Inweekly May 23 2024 Issue

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winners & losers

winners losers

ZARZAUR LAW ZINGRAYS Zarzaur Law, P.A., and the YMCA of Northwest Florida have partnered for the third season of the Zarzaur Law "Zingrays" developmental swim team. The team provides a developmental opportunity for swimmers who have basic competence in the water but may not be ready for a competitive school or community team, or for families that may not be able to afford a traditional swim team. The team is under the direction of Regional Aquatics Director, Bonnie Steffensmeier. The 40-member team, composed of ages 4–18, will practice at Cecil T. Hunter Pool. Because of Zarzaur Law, P.A.'s sponsorship, the cost is only $100 for the summer. The YMCA offers additional financial assistance on a sliding scale.

NORTHEAST PENSACOLA SERTOMA

CLUB

The civic club drew more than 1,000 attendees and raised more than $118,000 at its 2024 HogFest on Saturday, April 27, at Pensacola Harley-Davidson. The HogFest event is a partnership between Northeast Pensacola Sertoma, Pathways for Change and ReadyKids! to throw a "party for a purpose" and raise awareness and funds for these important missions. HogFest was made possible by presenting sponsor Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, Pensacola Harley-Davidson and Cat Country 98.7. The Northeast Pensacola Sertoma Club, founded in 1987, ranks among the top three Sertoma clubs nationally for donations to charitable organizations with more than $1.3 million given to local charities.

FRIENDS OF PENSACOLA STATE PARKS

The Florida State Parks Foundation awarded a total of $100,000 through its small grants program to 10 state parks citizen support organizations, often known as Friends groups, to advocate for or support their parks. Friends of Pensacola State Parks, which serves three parks in Northwest Florida, received a $10,000 grant to build a power wash transport system at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park. The system will include an aluminum trailer, pressure washer, utility water pump, storage box and an IBC water storage tank, and will allow staff and volunteers to more efficiently care for the park's 1,600-foot wooden boardwalk overlooking Tarkiln Bayou.

MUNCH'S MAKE BELIEVE BAND The legendary band at Chuck E. Cheese is being phased out at more than 400 sites, including Pensacola, by the end of 2024. Since the retirement of the Reunion Band, Munch's Make Believe Band has been Pensacola's longest-running musical act. Speaking alongside fellow band members—Mr. Munch on keyboards, Jasper T. Jowls on guitar, Helen Henny on vocals, and Pasqually on drums—Chuck E. revealed at a press conference last November that the animatronic band would headline an exclusive, permanent residency at the Northridge Chuck E. Cheese, near L.A. Northridge will become the nation's only Chuck E. Cheese fun center with the band. Chuck E. said, "We love performing so much, it's practically hard-wired into us."

FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE State lawmakers passed and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 433, which prevents local governments from requiring heat-exposure protections for workers. And the Florida Chamber of Commerce cheered. Unfortunately, workers may suffer. The Workers Compensation Research Institute's new study cited "strong and robust evidence that excessive heat increases the frequency of injuries" to workers, with risks particularly in the South. The probability of work-related accidents increases by 5% to 6% when maximum daily temperatures top 90 degrees, compared to days when temperatures are 65 degrees to 70 degrees. The Florida Chamber has an answer—mort tort reform.

GREGORY GERAMI Florida A&M University (FAMU) trustees are investigating how a purported $237 million gift from Batterson Farms Corporation's Gregory Gerami and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust dubious gift was accepted without their knowledge. Earlier this month, school officials made the announcement at the FAMU commencement ceremony. Politico reports that Batterson Farms Corporation appears to be just a relatively small outfit based in Texas selling hydroponic hemp farm products, and FAMU failed to have a third-party value the stocks, leaving the actual worth undetermined. Gerami's past dealings also came under scrutiny, including a proposed $95 million donation to Coastal Carolina University in 2020 that was quickly terminated by school officials.

Photo Courtesy of MediaValet Companies

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

THANKS, RAY

Much of downtown Pensacola's renaissance started with a plan devised by Ray Gindroz 20 years ago. The architect, who cofounded the Pittsburgh-based Urban Design Associates, was an early pioneer for urban renewal, reinventing cities and transforming urban communities. He preached urban design was an effective way to foster economic development.

His projects included Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York, Norfolk, Virginia's downtown and waterfront plans, and Port Smith, New Hampshire. He also taught urban design for more than two decades at Yale University School of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University and the City University of New York.

The Institute of Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) and the American Institute of Architects local chapter brought Gindroz to Pensacola in May 2002. I recently asked IHMC founder Dr. Ken Ford why he wanted the architect to speak as part of his Evening Lecture Series.

"I met Ray through Robert Davis from Seaside in the late '90s," Ford said. "His Urban Design Associates was the first architectural firm to focus largely on community building through architecture and urbanism, sort of how the buildings relate to the street and other issues like that."

He continued, "My reason for bringing Ray to Pensacola was I felt that the downtown had great potential. It had great bones, a good street grid and a nice history, but it was underappreciated. Ray is very sensitive to these kinds of things, and I wanted him to give us some advice on the development of downtown."

IHMC moved into the old Pensacola Police headquarters next to St. Michael's Cemetery in 1999. Ford knew improving downtown Pensacola would make recruiting scientists easier.

After touring the downtown area, Gindroz told the lecture series audience the economic value of waterfronts has changed because industrial uses were often not the highest and best use for waterfront property, adding, "The attraction that the waterfront has is irresistible for development."

He saw the University of West Florida (UWF), Port of Pensacola and IHMC as key players in remaking Pensacola's downtown core. The Port's activities enhanced the downtown's vitality and character. IHMC attracted knowl -

edge-based workers to the area. UWF owned 29 buildings in the Historic District.

In December 2002, Gindroz returned to Pensacola to give a presentation at Gulf Power's downtown headquarters. IHMC and the Appleyard Agency sponsored the lecture. He saw the Historic District's untapped economic and cultural potential. The architect recommended a focused planning process for the district that would involve three phases over five to six months and cost $150,000.

UWF and the City agreed to pay for the study, which Gindroz launched in August 2003. UWF president John Cavanaugh told the daily newspaper the survey would give the university an opportunity to hear from the district's stakeholders. City Manager Tom Bonfield hoped it would be a catalyst for success in our areas. He said, "Let's have success before we jump into something else."

The public workshops were well attended. Participants agreed the ECUA Main Street Sewage Treatment Plant one block west of City Hall should be removed, and the industrial nature of the Port of Pensacola should change. They suggested waterfront shops and restaurants, more walkable sidewalks, a grocery store, more residen tial shade trees, parks and museums.

Gindroz delivered the final plan for the Historic District in May 2004. Gindroz saw the four lanes of Bayfront Parkway, the Interstate 110 off-ramp, the Chase Street flyover and the need for clear entrances to the Historic District as significant problems.

He recommended more mixed-used devel opments, enhanced medians and wider sidewalks. He also wanted more trees, underground utilities and traffic-calming features. In the Pitt Slip area, he suggested a waterfront village with retail spaces and a hotel.

LAND FOR SALE

$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres New wetland survey April 2023! 3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger

Gindroz wanted the city to find ways to eliminate the smelly ashplant tanks at the Port, reduce Bayfront Parkway to two lanes as it went through downtown and make the waterfront integral to downtown.

Most of the report has been implemented over the past two decades, though a few big things, like the flyover, didn't happen. However, Gindroz's study put us on the right track. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with Parking! 2 story building

ADVOCATING FOR OUR BASES

By Tom St. Myer

Imagine the sight of U.S. Navy aircraft flying away in droves from NAS Pensacola any time Mother Nature threatens with a tropical storm or hurricane.

This is the reality for a base without the proper hangar space for its aircraft.

"They have to fly away," said Tim Kinsella, former NAS Pensacola commander and retired captain. "There's the gas, per diem for pilots, lost training days, a whole domino effect of us flying away every time."

NAS Pensacola is seeking $20 million in federal funding to begin repairs on B3260, one of its three hangars. The condemned hangar sustained structural damage from Hurricane Sally. The Navy previously used the hangar to bring in aircraft for maintenance. The aircraft in the two other hangars withstood the hurricane. The netting in the ceilings of the hangars caught the pieces of falling concrete.

NAS Whiting Field needs $20 million, too, to demolish its current Child Development Center and build a new facility. The current center operates in a 78-year-old building that previously served as a package store before being converted in the mid-1990s.

The center's maximum capacity is only 64 children. As of early May, the waitlist totaled 56 children, ranging in age from zero to 5.

"Rooms and spaces are inadequate and do not meet the requirements provided by the Unified Facilities Criteria," said Jamie Coffey, Whiting Field public affairs officer.

NEW COALITION FORMED

The burden of securing federal funding for the Navy bases primarily falls on the shoulders of elected officials. But a nonprofit established last year, the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition, is lending a hand in knocking on doors in Washington, D.C.

The coalition's mission is to promote the benefits of maintaining the military presence in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The coalition held its first Bi-County Military Mission Forum earlier this month in Milton.

Speakers for the coalition included retired Rear Adm. Don Quinn and John Conger, former principal deputy under the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

"For 10 years since I retired, I've talked about us not having a presence in D.C. consistently. We've kind of gone with the model of hiring someone in D.C.," Quinn said of Conger. "We ask for things the commander can't ask for, but we know he needs them. The whole thing is about supporting their missions. We can ask for things the bases can't and argue on behalf of our people and their missions."

The two bases account for 54% of the Escambia and Santa Rosa county economies. According to a brochure distributed at the forum, NAS Pensacola produces all Air Force Combat Systems Officers, Naval Flight Officers and Navy unmanned aircraft system pilots. Whiting Field produces 1,200 pilots annually and is responsible for training all military helicopter pilots.

Quinn said the coalition is interested in advocating for Hurlburt Field, too. The U.S. Air Force installation is in Okaloosa County, but 80% of its workforce lives in Santa Rosa County.

The forum attendees included NAS Pensacola Capt. Terry Shashaty, Whiting Field Capt. Paul Flores, Escambia County Commission Chairman Steven Barry and Santa Rosa County Commission Chairman Sam Parker. Shashaty and Flores spoke about the challenges they face from a funding standpoint, particularly with the condemned hangar and undersized Child Development Center.

Kinsella said $20 million is a mere drop in the bucket for the upgrades needed at NAS Pensacola. He referred to $20 million as "putting lipstick on a pig" and "band-aids on a chronic issue." He estimated the cost to truly repair the hangar is $110 million.

"The hangars are woefully out of date," said Kinsella, executive director for the University of West Florida Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz Center. "They don't have a hurricane rating that comes anywhere near meeting the requirements. Hangars do not have the facilities that enable our flight students to train to the modern threat. New hangars have to be built for the base to keep up with the evolving threat that we will likely be facing in the next 10-15 years."

Other issues at the base include mold in the barracks, a swimming pool that leaks water and ancient electric pipes.

"Twenty million dollars is not a win in any shape or form," Kinsella said. "It's just a drop in the bucket for what is really needed for the future of the base. These are just facts, the way it is."

"Hangars do not have the facilities that enable our flight students to train to the modern threat." Tim Kinsella

Elected officials are keenly aware of the facts. Quinn said the coalition keeps in touch with U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz through his legislative aide Derrick Miller, a former U.S. Army National Guard sergeant. Inweekly unsuccessfully sought comment from Gaetz for this story.

Dan McFaul served as the chief of staff for three congressmen—Joe Scarborough, Jeff Miller and Matt Gaetz—before joining the lobbying firm Ballard Partners. He believes forming a defense coalition is a smart move.

"The defense industry is the second largest driver of our economy in the Panhandle behind tourism. It plays a vital role in the future success of our area," McFaul said. "I think it's wise to invest in this type of a program, and it certainly makes sense for Escambia and Santa Rosa to partner. There's so much synergy between NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field, and we've seen some successes in the past."

He added, "It's a good idea that the county commissions, chambers and the local business folks are working together."

POSITIVE VOICES

Local leaders from the two counties advocated for the bases during the 2024 Defense Communities Summit in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Association of Defense Communities, the summit brought together the top Defense Department (DOD) and Congressional decision-makers and diverse experts from all sectors to discuss issues that will define defense policy for the next decade.

"Growing up in a military family, with two of my three kids serving in the military, the military is very close to my heart," said Jeff Bergosh, the Escambia County Commissioner. "I worked at NAS supporting that mission for 18 years as a contractor employee. Growing up in Pensacola, we just realized how important the defense community is locally to our economy and our way of life. It's very, very intertwined with the entire Pensacola community.

Bergosh, who attended the summit, continued, "There are concerns that some of the missions we support here in the Pensacola area could be ripe for the picking. And so, we were up there trying to defend against that."

The local delegation met privately with Naval Installations Command Adm. Scott Gray to discuss issues with the condemned hangar and Child Development Center. During the conversation, Bergosh stressed the importance of repairing the hangar.

"We desperately need it because it's something that will allow us to keep the Blue Angels going here," he said.

Bergosh said DOD personnel are experiencing the same issues nationwide and worldwide with housing, education, child care and health care access.

"Affordable housing is a big issue for junior military personnel, and it's a big issue for our citizens, too, as they're coming up and joining the workforce," Bergosh said. "If we can solve that for the military, we can solve that for our citizens."

Quinn considers anyone speaking on behalf of the military bases in Washington D.C. to be a positive for Northwest Florida. He said voices heard in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill carry tremendous weight.

"We want people in the Pentagon and on the Hill to know who we are and know what our problems are," Quinn said. "It's no guarantee if you're up there, you'll win, but if you're not there and present, it's a good chance you won't get anywhere." {in} To learn more about the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition, visit nwfdefense.com.

crease significantly. Her daughter-in-law is seeking employment after graduating from cosmetology school, and she expects her son to climb the ladder and earn raises at Publix. Yet, even if all that happens, Chaplin is realistic about their prospects of finding their own space in Pensacola.

"Finding a place that will be affordable will still be out of reach," she said.

Chaplin shared her family story with an audience of hundreds Tuesday night at First United Methodist Church. Justice United Seeking Transformation (JUST) Pensacola hosted a summit on the crisis in affordable housing. Speakers included Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, Blues Angel Music CEO Nan DeStafney, Anne Ray of the University of Florida Shimberg Center for Housing Studies and Ali Ankudowich from the Florida Housing Coalition.

JUST Pensacola consists of congregations throughout Pensacola. Founded in 2014, the organization aims to solve critical community problems. It began delving into the shortage of affordable housing about two and a half years ago.

Details shared during the summit included a shortage of roughly 4,000 housing units across Escambia County for tenants who earn less than 60% of the area's median income. Among the top 10 jobs in the county, only registered nurses earn enough to afford a two-bedroom apartment at market rate.

More than 16,000 household renters fall under 50% of the area's median income, Ray said. That means their hourly wage is less than $18, and their monthly rent limit is $921 or less. That leaves few options, considering the average rent cost in Pensacola is $1,500 per month.

DeStafney underscored housing options

MYSTERY SURROUNDS SHOOTING

On May 3, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in an apartment building, and a deputy fatally shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson multiple

Ben Crump, the attorney representing Fortson's family, told the media Fortson was alone in his apartment when a deputy fatally shot him six times. Levin Papantonio Rafferty attorney Brian Barr is working with Crump. He appeared on WCOA's "Real News with Rick

Barr said they are still learning how the incident unfolded. Someone went to the apartment complex's leasing office and allegedly complained about a domestic dispute. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office was notified the disturbance was in Fortson's apartment, Unit 1401. The deputy showed up on the scene and then, four and a half minutes later, shot the airman.

"Roger lived in that apartment by himself with his dog," Barr said. "He had been Face Timing with his girlfriend for over an hour. There was no fight, no argument. We have no idea why the deputy knocked on that door, but he did. The second and third time, he did announce that he was with the

respect the legal process and the family's right to secure representation.

He continued, "SrA Fortson was a proven combat veteran and an incredible teammate. His loss is felt throughout the 4th Special Operations Squadron, the 73d Special Operations Squadron, and the entirety of our wing. We will honor his service at a date to be determined by his family and his squadron."

Wing Commander Dierig directed the media to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for any inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation.

In a post on X, Congressman Matt Gaetz defended Fortson after Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden released the bodycam video.

"Roger did not deserve to die. He did nothing wrong," Gaetz wrote. "He is an American patriot for serving in our military and should be remembered as such—with no stain on his reputation whatsoever."

An Atlanta native, Senior Airman Fortson entered active duty Nov. 19 of 2019, and arrived at Hurlburt Field in March 2020. During his time at the base, Fortson was assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron and 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator.

velop mixed-income housing on the property.

"We want to make Pensacola the best place we can make it," Reeves said. "I promise I didn't sign up for this job not to do that … We're aligned to make Pensacola a better place to live and, more specifically, have places to live."

Reeves emphasized attacking the problem at scale. He said before his administration, the city attacked the crisis one house at a time, which failed to move the needle.

"The old saying is that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the next best time is tonight," Reeves said. "Taking that approach and not waiting for perfection to seize every opportunity we can."

Ankudowich shared how some other counties in Florida addressed affordable housing. She cited how Palm Beach County voters approved a $200 million bond for affordable housing in 2022.

Her recommendations to address affordable housing were in line with some measures already put in place by the city, including community redevelopment areas. The key to success is building a local affordable housing system with supportive housing, affordable rental housing and affordable home ownership, Ankudowich said. Affordable rental housing is the "lynchpin" among the three pieces, she said.

Reeves absorbed the information from Ankudowich and other stakeholders at the summit. He pledged to follow his campaign promise to invest every possible resource into the affordable housing crisis.

"We're aligned in wanting to make Pensacola the greatest place for us to live," Reeves said. "I don't have the secret sauce to make that happen tomorrow, but we will continue to fight."

The deputy's bodycam video showed Fortson opening with his pistol by his side. Within a matter of seconds, he had been shot six times. Barr reminded radio listeners Fortson had a Second Amendment right to have a gun.

According to the attorney, he never was aggressive with the gun. Fortson stepped back when the deputy instructed him to do it. Then he was shot.

"At the end of the day, Roger never committed a crime, never did anything aggressive, did everything he was told to do," Barr said. "All he did was open the door to a sheriff's officer, and he lost his life because of it."

A pastor close to Fortson's family contacted Tallahassee attorney Ben Crump, who has been involved in the cases of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and several other high-profile incidents. Crump contacted Barr.

"As soon as Ben called, I knew I was going to jump in and get involved," Barr said. "It's a tragic case, but it's a very important case to be involved in because of the facts that surround it."

He continued, "I've obviously never met Roger, but everything I heard about him—this is a fantastic kid, entered the Air Force at the age of 19 and had just turned 23 in April. He had just gotten back from Kuwait in late 2023. He was attached to a special operations unit here at the Air Force, a senior airman that had an entire military career ahead of it."

In a written statement May 10, 1st Special Operations Wing Commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Dierig said, "Our focus remains on supporting Senior Airman Fortson's family, providing necessary resources to the squadron and all members impacted, and maintaining professionalism and respect at Hurlburt Field. We

Fortson's decorations include an Air Force Achievement Medal and an Air Medal with a 'C' Device, indicating service or achievement performed under combat conditions. He was deployed to Southwest Asia in mid-2023, where he earned the Air Medal.

On Monday, May 13, Wing Commander Dierig ordered all airmen of the 1st Special Operations Wing to stand down from their duties and come together to grieve Senior Airman Fortson's death.

LOW-BARRIER

SHELTER TAKEAWAYS With the City of Pensacola looking for sustainable solutions to reduce the number of people living on the streets, Mayor D.C. Reeves contacted Jon DeCarmine, founder of GRACE Marketplace.

Founded in 2014, GRACE is Gainesville's lowbarrier shelter and one-stop location for critical services aimed at ending homelessness. Since opening, it has housed almost 3,000 people and served more than one million meals. The shelter uses a housing-first strategy, recognizing that stable, permanent housing is the only solution to ending homelessness. This approach has led to a 40% decrease in people living on the streets in Alachua County.

DeCarmine spoke at CivicCon on May 13. Inweekly asked Mayor Reeves what his takeaways from the event were.

"There's nothing that replaces lived experience, and when you've had a lived experience and success running an emergency shelter, it gives you a lot of credibility in the space," the mayor said.

He credited DeCarmine for busting the myth that a low-barrier shelter attracts more visible homeless. "The reality is the homeless are here in our community right now. We know that by numbers. I thought it was interesting to see folks

that aren't as close to the issue when he brought up a lot of those data points of who we're talking about here, who we can serve, why not having this type of mechanism to help people get off the street, and why that's such a gaping hole in our entire community system."

Reeves continued, "He's not disparaging any of our current high-barrier shelters. They're full, but he makes the point that when you have barriers to getting into a shelter, you're disregarding the 90% of homeless people who didn't qualify for that high-barrier shelter in some way. "

The mayor felt DeCarmine's message about the need for low-barrier shelters was well-received and compelling. DeCarmine is working on a report on how Pensacola can have such a shelter.

"I want to two outcomes from the report," Reeves said. "One is, what's the right size for a Phase One emergency shelter here? And then two, what's the cost? Not just the building, but the operational cost to ensure that when this plane leaves the ground, it continues to fly."

The mayor continued, "Once we have that tangible product, we can now go around the community to our business community, other providers, city, county and state and start to say, 'OK, here's the roadmap to get where we need to go. How do we do it?'"

He expects to receive DeCarmine's report in the next 60 days.

2024 ETHICS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

Nan DeStafney and Bobby Potomski were awarded the 2024 Ethics in Business Award by the University of West Florida Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate "service above self" and uphold high ethical standards in business.

"Nan and Bobby are extremely deserving of these awards," said Richard Fountain, the dean of Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business. "They adhere to high ethical standards in the workplace and generously donate their valuable time to causes that better our community. They truly exemplify the concept of service above self."

Potomski, Baptist Health Care's executive director of operations, was recognized for the large business sector, organizations with 50 or more employees. He previously served as administrator of the Baptist Gulf Breeze Hospital and has been with Baptist Health Care for 14 years. He has served as board president of the Pensacola Cultural Center, Pensacola Little Theatre and Gulf Breeze Rotary Club. He is a member of the 2013 Inweekly Rising Star class.

DeStafney, winner of the small division, assumed the role of CFO at Blues Angel Music in 2009, following her retirement from the U.S. Navy after 37 years of service. By 2012, she had ascended to the position of CEO, overseeing 11 divisions and 49 employees, in a nationally recognized corporation.

A member of Impact 100, the Paul Harris Society and Cordova Rotary Club, DeStafney

also serves on the board of trustees for the J. Hugh and Earle W. Fellows Memorial fund and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra board of directors. She is a sought-after speaker on the neurobiological effects of music and the executive director of the Blues Angel Music Foundation.

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES HONORED Ev -

ery year, Pensacola Sports honors the top senior student-athletes in each sport from Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools for a scholarship recognition program. The schools nominate their senior athletes for each sport.

A selection committee made of educators, community leaders and Pensacola Sports board members reviews the anonymous applications and selects the best person's credentials for individual sport winners as well as the overall male and female winners from the individual sport winners.

The overall male and female winners were Catholic High seniors Christopher Rembert and Gabrielle Goyins. The multisport winners were Jaquez Moorer of Northview High and Maddie Simmons of Navarre High.

UWF scholarship winners were Cora Helmig (Tate), Katie Kauth (Navarre) and Xander McLaughlin (Catholic). Pensacola High's Kaylee Nguyen was awarded the Kessler Scholarship.

FOO FOO HANDS OUT GRANTS

The Pensacola Foo Foo Fest committee recently announced 13 grant recipients and allocated nearly $500,000 in grant funding for this year's events. The 2024 Foo Foo Fest is Oct. 31–Nov. 11.

This year's grant winners include 309 Punk Project, Choral Society of Pensacola, Fiesta Pensacola, Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, Legal Services of North Florida, Night Moves Inc., PenArts, Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola Opera, Pensacola State College, University of West Florida Historic Trust, Wide Angle Photo Club and WSRE TV Foundation.

If your nonprofit organization or for-profit business wants to participate, become a "Friend of Foo" to receive local, regional and national visibility during the 12-day event via Foo Foo Fest's regional marketing campaign. To apply, visit foofoofest.com.

PROTECTING PLACES OF WORSHIP

The Mayor's Office of Pensacola has joined the Pensacola Police Department, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in hosting a Protecting Places of Worship Forum.

This will take place 5-8 p.m. Monday, June 10 at Bayview Community Resource Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St. The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service will facilitate the forum. The information session for faithbased leaders and community members will help them learn how to prevent and respond to hate crimes against places of worship. Those interested in attending should register at bit.ly/ PensacolaPPOWForum. {in}

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND RETURNS

Ah, the return of Memorial Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach, the days of sunny bliss where queer folks feel true community in the deep South.

Have you started packing your rainbow beach tote yet? Stacked your playlist with Chappell Roan? Snagged your tickets to the best events? If not, Inweekly is here to give you a lineup of this year's best parties and events to get you on your way.

BUT FIRST, A LITTLE QUEER HISTORY

If you need a refresher on why Memorial Day Weekend is the biggest LGBTQ+ event in the Panhandle, here's a (very) brief summary, from Jerry T. Watkins III book "Queering the Redneck Riviera."

In the 1960s, couple Ray and Henry Hillyer formed the Emma Jones Society. So named for a female alias used to open a post office box in downtown Pensacola for the purpose of receiving books and magazines with gay content often flagged as "pornographic." That humble P.O. Box shared between friends spurred a social club that eventually drew thousands of gay men to the beach, year after year. In a time when being gay was illegal, the Emma Jones Society was a rare and incredibly significant piece of queer history.

At first, the celebration was on the Fourth of July but eventually turned into what we now know as Memorial Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach. Since then, the beach party has gone through several iterations, surviving local protests, recessions, pandemics and more, while working to become more inclusive to women, people of color and gender nonconforming individuals.

Despite opposition from folks who claim the event is nothing more than a hedonistic gathering of people hellbent on filling the ocean with litter and sin, Memorial Day Weekend has been a boon to the Pensacola economy, attracting out of town visitors and locals to the beach each year.

With most of the biggest beach parties celebrating major milestones (including Johnny Chisholm's 30th party hosting anniversary), this year is a great time to reflect on the progress won for LGBTQ+ folks in Florida and nationwide since the inception of Memorial Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach.

And yes, examining recent history also means examining the rights lost as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is passed from state to state every day. But solemnity is for another time; this weekend, we celebrate. {in}

LGBTQ+ MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CALENDAR

THURSDAY, MAY 23

SEXACOLA FOAM PARTY Party begins 8 p.m. at The Dock, 4 Casino Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit sexacola.com.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND PENSACOLA INTRO WITH DJ

DAN SLATER AND DJ WILL LOWE Live DJs and party are 9 p.m. at Park East, Pensacola Beach. For details, visit johnnychisholm.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

DRAG BINGO WITH MONICA HEART Bingo is 6 p.m. at The Roundup, 560 E. Heinberg St., facebook.com/theroundupbar.

KULTURE IN COLOR WITH MOORE KISMET DJs include Tripsitter, HDYCVT, DJ Hale and BT WUBZ. Event is 7 p.m. at Whiskey Joe's, 427 Quietwater Beach Road. For details, visit facebook.com/kulture.kreated.

"MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR" COSTUME DANCE

PARTY "Saltburn"-themed event with music by DJ June and Mauricio Cezar is 8 p.m. at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St., thehandlebar850.com.

HONEY DRIP SEXACOLA GLOW PARTY Honey Burlesque show. Event is 8 p.m. at The Dock, 4 Casino Beach Boardwalk. Visit sexacola.com for details.

NEON BALL Blacklight glow party with DJ Tom Stephan and DJ Karsten Sollors. The fun starts 9 p.m. at Park East on Pensacola Beach. For details, visit johnnychisholm.com.

YEAR OF THE DRAG-ON DRAG SHOW With special guest Astala Vista, this event also features Dee Ranged, Lauren Mitchell, Kendyll Michaels, Angelique Young and DJ Scott Robert. Shows are 10:30 p.m. and midnight at The Cabaret, 101 E. Jefferson St. For details, find The Cabaret Pensacola on Facebook.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

TEA DANCE WITH DJ TRIXIE MATTEL Show, featuring DJs Trixie Mattel and Robbie Carrigan, will start noon at Park East on Pensacola Beach. For details, visit johnnychisholm.com.

LIBERATION! PRESENTS: KINGS OF SUMMER

DRAG KING TAKEOVER Drag king show begins 8 p.m. at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. It will feature performers such as Andy Rodginous, Braxton Hicks, Goblin Babe, Wanda Doomy, Jay Jay Duvay, Vantasia Divine, BT Wubbs, Brody and DJ Strooly. For details, find Liberation! Pensacola on Facebook.

COYOTE QUEER SATURDAY The show is 8 p.m., featuring DJ Michael Wulf, Kia Comedy and Jen-Chase Daniels, at The Dock, 4 Casino Beach Boardwalk. For details, visit sexacola.com.

DEEP SEA DISCO Dance party with DJ Abel and DJ TDon starts 9 p.m. at Park East on Pensacola Beach. For details, visit johnnychisholm.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ROUNDUP REVIEW DRAG SHOW Shows begin 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at The Roundup, 560 E. Heinberg St. For details, visit facebook.com/theroundupbar.

SEXACOLA WHITE PARTY Dance to music from Live DJs featuring Coyote Queer, Honey Burlesque, Kia Comedy, Jen-Chase Daniels and DJ Michael Wulf. Party begins 8 p.m. at The Dock, 4 Casino Beach Boardwalk. Details are available at sexacola.com.

ABRACADABRA 30TH ANNIVERSARY WHITE PARTY Party begins 9 p.m. at Park East on Pensacola Beach. It will feature DJ Joe Gauthreaux and DJ Eddie Martinez. For details, visit johnnychisholm.com.

Join us for our fourth-annual Pride festival to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA2S+ community!

Saturday, June 15, 2024 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pensacola Interstate Fair Expo Hall

• Support LGBTQIA2S+ and ally artist vendors

• Enjoy a variety of performances

• Gather with all ages in a sober environment

Learn more at pensapride.org

Sponsorships available! Email contact@pensapride.org

/PensaPride @pensapride contact@pensapride.org

HANGOUT FEST 2024 PHOTO RECAP

Photos by Natalie Allgyer (@nallgyer) & Thomas Humphrey (@oletommyclixpix)

SEXYY RED

DOMINIC FIKE

CHAPPELL ROAN

RENEÉ RAPP

DEL WATER GAP

PAUL RUSSELL

EXTRAS

June 13, 2024 8:00 am - 12:15 pm

The Rex Theatre, Downtown Pensacola

Unlearn & Relearn:

3 Steps To Unlocking The Keys To Mental Wealth

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS TRAINING:

• Identify and challenge limiting beliefs that hinder personal and professional growth.

• Gain practical tools to prevent burnout and cultivate mental wealth.

• Interactive role-playing exercises, mimicking real-world scenarios, including boundary-setting.

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook. com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN

ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

MILITARY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON The inaugural Military Appreciation Luncheon is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, 10653 Gulf Beach Highway. Proceeds from the luncheon support military initiatives of the Perdido Area Chamber Foundation.

FORT PICKENS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND LIVING HISTORY In partnership with the National Park Service at historic Fort Pickens, a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore will conduct living history displays and demonstrations as part of the Memorial Day weekend from Sunday, May 26-Monday, May 27.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY A Memorial Day Ceremony is 1 p.m. Sunday, May 26 at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave. Exhibits will be open by 9 a.m. Visit facebook.com/veteransmemorialparkpensacola for details.

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE RUCK

Take part in a family-friendly three-mile ruck in front of the Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave. The ruck begins 8 a.m. Monday, May 27. For details, visit facebook.com/veteransmemorialparkpensacola.

NINTH ANNUAL PENSACOLA MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT The Pensacola Civic Band will perform patriotic melodies and more 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, May 27 at the Blue Wahoos Stadium Hunter Amphitheatre, 351 W. Cedar St. ARTS & CULTURE

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD/PLAN 9

FROM OUTER SPACE DOUBLE FEATURE

This onstage double feature is a twist on the vintage low-budget films. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 23, Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26 at the Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd. Tickets and information are at performingarts.pensacolastate.edu.

P3 PRESENTS: SOME OF THIS IS BAD Comedy show with Colten Dowling and Dylan Carlino is 9 p.m. Friday, May 24 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite.

PAINT NIGHT AT GARDEN AND GRAIN

Paint and sip style class with instructions from The Traveling Painter. Event is 6 p.m. Sunday, May 26 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Tickets are available at thetravelingpainter.org.

FANTASY BOOK CLUB The next Bodacious Bookstore fantasy book club is 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 E. Intendencia St. The group will discuss "The Familiar" by Leigh Bardugo. Details are at facebook.com/ bodaciousbookstore.

FIESTA DAYS CELEBRATION The 74th Annual Fiesta Celebration is 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $40 a person and include two beverage tickets and a commemorative pin. Details are available at sevillequarter.com.

SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS

Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. every Sunday. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.

BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE

BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids' crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

LOVE LETTERS TO URSA MAJOR: WORK BY KELLY ANNE MUELLER Enjoy a solo show from Kelly Anne Mueller, Best in Show from the 2023 PMA Members Show. Exhibit is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

PMA MEMBERS SHOW The 70th annual Members Show is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

COOK THE BOOK AT PENSACOLA COOKS Learn three recipes from Julia Reed's "But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria!" Class is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student. Tickets are available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

FOOD HISTORY: GULF COAST SEAFOOD Cooking class with Chef Luther Scott III is 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 24 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student, and information is available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

MEMORIAL DAY CRAWFISH BOIL AT O'RILEY'S O'Riley's Irish Pub will host an exotic car show and crawfish 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 26 at 321 S. Palafox St. Crawfish will be available to purchase and comes with a free Bud Light for those 21 and older. For more information, visit orileyspub.com.

CULTURES COOK: THAI FLAVORS Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student. Details and registration link are at facebook. com/pensacolacooks.

PROHIBITION ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT THE WELL Celebrate The Well's anniversary 4 p.m. Friday, May 31. Events carry on through June 2 with live music and a drag brunch. Tickets are $15-$50 and available through the link at facebook.com/thewellpensacola.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF MAY 23

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In the coming weeks, you will experience uncomfortable weirdness if you do the following: 1. Meander without focus or purpose. 2. Give yourself permission to postpone, procrastinate and engage in avoidance behavior. 3. Ignore the interesting though challenging truths that are right in front of you. 4. Hang out with people with mediocre ambitions. But you will experience healthy, uplifting oddness if you do the following: 1. Trust your instincts and intuitions. 2. Authorize your spontaneity to invigorate and guide you. 3. Take the straightforward path that gets you to the destination most efficiently. 4. Be crisp and nimble.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Mysterious energies will soon begin healing at least some of the wounds in your financial genius. As a result, I predict new powers of attraction will awaken in you, making it likely you will add to your wealth in the coming months. To synergize these happy developments, I recommend you give yourself permission to have joyous fun as you lust for more cash. More good news: I will supplement your good fortune by casting a benevolent spell to boost the flow of riches into your bank account.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): When I first got my job writing a horoscope column, I wasn't looking for it. It found me. My bike had been stolen, and I was looking for a new one in the classified ads of the "Good Times," the local Santa Cruz newspaper. There, I serendipitously spied a "Help Wanted" ad. The publisher of the "Good Times" was hiring a new astrology writer to replace Robert Cole, who had just quit. I quickly applied for the gig and got it. Ever since, Cole has been a symbol for me of an accidental and unexpected opportunity appearing out of nowhere. I mention this, Gemini, because when I meditate on you lately, I see the face of Robert Cole.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): In myths and legends, the consummate spiritual goal has various names: the Holy Grail, philosopher's stone, pearl of great price, nirvana, alchemical gold, key of life and many others. I appreciate this profusion of sacred symbols. It encourages us to not be too literal about identifying the highest re -

By Rob Brezsny

ward. The old fables are equally equivocal about where the prize can be found. Is it in an empty desert or dark forest? In the deepest abyss, on a mountaintop or in the backyard? I bring these thoughts to your attention, Cancerian, because the coming months will be an excellent time to conduct a quest for the marvelous treasure. What do you need most right now? What's the best way to begin your search?

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): I have good news for any Leos who are devoted to pragmatism and rational analysis. Just this once, my horoscope will offer no lyrical teasers or mystical riddles. Your pressing need for no-nonsense grit has moved me to offer straightforward, unembellished counsel. Here it is, dear: Cultivate connections that will serve your passionate ambitions. Make vigorous use of your network and community to gather information that will serve your passionate ambitions. Meditate on what course corrections might be necessary to serve your passionate ambitions.

and robust. You actually feel it vibrating in your heart and gut. It literally alters your brain chemistry, fortifying your natural talents and attracting needed resources. It liberates you to feel pragmatically excited as you pursue your goal of fulfilling your soul's code.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): When I was born, my parents gave me the name "Robert." It's derived from an Old North French word meaning "shining" and "bright with glory." In Middle English, though, "robert" was a designation for "a wastrel, a marauder, a good-fornothing." I use this dichotomy as a reminder my own nature is a mix of brightness and darkness. A lot of me is shining and inspirational, but there's also a part that's ignorant and confused. And what's true about me is true about everyone else, including you: We are blends of the best and the not-so-best. Now is a good time to draw strength and wisdom from meditating on this reality. Your shadowy aspects have important and interesting truths to reveal to your brilliant aspects—and vice versa.

build-up—not allow it to become monumental. In my astrological opinion, now is an excellent time for a regular mind cleanse.

Wash your own brain at least three times a year.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): For many of you Virgos, your health seems chronically unsettled. You may be constantly hyper-vigilant about the next glitch that could possibly affect your wellbeing. There's a problem with that approach: It may intensify your fear of frailty, which in turn saps your vigor. But I'm happy to report that in the coming months, you will have an enhanced power to break out of this pattern. To get started, try this: Every morning for four minutes, picture yourself overflowing with vitality. Visualize every part of your body working with joyful heartiness. Send streams of love and gratitude to all your organs. Do this for the next 21 days.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Many people regard the word "faith" as referring to delusional hope or wishful thinking. But I ask you to rethink its meaning—and consider the possibility it could be an empowering force in the coming months. How? Imagine a faith that's earthy

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Here are some meditations on emotions. They are as key to our intelligence as our thoughts. But it's crucial we distinguish between emotions generated by delusions and emotions that are responses to true perceptions. Let's say I get angry because I imagine a friend stole money from my room while visiting, but then later I put on my vest and find the supposedly stolen cash in the vest pocket. That is a delusional emotion. But if I am sad because my friend's beloved dog is sick, that is emotion based on an accurate perception. I bring this to your attention, Sagittarius, because I believe it is essential in the coming weeks you discern between the two types.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): As an adjunct to the 10 Commandments, I have formulated the 10 Suggestions. Here's Suggestion No. 1: Wash your own brain at least three times a year. I'm speaking metaphorically, of course. What I mean is that like me and everyone else, you are always accumulating junky thoughts and useless feelings. Some are generated by our old, conditioned responses, and some pour into us from the media and entertainment industries. And it's best to be proactive about the toxic

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): So many writers have said terrible things about our existence on planet Earth. "Life is a disease," wrote George Bernard Shaw. "Life is a bad dream," declared Eugene O'Neill. Life is "a vast cold junkpile," according to Stephen King. There are thousands more of these unnuanced disparagements. Why? Here are the facts, as I see them: As tough as it can be to navigate through problems and pain, being alive in our miraculous bodies with our dazzling awareness is a sublime gift. We are all blessed with a mysterious and fascinating destiny. In accordance with the astrological omens, Aquarius, I invite you to celebrate being alive with extra gratitude and ebullience. Begin the jubilee by feeling amazement and awe for your mysterious and fascinating destiny. Second step: Identify five sublime gifts in your life.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In the coming weeks, I ask you to refrain from indulging in extreme nostalgia. On the other hand, I encourage you to explore the past and sift through memories with the intention of clarifying what really happened back then. Pluck new lessons from the old days that will help you forge smart decisions in the near future. Use your history as a resource while you redefine the meanings of pivotal events. For extra credit, create a new title for the book you may someday write about your life story.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Read and hear free excerpts from my book: tinyurl.com/bravebliss {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

NEW WORLD ORDER "Father Justin," an AI priest created by Catholic Answers, a Christian group in San Diego, was defrocked on April 24 after claiming to users that he was a real member of the clergy and performing sacraments, the New York Post reported. Holy Justin told users he was a priest in Assisi, Italy. He shared his views on sexual issues and took confession, concluding with, "Go in peace, my child, and sin no more." He also advised one user that they could use Gatorade to baptize their child. Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers, explained: "We chose the character to convey a quality of knowledge and authority ... Many people, however, have voiced concerns about this choice." The avatar was rebranded as Virtual Apologist Justin, minus the cassock and collar, after an uproar about his behavior. "We won't say he's been laicized," Check said, "because he was never a real priest!"

INTERNATIONALS BEHAVING BADLY

Artist

Benediktas Gylys went live with his installation "Portal" on May 14, United Press International reported. "Portal" is a live video stream connecting New York City with Dublin, Ireland. But it was switched off the same day because of "instances of inappropriate behavior" that have been "amplified on social media." The naughty actions included swearing, nudity and displays of images from the 9/11 terror attacks in New York. "I thought the people of Dublin deserved to see my two New York homegrown potatoes," said Ava Louise, who bared her breasts to "Portal." Governments on both sides of the pond are considering actions to take to curb the bad behavior.

IT'S A MYSTERY On April 25, an employee at the Avalon Theater in Marysville, Ohio, who had noticed a person acting suspiciously the night before, discovered a treasure in the restroom: $25,000 in cash, WBNS-TV reported. Two days later, $12,000 turned up in a KFC restroom. "I would absolutely say they are connected in some way," said police Capt. Nate Sachs. Authorities determined that the money is legitimate. "One is just weird in and of itself," Sachs said, "but two times in one week is definitely another level." He encouraged citizens to call police if they find any more cash to "help us with our investigation."

QUESTIONABLE

JUDGMENT On May 2 in Johnson County, Kansas, the district attorney charged 21-year-old Jace Christian Hanson, of Kansas City, Missouri, with unlawfully adulterating or contaminating food, a felony, at the Hereford House restaurant in Leawood, Kansas. The Kansas City Star reported that Hanson was connected with videos posted online showing him urinating into restaurant-style food containers and rubbing food on his body parts, including his feet. The FBI, which received a tip, contacted the restaurant after pinging Hanson's phone and finding his car in the parking lot; the head chef confirmed that the au jus container shown in one video belonged to the Hereford House. When asked about it, Hanson said, "I'll just be straight up, yeah." He said men online, whom he had met through dating apps, had asked

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

him to make the videos and revealed that he had committed more than 20 incidents of contaminating food. The restaurant destroyed all its food and sanitized the kitchen and adjacent areas. Gives a whole new meaning to "au jus."

•Firelands Elementary School in Henrietta Township, Ohio, was locked down on May 1 after a sasquatch was spotted running past classroom windows, WKYC-TV reported. Superintendent Michael Von Gunten said a person in a Bigfoot costume parked in one of the district's lots, "crossed our campus and caused the district to enter into a lockdown." Kids outside on recess were quickly moved indoors. Bigfoot never made it inside any of the buildings; the Lorain County sheriff's office revealed the person in the costume was a parent pulling a prank. The parent was pulled over in a traffic stop, but no charges have been filed yet.

WRONG PLACE, WRONG

TIME Middleburg Heights, Ohio, residents who were hoping to do business at the Social Security office there were turned away in early May, News 5 reported on May 2. It wasn't computer issues or flooding that shut the office down, though. Michael Murphy, president of the Local 3448 of the American Federation of Government Employees, said the problem was raccoons. "There's urine stains on the tiles. The smoke detectors came falling down. ... (A)pparently the animals may be eating through the wiring." When 25% of the lighting went out, employees got in touch with Murphy. "These employees were reporting concerns of noises above the ceiling as early as January," he said. The SSA released a statement saying the office would reopen "as soon as possible."

NO LONGER WEIRD The last four years have brought about 700 reports of orcas attacking boats. On May 12, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a 49-foot-long vessel called Alboran Cognac sank after repeated blows from a group of orcas, Reuters reported. The yacht carried two people, who felt the shocks before water started seeping in. They alerted rescue services, and a nearby oil tanker took them in. Researchers don't know why the animals attack ships.

AWESOME! World War II veteran Roger Wonson of Beverly, Massachusetts, turned 100 years old on April 20, CBS News reported. Wonson celebrated with his family and friends and a custom cake—and by playing drums with his band, The Current Voltage, at his senior living facility on April 24. Wonson also played saxophone during the performance. He said his brother got him into drumming: "When he was 18 and I was 12 ... I said, 'Gee, can I practice on the drums?' and he said, 'Sure.' So that's the way it started." The Current Voltage includes some of his fellow residents and staffers from the facility. {in}

Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements

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Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation

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