Inweekly July 27 2023 Issue

CHILL OUT Part 2

T HINGS TO EAT & DRINK TO HELP Y OU BEAT T HE HEAT

winners &

winners losers

JAMES M. COX FOUNDATION The charitable arm of Cox Enterprises awarded a $500,000 grant to fund CareView®, a predictive patient monitoring system at the new Baptist Hospital campus and Behavioral Health Unit. CareView is a virtual monitoring system designed to help healthcare providers with patient safety by reducing falls, reducing self-harm and increasing patient safety. Its patented technology can help predict inpatient falls, alert staff to at-risk patients and further a culture of patient safety. The patient monitoring solution uses infrared technology and 24-hour monitoring for patients perceived to be at risk for suicide or self-harm. The Cox grant will include the installation of 20 observation cameras at Baptist Hospital and 72 cameras installed for observation at the Behavioral Health Unit. All cameras will be strategically located and adjusted to units where there is the greatest risk to patient safety.

ED MEADOWS The president of Pensacola State College (PSC) has been elected to serve as chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents (COP). He is a past COP chair and returns to the role as Pasco-Hernando State College President Dr. Timothy Beard prepares for retirement. Dr. Meadows is PSC's sixth president and has held the position since 2008. The Florida College System Council of Presidents is the collective body on issues and matters of concern to Florida's public college system and provides information on issues, as it deems appropriate, to the executive and legislative branches.

KRISTIN HUAL During last month's Florida Association of County Attorneys (FACA) conference, Deputy County Attorney Kristin Hual received the Writing Award from the FACA Board of Directors. The Writing Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to FACA and its program through his or her leadership and dedication. Escambia County Attorney Alison Rogers praised Hual. She said in a written statement, "Kristin has worked very hard to serve not just the Escambia County Attorney's Office, but also our colleagues across the state. It is a very well-deserved honor."

MILTON CONSPIRACIES Scott Collins backed out of the city manager job for the City of Milton after County Commissioner James Calkins, Councilman Jeff Snow and others injected themselves into the contract negotiations and insisted City Attorney Alex Andrade was intentionally sabotaging the negotiations. Andrade has shared his emails and text messages. There was no conspiracy on his part, but others appeared to have been desperate to manufacture one.

LUIS GOMEZ, JR . NorthEscambia.com reports that the Century Town Council president will ignore Florida's Sunshine Law and no longer bother to check and see if a meeting has been legally noticed under Florida's Sunshine Law. Gomez said, "I think everyone in Century knows what time when we have the meeting."

HOUSE DISTRICT 35 Gov. Ron DeSantis has scheduled a special election in House District 35 for Jan. 16, the day after the Iowa GOP caucus and a week after the start of the Florida Legislature's 2024 session. The seat became open last month when Rep. Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, was appointed president of South Florida State College. Whoever wins House District 35 will be playing catch-up the entire session. However, the governor is in no hurry to fill the seat, because he doesn't want to deal with the fallout of a Democrat winning and having to explain it to Iowa Republicans.

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA Amid heavy turnover, New College of Florida, the school Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to make into a bastion of conservative values, is struggling to fill a third of its faculty positions ahead of the fall semester. New College has secured signed offer letters for 15 incoming visiting faculty members as it looks to address what Provost Brad Thiessen called a "ridiculously high" level of turnover compared to previous years. Six faculty members have retired, six have resigned and six took leave without pay. Another 16 faculty members will be out for reasons such as being assigned research leave or on family leave. Also, two visiting professor positions are open.

Photo Courtesy of Baptist Health

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

DESANTIS APOCALYPSE

Gov. Ron DeSantis has found out that running for president out of the Florida anti-woke bubble isn't easy, even when your campaign and political action committee has raised millions of dollars.

In Florida, the governor has a compliant legislature that takes his alt-right political ideas, adopts his slogans and makes his proposed laws even crazier. If DeSantis reaches too far and breaks the law, the lawmakers change the law. If he wants to run for president without resigning from office, it's done. If a county commission, school board or city council doesn't step in line, the legislature sets it up so the governor can remove them from office.

However, DeSantis hasn't found the campaign trail outside the Sunshine State nearly as worshiping. Many voters don't have his woke obsession and aren't enthused about his legislative achievements. His claim of being the winner that the Republican Party needs is brushed aside when voters see he barely won his first term and defeated a has-been former Republican in 2022.

Thus, the governor is a distant second in most polls of likely GOP primary voters.

Republicans aren't as fixated on the LBGTQ+ community and the COVID pandemic as he is. While DeSantis tries to use Covid policies and vaccine mandates to gain an edge on former President Trump, people have moved past the pandemic.

Rolling Stone reports that Republican operatives and pollsters shared their surveys showing that Covid-related issues do not rank in the top 10 of concerns among voters. They say there is some lingering frustration over mandates and closures, but the voters have more significant issues.

When you take out Covid, "a winner" and attacks against the gay and trans communities, what does Gov. DeSantis have left to campaign on? Border security? Fortunately, the governor's immigration message isn't much different from Trump's or any of the presidential hopefuls.

His awkward personality adds to his ineffective messaging and lack of a positive vision for the nation. DeSantis has attracted megadonors,

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES

but he is wooden on the one-on-one aspect of retail campaigning. He reminds me of Jeb Bush, whom many saw as the frontrunner in 2016 but was low energy on the campaign trail. Like DeSantis, he spent millions on his campaign but failed to move up in the polls.

We are left with a governor who has put his political career ahead of the needs of Floridians and chosen to work only with his base while ignoring what the majority of the state wants and needs.

Ryan Wiggins of The Lincoln Project summed up DeSantis' problems well.

"He has spent too much time fighting culture wars this past legislative session and the past couple of years and trying to find space in the political right of Trump and not enough doing things for actual Floridians that matter," she said on my WCOA morning show.

And his Florida anti-woke principles aren't playing as well as he wanted as his laws and policies are being initiated. His Florida State Guard has been transformed from a group to help with emergencies to the governor's private army. DeSantis can't find experienced leaders to serve as the director, recruits have complained about the training, and military veterans say the organization lacks structure and a clear mission.

Public education has become a mess. The book banning has disrupted all 67 of the state's school districts without improving reading scores. New laws about mentioning gender and race and accusations that teachers are indoctrinating and grooming children have led to a record number of teaching vacancies statewide.

Meanwhile, property insurance has become prohibitive. None of the new laws have curbed the rise in premiums. Farmers Insurance and AAA have announced that they are leaving the state. DeSantis has said we will be fine if the state isn't hit by a hurricane.

I worry about what the governor will push through during the 2024 Legislative Session to try to revive his campaign, but with some luck, the DeSantis Apocalypse will end in 2024 if we survive until then. {in} rick@inweekly.net

DeSantis has said we will be fine if the state isn't hit by a hurricane.

JONES STRIKES BACK

I bumped back into Josh, and I said, 'If I were ever to make a movie about my life, I think I'd want to do it with you because you knew me before all of this, before I was this famous person, this whistleblower.' And so, after kicking it around for a few months, we started working on it."

The friends reconnected after the COVID outbreak. Fox brought Jones on as a COVID expert for his show "Staying Home with Josh Fox," which aired on TYT, an online news platform. Fox used his show to advocate for the U.S. to follow the lead of Australia and New Zealand and pay its citizens to stay home and avoid exposure to COVID. He remains outspoken in his criticism of how DeSantis, Donald Trump and other conservatives pushed to reopen during the early stages of the pandemic.

By Rick Outzen

Rebekah Jones refuses to go away quietly. The scientist and former congressional candidate has teamed up with an Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker to tell her complicated story in a documentary titled, "Rebekah Jones: Whistleblower."

Filmmaker Josh Fox originally planned to film for two months on a budget of about $2 million. Instead, he spent nearly three years capturing Jones' turbulent life on film and has launched a Kickstarter campaign to finish the documentary. Final touches include editing, purchasing sound rights and color correcting.

"It's weird to have cameras in your face all the time, but I've embraced this fact that, no matter how much I tried, I was never going to be able to live this any way other than publicly," Jones said.

She challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about data reported during the COVID-19 pandemic so Floridians could make informed decisions about their health. She wasn't sure people would care to know the facts.

"I had no idea when I first came forward if the people of Florida would believe me or care, and they did," Jones told Inweekly. "This story is as much theirs as it's mine, and I'm going to live this as honestly as possible. And I think sometimes I underestimated how honest that would be."

Jones managed the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard until being fired in May 2020 after she asked her boss about how to claim whistleblower status. The state accused her of insubordination. She fired back that the department was downplaying the outbreak of the virus in rural counties by ordering her to remove key data from the dashboard.

Six months later, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant and raided her home after suspecting her of accessing a state government messaging system to urge employees to speak out about COVID deaths. Jones caught the raid on her home camera sys-

tem and posted the video on social media; more than 10 million Twitter users watched.

Charged with a felony, Jones later consented to a plea agreement that requires her to pay $200 a month to cover the $20,000 the state spent on the criminal investigation. She also agreed to attend mental health counseling monthly and perform 150 hours of community service.

Before the plea agreement, the state granted Jones whistleblower protection status while investigating her allegations. The Office of Inspector General ultimately found her claims to be unsubstantiated and exonerated the state health officials. The documentary captured the moment Jones learned of her whistleblower protection status.

"People who had money didn't have to risk their lives," Fox said. "It was primarily poor people and middle-class people who could not stay home, who had to go to work, who ended up getting COVID and dying. Those folks, like DeSantis and Donald Trump, were willing to sacrifice a million lives, and we have normalized 1.2 million COVID deaths in this country, which is a crime, which is a direct result of policy, just as climate change is the direct result of policy, just as the fact we have debt in this country and student debt is a direct result of policy."

He added, "Those 1.2 million COVID deaths are a direct result of policy, and it is policy that Rebekah Jones was standing up against."

FLAWED, IMPERFECT

Fox originally planned for the documentary to focus on reopening the American economy and what Jones revealed about the DeSantis administration. The story soon expanded with Jones mired in controversy.

He described her as "brash, bald, brazen, flawed, imperfect, emotional and shoot-from-thehip," but unfairly maligned by right-wing media outlets hellbent on discrediting her. Jones freely admits she is "flawed" and a "complicated story."

The smear campaign against Jones is covered in the film. Fox said he dealt with his share of personal attacks when he took on the oil industry, but those paled in comparison to the "sexist, misogynistic" harassment of Jones.

"They want to make you distracted with issues about her character, which may or may not be true because they're trying to distract from the very obvious crime of making Americans go to work and exposing them to deadly diseases," he said.

Fox described the film as a "litmus test." Viewers will be challenged with what and who they believe. He admitted that he and his crew questioned some of what Jones told them during the filming of the documentary. The filmmaker then specifically cited the 48 hours leading up to the congressional election that Jones lost to incumbent Matt Gaetz.

"What we captured on film is one of the craziest 48-hour periods I've ever been involved in, and it is truly bonkers," Fox said.

Fox puts Gaetz in the same company as DeSantis and Trump—men he detests for their political views on minorities, particularly the LGBTQ community. He said they are conveyers of brazen, harmful, bigoted behavior that deliberately divides the country and causes violence. He accused them of stochastic terrorism.

POP, POP, POP

"It's like when you do Jiffy Pop popcorn in a pan," Fox said. "You turn that heat up underneath it and you don't know which popcorn kernels are going to pop, but you know some of them are going to and they're going to start pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. Pop, what happened in Colorado Springs? Pop, what happened with shooting Jews in a Synagogue in Pittsburgh? Or pop, and you have people popping off because of what you said, your stochastic terrorism, which is the rhetoric that has been used by Matt Gaetz, has been used by DeSantis, has been used by Donald Trump, has been used by Marjorie Taylor Greene."

"I'm this central character, but everything that's happening around me is really what the story is about," Jones said. "We were filming at my mom's house in Mississippi when I got the email that I was receiving official legal whistleblower protection status, and that was just dumb luck. I had no idea that that was going to happen. I never thought that would happen, that the state would investigate itself and then grant me legal whistleblower protection."

Filmmakers by the dozens contacted Jones asking to tell her story. She opted for Fox, whom she befriended a decade earlier while reporting for the Syracuse University newspaper. Jones interviewed Fox for a story about his documentary, "Gasland," which received an Academy Award nomination.

"I had a lot of people trying to buy my life rights, which was a super strange thing," Jones said. "...My only point of reference from that was that 'Seinfeld' episode where Kramer sells his life rights and then he can't tell any of his stories. And

In April, the spotlight shone back on Jones after her 13-year-old son was arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and accused of threatening to shoot up his former middle school.

Jones took to Twitter and tweeted, "My family is not safe. My son has been taken on the gov's orders, and I've had to send my husband and daughter out of state for their safety. THIS is the reality of living in DeSantis' Florida. There is no freedom here. Only retaliatory rule by a fascist who wishes to be king."

She said anyone who whistle blows will be scrutinized and their credibility attacked by whoever opposes what is uncovered. In her case, she riled up an entire political party.

"I felt like, at some point, I needed to say, we're never going to have the perfect whistleblower," Jones said. "And that's, in a way, what this film is about too, is there's no person who's so saintly, that if they came forward and told, during a political time, a truth that hurt a political party, that would be embraced by everyone. It doesn't exist, that person does not exist."

His anti-conservative stance partially explains why he repeatedly heard the words "too political" when he pitched the film to studio executives. Fox made about 60 pitches before opting for the Kickstarter campaign route and estimates the film will cost about $60,000 to finish.

Fox feels a sense of urgency to complete the film and expose DeSantis before the presidential election.

"We're hoping we find 600 people to give us $100 bucks or 60 people to give us $1,000 bucks or 60,000 people to give us $1," Fox said. "That's the math here, right? We think we can finish it for that money. It's very, very, very, very little money."

He continued, "This project has always been a labor of love and a labor of just necessity. It pissed me off so much to watch people have to die because Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump wanting to have a culture war in this country because that's how they get elected."

To donate to the "Rebekah Jones: Whistleblower" Kickstarter campaign, visit rb.gy/8jnuq. {in}

Ron DeSantis / Photo Courtesy of flgov.com

"I had no idea when I first came forward if the people of Florida would believe me or care, and they did." Rebekah Jones

STUDER SUNDAYS

Studer also began writing a weekly column for the Pensacola News Journal's Sunday edition. He estimates he has written more than 350 columns. It was PNJ executive editor Lisa Nellessen Savage who approached Studer about putting together a book with 52 of her favorite columns, so people could read a column a week to build the habit of refreshing their leadership skills.

"There are a lot of great books, but they're very academic, and they might show great research but not what's doable," Studer said. "So I wanted to write a book that people could go to a chapter and say, 'You know what? This is where I'm at today. I'm having a rough time delegating or feeling my plate is full,' and find a chapter to help them."

"Sundays with Quint" is divided into three sections. The Leaders section offers guidance for young business owners, managers and supervisors to veteran chief executive officers. The Employee section is for those who want to take ownership of their ability to succeed, and the General Business section provides advice and tips for any organization, no matter its industry.

Studer focuses on giving readers takeaways. He said, "People tell me they like the fact that most of the chapters end with tips, and there's always a story here somewhere."

By Rick Outzen

A conversation with Quint Studer always leaves you wanting a few more minutes of his time. He makes you think and laugh, and he provides insights that make sense. His latest book, "Sundays with Quint," is the next best thing to sharing a cup of coffee with the man who has helped transform Pensacola with his wife Rishy.

The Community Maritime Park, Maritime Place, Bodacious shops, SoGo, Southtowne Apartments, Urban Core, Downtown YMCA, DeVilliers Square, Five Sisters Blues Café, University of West Florida Center for Entrepreneurship and Savoy Place are just a few of their projects.

For the past two decades, Studer has mentored thousands of leaders in Pensacola and worldwide. First, he focused primarily on healthcare and education with the Studer Group. Then, his principles of connecting work with purpose transcended those fields and began to reach a larger audience when published in his bestseller "Results that Last."

A former special education teacher, Studer didn't retire when he sold his company to Chicago-based Huron Consulting Group for $325 million in 2015. He and Rishy launched the Studer Community Institute and partnered with the Pensacola News Journal to create the CivicCon speaker series to bring innovative thought leaders in a variety of areas to Pensacola.

He shared one story about how Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel handled a player who got tagged out during a playoff game last year because he didn't call a timeout when he stepped off second base to dust off his uniform.

"He didn't come back out on the field the next inning because Kevin had told him he wasn't going out there because he wasn't paying attention," Studer recalled. "So, there are some consequences. But you know, Kevin put him back in the lineup the next game, and he hit a home run that helped win the game. So yeah, there's got to be consequences, but you don't want anyone to think they've dug such a big hole they can't get out of it."

He added, "It's those types of stories that readers find interesting."

Studer admits writing a weekly column has its challenges. He said, "I have great respect for

people that write out of their thoughts because it is hard. When I first did it, I thought I might do it six months and then run out of stuff."

The themes of his columns come from Studer's life and his daily conversations.

"I tell people, 'I'm the plumber with leaky pipes,'" he said. "I cover a lot of these things I'm struggling with myself still today. And, if you're out in the field and talking to people, data, information and content find you."

Studer continued, "I'm sort of a binge type of writer. I might write two or three columns in a day, and then you sort of just hope that something comes along … I think it is hard because you want to keep the columns interesting, and I always want to position people well and not make fun of anyone. We're all in this together."

He added, "I've written a lot of books, and this was a book that's really a bunch of columns. But I've had people read it, and they come back and they've told me they thought it was my best book yet."

The proceeds from "Sundays with Quint" sales will support CivicCon and the Center for Civic Engagement. Studer said, "All the profits will go to help continue to bring best practices into our community. We brought in so many great presenters, and Rishy and I have funded this from the beginning ourselves, but what we're trying to do is make it a little more sustainable, not be just dependent on us."

On Tuesday, Aug. 15, CivicCon will present David Magee, who heads the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at The University of Mississippi. He will speak on student mental health and substance abuse.

Studer said, "We have a huge mental health crisis. We know we have adolescents and a lot of people dying of drug overdoses, which is why we're bringing in David Magee. The book's profits go back to our community to bring in outside expertise and best practices from around the country."

He added, "We want to create a better place for everyone, not just a few."

To purchase "Sundays with Quint," visit sundayswithquint.com. {in}

Quint Studer / Photo Courtesy of SCI

NEW NURSING

PROGRAM

The University of West Florida Usha Kundu, MD College of Health will launch an Entry into Practice (Direct Entry) Master of Science in Nursing program in fall 2023. The five-semester, in-person graduate program offered on UWF's Pensacola campus and Emerald Coast location is a direct pathway to the nursing profession.

"We are working to meet the needs of the state, as the shortage of nurses is expected to continue, and expanding our programs in UWF's School of Nursing is an important step toward meeting that need," said Dr. Gary Liguori, the provost and senior vice president.

The registered nursing shortage in Florida is projected to increase from 11,500 to 37,400 registered nurses by 2035, based on data from the Florida Physician and Nursing Workforce 2021 report commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can find employment opportunities with a mean annual wage of $89,010.

For more information about the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, visit uwf.edu/ukcoh.

NEW FLORIDAWEST CEO Brian Hilson of Hoover, Ala., has been hired as the new president and CEO of FloridaWest, Escambia County's economic development agency. He starts Aug. 1.

Hilson is currently the executive director of the Japan-America Society. From 2011-2019, he served in the same role for the Birmingham Business Alliance. Before then, he worked for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, first as senior vice president for economic development (1992-97 and then as president and CEO (1997-2011).

Hilson was named in the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America list in 2007. He is also a past president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. He chaired and currently serves on the executive committee of the Alabama-Germany Partnership.

What attracted him to FloridaWest?

"I always had this idea about doing something with a smaller organization, and I wasn't really looking for a new opportunity, but I was contacted about the FloridaWest position," Hilson told Inweekly. "And when I looked at it, I saw not a small community by any means, but what I did see is what I believe is a very strong, tight and committed local leadership base—not just at the EDA (Economic Development Authority), but elsewhere in the community."

And I know you've probably got incredible candidates, and I'll assume that most, if not all, are younger than me. But I would just say this, 'I wouldn't hold their youth and inexperience against them.'"

He continued, "They'll catch up at some point."

Hilson believes in entrepreneurship and helping local businesses expand.

"Communities that are growing organically through innovation and entrepreneurship tend to be among the strongest metropolitan areas," he said. "I told the search committee that sometimes recruitment is not just a matter of recruiting an employer. It may be a matter of recruiting smart people, innovators, entrepreneurs who want to live there."

Hilson added, "And that's one of the best selling points for not just Pensacola and Escambia County, but the entire Gulf Coast region; you get to market people where they want to live. The most important component in any community's economic growth strategy is helping employers grow where workers already want to be."

WARRINGTON PREP ACADEMY Charter Schools USA gave its first progress report to the State Board of Education last week. The company took over Warrington Middle School in June after the Escambia County School District failed to turn around the school's academic performance over the past decade.

The rumor has been that the salaries are tied to grants or other special funds. Ruiz said, "That is a bad misconception, and the salaries are here to stay. In fact, that's only going to increase because the governor just signed a billion dollars for teachers' salary increases, which will be an increase of $500 million, of which we get a share. The money will only continue to increase for teachers, not go down."

MORE COUNTY HELP Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno told Inweekly the county has several infrastructure projects planned for the Brownsville area.

"Commissioner Lumon May challenged us to do more for Brownsville, so I pulled the team together," Moreno said. "And we started strategizing and formulating these projects. We will put about $6 million worth of sidewalks throughout Brownsville. We already put about $400,000 worth of sidewalks over there, and we got some more coming that way as well."

He added that the county will soon host a resource day with Community Health Northwest Florida at the Brownsville Community Center.

Moreno said, "And as Commissioner May mentioned at the gun violence roundtable, we have the library that's in the design stage and an incubator coming. We have a lot of energy and vision from Commissioner May, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

"The Entry into Practice Master of Science is unique because this is designed for students that already have a bachelor's degree," said Dr. Crystal Bennett, the UWF School of Nursing director. "They've already attended a university, already have a bachelor's degree, possibly in the sciences, but it could be in another discipline. This program allows them to change their careers, go into nursing and complete an entrylevel nursing degree in five semesters."

The curriculum provides foundational nursing knowledge and practice expertise enhanced with master's coursework in leadership, evidence-based practice, population health and health promotion. Students will have many opportunities to combine classroom knowledge with experiential learning, completing more than 600 clinical hours in clinical specialties such as labor and delivery, surgical, pediatrics, population/public health and mental health.

Upon passing the National Licensure Exam Examination-Registered Nurses, program graduates will enter the nursing profession as master's credentialed registered nurses prepared to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare system and advance into a leadership role.

The upcoming fall semester's enrollment deadline has been extended to Friday, Aug. 4. Dr. Bennett said, "Folks can call (850) 473-7756. Don't worry if you get a voicemail; my staff is working really hard, and they will return your call."

He continued, "That was extremely attractive to me, so that's why I'm coming."

H e met with the search committee June 12. The committee was composed of David Bear, Ryan Tilley, Jim Waite, Marcus McBride, Jeff Bergosh, Wes Moreno and Erica Grancagnolo. Bear served as the chairman.

While he has enjoyed working with the Japan-America Society, Hilson said he missed economic development, such as "strategic planning, project management, working on deals, understanding what a company needs and wants and what the community potentially has that would correspond with that, and putting the pieces together."

He added, "What I like to do is have a well thought out plan that is embraced by the correct community leadership, execute it, make good things happen and do it again."

Of his 47 years in economic development, nearly two decades were spent in his hometown, Huntsville.

"We recruited and developed 65,000 jobs— a lot of technology-based companies, the second largest research park in the United States, one the largest in the world," he said. "A lot of defense industry connections, base alignment (BRAC) was a big, big part of our economic development process."

Anticipating the search committee might have some reservations about his age, Hilton joked, "You might wonder from the standpoint of age, how much longer is this guy going to go?

"We had a great first meeting in front of the State Board of Education," said Dr. Eddie Ruiz, Charter School USA's state superintendent. "It was actually some of the first good news the State Board of Education has heard regarding Warrington in over two years. They were really ecstatic and excited about the progress we made."

He continued, "I gave them an update on our facilities, HR, enrollment, opening day procedures and our partnerships with the community that have been invested in partnering with us to ensure we have a successful opening."

The first day of school for the Warrington Preparatory Academy is less than two weeks away, and Charter School USA has been working furiously to be ready.

"We had to transform and make this place a place for students to come and enjoy," said Dr. Ruiz. "When the students walk in day one, they're going to see a place that's renovated, that's new, that smells good, that they know that they're going be able to learn and be successful."

He added, "The team here has been working super hard, and they're invested and want to see the fruits of the labor here when that students come in on day one."

Dr. Ruiz addressed a rumor that the salaries offered by Charter Schools USA will only last the first year.

"The salaries that we said we would do— which are way above what the district's doing, $10,000 to $15,000 over—that money is not grant related," he said.

During the July 18 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board approved $23.7 million in funding for county projects for drainage, road conditions and other improvements throughout Escambia County.

The projects included:

•Delano Street Area Drainage Improvements Project: $8,205,247.80

•SHIP - Demo and Reconstruction Services for 802 Washington St.: $197,999

•SHIP - Demo and Reconstruction Services for 3023 Highway 95A N: $197,999

•SHIP Rehabilitation Services for 7272 Snow Road: $48,866

•Resurfacing for Old Corry Field Road Project: $782,138.02

•County Street and Navigation Lights: $150,000

•South Chemstrand Drainage and Sidewalk: $6,283,749.32

•Districts 1, 4 and 5 Resurfacing: $3,369,909.55

•District 3 Resurfacing: $4,450,208.58

A full list of current county projects is available at my.escambia.com/projects.

SUMMER YOUTH CELEBRATION District 3

Commissioner and Chairman Lumon May and the Neighborhood and Human Services staff recognized the county's 230 Summer Youth Employment Program participants during a Thursday, July 20 ceremony at the Brownsville Community Center.

The participants receive paid work experience in various county departments, Escambia County Florida, CareerSource Escarosa, CVS Pharmacy and the Downtown Improvement Board.

"The Entry into Practice Master of Science is unique because this is designed for students that already have a bachelor's degree."

Dr. Crystal Bennett

"I'm very thankful to my colleagues for their support, and our staff who works extremely hard," said Commissioner May on WCOA following the event. "Thank God for Clara Long and their leadership and all of our administrative team and department heads."

Through the program, youth worked up to 30 hours a week, gaining valuable summer experience while learning workforce etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect. Youth Employment Program participants also received job readiness training and postemployment briefings, which gave them feedback about their job performance.

"We spend so much money marketing and advertising to hire people," said Commissioner May. "This is a program that allows us to vet students. They learn, and it doesn't come out of the department budgets, and then they're ready to work. And it's an opportunity to retain young talent here in Escambia County."

NEW EVENT VENUE Culinary Productions, Inc. will open a new event venue this November at the corner of Tarragona and Wright streets in the space that once housed Snack Crate.

For the past five years, Culinary Productions' owner Mike DeSorbo has looked for a downtown event venue to host weddings, reunions, birthdays, corporate events and other events. Realtor Danny Zimmern suggested the old Snack Crate building that Whitesell-Green had begun to renovate.

"We immediately got up from his office and went to look at it," DeSorbo said. "It seemed to be the right location and a space where we could bring the same elegance to our catering."

The 5000-square-foot event space will allow DeSorbo to host events for 200-plus people for daytime and nighttime events every day of the week. He's keeping his current headquarters on Main Street for all catering operations.

"We plan to be finished with all of the renovations by September and are taking reservations now for November," DeSorbo said.

Whitesell-Green's vice president of design Carlos Godinez said they're excited to welcome Culinary Productions to the space, which dates back to the mid-1920s. The company worked with local architecture firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood to design its office space and update the exterior of the brick building.

MILTON'S RIVERFRONT The City of Milton is seeking proposals to develop eight acres along the west bank of Blackwater River in its downtown. The preferred development would be a mixed-use project including residential, marina, restaurant, entertainment, retail and commercial uses with associated parking on the ground floor.

"This is some amazing property, and, you know, God's not making new waterfront property these days, so it's a great opportunity to go in a new direction," said Ed Spears, Milton's economic development director. "It's consistent with the city council's riverfront redevelopment and CRA plans. We're looking to do something really special along those eight acres right on the Blackwater River."

The city has received interest from the developers. Spears said, "The only reason we put this back out is because the private industry has come to us. They said, 'We know you have this property. We know you tried previously and didn't get any responses, but we would have some interest if it came out now.' And we felt the fairest way to do it is to put this RFP out and see what we get."

The deadline for submitted sealed bids is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, to the City of Milton, 6738 Dixon St., Milton.

BUZZ HISTORY Five years ago: The Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors approved a $56-million grant to the City of Pensacola for the next phase of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Aviation campus at Pensacola International Airport. ST Engineering began op -

erations in June with UPS as its launch client. When fully developed, the MRO Aviation campus would include four new MRO hangars, administrative headquarters and other buildings, all owned by the City, with an estimated total project cost of $335 million.

Ten years ago: The Escambia County Commission passed a motion at its Committee of the Whole meeting that made it clear that Interim County Administrator George Touart would not be hired as the full-time administrator. Commissioner Wilson Robertson wanted to offer a one-year contract but failed to win two other votes. A motion to set a goal of hiring a new county administrator by early 2014 passed 3-2, with Robertson and Commissioner Gene Valentino opposed.

Fifteen years ago: Escambia County School

Superintendent Jim Paul announced plans to purchase the Gulf Power office building and adjacent vacant property near the corner of Garden Street and Pace Boulevard. The school district will relocate the administration from the Dr. Vernon McDaniel building at 215 West Garden St. to the electric utility's former headquarters. The sale of the district's admin building was predicted to more than pay for the Gulf Power property purchase.

Twenty years ago: Patty Hightower, the immediate past president of the Florida PTA and former Escambia County PTA head, entered the District 4 school board race against incumbent John DeWitt. She was the coordinator of the Take Stock in Children scholarship program and gave seminars on parenting, family values and education. {in}

"It's an opportunity to retain young talent here in Escambia County." Lumon May

Last week we explored activities to chill you out during these record-breaking temps. But if indoor activities aren't doing the trick, it's time to step it up and refresh from the inside out.

That's right, "Chill Out Part 2" is focused on cooling food and drinks available at some of the best restaurants, bars, breweries, markets and grocers in town. Take a look and find a new favorite to hold you over until this heat spell passes.

• Cardamom & Kaffir Lime Leaf Gelato at Lamonte Gelato

When it comes to new and exciting places for a refreshing treat, East Hill instant classic Lamonte Gelato takes the cake (or the gelato if you want to get literal). You won't want to miss their latest flavor made with cardamom and kaffir lime leaf; it tastes just like Froot Loops milk. Lamonte Gelato, 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 133, lamontegelato.com

•Slushee Day at Alga

Alga Beer Co. is taking refreshment to a whole new level with their Slushee Day event 2-6 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Stop in to check out their newest space, The Florida Room, and drink boozy slushees all afternoon, featuring flavors such as Mango Boba, Mai Tai, Jungle Bird and Painkiller. Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., algabeerco.com

•Frosé at Casks & Flights

Stop at Casks & Flights next time you're walking down Palafox for an icy wine-based frosé in a

variety of flavors. Not into sweet and icy? Casks & Flights also has a full bar and extensive wine list to sip and sample.

Casks & Flights, 121 S. Palafox, Ste. B, casksandflights.com

•Lobster

Roll at Pearl & Horn

Pearl & Horn has lots of tempting sandwiches and salads, but we think nothing is more refreshing than a New England style lobster roll. This summer staple comes complete with chilled Maine lobster, basil lemon aioli, cucumber and lettuce, all served on a brioche lobster roll. Pearl & Horn, 3 W. Main St., pearlandhorn.com

•Watermelon Salad at Kingfisher

Kingfisher may be better known for fried fare, like the infamous Shrimpburger, but their watermelon salad is refreshment on a plate. This seasonal offering features lemon-tea watermelon, cucumber, mint, lemon candied pistachios and pickled watermelon rinds, all covered in a house-made watermelon vinaigrette. Kingfisher, 1500 Barrancas Ave., kingfishersandwiches.com

•Coconut Water at Gaby's Tacqueria

Sip fresh coconut water straight from the source, alongside an order of fish tacos, at Gaby's Tacqueria. Or try the new coconut ice cream for dessert.

Gaby's Tacqueria, 104 E. Gregory St., gabystaqueria.com

•Cucumber Smoothie at Ever'man

Ever'man can always be depended on for a fresh and refreshing smoothie or juice, but this month's featured smoothie is built for the July heat. Try the Cool as a Cucumber Smoothie and enjoy the flavors of apple juice, mango, pineapple, cucumber and lime.

Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W. Garden St., everman.org

•CBD Soda by Big Jerk

Your favorite Pensacola-based soda company is back with something to chill you out in a whole different way this season. Visit Big Jerk supplier locations around town, such as End of the Line Cafe and The Farm, to pick up 30 mg CBD fruit juice sodas in flavors Lemon Lime Unwind and Berry Relaxed. Big Jerk Soda Co., bigjerksodacompany.com

•Beach Wizard at Odd Colony Brewing Co.

Looking for a low alcohol beach sipper to keep you cool in the waves? Stop by Odd Colony to grab Beach Wizard in four packs or on draft. This lager is less than 4% ABV and features a Florida lime flavor.

Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox, oddcolony.com

•Euphoria at Jitterbug

The current menu at Jitterbug is full of delicious summer options—from their grab-and-go cooler,

which is filled with chilled snacks like the Southern Box (hello, pickled okra deviled eggs), to iced espresso drinks, like the seasonal Euphoria latte flavored with strawberry, pistachio and pink salt.

Bonus: Everything made at Jitterbug is gluten free. Jitterbug Beverage Co., 2050 N. 12th Ave., drinkjitterbug.com

•Avocado Toast at End of the Line Cafe

This vegan mainstay's regular menu features a variety of cooling meals and drinks including Mediterranean pasta salad and pink potato salad. They also have avocado toast with lion's mane mushroom, available only during Sunday brunch. And of course, no refreshing brunch is complete without organic-orange-juice-based bottomless mimosas.

End of the Line Cafe, 601 E. Wright St., eotlcafe.com

•Agua

Fresca at Tacos El Fluffy

You've heard how popular the tacos and tamales are at Tacos El Fluffy, but don't sleep on their rotating selection of agua fresca made fresh in-house. Flavors vary daily, and include things like horchata, tamarind, hibiscus and cucumber and lime.

Tacos El Fluffy, 707 N. Pace Blvd., @tacoselfluffy

•Peaches and Cream Ice Cream at Fannie Lou's

Stop into small batch creamery Fannie Lou's

for delicious summertime scoops. The seasonal peaches and cream flavor, a must-try made with fresh Chilton County peaches, is available while supplies last. Other exciting flavors include bushwhacker, banana puddin' and blueberry angel.

Fannie Lou's Ice Cream, 1301 E. Cervantes St., fannielousicecream.com

•Chicken Salad at Craft Bakery

Nothing beats chilled black garlic chicken salad on a baked-this-morning croissant from Craft Bakery. Stop by before the beach and don't forget to pick up a slice or two of a seasonal cheesecake for dessert.

Craft Bakery, 5555 N. Davis Hwy., craftgourmetbakery.com

•Elote Salad at Brother Fox

When dining at Pensacola's hottest new eatery, sitting outside on the patio and enjoying an elote salad for brunch with a sangria or Aperol spritz is definitely the move.

Brother Fox, 415 N. Alcaniz St., brotherfoxsisterhen.com

•Sweet Tea Slush at 3-D Eats

Fried food may not exactly cool you down on a hot day, but if it's what you're craving, the famous sweet tea slush at 3-D Eats will certainly balance things out. Find the food truck at various locations around town. If you act quick, you may even be able to snag some chickleletts, which are pickle-brined chicken bites fried with pickle chips.

3-D Eats, facebook.com/3deatsandtea

•Caesar Wrap at Brown Bagger

Take a break from the burgers and get yourself the most underrated item on the Brown Bagger menu—a grilled chicken Caesar wrap. Pro tip: Order an extra side of Caesar dressing if you're feeling saucy, and don't skip the fries.

Brown Bagger at Alga Brewing Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., brownbaggerfoodtruck.com

•Peach Tea at Sweet Jackson Tea

Here in the South, just about the only thing that will truly quench peak summer thirst is a big glass of sweet tea. Sweet Jackson Tea puts a spin on the Southern classic in their small-batch bottled brews, accented with lemon, pineapple or peach flavors.

Sweet Jackson Tea, instagram.com/sweetjacksontea

•Nutella Flan at Joe's Caribe

Enjoy a chilled Latin-American dessert with a Caribbean flair from Joe's Caribe. The Nutella Flan joins a list of other flan flavors on the bakery menu of this popular restaurant that also serves empanadas, jerk chicken and mofongo.

Joe's Caribe, 6224 N. 9th Ave., joescaribe.com

•Ceviche at Jumping Lomo

Head to the Garden from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 28 for a party celebrating Peruvian Independence Day. There will be ceviche, arroz con leche, passion fruit mousse and other crave-worthy treats from Jumping

Lomo Peruvian Cuisine. Oh, and you'll also want to grab a pisco sour (or three) from Perennial Patio Bar to fully celebrate the day.

Jumping Lomo Peruvian Cuisine at The Garden, 501 S. Palafox, jlperuviancuisine.com

•Key Lime Pie at The Fish House

Many have tried, but none have quite managed to top the key lime pie served at The Fish House. This tart and refreshing pie, topped with torched meringue, is the perfect finish to any summertime meal.

The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St., fishhousepensacola.com

•Piña Loco at Mexican Corn & Fruit

Next time you stop into Lupita's on Davis Highway, be sure to make a pit stop at the nearby Mexican Corn & Fruit stand to grab a cup of fresh Tajín- and chamoy-covered pineapple and mango.

Mexican Corn & Fruit Food Truck, 7815 N. Davis Hwy.

•Cucumber Salad at The Elbow Room

This is a sleeper of a side dish, but once you have it, you will never leave it off your late-night order again. Cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion drowned in tangy Italian dressing make The Elbow Room's cucumber salad a perfect cool snack to pair with pizza, hummus or Crack-aRoni and Cheese.

The Elbow Room, 2213 W. Cervantes St., facebook.com/elbowroompensacola {in}

Arts & Entertainment

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

Street Heat

By Savannah Evanoff

we've got a ton of vendors and we've got a lot of really cool stuff going on."

And make no mistake—the streets will be feeling the heat. It is Florida in the summer, after all. But they've got you covered, Toups said.

"We are making sure everybody's gonna stay hydrated," Toups said. "The Handlebar is going to be open inside all day so everybody can cool off. We have the Quench Buggy that's going to be there to offer free water refills for everybody. And we'll have water for sale, obviously, in a bar outside, as well as food trucks. So our main goal is to make sure everybody is happy and having fun."

And it's family-friendly, he said.

"We don't want anybody to think it's just like a bunch of metal heads in the street rocking out," Toups said. "It's gonna be some metal heads in the street rocking out, but we also want to want to have a family-friendly environment and be open and welcome to everybody."

Rotted Remains, Meadows, Bitter Blood, Boneyard and Afterdusk. Others on the lineup include hip-hop artists Big Lo, Big V and Gage, and rock bands Pseudonyms, Dead Devils and Tulpa. They chose the lineup based on bands people know and love, Toups said.

"It's kind of like a nod to the older heads," Toups said.

Brave New World will co-headline with EmoProm, a touring emo-DJ-driven dance party.

"If you haven't been to EmoProm before, it's so much fun," Toups said. "They usually do it yearly or biannually at Vinyl or The Handlebar, and it always sells out. Everybody dresses up. It's a huge thing. So we are very excited to have EmoProm be a part of this, and we can't wait to see what they do this year."

Brave New World will play a new set and have a new light show, Toups said.

since Pensacola had a legitimate music festival. And that's why Heat In The Street was born. Toups, the Brave New World drummer, teamed up with his bands' vocalist Chris Eubanks, GlowRage co-owner and PaintU founder Michael Silver, and Rise Up Lights guitarist Brandon Mckendrick to bring the idea to life. They partnered with The Handlebar to close off a portion of North Tarragona Street for the event.

"I feel like the scene has come up so much in the past year that it's just kind of asking for something like this," Toups said. "So I'm really excited to see the community out there and everybody having fun and just enjoying the day and being able to see Pensacola's music scene come alive again. Because it's time. I'm really glad we were able to team up with The

huge staple in the scene, and everybody feels at home there."

Heat In The Street will feature 16 acts performing on a large stage on the corner of Belmont Street and North Tarragona Street—and not just rock acts. The lineup includes rap, rock and indie artists, plus "local legends" EmoProm, Toups said.

"We wanted to make sure every community felt like they were being recognized in this festival," Toups said. "We didn't want it to be a rock only festival or a metal only festival or pigeonhole anybody. We wanted the entire community to feel as if they can come in at least at some point of the day and enjoy the music that we're putting on. That was the goal regardless of who you are, just come hang out, bring your family,

Along with music will be vendors and sponsors with booths, such as Asesinato Tequila (owned by Asking Alexandria singer Danny Worsnop), Silver Industries, Portside Tattoo, Itsa Cookie, Greenlight District Cannabis, Unexpected Creativity (a t-shirt company), Dustin Bonifay State Farm, Toups Media, Mossback Fishing and Scene Pensacola.

"Sauce Boss will also be there; they're kind of a staple at The Handlebar," Toups said. "They're a burger-based food truck, and we'll actually have a signature burger with them—still testing recipes right now."

Toups hopes to make Heat In The Street an annual event.

Brave New World, Rise Up Lights and I Am Terrified are the post-hardcore bands on the bill. Bands on the heavier side playing the event include Blind Tiger,

"We've got some surprises in store," Toups said. "But we're very excited to have the opportunity to co-headline with EmoProm, because we get to play with all of our friends—and that's the reason why we do this. It's so we can enjoy everything and give back to our community as much as we can. Because without Pensacola and without the fans around here, we'd be nothing. So we're just a rock band who loves everybody around here and wants to do everything we can as big as we can for as long as we can." {in}

HEAT IN THE STREET

WHAT: A rock/metal driven outdoor music festival

WHEN: 2-11 p.m. Saturday, July 29

WHERE: Street stage outside The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

COST: $25

DETAILS: heatinthestreetfest.com

Runner Up Best Hot Dog, Best Bar Ambiance & Best Bar for Games

I Am Terrified / Courtesy Photo

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

BREWS FOR THE BAYS Visit any of the participating breweries and purchase their signature Brew for the Bays during the month of July, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support restoration, education and monitoring efforts in the Pensacola & Perdido Bay watersheds. Beer trail passports will be available at each of the participating breweries. Make sure to ask your bartender to stamp your passport when you purchase their Brew for the Bay. Visit facebook.com/ppbepflal for details. Participating breweries include:

•Gary's Brewery & Biergarten

•Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

•Doc's Hop Shop

•Coastal County Brewing Co.

•A Little Madness Brewing Co.

•Beardless Brewhaus

•St. Michael's Brewing Co.

•J&J's Pizza Shack

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Ani -

mal 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. A 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.

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 and sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

COMMUNITY NOTES

FREE PALAFOX MARKET TROLLEY A free trolley service to carry shoppers between Palafox Market's two locations each Saturday is available until Labor Day. The trolley will run 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. between Palafox Market "North" at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, and Palafox Market "South" at Plaza Ferdinand. The trolley will stop at the corner of Gregory and Palafox streets, adjacent to the North Palafox parking lot, and on the corner of Jefferson and Government streets, running on a continual cycle and giving shoppers the opportunity to shop at both markets with ease. You can track the trolley on your phone or desktop at palafoxtrolley.com.

FREE PENSACOLA BEACH TROLLEY SERVICE THROUGH SEPT. 4 The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) launched its free, openair trolley service along Pensacola Beach. The 2023 Pensacola Beach Island Trolley, operated by Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), will run daily 4 p.m.-midnight through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 4.

Three trolleys will operate concurrently, running three routes. The eastern route runs from Casino Beach to Portofino, the western route runs from Casino Beach to Park West near the entrance gate to Gulf Islands National Seashore and the commercial core route runs from Casino Beach to Grand Marlin with stops occurring along the new access road and at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.

Visitors can access the real-time trolley schedule four ways: at visitpensacolabeach.com/ trolleytracker, call (850) 602-9384 and enter the trolley stop number, text SRIA (space) and the trolley stop number to 41411 or scan the QR code posted at each trolley stop with a smartphone.

To see a map of all trolley stop locations, or for more information, go to visitpensacolabeach. com/trolley-information.

PENSACOLA BAY CITY FERRY EXPANDING SERVICE

The Pensacola Bay City Ferry Service is expanding offerings for the summer season. Ferry service operates Friday-Sunday

with downtown sunset cruises Thursday-Sunday evenings and New Mine Storeroom hours from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Pensacola Bay City Ferry's yearlong offerings and seasonal highlights include: Downtown Pensacola – Fort Pickens – Pensacola Beach Ferry.

Take the ferry between downtown Pensacola to Fort Pickens to Pensacola Beach. Pensacola Bay City Ferry operates two 149-passenger, catamaran-style vessels, the "Turtle Runner" and "Pelican Perch," each with airconditioned interior seating, covered exterior seating and restrooms. Imported and domestic beer, wines, soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Bicycle racks and storage areas are also available.

On select trips, National Park Service Rangers speak on a variety of subjects including wildlife and landscapes of the area. This is an all-day pass, so you can board the cruise at any of the landings at their specified departure time.

BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE DEMONSTRATION CRUISES See the Blue Angels practice their aerial maneuvers during regular practice sessions throughout the year. This one-and-ahalf-hour cruise sails on a variety of mornings throughout the year.

For details, visit pensacolabaycityferry.com/ cruises/blue-angels-practice-cruise

FORT PICKENS HISTORY TOUR Enjoy a family-friendly tour exploring the historic Fort Pickens. Depart from the Downtown Ferry Landing and cruise over to Ft. Pickens while a National Park Service Ranger gives an overview of Pensacola Bay's history. Upon arrival at Ft. Pickens, guests will be taken on a guided tour of the fort, later returning to the Downtown Ferry Landing.

DOWNTOWN AND FORT PICKENS SUNSET CRUISES Enjoy a Gulf Coast sunset cruise with panoramic views of Pensacola Bay and Fort Pickens National Park. These one-and-a-halfhour cruises offer covered interior and exterior seating, a climate-controlled cabin and onboard restrooms. Sit back, relax and enjoy a cold beverage aboard our clean and spacious catamaranstyle vessels. Beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks and water are available for purchase.

For more information on all offerings and to book an upcoming experience aboard Pensacola Bay City Ferry, visit pensacolabaycityferry.com.

For more information regarding private charter and special events cruise packages, please visit pensacolabaycityferry.com/private-events.

ARTS & CULTURE

WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY BIG SUMMER BOOK SALE The Friends of the West Florida Public Library book sale is 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 28; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 30. There is no admission charge to the sale. On Sunday, take advantage of the $7 bag sale. Visit facebook.com/ friendsofwfpl for details.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL PLT presents the musical based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.

Fridays July 28 and Aug. 4; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays 29 and Aug. 5; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, July 30 and Aug. 3.

A Thursday show is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Tickets are $21-$38 with discounts for seniors, military and students. Thursday shows are half price. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Pensacola State College Summer High School Onstage Workshop presents "The Spongebob Musical" at Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard, Building 8. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30. Tickets are available at performingarts. pensacolastate.edu.

THE GREATEST SHOWCASE First Dance Ballroom Studio presents "The Greatest Showcase," featuring Sasha Farber from "Dancing with the Stars." The performance is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $34-$59 and benefit Children's Home Society. For more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

ADULT CARD GAME NIGHT WITH BEAR Event is 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 29 with Cards Against Humanity, What the Meme, Exploding Kittens and more. There is no cover charge. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND

The next Cinemas in the Sand is Friday, July 28 with the showing of "Moana." Movies start at sunset on Casino Beach. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/ visitpensacolabeach for details.

MOVIES IN THE PARK

The final Movies in the Park for 2023 is Friday, July 28 with a showing of "Strange World" at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. An inflatable castle and face painting will be on-site. Admission to the movie is free. Visit playpensacola.com for details.

DRUM CIRCLE FOR SEA TURTLES Join Swan Michelle for a pre-beach Sound Bath experience, followed with a community Pensacola Drum Circle, all for Escambia County Sea Turtle Conservation Program monthly in parking lot East. The first day is Saturday, July 29, starting at 6 p.m. with meditative sound healing and Pensacola Drum Circle from 7-8:30 p.m. Donations are accepted.

PALAFOX MARKET SOUTH AT PLAZA

FERDINAND Palafox Market South will include a blend of familiar Palafox Market vendors, along with a new mix of local farmers, artists and craftsmen and women, who will fill up Plaza Ferdinand on the corner of Palafox and Government streets. Shoppers can navigate between the new market and the always-humming original located on north Palafox at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday. For more information about Palafox Market, visit palafoxmarket.com. For information concerning other downtown events, please visit downtownpensacola.com

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BEYOND VAN

GOGH Tickets are on sale now for "Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience." In the interactive experience, guests witness more than

Photo by de_zla / shutterstock.com

a&e happenings

300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as many revealing self-portraits. "Beyond Van Gogh" is Aug. 5-Sept. 9 at Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building. 6, 6655 Mobile Highway. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets are on sale at vangoghpensacola.com.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 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 inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with ac-

tual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more join 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.

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT ARTEL GALLERY

Three new exhibitions are on view at Artel Gal-

lery, 223 S. Palafox, through Aug. 25. In the main gallery is "Playlist," a showcase of music fused with art; in the vault is "Davmo," and in the award alcove is works from abstract artist Lynn Huber. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.4 p.m. Visit artelgallery.org for details.

AL ARMIN Check out the work of Al Armin at Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. Visit facebook. com/openbooksbookstore for more information.

THE LAST SURREALIST Featuring Art by davmo, "The Last Surrealist," is on view through Friday, Aug. 25 inside the Suzanne Robbert Vault at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox.

CHLOE BAILY ART Easy Going Gallery celebrates a new exhibit from artist Chloe Baily— "Kaleidoscopic Topic" at 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

HOTSY-TOTSY-VROOOM-O-RAMA House

Pencil Green is the interdisciplinary studio of Joseph Herring and Amy Ruddick. Their exhibition at the PMA, "Hotsy-Totsy-Vrooom-O-Rama," is part of a body of work in which the pair explore connections between the "art of the carny" and the "carnivalesque tendencies of the artist." The exhibit is on view through Sept. 17 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

DEPTH OF FIELD Depth of Field showcases photography from the Pensacola Museum of Art's permanent collection, alongside objects from the

UWF Historic Trust Archives. Artworks on display explore the history, science and alchemical nature of the medium. On view are works by pioneers in the field such as Alfred Stieglitz, Elliott Erwitt, Edward J. Steichen, Walker Evans and Vivian Maier, as well as notable contemporary artists including Valerie George, Richard McCabe, Sheila Pinkel and Gesche Würfel. Exhibit is located at 407 S. Jefferson St., and on view through Oct. 22. Visit pensacolamusuem.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE

AND

COUNTRY

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

a&e happenings

FOOD + DRINKS

SIP AND SHOP MARKET AT PERFECT

PLAIN Sip and Shop with WolfGang Park and Brews at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 27. Visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com for details.

POTTERFEST Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with drink specials, live painting, tri-wizard trivia, and movies on the projector, vendor market from noon-6 p.m. and animal tales at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Sunday, July 30 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 30 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for more details. Free admission.

HOGWARTS BRUNCH This will be a magical and mouth-watering experience 11 a.m. Sunday, July 30 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $45. Visit bodaciousshops.com for details.

O'RILEY'S CHICKEN WING EATING COMPETITION O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox, will host a chicken wing competition 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 29. The event is open to people 21 years and older. Entry tickets are $16 and available at orileyspub.com.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 with Ghost Train Brewery from Birmingham, Alabama. The classes are at Atlas, 600 Barracks St. Tickets are $30 per person. Spots are limited, call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. 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.

BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox. Visit orileyspub.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.

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

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

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern. com for details.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA 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. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC

SPARTA, ZETA Show is 7 p.m. July 28 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $20$25 at thehandlebar850.com.

EGO DEATH Show is 7 p.m. Friday, July 28 at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Tickets are $15. For more details, visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

JERRY GARCIA BAND Show is 8 p.m. Friday, July 28 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $10 at vinylmusichall.com.

SALSA MUSIC FESTIVAL Enjoy live salsa rhythms 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. More information at Eventbrite.com.

AMERICA LIVE IN CONCERT Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, July 30 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $59-$134. More information is at pensacolasaenger.com.

BLUES ON THE BAY The next Blues on the Bay is 6 p.m. Sunday, July 30 with Not Quite Fab at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. Admission is free.

VISION VIDEO, COMABEARD Show is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $13 and available at thehandlebar850.com

BANDS ON THE BEACH Concerts are held 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Mr. Big & The Rhythm Sisters performs. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach.

SANGUISUGABOGG, KRUELTY, VOMIT FORTH, GATES TO HELL Show is 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $20-$22 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS: BEATLES EXPERIENCE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Aug, 4 at Saenger

Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $49-$69 and available at pensacolasaenger.com.

FLOW TRIBE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $15 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES

CAFÉ Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

•Tuesdays: Greg Bond from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

•Thursdays: John Wheeler from 6-8 p.m.

•Saturdays: Glenn Parker Band from 6:30-10 p.m.

•Sundays: Curt Bol Quintet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COL-

ONY 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. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/ oddcolony for details.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

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

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

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

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Joe Occhipinti performs at 1 p.m. twice a month Tuesdays at West Florida Public Libraries. The concert is at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Visit mywfpl. com for details.

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S

Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

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

SOULFUL SUNDAYS Listen to lo-fi hip hop, downtempo and acoustic open mic noon-4 p.m. Sundays at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. There is no cover charge. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE The next Bike Pensacola slow ride is 6 p.m. Friday, July 28 starting from Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. The ride will go through parts of downtown and Belmont Devilliers. Following the ride, there will be fun activities for all including bocce ball and horseshoes. Visit facebook.com/bikepensacola for details.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On Saturday, July 29, the clean ups will be at Park East on Pensacola Beach. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

SPORTSMAN'S NIGHT OUT Event is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Buy tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar held at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach the first Monday of every month. A free fish dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar beginning at 7 p.m. and typically lasting about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.

BLUE WAHOOS 2023 SEASON The Blue Wahoos 2023 season has begun at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 651 W. Cedar St. Individual and season tickets are available at bluewahoos.com.

Upcoming home games:

•6:35 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1

•6:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2

•6:35 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take in a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.

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.

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.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF JULY 27

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): You are about to read a thunderbolt of sublime prophecies. It's guaranteed to nurture the genius in your soul's underground cave. Are you ready? 1. Your higher self will prod you to compose a bold prayer, in which you ask for stuff you thought you weren't supposed to ask for. 2. Your higher self will know what to do to enhance your love life by at least 20%—possibly more. 3. Your higher self will give you extra access to creativity and imaginative powers, enabling you to make two practical improvements in your life.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In 1991, John Kilcullen began publishing books with "For Dummies" in the title: for example, "Sex For Dummies, "Time Management For Dummies," "Personal Finance For Dummies," and my favorite, "Stress Management For Dummies." There are now more than 300 books in this series. They aren't truly for stupid people, of course. They're designed to be robust introductions to interesting and useful subjects. I invite you to emulate Kilcullen's mindset, Taurus. Be innocent, curious and eager to learn. Adopt a beginner's mind that's receptive to being educated and influenced.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "I could be converted to a religion of grass," says indigenous author Louise Erdrich in her book "Heart of the Land: Essays on Last Great Places." "Sink deep roots. Conserve water. Respect and nourish your neighbors. Such are the tenets. As for practice— grow lush in order to be devoured or caressed, stiffen in sweet elegance, invent startling seeds. Connect underground. Provide. Provide. Be lovely and do no harm." I advocate a similar approach to life for you Geminis in the coming weeks. Be earthy, sensual and lush. P.S. Erdrich is a Gemini.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I hereby appoint myself as your temporary social director. My first action is to let you know that from an astrological perspective, the next nine months will be an excellent time to expand and deepen your network of connections and your web of allies. I invite you to cultivate a vigorous grapevine that keeps you up to date about the latest trends affecting your work and play. Refine your gossip skills. Be

By Rob Brezsny

friendlier than you've ever been. Are you the best ally and collaborator you could possibly be? If not, make that one of your assignments.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): There are two kinds of holidays: those created by humans and those arising from the relationship between the sun and earth. In the former category are various independence days: July 4 in the U.S., July 1 in Canada, July 14 in France, and June 2 in Italy. Japan observes Foundation Day on Feb. 11. Among the second kind of holiday is Lammas on Aug. 1, a pagan festival that marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. In pre-industrial cultures, Lammas celebrated the grain harvest and featured outpourings of gratitude for the crops that provide essential food. Modern revelers give thanks for not only the grain, but also all the nourishing bounties provided by the sun's and Earth's collaborations. I believe you Leos are smart to make Lammas one of your main holidays. What's ready to be harvested in your world? What are your prime sources of gratitude?

coming months will be a favorable time to attract them into your life. If there is such a companion, I hope you will share Rumi's lyrics with them, then go further. Say the words Leonard Cohen spoke: "When I'm with you, I want to be the kind of hero I wanted to be when I was 7 years old."

example, some people become anxious when they are crammed inside a narrow metal tube to get an MRI. But numerous imaging facilities have reduced that discomfort with the help of cucumber oil applied to cotton pads and brought into proximity to patients' noses. I would love it if there were also natural ways to help you break free of any and all claustrophobic situations, Capricorn. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to hone and practice the arts of liberation.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): For many of us, a disposal company regularly comes to our homes to haul away the garbage we have generated. Wouldn't it be great if there was also a reliable service that purged our minds and hearts of the psychic gunk that naturally accumulates? Psychotherapists provide this blessing for some of us, and I know people who derive similar benefits from spiritual rituals. Getting drunk or intoxicated may work, too, although those states often generate their own dreck. With these thoughts in mind, Virgo, meditate on how you might cleanse your soul with a steady, ennobling practice. Now is an excellent time to establish or deepen this tradition.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I'm wondering if there is a beloved person to whom you could say these words by Rumi: "You are the sky my spirit circles in, the love inside love, the resurrection place." If you have no such an ally, Libra, the

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Your theme for the coming weeks is "pleasurable gooseflesh." I expect and hope you'll experience it in abundance. You need it and deserve it. Editor Corrie Evanoff describes "pleasurable gooseflesh" as "the primal response we experience when something suddenly violates our expectations in a good way." It can also be called "frisson"—a French word meaning "a sudden feeling or sensation of excitement, emotion or thrill." One way this joy may occur is when we listen to a playlist of songs sequenced in unpredictable ways—say Mozart followed by Johnny Cash, then Édith Piaf, Led Zeppelin, Blondie, Queen, Luciano Pavarotti and Yellow Magic Orchestra. Here's your homework: Imagine three ways you can stimulate pleasurable gooseflesh and frisson, then go out and make them happen.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): "Fire rests by changing," wrote ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. In accordance with astrological omens, I ask you to meditate on that riddle. Here are some preliminary thoughts: The flames rising from a burning substance are always moving, always active, never the same shape. Yet they comprise the same fire. As long as they keep shifting and dancing, they are alive and vital. If they stop changing, they die out and disappear. The fire needs to keep changing to thrive. Dear Sagittarius, here's your assignment: Be like the fire; rest by changing.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): There's ample scientific evidence that smelling cucumbers can diminish feelings of claustrophobia. For

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone," said Aquarian author Gertrude B. Stein. She was often quirky and even downright weird, but as you can see, she also had a heartful attitude about her alliances. Stein delivered another pithy quote that revealed her tender approach to relationships. She said that love requires a skillful audacity about sharing one's inner world. I hope you will put these two gems of advice at the center of your attention, Aquarius. You are ready for a strong, sustained dose of deeply expressive interpersonal action.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): According to the International Center for Academic Integrity, 95% of high school students acknowledge they have participated in academic cheating. We can conclude that just one of 20 students have never cheated—a percentage that probably matches how many non-cheaters there are in every area of life. I mention this because I believe it's a favorable time to atone for any deceptions you have engaged in, whether in school or elsewhere. I'm not necessarily urging you to confess, but I encourage you to make amends and corrections to the extent you can. Also: Have a long talk with yourself about what you can learn from your past cons and swindles.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What single good change would set in motion a cascade of further good changes? {in}

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© 2023 Rob Brezsny

THE ARISTOCRATS Wow! Things went literally and physically south on July 11 at a press dinner on New York's Upper East Side in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign. According to Page Six, as Kennedy answered questions, someone posed one about climate change, but before Kennedy could answer, Doug Dechert, the event host, screamed, "The climate hoax!" Which brought a scold from art critic Anthony Haden-Guest, who called him a "miserable blob." The two continued their exchange, with Kennedy calmly looking on, until Dechert loudly released a "prolonged fart" while yelling, helpfully, "I'm farting!" After attempts to change the subject and more verbal antics, the evening wound down. The next day, Dechert told Page Six, "I apologize for using my flatulence as a medium of public commentary in your presence." How do I get on this guest list?

CREME DE LA WEIRD Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman, who sat out some of last season with Wake Forest University, underwent surgery in August 2022 to remove blood clots and the rib closest to his collarbone, 247Sports.com reported. Hmmm, what to do with that extra rib? Hartman's mom, a nurse, is making a necklace for him with the bone. "It's actually clean. It is well on its way to becoming a necklace," he said. "I asked her to try and make it like a puka shell-type deal with the riblike shark's tooth at the end." Hartman said the jewelry might appear in a couple of pregame warmups. "It won't be worn a lot."

AWESOME! Australian sailor Tim Shaddock, 51, of Sydney and his dog, Bella, became stranded in the Pacific Ocean after they set out from Mexico for French Polynesia, a 3,700-mile trip, in April. The boat became damaged in storms, the BBC reported, and Shaddock drifted until mid-July, when a helicopter spotted him. A tuna trawler picked up the pair, who were in surprisingly good health. Shaddock said they ate raw fish and collected rainwater, and he sheltered from the sun beneath the boat's canopy. "I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea," he said. "I'm just needing rest and good food."

BUH-BYE In Glastonbury, Connecticut, 11 boats took off from the Seaboard Marina on July 12— make that with the marina. WTNH-TV reported that a 200-foot section of dock with 11 boats attached broke off and started floating down the Connecticut River, later passing through Cromwell, Portland, Middletown and Haddam. One part of the errant dock was still floating downstream the next day; officials said it was likely that flooding in Vermont had caused the high waters that set the structure free. Teddy Charton of Middletown said he "got a call that my boat was floating down the river ... It ended up all the way down in Chester." Eventually all but one of the boats was recovered.

EWWWWW Multiple wrecks tied up northbound I-95 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July 17, all attributed to one cause: A tractor-trail -

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

er was leaking human waste onto the roadway, which caused a motorcyclist to lose control and crash, the Associated Press reported. Several vehicles crashed into each other or concrete barriers on the slippery roads, and another truck skidded into a state police cruiser, which then rammed into another cruiser. No one was seriously hurt in the pileup. The driver was charged with reckless endangerment and reckless driving, as officers believed he knew of the gross leak but kept driving.

HOW

HOT IS IT?

To demonstrate the deadly heat inside a closed car, the staff of the National Weather Service in Midland, Texas, baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies on a car's dashboard on July 18, United Press International reported. While it was 105 degrees outside, the dashboard registered 190 degrees—high enough to bake the cookies in about 4 1/2 hours. "Even though ours weren't golden brown, we can confirm that they are done and delicious," NWS employees wrote on Facebook.

IT'S COME TO THIS When a backyard bunny breeder bundled their belongings and said bye-bye to Jenada Isles, a community in Wilton Manors, Florida, they left behind between 60 and 100 lionhead rabbits, who have now infiltrated the neighborhood and are driving residents bonkers. Click Orlando reported that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has declined to intercede, so resident Alicia Griggs is heading up an effort to raise the money needed to capture, neuter, vaccinate and rehome the rabbits—to the tune of $20,000 to $40,000. "People don't realize they're exotic pets and they're complicated," Griggs said. "They have to eat a special diet. You can't just throw any table scraps at them." Residents complain that the bunnies dig holes, chew wiring and leave droppings on sidewalks and driveways. Others think the rabbits are cute, but experts say their heavy coats and finicky digestive systems aren't conducive to living wild in Florida. "They are not equipped to thrive on their own," said Eric Stewart, executive director of the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

NEWS YOU CAN USE Oddity Central reported on July 21 that a young woman named Xiaohua in Huizhou City, China, suffered a ruptured eardrum following a moment of passion with her boyfriend. When she went to the emergency room because of loss of hearing, a doctor saw blood on her eardrum and asked if she'd had any physical trauma to her ear. Nope, she said, but, "When he kissed my ear, he sucked it hard and it made a 'pop' sound. After that, I couldn't hear in my left ear." The hospital's deputy director of otolaryngology head and neck surgery, Fu Jia, said eardrums usually heal on their own. {in}