AUGUST 2024 PRIMARY PREVIEW
winners & losers winners losers
ALLISON HILL LifeView Group ranked No. 8 on this year's "Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida" by The Women's Edge. The list includes nonprofit and for-profit organizations whose leaders are among the highest-ranking female executives in the Florida marketplace. LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill runs the $230 million human services nonprofit. The organization impacts 14 states and the District of Columbia through three affiliates: Lakeview Center's behavioral health care, FamiliesFirst Network's child welfare support and Global Connections to Employment's career services for people with disabilities. In 2023, LifeView Group touched more than 32,000 lives.
BARBARA MACNEIL Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida presented MacNeil with the 2024 Michael Robidoux Hero Award. MacNeil's extraordinary commitment to her Little Sister Harlow exemplifies the true spirit of mentorship, going far beyond the typical role of a Big Sister to instill values of community service and philanthropy in Harlow. This award honors the legacy of Michael Robidoux, a dedicated Big Brother who mentored his Little Brother Deontrez for over three years. Tragically, Michael passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018, after saving two young children from dangerous surf at Navarre Beach. The Michael Robidoux Hero Award is presented annually to a Big who reflects Michael's selflessness and passion for serving others.
SENIOR
CHILL OUT The Council on Aging of West Florida's annual Pete Moore Automotive Team Senior Chill Out received a massive outpouring of community donations, collecting 254 fans, 270 window air conditioner units and $68,557 to help vulnerable seniors stay cool this summer. Five area Lowe's Home Improvement stores hosted the donation drive. Title sponsor Pete Moore Automotive Team presented a $15,000 check for weatherization efforts for senior citizens.
PENAIR JEANS4COMMUNEROSITY
The employee-led initiative recently donated $6,000 each to the Buckaroo Foundation, Gulf Coast Kids House, Penelope House and the Studer Family Children's Hospital Autism Center. Since its inception in 2013, this program has been a beacon of generosity, with PenAir employees contributing more than $450,000 to support local nonprofits.
HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE
Last week, the GOP-led committee gave an unusual public update on its three-year investigation of Florida Panhandle Congressman Matt Gaetz. In a written statement, the committee announced it would no longer review the allegations Gaetz may have shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use and accepted a bribe or improper gratuity. It will still investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and new ones the committee said it identified after speaking with more than a dozen witnesses and reviewing thousands of documents. Gaetz has denied all the allegations. He wrote on social media, "This is Soviet. Kevin McCarthy showed them the man, and they are now trying to find the crime. I work for Northwest Floridians who won't be swayed by this nonsense, and McCarthy and his goons know it."
FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $6.4 million program to give free tampons and pads to public school students. The Menstrual Hygiene Products Grant Program would have made those feminine hygiene products free and available at school nurses' offices and school restrooms. Fifteen other states and Washington, D.C. have passed similar legislation to offer free menstrual products. The veto was part of the $900 million cut from the state budget June 12.
LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Gov. Ron DeSantis slashed more than $56 million from part of the state budget that pays for legislative support services. This money funds the Office of Economic & Demographic Research, the Old Capitol Museum, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, joint legislative committees, the Florida Channel and lobbyist registration services. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and House Speaker Paul Renner, have assured about 200 legislative workers impacted by the veto that "they do not need to worry." Passidomo's spokesperson told The News Service of Florida that legislative leaders may be able to access "rainy day reserve funding" to "temporarily bridge the gap."
Matt Gaetz / Photo by Aaron of L.A. Photography / shutterstock.com
Allison Hill / Photo Courtesy of LifeView Group
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
RULES ARE RULES
The Escambia Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office did not qualify two Republican candidates, John R. Johnson and Bruce Childers, because they didn't submit a Form 6, Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests. Neither has accepted their political fates nor taken responsibility for their failures. Why should we expect them to admit their mistakes?
Well, we should. Bruce is an attorney. His wife Pam is an experienced politician who has qualified for the Clerk of Courts election four times and filed multiple financial disclosure forms.
Bruce and Pam should be well-versed in the requirements of the Florida Constitution, which mandates all candidates must "file full and public disclosure of their financial interests." Candidates have an obligation to "complete and print a full and public disclosure of financial interests to file with the officer before whom he or she qualifies." In the case of Escambia County, that officer is the Supervisor of Elections.
Bruce said, "When we went to file our forms, we filed a receipt, or summary page of our Form 6, the financial disclosure form, which included the "watermark" (an opaque image which is added upon the completion of electronic filing)."
We obtained the Form 6 that he submitted through a public record request. It is not a receipt and does not have a "watermark." It's a photo of a tablet screen showing the first page of Form 6 with the words "For Qualifying Purposes Only." Pam knew what the electronic verification receipt from the Commission on Ethics looked like, and it wasn't the photo Bruce gave the SOE office.
Bruce has asked for an emergency hearing and a declaratory judgment so he can remain on the ballot. In his filing, he wrote when he paid his qualifying fee that his wife had a "side conversation with Ms. Daniel's assistant to show her the completed financial disclosure form on her iPad located on the Commission on Ethics website, which showed proof of completion of the entire report and a date stamp of June 12, 2024." The Commission on Ethics does not store a candidate's Form 6. The only option is to print the form and present it to the SOE, as required
by Florida law. Pam is an elected official, so she has an account with the commission and can download a verification receipt to present to the SOE. However, Bruce could not get a verification receipt.
$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres
New wetland survey April 2023! 3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger
It appears the couple tried to skate by with a half-ass Form 6 and used their status to get the photo accepted. The court hearing will give us more details.
Johnson's case is more straightforward, but he isn't happy either. He blamed a rigged system that favors incumbents and the wealthy. His interview led to an antisemitic rant.
During his review, the election supervisor discovered Johnson had used a cashier's check. Bender told us, "The statute says it has to be a check drawn on the account with the treasurer or the deputy treasurer's signature on it ... And so, for that reason as well, the candidate would not be able to qualify."
Johnson told us he was forced to use a PenAir Credit Union cashier's check. "They stopped issuing counter checks, so the only thing I could do was get a cashier's check."
However, PenAir Credit Union told us that they still offer counter checks.
The interview turned dark when Johnson attacked his opponent, Commissioner Lumon May.
"I've been running all this time to save the public, and now I'm convinced it's rigged," Johnson said. "Lumon May and his dirty Jew friends can go to hell. I'm antisemitic, and I'm proud of it."
State Rep. Alex Andrade was infuriated by Johnson's rant. "There is no room for antisemitism in the Republican Party. Mr. Johnson didn't belong in office with that amount of hate in his heart. I'm relieved he won't be representing my party on any ballot this election. I'd have been mortified and disgusted."
Escambia County Republican Party chair John Roberts also disavowed Johnson's antisemitic remarks. "The Republican Party strongly condemns all antisemitism. We also strongly support Israel and pray that Israel will have a complete victory over the evil, terrorist Hamas."
Folks, it's not even July yet. {in} rick@inweekly.net
(dock not included). Excellent condition. Ready for occupancy.
RED HOT SANTA ROSA COUNTY
designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants, recognized him as one of North America's top 50 economic developers for 2018.
SYNERGY FOR JOB CREATION
Santa Rosa County Commission Chair
Sam Parker said current and past commissioners supporting Ogletree and his staff have created "good synergy." Parker credits U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Gov. Ron DeSantis, and consultant Jayer Williamson, a former county commissioner and state representative.
"I've been thankful to be a small part of it, but it's really been that synergy with a whole lot of good people leading to job creation in Santa Rosa County," Parker said.
site. We would never have been able to attract Leonardo to that site if it wasn't for Triumph Gulf Coast."
Santa Rosa Industrial Park will be the home to about 500 employees and north of $40 million in capital investment. Pepsi bottler Buffalo Rock will account for about 300 employees. Damian's Ice Cream, Hershey's Ice Cream and Lovell Government Services round out the park tenants.
The industrial park is attracting its share of companies, but Parker sees an opportunity to better entice businesses to move into the location.
"A common thing we have heard is that these companies want to have a streamlined timeframe from when they make the decision to when they can open the doors at the facility," Parker said. "It would be helpful if we had more spec buildings in the industrial park."
undeveloped land near the exits in their county, and because of that and Triumph, he's been able to get these distribution companies to come. Another positive that has helped them be successful is their county commissioners believe in economic development."
Ogletree considers Santa Rosa an easy sell to business owners. The school district consistently ranks as one of the best in the state, the crime rate is low, the beaches attract tourists and locals alike, and downtown Pensacola is within reasonable driving distance from a significant portion of the county.
mercial properties and economic development. Whether Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton or Pace, commercial properties pop up seemingly every day.
Santa Rosa County Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree is the driving force behind the successful growth. He and the county commissioners work together to acquire property that attracts business owners.
"I've worked with the commissioners to say, 'If we want to be successful, we need to go out and purchase our own property and then create pricing guidelines, a schedule on how much the property is based worth, upon the company's performance,'" Ogletree said. "So that has really been the game changer for us."
Ogletree has been involved in the county's economic development efforts since 2007, when he worked as an industry recruiter for TEAM Santa Rosa. He was selected to the first Inweekly Rising Star class in 2008. When the county took economic development in-house, the county commission chose Ogletree to lead the Santa Rosa Economic Development Office. Consultant Connect, a consulting agency
Both Ogletree and Parker agree Triumph Gulf Coast has been a catalyst for economic development in the county. Ogletree has aggressively sought Triumph's funds to purchase property for commercial development or to transform it into industrial sites.
"We're having to not just go out and buy property up in the middle of nowhere, but just find property along the interstate and then working with the different developers or end users for the sites," Ogletree said.
Projects already approved for Triumph grants include Whiting Aviation Park, Santa Rosa I-10 Industrial Park and Milton Interchange Park.
The county received $8.5 million in grants for Whiting Aviation. The park's performance metrics include 200 net new jobs and $25 million in capital investment. Leonardo Helicopters is the park's headliner. Leonardo broke ground last year on a state-of-the-art customer support center in Milton.
"That really has been a game changer for us from the vision Commissioner Don Salter had in building out Whiting Aviation Park," Ogletree said. "If it wasn't for his initial vision and then (former Triumph chair) Don Gaetz, who was instrumental in us being one of the first five Triumph applications awarded—so we were able to build out infrastructure for the
Food distributor Cheney Brothers will reside in the Milton Interchange Park. The company is expected to employ 450-500 people and make a capital investment of about $75 million. Triumph approved a grant for $15.4 million for the park and an additional $5.4 million at the May meeting.
"If you look at the growth patterns from Tallahassee to Birmingham over to New Orleans, if you look at the growth rates, this is a market that's been underserved for many, many years," Ogletree said. "It's just serving that market within that radius. And once one landed, they all started looking around, 'well, what in the hell are these guys doing here?' And they wanted to be adjacent to it."
The county seeks to keep the momentum rolling with Triumph grants. At the Triumph meeting in May, Ogletree proposed a grant for $7.1 million for a Bagdad distribution facility and a potential ask of $35-45 million for a new industrial park off State Road 87.
A SUPER AGGRESSIVE APPROACH
Triumph Gulf Coast Board chair David Bear credited the county for being "super aggressive" in its pursuit of grants.
"Shannon works hard, he's out there," Bear said. "They have the luxury of having a lot of
"There was a company out of Australia that I was working with last year, and they said downtown Pensacola was a driving factor in why they were considering locating to Santa Rosa County," Ogletree said. "Many people will say, well, that's in a neighboring county that's 20, 25 miles away. But seriously, I mean, the CEO and the CFO were saying that we love the education and put our kids in the school system, but the restaurants and nightlife are along Palafox, along Main Street."
Another advantage for the county is Ogletree and his staff communicate effectively with business owners. Ogletree is readily available and makes sure to stay engaged in conversations. His motivation is to build relationships that benefit the county, whether that be immediately or down the road.
Earlier this month, an executive Ogletree spoke to nearly two years ago reached back out to him. The executive had switched employers and saw an opportunity for his Ohio-based company to open a facility in Santa Rosa.
"He was with a different company, and he liked what he heard. He liked what he heard about our sites, and he liked what he heard about Triumph Gulf Coast," Ogletree said. "So, he reached back out to me, so in a few weeks, I'll be running up to Ohio to give a presentation to their board just because of keeping that relationship going and just staying in touch with people. I think that's what the difference is."
He added, "It is not rocket science; it's just building inventory and just being nice."
To learn more, visit santarosaedo.com. {in}
"It was bittersweet, but it was the right decision for me and my family at the time," Jones said. "And I agree that the office is going to be in great hands. I'm happy for Bubba Peters; I'm happy for my staff … I've assembled a first-class staff that takes care of the needs of the people in Escambia County."
Bubba Peters qualified for property appraiser and will follow in Jones' footsteps, as no one opposed him.
"He came to work with me out of high school, and he's worked his way or earned his way, I should say, from a student to a field appraiser, to a supervisor, to a director," said Jones of Peter. "And for the last several years, he's been my number two person. Chief Deputy Bubba's good people. He's highly intelligent. He's got that rare mixture of common sense and book intelligence."
For over 25 years, Jones has tried to find an equitable way to deal with ad valorem texts on Pensacola Beach properties. "Some of it's in limbo still, just all the buildings are taxable, most of the land. But there are some land leases out there that aren't taxable due to some varying language in the leases on the renewal. I don't agree with that, but that's the way you have to bow to the court systems and abide by that."
The problem may have a remedy. Jones said, "Fortunately, right now, the county and the Santa Rosa Island Authority board have agreed that they understand that it's not a
fair system. It's an uneven tax base out there when one neighbor pays half what the other neighbor pays just because of maybe one word in their lease. And so now when you come to renew, they have a uniform residential lease, which I think going forward now, it may not be in my lifetime, but eventually, we'll get to that place where everybody is on the same page."
Jones succeeded his father, John R. Jones, who retired after serving as the county's property appraiser for 34 years. What advice did his father give him?
"Number one, you practice the golden rule," Jones said. "You treat the taxpayers as the number one reason for your job. They are the ones that pay your salary. My staff understands that we're not to sit there to match wits with them; we're there to help them. And that mindset has been translated to staff. They bought in."
He added, "The other thing is that we want to be as fair as we can with these assessments. And a lot of times, our oversight is the Department of Revenue. I've had a couple of battles with them, and my dad was famous for that. But we have an understanding between the department and my office that if it's wrong, it's wrong, and we're going to stand up for what's right."
FUNDS FOR NAS WHITING
Sen. Rick Scott
posted on his official website that the Senate Armed Service Committee passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to provide "$3 million for the design of a Child Development Center at Naval Air Station Whiting Field to increase access to childcare for military families in the Panhandle."
We reported last month that NAS Whiting Field needed $20 million to demolish its current Child Development Center and build a new facility (Inweekly, "Advocating for Our Bases," 5/23/24). The current center operates in a 78-year-old building that served as a package store before being converted to childcare in the mid-1990s. The center's maximum capacity is only 64 children.
On the House side, Congressman Matt Gaetz notified his constituents the House Armed Services Committee approved adding $98.5 million for the Advanced Helicopter Training System Hangar at NAS Whiting Field for TH-73 helicopters used by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard to train pilots.
He wrote in his weekly newsletter, "Additionally, I secured a provision directing the Secretary of the Navy to implement a plan for repair or replacement of Hanger 3260B on NAS Pensacola that suffered damage by Hurricane Sally."
The Northwest Florida Defense Coalition
was formed by Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to help find funding for the child development center and the condemned hangar.
To learn more, visit nwfdefense.com.
HOW
TO
SPEND
$14.2 MILLION On "Real News with Rick Outzen," Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves discussed how he will use the $14.2 million that escaped Gov. DeSantis' veto pen.
The city will use the $7 million in state funding awarded for the Baptist Hospital Legacy Campus to begin reimagining the property for affordable housing. Mayor Reeves said the city has engaged a demolition abatement expert.
"We are waiting to get the final paperwork done to get into the building. We didn't want to wait until the first day as if nothing happened," he said. "So now we just need to get into the buildings, and once we do that, we will be working that in tandem with dusting off the donation agreement that we had already been pursuing and getting that finalized."
The initial steps toward Pensacola International Airport's new terminal featuring five new gates are underway, along with preliminary planning and conceptual development. The $5 million in funding will advance the approximately $70 million project through design and into construction.
"The first money is always the hardest part of a big project to get in. So that's a big step even if the number isn't big in relation to the total cost," Mayor Reeves said.
He added, "We've run numbers on what it would take for us to bond the whole thing at the airport. Obviously, we're very financially strong and viable at the airport in terms of dollars and cents, but you always have to be careful because as you bond more dollars at the airport, rates and charges passed onto the airlines go up. So what you don't want to do is have a shiny new terminal, and then the price per plane passenger goes up for Delta and American so high that they don't want to bring new flights."
"We've run numbers on what it would take for us to bond the whole thing at the airport." D.C. Reeves
The city has partnered with Conservation Florida, a statewide land conservancy, to keep Bay Bluffs Park in the public sector and prevent future city administrations from selling it on the private market. The $2.2 million in funding will allow for the demolition of the condemned boardwalk and pave the way for discussion with the Pensacola community and Conservation Florida on the design of the revamped park.
"I was told what I was going to do on a lot of things with the bluff—sell it, turn it into apartments, all those different things," Mayor Reeves said. "We've done the opposite of that, and we are successful at doing such in less than a year, which is the $2.2 million for demolition and whatever that 2.0 of Bluffs Park will be in concert
with Conservation Florida, which means it'll stay within the public realm forever."
He added, "We're very excited about all three of those projects getting going. And they're transformational in different ways across the city."
LEADERSHIP FLORIDA Former Mayor
Ashton Hayward discussed Leadership Florida and its latest class, which includes Mayor D.C. Reeves, Escambia County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Andy Hobbs and Jessi Truett of the Andrews Research & Education Foundation. Hayward is an alumnus of the program and serves on the selection committee.
"It was created in 1982 by the Florida Chamber of Commerce to have leaders come together from diverse backgrounds, different industries, and collectively work together for one year," Hayward said. "The process is you apply for Leadership Florida, and then your peers that are already members get in the room for the day and debate on who should be in the class. And I feel very fortunate we had three leaders from our community this year."
Chief Deputy Hobbs said he first heard about the program from Florida Blue Market Leader Hong Potomski, who asked if he would be interested.
"I started doing some research," he said. "I spoke to Connie Bookman, Ashton Hayward and others who had done it. I'd asked Sheriff Simmons, who knew a lot of people that were in it."
He continued, "When I put my application in, I found out Mayor D.C. Reeves and Jessi Truett had submitted applications. I was like, 'Ooh, okay. Well, it was fun to at least put in for it because the mayor is the mayor, and Jesse Truett is an absolute rockstar over there at the Andrews Institute.'"
Hobbs was surprised Reeves, Truett and he were selected. "I am looking forward to it to be able to bring the Panhandle to other areas of the state of Florida and see how they're doing it and see how we're doing it and if we can better from some of the things they're doing and vice versa."
Hayward is the president of the Andrews Research and Education Foundation and works with Truett.
"Jessi's an amazing lady," Hayward shared. "She runs that research and development program for us and has just done a fantastic job. She's been with me a little over three and a half years, just a real go-getter in our community. Every time I turn around, she's participating in anything to really be involved in the community."
Mayor Reeves mentioned the selection at his weekly press conference. "We've had many great Pensacolians participate in (Leadership Florida) over the years. Now that I've reached my forties, I guess I'm eligible. I'm very honored and excited to be selected for that and join 54 leaders across the state of Florida this year."
To learn more, visit leadershipflorida.org.
SURFING WITH SRIA The Santa Rosa Island Authority board finalized the contract to hire
Chris Jones / Photo Courtesy of escpa.org
local attorney Mike Burns as its new executive director during a special board meeting Wednesday night, June 12.
"They called me the non-conventional candidate. And so, when they're going to call you something, you might as well own it and just be it," Burns said. "I am a surfer. I'm the guy from here. This is my beach. I've grown up on this beach. I want to take care of this beach. I take a lot of pride in this beach, and the things that go on out there, and I look forward to enhancing the beach."
"I take a lot of pride in this beach, and the things that go on out there, and I look forward to enhancing the beach."
Mike Burns
He continued, "We have opportunities and challenges, and let's take advantage of this wonderful beach that we have and take advantage of these opportunities and challenges and get everybody to work together, whether it's the resident leaseholders, the non-resident, leaseholders, the businesses, the visitors, and the people all over Escambia County, to come and enjoy the beach."
Burns believes the role of the SRIA is to preserve and protect Pensacola Beach. "We have to manage Pensacola Beach, the growth, the natural environment out there, and we need to protect it for this generation and the generations to come just like you."
He grew up here when his dad received orders to Pensacola in the 1960s. "Back then, Rick, all it was some center block houses on the road. There were shell roads to Navarre back in those days. But you know what? It has changed, but we can change with it, and that change can be good, and we can work together to make that change a good thing on Pensacola Beach for all the fulltime residents, visitors and businesses."
Burns added, "Let's enhance it and enjoy it together."
It is important to note that because this lot is located extremely close to federally mandated no-parking areas, any vehicles not within its boundaries will require removal. To learn more, visit sria-fla.com.
NEW AIRPORT LOT
With the construction of a new surface parking lot beginning in July, Pensacola International Airport has created a temporary parking lot for approximately 300 additional vehicles.
The lot will be adjacent to Pensacola Fire Station #6 on North Ninth Avenue. Parking access will be from McAllister Avenue, behind Fire Station #6. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the terminal. The rate for the Remote McAllister lot will be a flat rate of $30 for a maximum of 30 days.
To learn more, visit flypensacola.com.
NOW COMPETITION PenAir Credit Union (PenAir) has launched its annual Financial Fit-
ness Competition, NOW. This transformative program is designed to empower and improve financial health and literacy. Selected participants can enhance their financial knowledge, develop better budgeting habits and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize from PenAir.
The NOW competition spans seven months and focuses on building a clear understanding of personal finances, creating sustainable budgets and improving credit scores. Participants will receive personalized coaching from PenAir's certified financial counselors, who will guide them through every step of their financial journey. Since its inception, the competition has profoundly impacted participants, with past families achieving an average savings of $12,381 and reducing debt by $16,043.
"PenAir is dedicated to enhancing the financial wellbeing of our community," said Casey Brueske, Community Education Development Specialist at PenAir. "This competition is more than just a contest; it's a life-changing experience for families striving to secure a stable financial future. We are excited to see the positive transformations that will come from this year's participants."
To be eligible for the 2024-2025 NOW competition, applicants must either be current PenAir members or eligible to join. Applicants must also demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving their financial situations and be open to sharing their progress with the community through interviews, videos and online posts.
Three participants will be selected for the competition and receive ongoing support and guidance from PenAir financial experts from September 2024 through April 2025. The competition culminates with a NOW winners' event in April 2025, where a $10,000 grand prize and two runners-up prizes of $5,000 and $3,000 will be awarded.
Brueske explained how the winner is decided. "We have a scorecard that each family or team and their coach keeps every month. They keep track of all of their expenses, their debts, loans, credit cards and all of those things. We also keep track of all their savings, which could be just a savings account, a 401k, an IRA or anything they're doing to save."
She continued, "We calculate that on a percentage of their income. We look to see if they're increasing their savings and decreasing their debt every month. Once the seven months are complete, we see who has the greatest increase in savings and the greatest decrease in debt, and that is our winner."
PenAir's commitment to financial wellness is exemplified by the services provided by a team of certified financial counselors. These counselors work closely with members to create customized financial plans, address credit issues and develop strategies for long-term financial success.
Applications for the NOW Financial Fitness Competition will be accepted through July 15. For more information and to apply, visit penair. org/NOW. {in}
The August primary races are set. Well, maybe they are. Several elected officials were re-elected with no opposition. However, the qualifying period didn't go well for two Republican wannabe candidates, John R. Johnson and Bruce Childers.
In January, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed County Commissioner Robert Bender to serve as the Supervisor of Elections when longtime incumbent David Stafford resigned to take a position with the Department of Homeland Security. Before the controversies hit a fever pitch, Inweekly asked Bender about the stress of running his first local primary.
He said, "The thing for me is that you follow the law, you do the right thing, and you treat everybody equally."
The election supervisor's mantra was tested when his office determined Johnson and Childers did not qualify during the review of their paperwork after the candidates had been listed as having qualified to run.
Johnson wanted to run for County Commission District 3, but he used the incorrect state ethics form and paid his qualifying fee with a cashier's check. He told Inweekly that a state employee told him that Form 6 was only for incumbents when he tried to fill out the form online.
AUGUST 2024 PRIMARY PREVIEW
Johnson said he had to use a cashier's check because PenAir Credit Union no longer issues counter checks. However, credit union officials told Inweekly that they still offer them.
Childers, the husband of County Clerk of Courts Pam Childers, did not submit a complete Form 6. On Facebook, he blamed a Supervisor of Elections employee who allegedly told him and his wife that the Form 6 he had submitted was sufficient.
On Friday, June 21, he wrote on his Facebook page: "Acting on the belief, and in reliance on the representations of the SOE's senior qualifying officer that I had successfully qualified for election, I spent over $50,000 of my own money for billboards, signs, campaign material and hiring elections consultants."
The state ethics form in question is Form 6, Full and Public Disclosure of Financial Interests. Section 8 of the Florida Constitution states, "All elected constitutional officers and candidates for such offices and, as may be determined by law, other public officers, candidates, and employees shall file full and public disclosure of their financial interests." Form 6 is how candidates meet that requirement.
According to Florida law, candidates who
PRIMARY ELECTION DATES
J ULY 22 Voter Registration and Party Change Deadline
AUG. 8 Vote-By-Mail Request Deadline
AUG. 10-17 Early Voting
AUG. 20 Election Day
have already completed Form 6 because of other duties, such as being an incumbent or holding another office, can submit a copy of the form or a verification of the receipt from the state ethics commission.
However, other candidates, like Johnson and Childers, "may complete and print a full and public disclosure of financial interests to file with the officer before whom he or she qualifies."
Childers suggested the word "may" might get him off the hook. He said, "That word 'may' sounds permissive not mandatory, to me. I guess I believed, to my detriment, the qualifying officer knew her job, knew the requirements every candidate must meet to be properly qualified. I still am baffled by the fact they did not contact me, notwithstanding they had a statutory to do so. Maybe I shouldn't be, I don't know."
He added, "This could easily have been remedied by just accepting my financial disclosure, or at the least by letting me know I needed to file the Form 6 before the qualifying period had lapsed."
State Rep. Alex Andrade disagreed with Childers' assessment. "As I understand it, Bruce never turned in his Form 6 to be reviewed. The Form 6 is a four-page document with a signature page that states all of a candidate's assets, liabili-
ties, income, etc. If the candidate does not turn in their "full and public disclosure of financial interests" by the end of the qualifying period, the candidate is not legally qualified."
Childers said Bender had the power to put him on the ballot and insinuated that the former county commissioner was seeking revenge by not qualifying Childers to run against him in the GOP primary.
"You see, constitutional officers have discretion. The SOE (Supervisor of Elections) is the sole arbitrator of whether a candidate has properly qualified. It is not up to the Commission on Ethics or the Division of Elections; it is up to the SOE," he wrote. "For those who know the history between Robert Bender and my wife over his 58% pension, you have probably read between the lines. I will leave it at that."
In the announcement of Childers' not qualifying, the SOE office stated, "The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office remains committed to ensuring the integrity of elections and maintaining compliance with the election laws of Florida."
Inweekly will cover all the races and let you know if Childers somehow gets on the ballot. You can follow the latest developments on ricksblog. biz and inweekly.net. This may be a wild ride. {in}
BALLOT BREAKDOWN
To vote in the primary, you must register to vote no later than July 22, which is also the deadline to change your party affiliation.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
These candidates will be only on Republican ballots (i)—incumbent
U.S. SENATE
John S. Columbus
Keith Gross
Rick Scott (i)
CONGRESS
District 1
Aaron Dimmock
Matt Gaetz (i)
COUNTY COMMISSION
District 1
Jeff Bergosh (i)
Jesse E. Casey
Steve Stroberger
District 4
Ashlee Hofberger
Buck Mitchell
Walker Wilson
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
These candidates will be only on Democrat ballots
U.S. SENATE
Stanley Campbell
Rod Joseph
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
Brian Rush
NON-PARTISAN RACES OR UNIVERSAL PRIMARIES
These candidates will be on all ballots
ECUA
Universal
District 1
Vicki H. Campbell (R) (i)
Jim Faxlanger (R)
District 3
Chase Anderson "Andy" Romagnano (D)
Larry Williams (D) (i)
ANY QUESTIONS
COUNTY, SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND CITY
RACES
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office is where you can register to vote, change parties and find your voting precinct. You can also check on the latest information on local candidates and find out who has contributed money to their campaigns and how those funds have been spent. You also can request a vote-by-mail ballot and track it after you return it.
Office: 213 S. Palafox St., Second Floor
Website: escambiavotes.gov
Phone: (850) 595-3900
TDD: (850) 595-3913
FEDERAL AND STATE RACES You can find out who is running and review their campaign finance reports at dos.fl.gov/elections.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Non-partisan
District 4
Carissa Bergosh
Rich Holzknecht
Earle McAuley
Brian Ranelli
District 5
Tom Harrell
Joshua Luther
Jim A. "Andy" Taylor
ELECTED UNOPPOSED
These candidates were elected because they had no opponents
CIRCUIT 1
State Attorney: Ginger Madden (R)
Public Defender: Bruce Miller (R)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Clerk of the Circuit Court: Pam Childers (R)
Sheriff: Chip Simmons (R)
Property Appraiser: Gary "Bubba" Peters (R)
Tax Collector: Scott Lunsford (R)
Supervisor of Elections: Robert Bender (R)
County Commission, District 3: Lumon May (D)
ESCAMBIA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Non-partisan
Group 1: Johnnie Odom
Group 4: Carollyn Taylor
ECUA
District 5: Kevin Stephens (R)
PENSACOLA CITY COUNCIL
Non-partisan
District 3: Casey Jones
District 5: Delarian Wiggins
COUNTY COURT JUDGE
Non-partisan
Group 4: Kristina Lightel
Group 5: Kerra Smith
TOWN OF CENTURY
Non-partisan
Mayor: Luis Gomez, Jr.
Seat 1: Dynette Lewis
Seat 2: Henry L. Cunningham
PARTY LINES
Here are the party breakdowns for registered voters:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, AS OF JUNE 3
Republican 95,529 (46.44%)
Democrat 62,118 (30.2%)
No Party Affiliation 42,367 (20.59%)
Minor Parties 5,702 (2.77%)
Total 2205,716
STATE OF FLORIDA, AS OF MAY 31
Republican 5,227,223 (39.1%)
Democrat 4,296,552 (32.1%)
No Party Affiliation 3,495,409 (26.1%)
Minor Parties 356,583 (2.7%)
Total 13,375,767 GENERAL
Arts & Entertainment
Keep Moving with Melodious Allen
By Savannah Evanoff
While the multi-genre multi-instrumentalist wouldn't necessarily label it a pre-show ritual, it does have to happen, Allen said. He admitted he's delayed a show over it.
"It just gets the vibe right," Allen said. Allen himself is a vibe.
He plays keyboard, drums and bass guitar in the R&B, hip-hop, funk, lofi and neo soul genres—as both a solo artist—he recently released the single "Sativa"—and with a group under his artist name Melodious Allen.
The group is composed of Danny "Dj" fountain (bass guitar), Lewis "Pop" Morant (aux keyboards) and Ronnie Artist (guitar). They perform four or so originals, and their most crowd-pleasing cover is a tie between Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" and James Brown's "Get Up."
And when asked what a day in the life looks like, Allen replied, "Do you want me to be honest?"
He rattles off his answer quickly: Wake up, go to the beach, grab a bite, hit a beach bar for some drinks, smoke, eat again and go to the studio or a show.
"If I have a gig, I already know we're gonna have a good night," Allen said.
But before the Pensacola native was a full-time musician, he was just a kid performing at the front in church.
He started playing drums at 4 years old, and his father gifted him his first keyboard by 5. With encouragement from his mother, too, Allen quite literally grew up in a room full of instruments, he said.
"I gravitate toward the keyboard a lot more than anything else; that's my forte," Allen said. "After keys, then it's bass and drums—stuff like
that. But it just depends on really what I'm doing to be honest, because drums is the funnest instrument ever no matter what, you know what I'm saying? Like, it just depends on what instrument and what song you're playing."
While he's been most inspired over the years by bass guitarist and singer-songwriter Bootsy Collins, Allen remembers growing up being drawn more to the sound of specific music rather than merely a musician's name.
"I just knew the sound when I heard it as a kid, and I just liked it—that really funky bass stuff," Allen said. "I really loved that stuff."
And it hasn't changed since.
Much of Allen's musical experience is as a backing musician for other artists, touring the U.S. East Coast and overseas. He once met The Roots, he added. His family has been supportive of his music, but he admits they weren't expecting him to pursue it as a career.
"Once I turned 18 and I was like, 'Yeah, I want to do this only,' [my mom] was like, 'You are tripping,'" Allen said. "But she was still cool. And then I remember I was on tour in France, and that's when she was like, 'OK, maybe you can do this.'"
Allen toured as a keyboardist and music director for Solomon Bozeman for a month in France. He loved seeing new places.
"France is so big that you're going to see all of the seasons as you travel," Allen said. "So the best part was going from summer to spring, fall, winter—like actually seeing snow one day, and then two days later, we're 16 hours away and it's summer."
As a solo artist, though, Allen's only been at it for a few years. He was inspired while playing for a handful of years behind Jamell Richardson.
"I pretty much learned almost everything I
know from him," Allen said. "He would book his own tours and everything; he'd make his own music, all this stuff. When I saw him doing it, I was like, 'OK, cool.' He showed me the ins and outs, then that's when I knew I could do it."
One of Allen's proudest moments was booking Vinyl Music Hall. He's "just trying to get it out the mud," he said.
Allen conjured up his latest release "Sativa," in the studio one night. He spent three months working on it and didn't want to sleep on it too long, he said.
"I'm actually really proud of this song," Allen said. "To be honest, I like it more than anything that I've ever put out. It is the most well put together song I've created thus far. It's the arrangement, the baseline, everything just has its place." He hopes to release new music every couple of months for the next few years.
"That's the goal—keep moving, keep putting out music and repeat," Allen said.
In the meantime, Melodious Allen the band is open for booking. Because while Allen might spend his free time at the beach, he certainly puts in the work behind the scenes.
"I don't just do shows and do studio work and come out with songs; across the board, I do a lot," Allen said. "I play for weddings, play for funerals, play for church services. I'll play for a school that needs a keyboard player to play something. I do a lot … We're just trying to work hard, trying to create something new. I don't think this area has really experienced this style of music from a local artist consistently, and I'm just trying to bring some different type of energy to the coast." {in}
Melodious Allen / Courtesy Photo
a&e happenings
PRIDE CALENDAR
FREE GENDER-AFFIRMING HAIRCUTS
In honor of Pride, the team at Salon San Carlos will offer free gender-affirming haircuts for the LGBTQ+ community throughout June. Find @salonsancarlos on Instagram for more information.
HOT GIRL SUMMER DRAG SHOW A summertime-themed drag show from local drag performer and host Terrah Card is 8 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave. Details are available at facebook.com/thefunhouseball.
LIBERATION! PRESENTS: TRUE COLORS
The popular drag show and dance party returns for a Pride edition 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. The show will feature special sets from DJ Tristan Dufrene and performer Thotberry Shortcake, plus DJ Brody, DJ J.Mike, Andy Rodginous, Wyntier Kandiey and Vantasia Divine. For details, find Liberation! Pensacola on Facebook or Instagram (@liberationpensacola).
A QUEER SPEAKEASY NIGHT: SHHH!
Jitterbug transforms into a queer speakeasy for the last night of pride 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday, June 30 at 2050 N. 12th Ave. Karaoke is from 9-11 p.m. Regular wine and beer menu will be available alongside specialty cocktails. Cost is $10 for ages 21 and older and 15 or younger. Proceeds go to the Trevor Project.
FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
FOURTH OF JULY DINNER Enjoy a fourcourse wine dinner and fireworks at 9 p.m. at Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. Table reservations are for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Tickets are $125 a person. Reservations can be made by calling (850) 287-0200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.
FLORA-BAMA FOURTH OF JULY PARTY
Enjoy live music, fireworks and a fun day at the beach all day at Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Visit florabama. com/4th-of-july-party for details.
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISE
Watch the Pensacola Beach fireworks show from the water with Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours. The fireworks cruise is 7:45-9:15 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Details are at friskyboattours.com/friskymermaid-dolphin-cruise/fireworks-cruise.
PENSACOLA'S FOURTH OF JULY The Pensacola fireworks display is 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Watch from William Bartram Memorial Park, 211 Bayfront Parkway.
PENSACOLA BEACH FOURTH OF JULY
The Pensacola Beach Fireworks show is 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4 over the Santa Rosa Sound and will be simulcast on Cat Country 98.7.
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
MEWVIE NIGHT AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ
Watch the 1998 film "The Parent Trap" with adoptable kitties 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 28 at 1508 W. Garden St. Tickets are $32 and include complimentary popcorn, coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea. Details and tickets at coastalcatpcola.com.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3
p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PENSACOLA SPLASH FEST Enjoy water slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, dunk tanks and more Saturday, June 29 at the Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. Admission is a $15 wristband, $5 for adults without a wristband, $10 wristband for children 17 and younger and free admission for children 5 and younger. Details are at apexshowsandevents.com.
FREE Z TUESDAYS WITH ZARZAUR LAW
Stop by the corner of Palafox and Romana streets for free snow cones by Sneaky Tiki Shaved Ice courtesy of Zarzaur Law, P.A. 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays through July 31. One Free Z per person, no refills.
JOE ZARZAUR TAYLOR SWIFT TICKETS
GIVEAWAY Zarzaur Law, P.A.'s second of three on-location Swiftie-themed events as part of its five-month "The Eras Giveaway" is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at The 5 Barrel, 121 S. Palafox St. Taylor Swift fans will once again have a chance to enter to win during the "Taylor Swift Trivia Night" complete with photo booth, friendship bracelet wall, hair tinsel station, music, karaoke, giveaways, special Swift-inspired cocktails, Taylor Swift trivia contest and a chance to win two VIP suite tickets to see Taylor Swift's "The Eras" tour concert Saturday, Oct. 19 in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. Visit zarzaurswiftgiveaway.com for complete contest rules, event details and more information.
CALL TO ARTISTS
2024 POP SHOW & EXHIBIT The Wide Angle Photo Club has opened registration for the 2024 Power of Photography show in November. All amateur and professional photographers are welcome to participate and compete for cash prizes and sponsor merchandise. Photographers may enter unlimited photos online. Entries will
be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 18. The early entry is through July 15 with a $10 cost, and late entry is July 16-Aug. 18 with a fee of $15. For details, visit wideanglephotoclub.org/contest.
ARTS & CULTURE
SEUSSICAL JR. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
JOEL BYARS COMEDY NIGHT AT THE QUARTER Joe Byars performance is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at sevillequarter.com or at the door.
TRUCKER HAT POP-UP Decorate your own trucker hat with patches and jewels from Get Lit Pensacola 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 E. Intendencia St. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
THE CRYSTAL AWARDS Recognition of Pensacola Little Theatre volunteers is 6-11 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
CELEBRATING 70: A HISTORY OF COLLECTING A new Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit runs through Sept. 29 featuring highlights of PMA's permanent collection at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are available at pensacolamuseum.org.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS
Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL This exhibit is on view through July 15 at Quayside Gallery, 17 E. Zaragoza St.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
The floor is open for standups 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market. The next date is 4-9 p.m. Friday, July 5 at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
A GREAT SOUTHERN SUPPER EXPERIENCE
A three-course meal featuring a menu from Chef Jason Hughes of Atlas Oyster House is 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Oyster Bay Boutique, 400 Bayfront Parkway. Tickets are $160 at stayoysterbay.com.
LUNCH AND LEARN: FERMENTATION
FUNDAMENTALS Learn the basics of fermentation 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $30 and available on Eventbrite. More details are at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
BEACH MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
THEATRE Seville Quarter and Improbable Cause Mystery Theatre Presents: Beach Murder Mystery
a&e happenings
Dinner Theatre with two dates 6 p.m. Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 at Heritage Hall, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $65 and includes choice of two entrees. Details are at Eventbrite.
COASTAL COUNTY BREWING SUMMER
CIDER FEST A weekend tap takeover is June 28-30 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. It will feature exclusive cider flavors, live local music and build-your-own-cider flights. Details at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.
COUPLES COOK: COOL FOODS FOR HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Cooking class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Suite C. Menu includes Mexican shrimp cocktail gazpacho, white fish and mango ceviche and black bean tostada. Tickets are available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.
BRIDGERTON BRUNCH A Regency Erainspired brunch is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $50 and available on Eventbrite. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15, which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of Bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m. to midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take
part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker starting at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings on the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight at 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m. to midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9 -11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AT SIR RICHARDS'S Poker Night is 6 p.m. Saturdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
free will astrology
WEEK OF JUNE 27
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): This may sound weird, but I think now is a perfect time to acquire a fresh problem—not just any old boring problem, of course. Rather, I'm hoping you will carefully ponder what kind of dilemma would be most educational for you, which riddle might challenge you to grow in ways you need to. Here's another reason you should be proactive about hunting down a juicy challenge: Doing so will ensure you won't attract mediocre, meaningless problems.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Now is an excellent time to start learning a new language or to increase your proficiency in your native tongue. Or both. It's also a favorable phase to enrich your communication skills and acquire resources to help you do that. Would you like to enhance your ability to cultivate friendships and influence people? Are you interested in becoming more persuasive, articulate and expressive? If so, Taurus, attend to these self-improvement tasks with graceful intensity. Life will conspire benevolently on your behalf if you do. P.S. I'm not implying you're weak in any of these departments; just that now is a favorable time to boost your capacities.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Barbara Sher and Barbara Smith wrote the book "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It." I invite you to think and feel deeply about this theme during the coming months. In my experience with Geminis, you are often so versatile and multi-faceted that it can be challenging to focus on just one or two of your various callings. And that may confuse your ability to know what you want more than anything else. But here's the good news. You may soon enjoy a grace period when you feel really good about devoting yourself to one goal more than any other.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): You are entering a phase when you will be wise to question fixed patterns and shed age-old habits. The more excited you get about re-evaluating everything you know and believe, the more likely it is exciting new possibilities will open up for you. If you are staunchly committed to resolving longstanding confusions and instigating fresh approaches, you will launch an epic chapter
By Rob Brezsny
of your life story. Wow! That sounds dramatic. But it's quite factual. Here's the kicker: You're now in prime position to get vivid glimpses of specific successes you can accomplish between now and your birthday in 2025.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): How many different ways can you think of to ripen your spiritual wisdom? I suggest you choose two and pursue them with gleeful vigor in the coming weeks. You are primed to come into contact with streams of divine revelations that can change your life for the better. All the conditions are favorable for you to encounter teachings that will ennoble your soul and hone your highest ideals. Don't underestimate your power to get the precise enlightenment you need.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Border collies are dogs with a herding instinct. Their urges to usher, steer and manage are strong. They will not only round up sheep and cattle, but also pigs, chickens and ostriches—and even try to herd cats. In my estimation, Virgo, border collies are your spirit creatures these days. You have a special inclination and talent to be a good shepherd. So use your aptitude with flair. Provide extra navigational help for people and animals who would benefit from your nurturing guidance. And remember to do the same for your own wayward impulses.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): We have arrived at the midpoint of 2024. It's check-in time. Do you recall the promises you made to yourself last January? Are you about halfway into the frontier you vowed to explore? What inspirational measures could you instigate to renew your energy and motivation for the two most important goals in your life? What would you identify as the main obstacle to your blissful success, and how could you diminish it? If you'd like to refresh your memory of the long-term predictions I made for your destiny in 2024, go here: tinyurl.com/
libra2024. For 2023's big-picture prophecies, go here: tinyurl.com/2023libra.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Scorpio-born Gary Hug was educated as a machinist and food scientist, but for many years he has worked primarily as an amateur astronomer. Using a 7-foot telescope he built in the backyard of his home, he has discovered a comet and 300 asteroids, including two that may come hazardously close to Earth. Extolling the joys of being an amateur, he says he enjoys "a sense of freedom that you don't have when you're a professional." In the coming weeks, Scorpio, I encourage you to explore and experiment with the joys of tasks done out of joy rather than duty. Identify the work and play that feel liberating and indulge in them lavishly.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Your power spots will be places no one has visited or looked into for a while. Sexy secrets and missing information will be revealed to you as you nose around in situations where you supposedly should not investigate. The light at the end of the tunnel is likely to appear well before you imagined it would. Your lucky number is 8, your lucky color is black and your lucky emotion is the surprise of discovery. My advice: Call on your memory to serve you in amazing ways; use it as a superpower.
AQUARIUS
(JAN. 20-FEB. 18): While sleeping, my Aquarian friend Janelle dreamed she and her family lived in a cabin in the woods. When dusk was falling, a strange animal put its face against the main window. Was it a bear? A mountain lion? Her family freaked out and hid in a back bedroom. But Janelle stayed to investigate. Looking closely, she saw the creature was a deer. She opened up the window and spoke to it, saying, "What can I do for you?" The deer, who was a talking deer, said, "I want to give you and your family a gift. See this necklace I'm wearing? It has a magic ruby that will heal a health problem for everyone who touches it." Janelle managed to remove the necklace, whereupon the deer wandered away and she woke up from the dream. During subsequent weeks, welcome changes occurred in her waking life. She and three of her family members lost physical ailments that had been bothering them. I think this dream is a true fairy tale for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius.
PISCES
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Happy unbirthday, Capricorn. It's time to celebrate the season halfway between your last birthday and your next. I hope you will give yourself a fun gift every day for at least the next seven days. Fourteen days would be even better. See if you can coax friends and allies to also shower you with amusing blessings. Tell them your astrologer said that would be a very good idea. Now here's an unbirthday favor from me: I promise between now and January 2025, you will create healing changes in your relationship with your job and with work in general.
(FEB. 19-MARCH 20): A psychologist friend tells me if we have an intense craving for sugar, it may be a sign that deeper emotional needs are going unmet. I see merit in her theory. But here's a caveat. What if we are currently not in position to get our deeper emotional needs met? What if there is at least temporarily some barrier to achieving that lovely goal? Would it be wrong to seek a partial quenching of our soul cravings by communing with fudge brownies, peach pie and crème brûlée? I don't think it would be wrong. On the contrary. It might be an effective way to tide ourselves over until more profound gratification is available. But now here's the good news, Pisces: I suspect more profound gratification will be available sooner than you imagine.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Take a vow that you will ethically do everything necessary to fulfill your most important goal. {in}
© 2024 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
MISTAKEN IDENTITY Alexander Morris, 53, filed a lawsuit against Ascension MacombOakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan, on June 10 over an incident that took place last year, NBC News reported. Morris, the lead singer of the Motown group the Four Tops, went to the hospital with "clear symptoms of cardiac distress" in April 2023. While there, Morris told nurses and security staff that he was concerned about stalkers and fans—but they didn't believe that he was with the Four Tops and ordered a psychological examination, which delayed his treatment. He was physically restrained, he said, for at least 1 1/2 hours—"a terrifying experience to be in the middle of a medical emergency," Morris said. The suit, which seeks $75,000 in damages, alleges negligence, racial discrimination, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Morris' ordeal finally ended when he showed a nurse a video of him performing at the Grammys. He was offered a $25 gift card to a Meijer grocery store as an apology, which he refused. "I never imagined I would become a victim of 'being sick while Black,'" Morris said. The hospital had no comment on the suit.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Calling Agent 99!
Samsung is channeling the 1960s TV series "Get Smart" with its newest tech release: the Shortcut Sneaker, with which one can make phone calls. Gizmodo reported that the phone is operated with discrete foot movements, recognized by motion sensors in the soles. Sadly, you're not likely to get your dogs into them anytime soon: The company is making just six pairs, available only to Samsung members in the Netherlands who enter to win by July 9.
WEIRD IN THE WILD Scientists studying African elephants at Kenya's Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park have discovered that the pachyderms call to each other and respond to one another using individual names, the Associated Press reported on June 10. The names are expressed in low rumbles that can be heard over long distances—by elephants. Many of the noises are low enough not to be heard by humans. When scientists played recordings to individual elephants, they responded energetically to those that contained their names. "Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other," said coauthor George Wittemyer. "We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind."
THE PASSING PARADE As part of the annual Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia, one contest involves competitors climbing a greased pole to claim bags of meat and cheese tied at the top, United Press International reported. This year, however, the dangling delectables were left hanging, and nearly a month later, they're still there. Festival organizers are trying to arrange for a crane to gather the leftovers, which visitors claim aren't stinky—yet. With the oncoming heat dome across the United States, that might change.
JUST COULDN'T
HELP HERSELF
Tara Bjork, a server at Charlotte, North Carolina's Restora-
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
tion Hardware Rooftop Restaurant, knew she was overstepping the rules on May 27 when she posted a video to TikTok while at work. "I need you guys to see what just came in the door," she said to the camera before panning to a table where a man was sitting across from a blow-up doll. Canoe.com reported that Bjork observed him "feeding" grapes to the doll, but later it was revealed that the man had finished last in his fantasy football league and the restaurant visit was his punishment. Bjork was fired from the restaurant for making the post but said it "wasn't too much of a shock, thank goodness."
BUT WHY? State Rep. Jim Carroll of Bennington, Vermont, released two videos to local news outlets in June depicting his colleague, Rep. Mary Morrissey, pouring water into Carroll's tote bag as it hung on a hook in his office, NBC5-TV reported. The incidents took place in April. "I want to say how very, very sorry I am for my actions of pouring water in Jim Carroll's tote bag," Morrissey said. "Quite honestly, I don't know why I did it. I was not meaning to hurt him." Carroll decided to release the video, which he took, because he believed not doing so would draw even more attention to the events. Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski told Morrissey, who's been a member of the House since 1997, that she would not be eligible to serve on conference committees.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? Here's a term you might not know: A "cryptic pregnancy" occurs when a woman is pregnant but doesn't realize it until labor begins. So it went with Tayvia Woodfork, 26, of Mississippi, who experienced stomach pains while dining at a Golden Corral restaurant in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 6. Fox News reported that Woodfork went to the restroom, where she delivered 6-pound Tamaar Kylon Corral Woodfork, a boy. Yes, that third name is a tribute to the restaurant. Golden Corral shared news of the birth on their Facebook page and even gifted the new mom a $200 gift card, among other items.
TERROR IN THE DRIVE-THRU On June 11 in Seattle, Emma Lee, 23, got into hot water with a drive-thru customer at Taste of Heaven Espresso, where she works, Canoe.com reported. The customer was steamed about the price of his drinks, to which Lee responded, "You don't get to name your own price." After receiving his drinks, the customer allegedly got out of his car and threw them through the drive-thru window at the barista, then spit on her. But Lee fought back: She leaned out of the window and took a hammer to his windshield, putting a hole in the glass. "The argument that he didn't know or was scammed doesn't hold up," she said. "The prices are listed." Police were called, and Lee filed charges of misdemeanor assault and banned him from the store. {in}
McMeel
