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Independent News | February 27, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 9

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winners & losers

outtakes

news 6, 8

Every mistake you make lives with it.

buzz

a&e

15, 21

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Michael Daw

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, C.S. Satterwhite

calendar 18

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. © 2018 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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February 27, 2020

winners & losers

winners NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have both managed to achieve record subscription milestones. The NYT has reported a record five million-plus total subscribers and has seen an "acceleration in digital growth." The WSJ has just crossed the two million digital subscriptions mark and surpassed the NYT in revenue growth for the fourth quarter of 2019. MADISON BAXLEY The 10-year-old from

Crestview has been awarded the first-ever Nemours Children's Care Champion due to her ongoing charitable donations to cardiology patients. Nemours specialists have been caring and treating for the Crestview girl since before she was born. In 2009 Dr. Mary Mehta, Chief Medical Officer, Nemours Children's Specialty Care, diagnosed Madi in the womb using a fetal echocardiogram, which utilizes sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart. Dr. Mehta said, "When Madi comes to the clinic, everyone gets involved with making her visit special. She has been through so much in her short life, but her gifts to others is what really shines during her visit with Nemours."

DAVID BERRY The owner of Coastal

Construction & Remodeling was named of a winner of Channel 3 and Hill-Kelly Chrysler Jeep Ram's "Pay it Forward" contest for helping finish work on the home of Betty Hawkins, who had been scammed by another contractor. Berry finished Hawkins' home in about two months. Berry earned $500 for the award and donated it to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports families of fallen first responders.

losers MCCLATCHY CO. Last Thursday, the na-

tion's second-largest newspaper chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The move will erase about 55% of the debt but transfer control to a group of hedge funds led by Chatham Asset Management of New Jersey. The impact on McClatchy's 30 newsrooms in 14 states, including the Miami Herald, is unknown.

DICK BARKER After experiencing a cyberattack, the City of Pensacola engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP. Among its recommendation, the consultants proposed the city consider a dedicated security staff. The city had moved its Technology Resources department to be under CFO Dick Barker six years ago. The move let Barker promote a former communications technician who was hired 28 years ago as a data processing clerk after graduating with an associate degree in scientific programming from Pensacola State College. The mayor's transition team expressed concern that Technology Resources wasn't an independent department. However, the city didn't listen. FLORIDA COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Gov. Ron DeSan-

tis wants a criminal investigation into the group in charge of government funding for domestic violence centers. The coalition has made a string of negative headlines, including the recent revelation that its former CEO received more than $5 million in paid time off. The Governor's office has also directed the Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell to oversee domestic violence funding while the state seeks out a replacement for the coalition.

GalleryNightPensacola.org Gallery Night Pensacola is a 501c3 non-profit organization supported by Downtown Pensacola merchants & sponsors.

inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, recently issued their annual report titled "Why We Swing for the Fences." Over the past 20 years, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has spent $53.8 billion to improve global health and strengthen public education in the United States. "We believe that health and education are key to a healthier, better and more equal world," they wrote in their report. "Disease is both a symptom and a cause of inequality, while public education is a driver of equality." I admired their frankness in how they evaluated their efforts in the report. Their foundation helped create Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. By 2019, Gavi had helped vaccinate more than 760 million children and prevent 13 million deaths. In 2002, they supported the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to deliver medicines, technologies and programs that save lives in low-income countries. In 2018 alone, nearly 19 million people received lifesaving HIV treatment. The Gates saw that success in America as a complex equation with many variables—race, gender, ZIP code, parents' income levels and education. However, they found tackling public education to be more challenging than global health. "If you'd asked us 20 years ago, we would have guessed that global health would be our foundation's riskiest work, and our U.S. education work would be our

surest bet," wrote Melinda Gates. "In fact, it has turned out just the opposite." The Gates found that innovations needed to be tailored to the specific needs of teachers and students rather than scaled on a national basis. They shifted their primary focus in K-12 to locally-driven solutions identified by networks of schools and have awarded $240 million across 30 networks. In Escambia County, we have inequality in health outcomes and public education. Many of the variables of the complex success equation described by the Gates aren't positive for large segments of our community. We have some variables that no one wants to tackle. Unlike the Gates, few of our leaders are willing to objectively measure our progress and determine which solutions are working. Some of the measurements given are dubious. For instance, we have some of the lowest-performing elementary and middle schools in Florida, but miraculously, our high school graduation rates have increased over the past 12 years. Really? Improving community health will depend on making healthcare more accessible. Our hospitals need help and funding to do it. Hiring an experienced educator as school superintendent will be a step in the right direction for public education, but more innovation will be needed to help each segment succeed. And we need leaders willing to swing for the fences and push beyond the status quo. {in} rick@inweekly.net

In Escambia County, we have inequality in health outcomes and public education.

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FATE INTERVENED Boulevard. His predecessor had shut down the substation in 2008, but Morgan fought to reopen it and won the support of the Board of County Commissioners to build the new facility, which opened in 2012. "Sergeant Hoyland was actually in the precinct with the troops mustering," said Sheriff Morgan. "The changeover was occurring when the call came out that we have an active shooter on NAS Pensacola. They packed up and immediately went."

"The changeover was occurring when the call came out that we have an active shooter on NAS Pensacola. They packed up and immediately went." Morgan

Photo courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff’s Office

By Rick Outzen On the morning of Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, a terrorist attack occurred at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Lt. Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani of the Royal Saudi Air Force killed three U.S. Navy sailors and injured eight others, including two Escambia County deputies. Alshamrani eventually was killed by Escambia County deputies who responded to the threat. On Jan. 31, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan presented Purple Hearts to officers that were injured when they engaged the shooter—ECSO Deputy Jonathan Glass, Deputy Matthew Tinch and DOD Police Captain Charles Hogue. Medals of Valor were also awarded to Glass, Tinch, Hogue, DOD Capt. Robert Johnson, ECSO Sgt. Mike Hoyland, Senior Deputy Grant Lopez, Deputy Matthew Housam and Deputy Matthew Keebler. Other than Sheriff Morgan's speech at the awards ceremony, not much has been said about the Escambia County Sheriff's Office's response to the threat other than how quickly, professionally and courageously the deputies acted. The deputies have stayed out of the limelight and have said very little on the record. However, Inweekly felt their side of the story hadn't been adequately told and 66

asked Sheriff Morgan and Chief Deputy Chip Simmons to talk about their agency's response from the first "shots fired" call from the NAS Pensacola to when they turned Building 633 over to federal investigators after eliminating the threat.

CHAOS

"It's important to distinguish between shots fired and active shooter," said Sheriff Morgan. "Shots fired could've been a vehicle mistakenly backfiring, or it could have been an accidental discharge from one of the security personnel or NAS Police. Shots fired can be a whole host of things."

"When Capt. Hogue and Capt. Johnson came through and they engaged him, I think at that point is when they made the call back that we have an active shooter." Sheriff David Morgan "When Alshamrani entered the building, took the weapon out, loaded it up and started shooting and people started calling this 'shots fired,' he had already gone through the building in a couple of areas," said Morgan. "When Capt. Hogue and Capt. Johnson came through and they

engaged him, I think at that point is when they made the call back that we have an active shooter." "Our dispatch was handling all the calls," said Chief Simmons. "In the initial stages of any event like this, utter chaos is taking place." He said that one or two calls regarding shots fired led to deputies being sent to the base, but when the dispatchers received call after call, they began to sense a real threat. "Now we've got potential descriptions, and again, chaos becomes chaos, and our dispatchers began communicating that chaos in an orderly fashion," said Simmons. "Our dispatchers got out all the information in a clear and concise way, so the deputies had a good understanding of what they're getting into before they got there. Our dispatchers did a brilliant job." "Part of that confusion/chaos was first we heard there was an automatic weapon involved because he was firing so many rounds, but that's the fog of war kind of thing," said Sheriff Morgan. "But again, our dispatch immediately tagged it as active shooter. And then, it went out that we had two people, possibly—which we ended up with only one." Another factor in the ECSO's rapid response was Sheriff Morgan's insistence on building the Warrington substation minutes away from the base's front gate on Navy

He continued, "Fate intervened. You literally had the transition of one shift coming on and one shift going off, so you had an ideal situation for the number of people to respond to that particular incident. Our forces basically were doubled." The sheriff explained that if the shooter had waited, the shift change would have occurred. He said, "And we'd have had people that were already well on their way home and wouldn't have had the massive response that we had." As deputies headed to the base, traffic became an immediate problem. The main gate was busy with personnel heading to work. Senior Deputy Lopez was running radar in the area and was on a motorcycle. He was able to weave through the traffic and get to Building 633. The Navy cleared the northbound lane, usually the exit lane, to allow the other deputies to get on the base. Upon arrival at the building, Tinch and Glass immediately engaged the shooter as they had been trained.

RUN TO THE THREAT

"Before Columbine, whenever you have a shooter, or a dangerous or hostage situation, you would secure the area, and then you'd use a bullhorn to communicate," explained Chief Simmons. "When I was on the SWAT team years ago, we had like throw phones. So that was the standard. You would secure the area, make sure it doesn't get any worse and then you try to negotiate a standstill." Police tactics changed after the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 when two high school seniors murdered 10 students and one teacher and injured 21 others before committing suicide. Columbine revealed the wait-and-negotiate strategy was no longer effective. "We changed everything," said Simmons. "We started this whole active inweekly.net

shooter training. So now, it's go to contact, go to the shooter." He continued, "So you don't wait until you have a whole SWAT team there. Whenever we hit the manpower at the location, whether it's one or two deputies, they go to the threat, and they take care of it." At the 2018 shooting at the high school in Parkland, Fla., not all the law enforcement followed that training. The initial law enforcement stopped and didn't pursue the shooter, which gave him time to continue shooting. Surrounding agencies went to the point of contact.

"No one sat around; no one circled the place; no one stopped at the restroom. No one did any of that stuff. They went straight to the threat." Chief Deputy Chip Simmons Escambia County trains its officers to go to the threat and neutralize or kill the threat. Simmons said, "And that's exactly what every single person that responded didâ€”the NAS police engaged, then Tinch and Glass did it and then Grant Lopez. No one sat around; no one circled the place; no one stopped at the restroom. No one did any of that stuff. They went straight to the threat." He added, "Then the last three, Hoyland, Keebler and Housam, got there, and they did the same thing. No one else was killed by the shooter, and the threat was eliminated." Sheriff Morgan said that after the shooting in Parkland, he called together all his school resource officers. He told Inweekly, "We made sure our officers understood that they were to engage the shooter immediately." He said to the SROs, "Does everybody understand that? You're to go to the gunfire. The cavalry is en route. Okay? But you've got to go in there and negate the threat." DOD Captains Hogue and Johnson were the first to engage the shooter. Hogue was shot and evacuated from the building. Deputies Glass and Tinch encountered the shooter in a stairwell. Both were shot, and Lopez heard the shooter running on the second floor toward another stairwell. Lopez was able to get off two shots and struck the terrorist but failed to take him down. Lopez's gun jammed, and he retreated while trying to clear his weapon. The shooter chased him and ran into Hoyland, Housam and Keebler, who took him down. After the shooter was killed, the deputies weren't sure that the threat had been completely eliminated. "We were hearing one shooter, maybe two shooters. Maybe an automatic weapon. Maybe a bomb," said Chief Simmons about the threat. "And so everyone said, 'OK, one shooter is down, but we don't know if it's over.'" Building 633 had several rooms that had to be checked. Simmons said. "We were having to go through every one, knock on the door. We didn't know if someone's dead inside, because he had broken out a window on one of the doors and was shooting indiscriminately inside. So there could have February 27, 2020

been people in there. And we didn't know if bad guys were in any rooms." He added, "From my SWAT days, until the building is clear and secure, it is an active crime scene." The Escambia County Sheriff's Office deployed 35 officers to handle the threat. Sheriff Morgan said, "Once the threat was negated and we did headcounts of all of our people and made sure that the wounded were being attended to appropriately, then we literally started backing out because our part was over." "We did the press conference at the gate, and then we went straight to the hospital where we had two of our deputies," said Simmons.

TRAINING

Since the shooting, there has been considerable talk in Washington about how to prevent another active shooter on a military base. "I'm not sure that you can," said the sheriff. "Anybody that steps up and says we're going to implement procedures to make sure this never happens againâ€”that's the big lie. That's not going to happen." He doesn't believe the Navy and his agency could have responded much better. Morgan said, "I think in the actions that the Navy personnel in the building took in making the alarm calls and then the followon responses, you probably had the best situation you could have had." "I think that you train, and you train, and you train, and to expect a more professional response from a sheriff's agency isn't realistic," said Chief Simmons. "To say we're proud is an understatement. We understand it's tragic, but you cannot have perfection. But our guys almost did. From the first man to respond to the 35th man to respond, they were a credit to the agency."

"We understand it's tragic, but you cannot have perfection. But our guys almost did. From the first man to respond to the 35th man to respond, they were a credit to the agency." Simmons Sheriff Morgan added, "They did exactly what they were trained to do. That's your rank and file." "Every once in a while, you hear someone saying, 'Law enforcement needs more training, needs more training,'" said the chief deputy. "Well, I mean, I don't know that anyone can say that the training is anything less than superior with regards to this situation." Sheriff Morgan confided that he has had days when he has questioned whether he was being too easy or too hard when it comes to training and if he had budgeted correctly for training and equipment. "Then you have something like this go down, and it's an affirmation that you must be doing something right," said Sheriff Morgan. "Because when the time came for these kids to perform, they did exactly what they were trained to do. So we're not too far off the mark." {in} 7

SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY

By Jeremy Morrison Escambia County is now safe—for guns. Earlier this month, Escambia became a Second Amendment sanctuary. But what does that mean? And why? "I've always been a Second Amendment guy," said Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. "I think it's good to send that message that over here in the Panhandle we value that right and we just wanted to publicly proclaim that." Commissioner Doug Underhill said he brought forth the resolution "because the representatives in Tallahassee have really gotten out of whack with where the citizens are." "Counties are doing this to really remind Tallahassee that this is where the people are," Underhill said. "And if you want to lead the people, you need to be where the people are." He added, "By making Escambia County a Second Amendment sanctuary, we not only send a message to Tallahassee that this is where we stand as a people, but we're also telling Tallahassee, 'Be very careful about what laws you try to pass because here in Escambia County, we recognize that the Constitution of the United States of America is in fact the highest law of the land, and don't expect us to do anything to help you implement violations of the Constitution.'" But Commissioner Lumon May sees the whole thing as a distraction—one untethered 88

from jurisdictional realities. He told Inweekly, "Here's the reality—there are state and federal laws that we abide by, and no matter what we do locally, it doesn't impede on what happens at the national or the state level."

DON'T TREAD ON OUR GUNS

Commissioner Underhill was confident his Second Amendment sanctuary resolution would be a slam dunk and wasn't too surprised when it sailed through on a 3-0 commission vote in early February. "I don't think there's any politician in Escambia County that wants to be on the wrong side of this and appear to be weak on the Constitution," Underhill said more recently.

"I don't think there's any politician in Escambia County that wants to be on the wrong side of this and appear to be weak on the Constitution." Doug Underhill Underhill and Bergosh were joined by Commissioner Steven Barry in supporting the resolution. Absent for the vote were commissioners May and Robert Bender. "Obviously, I would not have voted to support it," May said. "My district is plagued with gun violence, and it's plagued with illegal guns roaming the streets. So I believe we should regulate guns." But Underhill feels establishing Escambia

as a gun-rights sanctuary is valid territory for the commission. And he's not alone, as Escambia joins roughly half of Florida's counties in becoming such a sanctuary. Neighboring Santa Rosa County passed a similar resolution days after the December shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The "sanctuary" term is lifted from the immigration conversation, where some cities or municipalities have acted as sanctuaries for immigrants. The verbiage first started being employed a couple of years ago by Second Amendment advocates in Illinois. "We're just stealing the language that sanctuary cities use," explained Bryan Kibler, the state's attorney in Effingham County, Illinois who came up with the concept. Underhill said he felt like proclaiming Escambia a Second Amendment sanctuary was necessary in light of the state legislature's decision in 2018, following a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., to ban individuals ages 18 to 20 years old from purchasing guns; persons in that younger age range may still lawfully possess a gun given to them by someone else. Calling this legislative move "the most clear violation of Constitutional rights of Floridians" and "clearly a mistake on the part of the legislature in a knee-jerk reaction to the Marjory Stone Douglas shooting," Underhill blamed state Republicans for allowing such measures to pass. "Very few Republicans are doing anything to straighten that out," the commissioner said. "Nobody should be OK with that. The Constitution is very clear that we have that right, and now you want to whittle away at the ages. Well, what's next? You're too old to have a gun? It really is just an egregious attack on our rights that went essentially unanswered by the Republican party." Bergosh agrees, pointing to young military enlistees who aren't allowed to purchase a gun as a civilian. And he thinks events like school shootings can be better dealt with by focusing on mental health issues than by changing gun legislation— "Let's face it, when you look at some of these big mass shootings, it's not like these folks just rolled out of bed one day and did it. There were a lot of missed signals, a lot of missed signs." "To just use a broad brush and try to take away everyone's weapons based on their age, I just think that's a scary, scary, slippery slope here to try to go down," Bergosh said. "Don't take my gun because there's whack jobs that go and shoot up a school." To be clear, no one is taking anyone's gun—not even an 18-year-old's gun. But, still, Underhill said, it's a violation of an individual's constitutional rights. "Yes, it's a violation of the Constitution to deny an 18 to 20-year-old the right to buy a gun," he said. "It's absolutely a violation, and probably one that would lead to

horrible consequences if you started trying to round up guns."

NO TEETH

Escambia's Second Amendment sanctuary status serves as a warning shot of sorts toward Tallahassee. "It's almost as if Tallahassee is legislating by emotion instead of by a healthy respect for our Constitution and a disciplined approach and understanding what the problems are in front of us," Underhill said, referencing the tightening of age restrictions to purchase a gun. Bergosh described the measure as akin to sending a lobbying delegation to the capitol and said he hoped the mass of counties sending likeminded sentiments inspired a course correction—"Here's my prediction, they're going to walk that back; they're going to fix that." "Punish the bad guy; don't punish us all," Bergosh said. "When you start getting these knee-jerk inclinations from bureaucrats to take our rights away, that's a real problem." Does the sanctuary status imply any actual deviation from state or federal gun laws? Does such a move have any real teeth? "Making it a sanctuary county, really, what does that mean?" Commissioner May said. "Maybe it sounds great politically, but, I mean, there's really no teeth in it for us to do such a thing." Bergosh conceded as much but said the message the resolution sent was important, nonetheless.

"Making it a sanctuary county, really, what does that mean. Maybe it sounds great politically, but, I mean, there's really no teeth in it for us to do such a thing." Lumon May "I don't really necessarily believe that it's necessary to do it, but I think it sends a bit of a message that as a county, Escambia County values the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms," Bergosh said. "You know, that is a right, regardless of what you read in the media. That is a right, and it's being slowly eroded." But Underhill has a broader reading of this move. And it's more in line with Kibler, who hinted at a less theoretical, more legalistic phase to come in an interview last year with Rolling Stone magazine: "We've gotten past the symbolic stage. We're standing up for ourselves." "Like everything else the government does," Underhill said of the Second Amendment sanctuary effort, "it has precisely the amount of teeth that the citizens are willing to back up." {in} inweekly.net

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supporting-documentation for civil rights restoration applications; streamline the restoration process to avoid wasting tax dollars; elimination of the five- and seven-year waiting periods; and the reduction of the need for hearings by reserving them for applicants with the most serious offenses. Any rules changes to the clemency process will need to be implemented by the governor and the full Clemency Board. The next meeting of the board takes place on April 8.

BAPTIST BONDS ISSUED

Mike Hill / Photo Courtesy of Florida House of Representatives

RECORD 0-7 Of the seven bills proposed

by State Rep. Mike Hill (R-Marcus Point), only one made it out of a subcommittee. That one House Bill (HB 21)â€”a proposal to name the new Pensacola Bay bridge after Chappie Jamesâ€”failed to get approved by the House State Affairs Committee. Fortunately, State Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola) was able to get it amended to a committee bill. State Rep. Hill's other six House bills have not been considered by any committee. No staff analysis has been done on any of them. The last event for each was for them to be read on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The bills range from the prohibition of the removal of Confederate monuments from public property (HB 31), banning abortion (HB 271), reversing the gun reforms enacted after the Parkland shootings (HB 6003), restrictions on vote-by-mail ballots (HB 1159) to rather non-controversial items like salary incentives for law enforcement officers (HB75) and sales tax exemptions for industrial machinery (HB 527). All six bills appear to be going nowhere. House leaders are sending a message. If you want a bill to pass, don't ask Hill to sponsor it. If re-elected, his record won't be any better in 2021.

CLEMENCY REFORM The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) submitted a clemency reform proposal to Governor Ron DeSantis and the full Clemency Board last 010 1

week. The FRRC is encouraging the governor and the board to create an efficient and speedy process to restore civil rights to individuals seeking to have those rights restored and those who already have their voting rights restored through Amendment 4.

"Our ultimate goal is to help all of Florida's returning citizens successfully reenter the community in a way that benefits all of Florida. " Desmond Meade "Our ultimate goal is to help all of Florida's returning citizens successfully reenter the community in a way that benefits all of Florida," said Desmond Meade, FRRC executive director. "We know the quicker people are able to fully participate in their community, the less likely they are to re-offend, and the more likely they are to shoulder their fair share of the tax burden on Floridians. Courageous clemency reform will allow more of our tax dollars to be allocated toward educating Florida's children, bolstering our economy and preventing crime from occurring." The main objectives of the FRRC proposal are the creation of a streamlined process of review and approval without application for individuals who are registered to vote under Amendment 4; elimination of the requirement to produce duplicative

Baptist Health Care achieved another milestone in the journey to build the community's new full-scale health campus that will be located at the intersection of Brent Lane and I-110. The locally-owned, notfor-profit healthcare system has secured financing for the project, successfully closing the public financing transaction on Feb. 12. The Series 2020 bonds were issued through the Escambia County Health Facilities Authority and publicly marketed on Jan. 28. Proceeds from the bonds will be utilized to fund part of the cost of the flagship replacement campus and refinance existing debt of the organization. Originally estimated at the price tag of $550 million, the cost of the project is now expected to be $615 million following more detailed design and planning. Baptist previously announced the selection of the world-class project team that will be partnering in this major community investment. Gresham Smith will serve as architect. Meadows & Ohly will serve as project manager. Brasfield & Gorrie will serve as general contractor, and Smith Seckman Reid will serve as the medical equipment and technology planner. "This new medical campus is a significant investment in the greater Pensacola area for decades to come," said Mark Faulkner, Baptist Health Care president and CEO. "Our community can have full confidence that we have carefully and deliberately selected a nationally-recognized team of experts in healthcare design and construction." He added, "And we are firmly committed to engaging local and minority contractors and vendors in this project. We are building a campus that our community is going to be very proud of." Now, through Brasfield & Gorrie, local and minority specialty trade contractors, vendors and suppliers are invited to express interest in participating in the

project. Businesses that are interested in submitting their company information for consideration in this major development are encouraged to contact Eric Gunn at egunn@brasfieldgorrie.com and Kathy McNutt at kmcnutt@brasfieldgorrie.com. An informational meeting with interested parties is planned for the afternoon of March 12. More details will be forthcoming and promoted widely. The next steps in the project include continued schematic and detailed design development, required regulatory filings and continued engagement with the community. Baptist leaders already have hosted several meetings of a community advisory council to engage a cross-section of stakeholders to understand how to best serve the needs of the community well into the future. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for summer 2020. The new health campus will provide a central location for clinical care, programs and services that will be easier for patients to access via the I-110 corridor. Equipped with innovative technologies for diagnosis and treatment along with a concentration of related services, the campus will provide a more modern approach to patient experience, wellness and care. The new campus is expected to open in summer 2023.

CREDIT UNION MERGER The board of the Gulf Power Company Employees Credit Union voted to merge into Tallahassee-based Florida State University Credit Union. The merger is still subject to regulatory approval, which is expected by midyear. GPCECU members will also have to approve the deal. "The board and management of GPCECU are excited about the partnership with FSU Credit Union," Anita Cooper, president and CEO of GPCECU, said in a press release. "Combining our institutions will allow the credit union to continue our premier service while offering more products and services to GPCECU members as well as open up new lending opportunities to the membership." GPCECU has two branch locations, in Pensacola and Panama City, and serves about 3,200 members affiliated with Gulf Power Co. and NextEra Energy, which purchased the utility two years ago. "The partnership between GPCECU and FSU Credit Union will not only translate to additional products and opportunities for GPCECU members but will also secure a brighter financial future for FSU Credit Union, allowing us to enhance our services for current members and expand to serve the Pensacola and Panama City communities," Adcock said in a press release. ETHICS IN BUSINESS The University of West Florida College of Business, in part-

inweekly.net

nership with the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, is accepting nominations for the 2020 Combined Rotary of Pensacola Ethics in Business Award. This is the 18th year the college and Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola have sponsored the awards. The primary criterion for award nominees is adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic well-being of the organization's stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits. Additional criteria are based on participation in activities that benefit the community beyond the provision of economic benefits and service as a leader or innovator in the firm's business sector. This award is given annually each spring to one individual from the small business sector, less than 50 employees, and one individual from the large business sector, 50 or more employees. The award recognizes those who exemplify the concept of "service above self" and who work to build a positive sense of worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole. The award recipients will be honored at the 2020 Combined Rotary Luncheon on May 4 at New World Landing, located at 600 S. Palafox. The deadline for nominations is March 20. Nominations should include a description of the nominee's ethical activities and address

February 27, 2020

the criteria outlined on the nomination form. To complete the nomination form, visitÂ uwf. edu/cob/ethics-in-business-award.

STATE OF EDUCATION The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has announced that Florida Department of Education Division of Public Schools Chancellor Jacob Oliva will be the keynote speaker for the Chamber's inaugural State of Education Luncheon. "We are honored to have Chancellor Oliva keynote our inaugural State of Education Luncheon," stated Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce President Todd Thomson. "This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear the latest on education policy from Tallahassee." Since first beginning his career 19 years ago as a special education teacher, Oliva has served in a variety of positions, including principal and assistant superintendent. Prior to joining the department in 2017, he served as Flagler County Public Schools Superintendent for four years. Currently as the Division of Public Schools Chancellor, Oliva oversees K-12 operations, which include standards and instruction, educator quality and certification, exceptional student education, and family and community engagement. The chamber luncheon will be 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the Pensacola Grand Hotel. To purchase tickets, visit pensacolachamber.com/events.

COX COMMITMENT Cox's commitment to give back to the communities it serves was evident again in 2019, as the company awarded approximately $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits, charities and government organizations along the Gulf Coast. "One of the hallmarks of Cox is giving back to the communities we serve," said David Deliman, market vice president for Cox's Gulf Coast market. "We are proud members of this community. We live here, our kids go to school here, we want to see Gulf Coast succeed like everyone else. If we can help by giving back we're happy to do our part." In 2019, Cox provided funds and services to numerous organizations including, but not limited to, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Pensacola Sports, All Sports Association, Baptist Hospital Foundation, Sacred Heart Foundation, White Wilson Medical Center Foundation, Children in Crisis, Fiesta Pensacola, Gulf Coast Kid's House, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Pensacola Beautiful, First Tee of Northwest Florida, the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Autism Pensacola, Arc Gateway, local chapters of the NAACP, local chapters of the Junior League, local United Ways and many more. Cox also continued to support local education and the business community with donations and support Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, Achieve Escambia, University of West Florida, Pensacola State College and Northwest Florida State College as well as chambers of commerce and economic development engines in Escambia and Okaloosa counties. Along with the corporate donations, Cox Charities, a grant program funded entirely by Cox employees, donated $30,000 to local nonprofits and schools. In 2019, Cox employees gave grants of $2,500 each to Choctawhatchee High School, Plew Elementary School, Longwood Elementary School and Dixon School of Arts and Sci-

ences. In the fall, Hope Squad, Arc Gateway, Junior League of the Emerald Coast and Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer each received a $5,000 grant from Cox employees. Cox employees also served on over 30 local nonprofit boards and committees and volunteered over 1,500 hours, giving their time back to the community on issues they feel passionate about. In 2019, Cox recognized over 70 students in Escambia and Okaloosa counties through its Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program. These students were chosen by their schools as an inspiration to the staff and students at their respective school. Whether it was overcoming a disability, tragic life event or other obstacle in life, these children were celebrated for their impact on others.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Pensacola City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Pensacola City Hall, Council Chambers, 222 W. Main St. The Escambia County Waste Services Department will host the next Regional Roundup from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 29, at Escambia High School, 1310 N. 65th Ave. Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste and up to four tires per vehicle free of charge. Proof of Escambia County residency is required to participate in Regional Roundup, such as a driver's license, power bill or voter registration card. This is a residential drop-off program only; no commercial waste accepted. Escambia County Planning Board will meet at 8:35 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 W. Park Place. City Code Enforcement Authority will meet from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at Pensacola City Hall, Council Chambers, 222 W. Main St. Escambia Board of County Commissioner will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 S. Palafox. Agenda Review is at 9 a.m. Public Forum is at 4:30 p.m. {in}

Entrepreneurship Begins Here

Venture Mentori Service (VMS)

The front door to Pensacola’s entrepreneurial ecosystem The Spring will operate as a triage that will channel entrepreneurs to the appropriate place within the ecosystem, no matter what their stage or current needs. By tracking different metrics, we will ensure the ecosystem is providing high-level service to these entrepreneurs, and that the entrepreneurs are a good fit with the ecosystem offering. The Spring will also provide a vibrant place for entrepreneurs to gather, with member-based shared desk space and conference room access to local entrepreneurs. Physical space will be on the ground floor of the Studer Community Insitiute Building and opening Summer 2020.

entrepreneur hub

The Spring VMS is based on the succe model used by the renowned VMS progr at the Massachusetts Institute of Techno The MIT VMS is tailored specifically to communities looking to bolster entrepren and we have brought their successful pro to the Pensacola area.

The Spring

Physical space & virtual home SCI Building 220 West Garden Street

Gener8tor Accelerator Progr

TheSpringPensacola.com For more information D.C. Reeves • dcreeves@quintstuder.com Gracie Woodfin • gwoodfin@studeri.org

The Spring will also be partnering with one of thenation’s renowned small business accelerator programs, Gener8tor. Gener8tor offers a pr called, gBeta, that works with high growth p companies. They will select 5 companies at and work with them for 7 weeks to scale the business, prepare their company for investm and increase jobs. GBeta is currently locate 19 cities, with Pensacola as the first city in t Southeast and one of the smallest markets. Gener8tor gBeta program will launch Fall 2

These organizations have partnered to help Pensacola businesses grow and keep our talent home. 212 1

inweekly.net

e Bob Anderson

Senior Vice President, SunTrust now Truist Financial

Chris Battel

Former President of Government & Utility Payment Solutions, JetPay Corporation

David Bier

COO, Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C.

Hurst Butts

Owner/President, Volume ONE Salon, Wilfrids Barber and Fine Goods, Jack Cotter Distribution, HH2 Development

Dean Dalrymple

Steve Dana

Dr. Jessica A. Griffen

Ashton Hayward

Jerry Jackson

James Mann

Lloyd Reshard

John A. Rigsby

Randall Wells

Veronique Zayas

Partner / Principal, Dalrymple Sallis Architecture

Vice President and Senior Design Associate, Jerry Pate Design

MEET THE MENTORS

ing )

essful ram ology.

Robert L. Foster

neurship, ogram

Program Coordinator, Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, University of West Florida

Chris Heaney

Trainer/Special Projects, Escambia County Supervisor of Elections

Travis Goins

President, EBI Management Group

James Hosman Market President, Centennial Bank

ram

rogram potential t a time, eir ment, ed in the . The 2020.

The program will offer confidential team mentoring services to entrepreneurs across the community. By pairing entrepreneurs with 3-4 highly experienced mentors, their ventures are exposed to a variety of very skilled expertise and advice.

390+ years combined as business owners

Chairwoman and CEO, The Urban Development Center, Inc.

Retired, GM Deepwater Projects, Royal Dutch Shell

President, Andrews Research & Education Foundation

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Florida, CEO, M4 Sciences

415+ years combined experience Mort Oâ€™Sullivan

Tom Patterson

Nevin Shaffer

Julie Sheppard

Retired Managing Member of the Gulf Coast Region Warren Averett, LLC CPAs & Advisors

Florida Board Certified Intellectual Property Law Specialist and Licensed Patent Attorney February 27, 2020

as C-suite executives

CEO, The JETTY IoT CEO, Tocaro Blue, LLC

Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel, IHMC

CEO, Cognitive Big Data Systems

Bert Thornton

Retired COO and Vice Chairman Emeritus, Waffle House, Inc.

James Waters

Entrepreneur Co-Founder and Former CTO, Performance Matters

Registered Investment Advisor, FSA Investment Group

CEO, eduocity, LLC

Founder and Creative Director, HatchMark Studio, Co-Founder, Emerald Republic Brewing Co. 13

414 1

inweekly.net

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT PENSACON Danny Cooksey Known for: Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Salute Your Shorts Jason London Known for: Dazed and Confused Billy Zane Known for: Titanic Lori Petty Known for: Tank Girl, A League of Their Own Richard Karn Known for: Home Improvement Debbe Dunning Known for: Home Improvement Jason Marsden Known for: A Goofy Movie, Boy Meets World COMEDY Weird Al Known for: Grammy-winning comedy artist, pop culture icon Illustration by Wade Acuff

You should know the drill by now. Before spring officially hits, Pensacola is overtaken with celebrities, cosplayers and selfdescribed nerds for a long weekend that expands beyond your average convention. The most difficult part of Pensacon? Deciding what to do. Don't worry, though. Here is a handy guide to help you make the most of the convention and get a chance to meet your heroes. Just rememberâ€”you'll never see it all, and that's OK.

THE GUESTS Which celebrities are going to be at Pensacon? Weird Al for starters, plus too many others to list, of course. But here's an overview of guests based on your favorite fandoms. See the full list at pensacon.com. STAR WARS Kevin Thompson Known for: Chubbray the Ewok in Return of the Jedi Dennis Lawson Known for: X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles in original Star Wars trilogy Brian Herring Known for: Puppeteer behind BB-8 Michael Carter Known for: Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi Simon Williamson Known for: Max Rebo in Return of the Jedi

February 27, 2020

Jez Gibson-Harris Known for: Creator and operator behind Jabba the Hut David Ankrum Known for: Voice of Wedge Antilles in A New Hope and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ALL THINGS '80S Jane Wiedlin Known for: Co-founder of The Go-Go's, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure Lou Ferrigno Known for: The Incredible Hulk Cindy Morgan Known for: Tron, Caddyshack Bruce Boxleitner Known for: Tron, Babylon 5 Dan Shor Known for: Tron, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure Dee Wallace Known for: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Mark Dodson Known for: Voice behind "Gremlins" '90S NOSTALGIA Kathy Najimy Known for: Hocus Pocus, Sister Act Edward Furlong Known for: Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Detroit Rock City

Dave Thomas Known for: SCTV, Grace Under Fire Bill Corbett Known for: Writer and performer for Mystery Science Theater 3000 Jonah Ray Known for: Mystery Science Theater 3000, The Meltdown Janet Varney Known for: The Legend of Korra, The JV Club podcast Travis McElroy Known for: My Brother, My Brother and Me Outside of the photo ops, autographs and vendors, Pensacon has a full schedule of panels and experiences you don't want to miss. Here are a few you should check out.

WHAT NOT TO MISS LOU FERRIGNO Q&A Before Mark Ruffalo (and Edward Norton and Eric Bana), Lou Ferrigno was the actor known for The Hulk. Ferrigno played the Avengers character for the TV series "The Incredible Hulk" from 1977 to 1982. His career also boasts countless movie and TV appearances. 6:30-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. GONZO QUIZ SHOW The popular Gonzo Quiz Show makes its Pensacon appearance with host Ken Plume and a panel of celebrity guests. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 Pensacola Grand Hotel Ballroom, 200 E. Gregory St.

PENSACON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Over the weekend, you can watch creative works from filmmakers around the region. Pick your favorite genre and add it to your schedule. All screenings are held at Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St. Saturday, Feb. 29 Science Fiction Noon-1 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fantasy 1:30-2:30 p.m. Comic Book & Superhero 3-4 p.m. Horror 6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 1 Animation Noon-1 p.m. Documentaries and Pop Culture 1:30-2:30 p.m. Science Fiction 3-4 p.m. Awards Ceremony 4:30-6 p.m. KATHY NAJIMY From "Hocus Pocus" to "Sister Act" to "King of the Hill," and countless TV appearances, Kathy Najimy has played a part in just about everything you enjoy. Hear her share some of her background and stories from the movies and shows you love. 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. COSPLAY CONTEST The ultimate display of fandom. This year, the contest will be open to the public at the Museum Plaza stage behind the T.T. Wentworth Museum. Get there early to grab a good seat and be ready to cheer for your favorite creative creations. 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 Museum Plaza stage, 330 S. Jefferson St. MATCH GAME The classic game show gets a Pensacon twist with host (and Pensacon founder) Mike Ensley featuring celebrity guests including Travis McElroy of the My Brother, My Brother and Me podcast. 9-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 E. Gregory St. NERD KARAOKE If you know all the words to the theme songs of the Saturday morning cartoons, or the musical episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," then you'll want to stop by Nerd Karaokeâ€”because when else will this knowledge be handy? 10:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Feb. 29 Pensacola Grand Hotel, 200 E. Gregory St. WEIRD AL Q&A One of the best ways to see guests at Pensacon is at the panels. With a career spanning 40 years, just about everyone has a Weird Al song they love. Now here's your chance to hear the stories behind the songs and even get the chance to ask a question of your own. 11-11:45 a.m. Sunday, March 1 Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox 15

Bay Center. Take the trolleys when heading to a panel or event downtown. Best part—it's free.

CELEBRITY IMPROV See some of your comedy favorites, such as Dave Thomas and Jonah Ray, show off their improv skills for this one-time-only performance. 2:45-3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1 Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St.

SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTO OPS If you want a professional photo with any of the celebrity guests, make sure to schedule them sooner rather than later. You can schedule them through the Pensacon website or the app.

A LITTLE ADVICE…

CHECK THE POLICIES PAGE Cosplay is not required, but it's certainly encouraged. If your costume has a weapon of some sort, make sure it is safe and inoperable. {in}

Whether this is your first time or you're a con aficionado, here are some tips to make the most of your weekend. PENSACON APP Download the Pensacon 2020 app to create your own custom schedule, check out maps of the venues and see the full list of weekend events. MAKE USE OF THE TROLLEYS Pensacon expands beyond the Pensacola

PENSACON 2020

WHEN: 1-10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; 8 a.m.10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29; 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Sunday, March 1 COST: $40-$80 DETAILS: pensacon.com

PENSACON AFTERHOURS Because the Pensacon fun doesn't stop when the convention closes…

ALL WEEKEND LONG

THURSDAY 2.27

specials. 600 S. Barracks St. greatsouthernrestaurants.com

PENSACON KICK-OFF PARTY AND VIP WELCOME PARTY 6 p.m. Pensacon Kick-Off

Party and VIP Welcome Party. Pensacon games and costume contest. The Fish House and Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. greatsouthernrestaurants.com

COMIC 101: DRINK AND DRAW WITH DYLAN NADSADY 6-8 p.m. $30. Emerald Republic

Brewing, 1414 W. Government St. facebook. com/emeraldrepublicbrewing

TRIVIA AND DRINK AND DRAW WITH 3 ALARM COMICS 7:30-10 p.m. Perfect Plain

Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco

FRIDAY 2.28

GALLERY NIGHT: PENSACON 5-9 p.m. Museum Plaza—'80s party featuring Depeche Mode tribute band Strangelove and '80s music from DJ Poseidon. Seville Quarter—Jukebox Superhero costumed party band live in concert. Downtown Pensacola. gallerynightpensacola.org

SATURDAY 2.29

LABYRINTH OF JARETH MASQUERADE BALL

8 p.m. $10. Drag show and set from DJ Hdycvt. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco QUANTUM LEAP PARTY Themed specials and free domestic beer for three-day passholders. O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. facebook.com/orileys.dtown IT'S A ME, AMARIO PARTY Super Mario Bros themed specials, including Play's signature King Koopa cocktail in a custom Pensacon 2020 cup. Play, 16 S. Palafox. facebook.com/ playpensacola

SUNDAY 3.1

SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE TOURNAMENT

5-8 p.m. Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St. facebook.com/emeraldrepublicbrewing 616 1

THE FISH HOUSE: HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY Themed

ATLAS OYSTER BAR: STAR TREK HOLODECK Themed specials. 600 S. Barracks

St. greatsouthernrestaurants.com

THE DECK BAR: STAR WARS CANTINA

Themed specials. 600 S. Barracks St. greatsouthernrestaurants.com PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO.: LABYRINTH

Themed specials, Chilly Down Peach and Mango Fruited Ale. 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco

200 SOUTH: THE HEROES OF 200 SOUTH

Themed specials at all four bars—Power Rangers at World of Beer, DC SuperHeroes at Blend Lounge and Marvel Super-Heroes at Graffiti Pizza and Taco Agave—plus 30% off food and beverages for Pensacon volunteers all weekend long. 200 S. Palafox. 200southpalafox.com ODD COLONY: STRANGER THINGS

Themed Specials. 260 N. Palafox. facebook.com/oddcolony THE 5 BARREL BREWERY AND TAPROOM: PENSACON DUNGEON CRAWL Themed

specials, social media scavenger hunt. 121 S. Palafox. facebook.com/the5barrel EMERALD REPUBLIC BREWING COMPANY: DOCTOR WHO Themed specials. 1414 W.

Government St. facebook.com/emeraldrepublicbrewing

THE CABARET: PENSACON'S DARK KINGDOM Themed specials, drag shows

and glow parties. The Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. THE TIN COW: RICK & MORTY Themed specials. The Tin Cow, 102 S. Palafox. facebook.com/thetincow MCGUIRE'S IRISH PUB : Late night menu and happy hour from 11 p.m. to close. 600 E. Gregory St. SEVILLE QUARTER: Free admission for Pensacon VIP or three-day passholders. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com inweekly.net

WHO'S READY TO GET CAJUN? CREOLE/CAJUN WINE & SWINE MARCH 8TH • 12PM-3PM Open Bar—of Hurricanes, Wine Selection and Louisiana Beer Selection The Spread—Creamy Onion Dip Boiled Peanuts | Pork Belly Cracklin's, House Pepper Sauce Boudin, Cajun Sausage, Tasso Board, House Mustards and Pickles -Smothered Pork and Collard Roast over Mississippi Missimati Rice from Two Brooks Farms | Louisiana Bayou Shrimp Remoulade Blackened Grouper Cheeks, Lemon Braised Chicken, House Bacon, Salami, Green Olive, Turnips and Their Greens, and White Bean Cassoulet Curried Carrot Raisin Salad | Jimbo's Peanut Brittle Steen's Cane Syrup, Pontchartrain Strawberry and Candied Pecan Bread Pudding, Strawberry Basil Gelato

$65 PER PERSON CALL CAREY TO PURCHASE TICKETS 850.607.6320 February 27, 2020

calendar

Railroad Earth / Shredded Elements Photography

THURSDAY 2.27

WORK ON THE FLORIDA TRAIL 8 a.m.-12:30

p.m. Every Thursday. Three miles north of Deaton Bridge Road. meetup.com/ftawesterngate YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org BREAKERSPACE ELECTRONICS 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

1 p.m. $7 (cash only). Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PARASITE 4 p.m. $7 (cash only). Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com FLIGHTS AND BITES 5-7 p.m. $20 per person. Thursdays. Wine and food pairings. The District, 123 E. Government St. districtsteaks.com AWM WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Free. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. facebook. com/aragonwine YAPPY HOUR 5-10 p.m. Through Feb. 27. 5% of proceeds benefit Escambia County Animal Shelter. Red Fish Blue Fish, 5B Via De Luna Drive. redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.com PENSACOLA OPERA PRESENTS: BOURBON & BROADWAY 5:30-7:30 p.m. $50. Pensacola

Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St.

DOMESTIC ARTS 101: BREW THE BOOCH

5:30-6:30 p.m. Studio South, 955 E. Nine Mile Road. studiosouthon9mileroad.com MEDITATION AND ENERGY HEALING 6 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org MOLINO MELODIES 6 p.m. Thursdays. Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A. mywfpl.com ZUMBA WITH SHANNON AND FRIENDS 6-7 p.m. $4. Homestead Community Center, 7830 Pine Forest Road. END OF THE LINE THURSDAY DINNER 6-9 818 1

p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. eotlcafe.com TASTE OF FRANCE WINE DINNER 6:30 p.m. $85 per person. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox. skopelosatnewworld.com SLAP FROST REVUE 7 p.m. A mega-mix of R&B and hip-hop woven into one continuous set. Night Moves, 6707 Plantation Road. slapfrost.com SPIRITUAL AWAKENING 7 p.m. $16. Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, 3014 N. Ninth Ave. facebook.com/asherandbee INDIE MUSIC NIGHT 7-10 p.m. Dolce and Gelato, 2050 N. 12th Ave. facebook.com/ dolcegelatopensacola

FRIDAY 2.28

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 7:30-11 a.m. $46. Two-day workshop (Feb. 28 and 29). Pensacola State College, 5075 Gulf Breeze Parkway. pensacolastate.edu HEALTHY WHOLESOME LIVING WITH JORDAN 11 a.m. Ever'man Educational Center,

327 W. Garden St. everman.org

VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD LUNCH AND LEARN Noon. $25. So Gourmet, 407-D S.

Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS 1

p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com WHAT IS HYPNOSIS/HYPNOTHERAPY? 1:30 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: OSCARNOMINATED SHORT LIVE-ACTION FILMS 4

p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com HAPPY HOUR COOKOUT 5 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION WITH ESPE-

RE METHOD 5:30 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org ACOUSTIC SONGWRITERS NIGHT 6 p.m. Every Friday through March 27. Frazier's Country Wines, 3130 Barrancas Ave. fromthegroundupgardenpensacola.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT ANIMATED FILMS 7 p.m. $10 per

showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com AN EVENING WITH RAILROAD EARTH 7 p.m. $25. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Free, tickets required. University of West Florida, Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. uwf.edu/cfpa GLOW BOWL 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Friday and Saturday. $12 per person. Strikerz Entertainment Center, 3200 N. Palafox.

SATURDAY 2.29

PARKRUN/WALK MEETUP 7:30 a.m. University of West Florida, Rec Plex North Field, 11000 University Parkway. parkrun.us/ recplexnorth OCEAN HOUR CLEAN-UP 9-10 a.m. Philip Payne Bridge. Meet at the Bayou Texar Boat ramp parking lot of off Stanley Avenue. oceanhourfl.com SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road. I PINK I CAN RUN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. florabama.com PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com

YOU SELL IT HERE FARMER'S MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Every Saturday. 8600 Pensacola Blvd. facebook.com/yousellithere SHOP-A-LATTE VENDOR EVENT 9 a.m.3 p.m. Shirley's Café & Bakery, 1014 Underwood Drive. facebook.com/shirleyscafepensacola PLAYING THE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER 9:3011:45 a.m. $65. Saturdays through March 28. Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. pensacolastate.edu REIMAGINE WINTER 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Outreach event for families in need with free food, clothes, diapers, haircuts, HIV testing and Hepatitis A vaccines. Bellview Middle School, 6201 Mobile Highway. PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: COLEWELL 1 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: THE CAVE 1 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com CHESS CLUB 2 p.m. Saturdays. All levels welcome. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: RAISE HELL, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS 4 p.m. $10 per

showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: SNOWPIERCER

4 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM 6 p.m. Free. Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St. PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: PARASITE 7 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: BACK TO CHINA BEACH 7 p.m. $10 per showing (includes

one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: RUSSIAN SPECTACULAR 7:30 p.m.

$23 and up. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com DEPARTURE: THE JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND

8 p.m. $15-$45. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com SATURDAY SWING OUTS 8 p.m. $5. Saturdays. Breathe Yoga Studio, 505 S. Adams St. GLOW BOWL 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Every Friday and Saturday. $12 per person. Strikerz Entertainment Center, 3200 N. Palafox. TOTALLY '80S RETRO PARTY 10 p.m. Free. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com

SUNDAY 3.1

BIRDWALK TO BIG LAGOON STATE PARK

8:30-10:30 a.m. $6 per car entrance fee. Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway. fmwaudubon.org THEMED BRUNCH AT PERFECT PLAIN 10 a.m. inweekly.net

calendar Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco FORAGING WITH KAT AND MARNI 10 a.m. $12 per person. Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, 3014 N. Ninth Ave. facebook.com/ asherandbee TRANSMISSION MEDITATION WORLD SERVICE

10:30 a.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org BIERGARTEN YOGA WITH TINA SCHLAUDER

10:30 a.m. $12. Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. facebook.com/garysbrew BRUNCH WITH LIVE MUSIC 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. facebook.com/ cafesinglefin VEGAN BRUNCH 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. eotlcafe.com SUNDAY BRUNCH AT H20 11 a.m. $28.95 for adults. Free valet parking and 15% off with local ID. H20 Hilton, 12 Via De Luna Drive. facebook.com/hiltonpensacolabeach CARD PLAYERS CLUB 1-3 p.m. Sundays. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: COLEWELL 1 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: THE CAVE 1 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com

BIG JIM BROWN AND THE SPEED KINGS 3-5

p.m. Dolce and Gelato, 2050 N. 12th Ave. facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola

FMW AUDUBON BIRDS & BREW TO ADMIRAL MASON PARK 4-6 p.m. Admiral Mason Park,

200 S. Ninth Ave. fmwaudubon.org

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: RAISE HELL, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS 4 p.m. $10 per

showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com

PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: SNOWPIERCER

4 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: PARASITE 7 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com PENSACOLA FILM FESTIVAL: BACK TO CHINA BEACH 7 p.m. $10 per showing (includes one

drink and snack) or $50 weekend pass. Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. pensacolacinemaart.com

MONDAY 3.2

RESTORATIVE PILATES 5:15 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org THE ODDLING TROT 6 p.m. Mondays. Join Odd Colony running club for a three-mile run and enjoy $2 off pints after the run.

Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox. facebook.com/oddcolony CAST IRON RIBEYE & CRAB CAKE COOKING CLASS 6 p.m. $65. So Gourmet, 407-D S.

Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com

SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 6 p.m. Runners meet

in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

HANDS-ON COOKING: CAST IRON FILET AND SHRIMP 6 p.m. $65. So Gourmet, 407-D S.

Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com

MUSIC HALL SERIES: MARCY STONIKAS 7:30

p.m. $12-$18, free to UWF students. University of West Florida, Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway. uwf.edu/cfpa

TUESDAY 3.3

JOHN APPLEYARD TALK: PUBLIC UTILITIES

9 a.m. Pensacola Visitor Center, 1401 E. Gregory St. YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org OPEN STEAM LAB 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com ASTARA STUDY GROUP 1:30 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING 4-6 p.m. Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com FUNKY YOGA 6 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org TAG STEAM 2020 EXHIBIT On view

through April 1. TAG, University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. uwf.edu/ steam2020 CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSIONISM On

Arts & Culture

≥Events

HOT GLASS COLD BREW: THE ROARING '20S 6-9 p.m.

$20-$30. Friday, Feb. 28. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org

THE PAINTED February 27, 2020

PILLOW 9-10 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 29. Studio South, 955 E. Nine Mile Road. studiosouthon9mileroad.com

PMA GALLERY TOURS 2:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free with museum admission. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407

S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

≥Current Exhibits

2020 On view through

Feb. 27. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org CORNERED On view through Feb. 27. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org

GALLERY 1060'S GREATEST HITS On

view through Feb. 28. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org

66th ANNUAL YOUTH ART FOCUS On view

through March 1. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

view through May 1. Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. pensacolastate.edu DOCUFLORIDA 3 On view through May 3. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org COTTON FIELDS TO CONGRESS: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF EARL HUTTO On

view at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, 330 S. Jefferson St. historicpensacola.org GALLERY DAYS

Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays. Featuring

local artists. To be featured, contact Angel at 941-7354586 or call the restaurant at 4770035. TGI Fridays, 1240 Airport Blvd.

Workshops & Classes

FIBER FREESTYLIN' AT STUDIO SOUTH

5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Open to all knitters, crocheters, weavers and more. Studio South, 955 E. Nine Mile Road. studiosouthon9mileroad.com QUILT, STITCH AND SEW OPEN SESSION

1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Six-week

workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center, 1060 N.

ZUMBA WITH SHANNON AND FRIENDS 6-7

p.m. $4. Homestead Community Center, 7830 Pine Forest Road. COUNTRY TWO-STEP DANCING 6:30 p.m. $12. Whiskey Runners Saloon, 610 E. Nine Mile Road. dancecraftstudios.com UWF SINGERS CONCERT 7:30 p.m. free, tickets required. University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. uwf.edu/cfpa

WEDNESDAY 3.4

COMMUNITY PILATES WITH EMILY 10:30 a.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org BEGINNER YOGA WITH JOHN 11:15 a.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL Noon. Free. Old Christ Church, 405 S. Adams St. MAGNOLIAS AND WHITE LINEN: A PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BENEFIT $65 Skopelos

at New World, 600 S. Palafox. psog.org VINYASA YOGA 6 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org INDIAN CUISINE DEMONSTRATION 6 p.m. $40. So Gourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com WEST COAST SWING DANCING 6:30 p.m. $12. Whiskey Runners Saloon, 610 E. Nine Mile Road. dancecraftstudios.com TRANSMISSION GROUP WORLD SERVICE MEDITATION 7:15 p.m. Ever'man Education-

al Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org Guillemard St. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Every Mon-

day from 6-8:30 p.m. at First City Art Center. Classes are $40. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. CLAY HAND BUILDING Six-week

workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for nonmembers. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

CLAY SCULPTURE

Six-week workshops held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more informa-

tion, visit firstcityart.org.

Call for Artists

Jazz Pensacola invites fine artists/ graphic designers to submit renderings for the official 2020 Pensacola JazzFest poster. The commission is $300. The poster design should reflect the deep, rich, diverse jazz music heritage of Pensacola and communicate a sense of place. Submissions should conform to a vertical orientation using a ratio that will fit, with margin, on a final poster size of 18 inches wide by 24 inches high. All content must be the submitter's original creation and must be unpublished. The submitter must have all rights to images and graphics used in the final artwork and during the design process. 19

calendar The poster must include the name of the festival—2020 Pensacola JazzFest. The submission deadline is Jan. 6, 2020. If selected, the completed art deadline is Feb. 28, 2020. For more information, call Jazz Pensacola administrator Alice Crann Good at 433-8382, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or visit jazzpensacola.com.

Bars & Nightlife

≥Bar Games Thursdays

HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com LADIES NIGHT 5 p.m. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com

MUSIC BINGO AT GARY'S 7 p.m.

Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. facebook.com/ garysbrew

BREW IQ TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JERRELL HENDRIX 7-9

p.m. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The

Ticket 2, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com COLLEGE NIGHT 10 p.m. Drink specials, beer pong tournament starts at 10 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com. Fridays HAPPY HOUR AT

CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

4-7 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. facebook.com/ cafesinglefin HAPPY HOUR 4:306 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Informative wine tasting in Seville Quarter Wine and Gift Shop. No charge for the tasting. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com POOL TOURNAMENT

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com Saturdays

HAPPY HOUR AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

4-7 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. facebook.com/ cafesinglefin MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT 8

p.m. Seville Quarter Membership Card Holder Appreciation Night at Phineas Phogg's. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Sundays BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE (B.A.R.E. NIGHT) 7

p.m. Special prices for B.A.R.E. Card membership holders. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Mondays TEXAS HOLD 'EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA

7 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/palafox B.A.R.E. All day. Culverts, 3102 E. Cervantes. calvertsintheheights.com BAR BINGO 8 p.m.

Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DRAG-O-RAMA TALENT SHOW 9 p.m.-1

a.m. Pelican's Nest, 15 E. Intendencia St.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30

p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ mugsjugs

DRINK AND DROWN

11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Pelican's Nest, 15 E. Intendencia St. Tuesdays

CROWLER NIGHT

4-10 p.m. Buy three crowlers, get one free. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com

CORNHOLE NIGHT WITH ECC 6 p.m.

Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. facebook.com/ garysbrew SOCIAL DANCE NIGHT 6:30-10 p.m.

$5 a dance lesson, $10 for three. Free social dance from 8-10 p.m. Phineas Phogg's, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com GAME ON! DIGITAL TRIVIA NIGHT 8

p.m. Apple Annie's, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com TUESDAY TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook.com/ thebridgebargb BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Ticket Sports Bar, 7333 N. Davis Highway. Play to win up to $100 in gift cards. TICKET TEAM TRIVIA

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com Wednesdays WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 11

a.m. Half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday. Jackson's Steakhouse, 226 S. Palafox. jacksonsrestaurant.com HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com LADIES NIGHT ON THE DECK 5 p.m. $2

drinks and music. The Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7 p.m. Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. facebook. com/garysbrew SEVILLE SHOWCASE 7 p.m. Open mic night. Sign up at 6 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com PUB TRIVIA NIGHT

7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. goatlips.com

WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The

Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com

for more listings visit inweekly.net All of the events listed in this calendar are subject to change or cancellation. We try our best to keep it up to date, but if you see something that's wrong or old, please let us know by emailing calendar@inweekly.net.

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Glass Artist Scott Darlington Blows into Pensacola

Scott Darlington / Courtesy Photo

Scott Darlington has been an artist for as long as he can remember. Always drawn to create. Always a desire to make. "I'd been drawing, like most kids, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper," he noted recently. For a while, Darlington concentrated on illustrating. He even started down that road seriously at a point, attending school for illustration. But when the artist discovered glass blowing, it was all over. He'd found his life's path. "I just fell in love with it," Darlington said. "I fell in love with glass right away." Everything about glass enticed him. Glassblowing is a meticulous art form, and

GRAPHIC NOVELS

it's a time-consuming art form. It's also an unforgiving art form. "Every mistake you make lives with it," Darlington said. "But for me, that's part of the joy of it, too." Something else that attracted Darlington to glassblowing was the form's inherent danger. "It's dangerous," Darlington explained. "It's 2,000 degrees, and you can never touch it. It's amorphous; just handling it is very difficult." This month, Darlington will bring a bit of that danger to Pensacola when he comes to town as a guest of First City Art Center (FCAC). Darlington will be offering glassblowing demonstrations at the art center's staple Hot Glass Cold Brew event, as well as instructing a group of students in a separate class at FCAC. Darlington has been working with glass for more than 30 years. His work—which focuses on the representation of everyday objects in glass form—is sought by collectors and displayed in museums. He creates glass replications of skateboards, hats, cameras and such, turning the everyday into exquisité, glittering displays of fragility. Having studied glassblowing techniques abroad, taking a particular liking to age-old techniques used in Italy, Darlington said his work attempts to create the new using the old. "Using old Italian techniques to make new and modern objects," he explained,

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summing up the lesson he's learned about the appreciation and embracing of the complete process, as time-consuming as it is—"The secret is the shortcut is the long cut."

"I'd been drawing, like most kids, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper." Scott Darlington

used to and experiment like I used to, so this will be an opportunity to do that." Much like his own work, Darlington will ask participants in the workshop to focus on creating everyday objects that hold some type of meaning for them, objects they consider important or significant. These objects might range from the sacred to the mundane. Darlington provided an example of the artist with a penchant for Nike—"If you collect Jordans, let's make some shoes." While the class Darlington is instructing locally will involve a limited number of serious students, his skills will also be on display during First City's Hot Glass Cold Brew event Friday, Feb. 28, where those uninitiated to the art of glassblowing can get an up-close look. In addition to Darlington's glassblowing demonstrations, attendees will also be treated to pottery demonstrations, performance artists and a gallery opening featuring the work of FCAC artists. The Hot Glass Cold Brew event itself features a "Great Gatsby" theme. Embracing a 1920's aesthetic, the art center will be decorated by Fiore and TableVogue to reflect the "glitz and glam" of the era and feature live jazz from Joe O and Friends. In addition to light fare from local chef Joe Abston and two complimentary beers from Pensacola Bay Brewery, the Hot Glass Cold Brew event will also feature, as always, handblown glasses or ceramic mugs for attendees on a first-come basis. {in}

Darlington's glassblowing journey—the long cut—began in the early 1990s, during which time he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Appalachian Center for Crafts. He then spent years honing his skills working for various artists in the Seattle area. It was during this time that the artist served as the Hot Shop coordinator at the nearby Pilchuck Glass School. Then, in 2001, Darlington left Seattle for Japan. There, he served for four years as an associate professor at the Toyama City Institute of Glass Art. Once back stateside, Darlington earned his Master of Fine Arts from Ohio State University in 2007 and began a five-year stint as a visiting assistant professor at Bowling Green State University in Kentucky. Now back in Seattle, he currently serves as the glass studio manager at the Pratt Fine Arts Center and has also twice been a resident artist at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Darlington also instructs glassblowing workshops internationally, including in Japan and Canada. For the workshop WHAT: Featuring a "Great Gatsby" theme and demonhe is conducting in Pensacola strations by visiting artist Scott Darlington this month, the artist is looking WHEN: 5 p.m. for FCAC members, 5:30 p.m. for forward to stretching out a bit, prepaid ticket holders, 6 p.m. general admission, Friday, getting loose and comfortable Feb. 28 and trying something new, WHERE: First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. something "unknown." COST: $20 member, $30 non-members "It's going to be a little bit DETAILS: firstcityart.org experimental," Darlington said. "I don't get to play around like I

HOT GLASS COLD BREW

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free will astrology WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): You may

sometimes reach a point where you worry that conditions are not exactly right to pursue your dreams or fulfill your holy quest. Does that describe your current situation? If so, I invite you to draw inspiration from Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), who's regarded as one of history's foremost novelists. Here's how one observer described Cervantes during the time he was working on his masterpiece, the novel titled "Don Quixote"—"shabby, obscure, disreputable, pursued by debts, with only a noisy tenement room to work in." Cervantes dealt with imperfect conditions just fine.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "True success is figuring out your life and career so you never have to be around jerks," says Taurus filmmaker, actor and author John Waters. I trust that you have been intensely cultivating that kind of success in the last few weeks, Taurus—and that you will climax this wondrous accomplishment with a flourish during the next few weeks. You're on the verge of achieving a new level of mastery in the art of immersing yourself in environments that bring out the best in you. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I would love

for you to become more powerful, Gemini— not necessarily in the sense of influencing the lives of others, but rather in the sense of managing your own affairs with relaxed confidence and crisp competence. What comes to mind when I urge you to expand your self-command and embolden your ambition? Is there an adventure you could initiate that would bring out more of the swashbuckler in you?

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): For my

Cancerian readers in the Southern Hemisphere, this oracle will be in righteous alignment with the natural flow of the seasons. That's because February is the hottest, laziest, most spacious time of year in that part of the world—a logical moment to take a lavish break from the daily rhythm and escape on a vacation or pilgrimage designed to provide relaxation and renewal. Which is exactly what I'm advising for all of the earth's Cancerians,

By Rob Brezsny

including those in the Northern Hemisphere. So for those of you above the equator, I urge you to consider thinking like those below the equator. If you can't get away, make a blanket fort in your home and pretend. Or read a book that takes you on an imaginary journey. Or hang out at an exotic sanctuary in your hometown.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Leo author Walter

Scott (1771–1832) was a pioneer in the genre of the historical novel. His stories were set in various eras of the Scottish past. In those pretelephone and pre-Internet days, research was a demanding task. Scott traveled widely to gather tales from keepers of the oral tradition. In accordance with current astrological omens, Leo, I recommend that you draw inspiration from Scott's old-fashioned approach. Seek out direct contact with the past. Put yourself in the physical presence of storytellers and elders. Get first-hand knowledge about historical events that will inspire your thoughts about the future of your life story.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Over a period of 40 years, the artist Rembrandt (1606–1663) gazed into a mirror as he created more than ninety self-portraits—about 10% of his total work. Why? Art scholars don't have a definitive answer. Some think he did self-portraits because they sold well. Others say that because he worked so slowly, he himself was the only person he could get to model for long periods. Still others believe this was his way of cultivating self-knowledge, equivalent to an author writing an autobiography. In the coming weeks, I highly recommend that you engage in your personal equivalent of extended mirror-gazing. It's a favorable time to understand yourself better.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): From author Don DeLillo's many literary works, I've gathered five quotes to serve as your guideposts in the coming weeks. These observations are all in synchronistic alignment with your current needs. 1. Sometimes a thing that's hard is hard because you're doing it wrong. 2. You have to break through the structure of your own stonework habit just to make yourself listen. 3. Something is always happening, even on the

quietest days and deep into the night, if you stand a while and look. 4. The world is full of abandoned meanings. In the commonplace, I find unexpected themes and intensities. 5. What we are reluctant to touch often seems the very fabric of our salvation.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "I remember a time when a cabbage could sell itself just by being a cabbage," wrote Scorpio author Jean Giraudoux (1882–1944). "Nowadays it's no good being a cabbage—unless you have an agent and pay him a commission." He was making the point that for us humans, it's not enough to simply become good at a skill and express that skill; we need to hire a publicist or marketing wizard or distributor to make sure the world knows about our offerings. Generally, I agree with Giradoux's assessment. But I think that right now it applies to you only minimally. The coming weeks will be one of those rare times when your interestingness will shine so brightly, it will naturally attract its deserved attention. Your motto, from industrialist Henry J. Kaiser—"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt." SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):

When he was 29 years old, Sagittarian composer Ludwig Beethoven published his "String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 4." Most scholars believe that the piece was an assemblage of older material he had created as a young man. A similar approach might work well for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. I invite you to consider the possibility of repurposing tricks and ideas that weren't quite ripe when you first used them. Recycling yourself makes good sense.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):

Are there parts of your life that seem to undermine other parts of your life? Do you wish there was greater harmony between your heart and your head, between your giving and your taking, between your past and your future? Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could infuse your cautiousness with the wildness of your secret self? I bring these questions to your attention, Capricorn, because I suspect you're primed to address them with a surge of innovative

energy. Here's my prediction: Healing will come as you juxtapose apparent opposites and unite elements that have previously been unconnected.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): When he was 19, the young poet Robert Graves joined the British army to fight in World War I. Two years later, the Times of London newspaper reported that he had been killed at the Battle of the Somme in France. But it wasn't true. Graves was very much alive and continued to be for another 69 years. During that time, he wrote 55 books of poetry, 18 novels and 55 other books. I'm going to be bold and predict that this story can serve as an apt metaphor for your destiny in the coming weeks and months. Some dream or situation or influence that you believed to be gone will in fact have a very long second life filled with interesting developments. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): If you're

like most of us, you harbor desires for experiences that might be gratifying in some ways but draining in others. If you're like most of us, you may on occasion get attached to situations that are mildly interesting but divert you from situations that could be amazingly interesting and enriching. The good news, Pisces, is that you are now in a phase when you have maximum power to wean yourself from these wasteful tendencies. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to identify your two or three most important and exciting longings—and take a sacred oath to devote yourself to them above all other wishes and hopes.

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Try to identify which aspect of your life needs healing more than any other aspect.

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news of the weird CLEVER An unnamed 47-year-old Italian woman convicted of fraud in 2017 in Sicily has been on the run since then, The Guardian reported, eluding authorities by hiding in convents. The woman moved to the northern regions of Italy and phoned convents pretending to be a sister "looking for help and claiming she was severely ill," investigators said. As she moved from convent to convent, she changed her identity, duping nuns who trusted her and thought her to be kind. Finally, a Benedictine nun grew suspicious and phoned police, telling them her stories were "full of contradictions." Authorities verified her identity and arrested her. She now faces further charges of claiming false identity. COMPELLING EXPLANATION Ottawa, Ontario, businessman Bruce McConville, 55, who ran for mayor in the last election with a tough-on-crime platform, has gone to great lengths to avoid paying his ex-wife the spousal and child support he was ordered by the court to provide. The Ottawa Citizen reports McConville has long defied several court orders involving his finances, finally telling Superior Court Justice Kevin Phillips he withdrew over $1 million (Canadian) from six bank accounts, but he no longer had the cash. "I burnt it," he told the incredulous judge, who replied, "I don't believe you, I don't trust you, I don't think you're honest," and on Jan. 28 sentenced McConville to 30 days in jail, after which he'll face penalties of $2,000 for each day he fails to provide a full account of his finances, including where the $1 million-plus in cash is. The fines will be paid directly to his ex-wife. "You cannot thumb your nose at the court as you have done," Phillips warned. INEXPLICABLE David Baird of Yukon, Oklahoma, took up arms against his neighbor, John Stafford, after Stafford went on a bizarrely violent rant on Feb. 5, KFOR reported. Stafford assaulted the neighborhood for 12 hours, throwing feces into the Bairds' yard and trying to break down a fence using a Roomba vacuum cleaner. As he and his family took shelter in their home, Baird warned Stafford: "If you break through this fence, I will have to shoot you." Finally the bomb squad and SWAT team were called in, and Stafford barricaded himself inside his home, making six calls to 911 during the ordeal. "I am going to run you guys into the f-ing ground," he said during one. "OK, have a nice night," the dispatcher replied. Eventually officers released cans of pepper spray to budge Stafford from his house. He was charged with planning an act of violence. SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED. NOT. Ben Lilly, 40, on his way to Halifax in West Yorkshire, England, on Jan. 25 passed an object in the road that looked like a dead animal—a leopard, to be specific. Lilly stopped and turned

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

around, carefully approaching the large cat. He told Metro News his heart was racing and he was afraid his face might be "ripped off" by the beast. "I saw the markings on it. It had the tail bit on it, too," Lilly said. "But as soon as I looked at it from the other angle, I started laughing." It turned out to be a leopard-print jumpsuit, complete with tail. Lilly speculated on Facebook it might be "some tart's coat from last night. ... It was Saturday morning and Halifax is a bit of a drinking town." AWESOME! Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a little safer these days, thanks to the efforts of Night Watch, a helpful vigilante dressed in all black, with his face partially covered and wearing reflective goggles, WGHP reported on Jan. 22. "I'm not looking to be a Batman and go around beating up criminals," he told a reporter. Instead, he's an anonymous superhero who's been patrolling the nighttime streets for about a month, hauling around a bag filled with food, clothing and toiletries for those in need. "There is no prerequisite for being a good person," Night Watch said. On that night, he helped out about a dozen homeless people in the community. "It's just nice that people aren't totally freaked out," he said. "Now they know who I am and that I'm trying to help." BIRDBRAINED Officers of the North Wales (England) Police believe they have solved, with help from the government Animal and Plant Health Agency, the mystery of why more than 200 starlings were found dead in a road in Bodedern on Dec. 10. Rob Taylor of the police force's rural crime team revealed that the birds suffered severe internal trauma, "support(ing) the case that the birds died from impact with the road," he told Sky News. "It's highly likely the murmuration took avoiding action whilst airborne, from possibly a bird of prey, with the rear of the group not pulling up in time and striking the ground." •In the western German city of Kleve, a regional court in mid-January overruled a lower court and awarded the owner of a chicken mauled by a dog higher restitution because the chicken had TV experience. Sieglinde the chicken, who died in the attack, had completed 10 hours of acting training and had appeared in at least one German movie, for which she received a three-figure daily fee. The court ordered the dog's owner to pay 615 euros (about $680) in damages, the Associated Press reported. A regular chicken is worth about 15 euros. {in}

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com February 27, 2020

GREAT SOUTHERN WELCOMES JUST A FEW OF THE MANY, MANY CELEBRITIES WHO WERE AT THE FISH HOUSE LAST YEAR... YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MIGHT SEE!

FEBruary 27 - MARch 1, 2020 join us!

William Shatner Catherine Tate

THREE DIFFERENT FAN EXPERIENCES IN ONE GIANT COMPLEX

Star Trek, Boston Legal

The Office, Dr. Who

Joey Fatone

Chris Rankin

Kevin Sorbo

Guy Henry

*NSYNC

Harry Potter

KICKOFF PARTY & THURSDAY: PENSACON COSPLAY COSTUME CONTEST

FRIDAY -SUNDAY: THEME

DECOR, PHOTO OPPS, D.J. & DRINK SPECIALS

Lew Temple Walking Dead

Paige O’Hara

voice of Disney’s Belle

Hercules

Star Wars

for more info on all events at our complex during the con, visit GREATSOUTHERNRESTAURANTS.COM Independent News | February 27, 2020 | inweekly.net