Independent News | June 11, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 24 | Photo by Nicholas Gunter
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winners SHELIA WILKERSON GRIMES The Pensacola Chapter of The Links elected Grimes its 15th president in its 47-year history. The organization is comprised of 24 highly accomplished and influential change agents who work collectively to provide community services through friendship in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The Chapter has a long tradition of engaging in educational and civic activities,. JOHNELL SMITH The Cantonment community recently honored the former Cantonment Volunteer Fire chief, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer a few months ago. Smith was presented with a white chief's helmet on behalf of the Florida Fire Chief's Association, Escambia County Chief's Association, Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and Escambia Fire Rescue. LAURIE RODGERS The regional executive for the Pace Center for Girls celebrated her 25th anniversary with the nonprofit on Friday, June 5. The Pace Center began in a small building behind University Mall. Today, it operates at a 13,500-square-foot facility at 1028 Underwood Avenue. Since opening its doors in 1994, the center has served more than 2,000 girls through three distinct components—academic, social services and transition services. CHIZUKO Though closed for the pan-
demic, the popular restaurant and night spot agreed to match donations up to $500 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and ended up raising over $2,000 for the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund. Then Khon's on Palafox & Kingfisher followed their lead and matched donations, too.
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losers JAMES CALKINS The gun-toting GOP
candidate of Santa Rosa County Commission District 3 posted a video on his Facebook page that declared, "Thugs, criminals and looters are not welcomed in Santa Rosa County! If you loot we shoot!" Santa Rosa County hasn't had any reports of looting since the death of George Floyd. The last such report that Inweekly can remember was after Hurricane Ivan. The vigils in Navarre and Milton were both peaceful. Calkins has loaned his campaign $77,700 and faces incumbent Don Salter and five other challengers in the Republican primary.
ANTHONY SABATINI The Republican
state representative from Howey-in-the-Hills tweeted on Sunday, May 31, "Attention potential 'protesters' coming near Lake County, Fla. This is an AR-15—this will be a very common sight upon illegal entry at any Lake County business—FYI!" Rep. Cindy Polo (DMiramar) filed a complaint against Sabatini for "openly calling for violence" against people who were protesting the killing of George Floyd. House Speaker Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes) said he saw no "direct or preemptive threat" in the wording of the tweet.
MATT GAETZ When President Donald Trump protested Twitter putting a factchecking label his tweet about mail-in ballots and later limited public access to inflammatory tweets stating, "…when the looting starts, the shooting starts," Inweekly knew it wouldn't take long for Northwest Florida's congressman to also pick a fight with Twitter. On Monday, June 1, Gaetz tweeted, "Now that we clearly see Antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East?" Twitter placed a public interest notice on the tweet. A Twitter spokesperson told POLITICO, "The tweet is in violation of our glorification of violence policy." STEVE KING The Republican congress-
man from Iowa narrowly lost the Republican primary last week. Last year, King openly questioned why white supremacy was offensive. GOP leaders suspended his committee appointments and rallied behind businessman and State Senator Randy Feenstra, who will represent the party in the general election. Feenstra is favored to hold the seat against J.D. Scholten, who nearly defeated King in 2018 and ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. inweekly.net
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outtakes By Rick Outzen
NO MORE DELAYS Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson wants four more months before he forms a police oversight committee, even though he committed to the panel last August. Pensacola Dream Defenders' demand came with a deadline—July 5, 2020, the anniversary of when Pensacola police shot and killed Tymar Crawford during a traffic stop. For the past year, Robinson has chosen to ignore the deadline, showing no sense of urgency. He has excuses—FDLE investigation of the shooting, grand jury report, hiring Cedric Alexander, new training for police officers and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the delays don't pass the smell test. His office apparently has never mastered multi-tasking, and his cadre of highpaid administrators couldn't have been delegated some of the work. The strategy appears to be to drag out the process and hope the pressure to do anything meaningful dies down. Unfortunately, the lid on the boiling pot keeps slipping off as news reports remind locals of Crawford's death. In March, Louisville, Ky., police shot and killed Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African American EMT, in her apartment while police served a "no-knock" search warrant. Last month, George Floyd died in Minneapolis while in handcuffs as a white police officer knelt on his neck. As July approaches, we still are unsure what the mayor's committee will look like or even if it will have the power to oversee and investigate complaints of law enforcement abuse and conduct. Robinson started crawfishing in early November after the video of Police Detective Daniel Siemen shooting Crawford seven times in the abdomen was released. The mayor talked about broadening the committee's scope to include all city services. "The police are simply one service that the city of Pensacola provides," said Robinson during a weekly press conference. "I think there's a good idea we should be doing more than just law enforcement. We should be doing all aspects of the community, so we're looking to do that."
He argued for a broader conversation than police and that the committee should include "everything from fire protection to recreation to sanitation." "It's got to be broader than just the Tymar Crawford shooting or we're not going to accomplish anything more than we've already accomplished," Robinson said. The mayor offered no specifics on his committee's scope or how members would be selected, but he promised to have answers by the spring or summer. In January, Robinson announced he had hired Cedric Alexander, a retired law enforcement expert that Governor Ron DeSantis had appointed to the ECUA board, to a six-month contract to train the police force and "help pull together some ideas for that citizens group that we could work with." Alexander served on President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing and presided over the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In recent weeks, he has been a CNN analyst talking about law enforcement reforms. It appears Alexander's six months with the city now will extend to nine, at least. On Monday, the mayor announced the consultant would conduct four to six town halls to gather public input on what exactly the community is looking for in the committee. Sigh. Pensacola Dream Defenders defined the mission of the police oversight committee. It's so typical of Robinson to appropriate the activists' demand and reconfigure it to his political agenda—not giving the group what it wanted but making it seem like he is. It's moves such as these that frustrate those seeking meaningful change. No one demanded a new citizen advisory to offer views on parks, fire and garbage pick-up. Citizens have the Pensacola City Council and dozens of city boards and committees that accomplish that. The issue is the oversight of law enforcement. The panel could easily be established by July 5. It's a matter of political will. {in} rick@inweekly.net
As July approaches, we still are unsure what the mayor's committee will look like or even if it will have the power to oversee and investigate complaints of law enforcement abuse and conduct.
June 11, 2020
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WHEN THE CITY IS CRYING By Jeremy Morrison
It was aggressive negotiations to be sure—linking arms and blocking traffic at the foot of the Pensacola Bay Bridge—and Hale Morrissette was pretty pleased with the results. "I think it went well," reflected Morrissette, a leading voice in the local community group Pensacola Dream Defenders, summing up her take on last Saturday's events in a single word—"Victory." Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson used a different word when reflecting on the event—"Disappointed." "It didn't need to happen," Robinson said later that day. "Everything that was accomplished in there could have been accomplished talking on the side of the road." By Monday morning, the mayor had hardened his stance, stressing that he wasn't in the mood for "any more foolishness." "We don't want a situation where people are going back in the road again. That's going to slow us down," Robinson said during his weekly press conference. "If we see this behavior happen going forward, it will slow the progress. It will grind it to a halt." That sentiment doesn't sit well with Morrissette. "I feel that it is an abuse of power to threaten people who just want a progressive world and city of Pensacola," Morrissette said. Robinson said he wasn't opposed to 66
the protesters' goals but rather the route they took to realize them—"The issue is the tactics; a lot of citizens were upset." He added, "We are going to need to be more respectful to each other."
'GET YOUR KNEE OFF MY NECK!'
The protests at Graffiti Bridge had stretched on for more than a week when Mayor Robinson dropped by on Saturday, June 6. Hundreds of protesters also weathered the rain blowing in ahead of Tropical Storm Cristobal to call for reforms within law enforcement and enjoy breakfast served up by Food Not Bombs. Like protests erupting around the nation and even the world, the protest in Pensacola was sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis black man who died in handcuffs as a white police officer knelt on his neck. Floyd's death is far from an anomaly, but it has become a tipping point of sorts. Communities around the country can site similar incidents. For example, former Pensacola Police Department (PPD) detective Daniel Siemen was fired last year for breaking the department's use-of-deadly force policy after he shot Tymar Crawford multiple times at close range during a July 5 traffic stop. "We are here to say to America, 'Get your knee off our necks!'" local Civil Rights icon Rev.
H. K. Matthews spoke to the protesters gathered at Graffiti Bridge early in the day. Sitting in his wheelchair, sheltered from the rain beneath a pop-up canopy, Matthews drew parallels between current racial tensions and those when he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I came down here to stand in solidarity with all of y'all that are here today and to tell you thank you so much for coming out," Matthews addressed the crowd. "I got a good whuppin' on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday in 1965, and I'm proud that I was there. I'm proud that you're here." When Mayor Robinson's turn arrived to address the crowd, he told them he "mainly came here to listen today." And there was plenty of listening to do.
'IT'S YOUR JOB TO LISTEN'
"I'm looking at you because I want you to feel what I'm saying, because this is something that means something from the bottom of my heart," said University of West Florida student Keyshawn Rodgers. "You are not a bad person; I don't believe you're a bad person, but I do believe you have a power that you're not using correctly." Protest organizer Kyle Cole also spoke directly to Robinson, "When the city is crying, it's your job to listen." He continued, "And that's what we did
here starting last week, to let you know that the city is crying; the city needs change. Fighting against you won't get that; fighting against the police department won't get that. So as long as we can all come to an agreeance that we will sit down at the table, that's all it takes. Anything can be done at the table; anything can happen at the table." Since the death of Crawford, Mayor Robinson has taken a few steps to improve aspects of the city's police department. Chiefly, Cedric Alexander, a retired law enforcement officer with a national reputation, has been hired to work with the PPD toward improving the way in which officers interact with the local community. The mayor, Alexander and Police Chief Tommi Lyter have also committed to the creation of a citizen advisory, or oversight board. The creation of such a body was at the core of a lists of demands issued by Dream Defenders following Crawford's shooting. "We're happy to sit down at the table to make Pensacola better," Robinson assured the crowd. "You'll always find us ready to do that." The mayor also said there were things that were not within his power to do—"I'm the mayor, not the king"—and encouraged the protesters to participate in the city's upcoming charter revision process. inweekly.net
'THIS IS A START'
Sometime later, after protesters flooded 17th Avenue, Morrissette led a breakaway contingent toward the Bay Bridge, where they linked arms and blocked traffic in both directions. She was unsatisfied with Mayor Robinson's earlier remarks. "The mayor kind of spouted a few things that were very contradictory to what we've been talking about for the past 11 months," Morrissette explained later. As the protesters blocked the roadway, one landed himself on the hood of a Ford Flex, the driver of which proceeded across the bridge as the man clung to the vehicle's hood. Back at the human blockade, Lawrence Powell, the city's neighborhoods administrator, attempted to talk the protesters out of the roadway. "We're not breaking the line until he comes out here and he says what he needs to say and it's recorded," Morrissette explained to Powell. Eventually, Robinson did meet with the group of protesters in the road. They discussed several of the demands issued by Dream Defenders last summer, such as the issue of implicit and explicit bias within the PPD, the deprioritization of low-level crimes like marijuana possession and, most notably, the securing of a seat on the yet-to-be-formed citizen oversight committee. While Robinson demurred on a number of the demands—saying the asks were either out of the city's purview or should be put to a popular vote—the mayor did agree to place Morrissette on the citizen oversight board that Dream Defenders has been pushing for. "Will you commit today that Hale Morrissette will be your appointee for the citizen's council when it's formed? Will you commit to that today?" community activist Nathan Monk asked the mayor in the middle of the road. "I'll commit to that today," Robinson replied. Morrissette, momentarily brought to tears, took a second to respond. "This is a start," she said finally.
DRAGGING INTO THE FALL
Later in the afternoon, Morrissette explained the importance of securing that seat on the oversight body, saying there was a concern that the board would lack
THE BRIDGE DEBATE
There was one noticeable absence at the Saturday, June 6, Graffiti Bridge protest—police presence. While the police have regularly patrolled the nightly protests, they remained mostly out of sight on Saturday. Mayor Robinson explained later that this was because the Graffiti Bridge protests have been peaceful. "We certainly haven't felt the need to bring in a police presence," he said. "We have not seen any reason to bring police in." Of course, police officers did show up on Saturday when protesters took to blocking the roadway. But they stuck to directing traffic, as the mayor chose not to call for them to clear the protesters from the road. "I was told it would've been forceable, and that's not what any of us wanted," the mayor said.
June 11, 2020
a voice within the local black community. She's still concerned about what exact form and function the committee will adopt. "It's vague right now," Morrissette said. "I plan on being able to get clarification." Mayor Robinson said that the next step in forming the citizen initiative board is to hold community input sessions—and that whatever shape the board takes, he had always expected that the Dream Defenders would get a seat at the table. "I'm not sure where it goes, but some way or another, I think Dream Defenders has got to be associated," Robinson said. "They're the ones that came up with this idea." The Dream Defenders have asked that the city's citizen oversight board be assembled by July 5, the one-year anniversary of Crawford's death. That doesn't look likely to happen. Robinson said Monday, "I think it will happen by October. That's my goal." The mayor said that it was always the city's goal to establish the oversight committee after it focused internally on the PPD, an effort being facilitated by Cedric Alexander. He blamed the slow start on the committee on the COVID-19 pandemic. "Committees usually take a long time to pull together and figure out what they're doing," Robinson said, explaining the prolonged timeline. Another factor is the mayor wants Alexander to conduct a series of public input sessions to get a read on what exactly the community is looking for in the committee. He's expecting from four to six input sessions, including at least one online forum. "He wants to have town halls north, south, east and west in the community," Robinson said. Morrissette said that felt the mayor was moving too slow on this front. "I feel like he's dragging his feet. He very much has the time, ability and people to get this jumpstarted," she said. "It needs to happen not in October, but now." Morrissette also said that the Dream Defenders had no plans to revise their list of demands, even as the mayor views some of them as nonstarters. "That's the list," she said. "There's a chance we might add to it but not take anything away." {in}
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But after the roadway incident, the mayor is seeking to have the protest relocated, citing traffic and safety concerns. "Obviously, there's a lot of traffic challenges," Robinson said of the 17th Avenue site, adding that protesters could stay until after Floyd's burial. "I indicated to Mr. Cole, if they need to stay there until Wednesday, that's fine." Protest organizer Kyle Cole, however, appear to be disinclined to acquiesce the request. "We will not be going anywhere," said Cole. "We have a plan, an agenda, and until it's complete, we will be there." Cole feels relocating the protest at the city's behest would only devalue the protest. "It will take away from the message we have started for us to allow them to make us move," Cole said Tuesday morning. {in} 7
PREPARING FOR HURRICANES IN A PANDEMIC By Jeremy Morrison
SHELTER IN SPACE
An air always hangs heavy over hurricane season, but this year is different. This year, storms will be weathered within the context of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. "It is a catch-22, I'm not gonna lie," said Escambia County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore. "It's not the best circumstances we've had." As Gilmore explained the county's preparation plans for this year, he had one eye on Tropical Storm Cristobal brewing out in the Gulf of Mexico. Only a few days into hurricane season, it was already getting busy. "We're in our third named storm and here it is June 3rd," Gilmore said. "I just hope this is not a precursor for how storms are just popping up in the Gulf." The list of names for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is as unsuspecting as always— names like Edouard, Nana, Wilfred—but any one of them could turn into a raging monster. And when that happens, things get interesting, with the realities of the pandemic piling layers of stress on an already challenging ordeal. As local governments and coastal communities prepare for this hurricane season, coronavirus concerns will color just about every aspect. This means figuring out how to respond to and recover from a hurricane while still trying to observe basic health precautionary measures, such as social distancing. But ultimately, it's going to be a balancing act based on personal thresholds and perspectives. "One thing that I need to stress is don't let concerns of the pandemic stop you from evacuating if you're told to leave," said Kimberlyn Bouler, Santa Rosa County's emergency management coordinator. "Storm surge is ultimately more dangerous than the COVID virus, and that's going to be a personal decision, but understand the dangers of both of those and which one is the priority there for you."
This year's Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through the end of November, could be an active one. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, are predicting an above-normal season. NOAA is looking to see between 13 and 19 named storms, with six to 10 of those becoming hurricanes. Up to a half dozen of those might be major hurricanes, a Category 3 or higher. A combination of several climate factors is at play in this potentially active season. There's the warmer-than-average surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Caribbean, and weaker tropical trade winds, and El Nino conditions that might trend toward La Nina, resulting in a loss of any suppression to hurricane activity. Now add the coronavirus to that mix. "Social distancing and other CDC guidance to keep you safe from COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan you had in place," cautioned Carlos Castillo, acting deputy administrator for resilience at FEMA, in May. The impact of the coronavirus will be most pronounced during periods of evacuation—specifically when people begin pouring into hurricane shelters and attempt to continue observing safety measures meant to curb the spread of COVID. "We're looking at everything we can do inside a shelter to mitigate the risks," Gilmore explained. Escambia County has six venues it taps for hurricane shelters, places like schools and the Bay Center. It opens the shelters incrementally, depending on the severity of the storm, and in a normal year allots about 20 square feet of space per person. "This year, 60 square feet seems to be our planning number that we're trying to meet to make sure we can space people out and do what we need to do," Gilmore said. "That drastically reduces our capability inside of a shelter." In Santa Rosa, they're going with 50 square
feet per person. That required moving its primary shelter from the Milton Community Center to the larger Avalon Middle School. There's a range of guidance that local governments are considering when setting accommodation goals. The American Red Cross, for example, plays it safer with its recommendations of 110 square feet per person than the U.S. Center for Disease Control's recommendation of about half that. But, ultimately, such decisions are based on the capabilities of a given community. "At first, I'm gonna tell you, it was a 110 square feet per person," Gilmore said. "And if I did a 110 square feet per person, that's nothing. I wouldn't be able to shelter anybody." In addition to considerations aimed at providing adequate space, there will also be other measures in place at shelter facilities. "We're going to require everyone to wear masks, so we're gonna have those on hand," said Bouler. "We have sanitizer on hand, and we have hourly cleaning schedules." "The lines will be slower getting in. We'll do temperature checks; we'll do questionnaires," Gilmore said, explaining that people testing positive for COVID will be isolated from the general population at the shelters.
SHELTER OF LAST RESORT
Shelters don't typically see too much action until the weather gets pretty hairy. Tropical storms, for example, don't prompt people to evacuate their homes. The last time Santa Rosa opened a facility was for Hurricane Ivan. "Even for a Cat 1 and possibly a weak Cat 2," said Gilmore. "It's when we start seeing that Category 3, your major type hurricanes, is when people start occupying the shelters more than they would in the weaker storms." And while officials will be taking steps to accommodate evacuees in a COVID-sensitive fashion at the shelters when stronger storms roll in, they are also stressing a secondary message this year—don't come to a shelter unless you have to.
"Shelters are not comfortable places to be. They're not welcoming or inviting; they don't provide entertainment, comfort value or even nutritional value. We don't provide meals or anything like that," Bouler said. "We are encouraging people who are in newer homes that are hardened to consider sheltering in place. If they're not in a storm surge zone and they are in a hardened structure, then maybe that's something that they want to do." Gilmore suggested that people should evaluate their dwelling structure—"Do you have to evacuate? Is your home safe enough?"—and be aware of their designated coastal zone and associated advisories—"Are you in an evacuation zone where you absolutely have to get out?"— in order to appropriately weigh the risk-benefits of going to a shelter. "We ask you to view the shelter as a last resort," he said. If a hurricane does blow through the area this season, the response efforts in its aftermath may look a bit different too due to the coronavirus. Gilmore noticed that recently when some tornadoes caused some damage to the north of Escambia. "Volunteerism was down because people didn't want to take the risk of going out in those communities," he said, adding that outside assistance could also be limited. "A lot of those organizations and agencies that come in from the outside to assist and to do those recovery efforts might not be as strong as they have been in the past." Also, due to the additional strains presented by the coronavirus, officials are recommending ramping up typical preparedness plans across the board. Have more food on hand, maybe some more cash too, because it may take longer than normal for communities to recover from a hurricane. "Typically, our motto is 'the first 72 is on you,'" explained Bouler, "but because the supply chain has been strained as much as it has with COVID, we recommend seven days' worth of supplies." {in}
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INSIDE INNERARITY SEWER TAKEOVER By Jeremy Morrison Escambia County owns a water and sewer system on Innerarity Island in Perdido Bay. But how did this happen? How did we get here? That's the question the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is asking itself six years deep into an effort to overhaul the private system and hand it off to the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. In May, the board requested that the county administration look into exactly how this came to be following County Attorney Alison Rogers' explanation that the board once had the option to legally toss the water and sewer system to ECUA. "It's very, very difficult, in my opinion, to go six, seven years in the past and try to second guess some of these decisions being made years ago," Rogers said recently, "because so many decisions have fallen on top of it." While the new county administration digs into the past, Innerarity Island residents have continued to implore commissioners to find other funding sources. That doesn't look likely to happen. While the past of this deal may be hazy, the future appears pretty clear—Innerarity Island residents are going to get hit with what Commissioner Doug Underhill calls "the largest MSBU that the county has ever forced on a citizen."
A LONG SHORT STORY
Escambia County's relationship with the Innerarity Island sewer and water system began in the fall of 2013. Former County Commissioner Gene Valentino recalled Kathy Collins, daughter of Fayette Dennison, who operated Innerarity Island Development Corporation, walked into his office and dropped a bomb. "Drops papers on my desk and says, 'Here, you're now the proud owner of a utility on Innerarity Island,'" Valentino said. The company that had developed the island properties and operated the private water and sewer system planned to file a notice of abandonment.
The developer had charged residents a fixed amount for service regardless of use, and over the years, that math had started to fall apart, as did the systems themselves. "He was just having to throw money at it," Rogers explained. "He never really upgraded or maintained or replaced the infrastructure. So it didn't really stay up to snuff." By 2014, the system needed millions in repairs. The county tried to have it handed over to ECUA, but the utility wouldn't accept it until the upgrades were done. "Long story short, the county becomes the receiver of the water and sewer system," Rogers said. But, of course, long stories are never short. Some stories even have alternative versions. Commissioner Underhill tells a version that casts the Innerarity utility takeover as a "collusion" involving Dennison, Valentino and former County Administrator George Touart. "Their intent was to get into the sewer business so that they could take over ECUA," Underhill said. Then Touart passed away and Jack Brown was hired as his replacement. He said. "Gene and George were driving the idea of attacking ECUA and taking it over. Jack, when he came into office, proposed, 'Let's stop fighting with ECUA, and let's start working together to achieve and solve the problems that we have in front of us." Valentino calls Underhill's assertion "absolute insanity" and said consolidating ECUA within the county was not at play in this instance. "I didn't manipulate any aspect of the need of the citizens on Innerarity Island just because I had a personal belief that ECUA should be part of the county." Whatever happened in closed-door shade meetings commissioners held in February and April of 2014, the county was playing much nicer with ECUA by summer. Rogers shared with Inweekly, "I think there was a general feeling of, it's the dawn of a new day with ECUA." In September 2014, County Administrator Brown spoke with commissioners about a "better spirit of cooperation" with ECUA and
outlined a discussion he had with Steve Sorrell that included a plan for ECUA to oversee system upgrades that the county would fund and eventually recoup the cost by implementing an MSBU (Municipal Services Benefit Unit) or from some other funding source. "I brought this up to Mr. Sorrell, separate from the court case," Brown told commissioners, "and said I wanted to get this done. And he and I agreed at that point that we'd start working to bring this forth." "I definitely think that Administrator Brown was interested in that tact, for sure," recalled Rogers, "because it was not what the legal department was advising, but he was interested in forging this relationship, I think, because that is what the majority of the board was asking the administrator to do, or that was his impression of what the board wanted him to do." At the time, Rogers informed the board that the county had a verbal decision from a judge that ECUA could be legally named a joint receiver of the Innerarity system, and thus equally on the hook for the upgrades. She told the commissioner they would have to sue ECUA to make it happened. Looking back on it, this route still makes good legal sense to Rogers. "The judge definitely indicated that she had been willing to make them a joint receiver, and in my mind, in an ideal world, that would've meant that this would've been their project; they would've owned the responsibility of the cost of the project, how long it took, what it looked like, what the level of infrastructure needed was," the attorney said. "In a perfect world, we could've passed that responsibility on." Commissioners agreed that Brown should continue working with ECUA while leaving the court case open.
A HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE SITUATION
Commissioner Jeff Bergosh wasn't on the board in 2014 and has expressed his displeasure with the deal. "It was a terrible deal and a bad deci-
sion on the part of the board," he said, "They should've never taken it on; they should've forced ECUA to be a part of it, and that's what I would've done if I'd been on the board when that decision was made." Bergosh feels the county should've played hardball. "We've had the headaches; we've had the nightmares; we've had to be the one to get the money, to front the money, deal with the residents," said Bergosh. "The winner in this thing is ECUA. At the end of it all, they get essentially a brand-new refurbished system that they take over and they've got a bunch of ready-made customers." He added, "They've come out the other end of the pipe smelling like a rose, pardon the pun. The homeowners are getting shafted; they're going to get hit with giant MSBUs, and the county's going to take a black eye for being the bad guy." Earlier this year, ECUA updated the estimated cost of the system upgrades to $4.5 million. The county has sold off some property on the island and secured a $1.5 million grant from the state, but the rest will fall to the residents. "There is no other possible solution except for that the citizens of the island are going to pay for the upgrades of the system," said Commissioner Underhill. Innerarity residents are hoping that's not the case. The island's homeowner's association recently passed a resolution asking county commissioners to look for other funding sources. Valentino lives near Innerarity Island. He says residents have spoken with him about their concerns with an MSBU, and he thinks they have a point. The upgrade costs, the former commissioner said, should either be absorbed into the county's infrastructure costs or paid for by ECUA. "An MSBU is a cop-out," Valentino said. "Here's one thing for sure—the citizens better not pay for it, because I will help fund their legal fees to take this all the way to court." {in}
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that the project put back on the agenda for the next council meeting. "I want to ask the council to set up the committee," wrote Myers. "As you know, I have commitments from a number of people who have already agreed to serve on the committee." Myers wants the city council to take applications, chose the panel by the end of July and have it start meeting the following month. "I am tired of the delay on this project," she said. "It has been four years."
Illustration courtesy of UWF Historic Trust Collections
THE MONUMENT QUESTION As
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson spoke to protesters at Graffiti Bridge last Saturday, an inevitable question was shouted from the crowd: "What about the statue in Lee Square?" As protesters nationwide bring attention to police violence against AfricanAmerican people, the question arises, again, of how best to address the countless monuments that pay tribute to the Confederacy. Civil rights activists have long contended they glorify a racist past and should come down. A number of such monuments were removed following a 2016 gathering of white supremacists in Charlottesville, during which a civil rights counter-protestor was killed. And now more local governments are choosing to remove more Confederate monuments. Nearby, in Mobile, Ala., a statue of Confederate Admiral Raphael Semmes was recently taken down. Although Mayor Robinson did not address the issue during his appearance at Saturday's protest, he did talk about the issue during an interview with Inweekly later in the afternoon. "If the confederate monument comes down, does racism stop? No," the mayor said. While Robinson said that he "un212 1
derstands the challenges of what the monument means," "would love to find a way to deal with our symbols and do it responsibly," and was "going to give it some thought," he didn't appear inclined to remove the statue from downtown.
"If the confederate monument comes down, does racism stop? No." Grover Robinson "We're going to try to figure out what we need to do up there on the top of the hill on Palafox," Mayor Robinson said. "I do believe the statue as it stands currently, on its own, is hindering us." At his Monday, June 8 presser, the mayor told reporters that the time wasn't right for a discussion of removal on the "Our Confederate Dead" memorial in Lee Square. He said, "There's too much challenge and discord that we have and just moving forward with what we've got." Meanwhile, Councilwoman Sherri Myers wants the Pensacola City Council to discuss the Pensacola Unity Project, which could possibly replace the "Our Confederate Dead" monument. She has sent a request to Council Executive Don Kraher
SUPERINTENDENT CIVICCON A special CivicCon town hall on the selection of a new school superintendent has been set for 6- 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15, as a virtual event that is free and open to all. Patty Hightower, chairman of the Escambia County Board of Education, and Andrea Messina, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association, will provide an update to the community regarding the search planning that began in 2019 and ends with a new superintendent hired to begin work later this year. The search for the next Escambia County School superintendent continues as Superintendent Malcolm Thomas is scheduled to retire at the end of the year. The new superintendent will be identified and hired by the Escambia School Board. Prior to a ballot initiative, the position in Escambia County was chosen by election. The Escambia School Board has been using the guidance of the Florida School Boards Association since mid-2019 to form a plan and conduct its nationwide search. The board's plan calls for applications to close on June 26. Finalists are to be interviewed during the last week of August and the selection made in September. Hightower and Messina will update the community on the search and take questions from the registered attendees of the Zoom meeting. Questions by attendees will be submitted in advance at the time of registration on Eventbrite. Janet Pilcher, moderator, will ask the questions of Hightower and Messina after they deliver an update. Registration is through Eventbrite, bit.ly/2zDqhA5. ALEXANDER ANSWERS QUESTIONS
After a week of nation-wide protests stemming from the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, former Chief of Police David Alexander answered questions Escambia County Online Sheriff's Forum sponsored by Pensacola Dream Defenders on Sunday, June 7. Escambia County Chief Deputy Chip Simmons, a Republican who faces Alexander in the general election, told Inweekly he couldn't attend because of another speaking engagement. As a result, Alexan-
der answered dozens of questions from a long list of participants alone. The Democratic candidate for sheriff, served 32 years in law enforcement and was Pensacola's first African American police chief when appointed to the position in 2017. Several of the questions posed to him dealt with the issues surrounding police violence and racial bias towards Escambia County's black community. Alexander said, "I believe everyone should be treated fair and with respect." He then committed to fight against racial bias and pledged to run his administration with "professionalism, integrity and fairness." Several questions posed to Alexander at the forum dealt with incarceration, in particular of black youth. Alexander expressed his support for alternatives to incarceration, but he said many of the issues also needed direct community support. "The community has to take a more active role," said Alexander. He stressed the need for traditional policing, but he continuously stated the need for more community involvement throughout the forum. "If you don't want to work in the community," he said, "you really don't want the problem solved." One of Alexander's main concern was the adversarial image many citizens had of law enforcement, especially within minority communities. Alexander said that there was "no place for heavy handed policing," but also reiterated that "there's a lot of good officers out there of all races and ethnicities." Alexander promised to fight against misconduct and racism in policing, at one point saying that he himself faced discrimination in his career. Among the ways he plans to fight discrimination, if elected, is through strengthening accountability within the sheriff's office. He proposed dashboard and bodycams, and he said officers would be held "accountable for actions that are not justifiable." "What you permit is what you promote," said Alexander. He hopes to change the perception of local law enforcement and lessen the negative association with policing in minority communities, but felt this would only come with fair accountability. "If there's no accountability, those charges [of systemic racism] will not be sustained." "It doesn't matter what your race is," said Alexander. "You needed to be treated fair."
SKATEPARK ON THE HORIZON? The city has been planning for a skatepark near downtown for quite a while now. It has little control over the timeline for the effort, however, as the skatepark is part of a larger project— the Hollice T. Williams Greenway— which is being handled by Escambia County. "We have been pushing for this for some inweekly.net
time," Mayor Robinson said at a recent press conference, explaining that the county was about to get rolling on the project. "It's been slower than we'd like; I know it's been slower than many of you would like." Robinson said the county had brought on an engineer to handle the greenway project and had agreed to complete the work in phases, with the first phase focusing on the skatepark. Unfortunately, the city didn't secure large concrete slabs left over from the construction of the federal courthouse downtown—something mentioned last year—for use as park features. The mayor didn't know how long it would be before the skatepark would be finished. He said, "We're trying to move this thing as fast as we can."
SONGS OF INSPIRATION Inspired
to support their fellow Argonauts amid COVID-19, the University of West Florida community has answered the call by submitting songs of impact for the public to listen to and vote on as their favorites. UWF received more than 50 submissions from faculty, staff, students and alumni after the call to submit songs and lyrics went out in April. After thorough vetting, 25 submissions advanced to the voting phase, which is underway. "During troubled times, words of encouragement can make a big difference," UWF President Martha D. Saunders said. "Creativity within the UWF community is boundless, and Songs of Impact uses words of encouragement to lift us up and provide a helping hand to our students." Submissions could be an original or cover song performed by an individual or group. Those who submitted music were charged with choosing from a variety of UWF initiatives that are helping students in need. Causes include Argo Pantry, Student Emergency Relief Fund and scholarship funds. Those who vote are encouraged to donate or learn ways they can help students.
June 11, 2020
The voting phase will take place through Friday, June 26. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, July 1. The overall winner will receive a UWF Bookstore gift card, the opportunity to perform at the UWF Homecoming and a chance to record their song in-studio at WUWF. For more information, visit uwf.edu/ songsofimpact.
INITIATION TO NEGOTIATE The
Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission (PEDC) has issued an Invitation to Negotiate as they seek private sector partners with an interest in developing a nine-acre tract of property, known as the Pensacola Technology Campus. "The PEDC has worked hard to develop the Technology Campus for over 10 years as it was originally planned, and we are continuing to look for opportunities that match that vision," said PEDC Chairman Lewis Bear. "Recently, the board made the decision to consider other options, outside of the original scope of work, that could also benefit downtown Pensacola and the public by putting the property on the tax rolls on behalf of the Escambia County citizens." Clorissti Shoemo, PEDC vice chair, said, "We know that companies are currently reassessing their businesses plans in these rapidly changing and evolving conditions. Pensacola offers a great business climate and a unique opportunity that may be coming just at the right time for those looking to expand operations or to relocate." For more information and the Invitation to Negotiate, visit floridawesteda.com/ development-opportunity.
HONORING CHARLIE GONZALEZ The Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution on June 4 naming the artificial reef that is being constructed at Casino Beach the "Charles Fennell Gonzalez, IV, Casino Beach Reef" in honor of the late Charlie Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was a long-time employee of Escambia County who made a positive impact in the lives of everyone who knew and worked with him. He passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 17, at the age of 56. The reef project was one of Gonzalez's last projects. District 4 County Commissioner Robert Bender said at the board meeting, "Charlie made a great impact to this community. He was always able to be there with a smile, and whatever you needed, he was able to create and get it to you on short notice, typically for our board meetings."
MORE COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANTS
Gulf Power, in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UWF, is funding a second round of the Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program. Gulf Power will fund the grant with a contribution of $300,000. The maximum grant amount is $5,000. The COVID-19 Grant is intended to assist for-profit businesses, located in select Northwest Florida counties, by addressing their immediate cash flow needs as a result of demonstrated economic injury due to COVID-19. Applications are available at sbdc.uwf.edu.
GULF DEAD ZONE Louisiana State University scientists last week announced their prediction for the 2020 Dead Zone that annually forms in the Gulf of Mexico, off the shore of Louisiana and Texas. They predicted that the Dead Zone would be 7,769 square miles, approximately the size of New Hampshire. The Dead Zone, also known as a hypoxic zone, forms at the mouth of the Mississippi River due to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution flowing from agricultural fields, animal feeding lots, sewage plants and industrial sources. According to the release from LSU, a 60% reduction of nitrogen pollution is required to reduce the size of the Dead Zone to the goal stated by the Hypoxia
Task Force, a state and federal task force formed to combat the Dead Zone over 25 years ago. The goals of the Task Force are to reduce the size of the Dead Zone to less than 2,000 square miles by 2035 and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the river by 25% by 2025. It's doubtful either goal will be achieved.
SUNDAY'S CHILD FINALISTS Sunday's
Child, a Pensacola Bay area nonprofit that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, announced the selection of eight finalists vying for four grants of $25,000 each. For 2020, Sunday's Child raised $100,000 among 168 members. Those dollars will be awarded to Pensacola Bay Area nonprofit organizations that place value on diversity, inclusion and equality. Council on Aging of Northwest Florida, INERTIA Education Programs, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Pensacola Humane Society, Children's Home Society of Florida, Gulf Coast Kid's House, OASIS Florida and SEASTARS will all have the opportunity to present their projects to members at the Sunday's Child Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 28. "This year has certainly come with challenges we never expected," said Gary Rhodes, board president of Sunday's Child. "Many of our nonprofit organizations are experiencing an increased demand for services, and at the same time, many vital fundraising events have been postponed or canceled. I am thankful that our innovative and adaptive members were able to find a way to continue our mission of supporting our local organizations in this unusual environment." Launched in 2014, Sunday's Child uses a model similar to Impact 100—individual members or member ensembles donate $1,000 annually, with all funds going toward grant awards. Over the past six years, Sunday's Child has raised over $536,000. For more information, visit sundayschild.org. {in}
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Black-Owned Pensacola Where you spend your money matters. Redirecting economic resources is one the most impactful and long-term ways to effect change. So if you're looking to join the fight against racial inequality, supporting black-owned businesses should definitely be part of your plan. In that spirit, we put together this directory—to help you put your money where your activism is, right here at home. {in}
FOOD AND BEVERAGE Arlene’s Bar-B-Que & Grill
4238 W. Fairfield Drive, arlenewilliamsbbq.com
Asher & Bee Apothecary and Teahouse
3014 N. Ninth Ave., Ste. B, asherandbee.com
Blue Dot BBQ
310 N. De Villiers St. restaurantwebexpert.com/bluedotbarbecue
Casks and Flights
121 S. Palafox, casksandflights.com
Cole’s Wings and Things 2301 N. Pace Blvd.
East King’s Corner
1400 N. Davis Highway facebook.com/eastkingscornercafe
Englewood All In One Restaurant
1100 W. Scott St., facebook.com/englewoodallinone
Family Ty’s Good Eats
40 W. Nine Mile Road, Unit H facebook.com/famtysgoodeats
Fatboiz
1673 N. Pace Blvd. facebook.com/fatboizsandwiches
3507 N. Pace Blvd. facebook.com/mrwings.pensacola
Popcorn King
1531 E. Nine Mile Road, popcornking.net
RJs Tasty Plates
533 W. Detroit Blvd. facebook.com/rjstastyplatesllc
King Creole Seafood
2005 W. Jordan St., facebook.com/kingcreole82
LJ Gourmet Popcorn & Dripzels facebook.com/ljgourmetpopcorn
Miko's Sweets Eats and Treats
2729 W. Cervantes St. facebook.com/mikosweetseatsandtreats
Fitness 114 E. Gonzalez St., facebook.com/moveperiod
Reality Check Counseling Services
The Dwarf Chicken Stand
407 N. De Villiers St. facebook.com/dwarfchickenstand
The Po Boy Shack
Food truck, facebook.com/the-po-boyshack-1464514067003467
The Tatted Vegan
Food truck, facebook.com/thetattedvegan
Tops Choice Hamburgers 401 E. Cervantes St.
RETAIL East Hill Hardware & Supply 2702 N. 12th Ave.
The Book Pedaler
MISCELLANEOUS
1800 S. Highway 29 facebook.com/charlesandkristie
Move Period
Activewear iamshewarrior.com
1014 Underwood Ave. facebook.com/shirleyscafepensacola
Island Kitchen
Johnson's BBQ and Catering Service
Children's play and party facility 875 E. Nine Mile Road, Ste. 6 kidsplayplacefl.com
Therapy 321 N. De Villiers St., realitycheckcs.com
2475 E. Nine Mile Road, Ste. C facebook.com/pensacolabookpedaler
1315 N. New Warrington Road island-kitchen.business.site
Pensacola Kid’s Place
Shirley’s Café & Bakery
4412 W. Jackson St., hennypennyspatisserie.com
Henny Penny’s Patisserie
414 1
Mr. Wings
AnyDay DJ
Wedding and special event DJs anydaydj.com
Cora's Custom Creations
Event planning and catering facebook.com/corascustomcreationsccc
Delectable Delights By Tarolyn Inc. Custom cakes and treats for events facebook.com/delectablesbyT
Hope for Tomorrow Safety Services First aid and CPR training 6425 N. Pensacola Blvd., hftss.com
She Warrior
The Watson Firm
Legal 850 S. Palafox, Ste. 202, watsonfirm.com
MORE RESOURCES If you're looking for more information locally, BantuCola has a comprehensive directory on their site: bantucola.com/directory. The City of Pensacola also has a list of vendors, contractors and other business available online at cityofpensacola.com/documentcenter/view/18130/african-american-directory. Beyond Pensacola, here are some apps and directories that will help you locate blackowned businesses, no matter where you are: Official Black Wall Street officialblackwallstreet.com Black Nation blacknation.app EatOkra eatokra.com WeBuyBlack webuyblack.com I Am Black Business iamblackbusiness.com Support Black Owned supportblackowned.com *We tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible, but we know there are places we missed. So if you see something that's not included or inaccurate, let us know by emailing info@inweekly.net and we will add it.
inweekly.net
WEEK OF JUNE 11-17
Arts & Encouragement Getting Campy hope, help and other signs of humanity at a time when we really need it...
By Savannah Evanoff
Photo courtesy of UWF
While the coronavirus outbreak canceled many events and activities, summer camp isn't one of them. Valerie Taylor, the assistant director of Continuing Education for the University of West Florida, said they took their camps virtual. "Ultimately, with camps, we have two main goals, which are, first, we want to create an educational environment where growth and experimentation and inquiry are highly encouraged," Taylor said. "But the second main goal is we want to create a fun experience and a place where campers can make friends and memories. When we transitioned over and tried to create a virtual camp, we took those two components of education and friendship of our traditional camp and tried to find a way to do that through distance learning." The camp instructors are all local teachers, so they had already been experimenting with virtual learning while schools were using online learning the past couple of months. They all discussed which concepts would translate best virtually. The Broadway Bound musical theater camp, in which the campers present a musical at the end, was one of them. This year's conclusion is a Zoom watch party instead. "The company we normally use to purchase the musical from, they immediately came out with a virtual musical," Taylor said. "Each kid, they can have their class and they can do improv things together on Zoom and group experiences. And individually, they each have an individual part filmed at their home that we'll then stitch together to create one musical. We've created a lot of our own June 11, 2020
camps, but then we relied on companies that really have taken some initiative to figure out how to do their programming virtual as well." Another popular camp is a "Harry Potter" themed cross-curriculum camp. "We're doing potions, which is essentially kitchen chemistry," Taylor said. "That one, I think, will be especially fun in a virtual setting." The Nature's Laboratory and the Backyard Explorers camps are new additions. "It was a great opportunity to be like, 'How can we create a camp that is ideal for kids that are at home in their own backyard?'" Taylor said. While the transition to a virtual camp required some pivoting, Taylor believes the camps are a benefit to the parents and kids. "It's a way for them to engage safely from home," Taylor said. "Often, kids will say they're bored when they have a world of learning and fun at their fingertips. We're happy to give them a constructive way to fight that boredom but also fight the summer learning slide, which is very real and something that is going to be extra difficult this year." Other virtual camps are being done by Pensacola Museum of Art and Pensacola State College.
ADAPTING IN PERSON
Some camps, like First City Art's Creatisphere summer camps, are moving forward in person—but with small changes. Lauren Lentile, the creative director, said the class sizes are a maximum of eight, and they have incorporated contact-free pick-up and dropoff to accommodate for social distancing. "We're doing a lot of outside time this year in the fresh air," Lentile said. "Really, our focus this summer is to provide a safe environment for children to express themselves creatively and offer a relief from
all the pressure and anxiety they've been feeling for the past few months. We've taken away the stress on having the ideal or perfect completion of an art project to more joy, happiness, merriment and being able to interact with each other, because they haven't been able to in so long." The organization will offer 10 weeks' worth of summer camps, each week featuring a different theme. The themes incorporate different mediums, such as pottery, drawing, sculpture, collage, glass making, 3D design, mixed media, painting and printmaking. Many are STEAM-based, incorporating science, technology, engineering, art and math. Campers will be given their own art kit featuring everything they need for camp. "The kids take ownership of their supplies and work area," Lentile said. "We're seeing them step up to the plate and take responsibility now that we've given them responsibility for those sets, which is really cool." One of the most popular camps is creative comics and cartoons. "That is always a big hit," Lentile said. "We talk about myths, fables, Marvel characters, DC characters—we do a lot of sculpture that week. We incorporate some acting as well, so they can act out their cartoons and characters they've created." Another popular one is Beyond the Canvas. "It's a great chance for kids to do a tour of our campus and interact with our murals and get inspiration from them," Lentile said. "They get to learn how to create their own stencils; we do spray painting and other 3D techniques that can be applied to mural art." They will also travel across the street to the art park featuring several sculptures to talk about public art and accessibility of art to everyone in public spaces. "We have the kids work together in teams as they would if they were doing collaborative projects for public art," Lentile said. "That one's really cool I think, especially given Pensacola's vibrant art scene and all of the sculptures you're seeing pop up downtown." For sanitation, the camp will have air filtration systems, more fans circulating the air, the opening of doors and windows and cleaning throughout the day while the kids are outside. "We put up posters that are fun and engaging, like, 'Remember to wash your hands. Washing your hands is your superpower,'" Lentile said. Lentile thinks the addition of contactfree drop-off and pick-up might stick around. "Parents stay in their cars the entire time except for on Monday," Lentile said.
"If they would like or if their child would feel more comfortable, we can have one parent and one child going into the classroom at a time for getting them settled in. After that, we have staff meet parents at their cars, and we sign them in totally contact-free and walk the child to the classroom. It's pretty streamlined. Next year, we might use a similar process even if we don't have the same restrictions for COVID. We're embracing the change." {in}
VIRTUAL
jumpstART with Pensacola Children’s Chorus facebook.com/pensacolachildrenschorus Opera Camp at Home pensacolaopera.com Pensacola Museum of Art Virtual Summer Camp pensacolamuseum.org Pensacola State College Virtual Kids College pensacolastate.edu/about-continuingeducation University of West Florida’s Explore Summer Camps uwf.edu/continuinged/programs/exploresummer-camps
IN PERSON
Ballet Pensacola Summer Camps balletpensacola.org/camps Escambia County’s Play, Learn, Grow Summer Camp & Feeding Program myescambia.com/our-services/neighborhood-human-services/summer-campprograms First City Art Center’s Creatisphere Summer Art Camp firstcityart.org/product/creatisphereart-camp Innerlight Surf Shop Surf Camp innerlightsurf.com/pages/surf-camp Pensacola Cooks Kitchen's Jr. Chefs Summer Camps facebook.com/pckidsjrchefs Pensacola Little Theatre's Summer Stars pensacolalittletheatre.com/summerprograms Waterboyz Skate, Surf and Skim Camps waterboyz.com/collections/lessons-camps 15
a&e happenings Attending "normal" events might not be happening yet—but that doesn't mean local businesses and nonprofits aren't still keeping the community connected in creative ways.
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY TENT SALE Go shopping to help fund shelter
upgrades and critical animal care at the Pensacola Humane Society. The tent sale is 8 a.m.-noon on June 13 outside the shelter at 5 N. Q St. You'll find bargain prices on carriers, crates, beds, harnesses, leashes, toys and many more gently-used items for your pets. For more information, visit our website at pensacolahumane.org.
WORLD OCEANS DAY BEACH CLEANUP
Join Keep Pensacola Beautiful for World Oceans Day on June 13 from 9-11 a.m. by heading out to the beach for a cleanup. Volunteers will meet up at Park West on Pensacola Beach. Look for the blue KPB popup tent. Safety vests, litter grabbers, buckets, hand sanitizer and gloves will be available. Please remember to bring your reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a face mask. This event will follow social distancing protocol.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA VIRTUAL BINGO NIGHT Have a virtual bingo night in the comfort of your own home and support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Fishbein Orthodontics will match up to $500 in donations raised. One card is $10, and this will be used for all eight rounds. Each round, your card will be reset after bingo is called and confirmed. Want to play with more than one card? Purchase extra cards for $2 for all eight rounds. Cards can be secured through donation at netdonor.net/page/22470/donate/1. You'll receive a Zoom invite from Felicia Rabb at frabb@bbbsnwfl.org.
DOGGIE BATHE-INS RESUME The
Pensacola Humane Society 2020 Doggie Bathe-In season begins on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds going to fund its foster program and kitten supplies. Bathe-ins offer low-cost dog bathing and flea dips during the warm weather season. Events are held the third Saturday of the month, April through October, and continue as follows: Saturday, June 20 Saturday, July 18 Saturday, Aug. 15 Saturday, Sept. 19 Saturday, Oct. 17 Charges are based on the dog's weight and range from $8-$11. Please bring your own towels, or you may rent a towel for a $1 donation. Pensacola Humane Society is located at 5 N. Q St. For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org.
ARTS + CULTURE
MUSEUMS PHASED REOPENING The
T.T. Wentworth and Pensacola Museum of 616 1
Art (PMA) have reopened with limited hours on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Both museums are operating at limited capacity. In order to ensure social distancing guidelines are kept, visitors must reserve a $5 timed ticket online. The tickets are good for both museums for one day only. Current exhibitions at PMA include Poppy Garcia's "Bless Your Heart," the annual Members Show, and "DocuFlorida 3" and "Lessons in Ink" at T.T. Wentworth. You can also still enjoy virtual tours of exhibitions and collection highlights. For more information on both, visit pensacolamuseum. org and historicpensacola.org.
VIRTUAL HOT GLASS COLD BREW First City Art Center (FCA) is adapting its popular event next month. Hot Glass Cold Brew: Home Edition will take place virtually on Facebook Live on Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m. The Facebook Live event will feature a pottery demonstration, Gallery 1060 virtual tour, glassblowing demonstration, raffle and live auction. This online event will be interactive, as viewers will be encouraged to ask questions about the process and will receive real-time answers from an FCAC staff member. Keeping with tradition, unique glass and ceramic cups will be available for $30 starting June 12 in an online store. Cups can be picked up at First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., prior to the event. Each cup purchase will include a raffle ticket and a BOGO pint voucher to Pensacola Bay Brewery. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. OPERA UNIVERSITY: EXPLORING INNOVATION IN OPERA Learn about all
of the ways opera is being transformed and reinvented in this free, virtual Opera University session at 7 p.m. on June 18. Pensacola Opera staff and artists will share how composers are writing for modern audiences and sharing stores that haven't been on the opera stage before. Attendees must register by noon on June 18. Find the link at pensacolaopera.com, and you will receive an email with the Zoom link.
COLLECTION UNCORKED: AT HOME
The Pensacola Museum of Art has teamed up with Wine with Hilary Shaffer and Pot Roast & Pinot to bring their popular "Collection Uncorked" wine tasting into your home. Collection Uncorked invites visitors to learn more about our permanent collection through curated wine and art pairings. Chief Curator Anna Wall and Shaffer, a certified specialist of wine, are collaborating to match works of art with wines whose flavor profile or origins complement the art, artist or subject matter. This limited-edition curated box of three wines allows you to recreate the experience at home. Inside, you'll find reproductions of the works of art with narratives to guide you on your journey. Each box is $65. Order by noon on Wednesday of each week and pick up at Pot Roast & Pinot the following Saturday. For more information, visit potroastpinot.com/ product/collectionuncorked.
"Imagine Your Story" With WFPL Summer Reading Club
West Florida Public Library's (WFPL) Summer Reading Club is currently underway through July 31. The reading club is open to both adults and kids with opportunities to win a variety of prizes. All participants can log and track their reading minutes through a mobile app, Beanstack Tracker, or on their desktop computer through mywfpl.beanstack.org. With Beanstack, participants earn virtual badges for reading milestones, which automatically enter them in prize drawings. The club is open to readers of all levels—being read to or listening to audiobooks is allowed.
BALLET PENSACOLA VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING The Ballet Pensacola Virtual
Programming Series gives ballet fans a look at performances in the comfort of their own homes—or anywhere their devices take them. Utilizing a new soundstage built by the ballet's technicians, the artists will reimagine, repurpose and relaunch two beloved ballets from the Ballet Pensacola repertoire—"Alice in Wonderland" (a 2017 premiere) and "The Matrix " (a 2013 premiere). For more information, visit facebook.com/balletpensacola.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "VIRTUALLY TOGETHER" Be sure to follow Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on Facebook to see videos of orchestra musicians performing special works from their homes. To watch, visit facebook.com/pensacolasymphony.
OPERALIVE Pensacola Opera is keeping patrons connected through their new online series OperaLIVE. Episodes typically include things like interviews and performances with artists, plus appearances by Pensacola Opera staff. For updates on new episodes or to watch past ones, visit facebook.com/pensacolaopera. You can also subscribe to their channel on YouTube. PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE'S TAKING STOCK Enjoy the Pensacola Little Theatre production of "Taking Stock" from the
Prizes for kids include books, a Bluetooth speaker, wooden puppet theatre, green screen backdrop, LEGO Make Your Own Movie activity kit, selfie ring light with phone tripod holder, Moonlight story projector, blank comic book sketch kit, Moosh-Moosh squishy pillow and more. And for adults, prizes include a pillow tablet, Silhouette Cameo 4, Publix gift card, calligraphy starter kit and more. Winners will be notified by Wednesday, Sept. 2. For more information on WFPL or to sign up for the Summer Reading Club, visit mywfpl.com.
comfort of your own home with a pay-whatyou-can donation. This performance was completely rehearsed and produced online. The story is a family drama about two siblings who get together to divide family assets after the death of their mother. This production is for mature audiences only. For more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
WORKSHOPS AT STUDIO SOUTH Faceto-face workshops have resumed at Studio South. On June 13, learn to craft a Father's Day gift and card from 10-11 a.m. Cost is $20. On June 15, learn to make scones at the free Handcrafting Happiness workshop from 1011 a.m. Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road, Ste. 101. For more information and to see a complete list of June events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad.com. VOTE FOR THE UWF SONGS OF IMPACT
University of West Florida has chosen 25 finalists for the Songs of Impact contest. Now, it's your turn to vote. The song with the most votes wins. Once voting closes, the votes will be tallied and the winners contacted to confirm acceptance of their award. Following confirmation of winners, an official announcement will be released on Monday, July 1. Cast your vote at uwf.edu/go/songs-of-impact.
SINGERS' CINEMA Every Friday afternoon through August, enjoy a movie pick from the Choral Society of Pensacola. Information on each week's movie and where to find it online will be available on their Facebook page, inweekly.net
facebook.com/choralsocietyofpensacola. Some can be viewed free; most are available for rent for under $5. Watch the movie over the weekend, and then join the Choral Society Monday evenings for a Zoom session to share your thoughts.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
KEEP IT 100 The next Artel exhibition is
titled "Keep it 100." There are no size or theme requirements for this show, but all works must be for sale and priced at $100. Dates of the show are June 16 through July 23. Artists may submit up to three pieces. Drop-off dates are June 12 and 13. For more information, visit artelgallery.org.
PIECES ADRIFT ART SHOW Keep Pensacola Beautiful is recruiting artists to participate in their Pieces Adrift Art Show and Silent Auction. Pieces Adrift is a Keep Pensacola Beautiful programming fundraiser and pollution awareness event. Artists are welcome to participate with any level of experience, whether hobbyist or professional. Each piece submitted should be comprised of at least 50% litter. Due to COVID-19, KPB recommends using your discretion when picking up litter off the ground. Art pieces may also be created using trash from your home. Artists may also pick through sorted bins of trash at the KPB office left over from last year. "Pieces Adrift is a creative and unique way to unite the community in achieving a common goal—making Pensacola a beautiful place to live, work and play. It brings awareness to the perpetuating issue of litter and ocean pollution on our beaches and roadways. By repurposing trash as art, we hope to inspire our community to be mindful of what and how they throw it away," says Madelyn Newton, Marketing and Development, VISTA. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. For more information, please email marketing@keeppensacolabeautiful.org.
LIVE MUSIC
LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH
Live music is back at Red Fish Blue Fish 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. For a calendar of bands, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.
MONDAY NIGHT BLUES Blues Society of
other artists at 6 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/sevillequarter.
FITNESS + RECREATION
BLUE WAHOOS AND BUBBA WATSON OPEN STADIUM DISC GOLF COURSE
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and team co-owner Bubba Watson have partnered to bring disc golf to Blue Wahoos Stadium. The course covers the entirety of the stadium and is open to the public from noon-8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $5 per player per round. Children ages 6-12, seniors, military members and first responders will receive a $1 admission discount. Children 5 and under receive free admission with a paid adult. To ensure the safety of participants and in adherence with COVID-19 guidelines, new groups will be allowed to begin playing the course every 15 minutes. Players are encouraged to bring their own discs or to purchase a three-disk starter pack from the Blue Wahoos for $25. Disc rental is not available in accordance with safety. Go to Wahoos Stadium and visit the Bait & Tackle Store behind home plate to register. A scorecard and course map will be provided to each player. For more information, visit bluewahoos.com.
MOVIE NIGHT AT WAHOOS STADIUM Take in a movie at Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium, located at 351 W. Cedar St. The next movie nights are June 6 and 20. Stay after the credits roll for a post-movie fireworks show. Tickets are $4 for children and $5 for adults. Future dates will be announced at bluewahoos.com.
OPENING IN JUNE A BEACHFRONT BBQ EXPERIENCE ON PENSACOLA BEACH SERVING AUTHENTIC, LOW-AND-SLOW SMOKED BBQ DAILY.
WATERPIGBBQ.COM
NEXT TO RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH
BIKE PENSACOLA SHARES SLOW RIDE ROUTES If you're missing the monthly slow rides, here's a chance to enjoy the routes. Bike Pensacola is sharing slow ride maps from popular events. Find the maps on Facebook at facebook.com/bikepensacola. You will still need to adhere to safety and social distancing guidelines.
OCEAN HOUR BEACH CLEAN-UPS
Ocean Hour has picked up its weekly beach clean-ups in the Pensacola area Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. Supplies will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. For locations, visit oceanhourfl.com.
SATURDAYS AT THE MARKET OUTDOOR VENDOR EVENT Located at 5300
Northwest Florida and Seville Quarter present Monday Night Blues every week at 7 p.m. On Monday, June 15, Blue Levee will be the featured act. The opening act will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the host band at 7:30 p.m. and the Blues Jam at 9 p.m. For more live music times, visit facebook.com/sevillequarter.
Berryhill Road, the outdoor market features artisans and crafters alike from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For more information, email saturdaysatthemarket@gmail.com.
JACK GRIMLEY AT END O' THE ALLEY
PALAFOX STREET SUNDAY STROLLS
Enjoy Jack Grimley from 5-8 p.m. on June 12 at End O' the Alley in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. For more live music times, visit facebook.com/sevillequarter.
BEST DAMN BBQ IN THE SOUTH!
Enjoy vehicle-free Palafox Street (from Garden to Main Street) and take a stroll, ride your bike or jog without having to navigate around traffic. The Sunday Strolls will be every Sunday in June.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ Tuesday Night
is Jazz Night at Seville Quarter. Listen to smooth jazz with saxophonist Noah Hall and June 11, 2020
for more listings visit inweekly.net 17
free will astrology WEEK OF JUNE 11 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): During her
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90 years on the planet, actor and singer Marlene Dietrich reinvented herself numerous times. She had superb insight into the nature of shifting rhythms, and a knack for gauging the right moment to adapt and transform. Good timing, she said, came naturally to people like her, as well as for "aerialists, jugglers, diplomats, publicists, generals, prize-fighters, revolutionists, financiers and lovers." I would add one further category to her list—the Aries tribe. Make maximum use of your talent in the coming weeks.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Author and theologian Frederick Buechner writes, "There is treasure buried in the field of every one of our days, even the bleakest or dullest, and it is our business to keep our eyes peeled for it." In alignment with current astrological potentials, Taurus, I'll name that as your key theme. More than usual, breakthroughs and revelations and catalysts are likely to be available to you in the midst of the daily slog—even when you're feeling bored. Make it your business to be on high alert for them. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): According to novelist Octavia E. Butler, "Positive obsession is about not being able to stop just because you're afraid and full of doubts." That's what I wish for you in the coming weeks, Gemini—positive obsession. It's also what I expect! My analysis of the astrological omens suggests that you will have the pluck and craftiness necessary to veer away from murky, disturbing versions of obsession. Instead, you'll embrace the exhilarating kind of obsession that buoys your spirit in moments of uncertainty. I foresee you making progress on your most important labor of love.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin (1824–1907), was a Cancerian physicist and mathematician who contributed to the understanding of thermodynamics and other areas of scientific and engineering knowledge. Despite his considerable intelligence, however, he was myopic about the possibility that humans might one day fly through the air while seated inside of machines. In a 1902 interview—a year before the Wright Brothers' breakthrough experiment—he declared, "No aeroplane will ever be successful." I suspect you could be on the verge of passing through a Lord Kelvin phase, Cancerian. You may at times be highly insightful and at other times curiously mistaken. So I urge you to be humbly confident and confidently humble! LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Author Marianne Williamson tells us, "Spiritual growth involves giving up the stories of your past so the universe can write a new one." And what exactly does it mean to "give up the stories of your past"? Here's what I think—1. Don't
By Rob Brezsny
assume that experiences you've had before will be repeated in the future. 2. Don't assume that your ideas about the nature of your destiny will always be true. 3. Even good things that have happened before may be small and limited compared to the good things that could happen for you in the years to come. 4. Fully embrace the truth that the inherent nature of existence is endless transformation—which is why it's right and natural for you to ceaselessly outgrow the old plot lines of your life story and embrace new ones.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Philosopher and astrologer Marsilio Ficino wrote, "Mortals ask God for good things every day, but they never pray that they may make good use of them." I hope that in the coming weeks, you Virgos will disprove that cynical view of human beings. As I see it, you will be more likely than usual to actually receive the blessings you ask for. And I hope—in fact, I predict—that when you receive the blessings, you will then aggressively seek the help of God or Life or your deepest wisdom to make good use of them. LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I was hiking under a blue sky in a favorite natural location—the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, just north of San Francisco, where sublime vistas provide views of ocean and mountain. Although I was in a good mood, at one point I spied empty Budweiser cans amidst the wild jewelflowers. "What kind of nature-hater was so careless as to despoil this wonderland"? I fumed. For a few moments I was consumed with rage and forgot where I was. By the time I recovered my bearings, the bobcat and red-tailed hawk I'd previously been observing had disappeared. That made me sad. My anger was justified but wasteful, irrelevant and distracting. It caused me to lose touch with some glorious beauty. Don't be like me in the coming days, Libra. Keep your eyes on the prize. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "I have
more memories than if I were a thousand years old," wrote poet Charles Baudelaire. Was he bragging or complaining? Did the weight of his past feel like a burden or did it exhilarate him and dynamize his creative powers? I'm hoping that in the coming weeks your explorations of your past will feel far more like the latter—a gift and blessing that helps you understand aspects of your history that have always been mysterious or murky.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):
According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you're primed to navigate your way through a sweetly gritty, tenderly transformative, epically meaningful turning point in the history of your relationship with your favorite collaborator or collaborators. If that sounds too intense, you could at least accomplish an interesting, stimulating, educational shift in the way you fit together with your best ally or allies. It's up to you,
Sagittarius. How much love and intimacy and synergy can you handle? I won't judge you harshly if you'd prefer to seek the milder version of deepening right now. Besides, you'll probably get a chance to go further later this year.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):
Actor Emma Thompson tells us, "I wish I wouldn't have to say this, but I really like human beings who have suffered. They're kinder." Adding to what she observes, I'll say that for many people, their suffering has also made them smarter and more soulful and more compassionate. Not always, but often, it's the pain they've suffered that has helped turn them into thoughtful companions who know how to nourish others. I urge you to make a special point to converse with people like this in the near future. In my estimation, you will benefit from intense doses of empathetic nurturing.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Lake
Elsinore is a city in southwestern California. Last spring, torrential rains there caused a "superbloom" of poppies. Millions of the golden-orange wildflowers covered many acres of Walker Canyon. They attracted another outbreak of beauty—thousands of painted lady butterflies, which came to visit. The magnificent explosion was so vast, it was visible from a satellite high above the earth. I wouldn't be surprised if you're experiencing a metaphorical superbloom of your own right now, Aquarius. I hope you will find constructive ways to channel that gorgeous fertility.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Lucumi
is an Afro-American religion with Yoruban roots. Its practitioners worship their ancestors and seek regular contact and communion with them. According to Lucumi priestess Luisah Teish, "Sometimes the ancestors deem certain information so important that they send it to the subconscious mind without being consciously asked." It's my belief that all of us, whether or not we're members of the Lucumi religion, can be in touch with the spirits of our ancestors if we would like to be—and receive useful guidance and insight from them. The coming weeks will be a time when you Pisceans are especially likely to enjoy this breakthrough. It's more likely to happen if you have an intention to instigate it, but it may come to pass even if you don't seek it. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: This devastating moment in history has the redemptive effect of calling forth our deepest longings to care for each other. Do you agree? realastrology.com
freewillastrology.com
freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny © Copyright 2020
inweekly.net
news of the weird CHEEKY Alex Masmej of Paris, France, is a 23-year-old with a strong sense of self-worth. So strong, in fact, that he sold shares of himself via an initial coin offering, or ICO, in April. Masmej sold tokens, called $ALEX, to 30 investors, raising more than $20,000, which he plans to use to move to San Francisco. Investors in $ALEX reportedly receive a share of any money he makes over the next three years, up to $100,000; a vote on some of his life decisions; and promotion from Masmej on his social media channels, Decrypt reported. (He has a whopping 3,200 followers on Twitter and 517 on Instagram.) "Since there are no legal contracts," Masmej said, "I can technically run away with the money." But he won't because "it will hurt my reputation amongst those very people I need help from. It's more likely that I just don't make money and pay back very little." Mmm hmmm. DOUBLE TROUBLE Some folks never learn. On May 9, a New Hampshire State Police trooper pulled over Nicole George, 31, in Newington. George was driving 90 mph in a 50 mph zone; after the traffic stop, she went on. But only 13 minutes later, a second trooper clocked her doing 111 mph in a 65 mph zone in Rochester. The first trooper responded to assist at the second traffic stop, NECN reported, and she was arrested for reckless operation. However, after her arrest, authorities found about 40 grams of fentanyl and some methamphetamine in George's possession; they seized her Honda Pilot, and they suspect criminal activity was the reason for her big hurry. PRIORITIES As rioters looted and vandalized stores and other businesses in Seattle on May 30, one woman, wearing a cloth mask and a backpack, was caught on news cameras calmly walking out of the Cheesecake Factory with a whole cheesecake, adorned with undisturbed strawberries on top. A KIRO news crew captured the footage as others threw bottles of liquor and broke windows. "With everything going on, sometimes you just have to take a moment to treat yourself," one Twitter user commented. UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Julie Wheeler of Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in February to health care fraud and faced up to 10 years in prison. So she and her husband, Rodney Wheeler, apparently cooked up a plan to keep her out of jail: On May 31, Rodney and the couple's 17-year-old son reported that Julie had fallen from the Grandview overlook at the New River Gorge National River. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and rescue crews began a search for her, including use of a helicopter and rappelling into a jagged canyon, to no avail. After three days of searching, however, Julie turned up—hiding in a closet in her home, WVNS reported. Now, in addition to the fraud conviction, Julie and Rod-
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
ney will face multiple charges of conspiracy and giving false information to West Virginia State Police. "It is hard to hide at home," remarked U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. I AM NOT DEAD YET The BBC reported that on June 2, railroad workers became alarmed after spotting a pair of human feet and "no signs of life" near the Chafford Hundred station in Essex, England. The British Transport Police reported that officers who rushed to the scene "found a man in his late 30s enjoying some nude sunbathing." A spokeswoman for Network Rail punned: "Let me lay it bare, the railway is not a place to sunbathe. Please keep away from the tracks." Another spokesperson said the episode was "not as uncommon as you might think." The sunbather received "words of advice" but no citation. THE FOREIGN PRESS Police in Madrid, Spain, caught up with a wanted criminal in late May, AFP reported. Nacho Vidal, a porn star, was charged with manslaughter relating to the death of fashion photographer Jose Luis Abad last year at Vidal's country residence. According to authorities, Abad died after inhaling "venom of the bufo alvarius toad" during the "celebration of a mystic ritual." The toad, which is native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S., secretes venom containing a powerful psychedelic substance. Police said Vidal and his cohorts have lured people who are "easily influenced, vulnerable or who were seeking help for illnesses or addictions" to the rituals on a regular basis. One of Vidal's relatives and an employee were also arrested. THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Cobbler Grigore Lup of Cluj, Romania, was disturbed to see people ignoring social distancing guidelines put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. So he created a pair of size-75 (European) men's shoes, each of which is about 2 1/2 feet long. The shoes have a regular space for the foot but then a long bill-like section that extends from the toe. Lup told United Press International that the shoes are designed so that two people facing each other (and wearing his shoes) have to keep a distance of about 5 feet. FLORIDA Police in Miramar, Florida, are still trying to identify a man who was caught on surveillance video ransacking Miramar High School on May 25. The suspect spent nearly 24 hours destroying computers, painting graffiti on the walls and flooding areas of the school, the Miami Herald reported—all while stark naked, except for headphones. School officials put the cost of the damages at about $100,000. {in}
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2020 Andrews McMeel
Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com June 11, 2020
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