winners losers
K-9 STREETER Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons presented K-9 Streeter with the Medal of Courage Award. ECSO K-9 Streeter bravely jumped over the Highway 90 bridge on June 24 while in pursuit of three homicide suspects. The Sheriff's Medal of Courage is presented to members of the agency for heroic achievement or service in the line of duty. The dog is named in honor of Corporal Eric Streeter, who was killed in the line of duty while investigating a drug case in March 1984 in Pensacola. His family attended the ceremony on July 18.
IMPACT 100 According to a University of West Florida Haas Center report, IMPACT 100 members have contributed $29.8 million to the Escambia and Santa Rosa economies over the past two decades. They hand out more than $1 million annually in direct grants to area nonprofits. The philanthropic group has no paid staff, and all work is accomplished through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer hours. IMPACT 100 has funded more than 160 projects since 2003.
NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
WHEN THE POWER’S
The 14th annual Navy Federal Credit Union 5K Run/Walk/ Roll attracted more than 1,500 participants and helped benefit the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and the Santa Rosa Education Foundation. Navy Federal Credit Union presented two checks totaling $26,000, with $21,000 going to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation and $5,000 to the Santa Rosa Education Foundation.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The nonprofit has finally paid off its unsecured, interestfree loan from the Town of Century. The loan was intended to buy computers and workbooks for YouthFirst Century, an after-school and summer job development program for middle and high school students funded by a grant from the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT). Urban Development Center (UDC) committed to reach 750 youth over a three-year period but only served about 30. ECT canceled the grant and took back the computers. It's unclear where UDC got the funds to repay Century.
MATT GAETZ The 2026 gubernatorial hopeful got into a petty taunting match with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the Republican National Convention (RNC). Gaetz led the coup that ousted McCarty from the speakership. McCarthy's political action committee (PAC) is running Aaron Dimmock against Gaetz with some brutal attacks about Gaetz's relationship with Joel Greenberg, the former Seminole County tax collector who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges. And while we rarely mock someone's looks, Gaetz is also a "Loser" for thinking day-of Botox was a good idea before his appearance on the RNC stage. Or maybe he's a "Winner" because the memes are priceless.
MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME In less than two weeks, the program that reimburses Florida homeowners up to $10,000 to harden their homes has exhausted its new funding for initial inspections— despite the Florida Legislature budgeting $200 million for the popular program that helps lower insurance premiums. The initial inspection application process, the first step in receiving a grant, has been paused. The remaining funds will be utilized for the actual grants and final inspections. Since 2022, the home hardening program has conducted 106,000 home inspections and approved 38,500 grant applications, helping Floridians up to $1,000 on insurance premiums.
MISSED DOCTOR'S VISITS According to newly published U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disability and Health Data System data, 28% Florida adults can't afford to see a doctor when needed. The latest 2022 data ranks Florida among the states with the highest rates of people who skipped medical visits because of high costs. The link between states with missed doctor visits— Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi—is they haven't expanded Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Medicaid expansion expanded Medicaid coverage to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. It provided states with an enhanced federal matching rate for their expansion populations. Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida House rejected the expansion, but a group is trying to get a constitutional amendment for Medicaid expansion on the 2026 ballot.
Matt Gaetz / Photo by Aaron of L.A. Photography / shutterstock.com
Photo Courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff's Office
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
REVISIT INITIAL IDEAS
Nearly four years after the developer got the option to develop part of the Community Maritime Park, Inspired Communities of Florida presented what it wants to build to Pensacola City Council on July 15.
If a lease agreement is improved next month, the company will construct an apartment building with 240 to 280 units and a hotel with 125 to 150 rooms. The buildings would be on top of a threestory parking garage, forcing the project to exceed the city's height restrictions—imagine a Portofino tower overlooking Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The height comes with a trade-off for the developer. Under the Live Local Act, the exemption from the local ordinance will require Inspired to lease 96 to 112 apartment units for workforce housing, which could help alleviate our affordable housing crisis.
Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier questioned whether the apartment tower and hotel fit the original plan for the site.
"I made quite a few calls yesterday to people who have been involved with it throughout the years and trying to figure out if this is the intention," Brahier told me before the council meeting last week. "And it's funny. When this all went down in 2005, it was very important to spur development downtown because we really hadn't grown up in that kind of development phase in Pensacola, but now we're developing everywhere."
She worried about the future of downtown. "This is going to be a legacy for any of us. It will attach to us, and I think about that, and this will be the last of the waterfront. What do we want to leave behind?"
Mayor D.C. Reeves stayed neutral on Inspired's plans, allowing the council to make the final decision after receiving public input.
"I think it's important when we have a monumental project at Maritime Park that we have a community understanding of what it is," the mayor said at his weekly press conference. "Let's hear from the community about what they see here because the information has changed and evolved so much from before."
Today's maritime park differs significantly from the concepts initially proposed to the Pensacola City Council in January 2005 by Quint Studer, the
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late Adm. Jack Fetterman, and former University of West Florida (UWF) President John Cavanaugh. There are dozens of reasons for the changes. Still, even without all the proposed elements being constructed, the increase in downtown property values and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) revenues have far exceeded the UWF Haas Center's estimates in 2005.
In 2005, Fetterman stood before the city council and presented a bold plan for a public park, multi-use stadium, maritime museum and conference center on Pensacola's waterfront. The cost was $70.4 million, with $29.7 million coming from the private sector.
The city would develop the site's infrastructure and build the stadium, conference center, parking garage and marina. Studer pledged $11.2 million, including $2.25 million in cash and $9 million to build an office building and lease the parcel on which it would be built. Fetterman would raise $13.3 million for the maritime museum. Another $5 million would be the commercial and retail spaces built by other private developers.
UWF would operate the conference center and museum, which would house its marine and archaeology programs.
The death of Fetterman, unforeseen state budget constraints and leadership challenges at UWF canned both the museum and downtown UWF campus. However, private investment has more than made up for the losses.
Studer has surpassed his pledge. The Maritime Place building cost $16.5 million. The city leased parcel one to Beck Properties, which invested about $4 million to build One51Main at the western entrance to the maritime park. If Inspired wins approval, the private investment will increase by $150 million. Texas-based Valencia Hotel Group has an option for another parcel to build a 180-unit hotel.
Private investment could total over $300 million, much more than the $29.7 million Studer, Fetterman and Cavanaugh proposed. But what about the maritime museum and UWF downtown campus?
It's time we reconsider those projects for the maritime park. Both had significant support when initially proposed and still have merit. They would add to downtown's vibrancy. {in} rick@inweekly.net
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build apartments and a hotel at Community Maritime Park. The option was extended several times, but the developer who built Southtowne Apartments, Maritime Place, Urban Core Office Building, and The 52 World is now ready to exercise it if the Pensacola City Council approves its plan on Aug. 8.
On Parcel 5, south of the Blue Wahoos Stadium's main entrance, the company, in partnership with Emmitt Smith's EJ Smith Enterprises, will build a high-rise apartment building with 240 to 280 units and a hotel with 125 to 150 rooms. The estimated $150 million investment will be built on top of a three-story parking garage.
The project's height exceeds the zone restrictions, which Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier questioned after her private meeting with Inspired representatives. However, the developer wants to take advantage of the Live Local law passed by the Florida Legislature in 2023.
"They may not have to follow our rules because of Live Local," Brahier said. "They must designate 40% of the apartments as workforce housing, meaning the rents need to be affordable for people who make between 80% to 120% of Pensacola's median income."
Mayor D.C. Reeves wanted the city council to decide on the project because Inspired's option began two years before he took office.
"We wanted to say, 'Hey, let's hear from the community about what they see here,' because the information has changed and evolved so much from before," the mayor said at his July 16 press conference. "I appreciate the Dawson team, owners of Inspired, for coming in and doing that and appreciate the council's feedback."
He added, "I do feel that we're in a very good place lease-wise compared to where we were when I started these negotiations in terms of tax abatements and some other things, and we've worked really, really hard at it."
When asked about the rental rates, Mayor Reeves said, "We need housing of every kind.
lected five new officers to join the team for the 2025 air show season.
"It's always a challenge selecting new officers for the team because we have so many highly qualified applicants," said Cdr. Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. "We are thrilled to introduce the new officers for the 2025 show season and excited to see what each of them bring to our demonstration team in 2025."
Each year, the Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the team's home base, NAS Pensacola, during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
The selected 2025 officers include:
•F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: Maj. Brandon Wilkins, from Beaufort, S.C., is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, Maj. Scott Laux, from Chantilly, Va., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.
•Events Coordinator: Lcdr. Lilly Montana, from Vienna, Va., is currently assigned to VT-86.
programs for a blueprint and establish an advisory council consisting of parents and teachers.
When asked about programs he supports, McAuley pitched the idea of pairing the highestperforming students with at-risk students for a mentoring program. The 2023 Gulf Breeze High School Teacher of the Year said, "We have to do more to help the most disadvantaged students."
A realtor and U.S. Navy veteran, Holzknecht recommended pairing disadvantaged students with surrogates, noting a significant percentage live in households without fathers. He further recommended bringing in community mentors.
Bergosh and McAuley said they favor maintaining the current system in which the school board appoints the superintendent. Holzknecht said he prefers returning to letting voters determine the superintendent. He cited former Superintendent Tim Smith as being "180 degrees out of sync with conservatives of Northwest Florida."
we are in a housing crisis at every turn. We'll take any kind of housing we can get, and that's why Senate Bill 102 (Live Local) exists."
He continued, "The height allowance is not coming from the city. If there's a question about height, they'd have to take that up with the state Senate."
MEET DELVIN VICK Charter Schools USA has hired Delvin Vick as the new principal for Warrington Preparatory Academy. During his 25 years in education, Vick began his career in the classroom and moved through leadership positions, including assistant principal and principal in district-managed and charter schools. He most recently served as principal at Enterprise High School, a charter school in Clearwater.
Vick said he would approach his new job with passion and from an angle that might seem counterintuitive.
"Oftentimes, when you go in a situation where schools are doing poorly, the focus tends to be on discipline, discipline, discipline when the greater number of your kids, if you look at the school as a whole, are probably doing exactly what you asked them to do," Vick said. "I try to focus on what is right and correct what is wrong, and I think at the base, discipline means to teach. When students are struggling, we have to teach them how to behave, create almost a counterculture to what they're dealing with outside of school."
He added, "The natural tendency is to come in and try to have a hard fist, and that just doesn't work over time. You have to create a sense of belief and a sense of worth and celebrate the small wins and incremental growth that you see in students. And overall, they will buy in when they see themselves winning."
To learn more about Warrington Preparatory Academy, visit warringtonprep.org.
NEW BLUE ANGELS The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, se -
•C-130J Demonstration Pilot: Maj. Josh Horman, from Smithville, Mo., is currently assigned to VMGR-252.
•Flight Surgeon: Cmdr. Jen Murr, from Jackson Center, Ohio, is currently assigned to VR-56.
New team members report to the squadron in September for a two-month turnover period. Upon completion of the 2024 show season, the team will embark on a rigorous five-month training program at NAS Pensacola and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
For more news from the Blue Angels, please visit blueangels.navy.mil/.
CANDIDATE FORUM NOTES
The League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum for school board candidates on July 17. The format gave each candidate one minute to answer questions and one minute for opening and closing statements.
Escambia County has two vacant school board positions after Patty Hightower (District 4) and Bill Slayton (District 5) decided not to seek re-election.
District 4 candidates Carissa Bergosh, Richard Holzknecht, Earle McAuley and Brian Ranelli answered questions about recruiting and retaining students, access to literature in school libraries that respect multicultural society, what programs they support to ensure students have equal opportunity to succeed and whether school superintendents should be appointed or elected.
Each candidate stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining teachers. Their recommendations ranged from ensuring students are disciplined appropriately to increasing funding for professional development to offering financial incentives for teachers who earn micro-credentials.
Three candidates touched on access to literature in school libraries and following state statutes. Business executive Ranelli said, "It troubles me that literacy rates in Escambia County are lower than neighboring counties in Northwest Florida." He then recommended the school district turn to successful nonprofit reading
A former teacher and guidance counselor, Bergosh served one year on the Escambia school board after being appointed by then Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
District 5 candidates Thomas Harrell, Joshua Luther and Jim Taylor answered questions on how to improve failing schools, bullying, preparation to be a school board member, how to resolve the issue of banned books and building positive relationships with local legislators.
Taylor incited a few disapproving moans from the crowd with his bullying stance. He said, "When you commit any act against any child, you are no longer a staff member, and you no longer go to school with kids." He recommended that children disciplined for bullying be forced to attend school 4-9 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays.
Harrell answered the bullying question by stating 25% of students in the Escambia school district received referrals this past school year, and the answer to the problem starts with principals. Harrell served as a principal at Escambia Westgate School and R.C. Lipscomb Elementary. He said, "Bullying is one of those things a principal can take care of in an individual school. You have to have a strong, firm hand right up front."
Harrell and Taylor each touted their long careers in education. Taylor spent 44 years in education as a teacher and coach of middle- and high-school sports teams.
Luther does not have teaching experience. He answered each question by recommending the school district put God first in its decision-making process and limit government interference. He said, "Families and churches are not doing their jobs. The problem is not submitting to God's word. It's keeping the government in its lane so you have the resources to help your neighbor."
All three candidates supported strictly enforcing the banning of books, particularly those they said contained pornography.
BETTER TECH Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach
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Airshow ran smoothly with few arrests. He believes his emphasis on technology has helped.
"We had about 16 to 20 extra cameras on Casino Beach and boardwalk parking lots," he said. "I like to think that some of that is a deterrence."
Sheriff Simmons has no plans to bring back the ECSO helicopters. "It's too expensive and just not practical. But there are drones, and we're trying to get a drone on every shift, and now I'm trying to get some new drones per SWAT team."
He also mentioned the Real Time Crime Center, ShotSpotter and the Bearcat. "I'm trying to get all these tools so that the citizens of Escambia County will have everything that we can provide as a service to the community. And we've only just begun."
Sheriff Simmons invited the Pensacola Police Center to have personnel in the Real Time Crime Center.
"This is probably the first time that I can remember in my history of the sheriff's office and police department that we actually have employees with the City of Pensacola embedded in a Real Time Crime Center," the sheriff said. "We have access to the cameras that are all downtown. And say there's an event downtown and they're looking for a certain vehicle, we can put that out throughout the whole county, and they will also have access to every camera that we have access to within the county. I think that it'll help us all. "
PARKING
CHANGES On WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen," Mayor D.C. Reeves explained his decision to end free two-hour parking on most of Palafox Street and increase the fees elsewhere.
"The old parking fee structure we were under before was 50 cents an hour, 30 minutes free, only for certain spaces until 7 o'clock," he said. "It caused two fundamental problems. One is the availability of spaces at night is nonexistent because we don't charge at all. And second, it's not enough revenue to give positive consequences back to the citizens."
The mayor said the previous fee structure for all downtown spaces generated less than what one private lot owner made. "So it begs the question people that don't agree with me that say it should be free. My kind of counter joke to that is, 'Well if you gave me the choice of leaving it the way it was or free, I probably would because we're not able to give the positive consequence of paying for the parking garage that we're going to anticipate that we need.'"
Reeves continued, "And then the second thing I always say is, 'Hey, if you have a choice, would we like to have the 55,000 residents of the City of Pensacola bond a $15-million parking garage, or should we ask the visitors to help?' And I haven't had anyone yet say, 'No. I would like just the residents to pay for it. I haven't had anybody say that. So then I always counter and say, 'Oh, then how would you like us to do that?'"
Charging for downtown parking lets tourists
support downtown's infrastructure. "My other option is just to wait until we need a parking garage and then pull out our pocket liners and say, 'Oh man, I don't know why they left us in a lurch. Why don't the residents pay for this?' And that's not how I want to do it."
Mayor Reeves said, "Even though that might be a smarter political move to do, I don't think that's the right thing to do."
Starting Aug. 1, the two-hour-only parking option will be eliminated. Paid Parking boundaries will be expanded to include Palafox Street from Gregory Street to Main Street, Zaragoza Street from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street, Government Street from Palafox Street to Tarragona Street and Jefferson Street from Government Street to Zaragoza Street.
The hours of paid parking will be standardized downtown. Paid Parking will be in effect 8 a.m.11:59 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Sundays and national holidays remain free.
WHITING COMMAND CHANGE
Capt. Ted Elkins, U.S. Navy, relieved Capt. Paul N. Flores as the 44th commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, in a ceremony onboard the installation on July 12 in front of base personnel and community members.
Under Flores' leadership for the past three years, the installation safely executed roughly 400,000 flight hours and 3.5 million flight evolutions while training nearly 3,700 student naval aviators. All helicopter pilots in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard received their advanced training at Whiting.
During his remarks, Flores said, "This is an incredibly integrated team, and these sailors are going to excel and all of you—the sailors, this great staff, all the personnel and community members—it's been an honor to serve with you, and I will miss you all more than you know."
Capt. Elkins' most recent assignment was in Norfolk, Va., serving as the Director of Force Protection, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. At the ceremony's close, the incoming commanding officer said, "I look forward to working with the entire team here at NAS Whiting Field, so let's get after it."
AIRPORT TIMETABLE
Mayor Reeves toured the Port of Pensacola and the Pensacola International Airport with Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue on July 11.
"What we shared is that we are full steam ahead on airport terminal expansion regardless of where we end up on support, but ma'am, we'd really like some support," Reeves said.
The estimated timetable for the new terminal expansion is that the design phase will take about a year, and the mayor wants to work the bonding simultaneously.
"The bonding is going to be probably a nineto 12-month process as well," Reeves said. "So hopefully, we can coincide the design aspect and get ready to bond all, and then it lands right about the same time. That's what we're hoping so we could just roll right into construction." {in}
BY TOM ST. MYER
Seated in the same row but on the opposite sides of the proverbial aisle, Nate Schweigert and Alicia Pierce attended the West Florida Public Libraries board meeting last month at the Pensacola Library on Spring Street.
Schweigert spoke during the public forum portion about the challenges of growing up gay in a conservative Christian household.
"I would pray every night that I wouldn't be gay, and I'd wake up and cry because God didn't answer my prayers," he said.
Schweigert implored the board to not remove books about being gay from the juvenile section. He said if he grew up reading those books he might not have waited until age 26 to accept his sexual identity.
Pierce attended the meeting to encourage board members to remove "Grandad's Pride" from the juvenile section. Pierce said she has nothing against homosexuality, but she found one particular illustration in it too disturbing for her children. It depicted two men kissing while wearing bondage gear.
"Have you seen the pictures?" Pierce said. "That bondage is a fetish fashion. It leads to adult topics, images that are not appropriate for kids that age in the kids' section. It doesn't need to be removed from the library. It simply needs to be in an adult section where we can review it for the children."
Escambia County Public Information Officer Andie Gibson confirmed "Grandad's Pride" and "Not He or She, I'm Me" were moved from the juvenile section even though the content reading is juvenile. Gibson said the decision was made by Todd Humble, director of library services.
Inweekly requested to interview Humble for
this story, but he declined comment through an email sent by Gibson.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES TARGETED
Escambia County Public Schools' aggressive removal of books from library and classroom shelves has generated national headlines. Some attendees at the June library meeting voiced concerns the removal of books will spill over into the public libraries.
Sarah Brummet attended the meeting and said those pressuring the public libraries to move or remove books are pushing a "bigoted and hateful agenda" and are using a flimsy excuse of protecting children.
"At the time when those books were being banned in classrooms, we were told these books are not being banned, that you can go to your local library and that's where you can access these books," Brummet said. "But what we're talking about today feels like the beginning of the same problem."
She continued, "We see an institution funded with our tax dollars. It's an institution designed to serve our entire community, and that includes our vulnerable LGBTQ+ children, who are already at increased risk for suicide and homelessness. To have this institution bow to these types of bigoted social pressures, which have already infiltrated our classroom libraries, is really alarming."
West Florida Public Libraries has yet to remove books but moving them out of the juvenile section is just as damaging, according to Devin Cole, president of Socialist Trans Initiative, or STRIVE. The only way the children can check out the books is with permission from an accompanying adult.
"If they don't have that supportive network at home, they're not going to have that permission," Cole said. "When they move them to another section, they're taking them out of the hands of children who need those books. They need to understand our own history, which is their history and all our history."
Cole and fellow STRIVE members will attend the July 22* board meeting and voice their concerns. In an Instagram post, STRIVE called for LGBTQ+ advocates to attend the meeting or leave a comment on the library site if they're unable to physically attend.
Angelica Tilton, who helps run a local book club called the Sapphic Book Club, also voiced her concerns when speaking with Inweekly, pointing out that most of the books being moved feature "the experiences of queer and/or POC youth."
"Library administrators believe that the experiences of queer people are inherently inappropriate for kids to learn about, which is just false," Tilton said. "Kids and teens should be able to read about queer people, so that queer youth can know that they're not alone and non-queer youth can grow up to become better community members. I hope that Escambia County residents will work to make the public library an inclusive space for everyone. People can do so by checking out queer books at the library, showing up at board meetings, and filling out the library's online comment form."
"Grandad's Pride" and "Not He or She, I'm Me" are not the only books recently moved from the juvenile section. Last month, County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh contacted Humble about "age-inappropriate" books being in the young adult section of libraries.
Bergosh said a constituent had reached out to him and that Humble moved the books in question. The commissioner said the books discussed masturbation and sex, and that regardless of what some religions preach, masturbation is not a sin and is normal.
Northview High School language arts teacher Vicki Baggett has led the crusade to challenge hundreds of books in school libraries, and she confirmed in an interview with WEAR that she contacted the commissioners about the books, "You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things" and "It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health." "You Know, Sex" has since been moved to the parent/teacher section, while "It's Perfectly Normal" remains in the juvenile section at the Bellview branch.
According to its website, West Florida Public Libraries will consider objections to any library material or resources by current cardholders who complete and submit the online form. The website further states that items and resources in question will be reviewed, but "there is no guarantee that the reconsideration will result in a change of the materials' placement in the collection." Humble is ultimately responsible for that decision. Bergosh said he is pro-freedom of speech, and this was simply a case of a few books being in the wrong section.
"If you go down the slippery slope of pulling every book that offends every person, you'll have empty shelves," he said. "You've gotten to the point where Dr. Seuss' books are being hyper-scrutinized."
West Florida Public Libraries will consider removing books based on the following criteria: fac-
tually inaccurate, damaged or worn, superseded by a new edition or material with better coverage of the subject, no longer of discernable library or scientific merit, irrelevant to the community and found expeditiously through another resource.
Bergosh said public libraries will never remove books at the same precipitous clip as the school district. His reasoning is that public libraries have safer measures in place. Public libraries require any child younger than age 12 be accompanied by an adult so they are under closer supervision than at school.
SCHOOLS SLOWLY RETURNING BOOKS
The school district has almost 1,000 books currently under review or challenged. Superintendent Keith Leonard said challenged books remain on the shelves until deemed worthy of review. He said the school district typically pulls books that include "obscene, pornographic and sexual conduct."
"There's a five-day timeframe to pull from bookshelves until a decision is made," Leonard said. "That's what the statute tells us, not what we dreamt up."
The school district began pulling books in response to House Bill 1069. The bill took effect July 1, 2023, and restricts books that include sexual content from grades deemed unsuitable. The bill further prohibits the use of pronouns that do not correspond to an individual's sex assigned at birth, bars classroom teaching on sexual orientation or gender identity through eighth grade and requires Department of Education approval for all reproductive health materials.
Most books pulled in the school district have been at the high school level and include popular authors such as John Grisham and Stephen King. The books with the most copies pulled include Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Angelou's book is a coming-of-age story about how she overcame racism.
Media specialists have reviewed and returned about 200 books to the classrooms and libraries.
One book not listed under review or returned is "And Tango Makes Three." The co-authors of the book and a student identified as B.G. filed a lawsuit challenging decisions by the school board to remove or restrict access to hundreds of library books.
The lawsuit was initially filed against Lake County school officials and the State Board of Education and later expanded to include Escambia County school officials. The lawsuit contends that the book was targeted for "illegitimate, narrowly partisan, political reasons," as it depicts same-sex parents raising a child. In January, a federal judge rejected a bid by the state government to dismiss the lawsuit.
"And Tango Makes Three" tells the story of two male penguins who raised a penguin chick at New York's Central Park Zoo.
"It's a true story," said Linda Williams, president of the Friends of West Florida Public Libraries. "It's crazy that they're objecting to a true story and making it into a homosexual activity. That's a stretch to go from two animals hanging out together to they're gay."
Williams said Friends of West Florida Public Libraries is inundated with thousands of children's books. Some teachers have dropped off literally every book in their classrooms. She said the teachers are afraid of losing their jobs if the wrong book is found in their possession.
Leonard said that is news to him. His daughter teaches at Molino Park Elementary. He said the school reviewed its classroom library collection and found no issues.
Still, Williams is concerned about the future of books across the county. She said the same group that challenged hundreds of books in the school district has shifted its focus to the public libraries.
One common response from those in favor of restricting books that include sexual content is that the parents should be the ones talking to children about such sensitive topics. But Williams said a significant number of parents consider the topic taboo and that leaves the children unprepared for adolescence.
"Unfortunately, today's kids are maturing way faster than they used to," she said. "Girls are starting their periods far earlier than in the past. They need to be aware of what can happen after that event. Here are these young kids running around not knowing what's going on with their bodies."
Williams continued, "A library is supposed to be a safe place for everyone to go and feel accepted. I feel it's important that there are books that meet everyone's needs." {in}
*Editor's note: Inweekly will post the results of the meeting, which happened after our print deadline, on ricksblog.biz.
BOOK LIST
Titles that have recently been moved out of the juvenile section at West Florida Public Libraries
"Grandad's Pride"
Author: Harry Woodgate
Summary: After a grandson discovers a pride flag in his grandad's attic, they start a pride parade in their small town, which gathers to help "build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves."
Intended audience age: 3-6
Moved from/to: Juvenile to Adult Non-Fiction
Available at: Molino Branch, Pensacola Library, Southwest Branch, Tryon Branch, Westside Branch
"Not He or She, I'm Me"
Author: A.M. Wild
Summary: The non-binary experience is illustrated through a typical day of the main character. The story reminds readers of gender neutral pronouns and affirms the identities of non-binary children.
Intended audience age: 3-6
Moved from/to: Juvenile to Parent/Teacher Available at: Pensacola Library
"You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things"
Authors: Cory Silverberg, Fiona Smyth
Summary: Grounds sex education in social justice, covering not only the big three of puberty—hormones, reproduction and development—but also power, pleasure and how to be a decent human being.
Intended audience: 10+
Moved from/to: Young Adult to Parent/Teacher
Available at: Pensacola Library, Westside Branch
Arts & Entertainment
From Art to Intuition with Kee Horton
By Dakota Parks
Keosha "Kee" Horton is on a mission to heal people. From the fast-paced chaos of hospital corridors to the tranquil space of an art studio, Horton has mastered the art of using creativity to heal—both herself and others.
"My journey into becoming an intuitive healer and artist is an integral part of my existence and makes me who I am," Horton said. "If I am not being true to myself and what my soul needs, then I struggle to produce meaningful work. The joy of centering my process around meditation and the development of my intuition has allowed me to build a bridge straight from my heart to the canvas."
Born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., and now residing in Pensacola, Horton is an intuitive artist, Reiki Master, cancer survivor and a non-
clinical therapeutic art facilitator. Although she has been creating art since childhood and pursued a degree in fine arts, it was during the peak of the pandemic, while working in healthcare, that she uncovered the therapeutic potential of art.
"Art and spirituality help me balance the stress from working in healthcare by being fully present," she explained. "I work as a phlebotomist, and I also spend my free time volunteering in hospitals and hospice care. I understand that mental health impacts our lives in many ways, and it's very important to find ways to manage our mental health."
Horton uses meditation, relaxation techniques, journaling and art exercises on a daily basis to process her thoughts and emotions,
manage mental health, relieve stress and learn new coping skills. Inspired by her personal journey and a desire to uplift her community, Horton launched her business, Her Intuitions, which offers one-on-one Reiki and therapeutic art sessions.
To Horton, therapeutic art is more than just creating—it's a process that integrates artistic expression with emotional and spiritual growth, offering a flexible approach tailored to
"My love for people in my community inspired me to launch my business. Therapeutic art helps people on a social, emotional and spiritual level to improve their well-being," Horton said. "It's not a clinical psychotherapy service. It's an application of art and creative processes that is unique compared to other forms of art therapy because it can be used in workshops, one-on-one, retreats, teaching, community
Central to Horton's healing methodology is Reiki, a practice she discovered in 2021 and has since mastered as a certified Usui Reiki Master. "Reiki helps me stay balanced and grounded," she explained. "It assists with stress and anxiety relief, as well as removing stagnant energy and blockages, both mentally and physically. I study, practice and teach Reiki and continue to layer new modalities including incorporating art into my Reiki practice."
Horton continues to explore and expand her craft through new art mediums, attending workshops, taking art classes and seamlessly combining spiritual practices with her art. She creates cathartic and colorful pieces infused with healing intentions, aimed at releasing trauma and fostering personal growth for herself and her clients.
"Reiki-infused art is led by making a series of healing paintings with intentions, including the release of trauma, clearing karmic debris and the calling of light. I create pieces for myself and others to hang in healing rooms as medita -
tion pieces to help my clients on their healing journey," Horton said.
Through Her Intuitions, Horton addresses a wide range of client concerns, including self-love, self-expression, stress management, mindfulness, grief, spirituality and coping with illnesses like cancer. "My services help clients find clarity, develop self-care practices and overcome creative blocks," she explained. Each session is a personalized journey, combining therapeutic art techniques with spiritual practices to promote holistic well-being.
"Art and spirituality help me balance the stress from working in healthcare by being fully present."
Keosha "Kee" Horton
As a Black queer artist, Horton's background and experiences not only influence her art, but also serve as means to foster dialogue around community and social issues.
"My experiences as a Black queer person shape my approach to art and healing," she shared. "I reference my personal trauma, activism and vulnerability to create connections through the lens of creative expression. I use my art as platform to create a safe space to talk about mental health, hardships and the essence of self through paintings, digital art and pottery."
In her therapeutic art sessions, Horton creates a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can explore and heal through creative expression. "In your first session, we discuss your goals and how we can incorporate art to meet them. I currently offer my services to clients over the phone, via Zoom through 'Distance Reiki' and in-person in Pensacola," Horton explained.
In addition to house calls, Horton provides her services to patients at hospitals and hospice care. Looking ahead, Horton aims to expand Her Intuitions to reach more individuals seeking healing and personal growth through art and spirituality.
"I see art as a medium for healing and transformation that can harness power within each of us and help bring us into community with one another," she said. "Art offers more ways of healing and more ways of speaking your truth than traditional methods." {in}
You can learn more about Her Intuitions by following @her.intuitions on Instagram or visiting her-intuitions.square.site.
Keosha "Kee" Horton / Courtesy Photo
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
PUPS OF PENSACOLA CALENDAR CONTEST WolfGang Pensacola, LLC, in partnership with Hoff House Pet Photography, returns with the 2025 Pups of Pensacola Calendar Contest. Proceeds, after costs & fees, from the photo contest and calendar sales will assist with continuing their efforts to provide resources for area animals in need. Submit your favorite photo of your pets starting Aug. 3 and ask your family and friends to vote for them (and you can vote for your cutie, too). Each entry is a $15 fee, and each vote is $1 with proceeds, after costs & fees, going to the fourth annual Pawdi-gras benefactor, the Escambia County Department of Animals Welfare. Details are available at gogophotocontest. com/wolfgangpensacola.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. 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 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and 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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PARTY IN THE PARK The City of Pensacola and Upward Intuition hosts Party in the Park to promote the city's equity plan July 26 and 27. At 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 26 there will be a slow ride and game of SKATE at the Blake Doyle Skatepark. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27, is the Bash Under the Freeway at the Cecil T. Hunter Pool, where the first 50 people can complete the equitable development values survey to get a free food and access to the pool. Details are at facebook.com/cityofpensacola.
O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB SCHOOL SUPPLY
DRIVE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., will join a school supply drive now through Aug. 5 partnering with Baybridge Chiropractic Clinic. A supply drive box will be near the entrance of the bar during all operating hours. Requested items include pencils, backpacks, notebooks, binders, crayons, glue sticks, scissors and individuallysealed snacks, among others. An extended list of requested items can be found at facebook. com/baybridgechiropractic.
FREE Z TUESDAYS WITH ZARZAUR LAW
Stop by the corner of Palafox and Romana streets for free snow cones by Sneaky Tiki Shaved Ice courtesy of Zarzaur Law, P.A. 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays through July 31. One Free Z per person, no refills.
CALL TO ARTISTS
2024 POP SHOW & EXHIBIT The Wide Angle
Photo Club has opened registration for the 2024 Power of Photography show in November. All amateur and professional photographers are welcome to participate and compete for cash prizes and sponsor merchandise. Photographers may enter unlimited photos online. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 18. The late entry is through Aug. 18 with a fee of $15. For details, visit wideanglephotoclub.org/contest.
ARTS & CULTURE
BRAVI! KICK-OFF PARTY Join Pensacola Opera for wine and hors d'oeuvres to learn more about supporting the local opera house 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at The Opera Cen -
ter, 75 S. Tarragona St. Tickets at facebook.com/ pensacolaopera.
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART SCREENINGS
Watch "The Boy and the Heron" 1 p.m. Friday, July 26 and "Thelma" 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Pensacola Cinema Art, 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10 cash donation at the door. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for details.
THE RIVER BRIDE A play based on the famous Brazilian folktale about the Amazon River dolphins. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 at The Gordon, 306 DeVilliers St. Details are at penarts.org.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY MARKETPLACE Get holiday shopping done early with Women's Club of Pensacola. Marketplace is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 27 and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at 1551 E. Heinburg St.
DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS MUSICAL
Pensacola Little Theatre Treehouse Production is 7:30 p.m. Fridays July 26 and Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 27 and Aug. 3, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, July 28 and Aug. 4. A 7:30 p.m. performance is Thursdays, July 25 and Aug. 1—when tickets are half price. A sensory-friendly performance is 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Tickets are $15-$20 with discounts for seniors, military and students. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
FRIENDS OF THE WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER BOOK SALE The Friends' HOT Summer Book Sale is July 26-28., This year, for every 10 items (books, DVDs, audiobooks and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item for free. This includes all books, (paperback, hard back, kids' books, etc.) except those in the Collector's Corner. The books in Collector's Corner are always individually priced. Times are 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 26 with $5 admission for nonmembers and free to members; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 with $5 admission for nonmembers, and free to members; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 28 with free admission for all. Fill a bag for $7. Sale is at the West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St.
THE GREATEST SHOWCASE Hosted by Sasha Farber of "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," this fundraiser for Children's Home Society will feature locals performing ballroom dance numbers. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $34-$54 and available on ticketmaster.com.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE PRESENTS: CHEESE FOR THE TABLE Show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar319.com.
SAENGER SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: 'ERIN BROCKOVICH' Watch the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich" 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $5 and available at the Saenger Box Office. Details are at pensacolasaenger.com.
MEND IN PUBLIC A day of crafting and community building with Backstitch Outreach 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $35 and available at facebook. com/oddcolony.
WEST FLORIDA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING Join the West Florida Genealogical Society for a brief meeting followed by program, "Using Kindle Direct Publishing to Produce a Family History Book," 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 3 at the Downtown Pensacola Library, 239 Spring St. Meeting Room B. Event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, visit wfgs.org or email info@wfgs.org.
CELEBRATING 70: A HISTORY OF
COLLECTING A new Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit runs through Sept. 29 featuring highlights of PMA's permanent collection at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are available at pensacolamuseum.org.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY Try your hand at stand-up comedy, or watch others Tuesdays from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
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. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
The floor is open for standups 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street 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
Photo Courtesy of Bike Pensacola
a&e happenings
Ave. Doors open at 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 held 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 actual 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.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.
FITNESS + RECREATION
BLUE WAHOOS GAMES Take in a baseball game at the Blue Wahoos stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. For single, group or VIP tickets, visit bluewahoos.com. Upcoming home games:
•6:05 p.m. Thursday, July 25
•6:05 p.m. Friday, July 26
•6:05 p.m. Saturday, July 27
•4:05 p.m. Sunday, July 28
OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On July 27, the locations are Morgan Park and Dr. Phillip A. Payne Bridge. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.
BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE The next slow ride is 6 p.m. Friday, July 26 as part of the Party in the Park event. Ride leaves from Blake Doyle Skatepark, 501 N. Hayne St. Details are at facebook.com/bikepensacola.
BLUFFLINE PHASE 1 OPEN HOUSE Bluffline will hold a community open house to present design concepts and gather feedback 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 at Lexington Terrace Park. Details are at facebook.com/bluffline.
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the yoga class. Register for the class at diskolemonade.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 Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
FREE YOGA IN THE PARK WITH BREATHE
YOGA Enjoy a free, one-hour outdoor yoga class with Breathe Yoga 9:30-10:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the month at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. The next date is Aug. 4.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasting 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. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.
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 at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun
6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.
YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner
Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings
Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements
Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing
Child Support • Child Support Modifications
Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce
Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation
Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky 127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115
WINNER BEST LATE NIGHT EATS
Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar for Games Best Bar Food, Best Hot Dog and Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner
a&e happenings
Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.
FOOD + DRINKS
1920S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Dinner theater is 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $65 each and available on Eventbrite.
THE DINNER DETECTIVE COMEDY MYSTERY DINNER SHOW Event is 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 S. Palafox St. Tickets start at $61.99 at thedinnerdetective.com.
SUMMER BEER OLYMPICS Event is July 26-Aug. 11. Visit Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St., during the Olympics. Get a Beer Olympics Loyalty Card and get a free T-shirt when you purchase all 10 beers during the Olympics. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
KITCHEN WITCH SCAVENGER HUNT
Visit Garden & Grain, 50 E. Garden St., for a scavenger hunt July 26-28 and be eligible for a grand prize. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
COASTAL COUNTY BREWING SUMMER
LUAU PARTY Drink specials, games, pig roast and activities for all ages. Event is 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Coastal County Brewing,
3041 E. Olive Road. Details are at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS Ology Brewing will host classes 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at Atlas, 600 Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person and includes beverage tasting paired with appetizers. Reservations are required. Make yours by calling (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com.
GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15, which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.
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. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.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.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs
and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.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.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m. to midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
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. 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 on the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are ac-
cepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays, at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit
Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. 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.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and SIN specials from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.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.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF JULY 25
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries singersongwriter Lady Gaga has written many songs, both for herself and other artists. She has famously declared some of her most successful songs took her just 10 minutes to compose. They include "Just Dance," "Poker Face" and "Born This Way." According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, you could be rising to Lady Gaga levels of creativity in your own sphere during the coming weeks. And I won't be surprised if your imaginative innovations flow with expeditious clarity, like Gaga at her most efficient.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): During the winter, some animals hibernate. They enter a state of dormancy, slowing their metabolism, breathing and heart rate. Other animals enter a similar state during the summer, conserving energy when the weather is hot and dry. It's called estivation. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, many of you Tauruses would benefit from a modified version of estivation in the next couple of weeks. You're in prime time to recharge your energy through deep relaxation and rest.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The English word "amphibian" is derived from the Greek term "amphibios," which means "living a double life." The original meaning of the English word was "combining two qualities; having two modes of life," though eventually it came to be used primarily to describe animals that function well on both land and in water. You Geminis are of course the most amphibious of all the astrological tribes. You can feel at home in a variety of situations. This may sometimes stir up confusion, but I see it as one of your greatest potential strengths. In the coming weeks, I hope you enjoy it to the maximum. It should serve you well. Wield it to take advantage of the sweet perks of versatility.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I dreamed that a young elephant appeared on the back deck of my house and stuck its trunk through the open sliding glass door. I got up from my chair and gently pushed the animal away, then closed the door. But after I woke up, I was sorry I had done that in my dream. What was I afraid of? The elephant posed no danger—and may have been a good
By Rob Brezsny
omen. In some cultures, elephants in dreams and visions are symbols of good luck, vitality, long life and the removal of obstacles. So here's what I did: I dropped into a deep meditative state and reimagined the dream. This time, I welcomed the creature into my home. I gave her the name Beatrice. We wrestled playfully and had fun playing with a red rubber ball. Amazingly, later that day, a certain obstacle in my actual waking life magically disappeared. The moral of the story, my fellow Cancerian: Welcome the elephant.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Two Scottish veterinarians researched the health of rhesus monkeys compelled by human handlers to dance on the streets of Islamabad, Pakistan. When I first learned about this, my response was, "Wow! Don't those doctors have anything better to do? That is the most obscure research I have ever heard of." But later, I decided I admired the doctors because they were motivated primarily by compassion. They found the monkeys were under severe stress, and they publicized the fact as a public service. Their work will ultimately lead to better treatment of the monkeys. In accordance with astrological omens, Libra, I advise you to seek out comparable ways to express altruism in the coming weeks. By engaging in noble and idealistic acts, you will attract good fortune into your sphere both for yourself and others.
state of renewal. In the coming weeks, I expect your rate of regeneration to be even higher than usual—not only in regard to your skin, but everything else in your life, as well. Here's a proviso: Renewal and regeneration are always preceded by withering or dwindling. To enjoy the thrill of revitalization, you must allow the loss of what was once vital but is no longer.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Some bamboo species grow very quickly—as much as 36 inches a day. I suspect your capacity to burgeon and blossom will display a similar vigor in the coming weeks. You may be surprised at how dramatic your development is. I'm hoping, of course, you will be acutely focused on channeling your fertility in positive ways. Don't feed an urge to recklessly gamble, for instance. Don't pursue connections with influences that are no damn good for you. Instead, decide right now what areas of your life you want to be the beneficiaries of your growth spurt. Choose the beauty and power you will encourage to ripen.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): For months, we heard and saw crows pecking on the roof of our rental house. Why? Were they grubbing for food? It was mildly annoying, but seemingly no big deal. Then one night, their small, regular acts of mayhem climaxed in an unexpected event. Rain began to fall around 8 p.m. It was constant, though not heavy. At 9 p.m., the ceilings in five rooms began to leak. By 10:30 p.m., our house was flooded. We managed to rescue most of our precious items, but the house was damaged. We had to find a new place to live. I don't expect anything nearly this drastic to befall you, dear Virgo. But I do encourage you to check to see if any small problem is gradually growing bigger. Now is a favorable time to intervene and forestall an unfavorable development.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Do you place any limits on how deep and expansive you allow your yearnings to be? Are you ever worried that maybe you desire too much and are at risk of asking for too much? If you answered "yes" to those questions, Scorpio, I will give you a temporary license to rebel against your wariness. In accordance with astrological rhythms, I authorize you to experiment with feeling the biggest, strongest, wildest longings you have ever felt. Please note I am not advising you to immediately go out and actually express those longings to the hilt. For now, I'd like you to simply have the experience of entertaining their full intensity. This will be a healing experience.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): You will never guess the identity of the strongest animal on the planet. It's not the gorilla, tiger or elephant. It's the dung beetle, which can lug loads that weigh 1,141 times as much as it does. The equivalent for you would be to pull six double-decker buses crammed with people. I'm happy to inform you that although you won't be able to accomplish that feat in the coming weeks, your emotional and spiritual strength will be formidable. You may be surprised at how robust and mighty you are. What do you plan to do with all that power?
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): By age 35, you have already shed more than 50 pounds of skin. The flesh that covers you is in a constant
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Among people who go hiking a lot, "death march" is a term that refers to a long trudge through boring scenery in bad weather. Let's use this as a metaphor for your life. I believe you have recently finished your own metaphorical version of a "death march." Any minute now, you will begin a far more enjoyable series of experiences. Get ready for an entertaining meander through interesting terrains in fine weather. Be alert for unpredictable encounters with inspiration and education.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Alex Larenty gives massages to lions at the Lion Park near Johannesburg, South Africa. They especially love foot rubs. Even Jamu, king of the local beasts, rolls onto his back so Larenty can get a good angle while caressing and kneading his paws. I bring this to your attention, Pisces, because it's a good metaphor for the unique power you will have in the coming days: a knack for dealing successfully with wild influences and elemental powers through the magic of kindness, affection and service.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What goal would you and your best ally love to pursue together? {in}
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news of the weird
SAW THAT COMING Dustin Ebey, 35, a middle school math teacher from north Texas, has thrown his hat in the ring in a big way: He changed his legal name to Literally Anybody Else and is running a write-in campaign for president of the United States in Texas (where he didn't get enough signatures to get on the ballot) and Tennessee (where he did get enough). ABC13-TV reported that Else has revealed his running mate, Neal David Sutz, a New Yorker who is currently living in Switzerland. Else said Americans deserve better than the divisive, partisan electoral system we currently have. "This name gives everybody something to point to, to channel, that being to one movement, to one message that could hopefully have a meaningful impact," Else said.
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A HOBBY The force is definitely with these folks in Mexico City—students of the Jedi Knight Academy, who meet in a park four nights a week to practice their lightsaber dueling skills, the Associated Press reported on June 21. "When students arrive, some of them drop the saber," said instructor Ulises Vazquez, who's known as the Jedi master. He said they go on to become "excellent athletes and excellent lightsaber fighters and fencers." The sessions, which last three hours, are based on Jedi and Sith teachings. Vazquez and his best friend, Gabriel Mendoza, opened the academy in 2019, at which point lightsaber dueling had already been recognized by the French Fencing Federation as an official competitive sport.
WALGREENS: THE LOST HOURS When police in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, were called to a Walgreens store around 3 a.m. on July 15, they could see a man inside helping himself to a pack of Newport cigarettes, WESH-TV reported. They talked Christopher Morgan through unlocking the front door and asked him if there was anyone else in the building; in apparent confusion, he replied that he didn't know. "I came in here to use the bathroom," he explained—but that was more than five hours before, around 9:40 p.m., when security footage showed him entering the restroom. He didn't come out until 2:42 a.m. When police asked him what time he thought it was, he said, "Probably 11 o'clock." While locked in the store alone, Morgan feasted on junk food: Tostitos spinach dip, chips, Reese's and Ghirardelli chocolate and Dr Pepper. Morgan resisted arrest and spit on an officer; he was charged with burglary and larceny-petit theft.
THE ARISTOCRATS During a visit to the Channel Islands on July 16, King Charles III took some time to bestow a special honor, the Associated Press reported. A rare golden goat breed found on the island of Guernsey will now have the title of Royal Golden Guernsey Goat, which will apply to the breed anywhere in the world. "Hopefully this will raise awareness for the breed," said Rebecca Martin, the owner of a specimen the king met. The king reportedly favored the goat with a compliment about its pale blond coat.
GREAT ART? At the "subversive" Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, three paintings displayed in the women's restroom, and billed as works by
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
Pablo Picasso, have been revealed to have been created by another artist: museum curator Kirsha Kaechele. The Associated Press reported on July 12 that the paintings had hung in the women-only "gallery" for three years. "I imagined that a Picasso scholar, or maybe just a Picasso fan, or maybe just someone who googles things, would visit the Ladies Lounge and ... expose me on social media," Kaechele said—especially because she accidentally hung one of the works upside-down. The Ladies Lounge originally offered high tea, massages and champagne served by male butlers. The idea, Kaechele said, was for men "to feel as excluded as possible." But when the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ordered the museum to allow men in, Kaechele installed a working toilet in the space and called it a restroom. When The Guardian asked Kaechele about the authenticity of the Picassos, she confessed that she had painted them.
BRIGHT IDEA A 33-year-old man named Jing, from the Hubei province in China, has put technology to work for him, the South China Morning Post reported on July 13. When he suspected that his wife, Wu, was having an affair with a co-worker, Jing used a drone to follow her. Jing said his wife became "cold" to him last year; she also changed her position at work and "visited her parents" more often. The surveillance revealed that Wu went to a remote area, where she walked hand-in-hand with a man and disappeared for about 20 minutes into a dilapidated mud house. "Her other man is her boss," Jing said. He plans to use the footage in a divorce case.
AWESOME! At a zoo in Liaoning province in China, a pair of penguins tied the knot in early July with all the traditional trimmings—and they already had the suits! The South China Morning Post reported that the event was held in the birds' pavilion, with the standard red "double happiness" character, eight banquet tables filled with fish and shrimp, and dozens of penguin guests. The breeder gushed that he had watched the couple "getting to know each other, falling in love and then walking down the aisle together."
HANGER PAINS As Sam's Club workers in Atlanta prepared to close the store on July 10, a family of three women arrived two minutes before closing time, hoping to order two whole pizzas, WSB-TV reported. Workers told the women it was too late and tried to summon a manager, but before they could, Andreana McKnight, the mother, moved into the kitchen and punched Cierra Monroe in the face. The daughters also came into the kitchen, joining the fight; other customers tried to break things up. Monroe said the blow to her face left her with a scar and she would like more security in the store. "I just feel like we need to have security from the moment we open to the moment we close, every day, seven days a week," she said. {in}
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2024 Andrews McMeel
