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TOP IT OFF 26 Things To Do Before '26 Independent News | December 18, 2025 | Volume 26 | Number 50

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winners & losers

outtakes

news

I was mesmerized by it.

feature

a&e

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Joshua Encinias, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Dakota Parks, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2025 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

inweekly.net

December 18, 2025

winners & losers

Ambrea Hobbs / Photo Courtesy of uwf.edu

James Uthmeier / Photo Courtesy of myfloridalegal.com

AMBREA HOBBS The University of West Florida celebrated a historic milestone as the history and legal studies senior became the institution's firstever Rhodes Scholarship finalist. Hobbs was selected as one of fourteen District 7 finalists, competing in Birmingham against candidates from prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina. Though not ultimately selected, Hobbs represented UWF "at the highest standard," according to former Rhodes Scholar Dr. Tyler Fisher. The achievement coincides with the launch of UWF's John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships, established through a $500,000 gift. The Rhodes Scholarship provides fully funded postgraduate study at Oxford University. Hobbs and fellow nominee Itamar Blau are the first UWF students nominated for the prestigious award.

JAMES UTHMEIER The Florida Attorney General's latest effort to distract voters from allegations that he laundered a Medicaid settlement to his political committee involves filing a lawsuit alleging Starbucks Coffee Co. violated state civil rights law. The suit claims Starbucks has discriminated against white, Asian and multiracial employees over the past five years by implementing "employment policies that favor persons belonging to only certain favored races." In November, the state Division of Administrative Hearings dismissed his earlier case against the coffee giant. Starbucks disputes the allegations, arguing the Attorney General's office has failed to identify any specific Florida resident who suffered injury or adverse employment action, proceeding instead on "speculation" about potential discrimination from the company's diversity initiatives.

WALTER ARRINGTON Community Health's advocacy and special projects leader has been named the 2025 AHEC Alumni Advocate of the Year, "in recognition of outstanding service to the AHEC Mission." The Area Health Education Centers program was founded by Congress to recruit, train and keep health professionals committed to underserved populations. The National AHEC Organization comprises more than 300 program offices and centers, serving more than 85% of counties in the United States. AHEC aims to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially primary and preventive care, "by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals via strategic partnerships with academic programs, communities and professional organizations."

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to help his buddy, New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran, one more time before leaving office. His proposed 2026-2027 budget includes transferring the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida by July 1, 2026. The move would shift existing contracts, leases and obligations to New College, which sits just one mile away. The proposal advances DeSantis' conservative overhaul of Florida's higher education system, with New College serving as a centerpiece of that effort. USF Board of Trustees Chairman Will Weatherford said the Legislature will ultimately decide the issue, acknowledging the university "doesn't control the outcome." However, he pledged to protect more than 2,000 affected students and faculty members. Somebody needs to.

winners

DON GAETZ The state senator had two of his proposed bills pass unanimously during their first committee hearings. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed his SB 318, which addresses structural problems with Education Scholarship Programs, also known as school vouchers. The bill would separate voucher funding from public school financing, establish student ID numbers and reduce administrative fees. Last month, the Auditor General reported the Department of Education didn't know where 30,000 students were on any given day. The other bill, SB 126, that made it through the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, directs the Florida Public Service Commission to justify rate increases for investor-owned utilities and consider affordability. 44

losers

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE A grand jury in Alexandria, Va., rejected charges of bankrelated crimes against New York Attorney General Letitia James last week, marking the second consecutive week that jurors have declined to indict her, according to media reports. The backto-back failures represent a significant setback for the Trump administration's Justice Department, which has faced criticism for what James' attorney calls a "retribution campaign" against President Trump's political opponents. However, nothing legally prevents prosecutors from seeking a third indictment. inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

THEN IT GOT WEIRD For 14 years, Food Not Bombs volunteers have served meals to Pensacola's hungry every Friday evening in Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza—a simple act of mutual aid that required no permit and no police involvement. Then Food Not Bombs participant Michael Kimberl was arrested for not immediately handing over his driver's license, and everything changed. The city ordinances have set a sunset curfew for MLK Plaza. Mayor D.C. Reeves claimed that the "handshake agreement" allowing Food Not Bombs to use the park had created "some ambiguity." He announced city staff would meet with Kimberl to discuss obtaining a city permit.

We don't even know if the Boots for Matt Berry Facebook page and GoFundMe account are part of a scam. We don't know if they are connected to the individual to whom the city issued the permit—because the city redacted the person's name from the permit, claiming they are a stalking victim and therefore exempt from public records disclosure. It appears the City of Pensacola issued a permit to a nonprofit unrelated to Food Not Bombs, which has no history of distributing food at MLK Plaza and is using the permit to raise funds for other purposes.

If ordinances need changing, change them, but stop these games.

ENTER BOOTS FOR MATT BERRY On Dec.

4, the City of Pensacola gave an event permit not to Food Not Bombs, but to a little-known nonprofit—Boots for Matt Berry—to distribute food from 4-9:30 p.m. on Fridays through March 6. Even though Food Not Bombs isn't listed anywhere on the permit, Mayor Reeves told the media that it covered the nonprofit's food distributions at MLK Plaza. But does it? On Dec. 11, Boots for Matt Berry posted a statement on its Facebook page that said it applied for the permit "so our volunteers and friends would not have any issues for our friends while discussing Boots for Matt Berry." It also stated, "Boots for Matt Berry is not associated with Food Not Bombs." The nonprofit thanked the City of Pensacola and the Pensacola Police Department for working on the permit to "ensure no one goes hungry in our community or without resources for a better life," adding it had "set up a GoFundMe page if you would like to donate to their purpose." What is their purpose? According to the statement: "Boots for Matt Berry provides resources and support for the unhoused youth that have disabilities and lack support from family, like Matt Berry, who did not have support from his adopted and biological father's family when he passed away by being hit by a car while unhoused in Bardstown, KY." December 18, 2025

RED FLAGS RAISED We also know that Food

Not Bombs warned city staff about the individual requesting the permit. Kimberl shared a message exchange with the city's events coordinator, Bradley Davis Jr. (Since the city said the permit requester is a stalking victim, we have redacted the name.) On Dec. 4, Davis wrote, "I will say, a lot of confusion would've been cleared up if you would've allowed XXXXX to move forward with the park rental agreement." Kimberl replied, "XXXXX has never volunteered with us, nor did she speak with anyone before attempting to move unilaterally. So I would say she has added to the confusion greatly." His warning was ignored. The next morning, Mayor Reeves touted the permit on social media: "This is a positive and a harmonious resolution to what was an ambiguous situation. It's also a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together in good faith to support one another. Thank you to Food Not Bombs for this work and our city staff for making it happen." However, Food Not Bombs didn't work on the permit. The group issued a statement the same day refusing it. The unfortunate arrest of Michael Kimberl could have been handled with common sense: drop the charges and let the work continue. Instead, City Hall has created a mess that raises serious questions about transparency, good governance and who this permit really serves. If ordinances need changing, change them, but stop these games. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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COMMUNITY PUSHES BACK

By Rick Outzen On Dec. 11, dozens of residents packed Pensacola City Hall to oppose hiring Bayou District Consulting to guide the redevelopment Baptist Hospital's former campus. After over two and a half hours of public input and council debate, Community Redevelopment Agency chair Teniadé Broughton pulled the item. The vote would have approved a development advisory services contract with the New Orleans-based firm to develop a master plan for the 50-acre West Side property. However, community pressure and a reversal by District 7 Councilman Delarian Wiggins—who represents the neighborhood—derailed its passage.

THE PROPOSAL

Mayor Reeves recommended that Bayou District Consulting spend 180 days to solicit community input and create a redevelopment plan to turn the Baptist site into "a mixedincome, mixed-use, people-first neighborhood with social, health, economic and environmental benefits that is connected, contributing and uplifting to the surrounding community." The team comprised several principals of the Bayou District Foundation (which is behind the Columbia Parc development in New Orleans) and local businesses, including Clark Partington, Jerry Pate Design, Geosyntec, SMP Architecture and Impact Campaigns. The Pensacola City Council, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), discussed the selection of Bayou District Consulting on Dec. 8. After more than 100 minutes of discussion, the council approved a 180-day contract. However, before the vote, Councilman Wiggins demanded that the Black community's voice 66

must be more than a box checked before developers move forward with predetermined plans. "This project is very important, not only for me, but for the people that came before me and the people that's coming after me," Wiggins said, going on to describe a systematic pattern of displacement across historically Black neighborhoods in Pensacola, such as Hawkshaw and the Tanyard. "The Black community has been made promises for years." He wanted the community engagement to be authentic, not just "writing it down on a sheet of paper, and we do something totally different," Wiggins said. "We did that with Hawkshaw, we did that with Blount [Middle School]—and everything we did, Black people have heard that before. They've heard it. And so now they have created a distrust." He reluctantly agreed to give Bayou District Consulting 180 days to prove itself, but admitted he was still "leery." "I'm going to stand up for the people in my district, and I'm going to make sure that their voices are being heard and that we get this project right," Wiggins said. "They need a win in my community, and this is going to be a win for them." Community Distrust On the West Side, community advocates Hale Morrissette and Jermaine Williams began sounding the alarm about having Bayou District Foundation principals involved. Their concerns stemmed from the Foundation's history in postHurricane Katrina New Orleans. "They displaced a lot of people," Morrissette said. "I'm actually trying to reach out to some of the families in New Orleans to hear about how it happened over there when they were getting displaced." St. Bernard was one of New Orleans' largest family public housing developments, with more than 1,300 units, overwhelmingly occupied by

low-income Black residents before Hurricane Katrina. Post-Katrina, HUD and the Housing Authority of New Orleans opted not to reopen St. Bernard or the other "big four" projects, instead pursuing mixed-income redevelopments, including Columbia Parc on the St. Bernard site. According to Morrissette, only 125 of the 920 households that lived in the district were allowed to move back. She worries now about the neighborhoods surrounding the Baptist site. "The city of Pensacola has a track record," she said. "It has a track record of displacing folks and being happy to gentrify our areas. Being told, 'Well, just sit back and wait and just watch and listen, and we're going to do the right thing by you—' that doesn't work anymore." Morrissette and Williams asked the public to attend the Pensacola City Council meeting, and residents did fill the council chambers.

SHOWDOWN

More than two dozen residents criticized the proposal, questioning the process and consultants' history. "D.C. Reeves and his clique of developers who run this city predetermined that they wanted this company to do the work," said resident Sarah Brummet, noting the mayor invited Bayou District principal Gerry Barousse to meet with local developers in 2023, then took Pensacola leaders to tour the firm's New Orleans Columbia Parc project in 2024. "It wasn't rushed and it wasn't murky. It was just shady and sneaky and totally undemocratic— the way this city does business." Williams helped draw a standing-room crowd, garnering cheers when he asked Bayou District opponents to stand. "I told y'all this day was coming; Black people are going to wake up," he said, criticizing council members for ignoring previous warnings about community resistance.

Morrissette demanded a community advisory board, a transparent procurement process and an anti-displacement ordinance before any redevelopment moves forward. "I'm asking y'all to pause; do not move forward with this," she said. "Say no to Bayou District. Look locally. And to be completely honest with you, if y'all vote yes, prepare for the citizens to stand up and protest you at every single quarter." Councilman Jared Moore argued the city's acquisition of the property represented "nothing short of a miracle" that gave the community a voice it wouldn't have had if Baptist had simply sold to a private developer. He contended concerns about displacement were already addressed in the RFP. But Councilman Charles Bare raised red flags about the process itself. He noted the local partnership submitting the proposal wasn't formed until Sept. 23, less than two weeks before their Oct. 3 bid submission. He said, "This was kind of cobbled together to give some local people the ability to influence." The pivotal moment came when Councilman Wiggins, who had been negotiating with city staff about establishing a citizens advisory board, announced he was voting no. "Something shifted in me tonight, and what shifted is hearing the hurt in your voices," Wiggins said. "Tonight, I'm going to make a trust decision. I stand with my community." Wiggins laid out his non-negotiables: affordable housing at all levels, protection from displacement, local involvement over outside interests and community engagement in every step. He said, "Any deal done without community involvement will not get my vote." Mayor D.C. Reeves defended the city's involvement with the Baptist site. "The city has zero obligation to involve itself in a campus like this … we could have allowed the Baptist Hospital to leave the buildings there as we've seen in cities, neighboring cities for years or decades at a time," he stated. He explained the need for development consultants. "The whole reason we're sitting here today and this RFP went out was, we didn't want buildings going down without the community conversation beginning, ironically." The mayor assured the public that he has no predetermined vision for the property's final use, whether it's 60% housing, 40% housing, healthcare facilities or food access. "I want the community to decide … the makeup of what rises in the shadow of an abandoned hospital," Reeves said. With the demolition of the hospital buildings proceeding separately, Reeves warned that the delay in planning means there will be "a large field there for an extra year" before any redevelopment can begin. A new procurement process would take at least 132 days. By pulling the item rather than forcing a losing vote, Broughton kept the door open to bring it back. Mayor Reeves said, "When Councilman Wiggins is ready to re-engage the start of a community process in whichever form that he prefers, then we'll be at the ready." {in} inweekly.net

December 18, 2025

Photo Courtesy of Lakeview Center

MENTAL HEALTH CARE Lakeview Center has received a $567,305 grant from Covenant Care Foundation to sustain services for uninsured adults living with mental illness and substance use disorders in Northwest Florida. The funds will support three psychiatric nurse practitioners who provide care for approximately 2,772 uninsured community members, representing more than 9,000 treatment episodes annually. "This generous support from Covenant Care Foundation comes at a critical time," said Lakeview Center president Shawn Salamida. "The need for psychiatric care in our community continues to grow, especially among those without insurance. This funding ensures that people in crisis can continue to receive the help they need, when they need it most." Lakeview Center serves more than 28,000 individuals annually across Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties, processing approximately 500 new client intakes each month. LifeView Group is the Lakeview Center's parent company. LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill said, "The amount of uninsured care has just exceeded anything I've seen in the past. We don't turn people away based on ability to pay. So we have to work within the resources that we have to figure out how to provide those services." The Lakeview Center psychiatry program has outcomes that significantly exceed national benchmarks. Customer satisfaction stands at 4.99 out of 5, while 61% of clients remain in care for more than 12 months, surpassing national averages. Additionally, 84% of patients show measurable improvement in daily functioning. Lakeview Center's no-show rate of 23% falls significantly below the national average of up to 40%. Hill said, "Our providers are exceptional and our clients want to come back. They stay engaged and compliant with their medication." As Northwest Florida's largest safety-net be88

havioral health provider, Lakeview Center faces increasing service demand while funding for uninsured patients has not kept pace, making the Covenant Care Foundation grant vital for sustaining access to psychiatric care. Hill noted that while Medicaid supports many services, numerous individuals don't qualify for coverage or lack the resources to fund treatment themselves. The Covenant Care Foundation's investment approach focused on identifying critical gaps in community services. "They said, 'What is the need? What will happen if you don't have funding for certain things?'" Hill explained. "Their investment means almost 3,000 individuals will be able to remain in services." Visit lakeviewcenter.org to learn more.

STEALING $16 MILLION State Rep. Alex An-

drade has revealed new evidence confirming that the controversial $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation was indeed Medicaid money—and that the scheme ultimately cost Florida taxpayers $16 million, not the $10 million initially reported. Speaking on the "(We Don't) Color on the Dog" podcast, Andrade explained how the state's payment to the federal government definitively proves the Hope Florida payment came from Medicaid funds. After Centene made its final payment to the state, Florida paid $38 million back to the federal government. That figure represents exactly 57% of the original $67 million settlement—the federal share of Florida's Medicaid program. "Ultimately, for those who don't like math, potentially it means that when James [Uthmeier] stole $10 million from this settlement and funneled it to his PAC, he also put the state of Florida, the taxpayers, on the hook to pay the feds back the $6 million we owed on the $10 million that he

stole," Andrade said. "James didn't steal $10 million from Floridians. He has now officially stolen $16 million from Florida taxpayers." Andrade's investigation traced back to a 2021 offer from Medicaid contractor Centene to pay Florida $67 million for over-billing. The state sat on that offer until September 2024—just before the November election—when it suddenly accepted $57 million for the state and directed $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation. "At the same time, DeSantis was desperate to use any resource available to him or any resource in a state agency to try and fight the abortion and marijuana amendments that were on the ballot in November," Andrade said. The governor's office tried to argue the deal was beneficial, but Andrade noted the math was simple. "They offered you $67 million in 2021, and now suddenly you're saying that we should be thankful for a $57 million payment in 2024." The $10 million payment to Hope Florida was the only payment from the Centene settlement required before the election. Within days, Hope Florida funneled the money through two nonprofits—the Florida Chamber's Secure Florida's Future and Save Our Society from Drugs—which then rapidly transferred a combined $8.5 million to the political action committee "Keep Florida Clean," chaired by James Uthmeier. Uthmeier ran Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign and served as the governor's chief of staff during the settlement. DeSantis has since appointed Uthmeier as Florida's Attorney General. Both state and potential federal grand jury investigations are ongoing. Andrade suggested results from the state-level grand jury could come in early January and believes federal action is now likely. "Now that AHCA has admitted it was Medicaid money, personally, I'd be surprised if the DOJ didn't take it seriously," he said. "This is $10 million in Medicaid funds that were funneled to a PAC." The lawmaker also noted that Governor DeSantis has been notably quiet about the investigation since May, when he called Andrade a "jackass" for raising questions about the settlement.

"We are working diligently with HatchMark Studio, in collaboration with the [Downtown Improvement Board] team, to roll out a strong, coordinated marketing effort," Walker wrote. "A new website, rack card and construction fence banners are in development now, and we are working to finalize the marketing schedule, including routine opportunities to highlight businesses along Palafox." A communications group has been established, which includes community and business leaders Walker Wilson, John Peacock, Autumn Blackledge, Allison Patton, Peyton Blackledge, Caron Sjoberg, Deborah Dunlap, Bubba Peters, Teri Levin, Chris McKean, John Walsh, Samantha Breedlove, Caleb Pierce, Lisa Long and Katie Bosso. Walker wrote, "If you're interested in joining the small communication group that will meet on a regular basis, please let me know. I will reach out soon to schedule our first meeting." Her email is awalker@cityofpensacola.com. An alternate parade route has been determined via PPD in coordination with city staff and parade organizers. Staging will remain on Spring Street; parade route will follow Spring, Garden, North Palafox, Garden, Jefferson and end at Main Street. Gallery Night and Palafox Market are working on alternate plans/adjustments during construction. In January, city staff will request that the Pensacola City Council waive Outdoor Seating Arrangement fees for the year, including refunds for those who have already renewed. "We are continuing to explore options for temporary outdoor seating," Walker stated. "As of Jan. 2, any existing furniture should be removed from the right of way until we have a clearer understanding of space limitations and can ensure the required six-foot pedestrian path is maintained." Construction fence staging will begin Jan. 2. The first opportunity to review the content creation with HatchMark Studio has been tentatively scheduled for Dec. 22. Check ricksblog.biz for the time, place and updates.

GOOD NEWS Work has begun on the new

DIAZ-SOMERSET CONNECTION Somerset University Preparatory Academy will open a private elementary school in Building 85 on the University of West Florida campus in January, charging $3,750 per semester plus a $100 registration fee. The announcement comes three months after UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. told faculty and staff the university was exploring a "tuition-free, K-3 elementary school" that would be "part of UWF's School of Education, creating valuable hands-on experiences for our education students." Building 85 houses the UWF School of Education. Somerset Academy is a large Florida-based charter school network with dozens of campuses, primarily in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The organization has significant connections to Diaz through Doral College, where he served as chief operating officer from 2013 to 2022. Doral College was created in 2010 specifi-

downtown Pensacola post office. It's at the site of the old Sluggo's and Napoleon Bakery on South Jefferson St. The renovations are expected to take about six months. The Post Office moved from its Palafox location on April 26, 2024. The post office boxes were relocated to the East Hill Station, 3001 N. Davis Highway.

LET'S TALK The City of Pensacola's Strategic Initiatives Officer, Adrianne Walker, has sent an update on the communication plan for the "New Palafox" project to downtown business and property owners. The "New Palafox" project is the city's multimillion-dollar redesign and reconstruction of South Palafox Street, focused on making the corridor safer and more ADA-compliant while upgrading stormwater infrastructure. Garden to Main streets will be closed starting Jan. 5, 2026. The project is scheduled to be completed by May 24.

inweekly.net

cally to offer advanced dual-enrollment courses at charter schools, including Somerset Academy campuses. The college maintains ongoing partnerships with Somerset schools across Florida. Somerset University Preparatory Academy's principal is Lourdes Isla, who was Doral College's dean of students. It remains unclear whether Somerset is paying rent to use university facilities or how the private charter school aligns with the original tuition-free concept Diaz proposed in September. The Somerset school did not appear on the agenda for the UWF Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 11.

BRING HANGOUT TO PENSACOLA Gulf Shores' marquee music festival—Hangout Fest, which was rebranded last year as Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots Festival—will skip 2026. City officials and the festival organizers, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), announced the change earlier this month, though the reasons behind the decision have become a point of contention. During a council meeting, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft suggested the city had forced the issue. "We will refuse to let them go back to the acts we've had before, so they couldn't do it. So they canceled the 2026 event, but they've got time now to pursue the type of talent we want on our beaches, to invite the right audience that we want on our beaches." Those comments raised eyebrows about what "type of talent" and "right audience" Gulf Shores officials were seeking—and who they were trying to exclude. Craft later walked back his comment in a written statement. He stated, "The city elected to defer consideration of the requested extension until the festival's outcomes could be evaluated, with input from our residents. This year's festival received overwhelming community support, and in late July, the City Council approved a two-year extension." He continued, "However, the compressed timeline created by this decision did not provide organizers sufficient runway to produce a successful festival in 2026. As a result, the producers have elected not to proceed with a 2026 event." The festival's economic impact on the region is significant. Pensacola International Airport experienced one of its busiest days the Monday after the 2025 festival, with approximately 15,400 total passengers. Mayor D.C. Reeves attributed the high traffic directly to the Gulf Shores festival. The cancellation presents a potential opportunity for Pensacola Beach to host the event. Visit Pensacola, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Pensacola Chamber could reach out to AEG executives about relocating the festival here for 2027. Founded in 2009 as Hangout Fest, the event has hosted major headliners including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Kendrick Lamar, establishing itself as a destination festival with approximately 40,000 attendees. UWF ACCREDITATION The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on December 18, 2025

Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the University of West Florida's accreditation through 2035. The decision ensures UWF can continue awarding degrees at all levels, from associate through doctoral programs. "We are dedicated to ensuring that a UWF education meets the highest standards of quality," said Manny Diaz Jr., interim president. "When people hire a UWF graduate, they'll know they're getting someone equipped with the skills and knowledge to make an impact. This reaffirmation validates the strength of the education that stands behind them." For students and graduates, accreditation directly impacts the value of their credentials. Employers rely on accreditation as a quality benchmark, while students need it to qualify for federal financial aid and ensure their credits transfer to other accredited institutions. UWF first earned accreditation in 1969, shortly after its founding. The university most recently received reaffirmation in 2015, making this latest approval the third successful review in over five decades of operation. "Maintaining our accreditation ensures that every student can trust the quality and integrity of a UWF education," said Dr. Jaromy Kuhl, provost. "It reflects years of dedicated work by our faculty and staff and reinforces our mission to provide meaningful learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in their careers and communities." One person this achievement probably didn't impress is Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has argued that SACSCOC is politically biased, interferes with state control of public universities and wields too much unaccountable power over Florida's higher education system. He will have to wait 10 years to change UWF's accreditor.

HELP BUILD REVERB A $200 million development is moving forward at Pensacola's Maritime Park, bringing a Hard Rock-branded hotel and luxury apartments to the downtown waterfront. Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) will begin construction in 2026 on Lot 5, which will feature the 247-unit Rhythm Lofts apartment complex and the 147-key Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel, along with a 325-space parking podium. CCI is inviting local subcontractors and suppliers to informational meetings to learn about participation opportunities. The meetings will be held at Maritime Place, 350 W. Cedar St., first floor, from 8-10 a.m. on Dec. 22, Jan. 19 and Feb. 2. While Escambia and Santa Rosa County businesses are prioritized, contractors throughout Florida and the Southeast are encouraged to attend. Final bidding with plans and specifications is expected to begin in late January. CCI is based in Beloit, Wisc., and provides full-service general contracting services. The company is part of the Hendricks Holding Company portfolio, owned by billionaire businesswoman Diane Hendricks, who co-founded ABC Supply—the nation's largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding and windows. For more information, contact ccipensacola@cciwi.com or visit cciwi.com. {in}

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TOP IT OFF 26 Things To Do Before '26 Whether you're a planner or procrastinator, we can all agree December is a great month to totally and completely overwhelm yourself. From party invites to shopping lists, it really is the most wonderful and jam-packed time of the year. But even amid all those things you have to do, there's tons of great stuff happening you probably want to do—like watching "The Nutcracker" or an Ice Flyers home game. To help you savor what's left of the year, we put together this list of musts. We tried to cover a lot of bases and not leave anybody out, including folks who don't really "do" holidays. {in}

local, even last minute 1 Shop at Palafox Market Saturday, Dec. 20 palafoxmarket.com

Pensacola Arts Market 2 And at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten Sunday, Dec. 21 @pensacolaartsmarket

up with some Portuguese soup out the holidays 8 Warm 16 Drag from Steel Pony Diner at "A Drag Queen Christmas" @thesteelponydiner

to dress festive 9 Remember for The Undergrowth's "Hardcore Christmas" show Friday, Dec. 19 @the.undergrowth

yourself a "Florida Christmas" a hockey game 10 Catch 3 Have at Good Day Darling Dec. 20, 23 and 27 gooddaydarling.co

pensacolaiceflyers.com

the whole fish special "Marty Supreme" 4 See 11 Order at Sabai on Jefferson preferably on Christmas Day, the way God and Timothée Chalamet intended a24films.com/films/marty-supreme

Enjoy a holiday classic on the stage with Ballet Pensacola's "The Nutcracker" Dec. 19-21 balletpensacola.org, pensacolasaenger.com

reimagine one 6 Or with Pensacola Little Theatre's "It's a

@sabaithai850

miss the holiday "Ho-Down" 12 Don't at Betty's on Belmont Saturday, Dec. 20 @bettys_on_belmont

"Heated Rivalry" 13 Stream if you aren't already hbomax.com

Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" Dec. 18-21 pensacolalittletheatre.com

"A Thottie Christmas" 14 Have Saturday, Dec. 20

Spread "Threads of Cheer" at Gallery Night Friday, Dec. 19 gallerynightpensacola.org

the Winter Solstice 15 Celebrate with Craft Gourmet Bakery

December 18, 2025

@theth0tfactory

Sunday, Dec. 21 craftgourmetbakery.com

Tuesday, Dec. 23 pensacolasaenger.com

Figgy With It" 17 "Get at George Bistro + Bar

georgebistroandbar.com

18 Buy yourself a gift

and make sure it's something your future self will thank you for—like a ticket to see Gary Clark Jr. in February vinylmusichall.com

Pensacola Opera's production of 19 Or "La traviata" in January pensacolaopera.com

the halls 20 Deck at the Waterboyz annual holiday party

Boukou Groove 23 Catch at The Handlebar

Friday, Dec. 26 boukougroove.com, thehandlebar850.com

ahead for New Year's Eve 24 Plan one suggestion: Odd Colony and Jitterbug's "Night Owl Masquerade Party" Wednesday, Dec. 31 facebook.com/oddcolony

Perfect Day Book's "Tarot Club" 25 Or at Golden Hour Yoga and Tea House Wednesday, Dec. 31 @perfectdaybookstore

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's 26 Or annual "Celebrate the New Year!" show Wednesday, Dec. 31 pensacolasymphony.com

Tuesday, Dec. 23 waterboyz.com

(or reread) 21 Read "Wuthering Heights" so you're ready for Emerald Fennell's adaptation come February @wutheringheightsmovie

22 Try the "Winter Berry" smoothie at Ever'man @evermancoop

212 1

inweekly.net

WEEK OF DECEMBER 18-24

Arts & Entertainment art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

Striking Gold By Savannah Evanoff

Goldmine Band / Photo by Savannah H. Photography

Hardly a thing in Ireland doesn't inspire Tris Weeks. Everything she touches there turns to musical gold—or rather, future material for her Pensacola-based classic rock group, Tris & The Goldmine Band. During Weeks' interview with Inweekly, the Pensacola native is jetlagged after returning from months of working on her master's degree in voice and songwriting at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick, Ireland. While in Ireland, she's been performing, too. Weeks fell in love with the country in a study abroad program, part of her undergraduate degree in classical voice at University of West Florida. "I was mesmerized by it," Weeks said. "The natural beauty and wonder there is just amazing … I was writing songs left and right, inspired by everything. I felt a really deep, strong connection to Ireland, and then found out how amazing the school was. It felt like a no-brainer." Despite studying overseas, Weeks is fully committed to fronting Goldmine Band with Chris Crowley (guitar), Jensen Cadenhead (drums) and Max Levesque (bass). She founded it as a classic rock cover band in 2020, but they've since transitioned to original music. "I've loved doing my acoustic singer-songwriter performances, but in my head—at all of those songwriter festivals and every time I've performed a song acoustically—I've heard it with a full band," December 18, 2025

Weeks said. "To finally have this incredible group of musicians who are able to bring these visions to life and bring their own creative energy and spin to the table has been truly a dream come true as a lifelong songwriter." They've been to Nashville three times to record with Garrett Miller, a producer who's worked with Kelly Clarkson and Mumford & Sons. And at gigs, audience members now sing along to originals such as "Move Along." "People seem to really be digging it," Weeks said. "I got a Spotify notification that somebody listened to it over 250 times. I'm like, 'Wow, I don't think I've ever listened to a song that many times in a month.'" "Move Along" is the opening track on their latest EP, "Broken Masterpiece," which dropped in July. The release show was at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter. It has more of a rock element than their debut EP, "City of Tomorrow," Weeks explained. "The songs were pretty brand new, so it was a lot easier to lean into that '70s rock direction," Weeks said. "'Move Along' and our other song, 'The Chasm,' are both rocking songs, which I think is just so cool. It's made them so fun to play live, because they're in the same vein as some of the classic rock songs that we play. This EP has really been helping further define our sound and the direction that we want to go in as a band."

The band's style is a reflection of Weeks' upbringing. She grew up inspired by modern alternative rock bands, such as Imagine Dragons, Pretty Reckless and The Black Keys. She was also heavily influenced by a Pink Floyd album gifted by her guitar teacher. "That's my heart," Weeks said. "I love all the music and songwriters from that era—Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez. Now, my songwriting is a fusion of some alternative rock elements with modern sensibilities, but also really trying to lean into that '60s, '70s, classic rock feel because I love that era so much. I'm hoping to bring some of that vibe back through our music." But you'd know that without hearing Weeks sing. Her outfits say it all. "Around the age of 14, I started … watching movies like 'Almost Famous' and watching documentaries about the bands that I was in love with as well, and seeing the clothing," Weeks said. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh. That's what I want to dress like.'" She's been thrifting ever since. Her bandmates recently scolded her for saying in an interview that she didn't have hobbies. "It's pretty bad, because every time we're in a new city, I'm finding a new vintage store to go into and making three guys sit there while I try on some new '70s clothes," Weeks said. "I certainly don't need any more, but it's always fun … I've

been styling them in a '70s way, too, for our photo shoots and album covers and stuff. They're really digging it. They complain one minute, but then they're taking selfies and I'm like, 'OK, I know you're into it.'" While Goldmine Band's music is an homage to decades past, their lyrics are all over the place; Weeks just writes from the heart, she said. One of her favorite songs lyrically is "Áine," written about the Irish goddess of summer after hearing stories from an older Irish woman. "A lot of my songs are very introspective; I feel like I'm just, 'Why is the world the way it is, and how do I be who I want to be in a world like this?'" Weeks said. "And so the song 'Áine' is really like my letter to her, a letter to a powerful woman— how do you be in this world and be such a source of light and be such a strong woman?" "I had a lot of fun writing it, because there's a lot of visual imagery of Ireland. I love how a lot of people there really, truly believe in fairies and mythology and these stories, and so it makes the whole area feel pretty magical. I hoped to capture a bit of that magic in the lyric-writing for that song." Weeks will return to Ireland for her second semester in February, where she hopes to do a tour with her whole band. But there's still a chance to see them perform locally this year. Weeks will host a benefit concert Saturday, Dec. 20 for the Tyler Robinson Foundation—an organization she started busking for as a teenager and still raises money for today. The organization was founded by Imagine Dragons after one of their biggest fans, Tyler Robinson, died of pediatric cancer, Weeks said. The fan's family and the band started it to help other families with the unseen costs of pediatric cancer. "Over the past 10 years, I've gotten to become close with these pediatric cancer families that the foundation is helping," Weeks said. "It's been so special and so rewarding, and so to continue to do benefit concerts for them is so exciting. It feels like a great time of year to use music to have fun and give back." {in}

ROCK THE HALLS

WHAT: A holiday rock concert with Goldmine Band benefiting the Tyler Robinson Foundation and Cokesbury Music Ministry WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 WHERE: Cokesbury Church, 5725 N. Ninth Ave. COST: $10 at the door DETAILS: facebook.com/thebandgoldmine 13

a&e happenings open 6-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every day from Friday, Dec. 19 through Tuesday, Dec. 23. On Sundays at 6:30 p.m., the tickets include a movie screening. Dec. 21 will feature "The Grinch." Tickets will be available for $12 from the Blue Wahoos Stadium box office and bluewahoos.com.

WREATHS & WHISKERS WORKSHOP WITH JADE TREE SUCCULENTS Make your own festive succu-

lent at the cat café 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Cost is $50 per person. Reserve your spot at coastalcatpcola.com.

CALVERT'S WINTER MARKET

Photo Corutesy of Ballet Pensacola

HOLIDAY EVENTS

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Escambia County

Department of Animal Welfare will offer a free pet adoption special for dogs and cats one year or older, now through Tuesday, Dec. 30. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. Adoption fees for kittens and puppies is $25-$50. View adoptable animals at 24petconnect.com. The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OPERATION WARM WAGS CHRISTMAS DRIVE WolfGang Pensacola is raising awareness

and donations for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. The organization is collecting donations for 300 shelter animals—including new fleece blankets, toys and treats—through Dec. 20. On Sunday, Dec. 21, volunteers will visit the shelter to hand-deliver the gifts, spending time with each dog and cat. Donations are being accepted now through Dec. 20 at the following drop-off locations: Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St.; Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave.; Pensacola Bay Brewery, 225 Zaragoza St.; De Novo Salon, 3435 N. 12th Ave.; So Bo Boutique, 512 N. Ninth Ave.; Titanium Wireless, 1101 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Ste. 140; Beulah Family Dentistry, 8716 Beulah Road; and Animal Hospital of Pensacola, 5001 N. 12th Ave. You can also send donations directly to the Escambia County Animal Shelter at 200 W. Fairfield Drive, noting the contribution is for the Christmas Drive, or contact WolfGang Pensacola to coordinate donation pick-ups or group collections at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

PENSACOLA WINTERFEST Downtown

Pensacola is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday tours throughout the season. Choose from the Grinch's Merry Match, Peanuts or Polar Express tours. And don't forget pictures with Santa. Details and tickets at pensacolawinterfest.org.

WAHOOS WINTER NIGHTS Visit Blue

Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St., this holiday season for a walk-through holiday light display 414 1

Shop items from local makers at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.

19; Saturday, Dec. 20; Thursday, Dec. 18; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Located at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

DECK THE HALLS A holiday brunch event with caroling from Pensacola Opera. Seatings are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox. Reservations can be made by calling (850) 469-9898 or visiting jacksonsrestaurant.com. WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE Featuring music

from Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other holiday classics 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

THREADS OF CHEER: A HOLIDAY GALLERY NIGHT The December Gallery Night is

5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 on South Palafox Street. Details at gallerynightpensacola.com.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ELF Watch "Elf" at

Casino Beach Bar & Grille, 41 Fort Pickens Road. Arts and crafts start at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 and the movie starts at 6 p.m.

GOLDMINE BAND: ROCK THE HALLS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ROCK CONCERT

Show is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 5725 N. Ninth Ave. Tickets and info at eventbrite.com.

ELF'S CORNER Visit the Holiday Help Hub

at Florida Blue Center, 1680 Airport Blvd., to decorate cookies, get holiday presents wrapped and support and learn about local resources 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.

THE THOT FACTORY PRESENTS: A THOTTIE CHRISTMAS 18+ open stage drag

event and costume contest hosted by Thotberry Kingcake, featuring Andy Rodginous, Lola Boleyn and more. $10 cover 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Located at Jitterbug Beverage Co., 2050 N. 12th Ave. Find details on Instagram @theth0tfactory.

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: THE NUTCRACKER The return of Ballet Pensacola's

"The Nutcracker" is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19; 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Get tickets at balletpensacola.org.

HEAVY HOLIDAY HOEDOWN WITH THE LADIES OF … FEATURING JAMES HALL, HEAVY KID, THE MOB TOWN SKY CADETS AND EAST HILLBILLIES Show starts 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

THE NUTCRACKER EXPERIENCE: HERR DROSSELMEYER'S WORKSHOP Join Ballet

Pensacola at The Loft @ The Mercantile, 2 E. Intendencia St. for an afternoon of treats, cocoa and holiday surprises 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Tickets available at balletpensacola.org/ special-events.

UGLY CHRISTMAS PAJAMA PARTY Enjoy

a wacky and tacky holiday party 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Coastal County Brewing Co., 3041 E. Olive Road. Details at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.

until sold out), holiday music from Easy Going Records 6-8 p.m. and Globetrotter Street Food from 5-9 p.m. Located at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

MOMENTUM CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE SAENGER Christmas Eve service with

live music and Pastor Tim Payne. Services are 3 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details at pensacolasaenger.com.

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ANGELENA'S

Enjoy a Christmas Eve and/or Christmas dinner at Angelena's, 101 E. Intendencia St. Dinner service is 5-10 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (850) 542-8398.

CHRISTMAS AT JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE

Jackson's will have special features on top of their regular lunch and dinner menus Christmas Eve and Christmas from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. located at 400 S. Palafox St. To make a reservation, call (850) 469-9898 or visit jacksonsrestaurant.com.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Celebrate the holiday season with the Fil-Am Cultural Center 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 and enjoy food, live music, Santa and performances from Pearl of the Orient Dancers. Details at filampcola.org.

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.

CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS Show is 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every

FILIPINO-AMERICAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Tickets and info available at feverup.com.

HOMELESS CHRISTMAS SHOE BLESSING

The Pensacola Dream Center will present 380 brand-new pairs of shoes to the Alfred Washburn Center, 31 Murphy Lane, 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Guests will also receive a hot meal. The Dream Center invites the community to share in the spirit of generosity to continue these efforts year-round.

HOLIDAY KIDS' MARKET AT THE BURROW The holiday kids' market is 12-4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21 at The Burrow, 1010 N. 12th Ave. Details at facebook.com/theburrowbyoc.

CHRISTMASTIME BOARDS & BREWS A

charcuterie workshop 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Coastal County Brewing, Co., 3041 E. Olive Road. Cost is $75 per person. Registration and details at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.

HOLIDAY SIP & PAINT WITH TIPSY SCOOP PENSACOLA Craft boozy ice cream cocktails and paint a masterpiece 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Tipsy Scoop, 194 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $59.99 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS Show is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info at pensacolasaenger.com. HOLIDAY RAMBLE AT ODD COLONY Des-

ert and beer pairing with Craft Bakery (available

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.

ARTS & CULTURE

PERFECT DAY BOOKSTORE POP-UP The

mobile book store will be at The Lucky Goat, 7175 N. Davis Highway Sundays Dec. 21 and 28.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Show starts at 10:30 p.m. Saturday,

Dec. 20 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET AT GARY'S BREWERY & BIERGARTEN Get some last-

minute shopping done at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Details: @pensacolaartsmarket on Instagram. inweekly.net

a&e happenings DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE EXHIBITION This national exhibition will

feature works from various artists at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 11. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

THRIFT STYLE New exhibit at Pensacola

Museum of History explores the reuse of feed sacks to make clothing and other household objects. View the exhibit and explore the museum, located at 330 S. Jefferson St. Details at historicpensacola.org.

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.

PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION LECTURES Learn Pensacola/Northwest Florida

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Para-

normal 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.

FOOD + DRINKS

DUMPLINGS FOR DAYS Cooking class is 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at Pensacola Cooks, 4015 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Option to bring your own beer. Menu is gyoza, pierogi and modak. Tickets are $60 per student and available at pensacolacooks.com.

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.

DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meet-

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.

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

BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in

open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little

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.

MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to

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.

Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market 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.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m.

Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Caba-

MONDAY NIGHT SPAGHETTI SESSIONS

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pen-

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.

ret 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.

sacola'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. December 18, 2025

Visit V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox St. every Monday from 5–9 p.m. 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.).

75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent

oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 15

a&e happenings 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

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

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.

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; 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

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia

Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

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.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

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 Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-

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.

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.

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.

LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER

Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter,

616 1

knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

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.

COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER

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

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.

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. every Friday with 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. every Friday 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.

inweekly.net

a&e happenings 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

every Saturday, 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. every Sunday 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

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.

and play bar bingo 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

SUNDAY KARAOKE WITH KJ NICK Sunday Funday karaoke is 8 p.m. Sundays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

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.

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 salad bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and champagne specials. Details are at sevillequarter.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.

LIVE MUSIC

THE CASUALTIES WITH SPECIAL GUEST CRAZY & THE BRAINS Show starts at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

SUNDAY BILLIARDS Rack 'em up in Fast Eddie's Billiards Room at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., with drink specials and a laid-back, air-conditioned atmosphere.

THE CALVERT'S BAND Live music at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's

CATBITE, JAYWOOD AND PAUPER'S GRAVE Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at

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.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

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. December 18, 2025

The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

BACK TO THE BOWERY: THE LEGEND OF CBGB WITH BLONDIE AND RAMONES TRIBUTES Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at

Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

BOUKOU GROOVE, 12ELEVEN AND JOSH DRAKE BAND Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec.

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free will astrology WEEK OF DECEMBER 18 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Nine hundred years ago, Sufi philosopher Al-Ghazali provided rigorous advice that's not very popular these days. "To understand the stars," he said, "one must polish the mirror of the soul." Here's my interpretation: to fathom the truth about reality, you must be a strong character who treasures clarity and integrity. It's highly unlikely you can gather a profound grasp of how life works if your inner depths are a mess. Conversely, your capacity to comprehend the Great Mystery increases as you work on purifying and strengthening your character. Everything I just said is good advice for all of us all the time, but it will be especially potent and poignant for you in the coming months. TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): The sound

of a whip cracking is a small sonic boom. The tip breaks the sound barrier, creating that distinctive snap. In my astrological reckoning, Taurus, life has provided you with the equivalent of a whip. During the coming months, you will have access to a simple asset that can create breakthrough force when wielded with precision and good timing. I'm not referring to aggression or violence. Your secret superpower will be understanding how to use small treasures that can generate disproportionate impacts. What's your whip?

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Some Japanese

potters practice "yohen tenmoku." It's a technique used to create a rare type of tea bowl with shifting, star-like iridescence on deep, dark glaze. The sublime effect results from a process that's unusually demanding, highly unpredictable and hard to control. Legend says that only one in a thousand bowls achieves the intended iridescence. The rest, according to the masters, are "lessons in humility." I believe you can flourish by adopting this experimental mindset in the coming months. Treat your creative experiments as offerings to the unknown, as sources of wonder whether or not your efforts yield stellar results. Be bold in trying new techniques and gentle in self-judgment. Delight in your apprenticeship to mystery. Some apparent "failures" may bring useful novelty.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): A fair-weather cumulus cloud typically weighs over a million

By Rob Brezsny

pounds and yet floats effortlessly. Let's make that one of your prime power symbols for 2026, Cancerian. It signifies that you will harbor an immense emotional cargo that's suspended with grace. You will carry complex truths, layered desires and lyrical ambitions, but you will manage it all with aplomb and even delight. For best results, don't overdramatize the heaviness; appreciate and marvel at the buoyancy.

thirds and triads. Let's use this as our starting point as we contemplate your future in 2026, Libra. Life may disrupt your assumptions about what constitutes balance and harmony. You will be invited to consider the possibility that what seems like discord from one perspective is attractive and valuable from another. My advice: open your mind to other ways of evaluating what's meaningful and attractive.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Every 11 years, the Sun reverses its magnetic polarity. North becomes south, and south becomes north. The last switch was completed earlier this year. Let's use this natural phenomenon as your metaphorical omen for the coming months, Leo. Imagine that a kind of magnetic reversal will transpire in your psyche. Your inner poles will flip position. As the intriguing process unfolds, you may be surprised at how many new ideas and feelings come rumbling into your imagination. Rather than resist the cosmic acrobatics, I advise you to welcome and collaborate with them.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States, Arizona bark scorpions are hard to see at night. Scientists who want to study them can find them only by searching with flashlights that emit ultraviolet light. This causes the scorpions' exoskeletons to fluoresce and glow a distinct blue-green or turquoise color, making them highly visible. Let's use this scenario as a metaphor for you. In the coming months, you may reveal your best brilliance under uncommon conditions. Circumstances that seem unusual or challenging will highlight your true beauty and power. What feels extreme may be a good teacher and helper. I urge you to trust that the right people will recognize your unique beauty.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The sculptor Louise Bourgeois was asked why she worked so often with the image of the spider. She said it was a tribute to her mother, who was deliberate, clever, patient, soothing, helpful and useful— just like a spider. In the coming months, I invite you to embody her vision of the spider. You will have the wherewithal to weave hardy networks that could support you for years to come. Be creative and thoughtful as you craft your network of care. Your precision will be a form of devotion. Every strand, even fragile ones, will enhance your long-term resilience.

Be creative and thoughtful as you craft your network of care. LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Researchers

studying music theory know that dissonance— sounds that feel "wrong" or create tension—is in part culturally determined. Indonesia's gamelan music and Arabic maqam scales are beautiful to audiences that have learned to appreciate them. But they might seem off-kilter to Westerners accustomed to music filled with major

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Ac-

cording to legend, the genius composer Mozart heard entire symphonies in his imagination before he wrote down any notes. That's a slight exaggeration. The full truth is that he often worked hard and made revisions. His inspiration was enhanced by effort and craft. However, it's also true that Mozart wrote at least five masterful works in rapid succession, sometimes with remarkably few corrections on the manuscript. They included his last three symphonies (Nos. 39, 40 and 41). I predict you will have a Mozartlike aptitude in the coming months: the ability to perceive whole patterns before the pieces align. Trust your big visions!

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In Greek

mythology, Proteus was a sea god famed for his ability to change his shape endlessly to evade capture. But now and then, a persistent hero was able to hold on to Proteus through all his transformations, whether he became a lion, serpent, tree, or flame. Then the god would bestow the gift of prophecy on the successful daredevil. I suspect that in the coming months, you will have an ex-

ceptional power to snag and grasp Proteus-like things, Capricorn. As a result, you could claim help and revelations that seem almost magical.

Circumstances that seem unusual or challenging will highlight your true beauty and power. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In Florence, Italy, the Accademia Gallery houses several of Michelangelo's sculptures that depict human figures partially emerging from rough blocks of marble. They seem to be caught in the process of birth or liberation. These works showcase the technique Michelangelo called non-finito (unfinished), in which the forms appear to struggle to escape from the stone. In the coming months, Aquarius, I foresee you undergoing a passage that initially resembles these figures. The good news is that unlike Michelangelo's eternally trapped characters, you will eventually break free. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): To prepare

you for 2026, I've gathered three quotes that address your most pressing need and urgent mandate. I recommend you tape this horoscope to your bathroom mirror. 1. "We cannot live in a world interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a hope. Part of the terror is to take back our listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light." —author Elaine Bellezza. 2. "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."—Ralph Waldo Emerson. 3. "The ability to tell your own story, in words or images, is already a victory, already a revolt." —Rebecca Solnit. HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What's the most subtly heroic thing you could do in 2026? {in}

freewillastrology.com

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news of the weird 'TIS THE SEASON Leavenworth, Washington, has become a tourist destination because of the Bavarian theme businesses have adopted there, NPR reported. One shop, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, houses the world's largest nutcracker collection, thanks to 101-year-old Arlene Wagner. Wagner started the collection in 1976, and soon after, she and her husband were going to estate sales and auctions in the U.S. and Europe to find rare examples. Once they'd collected 7,000, Wagner said, "It was time to share it with people," and they opened the museum. The oldest nutcracker she has is a bronze device made between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Now, Wagner is training a new "Nutcracker Lady," Michelle McMullen. THE ARISTOCRATS On Dec. 7, The Washington Post reported, a drone flew over the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, and dropped the ingredients of a swishy holiday dinner: steak, crab legs (along with a small container of Old Bay seasoning), two bags of marijuana and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. The contraband was picked up by law enforcement before reaching its intended recipients, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said. Spokesperson Chrysti Shain said the prison receives "nightly attacks" of drones trying to drop drugs into the prison yard, "but this was a bit unusual, even for us. I'm guessing the inmates who were expecting this package are a bit crabby." TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN NETFLIX When law enforcement questioned Calvin Johnson, 36, about the stolen BMW he had just crashed in Ormond Beach, Florida, they got an earful, The Smoking Gun reported. Investigators say Johnson took the car on Dec. 8 and drove it at speeds exceeding 100 mph before the crash, but Johnson had a different explanation. He said he was "teleported into the vehicle" and told officers, "You saved me from the aliens." He was charged with grand theft auto and driving on a suspended license. "BRIGHT" IDEA Officers stopped a speeding car on Dec. 5 in Door County, Wisconsin, WBAY-TV reported. The sheriff's office said the car was also missing a front headlight on the driver's side, but no worries: A handheld flashlight had been jerry-rigged in the spot where the headlight should have been. "A flashlight is not a safe or legal replacement for proper headlights," authorities said. WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME No one was seriously injured on Dec. 8 in Brevard County, Florida, when a small plane crashed into a moving 2023 Toyota Camry on I-95 around 5:45 p.m., Spectrum News 13 reported. The 27-year-old pilot was attempting an emergency landing, Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. He and his passenger remained at the scene. The 57-year-old driver of the car was taken to the hospital. Jim Coffey and his son, Peter, were in the car behind the Camry; Peter said,

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

"I thought it might maybe aim around and not hit the car, but bam, the wheel just smacked right dab on the back of the car." ANIMAL ANTICS Andrew Mackay, a politician in Sydney, Australia, was surprised in early December when he checked in on his dogs via a pet-cam, CBS News reported on Dec. 10. His dog Thunder nuzzled open a sliding glass door to get outside, but a couple of typically outdoor animals took advantage. A steer named Sue and a horse named Cricket soon appeared on the camera. "Over the next hour and a half," Mackay said, "they took turns playing inside, knocking things off cabinets. The fish tank has been drunk from." LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL A clumsy 20-year-old burglar bungled his own effort to break into a home in Spanaway, Washington, on Dec. 5, KIRO-TV reported. Homeowners called police because someone was banging on their front door, trying to get in. The intruder then moved to the back of the house and tried to break a window. As he attempted to escape, deputies said, he tried to crawl under a fence, but got his foot stuck. Law enforcement used bolt cutters to free his foot before arresting him on charges of residential burglary. WEIRD IN THE WILD Austin Dirks, a hiker in Arches National Park in Utah, found himself in a sitcom-worthy predicament on Dec. 7, CBS News reported. As he explored a small canyon on the second day of his backpacking trip, Dirks sank up to his thigh in quicksand. Fortunately, he had brought along an emergency satellite beacon, which was picked up by Grand County emergency responders. The team positioned a ladder and boards near him and slowly worked his leg loose. Once he was free of the quicksand, Dirks was able to hike out on his own and offer a few insights about the mythical substance. "In quicksand you're extremely buoyant," he said. "Most people won't sink past their waist in quicksand." Well, that's a relief! WEIRD SCIENCE In October 2024, an Idaho man was scratched by a skunk on his property, The New York Times reported on Dec. 6. Weeks later, he collapsed and died, presumably from a heart attack. The man's family donated several of his organs, and a Michigan man received a kidney. But a week later, he was hospitalized with fever, difficulty swallowing and fear of water—symptoms of rabies. He died after a week in the hospital. Doctors believe the skunk that scratched the Idaho man had contracted rabies from a bat, but organ donations are not typically tested for rabies, according to the CDC. "Overall, the risk is exceptionally small," said Dr. Lara Danziger-Isakov, a board member of the American Society for Transplantation. {in}

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com December 18, 2025

Independent News | December 18, 2025 | inweekly.net