Inweekly July 31 2025 Issue by Inweekly

winners & losers winners losers

SARA PAPANTONIO The associate attorney with the Levin Papantonio law firm was appointed to the Downtown Improvement Board, replacing restaurateur Jean Pierre N'Dione, who stepped down after six years. Papantonio specializes in mass tort and class action litigation. Her current major cases include overseeing and managing the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits, infant formula/NEC MDL and Zantac MDL. The Gulf Breeze High School graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Papantonio received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law.

PAM HATT Gulf Winds Credit Union has appointed Pam Hatt as chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Hatt will oversee marketing, branding and community initiatives for the credit union's operations across North Florida, southern Alabama and southern Georgia. Hatt brings 36 years of marketing and communications experience to the role. She previously served on boards including the Greater Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, USO of Northwest Florida, and the Pensacola Chapter of the Navy League. She also held an advisory position with the Maygarden Center for Financial Literacy at the University of West Florida and completed Leadership Pensacola in 2012.

KAYLA STANFORD Holley-Navarre Intermediate School teacher Kayla Stanford received the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations' "Invested in Excellence" Award earlier this month at Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year Gala in Orlando. The award is presented to a teacher who has a tremendous impact on the lives of their students, school and community.

PENSACOLA MSA The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was recognized by LinkedIn as one of the top 25 fastest-growing U.S. metropolitan areas for job growth and new talent, joining the ranks of many well-known cities and metro areas such as Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Mo.; Nashville, Tenn.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif. and more. The area was lauded for its perseverance and reinvigoration following the pandemic, during which it saw an increase in momentum in the area's housing market and high-tech manufacturing.

CURBSIDE RECYCLING ROLLOUT

The rollout of the recycling program faced significant communication failures, leaving residents frustrated and confused during its first week. Despite Mayor D.C. Reeves' efforts to inform customers through mail sent in June and press conferences, the messaging approach proved inadequate. The mayor candidly acknowledged these shortcomings, stating the communication "wasn't up to my standard" and accepting full responsibility. Many residents struggled with online registration for recycling services, while others waited days for garbage collection and recycling can delivery. The mayor admitted that executing changes across 21,000 households rarely goes "perfectly or swimmingly," but emphasized no excuses would be made for the communication failures.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

AGENCY Ken Pagurek, head of FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue branch, resigned last week following a delayed federal response to catastrophic flooding in central Texas. The departure comes less than three weeks after bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Department of Homeland Security caused a 72-hour delay in deploying search and rescue teams. Sources say Pagurek cited the delayed response as his breaking point after months of frustration with the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle FEMA. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ultimately authorized the deployment, but the delay highlighted ongoing tensions between disaster response operations and administrative oversight. Let's pray we don't get hit by a hurricane this year.

COPYCAT REPUBLICANS With Republicans

fighting to maintain their narrow U.S. House majority, Florida might join Texas in pursuing unusual mid-decade redistricting. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last week that he may followed Texas' example and ask lawmakers to redraw congressional maps after the Florida Supreme Court upheld a 2022 Republican-favorable map. The July 17 court ruling affirmed Gov. DeSantis' redistricting that eliminated a North Florida district previously held by Black Democrat Al Lawson. The 5-1 decision found that the old district would constitute racial gerrymandering under federal Equal Protection laws. Texas Republicans are already exploring similar redistricting efforts to potentially gain more congressional seats. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and state party chair Nikki Fried accused Gov. DeSantis of attempting to "rig the system" ahead of 2026 elections.

Sara Papantonio / Photo Courtesy of DIB

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

CONNECTING DOTS

Investigative reporting involves connecting the dots between various people, organizations and events—connections many overlook. The links between the former University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees chair, Scott Yenor, newly hired UWF Chief of Staff Clifford Humphrey, the Claremont Institute, Hillsdale College and Gov. Ron DeSantis' higher education reforms are troubling.

The Claremont Institute is a Californiabased conservative think tank founded in 1979. Its core mission is "to restore the principles of the American Founding to their rightful, preeminent authority in our national life." In October 2021, the institute honored DeSantis as "a longtime patriot and tireless defender of America," at its annual gala.

That same month, Boise State professor Scott Yenor spoke at the 2021 National Conservatism Conference in Orlando, attacking working women. He said, "They're more medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome than women need to be without connections to eternity delivered through their family." Words that haunt him in Pensacola.

In January 2023, the governor appointed six new trustees to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees, including Hillsdale College Dean and Claremont fellow Matthew Spalding, another Claremont fellow, Christopher Rufo, and Claremont McKenna College professor Charles Kesler.

"It is our hope that New College of Florida will become Florida's classical college, more along the lines of a Hillsdale of the South," thenDeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier said. Hillsdale College is a private liberal arts college in Michigan. Clifford Humphrey received his doctorate in politics from Hillsdale in 2020. Two years later, Troy University hired him as the executive director of its Institute for Leadership Development, marking his first job with a public university. He also had a part-time job as director of religious coalitions for the Edmund Burke Foundation, according to his LinkedIn page.

In February 2023, Florida became familiar with Yenor when Claremont hired him as Florida's first senior director of state coalitions. Claremont President Ryan Williams said, "We are thrilled to help (DeSantis) and his legislative allies continue this important work as part of our ongoing efforts across the states by creating a new Tallahassee-based position of senior director of state coalitions."

Three months later, then-Education Commissioner Manny Diaz hired Humphrey as the executive vice chancellor of the Florida College System, after working less than a year at Troy. During last week's UWF Board of Trustees, Humphrey said, "I was very impressed with a lot of the reforms that Governor DeSantis has been making and wanted to help be a part of that."

Meanwhile, Yenor disappeared from Florida headlines until January 2025, when Gov. DeSantis appointed him to the UWF Board of Trustees. The press release stated Yenor was a Washington fellow at the Claremont Institute's Center for the American Way and a former visiting fellow on American political thought for The Heritage Foundation. It didn't mention Yenor being Claremont's senior director of state coalitions.

At the new board's first meeting, Yenor introduced himself, saying, "I've been working with the governor on higher-ed reform, among other things, and that leads me to a great interest in higher ed, its possibilities and problems and its challenges going forward, and I look forward, with everyone, to solving them and making UWF a shining light in the area and in the state."

All eight new trustees voted as a bloc to make the Boise State professor chair. New Trustee Gates Garcia called Yenor one of the "greatest leaders" in education reform. In 2024, the Claremont Institute named Garcia and Humphrey Lincoln Fellows.

Yenor didn't last long on the board after coming under fire for his "meddlesome" comments about women at the 2021 National Conservatism Conference. The bipartisan Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus called on Gov. DeSantis to reconsider Yenor's appointment after an antisemitic tweet.

Instead, the governor said he was "100%" behind Yenor and accused the media and lawmakers of "distorting" things. When it came time for Yenor to appear before the Florida Senate, he resigned from the UWF board. Gates Garcia, who supported him for the chairmanship, also stepped down.

But there's one more dot. Remember Humphrey's part-time gig with the Edmund Burke Foundation? It sponsors the National Conservatism Conference, where Yenor went wild.

You never know where dots might lead you. {in} rick@inweekly.net

CHANGE IN AN INSTANT

By Rick Outzen

Retired Escambia County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jeremy Cassady, 50, passed away earlier this month after a long battle with cancer that his family and colleagues believe was connected to his line-of-duty injuries and subsequent medical complications.

On Oct. 29, 2010, Deputies Cassady, Chad Brown and Sam Parker responded to the home invasion call in a neighborhood off Scenic Highway about Interstate 10. Upon arrival, they heard screaming. Forcing their way into the home, they discovered Phillip Monier, who immediately opened fire, using his ex-girlfriend, Jackie Rosenbloom, as a shield.

During the close-range gunfire exchange, the deputies and hostage suffered gunshot wounds. Monier dragged Rosenbloom into the bathroom and turned on the faucets to flood the home. Cassady was critically wounded. Deputy Josh Hendershott entered the home after hearing the shots, without knowing where the gunman was located, and pulled the deputy outside. The SWAT

team arrived, and a hostage negotiator convinced Monier to put the gun down. The man dropped the gun in the toilet and turned himself in.

After being guilty of four counts of attempted murder, along with aggravated assault and other related charges, Monier was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences. He is confined in the Madison Correctional Institute.

Cassady underwent a kidney and pancreas transplant. He later suffered kidney failure again, requiring dialysis at home. Cassady took medical retirement from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office in October 2012. His family has stated that the oral throat cancer that claimed his life in 2025 was linked to the anti-rejection medication he had needed after his transplant.

Dan McFaul, the managing partner of Ballard Partners' Washington, D.C. office and the chief of staff of former Congressman Jeff Miller, was a lifelong friend of Cassady. On the day of the shooting, McFaul was traveling from downtown Pensacola to Congressman Miller's office in Cordova Square. "I was listening to WCOA and heard Don Parker came on and announce there was a hostage situation and that several deputies had been shot."

When he arrived at the office, his father called to let him know Cassady was critically wounded. "My heart sank. I asked my dad, 'What hospital? Where are they going?' He said, 'Sacred Heart.'"

Sacred Heart was chaotic when McFaul arrived. The first person he met was Melissa Aiken, part of Sheriff David Morgan's communication team. "I could just see it in her face that it was bad news. And I said, 'Can you get me into the hospital?' And she escorted me through there. Then I went to the waiting room, and that's where I ran into Jeremy's mom and dad."

PAYING THE PRICE

Cassady and McFaul's families were close. McFaul met Cassady when his family moved to Pensacola in the 1970s. They had a lot in common;

both moms were registered nurses, and their dads were in law enforcement—McFaul's father was an FBI agent, and Cassady's father was a Pensacola Police sergeant.

"We spent a lot of time together with our families and individually, so we continued our friendship throughout our lives," McFaul said. "We became text buddies when that technology came around, but he was a true friend, and I really miss him. It was a really sad day when I learned he passed."

He shared, "Jeremy loved the outdoors. He was a big hunter, fisherman, camper, hiker, swimmer, you name it. If it was outside, he was on board."

McFaul admired his friend's fearlessness. "Fear was just not in Jeremy's vernacular. I can remember several occasions where, like, 'Hey, let's jump off this cliff.' And then, before anybody looks, Jeremy's splash, there he is. He's jumped off the cliff already, and it wasn't in this reckless, 'Hey, hold my beer type of situation.' He just had no fear. He was just a very brave person, always was from when he was a kid."

McFaul shared another story when he and Cassady were fishing for redfish in the East Bay. "I can remember a little later, we were out fishing in the East Bay for redfish and the tides started going out. We came up on a bed of oysters. I remember stopping and bending over and looking and say, 'Hey, you think these are safe to eat?' And I look up, and he's already slurping one out of the half shell. And he looked at me after he finished and said, 'You mean without cocktail sauce?' And I said, 'No, that's not what I meant. But yeah, I guess it's safe to eat.'"

He said Cassady, whom McFaul's family called "Gator," never talked about the 2010 shooting, but it came up once in a conversation over sushi at a local Japanese restaurant a couple of years ago.

"I said, 'Gator, if you knew what you knew now, what would you have done different?' And he just looked at me and said, 'Nothing, I would've done it exactly the same way; the end result was the end result,'" McFaul recalled. "He continued, 'But we ended up winning the day, and the woman survived, and we put the individual into custody. I paid a price, but I would pay it again.'"

THE POWER OF A MOMENT

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons was the Pensacola Police chief in October 2010. He and his agency responded when it went out that three deputies were "down." The shooting reminded him that things can go wrong in an instant in law enforcement.

"There's a book called 'The Power of Moments,'" and I think that comes into play when you think about your life can change in an instant or in a moment," Sheriff Simmons said. "And really, with regards to Jeremy, that one moment has defined the rest of his life for 15 years. He worked to recover from that one moment, and every moment was important."

Simmons worked with Jeremy's father, Henry Cassady, in the Pensacola Police Department, and knew his mother, Julia. He said the shooting reminded every other law enforcement officer that it could happen on their next call.

"That's what makes this job so special that there are people that are willing to, even though the call sounds bad, even though it sounds very dangerous, there are men and women that are still very much willing to do the job, to try to help someone, even though it could get them serious injured or it could, in this case, ultimately get them killed," Simmons said.

He said domestic violence calls have "unique" challenges. "They teach you that from the first day of the police academy, don't just think it's an argument between a husband and a wife or a boyfriend and a girlfriend because they can escalate quickly."

Simmons added, "We're taught from the beginning, whether it's the police academy, whether it's in field training or just whether it's on the shift with some veteran deputies or officers that do not let your guard down because these things can change on a dime, and they can be very dangerous very quickly."

Cassady was preceded in death by his father, Henry. Survivors include his wife, Chassidy, his mother, Julia, his sisters, Dana, Jerilyn O'Brien and Tracey, and his nieces, Cassady and Kenzie Hughes. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to donatelife.net or a charity of your choice. {in}

Jeremy Cassady / Photo Courtesy of Escambia County Sheriff's Office

provements at Naval Air Station Pensacola, particularly the restoration of the Blue Angels hangar damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020.

"We funded a well-deserved pay boost to our heroes stationed at Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field," Patronis said in a press release. The congressman requested $12 million specifically for hangar restoration at NAS Pensacola to help preserve Blue Angels fighter jets housed there.

The Blue Angels hangar sustained significant damage during Hurricane Sally, which impacted over 400 of the base's 500 buildings. Roof losses, water damage and extensive mold remediation requirements across multiple structures have complicated restoration efforts.

Addressing long-standing concerns about potential relocation, he also included an amendment preventing federal funds from being used to move the Blue Angels flight team away from NAS Pensacola. Since 2020, speculation had mounted that the team might relocate to Texas or California.

"While there is no known risk of them leaving the Pensacola area, I wanted to take the extra step to make sure the Blue Angels remain here forever," Patronis stated.

Unfortunately, the amendment didn't make it past the Rules Committee, but Patronis was assured the Blue Angels' place at NAS Pensacola was secure.

"The chair of the Rules Committee said, 'Jimmy, we were overwhelmed. Just understand that you've got my assurances that we'll continue to work on this,'" Patronis said. "So, you know what? I've got another chit to call in when I want to. I've just got to continue to stay diligent on making sure that type of language is top of mind awareness."

CHIEF OF STAFF The University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees last week approved the hiring of Dr. Clifford Humphrey to the newly cre -

ated vice president, strategic initiatives/chief of staff position. Interim President Manny Diaz presented the proposal, citing his need for cross-departmental coordination and strategic planning.

"This position will be building and expanding research relationships, working hand in hand with the provost and other folks on campus to try to connect those research opportunities across silo," Diaz explained to the board members.

The role encompasses managing interdisciplinary projects, overseeing presidential initiatives and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. Diaz highlighted for Humphrey's duties what has become a core theme of his presidency: To "continue and expand leveraging our relationships with our military partners, both on the service, active service member side, and also with our presence of a great veteran community here

Dr. Humphrey has deeper ties to the Pensacola community than his boss and several new trustees. "I did live there for three years. I married a girl from Pensacola, and my mother-in-law, I will say, lives across the street, basically, from UWF."

He added. "I got to work at the Apple Market," and also mentioned his participation in local running events, including the Double Bridge Run, Pensacola Marathon and "also, of course, the McGuire's 5K."

After graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2006, Humphrey moved to New York City and "got a job in a cabinet shop in the Bronx." He was simultaneously "taking language classes in Latin and Greek at Columbia University." The experience gave him "a great appreciation for blue-collar work, people who are learning real skills," which he said, "I've always carried that with me wherever I've gone in higher ed."

Humphrey spent time teaching at Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, where he taught "classical languages, philosophy, rhetoric." He noted that the school had a unique arrangement where "one quarter of a semester they go to UWF and do research in the library there," which gave him time on the UWF campus.

Between his Pensacola teaching role and Hillsdale College, where he earned a master's and doctorate in politics, Humphrey "went off to China for a year and taught English and traveled around there, expanding my understanding of education in a completely different environment and different kind of space."

For the past two years, Humphrey has been the executive vice chancellor of the Florida College System under then-Commissioner Diaz. When explaining his motivation for seeking the UWF position, Humphrey said: "So when I learned that he was coming to UWF, I asked if he wanted some help and I knew that this would be an opportunity for me be able to use my gifts, my experience in a place that I love and have a strong connection to."

RID COMMERCIAL BLIGHT Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has plans to acquire the long-abandoned Medical Arts building at 1750 N. Palafox St., calling the deteriorating structure "a considerable real symbol of blight in our city."

The proposed $1.275 million purchase for 2.1 acres would be fully funded through the Hollice T. Williams $41 million grant, ensuring no impact on the city budget. Reeves praised the city's grants team for securing the funding opportunity.

The building has plagued the city since Real Estate Consultants of Roslyn, New York, purchased it from Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) for $75,000 in December 2016. The property now generates frequent service calls due to security breaches.

"On the image of our city, we go in, and we two lane North Palafox. You put a bike lane in that goes by an abandoned building that's been considered an afterthought," Reeves said.

The current owners failed to pay 2024 real estate and stormwater assessments totaling $8,758.34, while the county property appraiser values the site at $227,558.

Before finalizing the deal, the city must complete environmental assessments during a due diligence period, with particular concern about potential hazardous materials given the building's construction era. The mayor emphasized the need for immediate building access to meet grant deadlines.

The acquisition proposal will be presented to the Pensacola City Council for approval at its meeting Aug. 14. Reeves said it was "way too early to speculate" on the property's ultimate use, whether for park expansion, preservation or redevelopment.

CHILDCARE STIPENDS At the press conference, Mayor Reeves also announced that the city is seriously considering adopting MiamiDade County's successful childcare worker incentive program, which provides $3,000 stipends every six months to qualified workers at approved facilities.

Following Pensacola's second childcare summit July 9, he said the city is "leaning toward that Miami-Dade pay program mainly because it's got a proven track record."

The Miami-Dade "Thrive by 5" program requires workers to remain at quality-certified facilities for six months to receive stipends, thereby preventing job hopping while promoting stability. The system includes a bilingual app that allows workers to deposit payments directly into their checking accounts.

Reeves stated the program addresses Pensacola's core childcare challenges: "raising the pay of the people who are watching our most precious thing, which is our kids" and fostering growth in facility access and business support.

The mayor reaffirmed the city's financial commitment, pledging both dollars and facilities to bridge childcare gaps. Funding strategy includes city resources and Community Redevelopment Agency funds, with the Escambia Children's Trust owing $2.4 million in tax increment revenues.

Rather than dictating terms, Reeves stressed collaboration with the Trust. He has extended the Trust's July 31 payment deadline to allow time for strategic planning, aiming for a solution where "the Trust and the city, the mayor, the administration should all be equally excited about the promise of this project."

SUMMER JOBS Escambia County has completed another successful cycle of its Summer Youth Employment Program, providing over 200 local youth with paid work experience and career development opportunities across multiple county departments and community organizations.

The program offered participants up to 30 hours per week of hands-on experience while teaching essential workplace skills, including professional communication, time management, and workplace etiquette. Youth worked in diverse departments ranging from Animal Welfare and Public Safety to Library Services and Parks and Recreation.

"The goal of this program is to give young people an opportunity to learn the skillsets to be able to get jobs and to be employed," said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. "Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, we hope to expose them to opportunities and create an atmosphere where they would want to live, work and play right here in Escambia County."

Beyond county departments, interns gained experience with community partners including the City of Pensacola, Escambia County School District, Community Health Northwest Florida, and local businesses such as Cordova Mall.

The program's effectiveness is demonstrated through success stories like Jayden Hudgins, a third-year participant who secured full-time employment as an Animal Welfare Coordinator. Hudgins credited the program with improving his communication skills and professional development.

County Administration intern Alexis Jackson praised the program's practical benefits: "I've learned a lot with communicating, whether it's communicating with patrons who come in and helping them get assisted, or helping them over the phone."

Participants were recognized during a ceremony on July 18 at the Brownsville Community Center, celebrating their achievements and professional growth throughout the summer.

Information about future program cycles will be available at MyEscambia.com/syep and on the Escambia County Facebook page.

MEETING ERUPTS

A public input meeting July 23 about upgrading Pensacola's Fricker Center with a $9.5 million grant quickly turned into a heated confrontation as over 100 Black community members voiced years of frustration with Mayor D.C. Reeves' administration.

Mayor Reeves was conspicuously absent from the proceedings, leaving Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Tonya Byrd as the highest-ranking city official present. This absence became a lightning rod for community anger.

"I want to express my concern and disappointment that the mayor isn't here," said Gerald Graham during his remarks. "Gentrification has taken over this city, and people are being pushed out."

Speaker after speaker abandoned the meeting's intended focus on facility improvements to instead lambast city leadership. Jonathan Green delivered a nearly three-minute speech criticizing

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Mensah

the mayor for bragging about million-dollar homes while poverty persists in Black neighborhoods.

Green also questioned the meeting's organization, noting the lack of a formal agenda contributed to "inflamed passions because of the history this city has shown us."

The $9.5 million grant was intended to fund stormwater improvements, enhanced building visibility, and renovations to bathrooms, hallways and classrooms ($5.5 million), with the remaining $4 million designated for multi-purpose programs. Community members who did address facility needs recommended adding meeting spaces and improving accessibility for disabled individuals.

The unexpected turn of events has forced city officials to reconsider their approach. "We're probably going to have to go back and have some discussions about the goals for the next meeting," Byrd acknowledged. "This changes our game plan a little bit."

Beyond facility improvements, community members expressed suspicion about the city's motives. Graham questioned why the city would suddenly invest $9.5 million in Black neighborhoods, suggesting "something else is coming behind it as an ulterior motive."

At his press conference July 22, Mayor Reeves defended his administration's personnel decisions amid concerns about Black administrators leaving, calling race-based insinuations "offensive" and emphasizing consistent expectations regardless of demographics.

He refused to provide specific details about individual cases, such as Police Chief Eric Randall's departure, citing respect for current and former employees. "I've got too much respect for anybody that works here to feed the beast of speculation by the media or by social media comments."

Mayor Reeves added, "There have been people of color that have been let go. There are white directors that have been let go."

PNJ SOLD ON TRUST

Ten local nonprofits took center stage at last week's CivicCon event to demonstrate how Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) funding helps young lives across the community.

Several organizations reported educational gains. The Children's Home Society's SAIL Academy at C.A. Weis Elementary in the high-poverty 32505 zip code achieved near-A rating status, serving 100 students representing 20% of the school population. The YMCA's Y Reads program showed equally impressive results, with 84% of students demonstrating growth on standardized tests and 92% advancing to the next grade.

Many programs exceeded their original enrollment projections. Boys & Girls Club surpassed proposed enrollment by 240%, offering structured programming with certified teachers and comprehensive tracking systems. Omega Lamplighters expanded from 35 high school participants to over 135 young men across all grade levels, achieving 100% college enrollment for their recent senior class.

Organizations are tackling specific local needs with targeted approaches. CMB Visions provides transportation, certified teachers and

meals while supporting families with utilities and mental health referrals. Chain Reaction focuses on vulnerable teenagers facing poverty and trauma, increasing post-secondary enrollment from one student to 22 between their first and second years.

Dixon School of Arts and Sciences reported 54% of students showing significant growth in reading and math, with participants missing fewer school days than peers. Pensacola Children's Cho rus noted that 85% of participants demonstrat ed soft skills growth, while 97% showed improved self-esteem through musical education.

Programs like James B. Washington Education and Sports use basketball to drive academic suc cess, requiring a 2.5 GPA for participation. SALT Ministries has grown from four girls in 2018 to 77 participants across four schools, teaching financial literacy and personal development.

ECT Executive Director Lindsey Cannon characterized her organization as "a living example of civic will turned into public action on behalf of our children." The Pensacola News Journal announced plans to launch a series profiling all Trust-funded providers, highlighting the community's commitment to comprehensive child development.

DISPENSARY OF HOPE

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola has launched a new program in partnership with the Dispensary of Hope to provide free medications to the community's most vulnerable residents, addressing a critical healthcare gap in Escambia County, where 12.1% of residents lack health insurance—significantly higher than both the state rate of 11.9% and the national rate of 8%.

The initiative leverages the Dispensary of Hope network, which coordinates with pharmaceutical manufacturers to distribute donated medications through nonprofit pharmacies and clinics. This program has remarkable reach, filling 1.2 million prescriptions nationwide for 164,000 patients in the past year alone, delivering over 3,000 free prescriptions daily.

"Founded over a century ago, Sacred Heart has always been dedicated to serving our community, regardless of their ability to pay," said Will Condon, Sacred Heart Pensacola President & CEO. "Our partnership with the Dispensary of Hope continues this mission, ensuring that everyone in our community receives the healthcare they need."

The program operates through Ascension Rx pharmacies located on the main Sacred Heart campus and at 4501 N. Davis Hwy. To qualify, patients must complete an application process, remain uninsured and earn no more than 300% of the federal poverty line—a crucial requirement given that more than 43,000 Escambia County residents live in poverty.

The impact extends beyond medication access. By helping patients manage chronic conditions and prevent symptom flare-ups, the program reduces unnecessary hospital visits. Dispensary of Hope reports a 50% reduction in hospital stays and a 35% decrease in emergency room visits among participants. {in}

GoGulf Winds.com/fun

While we all wait impatiently for the kindasorta cooler temperatures of fall, don't forget to celebrate whatever summery activities you enjoy while you can. And if you're fresh out of ideas, we rounded up the most cultured, tasty and exciting options to finish the hottest months of the year with a flourish (and, let's be honest, like, two showers a day).

Reserve your free tickets for Stamped Film Festival happening Aug. 14-17 stampedfilmfest.com

Try the new breakfast menu at End of the Line Cafe eotlcafe.com

Celebrate Pensacola drag royalty at the CTRL ALT DRAG farewell show for Terrah Card on Sunday, Aug. 3 at The Handlebar @terrahcard, @thehandlebar850

Plan a matinee movie date to see "Sorry, Baby" a24films.com/films/sorry-baby

Or "Oh, Hi!" sonyclassics.com/film/ohhi

Line up for Ladies Night every Wednesday at The Burrow @theburrow.oddcolony

See Yes Daddy at Betty's on Belmont on Saturday, Aug. 2 @theycallmeyesdaddy, @bettys_on_belmont

Have a great dinner for a great price during Great Southern Restaurants' Summer Restaurant Week happening Aug. 11-17 greatsouthernrestaurants.com

Get friendly with Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen when Season 2 of "Platonic" premieres Wednesday, Aug. 6 on Apple TV+ tv.apple.com

Celebrate the life of Andrea Gibson by reading "You Better Be Lightning" andreagibson.org

Party with Alga Beer Co. for their fourth anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 16 algabeerco.com

Add at least one track from "Swag" to your summer playlist (you know you want to) justinbiebermusic.com

And "Man's Best Friend" too when it drops Friday, Aug. 29 sabrinacarpenter.com

Try a specialty sundae at Nolita's Parlor and Eatery @nolitas_softserve

Start planning your fall by getting a ticket for Night Moves Fest nightmovesfest.com

And "RuPaul's Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2025" while you're at it pensacolasaenger.com {in}

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR SAVE OUR SHELTERS Happy Dog Resort, 1401 W. Cervantes St., will host a silent auction the entire month of July with 100% of proceeds going directly to spaying and neutering animals in Escambia County. There are a variety of baskets available for people and pups available to view 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact Save Our Shelters at sossaveourshelters@gmail.com.

22ND ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP/HAT SHOW LUNCHEON

The National Coalition of Black Women will host a benefit luncheon raising money for its scholarship program 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at Sanders-Beach Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St. Tickets are available from any NC100BW Pensacola member or by emailing ncbw100pensacola@gmail.com.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR YMCA'S ANNUAL CORPORATE CUP GAMES The YMCA invites companies to enter this year's Corporate Cup Games, to be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at Pensacola State College. Teams must consist of 20-28 members who are at least 18 years old and regular employees of the company. Employee spouses may participate. For a $1,000 entry fee, your team receives event entry, food and drink, a participant gift for each team member and a chance to win awards and bragging rights. Silver Sponsorships are also available. Proceeds benefit YMCA mission programs. Registration deadline is Aug. 15. Learn more and register at ymcanwfl.org.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FREE Z TUESDAY SUMMER EVENT SERIES

From 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 5, the public is invited to visit Zarzaur Law's downtown office, 100 S. Palafox St., to cool off with free frozen treats provided by Sneaky Tiki Shave Ice in a custom Free Z Tuesday collector cup and take part in activities and giveaways.

CALL TO ARTISTS

2025 PIECES ADRIFT Keep Pensacola Beautiful is accepting submissions from artists for the Pieces Adrift Art Show & Auction. The goal of this event is to highlight works of art produced with reused or recycled items. You don't have to be an established artist to participate. All skill levels are welcome. The event is Saturday, Oct. 25. Planning is underway. This year, we will provide awards for different age categories created by an artist from Gulf Shores who makes art out of reused materials. If you're interested in serving on the committee, please email Vanesa at volunteer@keeppensacolabeautiful.org. If you would like to submit a piece of artwork for the upcoming show, fill out the form at form.jotform.com/251134246638153.

ARTS & CULTURE

SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE: ARTIFICIAL INTEL-

LIGENCE In partnership with the Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council, Pensacola MESS Hall invites you to learn from AI professionals 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at the MESS Hall, 418 E. Wright St. The event will feature AI professionals from Brazil for an evening of global connection and engaging exploration. Adults and teens will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate the science behind AI while also considering its global and ethical implications. Admission is free, but pre-registration is encouraged at pensacolamesshall.org/adult-programs.

FIORE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Fiore will celebrate 20 years in business 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 with an exclusive celebration at their studio, 405 S. K St. The evening will feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres curated by Classic City Catering along with a special showing of Shannon's floral documentary filmed on location in Alaska by Destyn Patera of Lensea Film. For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact: Fiore of Pensacola at (850) 469-1930.

EXPRESSIONS ARTIST RECEPTION An artist reception for the exhibit, Expressions, at Blue Morning Gallery is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at the gallery, 223 S. Palafox St. The exhibit features

wood burned gourds, turned spalted wood, handcrafted jewelry and paintings.

GOONEY BIRD GREENE AND HER TRUE LIFE ADVENTURES Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., presents this Treehouse production with performances 7 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 1 and 8, Saturdays, Aug. 2 and 9, Thursday, Aug. 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 3 and 10. Tickets are $13-$25 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

WILLIAM SHATNER LIVE ON STAGE WITH STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN Watch a screening of "Star Trek II" followed by behind-the-scenes stories and a Q&A with William Shatner 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.

INTO THE WOODS: ARTIST'S AND FARMER'S FARMER MARKETPLACE Shop products from local makers and artisans 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Magnolia Acres Farmacy, 500 Petty Drive in Cantonment.

CTRL ALT DRAG Show starts 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

HOT WAX VINYL FAIR Shop the crates noon Sunday, Aug. 3 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.

DRAW TOGETHER DRAWING CLUB This free event starts 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. It is open to all ages and skill levels, and supplies are provided.

ART À LA CARTE: MEET THE FEATURED

ARTIST Visit Jaco's, 997 S. Palafox St., 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 for drinks and art. This is a monthly event held the first Wednesday of the month.

FRANCIS: THE MAN FROM ASSISI Watch an original staged play inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Ashmore Auditorium at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Purchase tickets at purplepass.com.

OPERA AFTER DARK: AN EVENING WITH RACHEL FITZGERALD CELEBRATING WOMEN THROUGH SONG Soprano Rachel Fitzgerald and pianist Cody Martin perform tunes celebrating women 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Tickets are $25 and available at pensacolaopera.com.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND: SHREK The next Cinemas in the Sand is Friday, Aug. 8 with the 2001 movie "Shrek." Movies start at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach. Details are at facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach.

RACHEL PONGETTI: UNEXPECTED ANALOG DREAM Rachel Pongetti, the author of the "Pensacola Graffiti Bridge Project," will have an exhibit on view through Aug. 31 at Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY EXHIBITS The Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St., is currently exhibiting "Secrets or Confessions" until Aug. 22 and features "Close to Home" by Gila Rayberg; "It's Showtime Folks" by Wanda Azzario-Goldberg; "The Art of Tray" by Tara Ray and "Best of Show Winner" by Ruby Morris. For future exhibit schedules, go to artelgallery.org.

JULIA MORRISROE: ICONS AND MONUMENTS Julia Morrisroe, a professor in painting and drawing at the University of Florida, will exhibit her show "Icons and Monuments" in the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. The exhibit is on view through Aug. 7. For more details, visit visualarts. pensacolastate.edu.

IN YOUR FACE: PORTRAITS BY GILA RAYBERG Mosaic portraiture by Gila Rayberg is on view through Sept. 7 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

GESTALT OF THE BERTH The latest exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art is Gestalt of the Berth, a culmination of the inaugural Artist-in-Residence program at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Selected artist, designer and educator John Dougherty was tasked with forging a stronger connection between the local arts community and the park, and he saw collaboration as the most effective approach. The show features the work of John Dougherty and includes participating artists Nicholas Croghan, Poppy Garcia, Stoycho Hadziev, Joe Hobbs, Richard Humphries, Steve Matechik, Mia McCann, Keeley Morgan, Paul Myers, Nick Phoenix, Richard Rodriguez and Eniko Ujj. More details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE EXHIBITION This national exhibition will feature works from various artists at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 11. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.

BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

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

William Shatner / Photo by Manfred Baumann

a&e happenings

Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

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

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter

Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

FOOD + DRINKS

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: ST. AUGUSTINE DISTILLERY The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Classes are $30 a person. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat by emailing taylor@goodgrits.com or calling (850) 287-0200.

COUPLES COOK: HOT HAVANA NIGHTS

Pensacola Cooks class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $100 per couple (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.

LUNCH SERVICE NOW AT RESTAURANT

IRON Restaurant Iron, 22 N. Palafox St., will now offer a refined midday experience starting 11 a.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner service will continue to be available Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (850) 476-7776 or visiting restaurantiron.com/reservations. Walk-ins will also be welcome based on availability.

MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).

75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

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

POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S

Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special

Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.

DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain. com/upcoming-events for details.

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.

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

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

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

a&e happenings

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT

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

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN

BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m., and Tequila Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials are 8 p.m.-midnight, and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Enjoy a DJ 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips is 11 a.m.4 p.m., and live DJ is 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

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

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

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

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

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE

O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER

HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is midnight to close Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

KARAOKE AND SIN NIGHTS AT SIR

RICHARD'S Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m., and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Mondays and Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

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

KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

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

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

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

KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

LIVE MUSIC

MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE Visit Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music:

•Forrest Higgins 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 31

•Rocky Denny Brotherhood 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1

•John Wheeler 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7

•Me & The Misfits 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8

•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Vibe Irie is Aug. 5, and

a&e happenings

Yard Lights are Aug. 12. Details are at visitpensacolabeach.com.

TYLER LIVINGSTON AND TYLER MAC Show starts 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS: BEATLES EXPERIENCE Show is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

BRAT, THE TAINTS, SPIRAL AND BROKE FLORIDA BOYS Show starts 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

'80S VIDEO NIGHT WITH DJ POSEIDON Show starts 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

PETALS & PULSE MUSIC FESTIVAL Enjoy EDM music 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

20 WATT TOMBSTONE Show starts 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

WUWF'S RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive is 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 with My Mom is Here, Mojo Parker and Cary Hudson at the Museum of Commerce, 201 E. Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.

HARBOUR, SAINT SOCIAL AND ABBY

HOLIDAY Show starts 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

THE BOTTOMS, HEAVY KID AND STARLIN Show starts 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

SUPERVILLAINS, NOTHING SHORT OF PURE AND PANHANDLE PIRATES Show starts 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.

DEVON ALLMAN'S BLUES SUMMIT Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at pensacolasaenger.com.

GRIZZ, VICK VAPORS AND USER ASSUMES

RISK Show starts 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY

Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony,

260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

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

FITNESS + RECREATION

OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour

clean ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On Aug. 2, the sites are Bob Sikes Bridge (south end) and Bayou Chico. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.

BLUE WAHOOS HOME GAMES The Blue Wahoos home games are held at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 315 W. Cedar St. Upcoming dates include 6:05 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 6:05 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 and 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. Tickets and info are at bluewahoos.com.

HOT CITY—COOL CITY WALKING TOUR

Join Healthy Gulf for a late afternoon stroll downtown to explore the old and new ways cities can adapt to higher temperatures and rainfall for a changing climate. The tour is 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, starting from Martin Luther King Plaza, 50 N. Palafox St. The event is free and open to the public. For details, visit facebook.com/healthygulf.

PENSACOLA BIKE PROJECTS UPDATE Join City of Pensacola planner Caitlin Cerame as she shares upcoming bike-friendly projects 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4 on Zoom. Visit facebook.com/ bikepensacola for the link.

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

COASTAL CURIOSITIES Join a guide during this hands-on activity to see, touch and learn how plants, animals and humans have continuously changed and adapted to the coastal environment. Meet at the Langdon Beach Pavilion 10 a.m. Wednesdays–Sundays through July 31.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF JULY 31

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): For many bamboo species, nothing visible happens for years after the seeds are sowed. Beneath the surface, though, the plants are developing an extensive underground root system. This is referred to as the "sleep" or "creep" phase. Once the preparatory work is finished, the aboveground growth explodes, adding as much as three feet of stalk per day. Dear Aries, I sense you have been following a similar pattern. Soon you will launch a phase of vigorous evolution and expansion. It might feel unsettling at first, but I predict you will come to adore it.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): You are close to uncovering interesting information about yourself—some new, some forgotten. But you will have to be brave and strategic to actually find it. If you manage to pull off this demanding (but not impossible) trick, a series of breakthroughs may stream your way. Like what? Here are the possibilities. One, a distorted selfimage will fade. Two, an adversary's hex will dissolve. Three, an inhibition will subside, freeing you to unite with a fun asset. Four, you will knock down a barrier that has been so insidious you didn't know how strong it was.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In medieval music, "organum" refers to passages that feature two voices. One is sung in long, sustained notes, and the other performs intricate, faster-moving melodic lines above it. This is an apt metaphor for the roles I invite you to take on in the coming weeks, Gemini: both the drone and the melody. One way to do it is to hold steady in one realm as you improvise in another. Another is to offer your allies doses of stability and inspirational dreams. Welcome the duality! You are capable of both deep-rooted rhythm and visionary risk—both fortifying truth and playful fun.

You are capable of both deeprooted rhythm and visionary risk—both fortifying truth and playful fun.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Cancerian author Ernest Hemingway had a reputation for bravado, but he was adept at wielding the protective, self-nourishing skills your sign is renowned for. He was sensitive about his works in progress, refusing to discuss unfinished stories. He understood that raw creative energy needed to be sheltered from kibitzing until it could stand on its own. "The first draft of anything is shit," he said, but he also knew that defending the right to write that mediocre first draft was essential for him to thrive. Hemingway's ability to channel his emotional vulnerability into moving prose came from establishing firm boundaries around his generative process. I recommend you do all that good stuff in the coming weeks, dear Cancerian.

By Rob Brezsny

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In ancient China and ancient Greece, the lion was not the king of beasts but the guardian of gates. The threshold keeper. The one who asked, "Are you ready?" Now is a good time to bring this aspect of Leonine symbolism to your attention. You may soon feel a surge of leadership radiance, but not necessarily the stage-commanding kind. It will be more like priest and priestess energy. Gatekeeper presence. People and situations in your orbit are on the verge of transformation, and you can be a midwife to their transitions—not by fixing or moralizing, but by witnessing. So I invite you to hold space. Ask potent questions. Be the steady presence ready to serve as a catalyst.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The love-fakers and promise-breakers and delusion-makers are no fun, but I think you will ultimately be grateful they helped you clarify your goals. The reverse healers and idea-stealers and greedy feelers are perilous to your peace of mind in the short run, but eventually they will motivate you to create more rigorous protections for your heart, health and stability. In conclusion, Virgo, it's one of those odd times when people with less than pure intentions and high integrity can be valuable teachers.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is built into a Norwegian mountain near the Arctic. It's humanity's backup garden. It stores over a million seed varieties from all over the world, serving as a safeguard for biodiversity. In accordance with astrological omens, Libra, I invite you to imagine yourself as resembling a seed vault. What valuable capacities are you saving up for the future? Are there treasures you contain that will ensure your longterm stability and security? Which of your potentials need to get extra nurturing? Bonus: Now is a good time to consider whether you should activate any of these promises.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): There's a myth in Gnostic traditions that Sophia, the Goddess of Divine Wisdom, split herself apart and dispersed into the material world. She became embedded in every stone, plant and drop of blood. And she's still here, murmuring truth from within every part of the material world. In Sophia's spirit, Scorpio, here is your message: Wisdom isn't elsewhere. It's embedded in your body; in your grief; in the wood grain of your table and the ache behind your eyes. More than ever, you have a mandate to celebrate this gift. So for now, refrain from thinking that spirituality is about transcendence and ascendance. Instead, greet the sacred in the dust and mud. Listen for Sophia in the ordinary. She speaks in sighs and sparks, not sermons.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): When I do tours to promote the books I write, the range of encounters can be wide. On one trip, over 300 people came to see me at a bookstore in New York City. They listened raptly, posed interesting questions and bought 71 books. In Atlanta three days later, I was greeted by nine semi-interested people at a small store in a strip mall. They purchased three books. But I

gave equal amounts of energy at both gigs. The crowd in Atlanta got my best, as did the audience in New York. I invite you to regard me as a role model, Sagittarius. Proceed as if every experience deserves your brightest offerings. Express yourself with panache no matter what the surroundings are.

CAPRICORN

(DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In ancient Egyptian cosmology, ka is the vital essence and the double of a person that lives on after death. But it also walks beside you while you live. It drinks, eats and dreams. It is both you and more than you. Dear Capricorn, I invite you to tune in to your ka in the coming days, and any other spiritual presences that serve you and nourish you. Be alert for visitations from past selves, forgotten longings and future visions that feel eerily familiar.

What discomfort are you willing to endure for the sake of revelation?

AQUARIUS

(JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "Dear Rob Brezsny: I wonder what you are like in person. Sometimes I get a Gen X vibe, like you wear vintage T-shirts from obscure bands, are skeptical but not cynical, and remember life before the internet, but are tech savvy. Other times, you seem like a weird time-traveler visiting us from 2088. It's confusing! Are you trying to be a mystery? When's your next public appearance? I want to meet you. —Aquarian Explorer." Dear Aquarian: I'm glad I'm a riddle to you. As long as I avoid being enmeshed in people's expectations and projections, I maintain my freedom to be my authentic self, even as I continually reinvent my authentic self. By the way, I recommend you adopt my attitude in the coming weeks.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In Norse mythology, the god Odin plucked out one of his eyes and hung himself upside down from the world tree for nine days. Why would he do such a thing? The ancient stories tell us this act of selfsacrifice earned him the right to learn the secret of the runes, which held the key to magic, fate and wisdom. You don't need to make a sacrifice anywhere near that dramatic, Pisces. But I do suspect you are primed for a comparable process. What discomfort are you willing to endure for the sake of revelation? What illusions must you give up to see more clearly? I dare you to engage in an inner realignment that brings metamorphosis, but not martyrdom.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Something dear that you left behind can now be retrieved. What? {in}

news of the weird

CREME DE LA WEIRD

Neil Hopper, 49, a vascular surgeon from Truro, England, has been the subject of a 2 1/2-year investigation after he allegedly tried to defraud two insurance companies, The Guardian reported on July 23. Devon and Cornwall police said that in 2019 he "made a false representation to insurers, namely the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and were not self-inflicted." Hopper is accused of amputating his own legs in the scheme, hoping to gain $320,000 from one company and $314,000 from the other. Before his legal problems, he was shortlisted in the European Space Agency's search for an astronaut with a disability. He was scheduled to reappear in court on Aug. 26.

SAW THAT COMING Or not. Several victims reported on July 19 that they had been subjected to an involuntary "golden shower" at The Landing in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Smoking Gun reported that 30-year-old Matthew Day "entered the rooftop bar ... and urinated from the balcony onto the sidewalk," according to police, with urine striking people on the ground. Security officers saw the incident and showed Day the door; he was charged with disorderly conduct and released on $500 bond.

THE TECH REVOLUTION The South Florida Water Management District is working with the University of Florida to develop a new strategy for managing invasive pythons in the Everglades, WFLA-TV reported on July 23. Solar-powered toy bunnies that emit heat and are equipped with cameras are alerting staff to python activity, which sends them out to capture and euthanize the snakes. The district said it is "committed to protecting this delicate ecosystem."

CLOTHING OPTIONAL A couple in Oklahoma City were startled by a "big, fat, naked, crazy guy" entering their home around 6 p.m. on July 21, KFOR-TV reported. Homeowner Blake Overstreet said the perp, Korey Sisco, was 6-feet-2 and 400 pounds. When Overstreet and his wife pointed a gun at him, Sisco exited through the back door and skipped to the neighborhood pond, where he jumped in. "It was very strange," Overstreet said. He noted the pond is full of snakes and snapping turtles. Sisco lingered in the pond for about an hour until police coaxed him out.

FASHION FAUX PAW For more than a year, Natasha Lavoie of British Columbia has been receiving phone calls about her missing cat, Torbo, United Press International reported. Problem is, her cat's name is Mauser and is very much not missing. The mix-up mystery was finally traced to a T-shirt sold by Wisdumb NY, which features a lost cat poster that includes Lavoie's phone number. Wisdumb NY said the shirt is no longer available and the "use of a real number within the art created was not intentional." But Lavoie doesn't want to change her

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

number. "I've had my number for 20 years," she said. "I'll just keep not answering."

NEWS YOU CAN USE For five days every summer, a flotilla of rowboats is unleashed on the River Thames in London, where carefully selected, scarlet-coated oarsmen are tasked with Swan Upping—a census of the swans, the Associated Press reported. These swans belong to the Lord of the Swans, otherwise known as King Charles III, and they must be marked and checked for disease or injury. Veteran King's Swan Marker David Barber sees the ritual as more than tradition: "I think it's serving a very useful purpose. It gives us an indication of what's going on throughout the country." The census dates back to the 12th century, when swans were important food sources for royal banquets.

•The National Police Agency in Japan is urgently warning parents and others about a "Real Gimmick Mini Revolver" found among the prizes in claw machines around the country, Oddity Central reported. The plastic toy, which comes with eight plastic bullets, reportedly can also fire real bullets. Sixteen thousand of the toys have been imported from China since December; the added danger is that shooting a live bullet could cause the plastic firearm to blow up in the shooter's hand.

TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN NETFLIX On July 19, 36-year-old Stephen Blasetti allegedly stole a boat and took it for a joyride on the Hudson River in New York, WABC-TV reported. Blasetti, notably, wasn't wearing any clothes when he committed the theft, for which he was charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and reckless endangerment. He was admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia in New York for a psychiatric evaluation, but early on July 23, Blasetti slipped out of his handcuffs as the police officer guarding him slept, borrowed a doctor's lab coat and left the hospital. He was last seen on surveillance video walking down a sidewalk, barefooted.

IT'S COME TO THIS At the Ryde Hotel in California, Fox5 Atlanta reported, peacocks and peahens are part of the appeal as they wander about the property. But on July 20, after a guest reported seeing two men loading one of the birds into a cage in a pickup truck bed, the hotel's general manager, David Nielsen, initiated a count of the flock, realizing that only four of about 15 remained. "We're not sure why anyone would do anything like this," he said—but the male birds are valued at about $2,000 and the females at $1,000. The colorful birds have become tame and like pets to the staff of the hotel. Police are depending on tips from the public to locate the animals. {in}