Outtakes 9/9/04

By Rick Outzen

STANDING UP FOR JUSTICE For many of my friends, I am a political enigma. I believe in less government and protection of the rights and freedoms of the individual, but I also have a deep-seeded belief in social justice.

Growing up in Mississippi, I saw racism first-hand in the 1970s and personally fought hard for racial equality. Now that I’m approaching 50, I can’t forget the acts of mindless hatred I saw whites inflict upon blacks and on those of us who dared to stand against generations of in-bred racism. Fortunately, my children are color-blind and the world that I grew up in is very alien to them.

Racism still exists, but its adherents are no longer in the majority. Today’s discrimination is also now centered on those with developmental disabilities, such as mental retardation, spina-bifida, cerebral palsy and autism. Since many of them can’t speak for themselves and are oftentimes invisible to us, they are easy targets for politicians out to tighten budgets.

Medicaid is the primary public source of funding for long-term services and supports for people with disabilities of all ages. Over the past five years states have implemented new Medicaid cost containment measures to reduce Medicaid spending growth and balance their budgets. Don’t you just love that phrase “cost containment?”

In Florida, the Legislature redesigned its Developmental Disabilities Program, which serves 25,361 individuals with developmental disabilities, by cleverly reducing provider payments. Last year, the Florida Department of Children and Families cut an additional $48 million in funding from more than 10,000 citizens who have developmental disabilities.

In Pensacola, ARC Gateway was force to drop services to 118 clients in response to these cuts, and then cut more services in December in response to a reduction in the rates the state pays per client served—even though ARC Gateway had a waiting list of more than 600.
So, while our legislature is trying to figure out how to build more classrooms and a Central Florida bullet train, some of our most vulnerable citizens are falling through the welfare safety net.

On Sept. 14, you will have chance to let our elected officials and candidates for public office know how you feel about our government’s treatment of people with developmental disabilities. ARC Gateway and other organizations are sponsoring a Political Forum at 5:15 p.m. at ARC Gateway’s Pollak Training Center, 1000 E. Fairfield Dr. The more voters who show up, the better chance we have of affecting change. For more information, call Dian Parsley at 434-2638.

FIGHT FAT Stop the presses! There is a study released by the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation that confirms an extra hour of exercise a week could significantly cut obesity—at least, among young overweight girls.

In the study of 11,000 children, researchers compared changes in the body-mass index—a measure of weight relative to height—of obese and overweight girls in kindergarten and first grade. They found that the prevalence of obesity and being overweight among the girls fell 10 percent in schools that gave first-graders one hour more of exercise time per week than their kindergartners.

Based on that, the Rand Corp. researchers believe that giving kindergartners at least five hours of physical education time per week—the amount recommended by the federal government—could potentially reduce the prevalence of obesity and overweight among girls by 43 percent.

I’m still waiting for that study of middle age men that shows Corona with lime served cold in the bottle also reduces obesity. I’ll do all the research possible to help out.
HONORING WARRIORS The Korean War Memorial Committee is well on its way to meeting its construction goal of $350,000. In less than six months, financial chairman Buzz Ritchie and his small committee of volunteers have raised $285,214 in pledges. Their goal is to have pledges in hand to fully cover creation costs of the memorial by this Veteran’s Day. The actual dedication ceremonies are set for June 25, 2005, the anniversary of the North Korean invasion that triggered the conflict.

The Korean War Memorial will stand between the World War I and World War II presentations on the west perimeter of Veterans Park. Keith White of the Bullock-Tice architectural firm prepared the memorial design. Capt. Bob Rasmussen and Randy New have sculpted the three life-size bronze figures. Construction will be supervised by the Terhaar-Cronley firm and their subcontractors, all of whom will perform at cost. The pledges will also cover long-term insurance for the memorial and routine maintenance. If you wish to make a tax deductible pledge, you can do so through the Wall South Foundation—Korean War Memorial, P.O. Box 17886, Pensacola, Fla., 32522.

The Buzz 9/9/04

SCHOOL SYSTEM SHUFFLE The Escambia County School District is in the process of reorganization—by voters. Incumbent School Superintendent Jim Paul beat challenger Bill Slayton by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Of the 113 voting precincts in Escambia County, Paul won 106 of them, tied two and lost the remaining five by a margin of only 103 votes. Paul, now faces Democrat Claudia Brown-Curry in November, and just might become the first two-term Superintendent in 20 years.

Incumbent School Board member John DeWitt didn’t fare so well. Super PTA Mom Patty Hightower won the post in a four-man race by nearly the same margin as Paul—59 percent. Traveling John, the incoming president of the Florida School Board Association, garnered less than 22 percent of the District 4 vote. Out of 19 voting precincts in his district, DeWitt only won the Pensacola Christian College Rawson Center polling place, barely out polling Stephen Embry 206-194.

The biggest surprise was how poorly fellow board member Linda Finkelstein did in her bid for a second term in District 5. Neither of her opponents, Jeff Garthwaite or Pete Gindl, did much campaigning. In fact, The Buzz handled several phone calls from potential Garthwaite and Gindl supporters who were upset that the two challengers would not return their phone calls. More John Kerry yard signs could be seen in District 5 than either Garthwaite or Gindl signs.

Despite her advantage in name recognition and her vigorous campaigning, Finkelstein only got 5,178 votes. She out-polled her run-off opponent Pete Gindl by only 193 votes. Gindl did little to court the absentee voters and only received 16 fewer absentee votes than Finkelstein.

The rule of thumb for incumbents is that they must receive at least 42 percent in the primary to win in the general election. We don’t expect Finkelstein to be the exception to the rule. However, we do expect Garthwaite to throw his support behind Gindl and to help unseat her.

With DeWitt out, Finkelstein nearly gone and Rev. Ronnie Clark missing many, many meetings, District 2 school board member Cary Stidham will have to work extra hard to build new alliances. The DeWitt-Finkelstein-Stidham bloc was successful in handcuffing the administrative staff with numerous workshops and special meetings. It also completely ostracized conservative board member Gary Bergosh. With the triumvirate out, the daily newspaper may have to find a new inside source for its educations “scoops.”

DON’T FIX IT In Santa Rosa County, the message from the primary is: “If ain’t broke, then we ain’t gonna change.” All incumbents were returned to office by huge margins. Clerk of Court Mary Johnson, Sheriff Wendell Hall, Property Appraiser Greg Brown and Tax Collector Robert McClure each received more than 20,000 votes.

Incumbent County Commissioner Don Salter received 61 percent of the votes. School Board members Hugh Winkles and JoAnne Simpson won with 60 percent and 57 percent of the vote, respectively.

The biggest upset was the defeat of former County Commissioner Jim Williamson. Williamson served as the District 1 commissioner until he was forced to retire for health reason. He served as chairman of the commission and was considered a good commissioner. Many considered Williamson’s return to the commission a no-brainer. But Tom Stewart won by just six votes.

The other big surprise was Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Don Chinery’s last place finish in the four-man race for the Supervisor of Elections. With his weekly TV show on Mediacom’s cable access channel and his long-time presence in Santa Rosa County politics, Chinery was considered by some to be the front-runner.

However, he was blind-sided by Doug Wilkes’s endorsement of his employmee Ann Bodenstein, who was the top voter-getter. Also, Stephen Shell, son-in-law of the late popular Superintendent of Schools Benny Russell, captured enough of the school teachers’ vote to land in second. This left Chinery battling Roland Clark for third and Clark still captured 1,422 more votes than him.

BRING RUN-OFFS BACK! What would happen if there was a second primary prior to the November general election?

David Stafford (29 percent) and Greg Litton (23 percent) would be battling for the Republican nomination for the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Mike Whitehead (33.9 percent) would take on Wilson Robertson (33.5 percent) for the Escambia County Commissioner District 1 seat. Kevin White (26 percent) and Steven Barry (25 percent) would be duking it out for the Escambia County Commissioner District 5 seat. Larry Walker (43 percent) would be fighting to unseat incumbent Robert Tegenkamp (38 percent) for the ECUA District 5 post.

In Santa Rosa County, Ann Bodenstein and Stephen Shell would be fighting to replace the retiring Supervisor of Elections Doug Wilkes.
Tom Stewart and Jim Williamson would be battling it out for the County Commissioner District 1 post. For the County Commissioner District 5 seat, John Broxson (28 percent) and Bill Clark (25 percent) would be squaring off.

Be sure to thank you state Legislature for allowing this travesty to occur. For the first time ever, we will have elected officials who received less votes than the Tate High School homecoming queen

W&L 9/9/04

As Election Day rolls around, it’s time the Independent News takes a peak at some of the very important facts readers want to know about our two presidential candidates. After endless hours of research, we’ve narrowed down the lists to 12 essential items each.

GEORGE W. BUSH

1. George Walker Bush is the oldest of three brothers: Jeb, the governor of Florida, and Neil and Marvin, both businessmen, and a sister Dorothy Bush Koch who is a fund-raiser in Maryland.

2. Bush was raised primarily in Midland, Texas, where his father worked in the oil business.

3. His childhood hero was baseball legend Willie Mays.

4. He went to Yale University, where he was a member of the secret society Skull & Bones—as was John Kerry.

5. He joined Delta Kappa Epsilon, a fraternity with a reputation for partying. Among his frat brothers: former Dallas Cowboy Calvin Hill.

6. Friends called him “Bushtail” in Texas, “Lip” at Andover and “Bombastic Bushkin” when he was living in Midland. His Skull & Bones nickname was “Temporary,” when he couldn’t come up with anything better.

7. He signed up for the Texas Air National Guard in May 1968. He scored 25 percent on a pilot aptitude test, the lowest passing grade.

8. After college, he held a variety of jobs in Texas, including working on an offshore rig and a ranch. He also mentored inner-city youths in Houston.

9. He met librarian Laura Welch at a backyard barbecue in Midland in 1977, and they married the same year.

10. He and Laura have twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, who are named for their grandmothers. Both graduated from college this spring: Jenna from the University of Texas at Austin and Barbara from Yale.

11. He quit drinking in 1986, the day after his 40th birthday. He told Barbara Walters that alcohol “was beginning to compete for my affections.”

12. He moved to Dallas in 1989 and bought a stake in the Texas Rangers. He became managing partner. When the baseball team was sold in 1998, Bush’s $600,000 investment had turned into $15 million.

JOHN KERRY

1. The second of four children and the eldest son, John Forbes Kerry was born on Dec. 11, 1943, in Denver.

2. He has ridden a motorcycle since he was 14.

3. During senior year at New Hampshire boarding school, St. Paul’s, he dated Janet Auchincloss, Jackie Kennedy’s half- sister, and he met President John F. Kennedy at her family’s summer home.

4. His favorite movie is “Animal House.”

5. His first wife, Julia Thorne, nicknamed him “Pterodactyl,” because his long face resembled a dinosaur’s.

6. His soccer teammates at Yale called him “Camel” because of his height and how he ran.

7. While attending the Naval Training Center in San Diego, he rented an apartment near the water to be free of military-housing regulations and so he could surf.

8. His favorite album “by far” is The Beatles’ 1969 classic, “Abbey Road.”

9. He takes classical guitar lessons and relaxes on the campaign trail by strumming his six-string.

10. He says he smoked marijuana a few times, but he hasn’t touched it since 1972.

11. His daughters, Alexandra, 30, and Vanessa, 27, talk with their father at least once a day. Alexandra is a film-maker, and Vanessa is a medical student. Step-sons Chris and Andre Heinz joined them onstage at the Democratic National Convention.

12. In 1984, he was elected to the Senate, where he made his mark leading a series of congressional inquiries into alleged drug-running by Nicaraguan Contra rebels; the fate of POWs and MIAs in Vietnam; and the corrupt Bank of Credit and Commerce International

BOTC: People and Places

BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN

GREG BROWN, 6495 Caroline St., Milton. 983-1880.

For decades no Escambia or Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser dared tackle taxing beach properties. Even though island leaseholders were buying and selling their leases for huge profits, elected officials chose to look the other way come tax time. So property on Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach worth an estimated value of nearly $2 billion went untaxed by the cash-strapped counties.

Then Greg Brown was elected Santa Rosa Property Appraiser in 2000. Brown began assessing Navarre Beach in 2001. The Santa Rosa County School District saw its take for the beach properties jump from $3,475 in 2000 to $1.1 million in 2001, $2.1 million in 2002 and $2.5 million in 2003.

Beach leaseholders immediately went to court to stop the tax assessments, but Santa Rosa Circuit Court Judge Paul Rasmussen approved Brown’s actions. Although there are other court challenges ahead, it appears the tax bills will keep coming. For Santa Rosa County the total tax revenue is $6.5 million annually. For Escambia County the haul may reach $20 million annually, if Property Appraiser Chris Jones sticks to following Brown’s lead.

The other top finishers, State Rep. Holly Benson and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordon Goodin, also made their marks this past year. Benson and Goodin teamed together to get federal and state transportation officials to finally take a “big picture” approach to the traffic and bridge problems facing U.S. Highway 98 from Pensacola to Panama City. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: State Rep. Holly Benson, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordon Goodin.

BEST GOVERNMENT AGENCY

ESCAMBIA COUNTY CLERK OF COURTS, 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola. 595-4310.

Ernie Lee Magaha isn’t the longest serving local public official in history for nothing. About 150 years ago the Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and for the past 47 years, Magaha has served as Escambia County’s elected official for the office. No one wears blue bunny slippers in Magaha’s office, which is filled with smart, sharply-dressed administrators and employees seemingly eager to help even in some of the not so nice moments that bring people to the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building.

The nearly 240 Clerk of Court employees and Magaha perform a wide-range of duties, including marrying people, auditing county finances, processing child support payments, managing public records and overseeing jury selection. In a region riddled with poorly run and troubled public agencies, it’s nice to have at least one that taxpayers appear to be able to trust.

Plus, Magaha has the coolest web site in county government (www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us). It is easy to navigate and makes nearly all of the county records available to the public. Want to find out about the criminal past of your new fiancée or civil suits against a political candidate, visit the public records section of the Clerk’s web site. Within seconds, you’ll have plenty to discuss at dinner. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Gulf Breeze Police Department, Santa Rosa County School Board.

BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL TO VOTE OUT OF OFFICE

ESCAMBIA SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5 MEMBER LINDA FINKELSTEIN, 8762 Thunderbird Drive. 476-1805.

Election Day does not look like it’ll be a good day for this elected official. Seems voters are none too happy with the micro-managing, meeting-happy, divisive board member. In the primary against two candidates, who did little or no campaigning, Finkelstein pulled just 35 percent of the vote in conservative District 5. She faces Pete Gindl in November, who earned 34 percent of the vote or about 225 votes less than the first-term incumbent.

Will voters forgive Finkelstein for overruling Superintendent Jim Paul and insisting Islam extremist Louis Farrakhan’s speech be broadcast in a local school—a speech that was not open to the press? Will voters forgive Finkelstein for overturning the name of a new elementary to Molino Park instead of Dogwood, as the students had decided? Will voters forgive Finkelstein for calling about 35 special meetings on top of regularly scheduled meetings during her year as board chairman in 2003?

Those and other issues, as well as being part of the contentious voting bloc of John DeWitt, Cary Stidham and Ronnie Clark, make Finkelstein the pick for best politician to vote out by readers. The handwriting is on the wall. The Finkelstein-DeWitt-Stidham triumvirate looks likely to be minus two members come November. Stidham better hope she doesn’t make next year’s Best of the Coast list. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Escambia County School Board District 3 member Ronnie Clark, Escambia County Judge Pat Kinsey.

BEST LOCAL SEX SYMBOL

MARIA BUTLER, Pensacola Museum of Art Executive Director. 432-6247.

Viva, Maria! Who says museum directors, like librarians, can’t be sexy? Evidently not Independent News readers. Her winning smile and boundless enthusiasm are obviously very contagious and appealing.

Butler has taken the rein of the 50-year old Pensacola Museum of Art and successfully brought it into the 21st century with style and grace. The 32-year-old has worked hard to make the visual arts accessible and has brought the works of several big name artists to Pensacola, such as Ansel Adams, Dale Chihuly and Andy Warhol.

We suggest for its next fundraiser the Pensacola Museum of Art sell Maria Butler calendars. We realize in the age of political correctness that such an awesome calendar might offend some feminist readers (if there are any), but this weekly would buy at least two, to replace our Paris Hilton ones.

The other finishers are IN columnists Mike Papantonio and DeeDee Ritchie, which is a sad commentary on the sexiness of Republicans. We don’t know why most Republican politicos look constipated, but they could get some style pointers from the left. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Mike Papantonio, DeeDee Ritchie.

BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEE NUDE

GEORGE TOUART, Escambia County administrator. 595-4947.

The Independent News likes George Touart all right. However, it’s best he keep his five commissioners happy because it doesn’t appear he has much future as a Chippendale dancer—although he’s shown a few nifty moves since coming back to town.

As Escambia County administrator, Touart has revitalized a county organization that was demoralized and decimated by the antics of former commission chairman W.D. Childers & Co. He has rebuilt the county government by hiring six new department heads, overcome a $5.3 million deficit and added $3.2 million to county reserves.

So it’s OK that Touart has eaten a few too many Krispy Kreme glazed donuts and will never claim Right Said Fred’s theme song, “I’m Too Sexy.” As long as he keeps his shirt and tie on and handles the day-to-day operations of Escambia County, everything will be just fine. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ron McNesby, Dave Murzin, Rick Outzen.

BEST USE OF LOCAL TAX DOLLARS

PENSACOLA BEACH LIFEGUARDS

What happened when the Santa Rosa Island Authority finally decided to spend $150,000 more on lifeguards at Pensacola Beach and hire the island’s first Public Safety Director—Bob West? For the first time in at least 12 years, the “drowning capital” of the world went without a drowning in 12 months. And local tourism officials report beach visits were up 6 percent this year.

In the previous two years, beaches along Santa Rosa Island experienced nearly two dozen drownings, leading to national scrutiny and the United States Lifesaving Association demanding more lifeguards watch over beach visitors. The major increase in funding also led to roving patrols to cover more previously unguarded ground. Pensacola Beach lifeguards are credited with saving 134 swimmers. Island Authority critics ask, “Was that so hard?” Isn’t it worth the saved lives? OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ray Gindroz master plan for the Historic District, Belmont-Devilliers Neighborhood revitalization.

BEST WASTE OF LOCAL TAX DOLLARS

PORT OF PENSACOLA BUSINESS STRATEGY ANALYSIS DRAFT REPORT

Thank you, Pensacola City Council for spending $55,000 on what any taxpayer could have pretty much told you for free. Hear that giant sucking sound? It’s the Port of Pensacola. The tiny, out-dated, uncompetitive port drains city taxpayers of about $2 million yearly.

Still, a 16-member citizens committee, headed by former mayor Jerry Maygarden, delved into how the prime 50-acre parcel could be better utilized. Maybe retail and office space, a cruise line terminal, a boutique hotel or housing?

But the consultants and committee had their hands tied and were not allowed to look at the question of all questions: Should Pensacola even operate a port? Instead of an unbiased view on the port, city taxpayers received a 61-page study that regurgitates economic data, recompiles city financial data, pats the port staff on the back for its marketing efforts, and supports the city’s wasted energy on long-term leases and cruise lines.

This is not the first time a loaded study was dumped on taxpayers to justify the city’s plans. Recall, the city hired consultants, too, to do a study supporting the $40 million Trillium project. Looks like this 61-pager completed in July by BST Associates, of Bothell, Wash., is another one for the dust mites. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Escambia County courthouse complex, Navarre Beach State Park.

BEST LOCAL DO-GOODER

DEBBIE RITCHIE, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area.

Debbie Ritchie is a proven leader. She is the first president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, president of Pensacola Children’s Chorus and editor of the Pensacola Business Journal. What has caught the attention of IN readers is her founding of IMPACT 100. The concept is simple: Recruit 100 women who would each chip in $1,000, so that together they could give $100,000 to a vital community service.

IMPACT 100 has identified five focus areas: culture, education, environment, health and wellness, and family. Proposals to these committees are being evaluated. After research, site visits and other necessary due diligence, each committee forwards one deserving finalist to the general membership. At the annual membership meeting, members will vote on the top project.

Because in 2004 Ritchie and her board signed up 233 members, IMPACT 100 is awarding two grants at $116,500 each. Not bad for a first-time effort. The other top finishers are attorney Bob Kerrigan for his support of the Pensacola Museum of Art and car dealer Sandy Sansing for his sponsorship of the 27th Annual Escambia and Santa Rosa County Spelling Bees. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bob Kerrigan, Sandy Sansing.

BEST CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

FAVORHOUSE, 2001 W. Blount St. 434-1177 or 626-5600.

This is the 25th anniversary of the organization created to help shelter and counsel victims of domestic violence. More than 400 battered women a year and their children come to these safe haven shelters in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to escape abuse and put their shattered lives back together. The organization has a fearless and tireless leader in Sue Hand, the executive director for almost 20 years.

Hand has spent more nights than she cares to remember racing to rescue battered women and children from violent homes. Hand and FavorHouse leaders continue to fight for law enforcement agencies and the State Attorney’s Office to take domestic violence more seriously. In addition to shelter and crisis services, FavorHouse provides educational programs, support groups, victim advocacy, counseling, professional training and other services. The message is more important today than ever, with a record number of domestic violence-related murders occurring in the two-county area already this year. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: ARC Gateway, United Way of Escambia County.

BEST CHARITABLE EVENT

PLANE PULL—UNITED WAY OF ESCAMBIA COUNTY, 1301 W. Government St. 434-3157.

In its second year, the unique event raised more than $31,000 to kick off United Way’s annual campaign. Used by United Way across the country, the event’s a fun spectator sport as well. The goal: 20 people on a team tug on a rope with all their might to pull a 175,000-pound FedEx Boeing 727 a total of 12 feet. The fastest time wins. This year, about 30 teams, including companies and groups, competed in the fundraiser. Both years, United Way officials recorded the winning time in less than six seconds. Get your strongest men and women together and give it a pull next year. Easy as pie. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Wine & Food Classic-WSRE, Life is a Cabaret-Pensacola Little Theatre.

BEST PLACE TO SKATEBOARD LEGALLY OR ILLEGALLY

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA, 11000 University Parkway.

Hills, stairs, rails, benches, speed bumps. Unfortunately, not as much marble was used in building this campus as on Pensacola Christian College. But there’s plenty on this wooded, 1,000-acre campus to put your skateboard skills to the test and give you thrills, spills and chills. Hours of fun can be had, especially on the weekends when the campus turns into a veritable ghost town. Of course, they do have campus police, so you kind of have to keep an eye out for them. Otherwise, have a blast. Woot! Woot!OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Big Air, Palafox Pier/Bayfront Auditorium.

BEST GOLF COURSE

THE MOORS GOLF CLUB, 3220 Avalon Blvd., Milton. 995-9770.

Want a bit of Scotland without the grating sound of bagpipes, the girly plaid kilts or the scary Loch Ness Monster? Then head out to The Moors golf course where you can improve that golf swing, relax in the clubhouse, dine at the grille and stay the night in its full-featured lodge, which all harken back to Scotland—the birthplace of golf in the 16th century.

The course features lush green, rolling hills, stands of pine trees, open fairways, lots of bunkers and two lakes. John B. LaFoy patterned the links after a Scottish course. So inviting and challenging, the 6,900-yard course began hosting the Senior PGA Tour in 1995, now known as The Blue Angels Classic. Amateurs can test their game at The Moors just like all the golf legends who’ve tried to tame it. The golf tournament and its founder Buffalo Rock Co. CEO Jimmy Lee have given back more than $1.5 million to local charities. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: The Club at Hidden Creek, Marcus Pointe Golf Club.

BEST PLACE TO WORK

BAPTIST HEALTH CARE, 1000 W. Moreno St. 434-4011.

For the past three years, Fortune magazine has named Baptist Health Care among America’s “100 Best Companies To Work For.” The annual list includes such mega-corporations as American Express, Starbucks and Procter & Gamble.

Baptist Health Care—which includes five hospitals—is the largest non-governmental employer in northwest Florida with 5,300 employees. One of its entities, Baptist Hospital, recently earned the nation’s highest business honor, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. And Baptist Health Care President Al Stubblefield is 51st on Modern Healthcare magazine’s “100 Most Powerful” list of people who exert the greatest influence on American health care.

The other top vote-getters are Advantage Credit—one of only 69 companies in the country who have entered Inc. magazine’s Hall of Fame for fast growth—and Gulf Power, the regional utility that generates and supplies electric power here at rates far below other utilities. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Advantage Credit, Gulf Power.

BEST PUBLIC SERVANT NON-ELECTED

WAYNE PEACOCK, Escambia County court administrator. 595-4400.

This public servant quietly does his job efficiently and effectively, running the county’s court system. It isn’t easy with funding and laws constantly changing, thanks to Tallahassee’s fine tuners. He has the unenviable task of implementing many of the controversial measures in Article V Revision 7 that voters passed in 1998. Peacock served as Escambia County’s administrator from 1988-1991 and an assistant county administrator from 1985-1988.

He’s not afraid to get involved serving as the Pensacola Junior College Foundation president in 1999. And last year, the plain-spoken Peacock wasn’t afraid to share his opinion on charter government, stating: “The last thing this county needs is full-time commissioners.” OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Tom Dannheisser, Santa Rosa County attorney, Buz Eddy, Gulf Breeze city manager.

BEST LOCAL BOSS

QUINT STUDER, Pensacola Pelicans owner, Studer Group founder and CEO. 934-8444.

The former health care executive is a student of leadership. After serving as president of Baptist and Gulf Breeze hospitals, he began leadership seminars and founded Studer Group. In April 2004, his first book, “Hardwiring Excellence,” was published. It helps organizations create a business culture of excellence. Named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful People by Modern Healthcare, Studer is considered a top teacher and mentor.

His contagious enthusiasm and winning ways have apparently translated to baseball. Studer owns the Pensacola Pelicans, which in its first year in the well-established Central League made the playoffs. Want to be a winner? You might want to check out Studer’s nine principles and five pillars to create a successful workplace. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bonnie Jones, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, Patrick Madden, Sacred Heart Health System. President and CEO. Asparagine volatilize comfit periorbita conscientiousness davenport technically, surfacer! Voluminal repowering sepia wrath pebble hypertonia christianite cymarose odontogram, nonic ergometer worsening. Calcimine.
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BOTC: Arts & Entertainment

BEST NEW BAR/CLUB

THE GUTTER LOUNGE, 3200 N. Palafox, Pensacola. 434-6441.

Armed with a badass new stage and stellar acoustics, The Gutter Lounge at Phoenix Crossing has emerged from the ashes as the best in this category. This ain’t no glorified bowling alley bar. In fact, the crux of the new venue’s charm is its sublime reverence for the kitchy bowling aesthetic, while hosting some of the best live music shows—thanks to Chris Wilkes and Colten Wright from 43Media—this area has seen.

The outside smoking deck is large enough to host a slew of gossipy smoking scenesters, while the inside showcases acts ranging from Mic Harrison to the upcoming IN Music Awards showcase, with hard rocking headliner, TRUSTcompany. The new hotspot is zoned perfectly, so bands can amp up the volume without annoying neighbors. Advice: don’t piss off the bartender. He’s real ly tall. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Paradise, Sluggo’s.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVAL AVIATION, 1750 Radford Blvd., NAS Pensacola. 453-2389.

You just found out that your long-lost cousin and his family is coming to town. Where do you take them? The Naval Aviation Museum, since this is the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” after all. There are old American, Russian and Jap airplanes, an aircraft carrier deck, a World War II camp, a 1940s town, an underwater plane salvage exhibit, a flight simulator and IMAX theater to name just a few highlights. A gift shop is strategically placed in the museum for the shoppers in the group. While the kids roam around aimlessly, you can sit on a bench and watch all the lost tourists. After everyone has gotten enough history lessons, you can enjoy lunch together at the café. At the end of the day when your visitors graciously thank you for taking them to the museum, you can breathe a sigh of relief. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Joe Patti Seafood Co., McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery.

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

OOPS ALLEY AND GRILL, 3721 U.S. Highway 90, Pace. 995-9393.

For some, bowling is a way of life. Like “Jesus,” from the film “The Big Lebowski,” these alley-addicts spend all their free time in pursuit of the elusive perfect game. While these pin-meisters are certainly welcome at Oops, a variety of other activities besides bowling helps to create a family atmosphere for the rest, for whom gutter bumpers are a necessary blessing.

A video arcade helps mollify the kids, while a high-tech golf simulator lets grown-ups practice their shot, rain or shine. If you get hungry, the grill offers more than the typical concession-stand fare of nachos and fries. Pasta, seafood and Caesar salads are just some of the featured items. And don’t worry about someone changing your score while you grab the food, a full service waitstaff is at your beckand call.

There’s no tournament play on the weekend, meaning there are more lanes open for casual bowlers. A perfect score has yet to happen at Oops, so plan a trip and be the first to reach 300. Tell them “The Dude” sent you.

OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Cordova Lanes, Liberty Lanes.

BEST PLACE TO DANCE

EMERALD CITY, 406 E. Wright St., Pensacola. 433-9491.

No Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas anymore. Home to all types of dancing queens—straight, gay, metrosexual, technosexual, whatever—locals know that Emerald City is the only place to totally unleash and get your freak on, either on the floor or in one of those dungeon-esque, go-go cages. With a killer roof deck and various themed rooms, hot chicks flock to EC to avoid those annoying testosterone-dripping, frat boys. If your goal is a drunken stupor, there are regular party nights like “Drink and Drown” and, um, “Bath House Night,” where hardcore heathens can literally let it all hang out. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Islander Lounge, Seville Quarter.

BEST PLACE TO GET SOBER

WAFFLE HOUSE, various locations, thank God.

After a long night drinking and carousing, the Waffle House is the clear best choice to go to avoid that pesky DUI and hangover. After the bars close down at 3 a.m., many a Pensacolian staggers into their neighborhood Waffle House in a last-ditch attempt to avoid throwing up by filling their stomachs with good grease. Not only is it the last chance to possibly meet someone that night, but you can also get some delicious hash browns, double covered, double chunked and scattered for about the price of a strong mixed drink. Your stomach will thank you. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Home, What-A-Burger.

BEST PLACE FOR A CHEAP DATE

SILVER SCREEN CINEMAS, 7280 Plantation Road, Pensacola. 476-4545.

Have you ever paid $8 for a movie, only to realize that all you’re doing is sitting in the dark in a sticky seat? At the Silver Screen, sitting in the dark is reasonably priced—$2 a flick. Considering that the movies they feature were often blockbusters you missed just weeks earlier, it’s no surprise that this theater won the cheap date award.

Economically brilliant might be a better description of this honor. One Silver Screen employee offers some sage words for those who would normally blow $20 just on popcorn and carbonated beverages at some other cinema in town. “Since you’re only spending a couple of bucks on movie tickets, you can spend the rest on beer,” he says. “You have plenty of money left over to get buzzed.” Brilliant, just brilliant. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Jerry’s Drive-In, McDonald’s Restaurant.

BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE

THE MELTING POT, 42 E. Garden St., Downtown Pensacola. 438-4030.

Fondue may be just the thing for you and your lucky first date. If you can share your food with a new-found friend, well then what’s not to share? Speaking of sharing, get ready to talk because it apparently takes time to melt cheese and stuff at The Melting Pot. Luckily, this leisurely dinner comes with a nice, private booth. Your jokes and old stories are sure to go smoothly with little interference from other obnoxious guests. With the time running out on the evening, order the chocolate fondue. If you haven’t said anything stupid, gotten food all over your face, and remained on your best behavior, your first date may just end with a kiss. That’s what they tell us anyway. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Fish House, Dharma Blue.

BEST HANGOUT AFTER MOVIES

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY, 5405 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 478-4547.

You’ve just sat through two hours worth of a spine-tingling, mind-bending flick. How can the night get any better? Marble Slab Creamery. Watching this ice cream mixed and smashed to creamy perfection is dazzling. Everything is pretty much done right before your eyes, except milking the cow. Marble Slab’s ice cream is made fresh daily. And, you get to have a hand in creating your ice cream fantasy. There are seemingly endless choices of ice cream, cones and toppings. Take your pick. Like moviemakers, these ice-cream makers will have you coming back for more and more and more. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Steak & Shake, TGI Friday’s.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS AFTER WORK

HUB STACEY’S, 312 E. Government St., Pensacola. 469-1001.

The title to this section truly applies if you’re one of the thousands of locals who work in the downtown vicinity. Hub Stacey’s is neatly tucked into Government Street in Seville’s Historic District. Once you, your co-workers and pals make it to “the Hub,” you’re sure to feel a sense of relaxation and comfort.

This homey venue has a beautiful wall painting of the city to gaze upon, delicious sandwiches named after downtown city streets to munch on and oftentimes the soothing beats of local jazz, funk or reggae bands to entertain you. While the crowd at Hub Stacey’s may typically be a few years older than your usual bar, they are always friendly. So go on down and join the party—you won’t want to go home! OTHER TOP FINISHERS: End of the Alley-Seville Quarter, Fish House/Atlas Oyster House.

BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL/EVENT

GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL

More than 150,000 art lovers flock to the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, which began in 1973. With fabulous works from more than 200 local, regional and national artists and craftsmen, you can spend days wandering the festival, as you ponder the best art investment.

Leather, glass, canvas, ceramics, photography, watercolors, there’s lots to browse at the November event. After you’ve eyed art, had a glass of wine and filled up on some tasty morsels, pull up a patch of grass and chill to the sounds of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and other musicians who perform live onstage. Not even the Medicis had it so good. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Blue Angels Classic, Pensacola Seafood Festival.

BEST ART GALLERY

PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART, 407 Jefferson St., Downtown Pensacola. 432-6247.

Art good. Art pretty. Art make sloth go, “Wow!” If a sloth like me can appreciate art, so can you. The Pensacola Museum of Art has been bringing its unpretentious vision of fine art to the Bay Area since 1954. Currently on display are the works of Adolph Gottlieb, father of abstract expressionism, and Ricardo Alvarado, a 1940s Filipino-American photographer.

Already showing earlier this year were Blue Dog artist George Rodrigue and landscape photography master Ansel Adams. Coming in October are Andy Warhol and Auguste Rodin. From high-brow to slope-browed, everyone should drop by and check this museum out. For $5, you can’t beat the price. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bayfront Gallery, Quayside Art Gallery.

BEST BAR TO PEOPLE WATCH

BAMBOO WILLIE’S BEACHSIDE BAR, 400 Quietwater Beach Road, Pensacola Beach. 916-9888.

There’s no better place to observe the tragic comedy of human nature than this Emerald Coast hotspot. Witness doe-eyed lasses spurn one another under a ne’er yielding sky. See muscled ruffians compete for a damsel’s attention, only to watch the defeated rogues drown their sorrows in piquant ales. Behold enchantresses of hip-hop cavort with Wrangler-clad ropers of steer. All this for no cover charge.

If you get sick of making fun of everyone else and acting aloof, join the mass gyrations on the dance floor in front of a live band. If you normally feel silly dancing, have no fear twerkin’ it here. You’ll be surrounded by others looking much dumber than you. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hub Stacey’s, The Dock.

BEST BARTENDER

JIMMY @ THE ELBOW ROOM, 2213 W. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 434-0300.

Polite, courteous, and understanding. That pretty much sums up Jimmy, the barkeep at The Elbow Room. Whether you’re just looking to belly-up to the bar, grab a pizza with your buddies, or drink your sorrows away, one thing you can count on is Jimmy being there taking care of you.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the tinges of yesteryear from the tabletop videogames to the rickety old quasi-bowling experience. What you may not immediately notice, though, is the personal experience you get each time Jimmy serves you a cold one. Order your poison of choice, and unlike most joints, he promptly pours most of it into a nicely chilled glass.

Don’t ever worry about pouring, because Jimmy already noticed you’re near the bottom of the mug and is already in the process of refilling it. This is one bartender you can’t help but tip. Bar none, Jimmy is indeed the best. Go to The Elbow Room and see for yourself. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Billy @ Seville Quarter, Mark @ New York Nick’s.

BEST BEER SELECTION

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB & BREWERY, 600 E. Gregory St., Pensacola. 433-6789.

Even non-Irish eyes will smile after one glance at McGuire’s short but impressive list of in-house beers. Brewmaster Steve Fried slaves away pretty much year-round in a 300-square-foot space, cooking up a variety of ales, porters and stouts using the finest of malted barley, imported hops and McGuire’s very own house yeast.

Word has spread worldwide of Fried’s little pots of liquid gold; grain lovers from San Diego to Cincinnati slam back about 500 gallons a week. Even Sam Killian praised McGuire’s and Fried, calling the red ale quote, “a pretty damn good ale.” With the ever-changing choices, your taste buds never go stale at McGuire’s. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Brews Brothers Grill & Pub, Paddy O’Leary’s.

BEST BUSHWACKER

SANDSHAKER LOUNGE & PACKAGE STORE, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 932-2211.

OK, so the federales own it now after busting the owners and patrons involved in a cocaine co-op. You still can’t beat a cool Bushwacker at this beach landmark. Dubbed the milkshake for grown-ups, the Bushwacker is a Pensacola Beach treat cooked up in this brick box. The original birthplace for the drink remains a comfy hangout. But who knows how long the “Shaker” will remain a fun-loving place frequented by millionaires and rednecks alike. Better go get a Bushwacker on the double. Ignore the suit in the corner and just make sure you know what you’re ordering. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Islander Lounge, Jubilee Restaurant & Entertainment Complex.

BEST DAIQUIRI

BAMBOO WILLIE’S BEACHSIDE BAR, 400 Quietwater Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. 916-9888.

Need a spiked slushy? Then Bamboo Willie’s is the place. The Pensacola Beach bar carries more than 10 different flavors. On a sultry day in the salty beach air, one of Bamboo Willie’s frosty daiquiri treats will hit the spot. Willie’s cranks out the sweet treats in a rainbow of colors from 26 frozen machines. For just $5.50 you can try a 190 Octane, Strawberry, Banana Banshee, Tropical Itch, Rum Runner, Margarita, Grape Shot, Triple Bypass, Bushwhacker and Bamboo’s very own concoction—the Willie Whacker. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: TGI Friday’s, The Dock.

BEST HAPPY HOUR

HUB STACEY’S, 312 E. Government St., Pensacola. 469-1001.

“Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name!” And then there are other times when you just wanna get your drink on and dip back to the crib before your better half realizes you’re AWOL. Either way, Hub Stacey’s can be the spot for you.

Conveniently located in Pensacola’s historic district, this relaxing bar/restaurant reminds you of Margaritaville, as you sip on strong-yet-affordable mixed drinks or your favorite draft beer and lounge in its quaint beach bar atmosphere. Happy hour is weekdays from 4-7 p.m., so don’t miss it! But please understand: We cannot be held responsible for any drinking habits created by visiting Hub Stacey’s every evening. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Intermission, Outback Steakhouse.

BEST PLACE TO SEE GIRLS GO WILD

THE ISLANDER LOUNGE, 43 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. 932-9011.

During the peak- or off-season, you’re likely to see women doing things at the Islander that will stop them or the people they’re with from ever being considered for a Congressional race. President, however, is another story… was that Hilary Rodham Clinton lifting her top for a pair of beads this past weekend? We at the Independent News are still waiting to hear back from her people.

All the ingredients for female ferocity are present here. A bar in every room. Check. Rump-shaking tunes on the jukebox. Check. Stripper pole. Oh, yeah. In fact, the only thing missing that really gets the estrogen going is a little male competition on a foosball table. Wait, they’ve got that, too!

One must remember that wild women are like vampires—they don’t appear until midnight. So if you get there too early, the wildest you’ll see is some lady sitting on the balcony railing that’s clearly labeled, “No Sitting.” Once alcohol enters the equation, well, let’s just say you’re bound to see things that can’t be mentioned in a publication read by minors. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Club Static, Flounder’s Chowder House.

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

SLUGGO’S, 2403 W. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 435-1541.

One of the best things to happen to the local music community, since The Nite Owl and Section 8 were constantly holding all-age revivals, is the re-opening of the historic venue, Sluggo’s. Showing that sometimes things do indeed get better with age, the once exclusive 18-and-up club has re-evaluated its business strategy and opened the doors to all ages.

They’re also serving some good food in the process. Hungry show-goers can order a variety of vegan items, including the ever-popular burrito or the newly added grilled cheese sandwich. With meals currently priced below $7, it’s easily conceivable to fill the tank, order a drink and watch a show for

under $20.

What the cozy little club lacks in space, it makes up for in personality, as old “Weekly World News” clippings line the bar and a variety of local and national bands take the stage every weekend. Experience it yourself this weekend, and be sure to wear your dancing boots. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: The Handlebar, The Break.

BEST LOCAL BAND

SUBURBAN SHAKEDOWN

After almost a four-year stint as this area’s “band to watch,” Suburban Shakedown’s front-man Adam Roth hit the Left Coast in August to pursue his Hollywood dream and called it quits musically, for now. So, at the moment, this year’s pick for “Best Local Band” is no more. Almost famous for their “Pimps n’ Hos” parties and regular Springfest gigs—including 2001 Discovery stage winners and this year’s Trolley Stage supporting act—Suburban Shakedown wowed the crowds at the Independent News’ 5th Anniversary Survivor bash in July. The group’s second full-length CD, “Evensong,” hit the Southeast by storm and quickly scored airplay with “Funky Pasta.” According to the band’s vocalist and former IN contributing writer, Roth’s lowdown on Shakedown is somewhat ambiguous. His comments on the septet’s future: “You’ve really left some good memories and I hope to share good times again in the near future. Who knows what the future has in store for us.” OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Mi Capitan, Swinging Dick Traceys.

BEST MARGARITA

MARGARITAS, 400 Quietwater Beach Road, Pensacola Beach. 934-0946

Nothing says cool like a good margarita, and, not surprisingly, the restaurant with that name gets the nod for having the best in the area. Drive down to the beach and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and live music. Try the 44-ounce margarita on the rocks and pretty soon you’ll feel like you’re in Tijuana flamenco dancing with the girl of your dreams. Management says that all customers are treated like family. This proves the notion that the family that drinks together has fun together. A word of warning, though, the downtown branch doesn’t yet sell margaritas. So, for a fish-bowl-size margarita go to the beach. Be careful driving back, though. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bobaloo’s On the Beach, Monterrey’s Mexican Grill.

BEST HOUSE SPECIALTY DRINK

LONG ISLAND ICE TEA—COPELAND’S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT & BAR, 400 E. Chase St., Pensacola. 432-7738.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “First, I’m going to tear Stephen Douglas a new one. Then, I’m getting crunk on Long Island Ice Teas!” If the Great Emancipator were alive today, he’d likely scuttle over to Copeland’s to sample any of their five types of potent “teas.” A Copeland’s bartender says the most popular version is the “New Orleans,” which tops off the triple-liquor blend with Grand Marnier and Copeland’s signature sweet and sour mix.

The Copeland’s bartender also says the most Long Island Ice Teas ever downed in one sitting is six. But beware. It’s a drink that you can’t really tell how strong it is. One can only imagine what would happen, if Lincoln, a famous teetotaler, were to drink six of Copeland’s finest. His Emancipation Proclamation may have included honey bees, dairy cows, cats and overworked reporters. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Flounder’s Chowder House—Diesel Fuel, Jackson’s Restaurant—Chocolate Martini.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

THE ELBOW ROOM, 2213 W. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 434-0300

If you’re ever just looking for a quiet place to hangout, there are few better places to chill than the Elbow Room. Entering the softly lit room seemingly takes you to a different time period. Often referred to as a modern day “speak-easy,” the bar, while rarely ever busy, has a life of its own and invites you to sit down and stay awhile. Just don’t let your curiosity get the best of you, as you peruse the various decorations and signs that litter the area, because you could end up lighter in the wallet. Whether or not you’re enjoying the house special of an ice cold Schlitz, a trip to the Elbow Room isn’t complete without trying the freshly baked pizza served to your liking. One thing for sure, if you haven’t yet experienced the glow of the red lights and golden oldies on the jukebox at the Elbow Room, you’re in for a treat. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hub Stacey’s, Wisteria Tavern.

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT, 3102 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 438-4787.

The stereotypical karaoke singer is a drunken Asian businessman, sleeves rolled up and tie askew, who couldn’t carry a tune if it were in a briefcase. At Hunan’s, however, you might be pleasantly surprised.

The spinning disco ball and Oriental decorations make for an odd yet dreamy ambiance, as DJ Chris Cook spins a variety of hits for aspiring Kelly Clarksons. On a recent Saturday night, a short, demure-looking lady wowed the crowd, proving one doesn’t have to be big-boned to be big-voiced. The petite crooner’s rendition of the country classic, “Lost In the Fifties,” would’ve made Ronnie Milsap teary-eyed.

Even the less gifted deserve applause for having the courage to sing for strangers. And you don’t need to worry about being booed. Manager Alan Lin says the crowd is always very friendly and appreciative, even to the tone-deaf novice. Hunan hosts karaoke from 6-10 p.m. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bobby D’s, Sir Richard’s.

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE & LIQUOR

RICHEY’S EAST, 900 E. Gregory St. or 6895 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 434-0807.

Whether you are looking for PBR, Knob Creek or Yellowtail, judging by the boxes in the aisles on Fridays, many folks pick their poison at Richey’s East. With several locations in Pensacola, Richey’s boasts the largest selection of liquor, beer and wine in the city. If you are looking to add an international flair to your dinner, try one of the South African liqueurs or Chilean reds that Richey’s offers. If shoppers can’t find what they are looking for, Richey’s will special order the drink. Trust us when we tell you that the super sleuths at Richey’s can find anything, anywhere. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Chan’s Wine World, Geronimo’s Spirits.

BEST SELECTION OF WINE BY THE GLASS

VINTAGE GOURMET, 3005 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 434-3279.

The Independent News is stumped about why Vintage Gourmet was chosen for the best selection of wine by the glass. While they do have a few select wines by the glass, such as Callaway Costal Sauvignon Blanc and Brown Brothers Merlot, they have an even bigger assortment of wine by the bottle. They do, however, have a wine tasting “flight” that allows 2-ounce samples of each of the glasses of wine. Vintage Gourmet also gives the local wine connoisseurs a chance to sample wine free once a week at 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Maybe it’s the best wine by the sample? Anyway, whinos, go to Vintage Gourmet. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Jamie’s Restaurant, Fish House.

BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOL

STARBUCK’S BILLIARDS, 22 Palafox Place, Pensacola. 438-9818.

Any day or night of the week, you can pretty much find a game going on at this quirky pool-shark haven. Its 16 tables and state-of-the-art cues make it one of the best billiard facilities in the region. The digs here remind us of “The Hustler” meets “The Color of Money,” although we didn’t see Robert Redford or Tom Cruise. There’s a concession stand in the rear. Starbuck’s specializes in billiard equipment maintenance and hosts a bevy of regional, top-tier league tournaments. If you’re not a player or you’re a sandbagger, the downtown Pensacola pool hall boasts two rows of plush seating for spectators. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hub Stacey’s, Intermission.

BEST PLACE YOU CAN’T TAKE YOUR PARENTS

HOOTERS, 400 Quietwater Beach Road, Pensacola Beach. 934-9464.

Hooters isn’t the ideal spot to take mom or dad, when you’re trying to ogle the delightfully, hot, mouth-watering orange meat circulating the room. We mean, of course, the buffalo chicken wings and sandwiches. A recent field trip to Hooters reveals a surprising mixture of folks, including parents with little kids. Little kids?!?! Of course, the other 98 percent were young and middle-aged men. Hooters is definitely the ideal setting for men to enjoy the company of their buddies, with the wings, televised sports and a little cleavage. It’s OK to get a little loud watching the big game. Rowdy behavior is to expected in a restaurant looking to raise your testosterone levels. However, here’s an insider tip: Don’t ask the waitresses to serve breasts with those wings—that’s a no-no. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Emerald City, Red Carpet Lounge.

BEST PUB

PADDY O’LEARY’S IRISH PUB, 49 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach. 916-9808.

The 20-ounce pints of Guinness aren’t poured at Paddy O’Leary’s, they are built. One of the area’s most authentic Irish pubs, O’Leary’s has all of the traditional nuances some of the other regional wannabe pubs lack (down to its lace curtains and stellar corned beef and cabbage entrée). Paddy O’Leary’s is a perfect pub to down a few pints of Harp or Guinness and watch the scene transform. The Irish have a reputation for being heavy drinkers and heavy drinking is encouraged here. But Cliff Claven informs us, of 23 European countries, Ireland is ranked only 17th in terms of alcohol consumption per adult. After a few pints get ready to sing. The pub has a penchant for breaking out in song, featuring authentic Irish music from Dublin Green or Bill Dossey. Afterwards, you might hear someone say, “Aw, that’s the tune the old cow died of.” OTHER TOP FINISHERS: McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery, New York Nick’s.

BEST SPORTS BAR

SIDELINES SPORTS BAR & RESTAURANT, 2 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. 934-3660.

What better place to watch sporting events than Paradise? We mean Sidelines. With its three big screens and 15 other TVs, every seat at Sidelines offers good viewing for the game of the week.

Satisfy your thirst and order tasty buffalo wings or burgers. If the whole family comes, Sidelines offers dinner specials featuring fresh fish, pasta, chicken, steaks and prime rib. Other entertainment includes video games. Remember, you can go to the beach anytime, but you can catch that game of the year only once—at Sidelines. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hooters, Kooter Brown’s.

BOTC: Media

BEST RADIO STATION

WUWF 88.1 FM, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola. 474-2787.

Sick of hearing Avril Lavigne and bands with “The” in their name, then tune into WUWF. The station has intelligent programs, no wacky, think they’re funny shock jocks welcoming you to “hump day” or “midget Monday.” WUWF features BBC World Service, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, World Café and Click & Clack, among other programs. It’s free of all that pesky shouting and yelling that make listening to other programs such an unpleasant chore. The musical selection is highbrow, from jazz to world music to classical. For the discriminating listener, WUWF is the best on the coast. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Q100 (WJLQ), Rock 106 (WRRX).

BEST LOCAL MORNING RADIO SHOW

JOHN & WENDI—Q MORNING CREW (WJLQ 100.7 FM), 6565 N. W St., Pensacola. 478-6011.

She’s a little bit tongue-and-cheek and he’s a little bit straight-and-narrow. Together, think Sonny & Cher meets “South Park” with a little E! Entertainment action thrown in the mix. Q100’s Q-Morning Crew—John and Wendi—consistently dishes out the goofball humor in an edgy, yet oddly non-threatening kind of way. “Did you hear about the woman who was allergic to her job?” Wendi innocently asks John, in a recent Q-Morning bit. Turns out the lady, a stripper, had an allergic reaction to a brass pole. Seems her hoo-ha swelled when it touched metal. Ouch! Despite Wendi’s misguided infatuation with WEAR’s weatherman Allen Strum, her brassy sass and his witty comebacks are enough to inspire weary commuters and even jaded journalist to return to the once-fallen Q100. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Marty & Linda—WXBM 102.7 FM, Max Howell & Scott Moore—WTKE 98.1 FM The Ticket.

BEST COUNTRY RADIO STATION

WXBM 102.7 FM, 6085 Quintette Road, Pace. 994-5357.

Sure, it’s the home of radio personalities Marty White and Linda Lawrence, but WXBM has entertained country music fans way before they arrived nearly 13 years ago. WXBM began April 28, 1964. Forty years later, it boasts a daily audience of about 145,200. The station is the same format it was then as it is now—traditional country music, playing the hits of George Strait, Martina McBride, Hank Williams Jr. and the like. WXBM is recognized as “today’s best and most country,” not only by Independent News readers but ratings that have made it the No. 1 station in Pensacola since 1992 in many key demographics. We’re certain many listeners tune in, not only for the music, but to hear Linda’s latest crazy story and Marty’s deft solving of her problems. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Cat Country WYCT 98.7 FM, 95KSJ WKSJ 94.9 FM.

BEST ROCK/POP RADIO STATION

TK101 (WTKX 101.5 FM), 6485 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola. 473-0400.

So you’re on your daily commute home from work, your boss pissed you off, you missed your deadline by a couple of hours, and now you’re stuck on Interstate 10 in rush hour traffic. What a day. Scanning through the radio stations, all you hear is peppy pop songs about how happy everyone is and how great love is. This sappy crap sucks. This isn’t what life is really about! Just about then is when your radio tunes in TK101. You can forget about throwing that brick on your floorboard through the window of the car behind you that keeps honking its horn. You’re upset, it’s understandable, but TK101 has the remedy. The Work Release Program with Mark the Shark. Playing the heaviest shit your ears can handle all day and night, it’s no wonder TK has become such a favorite of commuters and young adults looking for a way to unleash that pent up anger. TK’s hourly contests, live remotes, special programming and entertaining DJs, make it obvious why one competitor started playing classic R&B recently. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Q100 WJLQ 100.7 FM, Soft Rock 94.1 WMEZ.

BEST RADIO STATION TO LISTEN TO AT WORK

SOFT ROCK 94.1 (WMEZ), 1101 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Suite 102, Gulf Breeze. 916-9222.

Whether you’re driving the delivery car from house to house or sitting in your cubicle with your head down, there’s only one choice for relaxing music to listen to while on the job, Pensacola’s Soft Rock 94.1. Playing a variety of easy listening hits from yesterday and today, they keep the music upbeat and the conversation light. During a normal work day, you can expect to hear everything from Lionel Richie to Sheryl Crow and maybe even a little “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. The thing that makes 94.1 special is the positivity you gain from your listening experience. Unless you are the most jaded of the jaded, how can you not feel enlightened upon hearing an instant classic such as “Total Eclipse of the Heart”? Unlike most stations where the current hits are shoved down your throat every couple of hours, 94.1 is known for both their diversity of selections and the bare minimum amount of repeats throughout the day. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Q100 100.7 FM (WJLQ), WUWF 88.1 FM.

BEST LOCAL RADIO DJ

MARTY WHITE—WXBM 102.7 FM

Man, can this feller spin a story. Marty White, the good ol’ boy half of the Marty and Linda morning show on WXBM, has been on-air for over 25 years. And we love ‘em. Get him chatting about golfing or Five Flags Speedway and the man is like the “Prairie Home Companion” dude high on caffeine. The lovely Linda lassos the long-winded yarn-spinner in with her hardnosed comments and contagious, hearty laugh. Sometimes Marty goes off on tangents and takes listeners on a journey to Never-Never Land. But even when it seems the morning show veteran is off his rocker, he slips in a zinger to make the trip worthwhile. Mornings wouldn’t be the same without him. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Lisa Cagle—96.1 The Rocket (WRKH), Ray-Ray—93BLX (WBLX).

BEST LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR

SUE STRAUGHN—WEAR, 4990 Mobile Highway, Pensacola. 456-3333.

Geez, does this woman ever age? We haven’t found any evidence that she does, whether she’s a chain-smoker or not. Clearly, if you’ve lived in the Pensacola area for any amount of time over the last two decades, then you’ve viewed WEAR news broadcasts with Straughn at the helm (Yes, it’s the same old Sue).

Some news anchors, especially on cable networks, smile it up and ham-and-egg you until you’re nauseous, but Sue drops the same professional, dead-pan delivery on viewers every time. She’s held numerous positions at the TV station since 1973. Besides her outstanding broadcasting work, charm and obvious good looks, Straughn is an active community leader with a list of awards longer than her arms. Check her out on the evening news—even her daily wardrobe gets plugged during the credits. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bob Solarski—WEAR, Mollye Barrows—WEAR “3 In the Morning.”

BEST SCANDAL OF LAST YEAR

SANDSHAKER DRUG RING

Federal and local drug agents supposedly investigated this drug ring for three years, netting more than 50 locals. U.S. Attorney Tom Swaim claims that Mitchell “Jackie” Seale brought 4 to 11 pounds of cocaine from South Florida and distributed it every five or six weeks. If true, the cocaine ring translates into a $384,000 to $1.35 million drug operation a year. Seale, the kingpin who earned a 15-year sentence, alleges he only distributed about 1.7 pounds of cocaine a month, the bulk of it he used himself. Nevertheless, the probe headed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration captured locals attention because of the prominent citizens it netted, such as Charles Switzer, a former Lamar Advertising exec, Linda and Robert Murphy, Sandshaker owners, and local attorney Kelly McGraw. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: John DeWitt’s Florida Ethics Commission investigation, Ronnie Clark’s residency issue, since his appointment to pastor at a Winter Haven church.

BOTC: Dining

BEST RESTAURANT MORE THAN 10-YEARS-OLD

SKOPELOS ON THE BAY, 670 Scenic Highway, Pensacola. 432-6565.

Overlooking Pensacola Bay on the bluffs is Gus Silivos’ Skopelos — a restaurant fixture for 44 years now. The excellent, courteous service, lavish dining setting and great atmosphere make Skopelos an exquisite choice among Pensacola’s fine dining connoisseurs. You can just about ask anyone in town for a review, and they will tell you it’s one of the best around. Even a few well-known out-of-towners like President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, give it two thumbs up.

You can’t go wrong with Skopelos’ lobster tails with saffron sauce as an appetizer, Grouper Bay Bluffs (pecan-encrusted grouper with Jack Daniel’s sauce) as an entrée, and for dessert, a chocoholic’s dream, the Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis. Skopelos specializes in fish, using only the freshest, which Silivos personally inspects and chooses daily. Scamp Cervantes is one of its signature dishes and other menu selections feature veal, certified Angus beef and chicken. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: The Angus, McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPEN SINCE JANUARY 2003)

THE GLOBAL GRILL, 27 South Palafox St., 469-9966

There are few original restaurants in Pensacola. Want a steak or fried shrimp? Then you can find a chain eatery within minutes of your house. And we’ve got Chinese buffets and Mexican restaurants on nearly every corner.

The Global Grill is truly unique. Chef Frank Taylor and his wife Jane have brought tapas to Pensacola. Tapas are small portions of food which are served as part of the social scene in Spain. The patrons are encouraged to order several tapas and share them while discussing world events, romance or the latest gossip.

Dining at the Global Grill is as much about the table conversation as it is the food, but you won’t be disappointed by the menu. The IN staffers are Tuesday night regulars at The Global Grill. Each week we order a different tapa and have yet to make it through the entire menu.

To date, our two favorites are Sesame-Garlic Seared Mahi over Asian Slaw with Tempura Asparagus and Baby Warm Water Lobster Tail in a Garlic Butter Cream. You can’t go wrong with either.

The other top finishers are the two new Pensacola Beach restaurants: Hemmingway’s —who’s rooftop bar alone earns its spot—and H2O—the Hilton Garden Inn’s unique restaurant that combines Cajun and Asian culinary traditions. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hemmingway’s, H2O.

BEST RESTAURANT—PENSACOLA

FISH HOUSE, 600 Barracks St., Pensacola. 470-0003.

The Fish House has won the IN readers’ hearts and appetites for the second consecutive year. This waterfront restaurant has become the place to go to enjoy good food, experience casual dockside dining in historic downtown and rub shoulders with national celebrities and local shakers-and-movers.

The Fish House keeps regulars happy and draws new patrons with such original dishes, as its signature Grits A Ya Ya and Mahi Havana. The food remains a cut above with a sushi bar, weekly specials and a Thai night every Tuesday. If you have out-of-town company (and we know y’all all get them) then Fish House is a must dining experience where they can relish creative Southern cooking and fresh local seafood in a light-hearted atmosphere. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dharma Blue, Jackson’s Restaurant.

BEST RESTAURANT—GULF BREEZE

AEGEAN BREEZE, 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze. 916-0430.

You’ll feel like Zorba the Greek after a stint in this top-notch Mediterranean paradise. Aegean Breeze has been around for seven years, and lunch and dinner crowds get bigger every year. A full selection of Greek cheeses, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, seafood, Black Angus steaks and desserts makes Aegean Breeze the ideal spot for date night or a mid-week treat. Open Monday through Saturday, Aegean Breeze doesn’t serve beer or wine, but the owners invite diners to bring their own bottles to enjoy with their meals.

You’ll feel as big as a stuffed grape leaf as you roll out of Aegean Breeze, but trust us, you’ll be back for more — just as soon as you can fasten your trousers again. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bon Appetit, Cancun Mexican Grill.

BEST RESTAURANT—NORTH PENSACOLA

NEW MARKET STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD GRILL, 1 New Market St., Pensacola. 505-0098.

This three-year-old burgeoning steakhouse has more weekly dining and entertainment options than a Black Angus has stomachs. Locally owned by Danny and Rhonda Cobb, New Market Steakhouse & Seafood Grill serves fresh, made-from-scratch dishes in an elegant, country dining atmosphere.

Fill up on your protein allotment for the week with its great steak menu. Make sure to leave some room for the enticing selection of homemade desserts. There’s also a covered courtyard with a huge 61-inch big screen for Monday night football games. Wednesday nights are for karaoke. New Market also offers happy hour from 3-7 p.m. daily. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Cock of the Walk, Founaris Brothers.

BEST RESTAURANT—PENSACOLA BEACH

PEG LEG PETE’S OYSTER BAR, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. 932-4139. This Pensacola Beach treasure is off the beaten path, away from the commercial core of Santa Rosa Island. But IN readers have no trouble finding this Sound-front restaurant that overlooks a marina. Beach casual is the dress code—duh! Remember this is Pensacola Beach. But there is nothing casual or ordinary about Peg Leg’s menu that includes a variety of oyster dishes, fried and steamed fish, crab and shrimp and Cajun specialties—and heaps of it. The bar is stocked with more than 20 beers on tap and a bevy of frozen treats. Bring the kids because Peg Leg’s offers specials for “little buccaneers.” Several large tables outside can easily accommodate big parties. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hemmingway’s, H2O.

BEST RESTAURANT—MILTON/PACE

NICHOL’S SEAFOOD Robinson Point Rd., Milton, 623-3410

If you‘re looking for some down-home country cooking (and what else would you expect in Milton?), the locals all agree that Nichol‘s Seafood is the best of all (and yes, there are more than three.) Located near the Garcon Point Bridge on Avalon, Nichol’s serves up some of the freshest seafood on the Gulf Coast. And the over 55 crowd will love the great seniors’ specials. But don’t even try to get in here on a Saturday night. Or Sunday after church. Heck, you might just have to wait until a Milton High Football game to beat out the locals. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Chet’s Seafood, Texas Roadhouse.

BEST RESTAURANT—FORT WALTON BEACH/DESTIN

HARBOR DOCKS, 538 Highway 98, E. Destin. 850-837-2506.

Located in a Marina, Harbor Docks is where the locals and visitors alike go to chow down. The restaurant, which is also located on the strip, has an atmosphere that rivals other family seafood restaurants. The décor may remind you of a rustic shack, similar to old fishing piers. The food, which is primarily seafood, is also geared toward land lovers, with steaks and chicken available. In the mood for raw fish? Harbor Docks has that, too. Using a similar sushi menu to Dharma Blue in Pensacola, Harbor Docks has a wide selection of sushi items. Destin may be where the rich come to play, and Harbor Docks has its fair share of the well-to-do, but also families enjoy the atmosphere. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Back Porch, Seagar’s.

BEST RESTAURANT—WEST PENSACOLA/PERDIDO KEY

RYAN’S CATCH 10121 Sinton Drive, Perdido, 492-0333.

A Perdido Key staple, this laid back restaurant offers elegant dining in a casual dockside setting. You can get there by land or pull your dinghy right up to the dock. Shrimp, grouper, oysters…you name it, they’ve got it, served any way you like it, fried, grilled or blackened. Seating is available inside or out, with a view of the water that would make Jimmy Buffet green with envy. We suggest kicking back on the deck with an ice-cold Corona (with lime) and enjoying the beautiful sunsets. Just don’t let them bring you a glass. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Crab Shack, Voyager Restaurant.

BEST ORIGINAL MENU

GLOBAL GRILL, 25 S. Palafox Place, Downtown Pensacola. 469-9966.

Original can only begin to describe Global Grill, a place that is know for its tapas. The idea of tapas was relatively foreign to locals before Chef/Owner Frank Taylor decided to open a restaurant dedicated to serving them. If you’re in the mood for sharing food, Global Grill is the place. Tapas are similar to appetizers, and there’s enough for everyone to share a little from each plate. Not only does Global Grill serve tapas, but they also serve main entrees as well. Some of the various items that can be found on the menu are Fried Stuffed Artichokes with Boursin Cheese, Tuna Cubes Skewered in Sesame Vinaigrette, and Filet Mignon. So if you’re in the mood for a wide selection of food, grab some friends and head down to Global Grill. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dharma Blue, Vintage Gourmet.

BEST BAKERY

J’S PASTRY SHOP, 2014 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. 432-4180.

Through five owners and 57 years, this Pensacola original on the corner of 12th and Jordan continues to satisfy the sweet tooth of locals without breaking the bank. And throughout the years, the fresh-baked cinnamon bread, French bread and pound cakes remain the main staple of Pensacolian’s diet-be-damned binges. Don’t forget the 25-cent cookies, including Fudge Fancies, chocolate bars, fruit bars and Mexican wedding cookies. For a quarter you can also get a glazed donut. Current owner Gabe Neyra, who bought J’s three years ago, continues to pack in second- and third-generation customers into the neighborhood bakery with mouth-watering sugary treats and friendly service. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Napoleon Bakery, O’Brien’s Bakery.

BEST BREAKFAST

THE COFFEE CUP, 520 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 475-8048.

Remember weekend mornings when you were growing up, smelling the aroma of a hot delicious breakfast, creeping into your bedroom, urging you not to be such a lazy bum, and to come join the folks at the table? That’s the same smell you’ll enjoy when you come within a few feet of the door of The Coffee Cup.

Whatever your morning fix may be—grits, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, hashbrowns, or just a steamy cup of java—The Coffee Cup will hook you up right and get your day off on a roll. Read the morning paper, chat with the staff, or talk to your local city officials because they’re probably there grubbing, too. Whatever happens, you’re almost sure to leave smiling and refreshed. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Scenic 90 Cafe, Village Inn.

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT, 3102 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 438-7641.

William and Linda Yang have created an East Pensacola hot spot that transcends the typical Chinese dining experience. In a town where Chinese restaurants can be found on nearly every street corner, Hunan has earned the admiration of IN readers for the second consecutive year. Hunan’s freshly prepared buffet satisfies its regulars with more than 50 scrumptious dishes including General Tsao’s chicken, sesame meatballs, shrimp tempura, egg foo yung and cashew chicken. The items are always hot and fresh. Another crowd pleaser is the noodle soup bar where customers create their own soups from an endless variety of ingredients and broth. There are also full salad and dessert bars. If you aren’t fat and happy after eating at Hunan, then it’s your own fault. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hong Kong Restaurant, Panda China Buffet.

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

FIRE MOUNTAIN 9006 Pensacola Blvd., 478-4561.

At Fire Mountain, you’ll find families of all shapes and sizes just waiting to dig in. Even your pickiest child will find something to enjoy. Kids love all the choices (especially that dessert bar), and parents can manage to throw a vegetable or two underneath the mounds of mashed potatoes and chicken fingers. As an added bonus, little Suzie‘s mouth will be so full you won‘t have to listen to her complain for upwards of 10 minutes at a time! OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Barnhill’s Buffet, Gus’s Shuck Shack

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

TRE FRATELLI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT, 304 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. 438-3663.

As much as your bachelor pals will try to convince you otherwise, Chef Boyardee is not the epitome of Italian cuisine. The food at Tre Fratelli’s, on the other hand, is delicious, authentic and imaginative, and it doesn’t come in a can.

The dining room inside offers a personality that can only come from its being a historic home, but to really get a feel of how they feast in the old country, dine alfresco. Seville Park is across the street, and you wouldn’t be the first one inspired by the ambiance to start bellowing “That’s Amore” to stunned fellow patrons.

The brothers who are the namesake of Tre Fratelli’s have been cooking food like their mama taught ‘em for over three years now. They’re very friendly guys who don’t hesitate to stop by the table and make sure everything’s delicious. So if your idea of Italian food is microwaved ravioli stuffed with Alpo-esque beef, visit Tre Fratelli’s and get educated. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant.

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, 312 E. Nine Mile Rd., Pensacola. 479-9111.

After watching “Iron Chef,” you might get the impression that Japanese cuisine consists only of squirmy animals and questionable-looking flora. If you’re seeking authentic Oriental food but you’re not quite ready to eat something whose name you can’t pronounce, then Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse is for you.

With a selection of filet mignon, chicken and seafood, the hibachi chefs cater to a variety of tastes. They’re also quite skilled at visually awing spectators, as knives and spatulas flip about like juggler’s pins.

Try a glass of Oriental wine from their fully stocked bar to get your date gushing like a geisha.

Sushi is the Tokyo Steakhouse’s specialty, so whether you’re a seasoned wasabi pro or a newcomer who’s feeling adventurous, there’s a roll for you. Barbequed eel and quail eggs are a lot tastier than the typical Big Mac addict would assume, so stop by and expand your Eastern horizons. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Horizen Restaurant, Yamato Japanese Restaurant.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

CANCUN’S, 1385 Shoreline Dr., Gulf Breeze. 916-4520.

Located near the high school in Gulf Breeze, Cancun’s has all the authentic Mexican cuisine you could ask for at rock bottom prices. In fact, it’s been there longer than any other restaurant we can remember. Besides your typical soft tacos and burritos, treat yourself to some carne asada, chimichangas or enchiladas. And if you’re a soccer fan (or futbol as they say at Cancun’s) you’ll be right at home, with several big screens constantly tuned into the Spanish-speaking countries’ favorite sport. You may not always be able to understand your waiter or waitress, but they’ll serve you with a smile and make sure you’re well taken care of. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: LaHaceinda Mexican Restaurant, Monterrey’s Mexican Grill.

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

FISH HOUSE, 600 Barracks St., Pensacola. 470-0003.

Overlooking Pitt Slip Marina and Bartram Park with a view of Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola Bay Bridge, these sister restaurants out-distance many competitors when it comes to picturesque views. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, these fine eateries with casual personalities draw diners year-round.

If the tableside conversation lulls, your eyes can wander and perhaps catch a distant storm crossing the bay, charter boats and yachts docking at the marina or blue herons gracefully pulling up their dinner. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Flounder’s Chowder House, Gus’s Shuck Shack

BEST PLACE TO EAVESDROP

THE COFFEE CUP, 520 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 475-8048.

If you’ve ever seen the old sitcom “Alice,” then you understand how friendly and comfortable one can get by visiting the same diner every morning. Indeed, folks love The Coffee Cup, and they go there with their friends and family feeling free to blab away about their successes, fears, problems or relationships.

But here’s the thing about this place that makes a gossip columnist’s juices flow: the tables are only about three feet from one another, allowing anyone who doesn’t talk low) to overhear them. Just be sure to keep the conversation light and rated PG because you never know who’s sitting at the next table. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bagelheads, Fish House.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A CHEAP MEAL

JOEY PATTI’S SEAFOOD DELI, 610 S. “A” St., 434-3193.

The best cheap meal in town is associated with the name Patti? The irony is stronger than the fish. Tax evasion and amnesia aside, this hole in the wall dinner behind Bell Steel is a great deal for lunch or dinner. For a little over 6 bucks you can get a filling lunch, and $10 will get you a dinner. Get fried grouper and shrimp, marinated crab claws and more fresh off the boat. Or try the crab burger for only $4.50. Spongebob couldn’t make it any better. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Barnhill’s Buffet, H & O Café.

BEST RESTAURANT TO SPLURGE

JACKSON’S RESTAURANT, 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. 469-9898.

Irv Miller is one of Pensacola’s resident culinary geniuses. His restaurant, Jackson’s, won Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award in 2001 and 2002 as one of Florida’s Top 25 restaurants.

For the appetizer, try the Fried Wontons with Sashimi tuna, Asian salsa, wasabi and red chile sauces. For your main course, a favorite is the Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin stacked with lump crab, artichokes and roasted sweet peppers. End your meal with Crème Brulee torched at your tableside. You can blow your paycheck there but for a wow-factor like no other in Pensacola, Jackson’s is worth every hard-earned buck. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hemmingway’s, Jamie’s Restaurant.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

BOBALOO’S ON THE BEACH, 659 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola Beach. 934-3434.

After a long day, unwind by popping a cold one and watching the sun melt below the horizon from Bobaloo’s on Pensacola Beach. Worries quickly drift away. It is well worth paying the $1Bob Sikes Bridge toll to take in the night and watch the charter boats float into Little Sabine Bay. While at Bobaloo’s, you can enjoy the largest seafood platter on the coast, which includes fried catfish, fried gulf shrimp, boiled shrimp, fried oysters and stuffed crab. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Just what your mental health experts recommend after another chaotic work day. OTHER TOP FINSHERS: Crabs We Got ’Em, Hemmingway’s.

BEST ROMANTIC DINING

THE MELTING POT, 42 E. Garden St., Downtown Pensacola. 438-4030.

The diamond ring just got back from the jeweler, and the big day is here. Where do you take that special someone? It has to be the Melting Pot. The night will be one to remember. While you share your appetizer, you gaze lovingly into the eyes of your partner, you think about the moment to propose. By the time you have finished sharing your main course, you can’t stand the excitement any longer. You bring the server to the side and have them place the ring on the dessert platter. When the time comes, your significant other has been so won over by the evening that only tears of excitement come from them. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Jackson’s Restaurant, Global Grill.

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

FISH HOUSE, 600 Barracks St., Pensacola. 470-0003.

The Fish House is to seafood what McGuire’s is to steak. Fresh seafood, hand-picked by Chef Jim Shirley, is creatively prepared daily. Red snapper, grouper, wahoo, triggerfish, scamp, mackerel, cobia, amberjack, pompano, and mahi mahi are all offered, along with shrimp, oysters and crab. Fried, grilled, blackened, ginger-crusted are just a few ways Shirley and his chefs offer their seafood creations. All come with an assortment of Southern sides to choose from: collard greens, corn fritters, gouda grits and more. When it comes to delicious seafood, IN readers head to Fish House, which is one of their favorites. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Marina Oyster Barn, Peg Leg Pete’s Oyster Bar.

BEST WAIT STAFF WITH PERSONALITY

MCGUIRE’S 600 E. Gregory St., 433-6789.

Don’t expect to be greeted by an Irish brogue or wait for the wait staff to drop everything and do an Irish jig when you walk into McGuire’s. They’re heavy on the service, not the cheese. What you will find is a wait staff made up of friendly, outgoing people who know where to draw the line between a great personality and being out-right annoying, while catering to your every whim. And, as an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about overly peppy staff with “flair” coming out the wazoo or annoying birthday celebrations. Be sure to tip a little something extra next time you go just because of that. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dharma Blue, Fish House .

BEST CHEF

GUS SILIVOS, Skopelos On The Bay, 670 Scenic Highway, 432-6565.

While we may lament the lack of variety in our restaurants, we can’t deny that Pensacola has some great chefs. This year’s voting for best chef was close. Skopelos/Gus’s Shuck Shack/Scenic 90 Café Chef Gus Silivos barely beat out Jackson’s Irv Miller, The Fish House/Atlas Oyster House’s Jim Shirley and The Global Grill’s Frank Taylor.

Silivos is the third generation of this family in the restaurant business in Pensacola. He started working for his father in family restaurant located on Cervantes and M Streets when he was 11. He is a graduate of PJC and UWF and the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

Silivos and his restaurant Skopelos on the Bay received international recognition when they served President George Bush and his wife Barbara in 1992.

Silivos’ most popular dish is the Scamp Cervantes – fresh sauteed scamp filet with fresh crabmeat. The scamp is a light, flaky fish with a unique flavor. It is named in honor of the Skopelos original location. It is the dish Skopelos served the Bushes on their visit.

The other finishers have also made their mark on Pensacola. Irv Miller is the host of WSRE’s popular TV cooking show “Flavors on the Coast” and a weekly columnist in the Independent News. Jim Shirley’s Grits A Ya Ya has been served in New York City and Washington D.C. Frank Taylor has gained attention with his new restaurant The Global Grill. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Irv Miller—Jackson’s Restaurant, Jim Shirley—Fish House, Frank Taylor—Global Grill.

BEST PLACE TO POWERLUNCH

COPELAND’S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT & BAR, 400 E. Chase St., Pensacola. 432-7738.

In the mood for a classy, sophisticated yet affordable restaurant? Then Copeland’s is your place. The New Orlean’s style restaurant has a friendly, attractive staff, good service and a great atmosphere. It’s like being on Bourbon St. minus the danger of being mugged and the smell. Try the seafood dishes (the shrimp is worth the price alone.) It’s full of liquor, too, for those that like to really power their lunches. Intimate enough to be able to talk, yet with enough ambience to feel like you’re right in the middle of a great party, Copeland’s is the cool place to lunch. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Fish House, Madison’s Diner, McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery.

BEST HEALTHY MEALS

VINTAGE GOURMET 3005 E. Cervantes St., 434-3279.

Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers—whatever your diet of choice, you’ll find something compatible at the Vintage Gourmet. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, dine-in, delivery or curbside carryout, as well as catering. For the carb-conscious, Vintage Gourmet offers several wraps, like the Soy Lime Chicken Wrap or Tuna Nicoise Wrap, as an alternative to the heavier sandwiches. All of the food is prepared the same day with only the freshest ingredients available and can be viewed before purchase in their large deli case. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ever’man Natural Foods, Simply Delicious.

BEST TOURIST TRAP RESTAURANT

LANDRY’S 905 E. Gregory St., 434-3600.

ZZZAP! That’s the sound of yet another tourist attracted to the food at Landry’s. We’ve only been there a few times, and it’s always with out-of-town company. For some reason, they’re drawn there like mosquitoes to those blue zappers. The food is pretty good, with a great selection of fresh seafood. However, you can get most of this stuff just about anywhere on the Gulf Coast, for a much cheaper price. But don’t let the tourists know. It’s fun to watch them shell out the big bucks. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Flounder’s Chowder House, McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery.

BEST ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DEAL

BARNHILL’S BUFFET, various locations Pensacola and Gulf Breeze. 435-9914.

Sure, the whole barn décor thing is a little cheesy, but that hasn’t kept away the hungry crowds. In Pensacola, we know a good deal when we see one—unless of course you’re an Escambia County Commissioner. Or a school board member. Ok…as long as you’re not an elected official. For only $5.99 you get access to the all-you-can eat lunch buffet, including unlimited drink refills. Dinner is only $7.69 there’s steak, chicken, seafood…you name it, they serve it. And everyone will love the ice cream bar. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: CiCi’s Pizza, Hunan Chinese Restaurant.

BEST LUNCH SPOT

THE DELI CASE, 4400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola. 477-3354.

A tall man with a shock of blonde hair and a regal-looking jaw roars at his subject. “Give me the Duke, after you cut him in half!”

A scene from a royal drama? Nope, just another lunch rush at The Deli Case. The Princess, the Duke and the Dark Knight are all sandwiches that not only sound majestic but taste it as well. You don’t have to be a prince to afford to eat here, though. The Deli Case is famous for delicious food at low prices.

It’s a good thing that they are famous or else people might not ever find this place. Nestled among the last row of offices on the west side of Cordova Square, you may need someone to show you how to find it at first. At least there’s no moat —they know when to draw the line when it comes to the royalty theme. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dog House Deli, Margarita’s Downtown.

BOTC: Specialty Dishes

BEST APPETIZER

QUICK FRIED CALAMARI—GLOBAL GRILL, 27 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola. 469-9966.

Chef Frank Taylor has created one tapa that you must order when you dine at his restaurant. The Quick Fried Calamari consists of fried calamari served hot, tossed with pepperoncinis and garlic squash fries, and covered with Chorizo gravy. The Global Grill has made tapas popular in Pensacola. What are they? Small portions of food that were first served as part of the social scene in Spain. Spaniards would go to bars to converse, join friends, argue, joke and flirt. Tapas were provided to keep the fast-talking, demonstrative Spaniards going. The Quick Fried Calamari is the perfect conversation and meal starter. Two people can almost make a meal of this dish, but try to save room for Global Grill’s other one-of-a-kind culinary creations. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Fried Green Tomatoes-Gus’s Shuck Shack, Irish Boxty-McGuire’s Irish Pub & Brewery.

BEST BAGELS

BAGELHEADS, 916 E. Gregory St., Pensacola. 444-9661.

Bagelheads has, well, you know, some of the freshest, most mouth-melting bagels anywhere around in so many varieties (35) that the taste buds will never get bored. Some of our favorite bagel flavors: peanut butter sensation, jalapeno, asiago cheese, cinnamon sugar, whole wheat and bacon double cheddar. Did you say whipped, low-fat cream cheese? There’s many flavors to choose from, including jalepeno, garlic and honey butter. Bagelheads is great for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Try the “South of the Border” or “Super Veggie Mediterranean” bagel sandwiches with an order of coleslaw (in a vinagrette dressing with toasted almonds and sesame seeds), which is simply awesome. To wash down that bagel, there’s always fresh coffee. In a rush to work and not fond of the office coffee? Then run in, drop a $1.25 in the fish bowl that operates on the honor system and make it work in plenty of time. You can also call ahead to order and pick up at the drive thru. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Breaktime Café, Buddy’s Bagels.

BEST BARBECUE

BILLY BOB’S BEACH BARBEQUE, 911 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze. 934-2999.

Slap on the bibs, tie on the aprons and get the wet-wipes out, ‘cause it’s gonna get messy! Billy Bob’s Beach Barbecue in Gulf Breeze serves up the messiest, sweetest Carolina-style BBQ on the Gulf Coast. With its signature sauces and slow cooked meats, it’ll make even the toughest food critic a happy camper. Choose from chicken, pork and beef, as well as great sides like baked beans and cole slaw. Got a lot of people coming over? Don’t worry, Billy Bob caters. We recommend the pulled pork sandwiches, smothered in tons of sauce. Just don’t wear white and keep a supply of napkins handy. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Beulah Land BBQ, King’s Bar-B-Q, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q.

BEST BRUNCH

COPELAND’S FAMOUS NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT & BAR, 400 E. Chase St., Pensacola. 432-7738.

Judging by the responses, Copeland’s may just be one of the most favorite restaurants in town. But the brunch may be its claim to fame. You can order a variety of reasonably priced meals, including omelettes, waffles and pancakes. However, the highlight has to be the Sunday champagne brunch, featuring all the champagne you can drink for under $5 (yes, you have to order food with it.) For those that like to drink a lot of alcohol before noon (and who doesn’t) there’s really no better brunch drink. You can also sit and listen to the jazz stylings of Joe Occhipinti. Go to Copeland’s, eat, drink and listen to jazz. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Oscar’s Restaurant, Seville Quarter.

BEST BUFFET

PANDA CHINA BUFFET, 830 E. Gregory St., Pensacola. 436-2656.

Buffet might conjure images of a diet in jeopardy. As you gaze upon rows of steaming, tender meats basted in sauce, you think to yourself: “All is lost! Everything looks so good!” Relax. Not all buffets are evil. At Panda China, you can be ravenous without busting your diet and waistline.

Vegetarian lo mein and roast beef are just two of the healthy choices offered. As is the case with many Chinese buffets nowadays, there’s no MSG (monkey sausage grilled?). Still, you might want to plan on spending an extra hour on the treadmill after seeing their sweet and sour pork sitting fetchingly next to the scrumptious General’s Chicken. If you can resist temptation like that, you’ve got self-control Buddha would envy. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Barnhill’s Buffet, Fire Mountain.

BEST CATERING

NANCY SILIVOS

Quick, your mother-in-law just called and all 50 of your relatives (including extra picky and snooty Cousin Anastacia) are coming down this weekend from Atlanta to crash your place, while they hangout at the beach. What are you going to feed this ravenous group? Whether it’s a party of 50 blood relations or a small business luncheon, Nancy Silivos can satisfy all of your catering needs. And with three great restaurants behind her—Skopelos by the Bay, Gus’s Shuck Shack and Scenic 90 Café—you know it’s gotta be good. Try the creamy seafood Alfredo with fresh French bread, and fresh tossed salad with glazed pecans and strawberry vinaigrette. Or try some of the many other great foods. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Classic City Catering, Vintage Gourmet.

BEST COMFORT FOOD

KRISPY KREME, 980 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 438-4639.

We’ve all slowed down and pulled into the parking lot when it flicks on. The “Hot Donuts Now!” neon sign at Krispy Kreme can’t be resisted. Just one look at that beaming sign and you MUST go buy a dozen, glazed donuts. Not only are Krispy Kreme’s donuts good in the morning, at midnight or in the middle of the day, but they are even better when you are having one of those days. When the boss hasn’t stopped yelling and the phone doesn’t seem to quit, the neon sign is a sign from God—life could be worse. If the original donut doesn’t do the trick, there are other delicious ways to eat a Krispy Kreme. Every month the crew at Krispy Kreme brings a new flavor into our hearts. The gooey goodness of a hot Krispy Kreme is all you need. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Cinnabon, Jerry’s Drive-In.

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

BAD ASS COFFEE, 1014 Underwood Ave., Pensacola. 478-0634.

With a name like Bad Ass, the coffee had better be good. It is. Bad Ass serves the “coffee with an attitude” up strong and tasty. Featuring a variety of Kona coffees, including Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Hawaiian Hazelnut and Honoka’a Macnut all for around or under $5, Bad Ass’s coffee is the first choice for jittery PJC students studying for exams, while dreaming of riding a big wave at Maui. Even though the mascot is an ass, the coffee doesn’t taste like one. Mark Twain said that “Kona Coffee has a richer flavor than any other, be it grown where it may and call it by what name you please.” We’re not going to argue with that guy. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Breaktime Café, Starbucks.

BEST DELI SANDWICH

PICADILLY DELI, 102 Palafox Place, Pensacola. 438-3354.

Although owner Karen Davis says they’ve never advertised, we figured this little downtown deli was just too good to keep under wraps (or to be confused with Piccadilly Cafeteria). While the selection of sandwiches reads like a who’s who of medieval icons (Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Lancelot, Prince Albert, Robin Hood and more), there’s nothing mid or evil about these great sandwiches.

A chat with Amy Erb, Karen’s daughter, reveals that Picadilly’s been around for over 23 years and was founded by her grandparents. The quiet lunch spot (open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays) offers memorabilia of local heroes Emmitt Smith and Roy Jones Jr. on the walls, along with Air Force pilot gear once worn by gramps. One tip: Grab a brownie before you leave. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hub Stacey’s, The Deli Case.

BEST DESSERTS

NAPOLEON BAKERY, 101 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola. 434-9701.

Hate the French but don’t hate the Napoleon Bakery. Its sweets will conquer your taste buds. The local dessert haven is another one of those eateries that just keeps you coming back again and again. This busy little pastry shop offers huge portions of delicious desserts, pastries, quiches, meat pies and sandwiches. There is a steady stream of hungry, sweet-toothed customers every morning through afternoon marching into Napoleon’s, which features every tart mentionable from strawberry to pecan. Just looking at the Strawberry Cream Puff or Chantilly Meringue in the display case makes one’s saliva glands go into hyper-drive. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: O’Brien’s Bistro, Vintage Gourmet.

BEST GOURMET/SPECIALTY FOOD

VINTAGE GOURMET 3005 E. Cervantes St., 434-3279.

The family-owned and operated restaurant by Chef Keith and Katie Hoffert offers a wide array of great gourmet foods for your eating pleasure. There’s vegetable lasagna, all kinds of wraps, including soy lime chicken wrap, casserole du jour, sandwiches and desserts (lemon pie, yum, yum). Everything at Vintage Gourmet always seems very fresh. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine on your way out. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Alice’s Gourmet, Simply Delicious

BEST GROUPER SANDWICH

MARINA OYSTER BARN, 505 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola. 433-0511.

The Marina Oyster Barn is a locals’ place. At lunchtime and nearly every night, except Mondays when it’s closed, this restaurant located on Bayou Texar is packed. It’s not unusual to have to wait a few minutes for a table—but that’s OK because you can catch up on all the neighborhood gossip.

For many locals, Marina Oyster Barn’s grouper sandwich is a weekly dietary requirement. The grouper filet is fresh. The batter is light. And the bun doesn’t overpower the fish. Add a cup of gumbo and you’re ready to meet your Maker. Other top vote-getters are Gus’s Shuck Shack (who has great gumbo, too) and downtown Pensacola’s Mr. Manatee’s (we recommend the Bahamian Conch chowder). OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Gus’s Shuck Shack, Mr. Manatee’s A Casual Grille.

BEST GUMBO

GUS’S SHUCK SHACK, 550 Scenic Highway, Pensacola. 470-9596.

Laissez Bon Ton Roulex! Nope, you ain’t in Cajun Country and you don’t have to worry about those God-awful Tigers. Located in the old Cock of the Walk building off of Scenic Highway, Gus’s isn’t just known for its oysters. It may not be Louisiana, but Gus’s sure does make a mean seafood gumbo. Crawfish, shrimp, oysters, fish—you’ll find the freshest seafood in the Gulf all crammed into a steaming hot bowl. And with all the veggies in it, you’ll make your mama proud! Throw in a little Tabasco (or a lot, depending on your tolerance) and some saltines and you’re ready to go. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Alice’s Gourmet, Sam’s Seafood Shanty.

BEST CHEESEBURGER

JERRY’S DRIVE-IN, 2815 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 433-9910.

Everyone in town knows Jerry’s Drive-In is really a walk-in. They also know it’s one of the best places for a good tasting cheeseburger. A Jerry’s burger isn’t complete without slathering on Jerry’s sauce, a magic concoction that keeps customers loyal. Pairing burgers with sides of onion rings or fries is required. A local hangout, it’s common to see people you know sitting in the booths, at the tables or leaning on the bar slurping a malt or enjoying a cold beer or scratching their names in the paneling. People come from all around to enjoy Jerry’s no-frills menu in an atmosphere that’s greasy and homey. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant, What-A-Burger.

BEST HEALTH FOOD

EVER’MAN NATURAL FOODS, 315 W. Garden St., Pensacola. 429-2012 or 438-0402.

No icky pesticides or gross growth hormones in the food at this cooperative grocery store. Ever’Man, offers a wide selection of enviro-friendly and chemical-free goods, ranging from fresh organic produce to deli meats.

Founded in 1973, the Garden Street shop is the largest of its kind — where store members own and ultimately run the show—in the Northwest Florida/Southeast Alabama region. The most nutritious foods possible are here. If you don’t know nutritious/delicious when you see it, just ask. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Breaktime Café, Dharma Blue.

BEST ICE CREAM SHOP

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY, 5405 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 478-4547.

Remember the good old days when you would sit on the porch with the family, churn ice cream and add flavors and toppings? Marble Slab Creamery recreates those old times. It makes all the ice cream right there, giving you 38 fresh flavors to choose from, such as French vanilla, peanut butter, fudge, chocolate amaretto, bubblegum and pina colada. There’s a variety of candy, cookie, nut and fresh fruit toppings. There’s also frozen yogurt, gourmet coffees, mouth-watering concoctions, such as fresh fruit smoothies, ice cream pies and made-from-scratch brownies, cookies and pies. Make sure you come on an empty stomach, because Marble Slab gives you heaps of creamy ice cream. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Cornerstone Custard, Hershey’s.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SEAFOOD

JOE PATTI SEAFOOD CO., South A Street and Main Street, Pensacola. 432-3315.

This Pensacola landmark has been catching locals the freshest fish this side of the Gulf Coast since 1933. Joe Patti’s boasts a diligent crew that attracts crowds with fresh shrimp, oysters, crab, snapper, grouper, yellow fin tuna, flounder, shark—all filleted before your very eyes. We once saw one crewmember cut a one-pound tuna steak—precisely—without using a scale until after he’d finished the cut. The fact that the fish house is constantly packed with fish and crustacean connoisseurs is proof that, although Captain Joe and Anna aren’t around, people still know the Patti name means quality. Customers can also amble through the seafood market for an extensive selection of wines, gourmet cheeses and desserts in Amangiari Market. If you like sushi, the market’s experts are known for slicing and dicing the best takeout. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market, Allen C. Williams Seafood Market.

BEST SALADS

NORMA’S BY THE BAY, 500 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola. 438-9565.

All right all you rabbits, listen up! The days of all-lettuce salads and runny vinaigrettes are over. Your best bet at Norma’s By the Bay is Chicken Salad—a local favorite. With its blend of chicken, mayo and grapes, it’s the perfect addition to your low-carb diet, but high on taste. Or nix the low-carb thing and try it on a buttery croissant. Since it’s located on the first floor of the Gulf Power building, you might have to listen to some high-powered (hee, hee) execs drone on about the importance of power line safety, but the boredom is worth it. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dharma Blue, Vintage Gourmet.

BEST PO-BOY

JERRY’S CAJUN CAFÉ & MARKET, 6205 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 484-6962.

Jerry’s Cajun Café used to be Ninth Avenue’s little secret. Jerry Mistretta opened his eatery in a small storefront. In an effort to meet overwhelming demand, Jerry’s is located in a Creole-style house right on Ninth Avenue and still packing them in. Cajuns and non-Cajuns alike line up for Jerry’s shrimp po-boy. The shrimp are fried golden brown, with just the right amount of batter. Jerry doesn’t scrimp on how shrimp are loaded between his slices of fresh French bread. You can chase down your po-boy with your favorite Abita beer. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Sam’s Seafood Shanty, Tony’s Po Boy.

BEST PIZZA CHAIN

PIZZA HUT, various locations in Pensacola area.

Who hasn’t been to Pizza Hut? But in case you’re socially challenged or locked in a basement by your wicked stepmother with only this paper to read, you should know that this national pizza giant has whatever type of pizza you crave: stuff crust, pan, hand-tossed or thin. Word has it that the New Yorker imitates an actual New York pizza pretty closely and they’re flying out of the place.

If you’re one of those bargain-shopping pizza lovers, you may be a little disappointed with the Pizza Hut prices compared to other restaurants, but once you bite into their pies you’ll experience fresh toppings and feel it’s worth it. Just don’t be freaked out by the glassy-eyed Pizza Hut staff—many are party kids and they’re just a little tired from the night before. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Papa John’s, Santino’s Pizza.

BEST PIZZA JOINT (NON-CHAIN)

GEORGIO’S PIZZA, 3000 E. Cervantes St., Pensacola. 432-5996.

Supporting local independent businesses is something we all like to do. It’s nice when places like Georgio’s are good, no matter what. While most corporate chains do indeed use fresh ingredients and serve up quality pies, you always get the same old thing. For a pizza connoisseur along the Gulf Coast, the choice for good traditional or different pizzas at a low price is obviously Georgio’s. They aren’t just a pizza joint, though, serving up a variety of sandwiches, including chicken parmesan, a meatball hoagie, and ham and cheese among others. If you feel like an appetizer, such as cheese sticks or chicken strips, or you’re just in the mood for a salad or some spaghetti, they’ve got you covered. Georgio’s offers daily lunch specials, as well as some of the friendliest service in town. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Nikki’s Pizza, O’zone Pizza Pub.

BEST STEAK

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB & BREWERY, 600 E. Gregory St., Pensacola. 433-6789.

We’re not sure about the “feasting, imbibery and debauchery,” but we’ll vouch for the steaks. For eight years, the last time in 2001, McGuire’s earned the Golden Spoon Award for “One of America’s Great Steakhouses.” Southern Living says the Irish joint is “famous for steaks,” and the National Beef Council declared it “Steak House of the Year” in 1998. McGuire’s, opened in 1977, is one of the select few restaurants in country to serve U.S.D.A. Certified Prime Steaks. Less than 5 percent of all beef is good enough to be graded “Prime” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. McGuire’s steaks are Certified Angus Corn-fed beef, never frozen and hand cut daily. You’ll be hard pressed to eat a better steak in Pensacola. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Coach-N-Four Steak House, Mesquite Charlie’s.

BEST TAKE OUT FOOD

GARDEN STREET DELI, 236 W. Garden St., Pensacola. 470-0305.

If you want a great deli sandwich that won’t bust your allowance, Garden Street Deli is a great place to enjoy a delicious, cheap lunch. It serves some real homemade cooking. The pies and cakes are especially good, make that downright, plum delicious. It’s a unique place to eat, your bank account and tummy will thank you. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Shang Hai, Sushi from Joe Patti Seafood.

BEST WINGS

SIDELINES SPORTS BAR & RESTAURANT, 2 Via DeLuna Drive, Pensacola Beach. 934-3660.

Football season is here and what better way to watch than with wings and beer? Get all your armchair quarterbacks together and enjoy the game with a nice, steaming basket of red-hot wings. Sidelines may have the best place on the beach to watch the big game, but they’re known for their wings, served up at varying degrees of heat. They’ve got a mild version for the faint of heart, but real men (and women) go for the spice! Keep an ice-cold pitcher of beer at your side, ‘cause water’s not gonna put out the fire. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hooters, Kooter Brown’s.

BEST SUSHI

DHARMA BLUE, 300 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. 433-1275.

BOTC: Goods and Services Part 1

BEST PLACE TO MAX YOUR VISA

CORDOVA MALL, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 477-5563.

If you have absolutely need to shop, you can get it done at Pensacola’s largest and most upscale shopping center—Cordova Mall. This mammoth collection of 140 department stores and specialty shops will have you applying for more credit in no time. Cordova’s newest additions, Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond, may just be the quickest route to credit card purgatory.

A stroll through the mall gives you many other opportunities to swipe your plastic away. Old Navy, Express, Parisian, Dillard’s, World Market, Charlotte Russe, Aeropostale, Waterboyz, Victoria’s Secret, Gordon’s Jewelers the choices are endless. The mall’s major caveat: it can wreak havoc on your credit rating. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Sarah’s, Curve.

BEST ANTIQUES

JACKSON HILL INTERIORS AND ANTIQUES, 823 E. Jackson St., Pensacola. 470-0668.

A bit of advice: Do NOT imbibe heavily with Copeland’s Best Long Island Ice Teas before you come here. Apparently, Waterford Crystal doesn’t bounce very well, if at all. But if you’re sober, and looking to furnish your abode with classic style, the ladies at Jackson Hill will be glad to help you.

Good antiques ain’t cheap, baby. A solid mahogany highboy from 1915 will set you back around two Gs. While most of the pieces cost at least $150, a few knick-knacks can be found for $30 to $50. If even this is too much, then take your poor ass to the flea market.

Furniture isn’t the only thing to see here. A “working child’s spinning wheel” will help you reminisce about the good old days of child labor, and a dove-tailed writing box would be the perfect thing to sit on your desk and remind you that you’ll never, ever write that novel you’re always talking about, you big loser. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Keigley Interiors, Ninth Avenue Antiques.

BEST CHAIN GROCERY

ALBERTSON’S-NINTH AVENUE, 5055 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 476-7700.

Folks who move to town quickly discover what Pensacolians already know: Albertson’s is the perfect one-stop shopping trip for everything from asparagus to zinc supplements.

Anytime day or night, Albertson’s aisles are packed with gleeful shoppers stocking up for weekend barbecues, busy professionals picking up ready-made meals and night owls prowling for that perfect late-night snack. Open 24/7, Albertson’s shelves are always fully stocked. And, think about it, how cool is it to be able to grocery shop at 3 in the morning? Cough syrup, sirloins or a copy of the Independent News, Albertson’s has it all. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Publix, Winn-Dixie.

BEST INDEPENDENT MARKET

APPLE MARKET, 1021 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola. 433-4381.

A 6,700-square-foot produce market doesn’t sound like much when you consider the size of some of the homes in Pensacola. Unless, of course, your shop is Pensacola’s top-rated Apple Market. Owner David Apple bought the market in May of 1996. His two younger twin brothers, Mark and Mike, are both gourmet chefs at the market.

Using only the finest products, such as Boar’s Head meats, the staff of more than 50 caters to the community’s needs. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ever’man Natural Foods, The Market On the Island.

BEST BEDDING

BED, BATH & BEYOND, Cordova Mall, Pensacola. 505-0529.

This place has to be Martha Stewart’s wet dream, but something tells us she won’t be shopping for her small quarters very soon. To put it simply, if you want anything for your home, Bed, Bath & Beyond has it. The Pensacola store is new, stocked to the ceilings with merchandise so quality, you’ll feel embarrassed to have ever purchased housewares from Wal-Mart. Just don’t expect those “rollback” Wal-Mart prices. This store makes the most ordinary items—trash cans, bar stools, laundry bins, tables cloths, shower curtains—seem like luxury items. In no time (but with damage to your wallet) your pad can compare favorably to those seen on shows like MTV cribs. Men should be aware that masculinity drops significantly upon entering Bed, Bath & Beyond. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Home Place, Linens & Things.

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP

SANDY SANSING, 6200 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola. 476-2480.

Sandy Sansing’s got more than Chevy’s. The car giant now lets you choose from BMW, Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda and Chrysler, as well. Why go anywhere else? The staff at Sandy Sansing will make sure you walk away happy, with the right car or truck that fits your needs. If speed’s your thing, try out a brand new beemer, complete with adoring fans. The practical side of you won’t want to miss test driving a 2005 Chevy Suburban, perfect for hauling just about anything, anywhere. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Saturn of Pensacola, Vince Whibb’s Automotive.

BEST IMPORTED CAR DEALERSHIP

ADCOX IMPORTS 5603 N. W St., Pensacola. 469-9111.

If you’re looking for the latest status symbol to drive, you’ve come to the right place. Adcox is the perfect place to solve your mid-life crisis, or at least soften the blow of aging. You don’t have to be a car fanatic to fall in love with this place, but it doesn’t hurt. Adcox specializes in new and pre-owned Lexus, Infiniti, Porsche, Audi, BMW and other custom vehicles. Luckily for them, they’ve moved away from their previous location on Bayfront Parkway. And all this time we thought those cars belonged to Ellis Bullock and his employees. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Northstar Automotive, Ted Ciano Used Car Center.

BEST FLORIST

CELEBRATIONS, 717 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. 433-2022.

People who like flowers use Celebrations for all their floral needs. This ever-growing shop on the corner of Cervantes and 12th avenues has a full gift selection to compliment its creative floral arrangements. Sun readers appreciate the care and attention to detail the Celebration artisans give to their designs. Whether you want something to cheer up a sick friend, spark a romance or congratulate a young one’s most recent milestone, Celebrations will unearth the right gift. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Accents by Kellyco Flowers & Gifts, Flowerama.

BEST EYEWEAR

THE GLASSES STORE—CENTER FOR SIGHT, 6190 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola. 505-7788.

Our future’s so bright, we’ve gotta wear shades. And the coolest and most effective way to protect our baby blues can be found at the Glasses Store at the Center for Sight. If it’s made, they can get it for you. Choose from the latest fashion frames and lenses, or get custom-made sports and safety lenses and swim goggles. With three great locations—Gulf Breeze, Pensacola and Pace—there’s no excuse not to become the coolest guy on the block. After a trip to The Glasses Store, no one will call you four-eyes again. And yes, we do wear our sunglasses at night. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Dr. Gene A. Terrezza, Optical Store.

BEST FURNITURE STORE

NORWALK FURNITURE, 5046 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola. 476-0260.

At Norwalk Furniture, you’ll find furniture of all shapes and sizes. Get beautifully upholstered and leather couches and loveseats, as well as handcrafted armoires and bookcases. Order handmade hooked rugs in a variety of colors and styles or choose from dozens of unique accessories that will make your dwelling feel like home. And for those who are interior designers at heart, Norwalk’s walls are lined with swatches of gorgeous, ornate fabrics from which you can personalize your collection. From pastels to prints, contemporary to traditional designs, you’ll be able to satisfy your designing needs. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ethan Allen, Mile’s Furniture.

BEST HARDWARE STORE

PENSACOLA HARDWARE CO., 20 E. Gregory St., Pensacola. 438-3186.

No doubt, if BBC America’s “Ground Force” team hit Pensacola to redo some yards, the stars of the mega-hit gardening show—Alan Titchmarsh, Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh—would surely stop at Pensacola Hardware. Besides picking up all the necessary tools—hammers, nails, shovels, saws, drills and paint—the gardening sensations would go bonkers over the selection of home and garden accessories.

This store was voted No. 1 by IN readers because of its eclectic mix of fine merchandise—everything from rooster weather vanes, gas grills, birdhouses, pottery, unique outdoor faucet fixtures, outdoor glassware, kitchen and dining linens, American and novelty flags and so much more. Plus, the Brits would certainly find the selection of cups for teatime. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: East Hill Hardware, Warrington Hardware.

BEST PLACE FOR HOME ACCESSORIES

DUH! 501 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 439-0640.

Dorm room décor it’s not, but Duh! does have just about everything else for the Martha Stewart wannabe, sans the jail cell, of course. With two buildings full of rare and unique home furnishings and accessories from around the world, from hand-carved wood furniture to wrought iron headboards, Duh! is an interior designer’s dream. The courtyard in the middle, complete with working fountains and terra cotta pots of all sizes, makes the perfect spot for furnishing your garden as well. Southern Living eat your heart out. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Artesana, Pier One Imports.

BEST NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

FLORAL TREE GARDEN, various locations.

Need help cultivating those little acorns into mighty oaks? The friendly folks at Floral Tree Gardens have the supplies and the know-how to brighten up any green thumb’s garden patch.

For 30 years, Henry Pearson and his staff at Floral Tree Gardens’ four locations have grown quite a following among area gardners. Sprouting seeds, babying bulbs…these folks know it all and are always ready with a warm smile and some friendly advice.

Pearson is a strong believer in therapeutic gardening—literally facing the world through rose-colored glasses. “It gets you out into the fresh air,” he asserts. “Just working with plants is very rewarding; the plants almost seem to smile when you touch them.” OK, Pearson, step away from the petunias. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Duh!, The Garden Gate.

BEST GIFT SHOP

ARTESANA 242 W. Garden St., Pensacola. 433-4001.

Looking for that perfect bachelor party gag gift? You won’t find it in upscale Artesana, but you will find a great selection of gifts for wedding, baby and just about any other shower you can imagine. Fine china, Crabtree and Evelyn bath accessories, house wares…they’ve got it all. With a huge selection of unique gifts, you’ll never have to worry about being one-upped by other guests. Unless, of course, they shop at Artesana, too. We recommend Jell-O wrestling to decide the victor. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Celebrations, The Crystal Zebra.

BEST JEWELRY STORE

JEWELERS TRADE SHOP, 26 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. 432-4433.

All that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. It’s diamonds, emeralds, platinum and any other beautiful jewelry that’s sold at one of Pensacola’s best treasure chests.

Whether looking for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, a graduation present or simply a set of earrings, IN readers say Jeweler’s Trade Shop is the place to go. The store also boasts being the No. 1 retailer for Rolex in Pensacola. With a friendly, knowledgeable staff and “Pete the Opossum” to greet you at the door, Jewelers Trade Shop is where jewelry lovers get their sparkly fix. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Elebash Jewelry Company, Meadows Jewelers, Rock Hard Designs.

BEST TOBACCO STORE

GRAND RESERVE CIGAR AND SMOKE SHOP, 210 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. 429-0078.

Whether you’re a ruthless island despot or not, a cigar is essential to your look. The gentlemen at the Grand Reserve will help you choose the proper smoke, be it a stately Montesino from the Dominican Republic or a cheap stogie from Palookaville.

Even the lower-end cigars will taste better if stored in the proper container, and that’s another thing the Reserve will help you do: accessorize. From humidors to lighters, you’ll find everything you need to get on that health kick and start smoking cigars daily. They also have several varieties of hot sauce, presumably for those of you who like to eat cigars, and body massage oil. As if your creepy uncle wasn’t weird enough, now he can offer to knead out your tight back muscles while you puff Hoyos and watch the game together. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: HKH Cigars, Tobacco Annie’s.

BEST MOTORCYCLE SHOP

HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF PENSACOLA, 6260 N. W St., Pensacola. 494-1224.

In 1903, 21-year-old William Harley and 20-year-old Arthur Davidson created their first motorcycle in a 10-foot by 15-foot shed. Today, Harley-Davidson still rolls out quality two-wheelers like the XL Sportster and VRSCB V-Rod Power Cruiser.

H-D enthusiasts, who obviously like big things between their legs, can find everything they need at Harley-Davidson of Pensacola, including new and used motorcycles, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. The Pensacola shop also several talented and factory-trained technicians, who can customize your bike. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: House of Thunder, Pensacola Motorsports.

BEST PET STORE

PETLAND OF PENSACOLA, 6235 N. Davis Hwy., Pensacola. 484-8311.

Whether pet lovers say the perfect companion is a guinea pig or a cockatiel, they find their fury and feathered friends at Petland. From a cuddly selection of puppies and kittens to not-so-cuddly spiders and snakes, Petland has the capability to transform any house into Dr. Doolittle’s pad.

Need to groom that Papillion or get a leash for your new ferret? Petland offers full-service grooming and plenty of pet accessories. If you’re not in the mood for a furry critter, Petland has plenty of fresh and saltwater fish to give your home a tropical feel. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Ivey’s Pet Center, PetSmart.

BEST SHOE STORE

MAINLY SHOES, 248 West Garden Street, Pensacola. 438-7114.

Everyone kind of has a mild foot fetish. For that, Mainly Shoes is almost a playground. Featuring all the top shoes in the world, from the Prada stilettos to Nike’s Air Taurasi, Mainly Shoes provides cutting edge shoe selections for Pensacolians both young and old. The prompt, courteous staff is always willing and eager to help you find just the right shoe to complete that ensemble. It’s a bit pricey, so be sure to cash the paycheck before you roll out to it. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Running Wild, Shoe Station

BEST SURF SHOP

INNERLIGHT SURF & SKATE SHOP, various locations.

Innerlight Surf & Skate Shop has stood the test of time. What once was a small dream of a local surfer, is now a multi-million a year surfing outfitter. Yancy Spencer III wanted to supply all of the locals with quality surfboards and gear. Sure enough, that’s what he did. With locations between Pensacola and Destin, it has become one of the most recognized names in surfing.

Innerlight sets the standard for surf shops in the Southeast. He also supports skateboarding and wakeboarding in the area via his shop teams. In recent years, Innerlight helped bring the Vans Triple Crown of Wakeboarding Contest and it sponsored the first local Innerlight Skateboard Video. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Hutson’s, Waterboyz.

BEST TATTOO SHOP

PSYCHEDELIC SHACK, 6707 Plantation Road, 479-9007 Also: 25 N. Navy Blvd., 453-3166

What’s hip and cool is found at the Psychedelic Shack. There you can snag designs that never go out of style. Hell, they better not, ‘cause quality ink ain’t comin’ off in the shower with Lava. Each body art is given personal attention. The Shack’s artists aren’t just going through the motions to get you to sign forms and get out before the ink dries. However, we recommend you never, never tattoo a girl’s or boy’s name to your body—that’s unless you only want to date people with the same name the rest of your life. If you really want to upset grandma, then add a navel or tongue piercing. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: April’s Attic, Kaoz.

BEST STORE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

DOLLARHIDE’S MUSIC & SOUND, 41 S. Palafox Place, 494-9898.

Since 1988, Bill and Margaret Dollarhide have brought beautiful music to the Gulf Coast. Their music store in downtown Pensacola, one of the handful of authorized Steinway distributors in the country, specializes in keyboards but also offers band instruments, sheet music and is a clearinghouse for music instructors in Pensacola.

Bill Dollarhide is probably the nicest man you’ll ever meet, and it’s a joy to shop there and talk with him, whether you end up buying or not. Dollarhide’s is a true American original: uncompromisingly unique and committed to improving the Pensacola community. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Harris Music & Sound, Schmidt’s Music & Repair.

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

CORDOVA MALL, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 477-5563.

Cordova Mall is the largest of its kind in Pensacola. Anchored by Parisian and Dillard’s, Cordova Mall features 140 specialty stores. Shoppers can drain the bank account, fill up the expansive food court and get in some crazy people watching.

Kids, teen-agers, senior citizens, everyone seems to hangout at Cordova Mall at one time or another. With full-time security and well-lit parking lots, parents can also feel good about dropping off the kids, while enjoy a well-deserved break. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Commons-Destin, Silver Sands-Destin.

BOTC: Goods and Services Part 2

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING

DILLARD’S, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 477-6000.

For the Pensacola male with the discerning eye and flair for fashion (and some money to spend), Dillard’s is best of the coast. There a man can pick up anything to suit his fashion needs. From the $595 “Comfort Plus” Suit to the $12 full-cut briefs 3-pack, Dillard’s has you covered from top to bottom.

With a friendly staff eager to serve you (and of course, get the commission from the sale) a customer should have no problem finding something snazzy. Really, who needs, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” fashinistas. From Hilfiger to Lauren, this is the place people go to dress hip. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Don Alan’s, JOS A Bank.

BEST CASUAL/HIP CLOTHING

CURVE, 280 N. Palafox St., Pensacola. 430-4333.

Where can a woman go to buy top-of-the-line name brands? Curve for the Body & Soul carries an array of brands for women young and old. Shoppers can choose from labels such as Seven, Earl, Citizens of Humanity, Juicy, Nicole Miller, BCBG, Laundry and Poleci.

Curve carries an outfit for any occasion. Savvy shoppers can find beautiful dresses and skirts or even casual jeans and T-shirts. You can also accessorize your outfit with purses and jewelry. For women who like to find everything all in one store, Curve has a large selection of bath and beauty supplies as well as candles and books. You’ll definitely walk away a new, hip and trendy woman. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Go Fish, Heathen Planet.

BEST CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING

LADS AND LASSIES, 1339 Creighton Road, Pensacola. 477-8748.

Love designer clothes, but just can’t allow your self to pay designer prices? Lads and Lassies has what you are looking for. From everything to “L.E.I.” Jeans to top strollers, L and L is the place to shop. The kids will love Lads and Lassies, too. “Mudd” Jeans, can be found as well other popular teen brands. While it is always fun to shop, it is not always in the budget.

Many people also sell their clothes through Lads and Lassies. Located on Creighton Road L and L can be hard to spot at times. So just aim for a little brick house and follow the course. Just be mindful of the time, Lads and Lassies is only open form 10 a.m. to 4pm Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays by appointment. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Encore, Secondhand Rose.

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING

YEARS-A-GO-GO, 4175 Barrancas Ave., Warrington. 458-9777.

The styles will never be forgotten and the people will still where them. On occasion. Clothes only your mother would where are available now at Years-a-go-go. One step into the store and you will feel like you have traveled back in time. Besides all the various clothes, there are many accessories that could only have come from another time.

The jewelry, hats, shoes, and hair dye are sure to induce a flashback. Even if you are too young to remember what people wore back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the staff will be pleased to help you. Books with nostalgia are also laid out for people to brose. The funk-a-delic colors may not be radical, but years-a-go-go has them anyways. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Marsha’s.

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING

SARAH’S, 517 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. 434-9844.

Sarah Brown has been working in women’s fashion since she was only 10 years old at her mother’s clothing shop—Mary’s Corner Shop—which was located only a few blocks away from the home of Sarah’s current store in historic downtown Pensacola.

Women from across the South come for consultations to benefit from Sarah’s more than 50 years of fashion sense. The clothing ranges from casual to very dressy—including beautiful Vera Wang dresses that makes young girls dream of Cinderella. Shoppers can choose from designer labels, such as Armani, Donna Karan and Max Marra. Women of all ages can hit Sarah’s, which is expanding into the old Trader John’s, to also find fashionable and haute children’s clothing. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Curve, Ladies Quarter.

BEST NAUGHTY LINGERIE

LOVIN’ MOOD, 6609 N. Davis Hwy., Pensacola. 475-9488.

Ladies, looking for a way to relight the fire in your man’s eyes? Then head out to Lovin’ Mood, Pensacola’s finest place for sex toys and apparel. The $30 French maid uniform is a definite winner, as are the spike-heeled boots.

The sex swing will assuredly be hot holiday sellers (where can one put a sex swing anyway?) One item, the $1.95 penis pacifier is the stuff of horrible, horrible nightmares, however. That aside, Lovin’ Mood also has everything for your bondage needs (including whips, nipple clips and handcuffs). For all those unspoken desires, you can’t go wrong with Lovin’ Mood. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Frederick’s, Intimate Treasures.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CHILDREN’S GIFTS

PIROUETTES, 101 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola. 434-7577.

When it comes to kids, everyone is judged on the coolness of their gift-giving ability. If you want to be known as the coolest family member, Pirouettes is the place to shop for the fairy princess in your life. With a gift from here, the child in your life will be a prima ballerina in no time, or at least look like one. Tutus and tiaras, leotards, dance shoes and more. And for the little ones, there’s also a wide selection of baby’s knit outfits and accessories. Too lazy or too busy to get out? Then shop online at http://www.pensacoladance.com and ship it out just in time for their special day. It’s a little kid’s dream come true. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Baby and Me, Storkland, Tummies & Tots.

BEST BANK

Peoples First Community Bank, 940 Creighton Road, Pensacola. 484-3000.

Peoples First has reputation for bringing modern banking services to individuals on a local, one-on-one basis. Recently Florida Trend magazine recognized the bank as one of Florida’s fastest-growing financial institutions and ranked it sixth in total assets among Florida thrifts.

Peoples First Community Bank has been operating since 1983, with its headquarters in Panama City and branches in Pensacola, Fort Walton, Destin, Marianna, Tallahassee, Jacksonville Beach, Orlando and Niceville.

With total assets exceeding $1 billion, the bank strives to attain reasonable growth well into the 21st century. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Citizens & Peoples Bank, Gulf Coast Community Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union, 220 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. 479-9601.

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has been taking care of its members since it was first chartered April 9, 1954 as the Chemstrand Employees Credit Union. The original field of membership included employees of Chemstrand Company (now known as Solutia Inc.), located in Escambia County.

Over the years the credit union has changed its name but not its commitment to exceed its members expectations. In early 1967, the credit union changed its name to Monsanto Employees Credit Union after Monsanto Company had bought Chemstrand. On Sept. 2, 2003, Monsanto Employees Credit Union changed its name to Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union.

Gulf Winds has succeeded in winning over IN readers with its extraordinary customer service. It doesn’t hurt that it is quick to share its profits with its 28,000 members. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Navy Federal Credit Union, Pen Air Federal Credit Union.

BEST CAR REPAIR

LIKIS CAR CLINIC SERVICE, 5675 N. Davis Hwy, Pensacola. 477-9480.

Bobby Likis is a Pensacola original. He is “Mr. Car Repair” for our readers and much of this country. His live, call-in program Bobby Likis Car Clinic is broadcast on more than 75 stations every Saturday. There are 200-plus radio stations that air his Car Clinic Minute.

His car clinic on Davis Highway serves as the foundation for his broadcast empire. It is at the Likis Car Clinic Service that customers are treated to the latest technology in not only automotive repair, but also in preventative maintenance. His customers benefit from Likis’s vast contacts in the automotive industry. Oftentimes, he knows more about the newest innovations ahead of the regional distributors.

The latest products can be found at his Davis Highway facility. None are offered to his customers until his staff has thoroughly tested them. No other local car repair operation matches his professionalism. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Acadian Automotive, Runaway Imports.

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR

Technologies for Tomorrow, 6235 N. Davis Hwy., Suite 103, Pensacola. 478-5222.

Thanks to the Internet and e-mail, all our computers are open to all sorts of viruses and Internet worms ready to sabotage our systems. One innocent search for “cherry pie” can lead to an endless series of pop-ups and unexpected pictures (or at least that’s what you can tell your girlfriend).

Technologies for Tomorrow has the expertise to undo the damage done by spam and Internet surfing. It was founded in 1994 and has a proven track record in Web design, information assurance, voice recognition applications for the health care industry and legal industry, and many leading consumer applications.

Technologies for Tomorrow wins customers because it takes the time to understand their needs and helps provide the best computer solutions at an affordable price. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: CyberSmart, Geek Center.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

McAlpin’s Interiors, 900 E. Moreno St., Pensacola. 438-8345.

Tip McAlpin is Pensacola’s favorite interior designer. Visit some of the most beautiful homes and condominiums in the area and you will see Tip’s handiwork. His shop on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Moreno Street is a treat to visit. His helpful and knowledgeable staff is ready to meet any decorating challenge, such as what drapes will best go with your leopard skin futon. You will also find several unique gift items for that special someone. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Betty Gail Peters Interior Design, Woodcock Gallery.

BEST HOSPITAL

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, 5151 N. Ninth Avenue, Pensacola. 416-1600.

The most competitive arena in Pensacola is not high school football. It’s health care. Our community is blessed with some of the finest hospitals in the country. Each is unique. Each offers excellent care.

As you might expect, the voting was fast and furious among Independent News readers. In the end, Sacred Heart was the top vote getter.

Sacred Heart is the area’s oldest hospital having first opened its doors in 1915 on 12th Avenue. Today, it has more than 500 primary and specialty physicians practicing. The heart of the Sacred Heart System is its 449-bed acute care facility, which includes Sacred Heart Hospital, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and Sacred Heart Women’s Hospital.

Sacred Heart is also a winner of the Consumer Choice Award by National Research Corporation every year since 1996. Independent surveys by NRC found that across the region, consumers rate Sacred Heart Health System over other area hospitals by a 2-1 margin in the region. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Gulf Breeze Hospital, Baptist Hospital.

BEST DRY CLEANERS

DIAMOND CLEANERS, 911 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Pensacola. 934-7917.

This year the little guy won out in this category. Diamond Cleaners has quietly built a reputation for being a high-quality dry cleaner. They have your clothes ready when they say they will. Their attention to detail is outstanding! Bring them any stain and they’ll get it out. What more could you ask for? OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Debonair Cleaners, Vick’s Cleaners.

BEST HEALTH/FITNESS

PENSACOURT, 3001 Langley Ave., Pensacola. 478-1400.

Everyone gains weight during the holiday season. To avoid the horror of flabby thighs and sagging guts from happening, many health-conscious citizens have chosen Pensacourt as the place to shed the fat. The gym offers everything the would-be gym rat could want, from racquetball to the nautilus machine. The state-of-the-art equipment and some of the eye-catching members can actually make sweating a fun activity. The beautiful tennis courts there can make you think you’re Andre Agassi at the U.S. Open, just minus the return game and beautiful, athletic wife. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Downtown YMCA, Powerhouse, The Club.

BEST BEAUTY SALON

CHASTAIN’S, 2900 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. 435-9935

Mohawks, dreadlocks and mullets…oh my! We’ve seen a lot of interesting “dos” here on the Gulf Coast, but the fine men and women at Chastain’s can remedy almost any hairstyling situation. The salon’s funky interior foreshadows their funky hairstyles of choice, straight from the best salons in New York. Just don’t ask for the Outzen or the Kerrigan.

They specialize on what’s “in” and “hip,” remember? As for the Kerrigan, they can also trim and style those hard-to-tame eyebrows. And while they can’t add hair to our publisher’s head, they can damn sure cover up those bald spots and take out all the gray. That’s a miracle in itself. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Headhunters, 10th Avenue.

BEST DAY SPA/MASSAGE

Radiante Jacqueline Day Spa 1521 N Ninth Ave., Pensacola. 432-0939.

This beauty oasis is a full-service day spa set in the historical area of East Hill and surrounded by live oaks, crepe myrtles, camellias, and azaleas. Radiante Jacqueline is known for its warm hospitality and superb treatments.

This day spa prides itself on quality European Spa services and being on the cutting edge of beauty through health, such as Hydrotherapy, Balneotherapy, Thalossotherapy and aroma therapy.

No spa experience is complete without the addition of body treatments. Radiante Jacquleine offers Darphin body treatments, slimming anti-cellulite wraps and Germine de Capuccini spa marine body treatments.

Facial treatments range from the basic deep cleansing European facial to the more technologically advanced microdermabrasion, laser, and photo rejuvenation therapies, treatments that are clinically proven to treat fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, stretch marks and hyper-pigmentation.

Radiante Jacqueline also offers hair care, nail care, waxing, hair removal and tanning services. In addition, they offer massages and sports grooming services for men. You deserve a treat—Radiante Jacqueline fits the bill! OTHER TOP FINISHERS: The Backrub Store, Avery Massage Therapy.

BEST SKIN CARE

MARK LEES SKIN CARE, 4400 Bayou Blvd., Suite 57, Pensacola. 476-3509.

Every woman loves to be pampered. Feeling beautiful is one of the greatest joys of womanhood, and Mark Lees can give anyone a glow. The day spa provides solutions for all that nasty sun damage, creases and wrinkles, clogged pores and more with Swedish body massages, facials, body waxing, electrolysis and four-hour spa packages. The professionals at Mark Lees also teach makeup lessons and provide nutritional counseling. No wonder IN readers voted Mark Lees No. 1 for the second year in a row. The calming atmosphere leaves customers (guys, too) feeling rejuvenated, recharged and radiant. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Bella Sante, Radiante Jacqueline.

BEST TANNING SALON

Planet Beach Tanning Salon 6024 N. Ninth Ave., or 40 W. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola. 484-6966 or 505-4826.

Planet Beach strives to provide the tanning experience of a beach vacation without the sand and yet be stimulating at the same time. Thus, to capture the essence of this feeling, the words “Planet” and “Beach” were combined to form a name representative of such a salon environment.

Founded in 1996, Planet Beach has grown to over 200 salons throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia, with another 300 awarded locations. Unlike other tanning operations that offer it as secondary service, Planet Beach focuses solely on the service of tanning and the sale of retail products that enhance the tanning experience. It’s that focus that has made Planet Beach No. 1 in Pensacola. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Sun Shack, Tan USA.

BEST HOTEL

HAMPTON INN, 2 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola. 932-6800.

If you’re partying on Pensacola Beach, looking for “evidence” around the Sandshaker, hitting on surfers at the Break, and just generally doing things on the coast that you hope stay on the coast, you don’t want to have to drive all the way back to some far-flung hotel. The Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach is within walking distance of the nightlife. Plus, their rates are reasonable, too.

Two heated pools and an in-house bar are available to guests, but don’t drink too many daiquiris before you hit the beach. Nobody likes to swim in pee.

As the summer season winds down, the Hampton will make the transition from a leisure spot to more of a business-traveler destination. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few corporate-types loose their ties and walk over to the Islander to holla at some hos. Just remember: getting arrested on Pensacola Beach doesn’t stay on Pensacola Beach. OTHER TOP FINSHERS: Hilton Garden Inn, Pensacola Crown Plaza.

BEST LAW FIRM

Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Echsner & Proctor, P.A. 316 South Baylen Street, Suite 600, Pensacola. 435-7000.

Who ya gonna call? If it’s a legal matter, IN readers look to the firm, better known as Levin, Papantonio, to take their case.

In 1955, David H. Levin and Reubin Askew founded the firm of Levin & Askew. As did most young attorneys, the duo accepted virtually every case that offered itself, regardless of the area of law involved. Reubin Askew went on to become a two-term Florida governor and candidate for president of the United States.

The firm has grown to 29 attorneys and has represented more than 100,000 clients and currently litigates cases throughout the United States. Levin, Papantonio has earned more than 75 jury verdicts in the amount of $1 million or more, including 12 jury verdicts in excess of $10 million and two in excess of $450 million. Over 25 years, the firm’s total settlements have exceeded $1 billion.

Its latest success was getting ConocoPhillips to cough up $70 million for offer Pensacola residents, who owned property polluted by the Conoco/Agrico Superfund site. The two other top finishers are also law firms with impressive histories: Beggs & Lane, one of the oldest law firms in the state with 121 years of service, and Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, which was established in 1913 and who boasts one partner, Alan Bookman, as the current Florida Bar president. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Beggs & Lane, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon.

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

COLDWELL BANKER JME REALTY various locations.

Joe Endry started his realty company in 1984 with two agents and a rental manager. Today, he has more than 250 full-time agents and 12 offices that stretch from south Walton County to Perdido Key. Locals have come to rely on Endry and his staff to handle their residential, commercial and vacation housing needs.

Coldwell Banker JME Realty is truly a full-service agency that offers a wide array of services, such as resort/project sales, commercial/investment sales, property management, condominium association management, customer services and one of the most successful relocation departments in Northwest Florida. The local housing market is booming. The experts at Coldwell Banker JME Realty can help you sort through all the housing/investment possibilities. OTHER TOP FINISHERS: Montgomery Realtors, NAI Halford.

BEST TRAVEL

AAA TRAVEL 540 Brent Lane, Pensacola. 477-6860.