“Name recognition is a big factor in where I am right now.”
“Music and art belong to everyone.”
“Make out or get out!”
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Independent News | December 12, 2013 | Volume 14 | Number 47 | inweekly.net | 'Crybaby' model: Chloe Fiona Crooke / photo by Samantha Crooke
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winners & losers Colleen Castille
Sherri Myers
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e 15
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SHERRI MYERS The Pensacola City Councilwoman for District 2 has proposed amendments to the city’s land development code that will provide greater opportunity for public notice of proposed zoning changes submitted to the city’s planning board. Lack of notification was one of the big complaints about the board’s recent approval to change a residential parcel in the Cordova Park area to commercial so that Dollar General could be built on Spanish Trail. Myers should receive support from residents near the site.
COLLEEN CASTILLE Mayor Ashton Hayward’s city administrator was a good soldier when following the mayor and his political handlers’ wishes in having attorney Nixon Daniel send out a notification of default on the Pitt Slip marina (Independent News, “How Not To Do Business,” Dec. 5). Someone leaked the notice to the Pensacola News Journal and suddenly she was on the hot seat when attorneys revealed the weak legal basis the mayor had for the notice. Pensacola city government has become an episode of “House of Cards.”
STEVEN BARRY The Escambia County
CHARLIE CRIST It’s never good when
Commissioner for District 5 took a firm stand on Dec. 5 at the commission’s meeting. Barry wanted the interim county administrator, George Touart, taken out of the pool of candidates to be reviewed by the selection committee for the position. Despite intensive lobbying for Touart, Barry’s stance won the two votes, from Commissioners Lumon May and Grover Robinson, necessary to drop Touart out of contention.
DR. HEDI SALANKI-RUBARDT
Distinguished Professor and Director of the Piano Program and Chamber Music at the University of West Florida has created a public piano project to enhance Pensacola’s cultural climate and bring visibility to the university’s initiative to promote music appreciation throughout Pensacola. The donated pianos will be installed in various locations for public use. Spectators are welcomed to play the pianos or simply enjoy listening.
December 12, 2013
the campaign manager drops out less than month after the candidate announces his candidacy for governor. Bill Hyers, who helped Bill de Blasio win the New York City’s mayoral race, abruptly left Crist’s campaign last week. Also, rumors that Sen. Bill Nelson might jump into the race are still lingering, according to Democratic Party insiders.
DICK CHENEY In 1986, Congress passed the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, which called for tough sanctions on South Africa, the repeal of apartheid laws and release of political prisoners like Nelson Mandela, then leader of the African National Congress. The law passed, but was vetoed by President Ronald Reagan because he believed Mandela’s party was a "terrorist organization." Congress overrode the veto. Cheney, then a Wyoming congressman, repeatedly voted against the bill.
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The local elections next year may be the most important in recent memory, which is saying a lot considering how the past three were game-changers. In those elections, we completely changed the face of government. In 2008, the voters ousted Escambia County Commissioner Mike Whitehead, Sheriff Ron McNesby and most of the Pensacola City Council. We also elected Malcolm Thomas the superintendent of schools and James Owens public defender. In 2010, Ashton Hayward was elected the city’s first strong mayor and we added Sherri Myers and Brian Spencer to the city council. Two years later, Lumon May and Steven Barry joined the Escambia County Commission, and Andy Terhaar, Jewel-Cannada Wynn, Gerald Wingate and Charles Bare were elected to the city council. Pam Childers replaced Ernie Lee Magaha as clerk of courts and Bruce Miller became the public defender. For a community that likes its incumbents and resists change, those elections were anomalies that many took as indications that voters no longer were happy with the status quo. The impact of the 2014 elections could be greater than those because many of the decisions made by the Escambia County Commission and Pensacola’s mayor and city council over the next four years will
establish the future of this community for the next 20-30 years. Over $100 million in RESTORE funds will be flowing into this area. Those we elect in 2014 will decide what infrastructure projects, restoration efforts and other capital improvements will be done with those dollars. The money will either be piddled away on pet projects that benefit a small group or will be used on projects that will advance the entire county. The Local Option Sales Tax will be on the ballot in August 2014. The millions, derived by adding an extra penny to our sale taxes, have paid for nearly all of the capital projects in Escambia County and the city of Pensacola. The current tax is expected to generate $373 million by the time it expires in 2017. If the LOST tax is extended by the voters another 10 years until 2027, county leaders will have $400 million to add to the RESTORE dollars and they can completely reshape this county. You can bet that there will be a lot of hands out for that half billion dollars. If we elect the wrong people, then we may never recover from their blunders. Put the right ones into office and we will once again become the jewel of the Emerald Coast. Let’s hope we vote wisely in 2014. {in} rick@inweekly.net
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remains optimistic, stating that her focus is connecting with voters and building a network of volunteers. “To me, that’s what this is about— it’s really getting back to the basics, getting back to the people electing the governor, not the corporations and the special interests and the money that they put into the campaign,” she said. From Weston, west of Fort Lauderdale, Rich served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2004 and in the state Senate from 2004 to 2012. Rich was the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus from 2010 to 2012 and, knowing she would be term-limited from office in November 2012, decided on a run for the governor’s office. “I looked around at other possible Democrats that might run, and at some point you say, ‘Why not me?’ I have the experience. I have the knowledge. I have the passion. I have 12 years of legislative experience,” she recalled. As a legislator, Rich, a lifelong Democrat, established a reputation as an advocate for public education and women’s reproductive rights, and, among many other issues, is also currently concerned with problems in the state’s foster care system and elder care in general. Rich, 71, studied English at the University of Florida in the early 1960s, but left before graduating to marry her husband, David. The couple owned a floor covering business where Rich worked up until she had children.
Nan Rich Visits Pensacola
by Jessica Forbes
Continuing to build a grassroots campaign she began over a year ago, Democratic candidate for governor Nan Rich will speak in Pensacola at the upcoming Democratic Women’s Club and Democratic Executive Committee of Escambia County’s holiday gathering. Attending similar gatherings across the state has been a primary activity of Rich’s in recent months, a way to connect with Democrats and build name recognition in a gubernatorial race that is becoming increasingly interesting as 2014 nears. Rich spoke with the IN shortly after attending DEC holiday parties in Leon and Jefferson counties, where enthusiasm ran high, according to Rich, who as of Nov. 4, is vying with former Republican governor Charlie Crist for the Democratic ticket. Despite some labeling her the “underdog” and “dark horse” candidate, Rich
“I looked around at other possible Democrats that might run, and at some point you say, ‘Why not me?’ Nan Rich
66
As a stay at home mom, Rich became active with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), eventually working to found Dade County’s Guardian ad Litem program in the 1980s, and other child welfare programs. From 1996 to 1999, Rich served as the first Floridian elected as NCJW’s president before stepping into state politics. “My focus has been on community service issues, and trying to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families in our state,” said Rich of her primary goals as a community activist and, later, legislator. “I’ve always been someone who’s able to work across the aisle,” said Rich, noting that to be true of working with Crist during his previous tenure as governor. “I was able to work with him in areas,” she said. Namely, those joint efforts included building bi-partisan coalitions to kill the Parent Trigger bill and prison privatization, and “to stop bad legislation on women’s rights.” “His priorities and philosophy in many cases were different from mine,” Rich stated, giving their respective opinions of the tobacco settlement during Lawton Chiles’ governorship, taking funds from the Lawton Chiles Endowment Trust Fund for Children, and gay adoption as examples. “He was a Republican [then]; his priorities were different from what he’s saying today.” “The voters have to feel comfortable about what your real position is,” Rich stated. “I think in a Democratic primary, I am the true Democrat and my record shows that.” Rich also takes issue with both Crist and Scott’s approach to FCAT as governors. “I don’t believe in children and teachers being evaluated on one day by one test,” said Rich. “We all grew up and we all had testing, but we didn’t have testing that was punitive and that was a high stakes test.” “What I want to do is bring everybody together that’s affected by this system— parents, teachers—everybody needs to be at the table together,” said Rich. “When this governor had a summit this past year, he had more legislators than educators— the wrong people were sitting at the table.” In a related vein, Scott’s cuts to education are another major difference between the two that Rich cites. “I have a very different opinion about where the priorities should be and how the dollars should follow those priorities. The dollars should
be invested in education because that is the future for our children,” she said. “We have got to get back to investing in public education. I mean from the very beginning—child care, to pre-K, to K-12, and higher education— it’s a continuum.” Along with education, Rich sees health care as the “economic engine” that could fuel future job growth, one that Scott has neglected. “This governor and legislature have declined to take $51 billion in Medicaid expansion money from the Affordable Care Act and that is, to me, morally reprehensible. You’re talking about 1.2 million Floridians that could have health care if we took that money. We’re also talking about a tremendous number— an estimated 120,000 new jobs—would be created,” Rich stated. “I would make sure we took those dollars to invest in Floridians.” Rich’s campaign is looking to social media—namely Facebook and Twitter—as key to connecting with supporters and gaining increased traction. “I think it is an extremely important component of the campaign, especially when I’m going to have resources, but not the amount that Governor Scott is going to have. $100 million is what he has said he is going to put into this race. “ “Name recognition is a big factor in where I am right now,” said Rich. Currently, volunteer coordinators in 25 counties are working to expand email lists and host events, including house parties planned to begin in January. At the present, Rich has made more than 230 official visits only one year into her campaign. “I obviously have to work hard and that’s what I’m doing. I’m developing an incredibly strong grass roots, people-powered campaign.” {in}
“We have got to get back to investing in public education. I mean from the very beginning—child care, to pre-K, to K-12, and higher education— it’s a continuum.” Rich
WHAT: Escambia County Democratic Women’s Club and Democratic Executive Committee Holiday Gathering WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 WHERE: First floor conference room, Town & Country Plaza Bldg., 1720 W. Fairfield Dr. COST: Free; suggested $10 donation DETAILS: facebook.com/Esc. Co.DWC and nanrich2014.com.
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buzz PENSACOLA MAKES ANOTHER LIST
Pensacolians are driving less than they used to, a new study shows. According to the U.S. PIRG, a federation of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), Pensacola is among the top ten cities in the U.S. with the highest declines in driving between the years 2006 and 2011. In U.S. PIRG’s report “Transportation in Transition: A Look at Changing Travel Patterns in America’s Biggest Cities,” the consumer group compiled and analyzed data from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the Census Bureau for the 100 most populous urbanized areas in the country. The study ranks Pensacola 10th in the nation in its decrease in the average number of miles driven per resident. Happily for proponents of greener transportation, increases in bicycle commuting and use of public transit were among the factors behind the decreased miles driven per-capita numbers, the height of which peaked nationwide in 2004. An increase in the proportion of people working from home and those in carless households are part of the equation, along with a decrease in the number of households with 2 or more cars. And lest detractors point to unemployment and sluggish economic growth as a reason people are cruising in cars less, U.S. PIRG determined that, “Variations in the economy do not appear to be responsible for variations in the trends in driving among urbanized areas,” reporting that in the top 15 cities with the highest per-capita declines in driving, the average increase in the unemployment rate was 3.9 percent, versus an average of 4.6 percent in all other urbanized areas. The majority of Pensacola’s top ten list companions were in the Northeast and Midwest, with only Jacksonville and New Orleans being the only other Southern cities to make that list.
FOOD TRUCKS INCH FORWARD Monday evening, after the city council’s agenda conference and Disparity Study Workshop, the question of food trucks made it to the table. During the workshop, all signs pointed to cooperative efforts among food truck owners, brick-and-mortar restaurant owners, the
council, and city staff to find a solution that will be clear for those following and enforcing the future policies regarding mobile vending units, both food trucks and food carts. Sherry Morris of the city’s Planning Services Division opened the meeting with a recap of the presentation she delivered to the council during their November regular meeting. Her remarks outlined the basic differences between food trucks and carts, mentioned other cities throughout the U.S. that have recently developed regulations, and explained what degree of clarity an ordinance versus a policy would allow the city. Several council members expressed concern about food trucks lining Palafox Street, from both an aesthetics and safety standpoint. All were in favor of putting the issue before the Planning Board and developing an ordinance specifically related to mobile food vendors. Councilman Brian Spencer stated, “I do feel that using Chapter 12 of the Land Development Code provides us the best vehicle to properly regulate this. Ms. Morris I think said it succinctly when she said the ordinance formats, and I’m going to emphasize, clear expectations. What could we want more for all of us?” Also in favor of clearly regulating food truck operations, councilmembers Sherri Myers and Jewel Cannada-Wynn advocate for consideration of policies that will be easily applicable to areas within the city limits, including outside of downtown. Wynn spoke of parks in the city, including both her district’s Armstrong Park and Bayview Park, which she feels would be ideal venues for food trucks. Michael Carro, who developed Al Fresco, spoke in support of food trucks with proper regulations. Carro mentioned that he met with a group of restaurateurs last week to review the draft ordinance Councilmember Andy Terhaar presented to the council in November. Terhaar’s draft ordinance was modeled after Tallahassee’s policies related to food trucks and mobile vending units, as a basis for discussion. Existing restaurant owners provided input as well. Nick Zangari, owner of New York Nick’s spoke in support of a designated food truck
TAILGATING TOUCHDOWNS? FIX IT. NOT ENOUGH
FixedOnFitness.com December 12, 2013
Shelter has remained under much scrutiny since the Labrador retriever mix Cowgirl, belonging to area resident Danielle Riggens, was mistakenly euthanized on Aug. 30, followed by the resignation of Director of Animal Services Delfi Messinger. In October, two more incidents occurred resulting in two additional pets being “mistakenly euthanized.” These events were followed by the departure of veterinarian Dr. Melissa Adkison in November. Although no specific reason for her departure has been entirely confirmed, it is said to have been a dispute over the updated signoff policy for euthanasias, that is, the requirement of her as both vet and acting manager in the absence of Messinger to take responsibility for said sign-offs. In the wake of Adkison's departure, Dr. Alphonso W. Steward III was hired as a replacement veterinarian. At the present, the county's Director of Community Affairs, Marilyn Wesley is overseeing ECAS operations and working to fill the vacant shelter manager position. According to an update from Wesley, interviews for a new shelter manager are currently underway and an offer is expected to be made by the middle of December. It has been announced that the county will join forces with the Jacksonville-based Target Zero Institute (TZI). The mission of Target Zero is to turn all animal shelters in the county into no-kill facilities by 2024. A press release received from Pensacola Humane Society on Nov. 21 with the subject line “Pensacola Humane Society Selected to Partner in No-Kill Project,” noted that PHS would be partnering with the county
TIME TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD.
...
PENSACOLA & PERDIDO
SHELTER OR STORM? Escambia Animal
on this endeavor. The release included the following excerpt from the TZI acceptance letter that was also attached, welcoming Escambia County as its newest fellow. “TZI will share knowledge through a hands-on holistic approach gained from success in life saving initiatives in Jacksonville and other nationally recognized examples of ‘best practices’ within communities. TZI brings together experts in all areas of animal welfare, by assessing what is currently being done and then showing/explaining how and why different initiatives can save more lives. Our team acts as mentors to your community as changes are made. Thanks to generous financial support of TZI, there are no costs to communities who are chosen as a fellow.” The release was immediately followed up with a notice changing the status of TZI implementation and distribution of this information to “pending.” At the time, the county is unwilling to discuss the details of this program until the TZI team makes an onsite visit and performs a full assessment. Further details of what this fellowship means for Escambia County and the shelter specifically are expected to be released in January. “We will not know more about this program until after the site visit in January and the program is discussed by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners,” stated Wesley. In the meantime, on the adoption side of the equation, the county announced via a press release on Dec. 2 that it is partnering with the natural pet food manufacturer Blue Buffalo and 4,000 animal shelters worldwide for the “Home 4 the Holidays” pet adoption initiative, with an overall campaign goal of placing 1.5 million orphaned pets in homes by Jan. 2. On a local level, although the county has confirmed there is no set number for the adoptions it is looking to secure during this month timespan, it’s a campaign they hope will get more people through the doors of the shelter to consider adopting a forever friend. If nothing else, it appears to be a “feel good” effort on the county’s part to offer a bit more shelter during the storm.
FOREVER DIETING?
TOO MUCH
BOOTCAMP
district on Baylen Street, while Hopjacks owner Joe Abston suggested looking to cities such as Charleston for examples of how to regulate food carts on sidewalks. The meeting concluded with staff agreeing to work up materials for the Planning Board, who will consider the issue and develop ways to work food truck regulations into the city’s Land Development Code that would be referenced as part of an ordinance governing mobile vending unit operations.
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Happy/'Crybaby' model: Chloe Fiona Crooke /photos by Samantha Crooke
Pensacola and Escambia County proved once again in 2013 their ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. When things seemed to be heading smoothly, egos, hidden agendas and politics interjected themselves to derail the progress yet again. How else can you explain that this nation's first settlement only has 50,000 residents after 454 years? The Greater Pensacola Chamber, Escambia County Government Complex and Pensacola City Hall all experienced meltdowns. The intrigues rivaled "Game of Thrones" with a different character killed off nearly every month-Brian McBroom, John Asmar, Bill Reynolds, Derek Cosson, Randy Oliver, Jim Hizer, Larry Aiken, Clyde Mathis, Lee Gore and George Touart, just to name a few. The chamber and county seem to have calmed down, but Mayor Ashton Hayward's latest ambush of Collier Merrill and The Fish House has people scratching their heads. The top winner for 2013, Pensacola City Council, and top loser, Greater Pensacola Chamber, were not difficult choices, but we may surprise you with a few of our other choices. Let us know whom you think we missed. December 12, 2013
winners Pensacola City Council
This past year the legislative branch of Pensacola’s city government solidified its role under the new charter. I’m not sure whether the difference was P.C. Wu taking over the council presidency, the hiring of Lila Cox as the council executive, the addition of four new council members or simply the members finally figuring out how to work together. The city council successfully pushed Mayor Ashton Hayward to appoint city resident Bentina Terry over his original choice, David Penzone, to the Escambia County RESTORE Advisory Committee. Terry was later selected as the committee’s first chairperson. Amazingly the council’s unity did not shatter when Councilman Larry Johnson proposed in the spring a charter amendment to eliminate the two at-large seats. If anything, the
body became more effective after the referendum passed, showing they had become less of a “rubber stamp” for the mayor’s initiatives. The city council stood firm on the airport food services contract going to local operators, which forced the mayor to pull the item off the council’s agenda indefinitely. They also have agreed to review the city’s policies regarding food trucks. Most recently, the city council passed on first reading a domestic partnership registry. Such registries provide some basic legal rights for two unmarried people—a non-family caretaker, elderly couples who stand to lose benefits if they were to wed, or couples who simply don’t want to marry or cannot legally marry—but whose lives are intertwined and would benefit from the legal rights that convey with a domestic partnership. Will the Pensacola City Council hold itself together in 2014? My guess is no. After all, this is Pensacola. Four members are up for re-election—Wu, Johnson, Sherri Myers and
Brian Spencer. Megan Pratt loses her at-large seat because of the aforementioned referendum. Charles Bare has pre-filed to run for mayor in 2014. There will be a lot of competition for attention next year.
Steven Barry & Lumon May
The two newcomers to the Escambia Board of County Commissioners have finished a remarkable first year. They have not sat quietly waiting for the others to show them the ropes. Instead, they have fought hard for their constituents, refusing to bow down to more seasoned veterans on the board. Barry and May have two very different styles. Barry speaks sparingly during the televised meetings, but when he does, he speaks directly to the issue without pandering to members of the audience or those watching online. He hasn’t been afraid to challenge county staff or his fellow commissioners, but often does it without raising his voice. 9
winners
cont'd.
Likewise, May doesn’t back down from a fight. He uses humor to soften his criticisms, but he isn’t afraid to speak his mind or question what is happening inside county government. This odd couple has dealt with county administrator searches, the turnover of the Escambia County Jail, tourism, economic development, mass transit and the Emerald Coast Utility Authority’s attempt to move its waste collections outside the county. And they did it while keeping their sanity. It’s only fitting that May be the commission chairman and Barry his vice-chairman for the coming year.
Rishy & Quint Studer
The Studers are a two-person economic development catalyst for downtown Pensacola. Though the mayor likes to take credit for their efforts, the couple has transformed downtown over the past two years. We all know about the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the energy that the Cincinnati Red’s Double-A affiliate has brought to the community, but this is only one part of their contribution to the local economy. Their office building at the Community Maritime Park went from a $12-million to a $16-million investment when they signed an agreement with a tenant that called for an additional floor to be built.
On Palafox Street, the Studers own the Rhodes Building and two corners of the intersection of Palafox and Main streets. Bodacious Olive, Bodacious Brew and Carmen’s Lunch Bar are consistently busy, and The Artisan building, which is next door to Jackson’s Steakhouse, will open next year. Earlier this year, the Studers made an offer for the Pensacola News Journal’s offices and parking lot. We hear the deal is progressing and there have been rumors that they will build apartments on the site. The YMCA is another option that we’ve heard. The Studers also own the site of the old Waterfront Mission on the corner of Baylen and Main streets and have yet to decide what they will build there. They recently bought the buildings across Main Street next to Al Fresco and we’ve heard a florist may go into that spot.
Jerry Maygarden
As a young sailor in Vietnam, he survived the muddied, bloodied waters of the Mekong Delta. He was elected to serve as a Pensacola city councilman, then named mayor and later served as the majority leader of the Florida House of Representatives. Maygarden has repeatedly proven his leadership and his ability to get things done. He began this year as the new chairman of the West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. Board of Directors, now operating under its new name, UWF Historic Trust. University of West Florida President Dr. Judy Bense asked Maygarden to specifically champion historic tourism and serve as a special liaison for Historic Preservation to her office. In August, Maygarden was selected to be the interim president of the Greater Pensacola Chamber to help restore public
confidence in an organization reeling from the loss of its CEO, an investigation in how it handled BP gift cards and questions on its tourism marketing. Within a month, he was named president and CEO of the chamber, dropping the “interim” designation.
Bentina Terry
The Gulf Power vice president is clearly destined for greater things. We might not have her in the area much longer, but her impact on this community has been monumental. As previously mentioned, Terry serves as the chair of the Escambia County RESTORE Advisory Committee. In February, the Greater Pensacola Chamber named her Community Leader of the Year for her efforts as the co-chair of the Chamber’s Vision 2015 initiative for economic development and for her work with the Community Maritime Park Board that ensured several minority contractors were given the opportunity to be a part of the project. She also chairs the Florida Chamber Foundation. At the opening ceremonies of the 2013 Future of Florida Forum, Terry delivered the foundation’s annual stateof-the-state report. Terry was ranked No. 3 on the 2013 IN Power List. If she is still in Pensacola next spring, we expect to see her higher on the list.
John Peacock
One of the initial supporters for a “strong mayor” for Pensacola, Peacock has had a significant impact on the greater Pensacola area. His Panhandle Charitable Open, the annual golf tournament in memory of his son John Ryan Peacock, has contributed over $400,000 to local non-profits since 2006. The 2013 tournament raised a record $95,000 that was given to local charities, including Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Council
INJURED? “Don’t Be A Victim Twice!”
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on Aging, and Child Guardians, Inc. Last year, Peacock moved his residence and his Edward Jones office to downtown Pensacola and immediately became more involved in city politics. Mayor Ashton Hayward appointed him to the Downtown Improvement Board. Since then, Peacock has lobbied hard for the funds needed for bollards to be installed along south Palafox to make Gallery Nights and other events hosted on the city’s main downtown street safer. Those bollards were installed this fall.
Casey Rodgers
The Northern Judicial District of Florida Chief Judge has made re-entry and lowering repeat offender rates priorities. She established in 2010 the Robert A. Dennis Re-entry Court to help ex-inmates make a successful transition to life outside. Judge Rodgers has been the driving force for Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola (REAP), an initiative that matches former prisoners under federal supervised release with mentor attorneys to work together on community gardens. Mayor Ashton Hayward has gotten involved with REAP. He and Judge Rodgers have joined forces to push for inmate job training, mentoring and therapy to alter criminal thinking to pro-social thinking. This year Judge Rodgers, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward and Dr. Ken Ford of the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition partnered to bring to Pensacola “Pull of Gravity,” a 90-minute documentary that explores the challenges of re-entry and recidivism.
Pensacola Ice Flyers
Pensacola’s professional ice hockey team clinched the franchise’s first Southern Professional Hockey League champion-
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ship in April with a 2-0 victory against the Huntsville Havoc at their home rink inside the Pensacola Bay Center. As odd as it may seem, Pensacola loves its hockey. They followed the Ice Pilots until the team folded in 2008, and quickly shifted their allegiance when Ice Flyers came into town the following year as part of the newly-formed Southern Professional Hockey League. The team’s name is both a tribute to Pensacola's heritage in naval aviation and to original owner Tim Kerr, who previously played 11 seasons with the National Hockey League's Philadelphia Flyers. In October, the Ice Flyers celebrated their 2013 championship by raising a banner at the Pensacola Bay Center and defeating the Columbus Cottonmouths 6-2. Over 4,400 fans watched and cheered for their home team. Expectations are high for another President’s Cup trophy.
losers Greater Pensacola Chamber
At the first of the year, Chamber CEO Jim Hizer was praised for his leadership in the success of the Vision 2015 campaign in exceeding its goal of raising $6.5 million to attract 3,000 new jobs to the community. By the end of May, the chamber’s executive committee was telling Hizer that his leadership was no longer wanted. In February, the annual audit of the Greater Pensacola Chamber found irregularities in a BP-financed gift card program the chamber had run since 2011, which led to a special investigation into the program. Hizer led the blame on his former CFO Brian McBroom, which led to McBroom filing lawsuits for $3.62 million against Hizer and the chamber in March. In June, Chamber officials tried to block the Pensacola News Journal from attending an executive committee meeting, which prompted the state attorney to investigate whether the chamber had to operate under the Florida’s Sunshine laws. The state attorney later issued a report the chamber needed to comply with the state’s open meeting and public records laws because it was receiving public funds for tourism and economic development. December 12, 2013
Then there was the $270,857 30-second, television commercial that Nashvillebased firm BOHAN Advertising produced for the chamber to promote tourism. Local ad agencies and production companies howled at the invoices. Once again the chamber was placed on the defensive for not using local talent. By the end of the summer, things had calmed down for the Greater Pensacola Chamber. The audit of BP gift cards accounted for all but $4000 of the $518,500 cards. Hizer left the chamber in August with no fanfare. Former Pensacola Mayor Jerry Maygarden was hired as his replacement. John Hutchinson, a Gulf Power vice president, resigned from the chamber board before he was sworn as the organization’s chairman for 2013-14. Attorney Gary Huston replaced his chairman. In September, Judge Boles dismissed the lawsuits by McBroom against the chamber and Hizer. The judge did give the plaintiff’s attorneys an opportunity to re-file their suits on breach of contract and defamation. Several counts of the McBroom lawsuits were dismissed, but the judge allowed him to re-file. As the public scrutiny died down, the hotel industry made its push with the Escambia County Commissioners to take control of the tourism tax revenues away from the chamber and place it under a new organization, Visit Pensacola, Inc., that they would control. On Dec. 5, the Board of County Commissioners voted to do it.
Pensacola News Journal
Pensacola’s daily newspaper has a sales contract for its building, has divested itself of most of its production staff and operations and has nearly changed over its editorial staff. Gone are Publisher Kevin Doyle, Interim Publisher and Marketing Director Rebecca Boles, Executive Editor Dick Schneider, Managing Editor Ginny Graybiel and columnist Shannon Nickinson. The reporting staff has lost Nate Monroe, Erin Kourkounis and Eric Heisig. The daily issues are thinner. The photos are bigger and the articles shorter. It’s not unusual to find an editorial written 11
losers
cont'd.
by the Tallahassee Democrat, another Gannett-owned newspaper, substituting for one written locally. Sadly the cutbacks have very little to do with the profitably of the News Journal. For decades, Pensacola’s daily newspaper has been a “cash cow” for Gannett. The staff and budget cuts are tied to corporate demands to improve the overall profitability of the newspaper division of the organization. As Gannett continues to prop up its stock prices, it’s difficult to predict what will happen next for the News Journal.
Emerald Coast Utility Authority
The utility had two goals this year— take its solid waste somewhere other than the Perdido Landfill, which is owned by Escambia County, and sell the downtown block that once was the site of its Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant. ECUA signed an agreement with Southern Waste Recovery to take residential and commercial trash from unincorporated Escambia to a yet-to-be constructed facility in Baldwin County, Ala., rather than to the county's landfill. It argued that its plan was an environmentally progressive alternative to burying garbage in the Perdido Landfill and would provide at least a $1 million yearly cost savings. The county argued that the plan would turn the landfill from a revenue producer for the taxpayers into a financial drain and Southern Waste Recovery did not have the ability to fulfill the contract. In October, the News Journal reported that California-based Rainbow Environmental Services, the parent company Southern Waste and West Florida Recycling, was no longer directly involved in the project. Rainbow was the key player that
convinced the ECUA board to give Southern Waste a 15-year contract. ECUA approved in July selling the Main Street site to Texas developer Aaron Wiese for $7.6 million. When it was learned Wiese had been arrested for DUI earlier in the month, the deal collapsed.
Sam Hall
This past year, Rick’s Blog picked up a new reader, Rachel Terry. Her comments showed that she loved Mayor Ashton Hayward and praised the leadership of outgoing Pensacola City Council President Sam Hall. Terry was not a big fan of Councilwoman Sherri Myers. She wrote, “Name me one elected official in Escambia County filled with more hate than Sherri Myers.” She appeared to have problems with other women too. Terry posted, “Barbara Mayall, Sara Beard, Diane Mack, Dixie Miese, Dorothy Dubuisson, Georgia Blackmon, Liz Watkins and Ann Regan need another outlet for their petulance.” Terry also didn’t like Councilman Charles Bare, who defeated Hall for the atlarge council seat. She said, “He won against a weakened candidate, one who was the victim of political fallout and poor health.” A background check into the posts revealed that Rachel Terry wasn’t the name of a female reader. No, it was former Pensacola City Council President Sam Hall. He had started posting on the blog in November 2012. In April 2013, Hall created a fake Facebook page, using photos from a hiking magazine, for anyone checking into Terry’s identity. You can’t make this weird stuff up.
Jennifer Carroll
The former Air Force officer and state lawmaker was the first African American and first woman elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernor of Florida. She softened the harsh image of Governor Rick Scott. Well, at least, that was the plan. In March, Carroll resigned following allegations that she was involved in an effort to steer money into Internet cafes owned by Allied Veterans of the World that were alleged fronts for gambling, the subject of federal and state criminal investigations. Her resignation came shortly after Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators questioned her about Allied Veterans, which Carroll once represented as a public relations consultant. She was not accused of wrongdoing, but she said she resigned to avoid being a distraction to Scott’s administration. In October, Kelly Mathis, the group’s attorney and the first of 57 defendants to go on trial, was found guilty of racketeering.
Lee Gore
The Independent News discovered earlier this year that the general counsel for the University of West Florida was under investigation by The Florida Bar for practicing law without a license. When first questioned by the paper, the university claimed that Gore, who had previously served as the general counsel at the University of Southern Mississippi, had passed the bar in February 2013, and was serving as “Special Assistant to the President” within the General Counsel’s office until the investigation was complete. Last month, we learned Gore had been terminated from that position as of Oct. 31. He was moved to assistant to the provost, Martha Saunders, who was USM president with Gore. Gore isn’t expected to be employed by UWF much longer.
Pensacola Bay Transportation
The Mobile-based company that handles transportation for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties was heavily criticized by its workers and passengers for unsafe vans and long delays in picking up its clients. On May 16, a Pensacola Bay Transportation Ford E-450 van burst into flames. Fortunately, the last passenger had been dropped off and the driver jumped out of the van just minutes before it became completely engulfed in flames. According to the Escambia County Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP) FY 2013/2014, the van had 288,308 miles on its odometer. Of the remaining 28 vehicles that the transit company operates for the disadvantaged, 10 have more mileage. One, a Ford E-350, has 458,199 miles and 14 are at least 10 years old. Owner Margie Wilcox has blamed the county for not buying her company new vans. County officials are looking into taking over the service sometime next year.
Westboro Baptist Church
The Wichita, Kan., church has gained notoriety for its protests of military funerals because its pastor’s belief that those servicemen and women died because of America's lax attitudes toward homosexuality. When rumors that the Westboro Baptist Church would be protesting at the funeral of Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas, a Pensacola High alumnus, thousands came to the service at East Hill Church of God in Christ on Jordan Street. They came waving American flags and holding signs to honor the fallen soldier and show support for the family. Westboro Baptist had issued a news release stating church members would protest the service, but they didn't show. Pensacola responded that Saturday, “Don’t mess with our heroes.”
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Mayor Hayward’s Year Win, Lose & Draw Edition This year has definitely been a mixed bag for the city of Pensacola’s first strong mayor, Ashton Hayward. The voters and media are not as easily swayed by his bright smile as they were back in 2011. His speeches are becoming a little worn. His favorite sayings like “Day One,” “Perception is Reality” and “Pensacola is open for business” have vanished. Instead he is referring to himself in the third person, which is never a good sign.
For most elected officials, there is a path normally followed. The first year is when all the initiatives are introduced, usually within the first 100 days while still in the “honeymoon period.” The second year is the hardest year, when the official gets pushback and must modify programs. The third year is when all of those initiatives bear fruit, leading to a smooth fourth year that in turn, helps the official glide into a re-election campaign. Hayward has taken a different path. His administration didn’t harvest much “fruit” in 2013, which is why we created this “Win, Lose & Draw” review of his year.
Economic Development
Win: In early November Southwest
Airlines launched service from Pensacola International Airport.
Lose: Several projects touted by the
mayor in 2012—Majestic Candies, Pen Air Federal Credit Union and Project “High Hat” at the port never came to fruition. Draw: Project Stallion is still a possibility. The not-so-secret deal has been reduced from 500 to 350 potential employees at the commerce park at the airport. County commissioners have balked at the city’s request of $10 million to complete the deal.
Budget
Win: The mayor announced at his 2013
State of City address, “Our City budget has been reduced by nearly $30,000,000.” Lose: Handing over the library system to the county made up $4.8 million of that reduction. Another $19.8 million came from the city’s enterprise operations—Pensacola Energy Services (down $11.8 million), Pensacola International Airport ($4 million)
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Mayor Hayward's Year cont'd.
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and Port of Pensacola ($392,900). Draw: The city is not broke, but it is strapped for cash—primarily due to decisions by city councils prior to his election in 2010. The mayor is battling Quint and Rishy Studer, Ray Russenberger and Collier Merrill in an attempt to get them to renegotiate their contracts with the city. It’s too early to see if the mayor will win those fights.
Enterprise Operations
Win: The Pensacola International Airport and Port of Pensacola have new directors.
Lose: Pensacola Energy’s revenue for this
past fiscal year was $7.3 million below its budget, the Port $400,000 below and the Airport $3.7 million below. The city adjusted its expenses to cover the shortfalls, but the drops in revenue aren’t healthy signs for the future of the city’s “businesses.” Draw: Sanitation Services showed a $585,700 profit for fiscal year 2012-13. However, the county is trying to purchase the business from the city to give Mayor Hayward the $10 million he needs for Project Stallion.
Diversity
Win: Hayward appointed Amy Miller as
the director of the Port of Pensacola, after Clyde Mathis was forced out of position for reasons not disclosed by the Mayor’s Office. Lose: Hayward still hasn’t recommended anyone to the city council to serve as the fire chief. African-American Joe Glover has been denied the position because he refused to drop the appeal on his discrimination lawsuit against the city. Draw: His diversity study, which cost the city $250,000, was adopted by the city council in August 2012. It was completely ignored in his 2013 State of the City address. The city council held a workshop on the study on Dec. 9. 414 1
Certified Planners named Palafox Place one of 10 "Great Streets in America for 2013." Lose: Few of the recommendations made by the mayor’s Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee have been enacted by the city. Mayor Hayward told the media last month that the city doesn’t have the funds and must spend its dollars wisely. The recommendations were made over a year ago. Draw: The influx of new businesses and more competition has divided the profits for downtown businesses. The city needs to work on drawing more customers downtown.
Transparency
Win: Mayor Ashton Hayward brought in
the First Amendment Foundation to hold a seminar for his employees about how the state’s public records laws work. He took the responsibility for processing public record requests away from City Clerk Ericka Burnett and hired Jane Ballard as his Public Records Coordinator. Lose: The seminar was done only after his former public information officer pled guilty to not releasing a public document and the state attorney’s office issued a report criticizing how his administration was handling requests. Draw: Mayor Hayward initiated “Mornings with Mayor” to allow local media to discuss issues and ask him questions directly on a weekly basis. The first session was held Oct. 15. The second chat was three weeks later on Nov. 5. No more sessions have been scheduled.
Personnel
Win: Mayor Hayward has hired women
to three key positions—Colleen Castille (City Administrator), Tamara Fountain (Communications Administrator) and Amy Miller (Port of Pensacola). Lose: The mayor has yet to present to city council a fire chief candidate. We’ve been told by a city official that Clark Merritt, who was hired last year as the mayor’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Sustainability, is being transferred to the port. Other long-time department heads are expected to leave city hall in the coming months. Draw: The mayor’s two top policy advisors are Castille and Fountain. Neither lives in Pensacola or Escambia County. Neither has ever worked for a city government prior to being hired by Mayor Hayward. {in} inweekly.net
WEEK OF DECEMBER 12-19
Arts & Entertainment art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...
All for Art and Art for All by Sarah McCartan and Jessica Forbes
Little Free Library at Gulf Coast Community Bank / photo by Samantha Crooke When it comes to public art, countless cities around the world have taken it upon themselves to install pieces that not only beautify their landscapes, but also serve to tell stories and engage the public. And it doesn’t stop at pieces of the sculptural or fine arts variety. Even though Banksy hasn’t put his graffiti stamp here yet—at least not to our knowledge—Pensacola has quite a number of signature pieces to call its own, those created by the community, for the community. This fall, multiple public art- and public use-driven campaigns are unfolding locally—efforts that seek to take sharing the love, appreciation of and support for the arts, yet another giant leap further.
LITTLE LIBRARIES, BIG IDEAS
You know those books that are collecting dust on your shelves? Well, now might be a prime time to donate them to a communal home, or more specifically, a “Little Free Library.” In the coming months, you may notice a growing number of structures in neighborDecember 12, 2013
hoods or at area businesses that resemble over-sized birdhouses or tiny versions of bus shelters. If you’ve stumbled upon one of these novelties already, then you have located the tangible product of a movement that is sweeping across the globe in an effort to share the joy of reading, promote literacy, and foster a greater sense of community. Lean in for a closer look, and you’ll discover each of these little houses is filled with a collection of books, boasting an affixed sign reading “Little Free Library.” Similar to the idea of “Take a penny, leave a penny” trays, Little Free Libraries (LFL) operate on the cooperative, pay it forward philosophy. The initiative’s motto is “Take a book, return a book.” What started as one man’s way of honoring his mother, a former teacher, has quickly turned into a global initiative. The Little Free Library program began in 2009 in Hudson, Wis. when Todd Bol built a small box modeled after an old-fashioned schoolhouse, filled it with books and put it on a post in his front yard with a sign reading “Free Books.” Soon after, Bol constructed replicas of his structures and gave them away. Then,
at a seminar on green practices, Bol met Rick Brooks. Together, the two developed a vision for spreading Bol’s free book practice, with a goal of promoting Little Free Libraries until 2,509 had been constructed, the same number of free public libraries that Andrew Carnegie supported around the turn of the 20th century. The movement spread outside of Wisconsin in 2011, with individuals across the U.S. constructing a combined 400 LFLs by the end of the year. By August 2012, the program’s goal of inspiring 2,509 LFLs into existence had been reached, and it is estimated that by January 2014 there will be over 10,000 LFLs worldwide. Until this fall, the closest registered Little Free Libraries were stationed in Fairhope, Ala. to the west and Panama City-Southport to the east. As of October, Pensacola is officially in on the initiative, thanks to Carolyn Appleyard, who has ignited a spark that is catching fire throughout the community. “I first heard about this when my friend Rick Dye posted a picture of him and his grandson with a Little Free Library in Kansas City. I wanted one,” Appleyard recounted. “After learning more, I decided I wanted many.” She first decided to put up her own LFL, a repurposed newspaper stand, in her neighborhood near Bayou Texar. As an active participant in several community service organizations, including Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, it wasn’t long before word, and interest, began to spread. “A very informal group began sharing ideas and contacts, and things are falling into place for Pensacola's Little Free Libraries,” said Appleyard. “We decided we did not want anything too formal, but just to begin sharing the idea and letting others be involved as they liked.” Appleyard set up the “Pensacola's Little Free Libraries” Facebook page to allow those interested in participating to join in the conversation. She also brought the movement to November’s Gallery Night, setting up a library in the Downtown branch
of Gulf Coast Community Bank to introduce the concept to a broader audience. Walk inside the bank, look to the right and you will see the LFL, filled to the brim with books, ranging from classics to lesser known titles. While Gulf Coast Community Bank is the first business on board, there are more sites in the works. “Locations I know that either have libraries, or will soon, are Cordova Park, East Hill, Pineglades Neighborhood Association, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Pensacola Sports Association, Gulf Breeze, and Gulf Coast Community Banks,” Appleyard reported. An official world map of LFLs is available on the non-profit’s website; however, due to the popularity of the program, it may take some time before Pensacola’s LFLs land on the site. “As of right now, there are a couple registered in the area, but the main office in Wisconsin is backlogged in getting them on the world map,” Appleyard stated. Aside from asking that LFLs be constructed from recycled materials, there are few formal stipulations from Little Free Library headquarters, other than to simply encourage reading among children and adults. And, though pre-made LFLs are available on the official website, for the most part it seems the local LFLs are taking the DIY route, customizing their structures by location. “Pineglades is being built by some of the members of their homeowners association. Pensacola Habitat will be building theirs, plus others for sale at the ReStore, I hope. Pensacola Sports Association will be building, probably with a sports theme. So, everyone is doing it differently depending on their talents and resources,” said Appleyard. For those looking to get involved, LFL encourages three primary ways. First, build or order and install a Little Free Library. These libraries can be placed in parks, near restaurants, community centers, or event front yards. Second, collect or donate books to
“We decided we did not want anything too formal, but just to begin sharing the idea and letting others be involved as they liked.” Carolyn Appleyard
15
Street piano outside of Vinyl Music Hall / photo by Samantha Crooke stock these libraries. And third, take and share books. Participate in the project by helping monitor and maintain library locations. For more info, visit littlefreelibrary.org and facebook.com/PensacolasLittleFreeLibraries.
TUNING IN
No longer do you have to slink into the Crowne Plaza to get your hands on a mighty fine set of keys—piano keys that is. A combined effort of the University of West Florida and The City of Pensacola has resulted in the official launch of a public piano project. The idea of the project is to spread the love of and appreciation for music through installing public pianos throughout the community. Harry and Evan Levin, co-owners of Vinyl Music Hall, are, fittingly enough, the first members of the local arts community on board playing hosts to the project. You may have spotted the brightly painted upright by now, either while perusing up and down Palafox during your work day, or stumbling about after-hours. In case you’ve missed
it, the painted structure is located just outside of the Vinyl Music Hall ticket window, nestled into the corner of the building located directly on the corner of Palafox and Garden Streets. Although “street pianos” are novelties that have caught on worldwide on behalf of movements like the “Play Me, I’m Yours,” project, here on the home front, the project is the brain child of distinguished professor, and Director of the Piano Program and Chamber Music at the University of West Florida, Dr. Hedi SalankiRubardt. Rubardt approached Mayor Ashton Hayward with her idea for this project a year ago and thanks to the combined support from the university, city and local community, is now getting to see it to fruition.
At the unveiling ceremony, Rubardt shared her enthusiasm for the Pensacola area, noting that despite being a world traveler, it’s a place that she considers home, and it’s a community that she feels is becoming increasingly supportive of the arts. This piano project is one she hopes, will help sustain and further grow this support. “Music and art belong to everyone,” she stated. “I felt this was a mecca for art and music. No wonder young professionals want to stay here. It’s home. And there’s so much happening here.” Be it a person who has practiced for years who wants to sit down and play an entire masterpiece, or a mother simply let-
“Bringing public art and music to the community is important to raise awareness. All of us are better when we support the arts.” Ashton Hayward
ting their child have his or her hands on the keys for the first time, “These single moments have the potential to change lives,” said Rubardt. The IN’s question remains, which local celebrity will be the first to sit down and play a jingle? Although we secretly hoped it would be the mayor, Hayward confirmed that he himself is no pianist. Still, he noted, he has musicians in his immediate family, even more reason he has enthusiastically applauded this initiative from the start. “Bringing public art and music to the community is important to raise awareness,” said Hayward. “All of us are better when we support the arts.” The public piano project has been made possible thanks to a combination of generosity from longstanding music store Dollarhide’s and private donations. Although the first piano has made its home at Vinyl Music Hall, a second piano has been delivered to the Community Maritime Park and will soon be in place and ready for play. “This is one more step in making sure both our guests and residents are emerged in the arts,” said Jerre Brisky, Director of UWF’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Brisky confirmed that like anything else, getting the first one in place is the hardest part, and that more pianos are expected to make their way to the scene in the coming months. “There are two more ready to be placed and in process and another that is being painted,” he said. As far as the art that is adorning the piano fronts is concerned, the idea is to mix it up, including the work of university staff and students and native artists. The artwork itself will be sealed to be weather resistant. Although piano fanatics may shudder at the idea of putting their piano at an external wall of their house, much less outside to the tune of these public structures, there will be some checkups in place. Regular tune ups are planned, and the pianos are intentionally located in at least partially covered areas to remain somewhat shielded from the everchanging Florida elements. If news of the project has suddenly resurrected the inner-pianist in you, there is even talk of free piano lessons to come in the future. To learn more about this project, contact Dr. Hedi Salanki-Rubardt at hrubardt@ uwf.edu. {in}
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happenings ments created by local Pyramid School artists, which we be available through Jan. 6. Museum Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. –5 p.m. and Sunday 1-- 5 p.m. 17 E. Zaragoza St. 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com. BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. “All Member Holiday Exhibit” on display through Dec. 28. This annual holiday exhibit includes the “Holiday Wall,” displaying works from the Gallery’s member PMA's “The American Indian: Original Art and Artifacts and Interpretations Through Western Eyes” artists ranging from paintings ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 2013 to pottery, all of which are priced at $100 or less. Members’ Show is on display through Jan. 3. MuRUNNING: SIX AT SIX 6 a.m. Running Wild, Special holiday hours: Monday – Saturday 10 seum Hours: Tuesday –Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 3012 E Cervantes St. 435-9222 or werunwild.com. a.m. – 8:30 p.m., and Sunday 12:30 – 4 p.m. 21 S. 223 Palafox, Old County Courthouse. 432-3080 FIRST CITY ART CENTER 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. “Small Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com. or artelgallery.org. Works” on display through January. Museum PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. PreHours: Monday-Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. Currently on display: “The American Indian: senting the gallery’s Christmas Members’ Show, - noon. 1060 N. Guillemard St. 429-1222 or Original Art and Artifacts and Interpretations which will be on display through Dec. 31. For the 10th FirstCityArt.org. Through Western Eyes,” extended through Dec. year, Quayside is also showcasing Christmas orna-
THURSDAY 12.12
31, and “The Design of War: World War I and II Posters and Flags,” through Jan. 3. Museum Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 – 5 p.m. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.com. TAG UWF 10 a.m. –4 p.m. “Eleven,” a BFA Exit Exhibition by Richard Rodriguez and Charles Greenberg opens on Dec. 5, remains on display through Dec. 14. Museum Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. –4 p.m. and Saturday 12 – 4 p.m. The Art Gallery (TAG) 11000 University Pkwy. Bldg 82, Room 240. 474-2696 or tag82uwf.wordpress.com. MESS HALL 2 – 5 p.m. The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers weekly themes, special activities and workshops that captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. School Year hours: Tuesday – Friday 2—5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. –5 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. Admission is free for members and $8 for adults and children ages 3 and over. 877-937-6377 or PensacolaMESShall.org. WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. 433-9463 or aragonwinemarket.com. WINE & GLIDE SEGWAY TOUR 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This one-hour Segway tour includes a stop at Seville Quarter or Aragon Wine Market for a wine tasting. Offered every Thursday and Friday night. Call ahead for availability and information about other tour offerings. Emerald Coast Tours, 701 S. Palafox. $45. 417-9292 or emeraldcoasttours.net. VEGAN DINNER AT END OF THE LINE 6-9 p.m. While End of the Line offers vegan dinner options every day, Thursday night the café serves up a three-course dinner, with a new menu each week. 610 E. Wright St. $15. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.
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happenings
Ears & Fingers by Jason Leger
Childish Gambino
‘BECAUSE THE INTERNET’
I’m a huge Donald Glover fan. I remember seeing him years ago on short Internet videos that were crass, crude, and ultimately hilarious. And then “Community” hit it big, and he was launched into a form of notoriety that only being a network television star can provide. Glover was on the same level as Tim Allen and David Schwimmer. Let that sink in. When I initially listened to “Camp,” Glover’s first full length under the name Childish Gambino, I was more than halfway
BEER PONG TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.
live music
KARAOKE NIGHT 6 p.m. VFW Post 706 5000 Lillian Highway, 455-0026. LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or
expecting sarcasm, wit, and humor. I was only partially right. What I actually got was a pretty heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster of an album. On my first listen, I felt kind of assaulted, but I enjoyed the experience, and learned how to feel feelings again. Now Childish Gambino is back with his second full length, “Because the Internet,” which oddly enough, was recorded entirely in secrecy at Chris Bosh’s home in Miami. Across the span of the past few weeks, the album has been slowly leaking out, much to Glover’s chagrin, but every track I heard leading up to the whole work, I loved more and more. Upon finally hearing “Because the Internet” in totality, it became the cherry on top of a year filled with solid hip hop releases, ambitious in the vein of “Yeezus,” masterful in the footsteps of “MagnaCarta Holy Grail,” and at times reflecting the lewdness of “Wolf.” While none of the tracks immediately caught me the same way “Heartbeat” did on “Camp,” there are plenty of gems on this album. “Shadows” is a solid R&Binfused jam, as is what I consider the strongest track, “Oakland.” Actually, a good portion of the album contains powerful
fishhouse.goodgrits.com. THE DAVENPORTS 6 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com. GYPSY GROOVE 7 p.m. Picasso Jazz Club, 19 S. Palafox. 433-4507 or picassojazz.com. JAMES & FRIENDS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.
R&B vibes, which is essentially speaking my language. This album is a very muscular release, and a ballsy one as it comes very close to the end of the year. Kudos, Mr. Glover. “Because the Internet” is out now via Glassnote Records and you can watch Donald Glover on the new season of “Community” premiering Jan. 2.
IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD:
The War on Drugs
Well, if you haven’t heard The War on Drugs, my prediction is that in the coming year, you will. In fact, I’m predicting that you will hear a lot from them. Last week, the band announced that their upcoming third full length album, “Lost in the Dream,” would be released March 18. Along with the announcement, the band revealed a string of 2014 tour dates, and shared the album’s first single, “Red Eyes.” The track takes the smooth, hazy textures that The War on Drugs have become known and loved for and gives a bit more of a polished, easily connectable sound. The War on Drugs have proven to only get better as time goes on. In 2011, they released “Slave Ambient,” which was an elaborately minimal roots press photo
DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 8 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. DJ ANGEL VALLE 8 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or
rock powerhouse, with clockwork rhythms and narrative introspection. This album was all over the place on year end best of lists, but didn’t quite gain the band the notoriety they deserve. Now they are poised to take over the world, and from the sound of this first track along with the input of some friends I trust who have heard album cuts, there will be quite a bit of momentum behind them in 2014. If you legitimately haven’t heard this band, there is still plenty of time to catch up before March. I recommend starting with “Slave Ambient,” specifically the track “Baby Missiles,” and then working backward through the “Future Weather” EP and then to “Wagonwheel Blues.” You will be up to date in no time at all. Keep your eyes on this band in the coming year, as all signs point to big, big things for them. “Lost in the Dream” is out March 18 via Secretly Canadian Records. {in}
sevillequarter.com. PAPER STREET SOAP CO. 9 p.m. End o’ the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.
FRIDAY 12.13
TOURS OF HISTORIC ST. MICHAEL’S
—Creative Organic Vegan Cuisine, Coffee & Catering—
Vegan Cooking Classes twice a month — Sunday Brunch with champagne specials Thursday 3 Course Gourmet Dinner—Menu changes weekly. Plus Daily Specials
610 E. Wright St. | 429-0336 | eotlcafe.com 818 1
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happenings
CEMETERY 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Forty-five minute tours of this eight acre green space in the heart of historic Pensacola give you a unique look at over 200 years of local history. Learn about symbolism behind the images, the people and places associated with this community, and preservation efforts in this historic cemetery. Tours offered every Tuesday and Friday. 436-4643 or stmichaelscemetery.org. DISNEY LIVE! PRESENTS THREE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. All-new stage production features over 25 Disney characters bringing to life the fairy tale stories of Snow White, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast. Doors open one hour before each show time. Pensacola Bay Center, $17–$52. 800-745-3000 or pensacolabaycenter.com. WINE TASTING AT SEVILLE QUARTER 5 p.m. Palace Café at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5 - 7 p.m. City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. 469-8100. PENSACOLA SACRED HARP SINGING 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sacred Harp Singing is an American tradition that dates to the mid-1800s and before, when communities would gather to sing four part harmonies from “The Sacred Harp” hymn book. No musical experience or religious affiliation is required, and an introductory lesson starts off the event. Those interested in participating, or just spectating, can meet at the Governor Perry Home located on the northeast corner of N. Palafox and E. Wright streets, next door to First United Methodist Church. Call Ryan at (337) 4998293 or search the event name on Facebook for more information. NIGHT BRUNCH AT POT ROAST AND PINOT 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. Night-time version of the regular Saturday and Sunday morning brunch menu, including Bellinis, Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Sangrias as well as your favorite brunch dishes with exciting twists. 321 E. Cervantes St. 607-7336 or potroastandpinot.com.
CASSO HOUSE RHYTHM BAND 7 p.m. Picasso Jazz Club, 19 S. Palafox. 4334507 or picassojazz.com. DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. SCOTT KOEHN 8 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com. THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys. com. SARAH PERCY 8:30 p.m. The Tin Cow, 102 South Palafox. 466-2103 or thetincow.com. BANANA REPUBLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com. CARRIER AT THE HANDLEBAR 9 p.m. Carrier with False Tongues, Hour of Power, and Rebel Scum. The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 4349060 or pensacolahandlebar.com. SOMETHING HUGE 9 p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 932-2211 or sandshaker.com. THE RED FIELD 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. DAMIEN LOUVIERE 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks, 10 South Palafox. 497-6076 or hopjacks.com. DJ MR. LAO 10 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.
SATURDAY 12.14
12th AVENUE PATIO SALE 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Spend your Saturday morning shopping local. 12th Avenue Patio Sale is a group of locals offering the best Pensacola-made goods and more. Every Saturday brings fresh vendors to the mix. 1010 N. 12th Ave. 438-3580 or facebook. com/12thAveSale. PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art, and
live music
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse. goodgrits.com. RONNIE LEVINE 6 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Rd. 9324139 or peglegpetes.com. VINYL MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MISFITS 7 p.m. Misfits with The Attack. 2 S. Palafox. $20. 607-6758 or vinylmusichall.com. SEAN DIETRICH WITH THE PIDecember 12, 2013
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happenings
antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox St. Palafoxmarket.com. DAY BRUNCH AT POT ROAST AND PINOT 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Regular Saturday and Sunday morning brunch including Bellinis, Mimosas, Bloody
Marys and Sangrias as well as your favorite brunch dishes with exciting twists. 321 E. Cervantes St. 607-7336 or potroastandpinot.com. BOATYARD CRAFT FAIR 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Featuring local, regional, and traveling artists, this second annual event is designed to honor the history of the maritime and shipping industries that formally operated from the Community Maritime Park property, while also giving attendees a chance to purchase one of a kind items just in time for the holidays. Food vendors will also be on hand and pets are welcome. Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St. 4365670 or pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com. AMERICAN CAMELLIA SOCIETY CAMELLIA SHOW 1 – 5 p.m. The American Camellia Society invites the public to attend a Camellia Show, part of ACS’s 2013 Annual Meeting and Convention, held this year in Pensacola. Thousands of blooms of the society’s namesake flower will be on display at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. Live music will be provided by FBC harpist Bill Warren, and pianist and Jazz Society of Pensacola president Crystal Joy Albert. 6 E. Wright St. Free. camellias-acs. com. PENSACOLA BAY BREWERY TOUR 3:30 p.m. Join Brewmaster Mark Robertson for a tour of Pensacola’s own brewery. Tours begin in the Taproom and include samples for those 21 and over.
No reservations required. $5. 225 E. Zaragosa St. 434-3353 or pbbrew.com. TAP THAT APP AT EMERALD CITY 9 p.m. Emerald City hosts “Tap That App—Social Media Saturday.” Show up at EC with your smartphone, check in on Facebook at the door, and receive $2 off your first drink. The event also includes manager’s drink specials, music by DJ JAY-R, and spotlight performances by Lauren Mitchell and Monica Heart. 406 E. Wright St. 433-9491 or emeraldcitypensacola.com. NIGHT BRUNCH AT POT ROAST AND PINOT 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. A night-time edition of the regular Saturday and Sunday morning brunch menu. 321 E. Cervantes St. 607-7336 or potroastandpinot.com.
live music
DADDY MAN 6 p.m. Peg Leg Pete’s, 1010 Fort Pickens Rd. 932-4139 or peglegpetes.com. SEAN DIETRICH WITH THE PICASSO HOUSE RHYTHM BAND 7 p.m. Picasso Jazz Club, 19 S. Palafox. 433-4507 or picassojazz.com. DAVE POSEY & FRIENDS 8 p.m. The Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 677-9153 or thegrandmarlin.com. DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. JEFF GLICKMAN & THE PANHANDLE ALL STARS 8 p.m. Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St. 912-4856 or fivesistersbluescafe.com. JAMES ADKINS 8:30 p.m. The Tin Cow, 102 South Palafox, 466-2103 or thetincow.com. BANANA REPUBLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com. KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 9 p.m. Hub
Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 4691001 or hubstaceys.com. PIONEERS! O PIONEERS AT SLUGGOS 9 p.m. Pioneers! O Pioneers with The Sunshine Factory and Dull Actors. 101 S. Jefferson St. $5 791-6501 THE RED FIELD 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. SOMETHING HUGE 9 p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 932-2211 or sandshaker.com. REDDOG & FRIENDS 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks, 10 South Palafox. 497-6076 or hopjacks.com. SAFE HARBOR AT THE HANDLEBAR 12 a.m. The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 434-9060 or pensacolahandlebar.com.
SUNDAY 12.15
BUBBLES & BRUNCH AT THE LEISURE CLUB 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Enjoy Gourmet Brunch Trios for $12. You pick the three delicious items to build your perfect brunch. Bottomless Champagne & Mimosas for $5. TLC opens at 9 a.m. for coffee and pastries. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com. DAY BRUNCH AT POT ROAST AND PINOT 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Regular Saturday and Sunday morning brunch, including Bellinis, Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Sangrias as well as your favorite brunch dishes with exciting twists. 321 E. Cervantes St. 607-7336 or potroastandpinot.com. THE FISH HOUSE BRUNCH 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch overlooking Pensacola Bay. The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com. END OF THE LINE BRUNCH 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WUWF Public Media Presents
LATE NIGHT $3 DRAFT or $3 HOUSE WINE Every night from 11p.m. to 2 a.m.
OPEN TILL THE WEE HOURS
Our kitchen is open and serving until 2 a.m. New late night menu with new items!
600 E. Gregory St. · mcguiresirishpub.com 020 2
The troupe has become a favorite on the Washington social circuit. Its political satire brings chuckles…rave reviews…guffaws…and bipartisan grins all around. The satire hits the mark. —The Wall Street Journal
wuwf.org
inweekly.net
happenings This vegan café offers its unique three-course brunch every Sunday, with a menu that changes each week. 610 E. Wright St. $15. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com. SEVILLE QUARTER SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Whether it’s a special occasion, an opportunity for friends to catch up, or a pleasant start to a lazy Sunday, brunch at Seville Quarter is a great way to treat your family every Sunday. Live music provided by the Westside Players. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. FIVE SISTERS JAZZ BRUNCH 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. A blend of southern flavors and live music featuring Clarence Bell. Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 Belmont St. 912-4856 or fivessistersbluescafe.com. DHARBINDER BAMRAH RESTROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION RECEPTION 1 – 4 p.m. A Retrospective Exhibition and Sale of works by of world-renowned wildlife artist Dharbinder Bamrash will take place through Dec. 30, with a public reception on Dec. 14. Bamrash lived in Pensacola from 2003 to his death in 2007, and the Wright Place show is the first posthumous exhibition and sale of Bamrah’s paintings. The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St. 4321434 or peerlesseye.com.
live music
LEKTRIC MULLET 4 p.m. Lektric Mullet plays during the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl Post Party. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. 932-2211 or sandshaker.com. GREG LYON 8 p.m. End o’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. BROOKS HUBBERT 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. 433-2849 or mcguiresirishpub.com.
MONDAY 12.16
RUNNING: SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS CLUB 5 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. WORLD OF BEER TRIVIA NIGHT 7 – 9 p.m. Drink beer, play trivia for free, and win WOB Bucks if your team makes the top three. 200 S. Palafox St. 332-7952 or wobusa.com/locations/Palafox. BAR BINGO 9 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.
live music
PAPER STREET SOAP CO. 8 p.m. End o’ the Alley at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. BLUES SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S MONDAY NIGHT BLUES 8 p.m. Blues jam session. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. WHITE GOLD AT SLUGGOS 9:30 p.m. White Gold with Cookies and Cake and Cowardhound. 101 S. Jefferson St. $5. 791-6501
TUESDAY 12.17
RUNNING: SIX AT SIX 6 a.m. Running Wild, 3012 E Cervantes St. 435-9222 or werunwild.com. HALF-PRICE SUSHI 5 p.m. Atlas, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or atlas.goodgrits.com. TWO FOR ONE 5 p.m. 2 for 1 Tuesday Nights features 2 for 1 house Wines, 2 for 1 Domestic Beers and 2 for 1 ice cream scoops all night. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com. SHAKESPEARE CLUB 5 – 7 p.m. Club members will read and discuss the works of Shakespeare. The club is ongoing and meets every Tuesday. West Florida Public Library, 239 N Spring St. 662-278-8383. December 12, 2013
PRIME TIME TUESDAYS 5:30 p.m. Jackson’s, 400 S. Palafox. 469-9898 or jacksons.goodgrits.com. YOGA AT EVER’MAN 6 p.m. $2 for non-members. Ever’man Natural Foods, 315 W. Garden St. 438-0402 or everman.org. MCGUIRE'S RUNNING CLUB 6 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E Gregory St. mcguiresrunners.com. ICE HOCKEY 6:35 p.m. Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Mississippi Surge. Pensacola Bay Center. 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolaiceflyers.com. STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog owners for a 45-minute leisurely stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Owners should be prepared to pick up after the pets. Meet at the entrance of Bayview Park, 20th Ave. and East Mallory St. 291-7658.
live music
TUESDAY JAZZ JAM: THE GINO ROSARIA QUARTET 6:30 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com. LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.
WEDNESDAY 12.18
IN MARTINI NIGHT 5 p.m. The Global Grill, 27 S. Palafox. 469-9966. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 5:30 p.m. – close. All bottled wines are 50 percent off. Jackson’s, 400 S. Barracks St. 469-9898 or jacksons. goodgrits.com. RUN4WINE 5:30 p.m. The Wine Bar. 16 S. Palafox. run4wine.net PENSACOLA BAY BREWERY RUNNING CLUB 6:30 p.m. Three different routes of varying lengths take off from the brewery every Wednesday. 225 E. Zaragosa St. 434-3353 or pbbrew.com. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. Half-priced bottles of wine and live music. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com. RUNNING: TAP IT AND RUN 6:30 p.m. Half off select drafts for runners. After 10 runs, receive a “Tap It and Run” shirt. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox St. 332-7952 or wobusa.com/locations/Palafox. PUB TRIVIA NIGHT AT GOAT LIPS 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. General trivia, pop-culture, sports, and more. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. 474-1919. ALEX KOLL AT BIG EASY TAVERN 9:30 p.m. New York-based comedian Alex Koll performs at The Big Easy Tavern as part of his “The Sort-Of Downward Spiral Tour” throughout the South. Pensacola comics including Bubbs Harris, Tony Burkett, Kirby Hullett, Anthony Taylor, and Mike the Dog trainer will also perform. The show is free, but donations are encouraged. 710 N. Palafox St. 429-0045 or bigeasytavern.com.
live music
LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 5 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com. FOLK MUSIC NIGHT 7 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com. JAZZ JAM WITH THE PICASSO HOUSE RHYTHM BAND 7 p.m. Picasso Jazz Club, 19 S. Palafox. 433-4507 or picassojazz.com. VINYL MUSIC HALL PRESENTS (HED) PE 7:30 p.m. (Hed) PE with Righteous Vendetta. 2 S. Palafox. $15. 607-6758 or vinylmusichall.com. DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.
for more listings visit inweekly.net 21
Pote, will present its annual production of “Christmas on the Coast” at the Saenger Theatre. Friday and Saturday evening, the show begins at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, a 2:30 p.m. matinee will close out the weekend of music featuring traditional carols, Christmas favorites, exciting African music, a “Gingerbread World,” “The Grinch,” “Skating at Rockefeller Center,” the lights of Chanukah, and an inspirational nativity scene. Tickets are available at the Saenger box office and online at ticketmaster. com. 118 S. Palafox. $23-$39. 434-7760 or pensacolachildrenschorus.com. 12.13-12.15 UWF THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” 8 p.m. This holiday classic is back for its seventh season as a Pensacola tradition. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, on the main UWF Pensacola Campus, 11000 University Pkwy. Tickets are $16 for adults; $12 for senior citizens and active military; $10 for non-UWF students, UWF faculty and staff; and $5 for high school students. 857-6285 or uwf.edu/cfpa.
12.13-12.24 & 12.26-12.29 ZOO LIGHTS 6 – 10 p.m. The Gulf Breeze Zoo invites you to enjoy the beauty of the zoo at night as you admire thousands of sparkling holiday lights. 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. $10 for adults; $10 for children. Season Pass holders receive half off ticket price. 9322229 or gbzoo.com. 12.13-12.14 & 12.20-12.21 CHRISTMAS AT PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum stays open late over the weekends leading up to Christmas. Visitors can climb the tower to view the holiday lights of the grounds, visit Santa Claus, and tour the Keeper’s Quarters, decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas. 2081 Radford Blvd. $6 for adults; $4 for children ages 12 and under, seniors ages 65 and over, and active duty military. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org. 12.13 & 12.18-12.22 WINTERFEST TROLLEY TOURS 5 p.m. The Red Trolley Repertory Theatre entertains families with a variety of programs, including the Performance Tour featuring 16 performances 222 2
during a 60-minute trolley ride through Downtown Pensacola. Other offerings include the Santa’s Express Tour on Dec. 18 and 19 only. Trolley tours take off every 10 minutes beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday nights, and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights. Tours begin at the Old County Courthouse, 221 S. Palafox. Depending on the day, adult ticket prices range from $18-$22; kids’ ticket prices from $13-$15. 583-1365 or pensacolawinterfest.org. 12.13 BIG SCREEN ON THE BLACKWATER: “ARTHUR CHRISTMAS” 6 p.m. Presented by the City of Milton and area Tom Thumb stores, “Arthur Christmas” will be the second film in a three-week holiday movie series shown on a 25-foot inflatable screen alongside the Blackwater River. Be sure to pack a lawn chair and, if it’s too cold to sit outside, a radio to tune into the soundtrack from the comfort of your car. S. Willing St., Milton. 983-5466 or miltonlocal.com. 12.13-12.15 CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Allen and Susan
12.13-12.15 & 12.19-12.22 PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 7:30 p.m. Come see the theatrical production of the film classic on PLT’s Mainstage. George Bailey dreams of escape and adventure, but he has been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. On Christmas Eve, an angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday performance begins at 2:30 p.m. 400 S. Jefferson St. $14-$30; tickets for children 12 and under are half price. 432-2042 or pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Museum of Art will be transforming into a wonderland of model trains this holiday season geared toward children of all ages. Families and model-train lovers are invited to the Museum on special dates in December to view the exciting and amazingly detailed model trains in action. Two very scenic railroad systems will be in operation along with art activities and refreshments. An N-Gauge and G-Gauge train layout will be operated by engineers from the Pensacola Model Railway Club and the Emerald Coast Garden Railway Club. Also featured will be the muchloved Brio and Thomas wooden train sets for the little ones. $5. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.org. 12.14 CHUMUCKLA REDNECK CHRISTMAS PARADE 1 p.m. Over 250 floats are said to participate in this increasingly popular event. Parade rolls for 1.5 miles from the cotton gin on Chumuckla Springs/Gin Road to Chumuckla Highway at Salter Road. Search the parade name on eventful.com for more details. 12.14 CHRISTMAS PARADE DASH 5 p.m. Just before the Downtown Christmas Parade rolls, runners (and walkers) of all ages have a chance to race along the one mile parade route in the Christmas Parade Dash to Plaza Ferdinand. Adult registration is $10; middle school age children and younger are $5. 255-1610 or pensacolarunners.com. 12.14 DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA CHRISTMAS PARADE 5:15 p.m. Cox presents the annual Pensacola Christmas Parade, featuring high school marching bands from throughout Escambia County and across the Gulf Coast. Hundreds participate in this festive tradition. Parade route begins at Spring and Garden streets. coxpensacolachristmasparade.org.
12.14 SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY 11 a.m. –3 p.m. Santa and his elves will be present at the gallery to help kids with free arts and crafts and face painting. While working, kids can also treat themselves to refreshments. 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com. 12.14 & 12.19-12.21 WINTERFEST AT THE PMA 12 – 5 p.m. In partnership with Winterfest, The Pensacola inweekly.net
1500 or pensacolabeachchamber.com. 12.16-12.18 HOLIDAY CABARET AT PLT 7:30 p.m. The Holiday Cabaret at PLT features local performers singing a range of Christmas songs, from traditional carols to modern favorites. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Pensacola Cultural Center. 400 S. Jefferson St. $10 General Admission; $17for café seating. 432-2042 or pensacolalittletheatre.com.
12.15 “OUR KING HAS COME” CANTATA 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Ty Lovette directs “Our King Has Come: The Joyful Sounds of Christmas” in which the Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church Choir will perform traditional and contemporary Christian Christmas songs. Admission is free to both performances. Holy Cross MCC, 3130 W. Fairfield Dr. 469-9090 or holycrossmcc.com.
December 12, 2013
12.15 UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PUB CRAWL 1:30 p.m. Pub crawl to seven stops on the beach, beginning at Paddy O’Leary’s. Be sure to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. 932-1500 or pensacolabeachchamber.com. 12.15 “CANDLES & CAROLS” CHRISTMAS CANTATA 6 p.m. The Beach Church, Via de Luna & Avenida 18. 932-
12.20 –12.21 HOLIDAYS IN THE PARK 4 –7 p.m. Big Lagoon State Park gets in the holiday spirit during this annual event, featuring light displays and kids’ activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be welcoming kids to take pictures, and may have early Christmas gifts for those who’ve been nice this year. 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy. Free admission; park fees are waived for the event. 492-1595 or floridastateparks.org/biglagoon. 12.20 BIG SCREEN ON THE BLACKWATER: “ELF” 6 p.m. Presented by the City of Milton and area Tom Thumb stores, “Elf” will be the third and final film in a three-week holiday movie series shown on a 25-foot inflatable screen alongside the Blackwater River. Be sure to pack a lawn chair and, if it’s too cold to sit outside, a radio to tune into the soundtrack from the
comfort of your car. S. Willing St., Milton. 983-5466 or miltonlocal.com. 12.20-12.22 BALLET PENSACOLA’S NUTCRACKER 7 p.m. Ballet Pensacola promises audiences will be enthralled during this annual Pensacola holiday tradition as the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky accompanies the story of Clara and her dream of the Nutcracker Prince. The Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. $20-$32. 595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com. 12.21 KIDSNASIUM CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Kidsnasium welcomes families to attend an open house, where kids can meet Santa Claus and Kazoo, the Blue Wahoos mascot, and play on the Kidsnasium equipment. Light refreshments and hot cocoa will also be on hand. Tailored for children ages 6 month to 10 years, Kidsnasium offers a range of classes aimed at fostering a love of fitness from a young age. Anyone registering for classes on the day of the Open House will have the registration fee waived, and will receive $10 off their first month’s tuition. 801 E. Gregory St. 206-1011 or kidsnasium.com. 12.21 DRIVE IN MOVIES AT COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Hill-Kelly presents a free holiday Drive-In
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Movies double feature. “The Polar Express” will show at 4:30 p.m. and “Elf” will show at 8:30 p.m. Parking opens two hours before each film and concessions will be on the grounds, too, for those who forget to pack snacks. 436-5670 or pensacolacommunitymaritimepark.com.
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12.23 TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY 10 p.m. Tickets for the earlier 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows of this popular event have already sold out, leaving only seats for the last performance available. WUWF presents an evening of music and song at Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola Village. Dale Riegle, host of “Jazz with Dale Riegle” and “Big Bands and Jazz” chooses music for this annual evening of music, with The Perdido Brass and friends playing a mix of traditional and new holiday tunes. 405 S. Adams St. $12. Purchase tickets by phone at 800-2399893. Visit wuwf.org for additional information.
recommended. 321 E. Cervantes St. 6077336 or potroastpinot.com.
12.23 SAENGER CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 6:30 p.m. See director Frank Capra’s film classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed on the big screen. The Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. $5. 595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.
12.31 PENSACOLA SYMPHONY: CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR! 7 p.m. Ring in the New Year with an exciting mix of popular and jazz hits with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Peter Rubardt, conductor, and Chris Vadala, saxophone. The Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. $22 -$84. 595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.
12.24 POT ROAST & PINOT CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS EVE 4 –10 p.m. Pot Roast & Pinot’s exclusive three course holiday menu will be offered on Christmas Eve. The prefi xe menu is priced at $35 per adult; $14 per child ages 6 to 10. Reservations are strongly
12.31 PENSACOLA PELICAN DROP 5:30 p.m. With the Pelican Drop party growing each year, there is no reason to sit at home on New Year’s Eve. Family festivities begin early in the evening, followed by the Raising of the Pelican at 8 p.m. and musical performances by Antoine Knight, Blend & DJ, Mojeaux, Big Jim Brown and the Speed Kings, Dew Pendleton & UR Friends, and Timberhawk. It all culminates with the lit pelican descending to mark the start of the New Year at midnight. pensacolapelicandrop.com
Portofino Boardwalk and the last at Gulf Pier at midnight. 932-1500 or pensacolabeachchamber.com. 1.1 POLAR BEAR PLUNGE 2 p.m. Take an icy plunge into the Santa Rosa Sound; be rewarded with a bowl of black-eyed peas. Entry fee benefits the chamber. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna Dr. 932-1500 or pensacolabeachchamber.com.
12.31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS ON THE BEACH 8 p.m. and midnight. Two fireworks displays on the beach, the first at
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music
by Sarah McCartan
White Gold Party
courtesy photo Everyone could use a little Monday night madness to take a load off, especially with the holidays rapidly approaching. In addition to welcoming local lady rap duo Cookies & Cake back to the stage, along with Cowardhound and Glass Mattress, Monday night brings some true gems to Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant—gems of the white gold variety. White Gold is the new arrangement of former Atlanta-based group The Back Pockets, headed up by performance prowess, Emily Kempf. To get you up to speed, The Back Pockets was a collective that’s been described as part playroom, part performance art, part party—a collective that, throughout its existence, evoked very strong emotions from both fans and critics. One look at The Back Pockets’ video for track “Leave Me Alone” and you may wonder if the group gleaned inspiration for their theatrics from Of Montreal frontman, Kevin Barnes, at least in the costume department. Still, that was then. This is now. And now there’s White Gold. “I’d say White Gold is a streamlined version of all my previous projects and life happenin’s over past five years,” said Kempf. “People who like Back Pockets will probably love this band too, as we are just as visually insane.” Though White Gold may be a new animal, and is a three-piece, as opposed to the eight, fifteen or however many members that routinely joined The Back Pockets’ ensemble for any given performance, Kempf notes that while there are similarities in the approach, the difference is in the finishing elements. “White Gold was born out of a strong desire to tour forever,” said Kempf. “It does have the original heart and soul, first, half ‘bff ’ drummer from Back Pockets, Billy Mitchell. December 05, 2013
“White Gold was born out of a strong desire to tour forever.” Emily Kempf
White Gold has been in the midst of what they’ve referred to as a fall/winter dancing around the country tour, although at the time the IN contacted Kempf, they were on a “break” of sorts, recording in NYC. “Break is a funny word. It’s sort of like a break, from driving. But other than that it’s constant work, but the ‘funnest’ ‘bestest’ work ever. We've been in studio for three days all day so far. We will also be playing two shows and making a music video while we up here with our buddy Yo Pablo,” said Kempf. Kempf anticipates the debut album will be coming soon, just in time for spring, that is, depending on a few elements, like “fate, destiny, the universe and finances.” After wrapping things up in the studio, it’s back to the road for this crew. Although Kempf has performed previously at Sluggo’s with The Back Pockets, this is White Gold’s introductory performance at the venue. On top of the good eats, Kempf confirms, quite simply, she likes it at Sluggo’s. And based on her recount of a previous show experience, it’s surely going to be something of a spectacle. “One time I chipped a tooth at a show, and ran to the bathroom in the middle of a song to check and make sure the whole tooth hadn’t been smashed out of my head, and then ran back and finished the song. The band just kept playing while I was gone. It was epic. Everyone clapped,” she said. Like most, White Gold has a mantra, one that has just as much of an upbeat ring and bright sheen to it as the rest of their magnetic aura does. “Make out or get out!” May these words of wisdom from Kempf carry you well into the new year, or at least until Monday’s show. And if that’s not enough for you, or if you were hoping to get a taste of the music behind the madness before the show, White Gold has a “Teaserrrr” video floating about on YouTube. {in}
And White Gold also incorporates flashy stage antics like Back Pockets, just different antics.” What are these antics? Those who are familiar with The Back Pockets, or any of Kempf’s previous enactments can expect a White Gold party to be just as intensely erratic and unsteadily energized, if not more so. According to Kempf, fans can expect, “Blinky trigger lights, set installation, sometimes interpretive dancers, sometimes drag queens, cool outfits, etc.” “Etc.” leads us to believe there could be even more surprises hidden up Kempf’s sleeves, and of course, projections of cats, naturally. “We make projections of our friends and cats from the Internet and stuff,” said Kempf. If it seems like they are a bit all over the place, it’s because they are. Recently the band quit their jobs, sold their loot and left their home in Atlanta to move to Chicago, which only lasted for a month. Kempf informed me that at the present they are quite literally, a band on the run. “We live nowhere, but we are purWHAT: White Gold with Cookies and Cake, suing this project full time. I have famCowardhound and Glass Mattress ily in ‘ATL’ so I go back there a lot, and WHERE: Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. I am in another band in New Orleans Jefferson St. so I also frequent that lovely city. We WHEN: 9:30 p.m., Monday Dec. 16 have our tour lives planned until May COST: $5 basically. Then we might choose a new DETAILS: 791-6501 or facebook.com/whitehometown, or just keep traveling into goldparty the summer. I kind of want to move to
WHITE GOLD
West Coast,” she said.
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DIFFERENCE MAKER Baptist Health Care Foundation Donor Recognition Dinner Baptist Health Care Foundation recently hosted its annual Donor Recognition Dinner. Gifts from over 2,800 donors will allow Baptist Health Care, the area’s only community-owned health care system, to continue its proud tradition of serving those in need. During the evening, individuals and organizations were recognized for their commitment to our community. These included the Armstrong Foundation, Gulf Power Foundation, Society of the Debutante Charity Cotillion, Melba B. Meyer Charitable Trust, Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, Community Foundation of Northwest Florida, Women’s Board of Baptist Health Care Foundation, John Carr, Jan Pace Cooper, John Debusk, Ed Gray, Bernard Jacob, Bill & Jo Jones, Admiral Bob Kelly and his wife Caroline, John & Sandra Lesher, Kathy Pace Searcy, and Quint & Rishy Studer. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Doctors of Philanthropy, Class of 2013. These are individuals who are friends to Baptist Health Care and our community and who have demonstrated their dedication for improving the quality of life for others. Baptist Health Care Foundation is delighted to present the Doctors of Philanthropy Class of 2013:
Quint and Rishy Studer Dan McMillan and Allison Sinrod Fred and Susie Donovan
Sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer 626 2
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news of the weird YELLOW AND BROWN VALUES A Swedish TV show, "Biss och Kajs," found itself in the spotlight in November—in Russia, where government-run television apparently used it to send a political message to Ukraine by highlighting the program's theme of teaching children about bodily functions. The episode Russia chose featured three bulkilycostumed actors sitting around talking—with one dressed in yellow, one in brown, and the other unmistakably as a large, nude human posterior. ("Biss och Kajs" is highly regarded in Sweden; "biss" and "kajs" refer, respectively to the yellow and brown functions.) Ukraine (against Russia's wishes) is considering a trade agreement with the European Union, and, the Russian station director said, pointedly, "There you have European values in all their glory." COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS The Bank of England, arguing before the U.K.'s Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards in October, warned against limiting the bonuses that bankers have come to expect from their lucrative deals—because that might encroach on their "human rights." The Bank suggested it is a human rights violation even to ask senior executives to demonstrate that they tried hard to comply with banking laws (because it is the government's job to prove violations). SLICK TALKERS (1) A young woman, accosted by a robber on Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Hill in October, told the man she was a low-paid intern—but an intern for the National Security Agency, and that within minutes of robbing her, the man would be tracked down by ubiquitous NSA surveillance. She said, later (reported the Washington Examiner), the man just "looked at me and ran away (empty-handed)." (2) A 29-year-old cafeteria worker at Sullivan East High School in Blountville, Tenn., swore to police on the scene in October that she was not the one who took money from a coworker's purse, and she voluntarily stripped to near-nakedness to demonstrate her innocence. "See? I don't have it," she said. Moments later, an officer found the missing $27 stuffed in the woman's shoe. IRONIES The Seattle City Council voted in October to seize a waterfront parking lot by eminent domain from the 103-year-old owner after negotiations to buy the property on the open market broke down. The state is funding a six-year tunnel-digging project in the area, and the city has decided it needs the property for not-yet-specified uses --except that in one part of the property, the city said it plans to operate a parking lot. KARMA (1) Larry Poulos was stopped on an Arlington, Tex., street in September, bleeding from a head wound and complaining that he had just been robbed by two men. A friend
by Chuck Shepherd
of Poulos later corroborated that, but police also learned that the money Poulos had been carrying was the proceeds of his having robbed a credit union earlier that evening. He was treated for his wounds and then arrested. (2) At least 44 health workers were struck with a suspected norovirus in September at a Creative Health Care Management convention in Huron, Ohio. (Noroviruses are sometimes called the "Norwalk" virus, named after one notable outbreak in 1968 in Norwalk, Ohio, about 12 miles from Huron.) NOT MY FAULT Conscience-Cleansing: Greg Gulbransen of Oyster Bay, N.Y., announced in September that he was about to sue the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for dragging its feet in implementing the Gulbransen-inspired 2007 federal legislation that he said would save lives, especially those of toddlers. The unimplemented law would force car manufacturers to install rear-facing cameras as standard equipment, a cause Gulbransen embraced after accidentally, fatally, backing over his own toddler in the family's BMW SUV. PERSPECTIVE An exhaustive American Civil Liberties Union report in November showed that more than 3,200 people are serving life sentences in the U.S. for non-violent offenses (about 80 percent for drug crimes). Most were sentenced under "three-strikes"type laws in which the final straw might be for trivial drug possession, for instance, or for a petty theft such as the $159-jacket shoplifting in Louisiana, or the two-jersey theft from a Foot Locker. Said the jacket thief, Timothy Jackson, "I know that for my crime I had to do some time but . . . I have met people here whose crimes are a lot badder with way less time." Added his sister, "You can take a life and get 15 or 16 years," but her brother "will stay in jail forever. He didn't kill the jacket!" LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Recurring Themes: (1) Lawrence Briggs, 18, was arrested in Marshalltown, Iowa, in November after he walked out of a Sports Page store with $153 worth of merchandise he did not pay for. Moments earlier, he had filled out an application to work at Sports Page, and when surveillance cameras exposed him, managers called him in for an "interview," and police made the arrest. (2) Troy Mitchell, 47, was arrested after allegedly robbing the Valley First Credit Union in Modesto, Calif., on May 14th. While he was standing at the teller's window, another employee of Valley First saluted him ("Hi, Troy") because he remembered Mitchell from April 3rd, when he had applied for a car loan. {in}
From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2013 Chuck Shepherd
Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com December 05, 2013
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LIVE MUSIC UNDER THE DECK TENT!
New Year’s Eve Celebration! Five-course food and wine dinner with two seatings at 6 and 9 p.m.
Reserve your table for our New Year’s Eve fixed-price, five-course dinner with paired wines. We’ll be offering two seatings in the main dining room at 6 and 9 p.m. The cost per person is $125 with complimentary favors included. (Excludes tax and gratuity)
THE FISH HOUSE AND ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTING EARLY RESERVATIONS BEGINNING AT 5 P.M. WITH SERVICE FROM OUR REGULAR DINNER MENUS. WALK-INS WELCOME ALL EVENING!
(850) 470-0003 · 600 S. BARRACKS ST. · CREDIT CARDS OK · WWW.GOODGRITS.COM
NEW YEAR’S EVE D OW N TOW N
R E S E R V E Y O U R TA B L E TO D AY · T W O S P E C I A L S E AT I N G S
NEW YEAR’S EVE D O W N TO W N AT J A C K S O N ’ S
HAPPY
NEW
There will be two seatings in the President’s Room, 7 and 9 p.m., featuring a fixed-price, three-course menu, with bottomless champagne. Favors and complimentary valet services are included in each of the seatings at $125 per person. (Excludes tax and gratuity)
We will also be offering dinner reservations in the Governor’s Room with full service from our new fall/winter menu beginning at 5 p.m. R E S E R VAT I O N S : ( 8 5 0 ) 4 6 9 - 9 8 9 8
THREE-COURSE MENU
C H A M PAG E N
·STEAKHOUSE·
AFTER THE PELICAN DROP, STOP BY FOR COMPLIMENTARY HOPPIN’ JOHN!
D O W N T O W N , S O U T H 4 0 0 P A L A F O X · W W W . J A C K S O N S R E S T A U R A N T. C O M Independent News | December 12, 2013 | inweekly.net