Inweekly June 23 2022 Issue

CREATING LOCAL PRIDE WITH ARTIST NATE SCHWEIGERT

Independent News | June 23, 2022 | Volume 23 | Number 25 | Nate Schweigert / Courtesy Photo

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winners & losers

outtakes

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news 6, 8

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buzz 10

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publisher Rick Outzen

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contributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

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winners & losers

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winners

losers

NIRANJAN SURI The senior research scientist has been named an associate director at Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Suri has been part of the IHMC family since 1994 and was part of its beginnings at the University of West Florida. It is a fitting chapter in the career of Suri, who first connected with IHMC founder Dr. Ken Ford as a UWF student and teaching assistant back in the early 1990s.

ROY JONES JR. The Pensacola boxing champion, whom the Boxing Writers Association of America named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1990s, has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Jones entered the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He won world championships in four weight classes and is considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Jones' first championship victory came in May 1993. His career record is 66-9, with 47 wins by knockout. CRUBOTICS TEAM The Pensacola Catholic robotics team won the Northern Gulf Coast regional underwater robotics competition conducted by Marine Advanced Technology Education. Their remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which is designed to probe the ocean below the arctic ice, will face other regional winners from around the world in the international competition in Long Beach, Calif. The trip is being underwritten partly by a sponsorship from Raxis, an Atlanta-based penetration testing firm with strong ties to Pensacola and the CyberCoast. FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT The utility gi-

ant plans to eliminate carbon emissions from its electricity generation by 2045 through expanding solar energy and other technology. The plan would lead to massive increases in the use of solar panels and battery-storage technology. Also, it would mean shifting to what is known as "green hydrogen" at power plants and continuing to use nuclear power. FPL Chairman and CEO Eric Silagy, addressing an investor conference, described the plan as a "march" but said it would build on changes that have included FPL ending the use of coal at plants in the state.

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RON DESANTIS The Miami Herald reported

that Florida is the only state that did not place an order with the federal government to ensure coronavirus vaccines for children under 5. Fortynine states pre-ordered the vaccine to avoid delays in access for families as soon as regulators authorized their use. Florida missed the Tuesday, June 14, deadline. The first tranche of the vaccine will be delivered to pediatricians' offices, children's hospitals, pharmacies and health centers across the country, but not in Florida. This is ridiculous. The self-proclaimed champion for parental rights won't make it possible for parents to choose to have their young children vaccinated by not making the vaccine available. When the governor decides what parents can and can't do, then parents don't have rights. They can only do what the DeSantis chooses for them.

NIKKI FRIED The Agriculture Commissioner's bid to be the Democratic Party's nominee for governor suffered another blow when former gubernatorial hopeful state Sen. Annette Taddeo endorsed frontrunner U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist for the post. Taddeo said in her written statement, "Charlie is ready for the fight ahead. He is battle-tested and has a true vision to deliver change across Florida. Most importantly, he is our strongest candidate to defeat Ron DeSantis." The endorsement wasn't a major surprise since Taddeo was Crist's running mate in his unsuccessful bid for governor in 2014, but Fried didn't need more good news for her opponent who raised more than a million dollars for the third consecutive month. KIMBERLY GUILFOYLE The former Fox

News host, President Trump campaign adviser and fiancé of Donald Trump Jr. allegedly was paid $60,000 for a two-minute-and-thirtysecond speech at the "Save America March" on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., the day of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the House committee investigating the insurrection. The Washington Post reported that Julie Fancelli, the 72-year-old daughter of the founder of the Publix grocery store chain, donated the money to Turning Point Action to compensate Guilfoyle. inweekly.net

Practicing Since 1974 INJURED? outtakes

By Rick Outzen

(ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS)

ARRESTED? (ALL FEDERAL & STATE COURTS)

NIGHT & DAY What a difference a year can make. In June 2021, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted to terminate County Administrator Janice Gilley. Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers went on the rampage to get Commissioners Robert Bender, Steven Barry and Lumon May removed from office and demanded they rescind the 401(a) retirement plan that had been in place for over two decades. The daily newspaper turned a blind eye toward Gilley's mismanagement and joined the lynch mob trying to convince the public that the current commissioners were inept and corrupt. Social media bemoaned the exodus of Gilley's minions without reviewing the pathetic management of their departments. The commissioners who came to the defense of the commissioners— like Troy Rafferty and the Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm—were branded as not caring about the community. Upset that the board wouldn't let OLF-8 be used for housing instead of job creation or build a $25 million roundabout on Pensacola Beach, a group began to meet with the mission of drafting a county charter that would put one person, an elected county mayor, in charge of Escambia County. After all, it's much easier to control one person than trying to convince three of five county commissioners to do your bidding. Fortunately, the predictions of gloom and doom of a government without Gilley or a new county charter were never realized. County government got better, maybe the best in most of our lifetimes. Interim County Wes Moreno and his HR director have successfully negotiated contracts with all the unions but one. Gilley fired Mike Lowery, Escambia County Area Transit's union president, and appeared more intent on busting the unions than building a relationship with employees. She failed, and it cost the county money. Earlier this year, Lowery won his arbitration process that showed he had been unfairly targeted for standing up for COVID-19 safety precautions for his members and bus passen-

gers. He won his job back, seniority level and back pay, and health benefits. Rodriques Kimbrough has been promoted to Escambia County's Mass Transit director. He shared with Inweekly, "Within the next three to five years, I see us being an award-winning transit agency in the state of Florida. That's our goal because our citizens deserve it, and we have excellent staff." Emergency Management Services was struggling before she was hired in 2019. She brought her former boss, Jerry Maygarden, to solve the problems. Gilley promised to fix them, and instead, the department imploded. Today, it's considered one of the best in Northwest Florida. Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore has formed a team that is working hard to make a model for the state. In May, Gilmore told me that department was down 18-20 paramedics when Gilley was fired. Since then, the commissioners have raised the pay, and new leaders have been hired. The county only has seven vacancies for paramedics. Eight new EMS trucks have been ordered. The vehicles won't replace current trucks but will add to the fleet. It's amazing what happens when the administrator focuses on solutions, not political games. This summer, the commissioners will review a proposed budget drafted by their administrator and his staff, not the county clerk. In her two years in office, Gilley never put together a county budget, one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an administrator. Even though she told the commissioners and public that the budget would drive her policies, Gilley had the clerk's office draft her budget. Her chief budget officer, Amber McClure, held the office for nearly a year and took a vacation two weeks before the 2021-22 budget was due without having it even close to being complete. There is still room for improvement. The county is still uncovering other expensive examples of Gilley's mismanagement. Childers is still stirring up trouble for county staff. But the culture of the county government is much better. The difference is night and day, as my grandmother would say. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Fortunately, the predictions of gloom and doom of a government without Gilley or a new county charter were never realized.

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MEETING INFRASTRUCTURE DEMANDS

By Tom St. Myer Development is roaring in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as new construction sprouts seemingly everywhere. What is not sprouting at the same expedient rate is infrastructure. The demand for widened roads, sidewalks, stormwater systems, streetlights, right-of-ways, traffic signals and parking spaces leaves elected officials scrambling to secure the funds and manpower for infrastructure projects. "There is an unlimited amount of requirements and a very limited amount of resources to do it all," said Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. "There's never enough money to do what the government wants us to do and what our constituents want us to do." Government agencies sink hundreds of thousands of dollars in studies to plan for development and population growth, but limited resources prohibit being overly proactive in investing in infrastructure. "Infrastructure follows development. Otherwise, you end up with bridges to nowhere like in Alaska or airports to nowhere like in Ohio," Bergosh said. He serves District 1, which encompasses Beulah, where the housing market is exploding as Navy Federal Credit Union employees seek to live closer to work. Bergosh said expanding access to the freeway in the area is the No. 1 priority for the county. The Florida Department of Transportation is investing nearly $9 million for an interchange justification to I-10 and Beulah Road. That project pales in comparison to FDOT sinking nearly $160 million over the next two years in adding 66

lanes to the I-10 and U.S. 29 interchange. The agency is also adding lanes to Blue Angel Parkway from Sorrento Road to U.S. 98, at a cost north of $10 million. Another infrastructure concern is parking at Pensacola Beach. The number of visitors at the beach is on the rise and is expected to reach record numbers this summer. Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar opened in November on Pensacola Beach in the location previously occupied by Hemingway's. Felix's President Robbie Orgeron has met with Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender and the Santa Rosa Island Authority to address parking issues for customers and employees. He said one consideration is for employees to park at nearby Gulf Breeze High School and be shuttled to and from work. "We have employees who drive around 30 minutes to an hour, and there are no viable parking options on the island itself," said Orgeron, cousin of former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron. "Some people on the island would like to see a parking garage, but that's years away and not a permanent fix. There definitely needs to be better infrastructure. When you don't have places for people to park that want to come out and dine and they drop off their crew and can't find a parking spot, it becomes an issue." The Escambia County Public Works Department invested nearly $24 million in infrastructure in Fiscal Year 2021-22, and Pensacola Beach maintenance accounted for $2.6 million of that amount. Road and right-of-way maintenance topped the expenses at nearly $9 million. The $24 million falls far short of the county's demand for infrastructure, and to further com-

plicate matters, the public works department is operating short-staffed. Public Works Director Jamey Higdon said he receives few applications for openings, particularly positions that require a commercial driver's license. "We have some of our key people working all the overtime they can to keep up," Higdon said. "We're just not getting applicants, and we've upped the pay twice this year. Our average age for hiring right now is 60." Other challenges include the rising cost and limited supply of materials. Higdon said the cost for a metal signpost is up 70%, and basic pipe now costs $22 a foot. Whenever a vehicle breaks down, the department inevitably waits long periods for replacement parts. The city of Pensacola has its share of infrastructure issues, particularly in the downtown corridor, and collaborates with the county and FDOT to come up with solutions. City Public Works Director Amy Tootle said the rise in population is increasing the wear and tear on roadways and sidewalks, but constituents primarily voice concerns over streetlights and traffic signals.

"We have some of our key people working all the overtime they can to keep up. We're just not getting applicants, and we've upped the pay twice this year. Our average age for hiring right now is 60." Jamey Higdon Her top priority is to ensure everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists, traverses the city safely and effectively. As with every other government agency, the city is addressing infrastructure with limited resources and relying on grants and other sources to fund projects. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently awarded the city a $3 million grant for the Community Maritime Park public fishing marina. The project is expected to be completed at the end of the year. "That definitely helped," Tootle said. "It's something that puts a real feather in our cap." Development outgrowing infrastructure is nothing new in Santa Rosa County. County Commissioner Bob Cole said a lack of infrastructure has been an issue for several years, particularly in Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pace and East Milton.

Cole recalled a trip earlier this month for a noon appointment at Andrews Institute on U.S. 90 in Pace. He and hundreds of other travelers sat for long stretches as the cars crawled along the highway. He said, "It's unbelievable the amount of traffic in the middle of the day in Pace, not even during rush hour." Public Works Director Michael Schmidt cited roadway capacity and drainage as the top two infrastructure priorities for Santa Rosa County. He, too, faces the balancing act of needs vs. resources. "The Board of County Commissioners sets policy, priorities and funding for all county departments," Schmidt said. "Each department must meet those expectations and remain within budget. As with all public entities, needs always outstrip the available funding." The local option sales tax (LOST) provides most of the funding. In 2016, voters agreed to a half-cent sales tax with 55% of the money allocated to infrastructure. Votes agreed to renew LOST in 2020, and the county commissioners and LOST committee increased the allocation to 60% beginning last January. Previously, the county-funded infrastructure projects through a general fund as resources allowed. LOST provides the county $8-plus million annually, which the commissioners use on aging infrastructure and facilities, paving, stormwater and drainage improvement projects. Cole suggests perhaps another sales tax increase or raising property taxes could pay for needed infrastructure. Santa Rosa is second only to Jackson County for lowest property taxes in Florida. "The Legislation language needs to be freshened up for today's government," Cole said. In Fiscal Year 2020, Santa Rosa County spent approximately $34 million on infrastructure. That amount increased to $40 million in FY21 and topped $50 million in FY22. County projects for FY22 included $6.5 million for construction at the Santa Rosa County Central Landfill in Milton and $5 million for completion of the Santa Rosa County Courthouse. Santa Rosa County is investing nearly $36 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for stormwater and wastewater projects and about $2.6 million in FEMA funds for flood mitigation improvements. But what about the traffic bottlenecks on U.S. 98 and U.S. 90? That heavy burden falls on FDOT. Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the 2022-23 Freedom First Budget, providing a record $12.6 billion to FDOT for transportation investments. Schmidt said FDOT regularly sends "design plans review notifications" that provide the county an opportunity to ask questions and comment on projects. Current FDOT projects in Santa Rosa County include investing about $7 million in adding lanes and construction on U.S. 98 from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive and another $4 million for lanes and reconstruction on that same highway from east of Ortega Street to the Okaloosa County line. Planned projects include investing over $8 million to resurface U.S. 90 from Escambia River Bridge to east of Woodbine Road. {in} inweekly.net

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7

A TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION

Baptist Health Care / Courtesy Photo

By Jeremy Morrison Soon, Baptist Hospital will relocate, leaving behind its sprawling campus in the West Moreno District in Pensacola's inner city. How that space evolves remains unknown, but hospital and city officials definitely have expectations for its redevelopment. Baptist's campus is just inside the city limits, north of Cervantes Street. It's massive, more than 50 acres, and represents what Baptist's Vice President of External Relations Jen Grove describes as a "transformational opportunity." "Maybe one of the largest redevelopment opportunities we'll have in Pensacola," she recently told the Pensacola City Council. During his weekly pressers, Mayor Grover Robinson has made it clear he understands the rare opportunity this near-blank canvas provides for the west side, which hasn't experienced the same renaissance as the rest of Pensacola. "That's a section of the city that hasn't seen any new product in a long time," Robinson noted. Baptist Hospital's campus will be put on the market this summer and, with it, the hospital's attached vision for its future—a vision aligned with community needs and one that the health care system appears intent on integrating into the property's sale. "We could have done what most health systems do, which is wait until after they move their hospital to start thinking about the original location, but we didn't want to do that," Grove said, conceding it will be a complex redevelopment. "We didn't want to just go to the market with no ideas. We really want to present to the market a vision that is not just Baptist Healthcare's idea about what could come here but really is a community vision for what we seek." 88

As Baptist's new construction moves ahead near the Brent Lane exit of Interstate-110, Grove unveiled to the city council her organization's vision for what the property could potentially become. The council appeared intrigued by what they learned. "It's just an unimaginably beautiful idea that you have here," Council President Ann Hill said after hearing about the hospital's plans. It's not surprising that Baptist's vision has excited city officials. It checks a lot of municipal boxes. In addition to continuing to offer health care services for the nearby community with a satellite facility, the health care system envisions the property being used for various developments, including residential, retail, educational opportunities and social services. The hospital property lies in City District 7, which Councilman Delarian Wiggins serves. He told Inweekly after the council meeting, "I think Baptist did a great job reaching out to the community, getting these surveys in, really looking at what the community wants and actually designing the old Baptist campus around what the community wanted." In forming its vision, Baptist not only conducted surveys but also held a series of stakeholder meetings—both in-person and virtual—over the past few years with residents, neighborhood associations, local government, education officials, law enforcement, businesses and churches. "I'm really, really glad to see that Baptist stepped up and took the bull by the horns," Wiggins shared, "and listened to the community and developed a great project for that campus." While Grove acknowledged that Baptist's vision does not constitute a firm development plan—"It is not a master design plan"—she said

that the hospital would like to see most of the vision incorporated into future development. The plan recommends developers build several mid-rise multi-family buildings, approximately four stories each, that would include workforce housing and mixed-income developments. The presentation to the council showed how five sample buildings could yield 90-100 market-rate housing units and 370-500 units dedicated to income-restricted units that would qualify for government funding to reduce financing gaps. Baptist also would like the developers to use the ground level of these buildings for "neighborhood retail, community facilities and other public realm-enhancing uses," similar to what is seen at Southtowne in downtown Pensacola. And there's more potential housing. The vision also included market-rate single-family homes and townhouses on the eastern and northern parts of the campus—that would provide another 120-280 housing units depending on the developer's interest. When meeting with Inweekly, Grove stressed how the housing components were developed with the help of city staff. "The Department of Housing, the Community Redevelopment Agency, other city staff have been incredibly helpful in helping us understand what some of the city goals are that could be met in the redevelopment of this campus and how we can work together to make it more possible that could happen." The plan's affordable housing aspect is what has Mayor Robinson most primed. He said, "I think it really creates opportunities for us to do so many new things and help the affordability issue in our city." Besides retaining a health care presence and providing more housing, Baptist's vision also calls

for the city to restore portions of the original street grid, including the reconnection of I Street between Mallory and Moreno streets, which had been disconnected as the hospital campus expanded its services over the decades. The plan also requests the city purchase a 2.5-acre parcel on the west side of the campus for a public park. "That section on the other side of A Street, north of Cervantes, we do have a lack of parks in that area," Mayor Robinson said. "So adding that park is going to be another real big benefit to that neighborhood." Purchasing the property for a park and the nearby historic Kupfrian House is expected to cost around $2.5 million. The proposed park will be near the site of Kupfrian's Park, which opened in 1874 and was used for horse races, fairs and picnics until the early 1900s. Pensacola Streetcar Company founder Conrad Kupfrian built the park as a destination for his customers after the line's normal business hours. His former residence currently houses Baptist's marketing department. "The parcels surrounding the Kupfrian Home are where, at the turn of the century, we had Kupfrian Park," Grove told Inweekly after the meeting. "It is a place where folks in the community would come and gather to recreate, and there are some beautiful heritage oaks that remain in the extended area of our parking lot back behind the hospital." The Baptist vice president told the council's non-binding pledges to purchase the park property and restore the street grid were important because they demonstrated the city's commitment to the redevelopment vision. "We do think that, particularly if anybody is looking toward redeveloping multiple components of this vision, they're going to want to know they have a strong municipal partner to work alongside them," Grove explained. "We have been told by the development community that it would be incredibly beneficial for us to go to market with our vision, with the concepts that we've discussed, but also with a statement of intent to support that vision by the city council." "It doesn't commit us to do anything formally until we know what the cost is to us," Robinson said, acknowledging that the estimated $2.5 million could be low. A couple of days after Grove's presentation, the council formally offered their unanimous support for Baptist's aims. "It's certainly not going to hurt us, and it's going to help you, and it's ultimately going to help us if we help you," Councilwoman Sherri Myers had calculated. The future of the Baptist campus has intertwined the city and Baptist in a symbiotic relationship. Grove noted the collaboration has been and would continue to be integral to the vision becoming a reality as prospective buyers for the West Moreno campus step forward. "It will be an interactive process between us going to the market and then touching back with the city," she said. "And it really has been an interactive process to get to this point." {in} inweekly.net

June 23, 2022

9

The most current delivery date information for the belts is early August. ECUA estimated MRF operations would resume in mid-August. Like the city, ECUA will continue normal recycling collection, which is a free opt-in service with residential sanitation accounts, and urges its customers to keep up a positive recycling habit.

Roger Scott Pool / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

CITY POOL PROBLEM The city's Roger Scott Pool opened on Tuesday, June 7, and family memberships have been sold for the daily open sessions—$125 city residents, $185 outside of the city. But there's a problem. City Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier has found that very few families can use the pool during weekdays. "It has been two weeks of pretty much misery for the public trying to get in those pools," Brahier told Inweekly. "The first notice I got was from a grandfather who had purchased family passes for each of his three daughters' families. None of those families have been able to get into Roger Scott Pool yet, and they've tried numerous times. When he went and spoke to them, they said, 'Well, you can only get in when day campers are not here, when there's room beyond the day campers.'"Brahier said that families have told her that they arrived at 9:05 a.m.—five minutes after the pool opened—and found a sign that said it was at capacity. "When people took pictures and sent them to me and counted the number of people within the pools, it was 20 people," she said. "So then when you ask the attendant, 'Why? There's only 20 people here.' They were told, 'Well, we're saving everything for the day camps.' Literally, saving everything for the day camps. So the public has been not having any access to these pools." Brahier said that most of the day camps are ones run by YMCA, which has the contract to operate the pools. She said she had met with city staff and received mixed messages. She toured the Roger Scott Pool with the city's interim parks and recreation director. She shared with Inweekly what they saw. "There's a third pool there. This is the third season that it hadn't been opened. It was full of water and debris and just partitioned off with a sign that it's under construction when there's actually no construction taking place. The bathrooms are completely boarded up and separated off with no 010 1

working bathroom. They put a toilet trailer out in the grass outside the area and then fenced it off, so you can go to the toilet trailer. I mean, total disrepair, honestly." Brahier pointed out the city's webpage says that there are lockers and showers and bathrooms and three pools—"and these things, which are just fictitious at this point." "There's nothing in the budget to fix the bathroom. There's nothing in the budget to fix the extra pool. There's nothing in the budget to paint the flaking paint, which I actually see as somewhat dangerous around the pool as well," she said. "To me, there was no concern about this city amenity for the citizens. I mean, just a lack of respect, honestly."

ECUA RECYCLING DOWN Due to repairs at

the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority's Materials Recycling Facility, recycling for Pensacola Sanitation customers is temporarily on hold. CUA blamed the MRF's shutdown on the failure of the second of two aging conveyor belts that have been slated for replacement in this fiscal year. The ECUA Board approved the $82,000 purchase of two new replacement belts at its February 2022 meeting. But the belts have been caught up in supply chain delays, according to ECUA officials. The city's Sanitation Services Department uses ECUA's recycling facility to process recyclable materials from its customers, and ECUA is not accepting recyclables as repairs are completed to the facility. Tan recycling cans will still be collected, but materials will not be recycled. In the meantime, customers are urged to maintain positive recycling habits. ECUA is working as quickly as possible to bring the facility back into operation. ECUA said its maintenance crews would take advantage of the downtime to make repairs and perform maintenance work on equipment that generally requires a facility shutdown, as well as prepare for the installation of the new belts, to ensure the restoration of MRF operations as quickly as possible.

REMEMBERING CARLA WILLIAMS Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows recently announced an endowed scholarship being established at the college in honor of the late Carla Williams, who was murdered earlier this month. "Carla was an employee of the college beginning as an assistant coach for 24 years, but before that, she was a player at Pensacola State, and a player at FSU, and Vicki Carson's assistant coach for 10 years," Dr. Meadows shared. "And when Vicki retired, she actually had a shot at becoming the head coach, but she wanted to go full time into the classroom. And the amazing thing about Carla was that she was not just a faculty member, but she continued to interact with our athletes for the next 14 years as a mentor and as a tutor." He continued, "She was just a wonderful individual, and we are really going to miss her, but we have honored her by establishing an endowed scholarship. Our alumni association has a matching scholarship program. I spoke with her sister, Pam, and we are going to work with the family on how and who would be the recipients of this scholarship in remembrance of Carla." Dr. Meadows recommended that those interested in contributing to the Carla Williams Scholarship Fund contact Mikenzie Francis, the Pensacola State College Foundation's donor relations manager, at (850) 484-1788. POLL WORKERS After the 2020 election, poll

workers around the country were attacked on social media by those seeking to overturn the results. Fortunately, Escambia County didn't suffer such vitriol. "We've been blessed over the years to have a good, stable cadre of election workers, of folks that are repeat customers, if you will," Supervisor of Elections David Stafford told Inweekly. "The biggest challenge, as you can imagine, was 2020, when people literally had to put their health right at risk to come out and help their fellow citizens exercise one of their most important constitutional rights. And so I'll be forever grateful for those folks that did do that." He added, "Obviously, we're always having to backfill people as they move, retire, pass away or just get tired of it. We're always looking for new folks." Stafford wants to understand the difference between an election or poll worker and a poll watcher. He said, "A poll watcher is a function of political parties and political candidates. And that's fine; they're part of the process, but one does not equal the other."

He continued, "If you want to be a poll worker and come help your fellow citizens vote and help carry out the process, then, by all means, come our way. But if you're interested in the latter, contact political parties or candidates if you want to be a poll watcher. We regulate them, but we don't appoint them, and they certainly fulfill a different role." To be a poll worker, visit escambiavotes.com.

HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS Community Health

Northwest Florida is offering scholarships to create the next generation of health care workers. "We've launched this year a scholarship program through Pensacola State College, where we are looking for high school students, your C-average kid, somebody who has an interest in health care and just needs a little support," Community Health CEO Chandra Smiley told Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen on WCOA. "And it's more than just let me help fund the scholarship; we also want to give them a job at the end of their journey and come and work with us and stay in the community and serve the community." She added, "The overall goal is really to foster and grow our own talent and keep them here to work and help serve." Community Health has reached out to Pensacola High School and targeted students in the ZIP codes where most of its patients live and where health disparities reside. She said, "For applications, you can go through the Pensacola State College. Any students who may be a good fit, they bring them over for an interview, and then we take off from there. We're looking at medical assistants and LPNs. Probably next semester, we'd be looking at dental assistants and maybe some pharmacy techs."

PATRIOT ARRIVES The Port of Pensacola wel-

comed New York Yacht Club American Magic back for training, marking the team's third winter training on the Gulf Coast. On Saturday, June 11, the team's racing yacht, Patriot, arrived. American Magic will spend the summer building out the team's base in advance of winter training. The team will spend all winter in Pensacola training before relocating to Barcelona for the final push into the 37th America's Cup. In 2018, American Magic was the first America's Cup team to train in Florida since 1970. The Mule, a 38-foot test boat, first took to the Gulf waters in 2018 and then in 2019 on DEFIANT, the team's AC75—a 75-foot monohull. "We are so grateful for the support we've seen from the Pensacola community since our very first visit here," said Skipper Terry Hutchinson. "The team is excited to return and continue training on Pensacola Bay, which has proven to be an ideal training venue for foiling monohulls. We look forward to continuing a long-term relationship with the Pensacola community, which has truly embraced American Magic from day one."

TIPPIN PARK RE-DO The city canceled a public input meeting regarding improvements to the

inweekly.net

Tippin Park Community Center slated for Saturday, June 11, after an anonymous flyer circulated through the neighborhood expressing several concerns about the center. The flyer claimed the center would be used to feed the homeless and asked residents to ask the mayor where the homeless would sleep after being fed. Concerns over building the center in Tippin Park's "only public green space" and daily security for the playground were also raised. During his Monday, June 13, presser, Mayor Grover Robinson said the neighborhood meeting had been canceled due to concerns from nearby residents over "some projections of what some people were saying it ought to be." "The neighborhood meetings that we have are there for the neighborhoods to tell us what they want," Robinson said, stressing that the city was looking to the surrounding community to inform its plans for the center. "The community center really needs to be designed and programmed to do what the community wants." He scoffed at the notion that it would be a feeding center. The mayor said, "We don't do that at any of our community centers." A date for a re-scheduled input meeting has yet to be determined. The city intends to start the conversation fresh when the meeting is rescheduled. Mayor Robinson said, "We're going to circle back around and pick a date, and we want to come back to the community. It's a blank slate; they should tell us what they want."

MARINE CHALLENGES GAETZ Businessman

and combat veteran Mark Lombardo has committed to spending up to $1 million to defeat Congressman Matt Gaetz in the GOP primary. According to his press release, Lombardo flew CH-46 helicopters in Vietnam. He is a former FedEx executive and pilot who helped get the company off the ground in the early days. For 40 years, he worked closely with CEO Fred Smith to establish FedEx as an iconic American company. Lombardo is the son of Lt. Colonel Sam Lombardo (Ret.), a World War II veteran who was well known in the Panhandle for his heroism fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and in Germany as an infantry officer. Before his passing in 2021, Lt. Col. Lombardo was honored by the NFL at Super Bowl LIV (54). "The people of Northwest Florida need a congressman who will put them first. Matt Gaetz is a professional politician who has dishonored his constituents with unnecessary drama, childish gimmicks and is reportedly entangled in a federal investigation for sex-trafficking a 17-year-old girl to the Bahamas," said Lombardo. "Displaying the highest level of arrogance imaginable, he hired pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's attorneys and used the money from his hard-working America-first donors to pay the bill. His actions are disgraceful and do not reflect or represent the conservative values of Northwest Florida." He continued, "I'm America-first without the drama and gimmicks. Washington is broken because of people like Matt Gaetz. If you want to June 23, 2022

change Washington, send a Marine. I'll get the job done." In his last congressional campaign in 2020, Gaetz raised $4,797,649. According to opensecrets.org, the congressman has $1.5 million cash on hand in his campaign account.

ADMIRAL'S VISIT Earlier this month, Vice

Adm. Ricky Williamson, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (OPNAV N4), met with base officials at NAS Pensacola to review the installation's capabilities and future projects necessary to continue their support to the fleet. "Our shore enterprise enables fleet readiness, which has a tremendous impact on our aviation, surface and sub-surface combatants," Williamson said in a press release. "The hard work and dedication of the installation teams enable our warfighting units to be able to man, train and equip our forces, which allow us to ensure persistent logistics in unpredictable operational environments." At OPNAV N4, Williamson serves as the resource sponsor for operational logistics and supply chain support. His staff also supervises requirements for depot maintenance, ship support, fleet training and training ranges and is the primary resource sponsor for shore capabilities. The admiral saw how Hurricane Sally damaged unaccompanied housing and held conversations detailing energy infrastructure, water utilities, base buffering initiatives, transportation programs and waterway management. "Shore installations provide maintenance, training and logistics to the Fleet. Our effective shorebased management strategies provide the backbone for the U.S. Navy to meet our national defense mission," Rear Adm. Wesley McCall, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, said. "Having him here in person gave us the ability to articulate our challenges and opportunities to better serve the Fleet."

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TRANSPORTATION SURVEY Annually, the

Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) reviews the transportation priorities for the urbanized areas of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida and Orange Beach and the community of Lillian in Alabama. Prioritizing these projects maximizes available resources on an annual basis when determining how to meet the greatest needs of the region. To view a detailed list of the Project Priorities and interactive map, visit ecrc.org/flalpriorities. These priorities are submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation and the Alabama Department of Transportation for potential funding in the next five years. Projects are selected for funding based upon local priority, funding availability and project timing. There are several funding categories for transportation projects, and each category must be prioritized. To ensure transportation needs are being met, the TPO needs your input. Access the FL-AL TPO Project Priorities Survey at ecrc.org/flalprioritiessurvey. The survey period is open through July 31. {in}

Before

COOLSCULPTING

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4412 N. Davis Highway | Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 378-1404 | agelesspensacola.com 11

CREATING LOCAL PRIDE By Elizabeth Royappa

Nate Schweigert / Courtesy Photo Here at Inweekly, staying local is always top of mind. We'd never encourage you to eat at a chain restaurant in one of our food issues. Or to buy your holiday gifts from Amazon. But you probably already know that if you read this paper … ever. So when we started planning our annual Pride issue, promoting local events and organizations was, of course, on the agenda. But in an era where rainbow merchandise at chain stores often drowns out smaller businesses, keeping your money local during Pride is important, too. In addition to small businesses, Pensacola has a vibrant local makers scene that includes several LGBTQ+ artisans. Thanks to PensaPride, buying art and goods directly from local queer makers will be easy to do this weekend. 212 1

We sat down with Pensacola artist and PensaPride vendor Nate Schweigert to hear his take on uplifting LGBTQ+ creatives during Pride month but also throughout the year. "For me, a lot of times, queer art doesn't necessarily have a rainbow flag on it. If you're looking to get that rainbow shirt, it might be through the corporations. But if you're looking to engage, support, understand and celebrate the queer community, I think that's through the individual," Schweigert said. "For me, for example, when people purchase from me, I often write them a little thing that says, 'Thank you for celebrating my art and encouraging me to continue to create,' something along those lines. Each purchase, for me, is an empowerment statement to 'Make more, please.'" He continued, "I think queer people in gener-

al could use a little boost from society because of how much hatred and self-hatred that they have harbored, most likely ... especially down here in Pensacola ... through their youth and through their formative years." For Schweigert, the "internalized homophobia" many of these artists are working through comes out in their art and creativity, directly and indirectly. He shared, "Every purchase and engagement with them and their art is encouraging them to keep taking that negative energy and transmuting it. I don't think a Pride shirt from Target does that. But when I see the Pride shirt from Target on someone, I do feel happy as a gay person." Schweigert said his work typically has a backstory. "A lot of it has to do with being gay, of course, or some type of connection to the human existence of dealing with loss and recovering, and

the ebbs and flows of life, and how they connect to nature," he said. The artist gave an example, telling us about a shirt he's currently selling on Etsy called "Political Flowers." "I used to be a tour guide in Alaska, and I always had guests asking me questions," he said. "One time, this lady was like, 'What are those yellow flowers?' And I was like, 'Oh, those are dandelions,' and she was so excited about it. But then she goes, 'Wait, those are just weeds,' and I was like 'Whoa. Perception.' And what's in a name, you know?" Schweigert continued, "So it got me thinking, and I drew this art of two flowers talking, and the dandelion says, 'Down South, they call me a weed,' and the lupine flower says, 'It's okay. Up here, we call you a wildflower.' And then that inweekly.net

same flower says, 'Down South, they call me a sinner,' and the lupine says, 'It's okay. Up here, we call you a lover.' It's all about perception and how we see things. If you want to see a dandelion as a weed, it's a weed, and you'll miss out on enjoying the beautiful yellow blossoms." He believes hearing the story behind queer artists' work is another reason to buy directly from individuals. "If you're asking questions about their art, then you're understanding a little bit more. If you're queer, then you may already understand the artist's experience, but maybe they have a different take. And then if you're not queer, you're getting insight into what life is like through somebody else's eyeballs." Schweigert also told us how and why he celebrates Pride, saying, "Pride Month, I think, is really special, to have a designated time to look at your life and remember and notice, 'Am I celebrating who I am?' Especially down here. Celebrating who

you are is paramount to being able to celebrate who other people are." In the spirit of celebrating others, we asked Schweigert to name a few other local queer creatives he's a fan of. "My friend Kendall Whitley is a hairstylist, and I love her and her work," he said. "My friend Jess is queer, and she makes jewelry—Heirloom Indie is the name. There's also Sid with Queer Needle—we've collaborated, and she does cool little stitchings." Schweigert also loves all the drag queens at Cabaret, and one in particular really inspires him. "Judah is a huge inspiration of mine. She's an up-and-coming drag queen. Well, I shouldn't say up-and-coming—she's here, she's arrived, and her looks are literally breathtaking. I toot her horn, take her to dinner. I'm like, 'I celebrate the hell out of whatever your art is because it's captivating to me.'"

Judah will be performing in the drag variety show at PensaPride this Saturday, which is planned for 4 p.m. The market vendors, like Schweigert, will be set up starting at 9 a.m. "I'm excited to see all the vendors [at PensaPride] because truthfully, I have a lot of queer friends and they are queer artists, but I haven't really seen the full artistry of Pensacola's queerness." He added, "I think there are a million ways to support queer artists in Pensacola. You just may not even know they're queer, you know? That's the whole thing about it. We're just like everybody else."

NATE SCHWEIGERT @nate.geo etsy.com/shop/nategeographics

SHOPPING AT PENSAPRIDE In addition to Nate Schweigert, there are going to be tons of cool vendors (queer and allies) at PensaPride this Saturday. Make sure you follow Pensacola Arts Market (@pensacolaartsmarket) for vendor spotlights and additional information. You should also make sure to follow PensaPride (@pensapride) for updates on the entertainment schedule. And it's going to be a hot one, so please make sure you plan accordingly. That means sunscreen, plus maybe an umbrella or hat for added shade, and a reusable water bottle.

To help everyone stay hydrated, the ECUA's "Quench Buggy" will be at the event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and after that, PensaPride will have free bottled water on hand (until they run out).

WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 25 WHERE: Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. DETAILS: @pensapride, @strivepensacola, @pensacolaartsmarket @queerneedle

BEYOND PRIDE

SUNDAY'S CHILD

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate and to be an advocate during Pride month. But when June is over, you can continue to show up through these local organizations that not only support LGBTQ+ folks but the Pensacola community as a whole.

STRIVE

facebook.com/socialisttransinitiative @strivepensacola STRIVE's mission is to serve and support the local transgender community. Their work includes, but is certainly not limited to, advocacy for emJune 23, 2022

sundayschild.org @_sundayschild Sunday's Child was formed by a group of friends in 2013 as a way to gather the LGBTQ+ community and give back. Members donate $1,000 annually, which is then pooled together at the end of the year to create $25,000-$50,000 grants that are then awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations and initiatives that address community needs. Membership fees can be divided between small groups (although there is still only one vote for grant recipients). Since its first year, Sunday's Child has awarded $644,250 to local nonprofits.

STAMPED FILM FESTIVAL

stampedfilmfest.com @stampedfilmfestival Named after the local phenomenon in the mid-

PRIDE FRAT NIGHT @thecabaretpensacola Every Thursday is college "Frat Night" at Cabaret, including this Thursday, June 23, at 101 S. Jefferson St. Drag shows will be at 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. PRIDE DRAG SHOWS @thecabaretpensacola Celebrate Pride with a drag show at Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. Showtimes are 10:30 p.m. and midnight on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. PENSAPRIDE HOSTED BY STRIVE AND PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET @pensapride, @strivepensacola, @pensacolaartsmarket Support artists at a special Pride-themed arts market and enjoy live performances from drag entertainers, musicians and DJs. The event will be held in Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 25. PUPS FOR PRIDE @wolfgangpensacola Take your pups on a prideful pub crawl and "pawrade" on Saturday, June 25, from 6-9 p.m. The festivities include a Pride costume contest, drag fashion show and more. Pre-registration is required and can be done at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

PENSAPRIDE

ployment, housing and medical care; activism; community outreach; education; support; and resource coordination. STRIVE tries to be as involved as possible with other organizations fighting for equality. This year and last, they've partnered with Pensacola Arts Market to host PensaPride—which will be happening this Saturday, June 25, at Cordova Square in East Hill (1101 N. 12th Ave.)

PRIDE EVENTS

1990s when LGBTQ+ residents and tourists stamped their cash with the words "gay money" to make a statement, the film festival highlights feature films, shorts and documentaries that explore LGBTQ+ issues and themes. This year, the event will take place Nov. 10-13. They also host smaller screenings and events throughout the year, like the recent Pride viewing party of "Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything!" at Pensacola Little Theatre.

EMERALD COAST EQUALITY

emeraldcoastequality.org Emerald Coast Equality is the local chapter of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, which represents the LGBTQ+ community and its interests within the Florida Democratic Party. They work to cultivate and campaign for LGBTQ+ candidates, allies and legislative items. The organization also hosts regular events like their "Pints & Postcards" series, which focuses on encouraging voter registration and vote-by-mail.

UWF SAGE

uwf.presence.io/organization/sage @uwf_sage SAGE, which stands for sexuality and gender equality, is all about supporting and creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students at UWF.

PRIDE DRAG BRUNCH @thecabaretpensacola Head to Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St., for a special drag brunch at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. PRIDE COMEDY @thecabaretpensacola, @yikescomedynight This is a special comedy showcase, co-hosted by YIKES! Comedy and featuring a lineup of local and traveling LGBTQ+ comedians. The show will begin at 8 p.m. at Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St., on Sunday, June 26. LECTURE WITH STRIVE PRESIDENT DEVIN @strivepensacola, @stampedfilmfestival, @309punkproject This lecture, hosted in collaboration with Stamped Film Festival at the 309 Punk House, will focus on the "history of queer/trans resistance against fascism." The presentation will start at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at 309 Sixth Ave. STAMPED MOVIE CLUB @stampedfilmfestival Join Stamped Film Festival for a movie night hosted by Jamille at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., on Wednesday, June 29, from 5-7 p.m.

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WEEK OF JUNE 23-29

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

Discovering a New Anthem with Riley Parker By Savannah Evanoff

Riley Parker / Courtesy Photo

Anthem—that's the word. It's the word on the tip of Katie Domschke's tongue as she describes the track "Discover" off her indie rock band Riley Parker's upcoming EP, "Broken Promises." The Pensacola native, who now lives in Nashville, calls it a "coming out anthem," having written it around the same time she came out to her family. "A couple of my friends came out around the same time to their families, so it was interesting seeing how their families reacted versus mine," Domschke said. "Theirs didn't take it so well, but mine … I don't know why I felt so shameful. It was really hard for me to come out, though I knew my family would be so accepting of me. I have two other gay cousins, and I've seen them come out and my family loves them. It was just working through and processing that. My family's very supportive." Anthem, though, could easily describe the entire EP, which she made with the help of collaborators Geoffrey Mutchnik (sound engineer, producer, bass, guitar, songwriter), Peter Vance (guitar, bass and songwriter) and Jack Holway (drummer June 23, 2022

and also a Pensacola native). She calls the band Riley Parker because she wanted it to sound like someone's name. "I've always loved the band Rilo Kiley, so Riley came from Rilo," Domschke said. "And then the last name, Parker, came from a friend whose roommate thought my name was Parker for a while. He just kept calling me Parker. I'd see him very rarely, but when I did, I noticed he'd call me Parker, and I was like, 'That's weird, but whatever.' Then, one time, we were hanging out and he called me Parker, and I was like, 'You do know my name is Katie, right?' and he was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I'm so sorry.'" Each of the five songs on Riley Parker's debut EP is deeply personal and poignant to Domschke (guitar/vocals). From the break-up slash self-discovery song "Wilted" to tackling projection and rejection in "Silver Tongue," they all build up to perhaps the most revealing track, "Claire." That song details how Domschke fell in love with a married woman. She then got a divorce, and now they're together. It's vulnerable, but that's what Domschke is all

about. The overall theme of the EP is vulnerability, grief, anger, growth and acceptance, she said. "Whenever I go back to when I was growing up, my musical taste, the only thing I found relatable was Tegan and Sara," Domschke said. "I knew they were talking about women in their songs, and they were very openly gay and in the indie rock genre. I want to be sort of like how they were for me. I'm not afraid to talk about hard things." Domschke hopes people will interpret the music and relate in their own way. "I just hope someone hears a song and they're able to know they're not alone," Domschke said. "Like for me, with Tegan and Sara, I listened to their songs and felt less alone. I felt seen and known. Addressing these topics and these vulnerable aspects of my life, I hope somebody's able to see, 'Hey, you're not alone. Everybody's going through shit.' I'm here for it. I want to speak about it. I want to be open about it. I just want to help other people." The EP ends with "Claire," because it's the most "on the nose," Domschke explained, referencing the lyrics "She still calls."

"There's some very pointed statements in there," Domschke said. "All of the people who I care about know about our story. And it's something people don't really talk about—divorce, and especially whenever something ends up working in everyone's favor in the end. Everyone's happy coming out of this. We're still friends with my girlfriend's ex-husband. It needed to happen." Domschke performed regularly at Gallery Night, Seville Quarter and Intermissions and busked every Saturday morning at the Palafox Market before she moved to Nashville in 2015. Much of her lyrical boldness, though, was a result of "The Pizza Collective," a songwriter's group Domschke joined around 2017—after two years of playing bass guitar for numerous bands, such as People Zoo (composed of Pensacolians in Nashville) and one called Butthole, she said with a laugh. The Pizza Collective consisted of nine members at a time, and the only requirement to be a member was to write one song every week or suffer the penalty of paying $1 to the pizza jar. If you miss a month, you're kicked out. Domschke rarely missed. "We kinda kept the same group; we were all pretty strong in it for two years," Domschke said. "That's how I ended up writing these songs and discovering my own relationship with songwriting outside of just playing bass for other people." It also doesn't hurt that she's met some good mentors through working customer service at Jack White's record label in Nashville, Third Man Records. Riley Parker recently stood out to NPR. Its Tiny Desk submission video for the song "Wilted" landed on NPR's "Entries We Love" blog and earned the group a shoutout in an Instagram story. "That was awesome," Domschke said. "I saw their blog for the 'Entries We Love,' and the first couple of days I was keeping up with it. I was like, 'We're probably not gonna get in and that's totally fine.' It was just fun doing it, and now we have a video—if anything—to promote the single. Then I got an email like a day later … It was surprising, but we worked hard on it." {in}

RILEY PARKER rileyparker.net

You can listen to "Wilted" by Riley Parker now. "Discover" will be released July 29, and the rest of the three songs on the EP will be released in September. The band is currently filming videos for each release incorporating different collaborators. 15

a&e happenings NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM AT YOUR LIBRARY Join representatives

both fundraising and dance skill. The show is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $38-$203. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

ARTS & CULTURE

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Commu-

nity Institute, 220 W. Garden St. "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" will be showing at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

SUNKEN GROTTO BY GOD'S WAITING ROOM On Friday, June 24, experience "Sunk-

DANCE KONNECTION Come dance away

your stress with Gail from Dance Konnection. Increase your mobility, exercise and have fun Tuesday, June 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. No experience is needed, all levels and ages are welcome.

en Grotto" by God's Waiting Room—an art exhibition and live presentation bringing together dance music and fantasized, Floridianinspired immersive installations at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V. St. Art reception is from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 24. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

"America's Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher" / Currently on view at Pensacola Museum of Art

BEACH SEASON UPDATES

FREE TROLLEY RIDES TO PENSACOLA BEACH The 2022 Pensacola Beach Island Trol-

ley, operated by Escambia County Area Transit, will run daily from 4 p.m.-midnight through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5. Three trolleys will operate concurrently, running three routes. The eastern route runs from Casino Beach to Portofino, the western route runs from Casino Beach to Park West near the entrance gate to Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the commercial core route runs from Casino Beach to Grand Marlin with stops occurring along the new access road and at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can access the real-time trolley schedule four ways: •Visit the "Trolley Tracker" at visitpensacolabeach. com/trolleytracker •Call (850) 602-9384 and enter the trolley stop number •Text SRIA (space) and the trolley stop number to 41411 •Scan the QR code posted at each trolley stop with a smartphone

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Florida is hosting Bingo at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burning Tree Road, twice a month. Dates are June 28, July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & 23, Sept. 6 & 20, Oct. 4 & 18, Nov. 8 & 22 and Dec. 6 & 20. Proceeds go to help local animals. The fun starts at 7 p.m. $10 gets you 30 cards. Winners share the pot. Food and drink will be available for purchase. You must be 18 years old to play.

LIFE'S A DANCE: BENEFITTING JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT Life's A Dance 2022 will showcase a star-studded evening of dance featuring: world professional championship dancers Shannon and Shane Jensen; Instagram and TikTok superstars Miranda and James Derrick; cast members of Dancing with the Stars from ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" including: Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and Tristan Mac Manus. All will be performing a variety of dances from the samba to salsa. Local celebrity couples will dazzle onlookers in a competition of

FLORIDA PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY NETWORK AT YOUR LIBRARY Join represen-

tatives from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) to learn about underwater archaeology in your community and participate in an interactive activity. The mission of FPAN is to promote public appreciation of Florida's archaeological heritage through partnerships and community engagement. All ages are welcome. Dates are: •10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 30, at Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A

DISNEY DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL

PLT Summer Education presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical. 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 24 and 2:30 and 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Based on the movies, this is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films. Tickets are $10 for all ages. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

309 NEW ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 309 Punk

from the National Naval Aviation Museum to learn about the intersection of military operations, flight and oceanography, the science of the sea. All ages are welcome. The presentation at the Genealogy Library will focus on family history research and is suggested for an adult audience. Dates are: •10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A •3-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the Genealogy Library, 5749 N. Ninth Ave.

A CHORUS LINE The classic concept musi-

Project's new Artist in Residence is Skott Cowgill. Cowgill is a musician, zine author and visual artist. He began oil painting in Pensacola at the 309 Punk House. He relocated to San Francisco, where he has shown extensively and has collaborated with Andrew Schoultz, Tommy Guerrero and Mark Gonzalez, to name a few. His oil painting style is primarily wet on wet, and subjects range from images of human isolation to desolate landscapes where one might clear their head. Cowgill is a graffiti artist and has covered San Francisco in stencils of sunken boats. An exhibit of work is on view through July 2 with a closing reception on Saturday, July 2, from 7-11 p.m. Visit 309punkproject.org for events and information.

cal about a Broadway chorus audition comes to the PLT stage. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, June 26. Tickets are $9-$33. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for more information.

YIKES! COMEDY PRESENTS HILLIARY BEGLEY Comedian Hilliary Begley will be

performing at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, Friday, July 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

DESI BANKS Actor and comedian Desi Banks will perform at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Tickets are $42.50$52.50. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for tickets.

Winner Best Late Night Eats & Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar Food & Best Bar for Games

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a&e happenings ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES Comedian

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes will be at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, 8 p.m., Friday, June 24, for her Who Do I Think I Am Tour. Tickets are $39.75-$59.75. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for more information.

LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's

life drawing group meets every Monday, except holidays, from 6-9 p.m. in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.

EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET

Every Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggalleryart@gmail.com.

THE MAROON MARINES: ARCHAEOLOGY AT PROSPECT BLUFF A new temporary ex-

hibit at The Destination Archaeology Resource Center, located at 207 E. Main St., features the story of the largest free black settlement in what is now the United States. This exhibit is sponsored by City of Pensacola Councilmember Teniadé Broughton. During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called "Negro Fort" by American officials, it eventually became the center of the largest free Black settlement in what is now the United States. When the war ended, the U.S. believed the fort threatened the institution of slavery and must be destroyed. To the Maroon people who lived there, however, the fort at Prospect Bluff was a beacon of freedom worth fighting for. For more information, visit fpan.us.

HARMONY DISCORD Harmony Discord is

the latest art exhibit at First City Art Center's Gallery 1060, located at 1060 N. Guillemard St. The exhibit is on view through July 30. An opening reception will be Thursday, June 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Visit firstcityartcenter.org for more information.

MAN OF MANY FACES A new exhibit from

artist Wes Hinds is on view at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Exhibit on view through June 16. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for more information.

"KEEP IT 100" AT ARTEL GALLERY Back by popular demand for the third year is the "Keep it 100," where all pieces are for sale and priced at $100. The exhibit is a juried show with Jimmy Rhea, professor at Pensacola State College, as juror. The exhibit will be on view through June 24. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information. ART OF THE POSTER One of the latest Artel exhibits will be posters from Rick Otoupalik, the artist behind all of Artel's promotional posters for the past 20 years. The exhibit will be on view through June 24. Artel Gallery is June 23, 2022

located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.

DON MANDERSON AT ARTEL GALLERY

Graphic artist Don Manderson will have an exhibit on view at Artel Gallery through June 24. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.

GOODS OF DESIRES PMA's exhibition Goods of Desires from artist Cindy Leung is on view through Sept. 4. The exhibit uses Chinese exports to address the complex relationship between consumerism, colonization and cultural hybridity, as they originated in the East and were popularized in the West through trading and British colonization. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details. TAKING A LINE FOR A WALK This new ex-

hibition at Pensacola Museum of Art highlights the diverse materials, techniques and subject matter artists have explored through drawing and printmaking over the last century. Artworks include selections from the PMA's permanent collection, works on loan from The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida and works borrowed from contemporary American artists. Featured in the show are pieces by Pablo Picasso, Käthe Kollwitz, Salvador Dali, Alexander Calder, Alex Katz, Sage Lewis and Richard Lindner. The exhibit is on view through Sept. 4 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for more information.

AMERICA'S EVERGLADES: THROUGH THE LENS OF CLYDE BUTCHER With his

century-old camera, Clyde Butcher has been exploring and documenting the Everglades for more than three decades. The result is a collection of large-format black-and-white photographs that capture untouched parts of the nation's largest subtropical wilderness. The exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., through Sept. 18. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for more information.

MAPPING NORTHWEST FLORIDA EXHIBIT AT THE PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY Visualized Landscapes: A Selection

of Northwest Florida Maps is now on view at Pensacola Museum of History. The exhibit explores the shifting topography of Northwest Florida through a series of maps selected from the Trust Archive. Visualized Landscapes: A Selection of Northwest Florida Maps is on view on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History until August. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust or to purchase tickets, visit historicpensacola.org.

2000 MEN: BLACK POLITICIANS DURING RECONSTRUCTION A new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History shares the stories and histories of Black politicians during the Reconstruction period. The Pensacola Museum of History is located at 330 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit historicpensacola.org.

FINDING 1821 Finding 1821 is part of the UWF

Historic Trust's Suddenly American exhibit. Using historic newspapers, maps and documents,

FREE CONCERT SERIES TUESDAYS 7  9 PM | GULFSIDE PAVILION it is possible to locate where businesses stood in the 1820s. From taverns to parasol shops, each site on the Finding 1821 trail reflects a local establishment that was near that location 200 years ago. Outside each business is a QR code that links to a corresponding advert from an early 1820s newspaper. Over a dozen sites have been identified so far. Take a stroll around town, visit local shops and explore the history of Pensacola through today's technology. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information.

2022 SM 2014

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's and

Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the group to read and discuss? Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue. The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fascinated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook.com/pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.

Mass Kunfuzion | June 28 Classic Rock, 80’s & Modern Hits

Johnny Earthquake & the Moondogs | July 5

Rock, R&B, Swing, Funk, Soul, Zydeco, Country

OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off

your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon's Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.

OPEN MIC COMEDY AT BIG TOP BREWERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy some

homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending on the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

NEW SUMMER CLASSES AT STUDIO SOUTH Studio South Yarn Co. has new sum-

mer offerings—crochet and knitting classes for all skill levels as well as openings for the exclusive membership to "Unwind" on Thursdays and Saturdays, and finally, free "Knit in Public" pop ups at various Pensacola locations. Visit studiosouthyarnco.com and follow SSYC @studiosouthpensacola on Instagram to find out the next sit and knit spot around town.

Locally owned ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Prescriptions Compounding Vaccinations Supplements & gifts

CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS Mixon Magic Performing Arts

(MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement, Ballet/Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult. MMPA is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the

6005 College Pkwy. 850.752.2100 FirstCityDrugs.com This pharmacy is independently owned and operated under a license from Health Mart Systems, Inc.

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a&e happenings building and studio. More information about Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixonmagic.com or emily@mixonmagic.com or by calling (850) 221-7438.

Rooster & The Sealey Sauce Company paired with pilsners will be available Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for more information.

BAYOU BUZZ COFFEE TASTING TOUR

CRAFT CLASSES AT STUDIO SOUTH ON NINE MILE Learn a new craft or meet up with

FINE WINE FRIDAY Visit The Nest General

BURGERS AND BORDEAUX AT UNION PUBLIC HOUSE Every Tuesday night, enjoy

other makers at Studio South. Tuesday is Knit Night 4-7 p.m., and Sit & Stitch is Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Both classes are free. For a full calendar of events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad.com. Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT FIRST CITY ART First City Art Center offers a wide

range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels. Classes include glass blowing, ceramics, painting and drawing, kiln-forming, stained glass and more. For a complete list of classes and times, visit firstcityart.org.

FOOD + DRINKS

DINNER WITH STRINGS ATTACHED Jackson's Steakhouse and Pensacola Symphony Orchestra are partnering again for a dinner experience with classical music from PSO on Thursday, June 23, with two seatings available at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Chef Miller has prepared a special menu for the night. For reservations, call (850) 469-9898. OYSTER BASH + PILS PARTY Oysters from Grayson Bay Oyster Co. (raw oysters), Emerald Coast Oyster Co. (grilled oysters) and Rusty

Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, on the first Friday of every month for a wine tasting from 6-8 p.m. It's $35 a person and includes charcuterie and the opportunity to try their monthly wine club offerings in house. The June tasting theme is "Pride." Visit thenestgeneralstore. com/events for more information.

MONTHLY WINE TASTING IN AGAPI GARDEN Visit Agapi Garden, at 555 Scenic

Highway, from 5-7 p.m., to sample five wines for $10. For more information, call (850) 813-5683.

SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE WELL The Well, located at 42 E. Garden St.,

has expanded its offerings with a Sunday Funday Brunch cocktail menu including items such as Spicy Paloma made with Mezcal, a cold brew cocktail with Irish whiskey, a cucumberinfused spritz and a Bloody Mary spiced with house-made hot sauce and garnished with fresh pickled vegetables. Price range is $9$12. Brunch hours are Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Other small plate offerings are available Thursday-Saturday from 4 p.m.-one hour before closing. For more information, visit facebook.com/thewellpensacola.

Seville Savories Food Tour will host a coffee tour of downtown Pensacola Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are available online at sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com.

a specialty burger and a glass of Bordeaux at Union Public House, located at 309 S. Reus St. For more information, visit facebook.com/ unionpensacola.

WINE WEDNESDAY Visit The Nest General

Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. for a wine happy hour. Deals include $1 off listed by-the-glass wines, a waived corking fee, charcuterie plates and a $15 'wine flight' option. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com/ events for more information.

WEEKNIGHT HAPPY HOUR Every week-

night before 6 p.m. at The 5 Barrel, get $1 off all The 5 Barrel pints, $2 wine by the glass and half off hummus plates when you buy a pint of beer. Visit the5barrel.com for more information.

TABLETOP TUESDAYS AT THE 5 BARREL

Join The 5 Barrel for a special Tabletop Tuesday event at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in March. A wide variety of games ranging from the classic chess to the crowd favorite Catan will be available. Players are welcome to bring their own games.

ARAGON WINE TASTINGS Wine tastings at Aragon Wine Market are back every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in store at 27 S. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit aragonwinemarket.com.

THURSDAY TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE 5 BARREL Gather a group for a weekly Thurs-

day Trivia Night Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at The 5 Barrel. There will be prizes for every round and select drafts for $3. Find out more at facebook.com/the5barrel.

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

FINE WINE FRIDAY Visit The Nest General

Store the first Friday of every month for a wine tasting from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and includes charcuterie and the opportunity to try our monthly Wine Club offerings in house. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com/events for more information.

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is back at its regular location in MLK Jr. Plaza. In a carefully planned, phased reopening, Palafox Market has launched with about half its regular vendors, showcasing food, farm produce and products geared toward safety and sanitation

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

Tired of suffering from droopy eyelids? Uplift your eyelids with the once daily eye drop, Upneeq. Call now to schedule your appointment with the eye care specialists at Terrezza Optical: 850-434-2060 818 1

inweekly.net

a&e happenings such as handmade soaps and face masks. For more information, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.

EVER'MARKET AT NINE MILE ROAD Visit

E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for more information.

BLUES ANGEL MUSIC'S BLUES ON THE BAY The City of Pensacola and Blues Angel Mu-

Ever'Man at 1000 E. Nine Mile Road on the fourth Saturday of each month for the Ever'Market with food, music, giveaways, activities and more. Visit everman.org for more information.

sic have partnered for the return of their annual free concert series every other Sunday at 6 p.m. at Community Maritime Park, located at 301 W. Main St. Still Standing will be playing June 26.

200 SOUTH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

BANDS ON THE BEACH Join Santa Rosa Island Authority for free weekly concerts every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, June 28, Mass Kunfuzion will be playing.

Every first Saturday of the month, the businesses at 200 South will host Small Business Saturday to show support for local businesses. Bring a receipt from a purchase from any other downtown business and receive 10% off your bill at Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Taco Agave and Blend Lounge.

PENSACOLA POSITIVITY'S SUNDAY MARKETS Sunday Markets on Palafox Street

happen each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in MLK Plaza on Palafox. Local makers, growers and creators gather each under the oak trees to sell their goods to the community. Interested vendors can request an application by emailing requeaskmikellah@gmail.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/palafoxmarkets.

SATURDAYS AT THE MARKET OUTDOOR VENDOR EVENT Located at 5300

Berryhill Road, the outdoor market features artisans and crafters alike from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For more information, email saturdaysatthemarket@gmail.com.

PENSACOLA POP-UP FARMERS MARKET Check out fresh and organic produce,

EASY GOING GALLERY SHOW X Wear the

Mark X presents Shackled, Statement of Pride, Over the Line and Paralyzed at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St., 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23. Cost is $10. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

WIG'N OUT DANCE PARTY Grab your wigs (one is required for entry) and dance all night to funky tunes at 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Admission is free. Visit vinylmusichall.com for more information. THE JUICE IS OKAY Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St., is hosting a night of free music 7 p.m. Friday, June 24 with The Juice is Okay, Starlin and Dalton Wright Trio. RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Rumours will be performing at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, Saturday, June 25, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Get yours at vinylmusichall.com.

milk, eggs, meat, fresh-baked bread, mushrooms, lumber, grits, cornmeal, pies and plants Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at East Hill Market, located at 1216 N. Ninth Ave. For a list of vendors, visit facebook.com/easthillmarket.

THE GATOR BOYS The Gator Boys will be performing at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, on Saturday, June 25, from 7-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for more information.

UPTOWN PENSACOLA MARKET Check

3RD FLOOR BAND 3rd Floor Band will be

out local vendors of art, produce and other local treasures every Saturday at 7201 N. Ninth Ave. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/uptownmarketpensacola.

TWILIGHT THREE-COURSE SPECIAL The

District's Twilight Three-Course special is back Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. Guests enjoy three courses for $35 per person. Diners must be seated by 6 p.m. for offer to be valid. To make a reservation, call (850) 332-5224, or go to districtstreaks.com. The District is located at 123 E. Government St.

LIVE MUSIC

CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS Bring your

folding chair, favorite beverage and dancing shoes to enjoy the great music Thursdays at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Nobius will be playing on June 23 (last date). Visit scpen.org/christophers-concerts for more information.

LATE NIGHT KARAOKE AT PERFECT PLAIN Become the star of the show every

Friday night at Perfect Plain Brewing Co.'s free late night karaoke party every Friday through June. Perfect Plain Brewing Co. is located at 50 June 23, 2022

playing at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., 4:30 Sunday, June 26. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

RED CLAY STRAYS The Red Clay Strays are performing at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Tickets are $10. Get yours at vinylmusichall.com.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Blues Society of Northwest Flori-

da and Seville Quarter present Monday Night Blues, the longest running weekly Blues Jam in Florida, starting at 7 p.m. with an opening and followed by the Blues Jam at 9 p.m. Seville Quarter is located at 130 E. Government St. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

JAZZ CONCERTS AT THE PENSACOLA LIBRARY Visit Pensacola Library, located at 239 N. Spring St., for a free jazz concert from 1-3 p.m. on the first and fourth Tuesday of the month through July. The next concert is March 22. Visit jazzpensacola.com for more information.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT PERFECT PLAIN Head to Perfect Plain Brewing Co.,

A CRAFTY SOUTHERN PUB WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER MON-THUR 4-9 AND FRI-SAT 11-10 TUESDAY NIGHT: BURGERS AND BORDEAUX

UNIONPENSACOLA.COM

309 SOUTH REUS ST. | 850.607.6320 19

a&e happenings 50 E. Garden St., on Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. through September. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for more information.

the patio at Cazadores Mexican restaurant, located at 8183 W. Fairfield Dr. Weather permitting.

LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH Head to Red Fish Blue

Blues Café, located at 421 W. Belmont St., Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and listen to Curt Bol Jazz Quartet. Visit curtbolband.com for more information.

Fish for live performances from local bands all day on Fridays and Saturdays. For musician lineups, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.

JOE OCCHIPINTI JAZZABOUTS Catch Joe

Occhipinti and guests at Alice's Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1504 W. Intendencia St., Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and at Calvert's Restaurant & Bar, 670 Scenic Highway, Sundays from noon-3 p.m.

SAXOPHONIST JIM ANDREWS AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT Saxophonist Jim An-

drews will be performing at Alice's Restaurant, located at 1504 W. Intendencia St., on the first Friday of every month from 6-9:30 p.m.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Join Joe Occhipinti and the Jazzabouts at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. for classic jazz favorites.

RAY COLEY AT CAZADORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT Ray Coley performs oldies mix

with jazz and blues every weekend with keyboard, horn and flute. Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. and a jazz set on Sundays from 12-3 p.m. on

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CURT BOL JAZZ QUARTET Visit Five Sisters

OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel Gal-

lery is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays for open jam with Pensacola Folk Music Society. Feel free to visit and listen to music. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Sing your

heart out Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, or just enjoy drinks friends with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/mugsjugs.

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS AT THE WELL

Visit The Well, 42 E. Garden St., on Saturdays from 4-7 p.m. for live music. Visit facebook.com/ thewellpensacola for more information.

LIVE MUSIC AT HUB STACEY'S Sit back with good food and live music at Hub Stacey's, located at 312 E. Government St. For a full calendar of bands, check hubstaceys.com. MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues So-

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

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen

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

FITNESS + RECREATION

BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE Join Bike

Pensacola for its next slow ride Friday, June 24, at 6 p.m. The ride will take off from 11 S. Palafox. Visit facebook.com/bikepensacola for more information.

PENSACOLA FISHING RODEO This year's

Bud Light Fishing Rodeo will take place June 24-27. Weigh-in is at Flounders on Pensacola Beach on Saturday from 2-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. Cash awards and prizes are available to the top three fish in 21 different species. In addition to the rodeo. Other opportunities for challenges and cash prizes available. Visit pensacolasports.org for details.

SUMMER KICKBALL TOURNAMENT

Enjoy food, music, and most of all, kickball om Saturday, June 25 at Bill Gregory Park, 150 N. W. St. For details, call 417-3965.

THE THIRD EYE SOUND IMMERSION & MEDITATION Join Asher and Bee at URU

and Beyond, 2400 Executive Plaza Rd., with Rin Ley for a guided meditation session Sunday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.99. Get yours at asherandbee.com.

BIERGARTEN YOGA Join Disko Lemonade

for yoga at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., every fourth Sunday of the month. The next date is Sunday, June 26, from 11 a.m.-noon. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

SEVENTH INNING STRETCH BALLPARK YOGA Enjoy Seventh Inning Stretch Ballpark

Yoga dates with Disko Lemonade 9 a.m. on Sundays throughout the summer for a relaxing morning at the ballpark. Visit bluewahoos.com for tickets. The next date is June 26.

EAAA STAR GAZING Escambia Amateur Astronomer's Association hosts star gazing events at Big Lagoon State Park, 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Enter the gate before sunset. There is a charge for park admission but gazes are free. There are also gazes at Casino Beach Pavilion at 7 p.m. the first Fridays and Saturdays of the month. Visit eaaa.net for more information. BLUE WAHOOS GAMES The Blue Wahoos are back in season at Blue Wahoos Stadium,

inweekly.net

a&e happenings 351 W. Cedar St. Tickets are available at bluewahoos.com. Upcoming home games: •6:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 •6:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 •6:35 p.m. Thursday, June 30

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR 2022 Breathe Yoga and

Wellness Center in partnership with the City of Pensacola will offer free one-hour yoga classes to citizens on the first Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m. in Bayview Park, located at 2001 E. Lloyd St., and Community Maritime Park, located at 301 W. Main St. The next date is July 3 at Community Maritime Park. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. Participants must bring their own mat and other accessories they would like to use. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, as water will not be provided.

CHESS CLUB Learn how to play one of the oldest games in the world with West Florida Public Libraries. Whether you are a beginner or a master chess player, this is a chance to learn new skills, practice your moves and improve your game in a friendly environment. The library will provide all the chessboards and pieces. Visit mywfpl.com for dates and locations. F3 NATION FREE WORKOUTS FOR MEN

F3, a national network of free, peer-led workouts for all men, has expanded its outdoor workouts to Pensacola. The three Fs stand for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. Classes are free of charge to all men 18 and older or 16 with an adult guardian. Each class ends with a circle of trust. Class times are 7-8 a.m. Saturdays and 5:30-6:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Maritime Park, located at 351 W. Cedar St. Visit f3pensacola.com.

OVER 50 DANCE CLUB Take part in the Over

50 Dance Club at Sanders Beach Resource Center, located at 913 S. I St., Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. The dress code is dressy; cover is $5-$10. . For more information, call (850) 623-5013.

PENSACOLA PEGGERS CRIBBAGE CLUB LOOKING FOR MEMBERS Pensacola Peggers

Cribbage Club 396, the local Grass Roots Club affiliated with American Congress of Cribbage, is seeking new cribbage players for the group. The club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Sonny's BBQ, located at 6702 N. Ninth Ave., to play six games of cribbage.

WEEKLY FRIDAY DANCE Get moving every

Friday night with a dance sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Enjoy food from 6-7 p.m. Dancing is from 7-10 p.m. A variety of bands and music provide the tunes. Cost of admission is $6. Dances are located at 105 Kenmore Ave. in Pensacola. For more information, call (850) 476-5696.

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 open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com. June 23, 2022

WFPL MOLINO TRACK CHALLENGE Put on your walking shoes and join the walking challenge at the Molino library. Just visit Molino's track, turn on your favorite fitness tracker app to log your progress, dial up your tunes or an audiobook and start walking. When you finish, come into the library and log your progress with staff on our track challenge board. The top walker in this program will win The Coldest Water Bottle. The Molino Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A. For more information, visit mywfpl.com. RELEASE & RENEW AT FITNESS IMPACT TRAINING At 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Wednes-

days and Fridays, release into a yin yoga flow centered around low-stress training for high-stress individuals. The focus will be on the basics of breath and openness in the shoulders, hips and spine. For more info, go to mindandmetta.online. Cost is $12 per class, and the location is 375 N. Ninth Ave., Ste. B. Limited space available. Ask about membership pricing.

GULF COAST BREWERY RUN Thursdays

at 6 p.m., join Pensacola Runners Association for a 5K fun run. Enjoy a free beer after the run and complimentary games such as cornhole, ping pong and more. Gulf Coast Brewery is located at 500 E. Heinberg St. For more information, visit facebook.com/gulfcoastbrewery.

BEER GARDEN YOGA Join Coastal County Brewing Company Saturdays at 9 a.m. for the new Yoga in the Garden Series. Classes will be led by Tara Taylor, a highly experienced instructor from Breathe Pensacola. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $10 and includes a pint of beer after the class. Coastal County Brewing Company is located at 3041 E. Olive Road. For more information, visit facebook.com/coastalcounty. SOUL FLOW YOGA AT BEAUTIFUL YOU STUDIO Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., flow and

vibe with some soulful music to start the day. This hour-long class will center around engaging the core through smooth yet strong yoga sequences. Cost is $10 per class or $99 for an unlimited 30-day pass. Located at 513 W. Intendencia St. For more info, go to mindandmetta.online.

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 at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org. OCEAN HOUR BEACH CLEAN-UPS Ocean

Hour has picked up its weekly beach cleanups in the Pensacola area Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. On Saturday, Aug. 28, volunteers will be at Philip A. Payne Bridge. Supplies will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. For locations, visit oceanhourfl.com.

for more listings visit inweekly.net 21

free will astrology WEEK OF JUNE 23 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries actor

Marilu Henner has an unusual condition—hyperthymesia. She can remember in detail voluminous amounts of past events. For instance, she vividly recalls being at the Superdome in New Orleans on Sept. 15, 1978, where she and her actor friends watched a boxing match between Leon Spinks and Muhammad Ali. You probably don't have hyperthymesia, Aries, but I invite you to approximate that state. Now is an excellent time to engage in a leisurely review of your life story, beginning with your earliest memories. Why? It will strengthen your foundation, nurture your roots and bolster your stability.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Poet Eliza-

beth Bishop noted that many of us are "addicted to the gigantic." We live in a "mostly huge and roaring, glaring world." As a counterbalance, she wished for "small works of art, short poems, short pieces of music, intimate, low-voiced and delicate things." That's the spirit I recommend to you in the coming weeks, Taurus. You will be best served by consorting with subtle, unostentatious, elegant influences. Enjoy graceful details and quiet wonders and understated truths.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In the coming

weeks, you will need even more human touch than usual. Your mental, physical and spiritual health REQUIRE you to have your skin in contact with people who care for you and are eager to feel their skin against yours. A Tumblr blogger named Friend-Suggestion sets the tone for the mood I hope you cultivate. They write, "I love! human contact! with! my friends! So put your leg over mine! Let our knees touch! Hold my hand! Make excuses to feel my arm by drawing pictures on my skin! Stand close to me! Lean into my space! Slow dance super close to me! Hold my face in your hands or kick my foot to get my attention! Put your arm around me when we're standing or sitting around! Hug me from behind at random times!"

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Author

John Banville wrote what might serve as a manifesto for some of us Crabs—"To be concealed, protected, guarded: that is all I have ever truly wanted. To burrow down into a place of

By Rob Brezsny

womby warmth and cower there, hidden from the sky's indifferent gaze and the harsh air's damagings. The past is such a retreat for me. I go there eagerly, shaking off the cold present and the colder future." If you are a Crab who feels a kinship with Banville's approach, I ask you to refrain from indulging in it during the coming months. You're in a phase of your long-term astrological cycle when your destiny is calling you to be bolder and brighter than usual, more visible and influential, louder and stronger.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "We wish to make rage into a fire that cooks things rather than a fire of conflagration," writes author Clarissa Pinkola Estés. That's good advice for you right now. Your anger can serve you, but only if you use it to gain clarity—not if you allow it to control or immobilize you. So here's my counsel: Regard your wrath as a fertilizing fuel that helps deepen your understanding of what you're angry about—and shows you how to engage in constructive actions that will liberate you from what is making you angry. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Virgo author Jeanette Winterson was asked, "Do you fall in love often?" She replied, "Yes, often. With a view, with a book, with a dog, a cat, with numbers, with friends, with complete strangers, with nothing at all." Even if you're not usually as prone to infatuation and enchantment as Winterson, you could have many experiences like hers in the coming months. Is that a state you would enjoy? I encourage you to welcome it. Your capacity to be fascinated and captivated will be at a peak. Your inclination to trust your attractions will be extra high. Sounds fun! LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Libran lexicographer Daniel Webster (1758–1843) worked hard to create his dictionary, and it became highly influential in American culture. He spent over 26 years perfecting it. To make sure he could properly analyze the etymologies, he learned 28 languages. He wrote definitions for 70,000 words, including 12,000 that had never been included in a published dictionary. I trust you are well underway with your own Webster-like project, Libra. This entire year is an excellent time to devote yourself with exacting diligence to a monumental labor of love. If you haven't

started it yet, launch now. If it's already in motion, kick it into a higher gear.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "Shouldn't the distance between impossible and improbable be widened?" asks poet Luke Johnson. I agree that it should, and I nominate you to do the job. In my astrological view, you now have the power to make progress in accomplishing goals that some people may regard as unlikely, fantastical and absurdly challenging. (Don't listen to them!) I'm not necessarily saying you will always succeed in wrangling the remote possibilities into practical realities. But you might. And even if you're only partially victorious, you will learn key lessons that bolster your abilities to harness future amazements.

How should you respond to this gift from the Fates? Get twice as much work done? Start work on a future masterpiece? SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sagittarian novelist George Eliot wrote, "It is very hard to say the exact truth, even about your own immediate feelings—much harder than to say something fine about them which is not the exact truth." I believe you will be exempt from this rule during the next seven weeks. You will be able to speak with lucid candor about your feelings—maybe more so than you've been able to in a long time. And that will serve you well as you take advantage of the opportunity that life is offering you—to deepen, clarify and refine your intimate relationships. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Author

bell hooks (who didn't capitalize her name) expressed advice I recommend for you. She said, "Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape." As you enter a phase of potential renewal for your close relationships, you'll be wise to deepen your commitment to self-sufficiency and self-care. You might be

Stock Market Losses? Hire a lawyer who is a former Merril Lynch stock broker.

amazed at how profoundly that enriches intimacy. Here are two more helpful gems from bell hooks—"You can never love anybody if you are unable to love yourself" and "Do not expect to receive the love from someone else you do not give yourself."

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In April

2005, a 64-year-old Korean woman named Cha Sa-soon made her first attempt to get her driver's license. She failed. In fairness to her, the written test wasn't easy. It required an understanding of car maintenance. After that initial flop, she returned to take the test five days a week for three years—and was always unsuccessful. She persevered, however. Five years later, she passed the test and received her license. It was her 960th try. Let's make her your role model for the foreseeable future. I doubt you'll have to persist as long as she did, but you'll be wise to cultivate maximum doggedness and diligence.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In the eighth century, Chinese poet Du Fu gave a batch of freshly written poems to his friend and colleague, the poet Li Bai. "Thank you for letting me read your new poems," Li Bai later wrote to Du Fu. "It was like being alive twice." I foresee you enjoying a comparable grace period in the coming weeks, Pisces—a time when your joie de vivre could be double its usual intensity. How should you respond to this gift from the Fates? Get twice as much work done? Start work on a future masterpiece? Become a beacon of inspiration to everyone you encounter? Sure, if that's what you want to do. And you could also simply enjoy every detail of your daily rhythm with supreme, sublime delight. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Tell a story that imagines what you will be like a year from now. newsletter.freewillastrology.com {in}

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news of the weird WHAT A CATCH? When Richard Kaser of Shelbyville, Indiana, took his friend Jon Hoop out fishing in the Ohio River on June 5, the hope was that Hoop would catch his first blue catfish, Fox 59 News reported. And Hoop succeeded with the first fish he hauled in, though the fish's stomach seemed unusually lumpy. Expecting to discover upon cutting it open that the catfish had swallowed another fish or perhaps a turtle, Kaser instead found a foam ball, part of a fish and ... a rather large sex toy. "When it came out, Jon, my wife and I started laughing," Kaser recalled in a Facebook post. "My wife immediately covered my daughter's eyes and turned her away from it." No word on when Hoop's next fishing outing will be, but it will be hard to top his first. SAY IT, DON'T SPRAY IT There's a big difference between paying one's respects and spraying one's disrespect, and Laurie Lynn Hinds, 51, of Quitman, Texas, knows better than anyone. KLTV-7 reports that Hinds was arrested on June 5 and charged with state-jail abuse of corpse for a November 2021 incident in which Hinds walked into a Tyler, Texas, funeral home, made her way directly to an open casket and spit on the corpse inside. A witness to the incident said Hinds was angry with the family of the deceased. Abuse of a corpse is a state-jail felony in Texas, punishable by six months to two years in a state jail and up to $10,000 in fines. LOST AND FOUND Daniel Hughes was kayaking recently in the Ohio River in Maysville, Kentucky, when a bright yellow object tangled in debris on the riverbank caught his eye, KDKA-TV reported. Upon closer inspection, Hughes discovered that the object was a helmet—specifically a firefighter helmet with markings identifying it as property of the Franklin Park Fire Department in Pennsylvania, some 422 miles away. The helmet had an ID card still attached, and when Hughes shared photos to the Franklin Park FD Facebook page, Chief Bill Chicots got in touch and shared the whole story. "The helmet belonged to Dave Vodarick, he's been a member of our fire department since 1974; he lost the helmet during a water rescue in October 2019," Chicots said. The rushing water failed to sweep Vodarick away three years ago, but it succeeded in ripping off his helmet, and efforts to find it had come up empty. The well-traveled helmet is set to return to Franklin Park, where it will be displayed in the fire department's trophy case. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER It's not unheard of for a library to receive a late book return in the mail, but the package the Tooting Library in London received from Canada recently won't be forgotten anytime soon. CBC News reported that the package contained a copy of the book "A Confederate General From Big Sur" by Richard Brautigan, a book that had last been checked out in 1974—making it approximately 48 years and 107 days overdue. Efforts to track down and thank the borrower were successful, and Tony Spence, 72, a retired judge living in British Columbia, will be spared the late fees—not only the $7,618.10 that would be charged if the fines weren't capped, but also the

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

$10.50 maximum fine. "We're pleased to have the book back in a condition good enough to return to the shelves, if we wanted, and under the circumstances we're waiving the fines," a statement from the library said. "We thank Mr. Spence for returning it and hope he enjoyed it." LET ME OFF HERE A bus driver from Boston learned the hard way that in areas where cannabis is legal, it pays to read every label. As AP News reported, on March 13, police found Jinhuan Chen, a 10-year veteran driver for Go Go Sun Tour with an exemplary record, unconscious at the wheel of a bus pulled over on the side of Interstate 95 in Stratford, Connecticut. Chen, who, according to his manager, " doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, but he has a sweet tooth and likes candy," had been transporting 38 passengers and munching on a package of gummy candies when he blacked out. Turns out the gummies were Smokies Edibles Cannabis Infused Fruit Chews, and toxicology reports revealed a high level of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in Chen's bloodstream. "This would never have happened a couple of years ago," Go Go Sun Tour manager Victor Chen said, "but now there's marijuana everywhere here." Jinhuan Chen will face 38 counts of reckless endangerment at his court date in August. MORE GAS PRICES ON THE RISE New Zealand's Ministry for Environment recently proposed a plan to help curb the country's greenhouse gas emissions, Reuters reported on June 8. The gist: charging farmers for cow burps. The country is home to 5 million people, but twice that many cattle—and 26 million sheep, to boot—and almost half of its greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Even so, agricultural gases have so far been exempted from the country's emissions trading program. Well, your free ride could soon be over, Bessie: Starting in 2025, farmers would have to pay for their livestock's emissions by volume. The proposal includes incentives for farmers to reduce gases through feed additives, and to use on-farm forestry to offset emissions. THEY'RE TAKING OUR ROBO-JOBS! As much fun as it is to yell "REFILL PRESCRIPTION" at the pharmacy's robo-receptionist (only for it to claim, "Sorry, I didn't get that"), the Spanish government wants to put an end to the practice for its citizens: A proposed customer service bill that would require companies to connect callers with an actual human upon request. The bill would also seek to force companies to answer calls within three minutes. "Far too many companies create bureaucratic labyrinths to stop you from exercising your right to service," said Consumption Minister Alberto Garzon. If it passes Spain's Parliament, the law would apply to all companies over a certain size, as well as all utility providers, regardless of size. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com June 23, 2022

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