Inweekly Feb. 15 2024 Issue

Independent News | February 15, 2024 | Volume 25 | Number 6 | Photo by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations) Top Row: Jennie Andrews, Poppy Garcia, Eniko Ujj, Gabriel Smith; Bottom Row: Crystal Treme, Cori Bush, Melody Davis

FREE ▶

winners & losers

outtakes

4

5

news 6, 8

It feels like we can pull anything off right now.

buzz

feature

10

22

12

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Joshua Encinias, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Dakota Parks, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

contact us info@inweekly.net

a&e 15

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2024 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

inweekly.net

Living The Dream is Pensacola’s signature event for celebrating Dr. King’s legacy and a commitment to diversity and progressive leadership that promotes a more cohesive community. It all began as an idea back in 2012 when newly elected County Commissioner Lumon May and Quint Studer talked about how to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and help Pensacola become more inclusive.

2024

—Distinguished 2024 Honorees— Special Guest and Honoree Pastor Marcel Davis

Derrick Brooks Captain Cedrick Jessup (USN, Ret.)

Taxie Lambert

Frederick Longmire Esq.

Carolyn Appleyard

Sue Straughn

Born in Pensacola, Derrick Brooks made a name for himself on the football field at Washington High. He was recognized as the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 before heading off to Florida State University where he achieved other notable awards including two-time All-American. After 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a Super Bowl win, he’s now immortalized as a first-ballot selection in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Beyond the football field, Derrick’s work for education has been just as impactful.

The Brooks Bunch program was founded with the mission to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth. He also founded the Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School, focusing on educational programs for students from diverse backgrounds.

Living the Dream Service Award Carolyn P. Appleyard, a seasoned community leader, recently served as Interim Administrator for the Escambia Children’s Trust, guiding its early initiatives.

She was the Founding Treasurer of Impact 100. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, she was Co-Executive Director of Rebuild Northwest Florida, coordinating recovery efforts and resources. Additionally, she served as the Board Chair for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, breaking records for the number of families moved into Habitat homes.

Carolyn also held roles as President and Treasurer of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.

Her involvement also extends to organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Pace Center for Girls, WSRE Foundation and several others.

King Dream Lifetime Service Award Sue began her career with Channel 3 News in 1973 as a clerk-typist and has ascended to the position of Senior News Anchor. In 1978, she became the first on-air person of color in the Pensacola market and the first female news anchor in the region.

Her commitment to our community extends far beyond the newsroom. She’s involved in several community organizations such as ARC Gateway-Escambia County Child Development Committee, the Autism Pensacola Board of Directors, BRACE, Covenant Hospice Foundation Board of Directors, Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board, and many more.

Sue’s most recent accolades include 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, 10 Most Influential People by Climate Magazine, and the Ambassador of Education by Escambia County Public Schools.

Kim & Julian MacQueen

Ronnie Rivera

Eleanor Washington

Apostle Bobby Watkins

Brought to you by the Studers February 15, 2024

3

winners & losers

NEW

Rate D C p m u B Stop chasing rates! Lock it in now and bump it up later!

Visit a branch or call 800.650.6328 to open your Rate Bump CD.

GoGulfWinds.com/CD *Rate Bump CD not offered to Business Accounts. Certificate allows one-time rate increase to a current advertised rate during the certificate term. Future advertised rates may never exceed the rate available at the time of opening your account. One-time withdrawal of $20,000 or 20% of the certificate balance, whichever is less, is permitted without penalty. Otherwise, early withdrawal penalties may apply. Certificate balance must always remain above $2,500. Maximum deposit will be $250,000. Other restrictions may apply. Federally insured by NCUA.

Mike Johnson / Photo by Lev Radin / shutterstock.com

winners

losers

WATERFRONT MISSION MinistryWatch has once again recognized the nonprofit as one of its esteemed "Shining Lights." This annual list highlights the top 20 Christian ministries across the country that exemplify exceptional transparency, accountability and financial efficiency.

Waterfront Rescue Mission is a Pensacola-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, support and transformative services to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. The "Shining Light" designation is bestowed to organizations that have earned a 5-star financial efficiency rating, received an "A" transparency grade and achieved a donor confidence score of 100. Out of more than 1,000 ministries in MinistryWatch's database, only about 20 meet these stringent criteria.

GOP HOUSE The Republican-controlled House of Representatives failed to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. After weeks of attacks on Mayorkas, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, fell three votes short. The GOP margin has tightened since the ouster of George Santos, the resignations of Kevin McCarthy and Bill Johnson,and the absence of Steve Scalise as he recovers from cancer treatment. The House last impeached a cabinet member, Secretary of War William Belknap, in 1876. Belknap was charged with "basely prostituting his high office to his lust for private gain."

LYNDSEY STEVENS & ABIGAIL RAYMOND The Central Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing selected Escambia County's interim purchasing director Lyndsey Stevens as the 2023 Manager of the Year. Purchasing coordinator Abigail Raymond was chosen as the 2023 Specialist of the Year.

"I'm very proud of the hard work and dedication that our Purchasing team demonstrates every day for Escambia County staff and citizens, and these awards are a testament to Lyndsey and Abigail's leadership," said Wes Moreno, county administrator. "After a busy fiscal year 2023 with over $100 million in county projects moving forward, I'm excited to see our Purchasing Department help us continue to complete exciting projects throughout the county and meet our goals in the year ahead."

CASSI MCGEE The Escambia County Public

Schools has announced its 2025 ECPS Teacher of the Year, Cassi McGee. Her Pine Meadow Elementary fifth-grade students have consistently achieved learning gains and met and surpassed state-mandated benchmarks. In 2022-2023, 90% of her students made learning gains in math, with an average rise from a level 2 to 3. McGee serves Pine Meadow as the math committee chair and on the writing and language Arts committees.

She coaches Pine Meadow's award-winning math and Battle of the Books teams.

44

TOWN OF CENTURY State Rep. Michelle Salzman has asked the Florida Inspector General to examine the Town of Century's operations, according to northescambia.com. The request came after the website reported the independent audit for the previous fiscal year revealed a "deteriorating financial condition," with a $2.7 million deficit in the general fund and $1.9 million in the natural gas fund. In 2018, the Town Council approved borrowing about $3 million from its special revenue fund with a 750-year payback plan of $300 a month. Century has missed the audit deadline set by Florida law for years. During an October meeting of the Escambia County Legislative Delegation, State Sen. Doug Broxson suggested that Century consider de-chartering and move "under the umbrella of Escambia County."

DONALD TRUMP'S IMMUNITY By a unani-

mous ruling, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected Trump's claim he was immune from prosecution on charges of plotting to subvert the results of the 2020 election. He must go to trial on a criminal indictment accusing him of seeking to overturn his loss. The former president will appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, House Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, passed a nonbinding resolution declaring Trump "did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof." inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

R.I.P. PNJ On Sunday, Pensacola News Journal Executive Editor Lisa Nellessen Savage notified Escambia and Santa Rosa readers that they would no longer find the Pensacola News Journal on their doorstep or driveway in the mornings.

Effective March 4, the United States Postal Service would deliver a modified print version.

Savage tried to soften the blow by stressing, "Our print newspaper is incredibly important to us." She said the move would give subscribers "a more consistent delivery," and the new print edition would focus on "local news with more impact and context, feel-good community features, sports analysis, and commentary − the stories you can't get anywhere else." Their website would be where readers would find breaking news "round-the-clock."

Thriving communities have robust, informative daily newspapers. The News Journal has been pulling out of that role for years. First, the newspaper dropped its columnists and experienced editors who knew our community. Later, it reduced its editorial board to two people: Savage and cartoonist Andy Marlette. That experiment failed, and the paper let Marlette resign and dropped daily editorials, replacing them with local viewpoints and Sunday editorials written by the Palm Beach Post.

At that time, Savage told readers that the newspaper wanted more local voices and that they shouldn't care about what the newspaper thought about local issues. The News Journal would focus more on reporting.

Adding to the downfall of the print edition has been Gannett shutting down its printing presses in Northwest Florida, laying off dozens of workers. The News Journal quit printing here as it moved out of its offices on Romana Street.

Presses in Mobile, Panama City and now Jackson, Miss. do the work.

Each time the printing moved, the deadline for reporters also changed to earlier in the day. In 2004, the reporters had to turn in their articles by 10 p.m. The time moved to 6 p.m. to 3 p.m. to noon with each shift to a different printing press, which led to the print edition becoming less and less timely.

Twenty-five years ago, you would see the News Journal on the driveway of seven out of 10 when you walked your neighborhood in the morning. The newspaper was thick, filled with dozens of concise news articles with photos, maps, diagrams and other illustrations to help readers understand what happened. Readers would find out about the previous day's government meetings and the scores of high school games. The paper would have two locally-written editorials and a column.

Today, you might find one small News Journal wrapped in plastic at every 10 or 20 residences when you stroll your neighborhood.

The paper has one long news article that you may or may not slog through, no columns or editorials and several USA Today articles.

Gannett wants you to believe this is a good thing. The company tells us that it has already successfully introduced the approach in dozens of markets nationwide and is expanding the initiative.

"For many years now, the printed newspaper has served as a culmination of the stories that will become our collective history, while our websites and mobile apps deliver the news of the day," said Michael A. Anastasi, VP of Local News for Gannett. "We know that by the time our informed readers pick up the paper, they know what happened yesterday—the print newspaper should provide additional context to help readers better understand their community and the world around them."

I scanned the online Sunday editions of Gannett's other daily newspaper in Northwest Florida. Their newspapers in Fort Walton Beach, Panama City and Tallahassee did not have any announcement their print editions were moving to mail service—another sign that Pensacola is no longer a shining star in Gannett's chain of more than 200 newspapers.

The decision to go postal will not be reversed.

We can only wait and see how long it takes to receive a printed newspaper mailed from Jackson.

Inweekly will stay in print because we know the physical newspaper's value to the community and advertisers. Stay tuned. {in} rick@inweekly.net

We can only wait and see how long it takes to receive a printed newspaper mailed from Jackson.

February 15, 2024

COMMERCIAL LAND FOR SALE

$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres New wetland survey April 2023!

3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger Point Park Drive! Mostly uplands!

OFFICE FOR LEASE

715 S Palafox St. 5,700 SF / $25 PSF (Annual) Downtown Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with Parking! 2 story building available. Deck on Palafox Marina (dock not included). Excellent condition. Ready for occupancy.

Call or text Cheryl Young at 850-712-4742 or Mary Charlene Young at 850-712-3219 to see it today!

Cheryl Young Licensed Real Estate Broker

308 E. Government St. • Pensacola, Florida 32502

(850) 712-4742

Licensed in www.sevillesquare.net • cheryl@sevillesquare.net Florida & Alabama 5

INWEEKLY MID-SESSION REPORT Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, countered, 'What we're doing here is creating a cheap workforce for big business.'"

EDUCATION Last week, the House Education & Employment Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee passed bills to prohibit teacher training programs to discuss "theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in our institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities."

Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah, argued the bill would "give us the best possible teachers and administrators and support staff for our kids, to make them critical thinkers." He added, "Let's make sure that teachers, all educators, all support staff look at students and see a student."

Rep. Marie Woodson, D-Hollywood, argued the bill "clearly restricts the ability of teachers to really teach, to deliver accurate teaching, honest teaching."

By Rick Outzen The 2024 Legislative Session is set to end Friday, March 8. We have compiled this midsession report on some of the hot topics under the lawmakers' consideration.

BUDGET The Florida House and Senate approved budget proposals, setting the stage for negotiations to determine the final spending plan for the 2024-2025 fiscal year they will send to Gov. DeSantis. The House proposal totaled about $115.5 billion, while the Senate proposal was about $115.9 billion. DeSantis proposed a $114.4 billion budget.

State Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, chairs the House Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee and participates in the budget negotiations. On the Senate side of the negotiations table sits Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, who chairs the Appropriations Committee.

"The budget discussion starts with the governor's proposed budget, which is like his shopping list if he had the money," Andrade said last week. "We use that as a framework to make sure that we at least try and give him what he wants or says he needs to do his job. And then we apply our oversight and our own input as the legislature to craft the budget that we think is good for the state."

LGBTQ+ ISSUES Two House committees have passed HB 1639. The bill requires driver's licenses and identification cards to reflect a person's sex based on "the person's sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth." The proposal also mandates insurers cover conversion 66

therapy and gender-affirming treatment and offer "de-transitioning" coverage if the plan also covers hormone-replacement therapy and surgeries for people diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

"HB 1639 seeks to erase from public life transgender Floridians by preventing them from being able to hold a valid driver's license unless they indicate on their driver's license application their sex assigned at birth," said Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel at the ACLU of Florida. "Politicians are not only trying to censor and erase the very existence of trans individuals, but they are also forcing individuals to choose between their gender identity or lawfully driving."

Gov. DeSantis did not wait for the bill to pass both chambers and reversed a policy that allowed Floridians to obtain driver's licenses that reflected their gender identity.

HEALTHCARE The Senate passed Senate President Kathleen Passidomo's Live Healthy plan to increase the number of physicians in the state, shift patients away from emergency rooms and boost health innovation efforts. The proposal would cost about $716 million. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee approved the plan with a slightly lower budget of $714 million. The bill needs approval from the Health & Human Services Committee before it could go to the full House.

Passidomo refused to consider any expansion of Medicaid. On Feb. 1, Florida Decides Healthcare, a political action committee, announced a petition drive to get on the 2026 ballot a constitutional amendment to adjust that in the state. Florida is one of 11 states that hasn't expanded Medicaid. If Florida Decides Healthcare's effort is successful, Floridians who

earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level could enroll in Medicaid, making about 1.4 million Floridians eligible for health insurance.

SOCIAL MEDIA Last month, the House passed House Speaker Paul Renner's top priority, social media reform. The bill prevents minors younger than 16 from creating accounts. It also mandates social media platforms to terminate existing accounts that are "reasonably known" by the platforms to be held by minors younger than 16 and allows parents to request minors' accounts be terminated. Independent organizations must verify new users' ages. On Monday, Feb. 5, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved its version of the bill. The next stop is the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee.

The ACLU of Florida sees the bill as government censorship, citing it bans social media accounts even when created with the consent of the children's parents. Legislative director Kara Gross said, "The government shouldn't be controlling what ideas and information parents can allow their children to access."

LABOR The House passed a plan that eliminated decades-old work restrictions for 16- and 17-yearolds, such as not working more than eight hours when school is scheduled the next day or more than 30 hours during a week when school is in session. Under the bill, teens could work 40 hours a week. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee approved a version of the bill that would not eliminate the prohibition on working more than 30 hours in a week when school is in session.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the House bill, saying it would "help alleviate the labor shortage in the Florida hospitality industry."

MONUMENTS House and Senate committees have supported proposals preventing local governments from removing or destroying historic monuments from public property.

Last month, Judge Jan Shackelford dismissed a lawsuit against the City of Pensacola involving the removal of the Confederate monument on Palafox Street. The bills would require the city to restore the statue if the legislation became law. Mayor D.C. Reeves has refused to commit on them during his press conferences, preferring to wait and see what lawmakers do.

Last week, The News Service of Florida reported that Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said she might not bring the Senate version to a floor vote after learning that Senate Community Affairs Committee members were upset speakers supporting the bill cited a need to protect "white culture" and "white supremacy."

"There are problems with the bill," Passidomo said. "More than that, there are problems in perceptions among our caucus, on all sides. So, I'm going to take that into consideration. I'm not going to bring a bill to the floor that is so abhorrent to everybody."

INSURANCE Lawmakers appear less certain about making significant law changes to help homeowners struggling with increased insurance premiums and losing policies. State Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, and Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, have pitched a radical solution that would let the state's Citizen Property Insurance handle hurricane policies while private insurers would write policies for fire, theft and other damage. The lawmakers argued it would be similar to the federally subsidized National Flood Insurance Program.

The Tampa Bay Times reported in 2011 that Florida TaxWatch analyzed the idea and found it "viable, " and State Farm and Allstate privately supported it. Unfortunately, the legislation has no chance of passing out of the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee. Maybe next year. {in} inweekly.net

February 15, 2024

7

TAKING FOOD TO THE HUNGRY

By Tom St. Myer "Stunning" is the word Leslie Mickles aptly chooses to describe the socioeconomic conditions of families in the 32501 and 32505 zip codes. Mickles is the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast's vice president of financial advancement. Their two Escambia County locations reside in those zip codes.

Mickles said 99% of the children at those Boys & Girls Club locations grow up in low to moderate-income households, and all but three children qualify for free or reduced school lunch. Children depend on their respective schools and afterschool providers for food.

Feeding the Gulf Coast operates behind the scenes to stock them with nutritious meals and snacks for children and their families.

"Every year, I can count on them to always come to the table, no matter what we're asking for," Mickles said. "They'll come and bring whatever they can to help our families in need."

Feeding the Gulf Coast serves a 24-county span of 22,000 square miles across the Florida Panhandle to the Mississippi/Louisiana state line. Its mission is to fight hunger through community partnerships and programs by creating equitable access to nutritious food and resources for those facing system poverty, crisis or disaster. Access to resources includes stocking food pantries with toiletries and other essential items.

88

A partner food bank of Feeding America, Feeding the Gulf Coast devotes countless resources throughout the 24 counties, particularly in five poverty-stricken zip codes in Pensacola.

The zip codes with higher food insecurity rates and nutritious food access barriers include 32404, 32405, 32505, 32506 and 32514.

FEEDING POCKETS OF POVERTY

The 32505 zip code tops the other zip codes in virtually every negative category. The median household income is only about $40,000.

Feeding the Gulf Coast CEO Michael Ledger said increasing food distribution in recent years to match the need in that zip code is beginning to bear fruit.

"We've certainly doubled down on those efforts the past few years to really make sure that we're equitably distributing this food in the areas that have the greatest need," Ledger said.

Feeding the Gulf Coast uses a data-driven approach to identify areas of need. The food bank takes into consideration feedback from community partners and neighbors accessing services. Additionally, Feeding the Gulf Coast leverages quantitative data, including specific census tracts identified by the USDA as food deserts and a census block-level tool commissioned by Feeding Florida.

"There are pockets in each county that have some serious hunger that their neighbors may not," Ledger said. "And it's really being able to

get down to that census tract data that tells you, 'OK, here's where you need to be focused.' Not that every area doesn't have some level of food insecurity, because absolutely, they do. But we also know there are certain pockets and communities where it's much higher."

"I go to the grocery store like everybody else, and you look in the cart, and you're like, 'How could that be $200?'" Michael Ledger Hunger is a problem for more than just lowincome families. Working-class families deal with hunger, too, as the cost of food continues to rise. Virtually all of the families in the identified zip codes live paycheck to paycheck.

Any unexpected expense, such as a car breaking down, leaves families in a bind. Should the car be fixed, or should the electricity bill be paid? Should the vehicle be fixed or groceries cut back, and meals skipped?

"Some people are dealing with a chronic issue," Ledger said. "It could be health issues, mental health, physical health, all kinds of problems. But then you have other folks at the other end of that spectrum … We have so many stories of people that had never thought they'd be in a pantry, in a food line, and then can come

back some months later and say, 'That got me over the hump. Thank you so much.'"

The exorbitant cost of groceries only increases the demand for the food bank.

Inflation, supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and tariffs on certain imports all contribute to rising costs.

Families live paycheck-to-paycheck with ramen noodles and Chef Boyardee pasta instead of fruits and vegetables.

"I go to the grocery store like everybody else, and you look in the cart, and you're like, 'How could that be $200?'" Ledger said. "It's a common experience we can all relate to.

Unfortunately, for some people, it's just impossible to really overcome, especially during these times."

Community partners of Feeding the Gulf Coast survive financially because of its generosity. Take the food provided by the food bank away and the expense to feed children during afterschool programs and in the summer would crush providers such as the Boys & Girls Club.

"We would really be up a creek financially if we had to provide what they give us for children," Mickles said. "Neighborhoods we serve are blighted neighborhoods. Families come into our clubs, bringing babies, and we let them access breakfast and lunch, if needed, because of those programs they have set up for us in the summer."

Leroy Williams oversees community centers in the county as the division manager for neighborhood and human services. He began at the county about 10 years ago, and he described the outpouring of support from Feeding the Gulf Coast, particularly in the past few years, as a godsend for the centers.

"I see the need for these kids, and it's truly making a difference," Williams said. "When they have to fend for themselves, they come in on Monday, and they're going to eat everything. I see a lot of hunger."

Feeding the Gulf Coast is tackling that problem, too, by operating its backpack program in 11 Escambia County Public Schools locations. Students leave their schools on Friday with backpacks full of food to last through the weekend. The food bank also operates its school pantry program in 15 schools and sponsors some summer meal programs at select schools with the permission of the Escambia County food services director.

Feeding the Gulf Coast puts a tremendous emphasis on serving children and their families, but the food bank prioritizes seniors, too, through Its mobile pantries and brick-andmortar locations. The food bank feeds thousands of seniors throughout the Panhandle and is committed to increasing its efforts.

"We've been pushing to try to advocate for more senior boxes at the state level," Ledger said. "Hopefully, we will get those, and we'll be able to deploy those to seniors. But we're trying to make sure that we have adequate mobile pantries, and our brick-and-mortar pantries are there for those seniors that have that need." {in} inweekly.net

BOD0722 Blue Zone ad INWeekly.pdf

1

2/5/24

11:04 AM

Elevate Heart Health with Blue Zone Living and

OLIVE OIL This February, as we honor American Heart Month, join us on a journey to well-being through the Blue Zone lifestyle. At Bodacious Shops, we're here to guide you towards heart-healthy living, thanks to our premium extra virgin olive oil selection.

What are Blue Zones?

Blue Zones—regions in the world where people live the longest lives— are a blueprint for heart health. From Sardinia to Okinawa, these regions showcase the art of living well, emphasizing strong social bonds, daily physical activity, and heart-friendly nutrition.

Why Olive Oil?

While there are several healthy plant-based oils, olive oil takes center stage in the Blue Zone lifestyle. Packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, Bodacious olive oil aligns with the Blue Zone lifestyle and American Heart Month. And, let's not forget—it's delicious! Elevate your Blue Zone-inspired meals with our regional, fused, and infused olive oils, enhancing both cardiovascular health and flavor simultaneously.

Bodacious Shops is your destination

for heart-healthy living. Our curated collection of premium olive oils and vinegars, along with kitchenry items and wines, complements a healthy lifestyle. Visit us today and take the first step toward a healthier heart and a more flavorful life.

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?

Follow us on social media for heart-smart recipes and updates. Share your heart-healthy journey with our products by using #BodaciousShops and become part of a community dedicated to embracing life to the fullest.

407 S. Palafox St. | Call us at: 850.434.6300 Explore recipes, events, and more at bodaciousshops.com Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m | Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

February 15, 2024

9

Render Courtesy of Warehouse 4 Sports

PORTSIDE PICKLE Warehouse 4 Sports will

soon begin construction of the first phase of its Portside Pickle, which will install eight outdoor tournament-size pickleball courts along Commendencia Slip near the ferry landing. The work is expected to be completed in three to four months. The next phase will involve renovating Warehouse 4 to create an indoor multipurpose sports facility.

"We've been designing for about 10 months now, and our local engineers and architects are struggling to get the inside to where it meets all the current codes, which has taken a little longer than we thought," said Rob Fabbro, the project developer. "There have always been plans for outside courts because, for big tournaments, we need about 24 courts, so we got with the building department and asked what if we break this into two phases to where we can get these outside courts going and it's completely isolated from the construction of the inside courts, and they loved the idea."

Besides the courts, the first phase will include space for outdoor games like cornhole or giant checkers and a waterfront concessions area with seating and views of Pensacola Bay. Fabbro wanted the public to understand Portside Pickle is privately financed. "There's still confusion. No one is paying for this project but our team. Nobody from the city, nobody from the state, nobody from the federal government has any funding in this project."

Players will be able to reserve court space online or walk up and rent courts by the hour.

Memberships, which allow discounted rental rates and advance reservations, will also be available.

More information on reservations, memberships and special events will be available soon.

In the meantime, visit portsidepickle.com to sign up for email updates on the project.

DOWNTOWN POST OFFICE The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced its downtown Pensacola location on Palafox will close permanently Friday, April 26. Effective Monday, April 29, all services will be relocated to the East Hill Station, 3001 N. Davis Highway.

010 1

Post office boxes will be relocated throughout April. Those with downtown boxes will keep their box number and zip code. New keys will be given no later than a week before the final closure.

Ballard Partners' Dan McFaul is helping Mayor D.C. Reeves convince USPS to find a new downtown location. In an interview on WCOA, McFaul reminded Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen that the USPS tried to shut down the downtown office in 2009, and his former boss, Congressman Jeff Miller, intervened.

"Mayor Reeves has made pretty heroic efforts to identify other office spaces that were available for the post office to move into," McFaul said. "He engaged Senator Rubio, and Senator Rubio has been very active in preserving the post office as well and finding an alternate location."

He continued, "But it's clear to me that USPS in D.C. is looking for an excuse to shut down the downtown post office. They've been trying to do it for many, many years, and the lease ending is just a convenient excuse, in my opinion, to be able to do it. But I will say even if we do get past that April date, there's nothing that would preclude entering into a new lease agreement and continuing to have a downtown postal service facility for the area."

MEET ASHLEE HOFBERGER Ashlee Hof-

berger has pre-filed for the Escambia County Commission District 4 seat. As the business development manager and co-owner of Complete DKI, she was a member of the 2016 Inweekly Rising Star Class. Since then, she sold Complete DKI to First Onsite and launched The Wash Room, which has two locations in Pensacola and one in Pascagoula, Miss.

Hofberger shared two recent experiences that motivated her to file. One was the difficulties she had with permitting.

"We're in the process of building out another business off of University Parkway, and it's taken over eight weeks to get through the permitting process, which is a lot for a small business to carry," she said. "You're talking about two months of expenses you hand in your plans. There's not

really an expected timeline on when to get those back, and I feel like we can do better for our builders, people in the construction industry, and our small business owners. We can help them get through that faster and at least give them an expected timeline so they know what cost they're going to be carrying."

The other incident involved her daughter.

"I feel like our emergency responders need more support from our leadership. We have a 2-year-old little girl, and in November, she had a seizure, and it was 20 minutes plus before the ambulance got there. And as a parent, that's horrifying. It was just terrifying. Thankfully, the fire department got there sooner, and they were able to sit with us and kind of walk us through things."

Hofberger continued, "But those types of emergencies should not wait that long for emergency response. I feel like we can do a better job of giving resources to our first responders so that they can respond in the manner that we expect as the community."

MORE HIGH-TECH The Milken Institute an-

nually ranks the top Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) to determine the best-performing cities. The Pensacola MSA, which includes all of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, was ranked No. 77, down three points from last year.

The report ranks higher metropolitan areas that offer high wages, plentiful jobs, a relatively low cost of living and thriving tech sectors.

Austin, Tex. and Raleigh, N.C., topped the list.

The rankings are based on data from January 2022-August 2023.

The indicators that hurt our area the most were Housing Affordability: 126, Job Growth (2021-2022): 125, and in the High Tech Industry category–GDP Growth (2017-2022): 146; Industries with LQ 1: 171; and HT GDP Location quotient: 154. We did best in Broadband coverage, ranking 39, improving from 166 two years ago.

The industries with LQ 1 covers the number of high-tech industries with a GDP about the national average. The HT GDP Location quotient tracks the share of the MSA's GDP from the high-tech sector relative to the share of the national GDP from the high-tech sector.

"The spirit behind taking some control of our own destiny and economic development in the city isn't a slight of anyone else working in economic development," Mayor Reeves said. "In my mind, it's adding artillery because the needs of the City of Pensacola in economic development are vastly different than the needs of the rest of the county."

He added, "I think cybersecurity and tech is a perfect example of something that we, as a city, in the near future could take even more ownership, just because you expect a high-tech company more than likely is going to be living somewhere in the city, somewhere downtown or at least house their headquarters there."

The mayor pointed to American Magic as an example of the impact of bringing a new corporate headquarters to the city. "That's

going to really make some waves for a lot of positive impact if we just say, 'We're the home of American sailing.' Can we do that in tech?

And I think that's something that we need to be able to answer. The city can take an even more active role in the coming months and years."

HEARING DELAYED The hearing schedule on the county's lawsuit regarding Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh's stolen text messages was delayed.

"We had it scheduled, and the judge recused," Bergosh said. "We filed our final brief.

We thought we were good to go. I was ready to go testify under oath."

He continued, "We had turned over all the public records associated with that. You see more than half of that wasn't a public record.

We've spent about $25,000 worth of staff time – counting resources, going back and redacting all the sensitive information that was in that file. We've submitted that to the court, and inexplicably the judge assigned locally recused.

So it's now been reassigned to a judge over in Okaloosa County. And so we are in a holding pattern now."

The Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association gave Quint Studer its Man of the Year award at the WBCA's annual banquet Saturday, Feb. 10 in Middleton, Wisc. Studer owns the Beloit Sky Carp, the Marlins High-A affiliate, and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Marlins Double-A team.

"This award is for the Man of the Year, and to me, that involves a number of things," said Mark Fuller, the WBCA executive director.

"When you look at someone who has been involved in baseball in a few ways and is from our state, which is where you start. Then, when you look at the fact that he has been a tremendous philanthropist and provided opportunities for young people to play at professional facilities in both Florida and Wisconsin, that really made Quint a great candidate for us."

Studer purchased the Beloit franchise in 2020 when the team faced certain peril. Major League Baseball was restructuring the Minor Leagues, and Beloit was on the list of teams to be eliminated. He has made his two ballparks available to local college and high school teams, which the WBCA cited when it announced the award.

"We've always made an effort to have high school and college teams play," Studer told Inweekly. "In March, we'll have nine college teams from the Wisconsin area down here for a whole week. Last year, Carroll College brought 48 players because they played for a week. Division III students don't have any scholarship money, so they're for the love of the game and their parents. The great news for all our restaurants is that when you have people from Wisconsin coming down, you're going to serve a lot of food and beer."

Previous WBCA Man of the Year winners include Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker and former Brewers owner and longtime MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. inweekly.net

MORE MONEY FOR FRICKER On Friday, Feb. 2, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded the City of Pensacola $4 million in federal dollars for the Fricker Community Center from the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program. The program supports the rehabilitation of community facilities that support workforce development, educational opportunities and access to healthcare.

"We got $5.5 million from the Hurricane Sally CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money and then now $4 million that provides services," Mayor Reeves said. "With this funding, we really can make Fricker Center, which is in one of our most vulnerable communities, really a center for the community."

He continued, "You can get job services there through CareerSource, partnering with healthcare and education, where it's not just the basketball gym and it's not just some of those resources, but it's also going to be resources that can help improve quality of life. That's what I'm really, really excited about. It'll be definitely a transformational opportunity for that neighborhood."

The mayor said the $4 million would be used to build a second facility at Fricker to house the additional services he mentioned.

HARRISON SELECTED Children's Home So-

ciety of Florida (CHS) has appointed Leah Harrison as its new executive director, serving the Pensacola to Panama City communities. Her focus will be on leading operations and business development, emphasizing CHS' core solutions in behavioral health, child welfare, early childhood services and Community Partnership Schools at C.A. Weis Elementary, Bellview Middle and Pine Forest High School.

Harrison graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. At CHS, she has served as its charitable giving director and senior director of development. Harrison was named an Inweekly Rising Star in 2011.

"Leah has been instrumental in moving the mission of CHS forward for the past nine years," said Lindsey Cannon, former executive director at Children's Home Society of Florida. "Her compassionate approach to serving children in our community, professionally and personally, cannot be outdone. Leah is so loved not only inside the doors of CHS, but also by the wider community, and I cannot imagine a better fit to lead these regions."

TAX ASSISTANCE The United Way of West

Florida has begun its annual Free Tax Assistance Program (VITA), providing invaluable support to hardworking individuals and families with low- to moderate incomes. Operated by trained IRS volunteers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative, these sites prioritize privacy and confidentiality while ensuring accurate and efficient tax preparation.

VITA sites are conveniently located at Pensacola State College campuses across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as well as the Florida Blue office off Airport in Pensacola, February 15, 2024

and the Goodwill Gulf Coast office off East Olive in Pensacola. Each site offers in-person appointments for personalized assistance.

Additionally, for those preferring the online route, tax filers can utilize the user-friendly platform at myfreetaxes.com to file their taxes at no cost.

President and CEO of United Way of West Florida, Laura Gilliam, underscores the significance of this program, stating, "Our Free Tax Assistance Program is a cornerstone of community support, empowering individuals to navigate tax obligations without the burden of preparation fees. In 2023 alone, this initiative saved taxpayers over $160,000 in preparation fees and facilitated the return of more than $880,000 in tax refunds to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties."

For more information or to schedule a tax assistance appointment, please visit uwwf.org/ free-tax-help.

BEULAH MASTER PLAN Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, county staff and Sigma Consulting invite the public to the Beulah Master Plan Open House 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 29 at Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road. One or more Escambia County Commissioners may be in attendance.

This open house will showcase the findings from the previous public outreach efforts as well as the two-day design charrette. Sigma Consulting will discuss its methodology to develop the Beulah Master Plan and answer questions from residents. County staff will also attend to address any additional questions or concerns from residents. Sign-in sheets and comment forms will be available at the door.

The Beulah Master Plan is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury grant under the RESTORE Act program.

211 MILESTONE Sunday, Feb. 11, marked 211 Northwest Florida's 20th anniversary. Since 2004, 211 Northwest Florida, formerly First Call for Help, has helped Northwest Florida residents connect to essential community resources by dialing 211, texting their zip code to 898211 or visiting 211nwfl.org.

Through calls and texts, 211 Northwest Florida specialists have connected individuals in Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties in Florida to local agencies and programs. Last year, 211 Northwest Florida answered 37,138 calls and connected 65,622 individuals to local resources.

"211 is the heartbeat of our community, connecting individuals with vital resources and services, fostering a stronger, more resilient society for all," remarked Mary Zaledonis, the VP of Impact Services. "As we embark on our 20th-year milestone, 211 continues to stand as a beacon of hope, evolving with perseverance to empower our community, making a lasting impact for two decades and counting.

To learn more, visit 211nwfl.org. {in} 11

Crystal Treme and Jennie Andrews Photos by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations)

By Savannah Evanoff Jennie Andrews' latest digs are a place she never expected to call home again—the 309 punk house.

For the artist behind Sovereign Stone Jewelry, 309 N. Sixth Ave. was a means-to-anend residence she'd lodge in until the next thing came along.

"309 was just kind of always here," Andrews said. "Spots in the house, I felt like they opened up when I needed them to—I guess when I was just weird places in life. I think I've lived here three times; I've stayed in three different rooms."

What was once a temporary roof over her head is now Andrews' residence for the month of February—although this time for a much different purpose, as an artist in residence for 309 Punk Project.

"Last night was really interesting because it just happened to be a group of us that had all lived here at different points," Andrews said."

There was like six of us here just hanging out in the living room all together doing this project, an arts and crafts night. It was just so surreal to look back on the past and remember sitting in that living room just having thoughts like, 'Where am I going to be? What am I doing with 212 1

my life?' and then fast forward to now. It's going to be an interesting experience."

'AWESOME FROM DAY ONE'

309 Punk Project's Artist in Residence program involves hosting international, national and regional artists for short-term residencies to amplify the impact of non-commercial art in the community and foster growth in the creative DIY economy of the South.

But the program wouldn't exist if it weren't for the home's longstanding history as a dwelling for wandering—sometimes down-on-theirluck—artists.

"Not everybody had a rosy experience at 309 when it was a punk house, because it's very difficult to live with lots of people who are experiencing financial hardship, things like that," said Valerie George, a co-founder and co-director of 309 Punk Project. "So that's the reason for punk houses—they're cheap. People get together, they share space (and) they live communally, so they can afford to do their art."

Since the late 1990s, internationally renowned photographers, painters, writers, activ-

ists and musicians have found refuge at 309.

The dwelling's future aligns with its past.

"That's the point—we could never build a brand new house and call it a punk house and try and do this," said George. "If it weren't for the history of this space, it wouldn't really make any sense. There are artist residences of all kinds all over the world, but this is one of the only ones that has to do with DIY cultural production I know of."

Long story short, the program's origins start with co-director Scott Satterwhite, who lived in 309 when it was a punk house, George said.

When the landlord decided to sell the house, he stepped in to save 309's history as one of the longest standing punk houses in the South.

"At first we thought about just sort of making a museum out of the house, but that really felt like a death of all things interesting," George said with a laugh. "So we switched gears. We decided what was important was the history, so we could create an archive, a living archive that's growing all of the time that people can come and do research out of. We're finding that lots of people come from miles around to dig through our archives, especially the zine

archives and the music archives—and our visual art archives are getting more rich by the day."

"Then the other way to keep the spirit of the place alive—which is a lot of what makes punk houses fun and interesting—are punks, like living and breathing people, in the house. So we decided to convert the upstairs two rooms into permanent artists in residence rooms."

In addition to the rotating artists in residence, co-director Sean Linezo lives in one bedroom, and longtime 309 resident and musician Barret Williamson lives in another.

"The reason we decided to have a rotating artist in residence program is so we could bring people from all over the world, the country, the region and even locals in, so we could just spice up the cultural production of the space," George said. "We could introduce our community to new ideas, works of art, writers, to musicians they typically otherwise would not meet, and also reserve it as a place for locals to participate in and use as a community space. " Artists in residence have 24-hour access to a living and workspace on the first floor, as well as the 309 archive for research. They're gifted a month of free room and board in exchange for inweekly.net

donating one piece to the archive and hosting one educational or immersive community event.

"One of our artists came and gave a whole community tarot reading," George said. "What an amazing experience. That was one of my favorite tarot readings of all time."

Another artist played their first show as a musician at 309.

"They had never played in front of anyone in their whole life, and tons of people came ,and they got to have this wonderful group of humans supporting them," George said. "For me to watch this person I've seen go through cancer and almost die and survive it and then get to play their very first live show of all time, that was one of my favorite moments. So I can't pick one (favorite). There are too many heartfelt, discrete experiences that hit me differently."

Pensacola Museum of Art hosts an annual exhibition to display work created in the Artist in Residence program.

"We've gotten everything from a collection of zines; we've gotten a collection of music in various formats, audio collage, video collage, paintings, drawings, your typical visual art objects, sculpture, documents of performance art, books, you name it," George said. "It's really a wide ranging scope of artifacts we are collecting as we grow our archive and move through this experience of running an artist in residence program."

Since kicking off the volunteer-run program, they've finetuned the living circumstances and opted to host artists less frequently to keep volunteers energized, George said.

"This being our third year, hopefully it's all going to go off with a hitch," George said. "But to be honest, it's been pretty awesome from day one."

FOR THE SAKE OF ART

Self-taught metalsmiths, multidisciplinary artists and longtime friends Andrews and Crystal Tremer—also a former 309 dweller—are revisiting their old bedrooms for an extended slumber party as February's artists in residence.

Andrews' business, Sovereign Stone Jewelry, has a classical, Southwestern aesthetic with some modern minimalist and mysticism mixed in, she said. She originally dove into jewelry some 15 years ago with Tremer.

"We were just making Christmas presents or something like that, and it just kind of lit the fire and we started doing markets together," Andrews said. "I think 2019, I started using the torch and doing fabrication and working with silver and leveling up. But we've both been doing jewelry for a long time, just at various levels and different mediums."

Andrews was hesitant to return to her former living space to participate in the Artist in Residence program—she doesn't even consider herself a professional artist—but after hearing what other artists had done with the space, it pushed her to return.

"I am a multi-disciplinary artist; I don't do just jewelry," Andrews said. "But I've been caught in the grind of having to do markets and production for the sake of capital gain. It's been this really cool, refreshing chance to just stay here for a month and make for the sake of art. I don't know when I've had an opportunity to do that in a while. I'm really excited about it and doing it with my friend Crystal.

It feels like we can pull anything off right now."

The duo plans to use their combined skills in metal work to create a copper sculpture installation. The most fun part for them, though, February 15, 2024

has been working on a communal metal tapestry, Andrews said.

"We're making these little blank plates for people to come over and hammer and stamp and draw on," Andrews said. "It's just very easy thin metal to manipulate. We want people to come and make their mark, and make this tapestry of fellowship and metal."

This collaborative piece will check off the program requirement of a donation to the 309 Punk Archive. They're inviting people to make their mark on the tapestry any time 1-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday in February as part of an open studio and skill share.

"Working with jewelry in the back of my house, it's very fun, but it's very solitary," Andrews said. "So to be able to kind of do a mini skill share sounds like a lot of fun."

For their community event, Andrews and Tremer will host a small market showcasing their hand fabricated jewelry alongside a handful of local DIY makers and artists who also have a connection to the house.

The 2024 artist lineup started in January with Eniko Ujj. Still to come are Abby Banks in April, Yusuke Okada in May, Jamil Davis in June, Mark Gubb in July, Ayinde Hurrey in August, Sparky Taylor in September, Jeremy Strength in October, Gabe Smith in November and Erica Lyle in December.

Lyle is the guitarist for punk rock band Bikini Kill.

"One of the things I really love about our program is we try to make sure everybody gets space in the house and an equal amount of space," George said. "So we've got local folks who are emerging artists, who are young still in their 20s, doing their brand new thing, to folks like Erica Lyle, who's been in the scene for a little bit longer and established their footing in that scene. So we try to bring those established people here to inspire our younger generation.

"But for the most part, our goal has always been to have a beautiful, disparate calendar of people who represent all aspects of the cultural production we're interested in supporting, the DIY stuff—whether it be poetry, music, visual arts, performance, art, activism, what -have-you—and also making sure it's a diverse population as well." {in}

Valerie George and Cori Bush / Courtesy Photo

309 FEBRUARY ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE WHAT: 309 Punk Project's current artists in residence Crystal Tremer and Jennie Andrews will host multiple events throughout February WHEN: Open studio & skill share 1-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday all month; movie night 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18; DIY market and community collaboration 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25; closing exhibition 4-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29 WHERE: 309 N. Sixth Ave. DETAILS: 309punkproject.org, @309punkproject

JENNIE ANDREWS DETAILS: @sovereignstonejewelry

CRYSTAL TREMER DETAILS: @locolono_designs

House sculpture by former artist in residence Mallory Luana 13

414 1

inweekly.net

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15-21

Arts & Entertainment art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

Songs From the Jungle

By Savannah Evanoff

Evan Dando / Photo by Antonia Teixeira

You probably haven't heard the name Evan Dando in a while, and there's a reason for that—well, a couple reasons.

Firstly, because The Lemonheads hasn't released an album since its album of covers, "Varsons 2," in 2019—which also marked the alternative rock band's first album in a decade.

Secondly, because The Lemonheads frontman has been quasi off the grid, living for the

past year or so with his girlfriend, Brazilian filmmaker Antonia Teixeira, north of São Paulo, Brazil. His habitat is what Topanga Canyon is to L.A., he said; it's like living in the middle of a rainforest but near a city.

The country is something of an extended rehab for Dando. He was already off of heroin while in the U.S., he said, but candidly admits it's convenient he can't get his hands on any in

Brazil—he's not convinced the geographical cure doesn't work.

"I got off all the street drugs and stuff just living up in the jungle, what am I gonna do?"

Dando said. "It's a good place for me to be. It's funny, a couple years past taking drugs, like really way too much for way too long (of a) time, I got out with the help of my partner Antonia; I got away from it. It's better. It's not easy, but it's definitely better."

But does being sober make it better to produce music? Err, yes and no, he said with a laugh.

"It's better, you're right," Dando said.

The theory seems plausible, because The Lemonheads recently returned with its first material in years, two singles—which is really a 7-inch with two sides, Dando corrected.

Dando played all the instruments on "Fear of Living," which was produced and recorded

by Apollo Nove at A9 Audio in São Paulo. The b-side is "Seven Out," a song by The Vaselines and Eugenius' Eugene Kelly that Dando said he's always wanted to cover. It was also recorded in Brazil with Jeff Berg (bass) and Erin Rae (backing vocals).

"I love playing other people's songs," Dando said. "That's how I learned to play guitar, to records. I didn't have lessons and stuff. My dad played, so he showed me the basics, and I just played along to like (The Rolling) Stones records and stuff. And so yeah, that's easy. I don't think I get them right all the time, but they sound vaguely (the same)."

Dando is working on the first album of original Lemonheads songs since 2006. He said it will feature elements of rock, country and dance music, and he's been playing the drums a lot.

"I just felt ready," Dando said. "I thought it was kind of cool not to do anything unless I really felt ready to do it. There's nothing wrong

with not putting out records; I think it's kind of good not putting out records. But you know, after a while, there comes a point where you want to do it. So I'm trying to do it now and we've got a lot of material."

The Brazil studio was originally set up by late sound engineer Roy Cicala, who recorded and produced practically every prominent musician in the 1970s and '80s, including John Lennon, Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen.

"It's a beautiful sounding studio," Dando said. "I'm not into that kind of stuff, but there's some really good gear there and it's a great little studio."

"I feel like I could make a record that's really good, better than all my other ones," Dando said. "That's what you have to keep thinking, I think. A lot of people say, there's no reason why you can't do something even better than your last stuff. So, that's about it. It's very simple. It sounds good. Make music to listen to."

To give the U.S. a glimpse of what's to come, Dando is on a solo tour—that stops at The Handlebar—alongside Willy Mason, who is "really good," he said.

"It's a long ass drive actually," Dando said.

"I've got some new tires, so we'll see." {in}

EVAN DANDO AT THE HANDLEBAR

WHAT: Evan Dando (of The Lemonheads) with Willy Mason WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. DETAILS: evandando.co.uk, thehandlebar850.com

INJURED? voted

(that’s not really a sports bar, only a bar that shows sports) AGAIN!

23 PAL AFOX PL. | 850-43-BRUCE February 15, 2024

444-0000

850

BEST SPORTS BAR

Pensacola, FL BringItLawyers.com

15

a&e happenings MARDI GRAS EVENTS

FLOW TRIBE PRESENTS: MARDI GRAS HANGOVER Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Cost is $15. More information is at vinylmusichall.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARDI GRAS Join in a Mardi Gras parade event for individuals with special needs hosted by The Starfish Project.

Parade is around Navarre High School, 8600 High School Blvd. Line up is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Parade begins at 11:30 a.m.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

FOO FOO FEST APPLICATION DEADLINES This year's Foo Foo Fest is Oct.

31-Nov. 11. The Foo Foo Festival Committee will award up to $500,000 in grant funding, and grant applicants can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding per event. Organizations interested in applying for a Foo Foo Fest grant must submit a letter of intent by Friday, March 15. To learn more about the letter of intent and the Foo Foo Fest application process, visit acepensacola.org. To apply for consideration as a "Friend of Foo," visit foofoofest.com.

SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE ADOPTIONS

Paws Crossed Dog Rescue will be at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave., with adoptable dogs just in time for Valentine's Day. The adoption event is 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road.

The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights.

You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

ARTS & CULTURE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME Enjoy a Pensacola Little

Theatre production. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 at 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $10-$27. Thursday performances are half-off adult prices. Get tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

MORNING AT THE MUSEUM The National

Naval Aviation Museum will celebrate "Morning at the Museum" 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in February with a Chick-Fil-A breakfast, presentations from the curatorial staff and a movie in the theater. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Children younger than 4 get free admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance for Chick-Fil-A breakfast at navalaviationmuseum. org/tickets. Movie screening on Feb. 20 is "Wings Over Water."

GALLERY NIGHT: ART AND SOUL Art and entertainment throughout South Palafox is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Visit gallerynightpensacola. org for details.

LIBERATION! PRESENTS: MASQUEERADE

Music and entertainment celebrating queer culture and communities is 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Tickets are available at pensacolasubculture.com.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3

AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS Visit Big

p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway and gaze at the night sky with the Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association 4-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing

CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE FEST Food

Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph

616 1

trucks and live music at Community Maritime

Park, 351 Cedar St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Information at apexshowsandevents.com.

BODACIOUS ROMANCE BOOK CLUB Book club meets the third Tuesday each month. Next date is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Bodacious Bookstore and Care, 101 E. Intendencia St. The club will discuss "Forget Me Not" by Julie Soto.

BROWN BAG OPERA Visit Pensacola Opera Center for a free performance noon Tuesday, Feb. 20 located at 75 S. Tarragona St. COME FROM AWAY Broadway's "Come from Away" at Pensacola Saenger, 118 S. Palafox St., is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 and 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 23. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in

open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE

BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola

Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

THE MARKET AT GARY'S BREWERY Mar-

ket Perdido Key vendors will sell fresh produce, art, baked goods and more noon-5 p.m. the second Sunday of the month from February to May at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Next date is Sunday, March 10. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret

Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday

at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pen-

sacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investiga-

tion and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321.

Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and

buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids' crafts and games.

This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic

practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

FIRE IN THE EVENING Enjoy a debut show from Louisiana-based painter Dan Charbonnet.

inweekly.net

a&e happenings Exhibition is on view at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., through March 8.

BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

THE FLUIDITY OF PERCEPTION Enjoy an exhibit from Chris Gustin and Nancy Train Smith in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society. The show is on view at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., through May 17.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit

FOOD + DRINKS

FIVE SISTER'S BLUES CAFÉ CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH Five Sister's Blues

Café will feature Black culinary innovators and special lunch and dinner features. Feb.12-18 honors Leah Chase with the featured dish being crawfish etouffee. Feb. 19-25 honors Edna Lewis, and the featured dish is Hoppin' John. Other innovators will be recognized throughout the month.

Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for details.

DINNER AND AN ARIA Jackson's Steak-

house and Pensacola Opera present a night of fine dining and fine music. Two seatings are 5 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Enjoy a full dinner menu, plus a special feature from Chef Miller available. Seating is limited, so make your reservations by calling (850) 469-9898.

LONGLEAF ALLIANCE AT ODD COLONY

Celebrate the Longleaf Pine at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Odd Colony will release a cask version of Ardent Naturalist. Longleaf Pale Ale will donate proceeds to the Longleaf Alliance.

Event is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

CAST IRON STEAK NIGHT Cooking class is

6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $85. Register through the link available at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

MODERN SOUTHERN CLASSICS FEAT. CHEF JASON HUGHES Cooking classes with

Atlas Oyster House Chef Jason Hughes are 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Cost is $55 a person.

Reservations are required. Make yours by calling (850) 686-3149 or email jessica@goodgrits.com.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green

Thumb Wines for a free wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. For more information, visit greenthumbwines.com.

SATURDAY SIPS ON THE SIDEWALK Stop

by Green Thumb Wines, 9 E. Gregory St., every Saturday for wine selections. Visit greenthumbwines.com for details.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m.

Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

February 15, 2024

Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowl-

edge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA Trivia is 6 p.m. Thurs-

BE THERE IN MINUTES, NOT HOURS Got a big meeting? Catching a cruise?

Looking for some adventure?

Enjoy Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale with time to spare. Fly nonstop from PNS on Silver and Spirit Airways.

FLYPENSACOL A .COM | FLY EASY

days at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC

JAZZ THAT MADE HISTORY Jazz Pensacola and West Florida Public Libraries will have a special jazz program during Black History Month. Children's books and CDs will also be on display for patrons to learn more about the music and artists. Events are noon-2 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave.; noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Pensacola Library, noon-2 p.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 at Pensacola Library with special programming for kids. Visit jazzpensacola.com for more information.

GLIXEN, SNOW HALO Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb, 15 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $12-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

free will astrology WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Some stories

don't have a distinct and orderly beginning, middle and end. At any one point, it may be hard to know where you are. Other tales have a clear beginning, middle and end, but the parts occur out of order; maybe the middle happens first, then the end, followed by the beginning. Every other variation is possible, too. And then there's the fact that the beginning of a new story is implied at the end of many stories, even stories with fuzzy plots and ambiguous endings. Keep these ruminations in mind during the coming weeks, Aries. You will be in a phase when it's essential to know what story you are living in and where you are located in the plot's unfoldment.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): As I medi-

tate on your destiny in the near future, I sense you will summon extra courage, perhaps even fearless and heroic energy. I wonder if you will save a drowning person, or rescue a child from a burning building, or administer successful CPR to a stranger who has collapsed on the street.

Although I suspect your adventures will be less dramatic than those, they may still be epic.

Maybe you will audaciously expose corruption and deceit, or persuade a friend to not commit self-harm, or speak bold thoughts you haven't had the daring to utter before.

You have surpassed and transcended previous limits in your understanding of how the world works.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Lately, you

have been learning more than you thought possible. You have surpassed and transcended previous limits in your understanding of how the world works. Congratulations! I believe the numerous awakenings stem from your willingness to wander freely into the edgy frontier—and then stay there to gather in all the surprising discoveries and revelations flowing your way. I will love it if you continue your pilgrimage out there beyond the borders for a while longer.

By Rob Brezsny

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): As I study the astrological omens for the coming weeks, I suspect you will feel more at home in a situation that previously felt unnerving or alien. Or you will expedite the arrival of the future by connecting more deeply with your roots. Or you will cultivate more peace and serenity by exploring exotic places. To be honest, though, the planetary configurations are half-mystifying me; I'm offering my best guesses. You may assemble a strong foundation for an experimental fantasy.

Or perhaps you will engage in imaginary travel, enabling you to wander widely without leaving your sanctuary. Or all of the above.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Of your hundreds of wishes and yearnings, Leo, which is the highest on your priority list? And which are the next two? What are the sweet, rich, inspiring experiences you want more than anything else in life?

I invite you to compile a tally of your top three longings. Write them on a piece of paper. Draw or paste an evocative symbol next to each one.

Then place this holy document in a prominent spot that you will see regularly. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are in a phase when focusing and intensifying your intentions will bring big rewards.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Actor and travel

writer Andrew McCarthy hiked across Spain along the famous pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago. On the way, he felt so brave and strong that at one point he paradoxically had a sobbing breakdown. He realized how fear had always dominated his life. With this chronic agitation absent for the first time ever, he felt free to be his genuine self. "I started to feel more comfortable in the world and consequently in my own skin," he testified, concluding, "I think travel obliterates fear." I recommend applying his prescription to yourself in the coming months, Virgo—in whatever ways your intuition tells you are right. Cosmic forces will be aligned with you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In the natural world, there are four partnership styles. In the parasitic variety, one living thing damages another while exploiting it. In the commensal mode, there is exploitation by one partner, but no harm occurs. In the epizoic model, one creature serves as a vehicle for the other but gets

nothing in return. The fourth kind of partnership is symbiotic. It's beneficial to both parties.

I bring these thoughts to your attention, Libra, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to take an inventory of your alliances and affiliations—and begin to de-emphasize, even phase out, all but the symbiotic ones.

two decades (1998–2018) between his 19th and 20th holes-in-one. I suspect your own fallow time came in 2023, Capricorn. By now, you should be back in the hole-in-one groove, metaphorically speaking. And the coming months may bring a series of such crowning strokes.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Scorpio au-

Akhmatova (1889–1966) lived to age 76, but her destiny was a rough ride. Her native country, the authoritarian Soviet Union, censored her work and imprisoned her friends and family. In one of her poems, she wrote, "If I can't have love, if I can't find peace, give me a bitter glory." She got the latter wish. She came close to winning a Nobel Prize and is now renowned as a great poet and heroic symbol of principled resistance to tyranny. Dear Aquarius, I predict your life in the coming months will be very different from Akhmatova's. I expect you will enjoy more peace and love than you've had in a long time. Glory will stream your way, too, but it will be graceful, never bitter. The effects will be heightened if you express principled resistance to tyranny.

thor Dan Savage says, "I wish I could let myself eat and eat and eat." He imagines what it would be like if he didn't "have to monitor the foods I put in my mouth or go to the gym anymore."

He feels envious of those who have no inhibitions about being gluttonous. In alignment with astrological aspects, I authorize Savage and all Scorpios to temporarily set aside such inhibitions. Take a brief break. Experiment with what it feels like to free yourself to ingest big helpings of food and drink—as well as metaphorical kinds of nourishment like love and sex and sensations and entertainment. Just for now, allow yourself to play around with voraciousness. You may be surprised at the deeper liberations it triggers.

I expect you will enjoy more peace and love than you've had in a long time.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Dear

wise gambler, you rank high in your spacious intelligence, intuitive logic and robust fantasy life. There's only one factor that may diminish your ability to discern the difference between wise and unwise gambles. That's your tendency to get so excited by big, expansive ideas that you neglect to account for messy, inconvenient details. And it's especially important not to dismiss or underplay those details in the coming weeks.

If you include them in your assessments, you will indeed be the shrewdest of wise gamblers.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Capri-

corn golfer Tiger Woods is one of the all-time greats. He holds numerous records and has won scores of tournaments. On 20 occasions, he has accomplished the most difficult feat: hitting a hole-in-one. But the weird fact is, there were

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Poet Anna

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Piscean

perfumer Sophia Grojsman says, "Our lives are quiet. We like to be disturbed by delight." To that end, she has created more than 30 bestselling fragrances, including Eternity Purple Orchid, Désir Coulant (Flowing Desire), Spellbound, Volupté (Pleasure) and Jelisaveta ("God is abundance"). I bring this up, Pisces, because I believe it's now essential for you to be disturbed by delight—as well as to disturb others with delight. Please do what's necessary to become a potent magnet for marvelous interruptions, sublime interventions and blissful intrusions.

And make yourself into a provider of those healing subversions, too.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: I dare you to forgive yourself for a past event you've never forgiven yourself for before. {in}

freewillastrology.com

newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny

Stock Market Losses?

Hire a lawyer who is a former Merril Lynch stock broker.

Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing Child Support • Child Support Modifications Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation

11 East Romana Street | Pensacola, Fl 32502

genemitchell.org

818 1

127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115 autumnbeckblackledge.com inweekly.net

news of the weird NEWS YOU CAN USE Researchers at Western Sydney University have revealed results of a study showing that frequent nose-pickers may have a higher probability of developing Alzheimer's disease. WION-TV reported on Feb. 7 that the habit introduces germs into the nasal cavity that trigger the brain to produce beta-amyloid as a defense.

An abundance of beta-amyloid is believed to be the leading cause of Alzheimer's. "It is essential to note that the temporary relief obtained from nose-picking is not a substitute for proper nasal hygiene," the report said—"proper nasal hygiene" being "regular cleaning and maintenance of the nasal passages through gentle methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose."

SWEET REVENGE Paul Gibbons, 63, of Kingsclere, England, paid about $32,000 to have his kitchen remodeled a year ago, the Basingstoke Gazette reported. Wickes, the company he chose to do the work, bungled it, according to Gibbons: "The finish throughout is so poor, and half the kitchen doesn't fit as it should. I agreed to the contract and what I was told would be two weeks of work, and ... I am left with a kitchen which I can't even use as you should." As a result, Gibbons demanded a refund, but when he couldn't get that, he parked a decommissioned 1963 gun tank that he had borrowed from a friend outside the store. Wickes called that "unacceptable and aggressive behavior" and threatened to have the tank removed. But Gibbons isn't budging: "I want my money back and want them to take that kitchen out of my house so I can get a new one."

CONSUMER REPORT After 2 1/2 years, Jackie Nguyen of Seattle "just didn't like" her couch anymore, USA Today reported on Feb. 1. After checking with Costco's return policy, Nguyen returned the couch to the store for a full refund.

"We just didn't like the color anymore," she admitted on a TikTok video. Nguyen didn't even have a receipt—but she did have a good memory and could tell the clerk the date she bought the sofa.

The clerk looked it up and refunded $900 to her card. Costco told Nguyen that returned items are donated, resold, returned to the manufacturer for a credit or refurbished.

FIELD REPORT On Jan. 20, as an Amish couple from Shipshewana, Indiana, shopped at a Walmart in Sturgis, Michigan, Lona Latoski, 31, allegedly climbed inside their buggy and directed their horse away from the parking lot, MLive.com reported. A witness saw the woman drive off and thought it was odd that she wasn't Amish, but didn't report the theft. When the couple came out and realized their ride was gone, a truck driver offered them shelter from the cold and alerted police, who tracked down the buggy at an Admiral gas station, where it was parked. Latoski was located in the motel next door, hiding under a pile of clothing in a shower. She admitted taking the horse and buggy and said she had "instant regret ... but she was cold and needed to get home," the officer said. "I asked her if she had ever had any training with equestrians," he said. "She did not

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

know what 'equestrian' meant." (Apparently, nor did the officer.) Latoski was charged with larceny of livestock and general larceny.

NAKED, NOT AFRAID Being naked in public in Florida is right on the cusp of being No Longer Weird. On Feb. 5, Martin Evtimov, 36, parked his car on the sidewalk at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and climbed out without a stitch of clothing on, the New York Post reported.

He entered Terminal 1 and approached the TSA security line as he spoke incoherently, then wandered toward the baggage inspection area. That's where Broward County sheriff's deputies and TSA officers caught up with him. Evtimov resisted arrest but was eventually subdued. A judge later banned him from the airport and ordered a mental health screening.

WEIRD SCIENCE Jason Clampit, 43, was arrested on Jan. 24 after it came to the attention of the FBI that he might be manufacturing the poison ricin on his property in Winslow, Arkansas. KNWATV reported that an anonymous caller told the Washington County Sheriff's Office that Clampit might have poisoned his mother with ricin, and when his property was searched, officers found castor beans (the source of ricin) and a jar of suspected liquid ricin. According to text messages included in the affidavit, Clampit told his sister that he "made it to get people to stay out of our woods. There's a group of thieves out here called the Owlers. They snoop around watching people at night. They dress in gilly suits and hide in the bushes. So I made this stuff and I set up traps in the woods." He was held on a $500,000 bond.

ANIMAL ANTICS On Feb. 1, the lights went out in central Toronto, darkening traffic signals and trapping people in elevators, Reuters reported. Crews who investigated found it was a roguish raccoon who made contact with equipment at the city's Hydro One electric station. (The raccoon did not survive, a spokesperson said.) About 7,000 were affected for about three hours, Hydro One reported. While raccoon-caused outages are not unheard of, squirrels are the more common culprits.

INEXPLICABLE Florida man Jason Brzuszkiewicz, 49, laughed his way through an incident on Feb. 6 in New Smyrna Beach, the New York Post reported. Around 9 a.m., Brzuszkiewicz allegedly drove his pickup around a "Do Not Enter" sign at the beach and straight into the ocean as beachgoers looked on and recorded video. When deputies questioned him about his antics, Brzuszkiewicz said, "It's not my fault the truck don't surf!" He also claimed he thought he was in England. Brzuszkiewicz's only charge was for failing to pay the access fee to the beach; his truck was towed away. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2024 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com February 15, 2024

19

Independent News | February 15, 2024 | inweekly.net