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Independent News | May 19, 2022 | Volume 23 | Number 20
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winners & losers 4
outtakes 5
news 6
It kind of checks all the boxes.
buzz 8
publisher Rick Outzen editor & creative director Joani Delezen
feature story 11
contributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer
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Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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winners & losers
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winners
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BLUES ANGEL MUSIC The local music retailer has been named a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music instruments and pro audio products. The award honors retail music dealers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to their stores, neighborhoods, and customers and share a vision to create a more musical world through their local communities. An independent panel reviewed hundreds of submissions that are rated across categories that include customer service, innovation, music advocacy, store design, marketing and sales promotions and are scored in accordance to determine the Top 100 list.
DON'T PRINT GAY Seminole County's Lyman High School covered up yearbook photos of students holding rainbow flags and a sign reading, "Love is Love," during a March walkout protesting Florida's "don't say gay" bill. According to Principal Michael Hunter, school officials delayed distributing the yearbooks and determined that specific pictures and descriptions "did not meet school board policy." After parents and students protested, the Seminole County School Board voted unanimously to put disclaimer stickers in the yearbook instead of covering three photos from a student-led walkout with stickers.
CAILYN HAMSTRA The Santa Rosa Educa-
RURAL INTERNET SERVICE At his administra-
tion Foundation announced the Gulf Breeze High School teacher as its 2022 Santa Rosa Rookie of the Year during their Rookie of the Year reception earlier this month. She was selected from a field of 35 educators with three or fewer years of teaching experience who were honored at the event. The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation presented Hamstra with a $500 award. GBHS principal Danny Brothers said, "Miss Hamstra is a positive role model for teaching with high expectations for student learning. Her teaching expertise and passion, combined with honest care and concern for students, have resulted in a very high level of student success."
QUINT STUDER The Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society honored Studer with the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award. The award recognizes those who contribute significantly to the vitality and strength of the economy, combining innovative business achievement with service to humanity. Studer, a University of West Florida Entrepreneur in Residence in UWF's College of Business, was nominated by the UWF chapter. MAGGIE LOCHAS USTA Florida named Lo-
chas its Volunteer of the Month for March 2022 as a team captain, organizing tennis and promoting fitness among the community in Escambia County. As a USTA captain, Lochas impacted Escambia County so much that she was made an ambassador for the Love to Learn and Play programs in 2021.
tive hearing regarding the probable cause findings on state ethics violations, Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill proved how challenging it is for rural residents and businesses to access services on the internet. Underhill had numerous problems logging into a Zoom hearing with Judge Chisenhall. At one point, the commissioner was asked if he might have a teenager in his house to help him. Finally, Underhill used his cellphone outside to participate. The rooster gave a lovely rural touch to the hearing.
APPLE IPOD The groundbreaking device that revolutionized the music and electronics industries over 20 years ago is going the way of the flip phone. Apple has announced the company would discontinue the iPod Touch, the last in the product line that debuted with much fanfare in October 2001. Dozens of iPod upgrades have been launched over the years. The iPhone has gradually replaced the device as the primary music player for Apple customers, leading the company to phase out the model gradually. SKINNY JEANS According to The Daily Beast,
consumers in their 30s and 40s are choosing wide-legged, straight-leg, and slouchier "mom" and "dad" jeans over the more confining skinny jeans. Manufacturing techniques have improved so that new jean lines have more stretch. Blue jeans had an average of 1% spandex in the past, but the increased demand for comfort has prompted manufacturers to bump it up to 2%. inweekly.net
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outtakes
By Rick Outzen
CELEBRATING 2012 This year, downtown Pensacola is celebrating several 10th anniversaries, and it's no coincidence that 2012 was also when the Community Maritime Park and its multi-use stadium opened. The ballpark has been the economic catalyst that we thought it would be when we campaigned for the project in 2006. The referendum vote for the park didn't end the struggle. The stadium wouldn't open for another six years due to court challenges over open meetings, failed petition drives and a development team that didn't have the expertise to complete the project. Fortunately, the rest of Pensacola didn't sit still. Thanks to federal dollars, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority shut down its Main Street Sewage Treatment Plant and moved its wastewater treatment operations to its state-of-the-art Central Water Reclamation Facility in 2011, freeing downtown of the pungent, putrid odors that made outdoor dining on Palafox nearly impossible. Quint and Rishy Studer sought to upgrade their minor league team, the Pensacola Pelicans. They bought an MLB Double-A minor league franchise, the Carolina Mudcats. But the deal wasn't straightforward. They had to sell the Pelicans to a group in Amarillo, Texas, and move another MLB team, the Kinston Indians, to replace the Mudcats in Zebulon, N.C. The Studers also had to pay the Mobile Bay Bears, who held the rights to the franchise territory, $2 million to play ball in Pensacola. The relocation of the treatment plant and the arrival of the MLB Double-A team jumpstarted the renaissance of downtown Pensacola 10 years ago, poising Pensacola to return to its status as the jewel of Northwest Florida. More businesses began to return to downtown. The Bodacious Olive seemed such a farfetched concept when it opened in the summer of 2012. Rishy Studer put a shop that sold artisanal oils and vinegars in a building that had been vacant for decades. She added a coffee shop (Bodacious Brew), eatery (So Chopped) and retail kitchen area with a demonstration kitchen (So Gourmet).
The Studers developed the Pensacola Business Challenge that helped launch Carmen's next door and later partnered with professional golfer Bubba Watson to create Bubba's Sweet Shop. Rishy even coined the nickname for the block of South Palafox Street, between Government and Main streets, where her stores are located—the "SoGo District." Two blocks north of the Bodacious empire, two high school friends, Matt LaFon and Scott Zepp, brought their World of Beer chain to downtown's iconic Abbott's building. Pensacola has a reputation for being a cheap town—hence the abundance of dollar stores, Walmarts and this free weekly newspaper. Would people spend $10 for a draft beer? The answer was a resounding yes. After opening in July 2012, the bar quickly became the hang-out for attorneys, hipsters and beer snobs. Several politicians acted as if they were invisible in WOB, which added to the fun. LaFon and Zepp have added Blend, Taco Agave and Graffiti Pizza to their downtown empire. Other dining experiences popped up in 2012. Next to Maritime Park, Nick's Boathouse moved into the location that once housed The Crab Trap just in time for the Blue Wahoo's first home game. The seafood restaurant became a popular stop for baseball fans before and after the games. But not every anniversary is about food and drink. Former Pensacola City Councilwoman Megan Pratt opened her children's science discovery museum, the Pensacola MESS Hall, in 2012. In a recent interview on my WCOA radio show, she wasn't sure if her concept would work—"The scientist in me doesn't want to go big until I've tested it." Pratt opened the MESS Hall for two months during the summer of 2012. Parents insisted that she make the museum a permanent fixture. She and the MESS Hall have enhanced our city ever since. And the growth has continued with more restaurants, retail, housing and recreation opportunities. Downtown Pensacola competes with the beach for visitors on weekends. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years bring to our city. {in} rick@inweekly.net
And the growth has continued with more restaurants, retail, housing and recreation opportunities.
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PENSACOLA GETS ITS SKATEPARK
Katie French / Photo by Austin Voizin
By Jeremy Morrison For years, the local skate community has rallied for a public skatepark. In the absence of such a facility, some skaters make pilgrimages to other parks elsewhere in the state. Katie French doesn't sweat the hours spent on the road in pursuit of her passion. "I try not to think about it too much," she said. "I just think about the skating." Whenever she's visiting a skatepark somewhere else, French said, other skaters will inevitably inquire about the status of Pensacola's longanticipated skatepark. She told Inweekly, "It's just been this roller coaster—it's happening; oh, it's not happening; it's happening." Well, now, Pensacola is getting a municipal skatepark, following the city council's final nod on the $2.1 million project at its Thursday, May 12, meeting. Councilwoman Sherri Myers, a champion for the skatepark, said, "I think this park is needed, and I'm very excited about it." After years of waiting, Jon Shell, whose non66
profit organization Upward Intuition initially began pushing for a municipal park, told Inweekly he's grateful city officials have decided to move forward on the project. He said, "I'm thankful that they hung in there for seven years and stuck with it." Shell is excited about what's sure to be a topshelf park. He's also optimistic about a slew of associated benefits such a facility could bring, ranging from community building to tourism and commercial growth. He said, "We'll have the best park in our region. I think we'll definitely see ripple effects from that."
THE VIRTUES OF SKATING
For French, skating transcends simple sport and serves as therapy of sorts, a portal to the flow. She shared, "As I skate more, it's like I can physically feel the release. It's almost like a meditation and allows me to process what I'm going through." French, a manager at Waterboyz Surf and Skate Shop, relayed this sentiment to the city council in the days leading up to their deci-
sion on the skatepark—"I will say that it's something that's helped me through not only the brightest days but my darkest days, too." A few hours before the council vote, French continued this thread as she sat on the back patio of End of the Line Cafe preparing her remarks for the meeting. About a year ago, she sustained a concussion in a Winn-Dixie parking lot while she was "trying to grind a curb." She has since found skating to be more than fun; she's found it helpful. Better yet, it keeps her happy. This is apparent when listening to French reflect on her morning, which involved roller skating 4 miles to work due to an issue with her car. "I was having a good day, an alright day," she smiled. "Then I skated to work, and my day instantly became incredible." While French's comments resonated with council members, it was something else that she and other skatepark enthusiasts said that probably rung their bells a little more—a skatepark will attract visitors who will spend money with restaurants, hotels and businesses. French specifically searches out skateparks when planning her vacations. Recently, she joined a group of roller skaters from various places across the country on a road trip where they hit parks from New Orleans to Florida. The other day, she caught wind of a park brewing up in Birmingham, and her wheels are already spinning. "I was, like, 'Wow, I've never had any desire to travel to Birmingham until now," French laughed. "As soon as that skatepark goes in, I'm taking a trip to Birmingham. As soon as one goes in in Tallahassee, I'm going to Tallahassee." Pete Kelly, a professional skateboarder who grew up in Pensacola, stressed this point to council members, assuring them that the park would indeed set the stage for growth opportunities. He said, "I promise, on my end, I'll bring mainstream skateboarding contests here." This seemed to get some attention. Councilman Jared Moore told Kelly, "I wanted to give you my card before you leave."
SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME
There's an old sticker that encapsulates a sentiment, it reads, "SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME." It beckons to a hopefully fading notion, but some are old enough to recall the wide boards of yore. Shell recalled, "If you skated, you were an outcast and kind of looked at as less than." Such prohibitions led to run-ins between skaters and law enforcement, further fueling the original characterization. Councilman Casey Jones said he skated downtown in the 1990s due to the lack of an alternative area. "We skated around town because that was all there was to do. I remember being detained by Escambia County one time. I was 13 and I didn't
have an I.D. with me, and so they held me for two hours—which is kind of crazy," Jones relayed to the audience. "So I understand where you're all coming from." Even now, this stereotype can play out. French recalled skateboarding downtown, barefoot and with a yoga mat tucked under her arm, and randomly being accused of vandalizing a statue. "I was just looking for a place to do some yoga," she said. "I was like, 'I don't even have any shoes on.' It was kind of funny that he just automatically assumed it was skateboarders." Changing this perception is something that Shell lists among his original motivations for pushing for the skatepark. He hopes that it provides a space for a group of kids who have traditionally not had such a dedicated space for the sport they practice. "We kind of referred to them as forgotten youth," Shell reflected recently. "Just a group of kids that didn't really have a place to do the thing that they love." He also hopes the skatepark will be transformative for young skaters. He said, "Maybe their life trajectory would have been a little different if they'd had some place to go." Councilman Jones also hit upon this point, noting the sense of community a skatepark can foster. He said, "I would say I met a lot of people that I wouldn't have met otherwise through skateboarding, and that's why I see this park being somewhere that my kids can go and be around people that they wouldn't be around otherwise."
A MEANINGFUL ENDEAVOR
Before the vote, the council discussion did swerve into some municipal weeds. Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier was concerned that the city's new skatepark was sans restroom. "We're upping the ante of the cost and taking away the bathroom. That really bothers me," Brahier said. "A pool would have to have a restroom. A sporting facility would have to have a restroom. I'm not sure how this made it through the door without having a restroom." The budgetary increase and absence of restrooms were due to rising materials and labor costs. However, as Assistant City Manager David Forte assured city council members, as the skatepark is actually a component of a larger greenway project—the Hollice T. Williams Greenway project—there will eventually be multiple restroom facilities nearby. With concerns about the lack of restrooms, and to a lesser degree, available parking in the area, not withstanding, city council member ultimately threw their unanimous support behind the skatepark with a vote awarding the project to Bear General Contractors, LLC. Reflecting on the skatepark's journey, Shell said that the skating community's support of the project and comments before council helped assure him this was a worthwhile path. "I forgot how much it really does mean to a lot of people," Shell said. "Just hearing the heartfelt stories reminded me that it really has been a meaningful endeavor." {in} inweekly.net
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RIGHTEOUS ANGER Anger from Northwest
Floridians swayed Gov. Ron DeSantis' decision to veto Florida Power & Light's priority bill, according to the Miami Herald's Capitol Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Klas. Last week, the Miami Herald published Klas' article on the region's outrage at the utility giant (Miami Herald, "Panhandle backlash on FPL rate hike helped spark DeSantis veto of rooftop solar bill," 5/10/22). In an interview on WCOA with Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen, Klas said the Panhandle's discontent was a catalyst for DeSantis, causing him to turn down the FPL-backed bill that environmentalists claimed would have crippled the state's growing rooftop solar industry. "He needs your community," Klas said. "Your unrest and pushback made it a lot easier for him to veto this." Having covered the utility for decades, the Miami Herald bureau chief shared the community's dissatisfaction raised red flags because it was "pretty unusual" for a community to spark the kind of complaints and attention that Northwest Florida has generated. Since January, local FPL customers have complained that their electricity bills have doubled and tripled. The city of Pensacola, Escambia County and six other municipalities in the region have asked the Florida Public Service Commission to reexamine FPL's rate increases. An online petition garnered 10,000 signatures within days. "There were stories that people were having of not only just bill spikes but incomprehensible meter readings and frustrations with customer service," said Klas. "It looked like things were really off the rails." She said the Public Service Commission didn't follow its established process in approving the FPL rate for Northwest Florida. "Normally, this rate would have gone through a rigorous month-long hearing process, but what they have done is they settled it behind closed doors," said Klas. "They were able to get a couple of pro-solar and other environmental groups on board by including provisions that were very en-
ticing for them, and then they allowed these rate increases to happen." She continued, "If there had been a full-blown rate hearing, I guarantee you would have heard more from people. There would have been more vigorous questioning, and I think FPL would have had to justify things, at least in a more public way. Now we're stuck, and we have this for four years." Klas was impressed with the local efforts to hold FPL accountable. She said, "You've kind of peeled back the onion a bit, and you've kind of exposed some of the issues that are deeper." She added, "I kind of hope that your community stays on it because I think it's the tip of the iceberg here."
ANOTHER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN
The city of Pensacola took a step toward addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing at its city council agenda conference on Monday, May 9. Housing Director Marcie Whitaker presented the Attainable Housing Infill Program to the council. The plan is to use city-owned and Community Redevelopment Agency properties and potentially county-owned properties within city limits to build affordable housing for incomequalifying families. The city identified eight to 10 CRA properties and at least 11 properties owned by the county that meet the criteria. "We're also hoping to get interest from Escambia County because Escambia County has several properties in the city that have been escheated to them through the process where a homeowner doesn't pay his taxes, and it goes back to Escambia County because they are the taxing authority," Whitaker said. "We are hoping through either some means of conveyance or perhaps a donation we could get access to those properties for the program." The city will use American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist potential homeowners with a down payment. Whitaker said the down payment assistance would be anywhere from $27,500$35,500 for houses based on American Rescue Plan Act funding caps. Whitaker said the city will ask builders to bid on "shovel-ready projects." She described shov-
el-ready as projects with a completed survey, with infrastructure in place and in compliance with city codes. The council will then award the bids to the prospective builders to move forward with construction. "Our office has been working hard to come up with some creative solutions because if we keep doing the same old thing, we're going to end up with the same old result," Whitaker said. "It's time for us to come up with some creative solutions." Once the contract is awarded to a builder, the city will open an online application portal. A list will be created among the homeowner applicants and provided to an independent third-party vendor that will use a software sorting system to assign numbers. Whitaker said the city would then work its way down the numbered list for final determination. "I want to be able to meet them up with the builder, and hopefully, it's early enough in the process so they can have some buy-in, choose things like color and even possibly appliance packages," she said. "It's obviously going to have to stay within the bid requirements, but give them some homeownership opportunities, some input as to what their ultimate home is going to look like." Mayor Grover Robinson considers this a winwin for the city and the county. The project will create additional affordable housing units and increase the amount both government agencies collect in property taxes. Properties targeted for the project include those with dilapidated structures that fell off the tax roll. "Housing is a challenge at all levels, but certainly at the affordable housing level, we have to figure out a way to bring prices down," Robinson said. "I like us getting property that's unproductive, essentially vacant and has been off the rolls for a while and finding a way to put it to use. Eventually, it'll help tax issues because we'll be getting people back in properties that are essentially vacant and not paying taxes." The median price for a single-family home is $300,000, an increase of $80,000 since 2019, according to data from the Pensacola Association of Realtors. Renting an apartment is just as
costly for residents at about $1,600 per month. Salary increases over that same span pale in comparison. A significant number of residents pay above 30% of their household income—the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development threshold for affordable housing. Part of the issue falls on the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic leading to an influx of new residents and a supply chain shortage. Pensacola resembles the rest of the state in seeing a population surge. The state population increased by 211,000 between July 2020 and July 2021, according to the U.S. Census. While the number of potential homebuyers continues to increase, the same is true for the cost of building housing structures. Scott Keller, University of West Florida Department of Commerce chair, said one cause for the scarcity of supplies is that factories in Asia and Europe shut down or reduced their workforce. In turn, shipping companies experienced a drop in demand for moving materials and cut back on their schedules. Convincing private developers to build affordable housing units when the cost for supplies has significantly increased and buyers are willing to pay over the appraised price is a difficult sell. For a private developer, buying and razing a dilapidated house and then building and selling a larger structure on the same property is a safer investment. Robinson said additional plans to address affordable housing include a partnership with Baptist Hospital that is expected to be brought before the council in two weeks and building eight tiny homes on property annexed into the city that Baptist previously owned on Pace Boulevard. "I don't think any of them are silver bullets by themselves," Robinson said. "We're going to have to do multiple things to address housing."
NEW BEULAH FIRE STATION On Friday, May 6, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh delivered a special proclamation at the groundbreaking for the Escambia County Fire Rescue-Station #2 in Beulah. The proclamation named the facility "The Bradshaw-McNair Fire
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Station," after District Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw and long-time Station #2 Chief Steve McNair. On Nov. 6, 2019, Chief Bradshaw tragically was killed in the line of duty while working an active call. He served for Escambia County Fire Rescue as a District Chief and Assistant District Chief. Chief Bradshaw also served as a police officer and a veteran of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Retired District Chief Steve McNair served the Beulah community for over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, mentor, instructor and leader. After a devastating fire destroyed the original Station #2 in 1977, Chief McNair personally helped rebuild the current fire station being used today. He retired from service in October 2019. Commissioner Bergosh told Inweekly he was grateful for the support from his fellow commissioners for the project. "The budget just grew and grew and grew, and it took on a life of its own, but we were able to corral it and put it all together," he said. "I put about $800,000 in discretionary into it, over and above the million that I had already pledged. We cobbled together $8.4 million. It's going to be 12,000 square feet. It's going to have four bays. It'll have aerial, capable of holding a ladder truck, which is really needed out in that area with the large Navy Federal building." Bergosh added, "It was my humble privilege to bring this forward to the board. I'm very, very honored that it was a unanimous vote. These are the days that make it all worthwhile." The commissioner mentioned that he had been criticized by NewsRadio host Andrew McKay, who wanted the new station built on Outlying Field Eight (OLF-8). "Everyone else in the county was very, very happy," Bergosh told Inweekly. "What (McKay) doesn't understand is everyone's looked at it. It's the right location. Historically, that's always where the fire station has been. It's where everyone knows to go if they have a problem." He added, "He's just wrong. (McKay) doesn't understand the problem. If you move it, all the rural communities on the extreme Western part of the Beulah area would suddenly be out of the 5-mile range. Their insurance would go through the roof."
KINDERGARTEN READINESS The Escambia Children's Trust has rolled out its first Request for Proposals (RFP), targeting kindergarten readiness. Escambia Children's Trust invites local providers of high-quality early learning services to apply for funding to design, implement, and operate a summer bridge program for children who will be entering kindergarten for the first time in August 2022 and who are unprepared or underprepared for kindergarten, have not previously attended an early learning program or VPK, or have a diagnosed developmental delay. The complete RFP is available on escambiachildrenstrust.org. Proposals are due on June 8 by 5 p.m. For more information, email info@escambiachildrenstrust.org. KEEPING THE TRAP Over the years, several potential city council candidates have had their campaigns derailed by the Pensacola charter's residency rule. A council candidate must be a registered voter in their district for an entire year before the qualification deadline. May 19, 2022
Inweekly recommended changing the requirement, and former Mayor Mike Wiggins, who serves on the city's charter review commission, agreed. Fortunately, the rest of the commission didn't. "I made my case, and I didn't win," Wiggins told Inweekly. "I tried, but there was absolutely no appetite or support from the commission. They liked that one year. And I said, wait a minute. I said you have a good person moved from East Hill to North Hill; they should be able to run." He said the others said, "We think that year is important for them to kind of get their feet on the ground in that new district or wherever they're moving. We tried, and we didn't win that one."
MORE AIRPORT PARKING With passenger numbers continuing to break records, Pen-
sacola International Airport has added a new economy lot with 339 parking spaces, including 11 electric vehicle charging spaces and two handicap-accessible electric vehicle charging spaces. The lot runs along 12th Avenue in front of the Hyatt Place hotel. Its entrance is on College Boulevard. "We're excited about this much-needed addition at Pensacola International Airport, especially as we enter peak travel season this summer," Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. "Our goal is always to make traveling through our airport as easy as possible for residents and visitors, and this new economy lot will help make the traveling process smoother than ever." The rates for Economy Lot 3 will mirror the airport's existing Economy Lots 1 and 2, which are $2 per hour, up to $8 per day. The airport's
free shuttle service will stop at the lot as part of its continuous loop through the airport.
HUNTER POOL UPDATE Mayor Grover Rob-
inson told Inweekly that the Cecil T. Hunter Pool would be open this summer. The old building had significant mold issues and needed to be replaced. "Our whole goal was to get the demolition, operate the pool this year and then be able to come up with a structure after the swimming year is over," said Mayor Robinson. "We wanted to make sure the swimming year is not impacted, and we'll have a trailer out there for a year." He added, "We look forward to the next year, getting it turned around and having an actual new structure." {in} 9
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May 20-22
We almost can’t believe we’re saying this—but that glorious weekend of bands on the beach known as Hangout Fest is finally back. And just like you, we’re beyond ready for it. But before you pack up and head to Gulf Shores, make sure you read our Hangout Fest guide. From what to pack to who to watch, this issue has it all and then some. We know it’s been a minute, so here’s a friendly reminder that a three-day festival is a marathon not a sprint. So let’s all remember to pace ourselves and drink plenty of water, deal?
Photo by Natalie Allgyer for Inweekly / From HOMF 2019 May 19, 2022
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Hangout Fest 2022
Classically Cool By Gina Castro
Photo by 36neex To some, classical piano and EDM are just too vastly different to be combined. But when JVNA blends the genres, they emerge as a melodious duo. "My sound is definitely very melodic, sort of ethereal, but contrasting with dark EDM elements," Jana Ma said. Ma, the artist behind JVNA, grew up playing classical piano. Her favorite genres of classical music are impressionism and romanticism. She felt drawn to the experimental roots of the genres. While studying composition and film scoring at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, her interest in experimentalism grew. "I didn't even get into EDM until sophomore year of college. Before that, I was very, very classical. And then I went to a rave, and I was like, 'Oh, this is fun. Everything's changed; this is very fun.'" Ma began mixing EDM music on Twitch her junior year. She DJ'd on her account four times a week to gain a following. Even then, she continued to feature 16th note patterns in her music, reminiscent of impressionism and romanticism.
"When I produce and I get on the keyboard, I find my fingers playing more of those types of chord progressions and those types of pianistic motifs." Extra downtime during the pandemic made it possible for her to dedicate more attention to her first album, "Hope in Chaos." She used the time to explore different genres, like side trance and new wave trap. It took about a year and a half for her to produce the 12-track album. "Because this is my first album, I felt like I wanted to do everything myself," Ma said. "I didn't want any collabs on it. I wanted to kind of define to myself and the audience what my sound was as a solo artist." Writing and producing her first album taught her to stick with her own identity. For the majority of her career, she's been surrounded by men with pop bass backgrounds. They'd criticize her for having too many instruments and prioritizing melodies. "I come from a classical background, so the way I approach writing music is different from
other people. Writing this album, I was at a point in my life where I'm done asking people for feedback." Her song "Bullseye" is a different style from the other tracks on "Hope in Chaos" because it's a side trance song featuring a mix of chill melodies with high tempo riffs. "Sins" is melodic, similar to future bass but trappier, Ma said. "And so I like to incorporate a lot of strings and orchestra elements and make it very moody." The album also features some pop. "I wanted to write something that was also poppier and not just, like, straight on EDM, so I have some songs like 'Dystopia,' or like 'At Least It was Fun,' that I think you could consider pop." Her music influences are Japanese composer Hiroyuki Sawano and the American rock band Evanescence. She's performed primarily at EDM festivals, and Hangout Fest is her first all-inclusive genre event. "I'm very excited for Hangout," Ma
said. "I'm excited to listen to other artists who aren't just doing DJ sets. I wish I could stay longer, but I have a show in Austin the next day." Even though she'll only be at Hangout on Friday, Ma will be playing two sets. The first will be focused on her album and the second will be played by ear. "I haven't figured out what I'm gonna do yet. Since it's on a beach, I might play some house music and just be a full-on DJ."
Patterson also expects to see an increase in colorful hair. To accommodate that demand, the salon will also be offering glitter colored hair gel in a couple pastel shades. As for makeup, Patterson imagines Euphoria will have some influence. "If we were doing makeup, I bet people would want that type of makeup," Patterson said. One common fashion goal for the weekend for most festival-goers is to stay cool. For that, Patterson thinks sheer or nylon fabric bathing suit cover-ups is an ideal choice, like a sheer short dress. "I always think that's really functional and cool, but they're also not totally completely exposed," Patterson said. "So you're not getting sand in undesired places. It kind of checks all the boxes." She also thinks one-piece bathing suits or body-con bodysuits will be popular picks. Some
other comfortable options Patterson suggests are bike shorts and tennis dresses. And don't forget to accessorize. "Usually, we see a lot of bright jewelry, a lot of statement jewelry," Patterson said. "People like to swap it out with a friend and trade bracelets or things like that. I think people like to have stuff to do that with. It's festival culture." Fashion from the early 2000s has been an influence recently, and Patterson fully expects to see that trend in the shoes festival-goers will wear. "A platform flip-flop is super popular and super cute," Patterson said. "And it helps you see over crowds, so it's kind of dual purpose."
JVNA
@jvna | jvnamusic.com 2:30-3:15 p.m. Friday Malibu Beach House 5-5:45 p.m. Friday Monster Beach Club
Hang Out In Style One Hangout Fest tent you should keep an eye out for is Volume ONE's pop-up braid bar. This will be the local salons' third year at Hangout, and their stylists will be braiding hair all weekend long. But anyone really planning their look around a Volume ONE braid should get in line early. Volume ONE stylist and Marketing Director Mary Patterson told Inweekly that the line gets long—fast. Since the Volume ONE team is a stylish bunch and Hangout veterans, Inweekly asked Patterson for some festival fashion tips and trend predictions. One hair trend Patterson anticipates seeing and styling is "a lot of braids—just because people want to get their hair off their neck." Back in 2018, festival-goers requested space buns more than braids, but Patterson thinks that style has phased out. 212 1
Make sure you follow Volume ONE on Instagram for details (like the hours and location of their tent) and looks from the weekend— @volumeonesalon. inweekly.net
Inweekly Must See
Flo Milli FLO MILLI
@f lomillishit | f lomilli.com 6:15-7 p.m. Saturday Boom Stage
Photo Courtesy of RCA Records
May 19, 2022
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Hangout Fest 2022
Fall Out Boy @falloutboy | falloutboy.com 8:45-9:45 p.m. Friday Surf Stage
Photo Courtesy of HOMF Photo by Brooke Ashley Barone
Inweekly Perfect Pairing If you aren't planning to pre-game the Fall Out Boy set with the Emo Nite set, you're planning wrong.
Emo Nite @emonite | emonite.com 6-7 p.m. Friday Boom Stage
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Inweekly Must See
Doja Cat DOJA CAT
@dojacat | dojacat.com 8:45-9:45 p.m. Saturday Surf Stage
Photo by David LaChapelle / Courtesy of RCA Records May 19, 2022
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Hangout Fest 2022
A Little Something Extra By Gina Castro
Photo by Natalie Allgyer for Inweekly / From HOMF 2019 For any first-timers out there, here's a little something you need to know—Hangout is more than a music festival. In addition to its beachy setting, its creative amenities make it a truly unique experience for attendees. For one, did you know you can get hitched at Hangout? There's a white chapel and an officiant ready for your disposal. And yes, the wedding can be real or just for fun. You just have to send an email to weddings@hangoutmusicfest.com to schedule a real ceremony. At least 30 couples are scheduled to get married this year so far. "It's open for anyone and everyone to get married with two people or with a small group of friends,"said Reeves Price, vice president of operations for AEG Presents Gulf Coast/Winter Circle
"Our approach to festivals has always been to create a unique, immersive and engaging experience for the fans,"Price said. "Physical art is a great way to create that unique environment and compliment the music. People also love to take pictures in front of art, too." The majority of the art at Hangout is a collaborative effort between festival producers and local and regional artists. One of the artists that has been a part of Hangout is Will Nemitoff, who owns the company Curious Form, which is based in New Orleans. In addition to these experience-enhancing extras, the team at Hangout always encourages recycling through the weekend, too, and this year will be no different.
If you're a bargain hunter, then Hangout has the hunt for you. The attendee who collects the most recyclable waste wins two free tickets to next year's festival. To participate in this challenge, visit the Hangout recycling tent. Representatives at the tent will provide you with trash bags and a list of recyclable items. "We fully believe and support the mission and message of Gulf Shores Beaches, which is 'leave only footprints,'"Price said. "We recognize that large events create waste, and we take a lot of effort into minimizing that waste in various ways, but the best way to do that is with the support of our attendees."
proximately the size of a hand) and fanny packs are allowed, too. And yes, all bags will be thoroughly checked at the entrance gate.
it can't be in an aerosol container or larger than three ounces. We usually buy three travel size bottles and bring one each day.
TOTALLY CHARGED
CASH OUT
•Water bottle Just remember, it can't be glass or larger than two liters, and it has to be empty when you enter the festival.
Productions and the chief planner for Hangout. "You're able to have fun with it—with costumes and Ring Pops and a fun theme. Or it can be a real wedding with actual vows exchanged." Another amenity that will get your wheels turning is the roller disco. The pop-up skating rink has been a staple at the festival for a few years and will be back in action this weekend. "There's a DJ that plays for people as they skate,"Price said. "It's just a blast and it's free to attendees." And you don't even have to worry about skates or socks—Hangout has that covered. The beach is already a picturesque venue, but Hangout turns it up a notch by featuring an array of art pieces throughout the festival grounds.
To learn more about this year's amenities, visit hangoutmusicfest.com/experience.
Back To Basics Even if you're a seasoned Hangout Fest veteran, we're all going to be a little rusty this year thanks to you-know-what. But here at Inweekly, we've been hanging out at Hangout a long, long time, and not even a forced two-year hiatus could make us forget all the tips and tricks we've learned along the way. And of course, we're down to share because don't want anyone being forced to leave their bag behind at the security gate.
BAG IT UP
Like most large venues and festivals, Hangout has a clear bag policy. So make sure you leave your cute straw beach totes at home and get something that's clear plastic, clear vinyl or clear PVC. The bags also can't be too big—nothing larger than 12-by-6-by-12 is allowed. Small clutches (ap616 1
Hangout 2022 will be a cashless event—which is a first for the festival. Tap-to-pay, credit and debit cards will be accepted by all vendors. But if you forget, there will be a few "cash-to-card" booths inside the festival grounds were you can exchange cash for a Visa debit card.
•Sunglasses and/or a hat That mid-day beach sun is no joke, so it's probably a safe bet to bring both.
We are all about less is more, especially at Hangout. But there are a few select items we think should be mandatory for everyone:
•A beach towel Trust us—you're going to want to sit down at some point, and a towel or blanket really comes in handy.
•Sunscreen The higher the SPF the better. Just keep mind that
•Wet wipes Because port-o-potties, you know?
MUST HAVES
Once again, Hangout is teaming up with Electric Standard Co. to offer portable phone batteries with unlimited exchanges throughout the festival. So basically, you're buying a new phone charger from them (because you get to take one home) with one really cool perk— anytime the charger dies during the weekend, you can return it to any Electric Standard Co. location and exchange it for a freshly charged one. And guess what? All that juice is only going to cost you $30 if you pre-order at electricstandard.co/hangoutfest. Visit hangoutmusicfest.com/info for more specifics on the bag policy and a complete list of allowed and prohibited items. inweekly.net
Hangout Fest 2022 Photo Courtesy of HOMF
Megan
Thee Stallion @theestallion | megantheestallion.com 8:45-9:45 p.m. Sunday | Surf Stage Photo by Tinseltown / shutterstock.com
Inweekly Perfect Pairing Raise your hand if you're excited to get your sad girl shit and your hot girl shit on back-to-back Sunday night. Yeah, us, too.
Phoebe Bridgers @phoebebridgers | phoebefuckingbridgers.com
6:45-7:45 p.m. Sunday | Surf Stage
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a&e happenings NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Florida is hosting Bingo at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burning Tree Road, twice a month. Dates are May 24, June 7 & 21, July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & 23, Sept. 6 & 20, Oct. 4 & 18, Nov. 8 & 22 and Dec. 6 & 20. Proceeds go to help local animals. The fun starts at 7 p.m. $10 gets you 30 cards. Winners share the pot. Food and drink will be available for purchase. You must be 18 years old to play. REIMAGINE BELLVIEW Several organizations
are partnering with Bellview Assembly of God on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Bellview Middle School, located at 6201 Mobile Highway, to offer free food, household items, baby diapers, HIV testing, clothing, haircuts, and carnival rides and activities for kids. For more information, visit reimagineworldwide.org.
NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY AT SHAGGY'S On National Rescue Dog Day, Friday,
May 20, adoptable dogs and volunteers from the Humane Society of South Mississippi and CARA will be available for adoption at Shaggy's, located at 701 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Stop by for a quick hello or to meet your new best friend. The adoptable dogs will be at Shaggy's from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
PAWS ON PALAFOX On Saturday, May 21, from
10 a.m.-1 p.m., hundreds of animal lovers will take to the streets of historic downtown Pensacola for Paws On Palafox, a family friendly 3K dog walk to support the Pensacola Humane Society. This event is truly the most dog-friendly event in the community because it is hosted your dog in mind. Each registered walker receives a bandana for their pet. Along the route will be water and cooling stations for you and your four-legged friends. As you cross the finish line, you will be back in Phineas Phogg's for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Pre-registration rates end on Saturday, May 14, at 4 a.m. Day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 9:40 a.m. For more information, visit pensacolahumane.org.
GRADUATIONS
SANTA ROSA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS Santa Rosa High School graduations will
be Saturday, May 21, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Navarre High School commence-
BLUE MOON ANTIQUE MALL 3721 W. Navy Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 455-7377 Open 7 days a week
ment will be 11 a.m., Gulf Breeze High School will be 2:30 p.m., and Pace High School will be at 6 p.m. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for information on restricted items.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS Escambia County High School graduations will be Wednesday, May 25, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Pine Forest High School will be at 9 a.m., West Florida High School will be at 12:15 p.m., Northview High School will be at 3:15 p.m., and Tate High School will be at 6:30 p.m. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for information on restricted items.
ARTS & CULTURE
WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Com-
munity Institute, 220 W. Garden St. "Everything Everywhere All at Once" is coming soon. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.
DREAM DEFENDERS FREEDOM LUNCH
Join Dream Defenders for a free lunch and community on Thursday, May 19, from noon-2 p.m., at The Busy Bee, located at 3002 N. Ninth Ave. RSVP at bit.ly/frdmlunch522.
GALLERY NIGHT: DANCIN' IN THE STREETS The next Gallery Night is Friday, May 20, from 5-9 p.m., The theme is "Dancin' in the Streets" with dance zones throughout the event footprint featuring local dance groups, plus a dance-off competition from 6-9 p.m. at the Garden Street Stage in front of Vinyl Music Hall with $1,000 in prizes. K-pop, hip-hop, line dance, jazz fusion and street dance are among the competing dance styles. Visit gallerypensacola.org for more information.
BROADWAY BOOGIE: GROWN-UPS Join this
weekly class on the basics of boogie in a fun, easygoing, non-judgmental setting. Classes are Fridays, April 1-May 20, from 5-6 p.m., at The Gordon Art Center, 306 N. DeVilliers St. This class teaches the fundamentals of musical theatre style dancing including jazz, tap, ballet, ballroom, fosse and more. This class is a beginner-level class for teens and adults, ages 16 and up. Registration is open through March 15 at myneighborhoodtheatre.com.
RED John Logan's RED is the final Studio 400 production of the '21-'22 season at Pensacola
Little Theatre. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, May 20 & 27; Saturdays, May 21 & 28; and Thursday, May 26; and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. Tickets are $14-$22. Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Get tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
GULF COAST CULTURE FEST FORC3 Studios LLC is hosting its second annual Gulf Coast Culture Fest on Saturday, May 21, at Seville Square and Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
came the center of the largest free Black settlement in what is now the United States. When the war ended, the U.S. believed the fort threatened the institution of slavery and must be destroyed. To the Maroon people who lived there, however, the fort at Prospect Bluff was a beacon of freedom worth fighting for. For more information, visit fpan.us.
"KEEP IT 100" AT ARTEL GALLERY Back by
Books Bookstore & Prison Book Project, 1040 N. Guillemard St., $1 Book sale event will be Saturday, May 28-Monday May 30. Visit facebook. com/openbooks for details.
popular demand for the third year is the "Keep it 100," where all pieces are for sale and priced at $100. The exhibit is a juried show with Jimmy Rhea, professor at Pensacola State College, as juror. The exhibit will be on view through June 24. The opening reception will be Thursday, May 19, from 4-7 p.m. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.
LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's life
ART OF THE POSTER One of the latest Artel
$1 MEGA BOOK SALE AT OPEN BOOKS Open
drawing group meets every Monday, except holidays, from 6-9 pm in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.
PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shopping
exhibits will be posters from Rick Otoupalik, the artist behind all of Artel's promotional posters for the past 20 years. The exhibit will be on view through June 24. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.
for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Market Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1401 W. Intendencia St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.
DON MANDERSON AT ARTEL GALLERY
EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET Every
hibit, "New Beginnings," runs through June 11 with a show reception to be held the evening of May 6 to coincide with First City Art Center's resumption of it's Hot Glass/Cold Brew series. The show is free and open to the public during normal Gallery 1060 open hours. More information can be found at gallery1060.com.
Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggalleryart@gmail.com.
THE MAROON MARINES: ARCHAEOLOGY AT PROSPECT BLUFF A new temporary exhibit
at The Destination Archaeology Resource Center, located at 207 E. Main St., features the story of the largest free black settlement in what is now the United States. This exhibit is sponsored by City of Pensacola Councilmember Teniadé Broughton. During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called "Negro Fort" by American officials, it eventually be-
Graphic artist Don Manderson will have an exhibit on view at Artel Gallery through June 24. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.
NEW BEGINNINGS Gallery 1060's newest ex-
PMA MEMBERS SHOW The PMA Members Show is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art through May 29. View works of art from local artists. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org. INTO THE MIRROR: CARRIE ANN BAADE
2021 Members Show winner Carrie Ann Baade describes herself as steward and axman, returning to the haunting moments in art history in order to reclaim them. By using the "bone yard" of Western painting with reverence, she cuts them up into fragments resulting in collage. In their repainting,
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a&e happenings these are fierce feminist parables. Paintings made of paintings; the old masterworks are infused with the artist's own experience. The exhibit is on view through May 29. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org.
MAPPING NORTHWEST FLORIDA EXHIBIT AT THE PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY Visualized Landscapes: A Selection of North-
west Florida Maps is now on view at Pensacola Museum of History. The exhibit explores the shifting topography of Northwest Florida through a series of maps selected from the Trust Archive. Visualized Landscapes: A Selection of Northwest Florida Maps is on view on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History until August. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.
2000 MEN: BLACK POLITICIANS DURING RECONSTRUCTION A new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History shares the stories and histories of Black politicians during the Reconstruction period. The Pensacola Museum of History is located at 330 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit historicpensacola.org.
FINDING 1821 Finding 1821 is part of the UWF Historic Trust's Suddenly American exhibit. Using historic newspapers, maps and documents, it is possible to locate where businesses stood in the 1820s. From taverns to parasol shops, each site on the Finding 1821 trail reflects a local establishment
that was near that location 200 years ago. Outside each business is a QR code that links to a corresponding advert from an early 1820s newspaper. Over a dozen sites have been identified so far. Take a stroll around town, visit local shops and explore the history of Pensacola through today's technology. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information.
SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's and Pen-
sacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the group to read and discuss? Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue. The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fascinated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook.com/pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.
OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon's Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.
OPEN MIC COMEDY AT BIG TOP BREWERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy some
homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located
at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending on the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.
NEW CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS Mixon Magic Performing
Arts (MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement, Ballet/Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult. MMPA is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the building and studio. More information about Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixonmagic.com or emily@mixonmagic. com or by calling (850) 221-7438.
CRAFT CLASSES AT STUDIO SOUTH ON NINE MILE Learn a new craft or meet up with other makers at Studio South. Tuesday is Knit Night 4-7 p.m., and Sit & Stitch is Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Both classes are free. For a full calendar of events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad. com. Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT FIRST CITY ART First City Art Center offers a wide
range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels. Classes include glass blowing, ceramics, painting and drawing, kiln-forming, stained glass and more. For a complete list of classes and times, visit firstcityart.org.
FOOD + DRINKS
CHARCUTERIE NIGHT AT BODACIOUS En-
joy a hands-on demonstration that focuses on the art of preparing a charcuterie tray and serving it to guests Thursday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m., at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Visit bodaciousshops. com for more information.
THE WELL ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Celebrate one year of The Well on Fri-
day, May 20, starting at 4 p.m. with live music, a bottle release and a special cocktail menu. The Well is located at 42 E. Garden St. Visit facebook. com/thewellpensacola for details.
AGAPI WINE FESTIVAL Spend your afternoon sipping wines and learning from the experts on Sunday, May 22, from 3-6 p.m. at Agapi Bistro + Garden, 555 Scenic Highway. More than 50 wines will be featured around the world. Admission is $55 and includes a souvenir wine glass. Reserve your spot by calling (850) 225-5235. for more listings visit inweekly.net
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free will astrology WEEK OF MAY 19 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "The only way to the truth is through blasphemy," declared Aries author Flannery O'Connor. I appreciate the cheeky sentiment, but I don't believe that all truth requires blasphemy. In many cases, rebellion, irreverence and skepticism may be enough to pry loose hidden and buried information. Outright blasphemy isn't necessary. What does this have to do with you? Well, I'm hoping you will be feisty and audacious in your quest for interesting truths. As you dig, I invite you to be less than perfectly polite. Don't be rude or unkind, of course. Just be charmingly bold. TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "I am so beautiful, sometimes people weep when they see me," declares comedian Margaret Cho. I would love for you to summon her level of self-esteem and bravado in the coming weeks. According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, you now have the right and duty to boost your self-worth. All of creation is conspiring with you to develop more faith in yourself. And if you do the work to deepen your confidence and self-esteem, there will be an added bonus: a health breakthrough. As spiritual author Caroline Myss says, "Belief in oneself is required for healing." My prediction—you will rouse an enhanced power to get the soul medicine you need.
By Rob Brezsny
ly and scramble to adjust as life flings challenges your way. But the better approach would be to make conscious decisions about how you want to transform. Identify the situations that would most benefit from modification and then initiate the transitions. Rather than depending on fate to provide you with random wake-up calls, choose constructive wake-up calls that are fun and invigorating.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "If everyone likes you, it probably means you aren't saying much," declared politician Donna Brazile. I suspect you will disprove her theory in the coming weeks. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will have a lot to say; your communications will be even more interesting than usual. And yet, I also expect you will receive extra respect and appreciation from others. While you may articulate ideas that are challenging to some, you will do so with enough charisma to disarm agitated reactions. A winning combination—expressiveness and approval.
At least for now, put aside your longing for particular results and instead simply live your life as if it were a magnificent work of art.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): According to
the blogger Artemisiasea, "The grandeur of life is the attempt, not the solution. It's about behaving as beautifully as one can under completely impossible circumstances; making room for what breathes in the presence of the attempt—in the coming-to-be." I invite you to embrace that wisdom in the coming weeks, Gemini. You won't be dealing with impossible circumstances, but you may have to navigate your way through fascinating brainteasers and heart riddles. Whatever your destination might turn out to be, enjoy the ride with all the verve you can summon. At least for now, put aside your longing for particular results and instead simply live your life as if it were a magnificent work of art.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): It will be in your interest to change more than usual in the coming weeks. I suppose you could wait around passive-
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VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Have you heard
of Virgo adventurer Reinhold Messner? The man is a marvel, and not just because he's a passionate environmental activist. He was the first mountaineer to reach the top of Mt. Everest alone, as well as the first to ascend Everest without supplemental oxygen. No one before him had ever climbed all 14 of the world's peaks higher than 26,000 feet. He has transited Greenland and Antarctica without the aid of dog sleds or snowmobiles. He also completed a solo trip across the Gobi Desert. I propose we make Messner your inspirational role model for the next four weeks. You may not achieve history-making triumphs like him, but you could surpass what you assumed were your limits. I trust that you will break at least one of your personal records.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "The world is a
very puzzling place. If you're not willing to be puzzled, you just become a replica of someone else's mind." Author Noam Chomsky said that. It's useful counsel for you right now. I'll go even further. I will advise you to relish the healthy pleasures of being both mysterious and mystified. Seek out fertile enigmas and be a fertile enigma yourself. Explore the rejuvenating wisdom of being indefinable and uncategorizable. Exult in the quizzical joys of Eternal Paradox.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Have you ever contemplated the beauty of the people and animals you care for and thought, "I would love to give them the strongest blessings I have to give, the smartest love I can express, and the best listening I'm able to provide." If so, Scorpio, the coming days will be an excellent time to do that. You will have an extra capacity to offer exceptional gifts that are useful and inspirational. You will be at the peak of your ability to home in on what your beloveds need. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sagit-
tarian author Madeleine L'Engle told us, "The discoveries don't come when you're looking for them. They come when for some reason you've let go conscious control." That approach isn't absolutely true, but it may be useful for you to deploy in the coming weeks. I invite you to relinquish at least a modicum of your conscious control. And if zesty discoveries start flowing in, consider relinquishing even a bit more conscious control.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Is it a legend or a true story? Scholars disagree about whether Capricorn scientist Isaac Newton really was spurred to formulate the theory of gravity when an apple fell from the tree he was sitting beneath. This much is certain—Newton lived in the home near the famous apple tree. And that tree is alive today, 380 years after his birth. Ripe apples still fall from it. Is there an equivalent landmark or keystone from your own past, Capricorn— where an important insight arose or pivotal event happened? The coming weeks would be a good time to revisit that power spot, at least in your imagination, in quest of fresh inspiration. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquar-
ful beauty. I swooned when I first read his line, "We must unlearn the constellations to see the stars." I cried for joy when he said, "We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world." On the other hand, I suspect Jack may have been overly consumed with his pursuit of lyrical moments. His girlfriend Linda Gregg said, "All Jack ever wanted to know was that he was awake— that the trees in bloom were almond trees— and to walk down the road to get breakfast. He never cared if he was poor or had to sleep on a park bench." I bring this up, dear Aquarius, hoping you will avoid Gilbert's lack of attention to practical matters. In the coming weeks, I invite you to be your extravagant, idiosyncratic, interesting self to the max. But also be sure to eat healthy food, engage in pleasurable exercise and get plenty of rejuvenating sleep— preferably in a comfortable bed rather than on a park bench.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): The Uberfacts
Twitter account informs me that if you were to consume the amount of food equivalent to what a hummingbird eats, you would eat 300 hamburgers or 7,800 cabbages per day. To match the amount of exercise a hummingbird gets while burning all those calories, you'd have to do approximately 37 bazillion jumping jacks. You will never do this, of course. But in the coming weeks, you may be more metaphorically hungry than usual. I predict you will be voracious for new information and novel experiences and fresh ideas. Not 300 hamburgers or 7,800 cabbages' worth—but still, a lot. My advice—Have fun being insatiably curious and greedy for stimulation. THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Is there a situation you're being lazy about? Should you be more discerning? newsletter.freewillastrology.com
freewillastrology.com
freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny © Copyright 2022
ian poet Jack Gilbert devoted himself to soul-
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news of the weird THERE ARE RULES At the Rio condo building a few blocks from Central Park in New York City, building management has filed a lawsuit against resident Helen Hirsh, 83, alleging she "defecated in the fitness center's pool and then again in the fitness center shower," according to the New York Post. The lawsuit also alleges that Hirsh "screams and makes loud noises while using the gym and the pool" and doesn't always wear appropriate attire in the gym. Hirsh was banned from the facilities but apparently has snuck back in by following a real estate agent touring prospective buyers or catching an open door when other residents were leaving. Management has had to take both the pool and the fitness center out of use so both could be cleaned and sanitized. But Hirsh thinks the suit is payback because she doesn't tip. "I'm an old lady. Why should I tip you all the time? I don't want to live here anymore," she said. IRONY Police were called to a home in Trenton, South Carolina, on May 7, where two bodies were found in the backyard, WJBF-TV reported. The first was Joseph Anthony McKinnon, 60, who apparently died of a "cardiac event," according to the coroner. The second body was Patricia Ruth Dent, 65, who was McKinnon's live-in girlfriend, and who clearly did not die of natural causes. An autopsy revealed that Dent had been strangled; police believe a struggle took place inside the home, and McKinnon wrapped her in trash bags and placed her in a pit he had dug in the yard. They concluded that McKinnon had suffered a heart attack during that process. HE CAN'T HELP HIMSELF Brazilian defender Marcelo, 34, was dismissed from the Lyon squad of the Ligue 1 Uber Eats French Football League last August after reportedly laughing during captain Leo Dubois' speech following the team's losing match against Angers. But on May 10, ESPN reported there was more to the explosive story. Marcelo, who was considered one of the leaders of the team, apparently had an ongoing issue with passing gas and laughing inappropriately in the locker room among his teammates. He had signed a contract with Lyon before the start of the season, but it was terminated in January and he signed with Bordeaux, which is having a stinky season of its own, now at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table and seven points from safety. BRIGHT IDEA Eighty-two-year-old actor James Cromwell, known most recently for his role on "Succession," glued his palm to a midtown Manhattan Starbucks store counter on May 10 to protest the extra charge the coffee company assesses for plant-based milk in their drinks. He later used a knife to scrape his hand off the counter. The Associated Press reported that Cromwell, who starred in "Babe: Pig in the City," is a longtime animal rights protester. For its part, Starbucks seemed nonplussed by the protest, which was organized by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, characterizing the nondairy milk customizations as similar to any other, "such as an additional espresso shot or syrup."
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
IT'S A MYSTERY In Schleiden, Germany, on May 11, high school students laid to rest a classmate who had been with them for generations: Anh Bian, the human female skeleton that had dwelt in the school's biology classroom since the 1950s, and whom they had given the Vietnamese name for "mysterious peace." Students, teachers and town officials buried the anonymous woman in the town's Protestant cemetery in a coffin marked with symbols of all the world's major religions, but before doing so, they collected DNA so that they might later learn her identity. The Associated Press reported that they had hoped to bury her earlier, but the pandemic had slowed plans to put her to rest. Future biology studies will be undertaken using a plastic skeleton. DUI "DUI" has a new meaning for drivers and hikers in the Normandy region of France, The Connexion reported on May 11: deer under the influence. The 30 Million Friends Organization, an animal rescue group, said at this time of year, deer gorge on spring flowers that are loaded with sugar, which ferments in their stomachs and makes them "drunk." For example, they may become disoriented and sometimes panicked, wandering into dangerous situations. Experts remind anyone who comes across a bombed Bambi to stay calm and not upset the animal. FAMILY VALUES The BBC reported on an unusual lawsuit filed in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand by Sanjeev and Sadhana Prasad, parents of Shrey Sagar, 35, against their son "because of mental cruelty." The elders are demanding compensation equal to about $650,000 if Shrey and his wife do not produce a child within a year. Sanjeev said they spent all their savings on their son, sending him to the United States for pilot training, and that he returned to India but lost his job and required their support for two more years. They arranged a lavish wedding and reception for him, but after six years, the couple "are still not planning a baby," Sanjeev said. "At least if we have a grandchild to spend time with, our pain will become bearable." GREAT ART When Laura Young picked up a marble bust from the floor of a Goodwill store in Austin, Texas, in 2018, she couldn't have imagined the saga that was about to unfold. As it turns out, the Associated Press reported on May 6, her $35 bust is believed to be a centuries-old sculpture of Pompey the Great, missing from the collection of King Ludwig I of Bavaria since World War II. Experts suspect an American soldier brought the bust to the United States after the war. The piece will visit the San Antonio Museum of Art until next year, when it will be returned to Germany. "I'm glad I got to be a small part of its long and complicated history, and he looked great in the house while I had him," Young said. {in}
From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel
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