In most instances where lawyers write articles for publications such as The Local Pulse, the content will focus on the practice areas of the firm and its attorneys, and the services provided for clients.
There is, however, another side to our law firm and its commitment to being a good community partner in the Greater Pensacola area and beyond. One recent event that I participated in serves as a good example of how our firm and our attorney’s partner with other organizations to participate in giving back to our community.
Each year, in late May and early June, Fiesta Pensacola organizes and conducts numerous events related to recognition and celebration of the founding of our City by Spanish explorer, Don Tristin de Luna in 1559. This year, I was honored to be selected to portray “de Luna” in the festivities. While the Fiesta celebrations include “fun and frivolity,” with parades and parties, they also include taking the celebration to those who are unable to participate in person.
This year, the Fiesta Court visited the Ascension Sacred Heart Studer Family Children’s Hospital. We met so many wonderful children and were able to give them some gifts. The de Luna Court also visited the ARC Gateway, an organization that provides life-changing programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We made a donation on behalf of Fiesta Pensacola and left with warm hearts from the smiles and laughter of the ARC residents. Additionally, there was a visit to Manna Food Bank with another Fiesta donation that we were told will provide over 600 meals for those in need!
Finally, we (Fiesta and the city of Pensacola) were honored and delighted to share this year’s festivities with the captain and crew of the Spanish training ship, the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the third largest sailing ship in the world. The Elcano sailed into our port this year, 464 years after de Luna first arrived, and coordinated its departure with the Fiesta boat parade!
We at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon are proud to be a part of the Pensacola Community and appreciate opportunities to go “beyond the law” and participate in community activities such as those organized by Fiesta Pensacola.
Wes Reeder
President of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, Mediator and Board-Certified Florida Construction Lawyer
*Note from Local Pulse Editor: Wes Reeder & ESC are part of our Community Voices series. Community Voices is a group of Pensacola dwellers that are making a difference in our city by sharing best practices, experiences, their perspective on impactful subjects, and contributing expertise that leads to movement forward for a stronger community.
