PEOPLE WHO LOOK LIKE ME
winners & losers winners losers
AMY PARSONS The Pensacola Police lieutenant made department history as the first female officer from the department to graduate from the FBI National. Lt. Parsons, a 19-year veteran of the Pensacola Police Department (PPD), joined 243 law enforcement professionals from across the U.S. and 24 countries in the 293rd session of the academy. The intensive 10week program focuses on advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Parsons has served in the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations throughout her career. She has also commanded the PPD Honor Guard for 11 years.
DON GAETZ Our state senator masterfully outmaneuvered utility giants and political heavyweights, securing a surprising 5-2 committee victory through strategic bipartisan coalition-building. While others dismissed his chances, Gaetz's tactical brilliance stunned opponents—including his own party's leadership—proving that principled determination can triumph over entrenched power in Florida politics. Sometimes, David really can best Goliath in Tallahassee.
ANDREW DEL GAUDIO The University of West Florida has appointed Dr. Del Gaudio as executive director of the UWF Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO) Center for Leadership. He brings extensive leadership experience from his 26-year career as a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, including combat deployments to Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan. A decorated veteran with honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and Purple Heart, Del Gaudio has served in tactical leadership roles and teaching positions at military institutions. The AWKO Center for Leadership, established in 2022 within the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, aims to develop leaders throughout Northwest Florida and beyond.
CHINNIA MOORE
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners named Moore the March 2025 Employee of the Month. Moore is an eight-year county employee serving as the environmental services coordinator in the Natural Resources Management Department's Environmental Enforcement Division. She oversees compliance with environmental regulations, prepares commission recommendations, supervises staff and assists with division budgeting. Beyond her primary duties, Moore serves as clerk for special magistrates and recently helped train City of Pensacola staff on code enforcement hearing software.
TOWN OF CENTURY Northescambia.com reports the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC) has directed the Town of Century to address serious financial deficiencies identified in three consecutive annual audits. In a letter to Interim Mayor Alicia Johnson, JLAC Chair Senator Jay Collins demanded a comprehensive written response by April 4 detailing corrective actions for each audit finding. The committee specifically cited concerns regarding cash management, account reconciliation, capital asset tracking and the town's "deteriorating financial condition." as defined by Florida statutes. Century must now explain how it has addressed these issues or provide a timeline for implementing corrective measures. The JLAC, composed of members from both the Florida House and Senate, provides ongoing oversight of government operations through audit reviews.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 11% in March, marking the third consecutive monthly decline and a 22% fall since December. Consumers of all political backgrounds cited uncertainty surrounding White House policies as a major concern, making financial planning difficult. While current economic assessments remained steady, future expectations deteriorated. Republicans experienced a 10% decline in their expectations index, while Independents and Democrats saw even larger drops of 12% and 24%, respectively. Inflation concerns heightened, with year-ahead expectations rising to 4.9%—the highest since November 2022. Long-term inflation expectations surged from 3.5% to 3.9%, marking the most significant monthly increase since 1993.
DESANTIS ADMINISTRATION Governor
Ron DeSantis finds himself playing defense as Florida House Republicans scrutinize his administration's spending practices, including $60,000 in travel costs for out-of-state employees and international trips by agency heads. House Speaker Danny Perez has directly challenged DeSantis' fiscal record, declaring legislators the true "guardians of the taxpayer." The House is now advancing legislation to prohibit agency heads from living outside their headquarters county, targeting several DeSantis appointees who commute, including Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who lives in Pinellas County instead of Tallahassee, where the Health Department's headquarters resides. Times have changed. Republican lawmakers, including Pensacola's Rep. Alex Andrade, openly criticize administration officials—a rare occurrence before this session.
Amy Parsons / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola Photo Courtesy of northescambia.com
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
TALE OF TWO COMMUNITIES
The stark contrast between how county commissioners and mainstream media engage with Beulah versus Englewood reveals a troubling pattern of inequity in community development decisions. Residents in both communities want to have a say in the projects tied to public dollars that want to go in their neighborhoods, but only one gets deference.
OLF-8 (Outlying Landing Field 8) was acquired by Escambia County through a land swap with the U.S. Navy. The county spent $18 million on the 540 acres in the Beulah area to foster economic development. Since then, it has remained undeveloped, and debates about its future have intensified.
Beulah residents have benefited from extensive consultation through numerous seminars, meetings, charrettes, surveys and town halls to help a consultant develop a master plan for the site. Thousands participated in public outreach, and their opinions about community character and quality of life were heard and considered in planning decisions. Residents valued Beulah's rural character, good schools, less congested lifestyle and housing options.
The News Journal gave Beulah Coalition leader Theresa Blackwell a CivicCon award and asked her to write newspaper columns. This endorsement translated into meaningful representation, allowing them to delay development decisions that didn't align with their vision for a town center on the OLF-8 site.
In contrast, no consultant has been hired to develop a master plan for Englewood. Residents there have not received CivicCon awards or newspaper columns, nor were they given years to debate what's best for their community.
They learned about the McMillan School redevelopment from the newspaper without prior consultation. At a recent commission meeting, Barbara Hale voiced her neighborhood's frustration: "Nobody ask us anything. Nobody told us, nobody invited us nowhere, but it just put in the paper and that's how we found out about it."
This wasn't isolated. Residents mentioned the Waterfront Mission was similarly placed in their neighborhood despite objections. When Black residents attempt to use the political process to advocate for their needs, they face additional barriers and dismissal.
According to Nanette Chandler, the interim executive director of AMR at Pensacola, the McMillan redevelopment aims to convert parts of the school into affordable housing. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger made passionate
comments supporting the affordable housing project at the McMillan School site. She emphasized that the goal of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds was "to elevate the entire community by providing opportunity for those who need it most."
Englewood residents worried about negative impacts on property values and preferred different uses such as senior activities, after-school care, GED programs or job preparation services.
Pastor Larry Watson of Englewood Baptist Church fought for Englewood: "I'm concerned about whatever's coming in, if that's going to be a driving force to push people away from what I'm trying to drive in the neighborhood." His church has invested in buying dilapidated houses and vacant lots, keeping them clean, and encouraging members to move back. The commissioners' decision to proceed without community consultation undermines these grassroots revitalization efforts.
The language used in discussions revealed underlying biases. Beulah's debate centered on a town center, public amenities and high-quality development with economic impact studies. For Englewood, despite having the same concerns about neighborhood character, the discussion repeatedly used terms like "low income" and "attainable housing."
How the advocates in the two areas have been recognized differs. Despite not being a formal homeowner association (HOA), the Beulah Coalition is recognized as a legitimate representative. For Englewood, Hale pointedly said, "We might not be a HOA, but we are a community," suggesting their informal organization wasn't given the same legitimacy.
Commissioner Lumon May complained that Englewood has become "a dump" for unwanted projects. Despite recognizing this historical pattern of placing unwanted facilities in Black neighborhoods, they voted 4-1 to proceed with the affordable housing project over resident objections.
The Beulah community enjoyed years of consultation, media recognition and respect for their vision of maintaining their area's character. Meanwhile, Englewood residents were informed only after decisions had been made, their objections downplayed, and their community vision overlooked.
Despite both groups sharing similar neighborhood preservation and improvement goals, the process and outcomes reveal a troubling disparity in whose voices matter in shaping community futures. We can do better. {in} rick@inweekly.net
By Rick Outzen
QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY
Stop by any retail store or restaurant in Es cambia County, and you will likely see a "Now Hiring" sign posted on the door or window. Scan the Indeed or ZipRecruiter apps, and dozens of jobs in the county pop up.
There is no shortage of job opportunities in the county, just a shortage of jobs that pay enough to live comfortably. The unemployment rate is a mere 3.2%, but about 14% of county residents live in poverty.
So what is the remedy?
FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance CEO Chris Platé suggests the county's mindset should shift from quantity to quality. Platé said his agency wants to ensure job opportunities exist for all residents but also focus on attracting employers with high-paying jobs over those with hundreds of jobs on the lower end of the pay scale.
"It's not the volume of jobs," Platé said. "It's the quality of jobs and the higher the investment companies can have; that way, you lower the tax burden for everybody across the board."
RESIDENTIAL VS. COMMERCIAL
For every dollar generated through property taxes, municipalities lose about 13 cents on the national average when factoring in service expenditures for schools, first responders and parks. A 2004 Cost of Community Services study indicated Leon County lost 39 cents for every dollar generated in property taxes. By contrast, municipalities only expend 30-40 cents for every dollar generated from taxes paid by commercial and industrial companies.
"If you look at it from a housing standpoint, you do not want to build your economy on hous-
residential is bad. We just need balance."
The word "manufacturing" perhaps conjures up images of strenuous manual labor jobs for modest pay, but Platé said the region is ripe to continue attracting what he refers to as "whitecoat manufacturing" jobs.
"These are people who are doing laboratory work or producing things in a modeled clean environment, medical disposable items, things like that," he said. "When you look at these types of investments, it's significant on the investment side, but we also end up with really high-paying jobs. I'd rather have a bunch of those rather than one big hit that's going to pay less."
HIGH-TECH, HIGH-WAGE IN PENSACOLA
Erica Grancagnolo serves as director of economic development for the City of Pensacola. She and Platé share the same desire to attract high-tech, high-wage jobs to the area. Grancagnolo said those types of jobs entice the brightest students to stay put after they graduate.
"We want our young people to grow up in this great town and not have to leave for somewhere else to get a world-class experience," she said.
The city operates in the high-tech, highwage space through American Magic, the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) and cybersecurity.
Last year, the city and American Magic signed a 10-year lease for the Port of Pensacola to be home for the yacht racing team. American
curity offers cybersecurity training courses. Its associate vice president, Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, is a global ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Platé said an increase in these types of high-tech, high-wage careers will benefit the county in the long term. Investing in these careers propels innovation, productivity and further job creation, leading to sustainable economic development.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Escambia County's median household income of about $65,000 puts it squarely in the middle of the 67 Florida counties. Platé sees the potential for Escambia to surge up that list if the right careers attract professionals to buy within the county borders.
"The goal is to grow the civilian labor force through residential growth and then you will also want to recruit people driving in from other counties," he said. "… People don't typically see county lines when they purchase a home. They live where they want to live and work where they want to work."
jobs to our port of Pensacola," said Grancag nolo, citing engineers, computer programmers and Olympic athletes as examples. "They've already established a relationship with Pensacola State College. There are three PSC students at the facility before the warehouse has even been constructed."
The American Magic connection should entice other employers in the sailing profession to set up shop in the county. Earlier this month, Pensacola hosted Foiling Week, a global event that featured fast-foiling boats and boards, their sailors, designers and manufacturers.
More than 20 foiling industry executives traveled to Pensacola for the festivities and spoke to Platé, Grancagnolo and other economic development leaders during a business forum.
"We both walked away feeling like we had some great conversations to continue with some of these companies," Grancagnolo said. "It was great to hear firsthand how impressed they were by Pensacola. A lot of them were from Europe and other countries."
Their visit to Pensacola included a tour of the IHMC facilities. IHMC remains a world leader in pioneering technologies that leverage and extend human capabilities. The institute attracts the brightest tech minds for employment opportunities and invests in future generations through its summer camps.
Pensacola is a hotspot for cybersecurity training. The National Security Agency designated the University of West Florida as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. The UWF Center for Cyberse -
Platé arrived in Escambia County just three months ago after previously serving the past 25 years with the Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission in North Carolina. In December, he said a "phenomenal" location with an abundance of business assets and a quality of life that ranks "second to none" convinced him to accept the position at FloridaWest.
He is just as bullish on what the county offers potential employers after living here. Platé said the positives for economic development easily outweigh the negatives in Escambia.
"We have very good office-type of job opportunities, as well as manufacturing and retail that pay better than the average." Chr is Platé
"From a local economic standpoint, we're already extremely diverse," he said. "We have a tremendous resource in the Navy and NAS Pensacola. We also have a revenue stream that comes from tourism. We have very good office-type of job opportunities, as well as manufacturing and retail that pay better than the average." Platé continued, "We're in this balance, a really good spot from a balance standpoint. It helps us recruit all kinds of people to live here and the companies to come here. We have just the right amount of military, tourism and business."
When asked about the negatives he encounters in recruiting employers, Platé said, "We're sort of concentrated on the southern portion of the county," Platé said. "We really need to expand the infrastructure and other things to the northern end of the county." {in}
Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola
ROBOT MONEY
The Office of Naval Research's Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) awarded a $478,000 grant to the University of West Florida (UWF) and the Institute for Human Machine & Cognition (IHMC) research team.
This competitive grant—one of only 64 awarded nationwide—will fund advanced robotic platforms and equipment, significantly enhancing the team's capabilities in developing, testing and deploying mobile robotic systems in real-world environments.
The collaborative team behind this achievement includes Dr. Robert Griffin and Dr. Matt Johnson, who hold dual appointments with IHMC and UWF through the Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISR) program, and Dr. Hakki Erhan Sevil, UWF ISR faculty member.
"The Office of Naval Research has been an enormous supporter of both IHMC and the UWF ISR program," noted Dr. Griffin. "This third DURIP grant will allow us to take our state-ofthe-art robotic systems out of the lab and into the real world."
A centerpiece of this funding will be the acquisition of a Boston Dynamics Spot robot, which will serve as a platform for research on autonomy and human-machine teaming. This new addition will advance the development of the Nadia Humanoid Robot and enable research on dexterous manipulation tasks.
Dr. Sevil emphasized that these advanced robotic platforms will provide unique research opportunities for Ph.D. students in the ISR program and "strengthen the position of the region in cutting-edge robotics education." The program aims to foster the growth of the robotics industry in Northwest Florida by equipping students with hands-on experience in autonomous systems.
This marks the third DURIP grant received by UWF-IHMC from the Office of Naval Research. The funding aligns with the Department of Defense's goal to equip universities to perform stateof-the-art research that enhances national technological advantages while developing the future STEM workforce.
For more information, visit uwf.edu/isr.
2025 SPECIAL EARLY VOTING
The special election to fill Florida's 1st Congressional District—which Matt Gaetz vacated for his failed attempt to be U.S. Attorney General—is Tuesday, April 1.
The ballot lists Republican Jimmy Patronis, Democrat Gay Valimont and No Party Affiliate candidate Stephen Broden. Voters can also write in one of three candidates— Richard Dembinsky, Stanley Gray and Stan McDaniels. Jonathan Green withdrew as a write-in candidate.
Early voting is Saturday, March 22 through Saturday, March 29. Registered voters can cast their ballots from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at any of the following locations:
•Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 S. Palafox St.
•Main Library, 239 Spring St.
•Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
•Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Ave. (Replacing Ashbury Place)
•Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway.
•Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway.
•Escambia County Extension Services, 3740
Stefani Road, Cantonment
•Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St.
•Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N.
Century Blvd., Century
•UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway.
The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, March 20. For more information, visit escambiavotes.org.
MAY PANG'S NARRATIVE For decades, the narrative surrounding John Lennon's "Lost Weekend"—his 18-month separation from Yoko Ono in the mid-1970s — has been dominated by a familiar story: Yoko orchestrating a relationship between Lennon and their assistant, May Pang, followed by a year of debauchery in Los Angeles.
That's not Pang's story. She's now taking control of her narrative with a new documentary, "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story," and a photography exhibition that visited Pensacola's Artel Gallery last weekend.
Pang aims to correct years of misrepresentation, fueled largely by Lennon biographers relying on Ono's perspective. "It's about time I step out of the shadows," Pang shared, rejecting the passive shadowy "mistress" label.
It took her a long time. "At first, you say, 'Oh, it's a couple of things. I'll let it go,'" she said. "And then when it builds up, and everybody tells you
they know everything about you, and then it comes back at you, not the way it is that you, I lived it. They didn't. And they're telling me, 'Oh no, you are wrong.' I knew then I had to do something."
One of the reasons the story got twisted is that most Lennon biographers sat down with Ono to get that part of the story. Although Ono did ask Pang to date Lennon, Pang did nothing until Lennon pursued her. And Ono certainly didn't orchestrate their escape to the West Coast. They did that themselves, completely spur of the moment. Once they were there, Ono cut off Pang's salary, and Lennon's money was mostly tied up in the Beatles' legal battles, so they didn't have much spending money, but they had plenty of friends.
Pang told the story of that period by collaborating on a documentary from her perspective. "The Lost Weekend" is now available on digital. It features her photographs from that period and includes stories even the most devoted Beatlemaniacs have not heard.
Notably, the documentary reveals heartbreaking details from her early days as Lennon and Ono's assistant. Pang recounts how Ono routinely screened Lennon's calls, dictating which ones were put through. In a particularly poignant moment, Julian, as a young child, repeatedly called his father, only to be blocked by Ono. After three attempts, Ono relented but insisted Pang tell Julian it was his first call.
"It was just awful the first time it happened," Pang recalls. "I kept having to brush him off for a while, and then by the time I could tell him she knew exactly what his answers would be, that she said, 'This is what you're going to say.' And I was like, 'OK, how did she know?' But she knew."
Later, during her time with Lennon in LA, Pang facilitated a visit from Julian and his mother, Cynthia. Recognizing John's nervousness after three years of separation, she took on the role of tour guide, aiming to create a positive experience. "John was nervous. He hadn't seen his son in three years. What happened during that trip was I afforded them to actually have closure in their relationship that they had never had without Yoko being in the middle of it. And I was trying to make it work, and I also wanted him to reconnect with Julian. He had to reconnect with him."
They visited Disneyland, where no one recognized Lennon. They also snuck onto the Paramount lot, where a new show called "Happy Days" was filming. The cast recognized Lennon and was thrilled. Julian was more excited to meet Jodie Foster, who was also there that day.
STROBERGER'S POKER PROBLEM Nearly
100 residents attended District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroberger's town hall Wednesday, March 12 to voice concerns about a proposed poker room relocation in their district.
The controversial proposal would allow Wind Creek Hospitality to move its existing poker room from the Greyhound Track to a new location in the Pine Forest area near Interstate 10. The Board of County Commissioners is considering an ordinance change to facilitate this move.
According to WEAR-TV, Commissioner Stro-
berger told attendees, "We're getting the neighbors together because they were unaware of this, and I was kind of unaware of this, too."
However, public records show Stroberger himself brought the proposed ordinance to the board Jan. 9, and his Planning Board appointee, Jonathan Owens, discussed it at meetings in February and March.
At the January meeting, County Attorney Alison Rogers explained that Florida law permits only one pari-mutuel wagering license per 100 miles, with Escambia County's license currently at the former Greyhound Track. The current zoning code doesn't expressly state where such facilities are allowed.
Wind Creek's attorney, Will Dunaway, argued no ordinance change is necessary, citing other businesses not explicitly listed in the land development code that operate without issue.
Most commissioners expressed reservations about the proposal. Commissioner Steven Barry preferred a site-specific approach rather than changing the entire code. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger worried about inappropriate placement of gaming facilities, while Commissioner Lumon May raised concerns about setting precedents for gaming and similar businesses.
Residents at the town hall raised concerns about increased traffic, potential crime and negative community impacts. Elizabeth Lomax, a resident, stated, "Anytime you bring any sort of gambling into the community, you impoverish the community, you increase homelessness."
Some residents did express support, noting positive experiences with the current facility.
The ordinance will undergo its second hearing at the county commissioners meeting Tuesday, March 25. Wind Creek Hospitality has not yet submitted any proposal or site plan for review.
After the town hall, Stroberger told Channel 3, "If they're not for it, I'm not for it. If they think it's a problem, then it's a problem for me."
TDC PUSHES BACK The Tourist Development Council (TDC) has formally challenged the Board of County Commissioners' decision to allocate $750,000 in tourist development tax funds for the General "Chappie" James Memorial Plaza, questioning whether the project legally qualifies for tourism dollars.
At a special meeting March 13, TDC Chairman David Bear raised concerns about the county's apparent rebranding of the memorial as a "museum" to justify using tourism tax funds. "If we were to consider that statue a museum, then why would we not consider every other statue in our community or across the country a museum?" Bear asked. "There's a difference between a statue and a museum."
The debate centers on Florida statute requirements for tourism tax expenditures. City Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier noted that state definitions of museums require "multiple artifacts curated and programming," which the plaza reportedly lacks.
An economic impact study by the Haas Cen-
ter further complicated matters, concluding the project would only generate short-term economic benefits during construction with no evidence it would promote tourism.
County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger acknowledged this weakness, stating, "I feel like if we can't prove that it goes to tourism, it's a moot point."
City Councilman Charles Bare expressed support for the memorial project itself while opposing the funding source. He noted that the actual Chappie James Museum generated only 175 overnight visitors last year, highlighting concerns about tourism impact.
After deliberation, the TDC voted to send a formal letter to the County Commission outlining museum definitions and tourism requirements under state law. They opted against immediately reporting the matter to the Florida Department of Revenue, giving commissioners an opportunity to reconsider their decision.
TDC member Jim Reeves summarized the council's approach: "Let's deal with it locally if we can. If we can't, then report them." The County Commission must now reconsider its funding decision based on the TDC's formal objections.
BEACH SEEKS HELP
Pensacola Beach Advocates President Rhonda Dorfman has submitted urgent requests to local officials for immediate intervention for what she sees as a traffic crisis on Santa Rosa Island.
According to Dorfman, weekend beach traffic now regularly exceeds levels typically seen during major events like Blue Angels weekend. The Casino Beach parking lot and main intersection experience severe gridlock, particularly from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Multiple factors contribute to the congestion crisis, including simultaneous hotel checkins from 3-4 p.m. Saturdays, short-term rental changeovers, departing morning beach visitors and resulting traffic backups extending to Fort Pickens and Via de Luna.
"As taxpayers in Escambia County, we feel that a priority should be given to us when it comes to being able to come and go on the beach and moving the traffic in an efficient manner," Dorfman said.
Her formal requests include increased sheriff deputies at key congestion points during peak times, clarification on traffic light monitoring schedules, annual traffic analysis instead of the current five-year review cycle, improved accident response coordination between emergency services and extended weekend trolley service throughout the day rather than starting at 4 p.m.
Looking toward long-term solutions, Dorfman emphasized the need for "Disney World" thinking in transportation management, suggesting congestion pricing at toll booths, HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane implementation when rebuilding Bob Sykes Bridge, park-and-ride services from multiple city locations and special resident rates to encourage mass transit use. "I realize that agencies must work with other
agencies, and this needs to be a multifaceted approach, but I am here to tell you that just monitoring the light on the beach does not work," Dorfman concluded.
The traffic concerns come amid controversy over resource allocation. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger canceled a previously approved $570,130 Casino Beach changing rooms project to redirect funds toward a gateway project replacing existing toll booths. Five months later, this project has yet to be presented to the Tourism Development Council, leaving the beach without changing facilities for the upcoming summer season.
PRESSER TAKEAWAYS
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves presented results from the city's annual resident satisfaction survey during his regular press conference March 11. The survey revealed that 70% of residents believe Pensacola is heading in the right direction, the highest percentage since 2017 and a three-point increase from last year.
The comprehensive survey, conducted by the University of West Florida Haas Center with input from 1,504 city residents, showed strong support for multiple city services. Pensacola International Airport received a 78% favorable rating, while the Port of Pensacola earned 71% approval. The city's 311 service significantly improved, jumping 11 points to reach a 53% favorable rating. Mayor Reeves noted that outstanding service tickets have been reduced from over 2,000 when he took office to between 70-80 currently.
Public safety departments earned exceptionally high marks, with the fire department receiving an impressive 98% favorable rating and the police department at 79%.
The survey also revealed strong resident support (81%) for implementing discounted parking permits for city residents, which Reeves confirmed is still in development.
On the economic development front, the mayor announced that ST Engineering is relocating 200 positions, including its entire senior leadership team, from Mobile, Ala., to Pensacola. This transition will occur over approximately six months, with significant movement in the next 60 days.
Regarding the planned Hangar 4 project, Reeves acknowledged that complete funding has not yet been secured. He explained the funding structure was established nine years ago, and construction costs have significantly increased since then, especially post-COVID. As a result, they're likely to build a "modified version" or "smaller version" of the original hangar design while maximizing job creation and productivity.
When questioned about the Bay Center's future, Reeves expressed support for Commissioner May's proposal for a joint task force between city and county officials. He emphasized the importance of renovating the existing facility before considering any new construction and suggested creative funding approaches could include parking revenues or Community Redevelopment Agency dollars for adjacent properties like the Grand Hotel. {in}
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On a Wednesday evening in her hometown of El Paso, Texas, Grace Resendez McCaffery sits in her parked car and looks into the distance across the U.S.-Mexico border. For a woman whose life's purpose is advocating for Hispanic Americans, the view is a bittersweet reminder of what she fights for every day.
"I always tell people, 'Look into someone's eyes before you judge them,'" Resendez McCaffery said. "I have talked to people who have walked from South America, people that have walked through the Darién [Gap] jungle with their small children, people that have made it all the way to the Mexican border and ran for their lives, women that were raped at the border trying to get here."
"I tell their stories for people to understand they're not criminals; they are someone who did what they felt they had to do, just like anybody else would, and suffered."
A 30-year resident of Pensacola, a local activist and journalist, a mother and a widow—it's difficult to define Resendez McCaffery in a few words. Her well of advocacy runs deep, from her 20-yearrunning bilingual newspaper La Costa Latina to her community events like Health Fairs, Know Your Rights seminars, Latino Fest and more.
Resendez McCaffery first moved to the Panhandle when her late husband was offered a job in the area. Not long after, her husband passed away leaving her to raise two young boys alone.
"It took me about three years to kind of get my bearings, and I went back to school. I studied communications with a specialization in public relations at the University of West Florida."
From there, Resendez McCaffery worked for the American Red Cross, the Health Department, nonprofit Independence for the Blind, and then Escambia County, before venturing out on her own, becoming a small business owner when she launched La Costa Latina.
"I realized that my growing professional career had afforded me some relationships. I had built a network, and I made it a point to meet
and learn and do as much as I could, meet as many people as I could from all the different countries, and learn about our different cultures and our commonalities."
La Costa Latina, Pensacola's only bilingual weekly paper, celebrates the work of local Hispanic business owners, artists and organizers. It features relevant local news and updates, disaster preparedness tips and information on community events and social services. Advertisers in La Costa Latina also publish their ads in Spanish, a rare opportunity to connect with a market who might be less familiar with their services.
The newspaper is a labor of love for Resendez McCaffery, who edits issues in both Spanish and English with the help of two proofreaders and occasional guest writers. She also completes each week's paper layout, solicits advertisements to finance it and even handles distribution herself, traveling across the Gulf Coast delivering papers at more than 150 locations weekly from Mobile, Ala., to DeFuniak Springs.
NOWHERE TO TURN
Resendez McCaffery is the person families run to when a husband is detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), children need supplies for school but their parents have been deported, undocumented workers are harmed on the job and fear arrest over proper medical care and a festival of Hispanic cultural joy needs planning.
"I have families that maybe just got here, or maybe they got stuck here by accident—literally an accident, a car accident or something—or they got sick," Resendez McCaffery said. "Or right now, we have families whose breadwinners have been arrested and potentially are being deported. So we've got families that are being left behind to pay the rent, and they don't work or drive, and there's multiple children."
Resendez McCaffery reaches out to her community to fundraise and gather donations for the families and individuals who need it most.
People Who Look Like Me G race Resendez McCaffery Fighting for Community in Anti-Immigrant America with
By Sydney Robinson
"I'll often have more than enough to help them out for a few weeks within 24 hours."
Being able to help others directly through her advocacy is a gift for the givers, too.
"I cannot tell you how much people appreciate the opportunity to help," said Resendez McCaffery. "They tell me thank you for giving them the opportunity to send a few hundred dollars to help undocumented immigrant, because they see what's going on and it makes them feel like they're doing something to help someone."
On her Facebook page, Resendez McCaffery posts photos of the items she is able to purchase with donations—like clothes, toiletries and other necessities—proof to her donors that she kept her word.
"I can't thank them enough for trusting me."
A CULTURAL CALLING
This has never been just a job for Resendez McCaffery. Her brown skin and raven hair mean she has always stood out in the Gulf Coast, and that has led to both curiosity and friction over the years.
"I have very ethnic features, and I'm treated differently depending on how I'm dressed," Resendez McCaffery said. "People would ask me, 'What are you?'"
Resendez McCaffery made Pensacola her home more than three decades ago and has raised her two sons here. Away from her parents and extended family in Texas, Resendez McCaffery found out that "home" can mean a chosen family made up of people from all over the world, and from all different languages and cultures.
"Each of us have gone through something where we were treated differently because of our accent or because of our complexion, [so] that when we had the opportunity to now meet somebody from another country, we didn't treat them that way. We treated them with respect and learned from that person so that we could appreciate each other more and really stand up for each other," she said.
Resendez McCaffery becomes emotional when reflecting on the unique community she shares in Pensacola.
"I've met people from every single country, indigenous and more Spanish-leaning, and it has just created such a unique community," Resendez McCaffery said. "You don't see this everywhere. We just have something special in Pensacola that I have not seen anywhere else, not in the way that we have it."
In an era where "self-care" is encouraged as a natural balance to community activism, Resendez McCaffery said she doesn't find much use for boundaries.
"I do this because it's what I feel I'm called to do," Resendez McCaffery said. "It's just a drive. My heart says, 'Go this way and do this thing.' I don't know that I could ever just let things happen and not do something about it."
THE EVOLUTION OF HATRED
It's easy to feel like anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high in the Panhandle, and country in general, but Resendez McCaffery said she has seen the dangers ebb and flow over the years.
"I kind of see both things happening [today]. One is that we still have people that are aggressive, that say hateful things and want hateful things to happen," Resendez McCaffery said.
"On the other hand, what I have seen is a lot more support. Because I realized that when I say things in front of a camera, in front of the city council or the county commission, it then encourages [people] to be vocal about these things that they know are wrong, things that they want to advocate for too, and it gives them courage to do that."
In the early 2000s, things felt quite different. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan when Spanish-speaking laborers came to the area to assist with hurricane cleanup and recovery, Resendez McCaffery was near the beginning of her career working for Escambia County. Already
Photo Courtesy of PSL—Central Gulf Coast
having established the Language Bank of Northwest Florida, Resendez McCaffery realized more was needed during a public forum hosted by Congressman Jeff Miller.
"My responsibilities were pretty much to lock up the county commission chamber where the meeting was held, you know, make sure everything was okay."
But during the meeting, Resendez McCaffery was forced to sit through racist and xenophobic insults that rocked her.
"I remember somebody saying that 'they were all over the place, like cockroaches,'" Resendez McCaffery said. "I remember an elderly woman saying she feared for her life because the people that had moved into her neighborhood didn't speak English."
"There was a man sitting right at the corner seat closest to the media desk that kept looking over at me, and right before the meeting started, he looked right at me and he said, 'You pay attention now.'"
"I was stunned, because they were talking about me. Why are people angry because people that look like me came to rebuild our city so efficiently and so quickly? I just didn't understand it."
The language bank she founded soon evolved to a newspaper, La Costa Latina, which ultimately caused Resendez McCaffery's phone to ring off the hook. Then there was the Latino Expo, which became the Latino Festival, the Latino Gala and on and on. Her commitment to her community was growing.
One of the calls Resendez McCaffery received told her that a Spanish-speaking worker had been stabbed and robbed outside of a convenience store.
"At this point there were a lot of people making these public statements about 'those people,' you know, 'being here.' So I remember calling the sheriff's office and asking what was going to be done because they stabbed this young man multiple times and took his money."
Resendez McCaffery suggested the violence was in fact a hate crime, and the deputy told her that would be nearly impossible to prove.
"That was kind of the beginning of realizing that we needed more communication, more learning, more representation and more of a voice."
At first, Resendez McCaffery felt torn between her need to help her community and worry about how it might affect her career.
"I thought maybe I would never be able to work professionally again, but it turned out that's exactly what people were waiting for," Resendez McCaffery said. "Whether it's because people were being treated badly or because services needed to be provided in Spanish or cultural representation in an event was missing from the Hispanic community. It was all needed and it was all welcome."
HARD TRUTHS
Resendez McCaffery believes ignorance is an opportunity for learning, and she is quick to remind people that the term "illegal immigrant" is dehumanizing, noting that we don't call folks who run stop signs "illegal drivers," for example.
"It's not a crime to overstay a visa," Resendez McCaffery said. "It can get you deported, but it's not a crime. The majority of undocumented immigrants have overstayed a visa. They're not criminals."
Unfortunately, several legislative actions
on state and federal levels have moved to change that. Mirroring action taken by the federal government, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida State Legislature have taken swift action to increase hostility toward non-citizens in the state.
State law SB 2-C created enhanced criminal penalties for immigrants, made way for local jails to house undocumented immigrants for up to 48 hours, and created a State Board of Immigration Enforcement costing taxpayers approximately $300 million.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has labeled the law "overly broad and vague," which will lead to "rampant racial profiling." Resendez McCaffery said this type of profiling is already taking place, and members of the local community have reported that American citizens and legal residents have been detained by ICE through illegal raids.
"My scary thoughts are a loss of progress that we've made over the last 50 or 60 years and that these scare tactics are working. Yeah, I'm really concerned about violence increasing toward people that look like me."
Resendez McCaffery is frightened by the backslide these legislative actions are causing, but she also remains hopeful for the outspoken allies it has created.
"This word has come up again: tolerance— you know, to be tolerant. I know it seems like a weak word; we bypassed that during the Civil Rights era. But at this point, it's like we're starting over again with just trying to understand people, to be tolerant of other people's existence," Resendez McCaffery said.
Beyond tolerance, though, she hopes people will take action to protect neighbors who look like her.
"I think the other thing is to not be afraid, to speak up for somebody else. It's exhausting sometimes, and sometimes we don't even know the right words to say. We don't have to be scripted about it. I think most people know in their heart when something's not right."
Resendez McCaffery encourages people to remain vigilant in an era of disinformation, and to think critically.
"Try and think more logically and more critically about the information people are trying to feed to you about the evil of immigrants. You really need to take the time to learn for yourself," Resendez McCaffery said.
"My belief is that the reason why people don't want to change their mind is because they're afraid of learning that what they've been taught their whole life was a lie," Resendez McCaffery said. "Yeah, that is a valid fear. If you really look into things, your belief system is going to get rattled. You happen to be reading one of my Facebook posts or, you know, run into me in the street. You might want to argue with me a little bit, but you're going to hear some truth." {in}
Grace Resendez McCaffery and La Costa Latina
• Follow Resendez McCaffery facebook.com/grace.r.mccaffery
• Read La Costa Latina latinomediainc.com
• Follow La Costa Latina facebook.com/latinomedia
Arts & Entertainment
The Women Who Almost Made It to Space
By Dakota Parks
Pensacola's history is written in the sky. As the home of the nation's first naval air station, it has shaped generations of aviators, cementing its place in the story of American flight. But not every pioneer got the chance to soar. In the 1960s, a group of highly skilled female pilots known as the Mercury 13 proved its capabilities, passing the same rigorous tests as NASA's first male astronauts—only to be denied the chance to go to space.
This Women's History Month, PenArts will bring their story to the stage with "They Promised Her the Moon," a play that shines a spotlight on the women who dared to reach for the stars.
The play follows the story of Jerrie Cobb, a highly skilled pilot who trained in the privately funded program led by physician William Randolph Lovelace II, a NASA contractor determined to prove women could meet the same qualifications as men to become astronauts. Despite many
of the women outperforming their male counterparts in early testing, the U.S. Navy refused to let Lovelace use its facilities at Pensacola NAS for an unofficial program without a NASA or government sponsor.
Director Christine Kellogg was immediately drawn to Cobb's story and its connection to Pensacola's rich aviation history.
"Just as Jerrie Cobb was heading to the next phase of NASA training in Pensacola, the Mercury 13 program was abruptly cut," Kellogg said. "It's always interesting to see the part that Pensacola has played in our national history."
For Kellogg, the production is more than just a historical retelling; it's an opportunity to highlight an overlooked pioneer.
"I was intrigued by the fact that whenever I mentioned the name Jerrie Cobb to someone, they had no idea who she was, yet her accomplishments remain important and impressive," she said. "Jerrie Cobb was robbed of her chance to make history, because at the time, it was deemed that spending money on women's space travel was a waste of time and money. The Russians were the first to put a woman in space, much to Jerrie's chagrin, but she admirably went on to accomplish feats that no one, male or female, had ever done."
Carsen Campbell, who portrays Cobb in PenArts' production, was deeply moved by the pilot's relentless drive and resilience.
"I feel very similar to Jerrie in a lot of ways. She is very much a tomboy and very outspoken when it's something she's passionate about," Campbell said. "But you see in the play, when people start recognizing her for her achievements in aviation,
she's overwhelmed by the attention. That contrast between her public and private self is fascinating."
Campbell was also struck by Cobb's refusal to embrace a victim mentality, despite the crushing disappointments she faced.
"She works so hard and fights her entire life to get what she wants, and then it's taken away in an instant," Campbell said. "At first, I felt so dejected reading the script. But Christine helped me see that, yes, it's sad, but Jerrie doesn't let it define her. She goes on to do incredible things in aviation. She never stops pushing forward."
That resilience is something Campbell hopes audiences take away from the production. The play also delves into Cobb's relationship with her mother, who frequently urged her to embrace traditional gender roles and femininity—encouraging her to bake pies and focus on finding a husband rather than pursue a career in aviation.
"This is the 1960s, so those social expectations were deeply ingrained," Campbell said. "But Jerrie never felt aligned with them. Flying was all she ever wanted to do since she was a child, and she didn't let anyone get between her and the sky."
As Campbell explained, the barriers Cobb faced in the 1960s still echo in today's political climate, making her story as timely as ever. The abrupt cancellation of the women's space training program led to congressional hearings in July 1962, where lawmakers informally debated whether NASA discriminated against women.
"Not to get too political, but it is striking to be doing this play now, specifically with women's rights backsliding and everything unfolding locally at the University of West Florida with the new board nominees," Cambell continued. "The arguments used against Jerrie Cobb at the congressional hearings—claiming women shouldn't be in space—are eerily similar to the language we hear today from men like Scott Yenor. It's
like we've come so far, but now it feels like we're swinging backward."
Portraying Cobb throughout various stages of her life has been a unique challenge for Campbell, who also teaches a teen acting class at The Gordon Community Art Center. Several of her students will perform alongside her in the play.
"I've been focusing on how to embody her as a 7-year-old, a 12-year-old, a teenager and an adult," she said. "The scenes where she's younger are some of my favorites, especially when she's desperately trying to convince people to let her fly. You can feel how much she wants it, how the sky is the only thing that matters to her."
Ultimately, "They Promised Her the Moon" is a story of perseverance in the face of systemic barriers. Cobb and the Mercury 13 might not have made it to space, but their contributions paved the way for future generations of female astronauts.
"I hope audiences walk away understanding that women, when not held back by societal expectations, can achieve far more than anyone anticipates," Campbell concluded. "Jerrie proved that time and time again." {in}
PENARTS
PRESENTS "THEY PROMISED HER THE MOON"
WHAT: A play based on the story of Jerrie Cobb's life and how she opened the door for women to become astronauts nearly two decades later
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27-Saturday, March 29, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30
WHERE: The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N. DeVilliers St. COST: $20
DETAILS: penarts.org
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
AXLES FOR ALZHEIMER'S & THE KIDS
ALL WHEELS SHOW Car show is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, 6205 N. W. St. Admission is free. All donations support Gulf Coast Kid's House and Alzheimer's Association.
SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR FURRY FRIENDS Now through March 29, you can bid on gift baskets, gift certificates, art and mommy-and-me treat baskets. Auction is located at the Happy Dog Resort, 1401 W. Cervantes St. For more information, contact SOS program at sossaveourshelters@gmail.com.
PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY FUR
BALL The annual Fur Ball is 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St. For sponsorship or ticket information call (850) 450-8958 or email furball@pensacolahumane.org.
WSRE WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC WSRE
PBS Wine & Food Classic is Saturday, March 29, on the main campus of Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Enjoy Walkabout Tasting featuring local chefs serving Creole-inspired cuisine and the music of Corey Ledet Zydeco from 7-10 p.m. in the WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio. Tickets are $65. VIP tickets are also available, which includes the Crescent City Soirée on the college's Morette Sky Terrace at the Bear, Jones, Moore, Reeves Center from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit wsre.org/events for event details and to purchase tickets.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market Street, Cantonment. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. 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 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are poptop 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) 7233390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LAUNCHING A HOME-BASED CHILDCARE
BUSINESS This workshop to learn how to start up your own home-based childcare business is 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (catered lunch provided) Thursday, March 20 at Escambia County Early Learning Co -
alition, 1720 W Fairfield Drive, Suite 400. Tickets are $15. Sign up at sbdc.uwf.edu.
ARTS & CULTURE
VERNAL EQUINOX PLANT SWAP AT ODD COLONY Celebrate spring with new plants and also check out a spring T-shirt release and floral saison release 4-9 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.
HADESTOWN Broadway performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.
GALLERY NIGHT: DANCIN IN THE STREETS The next gallery night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 21 in downtown Pensacola with a night of art and movement. The featured artist is Brea'n Thompson. You can also watch the Third Annual Dance-Off Competition at the Garden Street Main Stage from 6-9 p.m. showcasing talented performers vying for a $500 cash prize in both youth and adult categories. Details are at gallerynightpensacola.org.
NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN INC. PRESENTS: WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE WEEK Evening of celebrating the Black women who have made significant contributions to the Pensacola communities in the areas of Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment is 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Hilton Garden Inn, 1144 Airport Blvd. Tickets are $55 each and available at ncbw.org/directory-chapter_ loca/listing/pensacola.
NOW SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA
ART A screening of "No Other Land" is 1 p.m. Sunday, March 23, and "I'm Still Here" is 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22 at Pensacola Cinema Art, 220 W. Garden St. Details are at pensacolacinemaart.com.
SPOTLIGHT: A STUDIO ARTIST SHOW -
CASE Dinner and show with young artists from Pensacola Opera. Cocktail hour begins 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at The Sanctuary, 716 N. Ninth Ave. Tickets are $150. Details are at pensacolaopera.com.
BRAD WILLIAMS: THE GROWTH SPURT
TOUR Comedian Brad Williams performs 7 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.
BROWN BAG OPERA Lunchtime rehearsal with Pensacola Opera is noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at The Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Details are at pensacolaopera.com.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE Improv sketch comedy show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
THEY PROMISED HER THE MOON PenArts presents the inspiring story of one woman's life and how she affected the future for all female astronauts. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday,
March 27, Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N. DeVilliers St. Tickets are $20 and available at penarts.org.
PENSACOLA QUILTERS GUILD QUILT
SHOW Check out quilt, fabric and sewing machine vendors, auction baskets, quilt demonstrations and a boutique with items made by the members of the guild 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, March 28 and 9 a.m.-4 pm. Saturday, March 29 at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Admission is $10 a day or $15 for a twoday pass. Admission is $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. More information is at pensacolaquiltersguild.org.
PENSACOLA BALLET PRESENTS: DON QUIXOTE Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays, March 28 and April 4, Saturdays, March 29 and April 5 and 1:30 p.m. Sundays, March 30 and April 6 at Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $25-$50 and available at balletpensacola.com.
STILL RISING Choral Society of Pensacola event is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29 at the University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway Bldg. 82. Tickets are $10-$25 and available at choralsocietyofpensacola.org.
BOOKS BY THE BAY Bestselling author Julie Cantrell and award-winning screenwriter Paul Sinor headline the list of nearly 100 authors participating in Books By the Bay Festival held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Museum Plaza, 120 Church St. To sign up for the screenwriting workshop, reserve a space, or volunteer, visit the website booksbythebay.info.
WORLD BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS:
THE GREAT GATSBY Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.
WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION AT ODD COLONY Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St., and FemFest invite you to a free event with a special beer and can release, Flour-ish Pizza Food Truck, craft and vintage market, photo booth and goodies from Craft Bakery and Black Cat Vegan Bakery. There will be a panel discussion at 1 p.m. and a live DJ from 2-4 p.m. with DJ Hale. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.
BLUE MORNING GALLERY: SPRING FLING
The latest Blue Morning Gallery exhibit is Spring Fling with featured artists Jan Hoffman, Mark Schmitt and Kathy Stewart. The gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
RISING TIDE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN
DEPP This exhibition is part of Ben Depp's ongoing project documenting the rapidly shifting landscape of Southern Louisiana. Depp has been flying above the bayous and wetlands of Southern Louisiana in a powered paraglider for 10 years, photographing the visual clues that tell the story of this place and its destruction. Exhibit is on view through Friday, April 4, at Pensacola Mu-
seum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for hours.
JIMMY RHEA: TO BE DEFINED Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit featuring mixed-media work by Jimmy Rhea that juxtaposes historical icons with contemporary culture is on view through June 1 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. For museum hours and details, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch others perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
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.
THE BRENT LOFTS ART EXHIBIT View an exhibit by Sally T. Miller, abstract painter, and Erica Dukes, travel photographer, inside The Brent Lofts, 17 S. Palafox St. Exhibit will be on display through March 30. Details are at facebook.com/thebrentlofts.
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 St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
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 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
a&e happenings
Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 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 real 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. After 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.
FOOD + DRINKS
WOLFGANG YAPPY HOUR Join Wolfgang for the first Yappy Hour of the year 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Pensacola Bay Brewery, 225 Zaragoza St. Play Bingo for a cause (all donations go to ECAS), sip on $5 beers and enjoy a night out with fellow dog lovers. Details are at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
RAMEN POP-UP Ramen pop-up is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.
CULTURE'S COOK: ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Pensacola Cooks class is 2-4 p.m. Sunday,
March 23 at 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $60 a student. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/ classes-and-events.
SOUNDBITE DINNER WITH CHEF NICK AND DAN LOVELOCK Fine dining meets live music, where each course is paired with a specially chosen Beatles song, Dinner is 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.
GERMAN FLAVORS COOKING CLASS
Class is 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. (Adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
SANGRIA AT SUNSET Enjoy rooftop views, tapas, sangria and live entertainment from Ballet Pensacola 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at on the rooftop of Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. This event is for ages 21 and older. Tickets are available at balletpensacola.org.
DABBLING IN DESSERTS Cooking class is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 30 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. (Ages 10 and older). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is lo cated
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 AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy
Double Mondays 8 p.m.-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 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 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 Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are 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.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.1 a.m., and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs
a&e happenings
and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.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 are 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.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9-11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN BREW-
ING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular de -
mand 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.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials
start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 9-11 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-
2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER
HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
LIVE MUSIC
RUGH, OTHER Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
U.S. NAVY BAND IN CONCERT Show is 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.
GLORIOUS FLAWS, OUTLOOK BLEAK, WILD CHARGE Show is 7 p.m. Friday, March 21 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
GASOLINA: REGGAETRON SHOW Show is
9 p.m. Friday March 21 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info are available at vinylmusichall.com.
CANDLELIGHT SHOWS Candlelight concerts are Friday, March 21. From 6:15-7:30 p.m. is A Tribute to Queen, and 8:30-9:45 p.m. is Coldplay and Imagine Dragons. Shows are at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Tickets and information are at feverup.com.
BACK-N-BACK: THE ULTIMATE AC/DC EXPERIENCE Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.
THE EMO NIGHT TOUR Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info are available at vinylmusichall.com.
STRIVE FUNDRAISER BENEFIT SHOW Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
STUDENT JAZZ COMPETITION Event features high school and college-aged students performing instrumental and jazz vocals 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at the UWF Main Stage Theatre, 11000 University Parkway. Details are at jazzpensacola.com.
CAPSTAN: THE CULT TOUR, COLORBLIND, NOT ENOUGH SPACE, AFTERDUSK Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets and information are at thehandlebar850.com.
HAUNT, HITTEN Show is 7 p.m. Monday, March 24 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF MARCH 20
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Cheetahs are the fastest land animals. From standing still, they can be running at 70 mph three seconds later. But they can't sustain that intensity. After a 20-second burst, they need to relax and recover. This approach serves them well, enabling them to prey on the small creatures they like to eat. I encourage you to be like a metaphorical cheetah in the coming weeks, Aries. Capitalize on the power of focused, energetic spurts. Aim for bursts of dedicated effort, followed by purposeful rest. You don't need to pursue a relentless pace to succeed. Recognize when it's right to push hard and when it's time to recharge.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Inside a kaleidoscope, the colored shards of glass are in an ever-shifting chaotic jumble. But internal mirrors present pleasing symmetrical designs to the person gazing into the kaleidoscope. I see a similar phenomenon going on in your life. Some deep intelligence within you (your higher self?) is creating intriguing patterns out of an apparent mess of fragments. I foresee this continuing for several weeks. So don't be quick to jump to conclusions about your complicated life. A hidden order is there, and you can see its beauty if you're patient and poised.
A hidden order is there, and you can see its beauty if you're patient and poised.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Spiders spin their webs with meticulous care, crafting structures that are delicate, strong and useful. Their silk is five times more robust than steel of the same diameter. It's waterproof, can stretch 140% of its length without splitting, and maintains its sturdiness at temperatures as low as -40 degrees. With that in mind, Gemini, I bid you to work on fortifying and expanding your own web in the coming weeks—by which I mean your network of connections and support. It's an excellent time to deepen and refine your relationships with the resources and influences that help hold your world together.
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Chichén Itzá
was a large pre-Columbian city from around 600 to 1200 CE. It was built by Mayan people in what's now Mexico. At the city center was a pyramid, The Temple of Kukulcan. During the equinoxes, and only on the equinoxes, sunlight fell on its steps in such a way as to suggest a snake descending the stairs. The mathematical, architectural and astronomical knowledge necessary to create this entertaining illusion was phenomenal. In that spirit, I am pleased to tell you that you are now capable of creating potent effects through careful planning. Your strategic thinking will be enhanced, especially in projects that require long-term vision. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for initiatives that coordinate multiple elements to generate fun and useful outcomes.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Fireflies produce efficient light. Nearly all the energy expended in their internal chemical reactions is turned directly into their intense glow. By contrast, light bulbs are highly inefficient. In accordance with astrological omens, Leo, I urge you to be like a firefly in the coming weeks, not a light bulb. You will have dynamic power to convert your inner beauty into outer beauty. Be audacious! Be uninhibited! Shower the world with full doses of your radiant gifts.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Brazil nut trees grow in the Amazon—but if only they are in the vicinity of orchid bees, their sole pollinators. And orchid bees thrive in no other place except where there are lots of blooming orchids. So, the Brazil nut tree has very specific requirements for its growth and well-being. You Virgos aren't quite so picky about the influences that keep you fertile and flourishing—though sometimes I do worry about it. The good news is that in the coming months, you will be casting a wider net in quest of inspiration and support. I suspect you will gather most, maybe all, of the inspiration and support you need.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In 1858, businessperson James Miller Williams was digging a new water well on his land in Ontario, hoping to compensate for a local drought. He noticed oil was seeping out of the hole he had scooped. Soon, he became the first person
in North America to develop a commercial oil well. I suspect you, too, may soon stumble upon valuable fuels or resources, Libra—and they may be different from what you imagined you were looking for. Be alert and open-minded for unexpected discoveries.
Be alert and open-minded for unexpected discoveries.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): I've been through the U.S. education system, and I can testify that our textbooks don't give the French enough of the credit they deserve for helping our fledging nation gain independence from Great Britain. The 18th-century American Revolution would not have succeeded without extensive aid from France. So I'm a little late, but I am hereby showering France with praise and gratitude for its intervention. Now I encourage you, too, to compensate for your past lack of full appreciation for people and influences that have been essential to you becoming yourself. It's a different kind of atonement: not apologizing for sins, but offering symbolic and even literal rewards to underestimated helpers and supporters.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): As I survey the astrological aspects, I am tempted to encourage you to be extra expansive about love. I am curious to see the scintillating intimacy you might cultivate. So, in the hope you're as intrigued by the experimental possibilities as I am, I invite you to memorize the following words by author Maya Angelou and express them to a person with whom you want to play deeper and wilder: "You are my living poem, my symphony of the untold, my golden horizon stretched beyond what the eye can see. You rise in me like courage, fierce and unyielding, yet soft as a lullaby sung to a weary soul. You are my promise kept, my hope reborn, the infinite melody in the heart of silence. I hold you in the marrow of my joy, where you are home."
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Four facts about a mountain goat as it navigates along steep and rocky terrain: 1. It's strong and vigorous; 2. It's determined and unflappable; 3.
It's precise and disciplined; 4. It calls on enormous stamina and resilience. According to my astrological analysis, you Capricorns will have maximum access to all these capacities during the coming weeks. You can use them to either ascend to seemingly impossible heights or descend to fantastically interesting depths. Trust in your power to persevere. Love the interesting journey as much as the satisfaction of reaching the goal of the journey.
AQUARIUS
(JAN. 20-FEB. 18): The Swiss Army knife is a compact assemblage of tools. These may include a nail file, scissors, magnifying glass, screwdriver, pliers, blade, can opener and many others. Is there a better symbol for adaptability and preparedness? I urge you to make it your metaphorical power object during the coming weeks, Aquarius. Explore new frontiers of flexibility, please. Be ready to shift perspective and approach quickly and smoothly. Be as agile and multifaceted as you dare.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet. If, Goddess forbid, lumber harvesters cut down one of these beauties, it can be used to build more than 20 houses. And yet each mature tree begins as a seed the size of a coat button. Its monumental growth is steady and slow, relying on robust roots and a symbiotic relationship with a fungus that enables it to absorb water from fog. I propose we make the redwood your power symbol for now, Pisces. Inspired by its process, I hope you implement the magic of persistent, incremental growth. Treasure the fact that a fertile possibility has the potential, with patience and nurturing, to ripen into a long-term asset. Trust that small efforts, fueled by collaboration, will lead to gratifying achievements.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Henry James said, "Excellence does not require perfection." Give an example from your own life. {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny
FINE POINTS OF THE LAW Marc Jaisli, a councilmember in Buchs, Switzerland, was fined $7,390 after he purchased pink plastic water pistols for his godchildren, the Associated Press reported on March 11. Doing so violated the country's weapons law, prosecutors said. They ruled that even though the pistols were imitations, "they could be confused for real firearms due to their appearance." Jaisli said he hadn't been aware of the violation but paid the fine.
RUDE A German soccer match on Feb. 23 was abruptly canceled after an unexpected incident on the field, NationalWorld reported. As the referee was checking players' IDs while they warmed up, the child of one player "came closer and closer to me, then suddenly—to my complete surprise—gave me a sharp bite in my left testicle," said referee Stefan Kahler. "I did not start the game, because of the pain I was in and the situation. It was the child of one of the FC Taxi players who was to blame." FC Taxi II and Rot-Weiss Mulheim III will have their match rescheduled for later in the season.
SMOOTH REACTIONS The Top Secret Comedy Club in London will no longer admit audience members who have undergone Botox injections, United Press International reported on March 10. "I've had numerous complaints from performers who find it increasingly challenging to gauge audience engagement and bounce off their reactions," said owner Mark Rothman. "Comedy thrives on connection, and facial expressions play a huge part. ... Frozen faces from Botox impact the entire atmosphere." Show attendees will be submitted to an expression check at the door.
SAW THAT COMING An unnamed man in Memphis, Tennessee, learned a pointed lesson on March 10 when his dog, Oreo, jumped into his bed and got his paw stuck in the trigger guard of the man's loaded gun, FOX13-TV reported. The gun fired a bullet that grazed the man's left thigh, which was treated at a hospital. "The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that, and it just went off," said the man's girlfriend, who was also in the bed. Police filed an accidental injury report.
IRONY The COP30 climate summit scheduled for November in the Brazilian city of Belem is expected to bring more than 50,000 people to the area. So with the goal of easing traffic to the city, the government is building a new four-lane highway through the protected Amazon rainforest, the BBC reported on March 12. Not only are trees being felled, but the project is paving over wetlands. Claudio Verequete, who once harvested acai berries in the rainforest, said the project has destroyed everything. "Our harvest has already been cut down. We no longer have that income to support our family," he said. "For those of us who live on the side of the highway, there will be no benefits," he said, as the highway will not connect to adjacent communities.
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LATEST
RELIGIOUS MESSAGE An American Airlines flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Miami was forced to turn back to the airport just after takeoff on March 10, The New York Times reported. Flight attendants first thought passenger Delange Augustin, 31, was having a seizure as he yelled and shook, but it turned out he believed a satanic spirit had invaded the cabin, and he was swallowing rosary beads to ward off the spirit. During a struggle, he kicked one attendant so hard they tumbled into the window on the other side of the plane. After landing, Augustin went to the front of the plane and started throwing punches at flight attendants. Other passengers wrestled him and his sister, who was flying with him, to the floor. The sister told law enforcement that they'd been traveling to Haiti to "flee religious attacks of a spiritual nature." Augustin had told her that "Satan's disciples had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti." The swallowed beads were a "weapon of strength" against the persecution, he said. He was charged with misdemeanor battery and felony criminal property damage.
UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Air India is begging passengers to "use lavatories only for purposes they are meant for," the New York Post reported, after a flight from Chicago to Delhi on March 5 had to return to O'Hare. During that journey, passengers flushed plastic bags, rags and clothing down the toilets, putting eight of the 12 lavatories out of order. The plane was over Greenland when it turned back to Chicago, five hours into the 14-hour flight. "The decision to divert was taken entirely in the interest of passenger comfort and safety," Air India reps said. "Our teams have previously also found objects such as blankets, innerwear and diapers," they said.
AMERICANS ABROAD Instagram influencer and "outdoor enthusiast" Sam Jones may lose her visa for Australia after she posted a video of her grabbing a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother, the BBC reported. The post on March 11 has since been deleted from her Instagram account. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested she "take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there." In the video, Jones carries the hissing and struggling joey to a car, saying, "I caught a baby wombat!" as the mother chases her. She then puts the joey back down beside the road. But wombat experts are unamused. "Snatching a screaming baby wombat from their mother is not just appalling, it's very possibly illegal under state or national laws," said Suzanne Milthorpe of World Animal Protection Australia. {in}
