Inweekly May 2 2024 Issue

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Myths Around Shelters and Visible Homelessness Jon DeCarmine

Jon DeCarmine founded the Grace Marketplace in Gainesville, FL, which serves as a low-barrier shelter and one-stop location for critical services aimed at ending homelessness. This has led to a 40% decrease in the number of people living on the streets in Alachua County.

Jon DeCarmine has recently been hired by the city of Pensacola to provide realistic options to address homelessness here.

How can Pensacola craft a shelter solution that fits our community?

Attend this free presentation in person or watch a live stream on the Pensacola News Journal Facebook page.

Monday, May 13 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Wesley

Dream Homes Start with No Money Down!

winners & losers

winners losers

LYNDSEY STEVENS The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners approved Stevens as the new purchasing director. Her duties include overseeing the county's procurement program, developing purchasing policies and procedures and implementing a long-term strategy for efficient purchasing programs. County Administrator Wes Moreno said, "With over $100 million in county projects completed last year, I'm excited to see where we go from here. I'm very proud of Lyndsey and her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence."

PENSACOLA ENERGY Energy Director Darryl Singleton and his team deserve kudos for the U.S. Department of Transportation grant to make their system safer. Mayor D.C. Reeves praised Florida's oldest natural gas utility as a model department for how we like things to operate in the city.

TRIUMPH GULF COAST Last month, Triumph Gulf Coast surpassed the milestone of distributing more than $550 million in grant awards stemming from the BP oil spill settlement, with much of the funding going toward schools in an effort to boost the North Florida region's local workforce. The funds have been spread across public school districts, state colleges and universities in the eight-county region encompassing Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Wakulla. Susan Skelton, Triumph Gulf Coast's administrator, told The News Service of Florida the organization has "committed to supporting a complete pipeline of workforce education, beginning with elementary schools through university-level training."

UWF CENTER FOR CYBERSECURITY

The University of West Florida (UWF) placed second in the 2023 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. The award winners are determined by a committee of peers representing the CAE-CD Community of Practice from across the country. This is the second consecutive year UWF has received this award, placing first in 2023. Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president for the Center for Cybersecurity, said, "This award recognizes the University's commitment to supporting our learners and community."

U.S. HIGHWAY 90

The highway's stretch in Escambia County contributed to the county being ranked by Convoy Car Shipping No. 20 for traffic fatalities among counties in the U.S. with populations between 150,000 and 499,999. The nationwide car delivery service based the list on data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatalities Analysis Reporting System. Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. Highway 90 had 52—the most for any other Florida county in the top 20 on the list.

AMERICAN FREE ENTERPRISE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Iowa-based lobbying organization, which has ties to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and GOP operatives, launched an online campaign targeting the 340B drug discount programs. They have falsely claimed that the program, which helps clinics like Community Health Northwest Florida, costs small businesses an estimated $5.2 billion in increased healthcare costs annually. The drug companies pay for the 340B program, not consumers or employers.

FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION

The organization strongly opposes the final nursing home staffing mandate announced by the Biden administration. The new rule is the first-ever minimum staffing requirement at the federal level and, among other things, requires a registered nurse on the premises 24 hours a day, every day. The FHCA CEO called the rule an "impossible and unfunded mandate will make it harder to recruit long-term care workers and ensure Florida seniors have access to the specialized and person-centered services they need." But how many lives will be saved?

NEW YORK COURT OF APPEAL

New York's top court overturned the 2020 rape conviction of Harvey Weinstein, who has been serving a 23-year sentence on rape and sexual assault charges in an upstate New York correctional facility. In a 4-3 decision, the New York Court of Appeals found the judge prejudiced the case by allowing the prosecution to call women who were not part of the case to testify as witnesses. The anti-sexual violence organization Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has urged District Attorney Alvin Bragg to commit to retry Weinstein.

Lyndsey Stevens / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

HITTING ITS STRIDE

The University of West Florida (UWF) launched its "Here for Good" capital campaign with $65 million of its $90 million already contributed—a fantastic achievement.

Howard Reddy, the vice president for the Division of University Advancement, told me the capital campaign's silent phase began in January 2022. UWF was advised a reasonable goal would be $55 million in light of the other capital campaigns conducted over the past few years. However, Reddy quickly learned donors had a greater appetite for giving than the consultants realized.

"We framed our conversations through the lens of people, programs, place and community, and that really resonated," he said.

The university began to receive significant contributions for Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership, Dr. Muhammad Harunur Rashid Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program and other programs.

Not all gifts were huge. The University of West Florida exceeded its fundraising goals during the sixth annual Day of Giving, raising nearly $198,000 from 1,226 alums, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends. The university had a fundraising goal of $175,000 and an individual gift goal of 1,100. The annual 24-hour, online, social media-driven fundraising initiative was held April 18 during UWF's Founders Week.

The university's connection with the community wasn't always this strong. The community college had a nearly 20-year jump on the university. Many locals had a stronger link to Pensacola State College, which opened as Pensacola Junior College in a boarding house on the southeast corner of Palafox and Cervantes streets in 1948. UWF didn't open until 1967, and it only offered junior- and senior-level courses.

The university accepted its first freshman class in 1988, and UWF continued to be seen as a commuter school. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Professional Studies weren't created until 1999. The University of Central Florida in Orlando held its first classes a

year after UWF started, and its enrollment had shot past the university,

UWF began to change when Dr. John Cavanaugh was hired as president and Collier Merrill chaired the UWF Board of Trustees.

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Dr. Judy Bense built on their successes and worked hard to connect to the entire community. Pensacola knew Dr. Bense through her "Unearthing Pensacola" segments on WUWF and frequent presentations to local civic clubs. She transformed UWF into a residential campus with students living and learning on campus by adding residential halls, modern academic facilities and a football program. Dr. Martha Saunders, who tops the 2014 Power List, has taken UWF to even greater heights as the university's sixth president.

When I talked with Dr. Saunders about the UWF's growth, she said, "These things don't happen overnight. I mean, we're 57 years old since we admitted our first students, and it takes a certain kind of growth. We've built on our strengths and have grown as we should. But I think you really, like any of us, if we get to a certain level of maturity, we really hit our stride. And I think that's what the university has done."

As good leaders often do, Dr. Saunders praised her leadership team. "I've got a team that nobody can beat. I mean, it's a motley crew. They're very different, but they trust each other, and I think that matters, and they lift each other up."

She added, "Everybody's interested in what's good for the institution, and even when we don't always agree on strategies, the focus is always the same. And what's good for UWF, we think, is going to be good for the community."

The university president is excited when she sees students, alumni and others wearing UWF colors. Dr. Saunders shared, "I have a son in California who wears UWF things, and he says people stop him. Half the time, they either know someone who went to UWF or they went here, and he said the conversation is always positive."

Why has the fundraising been so successful? She said, "People have accepted us and appreciate the value of UWF."

Amen. {in} rick@inweekly.net

715 S Palafox St. 5,700 SF / $25 PSF (Annual) Downtown Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with Parking! 2 story building available. Deck on Palafox Marina (dock not included). Excellent condition. Ready for occupancy.

FIGHTING INJUSTICES IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

and I know, that's not the best treatment for a woman. I wouldn't want my mother or sister to go through that."

Charges against the woman were later dismissed. That's right. She spent three months of her pregnancy in a jail cell for charges that were dismissed.

UNEVEN JUSTICE

Justice for all doesn't apply to the impoverished population who linger in jail without the money to pay bail. Poverty-stricken defendants charged with minor offenses such as trespassing, loitering or substance possession sometimes spend months locked up in a cell waiting for their court date.

Two-thirds of inmates in the U.S. have been accused, not convicted. In most instances, they simply do not have the money to post bail. About 40% of Americans have less than $400 at their disposal. Consequences for the incarcerated individuals include losing jobs and

at the 2018 TED Talk in Vancouver, Canada.

Steinberg captivated the audience when she spoke about addressing injustices in the bail process. She shared a similar message on April 25 to a Pensacola audience during an event hosted by MacQueen and organized by the Equity Project Alliance. MacQueen capped the event by pledging a $100,000 donation to the Pensacola branch.

"Our idea of punishment is to judge somebody by the worst thing they've ever done and punish them, and to punish them is not accountability," Steinberg told the audience. "Holding somebody accountable for causing harm is what any society has to do, but that doesn't have to look like destruction, and what our system does is destroy people."

Steinberg touched on the flaws in the bail process. One option for those without enough money to pay the full amount is to work with a bail bond agent, but that comes at a price. The defendant pays the agent 10% of the amount to

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Bail Project alleviates that problem for inmates who pass its rigorous evaluation process.

"For every referral we receive, we sit down and go to the jail, meet with that person, and do an assessment," Gaspar said. The assessment is based on our ability to assist them. Do we have what they need at that moment to get the help needed in the community? We have to make sure we're protecting everyone involved from a community perspective."

The Pensacola branch alone has spent more than $300,000 to bail out nearly 360 individuals unable to afford the 10% charge. At the same time, Escambia County has saved more than $300,000 that would have been spent otherwise taking care of incarcerated individuals.

"It's a win-win for the county and our citizens," MacQueen said.

The possibility, of course, exists that an individual bailed out will flee and skip out on their

court appearance. Statistics indicate the odds of that happening are minimal, though. Gaspar noted a 94% appearance rate out of 709 court

Those statistics fall in line with national averages. Since its launch in 2018, the Bail Project has reunited more than 30,000 individuals with their families and prevented more than one million days of incarceration. That is an estimated savings of more than $92 million in tax dollars. The national appearance rate is 92%. The Bail Project essentially makes its money back. Its revolving rate is 91% for the $81 million philanthropic dollars posted in free bail.

"That's a high rate of us getting the money back at the end, the disposition of people's cases, and so that just allows us to go out there and help more and more people," Gaspar said.

"That's really the beauty of the project. If it didn't work, we wouldn't have the money to continue bailing people out. The fact that it does work just allows us to continue proving the point over and over again that people don't need money as a determining factor for them to

The Bail Project works to ensure those bailed out appear in court. In addition to bail client advocates, the nonprofit employs client service specialists. The specialists connect with clients to provide court reminders, offer transportation to the courthouse and provide other stabilizing services for employment, education, mental health and substance misuse.

Substance abuse and mental health disorders are common among the individuals bailed out by the nonprofit. Gaspar said 40% of the Bail Project clients in Florida report some type of substance misuse disorder, and 28% report a history of mental health needs. The percentage with mental health needs is slightly higher in

"If we don't once again start providing medical solutions to medical problems, we're going to continue to bang our head up against the wall as to why the problem is not getting better," he said. "When we take somebody who's already in mental distress, and we lock them in a cell, and we don't give them the proper medical help that they need in that moment and we're not providing a connection to medical supports, I don't know how we can continue to sit here and question, why is it getting worse?"

How to address inmates with mental health needs is the tip of the iceberg in a country that accounts for 5% of the world population but 25% of incarcerated individuals. Innocent until proven guilty are meaningless words in the minds of many Americans.

"What we have on paper is gorgeous: the presumption of innocence, the right to crossexamine the witnesses, and the prosecution's obligation to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt," Steinberg said. The principles are beautiful. We just don't live up to those ideals."

For questions about supporting the Bail Project, contact the development team at giving@bailproject.org. {in}

Robin Steinberg and Julian MacQueen / Photo by Aaron Ball

Nurturing the world within

We are worldbuilders. We develop great minds and inspired leaders. We help children write their own story. Gulf Coast Freedom Schools nurtures the world within through a free, six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment program for students K-8th grade who reside in Escambia County.

Apply online by May 31, 2024 at gcfreedomschools.com

The substantial sum, presented at a special April 25 press conference, was funded by DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrations' Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program. The grant dollars improve underserved neighborhoods by reducing safety incidents and attracting new development and employment opportunities.

"How can we help communities do the work they need to do beyond regulations?" said Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Pensacola's request was part of a $1.8 billion award during this phase of the grant program.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves commended Pensacola Energy Director Darryl Singleton. "Darryl and his team consistently drive home safety for our customers, community and employees. This grant is a testament to that commitment."

Singleton and his staff applied for the grant because of Pensacola Energy's focus on safety. He said, "We've always said that safety has to be in everything you do. I'm very fortunate to have a mayor who feels the same way I do."

FOILING WEEK Last December, the Tourist Development Council (TDC) approved $315,000 for Sail Pensacola, Inc., to support "Foiling Week," a new international sailing event. Because the event will not take place on Pensacola Beach until 2005, Escambia County Commission confirmed the funds would be included in the Fiscal Year 20242025 budget at its April 23 meeting.

Sail Pensacola is a nonprofit incorporated in February 2023 to promote sailing as recreation, competition and business for Pensacola and Pensacola Bay. Its board consists of President Timothy Ryschon, Vice President Tom Pace, Ellis Bullock, III, Timothy Burr, American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson, David Johnson, Collier Merrill, Mayor D.C. Reeves and Bobby Switzer.

"The impetus, frankly, was protectionism protecting Pensacola," Pace said. "In the America's Cup and big-time sailing, a lot of money will

The skipper refused the offer.

Sail Pensacola's mission is to "promote highperformance sailing, recreational sailing, competitive sailing, sailing technology and economic prosperity related to sailing on Pensacola Bay."

"Sail Pensacola will help look after Pensacola so that the mayor and other local groups can do what is going to be better for Pensacola—not just now, but 10, 20 years out," Pace said.

"Foiling Week" is based on a similar event in Lake Garda, Italy. He said, "The hope is that we can do that here in Pensacola and be aligned with the mission, the city and American Magic to try to promote Pensacola as that destination for highperformance sailing."

Pace runs the long-range yachting for Pensacola Yacht Club for 2024, 2025 and 2027. "We've got less than 15 events knocking on the door saying, 'Can you run our North American championship? Can you run our world championship?' And so, there are some scheduling dynamics within a schematic of events all over the world that you have to work in. But the demand is definitely here. They want to come sail."

To learn more, visit sailpensacola.org and foilingweek.com.

BRUCE BEACH OPENS The media visited Phase 1 of Bruce Beach Park on April 23, while Mayor D.C. Reeves made his first walk-through of the 13-acre site.

"This has been years and years, about six years in fact, in the making from the genesis of this, from robust community feedback about what the vision could be here and access to the waterfront, all of those things that have now been talked about for years," he said. "I'd be remiss not to thank all those people from 2018 to 2024, and we'll talk more about it on Saturday."

Mayor Reeves explained that the first phase, using Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds, cost $6.6 million. It includes the pedestrian bridge, playgrounds, park benches, tables, several commemorative makers and the

city's first Portland Loo. The second phase will cover the park's west side and beach access for kayaks. It will cost $4 million and should open in the fall.

He wanted to assure the public that the water was safe for kayaks and canoes but not intended for swimming.

"We've been working with the Department of Health and Escambia County to test for bacteria off of Bruce Beach since October 2021," Reeves said. "This stretch of beach behind us has been found comparable to other public access areas along the bay going back to October 2021. And approximately 75% of that testing is within safe guidelines."

He continued, "In September 2022, we collaborated with FDEP and ECUA to conduct extensive genetic testing in the downtown area. The results here showed that the bacteria were not of human origin but of avian origin. Lastly, we did some testing yet again before this opening on April 8 at 19 different locations in and around Bruce Beach. And the results didn't indicate any significant bacteriological sources."

The mayor said the city will continue to test water. The park opened to the public on April 27.

RUMBLE AT THE BCC

Commissioner Jeff Bergosh and Commissioner Mike Kohler got into a heated exchange filled with barbs and accusations at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 23. The agenda item concerned paying $5,000 for a former county paramedic's legal fees during a Florida Department of Health disciplinary proceeding.

Kohler said Bergosh's "vindictive behavior against people" was costing the county millions and millions and millions of dollars." He also accused his fellow commissioners of never holding themselves or personnel responsible. "The only people getting hurt here are the citizens of Escambia County."

Bergosh pushed back, asserting he was defending first responders. He said Kohler was "ignorant" of the settlement agreement and was being "glib."

Kohler then said he would write the governor. "Alright, I'll tell you what I'm going to do. We never wrote to the Department of Health on this board and ask them why their investigation process was so screwed up, and we're so right. So, I'll do that letter and ask the governor why his department was so wrong, and this board is so right that they find us and no one on our board is held accountable. Nobody."

Bergosh replied that they had saved Kohler from violating the Sunshine law, "When you got drunk one night, and you called me. And I told you, I saved you from yourself."

Kohler fired back an accusation Bergosh had told him while drinking at Seville Quarter that Bergosh had the votes. Kohler didn't specify the issue. Bergosh denied it happened but said his phone records would show Kohler called him.

Chairman Barry called the room to order. The item passed 3-1, with Kohler voting against it.

HANGAR 3 CONTRACT AWARDED Roy Anderson Corp has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $72.7 million for Hangar 3 of Project Titan at Pensacola International Airport. The hangar is the next phase of ST Engineering's MRO campus.

The scope of work includes designing and constructing a new pre-engineered metal building hangar with a central shop, perimeter office and support areas, and a 300-space asphalt parking lot. Design work has commenced, and construction is expected to begin August 2024, with substantial completion anticipated in the summer of 2026.

CRF OPENS The new Central Receiving Facility (CRF) at Lakeview Center's main campus in Pensacola, which opened April 22, provides people facing mental health crises with an easily accessible, centralized place to receive care.

The CRF will help meet a growing need in Northwest Florida to address how people in crisis are cared for under the Baker Act, Florida's mental health law. Someone who has been "Baker Acted" or "placed under the Baker Act" refers to an involuntary examination under the law, allowing people in crisis to be retained at a facility for stabilization purposes for up to 72 hours.

During that time, a medical doctor, psychologist or advanced registered nurse practitioner evaluates the patient. The Lakeview Center CRF is now the designated entry point for adults living in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who need a Baker Act Screening.

"As a central receiving facility, Lakeview Center is positioned to ensure a smooth continuum of care from crisis support to the appropriate inpatient or community-based care, outpatient treatment or residential program," said Shawn Salamida, president of Lakeview Center. "With more than 60 programs from Escambia to Walton County, Lakeview Center's team members are well-prepared to connect those in crisis to the follow-up care that best suits their needs."

Law enforcement partners will transport adults to Lakeview Center's CRF, where they will be screened. If admission is needed, they will be transported by Lakeview Center to Baptist Health Care or HCA Florida West based on a rotation system that considers patient preference and capacity.

As a support to the CRF and an expansion of capacity for the uninsured, Lakeview will also operate a Crisis Stabilization Unit for inpatient care. Adolescents and children will continue to receive care through Baptist Health Care, the designated CRF for all persons 18 and younger. The 2,275-square-foot CRF is staffed by psychiatrists, APRNs, nurses, technicians, therapists, peer support specialists and behavioral health staff.

Salamida added, "Rep. Andrade, Sen. Broxson and Rep. Salzman worked together to get the state funding. They had to understand this concept, buy into it and take the steps to make it happen. We had to do significant renovations to our existing structures on campus, move some programs around and hire almost a hundred staff. It took a lot

Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

of planning, coordination and cooperation among the different entities involved in making it happen."

For information about mental health services available at Lakeview Center, call (850) 469-3500 or visit elakeviewcenter.org.

MORE TSA WORKERS

The Transportation Security Administration has notified the City of Pensacola that eight additional TSA employees from the National Deployment Force have been approved for the Pensacola International Airport. In mid-April, Mayor D.C. Reeves sent a letter to our congressional delegation asking for help because of increasing wait times at the airport's security checkpoint. The additional TSA workers will arrive Sunday, May 5, and remain through July.

"I am very encouraged to hear help is on the way for Pensacola International Airport," Reeves said. "I'm extremely appreciative of the TSA's decision to provide more resources immediately. Thank you to Sen. Scott and Rep. Gaetz, who yet again answered the bell for Pensacola, taking swift action when we needed it most."

Airport Director Matt Coughlin added, "Like many agencies, TSA struggles with workforce resourcing. However, we also have an obligation to our community to maintain the Fly Easy promise and must do everything in our power to enable our partners to support that effort."

DAY OF GIVING KUDOS

The University of West Florida exceeded its fundraising goals during the sixth annual Day of Giving, raising nearly $198,000 from 1,226 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends. The annual 24-hour, online, social media-driven fundraising initiative was held April 18 during UWF's Founders Week.

"Our collective giving makes UWF students better positioned to succeed in their educational journey and beyond," said Howard Reddy, vice president for University Advancement. "We are so grateful for the support from all those who made a gift to ensure this year's Day of Giving was a great success."

Participants directed their donations to 12 featured areas on dayofgiving.uwf.edu. Athletics raised the most money, bringing in $56,915. Of UWF's four colleges, the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health received the most donations, totaling $28,537. Usha and Dave Kundu matched all gifts to the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, up to $10,000. Pam Bowen Schwartz matched gifts to all funds up to $10,000. John Merting, Stephen Wright, Joan Seifert and the UWF Alumni Association Board made matching pledges of $5,000. Natalie Patterson, a member of the inaugural fast-pitch softball team at UWF, made the largest single gift of $15,000. A total of 1,226 gifts were received. This year, the University had a fundraising goal of $175,000 and an individual gift goal of 1,100. For each gift of $30 or more, participants received an exclusive pair of Day of Giving socks with a special Day of Giving 2024 print. With a gift of $75, participants received a UWF speaker cooler while supplies lasted. UWF launched its Here for Good capital

campaign with this year's Day of Giving. The campaign is the largest in UWF history and is a proclamation and promise to unleash the best of UWF. For more information about the campaign, visit uwf.edu/hereforgood.

DRONE SHOW COMING

After the Pensacola Blue Wahoos' game on Saturday, July 20, a firstof-its-kind drone show will light up the sky above Pensacola Bay.

"Celebration of America" by Sky Elements Drone Shows will feature 100 illuminated drones moving in concert above Blue Wahoos Stadium in sync with patriotic music. The postgame display is believed to be the first drone show of its size ever held in the Pensacola area.

"We always strive to bring to Pensacola experiences that people may only get in large cities, and we wanted to provide a special treat to reflect our pride in our country and local military community," said Quint Studer, the Blue Wahoos owner. "Pensacola may not be large in size, but we are large in heart."

Sky Elements drone shows is an industry leader in aerial entertainment and delivers captivating light shows that immerse audiences. With an emphasis on accuracy, execution and compliance, their presentation promises to transform the postgame entertainment experience. As an added bonus, the solar-powered drones provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks shows with less noise and mess for our neighbors in Downtown Pensacola.

The Blue Wahoos regularly sell out Saturday home games and anticipate high demand for the first-ever drone show in the area, so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible to reserve their spot. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.

MEMORIAL AIR PARK REOPENS Air Commandos gathered with members of the public to celebrate the grand reopening of the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park last month. Hurlburt Field opened its airpark to the public for the first time in more than 20 years.

"We want to take the opportunity to open the gates and open that history up to the public so that we can plant the seeds for future Air Commandos," said Col. Patrick Dierig, 1st Special Operations Wing commander.

The airpark serves as a place of reflection and an educational venue for future generations. Informational plaques provide insights into each aircraft's technological advancements and historic achievements, fostering an appreciation for military aviation's contributions.

Among the aircraft on display is the AC-130H Spectre gunship, emblematic of the specialized capabilities that have become synonymous with Hurlburt Field's mission.

The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park stands as a living testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and valor of the men and women who have called Hurlburt Field their home.

For more information, visit bit.ly/44jnXbu. {in}

Night at the Museum Gala

FRIDAY • MAY 17

Guest Speaker Admiral Harry Harris USN (Ret.)

$150 per person

Black Tie/Service Mess Dress

6:30pm Cocktails

7:30pm Dinner

8:30pm Dancing

Just like we have every year for the last 24 years, we’re asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll.

That means all of your most important opinions—like who really makes the best cookies in town—are finally going to be heard.

And don’t worry if you can’t get through the full ballot in one try. Voting is open through May 21, so you can take it one section at a time. You can also vote online if that’s more your style—at inweekly.net. {in}

Or vote online at inweekly.net • Now-May 21

community, media & culture

Best Nonprofit

Best Charity Event

Best Place to Work

Best Boss

Best Community Leader

Best Rising Leader

Best Politician

Best Advocacy/Activist Group

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Day Trip

Best Annual Event

Best Food Event

Best Parade

Best Regular/Reoccurring Event

Best Free Thing To Do

Best Neighborhood

Best Public Park

Best Pet-Friendly Park

Best Playground

Best Palafox Market Vendor

Best Makers/Craft Market

Best Reason to Attend a Blue Wahoos Game

Best Reason to Attend an Ice Flyers Game

Best Youth Sports/Rec Program

Best Dance Studio

Best After-School Activity

Best Summer Camp

Best Place for a Birthday Party

Best Local Celebrity

Best TV Station

Best Radio Station

Best Radio Personality

Best Morning Radio Show

Best Podcast

Best Website/Blog

Best Business or Person to Follow on Social Media

Best Way To Get Cultured

Best Art Gallery/Museum

Best Artist

Best Author/Writer

Best Photographer

Best Music Venue

Best Band

Best Concert/Concert Series

Best Theatre Production

Best Comedian

services

Best Hair Salon-Pensacola

Best Hair Salon-Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach

Best Hair Salon–Milton/Pace

Best Hair Stylist

Best Hair Colorist

Best Barber Shop

Best Men's Hair Stylist

Best Day Spa

Best Massage

Best Massage Therapist

Best Pedicure

Best Manicure

Best Hair Removal

Best Facial

Best Esthetician

Best Skin Care Overall

Best Bank

Best Credit Union

Best Financial Advisor

Best Accounting Firm

Best Residential Real Estate Agency

Best Commercial Real Estate Agency

Best Real Estate Agent

Best Boutique Hotel/Inn

Best Hotel–Pensacola Beach

Best Hotel–Pensacola

Best Apartment Complex

Best Architecture Firm

Best Law Firm

Best Attorney

Best Insurance Agent

Best Vet

Best Dog Groomer

Best Dog Training

Best Pet Boarding

Best Construction Company

Best AC Company

Best Landscaping

Best Interior Designer

Best Custom Picture Framing

Best Tattoo & Piercing Studio

Best Tattoo Artist

Best Special Event Space

Best Party Decor

Best Mobile Event Service/Experience

Best Caterer

Best Florist

Best Portrait/Family Photography

▶rules

•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.

•Vote in at least 15 categories. Ballots with fewer than 15 categories completed will not be counted.

•Ballots must be postmarked by May 21, 2024.

▶mail your ballot to Best of the Coast c/o Inweekly, PO Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591

▶required info

Name

Email

Best Tailor/Alterations

Best Car Wash/Detailer

Best Auto Service Shop

Best Green Business

Best New Business

health

Best Gym

& wellness

Best Personal Trainer

Best Boutique Fitness Studio

Best Yoga

Best Yoga Instructor

Best Pilates

Best Fitness Classes

Best Fitness Instructor

Best Bootcamp

Best Weight Loss Program

Best Running Club

Best 5K

Best Place to Walk/Run

Best Place to Ride a Bike

Best Hospital

Best General Care Physician

Best Chiropractor

Best Dentist

Best Endodontist

Best Orthodontics

Best Pediatrician

Best Mental Health Professional

Best OB/GYN

Best Optometrist

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retail

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restaurants

Best Restaurant Overall

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food

*List the specific menu item if applicable

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bars, drinks & nightlife

Best Bar Overall

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Arts & Entertainment

art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

to a garden. Some plants need lots of light and water; some don't.

Ballet Pensacola's new artistic director has made it his mission to create a positive environment for the dancers while rehearsing for their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty." It's a physical job, in which you can't make a lot of mistakes; positivity makes the process easier, he said.

"I have worked in many places, and I know exactly what not to do in order to make them feel they are valued inside of this studio," Candreva said. "My approach is completely opposite from a lot of what I have seen in the industry in the past few years, and that is having a very positive impact overall—not only on the dancers, but with their staff too."

He says without saying so—everything needs to be in harmony for the garden to grow.

DANCING INTO TOWN

In what would normally be a yearlong process, Candreva landed artistic director just four days before rehearsals began.

Originally from Brazil, Candreva has bounced—or pirouetted rather—around the U.S. for 14 years. He's lived in Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Ohio, Washington D.C. and now Pensacola.

"Pensacola is just a wonderful city; it's just a little jewel hidden in North Florida," Candreva said. "It reminds me of Rio (de Janeiro), but much more calm and settled, and I love that."

His first brush with Pensacola was this past summer, after being invited to teach at Ballet Pensacola's Academy; they really liked how he meshed with the staff and students, he said. When he returned to watch "Dracula" in October, they asked him to teach the Company for a week.

The third time must've been the charm,

cause he liked Pensacola), when he was asked to step in for "The Sleeping Beauty."

"I was like, 'You know what, I'm very passionate about things. I love challenges. I'll take it. I'll come down and do it,'" Candreva said. "And then I started creating my own version of it."

THE MAKING OF 'THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'

"The Sleeping Beauty" is a storybook ballet adapted from Charles Perrault's fairytale, which tells the story of the lovely Princess Aurora who is cursed at birth by an evil fairy. Protected by the Lilac Fairy, rather than falling ill and dying as Fairy planned, Princess Aurora falls into a slumber of 100 years—only to be awoken by a kiss from Prince Desire upon her 16th birthday. Ballet Pensacola's production will blend the standard choreography from the original in 1889

with Candreva's storytelling. Candreva's process always starts with the music, he said.

"I always hear the music and then I create the steps that I envision telling a story as it should," Candreva said. "There are the mains. And I was like, 'Well, how can I make the mains more edgy—still in classical ballet, but more leaning to neoclassical—something the audience here have not watched as much.'"

Candreva predicts the familiarity of the fairy scene and vision scene will make them crowd favorites.

"Carabosse comes right into the fairy scene, and it's such an iconic character as well," Candreva said. "We have a chariot for her. She comes in on her chariot. She has her minions. So it does have a little magic over that, and I think the audience is really going to enjoy it. And the music is just so beautiful that even to people who are not familiar with ballet (and) ballet steps, they will feel connected with the music and art that dancers are bringing to the stage."

The dancers have been "very open," in working with him, Candreva said. They are working hard, he added.

"I believe the positive attitude I bring to them, they're giving me back," Candreva said. "In this industry, dancers, perhaps sometimes they might have an ego; they might not like you or like someone new. But here, I did not have any of that. They all gave me everything they could since day one, which has made my process much easier. Because then I can mentor, I can coach, and they can trust me. As long as they trust me, then it's easy for me to trust them as well. And I have been seen a big improvement, not only in the artistry, but in the technique, as well."

Candreva can't reveal upcoming shows, but he hints that Ballet Pensacola has some surprises up its sleeve for the new season—things they've never done before.

And when asked how long he might stay in Pensacola, Candreva said, "For many years to come." {in}

BALLET PENSACOLA'S 'THE SLEEPING BEAUTY'

WHAT: A performance based on the Charles Perrault's fairytale, featuring music by Tchaikovsky

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5

WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. COST: $44 standard admission

DETAILS: balletpensacola.org, pensacolasaenger.com

Photo Courtesy of Ballet Pensacola

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA GLITZ & GALLOP GALA Celebrate 100 years of United Way 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Pensacola State College, Building 27 located at 1000 College Blvd. The gala will be a Kentucky Derby watch party with two drink tickets, 10 betting tickets, heavy hors d'oeuvres and live music from String Farm Band included in ticket price. Tickets are $100. Additional betting tickets, 50/50 raffle will also be available to purchase. For more information, visit uwwf.org/gala.

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.

ARTS & CULTURE

UWF TROUBADOUR RELEASE Join student contributors, designers and editors to celebrate the release of the Troubador 6 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Readings from the issue will begin at 6:30 p.m. A limited number of copies will be available. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

MINT JUBILEE Join the Gulf Coast Diplomacy Council in celebrating citizen diplomacy at our annual Mint Jubilee celebration 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave.

5 LESBIANS EATING QUICHE Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, Fridays May 3 and 10, Saturdays, May 4 and 11, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, May 5 and 12. Tickets are $18-$25 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: 'THE SLEEPING BEAUTY' Ballet performance featuring the music of Tchaikovsky. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE Pensacola professional improv troupe performs 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

UWF COMMENCEMENT UWF Commencement is Saturday, May 4 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Undergraduate students of Hal Marcus Science and Engineering and Usha Kundo College of Health at 9:30 a.m., College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, College of Business, and School of Education are at 1:30 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., are graduate schools.

BODACIOUS BIBLIOPHILES BOOK CLUB

The book club will discuss Holly Gramazio's "Husbands" 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 E. Intendencia St. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

EAST HILL MAKERS MARKET Outdoor market, food trucks, photo booth, kid's activities and more are 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave.

COMEDY SHOW FEATURING HILLIARY

BEGLEY AND PETEY SMITH MCDOWELL

Stand-up comedy show is 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at 201 E. Wright St. Tickets are available at club27comedy.com.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN'S CHORUS: SHOWTIME Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

NIGHT ON THE TRACKS The next Night on the Tracks is 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11. The multivenue event will include an art show at 309, live music at End of The Line, an art market, magician and more. Details are available at facebook. com/309punkproject.

PENSACOLA BEACH ART & WINE FESTIVAL Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the 15th Annual Art & Wine Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 11 on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Tickets are $40 and available through Eventbrite. More information is at pensacolabeachchamber.com/art-wine-festival.

PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.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. Come to Deluna Flowers for your Mother’s Day Floral needs

3516 W. Navy Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32507 (The former Sleepy Hollow Florist ... Just inside the city limits)

Phone: 850-466-5315

Email: delunaflowerspensacola@gmail.com www.delunaflowers.com

Spanish Love Songs / Photo by Hannah Hall

a&e happenings

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.

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 are 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 happens 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 related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

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.

SYNTHESIS BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS EXHIBITION Exit show for UWF Department of Art and Design is on display through May 10 at The Art Gallery, 11000 University Parkway in Building 82.

PHOTO SHOPPE: A PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION Quayside Gallery exhibition featuring work from seven different artists is on view through May 12 at Quayside, 17 E. Zaragoza St.

THE FLUIDITY OF PERCEPTION Enjoy an exhibit from Chris Gustin and Nancy Train Smith in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society. The show is on view through May 17 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.

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

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS Featuring Herradura Tequila. Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (850) 287-0200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.

BIERSTACHELN "BEER SPIKING" AT ODD

COLONY Join Odd Colony for the 400-yearold German tradition of beer spiking, transforming the beer into a creamier, heavier and smoother experience. Event is 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 3 at 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.

MAY THE FOURTH FOOD TRUCK &

COSPLAY Some of the area's favorite local food trucks will team up with Pensacola Harley-Davidson and Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to raise funds starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4 at 6385 Pensacola Blvd.

STAR WARS DAY AT ODD COLONY Beer release, costume contest, cantina band and more is 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU AT

PERFECT PLAIN Celebrate Star Wars day, Saturday, May 4 with themed décor and drinks, Star Wars trivia 2-4 p.m., Galactic Rave from 8-11 p.m. and Cantina Band Try Outs 9 p.m.-midnight at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

COASTAL COUNTY BREWING CINCO DE

MAYO Margarita-inspired brews, ciders, sours and Tex Mex cuisine from Lonestar Kitchens 2 Go, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road.

CINCO DE MAYO WITH PERFECT PLAIN

El Camino Tacos, margarita crawl, live music and more starting at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 5 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco.

SUSHI MAKING WITH CHEF SUMMER

Bodacious cooking class is 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $65. Register on Eventbrite or through the link at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

MOTHER'S DAY SIP AND SHOP MARKET

Night market is 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco.

a&e happenings

CRAWFISH BOIL AT GARY'S BREWERY

Cub's Crawfish will be at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Details are at facebook.com/garysbrew.

VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five wines and meet with fellow wine enthusiasts and novices alike 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Details are at vpauls.com.

COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER This month's theme is Flavors of Springtime. Classes are 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Cost is $55 a person. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing jessica@goodgrits.com or calling (850) 686-3149.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join Green

Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15, which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN

Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials

and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE Sunday Brunch at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

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

75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

BAR BINGO Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings on the third Friday of the month. Enjoy $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted

but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit

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

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

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

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Upcoming shows: May 7 is Don Moors & Then Some. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happeningbands-on-beach.

ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS St. Christopher's Episcopal Church invites you to a free outdoor concert on the church lawn 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through May 23. Bring your own lawn chairs, snacks/dinner and beverages. Concessions are available. May 2 is Mirage. May 9 is The Blenders. May 16 is NOBIUS. May 23 is The Lads. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church is located at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Visit scpen.org for details.

NORTH BY NORTH, OUTLOOK BLEACK, JUMPING THE GUN, WHITE PHOSPHORUS Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.

a&e happenings

COWBOY PARK: PENSACOLA SYMPHONY BENEFIT CONCERT Show is 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.

THUNDERSTRUCK: AC/DC TRIBUTE BAND Show is 8 p.m. Friday, May 3 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

THE WILDER BLUE, THE NEW CAHOOTS, SNAKE AND THE RABBIT Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

SPANISH LOVE SONGS, OSO OSO, SYDNEY SPRAGUE, WORRY CLUB Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.

TRIBAL SEEDS Show is 8 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $30 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

ARTIKAL SOUND SYSTEM Show is 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 6 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $16-$18 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

BLUES ON THE BAY Still Standing, an Elton John Tribute band will play Blues on the Bay 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Community Maritime Park, 351 Cedar St. Details are at facebook.com/bluesonthebaypensacola.

GATECREEPER, CREEPING DEATH Show

is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ

Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2

•Blue Levee 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 3

•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 4

•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 5

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 9

DIRTY HONEY Show is 8 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $29.50 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

CLUTCH Show is 7:30 p.n. Sunday, May 12 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $35 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. May 5 is The Flavors and May 12 is Stormfolk. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY

Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern. com for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia at 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S

Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

BLUE WAHOOS GAMES Take in a baseball game at the Blue Wahoos stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. For single, group or VIP tickets, visit bluewahoos.com.

Upcoming home games:

•6:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 7

•11:05 a.m. Wednesday, May 8

•6:05 p.m. Thursday, May 9

•6:05 p.m. Friday, May 10

•6:05 p.m. Saturday, May 11

•4:05 p.m. Sunday, May 12

DOG DAYS Join Wolfgang 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Splash City Adventures, 6709 Pensacola Blvd. Visit facebook.com/ wolfgangparkandbrews for details.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook. com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

BIKE NIGHT Join Bike Pensacola and Emerald Republic Brewing Co. for some social time among fellow cycling folks. Bike Pensacola will lead a 30-minute Slow Ride and then return to Emerald Republic for some brews, food and fun. Event is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St. More details are at facebook.com/bikepensacola.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF MAY 2

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): The world's record for jumping rope in 6 inches of mud is held by an Aries. Are you surprised? I'm not. So is the world's record for consecutive wallops administered to a plastic inflatable punching doll. Other top accomplishments performed by Aries people: longest distance walking on one's hands, number of curse words uttered in two minutes and most push-ups with three bulldogs sitting on one's back. As impressive as these feats are, I hope you will channel your drive for excellence in more constructive directions during the coming weeks. Astrologically speaking, you are primed to be a star wherever you focus your ambition on highminded goals. Be as intense as you want to be while having maximum fun giving your best gifts.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): I don't casually invoke the terms "marvels," "splendors" and "miracles." Although I am a mystic, I also place a high value on rational thinking and skeptical proof. If someone tells me a marvel, splendor or miracle has occurred, I will thoroughly analyze the evidence. Having said that, though, I want you to know that during the coming weeks, marvels, splendors and miracles are far more likely than usual to occur in your vicinity—even more so if you have faith they will. I will make a similar prediction about magnificence, sublimity and resplendence. They are headed your way. Are you ready for blessed excess? For best results, welcome them all generously and share them lavishly.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you enjoy a celebratory purge sometime soon. You could call it a cleansing jubilee, gleeful festival of purification or a jamboree of cathartic healing. This would be a fun holiday that lasted for at least a day and maybe as long as two weeks. During this liberating revel, you would discard anything associated with histories you want to stop repeating. You'd get rid of garbage and excess. You may even thrive by jettisoning perfectly good stuff you no longer have any use for.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Graduation day will soon arrive. Congrats, Cancerian! You have mostly excelled in navigating through a labyrinthine system that once upon a time

By Rob Brezsny

discombobulated you. With panache and skill, you have wrangled chaos into submission and gathered a useful set of resources. So are you ready to welcome your big rewards? Prepared to collect your graduation presents? I hope so. Don't allow lingering fears of success to cheat you out of your well-deserved harvest. Don't let shyness prevent you from beaming like a champion in the winner's circle. P.S.I encourage you to meditate on the likelihood your new bounty will transform your life almost as much as did your struggle to earn it.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Hidden agendas and simmering secrets will soon leak into view. Intimate mysteries will become even more intimate and more mysterious. Questions that have been half-suppressed will become pressing and productive. Can you handle this much intrigue, Libra? Are you willing to wander through the amazing maze of emotional teases to gather clues about the provocative riddles? I think you will have the poise and grace to do these things. If I'm right, you can expect deep revelations to appear and long-lost connections to reemerge. Intriguing new connections are also possible. Be on high alert for subtle revelations and nuanced intuitions.

have made a master list of the fun and games that enhance your intelligence and drive you half-wild with joy, devise a master plan to ensure you will experience them as much as you need to—not just in the coming weeks, but forever. As you do, experiment with this theory: By stimulating delight and glee, you boost your physical, emotional and spiritual health.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Ritualist and author Sobonfu Somé was born in Burkina Faso but spent many years teaching around the world. According to her philosophy, we should periodically ask ourselves two questions: 1. "What masks have been imposed on us by our culture and loved ones?" 2. "What masks have we chosen for ourselves to wear?" According to my astrological projections, the coming months will be an excellent time for you to ruminate on these inquiries—and take action in response. Are you willing to remove your disguises to reveal the hidden or unappreciated beauty that lies beneath? Can you visualize how your life may change if you will intensify your devotion to expressing your deepest, most authentic self?

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): If human culture were organized according to my principles, there would be more than eight billion religions—one for every person alive. Eight billion altars. Eight billion saviors. If anyone wanted to enlist priestesses, gurus and other spiritual intermediaries to help them out in their worship, they would be encouraged. And we would all borrow beliefs and rituals from each other. There would be an extensive trade of clues and tricks about the art of achieving ecstatic union with the great mystery. I bring this up, Virgo, because the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to craft your own personalized and idiosyncratic religious path.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): It's fun and easy to love people for their magnificent qualities and the pleasure you feel when they're nice to you. What's more challenging is to love the way they disappoint you. Now pause a moment and make sure you register what I just said. I didn't assert that you should love them even if they disappoint you. Rather, I invited you to love them because they disappoint you. In other words, use your disappointment to expand your understanding of who they really are, and thereby develop a more inclusive and realistic love for them. Regard your disappointment as an opportunity to deepen your compassion— and as a motivation to become wiser and more patient. P.S. In general, now is a time when socalled "negative" feelings can lead to creative breakthroughs and a deepening of love.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I assure you, you don't need "allies" who encourage you to indulge in delusions or excesses. Nor do I recommend you seek counsel from people who think you're perfect. But you could benefit from colleagues who offer you judicious feedback. Do you know any respectful and perceptive observers who can provide advice about possible course corrections you could make? If not, I will fill the role as best as I can. Here's one suggestion: Consider phasing out a mild pleasure and a small goal so you can better pursue an extra fine pleasure and a major goal.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): I invite you to take an inventory of what gives you pleasure, bliss and rapture. It's an excellent time to identify the thrills you love most. When you

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquarian author Lewis Carroll said, "You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic." In my astrological opinion, this won't be an operative theme for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. I suspect you will be inclined to believe fervently in magic, which will ensure you attract and create a magical solution to at least one of your problems—and probably more.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Which would you prefer in the coming weeks: lots of itches, prickles, twitches and stings? Or, instead, lots of tingles, quivers, shimmers and soothings? To ensure the latter types of experiences predominate, all you need to do is cultivate moods of surrender, relaxation, welcome and forgiveness. You will be plagued with the aggravating sensations only if you resist, hinder, impede and engage in combat. Your assignment is to explore new frontiers of elegant and graceful receptivity.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Tell yourself the truth about something you have not been fully honest about. {in}

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

news of the weird

BOOM! Talk about explosive developments! In Holladay, Utah, authorities were summoned to a home on April 23 to advise a homeowner on how to dispose of "a lot" of explosives, including "ancient dynamite" that had been in the family for "generations and generations." Capt. Tony Barker of the Unified Fire Authority said the collectors did not appear to have malicious intent. KUTV reported that multiple agencies descended on the home, where it was determined that they would have to conduct a controlled explosion. "The house will be uninhabitable at the end of this event," Barker said. The homeowner was allowed to remove some possessions before the detonation. The neighborhood was evacuated, and the detonation took place after midnight on April 24, causing damage to some neighboring properties, including blown-out windows and minor fire damage. The former homeowner told police that her husband, who had recently died, had inherited the explosives from his father more than 40 years ago. The dynamite was estimated to be 60 to 80 years old.

AWESOME! Mount Erebus, on Ross Island in Antarctica, is one of three volcanoes on the island, United Press International reported. Erebus is quite active, emitting plumes of gas and steam along with partially molten boulders. Scientists are particularly intrigued, though, with the sprays of tiny crystals of metallic gold— around 80 grams per day, worth about $6,000. Traces of the gold dust have been found 621 miles away from the volcano.

UNCLEAR ON

THE CONCEPT

A Scottish woman, Moira Gallacher, 72, and her friend, Charmian Widdowson, were touring Romania in April, enjoying a drive through the Carpathian Mountains, People reported. They happened upon two brown bears and stopped the car to get a picture with them. Then Widdowson turned the car around and pulled up to the bear for another photo op. "I went down the window; I thought he wanted to be friends," Widdowson told STV News. "He started getting into the car and bit my friend." She said she thought the bear approached because he heard the women talking about getting something to

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

eat. "I think he ... decided he had to eat my friend." Gallacher was wearing a thick jacket with two layers underneath; although the bear clamped down on her hand with its jaws, she escaped with minor wounds. "I've been very, very lucky," she said.

INEXPLICABLE Parisians woke to an odd development on April 25: The red blades of the Moulin Rouge windmill, mounted on the tourist attraction's roof, had fallen off and were lying on the sidewalk below, Sky News reported. The first three letters of the club's name in its sign had also tumbled to the ground. General manager JeanVictor Clerico said that, fortunately, "the boulevard was empty of passers-by" when the objects fell. He said insurers would investigate the cause of the damage.

•The Pink Sponge Home Cleaning service in Glendora, California, was the site of some dirty shenanigans on April 20, KTLA-TV reported. Vandals broke into the parking lot and damaged the business's iconic pink VW Bugs, kicking in headlights and carving gang symbols into the hoods. Surveillance cameras also caught them standing on cars, blasting fire extinguishers and twerking. Pink Sponge's Jennifer Ahlgrim said the teenagers caused more than $25,000 in damage. "To see our hard work vandalized was just completely disheartening," Ahlgrim said. "Our Pink Sponge team is strong, but it's been very sad."

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Twenty inmates of a prison in Maracaibo, Venezuela, didn't get far after tunneling out of their cells on April 17, Metro News reported. Waiting at the outside wall of the tunnel were a group of police officers who had been doing a training exercise. They had to help the prisoners out of the tight space before returning them inside; the police commissioner said they are investigating the breakout with the goal of preventing similar situations in the future. {in}