Inweekly March 28 2024 Issue

Learning the Art of Execution from Local Organizer and Entrepreneur

HALE MORRISSETTE THE 'DOER'

winners & losers winners losers

BEVERLY JOHNSON PenAir Credit Union congratulated Johnson as the first-place winner of its 2023-2024 NOW Program, a seven-monthlong financial wellness competition that gives participants a better understanding of their income versus expenses while creating healthier spending habits. She received a $10,000 cash prize from PenAir. All NOW participants made significant strides toward eliminating debt, boosting credit scores and increasing savings. On average, teams were able to save $7,300 and decrease personal debt by $7,500. All teams were coached by a PenAir Certified Financial Counselor. This year, the second-and thirdplace teams received cash prizes of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

RALLY FOUNDATION Its fundraiser, Rally on the Runway, raised more than $755,000. Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Young girls battling cancer are the stars of the event. They pick out their dresses at Dillard's, have their hair, nails and makeup done, and are escorted on the runway by local celebrities. Cindi Bonner heads the Gulf Coast chapter. She said, "It was our fifth year for doing Rally on the Runway here, and our community is just amazing. They've gotten behind this cause."

IMPACT 100 PENSACOLA BAY The philanthropy group announced its 2024 membership drive concluded with 1,208 members. This fall, IMPACT 100 will award $1,208,000 to 12 significant local project grants. Each nonprofit will receive $100,670. With these awards, IMPACT 100 will have handed out more than $17 million for local projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties over the past 20 years.

BAY MINETTE The little town in Baldwin County, Ala. will be home to Novelis, a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider that will invest $2.5 billion into the new low-carbon recycling and rolling plant. The company will create approximately 1,000 jobs with an average salary of $65,000. The 30-month construction project has an estimated opening set for 2025.

NIKKI FRIED The Florida Democratic Party claimed that her Take Back Local program focused on local races to help flip seats in municipal contests across Florida. During a conference call with the media after the March 19 elections, Fried bragged four of the seven candidates supported by Take Back Local prevailed. However, Democrats already held those seats. Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Florida celebrated several local wins across the state.

PENSACOLA POLITICS When Escambia Children's Trust held its search for a new executive director, candidates were asked if they would keep the current staff. Inweekly was told off-the-record that several community leaders insisted potential replacements for Tammy Greer had to commit to keeping Kimberly Krupa as the Trust's director of programs and performance. Walker Wilson would not make that commitment and didn't win the job. Three months after the board voted to hire Lindsey Cannon as its executive director, Krupa announced her resignation. Sadly, Pensacola's political games never seem to change. What some insist is important rarely is.

FLORIDA COLLEGE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

NAACP issued a warning to athletes considering college sports in Florida to "take their talents elsewhere." NAACP President Derrick Johnson said, "Florida's rampant anti-Black policies are a direct threat to the advancement of our young people and their ability to compete in a global economy. Diversity, equity and inclusion are paramount to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes." He added that the NAACP holds "Gov. Ron DeSantis and all oppressive elected officials accountable for their attempts to unravel our democracy." Last year, the NAACP issued a travel warning against coming to Florida.

NOVEMBER BALLOT Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd has recommended voters use the time before the Nov. 5 general election to familiarize themselves with proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. The Florida Supreme Court has yet to approve the language for amendments on reproductive rights and recreational marijuana, but state lawmakers have placed several on the ballot that will add up to more time in voting booths.

Nikki Fried / Courtesy Photo

Beverly Johnson

/ Photo Courtesy of PenAir Credit Union

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

REMEMBERING MR. KING

On March 22, an Escambia County grand jury indicted Jordon Dominique King on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder of his grandparents Clay and Andrea King.

The grandson had been released from prison in November and arrested six days later for trespassing. He stayed in county jail until Feb. 15, when he pleaded no contest and the judge sentenced him to a year of probation—with the possibility of early termination after six months. When out of jail, he moved in with his grandparents.

A week later, family members asked law enforcement to do a wellness check on the retired couple. The deputies found them brutally murdered. Law enforcement captured Jordon King on foot, and he was arrested without incident.

this process," Brent wrote. "It will take a while to help sort everything for Mom and Dad, along with trips to North Carolina to visit with family for memorials during the wake of this tragedy. We have also decided that any money raised after expenses will be donated to education in their names."

Many students expressed their condolences on Facebook. Melissa Walls wrote, "I think I learned more in his advanced vocabulary class than any other. We used to love trying to stump him with words in the dictionary."

When word of his death circulating among his former students, the sense of loss was profound.

The arrest report revealed Andrea King applied for an involuntary examination of her grandson in December because he was "extremely paranoid," but she didn't feel he was a threat to her or her husband.

Clay King taught advanced placement AP English literature and composition and advanced vocabulary for 37 years, retiring in 2011. He was one of my daughters' favorite teachers. Andrea King was a special needs administrator for Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System and Escambia County School system, retiring not long after her husband did.

I found a Gulf Breeze News article about Clay's retirement. The English teacher loved ties and wore them at work. His collection grew to more than 400 ties, which he offered to sell for $5 apiece to his former students in the days leading up to his last day in the classroom. He used the $1,000 collected to launch a scholarship program for Gulf Breeze High's new National English Honor Society chapter, which was named in his honor.

When word of his death circulating among his former students, the sense of loss was profound. Many reached out to the family asking how they could help. Brent King, their son, set up a GoFundMe account.

"While we did not want to ask for help, there are many expenses and bills adding up during

LeAnna Sanders posted, "I have a lifelong love of words, thanks to my favorite teacher. I moved away from GB after high school, so I never thought my kids would have the same teacher. I moved back to care for my Mom and my daughter ended up at GBHS. She also loved Mr. King—she is a grammar native and English teacher now. How could he be so strict and demanding and inspiring, all wrapped up in one kind, wonderful man?"

"This is tragic. He was such a great person and wonderful teacher," said Robert Brooks. "I was one of the students that helped him get sup port for his Word Study II class. His effect on our vocabulary, that in turn affects every stage of our lives, is immeasurable."

"Mr. King was a phenomenal teacher. I loved being in his class," wrote Susannah Bell. "I have so many stories about things he taught me. Most of all, he made me feel safe in a fearsome time of my life. Godspeed Mr. King, Class of 85."

Amy Spencer-Bilrey posted, "He was one reason I became a teacher and, ultimately, a lawyer. He met us where we were. He valued who we were. His memory is a blessing to all of us who were fortunate to know him."

"I graduated in 1984 and had Mr. King for advanced vocabulary and loved his class," Robert Traylor said. "He was in the Navy before and helped me decide to go in the Navy also."

To donate to the Clay and Andrea King Fund, visit gofund.me/427da7ae.

{in} rick@inweekly.net

CHILDREN'S TRUST BECOMES DATA-DRIVEN

By Tom St. Myer

Lindsey Cannon walked out of the Escambia Children's Trust board workshop on March 20 with a sense of direction after jotting down a laundry list of to-do items.

Her list included addressing attendance issues at Escambia schools, increasing mentorship opportunities for youth and emulating portions of the C.A. Weis Community Partnership Model at other locations.

"We can't fund everything, that's the reality," said Cannon, who took over as Trust executive director earlier this year. "We have $10 million a year to do really great work and so we really want to look where we're focusing our efforts and our money and what types of services are really going to move the needle for our kids."

That list materialized after the Trust and Escambia County Public Schools shared data that identified where issues exist in educating students.

CORRIDORS OF CONCERNS

The school district presentation, "Corridors of Concern," broke down attendance, math and reading scores and other influential data by geography, drilling down into neighborhoods. The common theme for the corridors was high

poverty, high student density and low achievement levels.

"What I saw from both Trust data and school district data was really 11 attendance zones or six zip codes of concern," said Keith Leonard, the Escambia school superintendent and Trust board member. The school district subdivides the county into 330 attendance zones.

Corridors of Concern showed a direct correlation between attendance and school grades. Students rarely missed days at A schools, while chronic absenteeism was common at low-performing schools.

More than 49% of students at three elementary schools in Warrington, Navy Point and O.J. Semmes missed 10% or more days of school last year. Warrington earned an F, O.J. Semmes a D and Navy Point a C.

Four of the eight middle schools topped 40% in Ferry Pass, Workman, Beulah and Warrington. None of the four middle schools earned better than a C grade.

Overall, the middle schools faced a significant problem with attendance, with an average of 39% of students chronically absent. The elementary and high schools both averaged at 34%.

Poverty also factored significantly in school grades. The percentage of economically disadvantaged students at the four F schools hovered around 90%. By contrast, only about 45% of students at the 11 A schools qualified as such.

ZIP CODE DATA

The Trust's staff cited Florida Department of Juvenile Justice data from 2022-2023 that identified the 32505, 32503 and 32506 zip codes as the top three in volume of youth arrests in the county. The 32505 zip code ranked ninth overall in the state, where Black youths accounted for 74% of arrests.

Two traditionally low-performing elementary schools in the 32505 zip code went in different directions last year. Oakcrest's grade improved from D to C, but Montclair saw its D drop to F.

Montclair Principal Shona Person told Inweekly last school year that 40 of her 385 students are homeless, meaning 10.3% of them lack a regular and adequate nighttime residence. Oakcrest faces the same issues. Its staff hands out weekend bags of food and hygiene products to about 16% of its students.

The 32503 zip code deals with similar issues as 32505. Black youth account for 82% of arrests there. In 32506, Black youths account for 69% of arrests.

Another zip code with jarring statistics is 32501. According to the Florida Department of Health, that zip code tops the county in rate of infant deaths and ranks second in rate of low birth rate, trailing only 32505.

The Trust's staff shared further alarming data in its indicator report card. The report indicated 23% of children in the county live in poverty. Other jarring statistics in the report include Escambia ranking among the 10 worst in the state in percentage of low birth rate babies, youth arrest rates, students who have not visited a dentist in the past year and percentage of eligible 4-yearolds participating in VPK. Escambia ranks 64th out of 67 in VPK participation, at 48% compared to the state average of 65%.

Overall, Escamiba ranks 58th in the state in child well-being according to the Florida Kids Count index. The ranking is a significant drop from No. 45 in 2020 and is based on 16 outcomes related to children, youth and families.

The county stayed status quo in its healthy outcomes score, but its ranking dropped from No. 47 in 2020 to No. 51 in 2023.

POSSIBLE BLUEPRINTS

In 32505 zip code, C.A. Weis has fared better than its neighboring schools under the Community Partnership Schools model. Community Health of Northwest Florida partnered eight years ago with the school district, Children's Home Society and the University of West Florida to transition Weis into a Community Partnership School. Weis students receive eye, dental and health exams on site and are provided food to ensure they and their families are nourished.

Cannon previously served as executive director at the Children's Home Society and is an expert on the Community Partnership School model. Trust board members asked her about the possibility of emulating the Weis model at other schools.

"If you're in the community partnership world, what they say is if you've seen one community partnership school, you've seen one community partnership school," Cannon said. "That's because it's based on a needs assessment in that particular community. I think this is a unique opportunity to look at these corridors and get feedback from not only the school district but also the surrounding community about what they may need."

She continued, "Then you can cater your services to that because you want your families to engage, and you want it to be what they need. We don't need to come in and say, 'This is what we think you need.' We need to ask you what you need so we can provide that."

All of the data gathered by the Trust staff and school district provides a blueprint on what types of programs to fund with taxpayer dollars. Circuit Judge and Trust board member Todd Harris recommended investing in a mentorship program for youths.

"A lot of these kids have never seen what a responsible adult making good choices looks like," Harris said. "It seems like a big task, and it is a big task, but that's what we're talking about—big tasks. We can provide them great resources, but they really need someone who walks alongside them and shows them what a responsible member of society making good choices looks like."

The Trust staff is under new leadership, with Cannon as executive director. Dr. Kim Krupa will step down as director of programs and performance at the end of the month. The Trust board underwent a seismic shift, too, with the additions of Harris, School Board member David Williams, and Tina Cain, the family well-being director for the Northwest Region Department of Children and Families.

To learn more about the Escambia Children's Trust, visit escambiachildrenstrust.org. {in}

The 5th Annual Fredric G. Levin Lung CARE Symposium

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

 Review the guidelines established by the Fleischner Society and American College of Chest Physicians regarding the evaluation and management of pulmonary nodules.

 Analyze the current role of strategies for lung cancer diagnosis and staging.

 Evaluate the advantages and limitations of limited resection for early stage lung cancer.

Accreditation

 Analyze the technical challenges and results of extended pulmonary resection.

 Demonstrate the use of state-ofthe-art tools to diagnose and stage lung cancer.

 Demonstrate the use of new treatment technologies.

 Review new research related to pulmonary nodules and lung cancer.

 And more.

In support of improving patient care, Harvard Medical School is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The theme this year is “community,” and the agenda encompasses a diverse range of topics to empower attendees with cutting-edge insights.

Dates & Time

Dates: April 11 – 12

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Baptist Hospital Campus 123 Baptist Way, Pensacola

Please contact the Continuing Education Programs with any questions by email at ceprograms@hms.harvard.edu

https://tinyurl.com/27jj8pc8

The event is a collaboration between the local medical community, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. All providers across all lines of care are invited to attend.

By Rick Outzen

COMMUNITY HEALTH'S DELICATE BALANCE

Community Health Northwest Florida has had to make difficult decisions as Florida dropped 520,000 people from Medicaid coverage, and another significant funding source has become a political football.

After the State of the Union address on many stations, a Building America's Future ad ran, bashing a program that has been providing vital funding for federally qualified health centers, like Community Health, and rural and children's hospitals.

The 30-second spot, "Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants," ad ties the border crisis to 340B and claims the program is under investigation because it "launders your money and provides free health care for illegal immigrants."

The ad ended with an appeal: "The more we look, the more we find. We need Republicans to stand up for us."

WHAT IS 340B?

In 1992, bipartisan congressional action created the 340B Drug Pricing Program to lower drug costs for providers who care for a disproportionate share of low-income patients. The revenue that comes from 340B is an important source of financial support for Community Health and other health centers throughout the country. In the past, 340B provided Community Health $5.5 million annually that the nonprofit puts to offer more services to the underserved in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The money comes from the drug companies. Pharmaceutical manufacturers agree to

like Escambia County.

Medications are sold at discounted prices to 340B providers, like Community Health. Then, when the provider prescribes a drug, it is sold by the pharmacy to the patient's insurance company at the regular price. That difference between the regular price and the discounted price is money that can be used to benefit Community Health's patients.

Unfortunately, Big Pharm, health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) are actively working to undermine 340B, according to Community Health leaders. They shared several drug manufacturers have refused to allow 340B drugs to be shipped to the "contract pharmacy" partners that federally qualified health centers rely upon for dispensing 340B drugs to their patients. Also, PBMs are engaging in discriminatory contracting against 340B providers, resulting in lower reimbursement for a 340B health center pharmacy than other pharmacies.

"It's been about two years now that the major pharmaceutical manufacturers have started pulling out of what we call the contract pharmacy arrangement agreements," said Dr. Darrel Miller, Community Health's chief pharmacy officer.

"Those agreements allow us to extend the 340B services to not only our in-house pharmacies but also to the outside pharmacies."

Miller pointed out the glaring misstatement in Building America's Future ad. "The taxpayer pays nothing for 340B. Who picks up the tab?

The drug manufacturing industry because the federal government said, 'Listen, if you want to

from 2021, reported it had received $11.3 million in contributions. Its Form 990 states its mission is "To educate the public and build a grassroots movement to advance new policies on a broad range of issues important to the welfare of all Americans, including, but not limited to, housing, healthcare, education, immigrant, energy, economy, jobs, trade and national security."

DIFFICULT DECISIONS

The loss of $5.5 million from the 340B program, coupled with the rollback of Medicaid benefits since the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency last spring, has forced Community Health to make cuts.

"Last year, we saw this coming and started doing some things, such as not backfilling, certain positions, and doing more of a surgical cut, but it just continues to compound," said Chandra Smiley, the Community Health CEO. "Recently, we've had to be a little bit more aggressive and had to lay off about 30 positions and close some sites."

Community Health will close its adult clinic in Cantonment, its Lakeview pediatric site, optometry services and an administrative site that serves as a central receiving facility. Because the 340B funds helped to underwrite patient care, the health center must change its fee structure.

He added, "I hate that those types of ads are out there because they're just not true—not true at all. And what happens is, unfortunately, our community, our neighbors, our citizens, and our people who live right down the street from us must suffer."

Who is Building America's Future? It's not the nonprofit, bafuture.org, formed by Arnold Schwarzenegger to advocate for increased investment in infrastructure and major transportation.

The Washington Post reported that it's a nonprofit with ties to people involved in Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign and his super PAC, Never Back Down. It played a role in fundraising for the campaign and has funded efforts to discourage Democrats from voting.

NBC News reported the group sent mailers to approximately 75,000 Democratic primary voters in South Carolina, a heavily Black electorate, ahead of its Feb. 3 primary, criticizing President Joe Biden over his administration's push to ban menthol cigarettes. According to FDA research, Black smokers are more likely to smoke those cigarettes, and the NAACP and the National Action Network have been divided about the ban.

NBC News said sources shared that Building America's Future was analyzing whether mailers turned voters away from the Democratic primary. The network reported that the group plans to spend more than $1 million on efforts to push Democrats away from voting for Biden in November.

Building America's Future's donors are anonymous. The group's most recently available tax,

"The 340B allowed us to operate sites that ran at a loss and keep our nominal fee at a low, low cost," Smiley said. "Our nominal fee was zero, and we're now having to increase it to $20, and our scale goes up from there. If you were a $5, now it's $25. In dental, we're doing the same thing. Our nominal fee was $20 in dental; now it's going to be $40 in dental."

She continued, "It's still probably the best price in town, if you will, but it does concern me in that we have so many people that live at 150% or below the poverty level that we take care of. They may struggle to make those nominal fees and opt to go to the emergency room, which is what we've been trying to avoid."

Smiley said these decisions have been difficult to make. "With a Medicaid redetermination, we've seen about a 17% drop in Medicaid. So we're seeing our uninsured rates go up and our Medicaid payer mix go down. And I know now more than ever people really need us, and this is a time that we're having to retract and reduce our footprint, reduce our service lines."

Even though Community Health has closed some locations, it still is doing outreach.

"Yesterday, we were at Attucks Court with our mobile unit out, and we're going to use that resource more to make sure that we are reaching out and touching those communities where there's a high concentration of people that we need to take care of, but it's a balance," Smiley said.

"We have a mission to fulfill, and we're committed to doing that. Unfortunately, we're just having to pivot and look at how we do our business differently moving forward."

For more information on Community Health Northwest Florida, visit healthcarewithinreach.org. {in}

Dr. Darrell Miller / Photo Courtesy of Community Health Northwest Florida

NEW RECORD

SET IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay's 2024 membership drive concluded with 1,208 members, its most members ever. On Oct. 13, IMPACT 100 will give back to the community $1,208,000, by awarding 12 significant project grants of $100,670 each to local nonprofit organizations.

Since its inception in 2003, IMPACT 100 has awarded 153 grants totaling more than $16 million to deserving nonprofit organizations in the greater Pensacola Bay Area. After awarding the 2024 grants in October, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area will have funded grants totaling over $17 million.

"It is my privilege to serve with the 1,208 IMPACT members and support the nonprofits that do such important work in our community," said Kristin Longley, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. "The spirit of philanthropy is alive and well among us, as demonstrated by the record-breaking number of women who have chosen to be a part of IMPACT 100 in 2024."

She continued, "For over 20 years, the women of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area have supported nonprofit organizations through truly transformative projects that benefit thousands of families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties."

On Thursday, April 18, IMPACT 100 will host a free workshop and social for nonprofits considering applying for a grant.

"Our nonprofit workshop is a great way for nonprofits in the area to get more information on how to apply for which of the five focus areas might be most impactful for their organization," Longley said.

The event will feature the dynamic Darrick McGhee. McGhee's diverse background as an entrepreneur, lobbyist, pastor and blogger brings a wealth of knowledge about driving positive change, particularly in Florida. Nonprofit leaders are urged to get more details and register for the workshop at impact100pensacola.org/nonprofit-workshop.

TIME TO BUILD CivicCon hosted Richard Harwood's "Enough. Time to Build" campaign,

which focuses on what average citizens can do to get involved in their communities.

After working on political campaigns and for nonprofits, Harwood founded The Harwood Institute. He came to believe political campaigns were more divisive than helpful in moving us forward. Too many nonprofits live off soft money and aren't producing results. The Harwood Institute equips people, organizations and communities with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity and tackle shared challenges. The "Enough. Time to Build" campaign sprung his visits to various communities.

"As I travel all across the country, what I hear people saying, regardless of who they vote for, that our country's on the wrong track, that they've had enough of the division, enough of the hatred, enough of the bigotry, enough of the acrimony," Harwood shared. "People are, as you are, exhausted by all this, and we're not making the progress that we need."

He added, "The change we need is going to start in our local communities, where we can actually come together, restore our faith in ourselves and in one another that we can get things done together, and start to build and see some progress."

Harwood believes all change in American history has always started in our local communities. "It didn't start in Washington, D.C., or even our state capitals. And I think we need to renew that spirit today."

To learn about his initiative, visit theharwoodinstitute.org/build.

GAETZ FETED On Friday, March 15, the Palm Beach County Republican Party held its Lincoln Day Gala at Mar-a-Lago Club to honor Congressman Matt Gaetz as Statesman of the Year. More than 750 people attended the event, which raised more than $1 million.

Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics reported that partygoers stood in line for 40 minutes to see Gaetz. The former president praised the Panhandle Republican during his remarks.

SMOOTH PRIMARY Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender told In -

weekly his election cycle, the GOP presidential primary on March 19, went smoothly despite a few glitches.

"We had a couple little hiccups here and there that we had to work through, but again, all the polls opened on time, and people were able to vote," Bender said. "The Brownsville Community Center suffered a power outage, which left 700 people without power, and we have two precincts there. We were able to take one of our small portable power generators to them, and the county had a generator en route, but before we were able to get it set up, FPL had a quick response and brought us back online."

Another precinct had a voting machine that didn't boot up before the voting started. The supervisor said, "We threw a replacement in a suitcase, headed out and replaced it. But of course, we have the emergency bin. That's exactly what it's for, so voters can still securely return their ballots even if the machine's down, and then we will tabulate 'em later."

HCA FLORIDA HEALTHCARE While on

WCOA's

"Real News with Rick Outzen,"

HCA Florida West Chief Operations Officer David Hoffenberg announced the hospital made the Fortune 500 Top 100 Community Hospitals for the fifth consecutive time.

"We focus on our patient care, the quality outcomes, the people that make it all happen is really how we do so well. Our people are amazing," Hoffenberg said. He added that HCA Florida expects to receive another "A" from The Leapfrog Group, which collects, analyzes and publishes healthcare data on the safety, quality, and resource use of hospitals. The COO gave all the credit to the hospital's healthcare team.

"It's not us touting what we're doing. These are other folks who recognize the quality of care that we're bringing to this community," Hoffenberg said. "But again, back to our people. It's our nurses, it's our doctors, it's our staff that really make that happen. Our job is to get them the resources they need to do a good job, but they make it happen."

Not all hospitals shared their data. He said, "A lot of hospitals throughout COVID faced real challenges. Resourcing people and outcomes did dip across the country. It's the truth. But HCA, we've always been committed to keeping our hospitals resourced, doing whatever we can to prepare our people and make sure that we don't see those outcomes suffer."

Hoffenberg added, "And I've been in quite a few communities with HCA, and that commitment's the same across the whole country."

To find the Leapfrog grades for local hospitals, visit leapfroggroup.org and click on "About Our Ratings" in the navigation bar.

NEW NAVY FED LEADER Navy Federal Credit Union recently promoted Jackie Biggs to serve as the executive leader for operational campuses and the credit union's Contact Center Operations (CCO). Biggs, a Pensacola native, takes over for Kara Cardona, who was recently promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

"I started my Navy Federal career in the Contact Center in 2007," Biggs said in a written statement. "The opportunity to lead our enterprise CCO and campuses is one I relish, because those businesses are where we have a great impact on our members and the communities where we serve. I'm humbled by the opportunity to build on the momentum Kara and other leaders began."

Biggs is a two-time recipient of the Navy Federal Credit Union President's Award for Leadership Excellence in 2013 and 2018 and recipient of the President's Award for Service Excellence in 2011. He most recently held the position of senior vice president of Contact Center Operations.

Biggs most recently served on the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation board, where he chaired the fundraising committee. He was a founding member of the School Partnerships program, where he was instrumental in bringing SkillsUSA to Pensacola.

NAVARRE PLANNING CELEBRATION

In Santa Rosa County, Navarre has begun planning

for the 100th anniversary of its platting, with a year of events and activities starting in December. Last week, the Centennial Celebration Committee unveiled the Centennial Celebration logo and website navarre100.com.

Thomas Kulesa, a member of Navarre High School's second graduating class in 2001, designed the logo, which includes the Navarre Beach Bridge and skyline. It also includes some early settlement names of the Navarre area: Robledal, Eagen, Bilowry and Hiawatha.

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners to establish the Navarre Centennial Celebration Committee (NCCC). Soon, the website will have information for organizations to submit their 2025 events for endorsement by the NCCC to use the Navarre Centennial Celebration logo in promotions. Approved events will also be posted on navarre100. com and the Centennial Celebration Calendar.

People interested in serving on the Navarre Centennial Celebration Committee or volunteering, please contact NCCC chair Frankie Gibbs at fgibbs@mchsi.com.

2024 PACE AWARDS The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards last week. Sue Straughn emceed the event and announced the following PACE Award winners:

•Advocate Leader: Crista Brandt, Northwest Florida Regional Director, Valerie's HouseC

•Leader in Education: Dr. Jocelyn Evans, Director of the Kugelman Honors Program at the University of West Florida

•Business Leader: Steve Moorhead, Founder and Managing Partner, Moorhead Law Group

•Community Leader: Michelle Salzman, Florida State Representative, District 1

•Professional Leader: Dr. Rick Fountain, Dean of the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, University of West Florida

•Emerging Leader: Whitney Fike, Regional Communications Manager, International Paper

•Spirit of Pensacola: Margie Moore, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

•Pioneer Award: Dr. James Andrews, Founder, Andrews Institute

At the event, Chamber president Todd Thomson said, "It is an honor to celebrate this year's PACE Award winners. Tonight's recipients demonstrate excellence and a true commitment to our community."

HOW TOURISM WORKS Visit Pensacola released its annual report for fiscal year 2023 taking place Oct. 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023. As the destination marketing organization for Escambia County, Visit Pensacola works closely with Downs and St. Germain Research to survey visitors in the area and to build out special market studies for tourism in Escambia County.

"The numbers below showcase the continued benefits of tourism for Escambia County," said Darien Schaefer, the president and CEO.

"With over $2 billion in economic impact and over 20,000 people employed, tourism works for Escambia County."

Escambia County had more than 2.5 million visitors, who made a $2.02 billion economic impact. The direct spending by visitors was nearly $1.32 billion, and hotels, condos and other short-term rentals collected $21.58 million in bed taxes, saving residents an average of $508 in local taxes.

Tourism employs 20,600 people, representing 14% of all jobs in Escambia County, and provides more than $676 million in wages to local citizens.

The Visit Pensacola team shared the Pensacola story in more than 40 markets, garnered 77 new community partners, generated 600 pieces of social content, attracted more than 760,000 partner listing views and completed more than 2,000 partner assists.

More than 2.2 million people used its website. Visit Pensacola garnered more than $5.3 million in earned media from public relations efforts, gained 54,928 new social media followers and generated $193,700,900 in group sales bookings.

For more information, visit visitpensacola.org.

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN

Escambia County middle schools are accepting applications for Take Stock in Children from eligible sixth- and seventh-grade students until April 24. Applications are available from the school's guidance office or on escambiaschools.org.

Take Stock in Children is a statewide program operated locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. It provides "college scholarships, mentors and hope" to deserving low-income students.

The district has 147 students in grades 7-12 in the program and 70 from the program in college. Take Stock has 153 college graduates to date.  Statewide, 97% of Take Stock students complete high school, 92% enroll in college and 70% receive a college degree.

Students are selected in middle school through an application process based on financial need. Students must be U.S. citizens, meet income eligibility requirements, have grades of all Cs or better, and maintain good school attendance and behavior.

If selected, students and a parent sign an agreement that the student will remain drug- and crime-free, maintain good grades and behavior, and graduate high school. Graduates of the Take Stock in Children program earn a Florida Prepaid College Foundation Project STARS scholarship to help alleviate the cost of college.

The program benefits students by providing support services through a volunteer mentor, who meets with the student weekly at the school, a college success coach who monitors student progress and college readiness workshops.

For more information, contact Take Stock in Children Student Services Coordinator Sally Lee at (850) 469-5458 or slee@ecsdfl.us. {in}

Learning the Art of Execution from Local Organizer and Entrepreneur

HALE MORRISSETTE THE 'DOER'

By Savannah Evanoff

When Hale Morrissette (aka DJ Hale) makes an affirmation journal, she ties in music. When she launches a business offering empathetic listening services, she brings her DJ board. And when she co-hosts a silent book club, it comes with a diversity initiative and subtly coincides with her personal mental health agenda.

Morrissette has a knack for merging her passions, so she stopped trying to separate them.

"Sometimes I really sit with and worry that, 'Oh my gosh, you're doing too much, because you're putting all these things together and you should pull all of this stuff apart," Morrissette said. "And I'm like, 'It's just not possible.' I am a person who holds multitudes, and I have to be comfortable in that. I realized those multitudes are for other people who are complicated, just like me."

And Morrissette's multitudes keep her busy. You can book DJ Hale or listen to her "Queen's Mix" 5 p.m. Mondays on 107.3 The Beat. You can also contact Morrissette if you're being discriminated against or have a housing

issue (she's a member of the Escambia Pensacola Human Relations Commission), or talk to her about getting involved with Dream Defenders (she's a senior national organizer for the political activist group). You can safely call Morrissette a DJ, community organizer and business owner, but we prefer "doer"—just know, she isn't going to do the work for you.

We caught up with Morrisette at the beginning of a particularly busy season to discuss all the things she's doing (and thinking) lately— including but not limited to, her new business dedicated to listening, the importance of third spaces and the upcoming election cycle.

ON AFFIRMATIONS FROM A DJ

Morrissette's beat-driven affirmation journal has been available for about a month now— which is also how many days it takes to fill it out. Again, she's not doing the work for you.

"It's a 30-day open-format journal," Morrissette said. "It incorporates people building a daily affirmation, so there's open spaces for people to

write their notes, but also write daily affirmations for the morning, afternoon and night."

But it wouldn't be a DJ Hale creation without sound. The journal comes with a motivational playlist building worksheet.

"After building the affirmations, you pull out songs you can go back and reflect to throughout your day in an effort to build some positive thinking habits," Morrissette said. "When you deeply think about building a habit, it's really remapping your mind to think more on the positive side, regardless of what's going on or what you're going through."

What inspired "Rhythms of Resilience: 30-Day Beat-Driven Affirmation Journal," was Morrissette's previous experience in clinical therapy, providing trauma therapy and crisis intervention. She has a master's in social work and was recently named social worker of the year for Northwest Florida by the local unit of the National Association of Social Workers.

"I was really big on materials, worksheets, things like that," Morrissette said. "And in 2021,

I started developing small tools I wanted to pass along to people that also incorporated music. So this is me stepping out—after being completely terrified of putting out any type of materials or something, because what if people don't like it? What if it's not what people need? I decided to publish my journal."

She's had a range of positive responses.

"I've even passed along some of the journal pages as just loose pages and worksheets therapists can use with some of their small groups, and they have said it's been really dope and useful," Morrissette said. "I definitely plan on being able to pass along more worksheets and things like that, because I have way more tools in my toolbox to actually pass along to the world in the future."

One of her proudest purchases was from AJ, a beatmaker.

"He's like, 'I can write music in here,' and he's dynamic," Morrissette said. "It felt really good to get that feedback around that, because the artists in our world are healing, and I like to be the person that helps catch them."

Hale Morrissette / Photos by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations)

The journal is a taste of what's to come with Morrissette's new business Soul Step Solutions. She calls it an "interventionist company."

"Sometimes people just aren't ready to go into formal therapy, but also sometimes you need a little bit more than just being able to vent to your friends," Morrissette said. "And so, I aim to shoot for that middle ground to catch people who may not be ready for formal therapy with a diagnosis, but also people who maybe just need a little bit more intervening or help with resources to connect them to."

And yes, she's bringing books, worksheets, her DJ board and everything that makes her, her, to the business shower in April.

ON CREATING THIRD SPACES & RESURRECTING BANNED BOOKS

When TikTok popularized silent book clubs, where people gather at a set time to read in silence together, lots of readers in Pensacola wanted one.

Jasmine Wyer recruited Morrissette to help make the upcoming Hush! & Read event hap pen, because—if it isn't obvious—Morrissette is less talk, more action.

One thing that makes Hush! & Read special is where it will take place—Black Café and Bookstore, a Black-owned business and perfect example of a third space.

For kids, a third space is somewhere other than home or school, and for adults, other than work or home. Third spaces are public spots where people can connect, and many sociolo gists are ringing alarms about how their recent decline is impacting society.

"People that work from home don't even have a second space a lot of times," Morrissette said. "It's really important. When I was growing up, we had the mall; we had the movies that were just really readily accessible things to go to."

Morrissette is on a mission to popularize ac cessible public places.

"The pandemic just really did a number on all of us, and it's OK to be together; that's really important for everyone," Morrissette said. "So this is a part of an initiative with me, which is getting more third spaces out there for people. It's open for anyone to come."

Morrissette and Wyer will also give away the book, "All Black Girls are Activists" at the first event. People can bring their own book or read the free book.

"There's other silent book clubs, don't get me wrong, but Hush! & Read is really specific; we want to be in Black-owned spaces, we want to support and buy Black," Morrissette said. "We really want to give away books from Black authors. There's a banned book trail going on, so hopefully we can get our hands on some banned books to also give away, because it's not just the kids that are missing out on these books, but adults are too."

Regarding the ongoing book banning battle happening within the Escambia County school district, Morrissette resents how authorities claim banned books are not technically banned; they're just not available in school libraries.

"I didn't always have money to go buy a book from somewhere; I would get on the waitlist for the hot books at the school library," Morrissette said. "That was where it was accessible for me and where I was able to see myself in the pages of some of the books that

fucked up, actually."

ON SELF-CARE DURING ELECTION SEASON

Talking about the school board is a natural segue to talking about the upcoming election. And because Morrissette knows a thing or two about staying engaged and active in politics, we had to ask her about how to prepare for it.

Presidential elections are hard.

That's why Morrissette is convinced they're only every four years.

"People are in recovery," Morrissette said. "And it takes so much. There's a lot of exhaustion and burnout around it, especially for those that work in the field."

If you're dreading it this time around, she's got some advice. First of all, be gentle with yourself—and put the phone down.

"The world is not going to stop because you are not online, taking in all of the vitriol, all of the badness and things people want to say about either your candidate or your community, in order to get their own points across," Morrissette said. "So step away, put it down, go touch grass."

Secondly, stay informed—but with intentionality.

"Limit the amount of information you're filtering in," Morrissette said. "You should not be going hours and hours down a rabbit hole that could lead you to somewhere that ends up hav -

ing you really spaced out and hopeless. Because

Lastly, don't volunteer for every single thing.

"If you can be a poll worker, if you can do elec tion protection just for one time, if you just go and you tell a couple of people like, 'Make sure y'all make your voting plan,' that is OK," Morrissette said. "But don't go out and overdo it."

HUSH! & READ

WHAT: "A silent book club with a twist"

And remember, when someone wins, someone loses. It'll be OK.

"We just have to step back, give ourselves time to grieve and be hopeful," Morrissette said. "Because in the end, we win. We do. Those who are right, they win. Doesn't seem like it all the time, but they do."

As senior national organizer for Dream Defenders—an activist organization with citybased chapters called "squadds" all over—Morrissette does a lot of this type of encouraging for activists nationwide.

"I don't necessarily just do the things for people," Morrissette said. "I help empower and coach people, so that they can go in their own communities and do stuff, the things they want to do."

In Mobile, Ala., they're doing a ceasefire resolution, Morrissette said. A team in Memphis, Tenn., wants to start a group for youth work. In D.C., they're working on an omnibus bill.

In true Morrissette fashion, her hometown chapter is hard at work on multiple fronts.

"Pensacola, man, just doing a lot," Morrissette said. "Pensacola is working on building safe space zones and wellness centers … and also looking into some mentoring and solutions for our youth and creating those third spaces for them." {in}

WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9

WHERE: Black Café and Bookstore, 3498 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

DETAILS: lifeishale.com/event, blackcafeandbooks.com

SOUL STEP SOLUTIONS BUSINESS SHOWER

WHAT: A launch party featuring music, food, a cash bar and networking

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11

WHERE: 1216 North, 1216 N. Ninth Ave.

DETAILS: lifeishale.com/soulstepsolutions

Shirt

Arts & Entertainment

"This is Now Your Family"

By Sydney Robinson

"I don't want to die," said a tiny voice over the phone. In a call made amid a barrage of missile attacks, Monear Shaer's baby cousin reflects the fear and humanity of all Palestinians, captured in their documentary short "Gaza Is Our Home."

To date, the Gazan death toll since Oct. 7 has climbed above 30,000, with nearly 74,000 more Palestinians wounded, according to the latest figures shared by the Health Ministry.

UNICEF reports the attacks have left more than 17,000 Palestinian children orphaned or separated from their parents. The 2 million Palestinians in Gaza today face the threat of starvation in addition to continued bombings and sniper fire as the U.S. continues to send arms to Israel.

"There's so many atrocities that it's impos sible to know where to start. So I just figured I'd start with showing my own personal footage," said 26-year-old local Palestinian filmmaker Shaer.

Since October, Shaer's family has lost 33 members, including his aunt, uncle, their five children, their husbands and their children.

"My family's not special," Shaer said. "My family just happens to have somebody here to help represent them, and to show their humanity right now. There's thousands of other buildings housing families just like mine that just didn't have somebody in America or somebody somewhere else to help them."

Today, Shaer's family has more than 100 members still trapped in Palestine, and he has

chosen to use his gifts to do what he can to help them.

"My soul would have been stained if I didn't do this project," Shaer said. "I'm on a mission to save my cousins and my family and everyone that's suffering over there. Like that's my mission, and to oppose that mission is to oppose humanity in my eyes."

The documentary, which was completed in January of this year, captures happiness and fear in equal measure. From the deafening sound of bombs destroying homes to the hysterical sobbing of his cousins, Shaer invites viewers to see and experience the parts of the ongoing conflict rarely seen on the news.

"I've actually watched people change their opinions—just based on whether it's from the film or from me actually talking to them,"

Captured during a visit in 2021 and from Snapchat archives, the documentary is comprised primarily of footage taken on his iPhone, as it is difficult to get cameras across the border. The documentary also includes interviews with his U.S. based family members, who express frustration and fear for those stuck in Gaza.

"It started as a slideshow, one of those auto-generated ones that my iPhone made," Shaer said. "[The] slideshow was literally a representation of how amazing these people are, even with everything they're going through."

Since January, "Gaza is our Home" has screened in multiple states including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, California, Washington D.C., Illinois, New York City and Puerto Rico, and has been translated into Spanish to expand its reach. The upcoming Pensacola screening at Calliope Films is the second screening locally.

From spontaneous dance parties in his grandmother's home to lively wedding parties,

the happy moments of the documentary serve as a reminder of the humanity of Palestinians.

"Nobody knows who these people are," Shaer said. "They don't know how genuinely incredible their way of life is."

"Nobody knows who these people are. They don't know how genuinely incredible their way of life is."

Monear Shaer

The documentary, which follows atrocities faced by Shaer's family in Palestine as far back as 2014, is one he never wanted to have to make.

"If the news just showed our humanity, then I wouldn't be making the film because I think there wouldn't be what's happening," Shaer said. "I don't think they would continue because they would love the Palestinian people as you would love anybody."

Despite being called to speak out, Shaer struggles openly in the documentary to explain what he hopes to achieve amid feelings of hopelessness.

"I'm like 'Why am I filming this? Who's the audience for this?'" Shaer said. "It's not people who already support Palestine. At all my screenings so far, I'm apologizing to my audiences because I'm like, 'Hey, this film is not for you guys. I'm sorry that you guys are here and you have to witness the film.'"

"This is for people who aren't here right now, who didn't come out to this. The people who don't know, or don't care, or don't think that they care."

During the discussions hosted after each screening, Shaer says each viewer is now his family, and in exchange, his family is now theirs.

"I want you to proceed forward as if this is now your family," Shaer said. "What would you do differently, and how much more intensely would you act to try to find justice for them, to make sure that their suffering ends sooner?" {in}

"GAZA IS OUR HOME"

WHAT: A screening and discussion with filmmaker Monear Shaer

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30

WHERE: Calliope Films, 501 E. Gadsden St. COST: Free

DETAILS: gazaisourhome.com; facebook.com/filmsbycalliope

a&e happenings

Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student. Registration is at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

CCB GLOW IN THE DARK EASTER EGG HUNT FOR TEENS Event is 7-10 p.m. Friday, March 29 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road.

LUCKY DOG SPRING PHOTOSHOOT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB Bring your dog to get a spring photoshoot noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. The event is open to all ages.

BUTTERCREAM DECORATING 101: EASTER THEME Class is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60. Register via the link at facebook. com/pensacolacooks.

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT Eggs will be filled with free beer tickets, CCB swag and more. Event is 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Bring your own basket. Event is for ages 21 and older. Visit coastalcounty.com/events for details.

EGGAWAHOOZA Egg hunt for kids up to fifth grade with more than 50,000 eggs hidden at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. Details are at pensacolachurch.org/easter.

EASTER EGG DECORATING FOR ADULTS

Decorate eggs using bar supplies noon-2 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Decorated eggs will be featured on social media.

EASTER BUNNY BRUNCH AT BODACIOUS Family friendly brunch is 10 a.m.noon Saturday, March 30 at 511 S. Palafox St. Details and registration are at facebook.com/ bodaciousshops.

EASTER AT GULF BREEZE ZOO Easter activities and photo opportunities 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 31 at Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway. Visit gbzoo.com for details.

facebook.com/hiltonpensacolabeach

FIVE COURSE EASTER DINNER AT PENSACOLA COOKS Dinner is 5 p.m. Sunday, March 31 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60. Menu and registration link are at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

EASTER AT GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS All of the Great Southern Restaurants will open Easter Sunday with regular menu items, as well as specials. Reservations required for Jackson's Steakhouse and Angelena's Ristorante Italiano. Visit greatsouthernrestaurats.com for menus and details.

EGG HUNT AT GARY'S BREWERY Family friendly egg hunt is 2 p.m. Sunday, March 31 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

CURATED COMPASSION Enjoy an immersive art experience featuring art installations and live music from Justin Hester, The Dalton Wright Trio and Tuffalo and The Tree Walkers, benefiting Gulf Coast Kid's House. Music begins 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St. Tickets are available at accelevents.com/e/curated-compassion.

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.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 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.

ARTS & CULTURE

LIZ MIELE See comedian Liz Miele featuring Derek Shirley. Event is 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday,

March 28 at Club 27 Comedy, 201 E. Wright St. Tickets are $50 at the door and include three drink tickets. Visit club27comedy.com for details.

LOST KEY LIGHTED NIGHT MARKET

Nighttime market is 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at The Villagio Perdido Town Centre, 13700 Perdido Key Drive.

OUR STRUGGLE FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: A PANEL DISCUSSION & SHORT FILM This discussion and short film explores lessons from Pensacola's past and local efforts to reclaim a better future 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 29 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola, 9888 Pensacola Blvd. The event is free and open to the public.

MEWVIE NIGHT AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ

Watch "Just My Luck" with kitties at the Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Movie starts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 29. Cost is $32. Details are at coastalcatpcola.com.

NINTH ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

FAIR Navy Point Arts and Crafts Fair is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Triangle Park Navy Pt., 315 W. Sunset Ave.

JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA PROGRAM

The JapanAmerica Society of Northwest Florida will host its ninth Japan-U.S. Military Program 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at the SCI Building, 220 W. Garden St. Speakers will include the Hon. Kazuhiro Nakai, Consul General of the Consulate General of Miami in Japan and Capt. Bill Cuilik, U.S. Navy (Retired), president of the JapanAmerica Society of Northwest Florida and former Chief of Staff, U.S. Naval Forces Japan. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are appreciated at jasnwfl.org.

LIBERATION! PRESENTS FAIRYTALE

FANTASY Enjoy live DJs from Gulfport, Mississippi, Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans. This event is 18 and older to enter and 21 and older to drink. Event is 8 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N.V St. Tickets are $10 and available at pensacolasubculture.com.

ANNIE Broadway musical "Annie" is 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 2 at the Pensacola Saenger, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

BODACIOUS BIBLIOPHILES LITERARY FICTION BOOK CLUB Book club meets 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at Bodacious Bookstore, 116 E. Intendencia St., to discuss "Family Family" by Laurie Frankel.

FIESTA PENSACOLA CLOSING RECEPTION AND ARTIST TALK Join Pensacola Museum, 407 S. Jefferson St., for the final weekend of Fiesta Pensacola. The closing reception is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Glenn Avery Breed will give an artist talk, discussing his process and experience in creating some of the costumes on display. The exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, April 7.

Bands on the Beach / Courtesy Photo

a&e happenings

THE ERAS PARTY: TAYLOR SWIFT DANCE

PARTY Event is 9 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

WORLD BALLET SERIES SWAN LAKE Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at Pensacola Saenger, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

41ST ANNUAL JAZZ FEST Live music is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 in Seville Sqaure, 311 E. Government St. Visit jazzpensacola.com for details.

CABARET: EXPRESS YOURSELF Enjoy this Pensacola Little Theatre gala with music, singing, dancing, fine art and more. Event is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

GIRLS NIGHT THE MUSICAL Show is 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

ODD COLONY SPRING MARKET Craft and vintage market is noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.

SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS

Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. every Sunday. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.

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 Market Perdido Key vendors will sell fresh produce, art, baked goods and more noon-5 p.m. the second Sunday of the month through May at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. The next date is Sunday, April 14. 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 AMERI-

CAN 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 Pensacola'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 Investigation 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.

PUNKDEMIC: THE SOUND THAT SAVED US A photo show from Andrew Velasco is on view through March at 309 Punk House, 309 N. Sixth Ave. Visit facebook.com/309punkproject for details.

BIRDS AND HABITATS This Quayside Art Gallery all-member exhibit is on view through March 30 at 17 E. Zaragoza St.

UNTETHERED OPENING "Untethered" is a contemporary abstract art exhibition from local artist Lindsay Keeling on view through April 2 at Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille, 997 S. Palafox St.

FIESTA PENSACOLA 75TH ANNIVERSARY RETROSPECTIVE A collection of costumes, dresses and ephemera from the Fiesta events

a&e happenings

dating back to the 1950s is on view through April 7 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org 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 through May 17 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.

LOVE LETTERS TO URSA MAJOR: WORK

BY

KELLY ANNE MUELLER Solo show from Kelly Anne Mueller, Best in Show from the 2023 PMA Members Show. Exhibit is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum. org for details.

PMA MEMBERS SHOW The 70th annual Members Show is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

CRAVIN' ASIAN: SUSHI MAKING CLASS

Event is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student. Register at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

PENSACOLA BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL

Event is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Museum Plaza, 300 S. Tarragona St. Details are at pensacolabloodymaryfestival.com.

PAINT AND PLANT AT GARY'S Choose your clay pot and choose from a variety of succulents to plant. Your $30 ticket includes all the supplies you'll need plus your first drink at Gary's. Event is 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for a link to tickets.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS Enjoy a beverage tasting with paired appetizer. Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Tickets are $30 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (850) 2870200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.

SOUTH AFRICAN DINNER EXPERIENCE

Dinner is 6 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Bodacious, 407D S. Palafox St. Cost is $80. Tickets are available at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

HALFWAY TO OKTOBERFEST Celebrate the halfway point to Oktoberfest at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 6. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15 which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.

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.

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT

AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER

HOUSE Sunday Brunch at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

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.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of Bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit 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 knowledge 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. Thursdays 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.

a&e happenings

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

JEREMY CAMP WITH SPECIAL GUEST

CALEB & JOHN Show is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, ELIJAH,

VERSUS ME Show is 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 29 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $16-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

MOLLY RINGWALDS AT SEVILLE QUARTER

Show is 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 29 at Phineas Phogg's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $25-$30 and available at eventbrite. com or at the door. Event is for ages 21 and older.

WOORMS, FUTURE HATE, WAX OFFERING, SPIRAL Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

BANDS ON THE BLUFF Sunday concert series is 5-8 p.m. Sundays through May at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Tim Spencer will perform Sunday, March 31.

JAZZ JAM Enjoy Jazz Jam 6:30-9 p.m. Monday, April 1 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Visit jazzpensacola.com for details.

BANDS ON THE BEACH Kicking off this week and running through October, concerts are 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, April 2 The Victrolas performs. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach. com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach.

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED This event is 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at Baptist Hospital, 123 Baptist Way.

RADIOLIVE Kitty Steadman, Abe Patridge and Taylor Rae show is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at radiolive.org.

ZACH WILLIAMS Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE Music from Rod Stewart, Elton John and David Bowie is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

JAZZFEST AFTER PARTY Mike Levine Trio will play 8:30-11 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. The performance is free and open to the public. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY

Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd

Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ

Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

•6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 4 is John Wheeler

•6-10 p.m. Friday, April 5 is Rocky Denny Brotherhood

•6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 6 is Glen Parker

•11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 is Curt Bol

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District 7 p.m. Mondays at 130 E. Government St. in End O' the Alley. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia at 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S

Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On March 30, the sites are Morgan Park and Jones Creek Boardwalk. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS The Pensacola Ice Flyers 2023-2024 season home games are held at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

Nurturing the world within

We are worldbuilders. We develop great minds and inspired leaders. We help children write their own story. Gulf Coast Freedom Schools nurtures the world within through a free, six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment program for students K-8th grade who reside in Escambia County. Apply online by May 31, 2024 at gcfreedomschools.com

a&e happenings

Upcoming dates:

•7:05 p.m. Friday, March 29

•7:05 p.m. Saturday, March 30

•4:05 p.m. Sunday, March 31

PUBLIC SKATE Ice skating sessions are available through April at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $12-$15. Season passes and group rates are available at the box office or by emailing sjette@pensacolabaycenter.com.

Upcoming dates:

•9:30 p.m. Friday, March 29

•9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30

•6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31

BAYOU HILLS RUN A 5K and 10K race is 7-11 a.m. Sunday, March 30 at Bayview Park, 2000 E. Lloyd St. Details are available at pensacolasports. org/bayouhillsrun.

BLUE WAHOOS VS. SULTANES DE MONTERREY EXHIBITION BASEBALL GAMES

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos two-game exhibition series against the Mexican League's Sultanes de Monterrey is Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3 at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St.

CLEAN YOUR BLOCK EVENT Keep Pensacola Beautiful event is 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at C.A. Weis Elementary School, 2701 North Q St. Visit ourcornerescambia.org for details.

NAVY FEDERAL 5K The public is invited to participate in the 2024 Navy Federal 5K on

Saturday, April 6. Children 6 and younger can also participate in the Sammie Sprint, a free quarter-mile race around Plaza Ferdinand. The start and finish line will be at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Learn more and register by visiting navyfederal.org

YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.

AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS WITH ESCAMBIA AMATEUR ASTRONOMER ASSOCIATION Gaze into the skies with telescopes and binoculars set up by Escambia Amateur Astronomer Association 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 at the performance pavilion at Casino Beach.

HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar held at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road, on Pensacola Beach the first Monday of every month. A free fish dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar beginning at 7 p.m. and typically lasting about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels, no partner required. Location is at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN

Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.

KID-FRIENDLY

YOUNG AUTHORS AND ARTISTS Young

Authors and Artists is for 12-17-year-olds interested in creative writing and/or enjoy creating art designs through sketching, painting, sculpting and digitally. They are welcome 3-4 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at Gulf Breeze Library, 1060 Shoreline Drive. Enjoy a variety of creative activities that include poetry, comic book design, character creation, digital and theatrical art and other activities and games revolving around story development and art expression.

IHMC SCIENCE SATURDAYS IHMC's Science Saturdays is back for its 16th year. The 90-minute program is for grades 3-6. Topics in 2024 will include balloon cars, secret codes, genetics, the science of design and more. The sessions are free to the families who attend. Next dates is 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 with Teresa Dos Santos and Blu Salmon with the Science of Design. More information is at ihmc.us/ life/science_saturdays.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

Estimated impact for local economy

27 Games played

460 Players & support staff

2,800 Hotel room nights

4,000 Family & friends of players, staff

1,200 Meals per day

$750,000 Spent locally

The fourth annual Blue Wahoos Challenge was held March 9-17 at Blue Wahoos Stadium featuring nine teams from six different states. Along with the 27 games played at the ballpark, the event of 400-plus players and coaches generated 2,800 room nights at area hotels and the visitors spent over $750,000.

Wisconsin-Whitewater University, the alma mater of Quint and Rishy Studer, has been the host team for this event since its 2019 inception.

Many of the 4,000 plus people involved with teams and fans, posted on social media outlets about Pensacola and their experience at this event. It provided a wonderful first impression of our community and our hospitality during their week-long stay.

Participating Teams

University of Wisconsin Whitewater, WI

University of Wisconsin Platteville, WI

McMurry University Abilene, TX

Sewanee: The University of the South Sewanee, TN

University of Chicago Chicago, IL

Carroll University Waukesha, WI

Birmingham Southern University Birmingham, AL

Lyon College Batesville, AR

Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL

Brought to you by Quint & Rishy Studer

free will astrology

WEEK OF MARCH 28

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In the coming days, your hunger will be so inexhaustible you may feel driven to devour extravagant amounts of food and drink. It's possible you will gain 10 pounds in a very short time. Who knows? You might even enter an extreme eating contest and devour 46 dozen oysters in 10 minutes. April fool! Although what I just said is remotely plausible, I foresee you will sublimate your exorbitant hunger. You will realize it is spiritual in nature and can't be gratified by eating food. As you explore your voracious longings, you will hopefully discover a half-hidden psychological need you have been suppressing. And then you will liberate that need and feed it what it craves.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Taurus novelist Lionel Shriver writes, "There's a freedom in apathy, a wild, dizzying liberation on which you can almost get drunk." In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you experiment with Shriver's strategy in the coming weeks. April fool! I lied. In fact, Shriver's comment is one of the dumbest thoughts I have ever heard. Why would anyone want the cheap, damaged liberation that comes from feeling indifferent, numb and passionless? Please do all you can to disrupt and dissolve any attraction you may have to that state, Taurus. In my opinion, you now have a sacred duty to cultivate extra helpings of enthusiasm, zeal, liveliness and ambition.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): At enormous cost and after years of study, I have finally figured out the meaning of life, at least as it applies to you Geminis. Unfortunately, I won't be able to reveal it to you unless you send me $1,000 and a case of Veuve Clicquot champagne. I've got to recoup my investment, right? April fool! Most of what I just said was a dirty lie. It's true that I have worked hard to uncover the meaning of life for you Geminis. But I haven't found it yet. And even if I did, I would of course provide it to you free. Luckily, you are now in a prime position to make dramatic progress in deciphering the meaning of life for yourself.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): For a limited time only, you have permission from the cosmos to be a wildly charismatic egomaniac who

By Rob Brezsny

brags incessantly and insists on getting your selfish needs met at all times and in all places. Please feel free to have maximum amounts of narcissistic fun, Cancerian. April fool! I was exaggerating a bit, hoping to offer you medicinal encouragement so you will stop being so damn humble and self-effacing all the time. But the truth is, now is indeed an excellent time to assert your authority, expand your clout and flaunt your potency and sovereignty.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Michael Scott was a character in the TV sitcom "The Office." He was the boss of a paper company. Played by Leo actor Steve Carell, he was notoriously self-centered and obnoxious. However, there was one famous scene I will urge you to emulate. He was asked if he would rather be feared or loved. He replied, "Um, easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Be like Michael Scott, Leo. April fool! I was half kidding. It's true I'm quite excited by the likelihood you will receive floods of love in the coming weeks. It's also true that I think you should do everything possible to boost this likelihood. But I would rather people be amazed and pleased at how much they love you, not afraid.

In my opinion, you now have a sacred duty to cultivate extra helpings of enthusiasm, zeal, liveliness and ambition.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Now would be an excellent time for you to snag a sugar daddy or sugar mama or sugar nonbinary nurturer. The astrological omens are telling me that life is expanding its willingness and capacity to provide you with help, support, and maybe even extra cash. I dare you to dangle yourself as bait and sell your soul to the highest bidder. April fool! I was half kidding. While I do believe it's prime time to ask for and receive more help, support and extra cash, I don't believe you will have to sell your soul to get any of it. Just be yourself.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Happy unbirthday, Libra! It's that time halfway between your last birthday and your next. Here are the

presents I plan to give you: a boost in your receptivity to be loved and needed; a constructive relationship with obsession; more power to accomplish the half-right thing when it's hard to do the totally right thing; the disposal of 85% of the psychic trash left over from the time between 2018 and 2023; and a provocative new invitation to transcend an outworn old taboo. April fool! The truth is, I can't possibly supply every one of you with these fine offerings, so please bestow them on yourself. Luckily, the cosmic currents will conspire with you to make these things happen.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Now would be an excellent time to seek liposuction, a facelift, Botox, buttocks augmentation or hair transplants. Cosmic rhythms will be on your side if you change how you look. April fool! Everything I just said was a lie. I've got nothing against cosmetic surgery, but now is not the right time to alter your appearance. Here's the correct oracle: Shed your disguises, stop hiding anything about who you really are and show how proud you are of your idiosyncrasies.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I command you to love Jesus and Buddha. If you don't, you will burn in Hell! April fool! I was just kidding. I was being sensationalistic to grab your attention. Here's my real, true oracle for you: Love everybody, including Jesus and Buddha. And I mean love them all twice as strong and wild and tender. The cosmic powers ask it of you. The health of your immortal soul depends on it. Yes, Sagittarius, for your own selfish sake, you need to pour out more adoration and care and compassion than you ever have before. I'm not exaggerating. Be a lavish fountain of love.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): If you gave me permission, I would cast a spell to arouse in you a case of ergophobia, i.e. an aversion to work. I think you need to take a sweet sabbatical from doing business as usual. April fool! I was just joking about casting a spell on you. But I do wish you would indulge in a lazy, do-nothing retreat. If you want your ambitions to thrive later, you will be wise to enjoy a brief period of delightful emptiness and relaxing dormancy. As Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein recommends, "Don't just do something! Sit there!"

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In accordance with current astrological omens, I suggest you get the book "Brain Surgery for Beginners" by Steven Parker and David West. You now have the power to learn and even master complex new skills, and this would be a excellent place to start. April fool! I was half kidding. I don't really think you should take a scalpel to the gray matter of your friends and family members—or yourself, for that matter. But I am quite certain you currently have an enhanced power to learn and even master new skills. It's time to raise your educational ambitions to a higher octave. Find out what lessons and training you need most, then make plans to get them.

It's time to raise your educational ambitions to a higher octave.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In the religious beliefs of Louisiana Voodoo, one God presides over the universe but never meddles in the details of life. There are also many spirits who are always intervening and tinkering, intimately involved in the daily rhythm. They might do nice things for people or play tricks on them—and everything in between. In alignment with current astrological omens, I urge you to convert to the Louisiana Voodoo religion and try ingenious strategies to get the spirits to do your bidding. April fool! I don't really think you should convert. However, I believe it would be fun and righteous for you to proceed as if spirits are everywhere—and assume you have the power to harness them to work on your behalf.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Speak aloud as you tell yourself the many ways you are wonderful. {in}

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© 2024 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

WAIT, WHAT? Deputy chief physician of pediatric neurosurgery Dr. Li at Hangzhou Children's Hospital in China shared a video on social media on March 11 after a baby boy was born sporting a 4-inch-long tail, WION reported. The doctor suspected a condition called a tethered spinal cord, which means the spinal cord is abnormally connected to surrounding tissues, typically at the base of the spine. Doctors advised against removing the tail, as doing so might result in irreversible damage.

PRECOCIOUS Three boys, aged 11, 12 and 16, were taken into custody on March 19 after they robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Houston on March 15, KTRK-TV reported. The kids handed a threatening note to a bank teller; the Harris County Sheriff's Office believes they were armed, but they did not present a weapon. After the FBI released surveillance footage, parents of two of the boys identified them. The "little rascals," as they've been dubbed, are facing second-degree felony charges. "The age of the younger two, that's unusual for a bank robbery," noted Mike Schneider, a retired juvenile district court judge.

REPEAT OFFENDER A 23-year-old Frenchman will get to stay a little longer in Norway than he anticipated after racking up 25 speeding tickets in just 19 days, Yahoo! News reported. The Oslo district court called the speeder a "danger in traffic" and sentenced him to 24 days in prison, which was reduced to 21 days when he pleaded guilty. Most of the infractions were caught on fixed speed cameras, which the driver was unaware of. He was also relieved of his driver's license.

GREAT ART Mexican artist Chavis Marmol, 42, carved a giant head from stone, inspired by the carvings of the Olmec people, and then lowered it onto a used Tesla 3 using a crane, France24 reported. The art installation, in a vacant lot in Mexico City, was intended to "troll Elon Musk," said the artist. "Look what I do to your lousy car with this wonderful head. This is bigger than you and the rampant technologies." Tesla has recently announced a plan to build a factory in northern Mexico. "It's the wonderful thing about art, it allows you these atrocities," said Marmol.

FAMILY VALUES Alyssa Langley and Timothy Stephens, both 27, were arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida, on March 16 after they both passed out on the beach, leaving their two children to wander to a nearby hotel pool, ClickOrlando reported. When the Volusia County Sheriff's deputy asked where the children were, Stephens walked toward the ocean, calling for them, and saying "They're at the beach." He later tried to run away but fell on the beach and appeared unconscious. He faces charges of child neglect, alcohol possession and attempt to escape custody; Langley faces child neglect charges. The kids were unharmed.

•Police in Riverside, California, arrested Samuel Davalos Pasillas, 47—who claimed to be a pastor in

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

Victorville—in late March for hiring two men to kill his daughter's boyfriend, ABC7-TV reported. The hitmen surveilled the victim for months before the shooting, which took place on Oct. 21, 2023. As the victim sat in his car, they drove up next to him and shot him, wounding him. Police also arrested Juan Manuel Cebreros, 55, of Long Beach; they are still looking for Jesus Abel Felix Garcia. The church's real pastor, Rafael Porras, told reporters that Pasillas was a volunteer, not a pastor.

FLORIDA The World Health Organization reported that leprosy is on the rise, particularly in Florida, Newsweek reported on March 22. The number of infections has more than doubled in the last 10 years, and the disease is often associated with exposure to ... armadillos. About a fifth of the U.S. cases were reported in Florida. "People may become infected from other people with untreated leprosy or from the nine-banded armadillo, a natural host of the bacteria causing the disease," said Francisca Mutapi, co-director of the Global Health Academy at the University of Edinburgh.

BRIGHT IDEA An employee of Chilthern Railways in the United Kingdom is marking the 125th birthday of the Marylebone station—and her own 20th anniversary with the railroad—by changing her name to Rehana Marylebone Khawaja, Metro News reported. She said she would have made it her first name had her children not objected. "The station itself is not big. But it's got a soul," she said. "It's warm and welcoming. Not every London station is like that." Khawaja started in a ticket office and now works in security.

OOPSIE A woman who just wanted to watch a livestream of a funeral became a viral sensation after she accidentally left the camera on while she took a shower, the Daily Mail reported on March 21. The Zoom broadcast was also being shown on a big screen to in-person mourners at the church in North London. The funeral was for a father of three who had died of cancer. Even worse, the woman apparently turned up at the wake later with no idea what she had done—until "ten minutes later crying her eyes out," as one mourner said.

COMPELLING EXPLANATION Michelle Young, 46, of Burlington, Iowa, thought she was at a friend's house on March 19, but the friend didn't answer the door. So Young allegedly lit some items on fire on the front porch, KWQC-TV reported. She told police she saw a sign on the porch that said "Witches Welcome," and she's a witch, so she set a fire—but she wasn't going to hurt anyone or let the fire get out of control. The homeowner, who identified Young from her surveillance camera, said she did not know her. Young was charged with reckless use of fire and possession of drug paraphernalia. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird

© 2024 Andrews McMeel