VIP Pensacola at Paradise Bar and Grill

T

he Greater Pensacola Chamber and Paradise Bar and 
Grill teamed up to ring in the new year with their 
annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1. Over 300 
people registered to be a part of the event, bringing in a 

huge number of families and children to experience the festivities. 
Participants lined up on the edge of the boardwalk behind Paradise 
Bar and Grill in sections; and on the announcer’s count of three, 
took a quick plunge into the water. Unlike last year’s event, the 
weather was a warm and muggy 60 degrees, opposed to a frigid 
28 degrees. After the plunge, guests were invited to enjoy live 
entertainment and partake in the traditional black-eyed peas and 
cornbread meal served on New Year’s Day. 

This year was the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s biggest turnout in 

the history of the Polar Bear Plunge. Every member who registered 
got a chance to win the 50-50 raffle. The Polar Bear Plunge is the 
Chamber’s first event of the year, and kick-starts the non-profit 
fundraising season to support and build the foundation for the 
numerous events the Chamber holds throughout the year.  

photos & story by

 

Kristina Wright

Debbie & Rene Formantes

Emma Jackson, Teresa McCombs & Gracie Jordan

Deb Balayti, Terri Wojtys & Brigitte Wise

Pinkie & Shep Brown

Chrissy Cook & Bobbi Cunningham

Brandy & Chris Duncan, Hollie Kuepers

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

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1/27/19   10:49 PM