Inweekly May 25 2023

Cooking Across America

Send your future chef on a trip across America at Bodacious!

Each day of camp will explore the unique flavors of a different region in the United States. From coast to coast, your young chef will master the art of preparing popular regional meals that have become timeless favorites.

During the five-day camp, our instructors will empower campers with essential skills to foster their success, safety, and creativity in the kitchen. From mastering basic prep techniques to honing knife skills (when applicable), our campers will develop the fundamental tools of a confident chef.

AGES 6-9

June 5 – 9 & July 10 – 14

AGES 10-12

June 19 – 23 & July 24 – 28

SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday 9AM – 1PM

Drop-off at 8:45 AM daily

Graduation ceremony at 12:15 PM on Friday

Every camper gets a chef apron!

D.C. REEVES Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves secured $12.4 million in four days to help relocate American Magic's headquarters to the Port of Pensacola. On Thursday, May 11, Triumph Gulf Coast unanimously approved the city's request for $8.5 million for the design, renovation and completion of Warehouse 10. On Monday, Gov. DeSantis awarded more than $3.9 million through the governor's Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.

GINNY CRANOR Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida announced the Pensacola Fire Chief as the 2023 Beyond School Walls Big of the Year. Fire Chief Ginny Cranor has volunteered as a Beyond School Walls program mentor since Spring 2022. The Beyond School Walls program is aimed at helping students improve their chances of graduating and transitioning to the workplace and/or post-secondary education, vocational or military. Corporate partners, such as the City of Pensacola, open the doors of hope and opportunity for students by allowing them to shadow volunteer employee mentors in the workplace for a few hours each month during the school year.

W. HENRY LANGHORNE III The board-certified cardiologist was named the medical director of the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program at Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute's AACPR-accredited cardiac program. Dr. Langhorne earned his medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and his fellowship in cardiology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

DONNA DEEGAN The Democrat, nonprofit head and former TV news anchor beat her Republican opponent, Jacksonville Chamber CEO Daniel Davis, to become Jacksonville's next mayor, 52%-48%. Deegan will be the first Democrat in the mayor's office since 2015. "Love won tonight, and we made history. We have a new day in Jacksonville because people chose unity over division—creating a broad coalition of people across the political spectrum that want a unified city," she said in a statement.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

While the Pensacola mayor earned kudos for his economic development efforts, the Escambia County School Board also made headlines— but no positive ones. At an emergency meeting last week, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. and the State Board of Education blasted them for failing to get a signed contract with Charter Schools USA for Warrington Middle School. School board members Paul Fetsko, Kevin Adams and David Williams abruptly voted to fire School Superintendent Tim Smith about 12 hours later, sending the school district into further turmoil. Then on Wednesday, May 17, the nation's largest book publisher filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the Escambia County School District and the Escambia County School Board violated the First Amendment by removing or restricting access to more than 150 library books. And those headlines hit the wire in less than 24 hours.

CARVER COMMUNITY CENTER

Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave the Town of Century nearly $2 million to renovate the historic Carver Community Center, a former school building constructed in 1945 that the Escambia County School District recently transferred to the town. Unfortunately, the building will have to be demolished due to lead paint, wood rot and termites after sitting empty, neglected and unmaintained for years. The estimated cost for the repairs and hazard mitigation totaled more than $3.2 million. Town officials hope a new community center can be built for $2 million.

LAKE NONA Walt Disney Co. has canceled its plan to open a new $1 billion campus for some 2,000 employees in the Orlando community of Lake Nona. The Miami Herald reported that Disney officials emailed staff that the relocation was not happening due to "new leadership and changing business conditions." Disney workers reportedly had pushed back against the move as the state's political climate has become hostile toward the LGBTQ community under Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP-led state legislature. Disney recently sued DeSantis alleging a "campaign of government retaliation" for the corporation criticizing the governor's anti-woke agenda.

D.C. Reeves / Courtesy Photo

PensaPride @pensapride

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

UNINTENDED OR INTENDED

The laws passed by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis have consequences.

Are they unintended or intended?

The words in the bills are one thing—and the lawmakers argue the bills aren't as farreaching as advocacy groups and the media assert—but the governor loves to stoke the antiwoke crowd without getting into the details of the legislation he signs.

It's the sound bites, the reaction of his supporters and how the public acts on the new laws that have a much larger impact on DeSantis.

Ever since the company criticized DeSantis' "don't say gay" legislation, the governor has targeted Disney, dismantling its special tax districting and taking over the amusement park's monorail system inspections. DeSantis joked he might build a prison next to Disney World.

In an interview with The American Conservative, the governor bragged that the state needed an executive like him to tell the Disney executives to "pound sand."

Last week, The Walt Disney Company scrapped plans to build a nearly $1 billion office complex and relocate 2,000 California-based cast members to Florida. The project would have been a small part of the $17 billion the company wanted to spend in Central Florida, creating 13,000 new jobs over the next decade. The future of the 10-year plan is now in doubt.

On May 17, Gov. DeSantis signed HB 1438, which focused on drag shows, claiming the bill protects children's innocence. The bill outlawed sexually explicit adult performances in all venues, including drag shows and strip clubs.

Nobody wants sex acts performed in front of children, but that's not what some people have chosen to focus on. Drag shows don't have explicit sex acts, but that hasn't stopped people from threatening Gallery Night for having an LGBTQ+ theme or calling Perfect Plain Brewing Co. and saying they would have their business license pulled for hosting a drag show.

Last week, Tampa Pride canceled its annual Pride on the River event.

"In the end, we didn't want to take any chances," said Carrie West, president of Tampa Pride.

The festival has had a diversity boat parade, fireworks extravaganza, drag brunches and live performances. There are also familyfriendly activities, such as balloon animals and face painting.

However, organizers fear for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community in the current political climate, and they worry participating businesses will be harassed by law enforcement and state regulators.

Under DeSantis, state lawmakers have been encouraged to regulate what happens in classrooms. They have given control of the schools to parents, and teachers go to work worrying— not about how they can help their students learn, but about whether they will be arrested or lose their license if they upset a parent.

The Florida Department of Education is investigating a Hernando County School District fifth-grade teacher for showing her students Disney's 2022 movie "Strange World." She said a school board member turned her in because the movie has a gay character.

Teachers are prohibited from teaching about gender and sexual identity because of the Parental Rights in Education Act, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year. The movie was shown as part of an Earth science lesson.

A gay character in a book or movie may get you fired, but pushing the Lost Cause mythology is fine.

A middle-school teacher in Collier County created and showed a pro-Confederate video during the morning announcements. He asserted the Civil War should be titled the "War to Prevent Southern Independence." His school district cleared him, but he has since filed a complaint against the school district for investigating his actions.

Also last week, the League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the oldest Hispanic civil-rights groups in the United States, issued a warning advising immigrants not to travel to Florida. LULAC President Domingo Garcia said, "Florida is a dangerous, hostile environment for law-abiding Americans and immigrants."

Florida has become dangerous and hostile for a lot of us. {in} rick@inweekly.net

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCKED

do things right, not undermine and constantly seek to get me out."

Smith admitted he was surprised he got the job in 2020. He said, "I thought it was a miracle because I didn't think I was going to be selected as the process was progressing. But then it happened, and I really feel that I was called to be here. Now, I don't know how long I was supposed to be called here—obviously not too long."

Smith said he feared for the future of the school district. "If you were to look at ratings on how our community perceives us, me and you, it's not very good. There are problems, but the research says if we're not united, the school district will not move forward."

POSTMORTEM

The day after the vote, Inweekly reached out to school board members for their thoughts in the wake of the abrupt firing of Smith.

Board member Bill Slayton was stunned the motion was made.

Hours after being berated by the State Board of Education, the Escambia County School Board voted 3-2 to terminate School Superintendent Tim Smith's contract and install Assistant Superintendent Keith Leonard as interim, effective May 31.

The surprise move came after the board approved an agreement for Charter Schools USA to take over Warrington Middle School—avoiding a 48-hour deadline imposed by the state board that would've put the school board members' salaries at risk.

The motion to fire Smith was made by Board Chairman Paul Fetsko and seconded by Board Member Kevin Adams. David Williams, the former Pensacola High School principal elected in 2022, was the swing vote. The termination leaves the school in turmoil three months before it begins the 2023-24 school year.

SUPERINTENDENT OR SCHOOL BOARD?

At the school board meeting Tuesday, May 16, Fetsko criticized Smith's lack of leadership inside the district, saying, "There is no feeling that they are being led."

Adams ran through a litany of issues he had with Smith that included leadership, staff shortages, his handling of book bans and the lack of communication regarding Charter USA and other district problems.

"We need to get out of this little mess we've been in," Adams said.

Smith didn't sit quietly. His passionate words have resonated throughout the district and county.

"I think through this entire process, where we've been on shaky ground is some of your statements have impacted the trust factor from Charter Schools USA," Smith said to Fetsko.

sponsible for you … These situations happened. You are the chairman, but yet you don't take responsibility. It's not your fault; it's my fault. There's a pattern here."

The former superintendent called Fetsko and Adams dividers, accusing them of being divisive. He said, "It started in the fall and continued in February," Smith said. "You've been plotting, evidently behind the scenes."

Smith went after the pair about their criticism of him regarding the district's review policy for challenged books in school libraries and classrooms.

"Mr. Adams, you sat in that chair and led this board through a process to come up with a policy," Smith said, pointing out that the school board member wanted him to ban books without following the review process. "General counsel said, 'I will not recommend that, because that's not in the intent of the law,' but you hammer away, 'Oh, the superintendent should pull these books.' Why? Because you don't want to deal with it."

Smith continued, "It's your policy that you led, and you are asking me to violate your policy. What is that?"

Smith then turned back to the board chair, "Mr. Fetsko, the other day, I believe you said some laws need to be violated, because you said the same thing. You wanted me to pull the books."

Smith admitted he wasn't perfect and had "room to grow," which he included in his selfevaluation, but he felt Fetsko and Adams undermined his leadership.

"I'm telling you, there's something bad that exists here," Smith said. "There's something toxic that exists here. You all want to fire me. I think the answer would be for the two of you to resign your positions, really."

He continued, "What's the difference? Is it you or me, right? I guess you outnumber me. If you care about the kids, as you have said, we need to

Fetsko wasn't trying to embarrass Smith, but he said the termination was needed to curb the resignations hitting the district. Adams said Smith's actions before the State Board of Education were the last straw.

"To me, the motion was totally out of place," Slayton said. "Nobody was there to defend the superintendent, because nobody knew that was coming up. I felt it was totally poorly done, a chicken's way out. A lot of people called me today and wanted to know why they didn't know about it and couldn't come to speak out in support of the superintendent."

He wasn't sure Leonard would take the interim job. "It seems the chairman has put forth his name without consulting him," Slayton said. "Keith Leonard did not know his name was going to be mentioned. According to a discussion I had with the attorney, we're hanging on now and don't know what's going to happen next. We may have to call a special meeting."

He also worried about how the termination would impact finding Smith's successor. He asked, "Do you think people are going to want to come here? We had a gentleman that didn't even get through his three-year contract, and we didn't tell him why. We just voted him out."

Slayton praised Smith. "I like the things he's been doing with discipline," Slayton said. "It's something we all needed. We've been a little lax on punishment; we need strong discipline in our schools."

Fetsko mentioned the State Board of Education. "I was really looking at what was going on with the evaluation before that, but adding on to it, for the state board to make the comments they made, was a little bit stunning. It was stunning to hear what Ryan Petty said, but again, I didn't disagree with what he said."

The board chairman insisted he was not trying to embarrass, undermine or disparage Smith. "I went out of my way to say I understand what his strength is and that's curriculum and I appre -

ciate that, but it had to do with the idea of leadership," Fetsko said.

It was the resignations that worried him. "The thing that was most important on that, was we have had a number of elementary principals resign, one on the first day of school and three others in the first semester. There's a likelihood we'll have a good number retire, leave or just walk away, and it's not just principals. It's been other staff."

Fetsko continued, "The methods being employed were not working. Before the district loses all its seasoned, trained and competent leadership, we needed to make a change."

He praised Leonard for understanding "district leadership versus school leadership." Fetsko said, "He's been involved with things. He'll get up to speed a lot quicker than somebody who has not been here. I'm trying to look at somebody who can kind of keep things calm. His demeanor and manner are described like that by everyone who has met him and makes it a very reasonable thing to do at this point."

Fetsko debunked rumors the vote was staged. "I didn't know exactly what was going to happen, but I had to make the statement or go ahead with this at this point, because there are a lot of things getting prepared for next school year. I want to avoid having to change a whole lot later, when they can get done now. Dr. Smith was just not the right fit for us at this time."

What responses has he received? "I've had some hostile calls this morning, but I've had 20 more saying we appreciate you doing what needs to be done," Fetsko said. "In my heart, I do not take any joy in doing this. I feel for Dr. Smith and his family and will continue to do so."

Fetsko said he expects the school board to conduct a search for a new superintendent in June.

Adams was candid and straightforward. "Everyone in Escambia County knows where I was. It's no secret we had our little turf battles. I like Tim Smith. I just didn't like the direction we were going."

He continued, "I want the district to settle down. We started having people quit at all different levels and that has to stop."

For Adams, Smith's performance in front of the state board was the "straw that broke the camel's back." He said, "We've got to get back to the attention of these low-performing schools. Eleven schools are in the DOE pipeline, and we have to do stuff now, not later."

He feels the appointed superintendent isn't any less political than the elected one. "I can't picture another guy coming in from out of town who doesn't know anything about this county. That last time, they said an appointed superintendent was going to bring in less politics. That was a lie."

"If it gets political again, I might be forced in that direction," Adams said of encouraging the superintendent position to be put back on the ballot.

"I'm ready to move forward," Adams said. "We need to get the state board off our back." {in}

Tim Smith / Photo Courtesy of Escambia County Public Schools

LATE TO THE PARTY On Tuesday, May 16, Moms for Liberty gave the Santa Rosa County School Board its list of books that it wants removed from school libraries.

Mariya Calkins, the chapter's leader, said the books contain "racist commentary and misrepresentations of racism and history, contains graphic illustrations involving sexual nudity, sexuality and alternate genders, excessive profanity, sexual activities, illegal drug use, alcohol use, sexual assault, child molestation and abuse graphic violence, incest and profanity."

The chapter's determination is based on the website BookLook.Info. Free speech advocates claim the website appears to be an objective measure of a book's content, mirrored after movie ratings. However, the site is a tool developed by Moms For Liberty to push its agenda.

"I am a mother of an elementary school-aged child, and these findings are what makes our fight so real," said Calkins in a press release. "These horrible books are not just somewhere in woke San Francisco; they are here in Santa Rosa County School Libraries … Moms for Liberty Santa Rosa County Chapter is rapidly growing with motivated parents and teachers who are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to advocate for our public education because our children's future is at stake."

The books the Moms want removed include "Flowers in the Attic" by V.C. Andrews, "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini and "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut.

The day after Calkins' presentation, PEN America, Penguin Random House and a diverse group of authors joined with parents and students in Escambia County to file a federal lawsuit challenging removals and restrictions of books from school libraries that violate their rights to free speech and equal protection under the law. Santa Rosa County could be next.

MAGICAL MOMENT On Thursday, May 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $3.9 million to the City of Pensacola through the governor's Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to facilitate

infrastructure improvements at the Port of Pensacola. The grant will fund the design, build-out and retrofit of Warehouse 10.

"Today's award to the City of Pensacola will strengthen the Port of Pensacola's infrastructure and promote economic opportunities in the sailing industry for the Florida Panhandle," Gov. DeSantis said. "We believe in making strategic investments to create job opportunities and ensure Florida's prosperity for generations to come."

This award will spur economic growth by establishing a High-Performance Maritime Center of Excellence. It also helps secure the port as American Magic's homebase, bringing at least 150 high-wage jobs in maritime industries, including research and development, engineering and design and manufacturing, to the Pensacola area.

After hearing the news, Mayor D.C. Reeves wrote in a text to Inweekly, "Full Steam Ahead." He later said the design and renovation of Warehouse 10 would begin as soon as he received this commitment from the governor's office.

Wearing an American Magic polo at his press conference May 16, Reeves talked about the possibility of Pensacola hosting a future America's Cup if American Magic wins in Barcelona in 2024.

"I was joking with someone today," Reeves said. "You know, the City of Pensacola's chances to host an America's Cup one day went from a one in a trillion to about one in four."

He later added, "It would be, no doubt about it, the largest event that the city's ever seen. We are rooting them on.

"The day after they win the cup. I can guarantee that I'd be over there cheering them on and then probably on a plane the next morning back here to try to figure out how we can pull this thing off."

Mayor Reeves said his staff will work on a Memorandum of Understanding with American Magic in the coming weeks.

"Just so you know that we've got something on paper, certainly before we're accepting dollars formally," Reeves said. "But we've been in conversations with them for a long, long time, and we feel that is their intent (to relocate to Pensac-

Stock Market Losses?

ola.). We're not going to accept Triumph dollars or anything like that until all of those details are worked out."

DOWN GOES FRAZIER On Tuesday, May 16, months of uncertainty about Warrington Middle School's future finally came to a halt as the Escambia County School Board approved an agreement for Charter Schools USA to take control of the school, but not without pressure from the state.

Fresh off a severe tongue-lashing from Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. and the State Board of Education that included putting the school district on a 48-hour time crunch to produce an agreement, the school board relented with a 4-1 vote for the contract. David Williams was the lone dissenting vote.

Those who voted in favor of the agreement voiced some reluctance but cited the best interests of the students as the deciding factor.

"I regret with all my heart that I will have to vote in favor of this, and I do it for the kids," said Board Chair Paul Fetsko. "And then I make the challenge to this school district to get up and do what we can do to make things better and never put ourselves in a position like this again."

The contract's length is seven years. If WMS earns a C in its first four years as a charter, the contract automatically renews for 15 years. DOE informed the school district that Charter USA would be removed from power if WMS fails to raise its grade to a C by the end of the third year, so the fourth year is inconsequential.

Earlier, the state board held a special meeting and ruled on possible punishments, including recommending to the Florida Legislature that the salaries of the superintendent and board members be withheld.

Tempers boiled over when State Board Vice Chair Ryan Petty described the school district as "incompetent or disingenuous" in its negotiations with the charter operator. Escambia County School Superintendent Tim Smith objected, saying, "It really disturbs me that you say we are incompetent and don't care. Nothing could be further from the truth."

At the Escambia County School Board meeting, Fetsko said, "I don't care about the salary. That salary is meaningless if these kids don't get what they need."

The Tuesday night vote on the Charter USA agreement halts the potential challenge of bussing students from the Warrington zone to either Bailey or Workman middle schools. Board members Patty Hightower and Bill Slayton cited possible bussing if WMS was closed as why they voted in favor of the agreement.

"Some of the things they're asking for are not normal charter school requests," Hightower said. "At the same time, hearing from the attendance zone committee about the hardships that would be imposed on parents with their children being so far from home, I am willing to give Charter USA a chance."

2023 FOO FOO GRANTS Last week the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival committee announced the public grant scoring for the 10-year anniversary of the Foo Foo Festival, naming 16 grant recipients and allocating nearly $500,000 in grant funding for this November's events. The committee awarded the most grant funding ever to the highest number of fully-funded grant recipients awarded since Foo Foo Fest's inception.

"We are proud to offer funding that will help to place a spotlight on these 16 deserving arts and culture organizations, and we can't wait to share in the experiences they have in store for our community and visitors to Pensacola," said Therese Felth McKenzie, Pensacola Foo Foo Festival chair and Art, Culture, and Entertainment, Inc. Pensacola vice president.

The grant winners include 309 Punk Project, Dixon School of Arts & Sciences, Fiesta Pensacola, First City Art Center, Friends of Downtown, Legal Services of North Florida, Night Moves, PenArts, Pensacola Children's Chorus, Pensacola Civic Band, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola Opera, Pensacola State College, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Veterans Memorial Park and the University of West Florida Historic Trust.

The nonprofit organizations not selected and for-profit partners interested in participating, are encouraged to do so as a "Friend of Foo," receiving local, regional and national visibility during the 12-day event via the festival's regional marketing campaign. To apply as a Friend of Foo, please visit FooFooFest.com.

The 2023 grant recipients include:

309 Punk Project will present Night on the Tracks, featuring a New Orleans-inspired secondline street parade and four celebratory, community-oriented immersive experiences.

Dixon School of Arts & Sciences will present an original, Broadway-style production, "Philly and the Dreamer, "at the University of West Florida Theatre. It is a lively musical written and directed by local artists.

Fiesta Pensacola will present "Living Museum: A Trip Through Pensacola's History," an interactive, "go at your own pace" walk-through experience featuring diverse characters from Pensacola's storied history.

First City Art Center will present "Poseidon's Garden," highlighting how the vast waterways surrounding the greater Pensacola area provide bountiful gifts to the destination. Located in the protected area of the tidal basin at Community Maritime Park, the installation will include various-sized blown glass orbs and spikes rising from the water as an offering from Poseidon to recognize our area's stewardship of our beautiful surroundings. The glass installations will be dispersed throughout the basin, combining more than 300 mouth-blown objects to create a spectacular visual presence.

Friends of Downtown will present "The Magic Carpet," a 10,000 square-foot "living" mosaic that will take flight over Museum Plaza. This will be done in collaboration with internationally renowned creative agency ImpactPlan Art Productions, which will feature 48,000 translucent rectangles of vivid color painstakingly stitched together with wire filament.

Jazz for Justice plans to expand its cultural and music offerings by bringing together wellknown musicians and local artists for a unique jazz and blues festival in downtown Pensacola. Jazz for Justice will once again present a lineup of nationally recognized jazz talents.

Night Moves will present a multi-day alternative music festival outside The Handlebar, a downtown Pensacola underground music staple. PenArts will bring professionalism, humor and catchy music under the guise of an updated and entertaining version of William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" at The Gordon Community Art Center.

Pensacola Children's Chorus will present "Singing in the Street," a one-of-a-kind musical experience, fusing the magic of Disney, electricity of Broadway, excitement of a flash mob and spirit of a street party.

The Pensacola Civic Band will present "On Broadway: A Broadway Musical Review," with special guest Megan Hilty, featuring songs from some of Broadway's greatest hits, such as "Wicked,"

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Noises Off" and "9 to 5: The Musical."

The Pensacola Little Theatre will welcome the return of SingEasy, featuring Pensacola's most vibrant singers, polished pianists and lavish libations—doubled in scale and debauchery.

The Pensacola Opera will present "Songs Down South-From Opera to Opry," featuring a diverse musical lineup of musical theater favorites, country, bluegrass, gospel, spirituals and opera in a way most people have never heard.

Pensacola State College will present "Rhythm & Canvas -A Celebration of the Arts!" It will feature a free-to-the-public art exhibition, a visiting artist lecture and an artist welcoming reception event.

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will offer a free community concert at the National Naval Aviation Museum over Veterans Day weekend. This concert will feature the Four Seasons Brass, comprised of 15 brass and percussion players performing a wide-ranging repertoire that includes patriotic music.

Veterans Memorial Park will present "Week in the Park," a week of gratitude, art, music, education, healing and laughter for the community.

The University of West Florida Historic Trust will present POP: Murals - On Tour!, featuring guided trolley tours of the seven UWF Historic Trust POP: Murals throughout downtown Pensacola. The interactive ticketed trolley tours will include transportation, historical narration by costumed characters, curated food and beverage offerings and more.

The 2023 Foo Foo Festival will take place from Nov. 2-13. For more details, visit foofoofest.com.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola invites active-duty military personnel, veterans, families and community members to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have given their lives in the service of our great nation," said Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola President Rob Doss. "Memorial Day is set aside to honor and remember these men and women, so that their service and their sacrifice is never forgotten."

This year's guest speaker is Dan Shugart of WEAR-TV. A Marine Corps Color Guard will present the colors, and the Pensacola Opera Chorus will perform a patriotic medley of songs. In addition, the Blue Anchor Belles will sing an assortment of 1940s and '50s and patriotic-style music. McGuire's Pipe Band will also be featured at the ceremony. A Marine Corps bugler and honor guard will close the ceremony by rendering honors.

The Memorial Day Ceremony is open to the public. The foundation thanks the community for its continued support as the organization carries on the legacies of those who are remembered and honored at Veterans Memorial Park. For more details, visit veteransmemorialparkpensacola.org. {in}

RESILIENCE AND RESISTANCE: EMPOWERING LOCAL PRIDE

BY DAKOTA PARKS

While June commemorates the official start of Pride month, the celebrations in Pensacola always begin earlier. For decades, our local beach has been a hub of vibrant LGBTQ+ celebrations during Memorial Day weekend. These festivities date back to the 1960s, a turbulent time for the queer community, where gay men and women across the country sought refuge and community on Pensacola Beach.

During this time, the fictional character of Emma Jones, created by Ray and Henry Hillyer, emerged as a symbol for gay rights across the South, aiming to combat harassment and create community. Under the cloak of secrecy provided by the Emma Jones Society, gay men were able to discreetly receive LGBTQ+-related media through a PO box registered under the fictitious name. This subterfuge protected individuals from being targeted and harassed by police, who received tips from the local post office of individuals receiving illicit mail.

As a result of this sprawling queer network, the Emma Jones Society became the esteemed host of the inaugural LGBTQ+ beach parties in Pensacola—a tradition that continues to thrive today.

Now, Memorial Day weekend is considered one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the U.S., bringing in thousands of tourists and millions of dollars each year.

While the event was not founded as a Pride

celebration per se, the founders fought against violence inflicted on the queer community, creating an environment of acceptance and boldly paving the way for the inclusive community we celebrate today.

Pride month is a time to celebrate the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community, honor the struggles faced by its members and promote acceptance and equality. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for rights, while also providing a platform for voices that have been historically marginalized.

This year, Pride is more important than ever—especially in Florida, because of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills recently signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis that target gender-affirming healthcare, drag shows, gender neutral bathrooms and pronoun usage in K-12 schools. These Republican-led attacks on the queer community have forced Pride festivals across the state to cancel or change their programming in the face of anti-drag bills—highlighting the vital importance of visibility and solidarity.

For this Pride kickoff issue, we compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming events, making it easy for readers to stand in solidarity with their LGBTQ+ neighbors by connecting with others in the community, learning about crucial organizations making Pensacola a better place, and supporting local LGBTQ+ artists and businesses. We

also sat down with Sydney Robinson, the founder of Pride Pensacola, a recently launched local LGBTQ+ directory, and Devin Cole, the President of STRIVE, to learn more about the organization's latest transgender resource list.

PENSACOLA'S FIRST LGBTQ+ DIRECTORY

Pride Pensacola's new directory serves as a platform for residents and visitors to connect with establishments that share their values. Much like LGBTQ+ Memorial Day weekend, the directory not only fosters economic growth, but also promotes a sense of belonging and community among LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

"It's my hope to celebrate local LGBTQ+ people for their contributions to our city," Robinson said. "Historically, that has been focused on economics, and I think that's the easiest way to show the presence that we have in the community. Additionally, LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe and vulnerable right now—both locally and nationally. I want to change that in whatever ways I can. This is one way we can show people in our community that we care about them and want them to be safe and succeed here."

The Pride Pensacola directory began over a year ago when Robinson was trying to promote LGBTQ+ businesses without accidentally outing anyone. She began to collect information for the

directory using a voluntary form that businesses can use to self-disclose. The directory includes an application for both LGBTQ+ businesses, as well as allies, and includes brick-and-mortar locations and virtual businesses, nonprofits, activists, makers and creatives.

"It's tiring to be an activist all the time and to be politically active constantly," Robinson said. "I wanted to make it easier to support people that align with your own values. This way, all you have to do is go to the website directory or browse our Instagram to find your next baker or photographer."

Intersectionality was also top of mind for Robinson. The directory includes self-disclosure for intersectional identifiers to promote or emphasize additional marginalized identities, such as BIPOC, transgender, disabled, immigrant and woman-owned organizations. Robinson plans to regularly promote businesses, artists, nonprofits and activist groups on the Pride Pensacola Instagram, as well as create a window cling for brickand-mortar businesses to help locals identify businesses in-person.

In order to ensure that ally businesses actually understand what it means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, Robinson created a pledge of nondiscrimination. This includes ways to actively support the community, such as creating a nondiscrimination hiring statement, dis-

Models: Sav Patterson, Kathryn McBeth, Zac Stabb, Elise Moeller, Clare Walter, Sydney Robinson, Lux Van Zant, Tati Mason & Splinter Pack / Photo by Natalie Allgyer (@nallgyer)

playing pro-LGBTQ+ signs, flags or window clings, training staff on handling anti-LGBTQ+ behavior from customers and encouraging gender-neutral bathrooms.

"I want the directory to be a community hub where people can not only find businesses and organizations to support, but also a place that increases visibility for LGBTQ+ culture in the city and connects the community to all of these valuable resources— showing people that they are not alone," Robinson said.

The Pride Pensacola directory is actively growing. If you are interested in joining or supporting, you can find the application and more information at pridepensacola.com or by following @pridepensacola on Instagram.

TRANSGENDER RESOURCE LIST

Like the Pride Pensacola directory, STRIVE understands the need for connecting the transgender community with resources and support

networks to ensure its holistic well-being. As a grassroots organization, STRIVE supports the local transgender community through emergency housing, allocations for HRT medication, food, transportation and other survival needs.

For transgender individuals, accessing quality healthcare is often a daunting and challenging journey. From facing discrimination and stigma to encountering a lack of understanding, many within the community have encountered barriers to receiving the care they deserve. To make matters worse, trans healthcare is under constant attack by Republican-controlled legislatures across the country. Recognizing the urgent need, STRIVE recently launched the NWFL Transgender Resource List to serve as a lifeline for those seeking transgender and LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers in the Pensacola area.

"The resource list emerged out of necessity," Cole said. "We would get dozens of messages from people looking for recommendations for medical providers. It can be incredibly hard to find

care, because doctors have always been able to legally discriminate against gay and transgender people. We wanted an easier way to provide the community with a list of doctors that transgender people can go to—knowing that they're going to be affirmed, supported and treated with dignity and respect."

The resource list encompasses a wide array of specialties, including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, pediatricians and mental health providers. It serves as a crucial tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare, while ensuring their safety and well-being.

"No one should have to run the risk of a doctor refusing to treat you or struggle with a doctor that begrudgingly accepts you as a patient and then does not honor their hippocratic oath and treats you with hostility," Cole said. "It's critical that transgender, nonbinary and two-spirit people all receive adequate, safe and accessible healthcare."

LGBTQ+ MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

Dive into the LGBTQ+ Memorial Day weekend festivities, happening primarily near Park East on Pensacola Beach May 25-28. Just follow the sea of rainbow flags, and don't forget to wake up early to beat the traffic.

BEACH CIRCUIT PARTIES

@memorialweekendpensacola

Enjoy an entire weekend of non-stop dancing at the largest circuit party for gay men, hosted by Johnny Chisholm within the iconic white tent at Park East. Tickets to the round-the-clock parties can be purchased at johnnychisholm.com.

SEXACOLA GIRL FEST

@sexacola_girl_fest

Join the largest lesbian and queer party on the beach being held all weekend long at The Dock, 4 Casino Beach Boardwalk. The event will feature top DJs, live entertainment, fire blowers, a rave room, go-go/pole dancers and drag performances. Tickets can be purchased at sexacola.com.

PENSACOLA UNLEASHED:

THE FINAL CHAPTER @pensacola_unleashed

Celebrate 20 years and say goodbye to Pensacola

Unleashed at its final lesbian party Saturday, May 27 at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road, Gulf Breeze. You can purchase advance tickets at pensacolaunleashed.com/tickets.

LIBERATION! PENSACOLA @liberationpensacola

Dance the weekend away with the girls, gays and theys at Pensacola's premier 18 and older monthly LGBTQ+ pop-up drag and dancing event Friday, May 26 at Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill, 400 Quietwater Beach Road Suite 13, Pensacola Beach, with a $20 cover. Enjoy a free beach day party at Park East on Pensacola Beach Saturday, May 27.

P3 COMEDY FEST @p3comedyfest

Get ready for a side-splitting weekend with the

PRIDE MONTH EVENTS

Looking ahead to June, there's already a lot on the Pride calendar—and we know even more happenings are in the works. That's why we plan to run this calendar weekly all month with any new additions. So, if you're planning a Pride event, make sure you email the details to calendar@inweekly.net.

SUNDAY'S CHILD "TRUE COLORS" PARTY

@_sundayschild

Dance the night away at "True Colors: A Celebration of Pride" from 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at Hellcat Hangar, 1008 N. Navy Blvd. The event is hosted by Sunday's Child, Pensacola's premiere LGBTQ+ focused philanthropic group. This 21+ Pride party features a day party and night party, including an art auction, open bar, dinner, a drag show and dance party. Tickets can be purchased at sundayschild.org.

PRIDE & PERFECT ALLIES

@pensapride, @perfectplain

Sip and shop till you drop at an LGBTQ+ mak-

ers market, featuring queer artists and makers, hosted by PensaPride starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. The event, which will donate proceeds to Sunday's Child, is 18 and older to enter and 21 and older to drink.

PUPS FOR PRIDE PARADE

@wolfgangpensacola, @perfectplain

Take your pups on a prideful pub crawl and "pawrade" from Seville Square to Perfect Plain Brewing Co. from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 10. The festivities include a Pride costume contest, drag fashion show and more. Pre-registration for the 18 and older event, which is also donating proceeds to Sunday's Child, is required and can be done at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

STAMPED SCREENING

@stampedfilmfestival

Join Stamped, Pensacola's long-running LGBTQ+ film festival, for a free screening of "Portrait of Jason." It's a powerful documenta -

Pensacola Pre-Pride Comedy Fest, taking place May 26-28 at multiple downtown venues. The returning event features the best LGBTQ+ and military comedians from across the U.S., raising money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Day passes and weekend passes can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

RISE: A CELEBRATION OF DRAG @thecabaretpensacola

If you head downtown when the sun sets on the beach, you can enjoy a weekend packed full of drag shows featuring special guests, such as "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Sasha Colby, at Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. Showtimes are 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Thursday, May 25, and 10:30 p.m. and midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

DRAG BINGO, TRIVIA AND SHOWS @theroundup

The Roundup, 560 E. Heinberg St., will also

STRIVE is constantly working to keep the resource list up to date amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and to extend its coverage to nearby counties. On May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Gov. DeSantis signed several antiLGBTQ+ bills into law that restrict gender-affirming healthcare for minors and threaten the trans community at large.

"These bills are a legalized path to further violence against us—through state-sanctioned forces," Cole said. "It means the dehumanization of trans kids and adults. It means that organizations like STRIVE are more critical than ever, and we advise every trans person worried about these laws to use our resource guide liberally."

The NWFL Transgender Resource List can be accessed at linktr.ee/srlnwfl or on Instagram @strivepensacola. If you or someone you know is a healthcare provider or practitioner and are trans/ LGBTQ+-affirming and would like to join the list, email STRIVE at strivepensacola@gmail.com.

celebrate all weekend, with a 10:30 p.m. drag show Wednesday, May 24, trivia with Monica Heart at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, drag bingo with Monica Heart at 6 p.m. Friday, May 26, followed with the hot bod contest at 9 p.m., a foam party at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27 and drag shows at 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Sunday, May 28.

CTRL ALT DRAG SHOW @terrahcard, @thehandlebar850

See an edgier side of drag at this showcase hosted by Terrah Card at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 27 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. The show is for those 18 and older with a $10 cover.

DRAG BRUNCH AT ALGA @terrahcard, @algabeerco

Indulge in a delectable afternoon of brunch, beer and drag, hosted by Terrah Card on Sunday, May 28 at Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave. The 18 and older show is free to attend.

ry that delves into the life journey of a Black male prostitute and aspiring entertainer. The screening is at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 with a cocktail hour before starting at 3 p.m.

And don't forget to mark your calendars for the 2023 Stamped Film Festival which is happening Sept. 28-Oct. 1.

GAYS AND GAMAYS WINE TASTING

@thenestgeneralstore

Say "cheers" to Pride at a social hour and wine tasting Friday, June 23 at The Nest General Store, 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C. The wine sampling event starts at 5 p.m. and is free to the public with glasses and bottles available to purchase.

PENSAPRIDE

@pensapride

Support local queer and trans artists at Pensacola's annual, family-friendly Pride fest with an arts market featuring more than 100 vendors, and enjoy live performances from diverse entertainers,

musicians and DJs. The alcohol-free event is 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, June 24 in Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave.

LIBERATION! PRIDE AFTERPARTY

@liberationpensacola

The party doesn't stop after PensaPride. Dance the night away at Pensacola's premier 18 and older monthly pop-up drag and dancing event for the LGBTQ+ community, hosted by Liberation! starting at 10 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. for a $10 cover.

DRAG RACE LIVE

@vossevents

RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World 2023 tour is coming to the Saenger Theatre Wednesday, June 28. Attendees can expect to see performances from Asia O'Hara, Bosco, DeJa Skye, Jujubee, Lady Camden, Laganja Estranja, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and select finalists from season 15 of the hit show. For details and tickets, visit pensacolasaenger.com. {in}

GLOSSARY

CENSUS TRACT -

A small relatively permanent statistical subdivision within a county or larger geographical unit. Tracts typically have a population size between 1,200 to 8,000 people.

CHILDHOOD POVERTY -

The population under the age of 18 living at or below poverty. Poverty status in the last 12 months, 2017-2021 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

SNAP - The number of households that receive food stamps or enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Escambia County

Pockets

Eight years ago, the Studer Community Institute Escambia County based on the 2014 census data. the map using the most recent census data in

DEEP POCKETS

Six tracts in the city and county’s urban core have more These six tracts account for 24% of the children in poverty in Escambia County living in poverty resides in those neighborhoods.

Thanks to the UWF Haas Center team, Senior Statistician Mariah Kill, UWF ecomonics students Alex Vargas and Oliver Watson, as well as numerious application reviewers.

Infographic brought to you by Quint and Rishy Studer.

Pensacola Beach

Perdido Key

Institute published a map showing the pockets of poverty in data. Inweekly asked the UWF Haas Center to update an interactive application.

Childhood Poverty

Very High Poverty

than half their children living in poverty. poverty – so almost one of four children neighborhoods.

Very Low Poverty

Our big focus was to shine a light on areas of Escambia County where children are experiencing poverty.

— Nicole Gislason, Executive Director, UWF Haas Center

Photo Recap by Tyra Grayson (@tyraisme) & Sean Mullins (@pensacolavibes) COIN

Thundercat

flipturn

Mariah the Scientist

Beach Weather

Sabrina Carpenter

We serve the local community by offering gently used merchandise at bargain center prices while generating financial support for the programs of the Ministry Village.

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NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

GULF COAST NONPROFITS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR EVENT SPONSORSHIP

FROM COX Local nonprofits planning fundraising and awareness events in the Gulf Coast market are encouraged to apply for an event sponsorship from Cox Communications. Cox is currently accepting applications for events occurring July 1-Dec. 31, 2023. If your nonprofit is planning an event that will take place during these dates, and looking for support, apply for cash and/or in-kind sponsorships at Cox's Charitable Giving Site. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 2, 2023. Organizations will be notified mid-June if their requests are approved.

In 2022, Cox gave more than $1.6 million in cash and in-kind services to nonprofits in the Gulf Coast Market, which includes portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. These sponsorships are specifically held for nonprofit fundraising events, not general donations, and the organization must be a registered 501(c)3. More information is available at ccigiving.com.

THE ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, is currently accepting grant applications for 2023. Grants are awarded to organizations that successfully demonstrate how a proposed program aligns with one or more of the tenets of the mission of the Foundation, which are to foster greater accessibility to the judicial system, improvements to the overall quality of the administration of justice, law-related education and increased public awareness of the judicial system and improved management and operation of the court system.

Grants awards are typically in the $500$1,500 range. For more information on the Foundation and to download an application form, visit esrba.com/bar-foundation/about-esrbf/.

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. A 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.

KITTEN AND CAT ADOPTIONS Animal Allies Florida will offer kitten and cat adoptions 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 20, at Pet Supermarket, 6857 N. 9th Ave. If you can't adopt, talk to us about opportunities to donate, foster or volunteer. All cats have up-to-date shots, and the adoption fee includes spay or neuter with microchip.

Health Care Foundation. Cash, check and most major credit cards are accepted. For more information, call Baptist Hospital Volunteer Services at (850) 434-4936.

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 poptop canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women and sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL 2023

POSTER DESIGN CONTEST The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is accepting submissions to its 2023 poster design competition through June 30.

The winning artist receives a $1,500 cash award. The winning design will be featured on posters, T-shirts and other GGAF promotional items for the festival. Posters have become a regional collector's item.

This year's event is Nov. 3, 4 and 5 in Seville Square and Bartram Park in historic downtown Pensacola.

Competing artists can find the complete list of rules and requirements, plus a gallery of past posters, at ggaf.org/poster.

309 ZINE FEUD 309 Punk Project announced a Zine Feud. Requirements include a minimum page count of 16, minimum print run of 15 and no reprints. Deadline is June 1. Send or deliver at least one copy of your zine before 5 p.m. June 1 to Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti St., Mobile, AL 36602, or 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave. Pensacola, FL 32501.

Submitted zines will be included in the 2023 Zine Challenge and 309 archives. For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ESCAMBIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATIONS Graduations are Thursday, May 25, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. The schedule is as follows: 9 a.m. Tate High School, 12:16 p.m. Northview High School, 2:30 p.m. Pine Forest High School and 5:30 p.m. West Florida High School.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola invites active-duty military personnel, veterans, families and all community members to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave. This year's guest speaker is Dan Shugart, a popular and well-known sports director at WEAR-TV3. For more information, visit veteransmemorialparkpensacola.org.

SPANISH NAVY TRAINING SHIP JUAN SEBASTIAN DE ELCANO The City of Pensacola and the "Elcano Society" host the return of the Spanish Navy training tall ship, Juan Sebastian de Elcano. The ship will dock at the Port of Pensacola Commendencia Street Slip from May 29June 3. This visit will coincide with Fiesta Pensacola festivities to include free public ship tours. For an updated schedule of events, visit pensacolanavyleague.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM

The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) is thrilled to welcome back everyone to the museum. Reminder: Locals and visitors alike should know that the public access waiver onto NAS Pensacola has now been re-established.

U.S. Navy requirements for NASP base access:

All general public visitors to NNAM will be required to enter and exit NASP through the West Gate only on Blue Angel Parkway.

All guests 18 and older must provide a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport to gain access. A REAL-ID license has a gold circle with a star in the top right corner of the license.

All children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

All vehicles entering the base may be subject to inspection.

NNAM is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, however, NASP west gate access remains open to the general public only until 3 p.m. daily. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

While on the base, the public will be able to visit the Pensacola Lighthouse, Fort Barrancas, Blue Angels' practices and the NNAM. Access to Barrancas National Cemetery is always available through the Visitor Control Center to individuals with family interred at the cemetery.

Foreign nationals are allowed on base with certain restrictions. Guests with boat trailers will not be allowed to enter.

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We are open Monday–Saturday 9-5 92 E. Nine Mile Road * 850.912.8222

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BAPTIST HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES $5 JEWELRY SALE Baptist Hospital Volunteer Services will host a $5 Jewelry & Accessories Sale 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23, in the Medical Meeting Room at the Baptist Hospital towers, 1717 N. E St. Items such as necklaces, bracelets, scarves, hats, collegiate merchandise, rings, wallets and more will be for sale for only $5. This fundraiser benefits the volunteer services fund of the Baptist

GULF COAST MIL CONNECT A networking event for active duty, veterans, and military spouses to connect with resources is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit gulfcoastmilconnect. org for details.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATIONS Graduations are Saturday, May 27, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. The schedule is as follows: 11 a.m. Pace High School, 2:30 p.m. Navarre High School and 6 p.m. Gulf Breeze High School.

Access will be dependent on available parking at the NNAM and Pensacola Lighthouse. Once parking is full, public access will be halted until more parking becomes available. Temporary traffic control points will be located on the base to prevent public access to other areas of the installation.

The following restrictions apply to all visitors:

•No weapons (firearms/knives) allowed (including concealed weapon permit holders).

•No backpacks/coolers allowed (diaper bags or medically required bags are acceptable and subject to search).

•No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

•No drones are allowed (countermeasures will be taken).

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•Persons with felony convictions are not authorized base access.

•All vehicles and personnel are subject to security searches and background checks.

•No visitors with boats or boat trailers.

Upon entering the museum, NNAM staff will conduct personal bag checks and random metal detection.

SHOCK ILLUSIONIST DAN SPERRY WITH NIK FLAGSTAR Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. with musical guest Nik Flagstar. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit thehandlebar850. com for details.

NEW PALAFOX MARKET SOUTH AT PLA-

ZA FERDINAND Palafox Market South will include a blend of familiar Palafox Market vendors, along with a new mix of local farmers, artists and craftsmen and women, who will fill up Plaza Ferdinand on the corner of Palafox and Government streets. Shoppers can navigate between the new market and the always-humming original located on north Palafox at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday.

For more information about Palafox Market, visit palafoxmarket.com. For information concerning other downtown events, please visit downtownpensacola.com.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BEYOND VAN

GOGH Tickets are on sale now for Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. In the interac-

tive experience, guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as many revealing self-portraits. Beyond Van Gogh is Aug. 5-Sept. 9 at Pensacola Interstate Fair, Building. 6, 6655 Mobile Highway. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets are on sale at vangoghpensacola.com.

"THE NEBULA OF GEORGIA" A dramedy written by Joe Nierle at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Tickets are $14-$20. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMER -

ICAN 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 Taize Sinclair-Santi, show director, at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST

TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours held 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR

AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets available at pensacolaghostevents.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 of the month at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more join 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.

EASY GOING GALLERY MAY OPEN CALL

SHOW Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St., will present 15 local artists in a new Open Call exhibition running through May. For more information, visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

SYNTHESIS SynThesis is a group BFA exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. This exhibition features work by graduating Bachelor of Fine Art students from the University of West Florida Department of Art and Design. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

NONNEY ODDLOKKEN: TINY, LITTLE FABLES Nonney Oddlokken is a contemporary artist who utilizes fiber and collage techniques to create a Louisiana narrative and exhibition titled "Tiny, Little Fables." The references in this body of work mix elements from her own childhood fables, Catholic references, Cajun folklore, New Orleans Voodoo and the indigenous flora and fauna of Louisiana swamps and bayous. Her work employs a unique process that consists of handmade paper substrates and collage elements finished with hundreds of yards of hand-stitched gold thread embellishments. This exhibit is on view through May 28 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

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THE MEMBERS SHOW The Pensacola Museum of Art Members Show is on view through May 28, showcasing more than 50 artists in a diverse range of media at 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

PANORAMIC PENSACOLA Located at Gallery 1060, 1060 N. Guillemard St., the latest First City Art Center exhibition features landscape photography by Allen Jones. The show is on view through June 2. Visit firstcityart.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY

This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting their own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The U.S. eyed the region early on, using the Seminole Wars as an excuse to seize territory before turning to diplomatic means to acquire Florida. The Adams-Onis Treaty, debated and initially agreed upon in 1819, resulted in Spain ceding control of East Florida to the United States. At the same time, Spain also agreed to give up all claims on West Florida, in essence giving the entire Florida territory over to the United States. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. This exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of History through December. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

TEXTILES OF THE TIMES: REGENCY ERA

DRESS MAKING The period between 1811-1820 is historically defined as the Regency Period. This exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History looks at a day in the life of a Regency-era Pensacolian through fashion and garment use. Drawing on historical documentation of stores known to have operated on Palafox, inside this recreation of a seamstress shop, visitors will be able to explore the dress of yesteryear. This exhibit is on view at the Pensacola Museum of History through June 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ Five Sisters' Chef John Huggins is once again offering a selection of Juneteenth features adaptations to honor AfricanAmerican contributions to America's culinary tradition and celebrate Juneteenth. Five Sisters Blues Café will offer special dishes at both lunch and dinner service on Monday, May 22 through Monday, June 19, excluding Sundays, at 421 W. Belmont St. Visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com for menus.

BEER OLYMPICS O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road, will hold a special Beer Olympics event during Memorial Day Weekend 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Participants can fill out applications online at orileystavern.com.

BIERGARTEN LUAU Wear your hula skirt to Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave., for a luau in the biergarten 4-10 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Live music with the Island Brothers is 6-9 p.m., and

The My Ohana Hawaiian Food Truck will serve in the Biergarten from 4-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

MEMORIAL DAY BACKYARD BBQ PARTY

Visit Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. for a Memorial Day BBQ party beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, May 29. Live music from Joey Collins begins at 2 p.m.

COOKING WITH BEER Join the Bodacious chef for a demonstration dinner 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 31 at 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets available at bodaciousshops.com.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of Bingo, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, calvertsintheheights.com.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/ garysbrew.

LIVE MUSIC

JEFFREY OSBORNE MEMORIAL CELEBRATION CONCERT Visit Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St., at 8 p.m. Friday, May 26 for a Memorial Day Concert with Jeffery Osborne and special guests After7 and Con Funk Shun. Tickets are $40.50-$72.50. Visit pensacolabaycenter. com for details.

DEAN WINTER AND THE HEAT, THE VICTROLAS, JOEY COLLINS Show is 7 p.m. Friday, May 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit thehandlebar850.com for tickets.

SAENGER SPEAKEASY The Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, broadcasting live on Sandcastle Radio, will host its first-ever Saenger Speakeasy on the Saenger Theatre stage 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, May 26. Tickets are $20 and available with more information at pensacolasaenger.com.

PHISH Phish will perform three nights: Saturday, May 27, Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at The Wharf Amphitheater, 23101 Canal Road. For tickets and information, visit alwharf. com/amphitheater.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF MAY 25

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): My reading of the astrological omens inspires me to make a series of paradoxical predictions for you. Here are five scenarios I foresee as being quite possible in the coming weeks. 1. An epic journey to a sanctuary close to home. 2. A boundary that doesn't keep people apart but brings them closer. 3. A rambunctious intervention that calms you down and helps you feel more at peace. 4. A complex process that leads to simple clarity. 5. A visit to the past that empowers you to redesign the future.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) : Do you want a seed to fulfill its destiny? You must bury it in the ground. If it's able to draw on water and the proper nutrients there, it will break open and sprout. Its life as a seed will be over. The plant it eventually grows into will look nothing like its source. We take this process for granted, but it's always a miracle. Now, let's invoke this story as a metaphor for what you are hopefully on the verge of, Taurus. I invite you to do all that's helpful and necessary to ensure your seed germinates.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Your meandering trek through the unpromised land wasn't as demoralizing as you feared. The skirmish with the metaphorical dragon was a bit disruptive, but hey, you are still breathing and walking around—and even seem to have been energized by the weird thrill of the adventure. The only other possible downside was the new dent in your sweet dream. But I suspect that in the long run, that imperfection will inspire you to work even harder on behalf of your sweet dream— and this will be a blessing. Here's another perk: The ordeal you endured effectively cleaned out stale old karma, freeing up space for a slew of fresh help and resources.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Testing time is ahead, but don't get your nerves in an uproar with fantasy-spawned stress. For the most part, your challenges and trials will be interesting, not unsettling. There will be few if any trick questions. There will be straightforward prods to stretch your capacities and expand your understanding. Bonus: I bet you'll get the brilliant impulse to shed the ball and chain you've been absent-mindedly carrying around with you.

By Rob Brezsny

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Biologist Edward O. Wilson said the most social animals are ants, termites and honeybees. He used the following criteria to define that description: "altruism, instincts devoted to social life and the tightness of the bonds that turn colonies into virtual superorganisms." I'm going to advocate that you regard ants, termites and honeybees as teachers and role models for you. The coming weeks will be a great time to boost your skill at socializing and networking. You will be wise to ruminate about how you could improve your life by enhancing your ability to cooperate with others. And remember to boost your altruism.

you not feel thrilled? 4. You're playing the most enigmatic game in the universe, also known as your destiny on Earth, and you love ruminating on questions about what it all means. How could you not feel thrilled? 5. You never know what's going to happen next. You're like a hero in an epic movie that is endlessly entertaining. How could you not feel thrilled?

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "Trust those that you have helped to help you in their turn," advises Scorpio author Neil Gaiman. Let's make that one of your mantras for the coming weeks. In my astrological understanding, you are due to cash in on favors you have bestowed on others. The generosity you have expressed should be streaming back your way in abundance. Be bold about welcoming the bounty. In fact, I hope you will nudge and prompt people, if necessary, to reward you for your past support and blessings.

related metaphors. I thrive on referring to poetry, sometimes even surrealistic poetry, but I try to avoid sounding like a lunatic. However, at this juncture in your hero's journey, Aquarius, I frankly feel that the most effective way to communicate with you is to offer you mixed metaphors and surrealist poetry that border on sounding lunatic. Why? Because you seem primed to wander around on the edges of reality. I'm guessing you'll respond best to a message that's aligned with your unruly mood. So here goes: Get ready to surf the spiritual undertow all the way to the teeming wilderness on the other side of the cracked mirror. Ignore the provocative wasteland on your left and the intriguing chaos on your right. Stay focused on the stars in your eyes and devote yourself to wild joy.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Jack Sarfatti is an authentic but maverick physicist born under the sign of Virgo. He suggests if we make ourselves receptive and alert, we may get help from our future selves. They are trying to communicate good ideas to us back through time. Alas, most of us don't believe such a thing is feasible, so we aren't attuned to the potential help. I will encourage you to transcend any natural skepticism you might have about Sarfatti's theory. As a fun experiment, imagine that future you has an important transmission for you—maybe several transmissions. For best results, formulate three specific questions to pose to the future you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I have five points for your consideration. 1. You are alive in your mysterious, endlessly interesting life, and you are imbued with the fantastically potent power of awareness. How could you not feel thrilled?

2. You're on a planet that's always surprising, and you're in an era when so many things are changing that you can't help being fascinated. How could you not feel thrilled? 3. You have some intriguing project to look forward to, or some challenging but engaging work you're doing or some mindbending riddle you're trying to solve. How could

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) : So many of us are starved to be listened to with full attention. So many of us yearn to be seen, heard and felt by people who are skilled at receptive empathy. How many of us? I'd say the figure is about 99.9%. That's the bad news, Sagittarius. The good news is, in the coming weeks, you will have an exceptional ability to win the attention of good listeners. To boost the potential healing effects of this opportunity, here's what I recommend: Refine and deepen your own listening skills. Express them with panache.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Because you're a Capricorn, earthiness is probably one of your strengths. It's your birthright to be practical, sensible and well-grounded. Now and then, however, your earthiness devolves into muddiness. You get too sober and earnest. You're bogged down in excess pragmatism. I suspect you may be susceptible to such a state these days. What to do? It may help if you add elements of air and fire to your constitution, just to balance things out. Give yourself a secret nickname with a fiery feel, like Blaze, or a crispy briskness, like Breezy. What else could you do to rouse fresh, glowing vigor, Breezy Blaze— even a touch of wildness?

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): I love to use metaphors in my writing, but I hate to mix un-

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): "The gift of patience opens when our body, heart and mind slow enough to move in unison," so says Piscean poet Mark Nepo. I feel confident you are about to glide into such a grand harmony, dear Pisces. Through a blend of grace and your relaxed efforts to be true to your deepest desires, your body, heart and mind will synchronize and synergize. Patience will be just one of the gifts you will receive. Others include: a clear vision of your most beautiful future, a lucid understanding of what will be most meaningful to you in the next three years and a profound sense of feeling at home in the world wherever you go.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What is the most spiritually nourishing pleasure you should seek out but don't? {in}

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Brezsny

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You will be wise to ruminate about how you could improve your life by enhancing your ability to cooperate with others.

wild joy.

NEWS YOU CAN USE Not a moment too soon, Oscar Mayer announced on May 17 that it is changing the name of its iconic Wienermobile to the Frankmobile, CNN reported. The company says the name change "pays homage" to its new recipe for hot dogs, which will roll out this summer. Uh-huh. A company spokesperson said the change is a test; they'll have "to see if it cuts the mustard" with fans. The Wienermobile first appeared in 1936; 23 of the eye-catching vehicles now travel around the country.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT When cake-baker Brianna Romero of El Paso, Texas, got an order for a birthday cake this spring, she was on board, NBC New York reported on May 10. The customer wanted an emo cake, so Romero put her newly perfected black icing to the test and constructed the confection. Before she delivered it, she said, she asked the client if they wanted a number on the cake. "Yes," the client answered, "it's for my granddaughter and she's turning 4." Romero "thought it was a little bit weird ... but maybe she just likes 'Wednesday' or something like that." Still, wanting to cover her bases, she asked the client for the theme of the party. When she got the answer—"Sesame Street— it all became clear. "I misread emo and it says 'Elmo cake.'" Romero rushed to a local grocery, where the bakery topped the cake with an Elmo image; Romero gave the cake to the client for free. Social media ate the story up, with more than 10 million views on Twitter.

BRIGHT IDEA Students will go to just about any lengths to get out of a test—even outer space. So it was in Hemlock, Michigan, on May 16, when an enterprising student reported an alien invasion to avoid a math test, according to KTVZ-TV. The student reported that ETs came from the skies in flying saucers and landed on the playground, and the rumors quickly began circulating amongst the student body on social media. But Superintendent Don Killingbeck wasn't having it: "We have thoroughly investigated the situation, and there is no evidence of any alien activity on our school grounds," he said. The prankster has been disciplined, he added.

CHEEKY British IBM IT professional Ian Clifford, 50, has not worked since September 2008 as he battled mental-health issues and stage 4 leukemia, Business Insider reported. Clifford has been on sick leave for 15 years, collecting a salary of almost $68,000 per year after reaching an agreement with IBM in 2013. But in February 2022, Clifford testified in an employment tribunal that he had been treated unfairly because he hadn't had a salary increase since the 2013 agreement went into place. He argued that inflation was causing his income to "wither" and sought a pay raise of 2.5%. "Your mortgage doesn't go down because you are sick," he noted. This spring, Paul Housego, an employment judge, rejected Clifford's argument, saying Clifford was treated more favorably than others because he was being paid without having to work. Clifford plans to appeal.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

FIELD REPORT On May 9, officers from Boone County and Watauga County, North Carolina, tried to chase down Joshua Minton, 34, after he was pulled over for reckless driving, CBS News reported. Minton ran into an "undeveloped area," where law enforcement got an unlikely helping ... hoof. Cows in the field "quickly assisted our officers by leading them directly to where the suspect was hiding," police announced in a Facebook post. "The cows communicated with the officers as best they could and finally just had the officers follow them to the suspect's location." Minton was arrested on multiple charges.

PRECOCIOUS Two brothers in Langkawi, Malaysia, were detained after crashing the car one was driving into a lamp post on May 10, CNN reported. It's not hard to imagine why driving might have been difficult for them: They are 6 and 3 years old. Police Chief Shariman Ashari said the Toyota Vios they were in attracted attention from other drivers, who thought the driver might be intoxicated. The boys sneaked out of their home and took the car, hoping to buy a toy car at the local shops. "Mama is at home and we are going to the store," the 6-year-old said. "We want to buy a black car," the 3-year-old elaborated. The only injury was a cut to one boy's chin.

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH Two families went at each other on May 15 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Fox35-TV reported— all over who could stand next to a sign commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Disney Co. According to police, one family was standing in front of the sign when another group wanted to snap a photo. When the second group asked the first to step aside, punches were thrown. At least one person was treated for injuries at the site, but they didn't want to press charges. Two people were removed from the park.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT When a 36-year-old woman in Providence, Rhode Island, couldn't afford conventional dental care for her painful teeth, a friend recommended "Yorki," WPRI-TV reported on May 18. The woman contacted Altagracia Yorquis Adames, 57, and went to her home basement "dental practice." There, Yorki allegedly removed instruments from a dresser drawer—some that were visibly rusty—then numbed the victim's molar and pulled on it until it came out. She then numbed and drilled on the patient's front teeth. Later that night, when her pain worsened, she texted with Yorki, who told her to take painkillers and ice her mouth. The next day, the victim checked into a hospital and was told she was "very sick." Police said Yorki was a licensed dentist in the Dominican Republic but not licensed in Rhode Island; she is due back in court in August. {in}