BLUE WAHOOS
APRIL 3-5
Fragile Neighborhoods
Repairing American Society One Zip Code at a Time
Across the country, communities of every kind are facing rising challenges—school violence, family breakdown, addiction, isolation, and despair. These issues are not limited by income or geography. They affect neighborhoods rich and poor, rural and urban, and everywhere in between.
Healthy communities are built on strong local institutions and meaningful relationships. When these networks are connected and working together, they help neighborhoods withstand economic pressures, improve public safety, and navigate social crises. When they are weak or fragmented, communities become vulnerable to decline.
Seth Kaplan will share a bold, practical vision for reversing social decline in America—starting at the local level. By strengthening institutions and rebuilding the ties that connect neighbors, communities can once again become places where individuals and families thrive.
Seth Kaplan is a leading expert on fragile societies. a professional lecturer at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, a senior advisor to the Institute for Integrated Transitions, and a consultant to organizations including the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD.
Tuesday, April 14 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
CivicCon is a partnership of the Pensacola News Journal and the Center for Civic Engagement to make our community a better place to live, grow, work and invest through smart planning and civic conversations. The Center for Civic Engagement, Inc.
a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.
BOOK Sale
winners & losers winners losers
JERMAINE J. WILLIAMS The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has named Jermaine J. Williams of Pensacola the 2026 Peer Specialist of the Year. Williams, a peer recovery specialist with CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, has spent more than nine years in recovery after overcoming a 13-year substance misuse addiction and surviving a life-threatening mental health crisis. He has answered more than 1,000 suicide crisis calls and serves as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the Cypress Resilience Project. National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia will present the award at NatCon, the nation's largest behavioral health conference, in late April.
IMPACT
100
PENSACOLA BAY
AREA The organization of philanthropic-minded women closed its 2026 membership drive with a record 1,313 members, setting the stage for $1,313,000 in grants to local nonprofits this fall.
On Oct. 11, the organization will award 13 grants of $101,000 each to nonprofits serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties—the first time in its 22-year history that 13 grants have been awarded in a single year. The October awards will push IMPACT 100's cumulative giving past $20 million, adding to 177 grants totaling more than $18.7 million already distributed. Grants are awarded across five focus areas: arts, culture and history, education, environment and recreation, family and health and wellness. President Martha Holden said, "We are not just writing checks. We are fueling bold ideas and strengthening local nonprofits."
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
The National Park Service announced that the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which includes Fort Pickens and much of Santa Rosa Island, welcomed 7,576,923 recreation visits in 2025. Despite a 43-day partial government shutdown, the National Park Service worked to keep parks open and accessible whenever possible so visitors could continue to experience the nation's natural and historic treasures. Visitors spent 23.4 million hours at the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the seventh most visits in the park system. Its RV campground had 173,473 overnight stays, the third most stays of any national park site.
META A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent on March 25, awarding $6 million to a young woman who claimed she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube as a child. It was the second verdict against Meta in two days. The day before, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in penalties for endangering children. Attorneys argued that the platforms deliberately designed addictive features to keep young users engaged while hiding the risks. Meta denied wrongdoing and vowed to appeal both verdicts. These verdicts show that the legal protections once given to social media companies are fading. Thousands more cases are waiting to be heard.
MEASLES Florida has recorded 122 confirmed measles cases, ranking fourth in the nation as the outbreak continues to grow, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data through March 19. Nationally, 1,487 confirmed cases have been reported. South Carolina leads with 668 infections, followed by Utah with 275 and Texas with 147. In 2000, the CDC declared measles eliminated in the United States, but cases have steadily increased as laws regarding vaccinations have changed. Only about 89% of Florida kindergarteners were vaccinated during the 2024-2025 school year, which is below the threshold needed for herd immunity. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, which transmits easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
UPSIDE FOODS Florida's ban on cultivated meat will remain in effect after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law last month. A three-judge panel ruled that Florida's prohibition on the manufacture, sale and distribution of lab-grown meat doesn't conflict with federal laws regulating poultry. Upside Foods, a California company that grows cultivated chicken, filed the lawsuit after the law took effect in July 2024. The panel's decision upheld an earlier ruling by U.S. District Judge Mark Walker. The battle isn't over. The Institute for Justice, which represents Upside Foods, said the underlying case will continue in district court.
Jermaine J. Williams / Courtesy Photo
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
ONE AGENCY, ONE MISSION
The Visit Pensacola board decided last week not to renew President and CEO Darien Schaefer's contract. Schaefer will remain in his role until an interim CEO is appointed. Then, the Board will establish an executive search committee to conduct a nationwide hunt for his replacement.
Visit Pensacola markets the destination. The FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance recruits businesses and jobs. On paper, they serve different masters. However, they are selling the same product: Escambia County.
I think Schaefer's departure presents an opportunity to bring them together under a single umbrella, and the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC) is the right place for it.
TWO AGENCIES, ONE ECONOMY Leadership transitions can be uncomfortable, but they also provide a moment to analyze the mission and operations. Schaefer served six years and, by his own account, is leaving the organization in a strong position. However, preparing an organization for the future means asking whether the current structure still makes sense. I don't believe it does.
Escambia County's economy doesn't break down into separate silos, as organizational charts suggest. When a company considers relocating its headquarters to Escambia County, the quality of our hotels, restaurants, beaches and visitor infrastructure plays a key role in attracting them. When a family decides whether to move here permanently after a vacation, FloridaWest's efforts to create jobs help make that decision easier.
Combining economic development and tourism enables a unified strategic plan, shared administrative costs and a single governing board.
PEDC IS THE RIGHT HOME PEDC is no stranger to this discussion. Established by a special act of the Florida Legislature in 1989, its original statutory mandate included the promotion of "industrial, tourist and commercial attributes and facilities of the area" and "the promotion of conventions, convention facilities and visitors."
Its nine-member board consists of two county commissioners, two Pensacola council members, one Century council member and appointees from the community. When Visit Pensacola split from the Greater Pensacola Chamber in 2013, hoteliers pushed for more control over tourism
marketing amid debates about transparency and accountability. A private 501(c)(6) dominated by lodging industry interests pulled the control of tax dollars away from elected officials, raising questions about fair governance at the time. Those concerns haven't completely disappeared.
Integrating Pensacola's tourism marketing into PEDC, a quasi-governmental body with statutory authority, publicly noticed meetings and direct accountability to the Escambia County Commission and City of Pensacola, would strengthen public oversight without reducing marketing effectiveness.
WHAT CONSOLIDATION WOULD LOOK
LIKE
The goal of my proposal is a leaner, more coherent structure—not a larger one.
Under a consolidated model, PEDC would handle tourism marketing, business recruitment and retention, and workforce and product development through a single strategic plan. The Tourist Development Council would maintain its approval role over tourism spending, as required by state law. The Escambia County Commission would keep its budget-approval authority.
What disappears is the duplication: unnecessary executive salaries, duplicated board administration and redundant strategic planning processes that never fully align because they originate from two separate organizations with two different bottom lines.
THE WINDOW WON'T STAY OPEN Our economy is rapidly changing, and the stakes of getting our economic development structure right have never been higher.
The Visit Pensacola board will spend the coming months conducting a nationwide CEO search. Before they do, county and city leaders should pause and ask whether we need a better structure—one that consolidates tourism and economic development under the same umbrella, aligned with the same mission, which spends public dollars more efficiently and with greater accountability.
Darien Schaefer's departure didn't create this opportunity. It just made it visible. The question now is whether anyone in local government has the will to consider rethinking how we promote Escambia County. {in} rick@inweekly.net
Two units available in Gulf front condominium complex Starboard Village!
1111 FORT PICKENS ROAD #312
$712,500
Tastefully remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom condo
1111 FORT PICKENS ROAD #524
$715,000
Top-floor, end-unit, two-story condo 2 bedroom, 3 bath, close to pool
715 S PALAFOX ST. Office for Lease Downtown Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with Parking! 2 story building available. 5,700 SF / $25 PSF (Annual) Call or text Cheryl Young at 850-712-4742 or Mary Charlene Young at 850-712-3219 to see it today!
By Tom St. Myer
HEALTHCARE COMING TO FORMER BAPTIST CAMPUS
Relations between Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and the Board of County Commis sioners worsened last summer when the Escambia County commissioners declined to contribute $2 million toward the demolition of the old Baptist Hospital campus.
The commissioners countered with an offer of $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for one building to be used as a community resource center, and their offer required the city to set aside a second building for healthcare services.
Mayor Reeves balked at the idea of setting aside two buildings without a firm date of occupancy. Reeves argued, why should the City be on the hook for years paying carrying costs on the buildings?
"Initial conversations with the County about the community center and things like that, that went cool on that particular behavioral health building when the county's request was to have five years to build it," Reeves said. "If we were going to do that, we would just hold on to them."
Reeves found an alternative option for healthcare without financial support from the County. The City is finalizing a deal to donate a building on the former hospital campus to Community Health Northwest Florida. The site will become a low-cost dental clinic to meet the demand for Medicaid dental services. The facility will be the first Community Health dental clinic within the Pensacola city limits, expanding access to patients regardless of their financial situation, including those who rely on Medicaid.
its workshop on March 9.
Smiley explained to the City Council that Community Health will offer two services at the location: dental and family practice.
"We looked at family practice because family practice can take care of pediatrics as well," Smiley said. "In that area, you have communities that have a large percentage of young children at their core—Attucks Court and Sanchez (two public housing areas managed by the Area Housing Commission). Those areas where children reside have difficulty getting to our Jackson Street location."
She continued, "So it really embeds access to care within the community, and we have heard for years that access to care is something that the residents in that area are looking for. And so we certainly want to be a good partner, a good steward of funds and resources to provide that care."
Community Health is a large, nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides health services in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The nonprofit grew from a single safety net clinic created by Baptist Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart when Escambia County Commission shut down its charity hospital in the early 1990s. The County and the two hospitals still contribute annually towards its operations.
they're going to do a great job and they're going to provide those services. I worked with Community Health before in the past and they've never let me down."
Reeves said ideally, the City will lease the building to Community Health for a nominal fee with certain requirements in the deal to ensure the community benefits from its services.
"All we've asked is—and of course they oblige—you've got to use it for a minimum amount of time for this, you've got to be open for a minimum number of hours … If we're going to go to the community and take a community asset, which is this building, and say we're going to provide this very important service, we just got to ensure that the important service is provided," Reeves said during the workshop.
TWO OTHER BUILDINGS
Last October, Reeves asked the City Council to declare all six properties on the campus surplus, with the intention to sell some to fund demolition. The City Council declined his request and voted 5-2 to pause the idea until after the March 9 workshop.
The other two buildings, spread across the six parcels, came up for discussion during the workshop. The possibility exists to sell the buildings to put a dent in the cost for demolition and other expenses, but Reeves said their fate has yet to be determined. He mentioned a child access center as a possibility for one of the buildings.
9,000 women's care visits. Inweekly requested an interview with Smiley for this story, but she declined until the deal is finalized.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
The building at 801 W. Avery St. is about 2,800 square feet. Baptist previously used the structure as a clinical education and training center and as a primary care office. The building is one of three spread across six parcels that Baptist added last year to its land donation to the City.
Councilman Delarian Wiggins represents District 7, home of the old Baptist campus. He supports leasing the building to Community Health.
"This is one building where we can do something immediately that will have a quick impact."
Delarian Wiggins
"One of the things the community asked for was affordable healthcare, and so this is an opportunity for us to bring low-cost dental services to that area," Wiggins said during the workshop. "This is one building where we can do something immediately that will have a quick impact. I feel comfortable enough to know
"We haven't really gone into much deep diving on the other two, given the fact that, as it stands now, they still need to be disposed of," Reeves said to the City Council members. "And of course, if they are disposed of, we can come back to you with any potential use."
In his interview with Inweekly, Reeves said, "Here's the converging issues. We're running AC in the buildings, and there's a real cost to the City for that. But I also feel like I can't go in good faith and entertain anything on those buildings until they are disposed of."
Reeves said the City will seek community input on the remaining parcels, but he opted to speed up the process to bring healthcare back to the area.
"I can confidently say we don't need a oneyear study on the need for healthcare access," he said. "It's a yesterday problem we can solve today. We're thankful to bring it back to this area as quickly as possible."
City Council President Allison Patton voiced her support for the lease agreement with Community Health. She said, "It's a no-brainer to me." Patton then hinted at the possibility of another healthcare service provider operating on the campus.
"I don't see this as being the only healthcare in the area," she said. "I see it as being the first."
To learn more about Community Health Northwest Florida, visit healthcarewithinreach. org. Follow ricksblog.biz to keep up with this developing story. {in}
FOILING HISTORY MADE Pensacola made sailing history last week as American Magic welcomed competitors from around the world to the American Magic High Performance Center (AMHPC) for the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 International WASZP Games, the first foiling world championship ever held in North America.
The Pensacola Yacht Club, in partnership with American Magic and American One Racing, hosted the five-day competition. Sailors from more than a dozen countries competed aboard WASZP foiling dinghies, producing one of the largest foiling fleets ever assembled in the Americas.
At the opening ceremony, American Magic COO Tyson Lamond praised Pensacola. "There's no community that has opened their arms as much as Pensacola," he said. "This community genuinely cares, genuinely supports each other and genuinely wants to help each other to the next level."
Mayor D.C. Reeves called the event the culmination of years of investment in the Port of Pensacola. "All of the phone calls, the engineering and contracting was thinking about events like this," Reeves said. "For us to be able to plant our flag and have that flag validated by having some of the best young sailors in the world enjoying our community is really an honor."
Leandro Spina, executive director of American One Racing, told the crowd that after years of running programs across multiple countries and sailing classes, Pensacola stands alone. "I can tell you that nothing compares to the world coming from Pensacola," Spina said. "You get to a rental car counter, any coffee shop, ev -
erybody's excited about us being here, and you don't find it anywhere else in the world."
Spina also confirmed that despite the 2028 Olympics returning to U.S. shores in Long Beach, American One Racing considers Pensacola its home base.
WASZP designer and founder Andrew McDougall, whose one-design foiling dinghy has become the largest single-class foiling fleet in the world, told the crowd the boat was built with a single purpose in mind. "The only goal I ever wrote down was to design a boat that keeps kids in sailing," McDougall said, adding that today, nearly half of all WASZP sales worldwide are now to sailors under 21. "I think we're on the way."
The AMHPC opened earlier this year. American Magic announced its designation as the official North American training base for SailGP teams under a multi-season agreement beginning in the fall of 2026, further cementing Pensacola's standing as America's home of high-performance sailing.
BEACH CROWDS
An online invite drew between 800 and 1,000 teenagers to Casino Beach on the nights of March 21 and March 22. The weekend crowds overwhelmed the parking lot and prompted a law enforcement response.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said most of the crowd was made up of local kids ages 14, 15 and 16 with no adult supervision. Deputies responded to disturbances, multiple fights and a report of shots fired that turned out to be unfounded. Five arrests were made. The Casino Beach and boardwalk parking lots were shut down as a precaution.
"If you misbehave on our beach, we will put you in jail," Simmons said.
Response times were hampered by northbound gridlock, with cars still backed up even after the parking lot was closed. The sheriff's office is developing a traffic management plan to address the bottleneck and has surveillance cameras being installed at Casino Beach, though they weren't ready in time for the initial surge.
Simmons put the onus on parents. "If you don't know where your 14, 15, 16-year-old kid's going, you're part of the problem," he said. "You need to have those conversations with your kids."
NOT
LENNON'S CAR A white 1961 Rolls-Royce parked in front of a Pensacola law office on Bayfront Parkway may not have once been owned by the late John Lennon, as many locals thought.
The Silver Cloud II now owned by real estate attorney Jim Reeves bears a striking resemblance to the 1965 Phantom V that Lennon used to promote the Beatles' self-titled album, commonly called the "White Album."
The confusion has deep roots in Pensacola lore. The Pensacola News Journal reported throughout the 1980s that former Mariner Mall owner Wallace Yost owned a "John Lennon Rolls-Royce," and in 1985, a promoter touted "Lennon's Rolls-Royce" as a showstopper at the first trade show held at the then-new Pensacola Civic Center.
According to Jalopnik, an automotive culture website, Lennon actually sold his Phantom V to record label executive Allen Klein in 1969 for $50,000—roughly $445,000 today. Jalopnik reporter Chloe Clougher traced the car to Klein's son, Jody Klein, who restored it to original specifications and displayed it at a RollsRoyce event in 2016.
Key differences between the two cars include a black left-side steering wheel in the Silver Cloud versus a white right-side wheel in the Phantom V, and a telephone in Lennon's model that Reeves' car lacks.
The PNJ reported Yost paid $184,250 for the Silver Cloud. Reeves said he bought it from Yost about 25 years ago for $32,500. "He wasn't doing too good. He needed the money," Reeves said. "I didn't buy it because I thought it was Lennon's. I bought it to try and help him out."
Reeves drove the car for five years until the ignition failed. Rather than pay $900 to fix it, he wrote it off as a business sign. Last year, he spent $5,000 on a fresh paint job. He joked, "Signs need to be painted."
LIBRARIES IN TRANSITION
Even in a largely routine meeting on March 23, the West Florida Library Board of Governance signaled that the system is moving through a period of change. The board consists of five members— three appointed by the Escambia County Commission, one by the Pensacola City Council and one by Pensacola's mayor.
With Christal Bell-Rivera stepping into the role of library director, much of the discussion focused on what comes next for the library system. During the meeting, board members emphasized the importance of longer-term planning, staff input and giving individual branches more say in what programming and services work best for their particular communities.
Though the Board of Governance recommended two other candidates over her for the position, board chair Kenneth "Blaine" Wall told Bell-Rivera, "We want to see you be successful, but it's your success, the library's success and the community's success."
In early March, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved, 4-1, County Administrator Wes Moreno's selection of BellRivera as the county's library services director over Bradley Vinson and Chris Hare.
At the March 26 meeting, Bell-Rivera shared several operational updates. The Molino branch is currently being used as a testing location for patron credit card payments, which could expand to other locations if successful.
The system is working through several financial and infrastructure challenges. A significant portion of funding is currently being directed towards information technology, including the replacement of computers and laptops more than 10 years old. The board discussed how the library system had previously been unable to collect certain fees during a system transition, which were ultimately written off.
Even within these constraints, the library system continues to look ahead. The board discussed increasing investment in digital resources, such as audiobooks. Branch-level programming is expanding, with ideas such as a possible ballroomdancing program at the Brownsville library.
VOTING CHANGES Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign House Bill 991 into law, requiring Florida voters to prove their U.S. citizenship with a government-issued ID beginning Jan. 1, 2027. DeSantis has already announced his intention to sign the legislation, which mirrors the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act currently before the U.S. Senate. HB 991 requires proof of citizenship at voter registration and a photo ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, concealed weapons or firearms license, Veterans Health ID and government employee identification cards. Previously accepted student IDs and retirement home IDs will no longer qualify under the new law.
Democrats have vowed to challenge the legislation in court. Democratic elections attorney Marc Elias issued a direct warning, telling
Photo by Jordan Roberts
DeSantis that Florida will be sued the moment he signs the bill. Democratic lawmakers also argued on the Senate floor that removing student and retirement home IDs would suppress turnout among younger and older voters.
Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, who supported the bill, pushed back on those concerns. "I think everybody is capable of getting a photo ID in the state of Florida," Andrade said. He framed the legislation as a common sense step toward ensuring only U.S. citizens cast ballots.
Data from the Office of Election Crimes and Security reveals the state doesn't have many non-identified U.S. citizens voting. Among Florida's 13.3 million registered voters, only 198 have been determined to not be U.S. citizens.
Locally, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender ran more than 200,000 registered voters through the SAVE database. Forty-four were flagged as potential non-citizens. Only 13 had voted—six registered as Republicans, five as Democrats and two with no party affiliation. Bender acknowledged the complexity of some cases.
"I am probably going to have to hire an immigration attorney or a specialist to work through those," he said. "Some of these are people who have had a passport before or who have been indicated as a citizen, and then their status changes, or they aren't clear that a permanent resident doesn't mean citizen."
Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections Tappie Villane said student and retirement home IDs are rarely presented at her county's polling places. "We will occasionally see a student ID, but the bulk of our folks show a driver's ID, Florida ID or military ID," Villane said. Neither she nor Bender anticipates a significant increase in workload under the new law.
One key difference between the state and federal versions of the bill: HB 991 does not restrict mail-in ballots. Roughly three million Floridians voted by mail in the 2024 general election.
JOE RE-SIGNS Joe Scarborough's potential run for president in 2028 appears increasingly unlikely after he and co-host Mika Brzezinski re-signed their contracts with MSNBC, keeping "Morning Joe" on the air through the end of 2029, according to Axios.
The show is now entering its 20th year, a remarkable run in today's fractured cable news landscape. What began as a morning political talk program has evolved into a multi-platform powerhouse spanning live television, streaming, a podcast and a newsletter. MS NOW President Rebecca Kutler called it something that "cannot be replicated."
The numbers back up her statement. The show's daily newsletter, "The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe," surpassed 116,000 free subscribers since launching last October. The program ranks among MS NOW's top performers on YouTube, and its podcast holds the title of the network's most-downloaded daily audio program. President Donald Trump reportedly watches regularly, as do Democratic leaders, ambassadors, CEOs and media moguls.
For Pensacola, the story carries a hometown dimension. Scarborough is a Pensacola Catholic High School graduate who represented the area in Congress from 1995 to 2001. Before departing for national television, he launched "The Florida Sun," which merged with the "Pensacola Independent" to become the "Independent Florida Sun." He briefly served as publisher before joining the Levin Papantonio law firm and eventually signing on with MSNBC—first hosting "Scarborough Country," then transitioning to "Morning Joe." He maintained an ownership stake in the paper until leaving Pensacola for good.
With the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race on the horizon, Scarborough's platform will only grow in significance. He told Axios, "Mika and I are excited to be staying with our 'Morning Joe' family."
PRESSER NOTES
At his March 24 press conference, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves reported that the city held its first "sidewalk talk" that morning at the Avery Street side of Baptist Hospital's former campus, drawing five residents. The next public forum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Fricker Center. Fourteen community meetings are planned between now and June 2027.
On lien reform, Reeves said the March 23 workshop produced a consensus to align the city's code enforcement policy with Escambia County's more effective approach. A key proposed change would allow the city to attach unpaid code enforcement fines to other properties owned by the same violator—a tool the county already has but the city lacks. Currently, violators can sell blighted property and leave buyers responsible for tens of thousands in fines.
SPONSORS, VENDORS SOUGHT
The Pensacola Young Professionals and the Greater Pensacola Chamber are seeking sponsors and vendors for the 2026 Pensacola 4th of July Fireworks Show, set for Saturday, July 4, along Bayfront Parkway. The free, public event will draw thousands of residents and visitors to the Pensacola Bay waterfront for an evening of fireworks and civic pride.
Sponsorship packages offer exposure before, during and after the event, with customized partnership opportunities available to fit a range of budgets and marketing goals. Current sponsors include Escambia County (if Clerk Pam Childers writes the check), the City of Pensacola, Port of Pensacola, Peter Mougey, American Magic and several media outlets.
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship should contact fireworks@pensacolayp.com to learn more about available packages.
Food truck and vendor registration opened April 1. Vendors should monitor pensacolafireworks.com and follow Pensacola Young Professionals and the Greater Pensacola Chamber on Facebook for registration details and announcements. Additional event information, including logistics and programming, will be released closer to July 4. {in}
CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES WITH THE BLUE WAHOOS
By Savannah Evanoff
It's not just about winning.
Erik Bremer, the manager of broadcasting and media relations for the Blue Wahoos, explained that most people think a professional sports organization's goal is to win games. That's partially true. But their deeper mission is "to create memorable experiences," he said.
And starting this Friday, April 3, that's what they'll do for 69 home games: create 69 unique experiences, a different reason for someone to come out every single night, he said.
"You can do that whether the team wins or loses—heck, even if they get rained out, you can provide a memorable experience for somebody," Bremer said. "So the fan experience and our impact on the community is always first and foremost in our minds. Going back to the construction of this ballpark and what it's meant for downtown Pensacola, that's really central to who we are and where our priorities lie as an organization."
Whether it's Doggone Tuesday, when people can bring their dogs to the ballpark; Military Family Sunday, when young fans get the opportunity to run the bases and play catch on the field; or fireworks multiple days of the week, everything contributes to their greater mission.
"The most affirming thing about doing this job and working in professional baseball is our stadium serves as a gathering place for the community," Bremer said. "You see people from all different walks of life united in their shared experience of watching the Blue Wahoos and having a good time here in Pensacola."
A new themed night this season has already caught attention online and drawn potential outof-state attendees: Brainrot Night on June 7. It's for those who love (or hate) multifaceted meme phrases like "6-7" or "skibidi."
"It's just kind of poking fun at all of the lowquality internet content that has cropped up with AI over the last couple years," Bremer said. "When we announced that on social media, it became the most popular post in all of Minor League Baseball the entire offseason, because people just loved or hated the idea of it, but it got people talking about the Blue Wahoos."
The popular Shark in the Park night will return July 25, when fans can buy a special ticket
package to watch a shark-themed movie after the game from the waters of Pensacola Bay outside the stadium. For the kids, they'll also have Superhero Day on May 3 and Princess Day on Sept. 13— the final regular season game.
"Hopefully we get a happily-ever-after in sending us to the playoffs on that final day of the season," Bremer said.
Aside from their varied list of themed nights, Bremer is particularly excited to introduce Blue Wahoos' new alternate identity as the Pensacola Sky Jockeys. Blue Wahoos have a couple of alternate identities with different jerseys worn specific days, such as the Pensacola Mullets to honor the iconic hairstyle and local culture, and the Pok-TaPok to celebrate Hispanic culture.
The Pensacola Sky Jockeys was created to connect to the local military community and honor the Blue Angels.
"The entire merchandise line has just been a huge hit so far—and that's before it's even seen the field," Bremer said. "We're excited to every Wednesday night be the Pensacola Sky Jockeys, and those iconic Blue Angels colors are going to be on the field of Blue Wahoo stadium."
The Sky Jockeys cap features what Bremer calls "Bat Albert," an anthropomorphic fighter jet sporting aviator sunglasses and baseball bats on its wingtips.
The Blue Wahoos have grown their relationship with NAS Pensacola in recent years, Bremer said.
"We bring players out to the base to watch flight practice, and they bring their pilots out here for autographs," Bremer said. "We've really done some cool stuff with the military community in recent years, and that's really going to grow in 2026 and beyond."
As a broadcaster, Bremer is especially excited to call the game May 27. It will mark the first time Blue Wahoos wear the Pensacola Seagulls Negro League jerseys for an away game.
"The Blue Wahoos, for the first time, have been selected to play in the Rickwood game, which is an annual game hosted by the Birmingham Barons at Rickwood Field, which is the oldest professional ballpark in America," Bremer said. "It's a preserved ballpark … so they do kind of a turn-back-the-clock game every single year. The
Birmingham Barons will be wearing the jerseys of the Pensacola Black Barons—the Negro League team that Willie Mays began his legendary career with as a 17-year-old."
Bremer also looks forward to seeing what this season holds for the athletes. Last year, Blue Wahoos had eight former players make their MLB debuts in the World Baseball Classic—the winning run scored by Javier Sanoja, who played for the Blue Wahoos two years ago.
BLUE WAHOOS 2026 HOME OPENER
WHAT: Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits WHEN: 6:05 p.m. Friday, April 3 WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. DETAILS: bluewahoos.com
"It's a reminder that on any given night, you're going to see some future Major Leaguers here playing at Blue Wahoos stadium," Bremer said. "Last year, a lot of our former players moved up to Triple-A Jacksonville, which is the level above us, and they won the Triple-A national championship. So we were happy for a lot of our former players that they were able to have that success, and this hopefully bodes well for their futures and the future of the Miami Marlins, our MLB organization."
The Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.
As a five-year broadcaster for Blue Wahoos, Bremer is invested in their athletes' success. He sees them more than a typical fan would, he said.
"You see their struggles, adjusting to life as an adult, adjusting to life as a professional athlete," Bremer said. "You see them date a woman, and you find out in the offseason that they got engaged. And when you see them in spring training, you're able to congratulate them on that development in their life. You see them have kids and just grow up as human beings."
As for what fans can expect in style of play this season, Bremer said last year's Beloit Sky Carp team (another Marlins affiliate) was tied for the Minor League lead in stolen bases, and the Blue Wahoos stole the most bases they'd ever stolen in team history. In other words, he expects it to be exciting.
"The Marlins are trying to create a very fast, energetic and exciting organization based on the players they're developing, and that's going to translate, hopefully, to a really exciting, fanfriendly style of baseball, where people are stealing bases and being aggressive on the base paths and playing a brand of baseball that I think a lot of fans wish they'd seen more of," Bremer said. {in}
REGULAR PROMOTIONS
GIVEAWAY FRIDAY The Blue Wahoos will once again offer exclusive giveaway items each Friday throughout the season. Pro tip— most giveaway items have limited quantities, so make sure you arrive early if there's one you really want.
FIREWORKS SATURDAY Win or lose, the Blue Wahoos always celebrate every Saturday night with post-game fireworks.
MILITARY FAMILY SUNDAY Active duty military and veterans are eligible for free general admission tickets, and young fans can run the bases and play catch on the field post-game.
DOGGONE TUESDAY Fans are allowed to bring their pups to the ballpark every Tuesday, and every ticket is the same price with a hot dog, chips and drink included.
WINGING WEDNESDAY The Blue Wahoos take the field as their aviation-themed alternate identity, the Pensacola Sky Jockeys. Plus, there will be rotating chicken wing specials throughout the season.
MULLET THURSDAY The team's alter ego, the Pensacola Mullets, are also returning to the ballpark every Thursday.
To see the full home game, promotion and giveaway schedules, visit milb.com/pensacola. Single-game tickets, mini plans, group outings and season tickets are available at bluewahoos.com and the Blue Wahoos Stadium box office.
Erik Bremer and Charlie Hobert / Photos Courtesy of Blue Wahoos
Arts & Entertainment
Perfect Day Books Launches Poetry Month Challenge
By Dakota Parks
"Zines are approachable. I want to inspire people to write down their thoughts on some of these national issues and distribute them in the community," Burns said. "I believe people are scared or at least hesitant to get their opinions out there because so much of the messaging online has been, 'Shut up, no one needs to hear your opinion.' I want to break people out of that spell."
As a poet and bookstore owner Burns also sees a clear appetite in Pensacola for work that feels immediate, local and real.
"Zines sell well with us. Besides the capitalism of it all, people in Pensacola want to read zines," she said. "Our readership is starving for authentic media created by their fellow community members."
Still, access remains a barrier. Not everyone knows how to format a zine, fund printing or feel confident enough to put their work out into the world. The challenge, and its prize structure, are designed to address that directly.
"I don't want limited access to funds, formatting knowledge or editing skills to get in the way of great work getting distributed," Burns said. "I may not have the skills to lobby congress or solve world hunger, but I do have these bookish skills to offer others."
The challenge also offers writers a way to understand their own inner landscape. As Burns explained, writing every day, even imperfectly, becomes a method of excavation.
For Burns, that belief is deeply personal. Since opening Perfect Day Books, her own relationship with poetry has shifted alongside her role in the community.
"The biggest thing opening the bookstore has given me is a sense of purpose and belonging in the community," she said. "Being bookish often means you spend time alone, reading and writing. But I think I've found a way to break the cycle of solitary habits by uplifting others' finished work."
Burns hopes to remind people that their voice matters, even if it's uncertain, even if it's still forming.
"Now more than ever it is imperative to practice using our voices," Burns said. "Use your voice. Chime in. Say something. Don't let fear wipe the words from your mouth." {in}
PERFECT DAY BOOKS' 30-DAY WRITING CHALLENGE
WHAT: A month-long poetry writing challenge with a publishing opportunity WHEN: Now-April 30
DETAILS: @perfectdaybookstore
POETIC EVENTS
Undergrowth Craft Night & Poetry Workshop
This April, in honor of National Poetry Month, Perfect Day Books is inviting the community to show up, write every day and see what rises to the surface.
Specializing in stories often left off the shelves, like banned books and works from queer and BIPOC authors, the independent mobile bookstore is launching a 30-day writing challenge that asks the community to arrive at their notebooks with intention every single day.
The challenge is simple: write one poem every day of April based on a series of prompts provided by the shop. Submissions will be read and judged by Burns alongside two guest judges.* The challenge winner will receive support publishing poetry in a zine, including formatting assistance, $200 toward printing costs and a spot on Perfect Day Books' truck to sell their work.
"This is the first April the book truck is up and running, no longer a pipe dream," owner Hannah Burns said. "I didn't open the book truck just to make money. I opened it as a way to inspire the community to read and write. Creating this challenge has been in my mind since the conception of the truck. Poetry is also my favorite genre to read and write."
That emphasis on writing, not just consum-
perception entirely, questioning how and why people disengage from the form in the first place.
"In undergrad, my poetry professor opened the semester with an assignment to answer the question, 'Why have people stopped reading and engaging with poetry?'" Burns said. "It was really hard to answer because first you have to answer the question, 'What is poetry?' And I feel like people get the concept of what poetry actually is so confused partly because of our terrible school system we have in America."
For Burns, poetry isn't confined to stanzas or strict forms; it's something far more expansive, something embedded in everyday life.
"Poetry is anything you want it to be. Poetry can be a meme. Poetry can be nonsense. Poetry can be a text left on read," she said. "Many things we interact with daily in our digital world could be classified as poetry if you practice a radical acceptance philosophy. Poetry is the closest thing the human language has to being physical art."
Participants are writing for themselves, but they're also building toward something tangible. The winning poet will receive support to transform their work into a zine, a format Burns sees as both accessible and deeply rooted in community exchange.
"In the winning submission, I am looking for someone with a strong voice, clear about what they want to say to the world," Burns said. "I think challenges such as this one are good tools to see what's readily available in your subconscious. What are you thinking about daily? What media is influencing you? Slow-paced poetry is often about skimming the pond of the mind to find the hidden treasure. I think this challenge is about what kind of muck floats to the top."
Most importantly, the project allows Perfect Day Books to use its platform to amplify local voices and foster connection at a time when both feel fragile.
"We are not making any money off this project," Burns said. "It is simply a form of activism and exercising our platform as leverage. I want to create a greater sense of community. We are in one of the darkest moments of human history: war, genocide, tyrannical governments, mass surveillance, transhumanism. As a community we need to translate this fear about the unknown future into creation."
She points to a line from the late poet Andrea Gibson as something of a guiding principle: "We have to create; it is the only thing louder than destruction."
5-8 p.m. Monday, April 13 at Pensacola Liberation Center, 2737 N. E St. Halfway Showcase & Open Mic
5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 18 from at Golden Hour Tea House, 2950 N. 12th Ave. Tarot Channeled Poetry Workshop & Club
4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at Golden Hour Tea House, 2950 N. 12th Ave. End of Challenge Showcase & Open Mic
5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Golden Hour Tea House, 2950 N. 12th Ave.
POETIC EXTRAS
Poetry Trivia 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St.
Pensacola Poetry Open Mic 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday at Craft Gourmet Bakery & Cafe, 615 Scenic Highway
Poem Exchange Wall Jitterbug Beverage Co., 2050 N. 12th Ave.
Poetry-themed flash tattoos Permanent Ink Tattoo Shop, 402 W. Cervantes St.
Drink specials for poets CB Coffee & Tea Truck, find hours and locations @cbcoldbrew
*Editor's note: The author of this story, Dakota Parks, is participating in this year's challenge as one of the three judges.
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
TASTE OF 12TH: GULF COAST KID'S HOUSE
FUNDRAISER GCKH is teaming up with 12th Avenue and East Hill restaurants for a fundraiser. With your passport, you can enjoy exclusive food samples, beverage tastings and special discounts at participating establishments. Pick up passports between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2. Secure your passports at onecau.se/tasteof12th.
ART OF FASHION Covenant Care fundraiser is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.
SAVE OUR SHELTERS EASTER BASKET
SALE Save Our Shelters is having an Easter basket/spring shopping sale with items starting at just $10. Visit Happy Dog Resort, 1401 W. Cervantes St. now through April 4 to view the baskets. Cash or check only. Proceeds help dogs get spayed and neutered.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GUILD MAD HATTER'S CHAMPAGNE
LUNCH The PSO Guild presents Mad Hatter's Champagne Lunch 11 a.m. Friday, April 10 at Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. Tickets are $80 per person and $600 for table of eight. Entertainment from Palafox Quartet and Ryan Etheredge. For reservations call Cindy Law at (850) 324-0471 or Charlotte Cheney at (850) 293-9367.
FORK CANCER GALA The GenNow Network Pensacola chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host Fork Cancer Gala, Friday, April 10 from 6–10 p.m. at Supposey Warehouse and Gardens, 101 S. F St. Tickets are $150 per person (for ages 21 and older). Details at forkcancerpensacola.com.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -
TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
CIVITAN COMMUNITY PICNIC Appreciation picnic for agencies that work with people with developmental disabilities and the clients and families and caretakers they assist. The picnic is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at Seville Square.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT GARY'S Egg hunt is 12 p.m. Sunday, April 5 at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
ARTS & CULTURE
GARY OWEN Show is 8 p.m. Friday, April 3 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
EASTER MARKET AT GARY'S BREWERY
Shop local vendors and get your photo with the Easter bunny 12 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE The next Improvable Cause show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details and tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,
April 7 and Wednesday, April 8 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
DRAW TOGETHER DRAWING
CLUB Starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. A free event open to all ages and skill levels; supplies provided.
UWF ASKEW LECTURE SERIES: EAST ASIA, THE UNITED STATES AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY WITH DR. ERIK MOBRAND OF SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY Lecture is Thursday, April 9 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Public reception is 5:30 p.m. and lecture begins at 6 p.m. followed by Q&A and book signing. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit govt@uwf.edu.
JUNIE B. JONES Show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details and tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
RIDE THE CYCLONE UWF Department of Theatre presents "Ride the Cyclone," a musical about six quirky high school choir members and their last rollercoaster ride through purgatory. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, April 10 and April 17, Saturdays, April 11 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays April 12 and April 19. Performances will be at UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Details at uwf.edu/cfpa.
SECRET GARDEN OPEN STAGE DRAG
SHOW Starts at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. 18+. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
ODD COLONY SPRING MARKET Shop local vendors 12 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/ oddcolony.
MICHELLE JONES: SEVEN SISTERS Inspired by Greek mythology and the jungle-like landscape of the Gulf Coast, Michelle Jones presents lush, vividly colored landscapes using mixed media. Exhibit is on display through May 1 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Details are at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.
FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING
GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
MOVIE NIGHTS AT MUGS & JUGS Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, hosts monthly movie nights. Watch their website for dates and movie announcements at mugsjugsbar.com. All movies are screened 9 p.m. on select Saturdays.
PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION
LECTURES Learn Pensacola and Northwest Florida history through interesting, informal
lectures every other Tuesday at The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The lecture starts at noon and lasts one hour. Lecture cost is $5 for non-members and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live stand-up comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART FILM
SCREENINGS Pensacola Cinema Art screens multiple films most weekends at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10, and payment is cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.
PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
SUNDAY MARKET ON PALAFOX Rain-orshine market is Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola, between Chase and Gregory Streets in the MLK Plaza. Market features handmade crafts, art, baked goods, international cuisine and fresh produce. Visit smopalafox.com for details.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves
Photo Courtesy of Bands on the Beach
a&e happenings
tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
LIVE MUSIC
WUWF'S RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. with Jed Harrelson, David and Anna Grace Borné and Tanner Bingaman. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.
FANTASIA & ANTHONY HAMILTON Show is 8 p.m. Friday, April 3 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.
ZZ TOP Show is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
WEEDEATER FEATURING CONAN Show starts at 6 p.m. Friday, April 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE: TRIBUTE TO AMERICANA ROCK Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.
ETHEREAL TOMB, INNERWOUNDS, LESION AND SPIDER SHED Show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
BANDS ON THE BEACH Bands on the Beach takes place 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 27 at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Free to attend. Upcoming dates: The Calverts on April 7 and Whitesands Panhandle Band on April 14.
UWF RUNGE STRINGS UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents UWF Runge Strings concert with Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and can be reserved at uwf.edu/cfpa.
CONCERTS AT ST. CHRISTOPHER'S Weekly concert series is 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through May 28 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. Upcoming dates: Jo Jo and the Lost Boys is April 9 and The Calverts are April 16. Details at scpen.org/ christophers-concerts.
HAIL THE SUN Show is 6 p.m. Friday, April 10 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
STARLIN, TYLER KEITH AND KATIE
DINEEN Show starts at 9 p.m. Friday, April 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
STEINWAY & BOSENDORFER PIANO
CELEBRATION
UWF Dr. Grier Williams
School of Music presents Steinway & Bosendorfer Piano Celebration in concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and can be reserved at uwf.edu/cfpa.
ONSLAUGHT, WARLORD AND TREM -
ORS Show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
SURFER GIRL Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
BRIDE, NAIL CLUB AND USER ASSUMES
RISK Show starts at 6 P.M. Sunday, April 12 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
LEONID & FRIENDS Show is 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
UWF PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE UWF concert is 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 in the Rolfs Music Hall at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. Reserve your spot at uwf.edu/cfpa
MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE
QUARTER The Blues Society of Northwest Florida brings blues to Florida 7 p.m. Mondays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Food and drink specials start at 8 p.m. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY
Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE
QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
ROSIE O'GRADY'S DUELING PIANO
SHOW Watch the famous dueling piano show 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Rosie O' Grady's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 7 p.m.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.
VIBE IRIE REGGAE: LIVE IN THE COURT-
YARD Enjoy Vibe Irie Reggae band 4-10 p.m. Sundays at the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights,
670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FOOD + DRINKS
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: CARBLISS READY TO DRINK The next Atlas Beverage Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Seating is limited. RSVP at (850) 2870200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com.
WOODEN EASTER EGG DECORATING PARTY AT SIR RICHARD'S Visit Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes Road for an egg decorating party 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2. Event is open to people 21 years of age and up. Stay for Thursday Karaoke. Visit sirrichardslounge.com.
ARABIAN NIGHT AND ALE Event is 6 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
EASTER AT GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS Celebrate Easter Sunday at Great Southern Restaurants Sunday, April 5. Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com to see special menus and make reservations.
BUD N' BOIL CRAWFISH BOIL Celebrating 150th anniversary of Budweiser. Customers can purchase a plate of crawfish get a deal on Budweiser 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.
VEGFEST AT GARY'S BREWERY Event is 12-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE
QUARTER Drink specials and laidback vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MARTINI MONDAYS AT DOROTHY'S Martini menu with specialty prices at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar
Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller Lite bottles and $3.50 bomb shots. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S
Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic
a&e happenings
Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
MONDAY NIGHT SPAGHETTI SESSIONS
Visit V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox St., 5–9 p.m. Mondays for live music and spaghetti and meatballs from the Monday night menu.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
TRIVIA AT DOROTHY'S Play trivia 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. It's free to play, and prizes are up for grabs. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge
7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT AT DORO -
THY'S Reverse happy hour from 9 p.m.midnight with other specials Wednesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER
Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
KARAOKE AT DOROTHY'S Karaoke begins 8 p.m. Thursdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER
College night is 8 p.m. Thursdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Ages 18 and older are welcome. Free beer pong tournament begins at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 bar drinks, $3.50 Fireball shots for ages 21 and older. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m., and SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN
BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m., and Tequila Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
THEMED DANCE PARTIES Visit Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Fridays for themed dance parties with DJ Brody P 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUAR -
TER Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., on Fridays for cold drinks, hot food and great vibes in the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter. Happy hour begins 11 a.m. Fridays with drink and food specials.
a&e happenings
SEVILLE QUARTER'S FLIP MY QUARTER
Seville Quarter is flipping the script—and a few quarters—with its brand-new happy hour promotion, Flip My Quarter, 6-8 p.m. Fridays throughout the Seville Quarter entertainment complex. When you order a domestic draft beer, well liquor cocktail or house wine, tell the bartender to "flip my quarter." When they flip it, call it in the air. If you call it right, your drink is free.
BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials are 8 p.m.midnight, and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Enjoy a DJ 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips is 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and live DJ is 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
JAMESON SPECIAL Enjoy $5 Jameson Irish Whiskey all night Saturdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER From 8 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, members enjoy $3.50 Crown & Drown cocktails at Phineas Phogg's inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m., and SIN Night starts 11 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
B.A.R.E. NIGHT (BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE NIGHT) Sunday nights at Seville Quarter belong to hospitality industry. Head to End O' the Alley at Seville Quarter 7 p.m. Sundays for B.A.R.E. Night. Not a member yet? Stop by and sign up for your B.A.R.E. Card, and start enjoying the benefits immediately.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin.com for details.
SEVILLE SUNDAY BRUNCH Sunday brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Palace Café and Courtyard inside
Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., with soup and a salad bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and champagne specials. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
SUNDAY BILLIARDS Rack 'em up in Fast Eddie's Billiards Room at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., with drink specials and a laidback, air-conditioned atmosphere.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is midnight to close Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
KARAOKE AND SIN NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m., and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Mondays and Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
ON AIR LIVE BAND KARAOKE Live out your rockstar dreams 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., hosted by Craig Stahl. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
KARAOKE AT SEVILLE QUARTER Karaoke is nightly Wednesday-Sunday at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Enjoy drink specials and a no-judgement zone, where everyone is welcome to the mic. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Karaoke starts 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE WITH KJ NICK Sunday Funday karaoke is 8 p.m. Sundays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S DOWNTOWN Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF APRIL 2
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Now is an excellent time to decide your favorite color is amaranth (a vivid red-violet), or sinopia (earthy red-orange), or viridian (cool blue-green, darker than jade). You might also conclude that your favorite aroma is agarwood (deep, smoky, resin-soaked wood), or heliotrope (cherry-almond vanilla), or petrichor (wet soil after a rain). I'm trying to tell you, Aries, that you're primed to deeply enhance your detailed delight in smells, colors, tastes, feelings, physical sensations, types of wind, tones of voice, qualities of light— and everything else. Indulge in sensory and sensual pleasures!
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): My Taurus friend Elena keeps a "gratitude garden" in her backyard. When she feels grateful for a specific joy in her life, she writes it on biodegradable paper and buries it among her flowers, herbs and vegetables. "I feed the earth with appreciation," she says. "Returning the gift." She feels this practice ensures that her garden and her life flourish. Her devoted attention to recognizing blessings attracts even more blessings. Her cultivated appreciation for beauty and abundance leads her to discover more beauty and abundance. Elena's approach is pure Taurean genius. I invite you to create your own rituals for expressing your thankful love. Not just paying dutiful homage in your thoughts, but giving your appreciation weight, texture and presence in the actual world.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Many of us periodically slip into the daydream that everything would finally feel right if only our lives were somehow different. If we're single, maybe we imagine we ought to be partnered; if we're partnered, we wish our beloved would change, or we secretly wonder about someone else entirely. That's the snag. The blessing is this: in the days ahead, you're likely to discover a surprising ease with your life exactly as it is, and feel a genuine, grounded peace. Congratulations in advance!
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): A cautious voice in your head murmurs: "Proceed carefully. Don't be overly impressed with your own beauty. Stick with dependable methods. Live up to ex-
By Rob Brezsny
pectations and avoid explorations into the unknown." Your bold genius interrupts: "Tell that fussy, boring voice to shut up. The truth is that you have earned the right to be an inquisitive wanderer, an ingenious lover, a fanciful storyteller and a laughing experimenter."
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In medieval European gardens, there was a tradition of creating "pleasure labyrinths." They were walking meditations that spiraled inward to a center, then back out again. There were no decisions and no wrong turns, just the relaxing, meditative journey itself. I think you need and deserve a metaphorical pleasure labyrinth right now, Leo. You've been treating every choice as a highstakes dilemma and every path as potentially problematic. But what if the current phase isn't about making the perfect decision? Maybe it's about trusting that the path you're on will take you where you need to go, even if it meanders. By cosmic decree, you are excused from second-guessing every turn.
By cosmic decree, you are excused from second-guessing every turn.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Your eye for imperfection is a gift until it becomes the lens through which you see everything. The critical faculty that drives you to refine and enhance may also shunt you into a dead end of never-being-good-enough, where impossible standards immobilize you. In the coming weeks, dear Virgo, I beg you to use your vaunted discernment primarily in the service of growth and pleasure rather than constraint. Be excited by buoyant analysis that empowers constructive change. Homework: for every flaw you identify, identify two things that are working well. You won't ignore what needs attention, but instead will compensate for the excessive criticism that sometimes grips your inner critic.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): You Libras shouldn't expend excessive effort trying to force the external world to be more tranquil.
That's mostly a futile task that distracts from your more essential work. The secret to your happiness is to cultivate serenity within. How do you do that? One reliable way to shed tension is to continually place yourself in the presence of beauty. Nothing makes you relax better than being surrounded by elegance, grace and loveliness. Now is a good time to recommit yourself to this key practice.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In computer science, there's a concept called "graceful degradation." When a system encounters an error, it doesn't crash completely. It loses some functionality but keeps running with what remains. According to my reading of the astrological omens, Scorpio, you'd be wise to acknowledge a graceful degradation like that. Something isn't working as you had hoped and planned. A relationship? Project? Adventure? In classic Scorpio fashion, you're tempted to burn it all down. But I encourage you to practice graceful degradation instead. Keep what still works and release only what's actually broken. Not everything has to be all-or-nothing. You can lose some functionality and still run. You can be partially out of whack and still be valuable.
PS: The awkwardness is temporary.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): At your best and brightest, you are a hunter—though not the kind who stalks prey with weapons and trophies in mind. Your hunt is noble: the fervent pursuit of adventures that nourish your curiosity and the brave forays you make into unfamiliar territories where intriguing new truths shimmer. And now, as the world drifts deeper into chaos, you are called to respond with even more exploratory audacity. I invite you to further refine your hunter's craft. Lift it up to an even higher, more luminous form of seeking.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Capricorn meditation teacher Wes Nisker guided his students to relax the relentless mental static that muddled their awareness. But he also understood that excessive striving can sabotage the peace we're seeking. I invoke his influence now to help you release some of the jittery goal-obsession you've been gripped by. Nisker and I offer you permission to temporarily suspend the potentially exhausting drive to constantly be better and more accomplished. Instead, just for now, simply be
your authentic self. Loosen your high-strung grip on self-improvement and allow yourself the radical luxury of purposelessness.
You can be partially out of whack and still be valuable.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Here's a danger you Aquarians are sometimes prey to: spending so much energy fixing the big picture that you neglect what's up close and personal. You may get so involved in rearranging systems that immediate concerns get less than your best attention. I hope you won't do that in the coming weeks. Your aptitude for overarching objectivity is a gift because it enables you to recognize patterns others can't detect. But it may also divert you from the messy, intricate intimacy that gritty transformation requires. Your assignment: Eagerly attend to the details, which I bet will be more interesting than you imagine.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In horticulture, "hardening off" is the process of gradually exposing seedlings started indoors to outdoor conditions before transplanting them. Too much exposure too fast will shock them; no exposure at all will leave them unprepared. Let's invoke this as a useful metaphor for you. I believe you are being hardened off, Pisces. Life is making small, increasing demands on your tender self. Though this may sometimes feel uncomfortable, I assure you that it's preparation, not cruelty. You're being readied for a shift from protected space to open ground. My advice is twofold: 1. Don't retreat back into the ultra-safe greenhouse. 2. Don't let yourself be thrown into full exposure all at once.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: My book "Astrology is Real" is available at online bookstores. Read free excerpts here: tinyurl.com/bravebliss. {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2026 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
CREME DE LA WEIRD Professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee Dayton James Webber, 27, was arrested on March 22 in Charlottesville, Virginia, WBRC-TV reported. Earlier that evening, Webber and Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, got into an argument as Webber drove in La Plata, Maryland, witnesses said. Webber allegedly shot and killed Wells, then pulled over and asked his backseat passengers to pull Wells' body from the car. They refused and left the vehicle, then called police. Webber drove on with Wells' body, which was later found in a yard. When detectives found Webber, he was at a Virginia hospital seeking medical care. In Maryland, he's expected to be charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and more. Webber plays in the American Cornhole League, which in 2023 called him a "shining example of our slogan—anyone can play, anyone can win."
[WBRC, 3/23/2026]
FLORIDA Florida Highway Patrol officers stopped a truck near Plant City, Florida, on March 22 as it drove along a state highway, CBS12-TV reported. The driver, whom officers dubbed Rocket Man, had missiles mounted in the bed of the truck, and multiple other drivers had called it in. However, the missiles turned out to be plastic replicas used for shows and events, and the driver was released with a gentle warning to transport his "artillery" in some other manner. [CBS12, 3/24/2026]
GREAT ART! In Mount Gambier, Australia, a large sculpture called Cast in Blue has garnered attention from locals since its installation last year, ABC News reported. Amelia Vanderhorst, 20, of Mount Gambier, Australia, added her own personal touches to the "blue blob" late last year, and on March 24, she pleaded guilty in court to a charge of making graffiti. According to Vanderhorst, she was high on MDMA and had consumed three liters of vodka before placing googly eyes on the sculpture. She said she wanted to make it look funny but admitted it was "one of the stupidest things I've ever done." She was ordered to pay $2,000 in compensation and complete 60 hours of community service. "Your actions mocked the sculpture and the artist," said Magistrate Kylie Schulz. [ABC News, 3/24/2026]
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
THE CONTINUING CRISIS The Texas Department of Transportation has cut off the small town of Bug Tussle (population 15), United Press International reported on March 23. More than 70 Bug Tussle road signs have been stolen over the years, and the DOT announced it won't supply the burg with any more. "People just like the name Bug Tussle, and they steal the signs," explained resident Deborah Stout. [UPI, 3/23/2026]
IT'S A MYSTERY Residents of three towns in New Jersey—Edgewater, Fort Lee and Cliffside Park—are suffering from a mysterious blast of loud late-night music, Fox News reported on March 25. The towns lie across the Hudson River from Harlem, which seems to be the source of the noise, the Edgewater police department said. While many believe a nightclub is to blame, the Edgewater mayor thinks party boats on the river might be the culprits. Some residents say the music sounds like it's in their own backyards; they described it as a thumping or vibrating that lasts from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. on the weekends. Until the source can be identified, however, Jerseyites are stuck movin' to the groovin'. [Fox News, 3/25/2026]
SAW THAT COMING Well, it's official: CNBC reported on March 26 that AI has taken over the internet. A report released by cybersecurity firm Human Security detailed the incursion of bots in our lives: Automated traffic grew eight times faster than human traffic in 2025. "The State of AI Traffic" also concluded that AI that performs autonomously grew almost 8,000% last year. But Stu Solomon, CEO of Human Security, reminded readers that not all AI systems are malicious. "This notion of machine bad, human good is just not realistic," he said. "You have to live in a world where machines are acting on our behalf, and we have to establish a level of trust that's persistent over time." [CNBC, 3/26/2026] {in}
Changing a life starts with
Foster parents provide loving homes to some of the most vulnerable in our community, including children with complex conditions, as well as adults with intellectual disabilities and other special needs.
When you become a foster parent through Lakeview Center – Northwest Florida’s leader in behavioral health care – you have the support of our specialized team alongside you on this rewarding journey.
