G R A N D F I E S TA PA R A
PENSACOLA
winners & losers winners losers
JOSHUA KHAN Emerald Coast Writers named Gulf Breeze High School senior Joshua Khan as the inaugural 2026 Emerald Coast Youth Poet Laureate during a commencement performance May 3 at the Pensacola Museum of Art. Finalists Sydney Maygarden and Euphoria Rentz, both first years at Gulf Breeze High School and Pensacola State College respectively, were named Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors. Asia Samson, Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida, delivered a special performance. The program, developed by Youth Writing Director Charline Barger, is part of a national initiative led by Urban Word that established the National Youth Poet Laureate Program in 2017. Khan and the ambassadors are eligible to compete for national recognition. Khan said, "I'm incredibly grateful to have this opportunity. I'm excited to help bring more people into that world."
YOUNGE DOGBE The University of West Florida senior has been awarded a Boren Scholarship to study at the University of Ghana from August 2026 through February 2027. A supply chain logistics management major, U.S. Army veteran and transition coach at UWF's Military & Veterans Resource Center, Dogbe is the first UWF student to receive the honor. Born in Ghana, he plans to deepen his language skills and cultural competency for a career in international and humanitarian logistics. Boren Award recipients commit to at least one year of federal service in a national security role following graduation.
MORETTE FAMILY Foundation Governor and Past President Mike Morette and the Morette family were recognized for their exceptional service and philanthropic leadership, earning their designation as Pensacola State College Foundation Fellows. Mike Morette served 16 years on the PSC Foundation Board of Governors, and the Morette family's volunteerism and leadership span more than 26 years of support and service. PSC named the Morette Sky Terrace in honor of the Morette family and their $100,000 gift to establish the Morette Family Endowed Scholarship. Family matriarch Sharon Morette, along with her daughter Nikki and son-in-law Rob Bell, have established additional endowed scholarships for students in need.
SPIRIT
AIRLINES The economy airline is gone, and the blame game has begun. Trump administration officials point to the Biden Justice Department's 2024 decision to block JetBlue's $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit. Spirit's leadership counters that spiking jet fuel prices, driven by the war in Iran, delivered the fatal blow. Spirit compounded its vulnerability by poor fuel-cost hedging, taking on excessive debt and abandoning a more manageable merger with Frontier to pursue the ill-fated JetBlue deal. Grounded planes due to engine failures deepened the losses. Fortunately, the impact on the Pensacola International Airport is minimal. Mayor D.C. Reeves said Spirit accounted for about 7% of its passenger traffic and that Frontier and Breeze had largely filled the gap.
BRATT
TIKTOK CHALLENGE A reported suspicious vehicle incident near Bratt Elementary School turned out to be teenagers participating in a TikTok challenge, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office confirmed. A 10-year-old student had just stepped off his school bus on North Highway 99 when a white SUV stopped, and a passenger offered him candy. The child immediately told his parents, who called ECSO. Deputies identified two teens responsible for the stunt. No charges were filed, but ECSO warned that such pranks trigger emergency responses and endanger minors. The agency said, "These types of 'pranks' can be extremely dangerous and are taken very seriously."
SLOTH WORLD ORLANDO Florida officials are pursuing a criminal investigation into the deaths of dozens of sloths connected to the failed Sloth World Orlando attraction, even as state wildlife regulators concluded the owner's conduct didn't meet the legal threshold for animal cruelty. A statewide prosecutor is assisting the Ninth Circuit's ongoing criminal probe. Sloth World has filed for bankruptcy, and surviving sloths have been transferred to the Central Florida Zoo. More than 30 of 61 sloths imported from South America died between December 2024 and February 2025. Necropsies revealed viral infections, neurological and respiratory disease and evidence of immune suppression, though the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said primary cause of death remains undetermined.
Joshua Khan / Photo Courtesy of Emerald Coast Writers
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
IGNORING THE STATE CONSTITUTION
Floridians fought hard to win the constitutional mandate that ended gerrymandering and created fair districts. Our new congressional map reverses that progress.
In 2010, more than 3.15 million Floridians went to the polls and voted to end the rigged game of legislative map-drawing. They approved the Fair Districts amendments by 63%—a clear mandate that the Legislature would no longer be allowed to draw congressional districts to entrench one party or protect favored incumbents.
The victory didn't come easily. The fight included gathering over 1.6 million petition signatures, fighting courtroom battles and defeating a "poison pill" amendment proposed by state lawmakers to confuse voters and water down the initiative before a single ballot was cast.
The new congressional map—drawn by DeSantis's own aides, handed to favored news networks before the Legislature even saw it and signed into law last week—is the most brazen act of partisan gerrymandering in Florida history.
That statement isn't hyperbole. The governor's office drew a new map that blew past the standards set in 2010. The governor unveiled it on Fox News. Then the Legislature convened a special session and rubber-stamped it. The map reshapes 21 of Florida's 28 congressional districts and could swing as many as four seats from Democrats to Republicans, potentially turning a 20-8 GOP advantage in Florida's U.S. House delegation into a 24-4 shift.
WHAT ARE FAIR
DISTRICTS?
The Fair Districts amendments embedded new standards directly into Article III of the Florida Constitution. Districts shall not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. They shall not deny or dilute the voting power of racial or language minorities. They shall be compact, contiguous and, where feasible, follow existing geographic boundaries.
These weren't suggestions. They were part of the Florida Constitution. The Fair Districts Coalition had to defend those amendments in court before the ink was dry; two sitting members of Congress joined by the Florida House of Representatives sued to have them thrown out as unconstitutional. They lost. The coalition won total victory at every turn. The people of Florida had the right to impose these standards. Fifteen years later, DeSantis has erased them.
The governor's office has offered shifting justifications for the mid-decade redraw. First came the claim that Florida was shortchanged a congressional seat after the 2020 Census. Then came the argument that a racial gerrymander in District 20 needed correcting in light of a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling that undercut part of the Voting Rights Act.
However, if he only wanted to fix District 20, then DeSantis could have redrawn the darn district. Instead, 21 of 28 districts were redrawn. Democratic-heavy areas in Tampa and Orlando were carved, but Republican-held seats previously drawn to favor Hispanic voters were left largely untouched.
Two lawsuits landed within days of the signing. The first was filed by Equal Ground Education Fund and 18 Florida voters. The second came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of Florida, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, which argued the obvious— that the map is "optimized for Republican partisan performance, rather than calibrated to serve any of the pretextual motivations offered by the Governor or his team."
TICKING CLOCK DeSantis waited until after the 2026 session ended to compress the timeline for his opponents to object. Congressional qualifying begins June 8 and closes June 12. The courts are being asked to rule on constitutional questions in a matter of weeks, while candidates, parties and voters scramble to adapt to radically redrawn maps. The governor's strategy is meant to outrun judicial review and present a fait accompli before anyone can stop it.
This playbook was written in Washington. President Trump urged Republican-controlled states to redraw their maps ahead of the midterms to shore up the GOP's razor-thin House majority. Texas moved first. DeSantis followed. The goal isn't better representation for Floridians; it's protecting a 217-212 House advantage.
What we have is a governor willing to treat the state constitution as an obstacle rather than a foundation, and a national party that views competitive elections as a problem to be engineered away.
The Florida Constitution should not be casually dismissed by those in power simply because it's inconvenient to their political agenda. Voters need leaders who believe in upholding the law. {in} rick@inweekly.net
Top-floor,
$715,000
DR. ED MEADOWS' LEGACY
answer. Yet when asked about his proudest accomplishment during his nearly 19 years as Pensacola State College president, Dr. Ed Meadows chooses instead to share a letter from a student who just graduated.
Lori Rudd opened her letter to Meadows by saying, "I wanted to write to you and the Board to express my deep gratitude for the work you have done during your tenure as President. As I prepare to walk the stage next week, I needed to take a moment and recognize the individuals who had the biggest impact on me and made it possible for me to reach this moment and let you know how important PSC has been to my family."
Rudd continues, "I have 9 children, of which the oldest 7 have all been dual enrollment homeschool students during their high school years. They have become military officers, a State Trooper, a teacher and a nursing supervisor for Ascension Sacred Heart. The professors at PSC helped me set my children on the path to success."
She later shares in the letter how she passed on higher education to raise her children, but after an act of domestic violence shattered her family, she opted to enroll at PSC and start from scratch after 30 years away from school. Her story is unique, but certain aspects of it are similar to those of countless others who proudly call themselves Pirates. PSC, under the guidance of Meadows, offered Rudd a second chance at higher education with the tender care that is deeply rooted in its president's humility.
SHAKING THE FOUNDATION
The 78-year-old Meadows is in his final months as PSC president. He submitted his letter of resignation, effective December 31, to the PSC Board of Trustees in April. Whether he serves out those remaining months depends on politics, the type that cropped up when the Board of Trustees denied him a $75,000 compensation package despite a positive performance review. The vote deadlocked at 4-4, with trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis voting against the compensation package.
No matter when or how his tenure at PSC ends, Meadows has unquestionably left a lasting legacy. In his resignation letter to the trustees, he noted that his 18-plus years as president included a recession, a hurricane, two major floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet through all those challenges, PSC experienced what he accurately described as "significant growth and transformation, marked by the expansion of academic programs, major capital investments, enhanced student success initiatives and strengthened community and workforce partnerships."
Meadows deflects the credit for that remarkable success. He prefers that the students, faculty and staff receive the praise.
An outsider with no previous ties to the college, Meadows arrived at Pensacola Junior College in 2008 and shook its foundation within two
years, resulting in a name change that still trips up longtime community members—and the president, for that matter.
"Sometimes every now and then, I slip up and call it PJC," Meadows admitted.
Meadows risked alienating an entire community by pushing for a name change. He heard from his share of detractors.
"He was out by himself. Nobody was excited about changing the name," said former Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson IV, then the PJC Foundation president and currently the PSC associate vice president of government and community relations.
Meadows plowed ahead anyway and eventually gained support. He said a strategic analysis conducted early in his tenure revealed several workforce gaps in the community, with nursing at the top of the list. A four-year degree in nursing was identified as a need and Meadows soon led the transition from PJC to PSC.
Robinson said transitioning to the state college system put PSC on an upward trajectory. He credited Meadows for embracing the opportunity to grow the college and enhance the area's workforce.
EPICENTER OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Since his arrival, PSC has expanded its curriculum with three new baccalaureate degrees, eight new Associate in Science degrees and three advanced technology diplomas to address current and emerging workforce needs in Northwest Florida. But perhaps the most impressive and important expansion has been an astounding 61 career and technical certificates.
"During the great recession, a lot of people lost their jobs and they sought out Pensacola State to find a new career that would not take four years or even two years," Meadows said. "Also, there was a changing philosophy of business and industry. They were more interested in skillsets than degrees."
PSC serves as the epicenter of workforce development in the region. The college offers programs in aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics, carpentry, commercial driving, cosmetology, culinary, cybersecurity, electricity, engineering technology, hospitality, HVAC, massage therapy and welding, among others.
Robinson said Pensacola has always sold itself on its location, but location can only do so much if there's not skilled labor. He said PSC under Meadows has changed that narrative.
"When he walks away, he'll be remembered most for what he's done with the workforce development programs," Robinson said. "He's taken them to a different level."
BIGGER AND BETTER
Workforce development programs require facilities and tools. PSC expanded its facilities through state appropriations, Triumph Gulf Coast grants and generous donations from the community.
State-of-the-art facilities constructed during Meadows' tenure include the South Santa Rosa Center, the Molly McGuire School of Culinary Arts, Charles Lamar Studio for Visual Arts, Baars Technology Building, Commercial Truck Driving Training Center, the Bear, Jones, Moore and Reeves Center for Math and Technology, and the PSC Airframe and Aviation Maintenance Program facility at the Pensacola International Airport. Later this month, PSC will break ground for the Diesel and Marine Mechanics facility.
PSC campuses underwent significant renovations during that same time period. Renovations included upgrades to academic facilities, grounds, student centers, workforce training spaces, athletic arenas and a $7 million repaving program. Last year, the college completed the funding for a major renovation to establish the Jan Miller Center, which is expected to open later this year.
Meadows said community buy-in positioned PSC for the construction and renovation of facilities. As of mid-April, nearly 8,400 unique donors have given almost $35.5 million to the college foundation since 2008. Meadows deflects the credit for the successful fundraising efforts.
"It's something I've certainly been involved in … but the ownership goes to our foundation board, foundation staff and community that's given all that money to the college," Meadows said.
Perhaps so, but Meadows shaped PSC into an easy sell to stakeholders such as state legislators and Triumph Gulf Coast board members. PSC has secured over $36 million in Triumph funding. Those grants have supported workforce development in advanced technology, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial driving, diesel mechanics and workforce training programs.
Other notable accomplishments during his tenure include establishing the state's first bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, establishing the PSC charter academy and recognition as a Purple Heart Campus and Purple Heart College.
"He's done a wonderful job growing and improving the college," Rudd said. "PSC is a jewel of the Emerald Coast."
Meadows will soon hand that jewel over to a new president. So what will retirement look like for him? He said he will remain involved in higher education as a consultant for colleges and universities. Otherwise, Meadows plans to spend his time with family on his farm in Alabama, shooting clays, hunting, riding horses, mending fences and bush hogging.
Retirement will be here soon enough, but for now, Meadows remains focused on continuing to grow PSC. He began his tenure as the president of a junior college. He will depart as the president of a premier state college, leaving PSC bigger and better than he found it.
"He's been in many ways a visionary for what we've been able to achieve at this school," Robinson said. "The college is definitely better today than it was 17, 18 years ago … The community is better, and I think Pensacola State has been a big part of that." {in}
Ed Meadows / Photo Courtesy of Pensacola State College
PERDIDO BEACH STORIES Escambia County has opened a public submission portal for beachgoers and property owners to share their personal experiences on Perdido Key's beaches, the first concrete step toward a potential Customary Use ordinance after months of commission debate.
The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to direct county staff and the county attorney's office to serve as a passive repository for public information related to customary use of Perdido Key beaches. Commissioners Steven Barry, Mike Kohler and Lumon May voted in favor. Chair Ashlee Hofberger and Commissioner Steve Stroberger voted no.
The public may submit materials through an online portal at myescambia.com/perdidokeybeaches. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 28.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 163.035, county commissions may adopt Customary Use ordinances recognizing the public's historic right to access privately owned dry-sand beach areas, but only after establishing a sufficient evidentiary record. The doctrine requires proof that public use of an area has been ancient, reasonable, uninterrupted and free from dispute.
The county is accepting sworn affidavits, photographs, videos and documents such as maps, plats, deeds and surveys. Affidavits must include a declaration under penalty of perjury and must be notarized. Submissions should detail the type, location, date and frequency of beach activities, as well as any instances where access was restricted or attempts were made to restrict it.
The affidavit language must come from the county attorney's office, not from outside attorneys or advocacy groups. Duplicate submissions and legal arguments will not assist the evidentiary record, the county said.
Stroberger raised a significant legal compli cation during the commission meeting, disclosing that the county had lost a customary use case on Perdido Key in 1978. He argued the prior ruling— combined with the fact that the issue is actively being litigated—undermines the legal foundation for an ordinance. He said, "If the right truly existed, we would not be here debating this."
Barry countered that the issue is significant enough to at least allow citizens to be heard. "Maybe we don't get a lot of substantial, competent evidence," he said, "but maybe we do."
The board's plan calls for 90 days to collect public submissions, followed by 90 additional days for the county attorney's office to evaluate the record and report back. Whether the evidence will be sufficient to support an ordinance, Rogers said, remains an open question.
Residents unable to upload materials through the online portal may deliver hard copies or electronic storage devices to Timothy Day, Deputy Director, Natural Resources Management, at 221 S. Palafox.
MAGAZINE BLOCKED When a Pensacola State College administrator killed a student-created arts-and-culture magazine one week before publication, invoking Florida's Stop WOKE Act, a national free speech organization warned the college that its administrators could face personal financial liability for the decision.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) sent an urgent letter on May 1 to PSC President Dr. Ed Meadows demanding the college reverse what it called "a textbook example of a prior restraint," which the U.S. Supreme Court has described as "the most serious and the least tolerable infringement on freedom of expression."
The magazine is Just Opposed—a title that's a pun on "juxtaposed"—a collaborative project between journalism and graphic design students. According to FIRE, three planned articles were blocked: a profile of drag queen Vixen Valentine written by Quincy Kirn; a feature on the queerowned bookstore Perfect Day Books by Liliana Rollins; and a piece on Pensacola Poets and the cafe that hosts their open mic nights by Lloyd Allotey.
FIRE laid out the facts in its letter. On April 29, Brenda Kelly, associate vice president of academic affairs, met with English professor Marisa Mills and told her the articles could not be published. Kelly cited Stop WOKE Act provisions prohibiting colleges from funding advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion, and from delivering instruction that "espouses, promotes, advances, inculcates or compels" students to adopt enumerated prohibited viewpoints.
Casey Hignite, a PSC student whose work appears in the magazine, said the administration's timeline reveals the weakness of its position.
"It's unreasonable for the college to state that publishing was never guaranteed," Hignite told Inweekly. "All throughout this project, we've had several indications that there's been no issue in the past."
Hignite said every student chose their own topic. The teachers showed students prior editions of arts and culture magazines at the outset, making clear that publication was the expected outcome.
"There were countless opportunities to check in and voice any concerns sooner than the week before it got sent to print," Hignite said. "We expected from the beginning to receive a published work to use for our portfolios."
PSC's response to FIRE, submitted by Kelly on May 4, disputed that framing. Kelly said she had no contact with Mills regarding the project until after all graded work was submitted, and characterized the printing as "optional, not required." The college did not address FIRE's constitutional arguments.
FIRE's letter dismantles the Stop WOKE Act justification on multiple grounds. On the DEI funding provision, the letter states that a magazine covering a broad range of community topics does not become a DEI advocacy vehicle because three of its articles touch on queer culture. The letter states, "Three pieces reporting on queer culture no more engage this magazine in pro-DEI advocacy than three pieces about Miami's food scene make The New York Times the official food reviewer of South Florida."
On the anti-discrimination provision, FIRE
wrote: "There is no evidence that Mills or her students impermissibly discriminated based on sexual orientation, race or any other protected class in selecting and editing these articles. Nor is there evidence that the articles were produced because Mills subjected students or employees to training that promotes any of the prohibited ideas."
The letter also frames the intervention as a constitutional violation independent of the statute. "PSC's administration stepped into the classroom to order a professor to censor her students," it reads. "This violates the First Amendment's protection for faculty pedagogy."
The letter cites the Supreme Court's declaration that the Constitution "does not tolerate laws that cast a pall of orthodoxy over the classroom" and notes that prior restraints have been struck down even when the government invoked classified national security documents as justification.
Hignite said the censorship reaches beyond LGBTQ+ content in ways that haven't received enough attention. "It's not really just LGBTQ+ articles being objected to. What does it say about Pensacola State College that a student discussing the racism he experiences not only won't be [given] funding, but that it would be revoked in specific citation of his work? That's ridiculous."
FIRE's letter closes with a pointed warning. "A public college administrator who violates clearly established law will not retain qualified immunity and can be held personally responsible for monetary damages for violating First Amendment rights," it states, citing Supreme Court precedent and an Eighth Circuit ruling in which a university administrator was denied qualified immunity for violating student First Amendment rights.
FIRE Program Officer Dominic Coletti, who authored the letter, confirmed the organization is already engaged in active litigation against the Stop WOKE Act targeting the State University System Board of Governors. A federal district court previously enjoined enforcement of the law against that system, calling its restrictions "dystopian."
Hignite said the students are not giving up. "We are looking into other sources of funding. The writers and the graphic designers are working together to figure out how to still get this published."
The college's budget for the magazine had been set at $800 for a run of approximately 100 copies, according to Hignite. With institutional funding revoked, the students are exploring a crowdfunding campaign and other independent financing options to bring Just Opposed to print on their own terms.
MAGAZINE UPDATE After Inweekly broke the story about the magazine ban, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Brenda Kelly sent an email to English professor Marisa Mills to clarify "some confusion" about the college's stance and asked her to direct students to PSC's three existing student publications—The Corsair, The Kilgore Review and Hurricane Review.
"Because PSC currently has three active student publication venues, we are not considering a fourth at this time," Kelly wrote. "By following
Photo by George Dodd / iStock
the submission guidelines, all interested PSC students may submit their writing, including the articles written this term in the Reporting I class, to these publications."
The memo made no mention of the Stop WOKE Act. When Kelly met with Mills on April 29, she reportedly told the professor that three student-written articles covering queer culture could not be published because doing so could violate the law's provisions against funding DEI advocacy and compelling students to adopt prohibited viewpoints.
Kelly's subsequent memo did not address whether the blocked articles would be accepted under the submission guidelines of any of the three existing publications.
FIRE told Inweekly that it was meeting with PSC students and planned to write a follow-up letter. We will post it on ricksblog.biz once we receive it.
OOPS, 2011 POLICY MISSING
During a commission meeting on May 7, Deputy County Attorney Kristin Hual told the Board of County Commissioners that a policy the Escambia County Commission passed in 2011 to bar commissioners and their aides from interfering in county hiring was never formally never incorporated into any policy manual and never enforced.
The admission came as commissioners confronted County Administrator Wes Moreno over the controversial hiring of library services director Christal Bell-Rivera. Text messages obtained by Inweekly showed Commission Chair Ashlee Hofberger and her aide, Melanie Luna, mocking finalist Bradley Vinson. The texts also revealed that Luna attended meetings and interviews tied to the hiring process, which would have violated the 2011 policy had it ever been enacted.
The March 5 commission vote confirmed Moreno's selection of Bell-Rivera over Vinson, who had been recommended by the West Florida Public Library Board of Governors.
Commissioner Mike Kohler opened the questioning by asking Moreno whether he had told Luna his decision was firm and that Vinson had "bombed" the interview—the substance of a text Luna sent to Hofberger. Moreno confirmed his decision had been firm in favor of Bell-Rivera but said he did not recall the specific conversation with Luna. He explained his thinking had been shaped in part by what he described as rude treatment of himself and staff at a board of governors meeting prior to the hire.
Moreno was emphatic that no commissioner influenced the outcome. "There's not a single commissioner sitting on this dais that told me who to hire. Not one," he said. He also stated he had no knowledge that Luna attended any interviews.
Kohler also raised the 2011 board directive establishing a "recruitment selection blackout period" prohibiting commissioners and their aides from contacting Human Resources or a selection committee about any recruitment or hiring until an offer is accepted. Moreno said the county would bring a revised policy before the
board at the second meeting in June following legal review, but added that the absence of formal language did not excuse what occurred.
"The verbiage didn't get into a policy. That doesn't mean we shouldn't know how to conduct ourselves," he said.
Kohler called on Hofberger and Luna to apologize to Vinson for the mocking texts. Moreno stepped in and offered his own apology for the "confusion in some of the process" and acknowledged the "optics" had not looked good. Hofberger did not respond to Kohler's request and made no public statement on the text messages during the meeting.
No formal investigation was initiated. The revised policy banning tampering with the hiring process will be brought back to the board in late June.
MIXED GRADES
The Florida Chamber of Commerce released its 2026 Legislative Report Card last week, grading all 156 members of the Florida Legislature on their votes during the regular session, and Northwest Florida's delegation came away with mixed results.
Rep. Nathan Boyles (R-Fort Walton Beach) led the local pack with a 93%, earning an A, followed by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola) at 92%. Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Crestview) received an 89%—good for a B grade—while Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Cantonment) pulled a 79%, earning a C.
The Chamber tabulated over 4,100 votes cast during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session to produce the grades. Statewide, the overall average score across both chambers came in at 82%, with senators outperforming House members—89% to 80%.
Grades are tied directly to the Chamber's Florida Business Agenda, a document distributed to every legislator at the start of the session and promoted through media outreach and interim committee meetings. The underlying goal is ambitious: creating 742,000 new jobs in Florida by 2030.
Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson underscored the stakes. "The world is con tinuing to watch Florida and paying attention to our economic progress and competitiveness," he said. "The decisions policymakers make will either continue our economic momentum and job creation or risk slowing it down."
The Chamber's grading process is designed to be transparent. Before each scored vote, lawmakers received a "Your Vote Matters" letter outlining the pro-business position and the Chamber's intent to grade the outcome—a notice requirement meant to eliminate any claim of surprise at the final grade.
Grades from the regular session may be revised if special session activity warrants a separate 2026 Special Session Report Card. The Chamber also plans to publish its annual How They Voted recap detailing what passed, what failed and what remains on the state's competitiveness agenda. Full grades for all 156 legislators are available at re portcard.flchamber.com. {in}
Just like we have every year for the last 26 years, we're asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll.
That means all of your most important opinions—like who really makes the best sushi in town—are finally going to be heard.
And don't worry if you can't get through the full ballot in one try. Voting is open through Thursday, May 21, so you can take it one section at a time. You can also vote online at inweekly.net if that's more your style. {in}
Or vote online at inweekly.net • Now-May 21
community, media & culture
Best Nonprofit
Best Charity Event
Best Place to Work
Best Boss
Best Politician
Best Advocacy/Activist Group
Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests
Best Annual Event
Best Food Event
Best Pet-Friendly Event
Best Sports Event
Best Parade
Best Regular/ Recurring Event
Best Experience-Based Business
Best Free Thing To Do
Best Neighborhood
Best Public Park
Best Pet-Friendly Park
Best Playground
Best Youth Sports/Rec Program
Best Dance Studio
Best After-School Activity
Best Summer Camp
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Best TV Station
Best Radio Station
Best Radio Personality
Best Radio Show
Best Podcast
Best Website
Best Business or Person to Follow on Social Media
Best Way To Get Cultured
Best Art Gallery/Museum
Best Artist
Best Author/Writer
Best Photographer
Best Music Venue
Best Band/Musician
Best Concert/Concert Series
Best Theatre Production
Best Comedian
services
Best Hair Salon-Pensacola
Best Hair Salon-Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach
Best Hair Salon–Milton/Pace
Best Hair Stylist
Best Hair Colorist
Best Barber Shop
Best Barber
Best Day Spa
Best Massage
Best Massage Therapist
Best Pedicure
Best Manicure
Best Nail Artist
Best Hair Removal
Best Facial/Skin Care
Best Esthetician
Best Bank
Best Credit Union
Best Financial Advisor
Best Accounting Firm
Best Residential Real Estate Agency
Best Commercial Real Estate Agency
Best Real Estate Agent
Best Boutique Hotel
Best Apartment Complex
Best Architecture Firm
Best Law Firm
Best Attorney
Best Veterinary Clinic
Best Dog Groomer
Best Dog Training
Best Pet Boarding/Vacation Care
Best Construction Company
Best Landscaping
Best Interior Designer
Best Custom Picture Framing
Best Tattoo & Piercing Studio
Best Tattoo Artist
Best Special Event Space
Best Party Decor
Best Mobile Event Service/Experience
Best Caterer
Best Florist
Best Portrait/Family Photography
Best Photography Team/Company
Best Tailor/Alterations
Best Car Wash/Detailer
Best Auto Service Shop
Best Green Business
Best New Business
▶rules
•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.
•Vote in at least 15 categories. Ballots with fewer than 15 categories completed will not be counted.
•Ballots must be postmarked by Thursday, May 21, 2026.
▶mail your ballot to Best of the Coast c/o Inweekly, PO Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591
▶required info
Name
health & wellness
Best Gym
Best Personal Trainer
Best Boutique Fitness Studio
Best Fitness Classes
Best Fitness Instructor
Best Yoga
Best Yoga Instructor
Best Pilates
Best Bootcamp
Best Weight Loss Program
Best Running Club
Best Race
Best Hospital
Best General Care Physician
Best Chiropractor
Best Dentistry
Best Endodontics
Best Orthodontics
Best Pediatrician
Best Mental Health Professional
Best OB/GYN
Best Optometrist
Best Dermatologist
Best Plastic Surgery
Best Physical Therapy
Best Pharmacy
Best Walk-In Clinic
Best Cannabis Dispensary
Best Car Dealership
Best Bicycle Shop
Best Boutique
Best Apparel
Best Children's Apparel & Gifts
Best Accessories
Best Thrift Store
Best Athletic/Outdoor Store
Best Furniture/Home Decor Store
Best Antiques
Best Vintage Shop/Seller
Best Market/Shopping Event
Best Maker/Artisan
Best Palafox Market Vendor
Best Gift Shop
Best Bookstore
Best Comic Book Store
Best Toy/Collectable Store
Best New Store
Best Jeweler
Best Surf/Skate Shop
Best Nursery/Plants
Best Hardware Store
Best Computer/Tech Store
Best Record Store
Best Liquor Store
Best Wine Shop
Best Grocery Store
Best Place to Buy Produce
Best International/Specialty Food Shop
weddings
Best Place to Propose
Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring
Best Ceremony Venue
Best Reception Venue
Best Officiant
Best Bridal Store
Best Bridal Makeup Artist
Best Wedding Hair Salon
Best Wedding Hair Stylist
Best Wedding Planning
Best Wedding Photography
Best Photo Booth
Best Wedding Videography
Best Wedding Band
Best Wedding DJ
Best Wedding Caterer
Best Wedding Cake
Best Wedding Florist
Best Wedding Rentals
Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift
Best Place for a Rehearsal Dinner
Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay
restaurants
Best Restaurant Overall
Best Restaurant–Downtown
Best Restaurant–Cordova Area
Best Restaurant–East Hill
Best Restaurant–North Pensacola/ Nine Mile Road
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B est Uniquely Pensacola Dish
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Best Bar–Downtown
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Best Bar Food
Forget beach reads. This summer belongs to the dark, the loud and the weird.
On the big screen, you're going to find movies about cursed trinkets in "Obsession," IKEA hellscapes in "Backrooms" and demon hitchhikers in "Passenger." Then there's Boots Riley's shoplifting satire, "I Love Boosters," a Wayans brother "Scary Movie" reunion and one last beatdown in "Jackass: Best and Last."
For action, there's "The Mandalorian and Grogu," "Supergirl" and a Peter Parker no one remembers in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." From the prestige side of Hollywood, there's Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" and Steven Spielberg's alien cover-up thriller "Disclosure Day".
Here's a roundup of the most anticipated summer movie releases. Just remember that opening days can shift, especially for indies like "Maddie's Secret" or "The Invite." So make sure you check what's actually playing locally before making plans.
MAY
15
OBSESSION
The summer's first real creep-out isn't a franchise starter; it's a monkey's paw chiller from Curry Barker that won over the Toronto International Film Festival last fall. A sweet misfit buys a curioshop trinket to win his crush. It works, and then it works too well. Expect slow-burn dread and a third-act sucker punch.
MAY 22
I LOVE BOOSTERS
From the brilliant mind of Boots Riley comes this bold, deranged satire. Keke Palmer leads an Oakland shoplifting crew against a fast-fashion CEO played by Demi Moore (who's having the time of her life). Naomi Ackie, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter and Taylour Paige co -star.
THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Jon Favreau finally brings Din Djarin and his tiny green co-star to the big screen. New planets, new stormtroopers, new heartstring tugs. Sigourney Weaver plays a rebel pilot, and Jeremy Allen White voices a Hutt. What could go wrong?
TUNER
Leo Woodall stars as a former piano prodigy whose lucrative safe-cracking side hustle threatens to derail his life. Dustin Hoffman co-stars in this twisty crime thriller from Oscar-winning documentarian Daniel Roher.
2026 SUMMER MOVIE GUIDE
By Joshua Encinias
BACKROOMS
A24 and YouTube wonder- kid Kane Parsons turn a furniture store into an infinite, beige - carpeted nightmare. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve wander through the fluorescent abyss. You'll leave afraid of going to IKEA alone.
THE BREADWINNER
Stand-up sensation Nate Bargatze plays an every-dude who becomes a stay-at-home dad when his wife starts a business. It's "Mr. Mom" for the 2020s with Will Forte, Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore.
PASSENGER
An André Øvredal ("The Last Voyage of the Demeter") road-trip horror about a demonic presence that hitches a ride after a roadside accident.
PRESSURE
The untold story of the meteorologist who saved D-Day. Brendan Fraser plays Eisenhower and Andrew Scott plays the RAF weatherman who urged a 24-hour delay.
JUNE 5
MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE
Live - action "He - Man" with Nicholas Galitzine as the namesake sword - wielder, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil - Lyn and Kristen Wiig as a robot named Roboto. It's going to be a glorious train wreck or a billion - dollar baby. Either way, it's sure to awaken a new generation of gays.
POWER BALLAD
John Carney ("Once") directs Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas as two musicians whose impromptu jam session sparks a surprise hit, and a heap of resentment.
SCARY MOVIE
A stupid, profane and perfect summer comedy for the old heads. Sign us up. The Wayans brothers reclaim their throne, joined by Anna Faris and Regina Hall, to mock pop culture, dildos, robot dolls and everything else that's happened since 2006. Damon Wayans Jr. and a battalion of "SNL" alums also star.
JUNE 12
DISCLOSURE DAY
Steven Spielberg goes back to the watch - the - skies genre he perfected. Starring Josh O'Connor, who leaks that the government covered up first contact with aliens. Emily Blunt speaks alien tongues, while Colin Firth and Colman Domingo lurk. The details are scarce, which is exactly how the master wants it.
JUNE 19
THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD
Michael Sarnoski ("Pig") reimagines Nottingham's outlaw as a filthy, bearded wreck in his final years. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård. It's arthouse gold for those tired of superhero capes.
LEVITICUS
A Sundance breakout about two teen boys in a backwater town whose budding romance awakens both religious bigotry and a supernatural entity. The bad guy takes the form of the one they most desire. It's haunting, horny and holy all at once.
MADDIE'S SECRET
John Early writes, directs and stars in this dark comedy about a food influencer hiding an eating disorder. The cast also includes Kristen Johnson, Vanessa Bayer and Kate Berlant.
TOY STORY 5
Part 5 of Pixar's sure thing is all about screen time versus play time, as Woody, Buzz and the gang go to war with a smart tablet. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return, along with Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien and Anna Faris rounding out the voice cast.
JUNE 26
THE INVITE
Olivia Wilde directs Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz and herself in a dinner party that devolves into a filthy comedy of manners. It was such a hit at Sundance, it sparked a bidding war.
JACKASS: BEST AND LAST
Johnny Knoxville promises this is truly the end. With a trailer that includes a "penis shock collar," you know the drill. Bring your favorite millennial, and maybe a trash bag.
SUPERGIRL
James Gunn's DC revamp rolls on. Milly Alcock plays Kara Zor- El in a cosmic revenge road trip, and Jason Momoa steals every frame as the cigar- chomping Lobo.
JULY 17
THE ODYSSEY
Christopher Nolan takes on Homer's ancient epic with Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and a supporting cast of Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron and Mia Goth. Rumor has it that AMC Bayou 15 hopes their revamped IMAX screen will open in time for the big-screen cyclopes.
JULY 31
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY
Tom Holland's Peter Parker works in a world where no one remembers his secret—not even Zendaya's MJ. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and Jon Bernthal's Punisher join the fun, alongside Sadie Sink and Tramell Tillman in mystery roles.
AUG. 7
SUPER TROOPERS 3
The Broken Lizard crew returns. Jay Chandrasekhar's Thorny must stop Farva from marrying his sister. Brian Cox is back, and so is the maple syrup and dick jokes. It's comfort food for those who have watched the first one 50 times.
TONY
"The Holdovers" breakout Dominic Sessa stars as a young Anthony Bourdain in this upcoming A24 release. It's not a traditional biopic and only focuses on one summer of Bourdain's life when he was 19.
AUG. 14
THE END OF OAK STREET
David Robert Mitchell ("It Follows," "Under the Silver Lake") goes cryptic 1980s sci-fi. A family notices bizarre happenings in their neighborhood. Starring Ewan McGregor, Anne Hathaway and Maisy Stella.
THE WRONG GIRLS
Kristen Stewart and her wife, writer-director Dylan Meyer, made a stoner comedy about two women (Stewart and Alia Shawkat) who spend one night accumulating trouble. Stewart calls it "so fucking stupid" in the best way. Seth Rogen, LaKeith Stanfield, Kumail Nanjiani and Tony Hale co-star. {in}
Arts & Entertainment
Painting the Misfits with Jaime Diffee
If you've ever spotted an odd little critter star ing back at you from a mural in Pensacola, chances are you've already encountered Jai me Diffee's work.
armadillos in combat boots to cowboy-hat-wear ing toads, Diffee's work always seems to create its own strange little world.
beasties," Diffee said. "I especially love animals, like possums, that are generally regarded as pests or just 'gross' but actually do so much background work in helping their native ecosystem. There's something very relatable to that while growing up queer in this society. Outcast-to-outcast, I see the joy and importance in these little guys."
As the May Artist-in-Residence at 309 Punk Project, Diffee is spending the month bringing overlooked creatures into the spotlight and inviting the community to do the same.
By day, Diffee works behind the scenes at the Pensacola Museum of Art as preparator and curatorial coordinator, installing exhibitions, caring for the collection and helping shape how art shows up for the public. Being around so many different approaches to art has quietly inspired their own practice.
"With my role, I often get to experience hands-on a diverse range of mediums and ar-
By Dakota Parks
"My doodles have always been a bit more cartoon-y and expressive, but it wasn't until the CUBED 2021 mural fest where I felt free enough to just be open and weird about the creatures I paint," Diffee explained. "You don't need to paint a masterpiece every time; sometimes you can just paint a possum giving you a thumbs-up."
Diffee is a regular muralist for the Pensacola Museum of Art's annual CUBED installations, creating vibrant pieces on the 8-by-8-foot cubes located in Museum Plaza. Their latest mural, completed just a few weeks ago, features a winking royal feline: "Her Feline Majesty Lilibet, Queen of Historic Pensacola" (a beloved local cat and social media personality known throughout the historic district).
"With most of my art, I try to express an absurdity that will hopefully elicit joy in the viewer," they said. "There's a lot of turmoil in the world, especially now, and I like to try to add some gleeful imagery of critters to counteract the stress if only for a minute or two."
That ethos carries directly into their residency at 309 Punk Project, where Diffee plans to spend the month creating new work and engaging with the community through a series of events. During the upcoming Night on the Tracks—which is a multi-venue event series along the Wright Street railroad tracks—Diffee will host a "Make Your Own Possum" workshop that blends their playful artistic approach with 309's DIY spirit.
cating the public, mirrors Diffee's own interest in shifting perceptions around creatures often dismissed as nuisances.
"They do a lot to raise awareness and appreciation for our local wildlife through their educational programs and markets," Diffee said. "I hope my residency can do some good and bring more support and awareness to their organization."
For Diffee, that kind of partnership fits into a larger picture of Pensacola's evolving creative ecosystem.
"What excites me the most about our local arts community is that it exists and that it's growing," they said. "More and more art groups are popping up, from weekly craft nights with your book club to larger artist collectives like The Undergrowth. The act of creating is resistance; it is sharing experiences, it is showing up for one another, it is community care, and I'm so excited to see more of it."
Most importantly, that growth also makes space for artists to embrace their weirdness.
"With the power of art," Diffee said, "you can just make a weird little guy." {in}
DRAW SOME BIRDS
WHAT: A bird drawing workshop with Jaime Diffee at the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
WHEN: 12-2:30 p.m. Friday, May 15
they said. "I'm constantly absorbing little aspects
space have pushed them toward acrylics—a shift that's opened up new possibilities and allowed their work to become more experimental and a little weirder.
"The nature of acrylics forces me to be simpler and more direct with my line-making and color usage," they said. "That allowed me to step away from realism and just paint little guys."
Those "little guys" have become something of a signature. Whether it's a tattooed armadillo or a possum family in a swamp, Diffee's creatures carry an unmistakable personality, bringing human and animal imagery into close, sometimes uneasy proximity. It's a visual language that fully clicked into place during the CUBED 2021 mural festival, where they felt a newfound freedom to embrace their creature niche.
"I want to make the act of creating art more accessible to everyone," Diffee said. "From doodling on a sticky note to painting a large-scale mural to making a possum out of craft felt sheets. I like being able to provide any tools or advice that I can that will take the pressure off people so they feel free enough to create."
The workshop includes open studio hours, alongside a free book giveaway hosted by the Sapphic Book Club. For Diffee, the goal is simple: get people making things with their hands, without fear of doing it "wrong."
"I want people to be excited to make something, anything at all," they said.
During the residency, Diffee is also working on a series of larger acrylic paintings inspired by local wildlife, including some of the animal ambassadors from Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida. Their first collaboration brought an animal ambassador from the sanctuary into 309's space to model for a drawing workshop.
"I'm so fortunate that the sanctuary agreed to collaborate with me," they said. "And that I get to be the first artist to intentionally bring a hawk into 309."
The Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida's work, rehabilitating injured animals and edu-
WHERE: Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, 105 N. S St.
COST: Free, donations accepted
DETAILS: @wildlifeofnwfl
NIGHT ON THE TRACKS
WHAT: A community-wide arts event organized by 309 Punk Project featuring a night market, live music, a workshop with Jaime Diffee and more
WHEN: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, May 16
WHERE: Old East Hill neighborhood, along the Wright Street corridor
DETAILS: 309punkproject.org, @309punkproject
JAIME DIFFEE'S ARTIST-INRESIDENCE CLOSING EXHIBIT
WHAT: An art show and fundraiser for the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida
WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 29
WHERE: 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave.
COST: Free, donations accepted
DETAILS: @heyletscommunicate
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE
PETPALOOZA EVENT
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare invites the public to its "Petpalooza" event Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. This event is free and open to the public. The event will feature food trucks, vendors and more.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. 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 pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GULF COAST PRESS THE CHEST Free CPR training available 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. The event is open to all ages. Register on Eventbrite. For more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.
ARTS & CULTURE
SAL VULCANO: EVERYTHING'S FINE TOUR Comedy show is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information available at pensacolasaenger.com.
GALLERY NIGHT The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 15 at North Jefferson St. This month's theme is Festa Italiana. For more information, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.
STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT WITH HEAD -
LINER KEVIN YOUNG Event is 8 p.m. Friday, May 15 at 916 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets at jeremyyoungcomedy.com.
BALLET PENSACOLA STUDENT SHOW-
CASES Ballet Pensacola Academy will host student showcases at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Training Division Show is 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15. Pre-Primary Division Show 1 is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, followed by Pre-Primary Division Show 2 at 1:30 p.m. Details available at balletpensacola.org.
PRISM POP UP AT REVERIE FINE ART
GALLERY Reverie Fine Art is showcasing the art of Halle Castille in a new exhibit "Prism Pop Up" running through Friday, May 15 through Thursday, May 21. A reception will be 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 15. "Prism Pop Up" features a variety of Castille's work throughout the past 10 years of her career, including her acclaimed "Prism Pop" Series. For more information, visit @curatedbyreverie on Instagram.
ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN FESTIVAL En-
joy food, art, music and more 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at 234 W. Oakfield Road. Details at filampcola.org.
NIGHT ON THE TRACKS The next Night on the Tracks is 5-11 p.m. Saturday, May 16 with various events happening in the Old East Hill neighborhood including stops at End of the Line Café, Pensacola MESS Hall, 309 Punk Project and more. For a full list of events, visit facebook.com/309punkproject.
ART IN THE GARDEN Escambia Extension Services invites the community to a free "Art in the Garden" event, showcasing work from local artists in the Extension Services Demonstration Garden. The event will take place Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Escambia County Extension, located at 3740 Stefani Road.
BROADWAY LIGHTS DANCE CENTER: ADVENTURES IN NEVERLAND Performance is
2 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
17TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA BEACH ART & WINE FESTIVAL The Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival returns Saturday, May 17. There will be two beachfront locations including Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Gulfside Pavilion. View art from 12-5 p.m. and wine tastings from 2-5 p.m. There will also be live music and food selections available. Tickets are $75 and up and available at pensacolabeachchamber.com.
BALLET PENSACOLA ACADEMY GALA Join Ballet Pensacola for their annual academy gala 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $35 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
JIM BREUER: FIND THE FUNNY Show is 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
PMA GUILD EVENT: AUTHOR TALK WITH B.A. SHAPIRO Autor talk and social begins at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $50 for social, presentation and lunch. Event details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
MEMORIAL WEEKEND PENSACOLA Pensacola Pride Weekend celebrates the LGBTQ+ community Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24. Events and details available at johnnychisholm.com.
TABLE TALKS WITH THE TRUST The monthly lunch and learn series continues Wednesday, May 20 from 12-1 p.m. at Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, 117 E. Government St., with Donna Waters, Historic Pensacola Village Living History volunteer sharing Colonial recipes. The program is free. Bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics.
ROAD TO REVOLUTION EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY "Road to Revolution: Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American War for Independence," highlighting how Pensacola helped shape the outcome of the American Revolution. Developed in partnership with America250, the exhibit explores how a Gulf Coast port played a pivotal role in a
global conflict. The exhibit is on display through May 2027. The museum is located at 330 S. Jefferson Street. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.
THE POETICS OF PAINTING: A CELEBRATION OF THE LINEAGE AND LEGACY OF JOHN MARKOWITZ Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit features more than 50 works of art created by Markowitz's mentors and students on view through Aug. 4. The Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
LIVE MUSIC
BANDS ON THE BEACH The weekly concert series takes place 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 27 at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Free to attend. Upcoming dates: Vibe Irie on May 19 and Modern Eldorados May 26. For more information, call the SRIA at (850) 932-2257 or go to visitpensacolabeach.com for the latest updates.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ
Enjoy live music Thursdays through Sundays at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Upcoming dates: The Glenn Parker Band 6-10 p.m. Saturdays; Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays; and John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays.
CONCERTS AT ST. CHRISTOPHER'S Weekly concert series is 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through May 28 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. Upcoming dates: JoyRide on May 14 and NOBIUS on May 21. Details at scpen.org/ christophers-concerts.
HOT IN HERRE: 2000S DANCE PARTY Show is 9 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets and information available at vinylmusichall.com.
GASOLINA: REGGAETÓN PARTY Event is 9 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
THE CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA: MASS OF THE CHILDREN Choral concert featuring Sims Middle School and Woodlawn Beach Middle School, and soloists Allanda Small and Daland Jones. Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday,
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a&e happenings
May 16 at First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $16 and up and available at choralsocietyofpensacola.org.
IRATION: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Show is 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
BANDS ON THE BAYOU: ABOUT TO SWEAT Show is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 22 at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. Food trucks will be open starting at 4:30 p.m. Details available at bandsonthebayou.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
PENSACOLA PICKLES AND WINGS FAMILY FESTIVAL Family friendly event featuring the food vendors, activities and internet celebrity, the Pickle Priest. Event is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Seville Square. Details available at pensacolafest.com. Admission is free.
BARK-B-Q AT THE SHAKA BAR Bring your pups and support Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare with Wolfgang 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at The Shaka Bar, 649 Pensacola Beach Blvd. $15 for barbecue plates and $10 Bloody Marys. RSVP at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
CRAWFISH AND BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE ROUND 2 Enjoy crawfish and listen to some bluegrass with lagerbier 12-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.
LADIES NIGHT OUT: WET TACO TUESDAY Cooking class is 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $70 per student (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MARTINI MONDAYS AT DOROTHY'S Martini menu with specialty prices at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
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 at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar
Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.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.
MONDAY NIGHT SPAGHETTI SESSIONS
Visit V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox St., 5–9 p.m. Mondays for live music and spaghetti and meatballs from the Monday night menu.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
TRIVIA AT DOROTHY'S Play trivia 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. It's free to play, and prizes are up for grabs. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
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. Tacos are on special 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.
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.
SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT AT DORO -
THY'S Reverse happy hour from 9 p.m.-midnight with other specials Wednesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.
LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
TRIVIA WITH JAY 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.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Specials with your college ID and music from live DJs. 8 p.m.midnight. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF MAY 14
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): When naturalist John Muir wanted to experience a storm, he climbed to the top of a 100-foot Douglas fir and rode it for hours through gale-force winds. He later reflected that the danger, in his judgment, was "hardly greater" than staying under a roof, and that the exhilaration and sensory richness justified his experiment. I'm not counseling you to be exactly like Muir in the coming weeks, Aries. Please don't take foolish risks. However, I would love you to explore what truths are available when you put yourself in the path of intensity.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Soil biologists say a teaspoon of productive soil may contain billions of living organisms. These bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes work in cooperative networks, generating a hidden abundance that ensures everything above ground thrives. Your immediate future has this quality, Taurus. Beneath the visible surface of your life, beneficial processes are generating fertility and possibility. You don't need to see the miracle to trust it's happening. Your role is simply to have faith as you maintain the conditions that allow this mysterious abundance to do its work.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I suspect you would benefit from engaging with a friendly devil's advocate or two in the coming weeks. Your clarity and understanding will deepen in just the right ways if you converse with affectionate skeptics who like and respect you but also want to help you grow. I realize that such people may be hard to find. If you can't locate any, you could hire one. Or do the next best thing: argue with yourself. Entertain lines of thought that are contrary to your usual ideas. Don't let your habitual self get away with its usual rationalizations. The benefits of this exercise will be unpredictably huge.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star holds a fixed place in the sky. Also known as Polaris, or the Pole Star, it hangs in almost the same spot throughout the night while other stars rise and set. Because of this steadfast presence, it has long served as a trusted marker for navigation, especially for sailors at sea. Over time, it naturally came to repre -
By Rob Brezsny
sent an inner compass or a guiding ideal. In your own experience, Cancerian, what serves as your symbolic North Star? What's the steady, orienting force that helps you decide where and how to move next? Now is an auspicious moment to tend to and revitalize your bond with this central source of direction.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In the mid 1950s, researchers developed reliable methods for creating synthetic diamonds in the laboratory. Since then, advances in technology have made it possible to grow large, high quality diamonds from small seed crystals in a relatively short time. I invite you to make this one of your operative metaphors, Leo. In the coming weeks, the forces of destiny will align with your efforts if you experiment with nurturing and expanding the parts of your life that are most like a diamond. Facilitate the development of your valuable beauty.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Scientist Stuart Kauffman theorizes that living systems are healthiest when they operate near the "edge of chaos." There's a critical zone between rigid order and unstructured randomness where complexity and adaptability can flourish. Too much organization creates brittle stiffness, while excessive chaos prevents coherence. Life thrives when it has some of both. I invite you to ruminate on these themes in the coming weeks, Virgo. According to my edgy analysis of the astrological omens, you're being invited to cultivate and foster your own personal "edge of chaos" territory. Your interesting task is to create sweet spots where structure and spontaneity synergize. Locate these happy places and abide there for a while.
revealing. Here's the name of this experiment: Incremental Precision Liberation. The key is to do it casually, with no melodrama or self-consciousness. If it's successful, you could try another round in two weeks.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Scorpio primatologist Frans de Waal devoted years to watching chimpanzees reconcile with each other after enduring discord. He was fascinated by how they rebuilt trust through elaborate rituals of appeasement, grooming and kind gestures. Once the chimps stopped fighting, he marveled, they actively repaired their connection, which often emerged stronger than it was before the dispute. I hope you will borrow their primate wisdom in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Do your best to navigate through conflict or alienation, and then instigate generous acts of rebonding. Don't sulk, be evasive, or go silent. Be creative as you work to replenish what was damaged. The renewed relationship could be closer for having weathered the difficulties.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The wandering albatross harnesses the wind, enabling it to travel vast distances with minimal effort. There's an initial effort that leads to big energy savings. The bird climbs into strong winds and then relaxes as it gets transported, surfing the air currents. I mention this, Sagittarius, because I suspect you've been trying too hard and working too much—unnecessarily so. Less strenuous exertion, more gliding, please! Ask yourself what flows are already streaming in your favor. Could you catch a ride on existing momentum? Here's my advice: figure out where life's tides are already moving, then position yourself to get carried along.
may be able to develop aptitudes and acquire gifts you haven't discovered yet.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Cartographer Gerardus Mercator created his famous world map in 1569, enabling sailors to plot straight-line courses across oceans. But his technique dramatically distorts the size of landmasses. Greenland appears larger than Africa, when in reality Africa is 14 times bigger. And the truth is that every map privileges certain truths while distorting others. This is a key teaching for you right now, Aquarius. Examine the mental maps you're using to navigate your life. Might they be hiding or warping reality in any way? Consider whether you would benefit from redrawing your inner visualizations of the wide, wild world out there.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Choose two small and specific ways you're going to stop pretending. One example might be how you respond when someone asks how you're doing. Another may be an opinion you've been softening to keep the peace. Or maybe there's a desire you've been downplaying because it feels impractical or too
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Ethnomusicologists studying throat singing know that Tuvan singers can produce two or more tones simultaneously. The human voice, it turns out, has the ability to harmonize with itself. Most of us never discover this because we never try. What other multidimensional capacities are you not using because you've never investigated them or tested their limits, Capricorn? The coming weeks are ideal for experimentation. What unexpected capacities might you get access to if you explored possibilities you've assumed were beyond you? You
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Perfectionism has increased dramatically in recent decades. Young people are especially affected. But here's the twist: the compulsion for perfection rarely improves performance. It's more likely to undermine achievement by triggering paralysis and excessive self-criticism. Now is a favorable time for you Pisceans to rebel against the trend. I encourage you to cultivate a relaxed devotion to being "good enough" as you enjoy yourself thoroughly. Do you know the difference between cheerfully seeking excellence and grimly striving for perfection? Move away from what demands your obsessive rigor and focus on what requires soulful completion.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Imagine you've timetraveled to a favorite place in the year 2035. What do you see? {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2026 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
T(AI)NTED LOVE A growing trend in China among younger people: creating AI versions of their former beaus. Oddity Central reported on May 4 that an open-source module, ex.skill, is behind the trend. Users can feed the module materials like photos and social media posts, as well as custom descriptions, from their previous relationships. The jilted lovers can then "talk" to their AI "ex," which mimics their tone, nuance and conversational style. Ex.skill's creators say that the "project is for personal reflection and emotional healing only, not for harassment, stalking, or privacy invasion." Users say the AI module has helped them find closure. "I was finally able to say [to the AI double] everything I'd been hesitant to say, and it made me feel better," one person said in a social media post. [Oddity Central, 5/4/26]
RETURN OF THE MAC Some fired employees take the high road, some the low; some choose to defraud their former employer out of tens of thousands of dollars via macaroni and cheese. Such was allegedly the case for Keyshun Jones, who was fired from his job at a Chik-fil-A in Grapevine, Texas, and about a month later, in November 2025, began a scheme of returning to the restaurant, hopping behind the counter and ringing up fake orders of mac-and-cheese, only to refund them to his own credit cards. The restaurant owner reported the thefts, which totaled more than $80,000 over roughly 800 fake orders, and after a lengthy investigation, police arrested Jones on April 17 on charges of theft of property, money laundering and evading arrest. [KDFW, 4/28/26]
BLAZING WRENCHES Think you've got the fastest Allen wrench in the land? Think again: That honor belongs to U.K. resident Hayley McAuley of Wigan (just outside Manchester), who defended her title at the second-annual Flatpack World Championships on May 1. The event, part of a home design expo, had competitors racing through multiple rounds of IKEA assembly with a live audience cheering them on. Wigan Today reported that McAuley displayed "speed, precision and calm under pressure" during the final round, in which she put together a nightstand in just over eight minutes. McAuley went home with the "coveted golden Allen key medal," and all the assembled furniture went to a local charity. Win-win. [Wigan Today, 5/1/26]
NOW BOARDING Eily Ben-Abraham of Elite Event Robotics bought two tickets and boarded a Southwest Airlines flight in Oakland with an unusual companion—a robot named Bebop, UPI reported on May 4. The 4-foot, 70-pound robot gave the plane crew pause. First, Ben-Abraham had to move Bebop from its aisle seat—where its presence violated airline rules about large carryons—to a window seat. But the challenges didn't end there, as crew determined that Bebop's lithium batteries exceeded Southwest's allowable amount. The flight, which was headed to San Diego, was delayed just over an hour while the batteries were removed and confiscated. Elite Event Robotics says Bebop will continue to fly commercial, but without its batteries. [UPI, 5/4/26]
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
IT'S COME TO THIS A Florida couple were arrested for criminal mischief after burning a neighbor's drone when it mistakenly landed in their yard, the Smoking Gun reported on May 3. Christopher Paula, 40, of Port St. Lucie, was flying his DJI Mini 3 Pro drone when it lost communication. While the drone is programmed to go back to its point of origin, it somehow instead ended up in Sandra Marcelus' backyard. Paula located the drone using a GPS tracker, and when he approached Marcelus' home, Marcelus, 43, told him through her Ring camera, "You don't have a f——— drone anymore, sir." Marcelus and her husband, Alquidiven Daniels, 49, admitted to burning the drone. Police confirm that the drone had been burned in the fire pit. The couple were charged with a felony but released from the county jail after paying a $2,500 bond. [The Smoking Gun, 5/3/26]
NATURE GONE WILD A Florida woman who feared she heard someone breaking into her house was met with a bigger surprise—two alligators duking it out on her screened-in lanai. According to UPI on May 3, Kayla Burress of Ave Maria was home with a sleeping baby when she heard the clamor. The gators tore through the mesh, and Burress filmed one of them biting the other's tail. "It definitely looked like they were fighting over territory or something," she said. "It wasn't like a mating ritual that I had seen, because there was blood and it had its hindquarters, like, in its jaws through the door." A licensed trapper captured the alligators and relocated them. "It was scary," Burress said. "And I just warned everybody else in the neighborhood, like, watch your kids. Watch the dogs. Because it was fast and they were powerful." [UPI, 5/3/26]
THE TECH REVOLUTION Residents of a Toronto neighborhood banded together after a Google Maps glitch had drivers heading the wrong way down a one-way road for several days. UPI reported on May 6 that as early as April 29, Google Maps had mistakenly listed the southbound-only Winona Drive as a northbound street. "[The drivers] come up here with such gusto," resident J.P. Timmerman said. "The crossing guard seems ready to keel over." Residents put up a sign: "GPS is wrong." They appealed to local police and even to Google. The city even had to install a temporary "do not enter" sign before Google Maps corrected the error. "I will be following up with Google Maps to understand what went wrong and what improvements can be made to prevent this situation in the future," City Councilor Josh Matlow said in a social media post. "These sorts of Google glitches cause real and immediate safety impacts on our streets. Google Maps needs to be far more responsive to residents' complaints, and far more transparent about the processes in place." [UPI, 5/6/26] {in}
