name a few. He is a man who presents a tangible model for all men to aspire to. Three best reasons to live here: 1) A great place to establish a new family while raising children, 2) On the brink of explosive economic growth, 3) One of the more beautiful coastal areas in the country What would you like to see in the next five years: Better communication among local governing bodies |
 | Leslie Merritt, 30 Why nominated: Leslie is an emerging leader in our community. She is currently in Three best reasons to live here: 1) The people and southern hospitality, 2) Our downtown, it's beautiful, 3) The influx of military and related opportunities What would you like to see in the next five years: Continued development of our downtown and waterfront |
 | Mike Morette, 27 Why nominated: It has been instilled in him since an early age to become and remain active in the community. He has developed a work ethic that any employer would value. He serves on the Alzheimer's Family Services Board and is Co-chair of the Human Resources Committee. He is Vice Chair of the Chain Reaction Board. He's a graduate of the 2007-2008 LeaP Class, where he served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Escambia County Schools Recycle Program. I'm sure he will continue to make an impact on his profession and the community. Three best reasons to live here: 1) The quality of life in our community, 2) The potential for future growth and development of our community, 3) "Big city" assets like our arts programs, while still having the "small town" abilities to get involved and make a real difference What would you like to see in the next five years: Continued controlled, well-planned, and citizen supported development and growth of downtown Pensacola waterfront in a sustainable manner. |
 | Emily Mixon, 25 Why nominated: The IN shouldn't overlook the Arts. Emily is a very talented singer and actress that is giving back to the community. She is a wonderful mentor for the Pensacola Children's Chorus as their choreographer and has starred in several PLT productions. We're lucky to have her back in our community. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Our history, 2) Artistic opportunities, 3) A real sense of community here What would you like to see in the next five years: A Performing/Visual Arts Magnet High School for the Northwest Florida area |
 | K. Lea Morris, 27 Why nominated: She is not only a talented young lawyer who specializes in mass tort litigation and class actions, but she also has great and long ties to this community through her family. Additionally, Lea has been actively involved in community affairs both inside and outside of her professional life, and she is a great example to us all. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Family, 2) Beaches, 3) You can order Fried Mullet and Sweet Tea for dinner and people don't look at you like you're crazy. What would you like to see in the next five years: A continuation of the push to bring downtown Pensacola back to life, including the development of a plan for additional restaurants, businesses, shops and public green areas as well as more community events. |
 | Samantha Munoz, 27 Why nominated: Samantha is a rising star at PJC. She has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to grasp procedures, make positive suggestions for change and assist in the retention of students attending the college. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Pensacola. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Beaches, 2) Small town atmosphere with southern hospitality, 3) The number of people involved in the community and the impact they make What would you like to see in the next five years: More collaboration between the community and education at all levels |
 | SHARON OBERTO, 26 Why nominated: Sharon spearheaded the Gift of Life Gala, a major fundraising activity for the Northwest Florida Blood Services organization. She is also the recording secretary of the Foundation Board of the Northwest Florida Blood Services organization. She continuously provides enthusiastic and creative new ideas to improve the services provided by the Northwest Florida Blood Services. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Beautiful weather and beaches, 2) The friendliness of the people here, 3) A small town atmosphere What would you like to see in the next five years: A significant growth in the economy and job market |
 | CARRIE C. SWILLEY, 32 Why nominated: Her commitment to community speaks for itself not only from the list of organizations and activities she is engaged in, but also in her compassion for others. What stands out most to me and why she is most deserving of this recognition, is her ability to lead others to get involved and make a difference through her encouraging nature. It's infectious and if you come in contact with her, you will catch it too. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Location to Gulf of Mexico, 2) Educational System in Santa Rosa County, 3) Colleges What would you like to see in the next five years: Maritime Park |
 | JAMES F. TURNER, JR., 28 Why nominated: As an attorney for our program, James is responsible for advocating for the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children involved in the court system. He continues to go above and beyond his duties as an attorney. James epitomizes a rising star. Three best reasons to live here: 1) The amazing scenery, from the scenic bluffs to the white sand beaches, 2) The small town atmosphere coupled with the overwhelming sense of community, 3) The local history and our strong military heritage What would you like to see in the next five years: Pensacola attracting more industry and business to the area so that we can keep the young, talented people who already reside here. |
 | KRIS THOMA, 25 Why nominated: Her enthusiasm and passion make a difference around everyone she comes into contact with. She is the volunteer coordinator at the Currie House, a short-term, residential shelter for runaways and troubled youth and gives two hours each Tuesday for game night at the Currie House. Kris is active on so many fronts in the community and gives 100 percent every day. She sees her job as a way to change Pensacola for the better. Three best reasons to live here: 1) The people, 2) Beaches/weather, 3) Proximity to major cities in the Southeast What would you like to see in the next five years: All citizens concerned about the environment and taking action, including increased use of public transportation, carpooling, and walking/cycling, and 100 percent participation in recycling programs |
 | BENJAMIN JAMES STEVENSON, 34 Why nominated: Benjamin is an attorney for the ACLU of Florida Northwest Regional Office. To that end he works to protect the individual freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. He is an amazing person, firm in his convictions and fearless in his pursuit of fair treatment for all. Benjamin is a member of the Pensacola Young Professionals and is on the Board of Directors for the Arts Council. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Friendly and welcoming people, 2) Beach and outdoor activities, 3) Advantages of a city without the traffic problems What would you like to see in the next five years: A greater selection of independently owned restaurants, especially more international cuisine and creative chefs |
 | CAROLYN RICHARDSON WARD, 25 Why nominated: Carolyn is originally from Pensacola, and with her academic background could have gone anywhere. But she decided to return to Pensacola, and we are thrilled that she joined us. She is active in various groups and efforts in the community and is currently one of the principal actors in the "Leading Ladies" play at the PLT. She is committed to becoming more and more involved in the community as she gets more of her legal career under her belt. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Great People, 2) Arts and Culture, 3) Great location What would you like to see in the next five years: Continued downtown growth and revitalization. |
 | PHILLIP WARREN, 34 Why nominated: Phillip is most definitely qualified for the honor. He goes above and beyond in preparing himself to meet the opposition. He is very professional in both the manner in which he handles himself and addresses others and always maintains a positive "will win" attitude. Phillip has the drive to be very successful in his profession and is a great asset to our community. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Natural beauty of our beaches and many waterways, 2) Hospitality of the people, 3) Potential that our community possesses What would you like to see in the next five years: Economic development |
 | JAYER WILLIAMSON, 29 Why nominated: Jayer runs a family business and comes from a long history of dedicated public servants, aiming to honor his roots through a commitment to unite fellow young professionals, while promoting community involvement, to ensure Santa Rosa continues to be a great place to live and work. Three best reasons to live here: 1) Rich history combined with southern charm, 2) Waterways from the Blackwater River to the Gulf of Mexico, 3) Perfect place to raise a family What would you like to see in the next five years: A contract bringing an automobile, aerospace or wind/water turbine production plant to our region. Or something Technology/Information-based that will bring new jobs to Northwest Florida. |
