Independent News | June 6, 2019 | Volume 20 | Number 23
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winners & losers
outtakes
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5
news 6
Obviously, it's just not funny.
the buzz
cover feature 11
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22
publisher Rick Outzen
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editor & creative director Joani Delezen
contributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, C.S. Satterwhite, Stephanie Sharp, Sydney Robinson
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Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2018 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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winners & losers
Proud to showcase our 2019 Super LawyersÂŽ and Rising Stars Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Douglas A. Bates
Creditor Debtor Rights
Megan F. Fry
Business Litigation
William E. Bond, Jr.
Creditor Debtor Rights
W. Christopher Hart Real Estate
Jeremy C. Branning General Litigation
Alfred J. Lojo
Estate & Probate
*Rising Star
*Rising Star
Zenani D. Johnson / Courtesy Photo
winners
ZENANI D. JOHNSON The Florida Student Association elected University of West Florida Student Body President Johnson to serve as chair for the 2019-20 academic year. The FSA represents more than 300,000 students in the State University System. As chair, Johnson will serve as the student representative and a voting member of the Florida State University System's Board of Governors. She is the first female African-American student body president elected at UWF. AUTISM PENSACOLA The Able Trust has awarded Autism Pensacola a $42,000 grant to support its Autism Works for the Community program. The grant supported the hiring of Chloe V. Diehl as the Autism Pensacola Inc. Workforce Development Specialist. Autism Pensacola is currently accepting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into the Autism Works for the Community program. Autism Pensacola's goal for this grant is to find successful employment for 20 individuals by the end of the grant year. NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION The
Bruce D. Partington
Construction Litigation
Robert J. Powell
Business Litigation *Rising Star
Scott A. Remington Business Litigation
International Customer Management Institute has announced that Navy Federal Credit Union is the winner of its "Best Contact Center Culture" award, which recognizes exceptional contact centers and those with the strongest leadership and dedication to the industry. The award criteria centered around measuring and communicating employee engagement, providing a culture that enhances the customer experience and evidence that the culture has positively impacted recruiting and retention.
John Rose / Courtesy Photo
losers
JOHN ROSE The Tennessee Republican Congressman last Thursday blocked a federal disaster relief package that has been long-awaited by Florida officials and residents of the hurricane-ravaged Panhandle. It was a third time a Republican objected to the $19.1 billion package being approved by unanimous consent while Congress was on recess. The bipartisan bill has been approved by the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Rick Scott wanted to tout it as part of his Pensacola visit on May 28, but it had already been blocked twice by House Republicans. UNIVERSITY HIGH Kriya Naidu, the topranked student at the east Orange school, was not allowed to give her three-minute commencement speech that a focused mostly on Naidu's parents' experiences as immigrants from South Africa, touching on the challenges they and other immigrants face as newcomers to the country. An administrator called her mother a few hours before the graduation ceremony to say her daughter would not be allowed to deliver her speech because she did not record it ahead of time as requested. ECSD READING GAP The Spring 2019 FSA
English Language Arts Grade 3 Assessment State Report was released yesterday, and it revealed the Escambia County School District's difficulty in teaching its economically disadvantaged students. The schools in the higher income neighborhoods had the largest percentages of students scoring a Level 3 or higher. The west side and inner-city schools struggled, and 10 schools scored less than 40 percent.
Committed. Collaborative. Responsive. Proven. Harry B. Stackhouse Tax
Trevor A. Thompson Business Litigation *Rising Star
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inweekly.net
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
WE DIDN'T START THE FIRE
The Pensacola News Journal's awardwinning editorial cartoonist doesn't need me to defend him against the malicious attacks by a demagogue. However, I will stand up for Andy Marlette. State Rep. Mike Hill wanted the media to hear his talk before Women for Responsible Legislation on May 23. He wanted coverage on his statement that God told him to resubmit legislation that would ban abortion in Florida, with hardly any exemptions. And he received the national attention that he craved because of the media coverage. Then, Inweekly reported what else Hill said and released audio that revealed Hill and others laughing about legislation that would make homosexuality a crime punishable by death. Following our report, Marlette criticized the group for giggling at the notion. Hill refused to talk with Inweekly or PNJ reporters to clarify his actions. Instead, he took to talk radio to spin the issue and attack Marlette, calling the PNJ cartoonist's May 31 column a "slanderous hit piece." "This Pensacola News Journal guy is trying to make it out that I laughed at (it), and he said I want to kill gays," said Hill on the radio. In his column, Marlette never wrote that Hill wanted to "kill gays" but did rebuke Hill and the WRL audience for giggling about the "mere possibility" of such legislation. However, the state representative
didn't let facts block his path to victimhood. He claimed Marlette had turned the WRL incident into "a social media lynch mob" by using the words "plan" and "lynch" several times in his column. I'll admit, I'm more than little befuddled about any evil connotations tied to the word "plan," but Marlette didn't use "lynch," "lynching" or "plan" in his column. PNJ reporter Jim Little also didn't use the hateful word "plan," but he did write about "lynching" in his article on the statewide pushback against Hill. However, he was quoting what Hill had written on Twitter. When a morning show host pointed out that the lawmaker was the only one who brought up lynching, Hill moved to his standard defense—"Andy Marlette is attacking me because he knows I'm a conservative Christian who believes in the value of America being a Christian nation." A wise politician told me recently, "When you walk into a room of dry kindling and throw gasoline on it, you shouldn't be surprised when someone lights a match and starts a fire." Hill walked into city hall wanting media attention, and the small crowd lapped up his every word. Then, when the discussion went a direction maybe he didn't intend, the media was there to capture the match being struck. Don't blame us for your fire, Mr. Hill. {in} rick@inweekly.net
I'll admit, I'm more than little befuddled about any evil connotations tied to the word "plan."
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"SHAKING" GAETZ as attorney general, bemoaning how the FBI "paved a yellow brick road for Hillary Clinton" and how people are "trying to stir up fake lies from Russians about Donald Trump." He painted a picture popular in right-wing conspiracy circles that casts the country's intelligence agencies as Brutus to Trump's Caesar and promised retribution. "That is what a coup is. That is what treason looks like, and that is what we're gonna find out with Attorney General Barr, who is going to turn the tables on the people who are trying to destroy our country," Gaetz said.
Photo by Jeremy Morrison
By Jeremy Morrison It was a hot, sticky first day of June afternoon, and Rep. Matt Gaetz wasn't about to let such deliciously illustrative weather go without working it up into political poetry to close out his Pensacola town hall event. "It's a little hot in here; it's even hotter in Washington," Gaetz said. "They're turning up the heat on the president, and they're turning up the heat on me too, because in a system that tries to silence people who speak out and who are different, there are consequences when you treat the office the way I do." True enough. One of those consequences—an ever-present contingent of protesters—could be heard each time the front door to the Brew Ha Ha restaurant opened. Another consequence, in the form of a thrown drink, would hit Gaetz en route to the black Suburban parked out front. But such theatrics were a bit of a distracting desert following the meat of the Northwest Florida congressman's local event, which consisted of more than an hour of raucous back-and-forth between the outspoken legislator and constituents from across the political spectrum on topics ranging from immigration and the environment to arming teachers and the prospects that the Russia investigation is actually a "palace coup."
GABBING WITH GAETZ
In the couple of years since Rep. Gaetz went to Washington D.C., he has made a name for himself as a loud, brash, ultraconservative legislator and ardent defender of President Donald Trump. He enjoys frequent sit-ins on Fox News and was dubbed 66
by the New York Times as "a congressman liberals love to loathe." But Gaetz is a little more complicated than the cartoon version of himself he has helped to popularize, as demonstrated during his June 1 Pensacola leg of his "Won't Back Down" town hall tour. Sure, he pushes the notion of a palace coup, but he also warns of the dangers of inaction when it comes to climate change. And, yeah, he tried to kick a grieving father of a Parkland, Fla., student out of a congressional hearing on gun violence and contends that Mexican drug cartels are flooding the border in an effort to overwhelm the country's immigration system, but he also argues against the excesses of American militarism. Here's a sampling of Rep. Gaetz's comments during the town hall's Q&A format with attendees, who engaged the legislator on a wide range of subjects.
TREASON SEASON
More than a few folks at Gaetz's town hall were interested in the investigation concerning President Trump and Russia, or rather the origins of that investigation, echoing the president's own "investigate the investigators" rhetoric. Gaetz was more than happy to oblige this line of thought, one he has pushed for a while. "I am proud that for the last 22 months, I've been telling the American people the truth," Gaetz said, "that Donald Trump did not collude with Russia, that the campaign was not engaged as an agency of a foreign power, that this was truly a witch hunt. And now we are turning the tables, we are investigating the investigators and we will hold the people accountable that were working to tear this country apart." Gaetz would return repeatedly to this topic, lambasting Jeff Session's turn
losophy; we don't agree with your perception of the facts."
IMPEACHMENT ODDS
While he believes that President Trump is in the clear when it comes to all things Russia—"I think the country is a little over this"—Gaetz said he expects Democrats to go for impeachment. "I intend to make the case that our president was falsely accused and that his reactions to those accusations were totally lawful and legal at all times," Gaetz said.
SURRENDER ON THE BEACH
IMMIGRATION EQUATION
CLIMATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
IN-FLIGHT DRINK
One local issue that came up during the town hall concerned Pensacola Beach and Gaetz's attempt to pass a bill which opponents argued placed the beach in private hands. The congressman acknowledged the results of a recently passed a referendum that affirmed voters' desire to ensure the beach remained public and said that while he stood behind his initial case for changes at the beach, he also recognized the issue was dead. "I have lost this argument with the people of this district," Gaetz said. "I know that and I have no intention of refiling this legislation because I do not believe it will get a hearing in the Senate, and I do not believe that I have been successful at convincing people that double-taxing folks on the beach is unfair, and so, you know, you win some, you lose some."
Breaking with some of his GOP cohorts, Rep. Gaetz has adopted a position on climate change that makes him appear as a tree-hugging hippie in contrast. "Climate change is real," he said. "I wish it wasn't." But where progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) are pushing a philosophy that focuses on governmental measures—such as regulatory efforts—to reign in carbon emissions, Gaetz prefers to address the issue from another direction— "My theory is that it's not regulation; it's innovation." After suggesting that the country focus on things like creating a more efficient electric grid, the representative concluded that the country probably wasn't ready to take too bold an action to address climate change. "My sadness is, we're kinda not there yet, because we've got too many people that deny the obvious science of climate change," Gaetz said. "And I've got too many of my fellow Republicans that say, 'We don't even want to start talking about what bills because we don't agree with your phi-
After members of the town hall audience suggested that Mexico is "trying to subvert us by sending out all these people here that are gonna end up voting Democrat," Rep. Gaetz suggested that, indeed, Mexico was being complicit in allowing immigrants from countries farther south to flow through and that the drug cartels were slipping "bad hombres" into the mix. Gaetz said the president's recent announcement of increased tariffs on Mexican-made goods might do the trick and also pushed for the construction of a wall along the southern border. The representative also gave a shoutout to Florida's recent passage of a bill outlawing so-called sanctuary cities— "Well, the new law in Florida, passed in the last legislative session, says that if any local official upholds a sanctuary policy, they will hear from our governor two of Donald Trump's favorite words, 'You're fired.'"
Rep. Gaetz opened his town hall event by welcoming a spirited debate with his constituents. "Not every single person here may hold the same position as me, and that's OK, because a sign of a healthy democracy is the ability to come out and share your views and share your thoughts and tell your member of Congress exactly what you think about him," Gaetz said. "That's a great thing." While sharing opposing views and thoughts is fine in a healthy democracy, sharing a drink—or, rather, throwing a drink—is apparently not. Upon exiting the town hall event, Rep. Gaetz was targeted with a cup of red liquid. The assault-via-beverage mirrors a trend known as "milkshaking." After the congressman hopped in his Suburban and left, Pensacola Police officers detained the alleged suspect in a parking lot across the street. They arrested Amanda Kondrat'yev, who ran against Gaetz for his congressional seat in 2016. Kondrat'yev faces simple battery charges, a misdemeanor, which carries a penalty ranging from a fine up to a year in jail. {in} inweekly.net
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GRAFFITI BRIDGE CONUNDRUM
Every year, numerous vehicles run afoul of Pensacola's low-clearance Graffiti Bridge. The incidents typically involve too-tall trucks having their trailer top opened like a tin can. In an effort to address this issue, Pensacola City Councilman Jared Moore convened a workshop on Tuesday, May 28, aimed at identifying potential fixes. "What kind of creative idea can we come up with?" Moore asked. The councilman recalled a recent CivicCon event during which the speaker referred to Graffiti Bridge—otherwise known as the 17th Avenue train trestle—as one of Pensacola's "love notes," or something that the area considers special and unique. "That's why we have that visceral re-
sponse when a truck hits it—'that's our love note; don't hit it.'" Moore said. According to Pensacola Police Department Capt. Kristin Brown, this year, 10 trucks have already hit the Graffiti Bridge. In 2018, 12 drivers hit the overpass bridge, while 10 hit it in 2017. The accidents tend to happen between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and require the police to clear the scene of the accident and direct traffic in the meantime. "It can be manpower intensive for a couple of hours in the busiest part of the day," Brown said. The captain attributed most of the accidents to drivers being unaware that their vehicle—oftentimes a rented box truck—is too high for the overpass and also oblivious of the signage posted in the area warning drivers of the low clearance risk.
"If I had to say, 'What is the problem?'" Brown said, "we need to get the attention of the driver. That's the problem." Several ideas for accomplishing this were discussed during the May 28 workshop, held at the Studer Community Institute. Clint Geci of Geci & Associates Engineers outlined the concepts, which ranged from simple and economical to high-tech and expensive. "Just how much money do you actually want to spend?" Geci said, explaining that the high end of the spectrum included sensors that would set off an alarm. Concepts that got more traction at the workshop tended to be simpler approaches, such as suspending a series of items—chimes, art pieces, sandbags— across 17th Avewnue at the appropriate height to warn drivers that their truck exceeds the height limit and is about to hit the bridge. "I think that's a really good solution," Geci said. "I think it'd really grab people's attention." Other ideas discussed included placing an art installation, something that grabs one's attention, near the bridge and positioning the warning signage on it or perhaps closing the street to truck traffic—something that will be discussed as FDOT prepares to construct a roundabout and flyover in the area associated with the new Pensacola Bay Bridge. Frency Ramos Moore, Councilman Moore's wife, went a step further, suggesting the stretch of 17th Avenue near the Graffiti Bridge could be closed to vehicular traffic entirely, with traffic diverted onto 14th Avenue. In this case, she said, maybe the nearby boat ramp could be expanded and the surrounding area turned into a park. "It's a beautiful waterfront area," she pointed out. Councilman Moore said that the city has no immediate plans to act on any of the concepts discussed during the brainstorming session.
HIGHWAY 90 EXPANSION State Sena-
tor Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) last week announced that the widening of SR 30 (US 98) for approximately four miles in Santa Rosa has been funded for final design and construction in fiscal year 2020. The project will consist of widening SR 30 (US 98) from a four-lane facility to a sixlane facility. "I am pleased to announce that FDOT will begin the six-lane widening project from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive," stated Senator Broxson. "Special thanks to former FDOT Sec. Mike Dew, who made this commitment to our office during his tenure, and to District Sec. Phillip Gainer, who continued the commitment to Santa Rosa County. This vital project will drastically improve safety and traffic flow in South Santa Rosa County. " The rural roadway will be converted to an urban typical section with curb and gutter. This improvement will include the construction of an extensive stormwater system including ponds. A public hearing is being scheduled for late June 2019 to present the improvements along the corridor. The estimated budget amount being added to the project is approximately $69.6 million. This includes finalizing the design and completing the construction. FDOT anticipates opening bids on the design-build contract in Spring of 2020.
SUNDAY'S CHILD GRANTS Sunday's Child, a Pensacola Bay Area philanthropic organization that promotes LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion, has announced the selection of ten finalists that will vie for four grants of $26,500 each. In the fall of 2018, the organization raised $106,000 among nearly 200 members that will be awarded to local Pensacola Bay Area non-profit organizations that place value on diversity, inclusion, and equality. On June 23, Sunday's Child will award the grants to four Pensacola-area nonprofit organizations that have shown their
www. radiofree pensacola .com 88
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commitment to diversity and acceptance of the LGBTQ community in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This year, the following non-profits have been announced as finalists (in no particular order) to compete for the four grant awards: Golden Elite Track and Field, Gulf Coast Kid's House, Manna Food Pantries, Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries, Keep Pensacola Beautiful, A HOPE for Santa Rosa County, Pensacola Opera, ARC Gateway, Pensacola Children's Chorus, and Studer Community Institute. Sunday's Child members will hear each of these ten organizations present their projects at the Sunday's Child annual membership meeting and participate in a live vote to award the $106,000 in grant awards. "The mission of Sunday's Child is one of acceptance and unity in our diversity," said Drew Buchanan, President of Sunday's Child. "We're prideful of the fact that our community is made up of individuals and organizations that celebrate our unique differences. In just a few short years, we've given back nearly half-a-million dollars to our community, proving just how much the citizens of the Pensacola Bay Area care about diversity in their communities." Funding for the charitable grants comes from contributions from individual and ensemble group memberships. Sunday's Child has grown to nearly 200 members since its founding and with this year's grants, the organization will have awarded more than $430,000 since 2015.
YMCA DEAL COMING SOON In June, the Pensacola City Council will likely be looking over a potential deal between the city and YMCA, which will allow for the city to have a soccer complex off of Langley Avenue and for the Y to build a new facility off Summit Boulevard. Mayor Grover Robinson said at his May 28 press conference that he expects a deal will come to council at its June 13 meeting. "From our standpoint, we think this makes sense," Robinson said. "We know it's not what everyone wants to do immediately, but we think, in the long run, it'll be very positive for all areas of Northeast Pensacola, and we're excited about what it has to offer."
For some time now, the city has been eyeing a dedicated soccer complex for its growing youth sports soccer league. Most recently, the city has been in talks with the YMCA about swapping the Y's property off of Langley for a piece of property east of the city's Vickery Community Center, near a collective of ballfields and the Roger Scott Athletic Center on Summit. This deal would allow the city to use the Langley property along with an area of the adjoining Hitzman Park where some fields are currently to construct a threefield soccer complex. The Y would get the property near the Vickery to build a new facility and also lease space within the Vickery Center out of which to operate. The city-YMCA swap has been a contentious issue, with residents of the neighborhoods off Langley contending the new complex will increase traffic and negatively impact the park as well as deprive the area of the services provided by the YMCA. The Y, however, appears to be on the way out regardless. The facility's director informed residents at a community meeting over the winter that the facility had outlived its usefulness. "Overall, we believe it's probably going to be the thing that allows us to keep the Y in Northeast Pensacola and expand at the Vickery Center," Robinson said.
"Overall, we believe it's probably going to be the thing that allows us to keep the Y in Northeast Pensacola and expand at the Vickery Center." Grover Robinson In addition to building a new facility off Summit and leasing space in the Vickery Center, the Y will also be overseeing the adjoining swimming pool, as it has for some time. Mayor Robinson said that eventually, the pool will likely be enclosed to enable a longer season and extended hours. "In the short term, at least like a bubble or
something that will allow you to extend the season of the pool for both children and adults," he said. Insofar as the soccer fields off of Langley, the city hopes to have them ready by the 2020 spring soccer season. "I'm optimistic that we'll play soccer there in March," said Parks and Recreation Director Brian Cooper.
COMPLETION DATE MOVED The city of Pensacola announced the renovations of the Bayview Senior Center will not be completed this spring as initially announced. The new completion date is now early 2020. Renovations began in fall 2018 and will include new restrooms to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards, new carpeting, safety handrails and interior painting. The new completion timeline is due to hidden water damage that contractors uncovered after work commenced on the project, requiring the budget and completion date to be amended for the additional work needed. NOMINATIONS SOUGHT Nominations are
now being accepted for the annual 2019 Melba Meyer Award. The award recognizes community members who have survived challenges and now give back to the community. When Ms. Meyer passed away in 1995, a charitable trust was established to support religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes or to help prevent cruelty to children or animals. Since then, Lakeview Center has received more than $2.3 million from the Melba B. Meyer Charitable Trust, allowing it to help countless children and families in the local area. Thanks to Ms. Meyers generosity, in the spring of 2012, Lakeview Center was able to open a three-story, 48,600-square-foot building where all of our outpatient services for children are now provided in a single location. The building was named the Melba B. Meyer Children's Services Center to in some small way express gratitude. The intent of this award is to honor similar individuals who have overcome and want
to help others. Lakeview Center will honor awardees at a special event and also introduce them during the annual Trauma-Informed Care Partners Conference on October 14. To complete the interactive form, visit elakeviewcenter.org/melba-meyer-award by June 21, 2019.
FIRECRACKER 5K The annual Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Firecracker 5K run/walk will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at Seville Quarter. This family-friendly 5K includes a free Kid's Fun Run that will begin immediately following the 5K. Registration is available online at rmhcnwfl.org for $30 through midnight on Wednesday, June 26. Late registration will be available at packet pick up on June 27-29 for $35. Packet pick up and late registration will be held on 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Ronald McDonald House and on 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Seville Quarter. Participants can also register the morning of the race from 6-6:45 a.m. Saturday, June 29. Group pricing is available for groups with 10 or more. Please contact Chelsea at chelsea@ rmhc-nwfl.org. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Escambia County Fire Rescue invites the public to join in celebrating the arrival of the new Squad 3 Apparatus at a push-in ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at ECFR Station 3, 5925 N. W St. The 6th Annual Florida Women Veterans Conference is set for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10-11. This year's theme is "Women Veterans ‌ We Are One of Many," and the event will be held in the Conference Center, Building 22, on the UWF campus. Register online at 2019floridawomenveteransconference2. eventbrite.com. Mayor Grover Robinson will hold his fourth town hall meeting 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at at Vickrey Resource Center, 2130 Summit Blvd. Mayor Robinson will host the meeting with Councilman P.C. Wu, and residents are encouraged to attend and let their voices be heard. {in}
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HILL'S ANTI-LGBTQ HILL By Jeremy Morrison and Rick Outzen
Mike Hill / Photo Courtesy of Florida House
Inweekly's report on how State Rep. Mike Hill (R-District 1) and others at a meeting held at Pensacola City Hall joked about passing legislation that would make homosexuality a crime punishable by death (Inweekly, "The Gospel of Mike Hill," May 30) has generated controversy statewide, with Republicans and Democrats calling for Hill to apologize or resign. Hill has disputed the audio from the May 23 meeting of Women for Responsible Legislation (WRL), which was released by both Inweekly and the Pensacola News Journal, and called the issue "fake news," akin to a "social media lynching." He has claimed the controversy has strengthened his support among his base. At the WRL meeting, Hill criticized fellow Pensacola lawmaker Rep. Alex Andrade for supporting a bill that offered protections for the LGBTQ community against discrimination in employment, housing and public places. He said that bill was "not the value of Northwest Florida." When a man in the audience said, "In I Corinthians, it says that a man that has an affair with another man will be put to death," Hill replied, "Says that in the Old Testament, too." The crowd proceeded to laugh about proposing legislation that would make homosexuality a crime. Neither Hill nor the WRL leaders corrected the situation.
BELATED CITY RESPONSE
It took three tries and criticism from Inweekly and the Pensacola News Journal, but Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson did finally condemn the statements made at the WRL meeting at Pensacola City Hall. June 6, 2019
In a statement received a little before 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, Mayor Robinson said, "The recent comments made by Rep. Mike Hill are absolutely unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of the City of Pensacola in every way." He continued, "We are a diverse community that embraces everyone, including the LGBTQ community, and to make comments even implying that any individuals in our community should be killed is appalling. This does not reflect who we are in Pensacola, and I'm embarrassed that this happened here. We welcome everyone in Pensacola, and we want all members of our community to feel safe and supported." Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen was the first to question on his blog, ricksblog.biz, whether the statements made at the WRL meeting truly reflected this community's values and why the city council policy manual had a section that lists explicitly WRL along with four other "Outside Agencies/Groups" that can hold meetings at city hall: West Florida Regional Planning Council, Community Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission, Chamber of Commerce and Pensacola Navy League. Outzen asked, "Do these attacks on the LGBTQ community represent the views of Northwest Florida? Of the City of Pensacola? Of the Pensacola City Council?" Inweekly followed the post with a series of podcasts of the meeting. The podcast of the LGBTQ community discussion has had nearly 27,000 listeners as of Tuesday, June 4. Mayor Grover Robinson responded to Outzen's post defending the group using city hall. "All City of Pensacola buildings, community centers and parks belong to the
citizens of Pensacola, and we welcome public use of all of these valuable community resources," said the mayor. "Our facilities are used frequently used by a variety of organizations for meetings and other events, and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Pensacola." He continued, "However, free speech is a fundamental right as Americans that we value greatly, and we do not discriminate against or prohibit anyone from using city resources based on their views or opinions." His public information officer, Kaycee Lagarde, told Outzen that the WRL was only listed as an example. "It's important to note that the five agencies you listed are not the only outside agencies that use city hall, but they are just included in the policy as examples of agencies that regularly meet at city hall," Lagarde wrote in an email. "Other outside agencies are welcome to contact us if they are interested in meeting here." Feeling Robinson and Lagarde were missing the point of the criticism, Inweekly pushed for the mayor to comment on the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric at the WRL meeting. "Hate speech should be condemned, in my point of view, but the mayor may have another opinion," wrote Inweekly's publisher in an email to Lagarde. "Either way, the LGBTQ community needs to know where the mayor stands on the issue raised in that meeting." The mayor's office followed up with a second statement on Friday, May 31. "The City of Pensacola values the fact that we are a diverse community, and we strongly believe in inclusivity for all people," said Mayor Robinson. "My objective as mayor is to find ways to bring our diversity together and work inclusively to make our community better." He continued, "I am discouraged and disappointed any time comments are made to disparage a part of our community, especially by an elected leader. However, with diversity comes differences, and the City does not expect everyone to agree. We simply expect those who disagree to be respectful of each other and work together to create an inclusive community." Inweekly didn't hold back its disappointment in the mayor's statement. Outzen published on his blog, "It's a Wonder Bread, non-committal, weak rebuke with little concern for those under attack. He just as easily could have been talking about a disagreement over whether Florida or Florida State has the best baseball team." He added, "Sadly, Mayor Robinson has missed the point."
STATEWIDE REBUKE OF HILL
Meanwhile, the Pensacola News Journal picked up the story and posted the audio of the LGBTQ discussion with
a transcript. Newspapers from the state, including the Orlando Sentinel and Tampa Bay Times, reported on the incident. Republican and Democratic lawmakers from around the state condemned State Rep. Hill—some calling for him to apologize, others for his resignation. House Speaker Jose Oliva and Rules Chairman Chris Sprowls, both Republicans, issued a joint statement. "We unequivocally condemn both the question asked of Representative Hill and Representative Hill's laughter and refusal to push back and remind his audience that this is America and we don't stone people to death we disagree with," wrote the GOP leaders. "Such callous indifference to an outrageous question is unacceptable, runs contrary to our founding principles and in no way reflects the beliefs of the Republican caucus in the Florida House." They differed with the Northwest Florida lawmaker's view of Scripture, "Representative Hill would do well to remember that the only story in the New Testament involving stoning involved Jesus putting a stop to it and saying, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' "
"I believe he owes his colleagues an apology, and he owes the Republican caucus a better example of political courage." Jose Oliva Speaker Oliva added, "I believe he owes his colleagues an apology, and he owes the Republican caucus a better example of political courage." Rep. Carlos Smith, an openly gay Orlando Democrat, tweeted, "I'm shocked & disgusted to discover a colleague who I've worked closely with would joke about punishing me by death for being gay. As a survivor of anti-gay hate violence, I know the consequences of homophobia are real. @MikeHillfl should apologize to LGBTQ Floridians or RESIGN." Rep. Hill has blocked Outzen from his Twitter. However, he did tweet a response to Rep. Smith. "Fake news, Carlos! And you know it," wrote Hill. "I never said I wanted to kill anyone! Instead, I am being attacked because I have made a strong stand to protect the pre-born in the womb." (Editor's note: At the same May 23 WRL meeting, Hill had told the audience that God had told him to file an anti-abortion bill that had nearly no exceptions or restrictions.)
HILL'S SPIN
While he refused to talk with Inweekly and PNJ reporters, he did appear on local radio stations on Monday, June 3 to give his version on what happened at the WRL meeting. 11
On "The Bernie Thompson Show" on Pensacola FM Talk 103.7, Hill attacked PNJ editorial cartoonist Andy Marlette for "a slanderous hit piece," which Hill claimed was "completely out of context of what was said during almost a 90-minute presentation." Hill gave his version of what transpired at the meeting: "So there was an eightsecond little part there, where someone in the audience yelled out that in Corinthians, it says to kill homosexuals or something to that nature. I corrected him and said, 'That's in the Old Testament.' And then someone else in the audience yelled out, 'Why don't you sponsor a legislation to do that?' And that's when I kind of chuckled and said, 'Yeah, right. Like that's going to go over. Anyway, let's move onto something else.'" The lawmaker continued, "That was the entire conversation. And now here, this Pensacola News Journal guy is trying to make it out that I laughed at (it), and he said I want to kill gays. Furthest thing from the truth."
In his May 31 column, "In musing about executing gay Floridians, Mike Hill proves himself unfit for office," Marlette criticized Hill for not challenging the WRL member on his interpretation of the Bible and for Hill and the group "giggling about killing gay people." The cartoonist did not write that Hill wanted to "kill gays." Hill also appeared on Andrew McKay's morning show on News Radio 1620 and accused Marlette of trying to turn the WRL incident into "a social media lynch mob." Hill said that the cartoonist used the words "plan" and "lynch" several times in his column. "That was a dog whistle to those on the rabid left because I have received threats who used the word 'lynching,' that I'm serious enough that I had to call the sheriff's department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement," said Hill. "They are all aware of this and are investigating." When McKay pointed out PNJ reporter Jim Little only used the word "lynch" when
quoting Hill's tweets, the lawmaker said, "No, no. You've got to read Andy Marlette's original article. He was the one who brought up the word 'plan' and 'lynching.'" For the record, Marlette didn't use either word in his May 31 column. Little did quote Hill using "lynching" on his Twitter account in a June 3 article, "Hill says he's victim of 'social media lynching,'" but didn't write the word "plan." When asked why he didn't deal with the comments at WRL meeting differently, Hill said, "Andrew, it's because it was so absurd, I didn't even entertain it. And no one in the audience took it serious either. You heard the laughter. Now, in my response, which I'm going to be releasing here pretty soon, you will see me pushing back and calling this disgusting, and a terrible thing to even suggest." McKay did pushback on Hill's assertion that he was correcting the man for misquoting the New Testament.
"When I listened to your answer to his first question, and then I listened to the interview that you did with Brian Lewis with our station on Friday, you made the point that you were correcting him that it was not in the New Testament, that it was in the Old Testament, but you didn't correct him in the audio," said the radio host. McKay continued, "A correction could have been stronger, or a correction could have been more clear that the New Testament does not say this, right? Hill replied, "The New Testament says, what he was trying to refer to, was that sodomites will not enter the kingdom of heaven. That's what it says. What I was trying to correct him, and that was my intent, was to say, 'No, that's in the Old Testament.' I added the word too, but what I meant was it's in the Old Testament." He continued, "Again, caught off guard by the statement in the first place." {in}
'WE SHOULD ALL FEEL SAFE' By Jeremy Morrison She said she hoped Hill's comments didn't make anyone "feel like that they are afraid to visit the area," adding, "It's not about straight, gay or what you are. You are love, and we do need you here in Pensacola. We want you here in Pensacola." "I can't understand why he would laugh and say the things he said," Mathis told the crowd, "because he could be implanting stupidity in somebody's mind that's already ignorant." During his public remarks, Heike recounted coming out as gay in 1974 and the progress the community had seen since that time. "We've made a lot of progress over the past 50 years. We have marriage equality, and we don't want to see the clock turned backward," he said. After the protest ended, Heike spoke a bit more about what he sees as a fragile time and environment for the LGBT community.
Photo by Jeremy Morrison
Under the flutter of rainbow flags and protest signs, people gathered late Monday afternoon and called for State Rep. Mike Hill's resignation following the lawmaker's recent comments regarding the notion of putting gay people to death. "No one jokes about executing gays," said Brian Heike. "Obviously, it's just not funny. And it's more than being disrespectful. It can encourage people to take out their anger on members of the LGBT community. And we don't want that happening. There's been far too many deaths over the years as it is." Heike, president of Gay Grassroots of 212 1
Northwest Florida, said he organized the rally in Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza because he thought it was important to speak out on Hill's comments. During an event last month, the state legislator responded to a man's statement that the Bible suggested gay people be put to death by noting the statement was contained in the Old Testament as well and then laughing at the suggestion of proposing similar legislation. "We should all feel safe in this country of ours," Heike said during his remarks to the 100 or so people assembled in the plaza. Also, among those addressing the protest was Franscine Mathis, who wants a shot at Hill's District 1 House seat in Tallahassee.
"There's a new climate in this country where people feel emboldened to attack people, and they attack the most vulnerable, and among those vulnerable people are LGBT people." Brian Heike "I was really at the point where I almost thought we were really making progress. You could almost see—I use this word— 'the promised land' in the not too far distance," he said. "Lately though, there's been people who are trying to turn back the clock. And we can't let that happen." Heike continued, describing an environment where the LGBT community was at risk of "slipping backwards" when it came to the civil rights progress that had been made.
"There's a new climate in this country where people feel emboldened to attack people, and they attack the most vulnerable, and among those vulnerable people are LGBT people," he said. The Gay Grassroots president said he didn't know if Hill's comments were indicative of a pervasive viewpoint in Northwest Florida but noted that he sometimes hears comments of a disparaging nature.
"Obviously, he chuckled and snickered at the man's suggestion that being gay should be punishable by death." Heike "People don't necessarily know I'm gay, so they'll say things within earshot, things I don't want to hear, and it really saddens me to hear people say them," Heike said. "And it does make me feel like I'm an island sometimes in a sea of intolerance." As for Hill's assertion that his comments have been misread and distorted, overblown and weaponized in a "social media lynching," Heike disagrees, feeling that the state legislator "bought that into the conversation." "Obviously, he chuckled and snickered at the man's suggestion that being gay should be punishable by death," he said, adding that the legislator's reaction and remarks should also be placed in context, as they directly followed his comments about how the LGBT community did not need protections against discrimination. Heike said, "If you forget that part, you can say, 'Oh, maybe he was just laughing at the end,' but in the context of what they were talking about, I don't read it that way. {in} inweekly.net
TOPICAL TWEETS STATE LEADERS & MEDIA REACT
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried issued a statement last Friday: "Part of America's promise is the freedom of opinion. But public service is a public trust. We must hold the conduct and opinions of our public servants to a higher standard. In furthering the suggestion that LGBT Floridians should be murdered under Florida law and that reproductive rights and immigration mean "extermination" of white Americans, Representative Hill and Senator Baxley failed to meet that basic standard. Whatever their motivations, their remarks were beyond unacceptable. They must apologize, be reprimanded by their legislative chambers or resign from office." She followed it with this tweet: "Freedom of opinion is American. But public service is a public trust. Public servants are held to a higher standard. Rep. @MikeHillfl & Sen. @dennisbaxley failed to meet that standard. They should apologize, be reprimanded or resign."
•The Advocate: "LGBTQ activists are calling on Rep. Mike Hill to apologize—or resign." •Joe Henderson, Tampa Bay Times columnist: "It's no laughing matter @MikeHillfl for a #Florida lawmaker to laugh along with a "joke" about killing gays. The Legislature deserves better. Humanity deserves better. Resign."
HILL'S ANTI-LGBTQ TWEETS
In addition to condemning Hill on Twitter, lots of his old Tweets also surfaced. The Florida Democratic Party sent out an email calling his Twitter account a "Homophobic dumpster fire." The state representative's tweets on his official Twitter account—@MikeHillfl— over the past four years appear to demonstrate that he has a history of demeaning the LGBTQ community and what he has called the "homosexual movement" and "Gay Agenda." Here are some examples:
Here are some more statewide responses that we found via Twitter:
•While apparently watching the 2014 Rose Parade, Hill tweeted, "Rose Parade Subverted to Promote Gay Agenda."
•Florida House Victory, Florida's House Democratic Caucus: "Inciting and validating hateful violence against our LGBTQ community is disgraceful and unbecoming of a state official. @mikehillfl, you are unfit to be a member of the FL House. We fully stand with our LGBTQ Floridians now and always."
•On Feb. 5, 2015, Hill commented on a series of tweets about "America's idolatry" and "banning God." He tweeted, "America is already being judged. Witness the homosexual movement and abortion."
•Rep. James Grant (R-Tampa): "Nothing about this "exchange of jokes" is conservative let alone Christian. As a Christian who unapologetically believes in religious liberties, this exchange is nothing short of theocratically fascist, unconscionable and indefensible." •Rep. Kionne McGhee (D-Miami-Dade):" @MikeHillFL should Resign immediately. We are calling for protest and calls to his office. This is not a laughing matter. It's hateful and doesn't represent Florida's values. We stand with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters." •Rep. Michael Grieco (D-Miami), replying to @CarlosGSmith and @MikeHillfl: "umm...how about just resign...i just finally listened to the audio. how do you apologize for something like that?" •Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D-Miami): "Thank you @CarlosGSmith & others for taking action. Homophobia & transphobia are real and wrong. If @MikeHillFL is doubling down on homophobic violence & won't step down, Florida House should look at censure or even removal. There are better ways to begin #PrideMonth2019." June 6, 2019
•When Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward announced that he was removing the Confederate flag from the city facilities on June 25, 2015, Hill responded to the tweet, "You think a Confederate flag offends the black community? Watch how well they tolerate gay marriage…" with, "Gays will not demand that a black church marry them. Watch." •Four days later, in response to tweets regarding America's Loss of Sovereignty, Hill responded first, "We are living in the last days. So apparent," and followed it up with, "Yes a curse. And homosexual movement is God's judgment. Along with absorption*." •On July 13, 2015, Hill tweeted, "Let's replace LGBTQ with a '?' That covers the whole thing." •On October 1, 2016, when someone posted two men embracing at a Trump rally and asked, "Will the media ever show this?" Hill posted, "They might if they are gay." •On October 14, 2016, Hill commented on a post of a photo of the European Union panel, "They all cross their legs like they are gay." {in} *We assume he meant abortion 13
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calendar facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco RADIOLIVE 6 p.m. $10. Wild Ponies, John Common and Abe Partridge. Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. radiolive.org CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS
6-8 p.m. Free. Reunion. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. scpen.org
ZUMBA WITH SHANNON AND FRIENDS 6-7 p.m. $4. Home-
stead Community Center, 7830 Pine Forest Road.
END OF THE LINE THURSDAY DINNER 6-9 p.m. End of the
Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. eotlcafe.com
MEDITATION AND ENERGY HEALING 6 p.m. Free. Ever'man
Gnash / Photo by Jimmy Fontaine
THURSDAY 6.6
WORK ON THE FLORIDA TRAIL 8 a.m.-12:30
p.m. Every Thursday. Three miles north of Deaton Bridge Road. meetup.com/ftawesterngate YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org LA LECHE LEAGUE 10 a.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org AWM WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Free. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. facebook.com/ aragonwine ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS 5 and 7 p.m. $20. Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. greatsouthernrestaurants.com DRAG SHOW AND GLITTER BEER RELEASE 6 p.m. (drag show begins at 10 p.m.) Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St.
Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org LATIN DANCE CLASSES 6:30-9 p.m. $10. Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha and more. Professional dance instruction for all skill levels. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com PAUL THORN 7 p.m. $25-$45. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com
FRIDAY 6.7
ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP 10 a.m. Pensacola
Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com
EVER'MAN COOKS: HERITAGE COOKING WTH BECCA FRITSCHLE 11 a.m. Ever'man
Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org
OPEN BOOKS VOLUNTEER BOOK SORTING
4-8 p.m. Help sort books for sidewalk sale and be treated to pizza and free books. Open Books Bookstore & Prison Book Project, 1040 N. Guillemard St. facebook.com/ openbooksbookstore GARDEN AND GRAIN CRAFT COCKTAIL LAB 5 p.m. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco HAPPY HOUR COOKOUTS 5 p.m. Drink spe-
cials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com NATIONAL DONUT DAY 5-9 p.m. Beer pairings with donuts from Le Dough. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco LABELLE PERFORMING ARTS: A WHOLE NEW WORLD 7 p.m. $16-$19. Saenger Theatre,
118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com
FIRST FRIDAY MARKET 6-9 p.m. Free
admission. Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 3404 Gulf Beach Highway. facebook.com/ barehandco THE TREES AND JOHN COMMON 6-10 p.m. Dolce & Gelato/Revolver Records, 2050 N. 12th Ave. DATE NIGHT DANCE CLASSES 6:30-8 p.m. $8. Learn several romantic ballroom dance styles in unique group classes. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com OPEN MIC 7-11 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/cafesinglefin FLOW TRIBE 7 p.m. $12-$15. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox vinylmusichall.com THE GIVER 7:30 p.m. $10. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com AUTO RACING 8 p.m. $12-$15. Free for children 11 and under. Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road. 5flagsspeedway.com
SATURDAY 6.8
PARKRUN/WALK MEETUP 7:30 a.m. University
of West Florida, Rec Plex North Field, 11000 University Parkway. parkrun.us/recplexnorth SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road. PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com YOU SELL IT HERE FARMER'S MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Every Saturday. 8600 Pensacola Blvd., facebook.com/yousellithere OCEAN HOUR CLEAN-UPS 9-10 a.m. Bay Bluffs Park at 3400 Scenic Highway at Summit and Scenic. The second site is Chimney Park at Langley and Scenic. oceanhourfl.com WORLD OCEAN DAY 9 a.m.-noon. Beach
clean-up and giveaways. Park West, Pensacola Beach. keeppensacolabeautiful.org BROGA 9 a.m. Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, 7 E Gregory St. facebook.com/ asherandbee GULF COAST APPRAISE-A-THON 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. Proceeds benefit Japanese sister city, Gero. Garth's Antiques and Auction Gallery, 3930 W. Navy Blvd. jasnwfl.org $1 OR LESS SUMMER BOOK SALE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Books Bookstore & Prison Book Project, 1040 N. Guillemard St. facebook.com/openbooksbookstore PING PONG ON PALAFOX 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10$40 entry fees. Free for spectators. Proceeds benefit Gulf Coast Kid's House. zarzaurlaw. com/ping-pong-on-palafox FLORIDA'S FLORA: NATURE TOUR OF ARCADIA MILL 10:30 a.m. $2-$4 admission for
kids. Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, 5709 Mill Pond Lane. historicpensacola.org HUMANISTS OF WEST FLORIDA 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org NATURAL HEALING/CANCER STUDY 2-4 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org WORLD GIN DAY TASTING AT POT ROAST & PINOT 3-5 p.m. $10. Pot Roast & Pinot, 11-B
S. Palafox. potroastpinot.com/worldginday
O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB CRAWFISH BOIL 3-5
p.m. Free admission. O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. orileyspub.com
WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION MEETING
4:30 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org SISTERS OF SOL YOGA 4:30 p.m. Every Saturday through June 29. Asher & Bee Apothecary and Tea House, 7 E. Gregory St. facebook.com/asherandbee O'RILEY'S SUMMER BREWFEST 2019 5-7 p.m. $20. O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox. orileyspub.com WALKING CEMETERY TOURS 5:30 p.m. $12 plus tax. St. John's Historic Cemetery, 301 N. G St. goretro.us LABELLE PERFORMING ARTS: ALADDIN AND THE MAGIC LAMP 6 p.m. $16-$19. Saenger The-
atre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com
PENSACOLA OPERA 2019 SALON CONCERT 6:30-
11 p.m. $150. 106 S. Palafox. pensacolaopera.com GNASH 7 p.m. $20-$25. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com
Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing Child Support • Child Support Modifications Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation
127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115 autumnbeckblackledge.com June 6, 2019
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calendar A WOMAN WITH MANY EYES 7 p.m. Free.
Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg. 8. pensacolastate.edu DANCE PARTY 7 p.m.-midnight. $10 for workshop, $10 for party. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com THE GIVER 7:30 p.m. $10. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com BARS > BS: OH, SUMMER 8 p.m. Cesar Comanche and Mallz, Marcel P Black. chizuko, 506 W. Belmont St. facebook.com/chizukopensacola
SUNDAY 6.9
THEMED BRUNCH AT PERFECT PLAIN 10 a.m.
Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco BRUNCH WITH LIVE MUSIC 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/cafesinglefin TRANSMISSION GROUP WORLD SERVICE MEDITATION 10:30 a.m. Free. Ever'man Educational
Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org VEGAN BRUNCH 11 a.m.-2 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. eotlcafe.com SUNDAY BRUNCH AT H20 11 a.m. $28.95 for adults. Free valet parking and 15 percent off with local ID. H20 Hilton, 12 Via de Luna Drive. facebook.com/hiltonpensacolabeach THE GIVER 3 p.m. $10. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com SWING DANCE CLASSES 4-7 p.m. $10. Profes-
sional West Coast swing instruction for all levels. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com BLUES ON THE BAY 6 p.m. Bring on the Benjamins & Classic June. Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. cityofpensacola.com FIESTA OF FIVE FLAGS CORONATION 7 p.m. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. fiestapensacola.org
8-9 p.m. $5. Learn amazing moves from professional instructors. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com
Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org TRYON FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 4 p.m. Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave. mywfpl.com COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING 4-6 p.m. So Gourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com VINO MAGNIFICO 5:30 p.m. $12. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com WALKING CEMETERY TOURS 5:30 p.m. $12 plus tax. St. John's Historic Cemetery, 301 N. G St. goretro.us HANDS-ON COOKING: SUSHI 101 6 p.m. $64.50. So Gourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com FUNKY YOGA 6 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org ZUMBA WITH SHANNON AND FRIENDS 6-7 p.m. $4. Homestead Community Center, 7830 Pine Forest Road. FLORIDA BREWERS GUILD MEMBER SOCIAL 6-9 p.m. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco
TUESDAY 6.11
PRE-FATHER'S DAY GLENFIDDICH SCOTCH & WINE DINNER 6:30 p.m. $125 per person. Pot
MONDAY 6.10
RESUME HELP 11 a.m. Molino Branch Library,
6450-A Highway 95A. mywfpl.com
SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 6 p.m. Runners meet
in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com EARTH ETHICS 6-7:30 p.m. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org
HIP-HOP & CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES
YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE 11:30 a.m. Free. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1878 S. Blue Angel Parkway. navalaviationmuseum.org GARDENING ON THE GULF COAST 1-2 p.m.
Roast & Pinot, 11-B S. Palafox. potroastpinot. com/whiskydinner. COUNTRY DANCE CLASSES 6:30 p.m. $10. Country two-step, East Coast swing, competition choreography and more. No partner required. World championship dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com BANDS ON THE BEACH 7-9 p.m. Free. Elvis
Remembered. Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. visitpensacolabeach.com COMEDY NIGHT 7 p.m. Swan Neck Meadery, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. swanneckwinery.com
WEDNESDAY 6.12
BLUE ANGELS PRACTICE 11:30 a.m. Free.
National Naval Aviation Museum, 1878 S. Blue Angel Parkway. navalaviationmuseum.org ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP 3 p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com VEGAN AND VINO SUNDAYS 4-7 p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox YOGA FLOW 6-7 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org SWING DANCE CLASSES AND PARTY 6:3010 p.m. $10 lesson, $5 party. Professional West Coast swing instruction for all levels followed by fun and friendly social dancing on the best wood dance floor in the area. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com BLUE WAHOOS VS. TENNESSEE SMOKIES
6:35 p.m. $5 and up. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. bluewahoos.com UP FROM THE MUD: AN EVENING WITH AUTHOR NIELAH BLACK SPEARS 7 p.m.
Free. Hagler Auditorium, Pensacola campus, 1000 College Blvd., Bldg 2. pensacolastate.edu
TRANSMISSION GROUP WORLD SERVICE MEDITATION 7:15 p.m. Free. Ever'man
Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org
Pensacola Little Theatre Presents
Music ALAN MENKEN
Book CHERI STEINKELLNER & BILL STEINKELLNER
FATHER’S DAY
Wine, Swine & Whistle Pig SUNDAY, JUNE 16 | 12-3 PM
Lyrics GLENN SLATER
Additional Book Material DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE
Choreography ROXIE ALYSSA SMITH
Direction KATHY HOLSWORTH Music Direction GINGER CARO
BASED ON THE TOUCHSTONE PICTURES MOTION PICTURE “SISTER ACT” WRITTEN BY JOSEPH HOWARD
Wine & Beer Buffet, Whistle Pig Whiskey Flights and BBQ 850.607.6320 | unionfl.com
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SISTER ACT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Union Public House
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June 6, 2019
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calendar
“Worn In / Worn Out" / On view now at Pensacola Museum of Art / Photo by Natalie Allgyer
Arts & Culture
of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org
≥Events
≥Current Exhibits
PMA GALLERY TOURS 2:30 p.m.
EARTH ETHICS MONTHLY EDUCATION SERIES 2019
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free with museum admission. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org MIRROR MIRROR
"The Importance of Trees"
WHEN/WHERE: Monday, June 10th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden Street. WHO: Join us in welcoming this month guest speaker, Mr. Vernon Compton. Mr. Compton works for The Longleaf Alliance as Director of the Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership. The Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership is a voluntary public/private landowner partnership formed in 1996 that now sustains over 1.3 million acres of diverse habitat in northwest Florida and south Alabama. The partnership allows the partners to combine their expertise and resources to more effectively manage their individual properties and to meet the challenges of restoring and sustaining the larger longleaf ecosystem. Vernon has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from LSU and prior to joining The Longleaf Alliance in 2010 worked for the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the Florida Forest Service at Blackwater River State Forest. Thank you for your interest in protecting the environment. 850.549.7472 | earthethicsaction@gmail.com
earthethics.us
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7 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Art and performance from Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org ARTIST TALK: MALIKA GREEN 6:30-
7:30 p.m. Friday, June 7. Free BYOB event with exhibiting artist. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org ALLIES ARTIST SHOWCASE 10 a.m.-
2 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Shirley's Café and Bakery, 1521 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/shirleyscafepensacola
OPEN STUDIO: MINI ROPE BASKETS
11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8. $6 per person, free for PMA members. Pensacola Museum
2ND ANNUAL JURIED ART SHOW AT 1060 On view
through June 21. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org
BEAUTY IN USE: CELEBRATING JAPANESE CULTURAL TRADITIONS On view
through June 27. Lamar Studio Switzer Center, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. pensacolastate.edu
FLORA: PAINTINGS BY HANNAH AVIEL FLYNN On view
through June 30. Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. facebook.com/openbooksbookstore
LGBT COMMUNITY ART SHOW On view
through June 30. Shirley's Café and Bakery, 1521 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/ shirleyscafepensacola PUNKSACOLA: REFLECTIONS OF A SUBCULTURE On
view through July. T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, 330 S. Jefferson St. historicpensacola.org
VALERIE GEORGE: WELCOME TO MY PARTY On view
through Aug. 2. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org
WORN IN/WORN OUT On view through
Aug. 16. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org EXPOSURE On view through Oct. 4. Luna Fine Art Gallery at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, 12 Via De Luna Drive. lunafineartgallery.com COTTON FIELDS TO CONGRESS: THE LIFE AND CAREER OF EARL HUTTO On
view at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, 330 S. Jefferson St. historicpensacola.org GALLERY DAYS Noon4 p.m. Saturdays. Featuring local artists. To be featured, contact Angel at 941-735-4586 or call the restaurant at 4770035. TGI Fridays, 1240 Airport Blvd.
≥Workshops & Classes
POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Six-week
workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9
p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Every Mon-
day from 6-8:30 p.m. at First City Art Center. Classes are $40. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. CLAY HAND BUILDING Six-week
workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for nonmembers. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
CLAY SCULPTURE
Six-week workshops held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org. inweekly.net
@VOLUMEONESALON June 6, 2019
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calendar ≥Call for Artists
GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL LOOKING FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
Applications are open for the GGAF Emerging Artists program. This program, developed in partnership with Artel Gallery, gives new artists a chance to be a part of the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and offers them guidance in what is involved in being in an arts festival. Applications are open to artists who have limited experience participating in arts festivals and are residents of Escambia or Santa Rosa Counties. Two artists will be chosen to participate in this year's festival. GGAF will waive fees for the two artists and will
provide a booth and mentor to help guide them through the process. For more information and an application, visit ggaf.org. The GGAF is Nov. 1, 2 and 3, 2019, in Seville Square. INDIE CRAFT PARADE Call for
submissions for the 10th annual Indie Craft Parade in Greenville, S.C., is open now through June 20, 2019. All Southern makers and artisans are encouraged to submit their work in 2D fine art (prints and originals), 3D fine art (ceramic, glass, wood, metal), fiber art (felted, knitted, crocheted, woven), "to wear" ( jewelry, clothing, purses, hair accessories), paper goods (stationery, handmade books, paper crafts)
and "everything else" (toys, pet accessories, home goods, garden). The Indie Craft Parade is September 13-15. For more information, visit ventslocal.com/events/ indie-craft-parade.
Bars & Nightlife
≥Bar Games Thursdays
HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6
p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com LADIES NIGHT 5 p.m. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com BREW IQ TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JERRELL HENDRIX 7-9 p.m.
Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco
POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The
Ticket 2, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com COLLEGE NIGHT 10 p.m. Drink specials, beer pong tournament starts at 10 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com. Fridays HAPPY HOUR 4:306 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Informative wine tasting in Seville Quarter Wine and Gift Shop. No charge for the tasting. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The
Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com Saturdays
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT 8 p.m. Seville
Quarter Membership Card Holder Appreciation Night at Phineas Phogg's. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Sundays
BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE (B.A.R.E. NIGHT) 7
p.m. Special prices for B.A.R.E. Card membership holders. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Mondays PINT NIGHT 4-10 p.m. Purchase any 16oz brew and take home a limited edition Perfect Plain glass. (limit two per customer). Perfect Plain Brewing Co.,
50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco TEXAS HOLD 'EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA
7 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/palafox B.A.R.E All day. Culverts, 3102 E. Cervantes. calvertsintheheights.com BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30
p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ mugsjugs Tuesdays CROWLER NIGHT
4-10 p.m. Buy three crowlers get one free. Perfect
Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco HAPPY HOUR 4:306 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com GAME ON! DIGITAL TRIVIA NIGHT 8
p.m. Apple Annie’s, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com TUESDAY TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook.com/ thebridgebargb BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Ticket Sports Bar, 7333 N. Davis Highway. Play to win up to $100 in gift cards. TICKET TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Ticket
1, 7250 Plantation
Road. ticketsportsbar.com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com TEAM TRIVIA 9 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks.com Wednesdays WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 11 a.m.
Half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday. Jackson's Steakhouse, 226 S. Palafox. jacksonsrestaurant.com HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6 p.m. Half-off house wine, bar drinks and domestic beer. V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com LADIES NIGHT ON THE DECK 5 p.m. $2
drinks and music. The Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com
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DIFFERENCE MAKERS UWF FACULTY RECOGNIZED FOR COMMITMENT TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION
University of West Florida President Emeritus Dr. Judith Bense was recently named the 2019 recipient of the Evelyn Fortune Bartlett Award, the most prestigious award presented by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Bense was one of three UWF faculty members honored during the 41st Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony, held May 17 at the Pensacola Little Theatre. The award is named in honor of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, the patron of Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, which was bequeathed to the public for historic preservation. The award honors individuals who exemplify the guardianship of Florida's historic properties through philosophy and actions. "Receiving the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation 2019 Evelyn Fortune Bartlett Award is a great honor," Bense said. "The Florida Trust is the most respected historic preservation organization in the state and I greatly appreciate this recognition by their leadership. You never do historic preservation or archaeology alone. It takes many, many people and the support of the University of West Florida, the state of Florida and Pensacola's citizens. I accept this award for all of us and am grateful." Bense, president emeritus and professor of anthropology at UWF, founded the University's anthropology and archaeology program in 1980 and served as its academic chair beginning in 2001, until 2008 when she became UWF's fifth president. She also established the Archaeology Institute in 1980 and served as director for 20 years. In 2006, she founded the statewide Florida Public Archaeology Network which is headquartered at UWF. FPAN is the largest statewide organization dedicated to bringing archaeology to the general public in the United States. The author of five books and 17 chapters in books and professional journals, Bense has been awarded over 75 grants and contracts totaling more than $6 million. Dr. Elizabeth Benchley, director for the UWF Division of Anthropology and Archaeology and Archaeology Institute; Margo Stringfield, faculty research associate in the Division of Anthropology and Archaeology; and Catherine Eddins, community outreach coordinator for the UWF Archaeology Institute accepted the Outstanding Achievement Award in the Organizational Achievement category on behalf of the Archaeology Institute. The award recognized the work in preserving two important African-American cemetery sites in Pensacola dating back to the late 19th century. The Institute worked with municipal government, community leaders and volunteers, among others, to groom AME Zion and Magnolia cemeteries to be valued resources that promote heritage tourism in Pensacola. "The UWF Archaeology Institute is proud to be involved with efforts to preserve our community's historic cemeteries," Stringfield said. "Each of our historic cemeteries tells a story of the rich and diverse heritage. Our historic cemeteries are outdoor museums and inviting green spaces that create a sense of place for residents and tourists alike." Additional awards included an Outstanding Achievement Award in the Infill division to the UWF Historic Trust Museum Plaza for the master site plan and elements of Museum Plaza which preserve Pensacola's history downtown and tell the city's story; and UWF alumna Cynthia Catellier, assistant director of Institutional Effectiveness, received an Honorable Mention award in the Preservation/Education/Media division for her work documenting the iron fencing and gates at St. Michael's Cemetery. The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida's extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To learn more about the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, visit floridatrust.org. For more information about the UWF Division of Anthropology and Archaeology, visit uwf.edu/anthropology. For more information on the UWF Historic Trust, visit uwf.edu/historictrust.
Sponsored by The Studer Family June 6, 2019
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free will astrology WEEK OF JUNE 6 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "I don't think we were ever meant to hear the same song sung exactly the same way more than once in a lifetime," says poet Linh Dinh. That's an extreme statement that I can't agree with. But I understand what he's driving at. Repeating yourself can be debilitating, even deadening. That includes trying to draw inspiration from the same old sources that have worked for you in the past. In accordance with current astrological omens, I suggest you try to minimize exact repetition in the next two weeks—both in what you express and what you absorb. For further motivation, here's William S. Burroughs— "Truth may appear only once; it may not be repeatable." TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Peter
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Benchley wrote the bestselling book "Jaws," which was later turned into a popular movie. It's the story of a great white shark that stalks and kills people in a small beach town. Later in his life, the Taurus author was sorry for its influence, which helped legitimize human predation on sharks and led to steep drops in shark populations. To atone, Benchley became an aggressive advocate for shark conservation. If there's any behavior in your own past that you regret, Taurus, the coming weeks will be a good time to follow Benchley's lead. Correct for your mistakes; make up for your ignorance; do good deeds to balance a time when you acted unconsciously.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Some birds can fly for days without coming down to earth. Alpine swifts are the current recordholders, staying aloft for 200 consecutive days as they chase and feed on insects over West Africa. I propose we make the swift your soul ally for the next three weeks. May it help inspire you to take maximum advantage of the opportunities life will be offering you. You will have extraordinary power to soar over the maddening crowd, gaze at the big picture of your life and enjoy exceptional amounts of freedom. CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): "I think gentleness is one of the most disarmingly and captivatingly attractive qualities there are," writes poet Nayyirah Waheed. That will be emphatically true about you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. Your poised, deeply felt gentleness will accord you as much power as other people might draw from ferocity and grandeur. Your gentleness will enable you to crumble obstacles and slip past barriers. It will energize you to capitalize on and dissipate chaos. It will win you leverage that you'll be able to use for months. LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Is the Loch Ness
monster real? Is there a giant sea serpent that inhabits the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland? Tantalizing hints arise now and then, but no definitive evidence has ever emerged. In 1975, enterprising investiga-
By Rob Brezsny
tors got the idea to build a realistic-looking papier-mâché companion for Nessie and place it in Loch Ness. They hoped that this "honey trap" would draw the reclusive monster into more public view. Alas, the scheme went awry. (Lady Nessie got damaged when she ran into a jetty.) But it did have some merit. Is there an equivalent approach you might employ to generate more evidence and insight about one of your big mysteries, Leo? What strategies might you experiment with? The time is right to hatch a plan.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Earlier in your life, you sometimes wrestled with dilemmas that didn't deserve so much of your time and energy. They weren't sufficiently essential to invoke the best use of your intelligence. But over the years, you have ripened in your ability to attract more useful and interesting problems. Almost imperceptibly, you have been growing smarter about recognizing which riddles are worth exploring and which are better left alone. Here's the really good news—the questions and challenges you face now are among the finest you've ever had. You are being afforded prime opportunities to grow in wisdom and effectiveness. LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): How many
languages are you fluent in? One? Two? More? I'm sure you already know that gaining the ability to speak more than one tongue makes you smarter and more empathetic. It expands your capacity to express yourself vividly and gives you access to many interesting people who think differently from you. I mention this, Libra, because you're in a phase of your cycle when learning a new language might be easier than usual, as is improving your mastery of a second or third language. If none of that's feasible for you, I urge you to at least formulate an intention to speak your main language with greater candor and precision—and find other ways to expand your ability to express yourself.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Here's Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano from "The Book of Embraces"—"In the River Plate basin, we call the heart a 'bobo,' a fool, and not because it falls in love. We call it a fool because it works so hard." I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because I hope that in the coming weeks, your heart will indeed be a hard-working, wisely foolish bobo. The astrological omens suggest that you will learn what you need to learn and attract the experiences you need to attract if you do just that. Life is giving you a mandate to express daring and diligent actions in behalf of love.
have had a similar experience—people who've tried to convince us to reject our highest calling and strongest dreams. In my view, the coming weeks will be a potent time for you to recover and heal from those deterrents and discouragements in your own past.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Not all,
but many, horoscope columns address your ego rather than your soul. They provide useful information for your surface self but little help for your deep self. If you've read my oracles for a while, you know that I aspire to be in the latter category. In that light, you won't be surprised when I say that the most important thing you can do in the coming weeks is to seek closer communion with your soul; to explore your core truths; to focus on delight, fulfillment and spiritual meaning far more than on status, power and wealth. As you attend to your playful work, meditate on this counsel from Capricorn author John O'Donohue— "The geography of your destiny is always clearer to the eye of your soul than to the intentions and needs of your surface mind."
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquarian biochemist Gertrude Belle Elion shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988. She was instrumental in devising new drugs to treat AIDS and herpes, as well as a medication to facilitate organ transplants. And yet she accomplished all this without ever earning a Ph.D. or M.D., a highly unusual feat. I suspect you may pull off a similar, if slightly less spectacular, feat in the coming weeks—getting a reward or blessing despite a lack of formal credentials or official credibility. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Today, Mumbai is a megacity with 12.5 million people on 233 square miles. But as late as the 18th century, it consisted of seven sparsely populated islands. Over many decades, reclamation projects turned them into a single land mass. I foresee you undertaking a metaphorically comparable project during the coming months. You could knit fragments together into a whole. You have the power to transform separate and dispersed influences into a single, coordinated influence. You could inspire unconnected things to unite in common cause. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Connect with Free Will Astrology on social media: freewillastrology.com/social
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21):
When he was 20 years old, a German student named Max Planck decided he wanted to study physics. His professor at the University of Munich dissuaded him, telling Planck, "In this field, almost everything is already discovered, and all that remains is to fill a few unimportant holes." Planck ignored the bad advice and ultimately went on to win a Nobel Prize in Physics for his role in formulating quantum theory. Most of us
freewillastrology.com
freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny © Copyright 2019
inweekly.net
news of the weird HOLY ACTION HERO! Bill Gibson of Burtonsville, Maryland, drives an iconic vehicle: a custom-built 1966 replica of the Batmobile, complete with rocket launchers, jet flames and a bat phone, worth $175,000. So he wasn't about to stand by and let a criminal escape on May 15, when a hit-and-run driver smashed into his prized car on Route 28 in Silver Spring. "I don't know what the guy was thinking," Gibson told Fox5. "He must have been going about 60 ... and just slammed into the right rear corner." When the driver failed to pull over, Gibson dialed 911 and gave chase, eventually pulling into a church parking lot, where the driver agreed to give Gibson his insurance information without getting the police involved. Gibson estimates repairs will cost around $7,000. LAME Manuel Muniz, 35, of Amsterdam, New York, didn't fool officers of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department with his attempt to avoid the lines at the DMV. Muniz was charged on May 20 with driving an unregistered vehicle after officers quickly identified Muniz's handwritten inspection sticker as a fake, made out of red construction paper and including a handmade bar code and January 2020 expiration date, WRGB reported. "We appreciate people who take some initiative," the department posted on its Facebook page, "however this will not work as your vehicle inspection sticker, NICE TRY!" THE LITIGIOUS SOCIETY Jim and Jen (who asked that their last names be withheld) of Ontario, Canada, decided in 2011 they would be done having children after their twins were born that year. Jen's doctor was supposed to perform a tubal ligation after delivering the babies, but 10 months later, she found herself pregnant again. "I was floored," she told CTV News. "I couldn't imagine having a newborn again." But in February 2013, their fourth child was born, and later that year, Jen and Jim sued their hospital and doctors for $800,000 for wrongful pregnancy. The case is expected to go to trial in spring 2020. It's "not that we don't love her. ... She is everything and more, but it still doesn't mitigate the fact that there are pragmatic costs to raising a child," Jen said. The hospital investigated and uncovered a chain of miscommunication regarding the tubal ligation—compounded by not letting Jen know the procedure had not been done. "If a man got a woman pregnant, he would have to pay child support, right?" said Jim. Lawyers for the doctors deny that Jen and Jim have suffered any damages. BRIGHT IDEA Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers were led on a chase late on May 26 after a reckless driver nearly hit a patrol car. Ignoring signs and warnings
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
about a bridge out ahead, the driver tried to jump the bridge "Dukes of Hazzard" style, reported WXIN, but when he came to the end of the pavement, his car hit the exposed beams of the bridge and skidded to a stop. The driver got away, but police apprehended a passenger, who informed them the driver had one leg and had left his prosthetic leg behind in the car. Police said they were confident they'll track him down soon. FASHION STATEMENT You either love 'em or hate 'em, but if you're going to be mocked for your fashion sense, Crocs' newest style doubles your chances. Developed as part of a collaboration with Japanese streetwear company Beams, the new Crocs sport tiny fanny packs attached to the ankle straps, reported CBS News. The $53 shoes come in teal and purple, and the miniature backpacks are big enough for keys, a credit card and a few dollars—along with what's left of your dignity. FLORIDA Natasha Ethel Bagley, 42, was arrested on May 28 in connection with an April 2 incident at a Miami Burger King, according to WTVJ. The arrest report stated that Bagley and 27-year-old Genesis Peguero demanded free french fries in the restaurant's drive-thru. When a restaurant employee refused their request, they parked the car and entered the store, where Peguero hopped over the counter and, with her hands in her pockets suggesting she had a gun, demanded all the contents of the cash register. After the manager tried to call police, Peguero punched her in the face, the report said, and Bagley piled on to further assault the woman. The two then drove away after destroying two registers on their way out. Bagley was held without bond; Peguero remains at large. EWWWWW! Students in a "Global Gourmet" class at Hyatts Middle School in Powell, Ohio, may have taken things a bit too far on May 16 when they allegedly served crepes laced with urine and semen to teachers who were judging a cooking competition. WBNS reported that the Delaware County Sheriff's Office learned of a video circulating among students purported to show the prank being cooked up and opened an investigation, including lab testing of the food. Charges could include felony assault. Brad Koffel, an attorney representing one of the suspects, cautioned that "we don't know if urine or semen was ever placed in anyone's food. ... (It) easily could have been a prank that may have been mocked up for the purposes of creating a video." {in}
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2019 Andrews McMeel
Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com June 6, 2019
23
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