Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K + TASTE OF THE RACE Feb. 13-15, 2026 | Times Vary FREE ENTRY Locations Vary Seaside, FL Ladies Leadership Luncheon: Galentine Lunch Connections Feb. 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM Tickets $85 Farrow Contracting, Inc. Destin, FL 30A Wine Festival At Alys Beach Feb. 18-22, 2026 | Time Vary Events Vary Locations Vary Alys Beach, FL 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb. 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM Tickets ~$50 Village of Baytowne Wharf Miramar Beach, FL Career Readiness Workshop Feb. 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM Event FREE 1025 Beal Parkway, Unit B1 Fort Walton Beach, FL Fourth Annual Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese fest Feb. 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM Tickets $50 / Kids FREE Community Maritime Park Pensacola, FL March 2026 Events More events may be added as the season unfolds. Be sure to explore our March 2026 events! Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Tea Fore Her - A Breast Cancer Fundraiser March 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM Tickets $65+ Hilton Sandestin Bch Resort R/S Miramar Beach, FL The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show March 6-8, 2026 | 10:00 AM Tickets $15+ Aaron Bessant Park Panama City Beach, FL 2026 Women in Leadership Conference (Virtual Available) March 12, 2026 | All Day Tickets $80 - $180 UWF Conference Center Pensacola, FL The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show March 20-22, 2026 | 10:00 AM Tickets ~$13+ The Wharf Orange Beach, AL Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival March 20-22, 2026 | 10:00 AM Event FREE Downtown Fairhope Fairhope, AL Books By THe Bay FESTIVAL March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM Event FREE Bayview Park - Comm./Senior Ctr. Pensacola, FL FEB 2026 Events More events may be added as the season unfolds. Be sure to explore our February 2026 events! Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Merveilleuse Crêpes & Coffee Shop is more than a beautiful café along Highway 98. It’s the result of years of passion, travel, tradition, and an unwavering belief that desserts and coffee should feel personal, artistic, and memorable. When our publisher, Michelle, and Editor-in-Chief and Art Director, Nicole, stopped by recently, the impression was immediate. The décor is soft, feminine, and thoughtfully designed, striking the perfect balance between chic and comfortable. The vibe invitesyou to slow down and stay awhile, and the food more than lives up to the setting. It ’s the kind of place that feels special without trying too hard. Behind the café is owner Amine Bachar, whose journey with food began long before Destin. Growing up in Morocco, he was immersed in rich food traditions and family gatherings where baking was central to connection and celebration. Guided early on by his mother, Amine later expanded that foundation by visiting bakeries around the world, especially in France, shaping his belief that food should not just be eaten, but felt. That philosophy led him to Destin and to Merveilleuse, the next chapter of his journey. He opened the café with the support of his uncle, Rahal Raihane, who plays an integral role as both an investor and collaborator. Designed to be intentionally intimate, the space seats about 20 to 24 guests and centers around freshly made crêpes, waffles, and a curated selection of handcrafted coffee and cold drinks. Two favorites have already earned a loyal following: the light and dreamy Strawberry & Cream and the indulgent Pistachio Royale, rich, elegant, and unforgettable. With plans to introduce rotating classic desserts inspired by French pastry traditions, Merveilleuse reflects years of creativity, intention, and heart. It’s exactly Where Women Go To Eat when beauty, flavor, and intention come together. CoffeE, Cr ê pes, and a Quick Hello! Merveilleuse Crêpes & Coffee Shop Located at: 981 US-98, Unit 4 Destin, FL 32541 And, don't forget to ask if they have a copy of Coastalpolitan! Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Elevating the unseen, the “Unsung Heroes” exhibit curates a presence for legacies that might otherwise be forgotten. Luna Fine Art Gallery has recorded and given permanence to unseen Pensacola icons, transforming local tales into true historical records. This exhibit features figures who, by living their lives with conviction, helped shape the community to be one that is strong and rich with bold history. One legendary tale memorialized is that of Bernice Burlingame, a prolific woman destined to be cripled, yet who saved her own life and shaped her future by taking up ballet and standing up for what is right. Another story told is of the NAACP advocacy queen with flair, Rosemary Bonifay, a woman who fought the system for students, teachers, and people of all backgrounds–and won. Another pivotal story shared is that of Dr. Charles Augustus, Sr., whose determination as a loving father wanting the best for his daughter forever changed the town by ending segregation in Escambia County Schools. Other legends featured include Dr. Wendy Bennett, Linda Scott, and Modeste McCorvey, who transcended the expectations of local educators and collaborated successfully toforever transform Pensacola’s local schools. The exhibit not only shares these powerful stories and the public value they bring, but also displays art inspired by those honored. Showcased pieces include “Selfless Endeavors” by Kendall Sainata, which appears to be drawn from the connection shared by Bennett, McCorvey, and Scott, and “R.O.S.E.M.A.R.Y” by Dian Collins, spotlighting the advocacy of Bonifay. Through this powerful intersection of art and narrative, the exhibit proves why remembering these figures truly matters today. Luna Fine Art Gallery Pensacola Beach, FL LunaFineArtGallery.org Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Along the Gulf Coast, meaningful community impact often begins quietly. It starts with women who notice the gaps, ask thoughtful questions, and choose to act. In a region shaped by resilience and connection, women-led and women-centered nonprofits have become essential to the health of our communities. One organization that embodies this spirit is Impact100 Northwest Florida . Founded in 2012, Impact100 Northwest Florida has turned collective generosity into lasting change. Since its creation, the organization has donated nearly $5.4 million to 51 nonprofits located in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. These numbers represent more than funding. They reflect real progress, from expanded educational programs to stronger family services and improved access to health and wellness resources. The concept behind Impact100 is both simple and powerful. One hundred women donate $1,000 each to create a single $100,000 high-impact grant. That grant enables local nonprofits to accomplish extraordinary things, whether by launching new initiatives, expanding services, or meeting urgent community needs. Most importantly, 100 percent of each member’s contribution goes directly to nonprofit organizations, with no funds allocated to administrative costs. Membership is open to all women and is not capped at one hundred participants. The long-term goal is to reach at least 500 members annually, allowing Impact100 Northwest Florida to fund grants across five critical focus areas: Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation and Preservation; Family; and Health and Wellness. Together, these categories reflect the diverse and interconnected needs of life along the Gulf Coast. Many of the nonprofits supported through Impact100 are founded by women or serve women and families directly. These organizations address deeply personal and widely shared challenges, from housing stability and education to mental health, wellness, and economic opportunity. Often led by women with lived experience, they approach service with empathy, dignity, and a long-term vision for change. What sets Impact100 Northwest Florida apart is its emphasis on participation. Members are not passive donors. They are actively engaged in the grant process, learning about community needs, reviewing proposals, and building relationships with local nonprofits. That involvement strengthens trust and reinforces the belief that local solutions, led by local women, matter. In a world where challenges can feel overwhelming, Impact100 Northwest Florida reminds us that real change often happens close to home. When women invest together with intention and heart, the ripple effect strengthens families, organizations, and entire communities. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

A Shadow Life In Print A relationship that spans a lifetime between a reader and an author’s words is one that is rich in intimacy and transcends bounds between the book and reality, almost as if it is a parallel timeline. For Devoney Looser, the renowned cultural historian and scholar, Jane Austen, is her shadow life, her mirror, her compass. While her work Wild for Austen serves as a mapped exploration into the author’s legacy, the true narrative lies in the one who doubles as the notorious roller derby skater “Stone Cold Jane Austen.” To glance at Looser’s life is to see a painting of a modern woman, an aca-fan whose identity has been forged from the great pop-culture icon who has contributed and continues to inspire the modern woman. It is a story of how a girl found her voice in the drawing rooms of Hampshire, and how that voice eventually grew to lead a global conversation on what it means to be “Janeite.”  From Text To Temperament  Looser’s journey didn’t begin with the academic rigor for which she is now celebrated, but with the instinctive pull of a young woman searching for a guide to independence. While many consider an Austen phase to be a youthful dalliance that dissipates with adolescence, for Looser, Jane was the foundation—the launchpad for a life lived out loud. In the beginning, the connection was most likely one of inspiration found through intellectual discovery—unearthing the “Sister Novelists” and the overlooked female writers among Austen. But as Looser navigated through the seasons of her own life—experiencing the complexity of competing with other academics, the constant work, push, pull of marriage, and the demands and physical toll of her “other” life as a roller derby athlete—the Austen connection shifted from only being mental to being internally aligned and fully integrated within her soul. It became less about the text and more about the temperament. Austen is after all known for her resilient characters in the face of social constraints. Looser, in her pursuit of a cultured, coastal life,” has mirrored the same spirit of quiet defiance. She has carved out a space where the exhaustive demands of history meet the sometimes messy and unfair reality of modern passion. To know Looser is to understand devotion to being a scholar is not cold; it is warmth, a living pulse that showcases how she views this world, our world. The Evolution of Devotion  There is a profound difference between the way a twenty-year-old reads Persuasion and the way a fifty-year-old reads it, and Wild for Austen is, in many ways, a record of that changing vision. Looser charts her own evolution as a reader alongside Austen’s work, showing how meaning accrues over time. Early encounters lean into Austen’s sharp wit and satire–the intellectual armor a young woman might reach for while finding her own footing. As Looser matures, both personally and professionally, her attention turns toward the so-called “late” Austen: the novels preoccupied with second chances, patience, and the quiet dignity of lives shaped outside youthful expectations. What emerges in Wild for Austen is not just a history of Austen reception, but a deeply personal meditation on rereading as a form of self-knowledge.  Looser’s devotion, as she frames it in the book, insists that literature is a living organism–one that grows as we do. She does not confine Austen to the 19th century; instead, she carries her forward, animating Austen’s relevance in classrooms, archives, and fan conventions alike. Wild for Austen moves fluidly between scholarly research and memoir, reflecting Looser’s belief in the Austenian ideal of “improved” minds, where curiosity is not ornamental but ethical. Whether she is sifting through neglected fan histories or reflecting on her own place within Austen culture, Looser approaches her subject with equal parts rigor and delight.  This balance is the book's quiet triumph. In academic spaces that often reward distance, Looser chooses transparency. She openly names the emotional core of her scholarship, arguing in Wild for Austen that passion does not undermine credibility; it deepens it. Her willingness to embrace the “wildness” of her devotion, even as her analysis remains precise, is what makes her work resonate so strongly with contemporary women. Looser grants permission to care deeply, to love a subject fiercely, and to claim both intellectual authority and personal investment without apology.  A Modern Coastal Resonance  Throughout Wild for Austen, Looser portrays Austen as a stabilizing presence in a modern, cultivated life–one lived amid teaching schedules, athletic bruises, and the shifting rhythms of adulthood. Austen’s famous devotion to the “little bit (two inches wide) of ivory” becomes, for Looser, a guiding principle: an insistence on finding depth in the local, the domestic, and the seemingly modest. Against the fragmentation of modern life, Austen offers continuity, and Looser shows that continuity can be actively practiced rather than nostalgically admired. Her narrative suggests that literary devotion is not an escape but a method of engagement. Being “wild for Austen,” as Losser defines it, has little to do with period costumes or romantic fantasy. Instead, it is about cultivating an internal discipline–learning how to read people closely, how to judge fairly, how to navigate social dynamics with both skepticism and generosity. In this way, Wild for Austen became a guidebook for emotional intelligence as much as a cultural history, mapping how Austen’s insights can still shape the way we move throughout this world.  P5: The Wisdom of the Long View Ultimately, Wild for Austen tells a story of mutual refinement. Through years of study, Looser has helped strip away the softened, overly polite version of Austen left behind by Victorian editors, restoring the author’s sharper, more radical intelligence. At the same time, Austen’s work has offered Looser a lifelong framework for thinking about ambition, resilience, and womanhood. The relationship, as Looser presents it, is not static but dialogic, each continually reshaping the other.  In tracing Looser’s journey, we are reminded that the books we love are not passive companions. They are active participants in who we become. Looser’s identity as a scholar, athlete, and woman is inseparable from the hours she has spent in Austen’s company, rereading, revising, and rethinking. Wild for Austen makes clear that this devotion is not sentimental; it is grounded in a shared resistance to easy answers and a shared pleasure in the absurdities of human nature.  In a culture that often demands specialization or restraint, Looser stands as an argument for the well-lived, capacious life. Her story encourages readers to locate their own sustaining voice as the writer, thinker, or artist who evolves with them across decades. In Looser’s case, that voice is Jane Austen, guiding her through the seasons and reminding us that curiosity is a form of independence, and that a truly cultivated life is fueled by devotion that is allowed to endure, deepen, and change.  Photos Courtesy of Google Images Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

On a December night at the Flora-Bama, the Gulf breeze slips through the open doors, carrying the sound of clinking bottles and low conversation. Then Rhonda Hart walks to the mic. The Barbie-themed fundraiser is all hot-pink wigs, rhinestone boots, and winking nostalgia, but the room settles the moment she leans into the first line. Her voice — soulful with a steel edge — cuts through the noise and pulls the whole place into focus. Nights like this are the payoff for a long road. Before Hart rooted herself along the Gulf Coast, she spent years in Nashville, working rooms that did not always know what to do with a woman who could own both the stage and the set list. Two Grammy-nominated cuts and hard-earned respect gave her a national footprint, but the coast offered something different: salt air, a loyal audience, and the chance to build a life in music on her own terms. She describes the backdrop to that life as “controlled chaos,” borrowing the phrase from her late mentor Joe Gilchrist. In the middle of that swirl, staying centered is not optional. “I strive to stay grounded through all the controlled chaos by starting my day with affirming my love and gratitude to the One who gave us life,” she says. Living in peace, she adds, is not always easy in the environment where she works and strives to survive, but the highs and lows are easier when she keeps her focus on His purpose for her life. That quiet discipline — the choice to navigate everything one day at a time — is the invisible spine behind the glitter. Her peers have watched and responded. At the legendary Flora-Bama, the “Bammies” recognized Hart with both a Lifetime Achievement award and the aptly named Workhorse title, a pairing that speaks to her stamina as much as her stature. She is the one who shows up, night after night, reading the room, shifting from torchy ballad to roadhouse rocker in a way that feels effortless and anything but accidental. Offstage, that same energy powers her annual Barbie party, where sparkle and humor become a vehicle for something larger. The event funnels its proceeds to Gulf Coast Kids House, turning a playful theme into real support for children who need a voice. It is pure Rhonda: colorful on the surface, grounded by purpose underneath. Ask her what she wants women coming into the industry to know, and she rarely talks about awards. She talks about authenticity and alignment. Pick up an instrument. Learn the business. Write your own story. Stay true to who you are, even when trends nudge you toward something shinier but less honest, because audiences can sense the difference in a heartbeat. Along this stretch of coast, Rhonda Hart proves that point every time she steps to the mic — a reminder that glitter is fun, but the real glow comes from a voice and a spirit that refuse to be anything but real. Rhonda Hart’s Annual Barbies for Charity Birthday Party raises funds for Gulf Coast Kid’s House. The event also supports Toys For Tots, helping bring joy to children throughout the holiday season. Photos Courtesy of Meredith Folger Amon Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Didn’t someone once say women run the world? Maybe we do—but what I see, day after day, is women running themselves into the ground trying to hold everything together. We compete not for dominance, but for balance: striving to feel good, stay strong, and bring a sense of well-being home to ourselves and the people we love. Because here’s the truth: it’s hard to show up as the best version of yourself when you don’t feel well in your own body. Every day, the medical world unveils new drugs, devices, and procedures that are nothing short of astonishing. Technology and AI are evolving at lightning speed. Yet when I talk to my closest female friends, many are struggling with the basics—sleeping through the night, staying consistent with nutrition, healing gut issues, or working around old injuries that make giving 100 percent at the gym feel impossible. Some feel emotionally flat, foggy, and disconnected from the vitality they once knew. Too often, these symptoms are brushed off as “just aging.” As if exhaustion, inflammation, and quiet resignation are simply the price of getting older. But what if they're not? Recently, I’ve been hearing exciting—and increasingly credible—conversations about peptides and their potential role in regenerative, protective, and anti-aging support. Peptide therapy is no longer fringe; real-world results are bringing it into the spotlight, especially for women who want to feel strong, clear, and capable again. Peptides are naturally occurring chains of amino acids that exist throughout the body and perform critical biological functions. Many of the peptides our bodies produce have powerful protective roles: supporting cellular repair, calming inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and promoting DNA repair through multiple biochemical pathways. As we age—or experience injury, chronic stress, or environmental toxin exposure—our natural peptide production declines, leaving many women stuck in a constant state of inflammation and slow recovery. Peptide therapy works by supporting the body with what it’s missing, helping restore balance and resilience. That said, this is not a do-ityourself trend. Women interested in peptides should always seek out a qualified medical provider who can oversee therapy, ensure proper sourcing and dosing, and monitor progress over time. Personalized guidance and follow-up are key to seeing meaningful, lasting results. The women seeing the most profound benefits from peptides are already prioritizing well-balanced, high-protein meals and lifting heavy in the gym. Strength training and proper nutrition create the environment peptides need to work effectively—they enhance effort; they don’t replace it. This isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about reclaiming possibility—feeling clear, resilient, and strong enough to meet life fully, at every age. Because running the world shouldn’t mean running on empty. Peptides Women Are Talking About BPC-157 supports tissue and gut repair, particularly for women recovering from injuries or chronic digestive issues. TB-4 and TB-500 are associated with tissue regeneration and recovery, making them popular among those navigating old injuries or training setbacks. MOTS-C has drawn attention for its potential impact on metabolic health and energy regulation. GHK-Cu , a copper peptide, is linked to skin health, collagen production, and cellular rejuvenation. Glutathione , often called the body’s master antioxidant, supports detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Suzanne Meyers, RN , critical care nurse with rational experience in ICU, Neuro, Trauma, and Transplant care. She is also a certified Nutritional Consultant, writing from a practical evidenced based perspective on health and nutrition. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

As women, we can wear many different hats, each in a different color, size, and style at various stages of our adult lives. One of my greatest joys in life is spending time with family. This continues to include my birth family (older parents and two remaining living brothers); extended family; and especially time with my husband of 25 years and my three adult children (23, 21, and 19-years-old). Although spending time with family is a place where I have experienced a lot of joy, my professional role with counseling clients has continued to provide meaning  in my current “hat”. Throughout my personal life experiences and my almost 30 years of working with people as a Florida-licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have found that counseling with women and what I will refer to as the ‘acts’ of life hold a noteworthy meaning for me. The ‘first act’ in the 20-40 age range is learning how to transition into adulthood and juggling school, career decisions, finding a life partner, marriage, children, and navigating the choices around us. This writing will, however, focus on women’s ‘second act’ and mental health. Like myself, women in the 40-60 age range are in the ‘second act’ of adulting. During this act, many life-changing events can lead to new awareness. These events include, but are not limited to, becoming an empty nester, career changes, relationship changes like divorce or finding more time with a significant other, and role shifts in caring for others. In my second act, I am finding myself no longer having to juggle navigating my professional career with co-parenting, which focuses on raising healthy, happy, and responsible human beings in an ever-changing, chaotic world. There are new challenges when the children in your family no longer need the time and energy they once did as they become adults themselves. However, I will never stop working on being the best partner and the best mom, including being my adult children’s biggest life cheerleader. That cheerleader is now from the balcony instead of from the front row, and so my daily life’s meaning looks very different. How do we navigate and focus on our mental health and find new meaning in the second act? First, it is too familiar in our world to separate mental health and physical health into two different entities, even as seen in the insurance realm. However, it is essential to recognize that mental health and physical health are interconnected and, simply put, significantly impact each other. The second act continues to balance both physical and mental health contributors. This includes actively staying up to date on preventative health care, including annual physical health monitoring. It is not uncommon in the ‘first act’ as women, we become so busy with taking care of other people that we can find ourselves lost, and focusing on and balancing our own mental health presents new challenges. As second-act women, we can sometimes find ourselves with the question “What next?” and “How can I really shift other-focused  to self-focused without feeling selfish?” When we really allow ourselves to focus on our emotional growth, healing, and happiness, it is not only NOT selfish, it is VITAL. As we get older, we also have less control over some physical health issues, such as aging body parts and changing hormones. It is vital to learn to love and be happy with ourselves, so we can continue to be present and happy with those we love. The first step is to identify our own strengths and use these strengths to nurture and care for the woman we are today. As Louise L. Hay states in her book You Can Heal Your Life , “When we create peace and harmony and balance in our own minds, we will find it in our lives” (p. 13). We must allow ourselves to be ‘self-full’ and actively practice healthy tools that allow for peace and harmony in our lives today. What does that look like, and how can we do that? This is the pertinent question that gives us the tools to learn how to focus on self-care. Self-care is essential for building and revisiting our relationships, first with ourselves, which directly impacts the significant others in our lives. Care directed towards the self  allows for experiences in happiness and personal meaning in the new routine, fostering balance and psychological well-being. First, identify and acknowledge individual strengths that are the root of who we can become through every experience up to this point. This includes embracing all  these experiences, whether perceived as positive or negative, with gratitude and gentle acceptance. Every experience to date has been perfect in shaping the amazing person we have become. We each have done the best we could at every single moment up to this point, because if we had known at any given moment that there was a better choice, we would have chosen it.  We can next implement daily practices of gratitude and self-love, along with activities that nurture both our emotional and physical health, using our identified strengths. Choose to practice daily positive self-messages, daily conscious mindfulness, and enjoy those around us with the same self-love we are learning to practice in our lives. This also includes finding and/or connecting with our balcony people, knowing that the journey consists of loved ones, friends, and sometimes professionals. It is when we practice these tools, toward peace, harmony, and balance, that the astounding hats we wear in our second act can begin to look and feel like a glorious adventure rather than a confusing struggle. DIAL 988 24/7 LIFELINE MENTAL HEALTH About The Author Bonnie Bucco is a Pensacola native with a longstanding career dedicated to supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. She earned her BA in Psychology from Clemson University before continuing her graduate studies in Expressive Art Therapy, receiving her MA from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bonnie began her counseling career in Tampa, Florida, working in community mental health, and went on to earn national and state credentials, including National Board Certified Counselor and Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, as well as LMHC supervisor certification.  After returning to Pensacola in 2005, Bonnie continued to build a diverse and impactful practice, providing therapeutic services across a wide range of settings and working with clients ages 4 to 88. She later earned an Education Specialist degree and became certified in School Counseling and Elementary Education. Today, she maintains a private practice in downtown Pensacola and is also a Certified Grief Counselor. Her clinical specialties include child development, family systems, parenting and co-parenting, mood disorders, trauma, and grief. Bonnie’s integrative approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, and Mindfulness, with a focus on healing, growth, and strengthening relationships for individuals, couples, and families.  Bonnie Bucco, LMHC Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

Barbie Cecil , also known as Volkswagen Barbie , has a thing for buses.  While other auto-enthusiasts might lean on breakneck speed, or the track-handling laurels of sports cars and their ilk, this nurse-turned-mechanic is of another mind: turning the rusted Volkswagen hulks of yesteryear into rolling pieces of art. “I’ve been fascinated with them since I was a child,” Cecil recounted of the relaxed, hippy sentiments she often imagined came along with VW bus ownership. “Before I had any notion of working on, or even owning one, I was enchanted; the angles, the windows, the profile: everything was just a vibe, and I had to have one.”  This affinity lasted for decades, though she would not begin her automotive projects until she retired from the medical field. “Up to that point, that's all it was, a passion,” Cecil said: “a theme for birthdays and frequent daydreams. Though, I guess at some point, I got tired of fixing people, and wanted to fix cars instead,” she joked. When it came time to say goodbye to her nursing career, Cecil made quick work of setting her knack for mending broken things to new use.  “My first project was a yellow, 23-split window deluxe that really put me to the test,” she said. “I was never very much of a gearhead, outside my love of VW buses, so I really had a learning experience ahead of me.” According to Cecil, getting started on any new project, the only absolute requirement is minimal body rust. She guts the entire vehicle, so a solid foundation is crucial for any build. After that, she says a project can include anything from camera system installation to upgraded suspension to full engine swaps and more. Soon, her project list was quickly expanding, including custom projects such as another bus: a pink 1975 bay-window, as well as non-bus projects such as a 2002 Turbo Beetle, and, most recently, a 1968 V8 Stealth Beetle she is putting together with her husband.  “He is into hotrods with a need-for-speed,” she said. Her husband initially aided her, but she soon grew tired of asking for help. She quickly became fascinated with the research and problem-solving involved in each new undertaking. “I went from project to project, learning and getting better each time.” “Now it's something we can enjoy together.” Outside of her active project list, Cecil is also very active in the local and Volkswagen communities. “I’ve found it very profitable to rent out my project vehicles for weddings, birthdays, and dedicated photo shoots.” She also travels to various auto shows and supports numerous clubs across the Southeast. She runs her own store, ‘VW Vibe,’ selling clothing, jewelry, and other Volkswagen-related accessories. “I set up a vendor booth at auto shows and try to put as much back into the community as possible,” she said, noting the relaxed, caring network of VW-lovers. “It’s a friends-help-friends kind of crowd, same as the Volkswagen community as a whole,” Cecil said fondly.  “Everything I thought I would get out of owning a VW bus, I got out of it,” she concluded. “And for that I’m very thankful.” Photos Courtesy of Benjamin Calloway Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

In April, Perdido Key is at its best. The mornings are cool and bright, perfect for spending time outdoors, while the afternoons stay comfortable thanks to the steady Gulf breeze. On the golf course, you can smell the salt from the water, the pine trees nearby, and that fresh, sun-warmed scent that means spring is really here. Lost Key Golf Club brings this setting for something new: the first Gulf Coast Women’s Classic, happening on April 20, 2026. The event’s goal is simple and timely—to celebrate women business leaders from our coastal communities and offer them a day focused on connection, conversation, and real enjoyment. The idea for the event comes from Megan Noojin, Marketing Director at Lost Key Golf Club. She sums up the event’s purpose simply: “women boost economies.” Megan notes that locals see this every day—women-led businesses add variety and new choices to the Gulf Coast, create opportunities we didn’t always have, and help keep spending local. This variety shows up in new boutiques and shops, from stylish décor stores to places selling art, clothing, and accessories. Now, a Saturday errand can feel like a treat instead of a chore. It also means more money stays in the community, as both visitors and locals can shop closer to home and support nearby businesses. Lost Key has planned the tournament to feel just as welcoming. Players will team up in groups of four for 18 holes, using a scramble format that keeps things fun and social for everyone, no matter their skill level. The day starts with breakfast and registration at 7:00 a.m., then an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. There will be on-course contests like longest drive and closest-to-the-hole, followed by a luncheon around 12:30 p.m. to toast the morning with the event’s signature cocktail, “Queen of the Greens, ” and send everyone off with an easy, memorable finish. Megan hopes April 2026 is only the beginning, with Lost Key planning to grow it into an annual tradition, and a portion of the proceeds set to benefit a women’s charity to be announced after the New Year. She credits Joe Mirabile, owner of Lost Key Golf Club, for being a genuine champion of women in business and for putting Lost Key’s full support behind the vision that made this inaugural tournament possible.  Women business leaders from Mobile, Alabama, to Destin, Florida, are expected to join in, turning the fairways into a true Gulf Coast meeting place where introductions feel easy, and connections feel natural. Women can sign up at www.lostkeygolf.com  by April 1. If you’re interested in sponsoring the Gulf Coast Women’s Classic, reach out to Lost Key Golf Club to learn about sponsorship options and on-course visibility. It’s the kind of spring Sunday that leaves more than a great memory; it strengthens the relationships and local businesses that keep the Gulf Coast thriving. TOURNAMENT INFORMATION In Support of Mary's Shelter Monday - April 20, 2026 13681 Lost Key Blvd. Pensacola, F 32507 Registration - 7:00 AM Shotgun Start - 8:00 AM $125/person Sponsorship Pricing Available Parking Available Lost Key Golf Club Plan to Arrive 15 Mins Early For More Info Contact Megan Noojin 251-269-6962 MNoojin@lostkeygolf.com Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan

The Coastal Glow Edit | SKINCARE Humidity, salt air, and sun exposure demand skincare that protects without feeling heavy. Cleanse gently, twice daily. Over-cleansing strips the skin and can trigger excess oil production. Layer hydration, not heaviness. Lightweight serums deliver moisture where skin needs it most without sitting on the surface. Brightening formulas like Drunk Elephant C-Luma™ Serum help boost radiance while peptides support overall skin health. Repair overnight. Evening routines matter, especially after sun exposure. Viral favorites like the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask seal in hydration while you sleep, helping skin wake up plump and refreshed. SPF is non-negotiable. Broad-spectrum protection is the foundation of any glowforward routine, coastal, or otherwise. | Makeup The coastal glow is polished but relaxed. Makeup should enhance, not compete with sun-kissed skin. Start Sheer. A tinted moisturizer or skin tint evens tone while letting natural texture and freckles show through. Build color intentionally. Soft flushes look more natural in heat and humidity. A buildable formula like YSL Make Me Blush 24H Powder Blush allows you to control intensity while maintaining a smooth, skin-like finish that lasts throughout the day. Keep lips hydrated. Glossy, healthy lips instantly elevate even the simplest makeup look. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment and Lip Balms are viral for a reason: they deliver moisture, softness, and effortless polish without feeling sticky. Define lightly. Brushed brows, brown liner, and a single coat of mascara create structure without heaviness. | HAIRCARE Great coastal hair starts with working with the elements, not fighting them. Protect Against Humidity. Frizz control is essential along the Gulf. Lightweight sealers like Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray help create sleek, glossy hair that holds its shape, even in damp conditions. Strengthen from the scalp down . Healthy hair begins at the roots. Oils like Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Hair Oil support scalp health and strengthen strands without feeling heavy or greasy. Embrace movement. Loose waves, air-dried texture, and soft bends last longer and feel more natural in warm weather. Shield from sun exposure. UV rays affect hair just as they do skin. Hats, silk scarves, and protective products help preserve shine and color. Coastalpolitan Magazine | 2026 FEB-MAR FOLLOW US @coastalpolitan