Inweekly Feb. 2 2023 Issue

RISING STARS 2023

RISE UP.

IT'S JUST WHAT WE DO.

Athena Durant, MAFM, B.Acc Director of Finance

Walter Arrington Homeless Health Navigator

Kesha Tran, APRN Director Advanced Practice Providers– Adults

Rising Star

winners & losers

losers

JOEL RICHARDSON The Florida Fire Chiefs' Association named Capt. Richardson its 2022 Instructor of the Year. The Florida Rapid Intervention Training Operations Group, a training organization instructing the FFCA since 2012, has been recognized for the award alongside Richardson. He joined Escambia County Fire Rescue Captain Richardson (ECFR) in October 2009 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2012 and to captain in September 2022. Since then, he has served as the Training/Safety Captain for ECFR in the training division. He has been a member of the Florida RIT Operations Group since its inception in 2012 and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to training and mentoring firefighters in Escambia County and the state of Florida.

WHITNEY FIKE Fike has been promoted by International Paper to regional communications manager, Containerboard. Fike will retain mill communications responsibilities at the Pensacola Mill while also providing strategic direction and people leadership at Containerboard mills in Texas, Oregon, Kentucky and Indiana. She joined International Paper as a communications contractor in 2016, prior to joining full-time as the mill communications manager in Pensacola in 2017. Before joining IP, she owned a public relations company and has worked in a variety of sectors including nonprofits, government, tourism, financial, entertainment and events throughout her career. Fike was in the 2011 Inweekly Rising Star class.

CHEYANN SMITH American Mothers, Inc. selected the Pensacola native as the 2023 Florida Mother of the Year. Smith becomes the 51st woman in Florida history to hold this honor, according to the organization. She joined the United States Air Force in 2012 and remains on active duty status. Currently, she serves as a volunteer firefighter and runs a nonprofit helping those with food and housing insecurities, according to a press release.

BODACIOUS BOOKS & CAFÉ The bookstore on Intendencia Street was featured in Southern Living's "20 Bookstores Everyone Should Visit in Florida." Bodacious Books & Café was recognized for being a "downtown hideout to browse, grab a cup of Bodacious Brew and curl up with a new release." The magazine also noted its "well-kept children's section."

WILTON SIMPSON

The new Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that he revoked a "verbal" policy that prohibited Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers from entering the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' offices in the Capitol. Simpson didn't name his Democratic predecessor Nikki Fried, but she was his target. Fried quickly tweeted, "Such a terrible policy that it didn't exist. I'm sorry the new administration has to lie and make up issues."

JESSE LACOSTE

The embattled contractor has been arrested on larceny and fraud charges in Escambia County. LaCoste was charged with two counts of larceny between $20,000 and $100,000, insurance fraud between $20,000 and $100,000, larceny by a contractor failing to refund and grand theft between $750 and $5,000. LaCoste and his contractor brother-inlaw Matthew Banks have had their contractor licenses revoked in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties after multiple complaints that they took payment for work that was never completed or even started. LaCoste was arrested in November on charges in Santa Rosa County for accepting $15,000 for work that was never done. The arrest came nearly two weeks after he asked Escambia County Contractor Competency Board to reinstate his licenses. The board told him to pay his fines and make restitution first.

ANDREW WARREN Gov. Ron DeSantis denied the suspended Hillsborough County state attorney's request for the governor to rescind his executive order that ousted the prosecutor last August. DeSantis accused Warren of "incompetence and willful defiance of his duties." Warren filed a federal lawsuit seeking to get his job back. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Friday ruled that DeSantis' suspension violated the First Amendment and the Florida Constitution but that the federal court lacked jurisdiction to reinstate Warren. Hinkle wrote in his ruling, "The record includes not a hint of misconduct by Mr. Warren." Apparently, facts don't matter to the governor. Warren, a Democrat, remains without the job that voters twice elected him to hold. Next Democratic up for removal by the DeSantis administration may be Leon County School Superintendent Rocky Hanna. Stay tuned.

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

ANOTHER CLEANUP

At his gun violence roundtable last month, Sheriff Chip Simmons asked community and church leaders to join him and the Pensacola Police Department in turning around the Brownsville community.

We've tried this before. Fifteen years ago, another sheriff, Ron McNesby, joined forces with the county administrator to clean up Brownsville. The reported trigger for the initiative was an attempted armed robbery at Trisha's One Stop, a convenience store on Mobile Highway. Customers continued to come and go in the store unalarmed by the holdup.

Sheriff McNesby and his hunting buddy, County Administrator George Touart, vowed they would clean up the west Pensacola neighborhood, ridding it of prostitutes, pimps, drug dealers and blight. On Feb. 8, 2007, the sheriff parked his mobile command center next to Trisha's One Stop. The sheriff's helicopter set up in the Brownsville Assembly of God parking lot and began flying over the neighborhood, supposedly directing raids on crack houses.

The county's code enforcement and road department joined in what McNesby and Touart called "Operation Brownsville." They committed to cleaning up Brownsville in 30 days. McNesby pledged to provide a concentrated law enforcement effort in Brownsville, and the county would clean up private property, rights of way, and vacant lots and tear down and haul off condemned buildings.

The launch of Operation Brownsville was supposed to be a surprise, but somehow, four PNJ reporters and two photographers were there to cover the first day. WEAR-TV had cameras rolling.

The daily newspaper and television station reported the statistics for the first day. The sheriff's office made six arrests and attempted to serve 10 other warrants. The road department cleared six miles of right of way, removed 450 cubic yards of debris, removed 100 trees and picked up 10 paint cans. Code enforcement tore down and removed one house and handed out 216 notices of violation.

And the media continued to give daily stat reports. By day 10 of the cleanup effort, PNJ re -

ported one narcotics arrest, one warrant service and 21 traffic stops. The paper's editorial board declared it a success, and when the 30-day effort ended, Sheriff McNesby said it was time for the residents and business owners to take over the revitalization.

He withdrew the mobile command unit and cut back on the seven deputies patrolling Brownsville streets. And the prostitutes and drug dealers gradually returned.

Operation Brownsville was supposed to be McNesby's ticket to winning a third term. For County Administrator George Touart, it was to ensure job security.

By the fall of 2007, Touart was forced to resign after allegations of backroom deals with the developers and contractors surfaced. David Morgan would upset McNesby in the GOP primary a year later.

Operation Brownsville failed to have a lasting impact because it focused on law enforcement without considering the underlying causes. The broken window theory was the rage two decades ago. Touart and McNesby bought into the theory that ridding a neighborhood of dilapidated buildings and other signs of crime would reduce serious crime.

We found the pockets of poverty require more than fresh paint and new windows. Health care is vital, and Community Health Northwest Florida, having located its main campus on Jackson Street in Brownsville, can play a significant role in any turnaround.

Having a more substantial police presence and better lighting and sidewalks will help, but it also would be helpful to have a grocery store with healthy food options in Brownsville instead of only convenience stores and discount dollar stores.

Sheriff Simmons has asked elected officials, religious leaders and the community to work with him and the Pensacola Police Department. If the partnerships develop and look deeper than just making more arrests and writing notices of code violations, we have a chance of making a difference this time.

Otherwise, we will be talking about cleaning up Brownsville again in 2048. {in} rick@inweekly.net

We found the pockets of poverty require more than fresh paint and new windows.

COUNTING THE HOMELESS

By Jeremy Morrison

A dirt path leads from the street into a thick of woods dense enough to shroud a hidden world—one almost invisible to the strip mall a stone's throw away or the college rising against the distant sky.

"We're going to walk in. They kind of know we're coming," said Walter Arrington as he followed a sauntering stray cat down the path and into the woods.

Arrington serves as the homeless health navigator for Community Health of Northwest Florida. He wears a T-shirt comparing social workers to unicorns and leads a team of volunteers down the dirt path. They don't know how many people call these woods home, but they intend to find out.

"What's up, man?" Arrington greets the first person he encounters along the path. "We're coming through for the point-in-time."

The point-in-time count is an annual exercise aimed at assessing the size of the local homeless population. The count is conducted in communities across the country, with the data then reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD uses the information when determining how much federal funding will be allocated to address the needs of homeless communities in varying areas.

Locally, the number of people living unsheltered in the region is an open question. Wide open. While Community Health reported upwards of 7,000 homeless people in the area last year, the official number reported to HUD was just above 700.

"The numbers for the count," said Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno, "they just seem extremely low."

This year, local government officials, as well as volunteers and homeless-aid organizations, got more involved with the annual PIT count, conducted at the end of January, in hopes of getting a more accurate read on the area's homeless population and perhaps a resulting jump in federal funding.

CONDUCTING THE COUNT

As the path winds deeper into the woods, a ramshackle, makeshift village emerges. Tents and tarps provide shelter, while shopping carts and shipping pallets form furniture, floors and shelving.

This camp stretches out far into the woods on the property. Arrington, who was once homeless himself, estimates that between 50 and 150 people are living on the site. Who knows how many such sites are scattered around the area?

"Larger camps like this?" Arrington pauses to consider, before estimating between 10 and 15 sites. "Countless of the smaller ones."

As Arrington dips into the doorway of a tent to speak with a man living within, Community Health CEO Chandra Smiley took a moment to stress the importance of this year's PIT count.

"This year, there was a lot of focus on the homeless numbers and what those numbers mean," Smiley said.

Last year, Community Health was the main data source contradicting the area's official homeless count. Whereas the official count is held to rigid HUD guidelines requiring it be conducted on one specific day in late January, the local health organization based its estimate on information reported from individuals throughout the year.

"So I understand it's not an apple-to-apple comparison," Smiley said, adding that the different data collection models will, by definition, result in wildly different numbers. "I think our data will show multiple times more again."

Still, Smiley felt the official count could be brought much closer to reality, which is why Community Health has been more involved with the exercise this year. Together with other organizations, as well as Escambia County and the city of Pensacola, community health has helped prepare for the count and also worked to enlist additional volunteers to conduct the count.

"It's important," Smiley said, drawing the obvious connection between the count and federal funding to address homelessness. "I think there's funding out there that we haven't brought into the community that we could."

ALL OVER THE MAP

Providing the official point-in-time count to HUD falls to the Continuum of Care (CoC) in each community. For Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the CoC is made up of a collective of groups and led by Opening Doors of Northwest Florida.

According to guidelines prescribed by HUD, the annual count focuses on one day— this year, Monday, Jan. 23—and only records an individual as homeless if they fit the agency's narrow description on that particular day. This year, three days were allowed for data collection, but the count remained focused on a single day. This is why, Smiley stressed, the official count will likely always underestimate the true number.

"We're counting a year's worth of data as opposed to one day," she said.

Even so, the official count was so low last year. Awkwardly low. And that gave elected officials pause when it came time to spend money on items like new shelters.

"The current estimates are all over the map," complained Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh.

Last year's count felt so off that Moreno said he questioned the effort being made on the count. He and other local officials felt perhaps more could be done.

"We want confidence that there was a true effort being made," the county administrator said, "so this year, we wanted to ensure that there was a true effort."

To that end, local governments have not only drummed up additional volunteers for the count, but officials have also provided valuable information in preparation for the count, such as leads on the locations of encampments. Ultimately, it's hoped that providing the federal government a more accurate reflection of the area's homeless population will increase the chances of securing funds to address the issue.

"Overall, PIT numbers dictate how much federal funding will go into Homeless Assistance Grants (HAG). Communities are eligible for HAG funding based on the number

of homeless in their community," explained Pensacola City Councilwoman Allison Patton. "The cities/counties with more homeless qualify for more funding and are eligible to apply for more grants. Although there are different eligibility levels, communities with over 1000 homeless have the greatest opportunity to secure grant funding."

Currently, Escambia's commissioners are looking to spend $4.1 million in federal grant money on a new shelter. Bergosh said a more accurate homeless population count would be useful when assessing such a project.

"I look forward to knowing with much better clarity the scope of the issue with an accurate count so that we can best address this matter with the $4.1 million in federal grant money we are slated to receive."

Beyond its impact on funding opportunities, a more accurate assessment of the area's homeless population will also give the community a better understanding of the issue and perhaps how best to address it.

"It will help with public awareness and education on the scope of the problem," Patton said.

Out in the woods, Arrington thinks this year's count will be better. But it could be better still. "I think the count is getting better. We are making progress for a more accurate count, but we need more long-term planning to have a more accurate count."

Key in getting a better read on the local homeless population will be not only a collaborative community effort but also require much more prep work leading up to January's count.

"Ideally, we start planning and meeting Feb. 1 for next year's count," Arrington said, suggesting increasing preparation activities and strengthening outreach efforts. "We still have holes and major areas to improve." {in}

"We are making progress for a more accurate count, but we need more long-term planning to have a more accurate count." Walter Arrington

FP&L INNOVATION CENTER

The new Florida Power & Light Company Innovation Center in the Pensacola State College Charter Academy was dedicated Tuesday, Jan. 24. Funded by a $100,000 donation from Florida Power & Light in 2021, the Innovation Center provides Charter Academy students with the opportunity to have cutting-edge technology at their fingertips.

"With a strong focus on career exploration, this Innovation Center will allow our students to have hands-on capabilities with virtual reality, 3D imaging, graphic and architectural design, STEM and robotic exploration, and countless experiences limited only by their imagination," said Karen McCabe, Charter Academy principal.

Located In Building 3400 on the college's Warrington campus, the Charter Academy opened in August with 49 11th- and 12th-grade students. The academy was created primarily for children of military families based at NAS Pensacola but is open to other students that meet its enrollment requirements. In Fall 2024, the Charter Academy will accept 10th graders.

At the dedication, Pensacola State President Ed Meadows was joined by Florida Power & Light Company Senior External Affairs Manager Rick Byars, several PSC Board of Trustees members and PSC Foundation Board of Governors members, along with other dignitaries.

At the ceremony, Dr. Meadows said, "Pensacola State College Charter Academy, with the support of school leaders, teachers, families and strategic partners within the community, will lay the groundwork for students to excel as college and career-ready lifelong learners and instill in students a profound understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens and leaders in their communities."

Dr. Troy Tippett, chairman of the PSC Board of Trustees and leader of the Charter Academy Board, expressed appreciation to Florida Power & Light. "We are grateful for your investment of $100,000 that will help ensure high school students can pursue an exceptional education as Charter Academy students. We look forward to sharing the impact that the Florida Power & Light Foundation's support will have for years to come."

There are no tuition fees or charges for textbooks at the Charter Academy. To be eligible, students must have an unweighted grade point average of 3.0 or better and have earned appropriate college placement scores. Charter Academy students can concurrently earn a high school diploma and college credits toward an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.

For more information on the PSC Charter Academy, visit pensacolastate.edu/charter-academy.

SAILFISH SIGN RETURNS Escambia County

last week announced the new Pensacola Beach Sailfish Sign is fully operational. The sign sustained damage during Hurricane Sally in 2020, and work to replace the sign began on Dec. 6, 2022. Plastic Arts Sign Company of Pensacola built the new sign. Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes Pensacola Beach, praised Escambia County staff, specifically Facilities Director Rob Hogan and his staff, Risk Manager Mark Bartlett and Purchasing Director Jeffrey Lovingood for managing the project.

He told Inweekly that Plastic Arts Sign understood the importance of the new sign being the same as the original.

"Plastic Art Signs realized the lights—how the sign's lights run through the sequence, the starburst, the blinking and the fading. They got that and even went back to their original plans that they had in the office to help us recreate it because we knew that's what everybody wanted."

Plastic Arts Sign owner John Shipman saw the sign as a legacy project. "I was born in Escambia County, grew up here and started my business here. I understand the importance of the sign for our community and was honored to work on this project with Commissioner Bender, Mr. Hogan and county staff. Without Al, my general manager, and the rest of the shop, this never could have happened. I think everyone will be very happy with the sign."

In addition, Commissioner Bender and county staff are working with the City of Gulf Breeze to obtain a permit to add an osprey perch for the upcoming nesting season.

PALAFOX MARKET EXPANSION Pensacola's downtown market has been growing for years. Currently, it's spread out each Saturday over a stretch of North Palafox that has grown from MLK Plaza to the surrounding blocks up to Wright Street.

Now, there are efforts afoot to expand the market further with a satellite location at Plaza Ferdinand, a move that city officials hope energizes an additional sector of downtown and activates the sleepy downtown park.

"This is going to be our first step in activating a treasure in our downtown and activating a heart of our downtown," Mayor D.C. Reeves said at his Jan. 24 press conference.

Reeves said he was in discussions with the Downtown Improvement Board, which operates downtown's Saturday market, about the potential for expanding the event to Plaza Ferdinand. The move would require that the city change current use restrictions for the park, which the mayor described as "maybe a little bit of an overreach of restrictive use."

"There's some nuance to it that we're working through," the mayor said. "I would say we're getting pretty close to the finish line, working out some tweaks to the ordinance, as well as the inter-local agreement with the Downtown Improvement Board."

LEADING TO VIOLENCE The rise in mass shootings not connected to terrorist organizations or hate groups has caused problems for law enforcement, according to John Cohen, the former acting undersecretary for intelligence and counterterrorism coordinator at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"The way we have dealt with terrorist threats 9/11 has been pretty effective at stopping an attack," Cohen told Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen on WCOA. "However, those techniques don't apply in the current threat environment because this is a very personalized journey for these individuals that are conducting an attack. They're not communicating with other terrorists or like-minded people. They're not joining organizations; they're not getting trained; they're not being deployed."

He continued, "They are disconnected from community. They are angry about their life. They spend, typically, a lot of time online consuming content placed there by terrorist groups or extremists or even foreign intelligence services. They ultimately self-connect with the cause or grievance that justifies their use of violence. And then they acquire information online that tells them how to conduct the attacks."

Cohen believes it won't be the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security taking charge of dealing with potential mass murderers. "It's going to be local law enforcement working with mental health professionals, educators and members of the community."

The internet has played a role in many of the attacks. Cohen said, "From the analysis and research going back to the Boston Marathon bombing and the Newtown shootings, we've come to learn a lot about the people who are engaging in these attacks that these people are spending incredible amounts of time online looking at content from past shootings, looking at content from extremist forums."

He shared that social media companies have directed the murderers to the content. "They really want to keep people on their platforms so they can be subject to advertisement, or they can collect data from them that they can then resell. It's this ecosystem that's just saturated with this content, and people are spending huge amounts of time on those platforms, including those that are looking for the justification or who are vulnerable to being influenced to engage in violence."

NEW ESCALATORS COMING Pensacola International Airport has begun work to replace one of two airport escalators. The down escalator will be out of service, but the project is expected to be completed before the peak summer travel season. The stairs, elevators and up escalator will remain accessible to passengers during renovations. The up escalator is scheduled for replacement this fall.

The escalator replacement is the first of several improvements planned for the airport, with longterm plans to include the expansion and upgrade of the current passenger terminal, additional con-

course, parking, and concessions and the expansion of the security screening checkpoint.

Pensacola International Airport is working to secure funding for the additional improvements, which will be announced as they move forward.

"We are always looking for ways to improve our passengers' experience so they can Fly Easy, and that's what is driving these plans," Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. "The escalators are often a topic of discussion for travelers and in much need of an upgrade, and plans have been in the works to rebuild the escalators for some time."

The Pensacola International Airport does not receive city taxes dollars. Modernization and expansion plans will be funded by grants from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, airport revenue, federal infrastructure funds, and other airport-specific grants or bond funds. To learn more about the Pensacola International Airport, visit flypensacola.com.

HABITAT'S GROWTH Pensacola Habitat for Humanity built enough homes in 2022 to become the 13th largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the nation out of over 1,100 affiliates, jumping from 25th the previous year.

In its press release, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity cited its challenges. The scarcity of land, rising costs of materials, and economic uncertainty forced the affiliate to think strategically and outside the box to continue serving those who are too often left behind when it comes to affordable home ownership.

"We're facing a lot of the same economic issues as everyone else in our line of work while also trying to ensure that adjusting to them doesn't come at the expense of the people we serve," Pensacola Habitat President and CEO Sam Young said. "The need in our community continues to be greater than ever, so we have worked diligently to do as much as we can to keep up with the demand and ensure quality."

In 2022, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity saw 36 homeowners close on their new homes through the Home Buyer Program, with 44 additional new Home Buyers accepted into the program. Its Community Development Program grew by completing 35 critical home repair and aging-in-place projects and 12 yard cleanups to help existing homeowners remain in their homes.

PUBLIC SAFETY PRIDE Escambia County Fire Rescue has had several of its staff win statewide honors—ECFR Lt. Nick Gradia, 2022 Professional Firefighter of the Year; Assistant District Chief Yoshimi Core, 2022 Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year; Capt. Joel Richardson, 2022 Instructor of the Year; and Ray Melton, 2022 Fire Prevention Specialist of the Year. "This is just phenomenal," Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore told Inweekly. "We've got wonderful men and women in public safety and in the county working for the public, and I couldn't be more proud of our group, representing us and getting those awards."

He added, "It is a great feeling to be able to be a part of an organization that's getting that kind

of notoriety, and good things are happening from EMS to the beach lifeguards to our dispatch. We have some really dedicated people working for us."

FREE TAX HELP People can start booking appointments Wednesday, Jan. 25, to get their taxes filed for free through VITA, United Way of West Florida's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

"Last year, we secured more than $1 million in refunds for hardworking families in our community," said United Way of West Florida Financial Stability Manager Mike Eveland. "That's money they can use for food, bills or any other need they might have."

VITA is a free program for families and individuals making $60,000 or less a year. Volunteers will operate four sites throughout the tax season—Pensacola State College Main Campus, Pensacola State College Milton Campus, Pensacola State College Warrington Campus and Goodwill on Olive Road. Most of those VITA sites will open on Wednesday, Feb. 1, but people can start making appointments now. Call 211 to schedule your time. A complete schedule for the VITA sites can be found at uwwf.org/free-tax-help.

SUNDAY'S CHILD GRANTS Sunday's Child recently held its annual Grant Season kickoff event to celebrate the completion of its 2023 membership drive. President Jacey Cosentino announced the $120,000 raised from among its 182 members will enable the organization to award six grants of $20,000 each to Pensacola-area 501(c)3 nonprofits that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality.

"I have been a part of Sunday's Child for more than five years, and I have seen our grants change the lives of those around us," Cosentino said. "We have been moved to tears by the stories that have led many to start and build nonprofits that solve some of the most pressing issues in our community—hunger, inequality, animal welfare, education, health and so much more. We are making a difference in our community—one grant at a time."

Sunday's Child envisions a fully accepting and inclusive Pensacola Bay Area that embraces LGBTQ+ citizens and their contributions to the community. Launched in 2014, Sunday's Child individual members or member ensembles donate $1,000 annually, with 100% of funds going toward grant awards. Since its inception, $764,250 has been awarded to local charities in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Area nonprofits are invited to submit a letter of intent to apply for a grant online by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. All letters of intent will be reviewed to verify each organization's eligibility to apply for a grant. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. Members vet grant applications, and the winners are determined by the votes of Sunday's Child members at its annual meeting in June. For more information, visit sundayschild.org. {in}

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, Inweekly was faced with the same choice as many small businesses—rebuild or shut down. We chose to continue publishing, but we realized that our newspaper and the community had to change. We didn't want to simply return to the pre-Ivan status quo.

The wealthy and power brokers flacked to Rebuild Pensacola, but we had a different vision. We quickly jumped on board for the Community Maritime Park because our research showed that our community's renaissance would depend on revitalizing our downtown.

We also realized that a vibrant community must keep and nurture its young talent. Inweekly published the first version of what would become Rising Stars in 2005. It was a small special section, recognizing a handful of young leaders under the age of 35. The group became the nucleus upon which the Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) was built.

PYP would be critical to the Community Maritime Park referendum passing in August 2006. But we didn't want to stop there. The following year, we launched the Inweekly Rising Stars issue to continue encouraging our young leaders. We asked readers, business owners, supervisors and community leaders for their recommendations, and we received over 100 nominations. We knew we had a hit.

We've published this issue every winter since then. Over the past 16 years, Rising Stars has been a constant source of pride for this newspaper, the honorees, their companies and the community. Many have stayed here and accomplished impressive things, such as opening small businesses, creating nonprofits and running for public office.

With the 2023 class, we've recognized 887 up-and-coming leaders since 2005. These Rising Stars, like their predecessors, will be game-changers, and we can't wait to see what they do next. {in}

Photos by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations)

BRAD ALEXANDER

Landscape Architect, Jerry Pate Design

What makes your job 'click' for you? When you break down the facets of landscape architecture, it is all about creating spaces for people to improve their daily lives. The opportunity to create these meaningful spaces with a talented team makes every project a captivating puzzle.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." —Thomas

Jefferson

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In 2015, JPD worked with the Downtown Rotary to design the Rotary Centennial Playground at Community Maritime Park. This became my favorite project last year when I watched my son play -

ing with another boy, both giggling and laughing together without a care in the world.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Again, landscape architecture prioritizes improving lives and experiences through meaningful places. If I'm with my wife, Amanda, downtown or playing with my kids at a park, I'm able to observe people enjoying the places I've helped create.

WALTER ARRINGTON

Homeless Health Navigator, Community Health Northwest Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? For a number of years, I have had a personal interest in helping the unhoused and needy of Northwest Florida. Working for Community Health Northwest Florida has given me the opportunity to use my education and apply my personal experience to help people in that population.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? When I was in the service, I had a staff sergeant the preached resilience and perseverance in the face of insurmountable obstacles. His favorite quote was, "Retreat. We're just attacking in a different direction."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. When I started at Community Health Northwest Florida, I was entrusted to start the Homeless Health Navigation program and help spearhead the Mobile Medical Unit program. Being a part

of these two immensely successful programs gives me pride and fills me with joy.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The love for my job, the people of Pensacola, the Gulf and the fishing. Northwest Florida has always been my home, and I never see that changing.

KATIE BALLARD

Director of Development and Fundraising, Studer Community Institute

What makes your job 'click' for you? Helping others and giving back have always brought me joy. I feel very fortunate to work for SCI in a role that allows me to play a part in creating meaningful, positive change in our community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Modulate your voices," which was really my grandfather telling all of us grandkids to quiet down, but I've come to interpret it as you don't need to be loud to be heard. There is great value in the quiet voices; you just have to be willing to find and hear them.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Working with the team at SCI to plan the EntreCon Awards and EntreCon provided a very different and unique experience for me. It was my first opportunity to support and give back to our business community and entrepreneurs—all of whom are critical to Pensacola's continued success and progress.

DEVIN BONNER

Designer, EW Bullock

What makes your job 'click' for you? The ability to use my passions, creativity and experience, to communicate ideas through the use and study of art, to solve problems for others in need. Also, it's a great excuse to love books with pictures.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Whatever you do, shoot for the moon,

for if you happen to miss your target, you could end up among the stars. Would you rather not try at all and live a life of wondering? Or go for it and see what happens?

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I had the honor to design the ECUA water tower, in collaboration with the Blue Angels and the Naval Museum. Being a native of this city, it's amazing to remember the years of passing it as a kid and never being able to imagine my dreams coming true.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I have always told others about how great my home is and how lucky I've been to have a community that shows their support. Now that I am old enough and have the ability to give back, I aim to pay it forward by making it even better.

What keeps you in Pensacola? When I moved here in 2016, I was surprised by all that Pensacola had to offer. The strong sense of community, the tremendous amount of opportunity and growth and the life I've created here with my two boys make me grateful to call Pensacola home.

JOSH CAMACHO

Microsoft Power Automate Developer, Emergency Care Partners

What makes your job 'click' for you? Solving puzzles has always been fun for me, and with my team at Emergency Care Partners, I get to be a part of something greater. Helping our emergency medicine physicians around the

TROUPE BREWER Shareholder, Clark Partington

What makes your job 'click' for you? We have a dynamic practice representing clients across a wide spectrum of practice areas. I'm able to develop my skills under the guidance and mentorship of regional experts in various areas of law, which in turn allows me to provide top-level service to my clients.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My first boss in private practice in Austin, Texas,

constantly stressed to me the importance of your reputation. The practice of law is so reliant on relationships—if you work hard, are professional and care about your clients and colleagues, then the phone will continue to ring.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My firm and I have represented a number of private developers and public development facilitators in bringing a number of new and exciting projects to Pensacola. It is extremely rewarding to help facilitate the

growth of my hometown and to play a small part in the "Pensacola Renaissance."

What keeps you in Pensacola? Despite living abroad and in several major cities across the U.S., my dream was always to return to Pensacola. I love the beach, it's a great place to raise a family, and it has become a place of professional opportunity with plenty of room to grow.

nation succeed at what they do is a constant source of joy.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? An old history teacher once told me to never do anything unless I truly enjoyed it. I like to think there's a corollary—whatever you do, enjoy it.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. We're working to take the power of Microsoft Dynamics as a sales-focused tool and convert the platform into a personnel and asset management portal, the first of its kind in an emergency medicine setting. Developing it involves using every IT skill I've learned, and I'm pushing myself every day.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I'll always want to see more oceans, more mountains and more sunsets, but Pensacola is my home, and choosing to be somewhere is more important than being from somewhere. No matter my travels, I'll always want to come home to my Labradors.

MARY CANADA Real Estate Agent, Kuhn Realty

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love how every day is different. Working with new and old clients, plus our amazing team members, make each day its own journey.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Everyone has a story, so make sure you are a listener first, and then take on the role as a trusted advisor throughout the process.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Being able to help a friend in a complex transaction that allowed them to transform their life into something they had envisioned for years.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola has evolved into an area that offers many luxuries larger cities offer while at the same time keeping a close-knit community feel where you are able to stay in touch with clients and neighbors on a regular basis.

DEVIN COLE President,

Strive

What makes your job 'click' for you? Knowing that I am helping in the fight to better the lives of transgender people.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "My right to be me is tied with a thou -

sand threads to your right to be you."

—Leslie Feinberg

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Strive's Emergency Housing Program, which works to house homeless transgender people and keep us off the street.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I am inspired by the united struggle of queer/trans Southerners everywhere who continue to resist the suppression we face.

RISING STARS 2023

LAURYN COOK Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Emergency Care Partners

What makes your job 'click' for you? It clicked when I realized my job was less about looking at numbers and more about finding the best way to tell the story of an organization. Being able to do that for a company I truly believe in makes it even better.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."—Abraham Lincoln. Even in the tough times, there is always something beautiful if you look hard enough.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Joining the team at ECP and moving the company to a more scalable financial reporting system that will adapt as we grow has been an exciting challenge.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I grew up here, my family is here, and I can't think of a better place to live and raise a family. To have all of that as well as a career that I am passionate about is a true blessing.

KATIN DAVIS Realtor, Kuhn Realty

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am passionate about all things Pensacola. I want this area to be a thriving place for people to live, work and play. Helping people find the perfect home here, whether they are newcomers or lifers, gives me so much joy.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become."—James Clear. I try to be intentional with how I interact with people, how I use my time and how I invest in myself.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am on the committee for Bands on the Bayou. This is a series of concerts that benefits local nonprofit organizations. In 2022, our first full year, we raised over $24,000. This project is dear to my

heart, as it reaches so many different groups in our community.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is such a special place because of its rich history, sugar-white beaches, growing culinary scene and small-town feel. I want to continue to give back in any way I can to help enrich our already dynamic community.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be." Oftentimes, I found myself wondering why something did not happen the way I thought it should. Now, I am sure to set achievable and attainable goals and always be true to myself.

LAKESHA DAVIS

Magazine

What makes your job 'click' for you? Freedom and joy. As an entrepreneur, the workload can be more strenuous. However, you have more of a work/life balance that you create. Meeting, serving and sharing with others is such a joy because I get to tell their story— either behind the lens or pen to paper.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Rally Pensacola's Rally on the Runway annual event is one that is near to my heart. The children are true warriors, and this event allows them to share their story—some lose and some win the fight of cancer. I was inspired and forever moved by the many stories shared.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The vibrancy, growth and opportunities. Pensacola has allowed me and many others to build what we often sought elsewhere. In addition, here there is a network of creators. Pensacola is home, so investing in a community that has invested in me is no question.

WILLIAM DAVIS

What makes your job 'click' for you? I have always enjoyed working on projects with others. It is very fulfilling to see the growth of a project team as they work together to reach a common goal and I get to be an integral part of their development.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? In everything you do, you will get out of it what you put into it. Never walk away from something thinking you should have given more.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I recently finished a project that would make it easier for members to participate in a skip-a-payment program Pen Air offers. With the current economic climate, money has been tight for many individuals, and getting to see how this program impacted the lives of our members was extremely rewarding.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I have been fortunate enough to meet many incredible individuals here in Pensacola. They showed me that Pensacola is a place where I can have a positive impact on the lives of others and there is always an opportunity to enact real change within our community.

Congratulations

BRAD ALE XANDE

Project Manager, Pen Air Credit Union

Owner/Lead Photographer, Gulf Coast Magazine; Co-Founder/Associate Publisher, EntreLife

STEPHANIE DENMARK College Registrar, Pensacola State College

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I know that each day, I am positively helping the community. Being able to help students on their path to success is a remarkable feeling and one that can't easily be put into words. I am thankful to work with likeminded people at Pensacola State College. Go Pirates.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "People will not remember what you said to them, but they will remember how you made them feel." I communicate with students daily, and I may not be able to give them the answer they want, but I want them to at least feel heard and that they matter.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The Fall 2022 commencement ceremony brought staff and faculty from all departments of the college

BROOKE DISALVO

Associate Attorney, Boyd & Jenerette

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being able to advocate for clients and guide them through litigation. As a defense attorney, my job 'clicks' when I can advise a client about their lawsuit, what to expect and how our defense strategy will help them.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Listen, listen, dang it, listen. While speaking is a large part of my job, the most important part of litigation is gathering facts from others. By listening closely, you can pick up on small details that can have a large impact on your case.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In law school, I had the opportunity to compete at a brandnew national trial competition in Philadelphia. My team and I won the entire competition, and my school was invited back the following year. Paving the way for younger students to have this same opportunity was extremely rewarding.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The perfect mix of small-town charm and big-city professional opportunities.

together. Everyone worked together to make the event as remarkable and happy as possible for the students. With so many moving parts, it truly took a village, and I am proud of our PSC village.

What keeps you in Pensacola? When I moved to Pensacola in 2005, I knew that I was home. There is a sense of community and diversity that is endearing. The fresh seafood and beautiful beach are a bonus.

ELIZABETH DOSH Financial Analyst, LifeView Group/Lakeview Center

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love that LifeView Group's mission is "Helping people throughout life's journey." I know that my role in accounting is helping people have a better day, even if I don't work directly with someone. Mental health, adoption and employing people with disabilities is what I get to assist with.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? To embrace the kind and sensitive aspects of my personality and to understand that those are valuable qualities to have. I believe the confidence that comes from loving and believing in yourself can empower you to accomplish anything.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Last spring, I had the opportunity to get out of the office and volunteer for yard work at one of our group homes for children. It was a humbling experience to interact with the kids, and the work

was instantly gratifying. It showed how meaningful working at LifeView Group is. What keeps you in Pensacola? Family. My siblings and their families live in Pensacola, and I enjoy our get togethers when we celebrate birthdays and holidays. I have five nieces and nephews, and I love spending time with them. Being an aunt is so much fun.

ATHENA DURANT, MACC Director of Finance, Community Health Northwest Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am truly blessed to work with people who embrace my passion and value me professionally and personally. I enjoy the challenges and feel I can make an influential impact on others. I love numbers. My experience and expertise allow me to excel in my leadership role.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Do to others as you would have them do to you." —Luke 6:31

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I've ever worked on was being selected as an SME in our Organization's Strategic Plan. It was an honor to be a part of one of our most significant areas of our strategic plan—patient experience. Our patients and community are the center of CHNWFL's lives.

What keeps you in Pensacola? My church, family, home and the opportunity to live in a place that offers so much for everyone.

RISING STARS 2023

CLAIRE DUREN

Tax Manager, Warren Averett

What makes your job 'click' for you? Tax accounting may not sound like a glamorous job, but this career has so much to offer. I love building relationships with clients and helping them navigate the complexities of the tax code. Helping our local businesses and nonprofits succeed is very gratifying.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The most striking advice I have received is to find career satisfaction by matching talent with motivation. If you work to your strengths and find ways to stay motivated, you can make any job a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Serving as an advisor to clients provides many opportunities for rewarding work—it's impossible to pick just

one project. I am invigorated each time I get a "thank you" from clients when we help them with their financial goals.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I am not a Pensacola native, but I am happy now to call Pensacola home. The small-town feel makes it a great place to raise a family, but the growth keeps it exciting. I love spending time on the water.

EMILY ECHEVARRIA

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job clicks for me because I get to use my creativity to serve our area older adults, whether that's sharing their stories, promoting our programs or

bringing awareness to challenges facing this community. It's something different each day, and I'm always learning.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Be my own weird, goofy self instead of trying to fake being what I think a "professional adult lady" is supposed to be.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding, challenging and humbling project I've worked on has been an AARP grant project to purchase and outfit two tiny home units and house a senior in each, while using the effort to bring awareness to housing advocacy with local officials.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Keeping my young daughter near her grandmas and other family, a tight-knit community of friends and The Elbow Room.

MIKENZIE FRANCIS

Director of Foundation Scholarships, Pensacola State College Foundation

What makes your job 'click' for you? Education is an invaluable tool that empowers people to build better lives and make a difference in the world. As someone whose degree was made possible by scholarship support, I feel fortunate to pay it forward by helping

lessen the financial barriers for other students to access higher education.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My dad has always told me to "do what you say you're going to do" regardless of how big or small. This applies personally and professionally. It's about building trust and being a person of your word by fulfilling the commitments you've made to others and to yourself.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Many scholarships that I manage at PSCF are established in memory of someone special. One honors a young man who passed away shortly after attending PSC. Learning about this gentleman, helping his family celebrate his legacy and allowing the family to feel connected to him has been rewarding and humbling.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I am a Michigan native, but Pensacola became home in 2019. Since then, Pensacola's beautiful Gulf Coast, sunshine, delicious cuisine, wildlife and sense of community have claimed a special place in my heart. Pensacola has brought many wonderful people and exciting opportunities into my life, and I am sincerely grateful.

KIA GOLDSMITH

What makes your job 'click' for you? The familial working environment of my firm is unmatched. We enjoy working together each day, and I am thankful for the support network we have built together. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve such great clients on a daily basis.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Listen more than you speak.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Most recently, it would be the launch of my wedding planning business—Legally Married Wedding Consultants. My training and experience as an attorney have allowed me to become uniquely skilled in the art of major event planning.

What keeps you in Pensacola? It is an absolute privilege to live in a place that offers both a small-town feel and the perks of a big city. Pensacola is home for me because nothing beats watching this city evolve year after year. And it doesn't hurt that our beach is so beautiful.

Attorney, Clark Partington

Marketing Communications Director, Council on Aging of West Florida

NIKKI GRAY Special Event Supervisor, City of Pensacola

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am honored to get to connect multifaceted goals and resources that make Pensacola a great place to live, work, play and advocate for our community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Choose people. In all intentions and actions, choose kindness above all.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. There is no single experience. I am gifted with the resources to work in tandem with our city team and our community leadership, creating education and experiences that enrich and fulfill our community.

RISING STARS 2023

THOMAS GRIER

Owner/Operator, Alga Beer Co.; Determined Fabrication/Manager, Agile Services, Chamberlain Group

What makes your job 'click' for you? Mostly two things—I love to learn, and the people that I work with are amazing.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? I have been given a lot of good advice over the years, but I would say all of it that has grown my empathy has been the most valuable.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Opening Alga Beer Co. This was a dream of ours and we prepared a lot, but nothing prepares you for all the obstacles with opening a business. It was difficult and I learned a lot, but I love what we have built so far and am excited for the future.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The people, my businesses, the weather and (being from Atlanta before this) the traffic.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The beauty, the potential, the progressive direction and the people. I was hooked the second I laid eyes on Pensacola.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My dad would always say, "He who talks most, loses." Whenever I go into a professional conversation, I am intentional about listening and engaging and speaking just enough to generate intrigue.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Hello Desoto, which is a revitalization project to establish a modern gateway into the historic North Hill neighborhood with four custom-designed single-family homes. It's the scariest, riskiest thing I've ever done, but that's what makes the success of it so much more rewarding.

LAUREN GUND

Founder, Helm & Forge

What keeps you in Pensacola? My passions are to serve others, share my creativity and make things beautiful. I am also fiercely independent and willful with my work. Owning a marketing and development firm that helps businesses, properties and brands thrive is the perfect culmination of all that I love to do.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The immense love I have for this community. I interact with so many kind people, and no one is a stranger. I volunteer with amazing organizations that care so deeply about Pensacola. Our beaches are so beautiful, plus there are killer restaurants and events galore. Why would I ever leave?

AMBER HALVERSON Sous Chef, Brother Fox

What makes your job 'click' for you? How unique and special it is and will be for and to Pensacola. The room to grow, learn and excel is never ending. The ability to directly affect

and contribute to my community is always an option and very much attended to.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Love your neighbor. Do what you're afraid of. Release the idea that it could have been any other way.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. First, it was Alcaniz Kitchen & Tap, and now it is becoming Lily Hall and all the magic behind it.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The room for opportunities and growth, setting an example, some of the most amazing people I've ever met and, of course, the most beautiful beach I've ever seen or been to.

ALEX HILKEY

What makes your job 'click' for you? From my experience in marketing with community theatre and now an opera company, I focus on being the connection point between my company and my community. I connect people with people, people with a company and people with an art form. It's pretty special.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Use more butter. Be patient. Don't be ugly. You can always come home. These simple phrases from my childhood have helped shape who I am. Indulge in your own life; good things will come; find good in the world and treat others with kindness; it's okay to try big things.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The arts change people. In the field of marketing, you're often the one behind the camera and typing away

captions on social media. For me, being the one to capture all of the growth and magic happening on a stage and share that with community is such a rewarding thing.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I moved here for the beaches. But I've met so many wonderful people in my first year in Pensacola. The Opera has welcomed me so warmly, and I've made many friends through our thriving arts community. The beach may have brought me here, but these people are what's keeping me.

BRIANNA HOUSTON Manager, Health Equity, Baptist Health Care

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job gives me the opportunity to combine my passions of serving others, advocating for underserved communities and eliminating disparities. I enjoy developing and implementing strategic and forward-thinking initiatives to ensure equitable care for patients and community members.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Never stop learning." Life is the greatest teacher and often presents new experiences for us to learn and grow from. I have always been encouraged to embrace different perspectives and thought processes and to view education as a life-long journey.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It is challenging to pick a singular project. I am rewarded each time I am a part of a team or initiative that contributes to the well-being of historically marginalized communities by working to limit the barriers to receiving quality health care.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I have enjoyed observing and learning more about the rich history and culture of Pensacola. I am inspired by the innovative thinkers and committed residents and appreciate the opportunity to serve others across the city. Living near the water is a bonus.

DEBI JANEA

Academy Director, Ballet Pensacola

What makes your job 'click' for you? I am able to combine my love of theatre and dance with my love of educating. Nothing is more rewarding than training, nurturing and inspiring a student's love of performance, bringing that to a stage and seeing it all come together and those students succeeding.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Lead by example and with the intentions and goals of seeing those around you succeed.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Each production is a project in the arts world. The most rewarding ones I have been a part of include shows that students get to manage the entire show. This inspires children to achieve high goals and helps them potentially decide to pursue a career in theatre areas.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The strong arts community. Pensacola is fortunate to have such a deep foundation of arts, and I am so honored to be part of it. Each part of our community is so supportive and continuously flourishing. I sincerely enjoy watching this town continuously grow.

LEWAYNE JONES II Owner/Trainer, DREAMS2REALITY Skills Training

What makes your job 'click' for you? For me, I genuinely love kids. I love the mentoring aspect of my business. I'm able to speak life into the kid that lacks confidence. What makes it 'click' is that every kid is different and I'm able

to use different approaches to reach and teach each athlete.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Some of the best advice I've received is to "be you—people love you for who are you."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I've ever worked on was

DREAMS2REALITY's first basketball camp a few years ago. To have so many kids from all walks of life come together under one roof for our first event—it made my heart smile.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Honestly, love keeps me in Pensacola. Love for my city, love my community and, most importantly, love for my family.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Pensacola Opera

RISING STARS 2023

OBI KALU TRIO-Educational Opportunity Centers Student Services Specialist, Pensacola State College

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job 'clicks' for me because it allows me to help individuals in the Pensacola area realize the possibilities of college/training for a new skill and help them find funding to achieve their goals and thrive.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I have been given is to "bloom where you are planted." I believe you can make a difference and change lives anywhere you are "planted."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I have worked on and continue to work on is being an advocate and part of the conversations on understanding and improving

relationships and inclusion with diverse communities in Pensacola.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Family, friends, work, school, the beaches and the welcoming environment and atmosphere of the area keep me in Pensacola.

CLAIRE KIRCHHARR

Associate Director, Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition

What makes your job 'click' for you? Working towards making sure all moms and babies make it to that first birthday. So many issues surrounding maternal morbidity and mortality are related to families not having access to the resources and services they need. I'm privileged

to play a small part in helping them get what they need.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? There's your circle of control and circle of concern. When I was little, my mom used to tell me that when she knew I was worried. Focusing on the things you can control is the healthy response to worry so that we can be our best selves.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In 2020, I was able to expand our infant mortality program to include talking to the families. Our program improved because we learned more of the family's experience with loss, but, more importantly, we were able to provide services to help connect them to critical resources.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Family foremost, but I also feel like we have a community of change-makers. From grassroots organizations to churches to hospitals, I see people wanting to improve Pensacola. There are still many disparities, but I think largely, we are a community that is committed to bridging the gap where we can.

HAILEY LOTZ Executive Director of Development for Alumni & Athletics, Pensacola State College

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being part of the equation that shapes the future of PSC while also honoring its rich history is a privilege. I am fortunate to work alongside like-minded individuals who make coming to

work exciting. The passion to see PSC succeed is contagious, and I am grateful for my role.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? A close colleague encouraged me with a quote from John Wesley that stuck. "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for all the people you can, for as long as you ever can."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. It is hard to narrow down all the projects I have ever done to just one being the most rewarding, but more recently, I would have to say that helping start the athletics hall of fame is high on that list, along with establishing scholarships for future students.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I have lived in several cities across the U.S., and there is just no place like Pensacola. I first lived here in the early 2000s, and after moving back in 2017, I have found that it just keeps getting better. My daughter and I love calling Pensacola home.

NATALIE ALES MAGAW Development Manager, Children's Home Society of Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? I have never felt more fulfilled than I do working for CHS. I am surrounded by the most passionate people who push me every day to work hard to create opportunities that make a difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve in our community.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My stepdad always tells me, "Lions don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep." Any time I feel uncertain about what I'm doing, I think back on those words and am reminded that I should drown out the noise from others and trust my instincts.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My first Soundside Splendor with Children's Home Society exceeded my expectations. Seeing so many

people who are passionate about the work that CHS is doing gather together to raise a record amount of money for our programming was an unbelievable experience.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The growth that Pensacola has seen in recent years has truly been incredible to watch and be part of. Pensacola has grown into a place that I not only want to live and work, but a place that I hope to raise a family of my own in one day.

MADISON MARTIN Director of Sales, Fishbein Orthodontics

What makes your job 'click' for you? Leading our sales team has been a huge blessing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to empower our team to make treatment accessible to anyone in need. To some, we simply "straighten teeth," but to most, we are changing lives. Playing a role in each patient's journey is very fulfilling.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My mom has always preached, "It's not about what you've done with your past; it's what you do with your future." This is a great reminder for me to not sweat the small stuff because there's always tomorrow.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Overseeing production for 18 offices brings forth multiple challenges, but the relationships I have built are so rewarding. I love seeing systems improve and practices thrive and witnessing the overall morale boost amongst everyone.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I love the small-town vibe that this big city holds. The sense of community Pensacola carries is unmatched. Everyone shares the same "support local" attitude that makes this place feel like home. The white, sandy beaches are a nice bonus, as well.

MIKE MCDONALD

Associate

General Counsel, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company

What makes your job 'click' for you? Collaborating with reliable and creative coworkers and knowing that we're collectively striving for personal improvement of our craft with increased efficiency.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Instead of pursuing perfection, we just need to get into the bucket. We'll never be "perfect," and at a minimum, we must be "fine." Luckily, the bucket of fine is wide and deep, so our goal is just get into the bucket. After all—if it's fine, it's fine.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. For a time, I taught some musicians (drummers, mostly) who ended up being so good that they won a world championship. It was a treat because that happened in my first season teaching there, and it hadn't happened since I was myself a member there a few years prior.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The people. Cool people, supporting cool people, doing cool things. Recent years here have revealed a com -

munity of ambitious young professionals who are bold enough to set out on their own and who are molding and developing our local food, drink and arts. Positivity and inclusivity are on the rise.

ASHLIEGH MCLEAN

Head Softball Coach, University of West Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job 'clicks' for me because of the people that surround me such as the student athletes, administration and staff, and the Pensacola community. Also, impacting young and upcoming leaders is something I am very passionate about.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Don't expect you out of other people.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I'm lucky enough to have a job that creates new projects every single year. My favorite, though, is when a young woman comes into my program and leaves more confident, more selfless and entering the world as the best version of themselves.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The simple answer is the people. I am currently building roots here. I love my career and the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. I also love how much Pensacola has grown since I moved here in 2010. Oh, and the beaches aren't so bad either.

DYLAN NADSADY

Freelance Muralist and Illustrator

What makes your job 'click' for you?

I create joy for a living. I bring windows of poetry and dreams to life. I have the opportunity to spread the goodness of the world to so many people. I am grateful that I can do such things every day.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Here's an idea—let's get over ourselves, buy a cherry pie and go fall in love with life." —Tom

Robbins

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Being hired by Emerald Republic Brewing Co. to do their main murals changed my career path for the better. This opened my eyes to a craft that blended all of my artistic capabilities and experiences into one. The possibilities ahead of me became endless.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is this growing, expanding community that never loses its grounded, friendly nature. Everyone wants to be and do better. So we're helping each other grow our town and ourselves. It's a beautiful time to be here. I'm honored to be a part of it.

KRISTY NGUYEN

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love the long-term relationships that I can build with my patients and their families over the years. I can sing along with the ABCs with one patient and celebrate another turning 100 years old all in one day.

MICHELLE

NGUYEN

Attorney, Meador & Johnson, P.A.

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love that each day I get to wake up and go into a workplace with warm, friendly faces. I love representing my clients and advocating for their rights. I love that I get to be myself in my workplace and challenge myself often.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Stop and smell the roses. Take time to enjoy the small things in life. Life is short, so enjoy every moment and always be grateful.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. As a family law attorney, I am often helping clients who are going through a difficult and emotional chapter of their lives. I understand that and always find it rewarding when I have clients who let me know that they are grateful that I am there for them.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Have more than you show; speak less than you know.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During my undergraduate years, I did a mission trip to Bethlehem, Va., where we helped rebuild homes in the local community that were destroyed by severe weather.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I am originally from the Chicagoland area and did my training at USA in Mobile, Ala. It was the Southern warmth of not just the weather but the people that kept me here.

JUSTIN OSWALD

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love what I do. In my role, I get to satisfy my inner businessman, while also being a part of something bigger than myself. I love leading and managing operations. But more than that, I get to do that for organizations that serve and impact the lives of others.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I stay because of my family ties to the area, the friendships I have formed, a fulfilling job, the fresh seafood and welcoming community. Pensacola continues to amaze me with its growth and new opportunities.

RUTHIE NOEL Executive Director, ReadyKids!

What makes your job 'click' for you? As a former educator, I know the power of early childhood education. In my role, I get to support the learning of our highest-need pre-K students and their families. I also get to recruit volunteers and share our mission with the community so that all can contribute to kindergarten readiness.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Don't believe everything you think. I take this to mean—give grace, don't make assumptions and do your own research.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I am most proud of the small part I played in getting two referendums passed for our community—shifting to an appointed superintendent of schools and establishing the Escambia Children's Trust. These campaigns were challenging and rewarding because they will set all of our children up for best success.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I came to Pensacola to finish my degree at UWF. Ten years later, I am raising a family here and can't imagine living anywhere else. I appreciate the potential we are tapping into as a community through groups such as CivicCon, Pensacola Young Professionals and the Racial Equity Alliance.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? I started my early career in sales. I had a mentor who I remember saying, "Sales is hard enough. There are plenty of objections we have to overcome. But always be honest and keep your word. Character and integrity matter." That has always stayed with me—character and integrity matter.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I'm currently in the process of the most rewarding project yet. I'm working on developing a site that will include

a community sports complex with basketball, volleyball and cheer. The development will also have an event center, food truck court, outdoor space and attainable housing.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I'm a Pensacola native. After high school, I wanted to move to a city that offered more. Now, I'm glad I stayed. The transformation we have seen over the last 15 years shows us what was always possible. And we're not finished. What keeps me here is what's to come.

Family Medicine Physician, Baptist Medical Group

President-Elect, Pensacola Young Professionals; Executive Pastor, Transformation Church

WARREN PATE

Executive Director of Finance, Baptist Health Care

What makes your job 'click' for you? It is a privilege to serve on a team that puts our patients and community first. Every day, I support and collaborate with our caregivers who help people throughout life's journey. It is my passion to ensure that we have the optimal resources and information to deliver safe, costeffective health care.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? A close mentor early in my career told me to "get comfortable being uncomfortable as the only thing that's constant in health care is change."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Being a part of the preparation and planning for our new campus at Brent Lane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is inspiring to partner with everyone on our care team in the pursuit to transform the health care in our community for generations to come.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is a very special place, and it is awesome to live in a city where countless people come to vacation each year. The beaches, the people, the charm and the sense of pride will continue to fuel the growth of our community. I'm humbled to be a part of it.

DUSTIN PERRY

Director of Road to Recovery and Pathway, Lakeview Center

What makes your job 'click' for you?

Substance-using adults often ruin all healthy relationships. Intervening with the person, offering hope and seeing the individual repair

their relationships after starting the recovery journey makes the job feel like it matters.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Nothing in life is free." My parents encouraged me to look at the whole picture when making decisions and to recognize that every decision has a cost, whether it's time, experience or money.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My most rewarding project is making Narcan (the opioid reversal medication) more available to the community through Lakeview Center. The medication supplies one more opportunity for hope and recovery.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The people of Pensacola are wonderful. My family has built relationships through church, youth sports, schools and work. My wife and I could not imagine raising our children anywhere else.

JAMES POINDEXTER

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Sandy Ridge Center for Rehabilitation and Healing

What makes your job 'click' for you? Being able to lead a team that provides care for some of the most vulnerable members of society. It is a privilege to make sure that my facility is providing the highest quality of service and

care to our residents in order to ensure the best quality of life.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice ever given to me was from my eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. DH James. It was simple but yet powerful at the same time. "Life is about choices, decisions and consequences."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I participated in a process improvement class while at Baptist Hospital that helped me create a form needed to help many clinicians at Baptist Behavioral Medicine. This form helped save time and eliminate many other forms used to capture the same information during an assessment.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I was born and raised in Pensacola. My family is here. I had the pleasure of attending Pensacola High School and began my career here after college. My wife and I are raising our two children here, and we couldn't ask for a better place to live.

JASMINE POLLARD

Residential Counselor, Lutheran Services

Florida; Ella Baker Trainer, Children Defense Fund Freedom School

What makes your job 'click' for you? The impact and the responsibility of working and serving with children and families. Although it can be challenging, I would say that's the push and passion that keeps me going. The simplest things like listening and inspiring children, and

supporting parents to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? 1) Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Be self-motivated. 2) Be a student of life. Never stop learning. 3) Your mother is right. Listen to her.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I would say working with Central Gulf Coast Freedom—being a part

of that team, building up Freedom Schools in this community and CGF being awarded the Impact 100 grant to continue the mission of the Children Defense Fund.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I've learned so much living in Pensacola—her rich history, the wonderful and passionate people in the community, and, of course, the breathtaking beaches. Pensacola will always be my home away from home.

RISING STARS 2023

ROSS PRISTERA Historic Preservationist/Senior Director, UWF Historic Trust

What makes your job 'click' for you? Every day is different, and the projects are so diverse—from helping people research a historic property to restoring a 1921 caboose to undertaking a major building renovation. All the hard work and stress is worth it knowing the public will benefit from these projects.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Being surrounded by historic buildings and artifacts reminds me that I am only a caretaker to these objects. It is my job to preserve and protect them for the benefit of future generations.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The creation of Museum Plaza in downtown Pensacola. This was one of the largest and most public projects I have worked on. The plaza transformed an underutilized parking lot and lawn into an early learning playground, stage, gathering space, storytelling circle, outdoor art gallery and archaeological exhibit.

What keeps you in Pensacola? My wife and I moved to Pensacola 10 years ago, and we started our careers and family here. When we look around, we can see the projects we were a part of and the relationships we have established. Pensacola has become our home.

PATRICK QUINTANILLA

Street Artist and Muralist

What makes your job 'click' for you? Creating art has always been more therapeutic for me than anything, even when I was a kid. Now, I just get to create art on a much larger scale, and it's pretty cool seeing others appreciate the final result of me essentially doing something that I just love to do.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I've probably gotten was to "trust the process." Every mural has that stage where it looks rough, where it could go left or right, but you just keep chipping away and adding layers; then, all of a sudden, it comes together better than you'd imagine.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. The most rewarding project I've worked on was doing a live painting for the Hispanic Heritage Gala back in September. Being half El Salvadoran, I've always struggled with connecting to that part

of my culture and to be involved in something like that really gave me a sense of pride.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Honestly— the potential. I've traveled and done murals all over the country for the last five years, and I really do think Pensacola could be one of the hot spots for murals and arts. There's a vacuum in the Gulf that I think Pensacola could fill for sure.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? You can do anything you put your mind to. Just jump.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Advocating for justice for others when I was at the Public Defender's office. It gave me an opportunity to give hope to people who saw none.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Because of my aspirations in the legal field and politics, I believe starting from home is important. Also, being able to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

What makes your job 'click' for you? Living in my passion and dream in being an attorney. I set this goal as a child, and I'm finally here. I know this is only the start of the dreams' reality.

What makes your job 'click' for you? I'm passionate about bringing innovative financial technology to the Gulf Coast and providing our communities with education and resources to improve their financial well-being. In my position, I work alongside some great leaders

to ensure we're keeping up with industry trends and implementing solutions that do exactly that.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." This resonates with me. We're all dealt a different hand in this crazy game of life. Don't let the hardships define you. Be intentional about creating the life you want.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I had the opportunity to work on a merger with a small credit union in Alabama. Getting to know the community and welcoming the teammates and members to our credit union family was the best part. They were so grateful for the enhanced financial resources we brought to their community.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The Gulf Coast is my home. I've had the opportunity to travel a bit, and from the beaches to the communities, I couldn't imagine raising my family anywhere else. I was born and raised here myself and am blessed to call this little slice of paradise "home."

DAMIAN RAPE

Attorney, Watson Firm, PLLC

DANIELLE RORABAUGH

Technical Delivery Manager, Gulf Winds Credit Union

KYLE SCHOOLAR

Director of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, Feeding the Gulf Coast

What makes your job 'click' for you? My job with Feeding the Gulf Coast aligns with my life's mission to build strong communities—communities in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Every day, I get to be an advocate for hunger-relieving programs offering hope to those facing hunger in our community.

ADAM SCHROCK

Account Executive, North American Sales, AppRiver, an OpenText Company

What makes your job 'click' for you? I enjoy building lasting relationships with both clients and co-workers, working with an amazing team to deliver world-class security solutions to businesses around the world.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Actions speak louder than words. Be open, be honest and do the things you say you will do. That exemplifies respect, and you will earn respect in return.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Our LeaP Class of 2023 is currently partnering with Feeding The Gulf Coast and Children's Home Society. We aim to deliver basic necessities for food, nourishment, toiletries and educational supplies through a care closet and school pantry program to reduce food insecurity in underserved communities.

RISING STARS 2023

What's the best advice you've ever been given? From my father—"Most disagreements in life are a result of someone expecting one thing and receiving another. Communication is critical." Being an effective communicator is not limited to articulating your thoughts and speaking well; it is just as important (if not more) to be an active and responsive listener.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I have been incredibly fortunate to get to work on some amazingly rewarding projects. Most recently, I have been

working on the expansion of Feeding the Gulf Coast's community health and nutrition efforts. These strategic initiatives address the intersection of health and nutrition in our communities.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I love our community. Originally from Mississippi, I moved here seven years ago. I was incredibly fortunate to find community among people working so hard to build a vibrant, strong community—a community in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Long story short, it's the people.

KATIE SCHUTTS

Associate Director of Alumni Communications and Events, University of West Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Speaking with alumni who haven't kept in touch with UWF since graduation. When they find out how much UWF has grown and all of the different things our students and faculty are doing, it's like a light bulb goes off, and they get excited to be an Argo again.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Raising my children in an area with amazing public education systems, great youth sports, bountiful outdoor activities and endless local festivals keeps me rooted in the area. Spending time on our world-class beaches, watching the Blues fly and enjoying days out on the boat really soothes the soul.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Be confident in yourself and trust your abilities. I tend to second guess myself and compare myself to others, when in fact I'm producing good work. This past year, I gained more decision-making power and have surprised myself with how smoothly I've been able to take charge of things.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Last fall, UWF hosted all home football games at Pen Air Field on campus for the first time. I was on the team who planned and executed the new tailgate experience, including the homecom -

KIMBERLY SCOTT

ing celebrations. I was proud to help create a vibrant atmosphere for our Argo fans.

What keeps you in Pensacola? When I moved here from CA, I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was and how easy it was to get involved. Since then, my husband and I have created an awesome friend circle through our various community groups. Mardi Gras, Fiesta, the beach and the Blues don't hurt, either.

Community

Outreach Director, Pensacola Little Theatre

What makes your job 'click' for you? Working in our community daily and finding new ways to support, encourage, entertain and inspire in a creative atmosphere is what makes my job click for me. I am honored to work with such an incredible team of volunteers and staff to create the best experiences possible in Pensacola.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I have ever received was along the lines of "take any idea you have and stop to take time and see how your idea can be bigger, bolder and more outside the box." This advice helps me pursue my goals more creatively.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. A project I am really excited about is our outreach program, which allows me to go into schools, libraries

and community centers to do theatre workshops that inspire students to be creative and kind. I love getting to work with students all over the Pensacola community.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is such a wonderful place to live and work. The mix of the beach, arts and friendly community make it a balanced place to be. Our community is thriving, and I look forward to seeing all that is to come in Pensacola.

RISING STARS 2023

HANE SKOT

Songwriter

HANE MCLEAISH

Counselor II, Children's Home Society of Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? Words and songs have the power to transform us through expression and manifestation. As an artist with a background in mindfulness, I am held accountable to the process of my songwriting and heal along with it in real time.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Being challenged to run toward the things I could define as fears freed me from the illusion of being held back.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Though I don't deem myself a project, the most rewarding action I participate in daily is to be present with myself and choose to grow through self-love.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola is a paradise of sorts. Growing up along the coast spoils you into staying just to catch the beach for a couple hours on a weekday. So much talent resides right here, I'd rather be here and travel than follow the idea of bigger city success.

ALEX SMITH

Special Assistant to the Mayor, City of Pensacola

What makes your job 'click' for you? The relationships that I have been able to build with the amazing people who work for the City of Pensacola, along with the encouragement from city residents. It is exciting but yet humbling to

have a position that allows me to play a small part in shaping my hometown.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Being lead staff member for Mayor Reeves' Transition Team was an amazing experience. The opportunity to work with so many impactful community leaders and citizens preparing the transition team report was a huge responsibility. This project gave me faith that our community is on the cusp of accomplishing great things.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Growing up in Pensacola, I knew there was something special about "home." After graduating from FSU, I was able to move back, and I realized that citizens of Pensacola are the most welcoming, fun-loving and dedicated people. They have welcomed me back and helped me find my forever home.

CARRIE THORNTON

Senior Associate, Huron Consulting Group

What makes your job 'click' for you? I love the opportunity to be an advocate for employee engagement and infusing fun into the workplace. As someone who works behind the scenes, I love hearing stories of the ripple effect that my work has on our clients in health care.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? From the church hymn, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." When I'm anxious, overwhelmed or worried about the future, these words give me perspective and hope.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During the pandemic, our work in health care was shaken. My team quickly rallied to bring innovative solutions to our clients by connecting best practices and evolving our partnerships. It was great to be a part of this work behind the scenes to maintain our mission of making health care better.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Family. Both my husband and I were born and raised here in Pensacola. It is definitely home and a place we love raising our three children.

REBECCA TIMMONS

Attorney, Levin Papantonio

Rafferty

What makes your job 'click' for you? The people. I have clients who inspire me every day. And colleagues who can tolerate me.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Do one thing every day that scares you. Actually, all of Mary Schmich's 1997 essay

"Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young." Also, be excellent to each other.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Every day of lawyering is rewarding. If you're hiring me, something terrible happened to you or a loved one. And I get to fight like hell to make it right and bring you closure—just having that opportunity and working at it every day is rewarding.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I was born and raised here. My whole family is here. I'm also told there's a supernatural phenomenon where locals can try to leave but will inevitably return. So, my own flesh and blood and the cursed land keep me here—and I love it.

RISING STARS 2023

KESHA TRAN Director of Advance Practice Providers-Adults, Community Health Northwest Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? So many of our patients come from uninsured or underinsured backgrounds, and to be able to be the provider to bridge their care gaps and give them the opportunity to live their healthiest life makes my work worth it.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During the pandemic, I was able to support the administration of mass COVID vaccinations to the local community. I never expected to live through a pandemic and to be able to be a part of a pivotal moment in history for humanity is a great honor.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Being a Pensacola native, I value this city's small-town, but big city, feel. And now with children of my own, I see the beauty in this even more. Pensacola serves as the perfect medium to nurture growing families as well as professional development.

TOPHER WARREN Education Director, Pensacola Little Theatre

What makes your job 'click' for you? I grew up in the education program at Pensacola Little Theatre in the late '90s and '00s. Being able to take what I have learned from this program and my professional experience has made this job a dream. It makes what I do feel more meaningful and impactful.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."—Maya Angelou. Life is constantly about learning and growing and then applying it in your day-to-day life. I always want to constantly be learning and getting better.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. My first semester at PLT, I had the task of recreating the classes offered and curriculum for our education program. I was able to add more classes, widen the variety of classes offered, and ended up with the most registrants of any fall semester offered at PLT.

What keeps you in Pensacola? I came back to Pensacola after six years away, and what keeps me here is how much the arts community has grown. There is so much happening all the time. Between theatre, art galleries, concerts and comedy nights, there is never a shortage of art.

RISING STARS 2023

ANGELIQUE WILKINS

Contact Center Operations Supervisor, Navy Federal Credit Union

What makes your job 'click' for you? I'm very eager to assume responsibility for coordinating the growth of projects and personnel. It's a true honor to set the tone for our organization's culture by assisting employees while implementing change and servicing our military families. While developing employees, I enjoy observing their growth and participating in their career path journey.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The biggest mistake in communication is assuming that it's been done. It's important to identify and execute the best way to communicate when building relationships, navigating organizational change and giving feedback. Effective communication drives organizational efficiency, which helps employees understand their role and achieve their goals.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I participated in the Alzheimer's Association Longest Day event. My

team and I worked together by using our creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. After losing my grandmother to this disease, it felt great to give back.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The most important people to me are my family. My husband and I both grew up in Pensacola, so all our immediate family live here. They are the people who love us and give us support. They keep us centered.

KELSEY WISEMAN Owner and Maker, The Crafted Makerie

What makes your job 'click' for you? I have always dreamed of doing something creative, so getting to make jewelry and accessories for a living is a dream come true, and the

opportunities I have to use the abilities God has given me to give back to the community make it even better.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I've been given was "do good work and be nice to people." Two of the pillars of my business—quality and relationships—came from this advice.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. One of the most rewarding projects was the opportunity I had to design a breast cancer awareness earring to raise money and purchase zipper-adapted port shirts from another local small business to donate local breast cancer patients.

What keeps you in Pensacola? My husband and I love this area because of the local support and community for small businesses and the special people we have grown close to here.

RACHEL WITBRACHT Director of Government Relations, University of West Florida

What makes your job 'click' for you? I got my start in politics as an undergraduate at UWF, so lobbying for the university truly is a full circle moment. I love that I get to advocate

for our almost 14,000 students and show how great our hometown school is to lawmakers across the state.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Work hard, be nice and always stand your ground.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. During my time working for the legislature, I had the honor of working on some pretty high-profile policy that affected the entire state. It's fulfilling that the job I did made a positive difference in the lives of Floridians.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Our beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, excellent restaurants and the deep sense of community Pensacolians exude.

JESSICA WOLFORD

Founder/CEO,

Wolfgang Parks & Brews

What makes your job 'click' for you? Dogs. My love for all animals, especially dogs, makes this job 'click' for me. Being able to receive slobbery kisses and see wagging tails makes my day. Also, being able to create events that bring together our animal loving community while also helping out nonprofits in the area.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Create your own magic. Being a business owner or leader is hard, and you will get more no's than yes's at first, but don't give up. Creating something unique starts with passion, and if you are passionate about what you do, people will be enthusiastic to join you.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. Pawdi Gras, hands down. This is the one event where we donate 100% of funds raised toward a chosen nonprofit

benefactor. It is so great to see our community come together for another annual event and show their love of animals and local businesses.

What keeps you in Pensacola? We moved here nine years ago after vacationing and fell in love. The support of small businesses, events and community is what keeps us here.

CRAIG R.J. WOOD

Associate Attorney, Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

What makes your job 'click' for you? The intellectual cat and mouse game that lawyers play can be very interesting. If you win, it can be rewarding and satisfying. If you lose, it offers a humbling opportunity to learn so you can be better and faster next time.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Do not let anyone devalue your success as just "getting lucky" because "luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. I had the opportunity to commission a custom photograph for Blue Angels pilot Ben Walborn (callsign "Baxter"), performing the infamous high-speed sneak pass over Pensacola Beach. He even stopped by my house to pick up the picture. I was honored, to say the least.

What keeps you in Pensacola? The small-town vibes, beautiful beaches and the awesome precision of watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly regularly. Those, amongst others, make it easy for me to call Pensacola my home.

OLYVIA WOODS

Realtor, Voyage Real Estate

What makes your job 'click' for you? When a transaction ends, that final, "We did it," at the closing table allows me to relive that feeling of becoming a first-time homeowner all over again. I love helping people find a home they'll create lasting memories in, especially clients who never thought homeownership was possible in their situation.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? My broker, John Ellis, once told me that helping people is beyond just being able to give an answer to their question. It's being able to give them resources that will help them reach their goals.

Tell us about the best/most rewarding project you've ever worked on. In December 2022, I helped one of my best friends, Isea, purchase his first home. Isea is an educator and a Navy veteran. He'd do anything to help someone else in need. He deserved to reach this milestone, and I was proud to represent him throughout the entire process.

What keeps you in Pensacola? Pensacola always has something new in store. Seeing so many new small businesses and restaurants pop-up lets me know that there's an abundance of opportunity in this city. I'm excited to be a part of its growth. {in}

Our Corner, formerly known as Keep Pensacola Beautiful, is an Escambia County-based nonprofit that works strategically with community partners to implement programs that advance the environmental quality and beauty of our community, today and for future generations.

OurCornerEscambia.org

Because small actions today make a big impact tomorrow.

Where fun meets responsibility.

Arts & Entertainment

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

Black History Informing Black Future

sonally seen them do, and they just don't know how to present it," said Bonner. "They don't know how to even begin with getting into an art gallery. I wanted to give them an opportunity."

These underdogs received mentorship from Bonner, who was eager to provide advice and a simple artistic ask—show us your emotions.

"Whatever you feel, any emotion that you're feeling, show us that."

In addition to bringing some undiscovered talent to the gallery, Bonner welcomed works from established area artists including Pensacola State College professor Mark Hopkins, who Bonner credits as an important influence for young Black and brown artists in the community.

"To a certain degree without Hopkins, there wouldn't be me or a person like me," said Bonner of the professor.

Once the work of curation was done, Bonner found himself struggling to identify the central theme of the art.

work of Pablo Picasso. Upon returning home, he set to creating the poster art for "Emotions."

"And so I take my photography, and I start spreading it, and then I look at images and I'm like, this looks familiar. What am I seeing right now? This is like a Picasso piece."

Bonner realized that what drew him to the cubist art style was the tension between past and future in not only the discussion about art but about what Black History Month represents.

"You want to put your culture into something that will go into the future because again, those pieces, [Picasso] made them then, and they live into the future. He didn't make a piece and go, 'I want to make something that looks like these olden day pictures,'" explained Bonner.

ented artist Devin Bonner turns his attention to a passion project, you can be sure of two things—1. It will not be half-assed, and 2. He is bringing his community with him.

Joining a growing list of accolades, including Gallery Night featured artist in July of 2022 and 2023 Rising Star in this very issue of Inweeky, Bonner added Artel Gallery board member to his resume and kicked off 2023 by curating his first show, "Emotions."

"When I accepted the position for the board, the one thing that I explained is I want to see diversity in the shows," said Bonner. "I'm the only Black guy, one of the only males and one of the youngest people at the gallery."

The Artel board supported Bonner's vision

diversity by donating a show in the vault to his vision, built around Black History Month, with Bonner as sole curator.

"We want to bring back the understanding of Artel's name as 'Artel: Art with an Edge,' said Bonner.

Bonner sought to resist the typical expectations of Black History Month-focused events that might retell stories about historical figures. Instead, Bonner wanted to create a space for Black creatives to simply share their art.

During the curation process, Bonner purposefully recruited artists from within the community, pulling talent from outside of the traditional gallery scene.

"I had some people that do art that I've per-

"I was freaking out," said Bonner. "I had never curated a show; I didn't know what I was doing. So I was like, I'm gonna go to New York because I want to get away, clear my head but also want to go to galleries and see actual, real art that I've never seen."

Once there, Bonner felt the all-too-familiar feeling of being in a space that was not created for him.

"I didn't see myself in any of [the art]. I was walking around thinking 'That's pretty good; that's pretty cool.' But like, I don't see anything related to me."

Amid a near-endless number of famous artists and works, Bonner was struck by the cubism

"I want to make something new that goes to the future, and that's what I want the show to be. I love my Black history. But I knew my ancestors wouldn't want me focusing on the past. Take what we taught you, take all the opportunities that we gave to you guys, and you know, and use that to go as far as you can for our culture for generations to come."

In embracing the future, Bonner finds some peace with Black history.

"Black history, used to position and promote Black culture in the future," Bonner said. {in}

EMOTIONS

WHAT: An exhibition currently on view in The Vault at Artel Gallery

WHEN: Now-Feb. 24

WHERE: Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox COST: Free DETAILS: facebook.com/artelpensacola

"Emotions" on display at Artel Gallery / Photo by Tim Bednarczyk

MARDI GRAS EVENTS

PAWDI GRAS Wolfgang LLC will be hosting Pawdi Gras on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., on Garden Street between Tarragona and Palafox, in front of Perfect Plain Brewing Co. This year's benefactor is Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. For more information and to register, visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

KREWE OF AVANT GARDE 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT The Krewe of Avant Garde invites the community to their 40th Anniversary Masked Mardi Gras Ball, 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport-Medical Center, 1144 Airport Blvd. Enjoy dancing with live band music by Wilk McKeen's Dr. Breeze Band, dinner, fun, court program and a cash bar. Special salute to all retired and active-duty military. Reservations are required for this formal, black tie optional event. For information about the Krewe of Avant Garde Mardi Gras Ball and to RSVP, contact Dean at estdean@cox.net or (850) 458-7988.

PIRATES OF LOST TREASURE 27TH AN -

NUAL MARDI GRAS FLOTILLA The decorated boat parade departs Holiday Harbor at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, and ends at the FloraBama for the victory party at 2:30 p.m. Boats can enter the flotilla for a $35 entry fee. For more information, visit Pirates of Lost Treasure – Perdido Key on Facebook.

di Gras Drag show is a charity event, Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m., at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Cash donations will go to Pensacola Abortion Rights Task Force. Door fee is a $5 cash donations or canned food item.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

FIFTH ANNUAL COMMUNI-TEE CUP Our Corner (formerly Keep Pensacola Beautiful) will be hosting a putt-putt golf tournament on Thursday, Feb. 9, to raise funds for annual beautification programs and cleanup initiatives across Escambia County.

The tournament will be held at Goofy Golf, 3924 W. Navy Blvd. This event will feature two game times, with a family tee-off at 4:30 p.m. and an adults-only and Krewe tee-off at 6:30 pm. Ticket prices are $30 per adult and $15 per child 12 and under. Members of Our Corner get a discounted ticket price of $25 per person as well as special benefits at the event. These tickets include tournament entry, drink and drawing tickets, and more. Visit ourcornerescambia.org/ communi-tee-cup-event for details.

THE ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, is currently accepting grant applications for 2023. Grants are

awarded to organizations that successfully demonstrate how a proposed program aligns with one or more of the tenets of the mission of the Foundation, which are to foster greater accessibility to the judicial system, improvements to the overall quality of the administration of justice, law-related education and increased public awareness of the judicial system, and improved management and operation of the court system.

Grants awards are typically in the $500$1,500 range. For more information on the Foundation and to download an application form, visit esrba.com/bar-foundation/about-esrbf/.

CALL TO ARTISTS

2023 PENSACOLA JAZZFEST POSTER Jazz Pensacola, a nonprofit organization, invites fine artists/graphic designers to submit renderings for the official 2023 Pensacola JazzFest poster. The commission is $500.

The Jazz Pensacola Board of Directors will consider all renderings and make a selection. Initial drafts are due by Jan. 31. If selected, the completed submission deadline is Feb. 28.

Pensacola JazzFest is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The 2023 Pensacola JazzFest is slated for April 1-2. 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. The poster must include the name of the festival—2023 Pensacola JazzFest—and especially its 40th Anniversary in some fashion.

The festival event information, including date, location, sponsors and any additional information, will be added to the poster in the graphic production process. There is no need to include this information within the artwork.

Any mixed media suitable for two-dimensional mechanical reproduction is allowed, including both hand-drawn and computer-generated graphics.

Rough drafts or sketches can be submitted, but, if selected, the final art must conform to the submitted draft or sketch. Substantial deviation from the submitted sketch or draft will result in

forfeiture by the artist of the cash prize and the selection of a new winner by Jazz Pensacola.

Submissions must be in low-res (72 PPI) JPEG format and emailed to info@jazzpensacola.com. There is no limit to the number of entries by a single artist. Each entry must include the artist's name, address, email and telephone number.

The selected artist is responsible for the preparation of the art for high-resolution reproduction. The artist will be contacted following the selection process and receive technical specifications for the production file.

DIY SHORT FILM FEST Filmmakers of any level are invited to submit short films to be screened at 309 Punk House on March 24. Priority will be given to local and regional submissions and those with relationships to the community. Suggested length is 3-10 minutes, but submissions up to 20 minutes will be considered. Submissions are due by March 17. Send your films to diyfilmfestpensacola@gmail.com.

ARTS & CULTURE

FOO FOO FESTIVAL KICK OFF MEETING

The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival is returning in 2023 as it announces its 10-year celebration. On Monday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m., at Palafox House, 196 N. Palafox, the Foo Foo Fest committee will conduct an in-person kickoff meeting to review the plans for this year's festival, including important grant application information. This year's 12-day series of events is scheduled to take place Nov. 2-13. Visit foofoofest.com for more details.

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CIN -

EMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

PENSACOLA OPERA: THE BREMENTOWN

MUSICIANS Pensacola Opera presents a 40-minutes interactive play based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale at local libraries. Future dates include 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Tyron Branch, 1200 Langley Ave.; and 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at Belleview Branch, 6425 Mobile Highway. Performances are free. Visit facebook. com/pensacolaopera for details.

a&e happenings

MINDGAME PLT presents a dark comedy and thriller from Anthony Horowitz with puzzling twists and turns. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4; and 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Shows are $14-$20. Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Get your tickets online at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

YIKES STANDUP COMEDY Comedy show, 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $30-$40. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

EDDIE B'S TEACHER'S ONLY COMEDY

TOUR Show is 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $45. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

BALLET PENSACOLA: A MILITARY APPRECIATION PERFORMANCE Ballet Pensacola will recognize the United States Military with a special ballet production, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11, and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12. The performances will feature Artistic Director Darren McIntyre's original choreography "Lights Will Guide You Home" and "Odyssey," along with other creations such as "Fleet Week," "Spartacus" and more to celebrate our men and women in uniform. Tickets are $35-$45. For more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

HOMELESSNESS AND IT'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Join Ever'man Education Center at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb.13, with guest speaker Michael Kimberl, director of AlfredWashburn Center and co-founder and director of Sean's Outpost and Satoshi Forest, as he discusses the homelessness issue and concerns within our community, environmental impacts and real solutions. Located at 327 W. Garden St.

PENSACOLA OPERA: BROWN BAG OPERA

Take a lunch break with the opera. Brown Bag Opera is a free monthly performance featuring the Jan Miller Studio Artists at the Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Musical performances include a variety of beloved arias, timeless showtunes and stunning duets and trios. Dates are noon on Tuesdays Feb. 21 and March 21. Seating is first-come, first-served. Visit facebook.com/pensacolaopera for details.

EASY GOING GALLERY EXHIBIT Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St., is a showcase of local artists. A reception is Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the Historic Trust for a monthly lunch and learn series on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, located at 117 E. Government St., from noon1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf.edu or call (850) 595-5985, ext. 125. The next date is Feb. 15 with Carter Quina about architecture and historic preservation in Pensacola.

IHMC'S SCIENCE SATURDAY 2023 SESSIONS ON HUMAN HEALTH PERFORMANCE, SMART CITIES AND ROBOTICS

Science Saturdays is a series of 90-minute educational enrichment sessions geared to families and children in grades three-six. Topics in 2023 will include robotics, roller coasters, animal adaptations, human performance and more. The sessions are free to the families who attend. For more information, visit ihmc.us/life/science_saturdays.

•Feb. 25: Meredith Yeager, IHMC, Reaction Time

•March 25: Dr. Lakshmi Prayaga, University of West Florida, Smart Cities

•April 22: Dr. Gwen Bryan, IHMC, Robot Hands

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Pensacola

Arts Market is set up at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., from 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month. Enjoy a local artisan market, handcrafted brews and ciders, live music, as well as food by the Hip Pocket Deli. Free admission.

EMPOWERED EXPRESSION: GIVING DIMENSION TO DISABLED VOICES OPENING RECEPTION

The latest PMA exhibit is a collection of artworks created by the agency's program participants, all of whom are adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will be on display at the museum through Thursday, Feb. 23, at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

ALL THAT WAS BRIGHT The latest exhibit at UWF TAG features work from Basqo Bim, Jacob Reptile and Jane Tardo. Exhibit will be up through March 2. TAG is located in the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82.

STEAM On view at Pensacola Museum of Art through April 9, the STEAM Exhibition is a community-centered, educational experience engaging contemporary art with science and new technologies. Artwork on display investigates concepts related to the environment, biology, digital interfaces and speculative fictions/imagined futures. Exhibiting artists challenge narratives of human and non-human ecologies, more-than-human relations and entangled response-abilities, as well as offer exciting insights into transdisciplinary processes. The main focus of the exhibition centers around the idea of ecosystems as a metaphor for critical thought. Visit the exhibit at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum. org for details.

69TH ANNUAL YOUTH ART FOCUS The Pensacola Museum of Art, in partnership with the PMA Guild and Escambia County Public Schools, is proud to present the 69th Annual Youth Art Focus exhibition, showcasing artwork from across the Escambia County School District. The exhibition serves as a celebration of the strong artistic achievements of K-12 students and their teachers. The exhibit is on view Jan. 20-Feb. 26. The awards reception will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3. Visit the exhibit at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

LOST PENSACOLA EXHIBIT "Lost Pensacola" is a poster exhibit that examines lost icons from Pensacola's past by Joe Vinson. Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting their own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The United States eyed the region early on, using the Seminole Wars as an excuse to seize territory before turning to diplomatic means to acquire Florida. The Adams-Onis Treaty, debated and initially agreed upon in 1819, resulted in Spain ceding control of East Florida to the United States. At the same time, Spain also agreed to give up all claims on West Florida, in essence giving the entire Florida territory over to the United States. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. On view at Pensacola Museum of History through Dec. 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

CELEBRATE! 50 YEARS OF THE GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL This exhibit explores the incredible story of the volunteers who keep the festival alive. Through the past five decades, little has made a larger impact on the city than the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and those who dedicate their time to ensuring it remains a vibrant affair in the heart of Pensacola. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through February 2023.

TEXTILES OF THE TIMES: REGENCY

ERA DRESS MAKING The period between 1811-1820 is historically defined as the Regency Period. This exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History looks at a day in the life of a Regency-era Pensacolian through fashion and garment use. Drawing on historical documentation of stores known to have operated on Palafox, inside this recreation of a seamstress shop visitors will be able to explore the dress of yesteryear. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through June 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

COOKING FUN-DA-MENTALS: SAUCES

Learn to make sauces to top off your dishes with Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2. Class is $50 per students. Bring your own wine for no extra charge. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks to see a menu and to purchase tickets.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: EMERALD

REPUBLIC BREWING CO. The next ABC tasting is Thursday, Feb. 2, with two classes at 5 and 7 p.m., on The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $20 per person. Seating is limited. Reserve your spot by calling (850) 287-0200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.

LADIES NIGHT OUT: FLAVORS OF INDIA

Cooking class is 7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, located

a&e happenings

at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details and a signup link.

O'RILEY'S CRAWFISH BOIL Crawfish boil is Friday, Feb. 3, from 6-8 p.m., at O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Live music from Adam Pearce from 7-10 p.m. More information at sirrichardslounge.com.

SIR RICHARD'S PUBLIC HOUSE OYSTER BASH Sir Richard's Oyster Bash will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 6-8 p.m., at the O'Riley's Uptown Tavern location, 3728 Creighton Road. Live music from Adam Pearce is 7-10 p.m. The event is open to people of 21 years of age and up. More information at sirrichardslounge.com.

VINO MAGNIFICO The next event is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to sample five different wines at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox. Reservations required. Make yours online at vpauls.com.

DINNER AND AN ARIA Enjoy dinner at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox, an get serenaded by Pensacola Opera with special seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9. Call (850) 469-9898 for reservations.

CHARCUTERIE NIGHT AT BODACIOUS

Learn to prepare a charcuterie tray with Bodacious chefs 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $65. Visit bodaciousshops.com to reserve your spot.

BAKING FUN-DE-MENTALS: DECORATING Class is 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Pensacola Cooks, located at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Visit facebook.com/ pensacolacooks for details and a signup link.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., for themed trivia nights on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand. Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.

LIVE MUSIC

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: FLEETWOOD MAC'S RUMOURS Black Jacket Symphony recreates Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album at 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $30-$35. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for tickets.

PAUL THORN Show is at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3. Tickets are $25-$35. At Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Find tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

PAGU'S BIRTHDAY JAMBOREE POTLUCK AND SHOW Show is 2 p.m.-until, Saturday, Feb. 4, at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. with

live music, video games and special guests Saint Social with sets from Midkid & The Master Plan, Gwety Mernans, Destroyah and more.

MOZART MADNESS Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart Madness, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Tickets are $10. Visit pensacolasymphony.com for details.

CLINT BLACK FEATURING LISA HARTMAN WITH LILY PEARL BLACK Show is 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $45-$125. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

TOKEN WITH SPECIAL GUEST BEN REILLY Show is Monday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m., at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $20 and available at vinymusichall.com.

STRFKR Show is 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $22 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

LUCERO Show is 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $30 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

EASY GOING DJ LAB Show is every Saturday, noon-4 p.m., at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

RESPECT THE DECKS Monthly vinyl spinning night at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St., 8 p.m. $15 cover. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

GARY-OKE Sing your heart out at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Joe Occhipinti performs at West Florida Public Libraries twice a month. The concerts are free. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m., the concert is at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Visit mywfpl.com for details.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD

COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, from 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District, located at 130 E. Government St. every Monday night in End O' the Alley starting at 7 p.m. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, located at 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

a&e happenings

FITNESS + RECREATION

PENSACOLA DOUBLE BRIDGE RUN The Double Bridge Run has 15K and 5K options.15K race leaves from Downtown Pensacola and 5K departs from Gulf Breeze. Run begins at 7 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at 101 W. Main St. For registration and details visit pensacolasports. org/doublebridgerun.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola host weekly cleanups on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. Meet at 8:45 a.m. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and bug spray if needed. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/ oceanhourfl for more details.

BIKE PENSACOLA FEBRUARY SLOW RIDE

The next Bike Pensacola Slow Ride is 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, starting at Alabama Square, 401 W. Gonzalez St. This month's theme is "cycle chic," as riders are encouraged to dress up a bit for the Ride. Our Ride sponsor and host is the North Hill Preservation Association, which works diligently to preserve the historic character of North Hill— one of Pensacola's most interesting and historic neighborhoods. Following the Ride, there will be a party with food and educational exhibits. Visit facebook.com/bikepensacola for details.

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Games are played at the Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at iceflyers.com.

Upcoming home games:

•7:05 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10

•7:05 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11

•4:05 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 18

PUBLIC SKATE Pensacola Bay Center hosts public ice-skating sessions October-April. All public skate sessions last one hour. Sessions typically occur on the weekends and after Ice Flyers Home games. Capacity is limited for each session, so get your tickets early.

Upcoming times:

•9:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10

•9:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11

•1:30, 3, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12

•6:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19

BEACH HIKE OFFERS LESSONS IN COASTAL ECOLOGY Join Healthy Gulf for a beach ecology walk along the shifting sands and waters of Santa Rosa Island at Pensacola Beach, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. The hike will be along both the Gulf and Sound side of the Island, exploring the changing plant communities and life along the shoreline. The hike is a total length of about 4 miles and will take about a little over two hours to complete. The exact meeting location at Pensacola Beach will be provided upon registration. The walk is free, but space is limited. To reserve a spot or for more information, please email christian@ healthygulf.org or call (850) 687-9968.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING On the first Friday of each month from 6:30-11 p.m.,

enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. Fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels, no partner required. Located at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. Cost is $15. More information at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun Wednesdays from 6:30-10 p.m. for $5 and the fourth Saturday of each month 6:30-11 p.m. for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio, 918 Winton Ave. More information at thewayyoumove.us

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE On the Second Saturday of each month from 6:30-11 p.m., enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio, 918 Winton Ave. Cost is $10. More information at thewayyoumove.us

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will offer free yoga throughout 2023 as a part of its Wellness in the Park Series. One-hour outdoor yoga classes will be led by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center on the first Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Bayview Park. The next date is Sunday, Feb. 5.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more

information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

FREE PILATES IN THE PARK The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department and PURE Pilates presents a free one-hour outdoor pilates classes on the third Sunday of every month at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. The next date is Feb. 19.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays. And Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.

KID-FRIENDLY

PARENT & ME PRESCHOOL CHEFS Class is 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, located at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Visit facebook. com/pensacolacooks for details and a signup link. Tickets are $39 per parent/preschooler.

TEENS ONLY: SUSHI 101 Class is 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Pensacola Cooks, located at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $45 per student. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details and a signup link. For ages 13-17.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Theoretically, you could offer to help a person who doesn't like you. You could bring a gourmet vegan meal to a meat-eater or pay a compliment to a bigot. I suppose you could even sing beautiful love songs to annoyed passersby or recite passages from great literature to an 8-year-old immersed in his video game. But there are better ways to express your talents and dispense your gifts—especially now, when it's crucial for your long-term mental health that you offer your blessings to recipients who will use them best and appreciate them most.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In esoteric astrology, Taurus rules the third eye. Poetically speaking, this is a subtle organ of perception, a sixth sense that sees through mere appearances and discerns the secret or hidden nature of things. Some people are surprised to learn about this theory. Doesn't traditional astrology say that you Bulls are sober and well-grounded? Here's the bigger view—the penetrating vision of an evolved Taurus is potent because it peels away superficial truths and uncovers deeper truths. Would you like to tap into more of this potential superpower? The coming weeks will be a good time to do so.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The ingredient you would need to fulfill the next stage of a fun dream is behind door No. 1. Behind door No. 2 is a vision of a creative twist you could do but haven't managed yet. Behind door No. 3 is a clue that might help you achieve more disciplined freedom than you've known before. Do you think I'm exaggerating? I'm not. Here's the catch—you may be able to open only one door before the magic spell wears off—*unless* you enlist the services of a consultant, ally, witch, or guardian angel to help you bargain with fate to provide even more of the luck that may be available.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I trust you are mostly ready for the educational adventures and experiments that are possible. The uncertainties that accompany them, whether real or imagined, will bring out the best in you. For optimal results, you should apply your nighttime thinking to daytime activities, and vice versa. Wiggle free of responsibilities unless they teach you noble truths. And finally, summon the intuitive powers that will

By Rob Brezsny

sustain you and guide you through the brilliant shadow initiations. (P.S. Take the wildest rides you dare as long as they are safe.)

from sexy angels and cute maestros. What I can promise you for sure, however, are fresh eruptions of savvy in your brain and sagacity in your heart. Here's your keynote, as expressed by the Queen of Sheba 700 years ago—"Wisdom is sweeter than honey, brings more joy than wine, illumines more than the sun, is more precious than jewels."

inner self and your outer persona will be at record-breaking levels. No one will have to wonder if they must be wary of hidden agendas lurking below your surface. Everyone can be confident that what they see in you is what they will get from you. This is an amazing accomplishment! Congrats!

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Fate has decreed, "Leos must be wanderers for a while." You are under no obligation to obey this mandate, of course. Theoretically, you could resist it. But if you do indeed rebel, be sure your willpower is very strong. You will get away with outsmarting or revising fate only if your discipline is fierce and your determination is intense. OK? So let's imagine that you will indeed bend fate's decree to suit your needs. What would that look like? Here's one possibility—the "wandering" you undertake can be done in the name of focused exploration rather than aimless meandering.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): I wish I could help you understand and manage a situation that has confused you. I'd love to bolster your strength to deal with substitutes that have been dissipating your commitment to the Real Things. In a perfect world, I could emancipate you from yearnings that are out of sync with your highest good. And maybe I'd be able to teach you to dissolve a habit that has weakened your willpower. And why can't I be of full service to you in these ways? Because, according to my assessment, you have not completely acknowledged your need for this help. So neither I nor anyone else can provide it. But now that you've read this horoscope, I'm hoping you will make yourself more receptive to the necessary support and favors and relief.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I can't definitively predict you will receive an influx of cash in the next three weeks. It's possible, though. And I'm not able to guarantee you'll be the beneficiary of free lunches and unexpected gifts. But who knows? They could very well appear. Torrents of praise and appreciation may flow, too, though trickles are more likely. And there is a small chance of solicitous gestures coming your way

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Your assignment, Scorpio, is to cultivate a closer relationship with the cells that comprise your body. They are alive! Speak to them as you would to a beloved child or animal. In your meditations and fantasies, bless them with tender wishes. Let them know how grateful you are for the grand collaboration you have going, and affectionately urge them to do what's best for all concerned. For you Scorpios, February is Love and Care for Your Inner Creatures Month.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "I want to raise up the magic world all round me and live strongly and quietly there," wrote Aquarian author Virginia Woolf in her diary. What do you think she meant by "raise up the magic world all round me"? More importantly, how would you raise up the magic world around you? Meditate fiercely and generously on that tantalizing project. The coming weeks will be an ideal time to attend to such a wondrous possibility. You now have extra power to conjure up healing, protection, inspiration and mojo for yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Revamped and refurbished things are coming back for another look. Retreads and redemption-seekers are headed in your direction. I think you should consider giving them an audience. They are likely to be more fun or interesting or useful during their second time around. Dear Sagittarius, I suspect that the imminent future may also invite you to consider the possibility of accepting stand-ins and substitutes and imitators. They may turn out to be better than the so-called real things they replace. In conclusion, be receptive to Plan Bs, second choices and alternate routes. They could lead you to the exact opportunities you didn't know you needed.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Author Neil Gaiman declared, "I've never known anyone who was what he or she seemed." While that may be generally accurate, it will be far less true about you Capricorns in the coming weeks. By my astrological reckoning, you will be very close to what you seem to be. The harmony between your deep

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Before going to sleep, I asked my subconscious mind to bring a dream that would be helpful for you. Here's what it gave me: In my dream, I was reading a comic book titled "Zoe Stardust Quells Her Demon." On the first page, Zoe was facing a purple monster whose body was beastly but whose face looked a bit like hers. On page two, the monster chased Zoe down the street, but Zoe escaped. In the third scene, the monster was alone, licking its fur. In the fourth scene, Zoe sneaked up behind the monster and shot it with a blow dart that delivered a sedative, knocking it unconscious. In the final panel, Zoe had arranged for the monster to be transported to a lush uninhabited island where it could enjoy its life without bothering her. Now here's my dream interpretation, Pisces—don't directly confront your inner foe or nagging demon. Approach stealthily and render it inert. Then banish it from your sphere, preferably forever.

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Give a blessing to someone that you would like to receive yourself. newsletter.freewillastrology.com {in}

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2023

The harmony between your deep inner self and your outer persona will be at record-breaking levels.

The uncertainties that accompany them, whether real or imagined, will bring out the best in you.

news of the weird

NEW WORLD ORDER Sure, your fancy SUV may have ventilated seats and Wi-Fi, but does it have electrified door handles? The Guardian reported on Jan. 25 that a new vehicle has hit the market targeted at the particularly fearful driver—the Rezvani Vengeance. Costing up to $499,000, the Vengeance has bulletproof glass, strobe lights, wing mirrors that emit pepper spray and no back windshield—instead, the driver can monitor a live video stream of what's going on behind the car. Sure to win you a popularity contest in the pickup lane at your kid's school, the Vengeance also has a loudspeaker so you can call to little Timmy without leaving the safety of your seat. Extras include bulletproof vests, helmets and gas masks. The Irvine, California, company teases potential buyers on the website: "Vengeance is yours." Wow.

DREAM JOB Five lucky participants will clear a cool $1,000 to do what they wanted to do anyway: Eat cheese before bedtime. Fox5-TV reported that Sleep Junkie, a mattress review website, hopes to test the legend that eating cheese before bed causes nightmares, so they're asking "dairy dreamers" to consume a wide variety of cheeses, log their sleep and provide feedback about sleep quality, energy levels and bad dreams. The best part? Participants will be reimbursed for the cheese! The catch: You have to sleep alone.

POLICE REPORT A 31-year-old woman was charged with two counts of robbery and possession of a weapon (ahem) on Jan. 22 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after a puzzling attempt to steal a pizza, the CBC reported. Around 3 a.m., she allegedly entered a crowded restaurant and demanded a pizza, brandishing a firecracker as a threat. She was denied the pie, so she lit the firework and ran off with a pizza. Outside the restaurant, she got into a cab, but the driver asked her to get out because she was being belligerent. When the driver stepped out of the car, she jumped into his seat and took off, dragging the 54-year-old several meters down the street. Officers caught up with the stolen cab and caught the pizza thief when she became stuck in a snowbank.

THAT RULE DOESN'T APPLY TO ME A dump truck driver in Contra Costa County, California, either couldn't read or didn't care when he barreled through a road closure barricade on Jan. 23, KTVU-TV reported, and ended up with his front left wheel in a sinkhole. The "road closed" sign was found beneath his vehicle, and the driver escaped without injury. Excessive rains have caused "flooding, mudslides, sinkholes and other issues" in the area, county officials noted.

BRIGHT IDEA If you're looking for a crafty project for 2023, the online shop Savor has you covered, Slate reported. For the low, low price of $46.95, you can put together your own "In Case I Go Missing" binder, which Savor says "makes it super easy for the true-crime obsessed to record their key stats for their loved ones." Those facts

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

include medical and financial information, fingerprints and lists of "hangout spots." One woman said she added "a hair sample just in case they need it for DNA testing." Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, soothingly says, "The majority of adults will not go missing or be kidnapped." Her colleague Patrick McLaughlin offers some ideas for the kit, though: recent photos, the unlock code for your phone, pics of tattoos, scars or birthmarks, handwriting samples—but he warns that such binders might not be admissible as evidence.

THAT GUY Dennis Garsjo, 73, of Glasgow, Montana, may not know your name when he greets you on the street, but he'll call out to you anyway, using your birthday. "Top of the morning to ya, April 11," he might say, according to KRTV. Garsjo has memorized more than 3,000 birthdays and says he came by the talent naturally. "My mother remembered all our relatives' birthdays before she started getting dementia," he said. "I don't think my talent is all that special. I'm more impressed by musicians who can play a song from memory on the piano." Still, residents of Prairie Ridge Village, where he works, enjoy The Birthday Guy, as he's known, and he loves surprising people with their special day.

NEWS YOU CAN USE KFC Thailand has partnered with perfume experts during the Lunar New Year to create what every finger-lickin' good fan wants: fried chicken incense. Oddity Central reported that the incense sticks look good enough to eat and smell even better. Alas, you can't buy them: The incense will be awarded through a raffle on KFC Thailand's Facebook page.

CLOTHING OPTIONAL Brittney Marie Reynolds, 35, entered St. Mary's Cathedral in chilly Fargo, North Dakota, on Jan. 24 and was seen on security camera footage knocking over a potted plant, then approaching a large statue of Jesus on the wall, according to KMOV-TV. She ripped the statue from the wall and threw it to the floor, then headed back out—all while topless and shoeless, in temps under 20 degrees. Rev. Riley Durkin called police, who caught up with Reynolds as she bolted across the street. Officers noted that she wasn't able to answer questions and appeared to be under the influence of a substance.

•Meanwhile, in willful disobedience of every mother's "wear clean underwear" edict, Timothy O'Rourke of Danville, New Hampshire, crashed his car on Jan. 25 and ran from the scene, wearing nary a stitch of clothing. WHDH-TV reported that officers found O'Rourke "running behind Main Street homes wearing no clothes and coated in his own blood." He was charged with DWI and resisting arrest, and presumably given some jail garb to wear. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2023 Andrews McMeel

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