Inweekly January 8 2026 Issue

Independent News | January 8, 2026 | Volume 27 | Number 1

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winners & losers

outtakes

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5

news 6

Finding a group of people who truly see you is priceless.

buzz

feature

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publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

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

contact us info@inweekly.net

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Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2026 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

$50 million reasons why his last trial opponent hates him. JOE ZARZAUR

BOARD CERTIFIED CIVIL TRIAL LAWYER* PENSACOLA, FL

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*Board Certification by the Florida Bar and the National Board Of Trial Advocacy. Statistical information current as of November 2022.

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January 8, 2026

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winners & losers

WHERE HISTORY AND

MODERN COMFORT MEET

WWW.HOTELTRISTAN.COM | PENSACOLA, FL

Chad Henderson / Photo Courtesy of Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate

Pam Childers / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com

CHAD HENDERSON Globest.com has named

PAM CHILDERS Once again, the county clerk has refused to allow a county commissioner to use his discretionary fund to help a nonprofit. This time, Childers has left the Leigha Gibson Foundation without promised funding after its annual Thanksgiving meal. The foundation partnered with Sonshine's Community to feed 800 people on Nov. 25 at the Fricker Center. Commissioners approved a $1,500 donation from Commissioner Mike Kohler's discretionary funds to help cover costs, but Childers refused to issue payment. Last summer, Childers refused to write a $500 check to American Legion Post 33, which had sponsored two high school students to attend a week-long Boys State program at Florida State University. This is beyond ridiculous.

winners

the founder and CEO of Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate a 2025 Influencer in Healthcare Real Estate. Henderson has built his company into a national leader and pioneered the "Placemaking Grounded in Healthcare" approach, which designs healthcare buildings as hubs for patient well-being and community engagement. Recent landmark achievements include $500 million in joint ventures with Heitman and Harrison Street. His Hotel Tristan project in downtown Pensacola is projected to open in late 2026.

RIP HANKS & SCOTT STANTON On Jan. 10,

the two Pensacola skateboarders will become the first Panhandle skaters inducted into the Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame. Hanks set the World Skateboard High Jump Record at 4'11" in February 1977 at the age of 15. He was undefeated in all Regional Freestyle Competitions from 1976-1978. Stanton, also known as painter "Panhandle Slim," traveled the world as a pro for Zorlac, a Texasbased skateboard company that became a cult brand in the late 1970s and 1980s.

MARK LEE TEAM The top-producing real es-

tate team with Levin Rinke Realty closed over $93 million in executed contracts in 2025, signaling recovery in Pensacola's real estate market. With over $1 billion in career sales and a statewide ranking of #44 among medium-sized real estate teams in Florida, the Mark Lee Team's 2025 performance reflects renewed buyer confidence, especially at the higher end of the market. Team Lead Jeremy Johnson noted the market is "stabilizing and beginning to rebound."

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LOCAL BEACHES Our local beaches have

secured the nation's top beach rankings, with Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach claiming first and second place in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards. The magazine's "Best Beaches in the U.S." list, based on votes from hundreds of thousands of travelers, placed Pensacola Beach at No. 1 nationwide. Readers cited the beach's signature emerald-green waters, sugar-white sand and authentic coastal culture as key factors. The ranking encompassed the complete visitor experience, including local events, walkable beach areas and a welcoming community atmosphere.

losers

FLORIDA BEAR HUNT The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 52 bears were killed during last month's sanctioned hunt—less than a third of the 172-bear limit. In 2015, 304 bears were killed in a similar hunt over two days. Opponents purchased approximately 40 permits through a lottery system, offering hunters up to $2,000 not to use their $100-$300 permits. FWC Executive Director Roger Young called the hunt successful, noting Florida joined 30-plus states managing bears through regulated hunting while ensuring "long-term health of bear populations." Conservationists who opposed Florida's black bear hunt announced plans to seek federal threatened species status for the bears. JAMES UTHMEIER The Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected Attorney General James Uthmeier's proposal that would have allowed certain state government lawyers to practice in Florida for up to three years without taking the Bar exam. Uthmeier argued the change would attract experienced out-of-state attorneys to state government positions, noting Bar exam timing often impedes recruitment. The proposal targeted lawyers representing the governor and attorney general. The Florida Bar objected, citing constitutional concerns that the proposal violated the Supreme Court's "exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the admission of persons to the practice of law" and would bypass character and fitness evaluations. The Court ruled the existing certification program requiring government lawyers to take the next available Bar exam "strikes the appropriate balance." inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

ESCAMBIA COUNTY'S FULL PLATE The Escambia County Board of Commissioners has several hot issues to address in 2026 that have lingered for months, if not years.

PARATRANSIT Escambia County's paratran-

sit system faces major disruptions after contractor ITL Solutions terminated operations effective Dec. 22, forcing Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) to assume direct control while dramatically cutting service hours. The county-run service now ends at 7 p.m. daily, eliminating the overnight and late-evening trips disabled riders previously relied on for work and medical appointments. ECAT is using its new FlexTransit microtransit pilot as a nighttime alternative, but disability advocates say the app-based, general-public system isn't an adequate substitute for door-to-door paratransit service. Carolyn Grawi, executive director of the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, says the transition has left riders stranded at workplaces and federal installations. Advocates representing the county's roughly 55,000 residents with disabilities complain they received no meaningful notice of the service cuts. County staff say they're working "around the clock" to schedule trips, hire drivers and expand FlexTransit capacity, prioritizing ADA Complementary Paratransit and Transportation Disadvantaged riders on a first-come, space-available basis. The disruption has prompted complaints at Commission meetings and across local social media.

PENSACOLA BEACH PARKING Outrage over

parking lot operators charging hundreds of dollars per space during the summer's Air Show weekend intensified the debate over whether Pensacola Beach needs a major parking garage. The pricing controversy comes as beach traffic has surged dramatically. Days with more than 20,000 vehicles through the toll plaza jumped from just 15 annually before 2020 to 56 days in 2024, creating what officials call "volume saturation" that overwhelms roads and parking during peak periods. District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger wants a feasibility study for a 900-space parking deck at Casino Beach. The county has already approved $600,000 for Mott MacDonald to design a comprehensive Traffic Congestion Management Plan addressing parking and traffic flow. January 8, 2026

The nonprofit Pensacola Beach Advocates is pushing back hard, calling a garage "expensive overkill" for problems that exist only a few weekends annually. They argue existing lots need better management and that spreading events across the island would reduce core-area congestion. County officials now face a choice between major capital investment to accommodate peak crowds or lower-cost solutions like signal optimization and improved lot operations that critics say would better serve year-round needs.

PERDIDO BEACH ACCESS Public beach access on Perdido Key has improved after legal and legislative victories gave Escambia County new tools to open disputed shoreline. However, the issue has yet to be completely settled. Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford dismissed lawsuits by six condo associations challenging a 75-foot-wide public easement across Gulf-front lots in December 2024. The easement, created in 1957, remains intact after commissioners formally accepted the ruling in January 2025. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in June restoring local authority to recognize "recreational customary use" of beaches—reversing a 2018 law that made it harder for counties to protect public access. The new law lets Escambia adopt ordinances declaring customary use without parcel-by-parcel litigation, which activists call a "game changer." Condo owners counter that crowds trespass into private areas, use pools and restrooms and vandalize facilities. District 2 Commissioner Steve Stroberger has floated compromises like narrowing the easement while preserving a continuous Gulf corridor, though tensions between property owners and public access advocates persist. HELPING NONPROFITS Escambia County

Clerk Pam Childers has nearly halted payments from commissioners' discretionary funds, refusing to issue checks she believes may violate constitutional "public purpose" requirements. In April, Childers temporarily paused all discretionary spending, warning commissioners that grants to church-sponsored events likely violate Florida's constitutional ban on using public money to aid religious organizations. County staff have tried to draft new policies, but the clerk keeps raising the bar for what she requires. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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LEFTOVERS: MAYOR REEVES' 2026 TO-DO LIST

Render Courtesy of Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation

By Rick Outzen As 2026 begins, Mayor D.C. Reeves has four lingering issues on his desk, each involving broken promises, delayed projects and unresolved disputes. From a memorial plaza that has yet to be built after funding controversies to a deadly intersection, these problems challenge the city's capacity to make meaningful improvements for its people. Throw in the Bluffs Park—closed for nearly three years—and a multi-million-dollar funding dispute with the Escambia Children's Trust over childcare dollars, and the picture is clear: 2026 will be defined by City Hall's ability to move these critical projects from discussion to completion. Here's where each issue stands and what's needed to finally cross them off the list.

GENERAL DANIEL "CHAPPIE" JAMES JR. MEMORIAL PLAZA

The proposed memorial to Pensacola's native son and the first Black four‑star general in the U.S. Armed Forces may be realized if the City of Pensacola and the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation can develop a new stewardship agreement. Background: In May 2022, the foundation unveiled renderings for a memorial plaza at the city's Wayside Park. The design included a 10foot bronze statue of the general, a restored F-4 Phantom II fighter jet from the Vietnam era and an 80-foot flagpole with a giant American flag. 66

However, the foundation failed to raise the private funds to build the plaza and, last year, asked the Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to provide $1 million for the project. The TDC rejected the request, saying Florida law prohibited the use of tourist tax revenues for a memorial plaza. County Clerk Pam Childers injected herself into the debate, claiming the plaza was really an outdoor museum and could receive the funds. The Escambia County Commission agreed to overrule the TDC if the city would assume responsibility for any funding sources that would later be deemed non-compliant. Mayor Reeves rejected this arrangement, arguing that city taxpayers shouldn't bear the risk. Meanwhile, the foundation's original stewardship agreement with the city expired on June 30, 2025. Last September, Mayor Reeves stated he remained open to discussions once the foundation provides proof of funding and detailed project plans but wouldn't move forward without explicit assurances that the memorial can be completed. What's Next: In December, foundation leaders, including co-founder Cris Dosev, met with the new city administrator, David Stafford, who said, "Mr. Dosev presented another potential agreement that I then took to the city attorney, who's reviewing it right now … So nothing real substantive to report other than we did get some outreach from them."

PENSACOLA'S DEADLY INTERSECTION The City of Pensacola and the Florida Department of Transportation have a problem: the first

intersection coming off the Chappie James Bridge—Gregory Street and 14th Avenue—had 22 vehicular crashes and three motorcycle fatalities in 2025. The crashes reported by Mayor D.C. Reeves in an email to District 3 FDOT Secretary Tim Smith are three times higher than the average of the previous two years. Background: In August, Interim Police Chief Kristin Brown reported the city had already recorded 10 traffic fatalities in 2025, with four months remaining in the year. The highest annual total over the past five years was just eight fatalities. Three of the motorcycle fatalities occurred at the same location, the intersection of Gregory Street and 14th Avenue. Chief Brown stated the bridge's design had created conditions where drivers naturally accelerate, with little infrastructure in place to encourage speed reduction. The media was told city officials would coordinate with FDOT to develop solutions. The Pensacola Police Department planned to deploy speed trailers and increase enforcement in this high-risk area. It's uncertain whether those measures were taken, because the topic came up again in November when Mayor Reeves reported the city's red-light camera system issued 26,085 citations between Feb. 1 and Oct. 31, with Ninth Avenue and Gregory Street emerging as Pensacola's most dangerous intersection by a significant margin. "Ninth and Gregory is 8,274 [citations] for one approach," Reeves said. "There's more there than the next largest intersection that's tracking all four approaches." The mayor disclosed he met with Chief Brown to discuss what he described as a "formalized request" to FDOT for action on the Gregory Street and 14th Avenue intersection. What's Next: At his Dec. 30 press conference, Mayor Reeves said that Secretary Smith told him that FDOT "had actually started a review process internally in Chipley to look at what some options might be. So obviously, I've not seen that report yet, probably wouldn't expect it around this time of year."

PENSACOLA BAY BLUFFS PARK

The beloved city park on Scenic Highway has been closed since March 2023 because extreme weather and erosion had caused sagging decks, missing guard rails and cracked girder beams on the boardwalk. In June 2024, DeSantis awarded Conservation Florida and the city $2.2 million to save the 22.5-acre park. Background: The city has hired consulting firm HDR to design the new Bay Bluffs Park and has held its first public input session. When he

announced the session, Mayor Reeves was honest about the timeline for reopening the park that overlooks Escambia Bay. "There's a world where near the end of 2026, middle to end of 2026, we could have some aspects open," he said, though he was quick to add that it depends entirely on what the community decides it wants. He presented the trade-off to consider: simpler improvements, such as primitive trails with minimal infrastructure, could be implemented sooner, while more complex projects requiring specialized construction would naturally take longer and cost more to maintain. What's Next: The city's strategic initiatives project officer, Adrianne Walker, said the city has made progress on the laundry list of items from the granting agencies necessary for the notice of commencement. "We do have a six-month time clock to get all those notice of commencement documents in order," Walker said. "We'll have more community engagement input. We are leaning on HDR's expertise in terms of assessing the current conditions to determine what can be done or what should be done with the amount of money that we have." The final plans will need to be approved by Conservation Florida, but Walker and Mayor Reeves are optimistic there will be movement on the park's reconstruction in 2026.

ESCAMBIA CHILDREN'S TRUST

For months, the City of Pensacola and the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) have fought over how to spend over $3 million in Community Redevelopment Agency funds. The mayor wants it spent on solving the childcare crisis, while the ECT wants the dollars for grants given to providers helping children in Escambia County. Background: In June, the city sent a demand letter to the ECT seeking $2.45 million in CRA funds for 2021-2024, claiming the tax increment funds should never have been given to the ECT. The amount due has since escalated to $3.1 million, including Fiscal Year 2025, and accumulated late fees and interest. In a Nov. 26 letter to the mayor, ECT Executive Director Lindsey Cannon argued the Trust should receive a complete exemption from CRA contributions similar to what was granted to the Downtown Improvement Board, emphasizing that the Trust has "limited unobligated funding to address critical children's needs countywide." The letter prompted a series of meetings between Reeves and Cannon to find what the mayor called "a collaborative approach to move forward." What's Next: The city and ECT are ironing out details that they will present to their respective boards in February. The city plans to give the ECT credit for the grants given to the city's after-school program over the three past years. At his Dec. 30 press conference, the mayor said the city would submit a grant request to the ECT to use the remaining dollars owed to the CRA for Pensacola's new childcare access program. {in} inweekly.net

January 8, 2026

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governments that threaten cuts to police and fire services when facing fiscal pressure. Under the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), traditional public schools keep a percentage of per-student funding even when students leave for alternative education options, according to the CFO. "If a student chooses not to go to a traditional public school, the traditional public school in the state of Florida actually takes a percentage of the money that was allocated to them, even though the student isn't there," Ingoglia explained. "They're making money on students that actually aren't in their classrooms." He failed to mention the $300 million "sloshing around" between vouchers, homeschoolers, private schools and public districts, according to Sen. Don Gaetz, or the Auditor General's report on the school voucher program that said "everything that could go wrong with this program has gone wrong."

TOP COP FINALISTS Three candidates have

Photo Courtesy of UWF Historic Trust

THEO'S CONSTRUCTION HOUSE The Pen-

sacola Children's Museum has reopened to the public with a new exhibit, "Our Town: A Space for All," featuring historic businesses and sites inspired by Pensacola landmarks. The museum is also debuting a new "Calming Seas Sensory Space," the first of its kind in Northwest Florida. Both the exhibit and sensory space were funded through IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area with a $100,670 grant. "We are grateful for the support of IMPACT 100," said Rob Overton, executive director for the University of West Florida Historic Trust. "Their gift allows us to preserve Pensacola's rich history by placing it directly in the hands of our children." In the "Our Town" exhibit, which is on the museum's first floor, young guests can explore a reimagined town center that includes the Silas Stearns Fishing Smack, Pensacola Dairy Bar Milk Bottle Diner, My Town Mural, Garden Street Toddler Spot, Frisco Train Station, Pride of Pensacola Tiny Tot Train, Germania Hose Company Fire Station and Theo's Construction House. Theo's Construction House is dedicated to Rev. Theophalis May (1927–2006), the father of Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May. Rev. May began work in construction in 1950. He built and maintained Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on West Blount Street, where he served as pastor for 38 years. His company, May's Construction Company, became famous for moving, demolishing and restoring historic buildings, including the L&N Marine Terminal Building and the Imogene Theatre in Milton. The Pensacola Children's Museum is part of the UWF Historic Trust properties and sites. Located at 115 E. Zaragoza St., the Pensacola Children's Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 88

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.

DOGE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has announced his office will expand its fiscal oversight efforts to include school districts across the state, calling them "some of the most wasteful spenders in government." "If you're a school district and you think we will not start doing this with you, you're sorely mistaken," Ingoglia said. "We are going to do a lot of these spending [analyses], but what we are also doing is reorganizing our office so we can go in and actually do full forensic audits." Our school district may receive a visit. Last June, the Escambia County School Board voted to approve a 1.5 mill increase for capital outlay, making the total proposed millage rate 5.359 mills. This is 15.4% greater than the rollback rate that would generate the same funding as last fiscal year. The CFO said his office has been working with the Department of Education to develop methodology for analyzing school district spending relative to student populations. He criticized school districts for maintaining increasing budgets even as enrollment declines due to school choice programs. "If the school student population is going down, why are their budgets continuing going up?" Ingoglia asked. "Doesn't make sense. It will make sense after we start shining a light on their excessive spending." Ingoglia dismissed concerns from school districts that budget cuts could force school closures as "scare tactics," comparing them to local

been selected as finalists to lead the Pensacola Police Department, setting up a unique public selection process scheduled for mid-January. The finalists are Brian Dugan, retired police chief from Tampa, Fla.; Eric Goss, currently serving as acting deputy police chief for Pensacola; and Eric Winstrom, the current police chief in Grand Rapids, Mich. In a departure from typical department head appointments, the city has designed an extensive public engagement process. All three finalists will participate in a public forum at the Saenger Theatre at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, where they will answer questions submitted by the community. The following morning, Jan. 14, each candidate will face individual panel interviews with a six-person committee. Those interviews will be live-streamed from City Hall, scheduled at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. "This job is a little different in that way," Mayor Reeves said, explaining the public-facing selection process. "Whoever's in this job has an obligation not only to keep everybody safe, but to be out there and communicating and having a relationship with our entire community." The mayor reported that approximately 80 vetted applications were reviewed before arriving at the three finalists, with several semifinalists receiving additional interviews before the field was narrowed. Reeves emphasized the quality of the candidate pool, noting that even those who didn't make the final cut were qualified for the position. When asked what he's looking for in the next chief, Reeves stressed employee engagement and morale. "If that's why we made the change last time, then we certainly are going to be emphasizing morale and employee engagement when it comes to this time around," he said. The mayor also cited experience, community familiarity and track record as important factors, while acknowledging that each candidate brings different strengths to the position. Following the January interviews, Reeves said a decision would

come "as quickly as reasonable," with the appointment ultimately requiring City Council approval.

CALLING SUBCONTRACTORS Over 60

contractors attended the first project information meeting to help Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) build a 247-unit apartment complex and 147-key hotel, including a 325-space parking podium at Maritime Park starting in late 2026. The meeting provided an overview of the project elements, such as construction trades, scheduling, logistics and highlighted participation opportunities. It was intended for interested subcontractors and suppliers in Escambia and Santa Rosa County communities—though interested subs and suppliers throughout the greater Florida and Southeastern U.S. were also encouraged to attend. CCI anticipates final bidding with plans and specifications to begin in late January. Two more informational meetings will be held from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and Monday, Feb. 2. Meetings will be held at Maritime Place, 350 W. Cedar St., first floor. For additional information, please email ccipensacola@cciwi. com. To learn more about Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI), visit cciwi.com.

NO CONFLATION The Baptist Legacy Campus narrative floated after Christmas was that West Moreno District residents who voiced concerns about the mayor's recommendation to hire Bayou District Consulting as advisors on the old Baptist Hospital campus redevelopment project mistakenly "conflated Bayou District Foundation with the closure of the St. Bernard public housing complex, which Columbia Parc replaced." According to Mayor D.C. Reeves and the Pensacola News Journal, most of the Pensacola City Council wants to give the consultants another hearing. The only obstacle is Councilman Delarian Wiggins. At the Pensacola City Council meeting on Dec. 11, more than two dozen citizens spoke out against hiring Bayou District Consulting. Some referenced the Bayou District Foundation's controversial work in New Orleans, but many more complained about the consultant selection process and lack of contact from City Hall over the past two years since Baptist Hospital abandoned its buildings. One resident protested that the recommendation was considered "without the public's knowledge, all of this before a single community meeting was held. That's not leadership. That's a setup. Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves." Resident Sarah Brummet said, "D.C. Reeves and his clique of developers who run this city predetermined that they wanted this company to do the work. And so that's why in 2023, our mayor invited Gerry Barousse to a private meeting with local developers. That's why in 2024, our mayor took Pensacola's powerful over to New Orleans to tour Columbia Parc." She continued, "That's why in 2025, y'all have ignored at every single turn the real and justified concerns of this community because the city already has a plan, and you think you can inweekly.net

••••Dream. Inspire. Remember.•••• manipulate us into buying that plan. But it wasn't rushed, and it wasn't murky. It was just shady and sneaky and totally undemocratic—the way this city does business." Community activist Hale Morrissette sounded the alarm about the redevelopment of Pensacola's Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus. "The demand and the hopeful outcome is that we get something on the calendar that says, as a community, we're taking feedback, and we're actually going to see that feedback show up." Mayor Reeves decided not to engage the community living around the old Baptist campus until after he received funding from the Florida Legislature, accepted the property from Baptist, negotiated with the Escambia County Commission on its contribution to the project, and hired the demolition company and Bayou District Consulting. In April, he pledged that demolition would not begin before community input was gathered. "We will not send a wrecking ball through anything until we have started a conversation about what the community wants." Instead, the plan shifted to hiring Bayou District Consulting and holding those conversations after the demolition work began. What if Councilman Wiggins doesn't submit to the pressure? What if he follows through with the commitment he made at the CRA meeting "to listen to my constituency and make sure that their voices are being heard"? Councilman Wiggins could hold a few town halls in his district to listen to residents' concerns so that he can ensure those voices are heard before any council workshop or vote. The community could develop and present to Mayor Reeves and the Pensacola City Council the points it wants included in any redevelopment plan.

REEVES PUSHES BACK At his press conference on Dec. 30, Mayor Reeves stated his focus within the Baptist project is the demolition of the hospital building. "At the moment, we've got a monstrosity of a project ahead of us for the next 18 months, which is to demolish the building." He added, "And one thing I feel real positive about in community feedback is that no one wants to keep the building. So if we all can agree on that, on 100% consensus on something— let's not leave an abandoned hospital—then we'll go ahead first into that. I think fencing's up now around the building, and we've got plenty to do there." Baptist abandoned the campus in the West Moreno District in September 2023. Mayor Reeves bragged that no city had put together a similar demolition project as quickly as he and his team. "I think what gets lost in this … is a $13 million demolition taking place only a couple years after someone left it. I don't have the data, but if someone's taken down an abandoned hospital quicker, funded the way that it was funded, I haven't heard of it yet." He continued, "So that was a miracle in and of itself, thanks to our staff, our grants office, Senator Broxson and so many folks that helped make that happen." January 8, 2026

When asked about possible misinformation about the Bayou District and its track record put forth at the council meeting, Mayor Reeves said, "There were lots of allegations flying around unfounded in that meeting, and certainly … I don't see or never have seen it as the avenue to engage in things that aren't really backed with facts." He said it isn't his job to deal with the allegations point by point. "All I've merely tried to do is go through a process of starting community engagement, and I would make an argument that generally we feel like the community engagement was pretty well accepted at Hollice T. Williams [Park renovation project]." He argued that Bayou District Consulting was not recommended to be the developer. "They're not hired to even design anything. All they are merely being hired to do is to start the community engagement … They're hired to engage the community on what the community wants. And so, I think that was understandably misperceived." However, Bayou District Consulting proposed doing more than community engagement. They would review land-use codes, infrastructure and demolition materials and provide guidance on governance, partnerships and implementation. The team included law, architectural engineering and landscaping firms. The mayor added, "To your original question, there were many things that were intentionally misperceived in that council meeting about us, about me, about them. But again, we're not here to have a pity party. We'll continue to do what we think is the right thing to do and attempt to do what we think is the right thing to do because that's always guided us well." Mayor Reeves stood by the timeline for engagement that he asserted he had set for more than a year. "We wanted to start the community feeling heard and engaged as quickly as we could around the demolition, so they weren't seeing progress in terms of a building going down without feeling like people were included. So that was the timeline we had for well over a year, and that's the timeline we've stuck to." The mayor said, "And if the council wants to bring something back forward, I think that question probably is more suited for them to say." Mayor Reeves admitted that "anytime that something is pulled or approved it ends up as a surprise, and certainly things said from the days Monday and Thursday were the first time we heard it from the dais." "Not everyone is going to agree with everything I do, nor should I expect that, but I don't want it to be on a lack of information or a lack of communication. So if everybody understands the issue and then they vote no, that's part of it. That's part of my job," he said. "Not having all the information is where we've got to look at ourselves. I've got to look at me personally and make sure that I'm doing a good enough job communicating." The mayor said, "So we'll see what happens. And again, we've got enough to do. We're not crying [into] our cornflakes over this. We're going to get going and go get demolition done." {in}

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YEAR IN PREVIEW Raise your hand if you're ready to say farewell to the train wreck of a year that was 2025. Yeah, us too. In the spirit of moving on and starting fresh, let's kick things off by saving the dates for some things we're looking forward to in 2026.

ANNUAL FESTIVALS & MAJOR COMMUNITY EVENTS MLK Day Parade

Jan. 19 facebook.com/mlkparadepensacola

Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con Feb. 20-22 pensacon.com

Blue Wahoos Home Opener April 3 bluewahoos.com

Pensacola Crawfish Festival April 24-26 fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival

Grand Fiesta Parade May 29 fiestapensacola.org

PensaPride

June 13 facebook.com/pensapride

Pensacola Beach Air Show July 18 facebook.com/newsairshow

Pensacola Seafood Festival Sept. 25-27 fiestapensacola.org/seafood-festival

Pensacola Interstate Fair

MARDI GRAS PARADES & EVENTS pensacolamardigras.com, pensacolabeachmardigras.com

Jan. 24­ Kids & Kritters Parade Jan. 31 Milton Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 1 WolfGang's Paw-di Gras Feb. 7 Navarre Krewe of Jesters Parade Feb. 12 Mardi Gras Mambo with Waka Flocka Flame, Ying Yang Twins and DJ Jazzy Jeff Feb. 13 Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade Feb. 14 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 15 Krewe of Wrecks Beach Parade Feb. 17 French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration

GALLERY NIGHT DATES gallerynightpensacola.org

Jan. 16 Lunar New Year Feb. 20 A Pensacon Gallery Night March 20 Dancin’ in the Streets: Art in Motion April 17 Pensacola Navy Days: Vintage Vibes & Valor May 15 Festa Italiana June 19 Journey to Juneteenth July 17 Future Makers: A Family Gallery Night Aug. 21 Rusty Knuckle Torque Club Car Show Sept. 18 Viva Pensacola: Latino Festival Oct. 16 Ghoul-ery Night Nov. 20 Festival of Living Art Dec. 18 Home for the Holidays

SELECT CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

Oct. 22-Nov. 1 pensacolafair.com

BALLET PENSACOLA

Foo Foo Fest

A Night of Four Seasons

Oct. 29-Nov. 9 foofoofest.com

Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival Nov. 5-15 fbisf.com

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Nov. 6-8 ggaf.org

January 8, 2026

balletpensacola.org

PENSACOLA CHILDREN'S CHORUS

Mahler Symphony No. 2

Ovation

Symphonic Spectacular: Gil Shaham Plays Brahms

One World, Many Voices

100th Anniversary Gala Concert

Showtime

BROADWAY IN PENSACOLA SERIES

pensacolasings.org

Jan. 30

Feb. 28

May 8-10

PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE pensacolalittletheatre.com

April 25

pensacolasaenger.com/broadway

Meredith Willson's The Music Man

Six: Teen Edition

Mrs. Doubtfire

Junie B. Jones The Musical

Beetlejuice the Musical

Jan. 30-Feb. 8

March 6-15

April 10-12

The Sugar Witch

Feb. 4–5

April 7–8

June 16–17

April 24-May 3

SELECT CONCERTS

The Cottage

Sincere Engineer and The Handsome Scoundrels

June 12-21

PENSACOLA OPERA pensacolaopera.com

Jan. 21 thehandlebar850.com

Gary Clark Jr.

La Traviata

Feb. 4-5 vinylmusichall.com

Oklahoma!

Tape B, What So Not, Saka x Fly and Casey Club

Jan. 23-25

March 13-15

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA pensacolasymphony.com

Romeo and Juliet

Beethoven & Blue Jeans

April 16-19

Jan. 10

CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA

Mozart Madness

Mass of the Children

Icon: The Voices That Changed Music

May 16

March 28

Perfect Arrangement

March 1

choralsocietyofpensacola.org

March 7

Jan. 31

Feb. 7

Feb. 28 thehandlebar850.com

Santana

April 1 pensacolabaycenter.com

Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton April 3 pensacolabaycenter.com

Iration

May 19 vinylmusichall.com {in} 11

212 1

inweekly.net

WEEK OF JANUARY 8-14

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

Home Is Where the Poetry Is By Dakota Parks

Pensacola Poetry / Courtesy Photo

Open mics are where a community finds its voice, bringing poets, writers, comedians, musicians and neighbors together under one roof. Pensacola Poetry, the city's longestrunning open mic, has done just that for nearly two decades, weathering venue closures, a pandemic and the passing of the torch from longtime hosts. From End of the Line Cafe to Sluggo's, Constant Coffee to Subculture and the Pensacola Liberation Center, Pensacola Poetry has called many venues home over the years. When Constant Coffee closed on Scenic Highway at the end of 2022, the group found itself on the move, couch-surfing from space to space across town. For many regulars, Constant had become a second home. The group had spent five years meeting in the cozy gathering space. Now, thanks to Craft Gourmet Bakery opening their new location in Constant's old building, Pensacola Poetry has finally returned home. "When we purchased this building, Pensacola Poetry was one of the first things on our January 8, 2026

mind when dreaming about the space we would build," Craft co-owner Anna Hewes said. "I knew I wanted our new space to be communityoriented, and it felt so good that we were able to bring this community back full circle to the space. It was really special to hear so many people reminisce on the first Tuesday back here. We are really stoked to be a part of it and hope it continues to grow with us." Frequent host and poet Zakara Parker (@2sick2thick) has been coming to the open mic since they were a teenager, searching for an outlet to process the onslaught of racism they were grappling with at school and at home. "Growing up I looked for people like me wherever I went—in commercials, toys and superhero movies. I will always remember reading Maya Angelou's poetry for the first time in Mrs. Johnson's fourth grade class," Parker said. "Reading the words and still using my finger to follow along, knowing I'd never seen these words put together in this order, but they felt safe and familiar in a time where I was regularly

in danger and everything was changing. Poetry meant a way to communicate how I felt even if no one else read it." Parker quickly became a pillar in the poetry community, finding family in the local scene and serving as a co-host alongside longtime legends Quincy "Q" Hull, X Alkebulan and Ericka Streeter Hodge. "I got my hosting start under Q when I was 18. It was a huge honor to be trusted with that role in the community," they said. "There's a big difference between being on stage for two poems then sitting back down versus running the show. As host, you are essentially a DJ for poets. A good chunk of hosting is knowing when it's time to pick the next poet, knowing who's going to match the vibe of the last poet or who's going to change the vibe in a way that switches the energy in just the way the room calls for." Since its inception, the group has relied on a main host—one poet committed to keeping the microphone on every Tuesday night. Earlier this year, that structure shifted to a volunteerbased model. Now, a rotating group of poets take turns hosting; new and experienced hosts often work together as co-hosts until newer members feel confident enough to run the mic on their own. "There is so much beauty in the ways we have come together," Parker said. "While there is someone different running the mic every week, there is never a lack of love or care from the community. I'm a firm believer in 'to be loved is to be seen.' Finding a group of people who truly see you is priceless. I hope everyone can find that kind of love, even if it isn't at an open mic. Just somewhere you can be open and honestly, you." Outside of the open mic, Parker also competes with Pensacola's slam poetry team, Burn Beautiful. Spearheaded and coached by Asia Samson, the team spends nearly a year training, writing, editing and practicing together in preparation for the Southern Fried Poetry Slam, scheduled for June in Orlando, Fla. "Being heard is a deeply human need," Parker said. "Poetry gives the people of our city a place to speak truth to power and to be met by a group of like-minded individuals who give them the love and energy they deserve. If the light outside that cafe calls to you like a lighthouse guiding a ship to shore, come pay us a visit. I promise you, there is nothing like bringing something new to that mic and hearing the crowd cheer out, 'new shit.'" For newcomer and now frequent host Doc Love (@docloveseverything), Pensacola Poetry

became the community connection they had been seeking after living here for nearly three years. "I've been going to the Pensacola Poetry open mic for a little over a year now and it really feels like I've been here longer," Love said. "I had just gotten out of an engagement, and my bestie Margo wanted to take me out to get my mind off things, and we stumbled upon this very open mic. Needless to say, it was the best decision we both made. It feels like I've been a part of this community for years—like I joined a family that welcomed me with open arms."

"While there is someone different running the mic every week, there is never a lack of love or care from the community." Zakara Parker That sense of belonging is rooted in a lifelong appreciation for the art form. Love discovered poetry at a young age and has continued to grow with it. "Listening to hip-hop opened my eyes to the ways I could use rhythm, rhyme and figurative language to not only express myself but explore how I felt about something," they said. "Poetry to me is my therapy, my way to express myself and my way to articulate feelings in a way that I only know how. Poetry brings me peace in times of crisis or gives me the space to express love for people or things I care for." "Everyone has a different story to tell, but sometimes we have situations that may seem similar; and in that, poetry can show that people are not alone in [their] experiences," Love added. "Poetry can create an accepting and welcoming environment in any space because it can say, 'I see you,' 'I'm here for you' and 'you're not alone.' People can always find something they love in poetry—whether it be the intricate rhyme schemes or the overarching stories—and in that way, I believe we can all connect through poetry." {in}

PENSACOLA POETRY'S WEEKLY OPEN MIC EVENT

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays Where: Craft Gourmet Bakery, 615 Scenic Highway Details: @pensacolapoetry, facebook.com/pensacolapoetry 13

a&e happenings ostracized. Monsters are a reflection of our fears and desires; what are yours? Direct message @the.undergrowth on Instagram for address and details. Free entry day of show with donations encouraged (charity to be announced). Themed beverages from CB Coffee & Tea will be for sale.

ZINE MAKING SKILLSHARE Join 309 Punk Project for an afternoon of zine making 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at 309 N. Sixth Ave. Bring your ideas. Supplies, copier and snacks will be available. Details at facebook. com/309punkproject.

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.

ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERY TALKS: LA TRAVIATA Pensacola

Opera presents a short performance and lecture 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Free and open to the public. Details at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.

CREATURE FEATURE: JURIED ART SHOW

DIY multimedia art show 4-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9. The exhibit's theme: twisting the macabre and the grotesque into something beautiful and fantastical. Capture what it feels like to be othered or 414 1

served at 11:30 a.m. The lecture starts at noon and lasts one hour. Lecture cost is $5 for non-members and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.

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 standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates. SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

FILM SCREENINGS Pensacola Cinema Art screens multiple films most weekends at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10 cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.

MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR Mountainfilm will

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

screen a series of documentary short films 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $25 with proceeds supporting Healthy Gulf and Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program. Tickets at mountainfilm. myeventscenter.com.

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 on display Jan. 12-May 1 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. An exhibit reception will be 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7. Details at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.

DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE EXHIBITION This national exhibition will

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

THRIFT STYLE New exhibit at Pensacola

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

FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S.

Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.

PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION LECTURES Learn Pensacola/Northwest Florida 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

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 Pen-

sacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

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

normal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

FOOD + DRINKS

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS; DARK TO LIGHT THE WIDE WORLD OF BEER Classes

are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Limited seating. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com.

COASTAL COUNTY OYSTER FEST '26

Three-day event is Friday, Jan. 9, Saturday, Jan. 10 and Sunday, Jan. 11. At Coastal County Brew-

ing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Details at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.

VINO MAGNIFICO The next Vino Magnifico is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Sampe five wines and fraternize with fellow wine enthusiasts. Cost is $20 per person. Reserve your spot at vpauls.com/vino-magnifico. MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL Try mac & cheese from various food trucks, plus Lazy Day Farms petting zoo and more 12-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew. COCKTAILS & CONNECTIONS: A BRIDAL EXPO Shop wedding vendors as well as check

out catering menu bites and a custom cocktail booth 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at The Well, 42 E. Garden St. Details at facebook.com/ thewellpensacola.

DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

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 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. every Monday from 5–9 p.m. 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.).

75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent

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

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

MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details. POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S

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.

LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER

Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

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.

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. every Friday with cold drinks, hot food and great vibes in the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter. Happy hour begins 11 a.m. Fridays with drink and food specials.

SEVILLE QUARTER'S FLIP MY QUARTER

8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.

Seville Quarter is flipping the script—and a few quarters—with its brand-new happy hour promotion, Flip My Quarter, 6-8 p.m. every Friday throughout the Seville Quarter entertainment complex. When you order a domestic draft beer, well liquor cocktail or house wine, tell the bartender to "flip my quarter." When they flip it, call it in the air. If you call it right, your drink is free.

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowl-

BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials are 8 p.m.-

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is

edge 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

midnight, and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Enjoy a DJ 9 p.m.

COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER

TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all

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.

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

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals

on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details. January 8, 2026

Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips is 11 a.m.-

WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10

a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m., and SIN Night starts 11 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

B.A.R.E. NIGHT (BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE NIGHT) Sunday nights at

Seville Quarter belong to hospitality industry. Head to End O' the Alley at Seville Quarter 7 p.m. every Sunday for B.A.R.E. Night. Not a member yet? Stop by and sign up for your B.A.R.E. Card, and start enjoying the benefits immediately.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin.com for details.

SEVILLE SUNDAY BRUNCH Sunday brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Palace Café and Courtyard inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. with soup and salad bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and champagne specials. Details are at sevillequarter.com. SUNDAY BILLIARDS Rack 'em up in Fast Eddie's Billiards Room at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., with drink specials and a laid-back, air-conditioned atmosphere. SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details. SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is midnight to close Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details. KARAOKE AND SIN NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m., and SIN Night

4 p.m., and live DJ is 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

is 1 a.m. to close Mondays and Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

JAMESON SPECIAL Enjoy $5 Jameson Irish

ON AIR LIVE BAND KARAOKE Live out your rockstar dreams 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., hosted by Craig Stahl. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

Whiskey all night Saturdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER From 8 p.m.-midnight

every Saturday, members enjoy $3.50 Crown & Drown cocktails at Phineas Phogg's inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details. 15

a&e happenings KARAOKE AT SEVILLE QUARTER Karaoke is nightly Wednesday-Sunday at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Enjoy drink specials and a no-judgement zone where everyone is welcome to the mic. Details are at sevillequarter.com. KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke

starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Karaoke starts 7

p.m. Wednesdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details. SUNDAY KARAOKE WITH KJ NICK Sunday

Funday karaoke is 8 p.m. Sundays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S DOWNTOWN

Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.

KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke is 9

p.m.-1 a.m. Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

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LIVE MUSIC

WUWF PRESENTS: RADIOLIVE The

January RadioLive features Shelby Kemp, Drew Young and Dana Cooper. Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.

PENSACOLA SONGWRITER ROUNDS SERIES Show starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15

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

BROADWAY RAVE: A MUSICAL THEATER DANCE PARTY Starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS Show is 7:30

The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Celebrating the best in show-tunes and musical theatre! Come sing along to all of your favorite Broadway hits while dressed up as your favorite character! More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

CANDLELIGHT: QUEEN VS. ABBA Show is

MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info available at pensacolasaenger.com.

p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info available at pensacolasymphony.com.

6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 at Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets at feverup.com.

is 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 at Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets at feverup.com.

THE VIRGOS AND FUNERAL DANCER Show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

LADDER TO GOD, ACADEMY ORDER, KAIRO AND GRAVE CHORUS Show starts at

FEAR OF LOSS, FERMENT, HEMLOCK AND SPIRAL Show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at

CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO ADELE Show

7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS PINK FLOYD'S THE WALL Show is

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info available at pensacolasaenger.com.

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

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER The Blues Society of Northwest

Florida brings blues to Florida 7 p.m. Mondays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Food and drink specials start at 8 p.m. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play

7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious

Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

ROSIE O'GRADY'S DUELING PIANO SHOW Watch the famous dueling piano show 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Rosie O' Grady's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

VIBE IRIE REGGAE: LIVE IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy Vibe Irie Reggae band 4-10 p.m.

Sundays at the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.

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a&e happenings FITNESS + RECREATION

OCEAN HOUR CLEANUPS Ocean Hour cleanups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On Dec. 20 the sites Wayside Park, Casino Beach and Jones Creek. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com. MONSTER TRUCK WARS Showtimes 12 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway. Buy tickets at monstertrucks.fun.

SECRETS OF THE SEASHORE Join a guide for a 30-minute talk to discover the incredible natural world along the Gulf Coast. Meet at the Langdon Beach Pavilion 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. CIVIL WAR TRUNK Learn about the people who lived and served at Fort Pickens during the Civil War during this two-hour drop-in activity 10 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. Spend time with a guide to see, touch and learn about the uniforms and equipment used by soldiers and to hear about the hardships, sacrifices and challenges of soldiers and civilians alike. Meet at Fort Pickens.

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS HOME GAMES

FREEDOM'S FORTRESS Explore stories of the Underground Railroad at Fort Pickens and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who upheld the promise of freedom in the U.S. Meet inside historic Fort Pickens 11-11:30 a.m. WednesdaysFridays. Note: talks are accessible to people with special needs.

PUBLIC ICE SKATING Public ice skating ses-

YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.

Pensacola Ice Flyers home games are located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets start at $12 and are available at pensacolabaycenter.com. The next upcoming home games are 7:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. sions run from October through April at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $12-$15. A Public skate season passes are good for all public and after game skate sessions and range from $200-$300. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for details. Upcoming dates are 1:30, 3, 4:30 Sunday, Jan. 11, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 9:30 p.m. Saturday ay, Jan. 17 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 18.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: 100TH YEAR TOUR Event is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 at Pen-

sacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and info at pensacolabaycenter.com.

ADULT ROLLER HOCKEY GAMES: PENSACOLA BEACH HOCKEY LEAGUE The third

season of the adult roller hockey league kicks off in September with games every Sunday through December at Cowley Park, 916 Via de Luna Drive. More information at app.teamlinkt.com/register/ find/pbhl.

YOGA AT GARDEN & GRAIN Join Disko

Lemonade Yoga Studio for an all-levels vinyasa flow 10 a.m. Sundays through Dec. 21. Cost is $23 and includes a beverage (non-alcoholic options available) at Garden & Grain, 50 E. Garden St. Bring your own mats and water bottle. Details are at facebook.com/gardengrain.

SPOT, PLOT AND FIRE Walk with a guide on a 45-minute tour of Battery Pensacola and discover how a young nation defended itself in a changing world. Meet inside historic Fort Pickens. 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. COASTAL CURIOSITIES Join a guide during

this hands-on activity to see, touch and learn how plants, animals and humans have continuously changed and adapted to the coastal environment. Meet at the Langdon Beach Pavilion 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

GUARDIAN ON THE GULF Join a guide for a 30-minute talk to learn about this famed brickand-mortar fortification and the people who lived and served within its walls. Meet at Fort Pickens 2 p.m. Wednesdays–Sundays and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays–Sundays. January 8, 2026

SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS RUN CLUB

Join the Seville Quarter Milers where all levels of runners are welcome. Meetups are 5:30 p.m. sharp every Wednesday in front of Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. After the run, enjoy a free pasta dish, happy hour specials and complimentary appetizers. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information. SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed with a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details. HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a

monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday of the month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.

TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA Take in a slow

flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via de Luna Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us. for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

free will astrology WEEK OF JANUARY 8 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): The mystics

drone on endlessly about letting go. But I'm here now to praise the art of holding on fiercely, tenderly, with full commitment. Some treasures deserve your passionate grip. Some people warrant your loyal devotion. Especially in the coming months, dear Aries, I invite you to devote yourself to your exciting dreams with ardent intensity. No surrender! Relentless perseverance! Uncompromising faith in the beauty and truth you love! What looks like stubbornness to outsiders will actually be fidelity to a vision others can't yet see.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): As far back as

the 19th century, daredevil college students in the UK have reveled in the practice of "night climbing." They clamber up chapels, spires, towers and bridges under cover of darkness. Why? Mainly for adventure, mischief and altered perspectives. In the coming months, Taurus, you may be ready for your own symbolic version of night climbing. If that sounds fun, seek out vantage points you've never accessed. Experiment with possibilities you've dismissed as off-limits or outside your range. Be safe, of course, but also be joyfully exploratory. I bet the view from the frontiers will change you in inspiring ways.

Uncompromising faith in the beauty and truth you love! GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In the coming

months, I'm confident you will see and understand subtleties that most people miss. You'll be a maestro at tuning in to nuanced subtexts in conversations and hidden openings in stale situations. Everyone else may assume that familiar situations will never change, but you will have the power to tease out creative possibilities. You might even decode seemingly contradictory truths with such aplomb that you surprise yourself. Use this superpower with as much kindness as you can, Gemini. Some discoveries may tempt you toward clever mischief, but I hope that instead you will choose inspired guidance. Your expanded spectrum, if spiced with compassion, can consistently reveal your next leap.

By Rob Brezsny

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): The honeyguide bird of Africa has a lucrative arrangement with humans. It calls out to honey-hunters, leading them through brush to wild beehives built into trees. The people harvest the honey, and the bird eats the leftover wax and larvae. This cooperation is passed down over generations and benefits both species. Let's use this as a metaphor for your future in 2026. You will have extra power to notice where mutual benefit is possible, even with unexpected allies. They may be able to guide you toward resources you couldn't find alone, and you will have value to give in return. Keep an ear out for signals that say, "Come with me, and we'll both gain." LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris took years to build. Work began in 1163 and continued till 1345. Generations of architects, masons and artisans contributed to the project, and those who began it didn't live to see it completed. Yet they labored with devotion, trusting that the holy beauty they facilitated would endure beyond their lifetimes. I hope you're inspired by this story, Leo. It's an apt metaphor for you. In the coming months, you could and should lay stones for creations you may not see fully accomplished for months or even years. I encourage you to redefine and refine what faith means to you, and summon it in abundance. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Ready to de-

commission your inner censor? Interested in dropping the mask, relaxing your guard and rewilding your gorgeous but slightly inhibited self? That's what I recommend. Here are ways to fully enjoy the liberating grace period of the coming months: 1. Don't deny yourself pleasures that would be healthy to indulge. 2. Shed taboos that were smart safeguards once upon a time but are no longer. 3. Re-evaluate why you treat certain fun activities as questionable. 4. Be brightly compassionate toward aspects of yourself you regard as wounded or inferior. 5. Be receptive to rebellious urges.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In 1839, French

artist Louis Daguerre perfected the daguerreotype, an early type of photography. The images were so detailed that you could count the threads in a subject's clothing. The only down-

side: They required minutes of perfect stillness to capture. A slight twitch or squirm could blur the picture. People held their breath and resisted the urge to fidget, hoping to preserve the magic moment. In this spirit, Libra, let's make the *long exposure* your power metaphor during the coming months. The most useful truths will reveal themselves best if you give them time to develop. In conversations, resist filling every silence. In projects, don't rush the pace. Have patient fun lingering on the threshold as the mysteries coalesce and clarify.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): The com-

If you're hesitating to say what needs to be said, deliver a modest version now and a stronger one later.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Safety isn't the opposite of adventure. It's the infrastructure that lets adventure be expansive. Keep that in mind in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be wise to cultivate cozy bravery. You should relax deeply and nurture your strength. Build the support system for your future boldness. Then, in the second half of 2026, you will be well-prepared to launch a phase of experimental fun and exploratory learning. For best results, surround yourself with love and care. Decide who best supports you and make it attractive for them to support you.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In 1907, Scorpio artist Pablo Picasso painted "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." It was a work so radically different from his earlier art and from the era's norms that even his friends were stunned. Some called it ugly; others, incomprehensible. Yet the painting became a foundation of Cubism and reshaped modern art. Dear Scorpio, I suspect you may be on the verge of your own "Les Demoiselles" phase in 2026: unveiling novel approaches and innovative changes so original that they rattle comfortable assumptions. Don't be discouraged if the initial responses don't bring you appreciation. The root-shaking breakthroughs you're consorting with may take others a while to recognize and welcome. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): You

Sagittarians are often drawn to teaching. You have a predilection and a passion for sharing what you have learned from your adventures and explorations. Many of you also possess a related gift: helping people make the journey to where enlightening lessons can best occur. You have a knack for opening their minds and clearing the way so they can awaken to new ways of seeing and imagining the world. I hope you will provide both of these blessings in abundance during the coming months. Your ability to inspire and educate will be at a peak.

ing months are ripe for sacred audacity: boldness with a conscience and courage guided by kindness. Imagine you're a Benevolent Initiator, whose superpower is to kindle beginnings without causing disruption and unease. Practice brilliant, incremental nudges and tweaks rather than grand interventions. If you're hesitating to say what needs to be said, deliver a modest version now and a stronger one later. Make gradual momentum your ally. Homework: Identify a future scene you want to generate and take three elegantly simple steps toward it.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): High in the An-

des Mountains, farmers have for centuries made chuño, a freeze-dried potato that can last for years. They leave the potatoes outside overnight to let the freezing temperatures draw out the water. In the daytime, the strong sunlight and dry mountain air evaporate residual moisture. By this process, a perishable food becomes a long-lasting staple. I propose we make the chuño your symbol of power, Pisces. The coming months will be an ideal time to build reserves. I hope you will turn what you have grown and developed into resources that will nourish you well into the future. HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: I dare you to give yourself a pep talk about a daring possibility. {in}

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news of the weird WHEN FANCY GOES TOO FAR A 38-yearold man named Sergei who was taking part in a corporate holiday party at the Igra Stolov "Game of Tables" cooking studio in Moscow was rushed to surgery after drinking a cocktail that ruptured his stomach, Metro UK reported on Dec. 25. The liquid nitrogen-infused drink was part of a "cryoshow" being put on by one of the culinary school's chefs. Liquid nitrogen is used by chefs and mixologists to flash-chill drinks and provide dramatic effects, but because the liquid expands rapidly into a gas when exposed to room temperatures, it's critical that the drinks are not consumed before the nitrogen has had a chance to fully evaporate. Witnesses at the Moscow event claimed they were given no warnings by the chef or staff of the danger the cocktail presented. Sergei underwent surgery and remained in serious condition at the time of the report. [Metro UK, 12/25/2025] LOST & FOUND Residents of Ogmore-by-Sea, Wales, were understandably puzzled when hundreds of small, hobnailed shoes began washing up on the local beach, the BBC reported on Dec. 23. The mystery only grew deeper when expert analysis revealed that the shoes were from the Victorian era. The working theory is that an Italian cargo ship from that time, known to have sunk just off the coast, has finally decayed enough to release some of its valuables to the ocean currents. The small size of the footwear is likely due to the fact that "people had much smaller feet in those days," said local mudlarker Lara Maiklem. (The hobby of mudlarking involves scouring riverbanks for historical artifacts.) [BBC, 12/23/2025] MIXED MESSAGES After denying requests for a number of vanity license plates on the grounds that the requested tags were obscene or inflammatory, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias created a YouTube video in which he read off some of his favorites, including "IBPOOPN," "SNDNUDZ," "BDASMOM" and "ICUP." WBEZ Chicago reported that while Giannoulias and his staff appreciate the creativity of the state's drivers, he advises them to "keep it clean and avoid ending up on the naughty list." [WBEZ, 12/22/2025] IT TAKES A VILLAGE It's not a baby boom, but it's a start: Lara Bussi Trabucco is the first baby to have been born in the tiny rural Italian town of Pagliara dei Marsi in almost 30 years, The Guardian reported on Dec. 26. Lara's arrival bumped the village's population to roughly 20. "Pagliara dei Marsi has been suffering from drastic depopulation, exacerbated by the loss of many elderly people, without any generational turnover," said Mayor Giuseppina Perozzi. Lara's mother, Cinzia Trabucco, 42, lived in Rome for years before moving to her grandfather's hometown for a quieter lifestyle. Birth rates in Italy have been falling for 16 years, reaching a record low in 2024, per the country's statistics agency. Government incentives and Òbaby bonusesÓ can only do so much, leaving parents and communities struggling as nurseries, schools and even maternity wards close down. In

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

this landscape, little Lara has become a symbol of hope—and a tourist attraction, says her mom: "People who didn't even know Pagliara dei Marsi existed have come, only because they had heard about Lara. At just 9 months old, she's famous." [The Guardian, 12/26/2025] ANIMAL ANTICS Ken Johnson has been living with a 550-pound black bear under his home in Altadena, California, since November, reported Fox 12 Oregon on Dec. 22. After weeks of attempting to scare the ursine squatter off with loud noises and fake dog barks, Johnson got a little help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which set up a cage trap near the crawl space and sprayed it with caramel and cherry scents to lure the bear inside. In a classic case of "good news, bad news," the cage was successful, in that it captured a bear, but unsuccessful, in that it was not THE bear, but rather a different bear that had wandered onto Johnson's property. That bear was relocated and released, but Johnson's unwanted guest remains. "I thought this would be over by now," Johnson said. "It's still going on, and there's no sign of him leaving." [KCAL, 12/22/2025] FACE THE MUSIC At least he left an entertaining note. Buzzy Levine, owner of Lark Street Music in New Jersey, enlisted the help of the public by posting surveillance video of a theft that took place in his store on Dec. 22, but it turns out, he needn't have bothered. WABC-7 NY reported on Dec. 29 that the shoplifter, seen in the video stuffing two mandolins (worth about $4,000 apiece) into his parka and exiting the store, returned the instruments four days later, along with a box of chocolates and a handwritten note that read, "SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS You are a good man." "I suspect that a friend of his or his mom said, 'Hey,'" Levine said. Police are looking for the suspect and still plan to press charges. [WABC-7, 12/29/2025] GOOD INTENTIONS Steven Pavlik, 63, of Stuart, Florida, is facing charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest after his stint as a Salvation Army bell-ringer went very much awry on Dec. 23, WFLA reported. Pavlik was stationed in front of a Publix grocery store on Kanner Highway before "Drunk ringing, belligerent tidings and assault took him from bell duty to booking blotter after a full blown charity tirade," the Martin Country Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post recounting the incident. Having become intoxicated during the course of his charitable work, Pavlik began confronting passersby, who informed the Publix store manager; when the manager came outside to discuss the complaints with the inebriated volunteer, Pavlik attempted to impale the manager with the donation kettle tripod, then fled. The manager was uninjured, and Pavlik was arrested at his home. [WFLA, 12/26/2025]

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2026 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com January 8, 2026

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Independent News | January 8, 2026 | inweekly.net