CONJURING COMMUNITY
Celebrating Juneteenth in Pensacola
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BEN ABO Dr. Abo has joined Escambia County Public Safety as interim medical director, overseeing emergency medical care across EMS, Fire Rescue, Emergency Management and other departments. The EMS physician brings extensive experience from disaster response work worldwide, including motorcycle ambulance services in Africa and hurricane deployments. In his first month, Dr. Abo has handled more than 200 complex medical consultations, added lifesaving medications, including cyanide antidote kits and responded to dozens of major calls. His goals include implementing whole blood availability for EMS crews by year-end—a change that typically takes years to accomplish. Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore praised the addition, calling Dr. Abo "a valuable asset and forward-thinking leader."
LANDRUM The Pensacola-based human resources company presented Lakeview Center with a $17,297 donation from its second annual 5K Run/Walk held in October 2024. The funds will support mental health services for the 27,000plus adults and children Lakeview Center serves annually across Northwest Florida. The event promotes awareness of the connection between exercise and mental health. National Institutes of Health research shows just 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times weekly can reduce anxiety and depression while boosting self-esteem and cognitive function. The third annual Landrum 5K is scheduled Oct. 11. Registration is now open.
NAN FOSTER & STEVE HOUSE-GREGORY
The owners of The Cutting Board restaurant in Milton managed the wedding of country singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, a Milton High School graduate, and Brittney Eakins in Franklin, Tenn. The wedding had 350 guests, including stars like Kid Rock, Randy Travis, Colt Ford and Gary Allan. Foster assembled a team of vendors and others from our area, including The Thirsty Ranch, Addie Jernigan of Addie J's Photography and several family members.
ESCAMBIA
COUNTY
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FOUNDATION Take Stock in Children, which operates locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, recently awarded over $350,000 in scholarships at its "Graduation & Unsung Hero Celebration." The event honored 26 graduating seniors who received four-year tuition scholarships and a laptop computer. It also honored the volunteer mentors and scholarship donors.
UWF PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH
University of West Florida Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews has received approval to keep the services of an executive search firm to help with the competitive process, recruiting and reviewing prospective candidates. But what's the point? Interim UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. is leaving his post as Florida's Education Commissioner, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed his deputy chief of staff, Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, to succeed Diaz. No worthy candidate will apply for the UWF presidency, and Diaz will be the only name presented to the UWF Board of Trustees. Let's save the money and wait for a new governor to clean house in 2027.
SANTA ONO University of Florida's Board of Governors voted 10-6 to block Dr. Ono from becoming the University's next president, overruling UF trustees who unanimously selected the former University of Michigan president. Conservative board members questioned Dr. Ono's past support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which Florida has banned in public universities. He defended his changed stance, telling the board he now believes "Florida's pointed in the right direction" and that his views have evolved like many higher education leaders. UF Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini called the rejection "heartbreaking," comparing Ono's ideological shift to Ronald Reagan's political transformation. The unprecedented rejection represents a significant rebuke to UF's Board of Trustees and reflects ongoing tensions over far-right education reforms in Florida.
CASEY DESANTIS The Florida House has refused to fund the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program in its budget, highlighting deteriorating relations between legislative leaders and Governor Ron DeSantis' administration. While the Senate allocated $30 million for the program, which was renamed in 2022 after the First Lady's breast cancer diagnosis, the House budget includes no funding. The funding dispute centers on the administration's proposal to eliminate dedicated funding for four established National Cancer Institute facilities, including Moffitt Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, to redirect money toward the First Lady's research initiative. State Rep. Alex Andrade opposes this reallocation, advocating instead for maintaining existing cancer facility funding.
Ben Abo / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com
By Rick Outzen
KEEPING FAITH
When Baptist Hospital quietly shuttered its E Street campus in September 2023, it left behind more than empty buildings—it walked away from the Black community that had sustained it for generations.
The hospital's leaders had repeatedly promised to maintain a healthcare presence in the neighborhood, only to break those commitments when they moved to their gleaming new facility on Brent Lane. Commissioner Lumon May's deal with Baptist and the City of Pensacola offers a path to rebuilding trust, transforming what could have been a hollow demolition project into a meaningful reconnection with the community that made Baptist Hospital possible.
As the Brownsville Seniors shared with me in their final meal at Baptist's cafeteria, the hospital had been "the big house" of their community for over seven decades. Eleanor Washington worked there for 47 years. Mary May gave birth to seven children at Baptist. Cheryle Allen's mother became the county's first Black phlebotomist there. These people weren't just patients or employees; they formed the very foundation of Baptist Hospital.
The community's connection to Baptist ran deeper than convenience or proximity. As Rev. Theophalis May's widow Mary explained, "This hospital made it from the prayers of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and this neighborhood."
When Baptist opened in 1951, Black families weren't welcome in the main cafeteria and had to navigate unleashed dogs to reach the hospital. Over the decades, they transformed Baptist Hospital from a segregated institution into a community hub that served everyone.
Baptist's 2023 departure left a devastating void. Eighty percent of neighborhood residents had told Baptist that healthcare services were their top priority for any campus redevelopment. Instead, they got a bus stop for Escambia County Area Transit to take them to the new hospital. This is why Commissioner May's negotiated deal represents more than smart politics—it's moral restoration. By securing Baptist's commitment to donate two buildings for immediate healthcare and community services, May has launched a genuine redevelopment that honors the community's needs and the hospital's promises.
Community Health Northwest Florida will set up much-needed dental services in one
building, and Escambia County will take possession of the second building to offer services to the surrounding neighborhood.
The deal's beauty lies in its immediacy.
While Mayor D.C. Reeves' dream of broader redevelopment will take more than a decade to complete, May recognized that elderly residents who sustained Baptist Hospital don't have time to wait. By securing buildings that can house healthcare and senior services within months rather than years, the commissioner has ensured that Baptist's promises, though delayed, will finally be kept.
Mayor Reeves and Baptist vice president KC Gartman also deserve credit for seeing the importance of living up to past promises and their willingness to hammer out a deal the night before the Committee of the Whole.
Commissioner May and Mayor Reeves acknowledge the interconnected nature of urban infrastructure. As May noted, "There's no way that the city is going to do construction and not tear up county streets," and "there's no way to handle storm water in the city and not handle stormwater in the county." This holistic perspective ensures the redevelopment will address the inadequate lighting and infrastructure failures that have plagued the area for decades.
Most significantly, May's deal restores dignity to a community that has been repeatedly dismissed. The Brownsville Seniors' final meal at Baptist's cafeteria was a poignant reminder of what was being lost—not just a building, but a gathering place, a source of community identity, and a symbol of how far they had come from the days when they couldn't enter the main cafeteria.
By insisting that Baptist "put some skin in the game" through building donations rather than just land transfers, Commissioner May has ensured the hospital's departure becomes a catalyst for community empowerment rather than abandonment. The buildings represent more than real estate—they're a down payment on the healthcare promises made years ago.
In a political climate often marked by cynicism and broken promises, Commissioner May's negotiated agreement offers not just buildings or services—it also keeps faith with the people who, in Mary May's words, "gave their lives" to make Baptist Hospital possible. {in} rick@inweekly.net
EMILY LEY CONTINUES TO FIGHT
other small-business companies in Florida that joined her complaint, and their New Civil Liberties Alliance attorneys seek a ruling that Trump illegally used the act to impose tariffs.
"Their arguments were the president doesn't have the authority to implement tariffs of such great magnitude. Ours is arguing he doesn't have the authority at all," Ley said. "The analogy we use is they ruled he can't drive 100 mph, but there's nothing to say he can't go 50 mph. What ours is saying is he doesn't have a license to drive."
Ley recently visited Washington, D.C. to meet with her attorneys and share her story with media outlets. Her attorneys claim Trump is unlawfully requiring Americans to "pay a heavy tariff on all products they import from China." The Trump administration implemented a 20% tariff on Chinese goods.
"We are cheap red and black checker pieces in an international trade war board game," Ley said during an interview with CBS Mornings.
New Civil Liberties Alliance argues the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only provides Congress the power to impose tariffs. Originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida but moved at the request of the executive branch, the lawsuit asks the Court of International Trade to declare the China import tariff unlawful, vacate the increase in the U.S. tariff schedule and enjoin the implementation and enforcement of the tariff.
While she expects a favorable ruling, Ley believes the federal government will appeal, and, ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear her case.
SIMPLIFIED
mism that turned her dream into reality.
On April 1, the 42-year-old Pensacola business owner emerged as the face of the antitariff movement when she filed the first civil complaint against President Donald Trump and his administration.
She spoke up before her contemporaries, but other small business owners nationwide voiced the same complaints about tariffs. Nearly 77% of U.S. importers are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, according to a 2021 study by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.
"If I sat down long enough and let go of that (optimistic) side of myself, I would sit and cry," Ley said. "I've always felt I can outwork anything. Anybody who's an entrepreneur has that sort of grit about them."
SUPREME COURT?
Ley describes the past two months as a "wild ride." She expects a ruling within the week and is optimistic the Court of International Trade will rule in her favor.
international trade laws, including disputes over tariffs, anti-dumping and countervailing duties and decisions by federal agencies like the U.S. International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce.
The court traces its origins to the Board of General Appraisers, created in 1890 to handle tariff and import duty disputes. In 1926, the U.S. Customs Court replaced this board and became an independent tribunal in 1930. The Customs Courts Act of 1980 reorganized the court as the U.S. Court of International Trade, expanding its jurisdiction.
Ley has good reason to believe she will win his case. In May, the same court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in two cases challenging tariffs imposed by Trump. The court struck down the specific tariffs for being too broad and unlimited. The executive branch immediately appealed and intends to keep collecting tariffs during the appeal process.
However, the ruling left Trump the opening to impose lower tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Ley, four
factory prints the paper and others handle the cover, gold foil, binding and packaging.
The individualized U.S. model is a losing proposition for producing detailed products. Ley currently charges $50 for her planners. She estimates she would need to raise the price to over $100 to manufacture at a profit in the U.S. Her perfect setup in China hit a snag, though, in 2017 after Trump took office. Since then, Ley said she has paid about $1.2 million in tariffs and projects the amount will be between $830,000 and $1 million this year alone.
Ley is researching partner plants in other Asian countries including Cambodia, India and Vietnam. The challenge is finding another location that produces quality products and earns certificates from passing inspections.
"You go into other countries, and you have to start over and lots of times they aren't able to produce certificates," she said.
"Their arguments were the president doesn't have the authority to implement tariffs of such great magnitude." Emily Ley
Ley employs eight women from around the U.S. She has avoided laying anyone off, but she has made cutbacks. Customers no longer receive their planners in keepsake boxes, and she has halted donations to nonprofit organizations she supports, such as women's shelters.
She filed the lawsuit to save her company, Simplified. What began as a love affair with school supplies grew into a lifestyle brand of products sold online and in major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Office Depot, Staples and Anthropologie. Her planners, books, accessories and an array of other products are popular with the female demographic. Ley is also the author of the No. 1 parenting Substack in the U.S. and 12 bestselling books.
Ley earned degrees in English and public administration from the University of West Florida and then founded Simplified in 2008. Her company launched its first planner in 2012, and she opted to make the product in the U.S. That proved to be a costly decision, resulting in a negative profit margin. She paid $38 for each planner to be made in the U.S.
Fellow business owners recommended Ley consider China for production. The Chinese produced products at a significantly discounted rate compared to the U.S., and Ley signed with Chinese manufacturer Zhiqiao. Ley pays only about 25% of the retail cost for each product produced in China.
In China, specific districts specialize in areas such as textiles, sewing, packaging, printing and books. The factories work in unison. One
"We've had to cut those off. I hate that," Ley said. "Hopefully not for forever, but right now we're trying to cut corners and costs wherever we can."
To make matters worse for Ley, economic uncertainty is affecting sales. Simplified launched its new spring collection April 9. Ley described sales as steady but down from previous launches.
"I think people are clinging to their pocketbooks," she said.
Ley said she doubts her case against the Trump administration is negatively impacting sales. Two Republican stronghold states, Texas and Florida, top the sales for Simplified products since its launch in April, and she gained a few customers from the anti-Trump demographic.
"I've definitely gotten messages from people saying, 'Wow, I see what you're doing, I'm going to buy a planner to support you,'" Ley said.
Ley described the overall response as "shockingly positive." Still, she deals with her share of negative comments, particularly in conservative areas of the country such as northwest Florida.
"Any time you take a stand on something political, especially online, you expect some backlash with people saying you're making this political or you favor one party over the other, but that's not the case," Ley said. "I'm in favor of the Constitution and checks and balances." {in}
Emily Ley / Photo by Carly Tanner
Touch-A-Truck Hurricane Expo
Join FPL and community partners for a free, family-fun event with emergency vehicles, preparedness resources, food trucks, giveaways and more.
• More than 150 beautifully resorted aircraft
• Hangar Bay One with an expanded Apollo Space exhibit, Marine One helicopter and F/A-18 Hornet
• Giant 4K Screen Digital Theater, cafe’, simulators, museum store and more!
•
Saturday, June 14, 2025 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sensory Hour: 9 to 10 a.m. (no horns or flashing lights) Location:
targeted drug dealers.
"We wanted to get not just the street-level dealers, but the people bringing it in, the mid-level, and many times the upper-level distributors," Simmons explained. The sheriff's office has nearly doubled its narcotics investigation team to focus on these higher-level targets who supply drugs to the community.
The sheriff's office is nearing completion of its Montclair camera project, a yearlong initiative to install surveillance cameras throughout the area. Additionally, camera installations along Quietwater Beach Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach have been completed, and a potential expansion to Casino Beach parking areas is under consideration.
"Every Wednesday morning, I ask where we are on camera projects," Sheriff Simmons said, emphasizing the priority placed on expanding the real-time crime center's capabilities.
The recent Blazer Academy graduation for young women highlighted the program's success in building confidence and leadership skills. Unlike the young men's sessions, where organizers struggle to find volunteers for graduation speeches, the young women's class had six participants compete for just two speaking opportunities.
"It is to take someone and put them out of their comfort zone a little bit, have them talk to people," Simmons said about the academy's mission to develop communication skills and self-confidence.
On May 15, the sheriff's office held the first Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the new
cant within my district."
The commissioner highlighted the urgency of providing services now rather than waiting for lengthy redevelopment processes. He said, "Many neighborhood seniors don't have time to wait for this redevelopment."
By securing these buildings immediately, the county can begin offering programs and services within six to 12 months rather than forcing residents to wait years for full site redevelopment.
The breakthrough required coordination between multiple government levels and the private sector. Mayor D.C. Reeves agreed to work with Commissioner May to modify the city's right of first refusal on the two properties, ensuring they would serve community needs rather than being sold on the private market.
NO REPORT, NO PAYCHECK State Rep.
Alex Andrade has proposed to dock the paychecks of agency secretaries and high-level administrators who fail to provide required legislative reports.
During the 2025 session, House leaders publicly criticized certain state agencies for failing to respond adequately to information requests.
House State Administration Budget Chair Vicki Lopez accused Florida Department of Management Services Secretary Pedro Allende of refusing to cooperate with oversight efforts after an auditor general's report uncovered the department's inability to account for 2,200 state vehicles, worth approximately $57 million.
Andrade intends to include salary withhold -
ing provisions in the state budget's implementing language. The measure targets agency heads who ignore legislative requests for basic documents and reports.
"One of your main jobs as an agency secretary is to communicate with the legislature and provide us updates about what you're doing," Andrade said. "If you can't do a simple ministerial task like providing me the documents I've asked for, which are simple and identified, I don't think you're doing your job, and I don't think you deserve to get paid."
The Pensacola lawmaker described the requested documents as "simple ministerial tasks" rather than complex research projects, emphasizing that communication with the legislature is a core responsibility of agency leadership.
The salary withholding measure is part of a larger legislative initiative demanding more timely reporting from state agencies. The Senate is leading much of the transparency drive, and Andrade indicated he plans to accept many of their proposed reporting requirements and oversight provisions.
The proposal is expected to be included in the final budget package, which lawmakers plan to vote
On June 5, the Escambia County Commission unanimously approved the sale of the 540-acre OLF-8 property for $42.5 million to Tri-W Development and Chad Henderson Enterprises of Pensacola II. The historic vote concludes years of negotiations and multiple failed offers for one of the county's most significant development projects.
The property, located on Nine Mile Road in Beulah just west of Navy Federal Credit Union, was acquired by Escambia County in a 2019 land swap with the U.S. Navy. A contentious aspect of previous OLF-8 discussions has been whether developers would abandon the communitycreated master plan in favor of purely industrial or residential development. Henderson's team made adherence to the master plan's spirit a cornerstone of their proposal.
"At no point were we shying away from notions of town and job creation alike," Henderson told Inweekly. "We're keenly focused on those."
Their agreement centers around creating what Henderson calls "a beating heart"—a walkable town center designed for "human connectivity" and "placemaking" where people want to spend time and money, create memories and build community.
The final DPZ master plan approved in July 2021 allocates 271 acres to commerce and industrial; 61 acres to residential, including duplexes, townhomes and multifamily; 47 acres to a mixeduse center such as residential over retail and office over retail; and 45 acres to trails and public amenities such as a post office, school, day care and community garden. The purchase agreement includes the OLF-8 Master Plan as a restrictive covenant on the deed.
TOURISM CRISIS RESOLVED
Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers reportedly has resolved a months-long $2 million reimbursement dispute with Visit Pensacola following a closed-door meeting June 4. However, details about the resolution
remain scarce as participants maintain strict confidentiality about the proceedings.
County Commission Chair Mike Kohler gave the meeting a "B" grade, describing it as "better than I thought" and "a step in the right direction." The session included Childers' staff, County Finance Director Stephan Hall, Visit Pensacola officials, and Dick and Carolyn Appleyard from Showcase Pensacola.
Despite productive elements, tensions emerged when Childers aired grievances against Commissioners Lumon May and Steven Barry, neither involved in tourism marketing oversight. Kohler praised newly appointed Visit Pensacola Chair Sterling Gilliam, a retired Navy captain, for "taking the lead on trying to do what's right." The Appleyards were called "a class act" for their professional handling of the situation.
The dispute stemmed from Childers' office refusing to pay Showcase Pensacola invoices outstanding for over six months—the same type of invoices routinely approved for more than a decade. Tourism vendors found themselves caught between delivering contracted services and facing constantly changing payment requirements.
Core issues included moving documentation goalposts, lack of clear communication about new requirements, retroactive invoice rejections after advertisements had already run, and a climate of fear among county officials reluctant to speak publicly about the crisis.
While no formal written guidelines emerged from Wednesday's meeting, participants reportedly agreed to work more cohesively with improved documentation processes moving forward.
REEVES FOR DONALDS
During his weekly press conference, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves officially endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds for Florida governor, adding significant local support to Donalds' gubernatorial campaign that already has President Donald Trump's backing.
Reeves emphasized his endorsement stems from genuine personal relationships with Byron and Erika Donalds.
"I consider Byron and Erika Donalds friends," Reeves told reporters. "I've gotten to know her a lot this year in Leadership Florida, and she's doing amazing things in education. I think Byron is a great guy who's earned everything that he's gotten."
The mayor praised the Donalds family as "impressive" and expressed confidence that Byron would make "a great governor." He clarified that his support goes beyond typical political endorsements: "This isn't just supporting a candidate, supporting friends that I know."
Reeves highlighted Erika Donalds' educational accomplishments, noting her current role as chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. She previously served on the Collier County School Board and founded the Optima Foundation in 2017 to promote charter schools and educational choice. What particularly impressed Mayor Reeves was Congressman Donalds' long-term approach to governance. Drawing parallels to his leadership
Chip Simmoms / Photo Courtesy of ECSO
style, Reeves explained his philosophy of making decisions with a 20-year outlook rather than short-term political calculations.
"I try to make decisions in this job for 20 years from now," Reeves said. "And I think that's sometimes what is wrong about politics is that we make decisions only in the silo of whether you're in office or not. And that is healthy for the community as a whole."
MORE PARAMEDICS
The Escambia County Commission approved adding 11 full-time Emergency Medical Services positions during its June 5 meeting. Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore requested 10 new paramedic positions and one EMS logistics chief role. The expansion comes as the county experiences increased demand for emergency medical services amid competitive hiring conditions for qualified EMTs and paramedics.
The department recently converted 10 paramedic positions to EMT roles during a successful recruitment campaign to secure qualified emergency medical technicians. The vote restores those paramedic positions while adding the new logistics chief to oversee vehicle readiness, inventory management, and regulatory compliance.
The positions would cost $376,174 for the remainder of fiscal year 2024-2025, with an ongoing annual impact of $1.148 million. Funding will
Pensacola, FL
come from EMS Fund reserves, which currently total $7.7 million.
CHILDCARE WORKFORCE
Mayor D.C. Reeves outlined key findings from last month's childcare summit, emphasizing that workforce compensation and business sustainability are critical to solving the city's childcare shortage.
Mayor Reeves explained that the summit's primary takeaway was "taking care of the people who take care of our children." With many local childcare workers earning around $14 an hour while caring for infants and toddlers, high turnover rates undermine business viability and service quality.
"We had a couple of people running daycares here saying, 'Hey, we got somebody comes in, and six months later they're out, and then we got to train them again. And that impacts quality,'" Reeves noted.
Miami-Dade County representatives provided a roadmap for success, sharing their experience from "10 to 15 years ago" when they faced similar challenges. Their solution includes supplementing childcare worker income with up to $6,000 annually, structured as $3,000 payments every six months to employees who remain with the same employer, addressing both compensation and retention simultaneously.
The summit also identified significant gaps
in infant and toddler care, which require "one person for every four zero-year-olds and 1-yearolds." Additional focus areas included improved training for current employees and recruiting more people for this crucial field. The mayor stressed solutions must address "the health of the businesses and the health of the people who work at those businesses."
A follow-up meeting scheduled for July 9 will translate these insights into concrete action plans.
APP SECURITY University of West Florida (UWF) cybersecurity researchers have created an innovative platform that evaluates mobile applications for security vulnerabilities and privacy compliance, filling a critical gap in digital protection tools.
Dr. Hossain Shahriar, associate director of UWF's Center for Cybersecurity, led the development alongside graduate students who built the first-of-its-kind system to analyze apps for HIPAA compliance and general security risks. The platform rates applications from low to critical risk levels, providing users clear insights into potential data exposure.
"If the meter shows 87% risk factor, then the user knows they should not be using that app," Shahriar explained. "Because if they put their social security number in there, it is probably
being disclosed as plain text, and the encryption is not there."
Funded by a $545,000 National Institutes of Health grant in partnership with Ubitrix, Inc., the project addresses growing concerns about healthcare apps requesting sensitive patient information.
Graduate student Abdul Barek served as lead developer, working with fellow researchers to create new algorithms and analysis techniques.
The platform has already proven its effectiveness in real-world applications. At least one Fortune 500 company used the tool and discovered previously unknown security vulnerabilities in their applications. The team has analyzed thousands of Android, iOS, and web applications, uncovering security flaws in popular marketplace apps.
Currently accessible to the public at hipaachecker.health, the platform supports multiple app types and is developing a large language model-based code recommendation system. This breakthrough tool represents a significant advancement in proactive cybersecurity, helping both developers and users make informed decisions about digital privacy protection.
For more information about the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity. To test applications using the security analysis platform, visit hipaachecker.health. {in}
CONJURING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC AND DANCE
By Sydney Robinson
On the third Friday of each month, droves of locals and visitors descend on Palafox Street to celebrate art, music and culture at Gal lery Night. Amid the party atmosphere, attendees enjoy art from local vendors, dine at local food trucks and restaurants, and appreciate live music and performances on the Garden Street Stage.
This year, the Gallery Night board has brought back its popular Juneteenth theme the "Art of Freedom," for the Friday, June 20 event in honor of the national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. Former theme chair Councilwoman Teniadé Broughton has passed the torch to local entrepreneur and organizer Hale Morrissette to curate the event's cultural offerings.
Morrissette, a new member of the board, was brought on in part because of her experience organizing events, especially those supporting Black Pensacolians.
"I was the host for the Dancing in the Streets Gallery Night earlier this year, and that was very fun," Morrissette said. "Sonshine was there and we just had a really good time."
To build on the success of the Dancing in the Streets event, Morrissette has assembled a variety show style lineup for the Juneteenth event, featuring music styles and genres that span the ages of Black American history.
"June is also Black Music Month, so we're going to really focus on a kind of journey through different art forms of music," Morrissette said. "Lafayee is actually going to be singing the Black National Anthem to open us up, but with her spin to it."
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is often referred
song was widely used during the Civil Rights Movement and more recently in Juneteenth celebrations around the country.
This year's version of the song will be presented by Linda Bruster, or Lafayee, as she's known in the music world.
"I'm actually very excited. I'm nervous, but very, very excited to be out there and get my name out there and be a part of this celebration," Bruster said.
Bruster, who has been a singer locally since she was a child, will perform this particular song for the first time.
"I feel like us celebrating [Juneteenth] is us remembering what happened and keeping that alive, keeping our ancestors alive," Bruster said.
Bruster's rendition of the Black National Anthem will join a variety of performances from local talent.
"Everybody that is going to be on the stage are people that are locals," Morrissette said.
"I think that that's really important, because we're in this 'Journey to Juneteenth,'" Morrissette continued. "So it's like being able to end this on this high note, as locals, as Floridians, remembering when we were announced the freedom here in Florida all the way to Texas."
In addition to the federal holiday of Juneeteenth, which honors Texas' emancipation day and the end of slavery in the U.S., Pensacola celebrates a 'Journey to Juneteenth,' remembering Florida's emancipation day May 20 and all of the days in between.
film "Sinners."
"I won't lie. I got a chance to see 'Sinners,' and it got my mind thinking. It shows how everything intertwines. If you've seen that one scene, that is exactly what my heart and desire is to kind of bring to the stage this Juneteenth Gallery Night," Morrissette said.
"That one scene" Morrissette is referring to is a musical montage, in which images of Black music past and the present are conjured.
"So we have Southern soul, which is super hot right now with the rest of the country, but like Southern soul is our roots right here in the South," Morrissette said. "So I have an artist named NeeNee Belle who's going to be doing some Southern soul, and I'm also bringing up the 850 Sole Steppas to get people started."
"Of course, we will have hip-hop. We're going to have some poetry. We even have some praise dancers. So it's just incorporating all of that."
Morrissette is proud to oversee such an important holiday celebration.
"I think it's super important, because we're able to have a chance to really start a conversation, to inform. There's so many people who still to this day are like, 'Juneteenth, just a made up holiday. Where did that come from?' But it opens a conversation about why being able to celebrate freedom for everyone is important," Morrissette said.
"I love to segue into why we're celebrating community, because that's really what June -
community with everybody." {in}
GALLERY NIGHT
JUNETEENTH VARIETY SHOW
WHAT: Special performances celebrating Juneteenth and Black Music Month curated by Hale Morrissette
WHEN: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, June 20
WHERE: Gallery Night Garden Street Stage, The Intersection of Palafox and Garden streets
COST: Free
DETAILS: @gallerynightpensacola, gallerynightpensacola.org
GALLERY NIGHT
JUNETEENTH VARIETY SHOW SCHEDULE
•6:30 p.m. 850 Sole Steppas & NeeNee Belle
•6:45 p.m. Lafayee
•7 p.m. Soulful Movement
•7:15 p.m. Jakima Divinite
•7:30 p.m. Jamal Steele
•7:45 p.m. Dance break with DJ Whipit and giveaways
•8 p.m. KNIGHT
•8:15 p.m. Gage 4200
•8:30 p.m. Javis Dickson
•8:45 p.m. Surprise Finale
Hale Morrissette / Photo Courtesy of Gallery Night
MORE JUNETEENTH EVENTS
mentbrunch
Juneteenth Celebration at UWF
WHAT: A free event including food and fellowship presented by the UWF Black Employees Association
WHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, June 16
WHERE: UWF Commons Auditorium, 11000 University Parkway
COST: Free
DETAILS: uwf.edu
Bruce Beach Kayak Tour: A "Journey to Juneteenth" Event
WHAT: A kayak tour of Bruce Beach hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network and UWF Archaeology Institute
WHEN: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 18
WHERE: Bruce Beach, 601 W. Main St. COST: Free, but RSVPs are required
DETAILS: fpan.us
Juneteenth at Five Sisters Blues Cafe
WHAT: A selection of special menu items by Chef Josh Rich
WHEN: Lunch and dinner service Thursday,
WHERE: Adoration for A New Beginning Church, 920 W. Government St. COST: Free
DETAILS: facebook.com/adorationforanewbeginningchurch
Opera After Dark: Summer Songs
WHAT: Allanda Small Campbell will perform a program of songs by Black composers, poets and performers
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19
WHERE: Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. COST: $25
DETAILS: pensacolaopera.com
Belmont & DeVilliers Market Festival
Juneteenth Celebration
WHAT: A kid-friendly celebration featuring music, performances, vendors and more
WHEN: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, June 21
WHERE: Belmont & DeVilliers Neighborhood, 500 W. Belmont St. COST: Free
DETAILS: uecpensacola.com/bsmf, @bdstreetmarket
Aaron and Kimberly Watson / Photo Courtesy
Watson Family Foundation
Arts & Entertainment
It's a Drag Thing with Andy Rodginous
By Syndey Robinson
jam-packed with Pride-themed events, both as a performer and organizer.
"I am in, I think, six other shows this month," Rodginous said.
Rodginous, a self-proclaimed "Drag Thing," stepped into the event organizer role at the beginning of 2025 when he launched House of Androgyny, a series of drag shows hosted by Rodginous and his drag son Jay Jay Duvay.
"We had our very first show in February, which did really well, and it motivated me to keep going."
Rodginous is passionate about ensuring the events he hosts welcome all drag styles, allowing performers to act out more avant-garde and genderbending displays.
"That's like the most important part for me—to make sure that performers are having fun, the audience is having fun, and everybody feels like they're seen and heard," Rodginous said.
GATEKEEPING, WHO?
June is, of course, Pride month, a time when attending a drag show goes from your 'want to' to your 'must not miss' list. Fortunately, drag performer and event organizer Andy Rodginous has two exciting opportunities for local drag-fans to do just that this month: House of Androgyny's "True Colors" event Saturday, June 14, and the "Love is Love" charity event Friday, June 20.
June is understandably the biggest month of the year for a drag performer, so Rodginous has been resting, hydrating and scheming for a month
This month's House of Androgyny event is called "True Colors," and it's nod to Pride and an encouragement for all to show their truest hues.
"I usually have a theme for every show, and I usually ask the performers to adhere to that theme," Rodginous said. "But for this one, I was like, 'Hey, it's whatever you want to do.' You know, even if it's something that you can't do anywhere else because bar owners or audience members don't get it, do that here, I want you to be having fun."
Rodginous is committed to allowing performers in his show to experiment and bend the usual rules of drag, creating an energizing show that is never the same twice.
"The biggest thing for me is, I hate gatekeeping drag, so I don't like to bottleneck myself into just a specific kind of drag performer. I'll have a pageant queen, or I'll have a dancer, or I'll have an absolute baby queen who's never performed before."
Rodginous is committed to offering a helping hand to new and inexperienced performers, offering a platform where in the past he has been excluded.
"For me, it's all about the experience of doing drag and the experience of performing, and, you know, being that voice for people that maybe don't have anywhere else that they can perform it because there are so many, you know, shows and bars in just the general Gulf Coast area that are a little more on the exclusionary side," Rodginous said.
For these newcomers, Rodginous offers a repeat spot in each month's show.
"There's a section [in my show] called the intermission spot," Rodginous said. "During that section of time, which is between the first and second acts of the night, I have two to three newer performers or performers that have not been able to perform anywhere else and I give them the opportunity to do a number."
DOING GOOD WITH PRIDE
The "Love is Love" charity event came together in an unconventional way. Two women, a married couple, approached Alga Beer Co, in East Hill with an interesting request— they wanted to arrange a drag show to celebrate their wedding anniversary June 20. Alga approached Rodginous, who agreed to organize the event.
The couple agreed to fund the event, ensuring the performers would be paid for
their 'werk,' and providing a free show for their friends and family.
Rodginous suggested taking the event to another level by turning the show into a charity event with monetary proceeds going to Strive, a Pensacola-based organization which serves the transgender community, and nonperishables including canned food, toiletries and gently used clothing going to Helping Hands.
"I wanted there to be an opportunity for people who maybe don't have the cash to spend to be able to help in some way, shape or form," Rodginous said.
However, all donations are optional.
"It's not a required cover. You know, if you can give, you can, if you can't, you can still come and enjoy," Rodginous said.
"That's why we decided to call it the 'Love is Love' charity event, because it really is all about their love together, the love of them and the community and the love that I have for my communi ty." {in}
HOUSE OF ANDROGYNY PRESENTS: TRUE COLORS
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14
WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. COST: $10
DETAILS: @andy_rodginous, thehandlebar850.com
HOUSE OF ANDROGYNY: LOVE IS LOVE CHARITY EVENT
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday, June 20
WHERE: Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave. COST: Free with suggested donation
DETAILS: @andy_rodginous, algabeerco.com
a&e happenings
PRIDE EVENTS
STAMPED BENEFIT SCREENING: 'BUT
I'M A CHEERLEADER' Join Stamped Film Festival for a screening of the cult classic "But I'm a Cheerleader" at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Betty's on Belmont, 506 W. Belmont St. Cost is $10 at the door. Enjoy the Camp Betty afterparty beginning at 8:30 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ stampedfilmfestival for details.
RHINESTONE RODEO: PRIDE AND PERFECT ALLIES MARKET Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21 for a Pups for Pride event and vendor market featuring artisans, advocacy groups and more. Bring your dog in Pride gear for 15% off your ticket. Details are at facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco.
DRAG BRUNCH AT THE WELL Enjoy a rodeostyle brunch buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 22 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St., for ages 21 and older. Tickets are available through the event page on facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
LGBTQ+ & ALLIES SPEED FRIENDING
Craft Bakery will host an LGBTQ+ friendly speed date event to make friends 6 p.m. Friday, June 27 at 5555 N. Davis Highway Ste. H, with limited seating. Details are at facebook.com/ craftbakerypensacola.
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
LIFE'S A DANCE This benefit dance showcase will feature live music from The Molly Ringwalds and host Tristan Macmanus. Event is 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
MOVIES IN THE PARK: BLACK PANTHER LONG LIVE THE KING The Movies in the Park series kicks off 6 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St., with free admission. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Pre-show activities begin at 6 p.m., and movie begins at sunset. Free parking is available at the Community Maritime Park and City Hall.
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS: CAMELOT Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, June 13, 20 and 27; Saturdays June 14, 21 and 28; Thursday, June 19; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, June 15, 22 and 29. Tickets are $15-$40. On Thursday, all dates are half price. Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PRESENTS: 'THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND' Showtimes are 1 p.m. Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at Pensacola Cinema Art, 220 W. Garden St. in the Studer Community Institute. Tickets are a $10 cash donation. Details are at pensacolacinemaart.com.
BOP TO THE TOP: MUSIC FROM DISNEY CHANNEL This event includes a "High School Musical" dance off, costume contest and more. Event is 9 p.m. Friday, June 13 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at vinylmusichall.com.
PENSACOLA OPERA LIBRARY CONCERT
Pensacola Opera artists will share a free performance 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. Details are at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.
HOUSE OF ANDROGYNY DRAG SHOW
Show starts 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.
CLUB 27 COMEDY SHOW Comedy show is 7 p.m. Sunday, June 15 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
THE CLIMATE BEHIND THE STORMS: INTERPRETING 2024 ATLANTIC HURRICANES Join Healthy Gulf for a presentation from Nathan Barnes, an environmental science student at University of West Florida, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St.
DRAW TOGETHER DRAWING CLUB Event starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. This is a free event open to all ages and skill levels—supplies provided.
GAME NIGHT: NATURE Part of the Pensacola MESS Hall Science Night Live series, the adults can take part in popular nature-themed games, including Wingspan, Photosynthesis and Catan New Energies. The game night is 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at the MESS Hall, 418 E. Wright St. Details are at pensacolamesshall.org/game-night.
SUMMER EXHIBITIONS OPENING RECEP -
TION Pensacola Museum of Art will celebrate Summer Solstice and the opening of two exhibitions, Gestalt of the Berth, and Dualities 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at the museum, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
AN ARTFUL HOME: HOME & GARDEN ART
SALE Visit First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., for an art sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Find goblets, bowls, pitchers, chip-andsalsa dishes and cups for your kitchen; glass mushrooms, spheres and spikes and birdhouses for your yard; and handmade sinks, mirrors and wall art for your home. There will be live music and food trucks. Admission is free.
BLUE MORNING GALLERY: SPRING FLING
The latest Blue Morning Gallery exhibit is Spring Fling, with featured artists Jan Hoffman, Mark Schmitt and Kathy Stewart, at 21 S. Palafox St. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
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 Musuem 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 June 20-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 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
a&e happenings
are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
NATIONAL BOURBON WEEK: TASTING & TAB TAKEOVER
Celebrate the spirit of bourbon with a curated tasting from New Riff Distilling, including the bold "Seville Quarter Pick" 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at End O' the Alley, 130 E. Government St. Sip on signature brews from Wicked Weed Brewing while you enjoy Smoked Baby Back Ribs glazed with bourbon BBQ—just $10 for a quarter rack.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE:
TOTALLY '80S Go back in time to the '80s and become part of the murder mystery story. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Attire inspired by or from the 1980s is encouraged. Tickets are $65 and include dinner. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com.
O'RILEY'S UPTOWN TAVERN BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATION O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road, will celebrate 22 years with drink specials 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Purchase a wristband for access to the drink specials. There will be samplings of Nütrl and Jameson.
CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Sample from 50 different beers at The Fish House Craft Beer Festival 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at 600 S. Barracks St. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Tickets are $40 and available at fishhousepensacola.com.
LUNCH SERVICE NOW AT IRON RESTAU -
RANT 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.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Monday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Nights, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special all day Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain. com/upcoming-events for details.
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 Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music are 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m., and Tequila Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
a&e happenings
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 Highway. 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. 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 Highway. 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 Highway. 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:
•D. Scott Riggs 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12
•Harrison Avenue 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 13
•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14
•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 15
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 17
•Cat Daddy Blues 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 19
CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS Concerts are 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Attendees may bring their own food and beverages, though a concession stand is available, offering hot dogs, chips, sodas, water and ice cream treats. Details are at scpen.org/christophers-concerts. JoyRide is June 12 (final date).
BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. The 9th Avenue Brass Band is June 17, and Goldmine is June 24. Details are at visitpensacolabeach.com.
PEPPER Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets and details are at vinylmusichall.com.
BODYBOX, DECOY, FOGCRAWLER, MORRAAGORA, AND COMMAND VOICE Show starts 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.
LIVE BIG BAND JAZZ! A TRIBUTE TO FATHERS Concert is hosted by Joe Occhipinti, featuring vocalist Saundra Daggs. Event is Friday, June 13, at It's Personal, 2610 W. Cervantes, Pensacola. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show is 7 p.m. Cost
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is $20 at the door and BYOB. Ice and food are available for purchase.
CASKET ROBBERY AND AUTUMN LIES
BURIED Show starts 7 p.m. Friday, June 13 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.
GASOLINA: REGGAETRON DANCE PARTY
Event is 9 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at vinylmusichall.com.
JAZZ IN THE QUARTER Monthly jazz performance from Jazz Pensacola is 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 16 at Phineas Phogg's, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 for Jazz Pensacola members and $15 general admission.
TX2 AND DARK DIVINE Show starts 6 p.m. Monday, June 16 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com
GINGER ROOT AND TIRRA LIRRA Show starts 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 at the Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com
MIKE V AND THE RATS, NIK FLAGSTAR, KINDER GENTLER Show starts 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com
SAINT SOCIAL, MARIGOLD'S APPRENTICE, NEON TOMBOY, AND WILLOW AND THE MISDEMEANORS Show starts 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com
GWAR: 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Show is 6 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at vinylmusichall.com.
WE THE KINGS, HOPOUT, AND COLOR THE VOID Show starts 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com
ORTHODOX, MUGSHOT, OMERTÀ, AND FROM JOY Show starts 7 p.m. Sunday, June 22 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 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUAR-
TER 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 Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour
clean ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On Saturday, June 14, the sites are Chimney Park and Bruce Beach. A clean up is also planned for 8 a.m. Sunday, June 15 at Simpson River Fishing Pier in Milton. 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. Tuesday, June 17, 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 6:05 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 6:05 p.m. Friday, June 20, 6:05 p.m. June 21, and 4:05 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Tickets and info are at bluewahoos.com.
MORNING FLOW: YOGA CLASS WITH HALLDORA HART Start your morning with yoga and an acai bowl from Bodacious 9-10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Cost is $53.61 and includes an acai bowl and a coffee from Bodacious Café. Find tickets at eventbrite.com.
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.
TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA SS Take in a slow flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF JUNE 12
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Your definition of home is due for revamping, deepening and expansion. Your sense of where you truly belong is ripe to be adjusted and perhaps even revolutionized. A half-conscious desire you have not previously been ready to fully acknowledge is ready for you to explore. Can you handle these subtly shocking opportunities? Do you have any glimmerings about how to open yourself to the revelations that life would love to offer you about your roots, foundations and prime resources? Here are your words of power: source and soul.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Do you have any frustrations about how you express yourself or create close connections? Are there problems in your ability to be heard and appreciated? Do you wish you could be more persuasive and influential? If so, your luck is changing. In the coming months, you will have extraordinary powers to innovate, expand and deepen the ways you communicate. Even if you are already fairly pleased with the flow of information and energy between you and those you care for, surprising upgrades could be in the works. To launch this new phase of fostering links, affinities and collaborations, devise fun experiments that encourage you to reach out and be reached.
How wild and unpredictable will you be as you explore territory that has been off-limits?
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I've always had the impression that honeybees are restless wanderers, randomly hopping from flower to flower as they gradually accumulate nectar. But I recently discovered that they only meander until they find a single good fount of nourishment, whereupon they sup deeply and make a beeline back to the hive. I am advocating their approach to you in the coming weeks. Engage in exploratory missions, but don't dawdle, and don't sip small amounts from many different sites. Instead, be intent on finding a single source that provides the quality and quantity you want, then fulfill your quest and head back to your sanctuary.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Let's talk about innovation. I suspect it will be your specialty in the coming weeks and months. One form that innovation takes is the generation of a new idea, approach or product. Another kind of innovation comes through updating something that already exists. A third may emerge from finding new relationships between two or more older ways of doing things—creative recombinations that redefine the nature of the blended elements. All these styles of innovation are now ripe for you to employ.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Leo psychotherapist Carl Jung was halfway through his life of 85 years
By Rob Brezsny
when he experienced the ultimate midlife crisis. Besieged by feelings of failure and psychological disarray, he began to see visions and hear voices in his head. Determined to capitalize on the chaotic but fertile opportunity, he undertook an intense period of self-examination and self-healing. He wrote in journals that were eventually published as "The Red Book: Liber Novus." He emerged healthy and whole from this trying time, far wiser about his nature and his mission in life. I invite you to initiate your own period of renewal in the coming months, Leo. Consider writing your personal "The Red Book: Liber Novus."
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): In the coming weeks, you will have chances to glide deeper than you have previously dared to go into experiences, relationships and opportunities that are meaningful to you. How much bold curiosity will you summon as you penetrate further than ever before into the heart of the gorgeous mysteries? How wild and unpredictable will you be as you explore territory that has been off-limits? Your words of power: probe, dive down, decipher.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): When traditional Japanese swordsmiths crafted a blade, they wrapped hard outer layers around a softer inner core. This strategy gave their handiwork a sharp cutting edge while also imbuing it with flexibility and a resistance to breakage. I recommend a similar approach for you, Libra. Create balance, yes, but do so through integration rather than compromise. Like the artisans of old, don't choose between hardness and flexibility, but find ways to incorporate both. Call on your natural sense of harmony to blend opposites that complement each other.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Scorpio journalist Martha Gelhorn (1908–1998) was an excellent war correspondent. During her six decades on the job, she reported on many of the world's major conflicts. But she initially had a problem when trying to get into France to report on D-Day, June 6, 1945. Her application for press credentials was denied, along with all those of other women journalists. Surprise! Through subterfuge and daring, Gelhorn stowed away on a hospital ship and reached France in time to report on the climactic events. I counsel you to also use extraordinary measures to achieve your goals, Scorpio. Innovative circumspection and ethical trickery are allowed. Breaking the rules may be necessary and warranted.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): My spirit guides enjoy reminding me that breakthrough insights and innovations may initially emerge not as complete solutions, but as partial answers to questions that need further exploration. I don't always like it, but I listen anyway, when they tell me that progress typically comes through incremental steps. The Sagittarian part of my nature wants total victory and comprehensive results now. It would rather not wait for the slow, gradual approach to unfold its gifts. So I empathize if you are a bit frustrated by the piecemeal process you are
nursing. But I'm here to say your patience will be well rewarded.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): "Sometimes I've got to pause and relax my focused striving, because that's the only way my unconscious mind can work its magic." My Capricorn friend Alicia says that about her creative process as a novelist. The solution to a knotty challenge may not come from redoubling her efforts but instead from making a strategic retreat into silence and emptiness. I invite you to consider a similar approach, Capricorn. Experiment with the hypothesis that significant breakthroughs will arrive when you aren't actively seeking them. Trust in the fertile void of not-knowing. Allow life's meandering serendipity to reveal unexpected benefits.
Create balance, yes, but do so through integration rather than compromise.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Are you interested in graduating to the next level of love and intimacy? If so, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to intensify your efforts. Life will be on your side if you dare to get smarter about how to make your relationships work better than they ever have. To inspire your imagination and incite you to venture into the frontiers of togetherness, I offer you a vivacious quote from author Anais Nin. Say it to your favorite soul friend or simply use it as a motivational prayer. Nin wrote, "You are the fever in my blood, the tide that carries me to undiscovered shores. You are my alchemist, transmuting my fears into wild, gold-spun passion. With you, my body is a poem. You are the labyrinth where I lose and find myself, the unwritten book of ecstasies that only you can read."
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): What deep longing of yours is both fascinating and frustrating? To describe it further: It keeps pushing you to new frontiers yet always eludes complete satisfaction. It teaches you valuable life lessons but sometimes spoofs you and confuses you. Here's the good news about this deep longing, Pisces: You now have the power to tap into its nourishing fuel in unprecedented ways. It is ready to give you riches it has never before provided. Here's the "bad" news: You will have to raise your levels of self-knowledge to claim all of its blessings. (And of course, that's not really bad!)
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What mediocre satisfaction could you give up to make room for a more robust satisfaction? {in}
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© 2025 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
WAIT, WHAT? Turkmenistan's top tourist attraction is the Gateway to Hell, a huge gas leak that has been burning since 1971 in the Karakum Desert, Yahoo! News reported on June 5. The fire started when Soviet scientists accidentally drilled into an underground pocket of gas and then ignited it, starting a blaze that could be seen from several kilometers away. Officials announced this week that the fire has been reduced three-fold. "Today only a faint source of combustion remains," said Irina Luryeva, a director at the stateowned energy company Turkmengaz. Wells have been drilled around the site to capture the methane from the leak, she said.
GREAT ART Amsterdam has out-Amsterdammed itself with a new exhibit at the Rijksmuseum, the Associated Press reported on June 3. As part of an exhibition called "Safe Sex?" the museum is displaying a condom from 1830 that is enhanced with erotic art. The prophylactic is made from a sheep's appendix and, the museum says, "depicts both the playful and the serious side of sexual health" with its image of a nun and three clergymen. The phrase "This is my choice" is written in French along its length, which may refer to the Renoir painting "The Judgment of Paris." Historians believe the condom might be a souvenir from a brothel. You can see it until the end of November.
SAW THAT COMING After performers debuted "Westphalia Side Story" on Paterborn Cathedral's altar in Berlin, Germany, on May 15, more than 22,000 people signed a petition demanding that the archbishop apologize and reconsecrate the cathedral. The Associated Press reported that the production included a song and dance which featured two shirtless men and one woman displaying raw, plucked chickens wearing diapers while singing "Fleish ist Fleish" ("Meat is Meat"). The song was part of a larger production celebrating the 1,250th anniversary of Westphalia, Germany, a region in the country's northwest. The finished show will premiere in September.
LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Richard Pruneda, 42, of Edinburg, Texas, managed to get himself arrested twice over the Memorial Day holiday in Eddyville, Kentucky, the West Kentucky Star reported. The Lyon County Sheriff was called on May 25 to a business where Pruneda was allegedly intoxicated and making "alarming" statements to an employee. The next day, after bonding out of jail, Pruneda called the sheriff's office to ask about retrieving personal items from his impounded car. When the officer picked up and inventoried the items, he found cocaine in the trunk. Eddyville Police assisted as they went to Pruneda's motel and arrested him for a second time.
FLORIDA No Longer Weird: alligators in Florida. BUT this story caught our eye: Not one but two motorcyclists were injured on May 31 in Volusia County, Florida, after they hit an alligator crossing I-4, WFOL-TV reported. Cameron Gilmore, 67, said he and Brandi Goss, 25, were
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
riding with a larger group when he saw a "big blob in the road." Goss elaborated: "I just seen something and ... it was too late," she said. Goss sustained a concussion and cracked wrist bone; Gilmore had a broken foot and toes. The alligator's fate is unknown.
ANIMAL ANTICS A 30-year-old elephant named Plai Biang Lek escaped Khao Yai National Park and went shopping on June 2 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Associated Press reported. The enormous male pachyderm ducked through the door of a grocery store and helped himself to snacks while park workers tried to shoo him out. When he was ready to go, he backed out the door, still holding a bag of treats with his trunk. The only damage to the shop was mud tracks on the floor and ceiling. Kamploy Kakaew, the owner, said he ate nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich and some dried bananas. This isn't his first offense: He's been known to enter homes in search of food.
THE CONTINUING CRISIS The Montclair Elementary School in Oakland, California, is celebrating 100 years, and as such, the school's PTA historian dug back into the archives to find historical items for the 2025 yearbook. But, as ABC7-TV reported, she might have been a little lax in her editing. One photo in the yearbook distributed to kindergartners through fifth graders shows a picture from the 1940 carnival, held annually at the school. "Boy and Girl Scouts will have charge of booths and many attractions," read the caption, before providing one example: a game named after a racial slur. What?! Principal David Kloker sent an apology to families and suggested parents remove that page or put a sticker, supplied by the school, over the photo. The historian explained that she "made the critical error of only reading the first paragraph before including it." The PTA will offer refunds for the yearbook to families. The historian said she will pass the baton to another volunteer for next year.
BRIGHT IDEA Here's one way to disrupt government: At a Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) commission meeting on June 3, a protester released an "unknown" number of crickets, WBTV reported. "She dropped something from the balcony," one commissioner said. Crickets were "everywhere on the walls, on the stairs" and "in the balcony," commissioners said. Board chair Mark Jerrell stopped the meeting, saying, "It's shameful. Shameful. You can leave, thank you very much, we appreciate it." After protesters were removed, the meeting continued, but commissioners were forced to take a 10-minute recess so the environmental services staff could come in and vacuum up the critters. Jerrell said the commission was familiar with the protesters but that they lost all credibility with the stunt. {in}
