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winners & losers

winners ROTARY CLUB OF PENSACOLA Community Grants Chair Bruce Partington announced the annual club awards, totaling $25,000, to Bright Bridge Ministries, Waterfront Rescue Mission, ECARE, Family Promise of Escambia County, Pace Center for Girls, Ronald McDonald House, AMI Kids Pensacola, United Ministries, Autism Pensacola, UWF Historic Trust and Studer Community Institute. Club Rotarians contribute each year to fund the community grants based on similar goals. The Rotary Club of Pensacola is the second oldest club in Florida. SETH STRAW Freedom Alliance, a national

organization supporting our nation's military families and injured service members, named the Pensacola native this year's Scholarship Student Ambassador. A 2020 graduate of Auburn University, Seth will speak publicly about the importance of education and the need for scholarship assistance. He is one of more than 500 students currently receiving scholarships through the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. He is the son of United States Marine Corps 1st Lt. Robert D. Straw, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crashed in May 1997. Straw has enrolled at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is scheduled to graduate in 2024.

CHRIS JENSEN The licensed funeral director of Family-Funeral & Cremation of Pensacola and Mary Esther has been appointed to the Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services by Gov. Ron DeSantis. STARBASE The Science Technology

Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation Space Exploration program (STARBASE) has been brought back by the Defense Department to NAS Pensacola. STARBASE allows fifthgrade students at Title I schools throughout Escambia County to attend classes at NAS Pensacola and learn STEM-related topics.

PENSACOLA JOBS The job market in the

area continued to grow in May despite the $300 federal unemployment checks mailed out last month. The unemployment rate in the Pensacola area was 4.3% in May 2021, down from 10.4% reported in May 2020. The Pensacola area private sector employment increased by 9,100 jobs over the year, an increase of 6.1%.

losers 3M As Tropical Storm Claudette was approaching the northern Gulf of Mexico on Friday, June 18, a federal jury in Pensacola awarded an Army veteran $1.7 million after finding that 3M failed to provide adequate safety warnings for its combat earplugs. The ultimate amount that 3M paid to Lloyd Baker will be smaller since the jury determined the company was only 62% liable. The case was the third bellwether case among the more than 230,000 claims by veterans and service members over the earplugs, known as Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2, in the Florida court. Bellwether cases ferret out the strength and weaknesses of the claims and possibly lead to a settlement. The first trial resulted in a $7.1 million verdict for three plaintiffs in April, while 3M prevailed in the second trial in May. 3M has asserted its Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 product has always been safe and effective to use. CDC On Friday, June 18, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday granted a preliminary injunction against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its conditional sail order that required cruise lines to test their COVID protocols before bringing on paid patrons. The ruling, which is in place until July 18, was part of a larger lawsuit brought by Florida that asserts the CDC overstepped its authority through its orders that have limited cruise lines' ability to return to business. GUN VIOLENCE Two people were shot outside Coyotes Sports Bar, 5030 Bayou Blvd., near Cordova Mall, early Friday, June 18. The victims were taken to Sacred Heart Hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening. No word whether sending deputies to the Texas-Mexico border would have prevented the crime. COUNTY COMMUNICATION Escambia County Comptroller Pam Childers spent two years investigating the contribution rates of the 401(a) annuity program without mentioning her concerns to Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Steven Barry also researched the program. It would have been helpful if they shared their concerns and findings.

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FACE THE MEDIA For the past six months, Congressman Matt Gaetz has been seen in the news but rarely in Florida's First Congressional District that he represents. His Pensacola office shut down last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to reopen. Instead of talking with locals, he has traveled the country and performed with his new alt-right buddy Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene at a series of America First rallies. At the least, he could have held one in Northwest Florida. Instead, he and Taylor have been on stages at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa in The Villages, Fla.; Delta Hotels by Marriott in Mesa, Ariz.; and the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga. I know the congressional districts will be redrawn before the 2022 elections, but I don't think The Villages, Mesa or Dalton will be added to Gaetz's territory. At his event at The Villages, the Northwest Florida representative complained that he was "a marked man in Congress," "a canceled man in some corners of the internet" and "a wanted man by the deep state." He proclaimed, "But I am a Florida man, and it is good to be home." But The Villages, a retirement community near Disney World, isn't the Fort Walton Beach attorney's home. The people who cheered for him can't cast a vote for him legally in his 2022 congressional race. Why didn't he bring Rep. Greene to Pensacola and launch his America First tour at the Pensacola Bay Center? Former President Donald Trump loved holding rallies in Pensacola. It could be the three-term congressman is afraid to face local media and his constituents. He would have to answer uncomfortable questions. Gaetz represents one of the most "God & Country" districts in the country. Several of his aides have had ties to Pensacola Christian College. Yet he has been linked to former Seminole County Tax Collector Jeff Greenberg, who last month pleaded guilty to several federal charges, including sex trafficking of a minor.

Gaetz has fought sex trafficking in the past. In late April 2019, he called together top local, state and federal law enforcement officials, including former Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan, Walton County Sheriff Mike Atkinson and U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe, and his Faith Advisory Board to discuss the increase of illicit massage parlors in Northwest Florida and how to shut them down (Inweekly, "Sex & Massage Parlors," 5/1/19). The meeting was held at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. The congressman said that while serving as Criminal Justice chairman in the Florida House, he heard testimony and saw data that showed "a nexus between these establishments and the movement of humans against their will." The latest statistics for 2018 showed that 86% of the victims of human trafficking are female. Gaetz said, "I thought it was pretty noteworthy that the largest group are between the ages 9 and 17. That was really striking to me." Meanwhile, his buddy Greenberg was paying for sex with a teenager and may have passed her around to his friends, according to media reports. The former Seminole County tax collector admitted to federal prosecutors that he had paid more than $70,000 over two years to women—and a 17-year-old girl—for sex, many of whom he met through a so-called "sugar daddy" website. According to reports, federal investigators are also looking into allegations that Gaetz also paid for sex with women and the minor—allegations Gaetz vehemently denies. Panhandle voters need to hear in person his rebuttals of those allegations and an explanation of his relationship with Greenberg. Reuters last week reported Gaetz was willing to leave his post to be a host for Newsmax. It was Gaetz who sought the job, not the news channel luring him away from Congress. He needs to explain why. The only way to do it is to hold a press conference and answer questions. Gaetz owes it to the voters who trusted him to represent them—not The Villages, Mesa or Dalton. {in} rick@inweekly.net

It could be the three-term congressman is afraid to face local media and his constituents. He would have to answer uncomfortable questions.

June 24, 2021

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By Rick Outzen At the Escambia County Commission meeting on Thursday, June 17, Escambia Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Pam Childers announced she would set the contribution rates for the county's much-discussed 401(a) annuity program for its senior managers and elected officials. The subsequent discussion focused on whether Childers had overstepped her authority, the legality of current contribution rates for elected officials and the threat of a possible lawsuit. The 401(a) annuity program has been in place since 1997 as an alternative to the Florida Retirement System. The cost to the taxpayers is the same, but the amount placed in the participants, accounts is four to six times higher. Why? For years, the reason given for the lucrative difference was the 401(a) program didn't have to pay any of the FRS's overhead since an outside vendor for the county ran the annuity plan. However, late last Monday afternoon, Childers issued a memo that gave a new explanation for the higher benefit—the unfunded actuarial liability (UAL) factored into the FRS contribution rate. She said the county shouldn't include the UAL portion—20.8% for senior managers and 39.42% for elected officials—in its contribution rates for the 401(a) plan. 66

At the June 17 meetings, the comptroller softened her tone regarding senior managers but held firm that the higher rates for elected officials were illegal. Childers said her memo was to "correct the language in the ICMA contract." ICMA is the vendor for the 401(a) plan. "This moves to set the effective rates of the ICMA 401(a) account, effective July 1, where the senior management service class will be at 4.67, the elected officer's class will be at 8.34, unless or until the plan administrator, the county commission, chooses a different rate," she told the board. However, she was open to giving the seniors managers a higher rate. Inweekly heard several senior managers, who had been hired in the past two years and enrolled in the 401(a) plan, had complained about Childers changing the program after they had irrevocably opted out of the FRS system. "When it comes to your service class for your managers, you can do whatever you want to do, whatever is right by your county pay plan and your county policies," said Childers. "No doubt, the last two years have been very hard on all county staff, and they've worked tirelessly. So you probably want to incent them properly in their pay or their benefits, and that is for you to set." Two weeks earlier, Commissioner Steven Barry and other commissioners said they and other senior managers hadn't been told about the higher benefits available through the 401(a). As a result,

Barry placed on the agenda a discussion on whether the county should offer some type of settlement for those employees (Inweekly, "Pension Equity Debate," 6/10/21). The board voted to have the county attorney render an opinion whether such a settlement was legal.

"We have a responsibility to advocate for the fair treatment of all our eligible employees, not only a select few." Steven Barry After the June 3 board meeting, Commissioners Barry and Lumon May said they wouldn't participate in a settlement agreement. Still, they wanted a legal opinion on whether a restitution offer could be made to the senior management staff not informed about the program. In a written statement, Barry said, "We have a responsibility to advocate for the fair treatment of all our eligible employees, not only a select few." On June 17, Childers called the higher 401(a) rate "problematic" and wondered whether it was "within the general law." "I know your attorney has had lots of conversations with FRS," she said. "However, FRS does not govern this plan. You govern it between the rails of the law. So I suggest between chapters 122, 145, 215, you understand rules of compensation and benefits when you set that rate."

"I know your attorney has had lots of conversations with FRS. However, FRS does not govern this plan. You govern it between the rails of the law." Pam Childers Chapter 122 of the Florida Statutes covers state and county officers and employees retirement systems; Chapter 145, compensation of county officials; and Chapter 215, financial matters. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh questioned whether Childers had the power to change a contract approved by the board and change the contribution rates without any input from the commissioners. Bergosh is not enrolled in the 401(a) plan and has been in FRS since 2006. "I'm reading the backup from the clerk and her informational item, but I don't see anywhere in there where she insinuates or alleges that this contract or the reimbursement rates are illegal," Bergosh said. "Are those rates illegal?" County Attorney Alison Rogers said, "It is my opinion that you have great flexibility in setting the rates and interpreting your own contract terms. I am not aware of any specific allegation where she has pointed out something is illegal." Bergosh continued, "Let me ask this question. Is it legal for a unilateral decision inweekly.net

on a contract the board already approved for the clerk to make such a decision? Is that legal?" "In my opinion, the interpretation of the terms of your contract is for you," said Rogers. The District 1 commissioner argued it wasn't "appropriate for a unilateral decision to be made on a contract." He pointed out that Childers was the clerk when the board approved the ICMA contract in 2016. "A lot of people have looked at this for a lot of years," said Bergosh. "If the decision is made to lower the contribution rates, I think that's probably appropriate. But that's a decision for this board." He continued, "Otherwise, if you don't follow the process, what happens next month or next year, or if there's a new clerk and they don't like the rates we negotiate with jail medical or they don't like the rates that we pay for engineering and surveying? … And when we approve a contract, it's a little disturbing to me that someone would look behind that years later and then come with a recommendation like this with such an affirmative stance that this is going to happen." Only eight people are in the 401(a) program—five senior managers and three commissioners—Bender, May and Barry. "Prior to this, it was never a problem that a rate was set every July and whatever interpretation," said Childers. "That's on your HR to decide to change that percentage. It is not a problem with me how much you pay your senior management class, and you should pay them, and you should give them a benefit package. They should have great, great benefit in pay." She continued. "Not a problem, until Bender entered into ICMA, did it become a problem or on the radar." The comptroller said she didn't encourage the board from recouping any alleged overpayments to Bender and the senior managers—"These folks who got it when they were certainly told and led to believe that they were getting the appropriate contributions." Bender signed up for the 401(a) two years ago. He said that in May or June 2019, "I was told that my rate would be at the FRS rate, per HR. And when I found out that it wasn't, I contacted your office and asked, and they said that it was 45%, whatever it was then. It seems like your office interpreted it that way back then. I'm not saying that's how it needs to be done now, but—" Childers cut him off, "We have the emails that interpret it from, at the time, was your county HR, and he was an attorney, and your (HR) directors ever since then. We weren't sure and didn't have the answers. It's been some research. This isn't something that you just know. It takes time to figure out." While Comptroller Childers, a certified public accountant, took two years to arrive at the decision that the UAL portion of FRS rates should be deducted from the 401(a) contribution rates, she was critical of Commissioner Barry not making the same discovery. As late as the morning of Monday, June 14, the county HR, CFO, commissioners, public and media had been told the difference in rates was based on FRS overhead. June 24, 2021

"As much as Steven Barry has worked on this plan and understands it through and through, and he's a financial planner, certified financial planner, rates and statutes, this could have easily been brought up during your discussion," said Childers. "It was not. It was not your intent to discuss it when you bypassed the discussion." Childers' in-house attorney, Codey Leigh, explained what his boss meant about the 401(a) program being problematic.

"I understand everything you just said, except you will not answer the question. Problematic and illegal are two different standards. Is this illegal, what we've been doing?" Jeff Bergosh "If the elected officials stayed in FRS, the amount that would be deposited into their account is somewhere around 8%," said Leigh. "The other percentage goes to the trust fund for FRS. We understand the plan as a whole, healthy. It is not for the benefit of the individual elected officer." The attorney continued, "So I believe that it is problematic to take the UAL percentage and deposit it into a deferred compensation or retirement plan. For all of the things that the clerk said previously is that the elected officer's compensation is set by statute. And you have to look to general law to find that compensation, whether it's health insurance, whether it's chapter 145, how to calculate that elected officer's salary—" Bergosh interrupted, "And I understand everything you just said, except you will not answer the question. Problematic and illegal are two different standards. Is this illegal, what we've been doing?" Leigh answered, "I cannot find in general law that it permits the—" Bergosh cut him off again, "I did not ask you that." "If you cannot find it in general law, then it would be illegal," said Leigh. The commissioner pressed, "Commissioner Bender's been in this plan for four years. Why were those approved?" "That's correct," replied Leigh. "These statutes are highly complex. And now, there is a number of more commissioners in there, and it was brought to our attention, and we're taking action prospectively." Rogers told the board that it's a county program, and the Board of County Commissioners is the body that determines the management of the program. The discussion continued with Childers holding firm. She said, "With all due respect, it's illegal. The rates will be changed July 1." Childers told Bergosh, "I suggest you get a good, solid attorney opinion when you pick your rate, or we will be in court, sir. Commissioner Doug Underhill reiterated his position that commissioners should not receive a pension. He said that Barry should have brought the issue to the board long before the June 3 meeting. Commissioner Barry said the plan has been in place since 1997 and has been interpreted the same way until now.

Decisions were made based on the tables, interpretations and the best good faith information made available. "Each of us cost the taxpayers the same, regardless of the retirement plan chosen," said Barry. He said he intended to continue interpreting the contract the same way we have until the contract comes up for renewal. Childers chimed in that she was glad to see the board might make senior management 21%, which was higher than what she recommended. Commissioner Lumon May said he doesn't think senior managers should receive a higher rate than the lowest-paid employees. However, he also said he was concerned that the senior managers made the decision to leave FRS for the 401(a) plan based on the information HR gave them. "You know what? FRS might not be working," said May. "We get consultants for everything else; why not spend the money on a legal opinion? Why not spend the money on a consultant and find out what's best for the masses of the employees and the citizens of Escambia County? And then I'll be satisfied with it." He said two weeks (until July 1) was not enough time for an evaluation. He wants to fix the retirement system for all our employees. "If we're going to peel back the Band-Aid, we need to look at the entire system and find the best system for the masses and the taxpayers." Bergosh was open to changing the rates but said it was a board decision.

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Barry also wanted the county attorney to look into how other counties handle 401(a) programs. He made the motion to the board that the 401(a) rates "stay status quo" and the county attorney "maintain a steady dialogue with the clerk's office." Commissioner Bender suggested the board put into escrow the difference between the status quo rates and the ones proposed by Childers, but the proposal went nowhere. Barry's motion passed 3-2, with Bender and Underhill in dissent. Commissioner Underhill followed up with another motion. "There's some common ground here that I was not expecting to find," he said. "There was quite a bit of common statements about this is not about the commissioners, that we really need to focus on the employees and it's not about us. So I'm pretty sure I know where this is going to go, but I want to go ahead and try to memorialize that, so I move that we eliminate the elected officers class at this time." His motion didn't receive a second. After the vote, Childers told the commissioners that the rate would be lowered to 8.34% for the elected officials. She said, "As the comptroller, I will not continue the status quo for elected officials." {in}

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After the vote, Gilley thanked the board for the honor to have "led this amazing team of directors and hundreds of employees in support of services for our community." "While much has been accomplished, there is still much to do to bring the county and its operations into the 21st century," she said. "I look forward to watching that progress. As I have stated many times before, this is my home, and I love it and only want what is best for everyone here." Per her employment agreement, Gilley will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 20 weeks of her $185,000 salary, about $71,150. The county will also provide for her insurance for six months. Barry later moved that Deputy Administrator Wes Moreno serve as the interim administrator. The BCC approved the motion, 4-1. Underhill dissented.

CERVANTES WALL The Florida Depart-

Eric Randall / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

NEW POLICE CHIEF On Monday, June 14,

Pensacola City Hall chambers were packed for the swearing-in ceremony of Eric Randall, the Pensacola Police Department's new chief. And Randall, who grew up in Pensacola and still has family in the area, seemed to appreciate the reception. "Wow, what a homecoming," Chief Randall said, following his swearing-in. "Man, I'm touched right now." The new police chief takes the helm at a time of evolution within the department, following a 2019 incident in which a former PPD detective fatally shot an unarmed Black man during a traffic stop and ignited a conversation about community-police relations and systemic racism in law enforcement. A proponent of community policing, which emphasizes a law enforcement agency's relationship with its citizens, Chief Randall said during the ceremony that he felt securing the community's trust is paramount to the department's mission. "It is important that the community trust us," the chief said. "Our integrity should never be brought into question." Randall also stressed the importance of fostering an environment of ownership among Pensacola's citizens. He also spoke about the need for police officers to serve as role models for the city's youth and the value of the "golden rule"—treating people "as we want to be treated ourselves." "Working as a team," he said, "we will meet and overcome any challenges ahead." Randall also praised Deputy Chief Kevin Christman, who served as interim chief following the exit of former Chief Tommi Lyter in December. Although he didn't land the PPD's 88

top slot, Christman requested to serve as the liaison between the city and Randall as the new chief was brought aboard. "We're going to do great things together," Randall said, turning to Christman. "And I really appreciate your friendship during this transition." The ceremony's invocation was given by Rev. John Powell Sr., of Truth for Youth. During his remarks, the reverend said he was hopeful about Randall leading the police and felt that the new chief would be capable of leading the department along its continued journey. Rev. Powell said, "These are exciting times, and this is an extraordinary great day in Pensacola."

GILLEY GONE After an awkward discussion without many specifics during the county commission meeting on Thursday, June 17, Commissioner Steven Barry made the motion to conclude County Administrator Janice Gilley's contract and pay her severance according to her employment agreement. The vote passed 4-1, with Commissioner Doug Underhill in dissent. The motion was a difficult one for Barry, who has been friends with Gilley for nearly two decades and had strongly advocated for her to get the administrator job in early 2019. "I've come to the opinion that sometimes things don't work out like you hope," said the District 5 commissioner before the vote. He said he met with Gilley privately on Wednesday to let her understand his position. However, he had no interest in airing complaints during the meeting. He said, "From my point of view, it's just not a good fit, and it's just not working out."

ment of Transportation has begun work on West Cervantes Street. The state roadwork is designed to calm traffic and better ensure pedestrian safety in an area that has experienced a disproportionate number of accidents and pedestrian fatalities. While local government officials were game for the local improvements on the state roadway, they were not particularly thrilled with one aspect of the project—the wall. Portions of West Cervantes will feature a barrier dividing the roads directional lanes, encouraging pedestrians to use designated crossing areas. Critics of this aspect of the project have pointed out that the barrier will disrupt the flow between neighborhoods on either side of West Cervantes. At his June 14 presser, Mayor Grover Robinson said of the wall, "It wasn't exactly what we wanted, but we are gonna try to work with it." "Were we exactly happy with the barrier? No," the mayor said. "We tried to soften it as much as we could to make it more landscaped, but, you know, it is what it is, and we'll have to live with it." Robinson praised other elements of the West Cervantes FDOT project, saying that slower traffic would increase safety in the area and boost commercial opportunities in the corridor. "Our goal was to negotiate as best a deal as we could for our citizens over there," the mayor said. "We believe the traffic signals will do a better job of slowing traffic, creating crossing opportunities and rejuvenate some of the neighborhood commercial—I think the reason you don't have neighborhood commercial there anymore is because you've got cars just flying through there." To make his point about better commercial prospects along West Cervantes, Mayor Robinson pointed to other areas nearby where he said the addition of traffic signals had positive impacts.

"We've seen commercial opportunity come back because traffic slows down," he said. "There are opportunities at the lights, and there's a chance for people to do business rather than just fly by at high speeds."

CRIST LEADS In a recent Political Matrix/Listener Group poll of 660 likely Florida Democrat voters, Congressman Charlie Crist leads Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried 40.9%-30.5%, leaving 28.6% undecided in the Democratic primary for governor. Among female voters, Crist has 43.3%, while Fried distantly trails with 28.3%. The congressman, who served as governor from 2007-2011 when he was a Republican, has a nearly a 14-point lead over the agriculture commissioner among Black voters. FRIED TARGETS FUND On Friday, June

18, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the results of an investigation into Defending The Republic, Inc., conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state's regulator of charities. Defending The Republic is a Texas-based organization affiliated with Sidney Powell, a former attorney for former President Donald Trump, and established as a legal fund involved in conspiracies related to the 2020 presidential election. Following a consumer complaint received in November 2020, the department's Division of Consumer Services initiated an investigation into the organization for allegedly operating defendingtherepublic.org in violation of Chapter 496, Florida Statutes. Florida state law requires all charitable organizations operating in Florida or soliciting funds from Floridians to be registered with the state to ensure transparency of financial records and allow consumers to make informed decisions on charitable contributions. In March 2021, the department issued a subpoena to defendingtherepublic.org's domain host, the results of which indicated that Powell is affiliated with the website. On June 15, the department served Defending The Republic, Inc. with an administrative complaint alleging multiple violations of state law. Defending The Republic, Inc. has 21 days to come into compliance, negotiate a settlement or face further legal action, including a cease and desist order and a $15,000 administrative fine. "Defending The Republic has a choice to make—they can come into compliance with the law or face large fines and court orders," said Fried. "No matter who you are, whether big or small, whether a bad actor, a scammer or a former lawyer for a former president, the rules apply to you, and we will apply the law equally."

DEPUTIES HEAD TO BORDER At a

press conference held at the Escambia inweekly.net

County Sheriff's Office, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Escambia County deputies would join other Florida law enforcement agencies in securing Arizona and Texas's borders with Mexico. "America's border security crisis impacts every state and every American," said DeSantis, flanked by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons and other law enforcement officers. "The Biden Administration ended policies implemented by President Trump that were curbing illegal immigration, securing our border and keeping Americans safe." He continued, "Governors Abbott and Ducey recently sent out a call for help to every state in the nation, needing additional law enforcement manpower and other resources to aid with border security. I'm proud to announce today that the state of Florida is answering the call. Florida has your back." Chief Simmons pointed out Escambia County's growing meth and fentanyl problems. He said, "Not a shooting, not a violent crime that goes by that we investigate that's not involving methamphetamine." How many Escambia County deputies will be sent to Texas and Arizona wasn't disclosed at the presser, and Gov. DeSantis offered few details. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is coordinating the deployment of the law enforcement officers under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Texas and Arizona will reimburse Escambia taxpayers for the cost under the compact.

HOMELESS COLLABORATION City officials have been working with local nonprofit organizations to address the issues surrounding homelessness. While the city has allowed a homeless encampment under the I-110 bypass to remain in place due to the extremely limited amount of shelter space in the area, Escambia County has continued to remove homeless individuals from public areas—a move that the city has been warned could

June 24, 2021

carry potential legal consequences unless there is available shelter space to redirect people toward. Some in the city have blamed the influx of homeless inside city limits on county administration's actions regarding the treatment of that population. During the June 14 presser, Mayor Grover Robinson commented about the lack of collaboration between the city and Escambia County on efforts to address homelessness. "I think we could have worked better together, and I wish we had, but again, I can't control what their actions are and where they're going; I can only focus on what we're doing," Robinson said. The mayor dodged pointing the finger at County Administrator Janice Gilley but said he wasn't sure why city-county collaboration was stalling out—"I don't know. We go to them. We're happy to work; we're happy to talk at any point." Working with its community partners, the city is moving forward with plans—incremental at first, with loftier goals farther down the road—to ease the area's homeless situation, but Robinson said that eventually the county would need to step up its involvement. "If we want to make a real positive impact, the city and county are going to have to work together a little bit better on an orchestrated effort," the mayor said. "And we'll endeavor to continue to see what we can do on that discussion." Two weeks ago, the Santa Rosa County commissioners tabled a request that would have allowed law enforcement officials to trespass people if they were on county property after hours and were not conducting official county business. Without Gilley out as administrator, the city may find a more collaborative spirit on the fourth floor of the county's administrative complex.

NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Ballet Pen-

sacola has hired Darren McIntyre as its new

artistic director. McIntyre has also held the positions of artistic director with Montgomery Ballet, interim artistic director with Lake Erie Ballet and artistic associate and ballet master with Fort Wayne Ballet. Originally from Port Macquarie, Australia, McIntyre is a graduate of The Australian Ballet School where he was the recipient of The Dame Peggy van Praagh Award for Choreography, The Sir Robert Helpmann Bursary, and The Young Australian of The Year Arts Award and was a bronze medalist at the Society of Dance Awards Australia. As a choreographer, McIntyre has created over 30 original works & restaged and coached several full-length traditional repertory ballets. He was recently honored to be selected as a member of the Regional Dance America's National Adjudicators List.

GALLERY NIGHT RETURNS On Friday,

July 16, Gallery Night Pensacola will once again close South Palafox in downtown Pensacola and provide open streets for patrons to explore and enjoy music, art and food. The July Gallery Night Pensacola event will be dedicated to Pensacola's Heritage. The featured artist will be Kristen Regan, an associate professor of Photography at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts at Pensacola State College. Her work has been published in national and international publications as well as several photographic catalogs. She has had numerous solo and two-person exhibitions and has been featured in galleries across the country, from New York to Puerto Rico. The Youth Music Project stage, sponsored by Stevenson Klotz, will showcase young musical talent starting at 5 p.m. The Vista Event Garden Street stage, sponsored by Bob Tyler Toyota, D.R. Horton Homes and Wild Greg's Saloon, will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Additional activities also include the "Legal Graffiti" event, sponsored by Zarzaur Law, P.A.

LEGION FIELD RIBBON CUTTING

Mayor Grover Robinson and the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department invite the public to attend a ribboncutting ceremony on Saturday, June 26, at 11 a.m. to celebrate the grand re-opening of Legion Field and the completion of the Legion Field Improvements Project. The City of Pensacola began construction to make upgrades to Legion Field in August 2020. The Legion Field Improvements Project includes installing a new football field press box, sidewalks, pavilions, smart solar lighting and a new splash pad. This free community event will feature entertainment and various vendors, along with free food and giveaways while supplies last.

PTSD MONTH The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Month. Megan Walters initiated the proclamation request. "This recognition means so much to veterans, first responders, victims of domestic abuse and other trauma survivors who are suffering from invisible scars," said Walter at the June 17 commission meeting. "Thank you, members of the BOCC and to everyone who attended today, to show your support for this important initiative." Walters has organized several community events for June to bring awareness to PTSD and to raise funds for 2nd Alarm Project, a nonprofit with a mission to offer behavioral health resources to firefighters and fire departments in Northwest Florida. Find details at 2ndalarmproject.com. The public is invited to join volunteers to paint the Graffiti Bridge at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 27—PTSD Awareness Day. PTSD is defined as a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The VA reports that about eight million adults have PTSD during a given year. {in}

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Brody

Devin

Emjay

Ilan

Indigo

Liam

Mallory

Melody

William

STRIVING FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE PRIDE

By Jennifer Leigh Photos by Natalie Allgyer

June 24, 2021

Strive members: Melody, Devin, Indigo, William, Brody, Katie, Emjay, Mallory, Allison, Liam and Ilan

After last year's Pride events were either canceled, virtual or socially distanced caravans, the annual in-person celebration of the LGBTQ community is back. But locally, it will be a little different. This year, there's a new location thanks to a partnership with Pensacola Arts Market. There's also a new team of organizers from the local advocacy group Strive planning the event, with the goal of putting the focus back where it should be—on the people. There's even a new name—PensaPride.

"We're returning this to the streets. We're really returning to the people-oriented origins of Pride." Devin Cole "We're returning this to the streets," said Devin Cole, president of Socialist Trans Initiative, also known as Strive. "We're really returning to the peopleoriented origins of Pride. It originated with 212 1

working-class artists. It originated with social organizing and activism. Now, it's turned into a kind of corporate thing."

RIOTS TO RAINBOWS

Pride began as retaliation against police brutality, otherwise known as the Stonewall Riots. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police violently raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village in New York City. It was the catalyst for the modern gay rights movement. Some LGBTQ advocates today argue that Pride has lost some of its roots over the years. It seems like progress when you see a whole section of Pride Month attire in Target or when your cell phone provider places an ad with a rainbow flag, but Cole says it does little to encourage inclusion. "Much to our horror, in bigger cities, you have things such as police Pride delegations who march in parades—but Pride started as an uprising against police brutality," said Cole. "We're not allowing any corporations or cops at PensaPride." Mallory Luana, vice president of Strive, says more needs to be done to recognize

the Black and brown experience during Pride Month. "(The events) haven't always been safe for all of the Pensacola community," she said. "As a Black queer individual, and with the rise of police brutality, I would not feel comfortable being prideful in front of cops." Luana says LGBTQ activism has largely focused on the experience of white, cis-gendered men and have forgotten activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, a Black self-identified drag queen, and their close friend Sylvia Rivera, a Latin American drag queen. Together, they founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), which provided housing and support to LGBT youth and sex workers in Lower Manhattan. "There's a reason why the (Pride) symbol is a rainbow in the first place—because it is full of different types of people—different identities and sexualities," said Luana. "So it does a disservice to the entire reason Pride even exists to have any demographics of people feel like they're on the outs." Another big change Strive made to this year's Pride event is prohibiting alcohol.

Cole said this change was made to create a safer space for people.

"There's a reason why the (Pride) symbol is a rainbow in the first place—because it is full of different types of people—different identities and sexualities." Mallory Luana "It's been a big point of contention, but alcoholism is a big problem in the LGBTQ community. Whether people are ready to talk about it, it's a big problem," they explained. "It's not about discouraging but a matter of wanting to center those in recovery and focus on harm reduction."

PASSING THE BATON

Strive Secretary Indigo Lett said PensaPride is also about creating a space for LGBTQ youth to find community. inweekly.net

"So we wanted to focus on not having an adult party—not that it's a bad thing to have, but we want to introduce young people to activism. We want to pass the baton and have them carry it and keep running with it." Indigo Lett "I kept seeing questions on Facebook messenger from parents saying, 'Hey, can I bring our kid to Pride?' So we wanted to focus on not having an adult party—not that it's a bad thing to have, but we want to introduce young people to activism," said Lett. "We want to pass the baton and have them carry it and keep running with it." Just like millennials were more progressive than their boomer parents, Gen Z has already shown they're ready to take the lead. "You see it on TikTok and Instagram, they get the term; they know their history," said Lett. "They're definitely more radical than I was at their age. Sometimes, they even call us out." A radicalized youth gives activists like Lett and Cole some hope for the future, even as anti-gay and anti-trans bills continue to be signed into law. Earlier this month, on the first day of Pride, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that bans transgender female athletes from playing on girls' and women's sports teams at high schools and colleges. He then followed that up by vetoing mental health funding for survivors of the Pulse shooting. Cole points out that the younger generation benefits from the work that has been done before them. And that's why it needs to continue. "These are kids, young adults 19, 20-year-olds, who have such a firm

grasp of who they are because they have this wealth of knowledge," they explained. "We didn't have this kind of access. There wasn't this massive Linktree resource guide on how to safely transition. That didn't exist when we were coming up. We're glad we were able to do this." Lett said 50 years ago, at the start of the gay rights movement, it was about surviving. "Now, they can thrive," said Lett.

A CELEBRATION

PensaPride will kick off with a car caravan from Open Books to Pensacola Arts Market. The Pride festival at the market will feature a lineup of music, speakers and a drag show, plus arts and crafts vendors selling their work. There will also be a vigil to commemorate the lives lost. It's a day for reflection and celebration. For Liam Chau, it's a day to be authentically yourself.

"Pride is somewhere where I can look like this and feel comfortable and be myself, and being comfortable means I'm able to form better relationships because I'm not hiding." Liam Chau "Pride is somewhere where I can look like this and feel comfortable and be myself," he said, gesturing to his black dress and makeup. "And being comfortable means I'm able to form better relationships because I'm not hiding." Photographer, artist and frequent Inweekly contributor Natalie Allgyer is one of the vendors at PensaPride. She'll have a photo booth set up, and she'll be selling prints. As a photographer,

she hopes to create a positive space where people feel comfortable as themselves and capture that joy. "I went through a period where I had a rough time with self-esteem, and I was able to work through that by seeing myself through the camera. I want to do that for others," she said. "It's also the perfect day to look the way you want—be fancy and cute— and have that memento." Melody Davis is one-half of the musical group Cookies and Cake, a band she formed with her best friend, Ashley Faulkner. One of their founding principles is self-love and freedom to be who you are. It's a message they'll bring to PensaPride when they perform that afternoon. Like many others, Davis came to better understand herself as an adult. "Being able to say I'm pansexual and genderqueer is refreshing," she said. "When I was a kid, I knew I liked girls and boys. Growing up in the '90s, if you said you were bisexual, people would say you just want attention," she said. "Now, there are actual words for it." Davis says she sometimes struggles with imposter syndrome when it comes to fitting into the LGBTQ world because she is married to a man. "I feel like I might not be gay enough," she said. "I married a man, but I don't feel like that represents who I am." Finding a community and getting involved with organizations such as Strive have helped her lean into her identity. "I have learned to love myself, accept myself and understand who I am by being involved with this," she said. {in}

"I have learned to love myself, accept myself and understand who I am by being involved with this." Melody Davis

PENSAPRIDE

WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 26 WHERE: Pensacola Arts Market, Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. DETAILS: facebook.com/socialisttransinitiative facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket

PENSAPRIDE SCHEDULE

10 a.m. Car Caravan from Open Books (1040 N. Guillemard St.) 11:10 a.m. Opening remarks 12 p.m. Vigil 12:10 p.m. Performance by crybaby, hopeful 2:40 p.m. Speakers 3 p.m. Performance by Hane Skot 3:30 p.m. Performance by Cookies and Cake 4 p.m. Drag show featuring Terrah Card, Aniyah J. Oshanns, Zamareyah Dawn and Angel Collins 5 p.m. Ending remarks

PENSAPRIDE VENDOR LIST Courtesy of Pensacola Arts Market

Mallory Luana Artist, illustrator and activist instagram.com/malloryluana Natalie Allgyer Mixed-media artist and creative portrait photographer instagram.com/nallgyer LemonBright Upcycled clothing instagram.com/lemonbright Grateful Macrame Macrame art instagram.com/gratefulmacrame James Brutus Art Artist instagram.com/jamesbrutusart SunSetGolaith Artist Eliza George Watercolor artist instagram.com/elizageorgeartist Cora Lynn of Cora the Crocheting Cow Crocheter instagram.com/corathecrochetingcow Rebecca Lynn Busby of Fuzzy Bee Butts Crocheter instagram.com/fuzzybeebutts Grace Aware LLC / Graceful Designs Jewelry artist instagram.com/graceawarellc Pretty Baked Sweet and unusual 100% vegan desserts instagram.com/pretty_baked_in_pensacola Melissa Nelson of Nelsons Essentials for Freedom Health & Beauty instagram.com/nelsonsessentialsforfreedom The ShugaWooks Artist instagram.com/theshugawooks Luca Minxi Alytus Artist instagram.com/artofminxi Ashley Thomas Artist

STRIVE EXECUTIVE BOARD Devin Cole President [They/Them/Their] Mallory Luana Vice President [She/They] Indigo Lett Secretary [She/They] Shannon Dover Treasurer [She/They] To keep up with Strive beyond Pride: strivepensacola.com instagram.com/strivepensacola twitter.com/strivepensacola June 24, 2021

Possum and Palmetto Artist instagram.com/possumandpalmetto Raylene Solis Artist instagram.com/raylenesolis Drew Vincent Graphic designer and photographer instagram.com/drewvincentart Rayna of Sunshine Shop 850 Artist instagram.com/sunshineshop850 A.E. Nicholas Graphic designer and doodler instagram.com/ashethetics_ Marri Salt of Funky Yet Groovy Art and vintage clothes instagram.com/funkyyetgroovy Pensacola Arts Market is a reoccurring event with rotating vendors. Make sure you follow them for details on future markets: instagram.com/pensacolaartsmarket facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket {in} 13

It only takes one person to slash the statistics.

Did you know that 1 in 10 children Escambia County are victims of child abuse? It’s time to change that number. Visit KnowChildAbuse.org to learn to recognize, report and reduce child abuse.

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WEEK OF JUNE 24-30

Arts & Encouragement hope, help and other signs of humanity at a time when we really need it...

Streaming Pride By Joshua Encinias

This year's Memorial Day Weekend bash on the beach is in the rearview mirror, and we're in the homestretch of Pride month. As we all emerge from our COVID bubbles, the need for sun and socializing is very real for some. But so is the need to take it slow and ease back into social gatherings for others. If you fall into that latter category, consider these six LGBTQ movies and TV shows for your weekend viewing. They range from current teen hits, trans dramas and international romances, to a classic documentary about queer representation in Hollywood.

SUMMER OF 85

Available to rent online François Ozon's movie "Summer of 85" has all the sex, intrigue and death that "Call Me By Your Name" left on the cutting room floor. Adapted from Aidan Chambers' 1982 novel "Dance on My Grave," the film stars French actors Félix Lefebvre as Alexis and Benjamin Voisin as David. They play summer lovers who meet in Le Tréport off the coast of Normandy when Alexis's boat capsizes and he almost drowns before being rescued by David. Shot on 16mm film and dappled in neon light, "Summer of 85" asks if our teenage relationships are as real June 24, 2021

as they feel. But it's more sexy, gay and fun than the concept lets on.

DESERT HEARTS

Streaming on The Criterion Channel or available to rent online Donna Deitch's swooning and sensual first narrative feature, "Desert Hearts," was groundbreaking upon its release in 1985: a lesbian love story, made independently on a shoestring budget by a woman. In this 1959set film, adapted from a beloved novel by Jane Rule, straitlaced East Coast professor Vivian Bell (Helen Shaver) arrives in Reno to file for divorce but winds up catching the eye of someone new, the free-spirited young Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), touching off a slow seduction that unfolds against a breathtaking desert landscape. With undeniable chemistry between its two leads, an evocative soundtrack and vivid cinematography, "Desert Hearts" beautifully exudes a sense of tender yearning and emotional candor.

I CARRY YOU WITH ME

Available to rent online Friday, June 25 "I Carry You With Me" contains multitudes—the immigrant's dilemma of leaving life as you know it behind, gay persecution in Roman Catholic-drenched Mexico City

and Puebla City, cultivating true love, the American Dream and all the things between that words can't capture. The movie is a sweeping gay epic between Iván, a young aspiring chef, and his lover, Gerardo, spanning continents and decades. Inweekly readers might be familiar with documentarian Heidi Ewing's previous work "Jesus Camp," which we screened years ago at the Pensacola Film Festival with Ewing in attendance.

LINGUA FRANCA

Streaming on Netflix Written, directed, and starring Isabel Sandoval, "Lingua Franca" follows undocumented Filipina trans woman Olivia (Isabel Sandoval) after she has secured a job as a live-in caregiver for Olga (Lynn Cohen), an elderly Russian woman in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach neighborhood. Olivia's main priority is to secure a green card to stay in America. But when she unexpectedly becomes romantically involved with Olga's adult grandson Alex (Eamon Farren), issues around identity, civil rights and immigration threaten her very existence.

LOVE, VICTOR SEASON 2

Streaming on Hulu The popular teen dramedy returns as the new season finds a newly out of the closet Victor entering his junior year at

Creekwood High. But being out brings with it new challenges, as Victor faces a family struggling with his revelation, a heartbroken ex-girlfriend and the difficulties of being an openly gay star athlete—all while navigating the excitement of his relationship with Benji.

THE CELLULOID CLOSET

Streaming on The Criterion Channel or available to rent online Gay characters have been with us since the very beginning of the movies—even during the Production Code years, when "sex perversion" was explicitly forbidden. With its comic sissies, lesbian vampires, pathetic queens and sadistic predators, Hollywood has both reflected and defined how society views homosexuality and what it means to be a man or woman. With clips from over 100 Hollywood movies and interviews with many of the filmmakers and stars who created them (including Tom Hanks, Shirley MacLaine, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg and Gore Vidal), "The Celluloid Closet" is an epic story—by turns surprising, hilarious and disturbing—that puts Hollywood images in a whole new light. Based on the book by Vito Russo, this influential documentary explodes sexual myths and examines our attitudes about sexuality and sex roles as they evolved throughout the 20th century. {in} 15

a&e happenings site at the cemetery. The tour features more than 60 surviving gravesites of the people who were in Pensacola in 1821. The story map can be found at bit.ly/1821TourSMC.

WSRE COMMEMORATES FLORIDA'S TERRITORIAL BICENTENNIAL In part-

Photo Courtesy of UWF Historic Trust

PRIDE EVENTS

QUEERING SPACES: CELEBRATING PENSACOLA'S LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

Queering Spaces is a new exhibit exploring the history of the Pensacola Queer Community, going beyond Memorial Day Weekend and Pride to uncover the longlasting impacts of Pensacola's vibrant past. The exhibit is on view at T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum, located at 330 S. Jefferson St.

BLUEGRASS PRIDE VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL San Francisco-based Bluegrass

Pride will hold its second-annual virtual music festival through Sunday, June 27. On June 26 & 27, the headline festival returns with more than a dozen musicians. For tickets and a full lineup, visit bluegrasspride.net.

SINGING WITH PRIDE Pensacola Opera hosts an evening of songs, arias and show tunes by LGBTQ+ composers with performers Sheila Dunn, Corey McKern and Cody Martin. Show starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Goodwill offering benefits Stamped Film Festival. PRIDE HOLLYWOOD-STYLE DRAG SHOW Visit Dolce and Gelato, located at

2050 N. 12th Ave., for a family-friendly drag show on Friday, June 25.

PENSAPRIDE This event is being hosted by Strive and Pensacola Arts Market (PAM). On Saturday, June 26, from 10-11 a.m., there will be a car caravan from Open Books to the regular PAM location, 1101 N. 12th Ave. The PensaPride event will feature visual and performing artists from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit facebook. com/socialisttransinitiative. 616 1

PRIDE SOCIETY Ride Society is having a big day of Pride rides on June 26. For more information and to book a bike, visit ridesociety.com.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY 200TH ANNIVERSARY

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR THE 1821 SAMPLER The website for the mosaic

is now live at 1821sampler.com. From the sampler homepage, click on a photo to get a quick view and then "Visit Full Entry" to see more information. There are still plenty of people from 1821 who haven't been represented yet. To participate in the 1821 Sampler, simply fill out the form at 1821: A Pensacola Sampler under "Submit Your Photo" on the website and upload your photo to represent a member of the 1821 Pensacola community (use an uncluttered background, clearly showing face and shoulders. No hats please. Names are optional). Researchers with the West Florida Genealogical Society have identified more than 2,000 individuals who were here when Florida passed from Spain to the United States. By honoring a member of the 1821 community, you are participating in this celebration of our rich and diverse Florida heritage.

INTERACTIVE TOUR OF ST. MICHAEL'S CEMETERY To commemorate

Florida's Territorial Bicentennial and Escambia County's 200th Anniversary, the UWF Archaeology Institute and St. Michael's Cemetery Foundation have partnered to create an interactive tour of the cemetery. The project is titled They're Still Here: The People of 1821. The story map includes a "walking tour" that can be taken from the comfort of home or on a mobile device on

nership with the 200th Anniversary Commission Commemorating Florida's Territorial Bicentennial, the City of Pensacola and Escambia County, WSRE will broadcast an "inStudio" series commemorating this historical event at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, June 24-July 15. Hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks, the four one-hour episodes will reflect on the region's role in establishing Florida's statehood and provide information about bicentennial celebrations and opportunities for community involvement. "Florida's Territorial Bicentennial Commemoration and Pensacola's Role in the Making of Our State" airs June 24; "1821 Sampler Project Linking Past to Present" airs July 1; "St. Michael's Cemetery: At the Crossroads of Pensacola's Past" airs July 8; and "The Dinner Tables of 1821 and 2021: The Diversity of Our Culinary Heritage" airs July 15. All four episodes will be available for streaming on their premiere dates at wsre. org/instudio.

200TH ANNIVERSARY BEACH CLEANUP On Saturday, June 26, from 9-11

a.m., join Keep Pensacola Beautiful for a beach cleanup at Fort Pickens - Gulf Islands National Seashore, 1400 Fort Pickens Road.

JOB FAIRS

BACK TO WORK HIRING EVENT Multiple staffing agencies such as LandrumHR, LaborMax, Manpower and more will be offering information on over 1,000 jobs on Tuesday, June 29, from 9 a.m.-noon at CareerSource Escarosa, 6913 N. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit careersourceescarosa.com.

WAYS TO GET TO PENSACOLA BEACH

The Pensacola Bay Bridge is now open, which is perfect timing for beach season. Escambia County reminds eager beachgoers of the various ways to get to the beach. Live Pensacola Beach traffic video and beach conditions are available at myescambia.com.

ECAT BUS Escambia County Area Transit discontinued service for the Route 61 detour across the Garcon Point Bridge with the Pensacola Bay Bridge opening. Normal schedules for Route 61 and Route 64 Beach Jumper will restart. Note the following schedules: REGULAR SERVICE: •Routes: 1, 2, 32, 44, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55, 57, 58, 59X, 60, 61 and 64 Beach Jumper MODIFIED ROUTES: •Route 31, 43, and 63: Runs Monday-Saturday, every two hours (Saturday Schedule) •Route 45: Runs Monday-Saturday, only every hour, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

UWF TROLLEY: •(Summer Schedule) UWF Express Service runs Monday–Saturday Schedules are located on goecat.com and the ECAT Ride guide.

FREE TROLLEY SERVICE The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) will have free openair trolley service along Pensacola Beach. The service runs Monday-Sunday, 4 p.m.midnight, through Labor Day weekend. FERRY Pensacola Bay Cruises Ferry Service restarted Wednesday, May 19, with daily service, seven days a week, between Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. Ferry trips last approximately 50 minutes, and all-day free parking is available at each of the departure sites. DRIVE, BIKE OR WALK OVER THE BOB SIKES BRIDGE When you drive over

the Bob Sikes Bridge to Pensacola Beach, there is an electronic toll in place. Cash and coins are no longer collected in person. The county encourages motorists to plan ahead and use electronic toll collection devices (i.e. SunPass, E-Pass, Annual Pass, NC Quick Pass, Peach Pass, E-ZPass), tolling apps (i.e. PayTollo) or TOLL-BY-PLATE from SunPass.

PENSACOLA BEACH TRAFFIC HOTLINE Residents and visitors can report

beach traffic issues via the Pensacola Beach Traffic Hotline at (850) 595-0862 or by emailing traffic@myescambia.com, offered by the Escambia County Transportation and Traffic Operations Division.

NONPROFITS + FUNDRAISERS

CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Animal Allies will be at Pet Supermarket, 6857 N. Ninth Ave., Saturday, June 26, from 11a.m.3 p.m., and Everette Animal Welfare Group will be at PetSmart on North Davis Highway every Saturday in June from noon-4 p.m. All cats are up to date on shots and tested negative for leukemia, and adoption fee includes spay or neuter with microchip and flea pill. "FRIEND OF FOO" APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN The Foo Foo Festival Com-

mittee is now accepting applications from nonprofit and for-profit entities who are interested in playing a part in this year's events as a "Friend of Foo." Nonprofits in the Pensacola area who recently applied and did not receive a grant for this year's festival but would still like to participate, or local for-profit businesses such as hoteliers, restaurants and bars who are interested in participating and benefitting, are encouraged to apply. To review the application process, visit foofoofest.com. "Friend of Foo'' participants will receive local, regional and national visibility during the 12-day event via the festival's regional marketing campaign. When applying, entrants should be prepared to provide the name and title of their prospective inweekly.net

a&e happenings event; the date, time and location for the event; its respective category; and details and imagery to support the concept. The deadline to submit to be a "Friend of Foo" is Friday, Oct. 1, by noon. The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival will take place Nov. 4-15, 2021.

ARTS & CULTURE

HILL-KELLY MOVIES IN THE PARK

The Hill-Kelly Drive-In Movie Series returns to Community Maritime Park Friday, June 25, with Disney's "Onward." Other dates include July 9 with the movie "Soul" and July 23 with "Wonder Woman 1984." Bring your blankets and chairs to watch a family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Movies begin at sunset, and free event parking is available at Community Maritime Park and City Hall. Concessions are available from local food trucks.

STAFF-LED EXHIBITION TOURS AT PMA On Thursday, June 24, tour the PMA

exhibit "A Dead Reckoning Exhibition Tour" with PMA Director Nick Croghan. The tour is free with museum admission. Tickets should be purchased online prior to the tour at penscolamuseum.org..

NEIL SIMON'S RUMORS Pensacola Little

Theatre's latest production is a classic farcical hilarity. Show dates are 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26; 3 p.m. Sunday June 27; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24. Tickets are $8-$31 and are half-price on Thursday for all seats. For more information, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS DVORAK, SYMPHONY NO. 8 Join PSO virtually or in-person

at the Saenger Theatre for a program featuring Dvorak's idyllic Symphony No. 8. Showtimes are 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 26. All tickets start at $28. For more information on virtual tickets, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

COMEDY AT DOLCE & GELATO Enjoy

two showtimes of comedy at Dolce & Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., on Saturday, June 26. At 1 p.m. is the Yikes! Comedy Car Wash and 7 p.m. is Doug Canney and Jenny Zigrino. Admission is $5.

DRAG SHOWS AT DOLCE AND GELATO Head to Dolce and Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., for regular drag shows. For more information, visit facebook.com/ dolcegelatopensacola

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 June 24, 2021

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.

COMING SOON TO PENSACOLA CINEMA ART In-person and virtual showtime information is available at pensacolacinemaart.com. All tickets are $8. Reserve your seats by emailing jpncinema@gmail.com or texting (863) 446-7300. PCA is located at 220 W. Garden St.

GALLERY NIGHT EVENTS TO RETURN IN JULY The Gallery Night Pensacola

Board of Directors has announced the return of its monthly Gallery Night events in Downtown Pensacola beginning July 16. Gallery Night will once again host its monthly art-centric event on the third Friday of the month from 5-10 p.m. The July event will coincide with the city's upcoming bicentennial celebration. Based on the most recent CDC reports and vaccine numbers, the board has decided that this outdoor event can once again take place at 100% capacity. While CDC guidelines do not require a mask for any outdoor events for those that are fully vaccinated, the Pensacola Gallery Night Board does encourage mask usage for those who are not vaccinated or are at high health risk. For more information, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN'S CHORUS AUDITIONS Pensacola Children's Chorus

auditions will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, and are open to students entering grades one-12. PCC's season runs September-May with the aim of producing three fully staged, costumed and choreographed mainstage concerts—"Christmas on the Coast," "One World Many Voices" and "Showtime." However, these larger-thanlife performances reinforce more than vocal ability. Throughout the season, students are immersed in personal and social growth designed to equip singers with the tools to succeed beyond the rehearsal hall and stage. Interested families need to register for an audition time by visiting pensacolasings. org. Middle and high school singers should be prepared to learn a brief choreographed section to assess movement and learning style. All ability levels welcome. No prior experience or training is required. PCC is located in the Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center, 46 E. Chase St., on the campus of First Presbyterian Church in beautiful downtown Pensacola. For more information about the Pensacola Children's Chorus, please call (850) 434-7760 or visit pensacolachildrenschorus.com.

URBAN REMIX OPENING RECEPTION AT FIRST CITY ART CENTER "Urban Remix" is on view at Gallery 1060 through

June 26. The exhibit includes street art design with iconic Pensacola points of interest. Guest artist is Jay Collins. The gallery is located at 1060 N. Guillemard St. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.

"A DEAD RECKONING: NAVIGATING CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS" EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART "A Dead Reckoning: Navigating

Contemporary Ceramics" is now on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, which asks viewers, "Where is the field of American ceramic art going?" For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

"END OF CENTURY" EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART End

of Century, an art exhibit featuring Art Nouveau glassware and works on paper, is a new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art. This special exhibit includes items from the museum collection as well as the collection of local art supporter and educator Dr. Patrick M. Rowe. Dr. Rowe received his Ph.D. in Art History at Florida State University in 1989 and taught art history at the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College until his retirement in 2010. He has served on the Pensacola Museum of Art Board and on the PMA Collections Committee and has acted as a dedicated supporter and resource for museum staff throughout the years. In 1988, Rowe began taking an interest in 18th and early 20th century printmaking, which led to his impressive collection of works from the time period, many of which are showcased in End of Century. End of Century will be on view at the Pensacola Museum of Art until Oct. 10. Visitors can learn more about the exhibition, sign up for additional programming opportunities and purchase tickets through pensacolamuseum.org.

CITIZENS SPEAK AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART The "Citizens Speak"

exhibition represents a collection of student work across disciplines based on their engagement with Claudia Rankine's "Citizen." The exhibit is on display through July 3 at Pensacola Museum of Art. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

KEEP IT 100 AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel Gallery's latest exhibit is "Keep it 100," where all works are priced at $100. Exhibit is on view through July 15. A "new-normal reception" will be Thursday, June 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the Gallery, located at 223 S. Palafox, with wine and refreshments. Other exhibits include Tessa Fremgen's "On Foreign Paths" and works from Christine Rojas. Visit artelgallery.org for more info. THREE FATES TATTOO PORTRAIT SCULPTURE COURSE Over the course

of four weeks, students will learn to construct a proper armature, model individual facial features, and realistically sculpt a ¾ portrait from life, using a live model. Ses-

sions will include detailed instructions on how to sculpt the portrait from the model, use measurements, use different sculpting tools and sculpt specific features using an observational approach. Each class will take place on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. at Three Fates Studio, located at 7 E. Gregory St. The instructor will sculpt from the model while describing a step-by-step process, answering questions and pointing out key areas in the sculpt to take note of. Students will work alongside the instructor while gaining advice and personal critiques as they progress through the portrait. Anatomical structure as well as how to achieve a strong likeness will be discussed. The course is $375 per student and will take place on July 5, 12, 19 and 26. Visit threefatestattoo.com/register to sign up now.

STAND-UP COMEDY AT THE REX THEATRE Visit The REX Theatre every

Friday at 8 p.m. for national stand-up acts. Tickets are $26-$35 at the door. For more information, visit rexpensacola.com.

COMEDY MAGIC SHOW AT THE REX THEATRE Comedy magician Tom Coverly,

known as "The Illusionist," performs Saturday nights at The Rex Theatre, located at 18 N. Palafox. Shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$35. For more information, visit rexpensacola.com.

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 the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

NEW CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS Mixon Magic Per-

forming 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 well-being 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 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.

BLACK CITIZENSHIP IN THE AGE OF JIM CROW "Black Citizenship in the Age

of Jim Crow," a traveling exhibition from the New York Historical Society Museum & Library with additions from the African Ameri17

a&e happenings can Heritage Society of Pensacola, is now on view at Artel Gallery. To learn more about it, visit africanamericanheritagesociety.org. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

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

up with 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.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Bands on the Beach is back. The free concert series features shows each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., from April to October at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. UPCOMING DATES: •June 29: Class X •July 6: Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs BLUES ON THE BAY The Blues on the

Bay free concert series continues at Community Maritime Park, located at 351 W. Cedar St. Concerts are 6 p.m. on select Sunday evenings. Bring your coolers and lawn chairs and take a spot in front of the Hunter Amphitheater. •July 11: Memory Lane

BASS ON THE BLOCK: BANDLEZ 200

South's Bass on the Block features bass music from around the region and the Southeast. Next date is Saturday, June 26, starting at 8:30 p.m. Event is 21 and up. For tickets, visit facebook.com/200southpcola.

TUNES BY THE DUNES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Tunes by the Dunes

is a free summer concert series held every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. in the summer months on Navarre Beach at 8649

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Gulf Blvd. For more information, visit navarrechamber.com/tunes-by-the-dunes. •June 24: Jay Williams Band

with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/mugsjugs.

MONARCH AND THE MILKWEEDS

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.

Musical duo Monarch and the Milkweeds will be playing at Dolce & Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 20. Visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola for more information.

BEGINNING OF SUMMER BEACH BUMMER 4 Kick off the summer with

Faux/Fox, Panzacola, Slugger and Ynicorns at Odd Colony, located at 260 N. Palafox, on Saturday, June 26, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for more information.

KATIE DINEEN AT DOLCE & GELATO

Katie Dineen will be playing at Dolce & Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 27. Visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola for more information.

PAT MEUSEL AT DOLCE & GELATO Pat Meusel is back at Dolce & Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., at 4 p.m. Friday, July 2. Visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola for more information. LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH Head to Red Fish

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

CURT BOL JAZZ QUARTET Visit Five Sisters 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.

OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel

Gallery is open from 5-7 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

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues

Society 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 Me-

lodious 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

2021 NATIONALS REVOLUTION TALENT COMPETITION The Revolu-

tion Talent dance competition will be held at Pensacola Bay Center through Sunday, June 27, with all events culminating with two national championships. For more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

PENSACOLA BAY PAST AND PRESENT KAYAK TOUR Join the Florida

Public Archaeology Network and Historic Pensacola for a kayak tour on Pensacola Bay Thursday, June 24, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The "Pensacola Bay Past and Present" tour will last approximately two hours and will feature a 2-mile kayaking route that explores the amazing ecology and history of just one small stretch of beautiful Pensacola Bay. RSVPs are required. Reserve your spot by emailing ngrinnan@uwf.edu. For more information, visit flpublicarchaeology.org/nwrc.

TRASH BASH WITH THE NAVARRE BEACH SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTER Help protect sea turtles and other

imperiled species through a citizen science

program taking an active role in the war against marine debris on Saturday, June 26, from 8-10 a.m. Volunteers collect trash from different areas along the 4.5 miles of Navarre Beach and record data that is forwarded to state and federal agencies. Meet in the main Navarre Beach Parking Lot near the Sand Crab Pavilion. A limited supply of gloves, buckets and pickers will be available. For more information, visit navarrebeachseaturtles.org or call (850) 684-3347.

PIRATES OF LOST TREASURE CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT On Sunday, June

27, Pirates of Lost Treasure will host a Corn Hole Tournament at the Perdido Key Sports Bar located at 13583 Perdido Key Drive. The tournament starts at noon. Registration is $20 per person and open to individuals 15 years or older. Pre-registration is on the Scoreholio App. In-person registration is on Sunday from 9-11 a.m. at the Sports Bar. There will be a shootout prior to the main tournament at $5 per person. This is singles only with a blind draw for teams. A liquor basket and 50/50 Raffle will be available. For more information call Tim at (360) 710-2727 or Dana at (850) 313-4449.

CLEAR-BOTTOM KAYAK TOURS ON NAVARRE BEACH Explore and discover

the Navarre Beach artificial snorkel reef with a 45-minute clear-bottom kayak tour. Tour times are 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on June 26. Events are organized by the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, located at 8739 Gulf Blvd. For more information and registration, visit navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.org.

PENSACOLA INTERNATIONAL BILLFISH TOURNAMENT The Pensacola

Big Game Fishing Club will host its 50th Annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament June 30-July 4 at Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor, with an awards banquet at Seville Quarter on Sunday, July 4. Visit pbgfc.com/pensacola-international-billfish for more information.

FOURTH OF JULY 5K Enjoy a flat and scenic 5K on Pensacola Beach on Sunday, July 4, at 7 a.m. The race starts at 69 Via de

inweekly.net

a&e happenings Luna Drive. A post-race party and awards ceremony will be held at the Tiki Bar. Registration is $17.76-$45. For more information, visit facebook.com/runpensacola.

2021 BUD LIGHT FISHING RODEO (RESCHEDULED) The Bud Light Fishing

Rodeo has been rescheduled for July 23-26. Cash awards and prizes are up for grabs during the Bud Light Fishing Rodeo with weigh-ins at Flounder's from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25. Visit pensacolasports.org/pensacolafishingrodeo for more information.

PENSACOLA FERRY SERVICE RETURNS The Pensacola Bay Cruises Ferry Service is now re-open with daily service, seven days a week, between Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. Ferry trips last approximately 50 minutes, and all-day free parking is available at each of the departure sites. Tickets are $26 roundtrip for adults; $20 roundtrip for military, disabled persons and students; and $15 roundtrip for children 3-15. Children 2 and under ride for free. A locals card may be purchased for additional discounts. The ferry service operation schedule is available on pensacolabaycruise.com.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pen-

sacola 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.

BREATHE AND READ AT BODACIOUS BOOKSTORE AND CAFÉ Recenter

yourself at this monthly event at Bodacious Bookstore and Café, with an instructor-led beginner yoga class and a group book discussion at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month. Bodacious Bookstore and Café is located at 110 Intendencia St. For more information, visit bodaciousbookstore.com.

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.

BLUE WAHOOS GAMES It's the 2021

season for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Stadium capacity limits are expected to be implemented to ensure fan safety during the 2021 season and will be announced leading up to the season. For tickets and more information, visit bluewahoos.com. UPCOMING HOME GAMES: •6:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, and 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. June 24, 2021

GOAT OFFSHORE KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENT Tournament is 5:30

a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at 8649 Gulf Blvd. GOAT is an international kayak fishing event, showcasing Navarre as the premiere fishing destination of Florida. Watch the fish weigh-in at Windjammers by the Pier, along with live music starting at 3 p.m. For more information, visit goatkft.com or email Darrick Benton at derrick@85thday.com.

RELEASE & RENEW AT FITNESS IMPACT TRAINING At 8:15 a.m. on Mon-

days, Wednesdays 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 Thurs-

days 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 clean-ups in the Pensacola area Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. On Saturday, Jan. 30, 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 19

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inweekly.net

music

By Sydney Robinson

YNICORNS in Isolation

Doug Stanford / Courtesy Photo

ing to happen, and I have multiple looping When local creative Doug Stanford systems so I'm intentionally creating loop named his music project YNICORNS in systems of different lengths. It becomes a 2013, a comical typo come to life, he had thing where [I] can create unpredictable, no idea how far the project would take generative music," he explained. him. Now in 2021, as a signed musician Stanford says that the unpredictable with Post Recordings, Stanford is proud to emerge from the pandemic with a haunting, aspect of creating his music gives life to the instrumental tracks of his album "We Miss You, probing reflection on what a year of isolaStay Safe // &&&," which was released in April. tion and social unrest can sound like. "[I'm] inspired by Sigur Rós and the inde"[The album] was the result of having a pendent work of Jónsi and his partner Alex lot of unexpected time on [my] hands. Work Somers," said Stanford. "[In their music,] slowed down immediately; I was at home; my kids' mom had them for the entire month nothing feels looped or solid; everything feels beautifully brittle in a way that you don't for the first actual lockdown," Stanford said. know if his voice is going to fall apart or what "It seems so weird to think of that as a lockthe texture is going to do next but it's interdown, but we really didn't know what to do." esting because it's so unpredictable." With the time usually spent with childcare, Stanford finds value in creating unprecommuting and just generally interacting with the outside world, Stanford found himself look- dictable, emotional instrumental music both as a way to convey emotion and to ing inward, exploring the sounds of isolation. provide a safe space for the listener to dive "I rebuilt my pedalboard specifically in deeply into own 8:48 feelings. a way to create very unpredictable sounds, LB0245 MchUltraOrgSeltzer INW Final 041521.pdf 2 their 4/7/21 AM "One of the things I like about instrumenso I don't always know what sounds are go-

tal and abstract music [is that the] listener can imprint their own meaning," explained Stanford. "[You experience] whatever emotion you need to experience, harder." Of course, any artistic exploration of 2020 isn't an honest reflection without a long look at the racial justice protests of the summer. "I thought [the album] was going to be this collection of songs that were about the weirdness of isolation," he said. "But about halfway through, George Floyd was killed and everything went to hell, and it became a thing that was starting to reflect the experience of living in an unpredictable world." "Everything was escalating, I started getting into fights online with people I've known for years," said Stanford. "Beyond a volatile world, all of these people you've known for years, [now] realizing that they are maybe monsters. How are we so far apart on what seemed like very basic issues? Not only is the news cycle unpredictable, but the things you thought you trusted became unpredictable too." Stanford has played some shows in the past, including a small socially distanced event in late 2020, but an upcoming Beginning of Summer Beach Bummer 4 show at Odd Colony will be the first playing music from his new album. "I'm peeking my head out and seeing what happens," he said. Stanford moved to Pensacola in 2016 but quickly found a home in the local music scene. "I am genuinely impressed and proud of the Pensacola indie music scene. I've been blown away. It's incredible, and on top of that, we have good weird bands," he said. "Luckily, I'm the Hunter is a two-man band; it's guitar loops and drums. They are killer. Faux/Fox is amazing. There are just so many good bands here, and I'm so lucky to be a part. I have nothing but respect and a lot of love for the local music scene." YNICORNS will be opening for local bands Faux/Fox, Panzacola and Slugger at

the Beginning of Summer Beach Bummer 4 this Saturday, June 26. "This show coming up is the first time I'll be playing stuff off of albums in two or three years live," said Stanford. "I'm looking at it as like a reemergence show as the scene is hopefully coming back." Stanford says that though the Pensacola music scene is diverse and talented, the array of venues is somewhat limited, especially with the absence left by chizuko, a frequent host for local acts. "I just hope that we get a new chizuko to play at," said Stanford. "Where is the next home for interesting, weird music in Pensacola?" After the upcoming Odd Colony show, Stanford is eager to play more venues and shows. "I would love to continue to pick up opening and middling positions on shows that make sense," he said. For Stanford, the heat is on to create music that draws enough attention and purchasing dollars to show his record company that he was a good addition to their roster. "[Post Records] took a big risk in signing me," said Stanford. "I appreciate how giving, supportive and welcoming they've been. It's really cool to be able to feel like I have a home for a little while here." To purchase "We Miss You, Stay Safe // &&&" and keep up with YNICORNS, visit linktr.ee/ynicorns.

BEGINNING OF SUMMER BEACH BUMMER 4

WHAT: A locals showcase feature Faux/ Fox, Panzacola, Slugger and YNICORNS WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 26 WHERE: Odd Colony, located at 260 N. Palafox COST: $5 DETAILS: facebook.com/oddcolony

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

A S RE AL A S IT TA S TE S June 24, 2021

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

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genemitchell.org 21

free will astrology WEEK OF JUNE 24 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Author

Albert Camus advised everyone to "steal some time and give it freely and exclusively to your own self." That's excellent advice for you to heed in the coming days. The cosmos have authorized you to put yourself first and grab all the renewal you need. So please don't scrimp as you shower blessings on yourself. One possible way to accomplish this goal is to go on a long stroll or two. Camus says, "It doesn't have to be a walk during which you'll have multiple life epiphanies and discover meanings no other brain ever managed to encounter." But I think you are indeed likely to be visited by major epiphanies and fantastic new meanings.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Robert Mugabe was Zimbabwe's leader for 37 years. In the eyes of some, he was a revolutionary hero. To others, he was an oppressive dictator. He was also the chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, where his wife Grace received her Ph.D. just two months after she started classes. I suspect that you, too, will have an expansive capacity to advance your education in the coming weeks—although maybe not quite as much as Grace seems to have had. You're entering a phase of super-learning. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "We were

clever enough to turn a laundry list into poetry," wrote author Umberto Eco. Judging from astrological omens, I suspect you're now capable of accomplishing comparable feats in your own sphere. Converting a chance encounter into a useful new business connection? Repurposing a seeming liability into an asset? Capitalizing on a minor blessing or breakthrough to transform it into a substantial blessing or breakthrough? All these and more are possible.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): "I was so

flooded with yearning I thought it would drown me," wrote Cancerian author Denis Johnson. I don't expect that will be a problem for you anytime soon. You're not in danger of getting swept away by a tsunami of insatiable desire.

By Rob Brezsny

However, you may get caught in a current of sweet, hot passion. You could be carried for a while by waves of aroused fascination. You might find yourself rushing along in a fastmoving stream of riled-up craving. But none of that will be a problem as long as you don't think you have something better to do. In fact, your time in the cascading flow may prove to be quite intriguing—and ultimately useful.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In my opinion,

psychology innovator Carl Jung, born under the sign of Leo, was one of the 20th century's greatest intellects. His original ideas about human nature are central to my philosophy. One of my favorite things about him is his appreciation for feelings. He wrote, "We should not pretend to understand the world only by the intellect; we apprehend it just as much by feeling. Therefore, the judgment of the intellect is, at best, only half of the truth, and must, if it be honest, also come to an understanding of its inadequacy." I bring this to your attention, Leo, because the coming weeks will be a favorable time to upgrade your own appreciation for the power of your feelings to help you understand the world.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): For the indigenous Ojibway people, the word "Adizokan" means both "story" and "spirit." In fact, story and spirit are the same thing. Everything has a spirit and everything has a story, including people, animals, trees, lakes, rivers and rocks. Inspired by these thoughts, and in accordance with cosmic omens, I invite you to meditate on how your life stories are central elements of your spirit. I further encourage you to spend some tender, luxurious time telling yourself the stories from your past that you love best. For extra delightful bonus fun, dream up two prospective stories about your future that you would like to create. (Info about "Adizokan" comes from Ann and John Mahan at sweetwatervisions.com.) LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Author Aslı Erdoğan writes, "It had been explained to me from my earliest childhood that I would know love—or that thing called 'love'—as long as I was smart and academically brilliant. But no one ever taught me how to get that knowl-

edge." I'm sorry to say that what was true for her has been true for most of us: No one ever showed us how to find and create and cultivate love. We may have received haphazard clues now and then from our parents and books and movies. But we never got a single day of formal instruction in school about the subject that is at the heart of our quest to live meaningful lives. That's the bad news, Libra. The good news is that the rest of 2021 will be one of the best times ever for you to learn important truths about love.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Before he journeyed in a spaceship to the moon in 1971, Scorpio astronaut Alan Shepard didn't think he'd get carried away with a momentous thrill once he arrive at his destination. He was a manly man not given to outward displays of emotion. But when he landed on the lunar surface and gazed upon the majestic sight of his home planet hanging in the sky, he broke into tears. I'm thinking you may have similar experiences in the coming weeks. Mind-opening, heart-awakening experiences may arrive. Your views of the Very Big Picture could bring healing upheavals. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):

Sagittarian author Clarice Lispector observed, "In a state of grace, one sometimes perceives the deep beauty, hitherto unattainable, of another person." I suspect that this state of grace will visit you soon, Sagittarius—and probably more than once. I hope you will capitalize on it! Take your time as you tune in to the luminescent souls of the people you value. Become more deeply attuned to their uniquely gorgeous genius.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):

Trailblazing Capricorn psychoanalyst Ernest Jones (1879–1958) said, "There is no sense of contradiction within the unconscious; opposite ideas exist happily side by side." In other words, it's normal and natural to harbor paradoxical attitudes; it's healthy and sane to be awash in seemingly incongruous blends. I hope you will use this astrologically propitious time to celebrate your own inner dichotomies, dear Capricorn. If you welcome them as a robust aspect of your deepest, truest nature,

they will serve you well. They'll make you extra curious, expansive and non-dogmatic. (P.S. Here's an example, courtesy of psychologically savvy author Stephen Levine—"For as long as I can remember the alternate antics of the wounded child and the investigations of the ageless Universal played through me.")

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquarian guitarist Django Reinhardt was a celebrated jazz musician in occupied France during World War II. Amazingly, he was able to earn good money by performing frequently—even though he fit descriptions that the rampaging Germans regarded as abhorrent. Nazis persecuted the Romani people, of which he was one. They didn't ban jazz music, but they severely disapproved of it. And the Nazis hated Jews and Blacks, with whom Reinhardt loved to hang out. The obstacles you're facing aren't anywhere near as great as his, but I propose we make him your role model for the next four weeks. May he inspire you to persist and even thrive in the face of challenges! PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Piscean au-

thor Richard Matheson believed we've become too tame and mild. "We've forgotten," he wrote, about "how to rise to dizzy heights." He mourned that we're too eager to live inside narrow boundaries. "The full gamut of life is a shadowy continuum," he continued, "that runs from gray to more gray. The rainbow is bleached." If any sign of the zodiac has the power to escape blandness and averageness, it's you Pisceans— especially in the coming weeks. I invite you to restore the rainbow to its full vivid swath—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Maybe even add a few colors. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Describe what you're doing to heal the world. Newsletter@ freewillastrology.com

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news of the weird IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM ... EAT 'EM What to do with all those 17-year cicadas blanketing the eastern half of the country? Sarah Dwyer of Chouquette Chocolates in Bethesda, Maryland, is coating them in chocolate and selling them as exotic treats, Reuters reported. She calls them delicious. "When you combine the chocolate, the cinnamon and the nuttiness of the bugs, it really gives you that holiday feeling of when you're walking around a big city and they're roasting nuts on the sidewalk, that cinnamon smell, it's really what it tastes like," Dwyer said. She and her employees gather the bugs from trees behind the business and put them in paper bags, which they place in the freezer. Then the cicadas are boiled and crisped in an air fryer. "I did go to pastry school in Paris to learn my dipping technique," Dwyer said. "I'm pretty sure no one thought I'd be using it on cicadas." FLORIDA An entrepreneurial real estate buyer got more than he bargained for in Brooksville, Florida, when he bought a municipal building for $55,000 in April. The building sits underneath the town's water tower, and when Bobby Read went to the county to get an address for his new building, he discovered he had also bought the large structure. The Associated Press reported that the community-minded Read transferred the tower back to Brooksville through a warranty deed in May. City Manager Mark Kutney said a bad legal description of the property was to blame for the snafu: "We're human. Sometimes we make a mistake." CRIME REPORT Aron Jermaine Major, 47, of Atlanta is accused of 17 counts of burglary after a crime spree that gave him the moniker "the crawling burglar," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Starting last September, Major slithered through windows at metro Atlanta restaurants and across the floor, avoiding motion detectors, to rob the businesses of cash and liquor. He was finally apprehended in a traffic stop, where his signature clothing — a "black jacket with a distinct, gray, angular pattern on both shoulders and sleeves," according to police — and the tag number on his car gave him away. Major has several burglary convictions on his record; he was held in the Cobb County jail without bond. BRIGHT IDEA When an unnamed 18-yearold found herself locked out of her home in Henderson, Nevada, on June 15, she followed the example of a certain right jolly old elf and tried to enter the home through the chimney, United Press International reported. Henderson firefighters posted on Facebook that the woman became stuck "just above the flue," and they used a rope system to pull her to safety. She was uninjured (except maybe for her pride).

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

AWESOME! Up for auction in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a painting that was purchased in a South River thrift store for $4.09 by an unnamed buyer. After buying the painting, NPR reported, the purchaser noticed the artist's signature on the back, with a date of 1997. Canadian auction house Cowley Abbott has identified the painting as "DHead XLVI" by rock superstar David Bowie, who died in 2016. It's part of a series of 47 pieces of art Bowie made between 1995 and 1997. As of press time, bids were up to $38,100. SWEET REVENGE Kristen Bishop, 33, and Sophie Miller, 26, were strangers from Texas until late March, when Miller called Bishop to reveal that both women were dating the same man, "Adam." At first, Bishop didn't believe Miller's tale, but soon the facts came to light, and the two women cooked up a plot for revenge. The Scottish Sun reported that Bishop and Adam had planned a vacation to Turkey for early April, which was just a few days after the revealing phone call. When they landed in Istanbul, Bishop told him that she knew what had been going on; Miller met them at the airport, and the two women abandoned Adam, whom both had met on the dating app Hinge. Bishop had changed all the reservations in his name to Miller's. "His jaw dropped when he saw (Sophie)," Bishop said. "We became friends quite quickly after we met up," Bishop said of herself and Miller. "We really bonded over the eight-day trip, and it's by far the happiest thing out of this unfortunate situation, that I found a great friend." FOR THE BIRDS A nature camera disguised as a piece of bark in the Nizhne-Svirsky Nature Reserve in Russia fell victim to a persistent woodpecker, United Press International reported. A black woodpecker named Zhelna, looking for insects in the wood, pecked at the camera for several days until it broke, reserve workers posted on Facebook. The device has been removed for repairs. SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED The Dutch owners of a 61-year-old Noah's Ark replica and the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency are locked in an "impossible stalemate" over the huge vessel, which has been docked at Ipswich, England, since November 2019. The MCA declared the 230-footlong ark not to be seaworthy, so it cannot sail, the Ipswich Star reported, and the owners have been fined 500 pounds each day. For their part, the owners say the boat, home to a biblical museum, was always categorized as a "non-certified floating object." British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has been called in to intervene. {in} From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2021 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com June 24, 2021

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