Inweekly June 20 2024 Issue

BLACK JOY WITH ARTIST & ACTIVIST JAMAL STEELE

winners losers

RYAN PINTO Dr. Pinto recently completed his PGY1 Community Health Northwest Florida / FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences residency. He has been an incredible asset to the Community Health Northwest Florida team. During his residency, Dr. Pinto was awarded a $5,000 highly competitive research grant to help patients in underserved rural North Florida using antibiotics to treat infections. He was one of only eight people in the U.S. to receive the American Society of Health System Pharmacists® Foundation Pharmacy Resident Research Grant. Even with his busy schedule, Dr. Pinto still found the time to volunteer for Community Health at weekend events, doing blood pressure checks and helping patients.

STAMP OUT HUNGER DRIVE Escambia and Santa Rosa counties letter carriers collected  150,455 pounds of food during the drive on May 11. This donated food will benefit individuals and families struggling with food insecurity served by Manna Food Pantries, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries and Warrington Emergency Aid Center. This was the 31st year for the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. It is the largest national, single-day effort to put food on the table for millions of Americans.  Several partners assisted the National Association of Letter Carriers in the food drive: the United States Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Valpak, United Way, the AFL-CIO, CVS, Kellogg's and Vericast.

DON BISHOP

The InDyne CEO and president donated a Fairchild Merlin IV aircraft to Pensacola State College. The 1982 Metroliner will be used in the College's Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Power Plant Mechanics (A&P Mechanics) Program. Students enrolled in the program will have the unique opportunity to work on a Metroliner, which is a larger aircraft than programs typically have at their disposal. Pensacola State College's program is a partnership with ST Engineering, Triumph Gulf Coast, the City of Pensacola and Santa Rosa County Economic Development. Students graduate as certified aviation mechanics in a program aligned with FAA regulations.

HUNTER BIDEN A federal jury convicted Hunter Biden on three felony counts for lying about his drug use when he applied to buy a handgun in 2018. The president's son faces up to 25 years in prison, though nonviolent first-time offenders usually receive much less. The judge will likely sentence him by the fall. President Joe Biden said he would respect the trial's outcome and has ruled out pardoning his son. In a written statement, he said, "Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery." We were just happy to see gun laws enforced. Hunter Biden stands trial in September in a separate tax case.

ASHBRITT In January, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23- 03, activating the Florida National Guard, directing state law enforcement agencies and other state agencies to provide resources in support of local governments responding to the alarming influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys, and providing additional support toward efforts to prevent further migrant landings on Florida's shores. The state government spent $2.1 million with AshBritt to erect a base camp in Plantation to deal with a surge in undocumented immigrants that never happened, according to the Miami Herald.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The former Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) provider needed another extension to finish repaying an unsecured $61,925 loan from the Town of Century for its YouthFirst Century program. After vetting the program and ranking it highly, the ECT board awarded UDC $1.2 million over three years to serve 750 students ages 11-18. The Century Town Council approved the loan so UDC could buy computers and textbooks and be repaid with the ECT funds. Nine months later, the ECT board canceled the agreement and repossessed the computers, leaving the council without full reimbursement. Read northescambia.com for further developments.

Hunter Biden / Photo by Andrew Leyden / Shutterstock.com

Ryan Pinto / Photo Courtesy of Community Health Northwest Florida

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

HOW TO WIN

Earlier this month, the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Center for Political Strategy released the initial findings from its 2024 Statewide General Election Poll for the second quarter.

Standing with Trump, protecting the Second Amendment and Gov. Ron DeSantis' anti-woke agenda didn't break double digits. The top concerns for Florida voters are property insurance (26%), inflation (21%), illegal immigration (13%) and housing costs (10%).

Republicans performed better than Democrats on the majority of issues facing the state, including the economy (44%-23%), reducing inflation/everyday costs (35%-25%), crime (46%-16%), education (38%-31%) and protecting personal freedoms (45%-37%). However, most voters (44%) believe neither party is doing an effective job of lowering property insurance costs.

How many of the candidates in this election cycle will stay focused on these issues? Will they offer solutions or simply blame the other party for the problems? And how many candidates will bring national politics, over which they have no control, into local city and county races?

The odds are we will see non-kitchen table issues in mailers from candidates using political consultants from outside of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Ryan Wiggins, who has run municipal, congressional and statewide campaigns, knows why consultants inject nonvital issues into local campaigns.

"Politics is a very lucrative business for consultants," Wiggins said. "A lot of these consultants have firms that they send out the mailers. A couple of local politicians have hired the same consultant that I used to work with a lot, and he owns a mail firm. His deal is to tell the candidates to hire him, and they won't have to pay him anything to run the race."

She continued, "There is no free. He's going to charge you out the butt for mailers, and a lot of them the candidate doesn't need."

Mailers have become a very popular campaign strategy since Rick Scott spent $75 million of his personal fortune to win the governor's race in 2010. Scott spent no time meeting

with newspaper editorial boards to get out his message. He sent voters two to three mailers daily leading to the general election. The tactic helped Scott narrowly defeat Democrat Alex Sink by 61,500 votes.

Some consultants will eat up campaign dollars as quickly as possible before the candidate decides to go in a different direction. They want to market in the media that earns the highest commissions, and some have other more lucrative clients that want to please.

"They try to make you use messaging to benefit him in their broader business. A proTrump message might help get them business elsewhere," Wiggins said.

What does she tell candidates before they get in a race?

"First of all, you have to know who you are. You've got to know your character because if you are trying to be someone you are not, the voters will always see through it. So, you have to be authentic," she said.

"The second thing you have to know the people in the area in which you're running," Wiggins said. "So, if you're running for a county commission race, and we have that going on here in this cycle, you have to know your district, what they will tolerate, what they won't tolerate."

She explained, "There are some districts that want to get that national messaging and want to get statewide messaging. And then there are other districts where it really is a popularity con test, and it's about where you grew up. You have to know where you're running and who you're running against and the climate of the area that you're running in."

Wiggins believes the key in local races is to "burn through the shoe leather," meaning knock on doors, introduce yourself and ask for votes. She said, "You don't go and spend a bunch of money to get on TV. I mean, TV is a racket. It's very expensive, and you're going to miss people."

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She thinks voters want elected officials who have a backbone and will do what is right. You want to convince them that you are not only the best person but that you are going to follow your morals." {in} rick@inweekly.net

BROXSON'S LEGACY

will tell you what a former member who went through the House and Senate said, 'Senate is like riding in a Cadillac, and the House is like riding a bicycle.'"

Twenty, and in some cases 30, years older than his peers, Broxson felt out of place as a state representative. He served in the House from 2010-2016, but he chaired no committees and concluded his tenure without a legacy to stand on.

Yet, Broxson still won a Senate seat in 2016 by beating Mike Hill in a contentious race for the Republican primary. Broxson soon found his footing in the Senate. The generational gap that existed in the House no longer existed in the Senate, where peers closely matched him in age and life experiences.

His legacy secured, the 75-year-old Broxson

the adversity. However, overcoming adversity is nothing new for Broxson.

At age 10, he lost his father, a Santa Rosa County sheriff killed in the line of duty. Broxson dealt with that tragedy while growing up with a speech impediment. His teachers misinterpreted his speech impediment as a disability and put him in special needs classes. In addition to the speech impediment, he dealt with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

Broxson overcame all of that for a successful career as an insurance and real estate agent before finally following in his family footsteps and entering the political arena. He comes from a long line of politicians. His uncle Clark served as a state representative, his father Bart served as sheriff, and his brother John served as a state senator.

Broxson raised the bar to another level by serving as both a state representative and senator. He managed to win all 11 of his campaigns, even though he prefers to serve rather than run for office.

"The last 60 days of a campaign are like shingles on your body," he said.

Whether that family line in politics continues depends on his four children and 12 grandchildren. Broxson is on the fence about any of his family members entering politics in this social media age when negative posts come fast and furious.

"I'm not sure I would encourage my kids to do it. With social media, it's very different," said Broxson, who requested his staff not share social media posts with him to keep the negativity to a minimum.

Another deterrent is how time-consuming holding office is for a politician. Broxson recalls how his then 30-year-old son reacted when he won the House seat in 2010.

"He went out and cried because he knew he lost access to about 80% of his dad," Broxson said.

Broxson admits the House was not a good fit for him. His uncle voted for the wrong House leader 15 consecutive times, so Broxson decided not to commit to a speaker his first year. He said that backfired on him, contributing to his never chairing a committee in the House.

senator, yet when asked to identify what bill stands out in his mind, he cited a license plate. He spent nearly three years to pass legislation for the popular Blue Angels license plate to come to fruition.

Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows, University of West Florida President Martha Saunders and Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has benefited tremendously from bills Broxson sponsored, co-sponsored or pushed through legislation.

"I would venture to say anything that's been positive that's been said about this administration for a year and a half, Sen. Broxson has had some role," Reeves said. "Whether that's a direct role in all those grants that you hear about and the advocacy for those or just good mentorship when we're dealing with something like parking. Whatever the case may be, Sen. Broxson has answered the bell."

"I would venture to say anything that's been positive that's been said about this administration for a year and a half, Sen. Broxson has had some role." D.C. Reeves

The reduction of tolls on Garcon Point Bridge marked another triumph for Broxson. The state of Florida bought the bridge for $130 million and lowered the tolls from $5 to $2.75 for the general public and from $4.50 to $2.30 for SunPass holders.

"I called Gov. DeSantis so much that his staff thought my first name was Garcon. I called him every month about it," said Broxson, who added that his successful efforts to expand Highway 98 to six lanes will pay huge dividends for the south end of Santa Rosa County.

"Having Sen. Broxson as the chair of the overall appropriations committee on the Senate side meant that all the big-ticket issues that we have to try and address and use our political capital and advocacy ability to get every year I've been in Tallahassee, he was pretty much able to handle it on his own," said State Rep. Alex Andrade. "I could take care of the things that were $5 million or less, knowing that a lot of the bigger ticket items he was able to handle."

FACING CHALLENGES

Broxson overcame his share of challenges as senator, including a terrorist attack on NAS Pensacola, the COVID-19 global pandemic, Hurricane Sally, damages to the Pensacola Bay Bridge, wildfires and tornadoes.

The senator provided a steady hand through

MORE WINS

Broxson scored some victories in the House, but the victories came fewer and farther between than his two terms in the Senate. He oversaw billions of dollars as appropriations chair.

"There will never be a time like that in the history of Florida," Broxson said. "We had access to more revenue, a lot of that due to COVID. The feds sent us about $40 billion dollars. We were always in budget, never got in the red. It was a historic time.

"There's nothing like being the appropriations chair, nothing close, not even the (Senate) president. I wouldn't want to be the president over the appropriations chair."

Victories came in waves for Broxson as a

Another victory that stands out to Broxson is the legislation that addressed the abuse of insurance agreements known as assignment of benefits. The bill established consumer protections for property insurance policies and curtailed the exponential growth in the assignment of benefits abuse that contributed to the rising insurance cost for Floridians.

Broxson contributed to passing hundreds of bills that benefited his constituents, and dozens of peers benefited from his mentorship. Andrade, in particular, credits Broxson for being a positive influence.

Andrade admitted he and Broxson clashed early on. That changed around 2020 after Andrade gained experience and began to appreciate the kindness and wisdom Broxson bestowed on him. Andrade describes Broxson as the "kindest man," a "supportive mentor" and a "father figure."

"It really has been tough to succinctly put into words how much he's meant to me personally," Andrade said. "He's just been a blessing, and I feel blessed to have had the chance to serve with him." {in}

Doug Broxson / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com

LEADING-EDGE RESEARCH IHMC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for its Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance Research Complex, another step in the evolution of the IHMC CEO and founder Dr. Ken Ford's vision for the not-for-profit research institute.

At the ceremony, Dr. Ford said the oneof-a-kind research complex will be where truly leading-edge research will focus on healthspan, resilience and human performance at all levels, from a single molecule to the whole human. "Research teams will engage in clinical and translational research to advance the knowledge across the entire spectrum, and they will focus on everyone from elite performers to chronic disease populations, from basic science, biological underpinnings to clinical outcome."

The complex will enable "continuous interactions with collisions of people and ideas across many academic disciplines and at many local venues." He added, "This will provide the underpinnings for our shared vision for Pensacola to continue to evolve as a habitat for innovation."

The unique facility puts Pensacola and Northwest Florida at the center of a human and biological sciences economic ecosystem that only existed once this $40 million research facility emerged. It also serves as a draw for top research talent to the area from all over the world.

The three-story, 40,000-square-foot facility was built by Brasfield & Gorrie and designed by DAG Architects partnered with Atlanta-headquartered Cooper Carry. The first floor is built around human participant testing and intervention, featuring rehabilitation facilities, biomedical sampling tools and performance testing laboratories. The third floor contains leading-edge wet laboratories for cellular and molecular science, which enable researchers to extend and better understand the effects of the tests, interventions and rehabilitations on the first floor.

The science conducted here will be an economic engine, drawing in new funding for federal

"We've got a lot of initiatives going right now," he said. "We're going to need someone to come in and be able to take the baton and continue to push these things forward. So certainly, we'd want someone with experience in doing that in some fashion, whether it be a city, a county, military."

The opening gives him a chance to find someone that fits his needs.

"Look, it starts with me," Reeves said. "I mean, in other words, what are my strengths and what are my weaknesses? What do I know? If I'm an old journalist and know the marketing side well, then you look for the yin and yang where someone might have a more experienced background in something else that I may not have. I think you have to be self-aware and coachable, even from the mayor position, to say, 'Who is my best compliment? He or she? What are those skills that I would like to see in that position?'"

School to partner with the University of West Florida (UWF) for a summer program. The nonprofit changed course, though, after UWF decided to sever the relationship, Cannon said.

The ECT Program Committee had recommended both scope changes. According to sparse meeting minutes, the committee requested Cannon gather more information on Gulf Coast Freedom's budget line items. No notes were provided online for the public to learn about the severed relationship with UWF.

Renewals passed by the board included an ARC Gateway Help Me Grow contract for a second year at $1,314,452. The program promotes early identification of developmental, behavioral and educational challenges in children. The program's first year focused on children up to age 3 and cost $1.6 million. ARC Gateway plans to expand its services this coming year to include up to age 5.

and industry-sponsored research. Partners in the project have included Space Florida and Triumph Gulf Coast.

"As chair of Triumph Gulf Coast, I have been proud of our investments in this project that will have a transformational impact on the economy, workforce and livability of Florida," said David Bear.

"Our Triumph investments have been targeted to make a difference in education, industry certification, workforce training, business location and growth infrastructure. What IHMC represents in its research activities, grand vision and direction is precisely what Triumph Gulf Coast seeks to support."

He added, "From here, bright minds from across the globe will join to collaborate, innovate and develop ideas and technologies that will fundamentally change the way we act, move, respond and heal."

To learn more, visit ihmc.us.

PAM NOT A FAN In a heated email exchange between County Clerk Pam Childers and County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, Childers wrote, "...I do not read blogs or free newspapers." Do you think she means us?

FINDING NEW ADMINISTRATOR Pensacola City Administrator Kerrith Fiddler announced he was stepping down, effective July 5, during the Pensacola City Council agenda conference last week.

He said, "For family reasons, I've decided to resign as city administrator." Mayor D.C. Reeves said he was appreciative and grateful to have Fiddler onboard when he took office. He said, "It was a steady hand for us as we built our administration over this last year and a half. We wish him the best, and family comes first. We wish him the best of luck in the future."

The mayor said he would be doing a national search for Fiddler's replacement.

Mayor Reeves added, "The other big thing that we've established is the priority on employee engagement. Someone cannot be in this position if they don't prioritize or have experience building a good workplace because we've made a lot of headway there. We're really proud of that—whether it's leadership training, aspiring leader training now with Pensacola State, just all of the accountability measures that we have in place, the salary study, we've done a lot of work on building up this workforce and employee engagement with all 850. We can't see that go away."

TRUST KEEPS SPENDING Last fall, the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) board set a precedent when it denied renewal of three programs that fell short of each organization's proposed deliverables. The board walked back that precedent Tuesday, June 11, by approving a scope of work change for Chain Reaction.

Chain Reaction, a teen leadership institute that offers service-learning opportunities, originally received funding to offer its services to 115 students at Pensacola High School. That proved too challenging, though. The program served 20-30 students this past school year and plans to expand to 40, according to ECT Executive Director Lindsey Cannon.

The motion to change the scope passed with only one dissent from David Peaden, although Lumon May voiced his frustration with the inconsistency in their voting.

"For me, as a board member, it has to be fair," May said. "I can't come and say, 'I made a mistake, so I want a scope change' at whatever organization. We've done that multiple times and then with other organizations, 'Well, yours was more egregious, so we're going to pull your contract.' That's not fair to me. If I give one person a chance to change their scope, then I should be giving (others) a chance. I voted for it, but I'm very uncomfortable with this."

The board heard two requests for a change of scope and opted to table the request from Gulf Coast Freedom School. The board initially approved a proposal for Gulf Coast Freedom

The board approved $238,875 in matching funds for the Early Learning Coalition's School Readiness Program. The program offers financial assistance to eligible low-income families for early education and care.

ECT took a step toward addressing health concerns at schools in areas with a high percentage of low-income families. The board approved an invitation to bid on Healthy School Escambia, an array of proposed services that include onsite pediatric medical services, dental and eye care, nutrition and health education, mental health and onsite after-school activities. ECT already identified OJ Semmes and Global Learning Academy for the first year and will serve a minimum of six schools over five years and possibly 10 if the county lets the ECT keep funds intended for the CRA districts.

The draft of the request for proposal was presented to the Program Committee. According to the minutes, "the committee discussed a couple of edits from staff and Legal." The Agenda Packet didn't include the draft or any information on the initiative for the public to review before the June 11 meeting, making it impossible for taxpayers to voice an opinion of the document.

"We know with our bank account we have six schools covered for that five years," Cannon said. "If the TIF dollars go back for the past three years, it will also be assessed going forward, which will be roughly $550,000, which is a school site. Four-hundred and fifty (thousand) is what we're looking at per school … We definitely want a network of these healthy schools in Escambia that is collaborative in nature."

Escambia School Superintendent Keith Leonard serves on the board and voiced his approval for the Healthy School Escambia initiative.

"From a school district standpoint, I can tell you we're very excited," he said. "We think this is a major investment in those corridors of concern that we went over with this group earlier in the year. This is just the beginning of doing some very positive work in many of our schools."

To maybe find out more, visit escambiachildrenstrust.org.

Photo Courtesy of William Howell, IHMC

LAND TRUST EXPERIMENT The Pensacola City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board, unanimously approved donating three properties to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust in a 5-0 vote.

On "Real News with Rick Outzen," CRA chair Jennifer Brahier said, "This is new to us, and so I'm extremely hopeful, and I like us starting with just three homes so we know what we're doing. If that works, then we can go to another property and maybe get 12 houses. And if that works, then we may be getting a blueprint of how to handle the Baptist property if that comes to fruition."

Under the agreement, the Home Builders Association of West Florida will build two new homes and rehabilitate a third. The city requires the homes to be built or remodeled to a "like-new" condition within one year and sold to income-qualified individuals within 18 months.

These homes will be sold as affordable housing to individuals with incomes at or below 120% of the area's median income. The homes can only be resold in the future at a price affordable for individuals at the same income level.

The legal agreement mandates selling homes to buyers meeting income criteria set by the land trust. Affordable housing equals one-third of monthly income, making $2,079 or less a month suitable for individuals at 120% of the area's median income in 2024, per Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity created the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, but the Homebuilders of Association of West Florida is building its first project.

DOUBLE DOWN Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has made fentanyl and methamphetamine investigations a top priority.

"We've doubled down. I've put more investigators in the narcotics unit with the task of 'Hey, kick more doors' like we used to do, in conjunction with the technology we're doing with the real-time crime center," he said. "I want to say we're at number 25 or 26 drug houses we've kicked just in the last couple of months."

He continued, "Each one of these drug busts, we're taking guns and drugs away from the street. These are rather significant arrests, and these are letting people know that you're not going to do that in this neighborhood."

FOREVER CHEMICALS Last year, 3M agreed to pay at least $10 billion to water utilities across the U.S. that had sought compensation for cleanup costs of PFAS, the forever chemical researchers have linked to testicular and kidney cancers, developmental delays in children, decreased fertility, liver damage and thyroid disease.

The New York Times recently published an article warning users of the chemical to "prepare for a wave of lawsuits with potentially 'astronomical' costs." Levin Papantonio Rafferty partner Wes Bowden says the damage done by these corporations warrants more legal action.

"Look, the reality is that these companies have known since the 1970s that this was coming. They knew that what they were doing, the decisions they were making were going to have lasting consequences," Bowden said in a phone interview. "They think that they're going to be the next asbestos defendants where they're going to be defending this for the rest of their existence, and they should be.

DuPont developed PFAS in the 1940s. The compound was durable and resistant to water, stains, heat and grease. DuPont used it in Teflon nonstick pans and 3M in Scotchgard fabric protectors. PFAS uses expand to fire extinguisher foam, toothbrushes and hundreds of other products.

"Firefighting foams are one of the largest culprits out there," Bowden said. "When these brave men and women are out there putting their lives on the line for us, for our property, they're spraying these chemicals out there directly into the environment. And what happens is, and we can map this out and prove it scientifically, that those compounds get into the environment, they go down at the aquifer and it winds up in our drinking water supply."

The attorney continued, "Most of us are exposed. We drink what we think should be safe, pure life, restoring water from our tap. And instead, what's happening is we're dosing our friends, our family and ourselves with these chemicals. And once we're exposed to them, they take years to get out of our body."

Bowden said these corporations knew the health risks and continued to use the chemical. "In 1975, they conducted their own studies, and they realized that this compound they were making that no one had ever heard of was in the blood of every man, woman, and child in America. And they set out to determine, 'Well, maybe we can blame someone else. Maybe there's a naturally occurring compound similar to ours, and this is really just a false red flag.' It turns out it wasn't."

He added, "They went to all corners of the globe. They went to the Arctic, tested polar bears, and found it in their blood. They went to rural farm communities in third world countries, tested their blood, found in the children of rural farmers as well."

Bowden said the compound was not outlawed until 2015, and some of these companies have asked for exceptions to that rule to continue making it.

The Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm represents people who have been injured as a result of drinking contaminated water or unknowingly exposing themselves to these chemicals.

"Folks that have had kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, major diseases, we can now prove that these chemicals played a role in the development of that disease," Bowden said. "And when I say we prove it, we can actually take blood samples and look for these chemicals in people's blood. When we find them, we can tell you which company made it."

To learn more, visit levinlaw.com. {in}

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BLACK JOY WITH ARTIST & ACTIVIST JAMAL STEELE

By C. Scott Satterwhite

Over the years, Inweekly has had the opportunity to interview Jamal Steele—aka Jamil Davis—a few different times, about a few different topics, including his life in hip-hop and his work locally within the Black Lives Matter movement. Since then, Steele has been active with Dream Defenders here in Pensacola, and later with Black Voters Matter, where he serves as the Florida State Organizing Manager. Currently residing in Jacksonville, Steele is returning to Pensacola as the 309 Punk Project's artist-in-residence for the month of June, where he'll participate in events with Movement for Change and 309. In this interview, we talk about art and activism, along with the joys of fatherhood and his return to Pensacola.

Africa by colonizers. The album will be 12 songs, split into four chapters: Black Power, Black Joy, Black Excellence and Black Love.

Speaking of joy, what are some of the things in your music that brings you

I think it's knowing that I'm still capable of making thought provoking, introspective music. I really am in a space now where the vulnerability in my music is important to me, and I feel like the more I tap into that, the more I learn about myself, and that brings me more joy than anything.

For you, what does that process look like? Like, do you work on the lyrics first, then the music, vice versa, or both at the same time? How do you create?

Honestly, I allow the spirit to guide me, and I also make sure to look for the right production to fit the concept of the track.

Inweekly: So then who, or what, inspires you

The moment I'm in. Also, my daughter is a huge inspiration now, because this album is the first project I'm working on since she's been born. She's heard my music, enjoys some of my songs, and it would be awesome to make new music that

Future generations—even Afrofuturism—drive a good bit of your current work, music and activism. How does your activism come into your music?

From my first album, I've always made sure to explore the ideologies I stand on as an organizer. "BLK Gold," for me, is the full-length album where I explore what a world would look like if Black people were able to live in their

With your work with Black Voters Matter (BVM) I can only imagine how busy you are right now. How do you maintain time for your art and your work?

My work with BVM affords me the opportunity to experience so many things that can be translated in a creative manner through my art. I enjoy being able to share the ideologies of the organization through my music, and my art is what essentially got me in the door at BVM.

INWEEKLY: As you alluded to earlier, you're also a father. How do you balance fatherhood with your art and your work?

point where the people I connected with in Pensacola are simply just friends. We've grown to be family. I'm also looking forward to the Movement for Change banquet on Friday, June 21, as I will be a speaker that night.

INWEEKLY: That's great. I know you've worked with Movement for Change a lot over the years, and this being their Juneteenth event, this really does sound like full circle with style. On that note, what does Juneteenth mean to you?

STEELE: Juneteenth, to me, represents a freedom that has yet to be truly obtained, as we still have slavery in newer forms through mass incarceration, systemic inequalities and suppressive forces aiming to control who votes for them rather than who we vote for.

INWEEKLY: Hence, all of your work with BVM. Thank you. Now, back to the music, what's your favorite album and why?

STEELE: It's honestly a tie between OutKast's "ATLiens" and Nas' "Illmatic." Those two albums shaped the emcee you see before you right now and put me in a place where the culture showed me myself represented in hip-hop.

INWEEKLY: Last question—who are you listening to now?

STEELE: I'm a Kenyon Dixon fan right now. "The R&B You Love" is an amazing album with no skips. I also am listening to Definitely D, the greatest emcee out of Pensacola right now. Every song he drops is an emcee that gets better with every bar. {in}

JAMAL STEELE

@jamalsteele soundcloud.com/jamalsteele jamalsteele.bandcamp.com

309 ARTIST CONVERSATION

WHAT: An artist talk with Jamal Steele, hosted by DJ Hale

WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20

WHERE: 309 Punk Project, 309 N. 6th Ave. COST: Free

DETAILS: 309punkproject.org

27TH ANNUAL MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"

JUNETEENTH BANQUET

INWEEKLY: What brings you back to Pensacola?

STEELE: I'm honored to be an artist-inresidence at 309 Punk Project. The 309 Punk House is a Pensacola staple, and it's full circle for me, as it's the first place I met fellow Pensacola emcee, Big Lo. We're gonna make the most of it during my time there.

INWEEKLY: You're finishing up an album right now (which is set to be released sometime in August). Can you tell us about it?

STEELE: Yeah, so I'm currently working on an amazing album entitled "BLK Gold." It's a conceptual album in that it's a love letter to Black people and Black culture, as I feel those two things are the greatest resource stolen from

STEELE: Balancing all this with being a father is a challenge, but with a great co-parent, as well as watching her experience many firsts, it drives me to go further in making many of my goals become reality.

INWEEKLY: You have a busy schedule when you're in Pensacola. Can you give us a little overview of what you will be doing when you're here?

STEELE: During my residency at 309, I will be involved in some great events with the amazing DJ Hale, including an artist conversation, where we'll dig more into what "BLK Gold" is about, as well as throwing a 309 porch party.

INWEEKLY: Besides the 309 events, what are you looking forward to the most when you're in Pensacola?

STEELE: Reconnecting with family. I've past the

WHAT: An annual banquet and fundraiser, featuring poet Kyla Jenée Lacey and Jamal Steele

WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday, June 21

WHERE: Pensacola Improv Event Center, 375 N. Pace Blvd.

COST: $50

DETAILS: facebook.com/groups/ movementforchangeinc

309 PORCH JAM

WHAT: A party on the 309 porch, curated by Jamal Steele and DJ Hale WHEN: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 WHERE: 309 Punk Project, 309 N. 6th Ave. COST: Free

DETAILS: 309punkproject.org

a&e happenings

JUNETEENTH CALENDAR

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE Juneteenth-themed food and beverage specials are on the menu through June 23 at Five Sisters Blues Cafe, 421 W. Belmont St. For details, visit fivesistersbluescafe.com.

MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE BANQUET:

"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE" The 27th annual banquet is 5 p.m. Friday, June 21 with keynote speaker Kyla Jenée Lacey at Pensacola Improve Event Center, 375 N. Pace Blvd. Tickets are $50 and available in person at Movement for Change, 1603 N. Davis Highway.

309 PORCH PARTY Join Jamal Steele, 309 Punk Project's June Artist in Residence, for a porch party with DJ Hale from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22. For details visit 309punkproject.org.

PRIDE CALENDAR

FREE GENDER-AFFIRMING HAIRCUTS

In honor of Pride, the team at Salon San Carlos will offer free gender-affirming haircuts for the LGBTQ+ community throughout June. Find @salonsancarlos on Instagram for more information.

PRIDE WEEK POP-UP Perfect Plain, Garden & Grain, The Well and Perennial Patio Bar will

LIBERATION! PRESENTS: TRUE COLORS

The popular drag show and dance party returns for a Pride edition 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. The show will feature special sets from DJ Tristan Dufrene and performer Thotberry Shortcake, plus DJ Brody, DJ J.Mike, Andy Rodginous, Wyntier Kandiey and Vantasia Divine. For details, find Liberation! Pensacola on Facebook or Instagram (@liberationpensacola).

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

MAX-WELL RESPITE CENTER

FUNDRAISER Support the Max-Well Respite Center for unhoused individuals with a special dinner and music fundraiser 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, June 21 at 2200 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $50. Call (850) 332-6677 to purchase. Details at reapreentry.org.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

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

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

zarzaurswiftgiveaway.com for complete contest rules, event details and more information.

ARTS & CULTURE

RENT Pensacola Little Theatre presents the Tony-Award winning musical "Rent" at 400 S. Jefferson St. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Tickets are $10-$38 at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

SUMMER SOLSTICE PLANT SWAP Plant swap hosted by Jade Tree Succulents is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.

MARQ'CHARDISON AUCTION FASHION SHOW Enjoy a men's and women's fashion show with looks being auctioned off. Event is 5-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at Long Hollow Creatives, 700 N. Guillemard St. Details are on Eventbrite.

SEUSSICAL JR. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

GALLERY NIGHT: PRISMATIC The next gallery night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 21 in downtown Pensacola with food and art vendors taking over South Palafox. For details, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

celebrate Pride through June 23 with events each night. There will be a Pride-themed market Thursday, June 20 at Perfect Plain; a ticketed drag brunch Sunday, June 23 at The Well; plus an ICON night with live music and DJs at all locations on Friday, June 21. Details are at facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco.

PUPS FOR PRIDE WolfGang and Perfect Plain present their annual dog-friendly Pride event, which includes brunch, a dog parade and karaoke 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Details and tickets are available at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

ROAN VS. RAPP This event, hosted by The Sapphic Stage, will honor pop queens Chappell Roan and Reneé Rapp. It will include a sapphic costume contest, drag performances and a dance party, all kicking off 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. For more information, find @thedragkinggoblinbabe on Instagram.

HOT GIRL SUMMER DRAG SHOW A summertime-themed drag show from local drag performer and host Terrah Card is 8 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave. Details are available at facebook.com/thefunhouseball.

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FREE Z TUESDAYS WITH ZARZAUR LAW

Stop by the corner of Palafox and Romana streets for free snow cones by Sneaky Tiki Shaved Ice courtesy of Zarzaur Law, P.A. 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays through July 31. One Free Z per person, no refills.

JOE ZARZAUR TAYLOR SWIFT TICKETS

GIVEAWAY Zarzaur Law, P.A.'s second of three on-location Swiftie-themed events as part of its five-month "The Eras Giveaway" is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at The 5 Barrel, 121 S. Palafox St. Taylor Swift fans will once again have a chance to enter to win during the "Taylor Swift Trivia Night" complete with photo booth, friendship bracelet wall, hair tinsel station, music, karaoke, giveaways, special Swift-inspired cocktails, a Taylor Swift trivia contest and a chance to win two VIP suite tickets to see Taylor Swift's "The Eras" tour concert Saturday, Oct. 19 in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. Visit

CINEMAS IN THE SAND: BARBIE The next Cinemas in the Sand is Friday, June 21 with a screening of the film "Barbie." All movies are free and open to the public. Movies begin at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion stage on Casino Beach. For weather updates, go to facebook. com/visitpensacolabeach.

LATIN SALSA FESTIVAL Enjoy a lineup of salsa bands, more than 30 business and Latin American and Caribbean food 2-10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Museum Plaza, 300 S. Tarragona St. Details are at latinomediainc.com.

BRIDE'S NIGHT Check out wedding vendors and get the chance to win giveaways 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at Sander's Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St. Admission is $5. Details are at Eventbrite.

SUMMER SHOP-A-PALOOZA ON PALAFOX Shops on Palafox are offering a day of shopping complete with live music, drink specials, pop-ups, exclusive deals and the chance to win a $500 giveaway. Event is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 on South Palafox Street.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE Special Improvable Cause performance is 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available thehandlebar850.com.

JOEL BYARS COMEDY NIGHT AT THE QUARTER Joe Byars performance is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at sevillequarter.com or at the door.

a&e happenings

TRUCKER HAT POP-UP Decorate your own trucker hat with patches and jewels from Get Lit Pensacola 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 E. Intendencia St. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

THE CRYSTAL AWARDS Recognition of Pensacola Little Theatre volunteers is 6-11 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

CELEBRATING 70: A HISTORY OF COLLECTING A new Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit runs through Sept. 29 featuring highlights of PMA's permanent collection at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are available at pensacolamuseum.org.

SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS

Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

This current exhibit is on view through July 15 at Quayside Gallery, 17 E. Zaragoza St.

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

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

KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY

The floor is open for standups 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE

BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook. com/downtownpensacola.

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

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pen-

sacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

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

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

FOOD + DRINKS

DINNER WITH STRINGS ATTACHED Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performs during 5 and 7:30 p.m. dinner times Thursday, June 20 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Details are at jacksonsrestaurant.com.

AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS AND DAINTIES

TEA PARTY Enjoy this event from Get Lit Pensacola and Bodacious Tea Party for American Girl enthusiasts of all ages. Tea service starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at Bodacious Shops, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25-$35 on Eventbrite.

CCB SUMMER BEER OLYMPICS Beer games including flip cup, cornhole, drunk Jenga and a beer relay race. Event is 1-6 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Details are at coastalcountybrewing.com.

A GREAT SOUTHERN SUPPER EXPERIENCE A three-course meal featuring a menu from Chef Jason Hughes of Atlas Oyster House is 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Oyster Bay Boutique, 400 Bayfront Parkway. Tickets are $160 at stayoysterbay.com.

LUNCH AND LEARN: FERMENTATION FUNDAMENTALS Learn the basics of fermentation 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $30 and available on Eventbrite. More details are at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

COUPLES COOK: COOL FOODS FOR HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Cooking class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Penascola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Suite C. Menu includes Mexican shrimp cocktail gazpacho, white fish and mango ceviche and black bean tostada. Tickets are available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

BRIDGERTON BRUNCH A Regency Erainspired brunch is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $50 and available on Eventbrite. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15, which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.

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

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

SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

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

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

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

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

POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker starting at 6:30

a&e happenings

p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

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

DOLLAR NIGHT AT MUGS & JUGS From 8 p.m.-midnight at 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details 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 is 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. to midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9 -11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

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

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

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

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

POKER NIGHT AT SIR RICHARDS'S Poker Night is 6 p.m. Saturdays 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. 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 9-11 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 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.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Upcoming shows: June 25 is Vinyl Revival and July 2 is Johnny Earthquake & the Moondogs. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach.

CONTROL FREAK, THE TAINTS, MID EVIL TIMES, LIQUID PENNIES Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $5-$10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

BRAVE NEW WORLD, BLIND TIGER, KAIRO, SLOW DEGRADE Show is 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

THE PURPLE MADNESS: PRINCE TRIBUTE Show is 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

BLUNTS & BLONDES WITH SLIM SADIE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, June 22 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

TORI LUCIA & THE NITTY GRITTIES, ACCIDENT PRONE, CANDY CIGARETTE, HEMLOCK Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $5 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE AMERICANA

ROCK TRIBUTE Tunes from The Eagles, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, Steve Miller Band and Tom Petty. Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

KEEP FLYING, SENECA BURNS, YNICORNS, AND GRACE CHORUS Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.

Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings

Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements

Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing

Child Support • Child Support Modifications

Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce

Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation

127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115 autumnbeckblackledge.com

WINNER BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar for Games Best Bar Food, Best Hot Dog and Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner

a&e happenings

BLUES ON THE BAY The last date of Blues on the Bay is 6 p.m. Sunday, June 30 with The Blenders. Blues on the Bay is at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. The concert is free. Bring your own chairs or blankets.

LIVE MUSIC AT 5 SISTER'S Five Sisters Blues

Café is located at 421 W. Belmont St.

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 20

•The Flavors 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 21

•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 22

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 23

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 25

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 27

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

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

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

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

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

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

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S

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

HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S

Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO AT SIR

RICHARD'S Enjoy live music outside 8-11 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

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

KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH

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

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

BLUE WAHOOS GAMES Take in a baseball game at the Blue Wahoos stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. For single, group or VIP tickets, visit bluewahoos.com.

Upcoming home games:

•6:05 p.m. Thursday, June 20

•6:05 p.m. Friday, June 21

•6:05 p.m. Saturday, June 22

•4:05 p.m. Sunday, June 23

BUSCH LIGHT FISHING RODEO The Busch Light Fishing Rodeo is 2-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, June 21-23 with weighins at Flounders, 800 Quietwater Road on Pensacola Beach. Cash awards and prizes are available to the top three fish in 21 different species. Details are at pensacolasports.org/ pensacolafishingrodeo.

CARGO BIKE MEETUP Join Bike Pensacola to show off your cargo bike 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at Alga Beer Company, 2435 N. 12th Ave. Anyone who brings their cargo bike gets a complimentary beverage. Details are at facebook.com/bikepensacola.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On June 22, the sites are Blackwell Lane, 1617 Blackwell Lane and Lexington Terrace (meet at 700 S. Old Corry Field Road). Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the yoga class. Register for the class at diskolemonade.com.

YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.

SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

a&e happenings

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK WITH BREATHE

YOGA Enjoy a free, one-hour outdoor yoga class with Breathe Yoga 9:30-10:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the month at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. The next date is July 7.

HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING

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

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

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun

6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE

From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner

Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.

KID-FRIENDLY

PENSACOLA MESS HALL SUMMER PRO -

GRAMS The Pensacola MESS Hall presents special programs every weekday of the summer. Mondays is puzzles and mathematical art, Tuesdays is slime recipes, Wednesdays is building challenges with Legos and other materials, Thursdays is chemistry and Fridays is coding activities. All activities are available 1-4 p.m. weekdays and for ages 6 and older. Pensacola

MESS Hall is located at 418 E. Wright St. Details are at pensacolamesshall.org.

KIDS GALLERY NIGHT CLASS Send your kids to learn to make pizza 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 21 at Bodacious Shops, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $40 a student for ages 5 to 12. Details at facebook.com/bodaciousshops

ART ACADEMY FOR AUTISM This is an art class initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. There is no charge for students, but pre-registration is required. The next event is 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

FLIGHT ADVENTURE DECK SUMMER

CAMP This National Aviation Museum Summer Camp will offer rocket launching, building gliders and watching the Blue Angels practice. Dates are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. June 24-28, July 8-12 and July 15-19. Registration is available at ultracamp.com.

GALACTIC CHILD YOGA SUMMER CAMP

Enjoy a summer camp for kids ages 5-12 with Stacey Vann. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, July 8-July 15. Program fee is $150. Location is 3208 E. Gonzalez St. Contact Stacey Vann for details at (850) 572-6562.

SUMMER CAMPS Enjoy summer programs to promote healthy lifestyles and build learning skills, attitudes and behaviors. Camps are

Monday-Friday, June 10-July 14 for ages 5-13 at various locations and times. Cost is $75. Scholarships are available. For more information, call (850) 426-1156 or email lewilliams@ myescambia.com.

BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMING ARTS CLUB For ages 8-18, this club is an opportunity for all aspiring actors, dancers, singers, rappers and musicians. The club meets 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. For more information, contact Leroy Williams at (850) 426-1156 or email lewilliams@myescambia.com.

LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA'S SNAP PROGRAM

The SNAP program is a free and fun community program to help parents and children deal with issues like emotional regulation and problem solving. The program is proven to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and give them skills for successful communication and actions. The program teaches parenting skills for adults and teaches children ages 6-11 important issues, such as emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and self-control. Meetings are once a week for 13 weeks. There is no cost, and dinner is served at each meeting. Sibling care and transportation is available if needed at no cost. Call or text (850) 375-3646 to get started.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF JUNE 20

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): I love being logical and reasonable. The scientific method is one of my favorite ways to understand how the world works. I'm a big fan of trying to ascertain the objective facts about any situation I'm in. However, I also love being intuitive and open to mystical perceptions. I don't trust every one of my feelings as an infallible source of truth, but I rely on them a lot to guide my decisions. And I also believe it's sometimes impossible to figure out the objective facts. In the coming weeks, Aries, I suggest you give more weight than usual to the second set of perspectives I described. Don't be crazily illogical, but proceed as if logic alone won't provide the insight you need most.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In their book "Your Symphony of Selves," Jordan Gruber and James Fadiman propose a refreshing theory about human nature. They say each of us is a community of multiple selves. It's perfectly natural and healthy for us to be an amalgam of various voices, each with distinctive needs and forms of expression. We should celebrate our multifaceted identity and honor the richness it affords us. According to my analysis of astrological omens, the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to exult in your own symphony of selves and make it a central feature of your self-understanding.

By Rob Brezsny

you will luxuriate in a ritual celebration to commemorate your epic journey. The process hasn't been perfect, but even the imperfections have been magical additions to your life story.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I suspect you may have metaphorical resemblances to a lightning rod in the coming weeks. Just in case I'm right, I urge you not to stroll across open fields during thunderstorms. On the other hand, I recommend you be fully available to receive bolts of inspiration and insight. Put yourself in the presence of fascinating events, intriguing people and stirring art. Make yourself ready and eager for the marvelous.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "It's hard to get lost if you don't know where you're going," said Jim Jarmusch, an experimental filmmaker. He implies there's potential value in getting lost. Unexpected discoveries might arrive that contribute to the creative process. But that will only happen if you first have a clear vision of where you're headed. Jarmusch's movies benefit from this approach. They're fun for me to watch because he knows exactly what he wants to create but is also willing to get lost and wander around in search of serendipitous inspirations. This is the approach I recommend for you in the coming weeks, dear Leo.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Does any person or institution own a part of you? Has anyone stolen some of your power? Does anyone insist only they can give you what you need? If there are people who fit those descriptions, Virgo, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to fix the problems. According to my understanding of life's rhythms, you can summon the ingenuity and strength to reclaim what rightfully belongs to you. You can recover any sovereignty and authority you may have surrendered or lost.

larities between you and him, Libra, that will change in the coming months. I predict you will finally succeed—is this your fifth attempt?—in finishing a task or project that has, up until now, been frustrating.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Is it possible to reap spiritual epiphanies while having sex? Can intense physical pleasure be a meditation that provokes enlightened awareness? Can joy and bliss bring learning experiences as valuable as teachings that arise from suffering? Here are my answers to those three questions, Scorpio, especially for you during the next four weeks: yes, yes and yes. My astrological ruminations tell me you're primed to harvest divine favors as you quest for delight.

Meade. I offer you these thoughts because I suspect you are close to getting a major download from a guide who can be for you what Meade has been for me. At the very least, you will engage with an educational source akin to my top 28.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In one of my previous lifetimes, I was a bricoleur—a collector and seller of junk who re-used the castaway stuff in new ways. That's one reason why, during my current destiny, I am a passionate advocate for recycling, renewal and redemption—both in the literal and metaphorical senses. I am tuned in to splendor that might be hidden within decay, treasures embedded in trash, and bliss that can be retrieved from pain. So I'm excited about your prospects in the coming weeks, Aquarius. If you so desire, you can specialize in my specialties.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In the second half of 2012 and the first half of 2013, you launched a journey that will finally culminate soon. What a long, strange and interesting trip it has been. The innovations you activated during that time have mostly ripened, though not entirely. The hopes that arose in you have brought mixed results, but the predominant themes have been entertaining lessons and soulful success. I hope you will give yourself a congratulatory gift, dear Gemini. I hope

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In ancient Greek myth, Sisyphus was a forlorn character punished by the gods. He was required to push a boulder from the bottom to the top of a hill. But each time he neared the peak, the big rock, which had been enchanted by the crabby god Zeus, slipped away and rolled back down the hill. The story says Sisyphus had to do this for all eternity. If there have been even minor simi -

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Your animal magnetism and charisma could be wildly potent in the coming weeks. I'm worried that as a result, you may be susceptible to narcissistic feelings of entitlement. You will be extra attractive, maybe even irresistible. But now that you've received my little warning, I hope you will avoid that fate. Instead, you will harness your personal charm to spread blessings everywhere you go. You will activate a generosity of spirit in yourself that awakens and inspires others. Do not underestimate the electrifying energy pouring out of you, Sagittarius. Vow to make it a healing medicine and not a chaotic disruptor.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): I've had thousands of crucial teachers. There would be no such thing as me without their life-changing influences. Among that vast array have been 28 teachers whose wisdom was especially riveting. I feel gratitude for them every day. And among those 28 were five geniuses who taught me so much so fast in a short period of time that I'm still integrating their lessons. One of those is Capricorn storyteller and mythologist Michael

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Some people imagine being creative means having nonstop spontaneous fun. They think it's primarily exuberant, adventurous and liberating. As a person who prizes imaginative artistry, I can testify this description is accurate some of the time. But more often, the creative process involves meticulous organization and discipline, periods of trial-and-error experimentation, and plenty of doubt and uncertainty. It's hard work that requires persistence and faith. Having said that, Pisces, I'm happy to say you're now in a phase when the freewheeling aspects of creativity will be extra available. You're more likely than usual to enjoy spontaneous fun while dreaming up novel ideas and fresh approaches. Channel this energy into an art form or simply into the way you live your life.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: If you'd like to give me a gift for my birthday June 23, consider signing up for my newsletter: newsletter.freewillastrology.com. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

CREME DE LA WEIRD On June 6, when Farida, 50, went missing from her village in South Sulawesi province in Indonesia, her husband and other residents started searching for her—but found only her belongings, the Daily Mail reported. They did, however, spot a "python with a large belly," village leader Suardi Rosi said. "They agreed to cut open the python's stomach. As soon as they did, Farida's head was immediately visible," he said. She was found fully clothed inside the python, which was about 20 feet long. Farida's husband, Noni, 55, lamented her fate: "I am forever sorry that I let my wife go out alone. If I had been with her that day, the snake would not have dared to touch her." Farida was taken away for a religious burial.

PERSPECTIVE Real estate developer Sekisui House in Osaka, Japan, has announced that it will demolish a nearly completed new condominium building in Kunitachi, Tokyo Prefecture, because the structure is blocking neighbors' view of Mount Fuji. United Press International reported that the 10-story building was just weeks away from opening to new residents. "We were aware of the culture that values scenery, but we failed to consider it adequately," the company said. People who had bought condos will be compensated financially, they said.

ANIMAL ANTICS Paisley Toten, 2, was riding in a pickup bed through the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, on June 1 with her parents when their interaction with the animals took an unexpected turn, the Associated Press reported. The family stopped their truck to feed a giraffe, but the giraffe nibbled instead on Paisley's shirt, lifting her several feet into the air. When Paisley's mom shouted, the giraffe dropped the toddler into her mother's arms, leaving her unhurt. After the incident, the park changed its rules to disallow riding in an open truck bed. Paisley got a stuffed giraffe from the gift shop for her trouble.

END OF AN ERA If your July 4 traditions include watching Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition, steel yourself: Joey Chestnut is out. The contest in Coney Island has taken place since 1916, and Chestnut has prevailed a total of 16 times, and every year since 2016, the New York Post reported. His record, set in 2021, was 76 dogs and buns. Sadly, Chestnut won't compete this year. Major League Eating (MLE), which runs the event for Nathan's, said Chestnut's recent deal with Impossible Foods to rep their vegan dogs was beyond the pale. "He's the Michael Jordan of competitive eating," a source said. "But imagine if Michael Jordan said to Nike, 'I love being the face of Nike, but I want to do commercials for Adidas, too.'" MLE commented, "It seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our longtime relationship."

have taken a back

seat to a new installation: Timers installed above a row of toilet stalls in the women's restroom show whether the cubicle is occupied and, more controversially, how long the door has been locked. CNN Travel reported that the timers were installed to help mitigate the increased number of visitors: "We aren't setting a time limit ... It's impossible that we would kick someone out midway." But one user said, "I found it a little embarrassing. It felt like I was being monitored."

•On June 5, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ex-mayor Cesar Maia, 78, took a seat to join a Zoom meeting of the city councilors, the Daily Mail reported. Unfortunately, his seat was the toilet, and he was caught with his pants down on the video feed. Maia quickly brought his computer closer to his face, but his fellow councilors couldn't control their reactions. Pablo Mello, who was leading the meeting, is shown on the feed laughing into his hand before he asked Maia to "turn off the camera, please."

CRIME REPORT The Golden State Water Company in Los Angeles is installing locked shields over fire hydrants in some neighborhoods in response to a surge in thefts, CBS News reported on June 3. The company said the thefts happen daily; because the hydrants are made of iron and brass, company officials think they're being sold as scrap metal on the black market. Replacements cost $3,500 a piece; so far, the company has lost $1.2 million. "It's mindboggling that someone would just come into a neighborhood and steal a fire hydrant," said resident Krystail Cousins. "You're now putting a whole neighborhood in danger."

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Christy Turman, 37, called 911 to let the Lee County (Florida) Sheriff's office know that she was trying to steal a car from a dealership, WFLA-TV reported on June 6. "I'm trying to steal a car that's not legally mine," she said on the call. "So y'all better come make a report." Sure enough, when deputies arrived, they found her getting out of a stolen Toyota Corolla. Turman said she was training in a game of Black Ops to nick the car, but she called authorities so it'd be legal. Joke's on her: She was arrested on trespassing charges.

•Thanks to tracking devices in two Lamborghinis, a couple of car thieves are now in custody in Wyoming, KDVR-TV reported on June 12. The two supercars were stolen in Salt Lake City and headed east on I-80, where Wyoming State Patrol officers tracked them near Rawlins. When troopers caught up to them, one of the vehicles was going over 100 mph; both drivers were taken into custody. {in}

BRIGHT IDEAS The ancient statues at China's Yungang Buddhist Grottoes