winners & losers
march
winners losers
DARRELL MILLER Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Dr. Miller to the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Miller is a Consultant Pharmacist for DSM Consultants. Previously, he served as the Chief Pharmacy Officer at Community Health Northwest Florida and as president of the Escambia County Pharmacy Association. Miller earned his bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Auburn University and his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Florida.
RAMIE GOUGEON University of West Florida's Anthropology chair and director of the UWF Archaeology Institute has been selected as a member of the inaugural cohort of the Society for Applied Anthropology's James H. McDonald Leadership Fellowship. This SfAA leadership development program aims to strengthen anthropology's position in higher education by enhancing the institutional knowledge and leadership skills of anthropology faculty. Dr. Gougeon is the past president of the Florida Archaeological Council.
MIKE KOHLER Escambia County has been awarded $3 million in federal funding for improvements to South Navy Boulevard, a vital gateway to NAS Pensacola in District 2. The project covers a one-mile corridor from Barrancas Avenue to the Sam A. Lovelace Bridge, featuring landscaping, sidewalks, a multi-use path, enhanced lighting and security upgrades to the NAS Pensacola main gate. Total project cost is approximately $13 million. District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler called the funding "instrumental" for the military community and all of Escambia County. The county is partnering with FDOT, NAS Pensacola and community stakeholders.
HOME FOR GOOD PROGRAM Pensacola
Habitat for Humanity and Levin Rinke Realty have announced a new partnership to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The "Home for Good" program will connect Levin Rinke's network of more than 400 agents with Pensacola Habitat's homebuyer programs. Agents will refer income-qualified buyers who aren't ready for traditional market purchases to Habitat, which uses partner support and subsidies to reduce home costs. Levin Rinke owner Rhys Rinke called his company's role as exclusive partner an honor, adding, "The power of homeownership is evident, and the impact for these families will be huge."
STEVE STROBERGER The Escambia County commissioner ran on a platform that promised "complete transparency regarding decisions." He stated on his website. "Citizens should have full access at every step." Two years after winning the election, Stroberger wants state lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow commissioners to discuss county business privately outside public meetings, arguing the state's open meeting law creates an "unnatural" decision-making process. At a recent town hall, he told constituents, "I've talked to some legislators and a state senator, and they think it's a losing thing. They said it's a political loser, that's what they've told me." Undeterred by the cold reception to his reform idea, Stroberger said he would keep fighting for it. Someone should give him a history lesson on how W.D. Childers and three other commissioners were indicted for backroom deals.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Florida's Department of State declared that all 22 active constitutional amendment initiative petitions failed to qualify for the November 2026 ballot, a result critics blame on a 2025 law that imposed steep penalties on petition gatherers. Smart & Safe Florida, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana, called the decision "premature," claiming it submitted 1.4 million, though only 783,592 had been validated. Attorney General James Uthmeier cited "numerous cases of fraudulent petitions" and pledged to continue investigating. Florida Decides Healthcare, backing Medicaid expansion with just 75,855 validated signatures, pivoted immediately to 2028. The action does not affect legislatively referred amendments, including Gov. Ron DeSantis' homestead tax-relief proposal, which has yet to be released.
FLORIDA'S DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
A Leon County judge has ordered Florida's Division of Emergency Management to turn over all texts, emails and communications with federal authorities about the setup and operation of the Everglades migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey gave the agency until Feb. 12 to comply with public records requests from the nonprofit Friends of the Everglades, ending a sixmonth legal fight. The center, announced by Attorney General James Uthmeier last June, holds up to 3,000 migrants and has processed roughly 20,000 detainees since opening.
Darrell Miller / Courtesy Photo Steve Stroberger / myescambia.com
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
UNDERNEATH THE ADDRESS
On Feb. 5, Mayor D.C. Reeves delivered a State of the City address that was equal parts victory lap and vision statement, filled with enough projects and initiatives to keep his leadership team busy for the next five years. But underneath the optimistic presentation lies a more complex reality that deserves closer scrutiny.
Let's start with what deserves praise: The Birdon shipbuilding project is potentially a gamechanger not only for the Port of Pensacola but for the city's economy. Two thousand high-paying jobs with zero city taxpayer investment is remarkable, especially when compared to the expensive incentive packages other Florida cities have offered for far less impressive returns.
However, the $76 million Triumph Gulf grant to kickstart the project has two more steps before we can break ground on the $275 million facility— term sheet negotiations and final grant approval. Anyone who has covered economic development long enough knows that projects can unravel during those stages.
The mayor's opening remarks on employee satisfaction as his proudest achievement was important. Happy, engaged employees provide better service, so prioritizing workforce morale matters. What specific changes drove this improvement? I suspect the increase in pay ranges over the past three years had an impact, but the data might tell a different story. How has the employee satisfaction translated to the levels of service that citizens actually experience?
On infrastructure, the Palafox Street project staying on schedule for a May 24 completion deserves credit—assuming it happens. The incentivized five-month timeline was aggressive and appears to be working. The stormwater improvements are desperately needed. Time will tell whether the increased capacity truly solves flooding issues or merely manages them better.
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
The Baptist Hospital demolition and redevelopment represent creative problem-solving for a challenge that has paralyzed other cities. The $13 million public-private investment avoids the decadeslong blight of abandoned hospitals that plague communities nationwide.
I thought the mayor would take some responsibility for the breakdown in communication with county commissioners, the city council and residents in the West Moreno District, which led to contentious meetings and town halls. However, he did mention more community engagement
coming in 2026, but what will that look like? How will competing interests—education, healthcare, food access, housing—be balanced? Who ultimately decides?
These aren't rhetorical questions. This huge hunk of real estate lies in a food and health care desert, and the community deserves more than reassurances about future conversations. We need concrete plans, timelines and transparent decision-making processes.
The Community Land Trust creating permanently affordable housing is genuinely exciting policy innovation. Three homes completed, nine more coming at Malcolm Young—this is real, tangible progress. But 12 permanently affordable units against a backdrop of soaring housing costs and limited inventory barely moves the needle. The mayor's assessment of affordable housing challenges was refreshing, but it also reveals how limited the city's actual leverage is.
THE FUTURE The land development code overhaul is potentially the most impactful longterm initiative Reeves discussed, yet it received surprisingly little attention during his presentation. Rules written in 1947 governing what can be built where, fundamentally shape housing availability, neighborhood character and urban development. Unfortunately, he passed up the opportunity to offer any details about his vision for reshaping future development in the city. I hope the administration plans more robust communication on the proposed changes.
The mayor acknowledged that 20%-25% of people disagree with various projects and pledged not to let that deter him. That's fine because leadership requires making unpopular decisions. But disagreement isn't always baseless obstruction and shouldn't be dismissed without examination. Sometimes it represents legitimate concerns about process, priorities or community impact that deserve thoughtful engagement, not dismissal.
Reeves clearly loves this job and genuinely cares about Pensacola. His energy and ambition are assets. But three years in, it's time to move beyond vision statements and demonstrate sustained follow-through. The next State of the City should focus less on what's starting and more on what's completed, what was promised versus what was delivered, and provide an honest assessment of what didn't work.
That's the accountability the mayor owes residents. {in} rick@inweekly.net
A TWIST ADDED TO OUTLYING FIELDS
By Tom St. Myer
Plans for the 540-acre Beulah property known as Outlying Fields are progressing rapidly, but with a twist for one of the project's five planned districts.
Developer Chad Henderson plans to propose an amendment to the purchase and sale agreement. In partnership with his development group and the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, the County will take control of roughly 165 acres of the property, which will be designated the Employment, Technology, Innovation District.
"The ETI district will still be part of the master plan and adhere to the same architectural controls," Henderson said. "It'll have the same amount of integrity as every other district."
The County sold the property to Tri-W Development and Chad Henderson Enterprises of Pensacola for $42.5 million. Tri-W is a partnership between Henderson, Alabama-based commercial real estate developer Jim Wilson & Associates and real estate developer Ashton Hayward, the former Pensacola mayor. How the amendment will affect the $42.5 million price tag is still to be determined.
On Jan. 29, Henderson spoke to the Beulah community about the project during a town hall hosted by District 1 County Commissioner Steve Stroberger. The developer opened the session by explaining to the crowd that Outlying Fields consists of three stakeholder buckets: the community, job creation and the county.
"Somewhere in the middle there is where we're trying to land," he said, "And it is our goal for one plus one to equal three in this scenario. We want everybody to win as much as possible with those three stakeholder goals in mind."
Henderson emphasized its potentially transformative, multi-generational impact. He envisions creating a vibrant, family-friendly and memorable place that will be the "beating heart of Beulah." To ensure that happens, he and his team spent the past six months gathering data by contracting with third parties to conduct surveys on every aspect of the project.
"It's been six months of a fact-finding mission on due diligence," Henderson said. "You can only get so far in any vision casting and planning without having this data finding fact mission."
RESIDENTIAL
Outlying Fields will consist of five districts: ETI, the Town Center, Community, Residential and Commerce and Services. Henderson described each district and answered audience questions that primarily focused on the Residential District. Their concerns included "shoddy" houses that devalue their property, where residents will park their vehicles and potential road congestion.
Henderson explained that the Residential District will be in the northwest section of the property, rather than in the middle, as originally projected in the DPZ master plan. Parking spots will be in the rear of the properties.
"Now the majority of the residential is in the
bunch of empty storefronts, and you're going to start stuffing stores in this? Good luck."
The ETI District is a potential boon to the region. Henderson said stakeholders will target aerospace, cybersecurity, marine innovation, clean manufacturing and medical technology companies to locate in that district. Henderson will lean on FloridaWest and the County, among others, to assist in recruiting employers.
The Commerce and Services District will be located along Nine Mile Road and feature traditional retail and restaurants. The district includes 23 acres for health-related facilities.
"That could be anything from outpatient services to freestanding emergency rooms to neighborhood hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers to more activated gym and wellness centers," Henderson said. "All those types, we're being very, very thoughtful about how we approach those types of users and build that out on the site."
COMMUNITY
The Town Center district will include shopping and dining, too. The plan is for the district to be a welcoming hub where friends and families gather to eat, shop and take in scenic views. The town center will include walkable connections to the other four districts.
(northwest) that we believe is a better fit, creating a good transition and buffer along Frank Reeder Road," Henderson said.
Henderson said the district will include townhomes and multi-family homes and offer housing options for every stage of life. He projected anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 residential units and promised quality homes that would positively impact the value of other properties in Beulah.
When questioned about potential prices for the properties, Henderson said, "I can't speak exactly to the price point. I will tell you, though, given the basis of the land and the amount of infrastructure and the integrity of the amenities in the property, they are going to be, I can promise you, not shoddy."
Attendees voiced concerns about traffic congestion and road capacity, including Beulah Road, Nine Mile Road, Frank Reeder and the I-10 interchange. Henderson said traffic studies are underway, and his group is coordinating with Escambia County and the Florida Department of Transportation for planned road improvements and an east-west connector through Outlying Fields.
EMPLOYMENT
Some attendees questioned whether Outlying Fields would attract the right employers to the Commerce and Services district and the ETI District.
"You look at the city of Pensacola, they're developing the port, creating jobs. I see very few industrial jobs there," said George Levy, a Beulah resident. "Then you look around, and you have a
"This is where the beating heart will be of the development," Henderson said. "This is where I'm hoping that you will find yourselves walking down what would be the main street of Beulah. The main street of Beulah should be where ground floors are activated with curated uses. And what I mean by that is this is not about putting up buildings, hanging shingles and finding somebody to pay rent. This is about being very intentional in finding those types of uses that create a sense of place."
The Community District will include walking trails, ponds and outdoor gathering spaces. Henderson said the district is an opportunity to celebrate the Beulah woodlands and wetlands.
The property falls roughly 60 to 70 feet from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. Henderson said the plan is to create a watershed and form a lake.
"As opposed to creating a bunch of little stormwater ponds with chain-link fences around them that are eyesores and nobody wants to look at, the idea is to create an amenity," Henderson said. "And this is what we're calling Angel Lake. It is very sizable. The idea would be to create walking trails around it and make it an amenity and activate it with open green space, walkable trails and also interact with the landing."
Henderson and his group are working through a series of entitlement processes. He said if all progresses smoothly, there is a possibility of breaking ground by the end of the year. He admits that the goal is perhaps a stretch, but he envisions shovels in the ground by the first of 2027.
"This is such an exciting project," Henderson said. "This is the most significant and impactful project to the community of Northwest Florida." Visit outlyingfields.com to learn about the project. {in}
Render Courtesy of Catalyst CRE
WHY WINSTROM Mayor D.C. Reeves has chosen Eric Winstrom as Pensacola's next police chief, pending city council approval. The selection of an external candidate over internal favorite Erik Goss came down to specific departmental needs and Winstrom's unique experience transforming struggling police departments.
Reeves told reporters he focused his search on "proven administrative leadership and a track record of departmental excellence." With both Chief Eric Randall's departure and the unforeseen retirement of a deputy chief, the department faced a critical leadership gap.
"We found ourselves in a position where we lacked. Just in this moment, we really lacked that organizational leadership depth," Reeves explained.
Winstrom's proven success entering departments as an outsider and building successful cultures set him apart from the other candidates. In Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city, the police chief inherited a department that was "really, really struggling," as he described it. Despite the challenges, Winstrom filled every budgeted vacancy, grew the department and reduced crime significantly.
"What makes Eric the right fit for this moment is this specific experience coming into a new community as chief and building a successful culture," Reeves said.
Reeves also sees Winstrom's hire as an investment in future leadership development. "I feel like if Chief Winstrom does his job and I do my job, we should, for the foreseeable future, be a high-performing department of which we would continue to rotate in and promote from within."
Winstrom could have stayed in Grand Rapids or pursued opportunities in larger cities. Recruiters contacted him when his Pensacola
candidacy became public, offering positions in bigger departments. He turned them all down.
"I'm not running away from Grand Rapids. I am running to Pensacola," Winstrom said.
The decision came down to both professional and personal factors. Professionally, Winstrom said he's "not really a politician" and prefers hands-on policing over navigating massive bureaucracies.
"I know enough of working in a giant bureaucracy being that there's only so much positive impact that a police chief can have in certain cities," he told Inweekly. He looked at the larger cities that recruited him and concluded, "They're not poised for the same success that the city of Pensacola is."
Winstrom praised Pensacola's responsible growth and ethical development approach. "Pensacola is a city that's progressing. It's advancing," he said at the press conference. "It's doing it in a way that's very responsible, where it's looking to lift everyone up together."
Personally, Winstrom wants Pensacola to be his family's forever home. His measure of success: when his children Connor and Molly are ready to start their own families, "they look and they say that I want to stay right here in Pensacola."
"I just wasn't there in the last two jurisdictions that I was working in," he explained. "This was one that the opportunity arose, and I said that this looks exactly like that, where I can be professionally successful and have a forever home for me and my family."
Winstrom begins his service March 2, bringing his wife Rachel and two children to join him in what he called "a great honor" and "super exciting" opportunity to lead in a city positioned for continued success.
only modestly from roughly 54,000 to 55,000 residents. Ad valorem tax revenues nearly doubled over the same period, jumping from $13.8 million to $26.6 million.
DOGE flagged $3.2 million in pay raises for city staff, not including additional raises for firefighters and police. The city commissioned a compensation study costing more than $60,000 to justify those increases. The city administrator's salary was set at approximately $200,000—nearly four times the median household income in the Pensacola metro area.
The report also highlighted $1.4 million in what it termed "questionable contracts," including $618,000 in lobbying spending across 2023 and 2024, $686,515 to update Community Redevelopment Agency plans and $38,600 for an artist-in-residence. Human Resources spending grew 88% between FY 2019-20 and FY 2024-25.
On diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, DOGE documented $130,000 paid to a consulting firm for a strategic plan that listed "prioritize racial and economic equity" as a top consideration.
Maxwell, but stated he never witnessed her go upstairs or engage in "anything bad." The witness told agents the girl had been hired to give massages, describing her as "an artist, a great singer and a very pretty girl" whom Epstein claimed to be helping with her career.
The transcript reveals the witness observed many high-profile visitors at Epstein's properties, including "Prince Andrew, Donald Trump, Robert Kennedy, mathematicians and many others."
Despite his years of service, the former employee expressed relief about Epstein's death, telling FBI agents that Epstein was "dangerous."
The Pensacola interview represents one piece of thousands of witness statements collected during two decades of investigations that ultimately led to sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019 and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in 2021. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.
To view the records that we found, you can visit ricksblog.biz or visit justice.gov/epstein to search all the files.
BLOWING OFF
DOGE In late January, Florida's Department of Government Efficiency released its first written report on Pensacola, raising questions about spending growth that has far outpaced population increases and alleging gaps in accountability at City Hall.
During his Feb. 4 press conference, Mayor D.C. Reeves dismissed the findings, saying the city spent 655 staff hours cooperating with the August review but found nothing alarming in the results.
The report documents a 52.8% increase in the city's General Fund budget since fiscal year 2016-17, growing from $50.9 million to $77.9 million, while Pensacola's population increased
The review was complicated by significant staff turnover at City Hall. Long-time officials, including the previous city administrator, had departed before DOGE's August site visit. Current staff claimed limited knowledge of prior spending decisions. Two weeks after the visit, the city administrator, Tim Kinsella, resigned and an interim, Amy Miller, stepped in. Pension benefits already consume more than 10% of the city budget, and that percentage is expected to climb with recent salary increases.
At his press conference, the mayor contested the report's methodology, particularly CFO calculations that compared population growth percentages to budget growth percentages.
"If Amazon came and built a $1 billion building here, it would be the single largest property tax purveyor into the city budget. However, no one lives there," Reeves explained, arguing that commercial development—including 1,200 new commercial structures over five years—drives property tax revenue independent of population growth.
He pointed out Pensacola's unique challenges as a 21-square-mile tourist city with an airport and port that "acts much larger than that in many ways."
OTHER PRESSER TAKEAWAYS The Grand Hotel situation remains in limbo, with Mayor Reeves indicating during the Feb. 4 press conference that any movement would probably tie into broader discussions of upgrading the Pensacola Bay Center and the surrounding commercial district.
"If you want a large transformational change to happen at the Bay Center, if we merely look at it as here's how many dollars are available from bed tax, then we're shortsighted," he said, suggesting public-private partnerships as a potential solution.
On dealing with residents' concerns about the proliferation of e-bikes in neighborhoods, the mayor is leaning toward age restrictions of around 15 years old for Class 3 e-bikes.
Despite being told there was a "0.0% chance" of getting an extension on Hurricane Sally home repair funds, Reeves said the city is "scratching and clawing" for solutions, working with HUD, Florida Commerce and county partners.
The mayor didn't have an update yet on the city's most dangerous intersection. While the Gregory Street and 14th Avenue intersection is "really number one on our list," the city has a lengthy FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) punch list, including Sun Trail issues, the two-way reconfiguration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Bayfront lighting problems.
When pressed on when he would meet with FDOT to discuss it, Reeves said conversations with FDOT on a Scenic Highway outfall issue have been "taking up the oxygen" lately, making it difficult to pin down an exact meeting date for the broader FDOT agenda items.
TIGHTER OVERSIGHT
The Escambia Children's Trust Policy and Bylaws Committee approved several policy changes last week aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in how grant funding is distributed to local nonprofits serving children.
The committee, chaired by Tina Cain, voted to require annual local law enforcement background checks for all provider staff, reduce the number of allowable budget amendments from five to one per year and eliminate gift cards and cash assistance from approved direct client spending.
The most contentious discussion centered on indirect costs—the administrative overhead that providers charge against their grants. Board member Tori Woods questioned why larger organizations with indirect costs exceeding $300,000 annually face less scrutiny than smaller programs with far lower budgets.
"The more that we can show that we are being diligent in the funding, the better chance we have to get that support from the community," Woods said, referencing the Trust's uncertain political future as it faces a potential ballot referendum in November.
Trust Executive Director Lindsey Cannon defended the current 15% indirect cost cap as standard for federal grants but agreed to provide the board with detailed breakdowns of what each provider charges.
Under the new background screening policy, providers must conduct annual local law checks on all staff in addition to the existing Level 2 background screenings, which are valid for five years. Cain suggested requiring checks through both county and city law enforcement agencies to close potential gaps.
The committee also approved significant changes to direct client assistance policies. Gift cards, cash equivalents, stipends and utility bill payments were removed from the approved list. Eyeglasses, hearing aids and car seats remain allowable, limited to once per quarter per child.
Budget amendments will now be capped at one per fiscal year, limited to 10% of the original approved budget. Any changes altering program scope must go before the full board.
The committee also voted to extend existing vendor contracts for legal services, IT support, auditing, insurance and office leases by one year rather than putting them out for competitive bid. Cannon cited uncertainty around potential state property tax cuts being on the November 2026 ballot as a reason to avoid long-term contract commitments.
All approved policies advanced to the full board for final consideration Feb. 10. Check out ricksblog.biz to find out how the meeting went.
ANDRADE PUNCHES BACK State Rep. Alex
Andrade fired back at Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier last week after the attorney general called for House Speaker Daniel Perez to strip Andrade of his chairmanship of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee.
During a Tampa press conference Feb. 2, Uthmeier cited an alleged conflict of interest stemming from Andrade's law firm, Moore, Hill and Westmoreland, representing Planned Parenthood in a $354 million lawsuit filed in Santa Rosa County last November.
Speaking on the "We Don't Color On the Dog" podcast, Andrade dismissed the conflict claim and accused Uthmeier of fundamental misunderstandings of American legal principles. "John Adams said that legal representation and right to access to courts are the heart and lungs of liberty," Andrade said. "Everybody deserves access to courts. That's a fundamental tenant of our American system."
"Everybody deserves access to courts. That's a fundamental tenant of our American system." Alex Andrade
Andrade noted that he is not personally representing Planned Parenthood—another attorney at his firm accepted the case. He invoked Saint Thomas More and referenced "To Kill a Mockingbird's" Atticus Finch as examples of lawyers defending unpopular clients. "For our attorney general to fail basic civics literacy like that is just embarrassing," he said.
Last spring, the lawmaker alleged that Uthmeier orchestrated $10 million of a Medicaid settlement to be directed to a political committee fighting a recreational marijuana amendment during the 2024 election cycle.
Claiming the attorney general "stole $10 million" during the podcast interview, Andrade said, "James Uthmeier, you're a thief. I don't want to deal with thieves."
When Uthmeier announced his office would not engage with Andrade's subcommittee this session, the representative responded: "Well, great. Please avoid the healthcare budget at all costs."
This is not the first clash between the two. Last year, Uthmeier attempted to have Andrade censored over the Medicaid allegations. That effort failed. {in}
Whether you're looking to celebrate Shane and Ilya, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras or just take a night off from doomscrolling, there's something happening around town this weekend you're sure to love.
COME TO THE COTTAGE
at Club 90's "Heated Rivalry" Night
Saturday, Feb. 14 at Vinyl Music Hall vinylmusichall.com, club90sla.com
PREGAME THE PARADES
at Mardi Gras Mambo with Waka Flocka Flame, the Ying Yang Twins and DJ Jazzy Jeff Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Pensacola Bay Center pensacolamardigras.com, pensacolabaycenter.com
CHECK OUT OZ GRAS
Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14 at Dorothy's @dorothyspensacola
CELEBRATE LOVE & COOKIES with Rat Daughter* Saturday, Feb. 14 at Open Books @ratdaughterband, @openbookspcola
SHOW SOME LOVE FOR LOCAL DRAG
at The Roundup Revue
Sunday, Feb. 15 @therounduppensacola
BUY A BOUQUET
at the Ribbons & Twine Floral popup Saturday, Feb. 14 at Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar @ribbonsandtwine_, @_makerscafe_
CATCH AT LEAST ONE PARADE
Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14 downtown Sunday Feb. 15 at the beach pensacolamardigras.com, pensacolabeachmardigras.com
GET YOUR KING CAKE FIX at Craft Bakery @craftbakerypensacola
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL with Big Boy Brass Band Saturday, Feb. 14 at The Handlebar thehandlebar850.com
JOIN THE TAROT CLUB with Perfect Day Books Sunday, Feb. 15 at Jitterbug Beverage Co. @perfectdaybookstore, @drink.jitterbug {in}
*For more on Rat Daughter's album release party turn to page 13. We also included as many Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras events as we could find in our regular A&E Happenings section on page 14.
Arts & Entertainment
Not Heartbroken Anymore
Love Songs." The seven love songs symbolize the seven years since their first date in January of 2019—which came after reuniting as adults on Tinder.
By Savannah Evanoff
"When we first started making music, we just got together, and I feel like a lot of the songs are about heartbreak and stuff, coming from dark places," Kip said. "But now we've been together for a while. We aren't heartbroken anymore."
The album art features the title embroidered on burlap in red and green. Paisley made it herself.
"That was the first time I've ever embroidered something that ambitious," Paisley said. "It took several days to complete it, but I'm glad it turned out the way it did … it just has a homey vibe to it; it's like something your sweetheart would make for you."
The album is a bit of a return to vocalist Paisley's roots, who started her music journey writing "little guitar songs" by herself in her bedroom around age 19. Her first time performing live was coincidentally at Open Books—where they'll soon host a Valentine's Day album release party.
Before Rat Daughter, Kip drummed for a local punk band Phlegmboyant, and both played in three-piece punk band Alternative Milk.
While in the past, Kip has mainly played drums, "7 Love Songs," marks their first time playing guitars together.
The name Rat Daughter was Paisley's idea, though she once thought rats were gross, Kip said. Now, Kip has come to think of her as a rat girl, and they both find rats cute.
An album of love songs seems inevitable; music is their love language. Kip proposed to Paisley with the song he wrote and sings, "Destiny."
"I was like, 'Man, how am I gonna propose to Paisley and make it meaningful? Well, I could play her this song for the first time,'" Kip said.
After Paisley got home from work and sat on the bed one night, Kip presented the song and a ring, followed with a night at the beach—the same setting as their first date.
"That really caught me off guard," Paisley said. "I definitely didn't expect it to happen there, but it was very special, because I really love that song."
Despite the album title, a couple of tracks aren't as overtly love songs as the others, Paisley said, referring to "Head West" and "Roots"—which share subject matter.
"[Head West], we're talking about how we want to get out of Florida because it's so fucking hot all the time, like wanting to move up where it's cold," Kip said. "That's kind of stressing us out because this is our home, but we wanted to see what else is out there."
Another track, "Shades of Love," brings Kip to tears, he said.
"It's pretty much just about being in love, but the longevity of relationships—how it's a rocky road," Kip said.
"The most important lyric in that song is 'Every stupid fight, shades of love turn black and white,'" Paisley added. "I like that part. That's kind of why I named the song that. There's a lot of nuance in relationships, and sometimes you forget that."
As for the instrumental in the middle of the album, "Interlude," Paisley said: It just sounds cool.
Like a slew of other unexpected life circumstances, Paisley didn't think their upcoming album release party would turn into something much bigger, but she's glad it did. The event is called "Love & Cookies"and will feature a cookie swap (exactly like it sounds), a banned book giveaway and other artists performing.
"I didn't know [Open Books] had an outdoor stage until a week ago, and I'm really excited to see how cool this is going to be," Paisley said. "All the other bands that are going to be playing are awesome. Conflict of Interests, I know they're working on an album that's probably going to be out soon."
Rat Daughter is already working on their next album, too, which leans more electronic with more full band songs. As for whether they'll one day relocate—true to form, it will probably be as much of a surprise to them as anyone else.
"Wherever I am with Kip in life, I hope we're just always making music," Paisley said. {in}
LOVE & COOKIES
WHAT: Rat Daughter's "7 Love Songs" album release party featuring a cookie swap, banned book giveaway courtesy of The Lynx Books and other musicians Steve Herwin, Conflict of Interests, Norah the Whorah and Sideswept Bangs
WHEN: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
WHERE: Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. COST: $5 suggested donation
DETAILS: @ratdaughterband, @openbookspcola
Foster parents provide loving homes to some of the most vulnerable in our community. When you become a foster parent through Lakeview Center, our specialized team is here to support you on this rewarding journey.
Start your foster care journey at eLakeviewCenter.org/foster.
VALENTINE'S DAY EVENTS
VALENTINE'S DAY BASKETS FOR GOOD CAUSE The SOS save our shelters program will sell Valentine's Day baskets through Friday, Feb. 13, to raise funds for more spays and neuters in our community. Go get your sweetheart some goodies and show love for the dogs in our community. Payments are cash or check only at the Happy Dog Resort, 1401 W. Cervantes St.
VALENTINE'S SUPPER CLUB AT THE WELL Enjoy an intimate dining series featuring a five-course, chef-driven menu paired with three handcrafted cocktails. The next meal is 5:308:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at The Well, 42 E. Garden St. Find the ticket link on facebook.com/ thewellpensacola.
VALENTINE'S DAY AT BOUNCE PENSACOLA Celebrate Valentine's Day at Bounce Pensacola, 400 Quietwater Beach Road, with a $65 prix-fixe menu and live music by Salt & Soul on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14. Menus and reservations can be made at opentable.com.
GALENTINE'S PAWTY AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ Enjoy frame painting, a slice of cake and cuddle time with 20-plus kitties 7-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Cost is $28. Details are at coastalcatpcola.com.
SIR RICHARD'S PUBLIC HOUSE VALENTINE'S DAY COCKTAIL CLASS Learn to craft a Valentine's cocktail 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Sir Richard's, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at sirrichardslounge.com.
LUCKY IN LOVE Visit Lucky Goat on Valentine's Day to enjoy specialty cookies from Caketastic Bakery and build your own bouquet with Pensaflora Blooms. Lucky Goat is located at 7175 Davis Highway.
VALENTINE'S DAY SPOTLIGHT WITH GRAMMY ARTIST CHRISETTE MICHELE Grammy Award-winning artist Chrisette Michele and saxophonist Austin Paul Jr. will perform at a Valentine's dinner experience 5-9 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 14 at Sanders Beach, 913 S. I St. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
FIL-AM VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY Enjoy food, live entertainment and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at Fil-Am Cultural Center, 234 W. Oakfield Road. Tickets are $30. Details are at filampcola.org.
CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY WITH GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS Plan a special evening at a Great Southern Restaurant: The Fish House (600 S. Barracks St.), Atlas Oyster House (600 S. Barracks St.), Jackson's Steakhouse (400 S. Palafox St.), Five Sisters Blues Café (421 W. Belmont St.) and Angelena's Ristorante Italiano (101 E. Intendencia St.) Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for special Valentine's Day menus and to make reservations.
VALENTINE'S WEEK AT RESTAURANT
IRON Enjoy a special three-course menu at Restaurant IRON, 22 N. Palafox, during Valentine's week with an optional wine or cocktail pairing Friday, Feb. 13-Wednesday, Feb. 18. View menus at restaurantiron.com.
VALENTINE'S NOIR: THE THIN MAN FILM SCREENING UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the John C. Pace Symposium Series are proud to present a screening of "The Thin Man," a 1934 pre-Code comedy-mystery film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and based on Dashiell Hammett's novel. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. The screening is free and open to the public with concessions available.
CANDLELIGHT: VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL
This special date night is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are available at feverup.com.
MARDI GRAS EVENTS
PENSACOLA MARDI GRAS MAMBO
FEATURING WAKA FLOCKA FLAME, YING
YANG TWINS AND DJ JAZZY JEFF Kick off Pensacola Mardi Gras events 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 with live music at Pensacola Bay Center,
201 E. Gregory St. Tickets start at $41.50 at pensacolabaycenter.com.
OZ GRAS AT DOROTHY'S Visit Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St., for a weekend of DJ sets 10 p.m.-2 a.m. On Friday, Feb. 13, is a Bayou Dance Party and Saturday, Feb. 14, is Masquerave (Masquerade Rave). Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
KREWE OF LAFITTE ILLUMINATED PARADE Watch the parade 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at Spring and Garden streets. Following the parade is the Krewe of Lafitte Ball open to KOL Krewe and invited guests.
KREWE OF WRECKS CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST Enjoy breakfast, champagne and dancing with Krewe of Wrecks 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at Crab's on the Beach, 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk. Details are at pensacolabeachmardigras.com.
PENSACOLA GRAND MARDI GRAS PARADE The parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, and the temporary route includes Garden and Jefferson streets downtown. Details are at pensacolamardigras.com.
FIFTH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BEAD TREE CLEANUP Join PPBEP and Ocean Hour for the fifth annual Mardi Gras Bead Tree Cleanup event 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 15. Details are at facebook.com/oceanhourfl.
KREWE OF WRECKS MARDI GRAS
PARADE The Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras parade is 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15—rain or shine. The parade route begins at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west and disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach. A post-parade party is 3 p.m. at The Sandshaker. Details are at pensacolabeachmardigras.com.
KREWE OF WRECKS RED BEANS AND RICE LUNCHEON Enjoy a free lunch with drink sales, raffle baskets, live music and more 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 at The Sandshaker, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Details are at pensacolabeachmardigras.com.
TUESDAY DRAG SHOW Drag show is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. For ages 21 and older. Doors open at 5 p.m. Details are at pensacolamardigras.com.
KREWE OF COMA CORONATION LIGHTED
HAT CONTEST Carnival season comes to a close with a lighted hat contest 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via de Luna. Details are at pensacolabeachmardigras.com.
FAT TUESDAY The Priscus Celebration is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, with a Jazz Royalty brunch. The party continues all day in each room of Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at pensacolamardigras.com.
MARDI GRAS TRIVIA AT DOROTHY'S
Themed trivia is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Details are at dorothyspensacola.com.
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef
'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
CALL TO ARTISTS
PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART CALLS FOR CUBED ARTISTS It's time for the ninth annual CUBED Event. Pensacola Museum of Art invites all artists to submit their mural ideas for a chance to participate in CUBED 2026 in downtown Pensacola. The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15. This year's live painting event is Saturday, March 14. Selected artists will receive a $500 stipend to complete their mural. Murals will be on display for approximately one year. For more information and how to submit, visit pensacolamuseum.org/cubed-2026.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ESCAMBIA RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION The monthly meeting is 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at EEA Building, 6551 N. Palafox St. Brunch is at 9:30 a.m., and the program and meeting are at 10 a.m. All retired education personnel and friends of education are welcome. Further info can be found by calling (850) 393-3091.
ARTS & CULTURE
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART FILM SCREENINGS Pensacola Cinema Art screens multiple films most weekends at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10, and payment is cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.
TWELFTH NIGHT The University of West Florida Department of Theatre presents William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Performances are Feb. 13-15 and Feb. 20-22 with shows at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. All performances are in the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Pkwy. General admission ticket prices are $7-$20 a person. UWF students are admitted free with their Nautilus cards. Tickets can be purchased online at uwf.edu/tickets.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY: EXPLORING PENSACOLA UNTOLD STORIES Robin Reshard will lead this free lecture 11 a.m. Friday,
Photo Courtesy of Visit Pensacola
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Feb. 13 at Visit Pensacola, 1401 E. Gregory St. It is free and open to the public.
HEATED RIVALRY NIGHT Dance music, photobooth, giveaways and more at 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at vinylmusichall.com.
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Wild Birds Unlimited and F.M. Weston Audubon Society are partnering for the Great Backyard Bird Count from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, 105 N. S St. Details are at pensacola.wbu.com.
TAROT CLUB The next Tarot Club is 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Jitterbug, 2050 N. 12th Ave. Details are at facebook.com/drink.jitterbug.
MORNINGS AT THE MUSEUM: ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS Enjoy breakfast and a special movie presentation in the Giant Screen Theatre at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at National Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. Ste. B. Details are at navalaviationmuseum.org.
BROWN BAG OPERA Enjoy a free performance at Pensacola Opera noon Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 75 S. Tarragona St. Visit pensacolaopera.com for details.
SPEED FRIENDING AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ Make new friends and meet adoptable cats 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at Coastal Cat
Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Cost is $28 a person and $50 a couple. Details and tickets are available at coastalcatpcola.com.
BOURBON & BROADWAY Join Pensacola Opera for an evening of Broadway favorites paired with a curated, guided bourbon tasting from Old Hickory Whiskey Bar and catered by Culinary Productions 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $50-$75 and available at pensacolaopera.com.
GALLERY NIGHT The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. on South Palafox Street. Details are at gallerynightpensacola.org.
PENSACON Enjoy the all-inclusive pop culture convention Feb. 20-22 at various locations in Pensacola. The main convention center is located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and details are available at pensacon.com.
GALLERY NIGHT, PENSACON, COWBOY CARTER DANCE PARTY There is something for everyone at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Dance party is 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
POURS & ENCORES Enjoy live performances from Pensacola Opera 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Details are at pensacolaopera.com.
PENSACOLA HISTORIC PRESERVATION
SOCIETY This monthly luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Sonny's BBQ, 6702 N. Ninth Ave. Lunch Buffet $15 at the door. The lecture topic is "Mystery at Green Pond," a 1917 true-life murder with Pensacola roots presented by Ronald Collins, author and guest. Call (850) 393-3091 by Feb. 19 to RSVP.
HOUSE OF ANDROGYNY: HELLUVA HAZBIN II DRAG SHOW The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.
PENSACON AFTER PARTY: WIZARD OF OZ
THEME DJ set is 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
WEST SIDE VINTAGE GRAND OPENING Celebrate Pensacola's vintage resellers, local jewelry maker and artists. Grand opening is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2729 W. Cervantes St. Details are at instagram.com/ westsidevintage.850.
CHOICES YOU MAKE This exhibit is currently on view through Feb. 13 at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St. It features artists Mary Cooper Portera, Destiny Doss, Carlotta Succi and Nicolas Crogh.
pieces that form a visual chronicle of place, history, culture and community. It is on view through March 8 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.
MICHELLE JONES: SEVEN SISTERS Inspired by Greek mythology and the jungle-like landscape of the Gulf Coast, Michelle Jones presents lush, vividly colored landscapes using mixed media. Exhibit is on display through May 1 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Details are at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.
THRIFT STYLE This new exhibit at Pensacola Museum of History explores the reuse of feed sacks to make clothing and other household objects. View the exhibit and explore the museum, 330 S. Jefferson St. Details are at historicpensacola.org.
FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION LECTURES Learn Pensacola and Northwest Florida history through interesting, informal lectures every other Tuesday at The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The lecture starts at noon
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and lasts one hour. Lecture cost is $5 for nonmembers and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live stand-up comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT FIVE SISTERS' BLUES CAFÉ Visit Five Sisters' Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., to celebrate Black culinary innovators: crawfish etouffee by Leah Chase through Feb. 15, Hoppin' John by Edna Lewis from Feb. 16-22 and buffalo wings by John Young all month. Featured drinks
include Nearest Old Fashioned and Uncle Kentucky's Mule (Nathan "Nearest" Green). Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for details and menus.
LADIES NIGHT OUT: WET TACO TUESDAY Class is 6-9 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 17 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Ste. C. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ classes-and-events.
PENSACON FESTIVITIES AT PERFECT
PLAIN The Pensacon fun starts Wednesday, Feb. 18 and continues through Saturday, Feb. 21 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Galactic Bingo is 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18; Star Wars Trivia and Drink and Draw is 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, Cantina Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight and Saturday, Feb. 21 is Hyperspace Rave Cave at Garden & Grain from 8 p.m.-midnight. A Galactic Bar Crawl takes place all weekend. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
PENSACON AT ODD COLONY Odd Colony gets in the Pensacon sprit Feb. 18-22 at 260 N. Palafox St. Lord of the Rings trivia is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. A special cask tapping is Friday, Feb. 20. On Saturday, Feb. 2,1 is Bilbo's Birthday Party and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, is second breakfast brunch with Globetrotter street food. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
THE FISH HOUSE CELEBRATES PENSACON
Visit The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St., where
the restaurant will be transformed into Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from Feb. 20-22. Enjoy photo ops and drink specials such as the Goblet of Fire available starting at 11 a.m. all weekend long. Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for details.
FUNDAMENTALS: DUMPLINGS FOR DAYS Class is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Unit C. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ classes-and-events.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laidback vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MARTINI MONDAYS AT DOROTHY'S Martini menu with specialty prices at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar
Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller Lite bottles and $3.50 bomb
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shots. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
MONDAY NIGHT SPAGHETTI SESSIONS
Visit V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox St., 5–9 p.m. Mondays for live music and spaghetti and meatballs from the Monday night menu.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
TRIVIA AT DOROTHY'S Play trivia 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. It's free to play, and prizes up for grabs. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT AT DOROTHY'S Reverse happy hour from 9 p.m.-midnight with other specials Wednesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
KARAOKE AT DOROTHY'S Karaoke begins 8 p.m. Thursdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER
College night is 8 p.m. Thursdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Ages 18 and older are welcome. Free beer pong tournament begins at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 bar drinks, $3.50 Fireball shots for ages 21 and older. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get
deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m., and SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN
BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m., and Tequila Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m.
Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them," wrote Ernest Hemingway. This Valentine season, I propose you experiment with his approach. Take a smart risk with people who have shown glimmers of reliability but whom you haven't fully welcomed. Don't indulge in reckless credulity, just courageous and discerning openness. Be vulnerable enough to discover what further connection might bloom if you lead with faith rather than suspicion. Your willingness to believe in someone's better nature may help bring it forth.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Taurus singer Barbra Streisand addressed her legendary perfectionism. She said that truly interesting intimacy became available for her only after she showed her dear allies her full array of selves, not just her shiny, polished side. In alignment with astrological omens, I encourage you to experiment with the daring art of unfinished revelation. Let the people you care for witness you amid your becoming stage. Share your uncertainties, your half-formed thoughts and your works in progress. Surprise! Your flaws may prove as endearing as your achievements.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Author Anaïs Nin wrote, "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." I believe this understanding of camaraderie should be at the heart of most Geminis' destinies. It's your birthright and your potential superpower to seek connections with people who inspire you to think thoughts and feel feelings you would never summon by yourself. You have an uncanny knack for finding allies and colleagues who help you unveil and express more of your total self. Now is a good time to tap further into these blessings.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Poet David Whyte said, "Heartbreak is unpreventable." It's "the natural outcome of caring for people and things over which we have no control." But here's the redemptive twist: Your capacity to feel heartbreak proves you have loved well. Your shaky aches are emblems of your courageous readiness
By Rob Brezsny
to risk closeness and be deeply affected. So let's celebrate your tender heart not despite its vulnerability but because of it. You should brandish your sensitivity as a superpower.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Choreographer Twyla Tharp said she fell in love with her husband partly because "he was the only person who didn't seem impressed by me." I will extrapolate from that to draw this conclusion: Our most valuable allies might show their most rigorous respect by seeing us clearly. This Valentine season, Leo, I invite you to test the hypothesis that being thoroughly known and understood is more crucial than being regularly praised and flattered. Enrich your connections with the perceptive souls who love you not for your highlight reel but for your raw, genuine self.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The famously kind and caring author Anne Lamott confessed, "I thought such awful thoughts that I cannot even say them out loud because they would make Jesus want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish." That's a liberating insight. She revealed that even kind, caring people like her harbor messy internal chaos. This Valentine season, Virgo, I dare you to share a few of your less-thannoble thoughts with soulful characters whom you trust will love you no matter what. Let them see that your goodness coexists with your salty imperfections. Maybe you could even playfully highlight the rough and rugged parts of you for their entertainment value. What's the goal? To deepen spirited togetherness.
And now is an excellent time to take your efforts to the next level of heartful grittiness.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Here's a quote by the character Carrie Bradshaw from the TV show "Sex and the City"—"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you that you love, that's fabulous." I invite you to make this a prime meditation, Scorpio. To begin, get extra inspired by your own mysterious beauty: captivated by your own depths, fascinated by your mysterious contradictions and delighted by your urge for continual transformation. The next step is to identify allies and potential allies who appreciate the strange magnificence you treasure in yourself. Who devoutly wants you to fulfill your genuine, idiosyncratic soul's code? Spend the coming weeks enriching your connections with these people.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): This Valentine season, I propose that you infuse your intimate life with a fun dose of playful curiosity. Visualize your beloved allies, both current and potential, as unfolding mysteries rather than solved puzzles. Ask them provocative questions you've never thought to ask before. Wonder aloud about their simmering dreams and evolving philosophies. (Brezsny's Togetherness Rule #1: Iwhen you think you've figured someone out completely, the relationship withers.) In fact, let's make this one of your assignments for the next five months: Heighten and nurture your nosiness about the beautiful people you love. Treat each conversation as an expedition into unexplored territory. (Brezsny's Togetherness Rule #2: A great way to stoke their passion for you and your passion for them is to believe there's always more to discover about each other.)
you need looks nothing like you. Their genius is orthogonal to yours, or they have skills you don't. The blend may not be comfortable, but I bet it's the precise intelligence you need to achieve what you can't accomplish alone.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Poet Mary Oliver asked her readers, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This Valentine season, I propose a collaborative version of this prod: Ask those you care for to help you answer Oliver's question, and offer to help them answer it for themselves. Now is an excellent time to act on the truth that vibrant intimacy involves the two of you inspiring each other to fulfill your highest callings. Do whatever it takes to make both of you braver and bolder as you learn more about who you are meant to be.
PISCES
(FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Can you care for stressed people without making it your duty to rescue them? Can you offer support without being taken advantage of? I hope so, Pisces. Life is inviting you to be more skilled about expressing your love without compromising your own interests. How? First, offer affection without signing up for endless service. Second, don't let your empathy blur into entanglement. Third, monitor your urge to care so it doesn't weaken your sovereignty. Your gift for soothing others' struggles evokes my deep respect, but it's most effective when it's subtle and relaxed. Give people room to carry out their own necessary work.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): How do we eagerly and daringly merge our fortunes with another person while maintaining our sovereign selfhood? How do we cultivate interesting togetherness without suppressing or diluting our idiosyncratic beauty? In some respects, this is a heroic experiment that seems almost impossible. In other respects, it's the best work on the planet for anyone who's brave enough to attempt it. Luckily for you Libras, this is potentially one of your superpowers.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Ecologists studying symbiosis know that successful partnerships aren't always between similar organisms. Some bonds link the fortunes of radically different creatures, like clownfish and sea anemones or oxpeckers and buffalo. Each supplies resources or protection the other lacks, often assuring they live more successfully together than they would on their own. This is useful information for you right now. At least one of the allies
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What fresh, bold action on behalf of love could you take? {in}
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news of the weird
CREME DE LA WEIRD Rangueil Hospital's emergency department in Toulouse, France, had to be evacuated on Jan. 31 after a man showed up with a World War I-era explosive ... in his rectum. The Irish Star reported that the 24-yearold man was complaining of discomfort because of an "inserted object," but doctors didn't realize what it was until they had begun to treat him. Hospital staff alerted police, who locked down the facility until bomb disposal experts determined that the device was harmless. Surgery proceeded, and the 8-by-2-inch shell was successfully removed. [The Irish Star, 2/2/2026]
IN (PROBABLY NOT) RELATED NEWS ... KRCGTV reported on Jan. 30 that Fort Leonard Wood in Pulaski County, Missouri, is offering a $5,000 reward for recovery of an explosive device that was stolen from the base's Ammunition Supply Point late last year. The "demolition shaped charge" uses "a specially shaped, explosive-filled cavity to focus the effect of the explosion," according to the U.S. Marines website. [KRCG, 1/30/2026]
BRIGHT IDEA If you really want to make an impression on your Valentine, check out the McDonald's McNugget Caviar Kit. USA Today reported on Feb. 2 that the burger chain is offering a free kit when you sign up online, which includes chicken nuggets (of course), a 1-ounce tin of caviar, a $25 McDonald's gift card, creme fraiche and a mother of pearl caviar spoon. Signups begin on Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. Eastern time. The combo was inspired by a dish served at the U.S. Open in August. That kit, however, set diners back $100. You can get in on the action at mcnuggetcaviar.com. [USA Today, 2/2/2026]
THE CONTINUING CRISIS At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, master's student Nick Dwyer submitted 160 images made through collaboration with AI to an art show, The Sun Star reported on Jan. 14. Dwyer said his work "explores identity, character narrative creation and crafting false memories of relationships ... after a state of AI psychosis." Fellow student Graham Granger, 19, however, wasn't a fan. On Jan. 13, Granger was found "ripping artwork off the walls and eating it in a reported protest," the UAF police department said. He chewed and spit out at least 57 of the 160 images in Dwyer's exhibit. Granger said he opposed Dwyer's use of ChatGPT and the school's AI policy. "I'm surprisingly fine," Granger said after chewing up the photos. "I've eaten paper on, like, dares before, so I've learned a method, like, over the course of my life." Granger was arraigned on charges of criminal mischief and will appear in court in March. [The Sun Star, 1/26/2026]
AWESOME! Thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee is being called a hero after he swam through rough waters off the coast of Western Australia to summon help for his family, CNN reported. The family had gone out on Jan. 30 to paddleboard and kayak, but the waves swept them out to sea. Austin, who has been swimming since he was young, decided to swim the 2.5 miles back to shore to get help. "The waves were massive. I hit the bottom of the
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
beach and I just collapsed and then after that I had to sprint 2 kilometers to go get the phone," he said. Volunteer marine rescuers found his mom and two siblings clinging to a paddleboard, and they were rescued and returned to shore. Marine Rescue commander Paul Bresland called Austin's feat a "superhuman effort." [CNN, 2/3/2026]
IT'S A MYSTERY If you are the woman who dropped off a human skull at the Goodwill Donation Center in Chelsea, Michigan, on Jan. 26, the Chelsea Police Department would like a word. CBS News reported that a woman, who was caught on the store's surveillance camera, brought in a skull wrapped in a shirt. The skull appeared to be intact and didn't have any "visible damage." Officers turned it over to the coun ty medical examiner, who forwarded it to the anthropology department at the University of Michigan for further study. [CBS News, 2/4/2026]
THAT CALLS FOR A BRONZE MEDAL Just four minutes into the mixed doubles curling competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the lights went out, the Associated Press reported on Feb. 4. Four matches came to a halt as the athletes waited for the power to come back on. Olympic officials said the interruption was "due to an energy-related issue" (really?), and the lights were back on within about three minutes. [AP, 2/4/2026]
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT At a high school boys' basketball game in Frederick, Oklahoma, on Jan. 29, an official made the unusual move of ejecting the home team's entire fan section, KFOR-TV reported. The game between Frederick and Mangum was late in the fourth quarter when an official called a foul. One fan stood up to yell at the official, then left. The referee conferred with the school administrator on hand, who announced, "The officials ask that the whole side clear." Play didn't resume until all the fans had cleared the gym, but radio announcer Chad Fox said some were standing outside the doors, trying to peek inside. "The official might have been called a few names for a while," he said. The Frederick superintendent provided a statement, saying the district "reaffirms its commitment to upholding sportsmanship standards." [KFOR, 2/3/2026]
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT On Feb. 1, as a freak snowstorm blanketed parts of North Carolina, former Little Caesars employee Jonathon Hackett, 41, broke into a Little Caesars store in Kinston and started making pizzas to sell, the Charlotte Observer reported. Correction: Hackett broke in TWICE. The first time, he made and sold pizzas to customers, keeping the proceeds for himself. The second time, employees were still in the store and tried to stop him from entering, police said. Hackett was charged with three felonies. [Charlotte Observer, 2/3/2026] {in}
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2026 Andrews McMeel
