winners & losers winners losers
ED MEADOWS The Pensacola State College (PSC) president announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31. He leaves behind one of the most consequential tenures in the institution's history. Meadows guided PSC through a recession, a hurricane, two floods and a pandemic while adding more than 72 degrees, certificates and diplomas. PSC became the first public institution in Florida to offer a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and earned an NSA designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Under his leadership, the PSC Foundation raised $35.4 million from 8,384 donors, and the college secured more than $36 million in Triumph Gulf Coast workforce funding.
UWF DAY OF GIVING The University of West Florida raised $278,554 during its eighth annual Day of Giving, exceeding its fundraising goal by more than $100,000. The 24-hour campaign drew 1,078 donors and, for the first time in the event's history, received contributions from all 50 states—up from last year's $194,000 raised from 1,256 donors. Gifts support scholarships, academic programs, student experiences and the university's ongoing transition to Division I athletics. The Day of Giving is part of UWF's broader Here for Good fundraising campaign. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said, "Our donors are investing in our students, empowering innovation and helping position UWF for continued growth and excellence."
GULF WINDS FOUNDATION The foundation raised more than $100,000 at its third annual Chip in Fore Charity golf tournament, held April 13 at Pensacola Country Club. Teams competed in a four-player scramble featuring a hole-in-one contest for a new Honda vehicle and on-course games with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Proceeds support the Gulf Winds Annual Scholarship Program and regional nonprofits, including Manna Food Pantry, Council on Aging of West Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and Rally Foundation. Presenting sponsor Fiserv led a roster of corporate backers. Paula Shell, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, addressed the crowd at the awards ceremony, praising Gulf Winds' commitment to local youth and community partnerships.
UWF STONEWALLING
The University of West Florida refused to provide digital copies of supporting documents for its Board of Trustees meeting last week, directing Inweekly to drive to campus to view a printed copy—then quietly posted the materials online after the visit. Inweekly requested the complete April 23 agenda packet on April 19. A UWF Board of Trustees liaison responded that a printed copy could be viewed in the Office of the General Counsel on campus. Withheld documents included a proposed $2-per-credit-hour athletic fee increase tied to Division I, amendments to the board's public comment policy and President Manny Diaz Jr.'s self-evaluation. UWF previously posted such packets on its website, a practice that changed after Diaz became full president.
HIT-AND-RUN REPORTING
The Pensacola News Journal rushed to report Commissioner Mike Kohler hitting a utility pole in the Sanders Beach area as a hit-and-run accident. The newspaper even followed up its initial clickbait article with another insinuating Kohler, who is running for re-election, would be charged with the crime. But the reporting fell apart when the Pensacola Police Department stated the commissioner would only be ticketed for leaving his vehicle unattended; apparently Kohler had hopped out of his truck without putting it in park. Kohler paid a $116 fine.
LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER
The Labor Secretary resigned last week as a federal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct, spending abuses and workplace harassment closed in on her tenure. The Labor Department's inspector general had been investigating whistleblower claims that Chavez-DeRemer had an affair with a member of her security detail and misused department resources for personal travel. Investigators reportedly found evidence of excessive spending on hotels, SUV rentals and meals. Her husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, was separately barred from department headquarters after female staff members accused him of unwanted sexual advances. Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will serve as acting secretary. White House spokesman Steven Cheung said Chavez-DeRemer "did a phenomenal job" but offered no further explanation for her departure.
Ed Meadows / Photo Courtesy of Pensacola State College
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
THREE WORTH WATCHING
April brought a run of news stories that looked routine on the surface. None of them were. Three stories stood out, and our reporting on them is far from over.
CONSENSUS WITHOUT A PLAN
The joint meeting between the Escambia County Commission and the Pensacola City Council on April 17 was the most substantive public conversation about the Bay Center's future in years.
Officials from both governments sat in the same room, heard the same consultants and reached a rough consensus: renovate the 40-yearold arena, build an adjacent flex event center, pursue a public-private deal for a second ice sheet and tackle the parking and transportation gaps that make the whole district function poorly.
However, consensus is not an action plan. The meeting produced no vote, timeline or procurement document.
The financial stakes are significant. A Bay Center renovation costs roughly $71 million. A new event center adds another $84-86 million. A headquarters hotel—which 60% of convention planners say they require outright—would cost about $600,000 per key to build and would need $10-30 million in public equity just to be feasible. Commissioner Steven Barry believes the county can bond $150 million. Every month of delay adds 2-5% to those costs, according to the consultants.
The deeper tension concerns sequencing. Legends Global argued for starting the design process now, noting that alone takes 12 to 14 months. Mayor D.C. Reeves pushed for an RFP that bundles design, construction, management and private investment into a single ask to the market. Both positions have merit, but neither has been formally adopted. Watch whether the city and county can produce a joint procurement document by June, or whether the machinery of the two governments drifts off course.
A BIG DECISION THIN ON DETAILS
The University of West Florida's move to NCAA Division I is historic. The Argonauts will join the ASUN Conference for most sports and the United Athletic Conference for football beginning fall 2026, with full postseason eligibility arriving in fall 2029. President Manny Diaz Jr. called it "a move for the entire university." The UWF Board of Trust-
ees approved the move in a meeting that lasted less than 20 minutes, without an independent financial review, cost projections or a budget. The meeting needed to be quick because Diaz had a scheduled press conference two hours later.
UWF's Division II record—136 conference championships, 11 national titles—provides a genuine foundation for the move. But a decision that will shape the institution for decades deserved fuller deliberation. The financial details will surface eventually. It's better to press for them now.
REFORM AFTER A PREVENTABLE FAILURE
The Escambia Children's Trust's sweeping policy overhaul represents the most comprehensive update to its provider oversight framework since the Trust began distributing funds.
The new rules establish formal quality standards across seven performance areas, cap indirect administrative costs for program budgets, require monthly documentation and make the board's discretionary authority over funding decisions explicit.
The context for these reforms is important. They come less than three months after the Trust was forced to cancel its grant agreement with New World Believers (NWB). This cancellation followed the arrest of NWB's executive director on charges of sexual battery of a teenage girl in the organization's juvenile justice program.
What made the episode particularly damaging was what emerged afterward: multiple contract breaches—failed background screenings, inadequate insurance, incomplete services—had existed before the arrest. The financial reports submitted in September were filled with glaring errors. Inexplicably, the Trust awarded NWB an additional $585,685 in December.
The reforms adopted in April would, in theory, have flagged New World Believers' problems before they reached a crisis. However, reform adopted in the aftermath of scandal is not the same as accountability for how the scandal happened.
Three stories. A $185 million civic project with momentum but no mechanism; a university athletic transformation approved without a budget; and a children's services agency patching gaps that should have been closed years ago. None of them are finished. All of them warrant closer scrutiny in May and beyond. {in} rick@inweekly.net
$712,500
$715,000
Top-floor, end-unit, two-story condo 2 bedroom, 3 bath, close to pool
By Tom St. Myer
A $18 MILLION SHORTFALL
"They've not come to the place yet where they believe it's a problem that needs to be fixed."
BOARD FRUSTRATED
At a board workshop on April 16, Escambia School Board Chair Tom Harrell voiced his frustration with state representatives.
"Those in the House have not stepped up," he said. "That means we might want to pay attention to those people—how they voted on this issue in the House."
At the workshop, Board member Kevin Adams called the state's failure to reimburse the district legally indefensible. "How is it legal for us to have students sitting in seats that we're not getting paid for? It can happen. It should not happen."
Fetsko went further, arguing that accountability should fall on the parents whose voucher money went to private schools their children never attended.
gap is] detrimental to the students, we make sure to fill it."
Board member David Williams, a former principal of Pensacola High School and school administrator, said belt-tightening alone won't close the shortfall.
"We keep tightening our belt; we're going to pass out sooner or later from strangulation." David Williams
"We keep tightening our belt; we're going to pass out sooner or later from strangulation," he said. He called on the board to begin actively planning for school closures now, noting that neighboring counties have already started.
Escambia County Public Schools sent a letter to the Florida Department of Education dated April 23, requesting advice on how to ensure the school district is properly reimbursed for the students it serves.
This academic year, the school district is providing about $3.2 million in services to students without a dollar in compensation. Why? The scholarship voucher rolls list those students as attending elsewhere.
"Escambia schools are owed every single penny for services provided to students sitting in classrooms in Escambia schools," said State Sen. Don Gaetz. "It's government malpractice to shortchange our public schools."
Government malpractice is occurring across the state. The Florida voucher program is failing miserably at ensuring the money follows the student. At roughly $9,000 per student, millions of dollars statewide are falling into the wrong hands.
"'Money follows the child;' that was the mantra from the very beginning, and that's not happening," Escambia School Board member Paul Fetsko said. "For the future, the accountability needs to be there with the Department of Education or whoever is following those funds to make sure the funds are following the student."
WHERE'S THE MONEY?
Money for public schools, private schools, homeschooling and unique-ability scholarships all flow through the same Florida Education Finance Program calculation. The DOE and Scholarship Funding Organizations must then divide $4 billion and send appropriate amounts to different providers.
Gaetz said on any given day of the week, the DOE can't find tens of thousands of students for whose education taxpayers are paying. The
Auditor General audited the scholarship program and told Gaetz that whatever could have gone wrong did go wrong.
"The architecture of the scholarship program is based on a 1970s model," Gaetz said. "That 1970s model doesn't work when you have scores of thousands of students moving back and forth between private, public and homeschool in a given year."
Gaetz introduced Senate Bill 318 during the 2026 legislative session to address the flaws. His bill, titled "Educational Scholarship Programs," called for creating a separate categorical fund for Family Empowerment Scholarships and dedicating specific funding streams for the scholarship programs distinct from public school allocations.
"'Money follows the child;' that was the mantra from the very beginning, and that's not happening." Paul Fetsko
To address the problem of missing students, the bill called for establishing monthly rather than quarterly payments and required verification of continued eligibility before each payment is issued.
The bill required the Auditor General to conduct annual end-of-year audits of the scholarship programs, institutionalizing the kind of review that uncovered the current problems. The bill further required Scholarship Funding Organizations to return funds based on audit findings.
Gaetz's bill passed with full support in the Senate, but then politics reared its ugly head. The bill fell flat in the House, where the current voucher system legislation originated three years ago.
"Those senior staff people have an understandable pride of ownership," Gaetz said.
"Along with rights come responsibilities," he said. "If they had the right to have an agreement with another party to serve that child, then they have the responsibility to go back and get those funds and give it to the facility who is serving that child."
Leonard closely monitored SB 318 throughout the session. He supported the legislation from Gaetz and is optimistic a similar bill will be passed next session. Gaetz already said he plans to file another bill.
"I can tell you from my vantage point, let's make sure students are being well educated and whoever is providing that education receives that funding," Leonard said. "I truly believe our Legislature will take a close look at that, and it will come to fruition sooner rather than later."
HEMORRHAGING STUDENTS
School districts calculate their student enrollment in October and February. The process is simple enough in theory, but mistakes inevitably occur.
"If a student didn't enroll with us until after the February [full-time equivalent] count, they could have very well received a voucher, and wherever they were going previously was provided the funding," Leonard said. "If a student had been enrolled with us from Aug. 11 to now, we have to make certain that if they're showing up on a voucher roster, that it was an error."
Leonard identified 335 students this academic year who attended an Escambia public school, but the money went elsewhere. This is nothing new. Last school year, about 300 Escambia students fell into the same category, and about 250 the school year before that.
The school district pays for their transportation, their food and other services without a dime in state funding. Every dime lost is devastating for a school district hemorrhaging students and operating at an $18 million shortfall. The school district is scaling back by limiting travel and hiring only essential personnel.
"We've held positions, not posted positions, filled where we needed to," Leonard said. "If [a
The number of students currently enrolled is about 33,000, and Leonard said the school district projects 438 fewer students for the 2026-27 school year. All of its staffing is planned with that projection in mind.
"Where it gets difficult is when you start in August with more student loss than that, and you find yourself in a difficult situation because you signed employee contracts and all those different services a school district is required to provide, and that's what we want to do," Leonard said. "When there's a loss, that's where the real challenge presents itself."
F IX ATED ON THE PAST
Parents are choosing to send their children elsewhere or to homeschool, even though 86% of Escambia schools maintained or exceeded their performance from the previous year.
Unfortunately, the community seems fixated on past failures instead of current successes. Criticism of the school district is rampant on public comment feeds.
"We can't worry about the naysayers," Leonard said. "A parent has the right to send their child to whatever school system they desire. What we need to be focused on is the 33,000-plus students we do have here, so that we can dispel those naysayers."
Escambia is certainly not alone. Virtually all school districts are losing students to school choice. An Education Estimating Conference report in 2025 projected public school enrollment to decrease from approximately 2.81 million fulltime equivalent students to 2.74 million by fiscal year 2029-30.
"Every day, I'm trying to keep our students at the forefront of all of my thinking, and I really believe that's the mindset of our teachers, school administrators, all of our employees," Leonard said. "We have to keep the positive momentum moving forward, and as long as we're putting our best foot forward, I'm faithful everything else will take care of itself."
The school superintendent admitted that faith is sometimes tested, though.
"I do see light within the tunnel," Leonard said. "I just hope it's the end of the tunnel, and we make our way out there, and it's not the train at the end of the tracks." {in}
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CELEBRATING THREE DECADES
Aviation Museum Foundation is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Flight Adventure Deck, a hands-on STEM education program that has served more than 125,000 middle school students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since its founding in 1996.
The milestone makes the Flight Adventure Deck one of the longest-running school-based STEM initiatives in Northwest Florida, reaching Escambia and Santa Rosa students through a curriculum centered on the history and science of naval aviation.
The program, based at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola, immerses middle school students in science, technology, engineering and math through the lens of naval aviation. Curriculum covers aviation, space, engineering and advanced science, connecting classroom instruction to real-world applications through simulation experiences inside the museum.
Up to 5,000 students participate annually, and nearly 1,000 teachers have received professional development support through the program since its inception. A summer component was added in 2009, broadening the program's reach beyond the traditional school year.
The Flight Adventure Deck operates through a three-way partnership among the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the Escambia County School District and the Santa Rosa County School District.
"At its core, the Flight Adventure Deck is about igniting curiosity and showing students what's possible," said Kyle Cozad, president and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. "For 30 years, we've been proud to partner with Santa Rosa and Escambia County school districts to deliver a oneof-a-kind experience that connects classroom learning to real-world application."
and enhancing programming, with an emphasis on keeping the curriculum current with the demands of an evolving STEM workforce—an area of growing importance to Northwest Florida's defense and aerospace economy.
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world's largest museum dedicated to naval aviation and one of Florida's most visited museums, spanning nearly 350,000 square feet and showcasing more than 150 restored aircraft. Admission is free.
DIVERSITY DILEMMA
A faculty and staff
workgroup at the University of West Florida has concluded that the school's Office of Public Policy Events may be violating the Florida statute that created it, citing a speaker lineup this academic year dominated by a single ideological perspective, a single out-of-state institution and a single gender.
The internal review, dated April 13, examined all 2025-26 OPPE events and found that 71% of invited speakers have identifiable affiliations with explicitly conservative institutions, organizations or elected officials, while only one speaker (7%) held a comparable affiliation with liberal organizations. Three-fourths of OPPE events featured only speakers with conservative affiliations.
Florida Statute 1001.93, which established an Office of Public Policy Events at every State University System institution, requires that debates and forums include speakers representing "widely held views on opposing sides" of the most widely discussed public policy issues and reflect "a wide diversity of perspectives."
Roughly one-third of OPPE speakers this year have current or past affiliations with Hillsdale College, a private Christian institution with a politically engaged mission. Among them is Dr.
Clifford Humphrey, who directs the OPPE and also serves as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives to President Manny Diaz Jr. Humphrey, a Hillsdale PhD, participated as a speaker in two events during the review period.
The workgroup also found that all 15 speaker appearances this academic year were by men, and that 60% of speakers were invited from outside Florida, despite a statutory preference for in-state and in-house expertise with outside speakers paid only when no qualified in -
The report warns that the pattern could expose UWF to legal challenges from students, faculty or taxpayers questioning whether a publicly funded institution is serving the full public interest. It also creates "a chilling effect on speech and inquiry" for university community members whose views may fall
The workgroup raised open questions about speaker reimbursements and funding sources but did not review budget records. Each OPPE is required to file an annual report with the state by September 1 detailing events, speakers, attendance and expenditures. UWF's 2025-26 slate concludes with two April lectures, one of which has been postponed.
MONARCHS PURCHASED
Pensacola Blue Wahoos founder Quint Studer has purchased the Kansas City Monarchs, a professional baseball team in the American Association whose name honors one of the most celebrated franchises in Negro League history.
Studer, who initiated the sale by reaching out directly to longtime owner Mark Brandmeyer, will lead the club through his KC Roots group. Brandmeyer cited Studer's communityfirst ownership philosophy and track record in sports development as the driving factors in his decision to sell.
"I would not be making this transition if not for Quint Studer," Brandmeyer said. "His passion for community, his success in baseball ownership and his track record of building meaningful, lasting organizations made it clear he is the right person to lead the Monarchs forward."
The Monarchs adopted their current name in 2020, partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to revive the legacy of the original Kansas City Monarchs. The franchise was founded in 1920 and won 10 Negro League pennants, claimed the 1924 Negro World Series title and produced Hall of Famers including Cool Papa Bell, Buck O'Neil and Ernie Banks. Jackie Robinson played for the club in 1945 before breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Studer pledged to retain the existing front office staff, continue the franchise's partnership with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan. and expand investment in youth baseball and community programming.
"Our commitment is to honor that legacy while continuing to invest in community engagement, youth baseball and softball, and creating memorable experiences for fans," Studer said.
HARD ROCK REBATE REJECTED
The Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has formally rejected a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate application from Inspired Communities of Florida, LLC, declaring it incomplete and legally unprocessable as submitted, according to an April 16 determination letter from CRA Administrative Officer Victoria D'Angelo.
The application, submitted Feb. 26, sought roughly $58 million in public tax rebates over 20 years to support a proposed $280 million mixed-use development on Lot 5 at Community Maritime Park. Rhythm Lofts and REVERB by Hard Rock include 247 residential units, a 147-key Hard Rock hotel, a 25,000-square-foot public plaza adjacent to Blue Wahoos Stadium and a structured parking podium. The developer projected 3,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions tied to the project.
Before issuing its determination, the CRA retained Lambert Advisory, LLC, to conduct an independent financial assessment of the 350page application. Lambert's April 1 memo identified significant inconsistencies across the proposal's residential, hotel and condominium financial projections.
On the residential side, Lambert found the pro forma projected average monthly rents of approximately $3,900 per unit, nearly double the roughly $2,200 per month being achieved at Palmilla Apartments, the newest Class A multifamily development in downtown Pensacola. The gap is compounded by the fact that 99 of the 198 rental units are designated as deed-restricted middle-income housing.
Under Florida Housing Finance Corporation income limits for Escambia County, a one-bedroom affordable unit cannot exceed $1,840 per month, making the $3,900 average mathematically implausible, and the project's projected Year 2 real estate tax assessment of $2.39 million likely materially overstated.
Hotel projections drew similar scrutiny. Lambert found the application's hotel pro forma listed Year 2 food and beverage revenue of $15.7 million, more than four times the $3.6 million figure in the developer's own market study, translating to more than $400 per occupied room night.
Condominium pricing was also flagged, with the application projecting studio units at roughly $1,705 per square foot and one-bedrooms at $1,725, more than double what Lambert said the market study itself identified as achievable.
The CRA's formal rejection letter cited six
Photo Courtesy of Naval Aviation Museum Foundation
grounds: misalignment between the requested TIF and eligible increment; insufficient equity contribution at 20 percent against the agency's 30 percent preference; unvalidated revenue projections; inability to evaluate the project's internal rate of return; lack of committed financing evidence; and failure to satisfy the "But For" test requiring a developer to demonstrate the project would not proceed without public assistance.
Mayor D.C. Reeves, addressing the rejection at his April 21 press conference, noted the application also included rebates on taxes the city is not legally authorized to return, among them school district millage. He said, "The request outpaced what we legally could give, even if we wanted to give."
The application's requested 20-year rebate term also conflicts with the Urban Core CRA's scheduled 2043 sunset. Assuming a 2029 project completion, the maximum eligible TIF window would be 14 years, reducing the realistic rebate range to between $36.7 million and $40 million before any corrections for overstated revenues.
Inspired Communities may resubmit a revised application. Any additional consultant review required as part of a resubmittal will be billed to the applicant. Reeves confirmed a meeting with company principal Harold Dawson Jr. had been scheduled following the rejection.
MEADOWS RETIRING Pensacola State College President Dr. C. Edward Meadows announced Tuesday he will retire effective Dec. 31, ending an 18-year tenure that transformed the institution from a regional junior college into a nationally recognized workforce and academic powerhouse.
Meadows made the surprise announcement at the District Board of Trustees meeting on the Milton campus.
"There is much work to be done with ongoing initiatives between now and the end of the year," Meadows said, "and I pledge my assistance in helping create a smooth transition for the next leader of the College."
Meadows began his tenure in May 2008, guiding the institution through the Great Recession, the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Hurricane Sally, two major floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, PSC added more than 72 degrees, certificates and diplomas; raised $35.4 million through the PSC Foundation; and secured more than $36 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funding for regional workforce programs.
PSC became the first public institution in Florida to offer a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. Its nursing program was the first in the region to earn dual accreditation. In 2023, the National Security Agency designated PSC a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The college was named a top 200 finalist for the 2026 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The announcement came three months after the board deadlocked 4-4 on a proposed $25,000 raise and $50,000 bonus for Meadows, despite an official evaluation showing unanimous positive confidence in his leadership.
Three trustees newly appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis joined Trustee Zack Smith in blocking the compensation package. DeSantis subsequently appointed a fifth trustee, Oscar Locklin, ending the possibility of future deadlocks.
Meadows' base salary is $353,558. His contract had been set to run through June 30, 2027.
Beyond the campus, Meadows chaired the HCA Florida West Hospital board and served on the boards of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and Achieve Escambia. He served as immediate past chair of the Florida College System's Council of Presidents.
CITY UPDATE City and Escambia County officials have found new momentum on the future of the Pensacola Bay Center, with Mayor D.C. Reeves calling the April 16 joint meeting the most productive in at least a decade. Both sides agreed the aging arena needs renovation and that a second facility is necessary, clearing the way for a public-private partnership process.
Reeves said the next step is for City and County staff to align on what was agreed to before returning to their respective governing boards with an outline for a request for information or proposal (RFP). He cautioned against over-specifying any RFP, warning that excessive design requirements could deter private developers who have options across the country.
During his April 20 press conference, the mayor touted a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Pensacola-based American Magic Services to manufacture a key component of an autonomous U.S. Navy warship at the Port of Pensacola. American Magic Services will build the 140-foot composite sail drone wing for the Specter, a 170-foot unmanned surface vehicle designed for anti-submarine warfare. Because the wing cannot be shipped, every vessel produced under the contract must dock at Pensacola Bay for installation, which locks in recurring port revenue and job opportunities.
Reeves also updated reporters on ongoing negotiations to bring shipbuilder Birdon to the port's northeast quadrant, saying the city hopes to complete the next required step with the Triumph Gulf Coast board at its May 13 meeting, related to a $76 million grant. The mayor said Birdon may establish a port presence before a planned 400,000-square-foot facility is complete, with a full build-out to roughly 2,000 jobs projected around 2029.
In other business, Reeves said Fricker Resource Center has received its notice to begin a $10 million renovation, with all programs ceasing after May 31 and the facility closed through spring 2027. A new utility payment platform supporting Apple Pay and Venmo launches May 4 for Pensacola Energy and sanitation customers. The Summit Recycling drop-off closes the same day, with a replacement site opening May 5 at 100 West Leonard Street.
The Roger Scott Pool will remain closed this season while new restroom facilities are constructed, with project costs reduced from an original $1 million estimate to approximately $675,000. {in}
Just like we have every year for the last 26 years, we’re asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll.
That means all of your most important opinions—like who really makes the best sushi in town—are finally going to be heard.
And don’t worry if you can’t get through the full ballot in one try. Voting is open through Thursday, May 21, so you can take it one section at a time. You can also vote online starting Friday, May 1 at inweekly.net if that’s more your style. {in}
Or vote online at inweekly.net • May
1-21
community, media & culture
Best Nonprofit
Best Charity Event
Best Place to Work
Best Boss
Best Advocacy/Activist Group
Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests
Best Annual Event
Best Food Event
Best Pet-Friendly Event
Best Sports Event
Best Parade
Best Regular/Reoccurring Event
Best Experience-Based Business
Best Free Thing To Do
Best Neighborhood
Best Public Park
Best Pet-Friendly Park
Best Playground
Best Youth Sports/Rec Program
Best Dance Studio
Best After-School Activity
Best Summer Camp
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Best TV Station
Best Radio Station
Best Radio Personality
Best Radio Show
Best Podcast
Best Website
Best Business or Person to Follow on Social Media
Best Way To Get Cultured
Best Art Gallery/Museum
Best Artist
Best Author/Writer
Best Photographer
Best Music Venue
Best Band/Musician
Best Concert/Concert Series
Best Theatre Production
Best Comedian
services
Best Hair Salon-Pensacola
Best Hair Salon-Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach
Best Hair Salon–Milton/Pace
Best Hair Stylist
Best Hair Colorist
Best Barber Shop
Best Barber
Best Day Spa
Best Massage
Best Massage Therapist
Best Pedicure
Best Manicure
Best Nail Artist
Best Hair Removal
Best Facial/Skin Care
Best Esthetician
Best Bank
Best Credit Union
Best Financial Advisor
Best Accounting Firm
Best Residential Real Estate Agency
Best Commercial Real Estate Agency
Best Real Estate Agent
Best Boutique Hotel
Best Apartment Complex
Best Architecture Firm
Best Law Firm
Best Attorney
Best Veterinary Clinic
Best Dog Groomer
Best Dog Training
Best Pet Boarding/Vacation Care
Best Construction Company
Best Landscaping
Best Interior Designer
Best Custom Picture Framing
Best Tattoo & Piercing Studio
Best Tattoo Artist
Best Special Event Space
Best Party Decor
Best Mobile Event Service/Experience
Best Caterer
Best Florist
Best Portrait/Family Photography
Best Photography Team/Company
Best Tailor/Alterations
Best Car Wash/Detailer
Best Auto Service Shop
Best Green Business
Best New Business
▶rules
•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.
•Vote in at least 15 categories. Ballots with fewer than 15 categories completed will not be counted.
•Ballots must be postmarked by Thursday, May 21, 2026.
▶mail your ballot to Best of the Coast c/o Inweekly, PO Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591
▶required info
Name
health & wellness
Best Gym
Best Personal Trainer
Best Boutique Fitness Studio
Best Fitness Classes
Best Fitness Instructor
Best Yoga
Best Yoga Instructor
Best Pilates
Best Bootcamp
Best Weight Loss Program
Best Running Club
Best Race
Best Hospital
Best General Care Physician
Best Chiropractor
Best Dentistry
Best Endodontics
Best Orthodontics
Best Pediatrician
Best Mental Health Professional
Best OB/GYN
Best Optometrist
Best Dermatologist
Best Plastic Surgery
Best Physical Therapy
Best Pharmacy
Best Walk-In Clinic
Best Cannabis Dispensary
Best Car Dealership
Best Bicycle Shop
Best Boutique
Best Apparel
Best Children's Apparel & Gifts
Best Accessories
Best Thrift Store
Best Athletic/Outdoor Store
Best Furniture/Home Decor Store
Best Antiques
Best Vintage Shop/Seller
Best Market/Shopping Event
Best Maker/Artisan
Best Palafox Market Vendor
Best Gift Shop
Best Bookstore
Best Comic Book Store
Best Toy/Collectable Store
Best New Store
Best Jeweler
Best Surf/Skate Shop
Best Nursery/Plants
Best Hardware Store
Best Computer/Tech Store
Best Record Store
Best Liquor Store
Best Wine Shop
Best Grocery Store
Best Place to Buy Produce
Best International/Specialty Food Shop
weddings
Best Place to Propose
Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring
Best Ceremony Venue
Best Reception Venue
Best Officiant
Best Bridal Store
Best Bridal Makeup Artist
Best Wedding Hair Salon
Best Wedding Hair Stylist
Best Wedding Planning
Best Wedding Photography
Best Photo Booth
Best Wedding Videography
Best Wedding Band
Best Wedding DJ
Best Wedding Caterer
Best Wedding Cake
Best Wedding Florist
Best Wedding Rentals
Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift
Best Place for a Rehearsal Dinner
Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay
restaurants
Best Restaurant Overall
Best Restaurant–Downtown
Best Restaurant–Cordova Area
Best Restaurant–East Hill
Best Restaurant–North Pensacola/ Nine Mile Road
Best Restaurant–West Pensacola/Perdido Key
Best Restaurant–East Pensacola Heights
Best Restaurant–Gulf Breeze
Best Restaurant–Pensacola Beach
Best Restaurant–Milton/Pace
Best New Restaurant
Best Bakery
Best Breakfast
Best Brunch
Best Lunch
Best Food Truck
Best Greek Cuisine
Best Mexican Cuisine
Best Italian Cuisine
Best Cajun Cuisine
Best Chinese Cuisine
Best Japanese Cuisine
Best Thai Cuisine
Best Indian Cuisine
Best Vietnamese Cuisine
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine
Best Sushi
Best Gluten Free Options
Best Seafood
Best Steakhouse
Best BBQ
Best Soul Food
Best Original Menu
Best Chef
Best Up-and-Coming Chef
Best Wait Staff
Best Server
Best Coffee Shop
Best Barista
Best Outdoor Dining
Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant
Best Takeout/To Go
Best Restaurant for a Date
Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner
Best Restaurant for Sports Fans
Best Late Night Eats
Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Guests
Best Gone-But-Not-Forgotten Restaurant
*List the specific menu item if applicable
B est Uniquely Pensacola Dish
Best Cup of Coffee
Best Espresso Drinks
Best Specialty/Seasonal Latte
Best Iced Tea
Best Juices/Smoothies
Best Pizza
Best Steak
Best Burrito
Best Taco
Best Soup
Best Deli
Best Bread
Best Sandwich
Best Chicken Salad
Best Burger
Best Appetizers
Best Pastries
Best Breakfast Dish/Menu Item
Best Grits
Best Donuts
Best Fries
Best Fried Chicken
Best Wings
Best Oysters
Best Salads
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Dish
Best Desserts
Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Gelato
Best Cakes/Cupcakes
Best Cookies
Best Lunch Specials
Best Weekly Special
Best Cooking Classes
Best Food Manufacturer
Best Beverage Manufacturer
Best Mobile Beverage Business
bars, drinks & nightlife
Best Bar Overall
Best Night Club
Best Bar–Downtown
Best Bar–Cordova Area
Best Bar–North Pensacola/Nine Mile Road
Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key
Best Bar–Pensacola Beach
Best Bar–Milton/Pace
Best New Bar
Best Drink Specials
Best Day Drinking
Best Drink Menu
Best Daiquiris/Frozen Drinks
Best Bloody Mary
Best Mimosa
Best Martini
Best Wine Menu
Best Margarita
Best Signature Drink
Best NA Drink Options
Best Brewery
Best Selection of Beer on Tap
Best Bar Staff
Best Bartender
Best DJ
Best Drag Performer
Best Neighborhood Bar
Best Pet-Friendly Bar
Best Bar With a View
Best Bar Ambiance
Best Bar for Games
Best Trivia Night
Best Karaoke Night
Best Pub Crawl/Bar Event
Best Bar for Live Music
Best Bar Food
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
BLUE GALA Annual benefit for Gulf Coast Kid's House recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Event is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Bayview Community Center, 2001 E. Lloyd St. Details and tickets can be found at gulfcoastkidshouse.org/events.
BINGO FOR READING IS FUNDAMENTAL
Play bingo to support RIF Pensacola Friday, May 1. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Play ten games for $15. Located at 651 N. Palafox St. For more information, call (850) 602-4155.
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. 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
MEDICAL MISSION AT HOME Ascension Sacred Heart will host this community event 9 a.m.1 p.m. Saturday, May 2 offering free healthcare and wellness at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St. Services include screenings, medical, dental and vision exams, free food, women's health services, mental health services and more.
ARTS & CULTURE
THE SUGAR WITCH A southern gothic drama by Nathan Sanders at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1; Saturday May 2; Thursday, April 30; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday May 3. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
GERMANY'S GREAT BAVARIAN CIRCUS
The circus is in town April 30-May 10, located at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Tickets are $15 and up with family and VIP packages available. Purchase online at greatbavariancircus.com.
HOT GLASS COLD BREW: MAY DAY The next Hot Glass Cold Brew is 5 p.m. Friday, May 1 at First City Art Center, 1060 Guillemard St. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members
and includes artisan glass or ceramic cups and two complimentary craft beers or wine for adults 21 years or older. Tickets available at firstcityart.org.
THERESA CAPUTO LIVE: THE EXPERIENCE Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details at pensacolasaenger.com.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE The next IC show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $10 and available online at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL Enjoy live performances and Mexican cuisine in downtown Pensacola 2-9 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Visit latinomediainc.com for details.
DWARF JADE BONSAI WORKSHOP Class is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Tickets are $85 plus fees and available at zendenbonsai.com.
WAX MELT BOUQUET CLASS Class is 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Cost is $30 per person. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
DEL SHORES FOUNDATION WRITERS
FESTIVAL The fourth annual festival will be held May 8-10 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. There will be readings and panels featuring Del Shores, Emerson Collins and Peter Paige. Find details and registration links at delshoresfoundation.org/writersfestival2026.
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.
THE POETICS OF PAINTING: A CELEBRATION OF THE LINEAGE AND LEGACY OF JOHN MARKOWITZ Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit features more than 50 works of art created by Markowitz's mentors and students on view through August 4. The Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
WEST GARDEN DISTRICT ARTISAN
MARKET Shop local vendors and artisans 16 p.m. Fridays starting May 1 at Del Mar Plaza, 1617 W. Garden St. For more information, contact info@ub-pensacola.com.
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.
CLUB 27 COMEDY SHOW Visit Lili Marlene's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. on the first and third Sundays of the month for a night of comedy. Doors open at 6 p.m. show starts at 7 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
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 nonmembers and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART FILM SCREENINGS Pensacola Cinema Art will screen films select weekends during the summer season at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10, and payment is cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.
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 Rainor-shine 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.
a&e happenings
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 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
BANDS ON THE BEACH The weekly concert series takes place 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 27 at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Free to attend. Upcoming dates: Southern Breeze on May 5 and Crist Dee and Bad Juju on May 12. For more information, call the SRIA at (850) 932-2257 or go to visitpensacolabeach.com for the latest updates.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTER'S BLUES CAFÉ
Enjoy live music Thursdays through Sundays at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Upcoming dates: D. Scott Riggs 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 23; Cat Daddy Duo 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30; Rocky Denney Brotherhood 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 24; The Glenn Parker Band 6-10 p.m. Saturdays; Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays; and John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays.
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: John Hart on April 30 and Crosstown Band on May 7. Details at scpen.org/christophers-concerts.
SQWERV, CAVAE MUNDI, BANGARANG
PETER Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
CLUTCH: SUFFER NO EVIL U.S. TOUR
Show is 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
FOR FEAT ITSELF, IN YOUR GRAVE, TAKEN FOR GRANTED, SPLIT, BLINDFOLD KNIFE FIGHT Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
ALICE COOPER Show is 8 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
THROWN, MUGSHOT, VOMIT FORTH, YOUR SPIRIT DIES Show is 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
KEEP FLYING, FURY IN FEW, BLIGHT, EARL'S KILLER SQUIRREL Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
WUWF PRESENTS RADIOLIVE Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7 featuring Adam Chaffins & Britt Taylor, Goldpine and Charlie Hill. Located in the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.
DEFEATED SANITY, ORGANECTOMY, SCASM, INFERI Show is 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
CRADLE OF FILTH Show is 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
DEMON HUNTER Show is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
OPEN MIC AT ALGA BEER CO. Country Club is hosted by Brett Patterson of Snake and the Rabbit every Monday night. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. and music starts at 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Visit facebook.com/algabeerco for more details.
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.
a&e happenings
NOCHE TROPICAL: LATIN NIGHT AT SE-
VILLE QUARTER Presented by Latin Flavor Entertainment every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
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
YAPPY HOUR WITH WOLFGANG PEN -
SACOLA The next Yappy Hour is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Pensacola Bay Brewery, 225 Zaragoza St. Tickets available at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
FUNDAMENTALS: MOTHER SAUCES
Cooking class is 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Suite C. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ cooking-classes.
TALK DERBY TO ME: DERBY SHOWING
EVENT Watch the Kentucky Derby and enjoy a special cocktail menu and hat contest 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at The Well, 42 E. Garden St. Details available at facebook.com/ thewellpensacola.
COASTAL COUNTY CINCO DE MAYO
PARTY Celebrate Cinco De Mayo 1-6 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. There will be live music, Tex Mex food and more. For more information, visit coastalcountybrewing.com.
STAR WARS GLOW PARTY Event is 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown, 321 S. Palafox St. There will be themed cocktails, photo ops and tunes from DJ Tony.
MARGARITAFEST Vote for your favorite margarita and listen to live music 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Casino Beach Bar & Grill, 41 Fort Pickens Road.
CAKE DECORATING Cooking class is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Suite C. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.
MARGS & MAHJ OPEN PLAY NIGHT Play mahjong with some drinks 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Rusted Arrow Mercantile, 130 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25 or $100 for a table of four. Details available at rustedarrowmercantile.com/events.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: SOUTHBOUND TEQUILA Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Limited seating. Make your reservations by calling (850) 287-0200.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back 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. 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.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
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.
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 79 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
The wiring of a child’s brain is developed between birth and age 3. The stronger the connections in the brain, the more the brain will be able to learn — and the smarter that child will grow up to be.
Only
children in Escambia County are Kindergarten ready
SCI’s goal is to reach 100% of parents and caregivers, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to be an effective first teacher for their children. By age 3, 85% of the brain is developed
LIVE MUSIC/ FOOD/ GAMES
Light Up Learning is our annual fundraiser that directly fuels Building Brains. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps SCI grow this work—supporting families, preparing children for school, and strengthening our community for the long term.
Fly By Radio delivers unforgettable live music— high energy, great songs, and a show you won’t want to miss.
a&e happenings
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.
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.
TRIVIA WITH JAY 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.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Specials with your college ID and music from live DJs. 8 p.m.midnight. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
KARAOKE THURSDAY AT SIR RICHARD'S
Karaoke is 9 p.m. Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details. at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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.
TAVERN TRIVIA Trivia is 9 p.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.
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.
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.
FISH FRY FRIDAYS Fish and chips featured 11 a.m.-4 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. Enjoy a $10 bottle of champagne with food purchase. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LIVE DJ AT O'RILEY'S Dance to live DJ 10 p.m.-2 a.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.
visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF APRIL 30
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In the 19th century, Aries photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904) resolved to settle a debate about whether galloping horses ever have all four hooves off the ground. He developed a system to capture rapid sequential images, which ultimately helped lead to the invention of motion pictures. His answer to a narrow technical question opened up an entirely new art form. Moral of the story: solving a specific problem may create unforeseen revolutions. In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to stay alert for how your focused efforts to address one challenge might birth even more significant breakthroughs. Don't get so fixated on your immediate goal that you miss larger innovations emerging from your work.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): May is Free Thinking Month for you Tauruses. It's also Free Feeling, Free Wheeling and Free Healing Month. Wow! To observe this festive grace period, indulge in any of the following jubilant acts: 1. Declare your independence from anyone who tries to tell you how you should live your life or who you are. 2. Declare independence from your history, especially recollections that dampen your sense of possibility and old self-images that impede your yearning to explore. 3. Declare independence from groupthink and conventional wisdom. 4. Declare independence from your former conceptions of freedom so you'll be free to arrive at fresh understandings of it.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The Navajo practice hózhó means "walking in beauty": living in balance and harmony with life. But hózhó isn't a static state you achieve once and possess forever. You must continually restore and reinvent it. I suspect you're in a phase like that now, Gemini. Too much thinking and not enough feeling? Too much future and not enough present? I recommend you take corrective measures. Start by taking one physical action that grounds you. Have a conversation from the heart instead of the head. Spend an hour not planning the story to come, but simply loving what's here right now. Refresh your hózhó!
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): If a honeybee colony becomes too crowded, scout bees search
By Rob Brezsny
for potential new hive sites. When they return, they perform waggle dances for their colleagues to convey specific information about different locations. Negotiations ensue. Various possibilities are offered and considered through more dancing. Eventually, the swarm collectively makes a choice and heads out to its new home. Your challenge right now, Cancerian, is to be like a scout bee who facilitates your group's decision-making process. I invite you to carry out a reconnaissance mission and then perform your waggle dances for your people. Make your case with vigor and precision. Trust the group's emergent wisdom to make the best decision.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Like all of us, Leo, you have persistent aches from old losses, absences and wounds. They may seem like permanent burdens you will never be able to shake or transcend. But here's some very good news: in the coming months, there's a greater chance than usual that you'll discover new approaches to healing them. The remedies won't necessarily be logical or obvious. They may involve you conducting rituals, taking symbolic actions, or ambushing the pain from unexpected angles. Be alert for interventions that may seem too simple or unexpected to work.
Be alert for interventions that may seem too simple or unexpected to work.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Your restlessness is building. How much longer will you pretend you don't sense the pull of bright temptations and appealing sanctuaries? At what moment will you finally stop resisting your urge to slip past the usual boundaries and roam? The astrological omens hint that this pivot is close at hand. In the borderlands of your imagination, a daring journey is already taking shape. Where might it carry you? Here's my guess: down into the raw, unfiltered depths of the future you secretly dream about.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In fairy tales, when heroes are rewarded for their help and kindness, their gifts are often tools of protection: a cloak that renders them invisible, a magic
club that chases off foes, or enchanted shoes that enable them to outrun any threat. In other stories, the reward is meant to deepen the hero's delight in living: a genie's lamp, a cauldron that cooks up exquisite food, or a horn that calls forth marvelous companions from the fairy world. I mention this, Libra, because I believe rewards for your past and recent generosity are on their way. If you have any say in what form they take, I suggest you request something from this second, pleasure-giving category.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Poet Marie Howe wrote, "I don't think we can love anything more intensely than we love a secret." Many Scorpios feel this way. You understand that mystery is often a joy to be savored. Some truths reveal themselves only to those who summon the patient intelligence to be at peace amidst the confounding riddles. Non-Scorpios may be desperate to leave nothing hidden, but you like to learn from the teasing prickles. You know that some transformations need darkness to carry on their work. Your next assignment: decide what truth needs more time in the deep before it's ready to surface.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Diamond is the hardest natural substance, while graphite is soft and slippery. Yet they're both made of pure carbon. The difference is in their structure. Let's extrapolate from this fact as we ruminate on your life, Sagittarius. I'm 97% certain that you already have everything you need. Maybe you imagine you lack key resources and powers, but from what I can tell, you are well set up. So I propose that you simply reorganize what's available to you now. Take the "carbon" of your life and arrange it in new patterns. Your task isn't further accumulation but reconfiguration.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): My Capricorn grandfather was a master artisan. He told me that the best furniture is built twice: first in the imagination, then with wood. Let's apply that theme to you. I believe you have mostly finished the first step of visualizing what you want. Now you're almost ready to launch the actual work. I'm eager to see the practical effects that will bloom from your detailed fantasies. The rest of the world is excited, too. These days, we all especially need your talent for turning beautiful
dreams into vivid realities. You have extra power to inspire us to convert our idealistic notions into dynamic actions.
Visualize that magical confluence of satisfying feelings.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): I invite you to imagine a time in the past when you were almost perfectly content. Visualize that magical confluence of satisfying feelings. Where were you? Who was or wasn't there? What could you see, hear, smell and feel in your body? What made that moment so right? Next step: make a vow to rebuild as many of those conditions as you realistically can over the next three weeks. Maybe you can't recreate the exact scene, but you can approximate its essence.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): The astrological factors now in effect are tending to generate useful and valuable cosmic jokes. I believe they may be disruptive and catalytic in helpful ways. In this spirit, I offer you the following affirmations, borrowed from internet memes: 1. "You may call me 'melodramatic.' I describe myself as a 'creative problem-solver with flair and panache.'" 2. "I'm not overthinking; I'm overriding simplistic answers that hide the real truths." 3. "You shouldn't think of me as chaotic; the fact is that I'm generously non-linear." 4. "I have a solid plan, but it's always evolving to keep up with reality's crazy insistence on ceaseless change." 5. "Please dismantle your low expectations; I need ample room to exceed them." 6. "I trust my instincts; they have often been wrong in interesting ways."
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What's the part of you that you trust the least? Can you upgrade it? tinyurl.com/yourunexpectedally. {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2026 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
THE MOST MAGICAL ADDRESS ON EARTH
The most important part of deciding where to live is, of course, location, location, location. For the Ewing family, that's Disney World in Florida, People magazine reported on April 21. Adam, 41, and Lauren, 36, and their two daughters live about half the year at an RV campsite at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Resort rules stipulate that a single resort reservation can't be longer than 26 days, so every few weeks, the Ewings pack up their RV, go somewhere else for 24 hours and move back in the next day. "This has just always been our go-to place," Adam said. "We developed a community of friends here and we never wanted to leave." The family started living full-time in their RV during COVID, and other times of the year, the Ewings find themselves in places like Utah, Canada and Vermont, but always make their way back home. Despite living at the most magical place on Earth, daily life for the Ewings is fairly typical of most families. "Most of the time, it is that normal life, working out, doing schoolwork, regular work, and then we'll go to the parks ... mostly at night," Lauren said. Living on Disney property comes with a Disney price tag—the family has paid up to $8,000 per month to stay on site, a cost they say is well worth it. [People, 4/21/26]
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE ... A spring football game at Virginia Tech was delayed after a parachuter crashed into the scoreboard over the school's football field, Lane Stadium, the New York Post reported on April 18. Shortly before the game, which was scheduled to start at 3 p.m., two parachuters could be seen gliding over the field. The first one flew safely over, while the second crashed into the board, between the "C" and "H" in "Tech." Emergency personnel were able to retrieve the parachuter safely, and the skydiver was not hospitalized. While fans waited for the game to start, the board displayed an explanation for the delay: "Attention please. We are waiting for EMTs to get out of the board. Thank you for your patience." Over on X, Virginia Tech Athletics said, "We are grateful to report the skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable. Our primary focus remains on their well-being." The football game resumed at 4 p.m. [New York Post, 4/18/26]
•That same day, on the other side of the country, a hot air balloon carrying 13 passengers made an unexpected stop in a backyard in Temecula, California, ABC 7 News reported. According to witnesses, the pilot announced that a lack of wind and dwindling fuel supply meant he had to land. "He was trying to get us to the street, but we couldn't get to the street in time, so we landed in the people's backyard, safe and sound," passenger Brianna Avalos said. "He was an amazing pilot!" Neighbors alerted the homeowners, Hunter and Jenna Perrin, of the incident. "I open the sliding glass door, and there's a basket full of 13 people in my backyard!" Hunter said. "The pilot ... got it right down inside, directly into the backyard, where there was noth -
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
ing. The balloon didn't catch on anything. No one was injured." [ABC 7, 4/19/26]
HOT DOG! Some high school students take a limo to prom. Others, like Breckan Andrews of Topeka, Kansas, roll up in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. According to UPI, the Seaman High School junior and his friends were at Sonic on Friday, April 17, when they spotted the vehicle at a nearby grocery store. An idea formed. "One of my buddies was like, 'Can we rent this thing?' and I was like, 'Well, what if we just ask about prom? What if they take us? It's tomorrow,'" Andrews said. "You miss all the shots you don't take," he added. Driver—or "Hot Dogger," as they say in the wiener biz—Maggie Dawson was happy to help and took the students to prom free of charge. "It was like a little light bulb," she said. "We were like, 'Well, what time is prom?' And from there, we checked our schedule, and we were able to make it happen." [UPI, 4/20/26]
UNCANNY Erika Brown of Anderson, Indiana, is an only child, but is looking for her doppelganger. UPI reported on April 18 that facial recognition software flagged Brown for potential fraud during her driver's license renewal. A Fraud and Security Enforcement investigator had to verify Brown's identity before allowing her to continue with the renewal. The officer showed her photos of another Indiana woman who is the same age as Brown but has a different name and address. Brown was stunned by the resemblance. "What are the odds that we look so similar, live in the same place, and have never crossed paths?" she said. "Seeing someone who looks so much like me was really strange and bizarre." She was finally issued her license after three months of waiting but continues her search for her lookalike. "How does something like this even happen genetically?" Brown wonders. [UPI, 4/21/26]
A-MOOSE-ING Catching a glimpse of a moose in Montana is not unheard of. A moose in Montana taking a nap in front of a radio station called "The Moose"? Now that's funny. On April 22, UPI reported that a moose was seen wandering around Bozeman. A Montana State University student, Alivia Ballenger, took a video of the moose running across a vacant lot near her apartment, and her father, a real estate agent, reposted it on his realty business page. "It's a great lot," he said. "I think the moose thought so, too." Later that day, radio station The Moose 94.7 FM, shared a video of the moose lying down for a nap next to the station, with the caption, "We had a special visitor outside the 'MOOSE' studio this morning." Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks declined to take any action. "Yesterday was the first time we had received reports that this moose was in the area," Information Officer Morgan Jacobsen said. "We didn't get reports that it was causing conflicts or obstructing traffic." [UPI, 4/22/26] {in}
