Inweekly April 14 2022 Issue by Inweekly

2022

POWER LIST #1 Troy Raf ferty

Independent News | April 14, 2022 | Volume 23 | Number 15 | Troy Rafferty / Photo Courtesy of Levin Papantonio Rafferty

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winners & losers

outtakes

news 6

Be consistent.

power list

buzz 9

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

calendar 42

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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DR. MARTHA D. SAUNDERS

HOWARD J. REDDY

UWF President

Vice President for University Advancement

Empowering the next generation of big thinkers who will change the world.

RICK FOUNTAIN

Dean of the College of Business

MAMIE HIXON

Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Director of the UWF Writing Lab

Congratulations on being named to the 2022 Power List. April 14, 2022

TIM KINSELLA

Director of Center for Leadership

uwf.edu

winners & losers

Photo Courtesy of Escambia County

Photo by Feng Cheng / Shutterstock.com

winners

losers

HEATHER GRESHAM The environmental

enforcement officer in Escambia County's Natural Resources Management department has been named the April 2022 Employee of the Month. Gresham's career with the county began in July 2011. She performs site inspections and investigations to collect field information related to potential code enforcement violations, assesses conditions and recommends appropriate actions, and performs reinspections as needed. Gresham also conducts research on applicable records, policies, laws and ordinances and issues notices of violations and civil citations.

RESTAURANT IRON The website OpenT-

able has listed the downtown Pensacola restaurant among the best in Florida. The restaurants were ranked in their food, service, value, ambiance, and overall quality. Restaurant IRON has been a perennial Inweekly Best of the Coast winner since it moved in December 2014 to downtown from its original location at Marcus Point Country Club. The restaurant also been listed by Forbes in its article, "50 Best Southern Restaurants in America.”

RALLY ON THE RUNWAY The Third An-

nual Rally On the Runway, sponsored by Sandy Sansing Dealerships, raised over $400K for Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. The signature event raised critical funding to support advances in research for improved treatments, with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures for childhood cancer. The evening celebrated the bravery and resilience of all kids battling cancer. Twelve local Rally Kids—kids who have fought or are currently fighting cancer—walked the fashion runway.

LANDRUM FAMILY The University of

West Florida recently received a $25,000 gift from Britt Landrum III and Britt Landrum Jr. to establish the Landrum Family Foundation scholarship endowment. The gift will support College of Business students in the human resources management program. The Landrum family and LandrumHR are ardent UWF supporters. This is the Landrun family's fourth scholarship established at UWF.

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FLORIDA'S 2021 ELECTION LAWS Chief U.S.

District Judge Mark Walker ruled that parts of a sweeping elections law passed by the Florida Legislature and pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis were intended to discriminate against Black Floridians. The 2021 law included provisions restricting election supervisors' use of drop boxes, requiring voters to request mail-in ballots more frequently and forcing third-party groups to provide a disclaimer informing potential voters that their applications may not be turned in within a 14-day window imposed by the law. The League of Women Voters of Florida and a number of Black and Hispanic advocacy groups filed lawsuits challenging the measure. After the ruling, lawyers for DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and national Republican groups on April 7 filed a notice that they would appeal Walker's ruling.

ERIC LIPMAN The former Florida Elections

Commission was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison last week after pleading guilty in December to child-pornography charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida. His sentence includes nine years of supervised release and for him to register as a sex offender. Lipman, 60, worked for the commission in the administrations of Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist, Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. The U.S. Attorney's Office said in February 2021 that Lipman was involved in online chat groups that included distributing child pornography.

DON'T SAY RACISM The Birmingham News reported social justice advocate Lisa McNair, who spoke at CivicCon last month, wasn't allowed to speak in Escambia County public schools out of concerns about the bill passed by the Florida Legislature regarding Critical Race Theory. McNair was told it was "because they were afraid of the governor." Has it become illegal to talk about racism in our public schools? BANNING BOOKS PEN America, an advocacy group for writing professionals, reported last week that Florida had 204 instances of book banning in seven school districts between July 2021 and March 2022. Only Texas and Pennsylvania had higher numbers. The school districts were in Brevard, Clay, Flagler, Indian River, Orange, Pinellas and Polk counties. inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

A NEW POWERHOUSE Last year, our once-daily newspaper and its surrogates repeatedly tried to convince us that Pensacola was behind our neighboring municipalities and that our only hope was to listen to outside "experts," oust our county commissioners and let a county mayor take our local government. We were literally told that unless we changed, Escambia County would "languish as a community." Now we know why the attacks were reiterated with such religious fervor and an intense sense of urgency. The pundits knew the facts didn't support their condemnations. They wanted us to believe the key to economic development was creating a "sense of place," and the News Journal brain trust implied we didn't have it unless the county paid for the projects it wanted. The key for them was we had to act quickly, oust those they determined were corrupt and put their ordained leaders in charge. Only then would Pensacola and Escambia County be successful in their eyes— and pocketbooks. They hammered at the lack of development at the Tech Park while ignoring the undevelopment of the Maritime Park, Main Street sewage plant site and the old Escambia School District headquarters on Garden Street. We were told the problem was the Board of County Commissioners didn't have an economic strategy while they praised the Pensacola's strong mayor. However, we weren't told what the strong mayor's economic strategy was or that much of the city's economic success was built on plans in place before the voters approved the 2009 city charter. We were told we needed to change county government as soon as possible. Then the numbers inconveniently began to roll out. The statistics undercut their pessimistic analysis of our local economy. Tourism had a record year, as did the Pensacola International Airport and the much-maligned Port of Pensacola that developers coveted to be made available for condominiums. While other cities bemoaned empty office buildings as more companies moved to remote working, our commercial brokers talked about the lack of office space in the Pensacola market.

Recently, Heartland Forward released the 2021 edition of its annual Most Dynamic Metropolitans report that identifies which locales in the nation's 384 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are making themselves more resilient and moving toward better economic outcomes for their citizens. The index looks at index is recent employment growth, wage growth, GDP growth and average income, as well as two entrepreneurship metrics—the density of young business activity within the overall economy and the density of well-educated workers within the workforce employed by those young businesses. The Pensacola MSA outperformed the other port cities between New Orleans and Tampa. Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss., had an overall ranking of 272; Mobile, Ala., 298; and Panama City, Fla., 148. The Pensacola MSA's overall ranking was 109, putting it in the top 28% nationally. Most of our community's improvement has been in the mid-term from 2015-2020 when our employment growth rose 8.2% (Rank: 29), average pay growth jumped 23.5% (Rank: 68) and gross domestic product (GDP) increased 9.3% (Rank: 91). Heartland found that significant improvements occurred in MSAs that were considered low-cost emerging tech hubs with outdoor and lifestyle recreational amenities attracting remote workers. FloridaWest's Cyber Coast strategy has been at the forefront of promoting our community to remote tech workers and companies. We've seen an increase in cybersecurity and biotech companies in the Pensacola MSA, most recently Circulogene, which opened a new location in downtown Pensacola. There are areas needing improvement, especially among young entrepreneurs. Young firms only accounted for 9.4% of the Pensacola MSA's employment (Rank: 212), and only 20.9% of the workforce employed by those young businesses had college degrees or higher (Rank: 229). However, overall, we are outperforming similar size MSAs in our region. We aren't the economic weakling some wanted us to believe we were. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Only then would Pensacola and Escambia County be successful in their eyes— and pocketbooks.

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WHISTLEBLOWER TURNED CANDIDATE

Rebekah Jones / Photo Courtesy of the Rebekah Jones Campaign

By Gina Castro Growing up just an hour and a half west of Pensacola in Mississippi, Rebekah Jones had a soft spot for her family's frequent vacation destination. "I always said if I could choose anywhere to live in the continental United States, it would be here," Jones said. Her graduate and doctoral studies in geography at Florida State University led her to find a home in the state. Jones' passion for science and years of using geographic information systems to track hurricanes and climatology earned her a job with the state of Florida. She began working for the state a week before Hurricane Michael struck Florida's coast. Her upbringing in Mississippi made her no stranger to hurricanes. In 2019, Jones began arguably her most notable position with the state—managing the Florida Department of Health's geographic information system software for the public COVID-19 data and surveillance systems.

In May 2020, months into the beginning of the pandemic, she was hurled into national headlines. Jones revealed to the media that she was fired after refusing to manipulate Florida's COVID-19 data in order to validate the state's reopening plans. In response, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly denounced her once celebrated role on the COVID-19 dashboard team and denied her ever being the chief architect of the web portal. In the months following, Jones launched her own COVID-19 dashboard called Florida COVID Action. Just when Jones thought she was out of hot water, her home was raided by police. She was later arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for allegedly accessing a state messaging app. However, Jones' claims were validated when the Florida health department's Office of the Inspector General granted Jones whistleblower protections. In August 2021, Jones decided to utilize her sudden fame as an opportunity to take down one of DeSantis' biggest supporters—Congressman Matt Gaetz. According to a recent poll conducted by the Listener Group, 53% of 432 likely Florida Congressional District 1 voters would vote for Jones over Gaetz. "I never imagined that being raided would lead to me running for Congress," Jones said. "I'm trying to continually make the most of whatever life throws at me in a way that's meaningful and has an impact on people's lives for the better. And this is somehow where it ended up." "I'm running as a mom, a whistleblower— which is not a very common thing—and somebody who took on a corrupt government, regardless of which party was in office," Jones said Jones' platform is centered on transparency, accountability and, most importantly, science. Her campaign website explains she intends to use facts, science and input from constituents to address Florida's issues with climate change, emergency planning among other challenges. "I was told that I was crazy to highlight the fact that I'm a scientist to make that any part of

my campaign much less the center of my campaign," Jones said. "Turns out, no, people actually really do like science because it has more uses for them than what the public perception of those things has been given lately." Although this is Jones' first campaign for an elected position, she believes her passion for bringing truth to light and her history of making herself accessible to the public during a global pandemic qualifies her for Congress. "Even when I was working 16 hours a day with COVID data, I still answered every single email I ever got from anybody in the public, no matter how angry or scared or upset they were," Jones said. "I would talk to them because I knew that it was important that people have a person that they could reach and talk to." Jones credits her decision to run for Congress to the FBI's sex trafficking investigation into Gaetz, which was uncovered by the New York Times in March 2021. The FBI investigation is ongoing, but the FBI has not charged Gaetz of any crimes. Before COVID-19 spread around the world, Jones turned in her own grandfather for sex trafficking underage girls in the Philippines, which resulted in him being sent him to prison. Over a span of seven to eight months, she exchanged emails with the Department of Justice, international organizations that work to combat sex trafficking and others in the Philippines. So when news of the FBI's investigation into Gaetz broke, the crimes of Jones' grandfather were still fresh on her mind. "It was such a powerless and helpless feeling to know that our Congressperson was doing that," Jones said. "It sickened me. And I didn't want to live in a place where he was, you know, my public representative. So I decided I don't know why I'm just waiting around for somebody good and decent to run. I'm just going to try it myself and at worst, I lose." Gaetz isn't the only elected official Jones hopes to remove from office. She is also working to help unseat Gov. DeSantis. Although Jones would be satisfied with any Democratic candidate for governor, she is rooting for former Florida governor Charlie Crist.

"If you're looking to get rid of somebody who's increasingly tyrannical and using his power to inflict pain and punishment on just normal people, like he did me," Jones said in reference to Gov. DeSantis, "I would think that you'd want somebody who can step in on day one and do the job. There's no easier way to do that, than if you've done the job before." Jones believes Gov. DeSantis' issue of using his position to harm others is evident in his recent statement about trans woman swimmer Leah Thomas' NCAA women's swimming win. "This is a person who I guarantee you, despite her strength, is impacted by things like a governor personally coming after her," Jones said in reference to Thomas. "It's yet another example of him attacking a private citizen for his own political game to score political points. It's sick. I mean, aside from what you think of trans athletes playing in sports, if you look at it for what it really is, he just went after a 20-something-year-old trans woman." Even though the Florida Congressional race isn't for another seven months, Jones has already made history. Jones is the first Democratic candidate in the state running for Congress to qualify via ballot petitions. She and her team visited every county in Florida, big or small, to get their support. "Everybody in Florida has given me so much support over the last few years," Jones said. "From the very beginning, it was my personal goal to get petitions from voters in every single county. And it meant a lot to me that there are people in every single county in the state that want to see me beat Matt Gaetz." For the rest of the campaign season, Jones plans to attend as many district community events she can, or "as many as God allows," as she says. She and her campaign team are planning a big event at the end of April. Jonathon Cole, Jones' campaign manager, confirmed that a debate between Jones and Gaetz is planned for July 12 at the Greater Navarre Chamber, but Gaetz hasn't confirmed that he will attend that debate. {in} To keep up with Jones' campaign, visit rebekahjonescampaign.com.

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April 14, 2022

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NEGOTIATING WITH FPL The city of Pensacola's relationship with Florida Power & Light (FPL) is complicated. Mayor Grover Robinson punctuated these complexities during his weekly press conference on April 4, explaining that the city stands with outraged power customers in the face of rising rates. At the same time, the mayor is preparing to step back to the negotiating table with FPL in hopes of arriving at a franchise agreement. Additionally, Robinson cheers the utility's efforts on the industrial solar front while also standing dismayed at the company's efforts to limit residential-based solar. "There's no real 'side' but what's best for Pensacola," Mayor Robinson said, explaining that he viewed these power-related issues through a municipal lens and stressing that FPL shouldn't be seen as an adversary. The city has for some time operated on a month-to-month arrangement with Gulf Power, and now its successor FPL, to provide power to the city due to the lack of a permanent fran-

chise agreement. Recently, as FPL took over and its new rate structure set in, the city council briefly considered establishing a municipal utility company, but now it appears that city officials are preparing to get back to negotiations. Mayor Robinson said he is currently meeting with council members to get a feel for what each would like to see happen during negotiations. "I think one of the big challenges that we've run into is knowing what we want to achieve," Robinson said. "It's a little challenging because everybody wants something different ... but there have been some consistent themes, and I think they've sort of gelled around some of the things we've already talked about." The mayor said the common themes he's finding among council include the desire for a shorter-term lease than the currently discussed 30-year term, the incorporation of as much renewable energy as possible in FPL's mix and an increase in the undergrounding of utilities. "Obviously, we'd love to see underground-

ing; we'd love to see ways to harden resiliency for our community as we go forward. Not only does it create resiliency, but it also creates some aesthetics," Robinson said, pointing out that locating utility infrastructure underground is much needed in hurricane-prone areas. "Because if you live on the Gulf Coast, it's not a question of if you'll get a hurricane; it's a question of when. And so we've just got to be prepared for when the next one happens so we can bounce back fast." Also, the mayor would like to see FPL lower its rates and the corresponding burden on its customers. Mayor Robinson has already written to the Public Service Commission requesting that it reassess FPL's approved rate structure but said that the request for lower rates will be a component of negotiations. When the city does restart negotiations, likely by summer, it will be sending a different team to the table. This new team will include administration officials such as City Administrator Kerrith Fiddler, deputy administrators Amy Miller and David Forte, Finance Director Amy Lovoy and City Attorney Charlie Peppler. Robinson stressed that while the city was preparing to return to negotiations, he still did not intend to compromise beyond the point of benefit. "As I stress all the time to council members, it's not my goal to do anything to put Pensacola in a worse position," he said. "If I have to just sit there and do nothing—I mean, I'm not gonna put myself in a worse position." Insofar as the solar front goes, Mayor Robinson recognized the incongruences of his praise of FPL's industrial solar installations and his criticism of the company's support of recent legislation that seeks to limit net-metering, a mechanism solar advocates view as necessary for a healthy rooftop, consumer-level solar market. "I don't understand that legislation," Mayor Robinson said. "If we're going to make this happen, we've got to work together."

REVIEWING THE MAYOR'S ROLE The Pensacola Charter Review Commission waded into

the city's charter last week, wasting no time tackling some substantial issues, such as the term limits for the mayor. Currently, the mayor may serve three consecutive four-year terms, and members appear to be leaning toward curtailing this. Mayor Grover Robinson has said publicly that he would like the limit reduced to two terms. Former Pensacola mayor and commission member Mike Wiggins said he supported Robinson's recommendation. He recounted a recent radio interview where he was asked why the city wouldn't want to emulate Charleston, S.C., where the city's mayor served for decades—"I said, 'I don't really think that's what we're looking for here in Pensacola." The commission also discussed removing the word "consecutive" from the provision, thus capping a mayor's service at two terms. This would mean an individual couldn't serve additional terms following a period out of office. "Do we want to prevent that in the charter?" asked Chairman Samuel Horton, suggesting a scenario in which a returning mayor seeks another term years later. Ultimately, members decided to seek additional information before making a final decision on this issue. Another notable topic of discussion included the potential for a recurring utility feasibility study. Citing such provisions in other municipal charters, such as the city of Hialeah's charter, Antonio Bruni suggested that it might be prudent to build such an automatic assessment into the city's charter. "It's not something that this is the first time anyone's ever thought of this. It happens in other charters; they make this consideration," said Bruni, who had provided other his fellow members with a copy of the charter, including potential revisions, deletions and additions curated from other municipal charters and other sources. Pointing to recent discussions amongst the Pensacola City Council concerning conducting a feasibility study of establishing a municipal utility, Bruni contended that the city would be better served if such a study were a given. "The reason that I wanted it here was to take the politics out of it," he said, pointing to

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the sometimes-contentious conversations surrounding the subject as of late. Wiggins disagreed, saying he was "a little concerned" about mandating such a thing. He said, "I just question—and, please, I need some help on this—whether that should be included in the charter." Though the commission decided to postpone a decision on this front as well, Chairman Horton did indicate his support. He said, "From my perspective, this charter is to organize the city and protect the citizens. And it seems like that is something that would protect the citizens." The commission also discussed whether to make the mayor a member of the city council. This would disallow the mayor from talking to city council members about city business outside the confines of a public meeting due to the state's Sunshine law, which requires an elected body to hold discussions publicly. No one on the review commission seemed to think that it was a good idea to place the mayor on the city council. Wiggins said, "This is an idea that we should not even consider."

OPIOID ADVISORY BOARD The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners seeks

Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board. The applicants should have experience with law enforcement, fire rescue, substance abuse treatment or other relevant experience to be appointed for a two-year term. Interested residents should submit their resumes and a letter of interest by 5 p.m. Friday, April 22, to boardapply@myescambia.com.

DISTRICT 6 TOWN HALL Pensacola City

Councilwoman and Council President Ann Hill invites the public to a District 6 Town Hall Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the Bayview Community Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St. Residents are encouraged to come and share their priorities for the newly drawn District 6 and discuss goals for their neighborhood.

INSIDE-OUT EXCHANGE Every Friday at

8 a.m., 11 University of West Florida students show up for class at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. Once inside, they are joined by their classmates—13 incarcerated individuals. The students are the first cohort enrolled in the Spring 2022 Inside-Out Exchange course

led by Jennifer Brinkley, J.D., assistant professor of legal studies, and Dr. Nicole Niebuhr, assistant professor in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice. Brinkley and Niebuhr underwent a rigorous 40-hour training course in early 2021 to gain eligibility for instructing an Inside-Out course. "We went through the Inside-Out Exchange Program," Brinkley told Inweekly. "It's an international program based in the United States that trains faculty members to go into institutions like Santa Rosa Correctional Institution and teach an undergraduate or a graduate course where they bring students from their own institution, like UWF." The course centers around contemporary social justice issues. The students examine legislation and policy. Brinkley said, "It's going to culminate at the end of the semester with a course project where the students evaluate and create their own type of policy for a social justice issue." The professor has been excited at the level of discussions in class. She told Inweekly, "Probably the biggest surprise I've had is some of the really just deep and critical thinking that I see going on among both the inside and the outside students."

Brinkley added, "As a teacher, it's always great to see students really taking that step into thinking critically and considering an issue from all angles, so that's been exciting to see." For more information about the InsideOut Prison Exchange Program, visit insideoutcenter.org.

SEEK HOF NOMINATIONS The Florida Women's Hall of Fame has commemorated women's history by honoring and remembering those women whose lives and contributions have improved the quality of life for Florida and the nation. They are pioneers who have broken down barriers, created new opportunities and championed issues to create better paths for women and girls. Annually, the Florida Commission on the Status of Women facilitates the nomination and selection process and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The Commission receives and reviews all nominations and recommends 10 outstanding women to the governor, from whom up to three will be chosen for induction. Inductees will be recognized and honored at a special ceremony in the Fall of 2022 and memorialized in the State Capitol forever.

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Congratulations to the 2022 Power List. Your Leadership Shows! Pensacola in 2022 is seen as a national contender for high-tech jobs and growing companies and that is because of the incredible community support we have in Escambia County and the City of Pensacola.

Thank you for supporting FloridaWest CEO Scott Luth and our programs and initiatives. Your leadership is creating real results.

Congratulations TO THE 2022

Power List Honorees

Past inductees have come from across our state and from the arts, sports, business, science, education, activism, legal, political, medical, agriculture, community leadership and various other fields. To nominate a deserving woman who has made a difference in the lives of women, girls and all Florida citizens, visit flwomenshalloffame.org/nominate.

2021 LEGENDS The Legends of Baptist

Health Care are chosen for demonstrating exemplary actions of the organization's values of ownership, integrity, compassion, excellence and service daily. A special 10-person selection committee reviews and discusses each anonymous nomination submitted by employee leaders and fellow team members. Votes are cast for the most compelling examples of leadership and Baptist values. Winners are recognized at the annual board meeting and dinner. The 2021 Legends of Baptist Health Care are: •Nova Francis, APRN, FNP-C, CEN, Clinical Interventionist for Sepsis, Baptist Health Care •Michelle Covell, R.N., BSN, ICU, Gulf Breeze Hospital •Patricia "Patty" McCall, R.N., Charge Nurse, Emergency Room, Baptist Hospital •Mary Daron, Medical Assistant, BHC Team Member Health •Dianne Thompson, R.N., Mental Health Nurse, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Gigi Laliberty, Recreational Therapist/Psychiatric Tech, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Chad Havens, M.S., Behavioral and Mental Health Therapist, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •JP Jones, Plant Mechanic, Plant Operations, Baptist Hospital •Jennifer Foltman, R.N., House Supervisor, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Andy Barrett, R.N., Clinical Quality Manager, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Mary Hawkins, R.N., Clinical Manager, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Natalie Beyers, R.N., BSN, House Supervisor, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital •Rachel Griffin, R.N., Care Coordinator, Behavioral Health Unit, Baptist Hospital Legend stories can be found at ebaptisthealthcare.org/legends.

GARDEN & GUN The official call for entries

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for Garden & Gun's 13th annual Made in the South Awards is open through June 15. The magazine seeks Southern-made product entries in six categories—Food, Drink, Home, Style, Outdoors and Crafts. The overall winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and is prominently featured alongside the other category winners and runners-up in the magazine's December 2022/January 2023 issue, which hits newsstands in November 2022. This year's Made in the South Awards program will feature a new sustainability award given to an artist or innovator leading the way

with not only a noteworthy product but also responsible production, conservation awareness, and locally driven production. Garden & Gun created the Made in the South Awards in 2010 to celebrate and encourage Southern craftsmanship and to recognize the best Southern-made products on the market. Each year, G&G's editorial team selects industry experts from across the country to be judges. This program has become a vital part of the magazine's identity and has proved that Southern creativity and innovation are indeed alive and well. "The Made in the South Awards has been an incredible vehicle for discovering some of the region's most talented makers, designers, artisans, and small business owners, and has become a cornerstone of Garden & Gun," says David DiBenedetto, senior vice president and editor in chief of the magazine. "Over the past 13 years, it's been a true joy to witness the profound creativity this program brings to light, and we are excited to seek out even more trailblazers this year." All Southern artisans or businesses with a product in one of the six categories (Food, Drink, Home, Style, Outdoors and Crafts) that will be available for sale through January 2023 may apply. For entry forms, category descriptions and rules, visit madeinthesouthawards.com. A discounted entry fee of $50 will be available through April 22, but entries will be accepted until midnight on June 15.

BUZZ HISTORY FOR THIS WEEK Twen-

ty years ago (2002): University of West Florida Director of Technology Outreach Charles Bare was rumored to be considering a run for the Florida House against rookie Rep. Holly Benson. Fifteen years ago (2007): Escambia County Administrator George Touart called publisher Rick Outzen to say that he was not withholding public records that editor Duwayne Escobedo had requested on the volunteers' certification status to hinder his reporting. He just wanted to be sure he gave Inweekly accurate information and was waiting for the latest information from the state fire marshal. County public information director Sonya Daniel hand-delivered the certification survey to the newspaper offices later in the day. Ten years ago (2012): Pensacola and Gulf Breeze were battling who would supply natural gas to Pensacola Beach. While Pensacola had the longstanding franchise rights for all of Escambia County, Gulf Breeze officials have nonetheless begun to provide natural gas to Pensacola Beach after the Escambia County Commission recently granted Gulf Breeze franchise rights to the beach because Pensacola had yet to provide service to the area. Five years ago (2017): The Pensacola City Council voted unanimously, 7-0, to override Mayor Ashton Hayward's veto of the council hiring of a budget analyst. Council President Brian Spencer and members Jewel CannadaWynn, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu all favored the override. {in} inweekly.net

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POWER

LIST 2022 By Rick Outzen

ur annual attempt to rank area movers and shakers based on their influence has become one of our most popular issues. The idea of even trying to create a list defies common sense because it will surely upset some. The Power List concept was hatched in a bar—where many of our best editorial ideas have started. We created the inaugural Power List on a cocktail napkin over happy hour at the Atlas Oyster House in June 2007. Attorney Fred Levin was an easy pick for the town's most powerful person, and no one dared to contest the choice. The other top 10 included Judge Lacey Collier, car dealer Ted Ciano, attorney Jim Reeves, beer distributor Lewis Bear Jr., Clerk of Courts Ernie Lee Magaha, developer and restauranteur Collier Merrill, Studer Group founder Quint Studer, general contractor Jim Cronley and O'Sullivan Creel managing partner Mort O'Sullivan. The original list and its rankings were based

April 14, 2022

on a straightforward question—who could get something done in Pensacola with only a few phone calls? We didn't know how our readers would take the Power List, but our phones began ringing almost as soon as the issue at the stands. People wanted to know why they weren't on the list. Some were upset with their ranking. We quickly learned that we had a hit on our hands. Over the past 15 years, our staff has used this annual exercise as a way to examine, evolve and expand our definitions of "power." Thankfully, who influences our community isn't limited to politicians or people who sit on boards. When we created this list, we tried to make sure that the door is open as wide as possible to include all types of change agents in our community. Activists who organize and use their voices to inspire others are powerful. So are small-business owners, educators and pastors. As you read over the 2022 Power List, you will notice that we've included only a handful of

elected officials. We made that decision years ago because we have wanted to keep the focus on those outside of government. Attorney Troy Rafferty came to mind when we looked for someone who has stepped up in a big way this past year to help the community. The Southern Youth Sports Association will double its capacity thanks to Troy and Ashley Rafferty's $1 million gift to start construction on a community resource center at Legion Field. The couple had already established a college scholarship fund administered by SYSA. The initial Power List had 50 names. Four initially moved to the top of list—Collier Merrill, Lewis Bear Jr., Quint Studer and Jim Reeves. Only two made this year's list—Dee Dee Davis and Ken Ford. We've added plenty of names, and the 2022 Power List is much more diverse than the first one—thank goodness. As with any Inweekly list, the degrees of separation are slight, making the issue fun to write and debate.

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

Troy Rafferty / Photo Courtesy of Levin Papantonio Rafferty

#1 Troy Rafferty By Rick Outzen Attorneys that try mass tort cases tell you that they succeed in tackling the impossible. For nearly three decades, Troy Rafferty has litigated mass tort, pharmaceutical and major personal injury cases throughout the country that many saw as impossible. He has received numerous jury verdicts and settlements over $10 million. In 2017, he obtained $150 million and $140 million verdicts. Last year, Rafferty and his partners at Levin Papantonio Rafferty helped craft a $26 billion 616 1

settlement with the nation's three biggest opioid distributors and pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson to resolve thousands of lawsuits with states, counties, cities and other jurisdictions across the country over the opioid epidemic, which has killed more than half a billion Americans. The Washington Post described the settlement as "one of the largest and most complex civil litigation battles in U.S. legal history." Ironically, the case that recently has gotten the most attention from the daily newspaper's

editorial board was Rafferty and his firm representing the Board of County Commissioners in a dispute with Clerk of Courts Pam Childers over the commissioners' 401(a) retirement plan. "I think, like a lot of other people in our community, we've been seeing this unfold in the news and the county commission meetings, and you can't sit back and just see an injustice happening and not do something about it," Rafferty told Inweekly after the PNJ attacks. He believed Childers left the commission-

ers no other option than to go to court. Rafferty said, "What needs to happen is all of the politics and all of this just needs to go away, the politics that's playing into this. Let's go to court, let's have a decision and move forward with our community." Levin Papantonio Rafferty has offered their services at no charge. Childers spent $19,245 on attorneys in February alone on the case. Meanwhile, this year, Rafferty and his wife Ashley stepped up their commitment to the inweekly.net

Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) with a $1 million donation to jumpstart the construction of a community center next to the Theophalis May Center at Legion Field. Since 2017, the couple has pledged $50,000 annually toward college scholarships for the students in SYSA programs to inspire them to pursue success through higher education. "I've been familiar with the SYSA for several years," said Rafferty. "I've seen firsthand the impact that that organization has with the kids, teaching them not just sports but giving them mentorship and teaching them leadership and community involvement—all those traits that are so important for kids."

"Ashley and I feel we have an obligation to do everything we can to make sure that all the kids in the community have the opportunity to succeed." Troy Rafferty He added, "Ashley and I feel we have an obligation to do everything we can to make sure that all the kids in the community have the opportunity to succeed. SYSA has been a perfect match for us. They are developing the future leaders of our community." Rafferty grew up in Comstock, a small rural township in Kalamazoo County, Mich., the youngest of Tommy and Sharon Rafferty's three sons. He said, "Everybody knew everybody, and you could ride your bike everywhere, cutting through the woods to end up at a friend's house." His father owned an office coffee distributorship and did a lot of things to make ends meet. His mother was a legal secretary for two lawyers who handled criminal defense. Rafferty knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said, "Ever since I can remember, I just always wanted to be a trial lawyer." When he graduated magna cum laude from Valparaiso Law School, he had offers from several large firms but accepted an offer from the Levin firm after meeting Martin Levin over wings at Sidelines. He said, "I was one of only two associates and didn't know a soul in Pensacola." Rafferty loved that the firm let him try cases and gave him the opportunity to work with the firm's talented partners. "I had the privilege of trying a lot of cases with Fred Levin, Mike Papantonio, Leo Thomas and others—all of them grandfathers of a lot of the law we still practice," said Rafferty. "Bob Mayes and Lef Mabie were the best bad faith lawyers in the state. And then you had Pap with mass torts, Fred with personal injury and Leo with criminal defense. And so yeah, it was daunting working with these giants." He continued, "From Fred, I learned to be courageous and the importance of preparation and work ethic. He was never afraid of anything, ever. He worked seven days a week, and it just taught you that if you walk in and you're April 14, 2022

prepared and you're ready, you got to know more about whatever the case is than anybody else in the courtroom." Papantonio taught him the value of owning the courtroom. Rafferty explained, "Everybody looks to you when they have a question about something. The judge knows you. The jurors know you. The clerk knows you. And you own the stage." Rafferty admired Thomas' trial preparation and how he picked a jury. He said, "Leo was meticulous about it, in terms of the types of questions he would ask. He was so methodical and detailed, going through a myriad of questions to make sure he had jury open to his clients." Early in his career, Rafferty got involved in the Florida Justice Association (FJA), formerly the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, an organization focused on strengthening and upholding Florida's civil justice system and protecting the rights of Florida's citizens. He represented the firm at the FJA board meetings. "I fell in love with what FJA stands for because it became very clear, very quickly, that nobody else is watching out for the consumers," said Rafferty. "We needed some presence in Tallahassee." He served as FJA president from 20142015. In 2016, FJA awarded him the Perry Nichols Award, its highest award given to attorneys whose perseverance, commitment and unmatched dedication to the civil justice system. Rafferty has become a political force when the legislature is in session. "I've developed a lot of relationships with legislators. I don't know how much influence I have one way or the other," he shared. "The biggest thing to be effective in Tallahassee is to be real. Be consistent. There has to be a level of trust, and that trust comes from being real, being honest, being consistent." When asked to define power, Rafferty said, "It's the ability to help people, to try and right wrongs that you see going on around you and to positively influence social issues—all of those things."

"It's the ability to help people, to try and right wrongs that you see going on around you and to positively influence social issues—all of those things." Rafferty In Pensacola, he said he tries to take on causes that matter. He said, "I'd like to think that whether it's a social issue, a political issue or a legal issue, I try to influence and try to do the right thing by people and influence the outcomes for causes. And sometimes that makes me not very popular, but I think it's important." What would he like his legacy to be? Rafferty answered, "I want people, at the end of the day, to say, 'He was a good person. He tried to do the right thing, that he tried to help people, that he was the best trial lawyer he could be, and that he tried to help people.' That's all."

Congratulations David Deliman! Cox Gulf Coast would like to congratulate our Market VP for his inclusion in the 2022 Power List. And congratulations to all named to this year's list. Find out more at cox.com

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GROUNDBREAKING

LEADERSHIP

Guided by our Mission of helping people throughout life’s journey, Baptist Health Care exists to serve this community. We are honored to celebrate Mark and all of our area’s groundbreaking leaders who are dedicated to transforming our community for a better future. Mark Faulkner

President/CEO Baptist Health Care

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inweekly.net

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

2. Dr. Martha Saunders President, University of West Florida

In 2017, Martha Saunders became the sixth president of the University of West Florida. Under her leadership, UWF has been ranked among the top 15 public regional institutions in the South in the 2020 and 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges. But more importantly, the university has become embedded in the community. Saunders told Inweekly, "I want people to know they live in a university town. It's not Purdue. It's not Starkville, but more and more people know that we're here. They can see it. They can feel it." UWF is the third institution of higher learning that Saunders has led. After serving as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UWF, she proceeded to serve as vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and president of the University of Southern Mississippi. Growing up in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saunders intended to attend Ole Miss, but she said, "Southern Miss won because they were still on the quarter system and you

could double up and get done. So I finished in two years and two quarters. I was 19 doing my student teaching down here." Only three school systems taught her major, French. The Hattiesburg school district wouldn't let her teach because she was "within three years of having been in high school and all my old buddies were still there." Mobile charged student teachers a $40 surcharge, so Saunders ended up teaching at Escambia High School where "I kept getting stopped in the hallway for a hall pass because my skirt was too short or something." After completing her student teaching, she "went out to see the world," returning to Pensacola in 1984 as a UWF adjunct while also teaching at Gulf Breeze High School. Saunders worked her way up the faculty ranks from adjunct to instructor to assistant professor to honors director and dean. Then UWF President Morris Marx suggested that she would be a good president. "He gave me the most generous advice, 'But you know this is the only play you've ever been, and we've taught you everything

we can. You need to go some other places, and you need to learn some other things.'" Saunders shared. "Six months later, I was provost at Columbus State University in Georgia; three years after that, I was in my first presidency in Wisconsin." After she retired from the Mississippi university system, Saunders and her husband moved into the house they had kept in the area. President Judy Bense called and asked if she would help her. "And well, here I am. This is a labor of love, and I do believe in what we do here," said Saunders. How can UWF influence the community? The university president answered, "What we can do is be a great resource for any community that knows what it wants. If there's something that needs to be talked about or discussed, we can do that." Saunders added, "I think that's real important for our university, not necessarily to tell people how they should feel about that issue but to say that issue needs to be brought forth."

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2022 inweekly POWER LIST

3. Julian MacQueen Chairman & Founder, Innisfree Hotels, philanthropist An untamable entrepreneurial spirit and the support of his wife, Kim, convinced Julian MacQueen to resign from his position at Hyatt Hotels and venture out on his own in the late 1970s. His first venture? A hot air balloon business in Knoxville, Tenn. MacQueen steered the balloon, radioed to Kim where to meet him and then stopped the ride by tossing the drop crew to her to tie around her waist. "It's a funny metaphor for our whole marriage," 71-year-old MacQueen said. "She's definitely my moral compass and the stable ground to come back to when in the wild world of entrepreneurialism." A series of failed ventures ensued, including purchasing 10,000 Chinese yoyos—9,500 of which he never sold—before MacQueen found his entrepreneurial footing by returning to the hotel industry. He founded Innisfree Hotels in 1985. Innisfree ranks as the 42nd largest hotel company in the U.S. and the seventh-largest employer in the Pensacola area. Innisfree properties include Hilton Pensacola Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, Hampton Inn Pensacola

Beach, Hyatt Place Pensacola Airport and Red Fish Blue Fish. MacQueen credits the support of his wife and their devotion to the Baha'i faith for shaking off all the early failures in his entrepreneurial pursuits. Baha'is believe in the oneness of humanity and devote themselves to the abolition of racial, class and religious prejudices. He and Kim moved to Israel in 1995 and spent three years devoted to the Baha'i faith before returning to Northwest Florida with a new outlook on philanthropy. "When we came back from Israel, we said, we have so much, and we're so fortunate to live a meaningful life with our faith that we need to get involved in the local community, and not in a way that makes us feel good about ourselves, but something local that's actually doing something in our own backyard," he said. Impactful programs founded by MacQueen, and his wife, include Independence for the Blind of West Florida, From the Ground Up Community Garden Pensacola, Parent University of Pensacola, Equality Project Alliance for Anti-Racism, Escambia Children's Trust, Bail

Project- Pensacola, MacQueen School of Hospitality at the University of West Florida and the University of South Alabama MacQueen Alumni Center. Innisfree Hotels also funds Dixon School of Arts & Sciences, a K-8th-grade private school that serves at-risk youth living in Escambia County, and MacQueen serves on the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees. For all of his immense success in the hospitality industry, the Innisfree Hotels founder and chairman cites the Escambia Children's Trust as his proudest achievement. The Children's Trust is an independent special district dedicated to kids, youth and families. MacQueen sold voters on his vision to break deep-rooted cycles of poverty in the county by devoting resources into children. Overall, 61% of voters agreed to a property tax increase to establish the Children's Trust in the 2020 General Election. "I had never done a grassroots campaign, never asked people for money, never got out front of an issue so broad that every citizen who owned property in Escambia County would be affected," MacQueen said. "The long-term result is going to be profound."

Congratulations Johnnie Wright

FOR BEING NAMED A 2022 INWEEKLY POWER LIST HONOREE!

Johnnie Wright

Market Executive, Pensacola

201 North Palafox Street 020 2

www.smartbank.com

NMLS #604758 inweekly.net

850.435.1111 | LEVINLAW.COM

Congratulations to Troy Rafferty for topping the 2022 Power List and to Kim Adams, Mark Proctor and Peter Mougey for their inclusion with this year’s honorees. April 14, 2022

Recognized as leaders in providing personalized care Congratulations to Ascension Sacred Heart leaders — Dawn Rudolph, MBA, Justin Labrato, CPA, and Carol Carlan — on being named to the Inweekly 2022 Power List! We are thankful for your continued leadership, vision and commitment to our patients, care teams and the communities Ascension Sacred Heart serves.

ascension.org

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Dawn Rudolph, MBA

Justin Labrato, CPA

Carol Carlan

President, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola

Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart & Ascension Medical Group Providence

President, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation

inweekly.net

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

4. David Bear VP, The Lewis Bear Company

Bear has big shoes to fill. He is the fifth generation in his family to run The Lewis Bear Company. "And it's daunting. I mean, almost a 150-year history of our company here in Pensacola," admitted Bear. "The company has changed what it does. It started as a chandlery, got into wholesale groceries and beverages. During prohibition, we were doing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies; we've done firearms and appliances." He continued, "We've gone in and out of different industries as things changed. We've had one major supplier, Anheuser-Busch, and those sales have started to shrink as craft beers grow and come into the market. And so it keeps me up at night, wondering what's next." But it's more than maintaining profits that weighs on his shoulders. It's having to follow the family leaders that came before him. Bear shared, "My dad, my grandfather and our cousins, Bobby Kahn and Buddy Pollak—those guys were legends in their

own right and civic leaders. They did a great job in the company and the community." He added, "And I understand why they did those things, and those are the reasons that motivate me to get involved in our community." One thing he has learned from his father, Lewis Bear Jr., is to stay out of the weeds. "He really sees clearly things that move the needle," said Bear. "One of his favorite things to say is, 'I don't do committee work.' When we would have discussions at The Lewis Bear Company, he goes, 'This is committee work; y'all bring this back to me.' He somehow has an excellent grasp of what's going on in the weeds without getting into the weeds." He thinks he may have gotten his persistence as much from his mother, Belle Bear, as his father. "When she feels a certain way, she says what's on her mind. And I mean this in a positive way—she's relentless. When she has something like a goal on her mind, she doesn't let anything get in her way."

From his parents, Bear also learned to take assignments seriously. When he served on the Arts Council of Northwest Florida, he had several cultural organizations complain they weren't receiving their grant funds. Bear believed he had an obligation to find out the truth. "I had to pick up the phone, call the county, call the clerk's office, find out what's going on," he said. He asked the county commission to order an audit of the funds, which uncovered two sets of books. Eventually, the Arts Council was disbanded. Bear helped form Arts Culture & Entertainment (ACE) to support local arts organizations. "It was a huge fight, but I had to do what I had to do," said Bear. "I had to take every step, and I've learned that from both parents." What makes a good leader? Bear said, "Honesty, ethics are the highest priorities. A good leader also understands what the people need, what the community needs, what a business needs, by being genuinely interested and caring."

The McDonald-Fleming law firm congratulates its partner, Edward "Ed" Fleming, for being named to the 2022 Inweekly Power List. This list is reserved for those deemed to be the most influential people in the greater Pensacola area. Ed is a founding partner of the McDonald-Fleming firm. He has previously been named as a "Legal Elite" by Florida Trend Magazine. He also has been named a "Top Rated Attorney" in Litigation by the peer-reviewed Martindale-Hubbell® publication. He practices in the area of civil litigation, including construction, complex commercial litigation, government law and appellate work. He has been appointed by three governors to the First District Court of Appeals Judicial Nomination Commission where he currently sits as the longest serving member.

719 S. Palafox Street | Pensacola, FL 32502 | www.pensacolalaw.com April 14, 2022

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

5. Chandra Smiley CEO, Community Health Northwest Florida A quote from Maya Angelou serves as daily inspiration for Community Health Northwest Florida CEO Chandra Smiley. Angelou famously said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Smiley embraces that quote and the Community Health mission to provide a full range of health and wellness services to all who walk through their doors. "I want to make sure folks feel comfortable, welcome, valued and trusted," she said. Smiley positively impacted thousands of lives for nearly 10 years as a social worker in areas of the profession, including school readiness programs, hospitals, the homeless and people with disabilities, but she felt called to expand her reach. A director at Sacred Heart recommended Community Health Northwest Florida, formerly known as Escambia Community Clinics, and that put her on the path to her true calling. In January 2007, Smiley accepted a social worker position at Community Health and proceeded to rise up the ranks in a blur. She directed grant management, clinical

services and business development before being named CEO in November 2015. "If somebody told me 10 years ago you'd be the CEO of this organization, I would have laughed," Smiley said. "I wouldn't have believed it." Smiley inherited a staff providing those services with limited resources out of a main location damaged by flooding. She described staff morale as low and communication challenging. "I came in when there was a lot of disconnect, and I had to work hard to get the staff to trust me, to support the vision and basically buckle up and get ready for the ride," Smiley said, "and they did." With Smiley as CEO, Community Health has significantly expanded its services. Community Health demonstrated its importance to the community during the COVID-19 global pandemic, spearheading early testing availability and vaccine access to vulnerable populations. Community Health currently operates at 17 centers, and its economic impact has increased from $20 million in 2014 to $70.2 million this past year. In 2021 alone, Com-

munity Health treated nearly 55,000 patients—67% of them minorities, 10% selfreported as homeless and 74% of whom had no insurance or were enrolled in Medicaid. Smiley chalks up some of her success to being at the right place at the right time. Funding for Community Health increased after being designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center and a Federal Tort Claims Act Deemed Facility in the fall of 2007. Increased funding allowed Community Health to expand its centers and open a new main patient care location in 2018 at the renovated former Allie Yniestra Elementary School. Smiley said her future goals for Community Health include increasing portals to ease access for patients, improving their scholarship program and tackling what describes as an opioid crisis in the community. She is fully invested in the community beyond her role as CEO of Community Health, serving on the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Governors, the YMCA Board of Directors and the North Florida Regional Representative for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers.

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made with Wildflower East Hill Honey and lavender syrup. Served hot or iced.

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MI KE H AYTAC K D I G I TA L I MAG ERY

Congratulations

LISA

2 0 2 2 I N W E E K LY

POWERLIST LISA’SSIX

I have witnessed firsthand the power of food insecurity, the power of not having access to education, the power of the absence of a mentor, and the power of truancy in strong leadership. Which in turn has made it easy for me to greatly appreciate the power of the dreams of the people that act upon their deeply felt vision that transforms our community and families. The power of the human spirit is evident in the list of people on the Power List and in the people in the photo with me. I know the power of greatness that lies within all of us, so I am asking you to join me and my clients this year as we rally together to support these six organizations through commitment and contribution – please follow them on social, donate, and volunteer. Grateful to be recognized, and grateful for the work being done.

Lisa Long Lyter Red Iron Design

April 14, 2022

Pensacola Eggfest harnesses the love of BBQ and camaraderie of cooking each year to raise money for well deserving charities. It’s #goodfood for a #goodcause. Save the date ~ Nov 13, 2022! @pensacolaeggfest @pensacola_eggfest

Studer Community Institute Early Learning is turning Pensacola into America's first Early Center and supporting vibrant learning and brain development among infants and toddlers. Every $1 invested in early childhood can save $13 in long-term costs associated with remedial education, criminal justice, and welfare payments. @studerinstitute @studer_community_institute

Pace Center for Girls (Escambia-Santa Rosa) provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy through year-round access to their day program. @believingingirls @pacecenter_esr

Escambia County Sheriff Foundation primarily supports the men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office by strengthening the bond between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. They seek partnerships that work to promote safer communities, crime prevention, drug abuse education, and drug prevention. @ecsherifffoundation @esco_foundation

DC Reeves for Mayor DC Reeves' passion for the city we love is unparalleled, and it is evident in his entrepreneurship, his hyper focus on leadership and mentorship in the business sector, and his dedication to being a community advocate. He is and will be the strongest leader in vibrancy, safety of community members, and economic development for Pensacola. @dcreevesformayor @dcreevesformayor

Pensacola’s Finest Foundation is a newly formed organization that supports the mission of the Pensacola Police Department and its members by furthering the morale and welfare through fundraising and education. @pensacolasfinestfoundation @pensacolas_finest_foundation_

S E R VA N T L E A D E R S O N A M I S S I O N Lakeview Center helps people through some of their most vulnerable moments. Our team provides behavioral health care, child welfare support and employment services for people with disabilities, impacting 31,913 lives in 2021. From the Homeless Reduction Task Force to the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida, we are proud to serve our community. Thank you to our leaders for guiding us in achieving this Mission. Allison Hill

President and CEO, Lakeview Center

Shawn Salamida

President of Behavioral Health Services, Lakeview Center

eL A K E V I E WC E N T E R . O R G

Congratulations to all 2022 Power List honorees! Even Power Players need a power recharge every once in a while.

Lower Pecos River Painted Canyon

William J. Dunaway, Dirt Lawyer (850) 434-9200 | clarkpartington.com 626 2

and

Scott A. Remington, Business Litigator Pensacola | Destin | Tallahassee | Santa Rosa Beach | Orange Beach inweekly.net

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

6. Dr. C. Edward Meadows President, Pensacola State College

Dr. Ed Meadows began his tenure at PJC, now PSC, in 2008. The college was renamed in 2010 to reflect an expanded mission for workforce bachelor's degrees. Meadows initiated university articulation agreements in Florida and out-of-state so graduates can continue their education. PSC offers workforce certificates and has added programs including nursing, cybersecurity, business management, accounting, welding and 3D printing. New PSC locations have been established in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

7. Sandy Sansing President, Sandy Sansing Automotive

Sansing has been a pillar of Pensacola's business and philanthropic communities for more than five decades. Folks are as likely to recognize him for his name-bearing network of car dealerships as they are for his extensive charitable giving and leadership. Three generations of Pensacola area residents know, if you need to get something done, "Sandy Sansing Can."

8. Grover Robinson, IV Mayor, City of Pensacola

The seventh-generation Pensacolian won the election in 2018 and has rebuilt city government while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Sally, the area's homeless problem and other critical issues. The airport and port have seen unprecedented growth. Before taking office, Robinson served as Escambia County Commissioner for 12 years and was elected president of the Florida Association of Counties.

April 14, 2022

2022 inweekly POWER LIST 9. Mark Faulkner

President/CEO, Baptist Health Care

Faulkner leads the area's only remaining locally-led health care system. Under his leadership, Baptist Health Care is continuing its legacy of offering groundbreaking care with the construction of the new $636 million Baptist Hospital campus opening in late 2023. Faulkner says the amazing team at BHC never ceases to inspire him and he is blessed to serve the people of Northwest Florida.

10. Sunil Gupta, MD Founder, RSI, IRIS and USR

Dr. Gupta is driven by having his team of dedicated employees help make a difference in the vision and thus the lives of Retina Specialty Institute patients along the Gulf Coast. His teams have helped build a nationally recognized clinical trials center in Pensacola for retinal disorders including innovation in biological drugs, gene therapies and stem cell therapies. His companies are having an impact nationally and internationally in helping prevent blindness.

Congratulations to President Ed Meadows 2022 InWeekly Power List Honoree!

11. Stephen R. Moorhead Founder, Moorhead Real Estate Law Group

Pensacola State College is proud of our seven decades of producing some of our area’s most powerful leaders. Associate Degrees | Bachelor’s Degrees Career and Technical Programs Adult Education and GED prep Continuing Education

Moorhead Law Group and Clear Title of Northwest Florida founder Stephen Moorhead is a board-certified real estate attorney. He is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for over 10 years. Moorhead is active in the community and serves on the boards of Achieve Escambia, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and the Homebuilders Association of West Florida.

12. Robert Rinke

Co-Owner/broker of Levin Rinke Realty and managing partner of Levin Rinke Development

Rinke started Levin Rinke Realty with the late Allen Levin, selling over $3 billion in real estate over the last 30 years. He has made selling the Pensacola lifestyle his passion. Rinke and his partners have developed over 1,000 resort condominiums. He has improved the quality of life for locals and tourists and made the area a vibrant destination to live, work and play.

Go here. Get there. PensacolaState.edu | 850.484.1000 Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director of Institutional Diversity and Student Conduct at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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April 14, 2022

TRUIST WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE INWEEKLY 2022 POWER LIST MEMBERS

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2022 inweekly POWER LIST 13. David Deliman

Market Vice President, Gulf Coast, Cox Communications

Deliman oversees Cox's operations in Northwest Florida, from Pensacola and Perdido Key to Sandestin. He is an advocate for customers, employees and Cox in the community. Deliman is in his 18th year at Cox, where he has held a variety of roles at both the field and corporate offices. Before that, he worked in broadcast journalism as a reporter and managing editor at WEAR-TV.

Small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Join us in celebrating 10 years of partnership that have made a difference in our community.

14. Dawn Rudolph

President, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola

Rudolph oversees the area's largest hospital that serves as the region's leading provider of specialized care for trauma, stroke, cancer, pediatrics, cardiology and obstetrics. Soon after her arrival in Pensacola in 2019, Rudolph stepped up as a community leader in the battle against COVID-19. She guided the hospital as it provided compassionate care for thousands of patients sickened by the virus.

OUR PAST BRAND ON US™ RECIPIENTS (2013-2021)

15. DeeDee Davis Owner/CEO, NAI Pensacola

Davis is the owner and broker of NAI Pensacola Commercial Real Estate, following a successful career in teaching. The former state representative has been heavily involved in our community for many years, including chairing the Downtown Improvement Board. Davis has also chaired and created successful fundraisers for local nonprofits. She currently serves on the UWF Foundation Board of Directors.

16. Marcus Michles

Founder/Managing Partner, Michles & Booth

Michles is a leader in the Florida Justice Association and former chair of the Medical Malpractice Committee. As the son of a disabled Vietnam veteran and as a veteran himself, he is committed to military issues, including the creation of the Michles Family Freedom Foundation, a charitable foundation supporting military and first responders and their families.

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2022 inweekly POWER LIST

danny zimmern In Weekly’s power list 2022

17. Aaron Watson

Attorney, The Watson Firm, PLLC

Watson has built a successful law firm in Northwest Florida. He is known for his commitment to his clients and the local community. As a nationally recognized trial lawyer, Watson has recovered millions for his clients. His accolades include Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Black Top 100 Lawyers, AAJ National Champion Trial Advocacy, "Entrepreneur of the Year Winner" and Trailblazer Award.

Owner / Broker / realtor President scoggins III, Inc. pensacola mardi gras Vice President Temple Beth El

Director NWFL Gator Club

y power - captain & shooting guard city-wide championship basketball team

member Board Member irish politician club Pensacola LIttle Theatre muti-time past champion team superstars father to hannah zimmern ENGAGED to TONYA zimmern

18. David Peaden

Executive Director, Home Builders of West Florida

A Pensacola native, Peaden has provided extensive leadership and produced positive outcomes on numerous community initiatives. He is past chair of Gulf Coast Kid's House and is a board member of the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion & Development Commission, Escambia Children's Trust, Rebuild Northwest Florida and the Homeless Reduction Task Force of NWF Advisory Committee. Peaden served on Mayor Grover Robinson's transition team. The Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce named him Business Leader of the Year in 2019.

19. Ken Ford

Founder, Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition

Ken Ford, as founder and CEO of the Florida Institute of Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), has built one of the nation's premier research organizations with an international reputation for excellence. In 2017, Dr. Ford was inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and humancentered computing. IHMC's success has been a catalyst for downtown Pensacola's revitalization.

20. Cyndi Warren, CPA

Office Managing Member, Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors

Driven by a passion for serving her clients and community, Warren is an influencer at Warren Averett and throughout Pensacola. Cyndi is a past president and member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Impact 100 Global Council, is the Pensacola Campus Leader for Momentum Church and is a mentor for the University of West Florida Executor Mentor Program.

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Congratulations to everyone on the 2022 Power List

Keep “Building” a Better Community 4400 Bayou Blvd., Suite 45 Pensacola, Florida 32503 850-476-0318 • www.westfloridabuilders.com

Congratulations to Nix and all the 2022 Power List honorees Attorneys & Community Partners Since 1883 BeggsLane.com

J. NIXON DANIEL, III Power List Honoree and Managing Partner

Beggs & Lane is a full-service law firm that provides legal advice and counsel to major corporations, businesses, and individuals. The firm has a diverse practice that offers the flexibility and resources to serve a variety of client needs.

April 14, 2022

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

Congratulations to Bill Yarbrough and the 2022 Power List Honorees

THE LIST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Emergency Care Partners (ECP) is proud to call downtown Pensacola home to our national headquarters. ECP has seen remarkable growth and now partners with emergency medicine physician groups in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas, treating more than 1 million patients per year.

Bill Yarbrough Chief Executive Officer

ECP helps our physician groups strengthen their health system relationships, while continuing to provide exceptional patient care for their communities.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

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Troy Rafferty, Shareholder, Levin Papantonio Rafferty Dr. Martha Saunders, President, University of West Florida Julian MacQueen, Chairman & Founder, Innisfree Hotels David Bear, Vice President, The Lewis Bear Company Chandra Smiley, CEO/ Executive Director, Community Health NWFL Dr. C. Edward Meadows, President, Pensacola State College Sandy Sansing, President, Sandy Sansing Automotive Grover Robinson, Mayor, City of Pensacola Mark Faulkner, President/CEO, Baptist Health Care Sunil Gupta, MD, Founder, RSI, IRIS and USR Stephen R. Moorhead, Founder, Moorhead Real Estate Law Group Robert Rinke, Developer, Levin Rinke Realty David Deliman, Market VP Gulf Coast, Cox Communications Dawn Rudolph, President, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola DeeDee Davis, Owner/CEO, NAI Pensacola Marcus Michles, Founder/ Managing Partner, Michles & Booth Aaron Watson, Attorney, Watson Law Firm Cyndi Warren, Office Managing Member, Warren Averett Ken Ford, CEO/Founder, IHMC David Peaden, Executive Director, Home Builders of West Florida Bill Wein, CEO/Co-Founder, IMS ExpertServices, Inc. Chad Henderson, CEO, Catalyst HRE Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff Fred Donovan Jr., Vice Chairman, Baskerville-Donovan Kara Cardona, Executive Vice President, Navy Federal Credit Union Bruce Vredenburg, Regional President, Hancock Whitney Bank

27. Scott Luth, President/CEO, FloridaWest 28. Mona Amodeo, Founder/ President, idgroup 29. Mark Proctor, President, Levin Papantonio Rafferty 30. Bill Yarbrough, CEO, Emergency Care Partners 31. Tom Owens, Market PresidentFlorida Panhandle, Truist Financial 32. Dr. Lonnie Wesley, Pastor, Greater Little Rock Baptist Church 33. Justin Beck, CEO, Beck Partners 34. Jamil Davis, Florida State Organizing Manager, Black Lives Matter 35. Lee Bell, President, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund 36. Delbert Lee Morgan, President/ CEO, Pen Air Federal Credit Union 37. Justin Witkin, Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz 38. Ted Ent, President/CEO, Innisfree Hotels 39. Peter Mougey, Shareholder, Levin Papantonio Rafferty 40. Allison Hill, President/CEO, Lakeview Center 41. Joe Zarzaur, Attorney, Zarzaur Law, P.A. 42. Robert Emmanuel, Attorney, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon 43. Cheryl Young, Broker, Seville Square Realty 44. J. Nixon Daniel, Managing Partner, Beggs & Lane 45. Alistair McKenzie, Attorney, McAlister Law 46. Teniadé Broughton, Pensacola City Council, District 5 47. Belle Bear, Co-Founder, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area 48. Scott Remington, Shareholder, Clark Partington 49. Teri Levin, Philanthropist 50. Brian Aylstock, Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz 51. Chris Rutledge, CEO, Gulf Winds Credit Union 52. Dr. Tyler Hardeman, Senior Pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 53. Johnnie Wright, Senior VP/ Market Leader, SmartBank inweekly.net

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

THE LIST 54. David Sansing, Vice President, Sandy Sansing Automotive Group 55. Carol Carlan, President, Sacred Heart Foundation 56. Hale Morrissette, North Florida Regional Organizer, Dream Defenders 57. Howard Reddy, VP of University Advancement, UWF 58. D.C. Reeves, Chief Entrepreneurial Officer, The Spring 59. Reid & Kristine Rushing, Owners, Rushing Insurance 60. Scott Barrow, Market President, Regions Bank 61. Rick Fountain, Dean, UWF College of Business 62. Marcus McBride, CEO, CareerSource Escarosa 63. Justin Labrato, COO, Ascension Sacred Heart 64. Lisa Long Lyter, Creative Strategist, Red Iron Design 65. Will Hart, Senior Vice President, Trustmark National Bank 66. Dr. P. Michelle Grier-Hall, Director of Pediatrics, Community Health NWFL 67. Kim Adams, Shareholder, Levin Papantonio Rafferty 68. Cheryl Howard, Co-Founder/ CEO, African American Heritage Society 69. Caron Sjoberg, President/ CEO, Ideaworks 70. Andy Marlette, Editorial Cartoonist, Pensacola News Journal 71. Cindi Bonner, Pensacola Director, Rally Foundation 72. Ed Fleming, Attorney, McDonald Fleming 73. Robert Hill, Owner, WRNE 74. Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator, City of Pensacola 75. Mark Lee, Broker, Levin Rinke Realty 76. Linda "Sonshine" Moorer, Program Director, Magic 106 77. William Reynolds, Creator, NorthEscambia.com April 14, 2022

78. Mamie Hixon, Creator/Director, University of West Florida Writing Lab 79. Tim Kinsella, Director, UWF Center for Leadership 80. Vanessa Phillips, Division Director, Florida Department of Health 81. Gary Michaels, Operations Manager, Levin Rinke Realty 82. Danny Zimmern, President, Pensacola Mardi Gras 83. Georgia Blackmon, Founder, Mother Wit 84. Charles Liberis, Attorney/ Developer, Olde City Developers, LLC 85. Robin & Lloyd Reshard, Founders, Pensacola Network 86. Will Dunaway, Attorney, Clark Partington 87. Dr. Keya Wiggins-Jackson, Psychologist 88. Bryan Freeman, Executive Director, Lamplighters, Inc. 89. Rachel Gillette, President, Studer Community Institute 90. Sandra Donaldson, Chief Advocacy Officer, Community Health NWFL 91. Stephanie White, Board Chair, Escambia Children's Trust 92. Harold Griffin Jr., Owner, ITL Solutions 93. Nicole Dixon, Executive Director, Real Women Radio 94. Shawn Salamida, President, Lakeview Center Behavioral Services 95. Maria Goldberg, Marketing & Events Director, Great Southern Restaurants 96. Jerry McIntosh, Past President, Movement for Change 97. Walker Wilson, Executive Director, DIB 98. Brian Wyer, President/CEO, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber 99. Scott Satterwhite, Founder, Open Books 100. Ebony Cornish, President, Pensacola Young Professionals 35

2022 inweekly POWER LIST

Power List Hall of Fame At some point you do need to be bossy.

I play with toys all day, every day. And I call it work.

There may still be sawdust on the floor, but I've got about 700 free comics to give away.

Journal, Studer four years ago launched CivicCon and the Center of Civic Engagement, housed in the Studer Community Institute on Garden Street. Quote: "We've got to go big. It's like three steps forward, two steps back, three steps forward, two steps back, and some of them aren't backward steps. They're solidifying things or getting better use out of something that you didn't maximize the first time."

Ashton Hayward (2011)

Independent News | May 1, 2014 | Volume 15 | Number 18 | inweekly.net

Those who have earned the top spot on the Inweekly Power List are given a spot in the Inweekly Power List Hall of Fame. The HOF includes three attorneys, three politicians, two Gulf Power executives and a beer distributor, educator, developer, health care consultant, entrepreneur and news anchor.

LXV and UWF Distinguished Fellow. Merrill relishes the role of kingmaker.

Fred Levin (2007)

Lewis Bear, Jr. (2009)

The flamboyant Pensacola trial attorney helped rewrite legislation in 1993 that led to a $13.2 billion settlement by the tobacco industry with the state of Florida. Levin received the Perry Nichols Award in 1994, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. In 2009, Levin was inducted into the National Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He passed away earlier this year, but he will be remembered for his brilliance, showmanship and quick wit. Over the past decade, Levin donated over $30 million to education, health and charities. Quote: "Everything I've gotten in life, I've had an awful lot of luck. Roy Jones fell in my lap. The tobacco legislation fell in my lap. Politics fell in my lap and everything else. I think I'm lucky."

J. Collier Merrill (2008)

Merrill runs Great Southern Restaurant Group that also owns the Atlas Oyster House, Jackson's Steakhouse, Five Sisters Blues Café and Angelena's. He is also the president of Merrill Land Company. Merrill has been named an Art Education Hero by the Florida Cultural Alliance, Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Pensacola Chamber, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the National Society of Fund Raising Volunteers, Fiesta of Five Flag's DeLuna

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Quote: "We've got to continue with the growth that we're having downtown, but we've got to do it in a way that 100 years from now, people will be talking about how great it is."

The president and CEO of the Lewis Bear Company, a wholesale beer distributorship that his great-grandfather founded in 1876, Bear has played a major role in the area's economic development over the past two decades—first with the Pensacola Chamber, then FloridaWest and currently the Pensacola-Escambia Economic Development Commission. Bear also has served on the Triumph Gulf Coast board. The Studer Family Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart's oncology unit is named the Bear Family Foundation Pediatric Oncology Center for Hope, in honor of his family's generosity. Quote: "Whether they have been here all their lives or moved here, we have people who are committed to making this a better place to live. When I get committed to something, I can be pretty stubborn."

Quint Studer (2010)

The founder of Studer Group has been the catalyst for Pensacola's renaissance—from championing the Community Maritime Park to bringing MLB Double-A baseball to Pensacola to building and renovations over $100 million on new office buildings and housing in downtown to donating tens of millions to local education, health care and charities. With the help of the News

In 2010, the Pensacola native was elected mayor of Pensacola. Hayward oversaw the completion of the Community Maritime Park and Admiral Mason Park. He built the Theophalis May Resource Center and Woodland Heights Resource Center and started the construction on the Bayview Community Center. He championed the effort that brought ST Aerospace Engineering to the Pensacola International Airport, helping to diversify our economy and creating 400 jobs. Since leaving office, he served as the president of the Andrews Institute Research & Education Foundation. Quote: "My power is to be able to reach out to the citizens of Pensacola and see how I can make their quality of life better, build our infrastructure better, to make sure we're looking at every detail of our city—whether it's our enterprises, downtown or neighborhoods."

Dr. Judy Bense (2012)

The founder of the UWF program of Anthropology/Archaeology became the fifth president of the University of West Florida in July 2008 after serving the university for 28 years. In December 2017, she stepped down as president but has stayed connected to the institution. The University of West Florida board of trustees cemented her legacy by naming her president emeritus. In 2017, the Greater Pensacola Chamber awarded Bense its Pioneer award for her contributions to the community. Quote: "I'd always had the 'Lucille Ball' approach to life—don't mess with success; stick with what you're good at."

David Morgan (2013)

His defeat of a well-financed, two-term incumbent in 2008 is considered one of the

biggest upsets in Escambia County politics. And many of the good old boys have never forgiven him but failed to defeat him during the re-election campaigns of 2012 and 2016. His decisive leadership, especially with the 2009 Billings murders and the 2010 BP oil spill, earned Morgan the reputation for being one of the top sheriffs in Florida. He stepped down in 2020, choosing not to seek a fourth term. However, the rumor is he might be finished with politics. Stay tuned. Quote: "It's important you stay grounded and never forget what got you where you are."

Mike Papantonio (2014)

Considered the nation's top trial attorney, Pensacola's Renaissance man is a regular commentator on the news networks and an author and musician. He has been awarded the Perry Nichols Award, Defender of Justice Award by the American Association for Justice, Temple University Beasley School of Law's Award for Social Justice and the Compassionate Gladiator Award from the Florida Justice Association. He has been featured in several award-winning documentaries, including "Jesus Camp" and "The Devil We Know." He has written three legal thrillers, starring attorney Deke Deketomis, and has a fourth that will be published later this year. Quote: "When I think about everything that I have spent my time doing and drill right down to why—it's out of conviction."

Stan Connally (2015)

The president and CEO of Gulf Power Company worked up the ladder of Southern Company with steps at all its subsidiaries. He served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of Achieve Escambia, Capital City Bank Group, Florida Council of 100 and Enterprise Florida. Before Gulf Power's sale to NextEra Energy, he was named the executive vice president of operations for Southern Company. Quote: "I've been on the record and very public talking about an outcome from good economic development must be diversifying our economy. By that, I mean increasing the impact of the innovation space."

Bentina Terry (2016)

In 2017, we lost Terry when she was promoted to be the senior vice president of the Metro Atlanta Region for Georgia Power. However, her decade of living in Pensacola

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2022 inweekly POWER LIST had a profound impact on this community. She was the highest-ranking black woman at Gulf Power and served on the boards of the Community Maritime Park Associates and the University of West Florida boards. She also worked to make the multicultural Voices of Pensacola a reality. Quote: "We need to start a whole effort from cradle to career. We'll never grow as a community unless we improve the quality of our education."

Rishy Studer (2017)

She has created and runs five businesses as part of the Bodacious Shops that sparked vibrancy in Pensacola's downtown. Studer leases space to nearly a dozen companies at the corner of Palafox and Main Streets. She revived a historic corner in the heart of the Belmont-DeVilliers community with Five Sisters Blues Café. She's the one who drives the decisions and writes the checks for numerous nonprofits she and her husband support in her adopted hometown. Quote: "Will this work in our town? Can we do it? Can we try?"

James J. Reeves (2018)

The veteran politician, banker, attorney, developer and entrepreneur has left a considerable mark on his hometown. He was elected to the Florida House and Pensacola City Council. He sponsored the bill that created the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board, which has evolved into the UWF Historic Trust. Reeves chartered two federal savings and loans, three banks and one bank that he took over, Liberty Bank, which became Hancock-Whitney Bank. On Pensacola Beach, Reeves built the Tiki Motel, Howard Johnson Inn and the Mai Kai Motel, home to the Sandshaker Lounge. Lately, he has been the champion for tiny houses in Escambia County. Quote: "Nobody admits this, but the reason to charter a bank is like somebody said, 'Why do you rob banks?' And I said, 'Well, that's where the money is.'"

Lumon May (2019)

The Pensacola native, general contractor and co-founder of the Southern Youth Sports Association (SYSA) won a third term on the Escambia County Commission in 2020. He has become one of the most pop-

ular and, at times, controversial commissioners for his speaking out for citizens that often get overlooked. May fought for COVID testing and vaccinations in Brownsville, working closely with Community Health of Northwest Florida and the governor's office. He got water and ice for area residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally. He's also the sharpest dresser on the board. Quote: "I've never considered myself to be someone on the Power List. I've just wanted to be in a position of service my entire life."

Sue Straughn (2021)

For over 40 years, Straughn has been a regular guest in homes, sharing local news as the evening news anchor for WEAR-TV. One of the most trusted people in local media, she helped found Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) and has served on countless boards, including Covenant Hospice Foundation, Autism Pensacola, American Red Cross, Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board and more. She's also a longtime supporter of Arc Gateway. In 1979, Straughn created Commu-

nities Caring at Christmas, which annually provides a special holiday season for the area's most vulnerable children. Quote: "I don't have any power. When I emcee a charity event and it raises a lot of money, that's not me. I just get to make the ask. The people are the power." {in}

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a&e happenings cember 2022/January 2023 issue, which hits newsstands in November 2022. The 2022 Made in the South Awards judges are NBC Host Al Roker, New Orleans-based author Wayne Curtis, interior designer Charlotte Moss, designer Mignonne Gavigan, ceramic artists Connie and Alex Matisse, and Raleigh-based author T. Edward Nickens. All Southern artisans or businesses with a product in one of the six categories that will be available for sale through January 2023 may apply. For entry forms, category descriptions and rules, visit madeinthesouthawards.com. A discounted entry fee of $50 will be available through April 22, but entries will be accepted until midnight eastern time on June 15. Winners will be publicly announced in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Garden & Gun. To follow along with the Made in the South Awards, use #madeinthesouthawards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit us at gardenandgun.com. Photo courtesy of Pensacola Vintage Collective

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

EGGA-WAHOOZA Enjoy a family-friendly

morning in Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St., at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church's annual Egga-Wahooza Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16. At 10:30 a.m.—0-4 years old and special needs Easter Egg Hunt; and at 11 a.m.—K4-fifth-grade Easter Egg Hunt. Visit bluewahoos.com for more information.

FLORA-BAMA EASTER EGG HUNT & KIDS' FUN DAY Kids' crafts and face painting will begin at noon in the tent. The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Flora-Bama, and the Easter Bunny will skydive onto the beach shortly after. Located at 17401 Perdido Key Drive. For more information, visit florabama.com/easter-egg-hunt.

COASTAL COUNTY BREWING ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT This Easter Egg Hunt is

adults only. Visit Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road, on Saturday, April 16, at 5 p.m., where the eggs are filled with free beer cards and raffle tickets. For more information, visit coastalcountybrewing.com.

SONRISE SERVICE Experience Easter Sunday

like never before at the Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Community SonRise Service at Blue Wahoos Stadium, located at 351 W. Cedar St., at 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 17. Visit bluewahoos. com for more information.

PEEPS AND PUPS EASTER DOG BISCUIT & EGG HUNT The Joy Committee is hosting a

special Easter event for your four-legged kids. Visit Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, located at 208 Newman Ave., on Sunday, April 17, from 2-4 p.m. and give your pup a special Easter treat. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for more information.

CELEBRATE EASTER SUNDAY AT GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS The Fish House

will be open and serving Easter brunch and dinner on Sunday, April 17. Brunch hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with dinner service beginning at 3 p.m. Jackson's will be open and serving Easter 242 4

brunch and dinner on Sunday, April 17. Brunch hours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with dinner service 5-9 p.m. Five Sisters Blues Café will be open for their traditional Sunday Jazz Brunch on Easter Sunday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for more information.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies

Florida is hosting Bingo at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burning Tree Road, twice a month. The next date is Tuesday, April 19. Proceeds go to help local animals. The fun starts at 7 p.m. $10 gets you 30 cards. Winners share the pot. Food and drink will be available for purchase. You must be 18 years old to play.

GRILLIN' IN THE BREEZE Join Gulf Breeze Natural Gas and WEAR-TV on Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze for Grillin' in the Breeze. Taste grilled and smoked delicacies, cast your vote for the People's Choice award, listen to live music and bid on terrific silent auction items throughout the day. The Pensacola MESS Hall will be on site with activities for all ages, and The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will be there with their Ambassador Animals. Celebrity chef Bob Solarski and grill master Kevin Jones will be serving up a special menu in the VIP tent. All proceeds support education in Santa Rosa County. General Admission is $10 in advance and $12 day of event, and VIP tickets are $40 in advance and $45 day of event. Admission is free for children 10 and under. For more information, visit grillininthebreeze.com.

CALL TO ARTISTS

GARDEN & GUN'S 13TH-ANNUAL MADE IN THE SOUTH AWARDS The official call

for entries for Garden & Gun's 13th-annual Made in the South Awards is open through June 15. The magazine is seeking Southern-made product entries in six categories—Food, Drink, Home, Style, Outdoors and Crafts. The overall winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and is prominently featured alongside the other category winners and runners-up in the magazine's De-

FOO FOO FEST APPLICATIONS Applications are open for vendors to join Pensacola's Foo Foo Festival taking place Nov. 3-14. In 2022, the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival will once again fund top-scoring grant applicants, with the number of grants to be awarded contingent upon the number of submissions. This year, the Foo Foo Festival will provide up to $400,000 in grant funding, and grant applicants can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding. All organizations, businesses and community partners are encouraged to submit their various events (occurring Nov. 3-14, 2022) for consideration to become a "Friend of Foo," receiving visibility as part of the regional marketing campaign and throughout the 12-day event. To apply for this year's Foo Foo Festival, visit acepensacola.org. To apply for consideration as a "Friend of Foo," visit foofoofest.com. Foo Foo Fest Application Timeline: •Friday, May 6 - Foo Foo Fest Grant Application Deadline (Noon CT) •Tuesday, May 24 - Public Grant Scoring and Official Announcements

ARTS & CULTURE

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10 cash donation per person. Face masks are recommended. Reservations are not required. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

AN EVENING WITH JAD ABUMRAD On Thursday, April 14, join the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities for An Evening with Jad Abumrad, creator and former host of Radiolab. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Tickets are required and may be purchased, for free, at uwf.edu/cassh/community-outreach/experience-uwf-downtown-lecture-series. CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT GALLERY NIGHT On Friday, April 15, from 5-9 p.m., Gal-

lery Night Pensacola will celebrate Earth Day, and it will feature sustainable art, vintage goods, education on eco-friendly lifestyles and more.

Gallery Night's April featured artist is Urban Botanic Studio. Gallery Night is an all-ages community arts and culture event that happens on the third Friday of each month from 5–9 p.m. More information and updates on artists, performers, special events, sponsors and more can be found at gallerynightpensacola.org.

EARTH DAY VINTAGE MARKET Pensaco-

la Vintage Collective will be setting up during Gallery Night at the corner of Government and Palafox streets from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, April 15, selling vintage clothing and highlighting the benefits of thrifting on the Earth.

"ARTIFISHAL" MOVIE SCREENING Northwest Florida's first showing of the documentary film "Artifishal" takes viewers into the tension between marine life and the demands of a growing human population. Healthy Gulf presents this free screening Friday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m., at From the Ground Up Community Garden, located at 501 N. Hayne St. Healthy Gulf is a nonprofit organization that works to protect and restore the Gulf of Mexico and the people and communities along its shores. For more information or questions, please contact Florida-Alabama Coastal Organizer Christian Wagley at christian@healthygulf.org.

PENSACOLA HAPPY HOUR Together We Rise, Inc. presents Pensacola Happy Hour on Friday, April 15, with a Justin Gatlin retirement ceremony, live music and wellness screenings at Museum Plaza, 330 S. Jefferson St., at 5 p.m. Free to the public.

SYNTHESIS OPENING RECEPTION AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART Visit Pen-

sacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., for festivity and community to celebrate the opening of SynThesis, a group BFA Exit Exhibition, from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for more information.

"THE BEACH BUM" SCREENING Watch a free screening of "The Beach Bum" at KWM Studios, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16. BYOB. For more information, visit facebook.com/diypensacola. AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING: SCOTT SATTERWHITE Visit Pensacola Mu-

seum of Art on Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. for a free author talk and book signing with C. Scott Satterwhite, UWF instructor in the English department and co-author of "A Punkhouse in the Deep South: The Oral History of 309." For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org

UWF HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST TO SPEAK AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART GUILD MEETING The Pensacola Muse-

um of Art Guild will hold its monthly meeting and social at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Members and guests are welcome. Guest speaker Ross Pristera, UWF Historic Preservationist, will present "Adventures in Architecture." The PMA Guild promotes membership, provides volunteers, contributes to the knowledge and appreciation of art and supports the growth of the museum. inweekly.net

April 14, 2022

a&e happenings Membership is open to every person in the community who wishes to support the Museum of Art. For more information about PMA Guild membership, please contact Wilma Steele, wlmsteele@gmail.com.

at 1401 W. Intendencia St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.

BROADWAY BOOGIE: GROWN-UPS Join

EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET Every Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggalleryart@gmail.com.

this weekly class on the basics of boogie in a fun, easy-going, non-judgmental setting. Classes are Fridays, April 1-May 20, from 5-6 p.m., at The Gordon Art Center, 306 N. DeVilliers St. This class teaches the fundamentals of musical theatre style dancing including jazz, tap, ballet, ballroom, fosse and more. This class is a beginner-level class for teens and adults, ages 16 and up. Registration is open through March 15 at myneighborhoodtheatre.com.

KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL BAG SWAP Bring your plastic bags (no less than

20) and receive a Keep Pensacola Beautiful reusable tote at various dates and locations in April. For more information about the initiative, visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org. Upcoming dates: •5-9 p.m., Friday, April 15, at Gallery Night •10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 23, at Earth Day Pensacola, 2001 E. Lloyd St. •4-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, at Ever'man, 1000 E. Nine Mile Road

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shop-

ping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

309 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: MIKE BRODIE Photographer Mike Brodie is the next artist

in residence at 309. Stop by at 309 N. Sixth Ave. Visit 309punkproject.org for more information.

THE MAROON MARINES: ARCHAEOLOGY AT PROSPECT BLUFF A new tem-

porary exhibit at The Destination Archaeology Resource Center, located at 207 E. Main St., features the story of the largest free black settlement in what is now the United States. This exhibit is sponsored by City of Pensacola Councilmember Teniadé Broughton. During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called "Negro Fort" by American officials, it eventually became the center of the largest free Black

settlement in what is now the United States. When the war ended, the U.S. believed the fort threatened the institution of slavery and must be destroyed. To the Maroon people who lived there, however, the fort at Prospect Bluff was a beacon of freedom worth fighting for. For more information, visit fpan.us.

2022 TAGGED STUDENT ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida presents the "2022 TAGGED Student Art & Design Exhibition" March 24-April 15. Artwork will be on display at TAG, located in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82, 11000 University Parkway.

GALLERY 1050 MEMBERS SHOW The artists of First City Art Center will be showcasing their work through April 23 at the center's 1060 Gallery, located at 1060 Guillemard St. For more information, visit gallery1060.com. MONOCHROMATIC Artel Gallery's latest

juried show is "Monochromatic," where artists created a work of art in any medium using only one color. The exhibit is on view through May 6. Also on display is PanHandle Potters and works from Vivian Spencer. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.

PMA MEMBERS SHOW The PMA Members Show is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art through May 29. View works of art from local

artists. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org.

INTO THE MIRROR: CARRIE ANN BAADE

2021 Members Show winner Carrie Ann Baade describes herself as steward and axman, returning to the haunting moments in art history in order to reclaim them. By using the "bone yard" of Western painting with reverence, she cuts them up into fragments resulting in collage. In their repainting, these are fierce feminist parables. Paintings made of paintings; the old masterworks are infused with the artist's own experience. The exhibit is on view through May 29. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org.

MAPPING NORTHWEST FLORIDA EXHIBIT AT THE PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY Visualized Landscapes: A Selection

of Northwest Florida Maps is now on view at Pensacola Museum of History. The exhibit explores the shifting topography of Northwest Florida through a series of maps selected from the Trust Archive. Visualized Landscapes: A Selection of Northwest Florida Maps is on view on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History until August. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust or to purchase tickets, visit historicpensacola.org. for more listings visit inweekly.net

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my life according to this principle—If I'm afraid of it, then I must do it." Aries author Erica Jong said that. Since I'm not an Aries myself, her aspiration is too strong for me to embrace. Sometimes I just don't have the courage, willpower and boldness to do what I fear. But since you decided to be born as an Aries in this incarnation, I assume you are more like Erica Jong than me. And so it's your birthright and sacred duty to share her perspective. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to carry out another phase of this lifelong assignment.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "Sometimes suffering is just suffering," writes novelist Kate Jacobs. "It doesn't make you stronger. It doesn't build character." Now is your special time to shed suffering that fits this description, Taurus. You are authorized to annul your relationship with it and ramble on toward the future without it. Please keep in mind that you're under no obligation to feel sorry for the source of the suffering. You owe it nothing. Your energy should be devoted to liberating yourself so you can plan your rebirth with aplomb. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "I am very

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much afraid of definitions, and yet one is almost forced to make them," wrote painter Robert Delaunay (1885–1941). "One must take care, too, not to be inhibited by them," he concluded. He was speaking of the art he created, which kept evolving. In his early years, he considered his work to be Neo-Impressionist. Later he described himself as a "heretic of Cubism," and during other periods he dabbled with surrealism and abstract art. Ultimately, he created his own artistic category, which he called Orphism. Everything I just said about Delaunay can serve you well in the coming months, Gemini. I think you'll be wise to accept definitions for yourself, while at the same time not being overly bound by them. That should ultimately lead you, later this year, to craft your own unique personal definition.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): As a post-

graduate student in astronomy, Cancerianborn Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered radio pulsars in 1967. Her supervisor, who initially dismissed her breakthrough, was awarded the Nobel Prize for her work in 1974—and she wasn't! Nevertheless, she persisted. Eventually, she became a renowned astronomer who championed the efforts of minority researchers. Among the 25 prestigious awards and honors she has received is a three-milliondollar prize. I urge you to aspire to her level of perseverance in the coming months. It may not entirely pay off until 2023, but it will pay off.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards," wrote author Oscar Wilde. Let's make that your motto for the next six weeks. If life could be symbolized by a game of poker, you would have the equivalent of at least a pair of jacks and a pair of queens. You may even have a full 646 4

By Rob Brezsny

house, like three 10s and two kings. Therefore, as Wilde advised, there's no need for you to scrimp, cheat, tell white lies, or pretend. Your best strategy will be to be bold, forthright, and honest as you make your moves.

If life could be symbolized by a game of poker, you would have the equivalent of at least a pair of jacks and a pair of queens. You may even have a full house, like three 10s and two kings. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "In all the land, there is only one you, possibly two, but seldom more than 16," said comedian and actor Amy Sedaris. She was making a sardonic joke about the possibility that none of us may be quite as unique as we imagine ourselves to be. But I'd like to mess with her joke and give it a positive tweak. If what Sedaris says is true, then it's likely that we all have soul twins somewhere in the world. It means that there are numerous people who share many of our perspectives and proclivities; that we might find cohorts who see us for who we really are. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Virgo, because I suspect the coming months will be an excellent time for meeting and playing with such people. LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): A team of bi-

ologists unearthed a fascinating discovery in Costa Rica. When the group planted a single tree in pastureland that had no trees, biodiversity increased dramatically. For example, in one area, there were no bird species before the tree and 80 species after the tree. I suspect you can create a similar change in the coming weeks. A small addition, even just one new element, could generate significant benefits. One of those perks might be an increase in the diversity you engage with.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Smallpox

has been eliminated thanks to vaccination, but it was once among the most feared diseases. Over the course of many centuries, it maimed or killed hundreds of millions of people. For 35 percent of those who contracted it, it was fatal. As for the survivors, their skin had permanent scars from the blisters that erupted. As disfiguring as those wounds were, they were evidence that a person was immune from future infections. That's why employers were more likely to hire them as workers. Their pockmarks gave them an advantage. I believe this is a useful metaphor for you. In the coming weeks, you will have an advantage because of one of your apparent liabilities or imperfections or "scars." Don't be shy about using your unusual asset.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):

Sagittarian author Pearl Cleage sets the tone for the future I hope you'll seek in the coming weeks. The Black feminist activist writes, "We

danced too wild, and we sang too long, and we hugged too hard, and we kissed too sweet, and howled just as loud as we wanted to howl." Are you interested in exploring such blithe extravagance, Sagittarius? Do you have any curiosity about how you might surpass your previous records for rowdy pleasure? I hope you will follow Cleage's lead in your own inimitable style.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): "I can

never rest from tenderness," wrote author Virginia Woolf. I won't ask you to be as intense as her, Capricorn. I won't urge you to be constantly driven to feel and express your tenderness. But I hope you will be focused on doing so in the coming weeks. Why? Because the astrological omens suggest it will be "in your self-interest to find a way to be very tender." (That's a quote by aphorist Jenny Holzer.) For inspiration, consider trying this experiment proposed by Yoko Ono: "Try to say nothing negative about anybody: a) for three days; b) for 45 days; c) for three months."

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "I gamble

everything to be what I am," wrote Puerto Rican feminist and activist poet Julia de Burgos, born under the sign of Aquarius. Her gambles weren't always successful. At one point, she was fired from her job as a writer for a radio show because of her progressive political beliefs. On the other hand, many of her gambles worked well. She earned awards and recognition for her five books of poetry and garnered high praise from superstar poet Pablo Neruda. I offer her as your role model, Aquarius. The rest of 2022 will be a fertile time to gamble everything to be what you are. Here's a further suggestion: Gamble everything to become what you don't yet know you must become.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Piscean jazz

saxophonist and composer Ornette Coleman was a trailblazer. He created the genre known as free jazz, which messed with conventional jazz ideas about tempos, melodies and harmonies. In the course of his career, he won a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and MacArthur Fellowship "genius" grant. He was a technical virtuoso, but there was more to his success, too. Among his top priorities were emotional intensity and playful abandon and pure joy. That's why, on some of his recordings, he didn't hire famous jazz drummers, but instead had his son, who was still a child, play the drum parts. I suggest you apply an approach like Coleman's to your own upcoming efforts. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What's the hardest thing for you to do that you also get satisfaction from doing? newsletter.freewillastrology.com

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news of the weird

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

ty web address displayed on our electric vehicle UPDATE The Glitter Twins, Sarah Franks, 29, and (EV) signage appears to have been hacked," the Kaitlin O'Donovan, 27, have had their charges Isle of Wight Council said in a statement. They dropped in Clearwater, Florida, after a January inapologized to anyone who "may have found the cident in which they "glitter bombed" one Jacob inappropriate web content." Colon at 3 a.m. at his home, The Smoking Gun reported on April 5. Franks and O'Donovan, who are married, allegedly threw glitter containers at CoYOU CAN'T PARK HERE A strange sight greetlon as he stood on the balcony of his apartment, ed residents of a rural area of Kansas on April 5: then entered his home and further assaulted him a mobile home resting smack in the middle of a Herbes De Provence Infused with glitter, police said, but prosecutors concludgravel road, with no owner (or resident) in site. ed that "the facts and circumstances revealed do TheExtra Kansas City Star reported thatOil the home was Virgin Olive not warrant prosecution at this time." The "twins" found in southern Labette County, and the sherA office blend of thyme, savory, marjoram, had been free on bond since their arrest for feloiff's made a request via Facebook for the ny burglary. Colon had at one time been involved public's help in identifying the owner of a the morosemary and lavender lends in a "three-way type of thing" with them, but it had bile home. Of course, theories ran wild among balanced and floral our Super ended before the incident took place. Facebook users. "Maybearoma they are to on house arrest and needed to go somewhere," one user Premium extra virgin olive oil base. said. In the early evening on April 6, the sheriff's ofTHE PASSING PARADE Rachel Mulcahy is in fice announced that they had found the owner trouble with Clonard Monastery in Belfast, Northof the abandoned mobile home, and it was later ern Ireland for apparently posing as a nun and disrevealed that blown trailer tires during transport rupting services at the church, the Belfast Telewere to blame for its temporary abandonment. graph reported on April 3. In recent days, she has been served with an injunction to stay at least 150 yards away from the building, but the bogus nun THIS COUCH HAS A LUMP Alex Trejo, a repsays she is praying for its parishioners. Mulcahy is tile expert and owner of So-Cal Rattlesnake Realso known around town for dancing frantically in moval, got more than he'd bargained for in a recent the streets to religious music, accompanied by two house call—about 7 feet more. While most folks evangelical preachers playing musical instruments. never find anything more interesting than spare She sometimes falls to her knees and shouts, change in their couch cushions, one Chula Vista "Christ, come into me!" She told the Telegraph that resident found a snake: a 7-foot-long Vietnamese she is "in love. Head over heels. I can't stop it. I love blue beauty rat snake, to be precise. "This guy calls Jesus Christ so much that all I can think about is me, is pretty frantic and he's like, 'There's a snake in him." But one "insider" claimed she "is not a nun" my couch,'" Trejo told ABC 10 News in San Diego. and said "the congregation (is) quite elderly and Trejo said he was shocked to find such a beast in a they felt intimidated by Ms. Mulcahy's behavior. sofa, calling it a "once in a lifetime snake rescue" in They just want to be left alone to pray in peace." a Facebook post. The species is nonvenomous, is not native to the United States, and was apparently not interested in being captured: "He didn't (bite) CRIME REPORT It may not be Easter yet, but Mr. my skin, but he actually got the lining of my shirt," Bunny is already making it into the headlines. In Trejo said. The snake is in the care of a specialist, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, a 27-year-old man receiving treatment for a respiratory infection. The was in the process of robbing a business on March animal's owner has not yet been located. 31 when an employee tried to thwart him, the CBC reported. But the thief was armed with a Mr. Solid brand chocolate Easter bunny, which he used to DANGEROUS WORK The night shift workers at hit the employee. The shoplifter escaped but was the Mr. Chips french fry factory in East Tamaki, found nearby and arrested; the employee suffered New Zealand, received a bit of a shock as 28 tons only minor injuries. The stolen merch was returned of russet potatoes from a farm in nearby Matato the store; no word on how Mr. Solid fared. mata worked their way through the factory's conveyor belts. What appeared to be just another muddy potato was discovered to be a World War NICHE CRIME Seattle police were called to a II-era hand grenade. "The guys were really calm downtown art gallery on April 5 after a man who and collected and they reacted in an extremely claimed to have a knife stole an ancient mammoth tusk valued at several thousand dollars, KOMO-TV professional manner," Roland Spitaels, the factory's operations manager, told Stuff.co.nz. Police reported. The thief then escaped in a stolen plumresponded to the scene and subsequently called colored PT Cruiser, police said. Gallery owners said upon the New Zealand Defence Force's explothe theft is the second incident in recent weeks; sive ordnance disposal team, who removed the the shop also carries fine-art sculptures. Investigagrenade from the facility; X-rays revealed it was a tors were hoping to recover the tusk, and the galtraining version of a hand grenade, containing no lery is planning to hire more security guards. explosives. Spitaels hopes the police will return the grenade to the company when their investigaNAUGHTY Electric vehicle charging stations in tion is complete so it can be put on display in the Isle of Wight, England, were hacked in the most factory's trophy room. {in} middle-school of ways, the BBC reported on April 6. It seems someone reprogrammed the screens on the charge points to show a pornographic From Andrews McMeel Syndication website instead of the Chargepoint Genie netNews Of The Weird work. "We are saddened to learn that a third-par© 2022 Andrews McMeel

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