History Meets Industry – Fun Fact Friday

History Meets Industry – New Hotel in an Old TOwn

Just before Christmas, history met industry when a new Holiday Inn Express opened in downtown Pensacola. The hotel was constructed on the same location formerly occupied by a brick warehouse. The warehouse, established in 1905, was destroyed a hundred years later by Hurricane Ivan. Now, after 12 years of being unoccupied, the site is home to the first new hotel in downtown in almost 30 years.

In addition to the building’s industrial facade that blends well with the rest of its surroundings, the location is convenient walking distance to shops and restaurants. The hotel makes a perfect addition to the downtown area that is in need of more housing facilities to supplement its thriving businesses. If you have visitors coming in to town, give them a heads up that the price of downtown convenience starts at $106 per night.

What do you think about this addition to the downtown industry? I think it will prove to be an asset. A new hotel will equal more downtown visitors/tourists which in turn equals a benefit to the downtown economy. These visitors will do their shopping, eating, and exploring in the area close to where they’re staying. What’s your opinion? Leave us a comment! Happy Friday!

Source: The Pulse

Accolades of Pensacola – Fun Fact Friday

Pensacola – A Great Place to Live

White sandy beaches, good food, a thriving downtown – these are just some of the features that make Pensacola great. But it’s not only our personal opinion that determines whether these features are great or not. Other companies and organizations have recognized Pensacola in the form of accolades and awards as a wonderful place to live and play. From our beaches to the National Naval Aviation Museum to West Florida Hospital, Pensacola has proven it has a lot to offer.

Check out some of the accolades Pensacola has won just this year:

  • Trip Advisor – Top Ten Beaches in the US, #7 Best Beach in the World
  • Truvin Health Analytics | IBM Watson Health – Top 100 hospital (West Florida)
  • Luxury Travel Guide – The Wildlife Destination of 2017 (Perdido Key)
  • CNN Travel – Top 12 Military Museums to Visit in the World (NNAM)
  • Thrillist – #2 Most Affordable Beach Town

We may not have needed affirmation to convince us Pensacola is a great city with a lot to offer, but it’s always an honor to see Pensacola recognized! I’m personally intrigued by the “#2 Most Affordable Beach Town” award. Beach house, anyone? I know a great Realtor!

What do you love most about Pensacola? Let us know via comment! Happy Friday!

For the complete list of awards, check out the link below:

Source: Award-Winning Pensacola

Merry Christmas!

In all the hubbub of traveling, shopping, wrapping, and cooking, I have neglected to look up any interesting facts for Fun Fact Friday. However, I didn’t want this Friday to go by without at least a little something. Mainly, I wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. May you all be overflowing with love and joy this holiday season, and have a refreshing celebration with friends and family. May your 2018 find you healthier, happier, and more blessed than your 2017.

From the Mahoney Team to you: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Heritage – Fun Fact Friday

A World of celebration

Christmas is just 10 days away! While I’m excited for Christmas to come, I can hardly believe December is already halfway over! Where does the time go? Anyway, because Christmas is so close, I wanted to look into some of the holiday traditions that make up our Christmas heritage.

  • Norway – You may be familiar with Christmas time being called Yuletide. This term is derived from the Norwegian tradition of the yule log. On the winter solstice, the people of Norway would light the yule log to symbolize the sun’s recurrence. Therefore, because December 21st is so close to December 25th, Christmas is called Yuletide.
  • Germany – Christmas trees hail from Germany. The Germans began decorating trees as a winter tradition before making it specifically a Christmas tradition by the 1600’s. During the 1700’s, these “Christmas trees” became popular throughout Germany. England and America eventually adopted the tradition as well in the 1800’s.
  • Mexico – The country of Mexico produces the holiday-favorite poinsettia plant. Joel R. Poinsett, for which the plant is named, brought the poinsettia over to America in the early 19th century.
  • England – The English made sending Christmas cards a common tradition with the work of such like John Calcott Horsley. The English also established the traditions of kissing under the mistletoe, Christmas caroling, and hanging stockings.

Reading over the history of our traditions, I find it fascinating that so many cultures make up our Christmas heritage. Traditions – some centuries old! – from all over the world have blended together to make Christmas how we celebrate today. Do you have any family- or culture-specific traditions that aren’t listed here? Tell us about them! We’d love to hear how you celebrate Christmas!

Source: History.com – Christmas Traditions Worldwide

Pearl Harbor Day – Fun Fact Friday

Sunday, December 7, 1941

“Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked…” These were the portentous opening words of President Roosevelt’s speech to Congress following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Seventy-six years later, and on the anniversary of President Roosevelt’s speech, we remember the turning point of America’s position in World War II.

Early that Sunday morning, when many Americans were still waking up, the first Japanese bomber was spotted. Before long, over 300 Japanese bombers were flying over Pearl Harbor raining destruction. The Japanese loss was minute compared to American losses. “Some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men” were lost by the Japanese. The American loss amounted to “five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships[,] sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft.” By the end of the attack, over 3,600 Americans were either killed or wounded.

Such a move by the Japanese was enough to bring the United States into the war. Thus, President Roosevelt gave his famous speech asking Congress to agree to a declaration of war against Japan. They agreed by a landslide. Within a few days, Germany and Italy retaliated by declaring war on the United States, and America became fully engaged in World War II.

Although most of us alive today don’t know what it was like to wake up 76 years ago and discover the U.S. had been attacked, we can still remember those who defended our country on that day and every day since. Let us never forget those who have gone before to defend this nation and help shape it into what it is today. Never forget where we’ve come from, and we will see where we’re going.

Source: History.com

Pensacola Lighthouse – Fun Fact Friday

A Pensacola Landmark

Pensacola’s historic lighthouse has been in existence since 1859. Well, actually, there was another lighthouse that was first lit in 1824. So then why does the sign say it was established in 1859 if there has been a lighthouse in Pensacola since 1824? That’s because there were two lighthouses built. The one that we see and can tour today is the latter one. Take a look at the timeline to see the changes:

  • 1823 – The idea of building a lighthouse was brought forward for consideration.
  • 1824 – Construction was completed and the first keeper, Jeremiah Ingraham, was stationed.
  • 1850 – Grievances arose stating that the lighthouse was not adequately lit.
  • 1856 – A different location was chosen for a new lighthouse and construction began.
  • 1858 – Construction of the improved 159-foot lighthouse was completed.
  • 1859 –  On New Years day, the light was lit in the new lighthouse.

Today, tourists and locals can still visit the historic 1859 lighthouse, walk up its 177 steps, and look out over the Gulf of Mexico. If you haven’t seen the lighthouse yet or are planning to visit, this Saturday would be the perfect time to go! Saturday, December 2nd is the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum’s Christmas Gala. From 2 – 5 P.M., enjoy free admission, refreshments, Christmas decorations, and more! Santa will even be there for the kids!

Have you been to the lighthouse yet? Did you climb all 177 steps? If you go this Saturday, let us know how it was! We’ll be getting our Christmas tree, otherwise; we’d go too.

Source: PensacolaLighthouse.org

Black Friday – Fun Fact Friday

Kicking off the holiday shopping season

The turkey has been devoured, the pie – all but gone, and now it’s time to look towards another holiday – Christmas. With just weeks to go before December 25th, doubtless we all still have much to accomplish. I mean, let’s be honest: have any of us really started our Christmas shopping yet? For the over-achievers who started back at the Labor Day sales, more power to ya. But for those of us who have been busy and put it off, there is still hope. Hope in the form of Black Friday shopping. Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving that begins the holiday shopping season when countless deals can be snagged. But do you know how far back Black Friday’s origins go?

Black Friday as we know it earned its name nearly 60 years ago in Philadelphia. Philadelphia police officers were daunted by the crowds of people visiting family for Thanksgiving, getting started on their Christmas shopping, and attending the Army vs. Navy college football game. Because of the increased traffic, crowding, and even shoplifting brought on by the hoards of people, the police dubbed that Friday after Thanksgiving “black”.

However, Black Friday as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season began largely thanks to Mr. Macy. In the early 20th century, department stores, like Macy’s, were the places to shop. Before shopping malls, they were the one-stop stores to get most of your shopping done. In an attempt to drive more shoppers to his department store for the holiday season, Mr. Macy began his Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924. The result has become the Black Friday we are familiar with today.

And that’s a brief look at the history of Black Friday! For a more detailed read, take a look at the sources below.

Have any Black Friday deals that you’ve scored or are looking forward to getting? Comment below!

Source: MoneyCrashers.com , TheBalance.com

Thanksgiving – Fun Fact Friday

Thanksgiving – An American Tradition

Turkey, pumpkin pie, football – for many Americans that just about sums up Thanksgiving. It is the one day each November we set aside to gather with loved ones, reflect on all the blessings in our lives, and eat one slice too many of our favorite pie. But the original Thanksgiving was much different. We all know that it began with the Pilgrims after they sailed on the Mayflower from England to the New World, yet how did it become what it is today?

Since many of those that sailed on the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, had strong religious beliefs, a day to give thanks was typically a solemn event. Such a day would be set aside for fasting, prayer, and reflection on the goodness of God. Pilgrims, Puritans, and Native Americans alike each had their own versions of Thanksgiving before it ever became a national holiday.

As far as how we celebrate Thanksgiving today, below is a progressive timeline of the holiday:

  • 1621 – What we consider the first Thanksgiving was held as three days of feasting between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags.
  • 1777 – The first national Thanksgiving was declared by the Continental Congress.
  • 1827 – While each Thanksgiving day was traditionally declared by a President, Sarah Josepha Hale (editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book) lobbied to have it made a national holiday.
  • 1863 – Hale’s efforts proved successful when President Lincoln initiated two days of thanks – one in August and another in November.
  • 1939 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt finally established Thanksgiving as an annual, nationally-recognized holiday. He scheduled the date for the second-to-last Thursday in November.
  • 1941 – Congress pushed the Thanksgiving date to the fourth Thursday in November.

Keeping Up with Tradition

Thanksgiving has come a long way over the centuries. Some years it was celebrated, and some years it was not. Although much of Thanksgiving has changed from the date to the customs, the heart of the holiday has remained the same: reflection and gratitude. This year, don’t stress so much over whether or not you’ll get that Black Friday deal, or if you burned the sweet potato casserole. Be sure to let the people in your life know how much they mean to you and reflect on all the ways God has blessed you. We have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Check out this link for an additional 15 Thanksgiving fun facts! Number 9 explains a lot about holiday traffic…*ick*

Sources: Plimouth.org , HuffingtonPost.com

Veteran’s Day – Fun Fact Friday

Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – what does that mean?  In 1918, it marked the time and date an armistice was signed to end World War I. “A war to end all wars,” as President Woodrow Wilson called this Great War. Today, the 11th day of the 11th month designates the day we honor veterans.

Veteran’s Day (not to be confused with Memorial Day in May) is the day we observe each November to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. Although this important day in our history was first recognized and is currently recognized on November 11th, it wasn’t always upheld on that date. Below is a list of the important dates involving Veteran’s Day:

  • November 11, 1918: The signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
  • 1938: November 11th legally became Armistice Day.
  • June 1, 1954: Armistice Day changed to Veteran’s Day.
  • 1968: Veteran’s Day moved from November 11th to the fourth Monday in October.
  • September 20, 1975: Veteran’s Day moved back to November 11th.

Because the United States has come through more wars since World War I, November 11th has grown to include all veterans. What started as a celebration of the end of the first World War has become a celebration of all the men and women who have served our country. We must never take for granted the sacrifices others have made for the sake of our safety and freedom. To all veterans, today and everyday, thank you.

Click this link for a list of businesses offering free meals and other deals for veterans this weekend. Thank you again for your service!

Sources: Woodrow Wilson quotes , Military.com , FoxNews.com

4653 Perception Cir., Milton, FL

4653 Perception Cir. | Holiday Builders

For sale

Provided By: Holiday Builders

Showing Agent:

Terry Mahoney

Realtor, MRP
Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast
603-521-0774
Licensed In: Florida
License #: SL3363594

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4 BEDROOMS | 2326 SQUARE FEET

The CHARLESTON offers 2326 SF of relaxed living space with an open floor plan including 4 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms. As you enter the home from the covered front porch, you’ll step into an inviting Foyer. An Office and formal Dining Room are just aside. Continue into the over-sized Great room which flows into the open Kitchen and Breakfast Nook. You’ll love the Kitchen which has tile floors, granite counter tops, plenty of 42” painted cabinets and an island. The Master suite is quite large and features an elegant trey ceiling. The Master bath has a double vanity, garden tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. There is a large covered lanai in the back for your outdoor enjoyment. Call today for a showing!



Terry Mahoney

The Mahoney Team
Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast

Cell: (603) 521-0774    Office: (850) 471-5000    Fax: (850) 471-5001

800 Langley Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504

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