Inweekly May 7 2026 Issue

REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING

RECURRING EVENTS WORTH GETTING IN A ROUTINE FOR

Strengthening Maternal & Infant

Wellness Through Community

Join CivicCon for a presentation on how maternal health shapes early brain development and lifelong outcomes.

In Strengthening Maternal and Infant Wellness Through Community, Dr. Catherine Limperopoulos and Dr. Nickie Andescavage of Children’s National Hospital will explore how stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy can impact infant development, and how communities can better support maternal mental health.

Drawing on expertise in fetal and neonatal neuroscience, the speakers will share research and practical strategies to improve outcomes for children and families.

Monday, May 11 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

About the Speakers

Dr. Catherine Limperopoulos is an internationally recognized neuroscientist specializing in fetal and neonatal brain development.

Dr. Nickie Andescavage is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist focused on high-risk pregnancy and fetal imaging.

winners & losers winners losers

LIFEVIEW GROUP The nonprofit has been named a 4 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards, recognizing its commitment to recruiting, hiring and supporting veterans and military-connected workers. More than 170 veterans work across LifeView Group's affiliate sites nationwide. The organization's three affiliates—Global Connections to Employment, FamiliesFirst Network and Lakeview Center— extend that support to veterans and their families through employment services, behavioral healthcare and case management. LifeView Group is also a Department of Defense SkillBridge provider and holds a 2026 Military Friendly Employer designation.

BOB KIMBALL Last month, faculty and staff at the University of West Florida's Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business gathered to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Bob Kimball, who concluded a 39-year career marked by exceptional contributions in teaching, scholarship and service. A fourtime recipient of UWF's Distinguished Teaching Award and two-time Golden Apple Award honoree, Kimball shaped thousands of marketing and sales professionals while authoring five books and 15 refereed journal articles. He advised the UWF Marketing Association and served as faculty advisor to Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity for 26 years. Kimball joined UWF in 1987 following a career with The Coca-Cola Company. Dean Emeritus Ed Ranelli said, "I can't think of anyone who has had more of an impact on the College of Business students than Bob Kimball. He's a legend."

WARREN AVERETT Forbes recognized 14 Warren Averett CPAs in its 2026 America's BestIn-State CPAs. The recognition includes eight CPAs based in Alabama, four in Florida and two in Georgia. Warren Averett had more CPAs from Alabama than any other firm on the list. Each year, Forbes identifies outstanding CPAs across the country who demonstrate excellence in areas such as technical expertise, innovation, thought leadership, experience and service to the profession and their communities. Warren Averett CPAs, advisors and business professionals provide services that expand beyond traditional tax and accounting, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and innovative solutions.

U.S. SUPREME COURT The U.S. Supreme Court last week struck down Louisiana's majority-Black congressional district, with the conservative majority signaling that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has accomplished its mission and need not be applied as aggressively as in the past. The 6-3 ruling did not overturn the civil rights law but held that Louisiana improperly used race in drawing the district. Conservative justices argued that since Jim Crow-era discrimination has been eliminated, race-conscious remedies are no longer justified. Liberal justices dissented, arguing the law works as intended. Analysts warn that the decision could trigger a wave of mid-decade redistricting battles, further reducing the number of competitive congressional seats and deepening partisanship heading into future election cycles. Florida lawmakers passed new congressional districts that favor Republicans after the ruling.

ROGER SCOTT POOL CLOSURE Pensacola's Roger Scott Pool will remain closed for the entire 2026 summer season while the city constructs a long-overdue restroom facility. Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the closure at his April 20 press conference, confirming a $670,000 contract for the project. The pool's restroom building was condemned by city inspectors in 2021 following Hurricane Sally damage. A portable toilet served as the temporary solution for five years while the city cycled through multiple designs and cost estimates—ranging from $1.2 million down to the current contract price. Reeves touted $325,000 in savings from the 2024 proposal, calling the expenditure a prudent use of taxpayer funds despite the season-long closure. He didn't mention the monies wasted on design plans that weren't used.

BUDGET TURKEYS Florida's upcoming budget negotiations will include member projects, but Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, says the total will be significantly lower than in recent years. Hooper estimates allocating roughly $200 million for member projects—down sharply from $560 million in the current fiscal year and well below the $1.3 billion peak in 2024. He cited a projected state revenue shortfall as the driver, saying Florida needs to return to pre-COVID spending levels.

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

2011 VS. 2026

In October 2011, the Pensacola News Journal aggressively investigated reports that County Commissioner Wilson Robertson tampered with the hiring process for the Escambia County Equestrian Center's marketing director and then secured his preferred candidate a higher salary than was originally advertised.

Robertson issued a press release defending what the PNJ editorial board called "indefensible." He said he got involved because the facility was in his district and losing money. He also defended allowing two applicants to list him as a reference, noting that many people knew him after 50 years of working and living in Escambia County.

He told the PNJ that "in all honesty" he believed Forrest Gibbs was "the most obviously qualified candidate" for the job. The daily newspaper pointed out that Gibbs had only a high school education, almost no marketing experience and a career mostly in road paving and heavy equipment sales.

In an editorial, the PNJ wrote that Robertson owed "a sincere apology to taxpayers for engaging in one of the most egregious cases of insider influence peddling exposed at the county in many years."

The editorial board continued, "One way he could do that is by resigning. But that's his decision to make."

PNJ reporter Jamie Page wrote that County Attorney Alison Rogers urged commissioners to stay out of county personnel and hiring matters because such behavior has the potential to trigger ethics charges. He also wrote that state law bans public officials from using their positions "to secure a special privilege, benefit or exemption" for others.

County Commissioner Grover Robinson stepped up and said Gibbs's hiring was inappropriate and should be reversed.

The issue came to a head on Oct. 20, 2011.

Commissioner Robertson moved that job applicants may not list a commissioner as a reference. His motion also created a recruitment selection blackout period during which "no Commissioner or Aide can contact Human Resources or the Selection Committee about the recruitment, hiring process or salary until an offer has been accepted."

Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion, and it carried 4-0, with Commissioner Valen-

tino absent. County Administrator Randy Oliver removed Gibbs, and the county decided to re-advertise the position.

The state attorney's office and the Florida Commission on Ethics later determined that Robertson broke no laws. However, the new policies stayed in effect.

FAST FORWARD

The 2011 incident has several similarities to present-day County Administrator Wes Moreno's selection of Christal Bell-Rivera over the West Florida Library Board of Governance's top choice, Bradley Vinson.

Text messages obtained by Inweekly revealed that Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger's aide, Melanie Luna, twice violated the recruitment selection blackout period ban by attending the Library Board's meetings and interviews and having contact with HR Director Nikki Powell.

Powell also violated the policy by visiting Luna and telling the aide that Bradley Vinson "has ZERO managerial experience."

Hofberger mentioned Vinson having no management experience in her text exchange with Pensacola City Councilmember Jennifer Brahier, which might be seen as a violation on Hofberger's part. The texts with Brahier were dated March 5, 2026, the day of the County Commission vote.

On local radio, Hofberger acknowledged that she and her office reviewed candidate resumes and contacted HR before the board's vote, but she defended it as due diligence.

"We talked to HR and absolutely we did," she said. "We talked to HR on the day of the vote. I think it would be irresponsible of a county commissioner to vote on something without asking for the background, just like I don't vote on infrastructure projects or anything else without studying up on it."

However, the 2011 motion had no such exemption.

Unfortunately, the PNJ no longer has an editorial page. It hasn't asked for Hofberger's resignation or the removal of Bell-Rivera. No other commissioner has called out Hofberger and her aide for tampering, yet.

We stand alone on this issue, but I remain hopeful the commissioners will restore faith in county hiring as they did 15 years ago. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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WATERFRONT MISSION ADDS DOG KENNEL

By Tom St. Myer

The Pensacola Waterfront Mission attracts anywhere from 150 to 160 clients each night, but dozens pass on possible shelter. Why? Loyalty to their best friend and companion— their dog.

Homeless individuals seated on the ground next to a dog are a common sight in Pensacola, especially near Waterfront. Many choose to brave the weather rather than stay the night in a shelter where their dog is not permitted.

"I hear people talk about [how] it's really sad that people are on the side of the road with their animals, but just think about those situations for a moment," Waterfront President and CEO Clay Romano said. "A lot of times, homeless individuals tend to be loners by nature and so these pets offer companionship that they don't otherwise have."

He continued, "They also offer up a bit of protection, almost like an alarm system. They're sleeping out in a tent, in the woods somewhere or an underpass. If someone tries to come around and cause them some kind of harm, that dog is an early warning device."

Waterfront is launching a new initiative to remove the dog barrier preventing potential clients from seeking refuge. The faith-based outreach organization announced plans to build a dedicated dog kennel at its Pensacola campus, allowing individuals experiencing homelessness to safely house their dogs

port services.

The facility will house up to 16 dogs, with eight indoor dog boxes and eight exterior dog runs. Lodging for the dogs will be available exclusively to individuals actively receiving services at Waterfront.

The project costs $160,000, and over 60% of the funding has already been secured. Waterfront will seek grants and community support to complete the work.

"I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be able to get this fully funded and launched very soon." Clay Romano

"We're identifying certain grants that could help us get [all] the way, but the community has really started to step up with their support," Romano said. "I don't see any reason why we wouldn't be able to get this fully funded and launched very soon."

Waterfront is contracting with a company experienced in building law enforcement K9 units. Escambia County Animal Shelter is partnering with Waterfront to ensure high standards of operation and cleanliness. Romano said the kennel run will be properly sanitized and cleaned on a daily basis. Escambia County Animal Shelter will train individuals in the Waterfront program and volunteers to operate the kennel.

VACCINATION AND SANITATION

Escambia County Animal Shelter already runs a training program for inmates who clean the kennels at its facility. Animal Welfare Director John Robinson said the training consists of proper sanitation and disease prevention techniques. The same training program will be applied to staff and volunteers at Waterfront.

"The biggest thing is to make sure you understand how to change a facility like that," Robinson said. "Animals are going to change fairly frequently, so you want to sanitize before every animal so you're not spreading illnesses."

Robinson said the dogs will be vaccinated before they enter the facility. There have been a few instances in the community with dogs running loose and biting people, he said, so a kennel at Waterfront will reduce the number of unvaccinated dogs running off and potentially harming someone.

The kennel will be located at the rear of the Waterfront campus in a controlled environment with structured daily care. Romano said there will be opportunities for clients to gain job skills and for volunteers to lend their services.

"This has just been a need for a number of years, especially in the Gulf Coast area," he added.

Nationally, 25% of the homeless population have a companion animal and the vast majority avoid shelters where pets are not allowed. Romano said the statistics for the Pensacola and Mobile areas are similar to the national averages.

REMOVING BARRIERS

The kennel is the latest effort by Waterfront to remove barriers for homeless individuals to find shelter. In 2024, Waterfront established "Hope for Her" and the Aruka Respite Center.

Hope for Her is a program offering shelter and support to women. Women account for about 29% of the homeless population, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Romano said on some nights, the number of women staying at Waterfront is more than one-third of the total clients.

The Aruka Respite Center provides hospitals with a solution for their homeless patients—a safe and comforting place to recover. The Pensacola facility contains 10 medical beds for men and seven for women. The Mobile facility contains 10 beds for men. A case manager oversees the patients and the center provides counseling and 24/7 security. Baptist Health Care donated funds to establish the center.

Romano said the center is a traditional step-down unit for individuals experiencing homelessness who are ready to be discharged from the healthcare system.

"Our respite dorm actually gives them an opportunity to get back on their feet 100%." Romano

"They're healthy enough to be discharged, but they're still not quite healthy enough to get healthy on the streets, in the woods, under an underpass, wherever," he said. "Our respite dorm actually gives them an opportunity to get back on their feet 100%. And then while we're taking care of them or helping take care of them, we're able to identify what the next steps need to be for that person to truly make a positive change."

Founded in 1949, Waterfront serves thousands of clients each year. In 2025 alone, the organization served 4,129 people, providing 210,590 meals and 84,588 nights of shelter. Dozens of people camp outside the Waterfront campus. Romano said they feel a sense of security being in its vicinity. He is confident the dog kennel will attract some of those individuals who refuse to leave their companion behind.

"One of the things people don't realize is that the homeless are somewhat nomadic at times, meaning they go where the resources are, they go where the the wind takes them," Romano said. "We do have a lot of individuals that like to stay close to us here in Pensacola, and so they camp out on the sidewalks in front of our Mission. Sooner or later, they do make the decision to come in, get some resources, and maybe make a positive change for their life."

To donate to the Waterfront Mission dog kennel project, visit waterfrontmission.org. {in}

Photo Courtesy of Waterfront Rescue Mission

Keith Hill, president and CEO, said the rebrand better communicates the firm's approach to engineering work.

"Engineering is more than technical design," Hill said. "It's about listening to clients, understanding their goals and delivering thoughtful solutions that make communities stronger."

Hill also drew a distinction between Donovan-Hill Group and larger national competitors, saying the firm has intentionally remained focused on close client partnerships, which keeps the company responsive and accountable on every project.

The firm's roots run deep in the Pensacola region. Fred Donovan Sr. joined the original firm in 1964 and spent six decades helping shape the Gulf Coast's infrastructure—including the Pace Water System, the push to build the Pensacola Civic Center, and post-Hurricane Ivan funding for the relocation of the Main Street Sewage Treatment Plant.

The new Donovan-Hill Group brand will roll out across the company's website, marketing materials, and communications in the coming months.

LIBRARY SHENANIGANS Text messages obtained by Inweekly revealed how Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger and her aide Melanie Luna mocked the Library Board of Governor's top pick for director while helping deliver the job to their preferred candidate.

tween Hofberger and Pensacola City Councilmember Jennifer Brahier. The records were released after Inweekly demanded their production or a written explanation why the texts were exempt.

The county's governmental liaison, Elizabeth Kissel, explained the omission: "When Commissioner Hofberger's texts got sent to us, they would not load, so they ended up inadvertently being missed."

In her exchange with Brahier, Hofberger flatly denied working to get Bell-Rivera the job. She wrote, "Prior to this whole situation, I didn't even know the Director of Library Services was a position in the county. Melanie has attended several of the meetings. And I do support Crystal [sic], but no one's manipulating anything."

Hofberger repeated what Powell told Luna. "The candidate that the board nominated has no management experience. There's no way I would put her over an entire library system."

A frustrated Brahier texted, "My goodness, the title of manager for the school district is called coordinator—all the professionals know this! Your pick has much less experience in management and NO librarian experience. I am in shock!"

Also, in the text exchange, Hofberger made known her disdain for Commissioner Kohler. She would vote for Vinson under one condition—if Ronnie Rivera, husband of Bell-Rivera, would run against Kohler.

"a level of energy, sophistication and global relevance to Pensacola that will resonate far beyond the Gulf Coast."

NONPROFITS PUSH

BACK Two Escambia County nonprofits filed suit Friday against Clerk of Court Pam Childers, asking a circuit court judge to compel her to release $7,000 in county funds.

The Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, doing business as First Tee Gulf Coast, and the Warrington Emergency Aid Center filed the complaint on April 24 in the Circuit Court of the First Judicial Circuit. Attorney Alex Andrade of Moore, Hill & Westmoreland represents both organizations.

Childers blocked a $4,500 appropriation for First Tee's youth golf programs and denied a $2,500 reimbursement to the Warrington Emergency Aid Center (WEAC) for documented food pantry expenses the Commission approved in October 2025. In a March 9 email to Commissioner Mike Kohler, Childers wrote that this type of "generous giving comes voluntarily from the people of Escambia County and not from our government deciding to gift or donate tax revenues unconnected with County programs."

braries since 2004.

County Administrator Wes Moreno went with Hofberger and Luna's choice, Bell-Rivera, who had been interim director since August 2026 and had only worked in the library system since 2022.

Despite public protests, the Board of County Commissioners approved Bell-Rivera on March 5 by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Mike Kohler being the sole negative vote.

The text messages received by Inweekly showed how little Hofberger and Luna cared about the views of the Library Board or the public, how Luna kept tabs on Bell-Rivera's selection with Moreno and HR Director Nikki Powell and how they all freely mocked Vinson.

Luna texted Hofberger: "I talked with Wes, and he is firm in his decision. He also told me Bradley took OFF her shoes during the interview [greenfaced sick emoji] and bombed it completely. So there's that."

Hofberger replied, "Shoeless librarian … I can see the memes." Luna reacted to it with "Ha Ha."

Powell apparently joined in. Luna texted Hofberger: "Nikki came by and said Bradley has ZERO managerial experience."

Luna followed up, "I am sending & printing a packet for you with their resumes."

Hofberger replied, "Thank you! This is ridiculous." Luna agreed, "Truly ridiculous!"

Missing from the public records sent to Inweekly on April 27 was a lengthy exchange be-

"I've also heard the rumor that if we don't vote for Crystal [sic] that Ronnie's gonna run against Mike Kohler," Hofberger texted. "I'll be 100% honest, if that's all it took to get [Ronnie] to run, I would do that."

For more on the messages, visit ricksblog.biz.

ROOFTOP DINING Michelin-starred chef Akira Back will open a rooftop restaurant atop the Reverb by Hard Rock Pensacola at Maritime Park. The restaurant is slated to open in 2029 alongside the hotel.

Back, a Seoul native and former professional snowboarder turned internationally celebrated chef, operates 28 restaurants in cities including Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore and Toronto. He plans to expand to 38 locations within two years, with Pensacola, Rome, Taipei and Manila among the additions.

The rooftop restaurant will offer panoramic views of Blue Wahoos Stadium and Pensacola Bay. The menu will feature Back's signature Japanese-Korean cuisine. The restaurant anchors the hospitality component of Maritime Park, a mixeduse waterfront development co-owned by The Dawson Company and Corporate Contractors Inc. The project includes a 21,000-square-foot public plaza, residential units and the Reverb by Hard Rock hotel.

Tamara Bowens, president and COO of The Dawson Company, called the development "the culmination of a vision to create a destination that captures the energy, creativity and future of Pensacola."

Hard Rock International SVP of Hotel Operations John Rees said the partnership would bring

The lawsuit seeks a writ of mandamus compelling Childers to issue both payments, declaratory relief clarifying the limits of her authority under Florida Statute 129.09 and her personal reimbursement of prior discretionary fund payments she has since characterized as unlawful.

Andrade's complaint rests on a foundation of Florida case law holding that the clerk of court, when acting as county comptroller, performs a ministerial function—not a discretionary one. Under Florida Statute 129.09, a clerk may refuse to sign a warrant only when a payment exceeds the amount allowed by law, constitutes an illegal charge or is not authorized by law or ordinance. Andrade argues none of those conditions apply to either payment.

The lawsuit's sharpest edge is a liability theory turned on Childers' own legal position. The same statute she cites to justify denying the payments also imposes strict civil liability on any clerk who signs warrants for unlawful expenditures. If the First Tee and WEAC payments are unlawful, as Childers contends, then materially identical payments she authorized in prior years are equally unlawful, and she is personally liable to the county for each one.

Childers laid out her constitutional theory in an April 4 Pensacola News Journal op-ed, arguing that county tax dollars must be spent for county purposes under the Florida Supreme Court's 1971 ruling in Dickinson v. Stone, and that commissioners' discretionary funds have functioned as individual slush funds financing private rather than governmental ends.

PUT ON NOTICE Mayor D.C. Reeves has sent formal letters to subcontractors working on behalf of AT&T and T-Mobile, demanding they stop causing recurring damage to city infrastructure and private property during fiber-optic cable installations in Pensacola neighborhoods.

Fred Donovan Jr. and Keith Hill / Photo Courtesy of Donovan-Hill Group

Reeves announced the action at an April 28 press conference and released the letter publicly. The letter, titled "Concerns and Expectations for Work Performed in the City Right-of-Way," documents a pattern of damage the city has recorded and sets binding expectations for how the companies must operate going forward.

According to the letter, contractors have repeatedly cut or popped irrigation lines, destroyed sod and landscaping, damaged communication lines, disrupted water and sewer facilities and affected gas lines during installation work. The city also cited the contractors' failure to repair damage within a reasonable timeframe and what the letter described as a "persistent disregard for the inconvenience caused to residents and neighborhoods."

Reeves said residents have been contacting his office directly—sometimes on weekends—to report backed-up sewer lines and yard damage, expecting the city to resolve problems the contractors created.

"We are not their customer service department," Reeves said. "We expect good customer service for our city residents."

The mayor's letter demands that AT&T and TMobile require greater utility coordination before any digging begins, including subsurface utility exploration, ground-penetrating radar and in-field reviews with utility and property owners.

Reeves acknowledged that fiber-optic contractors hold a legal right to work in the public right-of-way but said that permission has limits.

"They have a legal right in the right-of-way," he said, "but we aren't going to sit idly by and say that isn't our purview."

DIRECT DIALOGUE NEEDED

The Escambia County Tourist Development Council is pressing for better communication with County Clerk Pam Childers after tourism-funded agencies reported ongoing problems getting reimbursed for approved expenditures, sometimes waiting months while receiving checks that don't match what they submitted.

At the council's April meeting, TDC member David Bear said agencies funded through tourist development tax dollars have been forced to open lines of credit to cover operating costs while awaiting payment.

"They're working on behalf of the county, and they can't seem to get reimbursed," Bear told the council. "So now they have what I'm going to call a tax, which is an interest rate on top of a line of credit to be able to operate."

Bear said the problem is not just the delays but the lack of explanation accompanying them. Reimbursement requests are being returned or reduced with little or no communication about what documentation is missing or why specific expenditures are being questioned—even when those expenditures fall within contracts already approved by the county commission.

Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, who sits on the TDC, said her office has been working with both the Clerk's office and Visit Pensacola to ad-

dress the bottlenecks. She said many of the rejections stem from incomplete documentation on a required checklist and from questions about subcontractor paperwork in which a different entity's name appears on a contract. The Clerk's office has also begun requesting deliverables attached to approved contracts as additional documentation.

Hofberger said recent submissions have been moving more smoothly and agreed to request a copy of the Clerk's documentation checklist for distribution to all submitting agencies.

Bear acknowledged the progress but pressed for continued improvement, noting that years ago the Clerk's office would send a representative to TDC meetings to answer questions directly. Hofberger said she would prefer not to serve as a go-between.

TDC Chair Jason Nicholson said he would contact Childers directly to gauge her willingness to attend future meetings or send dedicated staff. Hofberger noted the Clerk's office has at least one staff member assigned specifically to tourist development tax matters.

No formal action was taken. The checklist is expected to be distributed ahead of the council's next meeting.

ELECTRICITY CUT-OFFS

Florida utilities disconnected residential electricity service to more than 2.1 million customer accounts in 2024, the second-highest total in the nation and nearly double the national monthly disconnection rate, according to a landmark federal report released this month.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2024 Residential Utility Disconnections Report found that Florida electric utilities issued 12,045,492 final shutoff notices and completed 2,177,337 residential electricity disconnections due to bill nonpayment over the course of the year. Only Texas, which has a substantially larger population, recorded more disconnections.

Florida accounted for approximately 16% of all U.S. residential electricity disconnections while representing roughly 7.4% of the national customer base, a disproportionate share that reflects mounting affordability pressure on Florida households.

The state's monthly electricity disconnection rate ranged from 1.54% to 1.98% throughout the year, compared to a national average of 0.68% to 1.04%. Utilities sent final notices at a volume equivalent to roughly 10% of all residential accounts every single month.

Of the 2,177,337 electricity disconnections recorded, utilities completed 2,032,174 reconnections, leaving more than 145,000 accounts unrestored during the calendar year.

Nationally, residential electricity utilities sent 94.9 million final notices and carried out 13.4 million disconnections in 2024. The EIA collected the data through Form EIA-112, the Residential Utility Disconnections Survey, which achieved a weighted response rate of 94.8% among Florida electricity utilities.

The full report is available at eia.gov. {in}

us this Mother’s Day at the Royal Palm Ballroom at the Hilton Pensacola Beach from 9:30AM – 2PM. Activities include live music, 360 photo booth, and brunch including Omelet and Eggs Benedict Station, Breakfast Bar, Mom’s Station, and more! Every mom receives a complimentary single flower and glass of champagne or mimosa.

The wiring of a child’s brain is developed between birth and age 3. The stronger the connections in the brain, the more the brain will be able to learn — and the smarter that child will grow up to be.

Only

children in Escambia County are Kindergarten ready

SCI’s goal is to reach 100% of parents and caregivers, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to be an effective first teacher for their children. By age 3, 85% of the brain is developed

LIVE MUSIC/ FOOD/ GAMES

Light Up Learning is our annual fundraiser that directly fuels Building Brains. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps SCI grow this work—supporting families, preparing children for school, and strengthening our community for the long term.

Fly By Radio delivers unforgettable live music— high energy, great songs, and a show you won’t want to miss.

RECURRING EVENTS WORTH GETTING IN A ROUTINE FOR

B ANDS ON THE BEACH

Every Tuesday night through Oct. 27

visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach

Bands on the Beach Remaining 2026 Schedule

May 12 Cristi Dee and Bad Juju

May 19 Vibe Irie

May 26 Modern Eldorados

June 2 Cadillac Willy

June 9 12Eleven

June 16 Goldmine

June 23 Disco Kiss

June 30 Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs

July 7 Al Joslin Elvis Tribute

July 14 Owen Finley Electric String Band Club

July 21 On the Rox

July 28 Vinyl Revival

Aug. 4 The New Cahoots

Aug. 11 9th Avenue Brass Band

Aug. 18 Paperchase

Aug. 25 Mass Kunfuzion

Sept. 1 Not Quite Fab

Sept. 8 Pistol Pearl & The Wester Band

Sept. 15 Count the Years

Sept. 22 Knee Deep Band

Sept. 29 Float Like a Buffalo

Oct. 6 The Astronauts

Oct. 13 SheAndThelts

Oct. 20 The Oliver's Twist Band

Oct. 27 Horseshoe Kitty

GALLERY NIGHT

T hird Friday of each month gallerynightpensacola.org

Sept. 11 "Hoppers" Oct. 23 "Toy Story 5"

BANDS ON THE BAYOU

Gallery Night Remaining 2026 Dates and Themes

May 15 Festa Italiana

June 19 Journey to Juneteenth

July 17 Future Makers: A Family Gallery Night

Aug. 21 Rusty Knuckle Torque Club Car Show

Sept. 18 Viva Pensacola: Latino Festival

Oct. 16 Ghoul-ery Night

Nov. 20 Festival of Living Art

Dec. 18 Gallery Night's Home for the Holidays

CINEMAS IN THE SAND

S elect Friday nights through Oct. 23

visitpensacolabeach.com/cinemas-in-the-sand

S elect Friday nights through Oct. 2 myeasthill.org/botb

Bands on the Bayou Remaining 2026 Schedule

May 22 About To Sweat

July 31 Bay Kings Band

Oct. 2 Cowboy Park

BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER

Every Friday night through June 12 miltonfl.org/427/bands-on-the-blackwater

Cinemas in the Sand Remaining 2026 Schedule

May 15 "Zootopia 2"

Aug. 14 "Goat"

Bands on the Blackwater Remaining Spring 2026 Schedule

May 8 Bad Juju

May 15 Blackwater Calvary

May 22 Nick Black

May 29 Kacy Moon

June 5 Blues N Trouble

June 12 Flow Tribe {in}

Just like we have every year for the last 26 years, we're asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll.

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

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

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

community, media & culture

Best Nonprofit

Best Charity Event

Best Place to Work

Best Boss

Best Politician

Best Advocacy/Activist Group

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Annual Event

Best Food Event

Best Pet-Friendly Event

Best Sports Event

Best Parade

Best Regular/Reoccurring Event

Best Experience-Based Business

Best Free Thing To Do

Best Neighborhood

Best Public Park

Best Pet-Friendly Park

Best Playground

Best Youth Sports/Rec Program

Best Dance Studio

Best After-School Activity

Best Summer Camp

Best Place for a Birthday Party

Best TV Station

Best Radio Station

Best Radio Personality

Best Radio Show

Best Podcast

Best Website

Best Business or Person to Follow on Social Media

Best Way To Get Cultured

Best Art Gallery/Museum

Best Artist

Best Author/Writer

Best Photographer

Best Music Venue

Best Band/Musician

Best Concert/Concert Series

Best Theatre Production

Best Comedian

services

Best Hair Salon-Pensacola

Best Hair Salon-Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach

Best Hair Salon–Milton/Pace

Best Hair Stylist

Best Hair Colorist

Best Barber Shop

Best Barber

Best Day Spa

Best Massage

Best Massage Therapist

Best Pedicure

Best Manicure

Best Nail Artist

Best Hair Removal

Best Facial/Skin Care

Best Esthetician

Best Bank

Best Credit Union

Best Financial Advisor

Best Accounting Firm

Best Residential Real Estate Agency

Best Commercial Real Estate Agency

Best Real Estate Agent

Best Boutique Hotel

Best Apartment Complex

Best Architecture Firm

Best Law Firm

Best Attorney

Best Veterinary Clinic

Best Dog Groomer

Best Dog Training

Best Pet Boarding/Vacation Care

Best Construction Company

Best Landscaping

Best Interior Designer

Best Custom Picture Framing

Best Tattoo & Piercing Studio

Best Tattoo Artist

Best Special Event Space

Best Party Decor

Best Mobile Event Service/Experience

Best Caterer

Best Florist

Best Portrait/Family Photography

Best Photography Team/Company

Best Tailor/Alterations

Best Car Wash/Detailer

Best Auto Service Shop

Best Green Business

Best New Business

▶rules

•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.

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

•Ballots must be postmarked by Thursday, May 21, 2026.

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

▶required info

Name

Email

health & wellness

Best Gym

Best Personal Trainer

Best Boutique Fitness Studio

Best Fitness Classes

Best Fitness Instructor

Best Yoga

Best Yoga Instructor

Best Pilates

Best Bootcamp

Best Weight Loss Program

Best Running Club

Best Race

Best Hospital

Best General Care Physician

Best Chiropractor

Best Dentistry

Best Endodontics

Best Orthodontics

Best Pediatrician

Best Mental Health Professional

Best OB/GYN

Best Optometrist

Best Dermatologist

Best Plastic Surgery

Best Physical Therapy

Best Pharmacy

Best Walk-In Clinic

Best Cannabis Dispensary

Best Car Dealership

Best Bicycle Shop

Best Boutique

Best Apparel

Best Children's Apparel & Gifts

Best Accessories

Best Thrift Store

Best Athletic/Outdoor Store

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store

Best Antiques

Best Vintage Shop/Seller

Best Market/Shopping Event

Best Maker/Artisan

Best Palafox Market Vendor

Best Gift Shop

Best Bookstore

Best Comic Book Store

Best Toy/Collectable Store

Best New Store

Best Jeweler

Best Surf/Skate Shop

Best Nursery/Plants

Best Hardware Store

Best Computer/Tech Store

Best Record Store

Best Liquor Store

Best Wine Shop

Best Grocery Store

Best Place to Buy Produce

Best International/Specialty Food Shop

weddings

Best Place to Propose

Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring

Best Ceremony Venue

Best Reception Venue

Best Officiant

Best Bridal Store

Best Bridal Makeup Artist

Best Wedding Hair Salon

Best Wedding Hair Stylist

Best Wedding Planning

Best Wedding Photography

Best Photo Booth

Best Wedding Videography

Best Wedding Band

Best Wedding DJ

Best Wedding Caterer

Best Wedding Cake

Best Wedding Florist

Best Wedding Rentals

Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift

Best Place for a Rehearsal Dinner

Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay

restaurants

Best Restaurant Overall

Best Restaurant–Downtown

Best Restaurant–Cordova Area

Best Restaurant–East Hill

Best Restaurant–North Pensacola/ Nine Mile Road

Best Restaurant–West Pensacola/Perdido Key

Best Restaurant–East Pensacola Heights

Best Restaurant–Gulf Breeze

Best Restaurant–Pensacola Beach

Best Restaurant–Milton/Pace

Best New Restaurant

Best Bakery

Best Breakfast

Best Brunch

Best Lunch

Best Food Truck

Best Greek Cuisine

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Best Indian Cuisine

Best Vietnamese Cuisine

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine

Best Sushi

Best Gluten Free Options

Best Seafood

Best Steakhouse

Best BBQ

Best Soul Food

Best Original Menu

Best Chef

Best Up-and-Coming Chef

Best Wait Staff

Best Server

Best Coffee Shop

Best Barista

Best Outdoor Dining

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Best Takeout/To Go

Best Restaurant for a Date

Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner

Best Restaurant for Sports Fans

Best Late Night Eats

Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Gone-But-Not-Forgotten Restaurant

*List the specific menu item if applicable

B est Uniquely Pensacola Dish

Best Cup of Coffee

Best Espresso Drinks

Best Cold Brew

Best Specialty/Seasonal Latte

Best Iced Tea

Best Juices/Smoothies

Best Pizza

Best Steak

Best Burrito

Best Taco

Best Soup

Best Deli

Best Bread

Best Sandwich

Best Chicken Salad

Best Burger

Best Appetizers

Best Pastries

Best Breakfast Dish/Menu Item

Best Grits

Best Donuts

Best Fries

Best Fried Chicken

Best Wings

Best Oysters

Best Salads

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Dish

Best Desserts

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Gelato

Best Cakes/Cupcakes

Best Cookies

Best Lunch Specials

Best Weekly Special

Best Cooking Classes

Best Food Manufacturer

Best Beverage Manufacturer

Best Mobile Beverage Business bars, drinks & nightlife

Best Bar Overall

Best Night Club

Best Bar–Downtown

Best Bar–Cordova Area

Best Bar–North Pensacola/Nine Mile Road

Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key

Best Bar–Pensacola Beach

Best Bar–Milton/Pace

Best New Bar

Best Drink Specials

Best Day Drinking

Best Drink Menu

Best Daiquiris/Frozen Drinks

Best Bloody Mary

Best Mimosa

Best Martini

Best Wine Menu

Best Margarita

Best Signature Drink

Best NA Drink Options

Best Brewery

Best Selection of Beer on Tap

Best Bar Staff

Best Bartender

Best DJ

Best Drag Performer

Best Neighborhood Bar

Best Pet-Friendly Bar

Best Bar With a View

Best Bar Ambiance

Best Bar for Games

Best Trivia Night

Best Karaoke Night

Best Pub Crawl/Bar Event

Best Bar for Live Music

Best Bar Food

Arts & Entertainment

Maybe you've already bought your first pair of bird-watching binoculars, or you're a longtime member of a local bird organization. Perhaps you've attempted the "bird theory" relationship test that recently trended on social media, or maybe you've never been interested in birds.

Regardless, Nestival—an event all about birds—is for you, explained event organizer Mia McCann. The festival will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9 at Odd Colony Brewing Co. with activities anyone can appreciate: crafts, education, art for all ages, local vendors and a raffle drawing for prizes (some bird-related) like a BirdBuddy smart feeder, local artwork, gift baskets and gift cards.

"We'll have a puppet parade from Bread Box Theatre; Draw Together Drawing Club will be there, so they'll have art supplies for people who just want to sit down and draw and socialize," McCann said. "We're going to have a bird scavenger hunt throughout Odd Colony. It's a classic birding challenge where you try to spot as many species as possible."

Nestival admission is free, but raffle tickets and donations will go toward something bigger: a Motus tower.

"A Motus tower is a wild tracking tower, and it's a collaborative research network that uses tiny nano transmitters to track migratory birds, bats and even insects like monarch butterflies,"

McCann said. "The FM Weston Audubon Society this year raised enough money for one tower, but with a service area as active and large as ours—Northwest Florida actually is a migration corridor—we really need two towers to maximize the full impact. This is a global research initiative, so by doing this, we're making a huge contribution to the scientific community and informing decisions about conservation, planning and development."

The event was founded by Jenni Myers, an animal advocate, to make a difference for birds in our community.

"After learning about the decreasing bird population, I felt compelled to do something," Myers said. "World Migratory Bird Day seemed like the perfect time to raise awareness of ways

we can help. Nestival is about education and bringing people together to celebrate birds. The community response has been amazing."

They want to specifically raise awareness of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, McCann explained.

"It's been on the books since 1918; it's actually one of the oldest wildlife conservation laws in the country," McCann said. "It protects over 1,000 bird species and covers not just the birds themselves, but also their nests, eggs and feathers. I think what most people don't realize is how it affects everyday life."

"This is something that we should all be aware of, because if a tree in your yard has an active nest with eggs or chicks inside, it's very likely that it's federally protected and you can't legally remove that tree until the nest is no longer active," McCann continued. "So that doesn't mean zero interference; it just means you need to wait until those eggs have hatched and the chicks have left before you take their home. A lot of homeowners and contractors just don't seem to be aware of that."

Myers and the other Nestival organizers realized quickly that birds bring people together.

Many community members showed interest in helping; exhibitors include Wild Birds Unlimited of Pensacola, Canopy Restoration Project, Audubon FL Coastal Team, Sandspur Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Birds of a Feather Project and Ocean Hour. Vendors include Maria Hoch, Eniko Ujj Art, Maggie Snead, Draw Together and Pretty Baked.

"Once you start looking for birds, you can't stop looking for birds."

Mia McCann

McCann was excited to get involved alongside her design studio, too, she said.

"A lot of my designers are huge bird fans, coincidentally," McCann said. "Also, I love observing birds in my backyard. Once you start, it's really addicting. It's like real-life Pokémon or something. Once you start looking for birds, you can't stop looking for birds."

Marching orders for the first Nestival are simple: look up.

"Around this time of year is when we're seeing a lot of bird migration," McCann said. "A big thing about this event is we want to encourage people to look up and look around and pay attention to the birds they see, because they might not see them for the rest of the year, and they might see something really cool and interesting that they haven't noticed before."

The theme of this year's World Migratory Bird Day is "Every Bird Counts—Your Observations Matter!" McCann thinks that ties in perfectly with Nestival's mission.

"We've all seen on Fort Pickens the 'Slow your Speed' signs during nesting season, and that absolutely ties into Migratory Bird Day as well, because a lot of the species are migratory birds— like, piping plovers are actually migratory," McCann said. "The fact that Escambia and Santa Rosa have protected habitats for these birds is huge … We absolutely are planning to make this an annual thing." {in}

NESTIVAL: CELEBRATING MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

WHAT: A festival featuring crafts, activities, vendors, a scavenger hunt, education, raffles and more

WHEN: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9

WHERE: Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox St.

COST: Free admission, donations welcome

DETAILS: @nestivalpensacola

Nestival organizers Jenni Myers, Madison Murphy, Mia McCann and Amanda Post; Eniko Ujj and Emily Echevarria not pictured / Photo by Paul Myers

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

SAVE OUR SHELTERS SHOP AND SIP Support local animals 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Rosie's Emporium, 3929 W. Navy Blvd. Enjoy a wide variety of sips, cheese, crackers and snacks, $5 raffles and more. Admission is $20 cash or check per attendee. Proceeds help fund spay/ neuter surgeries for dogs in need.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE

PETPALOOZA EVENT

The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare invites the public to its "Petpalooza" event Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. This event is free and open to the public. The event will feature food trucks, vendors and more.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO

Ani -

mal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

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

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

GULF COAST PRESS THE CHEST Free CPR training available 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. The event is open to all ages. Register on Eventbrite. For more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

BATTLE OF PENSACOLA COMMEMORATION AND GALVEZ DAY CELEBRATION

Galvez Day is Friday, May 8. Event includes a color guard muster at 8:30 a.m. followed by color guard procession, a ceremony at 10 a.m. and a church service at St. Michael's Basilica at 11 a.m. A lunch follows the church service and then a wreath-laying ceremony at 3 p.m. For a full list of events and details, visit pensacolasar.org/chapter-programs/ battle-of-pensacola-commemoration.

PENSACOLA NAVY DAYS Pensacola Navy Days celebrates the military heritage of the Greater Pensacola area with events Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. A full calendar of events is available at pensacolanavydays.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

GULF COAST DIPLOMACY ANNUAL MEM-

BERS & FRIENDS PARTY Join Gulf Coast Diplomacy for a night of hors d'oeuvres, live music and networking 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 7. Details available at zeffy.com/en-us/ticketing/annual-members-and-friends-party—2026.

GERMANY'S GREAT BAVARIAN CIRCUS

The circus is in town through May 10, located at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Tickets are $15 and up with family and VIP packages available. Purchase online at greatbavariancircus.com.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM GALA Celebrate Pensacola Navy Days at the Museum Gala 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, May 8 at National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. Tickets are $175 for individuals and $1,400 for a table of eight. Dress code is black tie/service mess dress. Details and tickets available at pensacolanavydays.org/page/gala.

DEL SHORES FOUNDATION WRITERS

FESTIVAL The fourth annual festival will be held May 8-10 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. There will be readings and panels featuring Del Shores, Emerson Collins and Peter Paige. Find details and registration links at delshoresfoundation.org/writersfestival2026.

UWF HISTORIC TRUST AND PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART OPEN HOUSE All UWF Historic Trust Museums will be open and free of charge 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. There will

be a collaborative live mural painting at Museum Plaza, tours, demonstrations and more. For more information, visit historicpensacola.org/planyour-visit/calendar-of-events

GALVEZ GALA An evening inspired by Bernardo de Gálvez 5-10 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Sanders Beach Community Center, 913 S. I St. Cost is $99 per person. Details are available by calling (850) 497-6167.

ZINE RELEASE PARTY AND HOUSE SHOW

Show featuring Outlook Bleak, Stuffy, Dentata, Mr. Meister. Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at 3500 W. Cervantes St. $5 entry fee. For details, visit instagram.com/shuttlepunx.

17TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA BEACH ART & WINE FESTIVAL The Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival returns Saturday, May 9. There will be two beachfront locations including Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Gulfside Pavilion. View art from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and wine tastings from 1-4 p.m. There will also be live music and food selections available. Tickets are $75 and up and available at pensacolabeachchamber.com.

SAL VULCANO: EVERYTHING'S FINE

TOUR Comedy show is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information available at pensacolasaenger.com.

BALLET PENSACOLA STUDENT SHOW-

CASES Ballet Pensacola Academy will host student showcases at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Training Division Show is 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15. Pre-Primary Division Show 1 is 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, followed by Pre-Primary Division Show 2 at 1:30 p.m. Details available at balletpensacola.org.

NIGHT ON THE TRACKS

The next Night on the Tracks is 5-11 p.m. Saturday, May 16 with various events happening in the Old East Hill neighborhood including stops at End of the Line Café, Pensacola MESS Hall, 309 Punk Project and more. For a full list of events, visit facebook.com/309punkproject.

ART IN THE GARDEN Escambia Extension Services invites the community to a free "Art in the Garden" event, showcasing work from local artists in the Extension Services Demonstration

Garden. The event will take place Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Escambia County Extension, located at 3740 Stefani Road.

BALLET PENSACOLA ACADEMY GALA

Join Ballet Pensacola for their annual academy gala 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $35 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

MICHELLE JONES: SEVEN SISTERS Inspired by Greek mythology and the jungle-like landscape of the Gulf Coast, Michelle Jones presents lush, vividly colored landscapes using mixed media. Exhibit is on display through May 1 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Details are at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.

THE POETICS OF PAINTING: A CELEBRATION OF THE LINEAGE AND LEGACY OF JOHN MARKOWITZ Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit features more than 50 works of art created by Markowitz's mentors and students on view through August 4. The Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

WEST GARDEN DISTRICT ARTISAN MARKET Shop local vendors and artisans 1-6 p.m. Fridays starting May 1 at Del Mar Plaza, 1617 W. Garden St. For more information, contact info@ub-pensacola.com.

FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.

MOVIE NIGHTS AT MUGS & JUGS Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, hosts monthly movie nights. Watch their website for dates and movie announcements at mugsjugsbar.com. All movies are screened 9 p.m. on select Saturdays.

CLUB 27 COMEDY SHOW Visit Lili Marlene's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. on the first and third Sundays of the month for a night of comedy. Doors open at 6 p.m. show starts at 7 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION LECTURES Learn Pensacola and Northwest

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Florida history through interesting, informal lectures every other Tuesday at The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The lecture starts at noon and lasts one hour. Lecture cost is $5 for non-members and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.

PENSACOLA CINEMA ART FILM SCREEN-

INGS Pensacola Cinema Art will screen films select weekends during the summer season at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10, and payment is cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.

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 stand-up comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

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

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

SUNDAY MARKET ON PALAFOX Rain-orshine market is Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola, between Chase and Gregory Streets in the MLK Plaza. Market features handmade crafts, art, baked goods, international cuisine and fresh produce. Visit smopalafox.com for details.

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 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 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 real 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. After 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.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH The weekly concert series takes place 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Oct. 27 at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Free to attend. Upcoming dates: Cristy Dee and Bad Juju on May 12 and Vibe Irie on May 19. For more information, call the SRIA at (850) 932-2257 or go to visitpensacolabeach.com for the latest updates.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ

Enjoy live music Thursdays through Sundays at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Upcoming dates: The Glenn Parker Band 6-10 p.m. Saturdays; Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays; and John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays.

CONCERTS AT ST. CHRISTOPHER'S Weekly concert series is 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through May 28 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave. Upcoming dates: Crosstown Band on May 7 and JoyRide on May 14. Details at scpen.org/christophers-concerts.

KEEP FLYING, FURY IN FEW, BLIGHT, EARL'S KILLER SQUIRREL Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.

STORMI MONTANA, PUPPY ALPHABET, DAVE!JA!VU!, STUFY AND GOOD NIGHT GEEZER Show at 309 N. Sixth Ave.

Sliding scale admission is $10-$20 or $5 entry with mutual aid donation such as canned goods, period products, fentanyl test strips, socks, blankets, pet food, etc. Details available at facebook.com/309punkproject.

WUWF PRESENTS RADIOLIVE Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7 featuring Adam Chaffins & Britt Taylor, Goldpine and Charlie Hill. Located in the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.

DEFEATED SANITY, ORGANECTOMY, SCASM, INFERI Show is 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.

PENSACOLA CHILDREN'S CHORUS PRESENTS: SHOWTIME 2026 Peformances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information available at pensacolasaenger.com.

CRADLE OF FILTH Show is 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.

DEMON HUNTER Show is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.

BRIT FLOYD: THE MOON, THE WALL AND BEYOND Show is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at

Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information available at pensacolasaenger.com.

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS Show is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information available at pensacolasaenger.com.

HOT IN HERRE: 2000S DANCE PARTY Show is 9 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets and information available at vinylmusichall.com.

GASOLINA: REGGAETÓN PARTY Event is 9 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.

THE CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA: MASS OF THE CHILDREN Choral concert featuring Sims Middle School and Woodlawn Beach Middle School, and soloists Allanda Small and Daland Jones. Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $16 and up and available at choralsocietyofpensacola.org.

OPEN MIC AT ALGA BEER CO. Country

Club is hosted by Brett Patterson of Snake and the Rabbit every Monday night. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. and music starts at 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Visit facebook.com/algabeerco for more details.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER The Blues Society of Northwest Florida brings blues to Florida 7 p.m. Mondays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Food and drink specials start at 8 p.m. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLO -

NY 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 QUAR-

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

MUSIC RX: JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED Jazz Pensacola and Escambia County Medical Society present free concerts on the first Wednesday of the month in the cafeteria of Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, 5151 N. Ninth Ave. from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, visit jazzpensacola.com.

ROSIE O'GRADY'S DUELING PIANO SHOW

Watch the famous dueling piano show 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Rosie O' Grady's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

NOCHE TROPICAL: LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER Presented by Latin Flavor Entertainment every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Phineas

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Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

VIBE IRIE REGGAE: LIVE IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy Vibe Irie Reggae band 4-10 p.m. Sundays at the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

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

FOOD + DRINKS

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: SOUTHBOUND

TEQUILA Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Limited seating. Make your reservations by calling (850) 287-0200.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE SHOW Murder

Mystery show is 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 S. Ninth Ave. Details and tickets available at thedinnerdetective.com.

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL AT GARY'S BIERGARTEN Enjoy food trucks, vendors, petting zoo and blueberry-themed treats 4-9 p.m. Friday, May

8, 12-7

p.m. Saturday, May 9 and 12-5 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY WITH GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS Visit Great Southern Restaurants for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10. The Fish House, Jackson's Steakhouse, Five Sisters Blues Café and Angelena's Ristorante Italiano will serve from their standard menus with special features created by chefs from each restaurant. For details and menus, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

60S MURDER MYSTERY MOTHER'S DAY

BRUNCH 60s-themed murder mystery show is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five wines with fellow wine enthusiasts 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Cost is $20 per person. Make your reservation at vpauls.com.

DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

MARTINI MONDAYS AT DOROTHY'S Martini menu with specialty prices at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.

MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

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

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

MONDAY NIGHT SPAGHETTI SESSIONS

Visit V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox St., 5–9 p.m. Mondays for live music and spaghetti and meatballs from the Monday night menu.

MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every

Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for

to play, and prizes are up for grabs. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.

MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 79 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.

TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.

SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT AT DOROTHY'S Reverse happy hour from 9 p.m.-midnight with other specials Wednesdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.

a&e happenings

ernment St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

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

COLLEGE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Specials with your college ID and music from live DJs. 8 p.m.midnight. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

KARAOKE THURSDAY AT SIR RICHARD'S

Karaoke is 9 p.m. Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details. at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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.

KARAOKE AT DOROTHY'S Karaoke begins 8 p.m. Thursdays at Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.

COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER

College night is 8 p.m. Thursdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Ages 18 and older are welcome. Free beer pong tournament begins at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 bar drinks, $3.50 Fireball shots for ages 21 and older. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

TAVERN TRIVIA Trivia is 9 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN

BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 79 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES 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.

THEMED DANCE PARTIES Visit Dorothy's, 309 S. Reus St. Fridays for themed dance parties with DJ Brody P 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Visit dorothyspensacola.com for details.

FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUAR-

TER Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., on Fridays for cold drinks, hot food and great vibes in the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter. Happy hour begins 11 a.m. Fridays with drink and food specials.

SEVILLE QUARTER'S FLIP MY QUARTER

Seville Quarter is flipping the script—and a few quarters—with its brand-new happy hour promotion, Flip My Quarter, 6-8 p.m. Fridays throughout the Seville Quarter entertainment complex. When you order a domestic draft beer, well liquor cocktail or house wine, tell the bartender to "flip my quarter." When they flip it, call it in the air. If you call it right, your drink is free.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS Fish and chips featured 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

JAMESON SPECIAL Enjoy $5 Jameson Irish Whiskey all night Saturdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER From 8 p.m.-midnight Saturdays, members enjoy $3.50 Crown & Drown cocktails at Phineas Phogg's inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Enjoy a $10 bottle of champagne with food purchase. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LIVE DJ AT O'RILEY'S Dance to live DJ 10 p.m.2 a.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

B.A.R.E. NIGHT (BAR AND RESTAURANT

EMPLOYEE NIGHT) Sunday nights at Seville Quarter belong to hospitality industry. Head to End O' the Alley at Seville Quarter 7 p.m. Sundays for B.A.R.E. Night. Not a member yet? Stop by and sign up for your B.A.R.E. Card, and start enjoying the benefits immediately.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

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.

SEVILLE SUNDAY BRUNCH Sunday brunch is

11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Palace Café and Courtyard inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., with soup and a salad bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and champagne specials. Details are at sevillequarter.com.

SUNDAY BILLIARDS Rack 'em up in Fast Eddie's Billiards Room at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Gov ernment St., with drink specials and a laidback, air-conditioned atmosphere.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 9 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

Changing a life starts with you

Foster parents provide loving homes to some of the most vulnerable in our community, including children with complex conditions, as well as adults with intellectual disabilities and other special needs.

When you become a foster parent through Lakeview Center – Northwest Florida’s leader in behavioral health care – you have the support of our specialized team alongside you on this rewarding journey.

Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival Comes to Town

Currently in its fourth year, the festival is built around the Del Shores Foundation's annual Writers Search and is designed to meet emerging LGBTQ+ writers where they are— geographically, professionally and creatively— while giving them tools to move their work from script to stage or screen.

"We move the festival to a new city every year to engage with a different arts and LGBTQ+ community," said festival director Emerson Collins. "And Pensacola has been on the list since we met William Mettlach."

During the 10th anniversary of Stamped Film Festival in 2022, Mettlach spoke up during a Q&A with Collins and Del Shores. Afterward, Collins encouraged him to submit to the Writers Search. He did just that and won Best Short in 2023. With the help of local production company Calliope Films, that script became "Smoke Breaks," which premiered at Stamped and returns this year as part of the Writers Festival's opening night.

"'Smoke Breaks' explores the idea of unconditional love in spite of unconventional circum-

writers living in the South. Through its annual Writers Search, the organization awards Best Play, Best Screenplay and Best Short, offering grants to help bring those projects to life—including $10,000 production grants to support the winning play and screenplay and a $2,000 production grant to support the winning short film.

"I had a lot of people who mentored me," Shores said. "And, honestly, they were all Southern. We just find each other. Now that I'm approaching the end of my career, I wanted to give back, and there's already so much opportunity elsewhere. You know, we left the South, we fled. I got in my Mustang the night I graduated from Baylor University and didn't look back. So, we wanted to focus on the people who stayed."

The festival itself grew out of that same ethos. After attending hundreds of film festivals together, Shores and Collins saw an opportunity to create something tailored specifically to writers: equal parts workshop, celebration and creative incubator.

"We thought, what if we created something that's halfway between a traditional writers con-

ered, ensuring access for emerging Southern writers, while all events remain free and open to the public.

Opening night features a stage reading of the 2025 short film winner "Do You Take This…?" (which features a couple weighing the risks of attending a protest), followed by a screening of Mettlach's "Smoke Breaks." There will also be a keynote-style conversation with "Queer As Folk" star and "The Fosters" and "Good Trouble" co-creator, Peter Paige. All stage performances are done by local actors.

Additional readings include "Animals," a dark, character-driven play exploring queer adolescence and trauma, and "The Invalid," a multi-generational horror story following two elderly women and the nurse caretaker that lives with them.

But the festival is just as much about what happens offstage. Panels throughout the weekend cover topics like navigating a writers' room, developing work for television and producing independent projects. Every panel has a focus on practical, actionable advice.

"We don't do panels that are just theory," Collins said. "Tell me what I can do tomorrow. Who can I email? What are the real steps you took to

The festival is designed to build community, too. Writing can be an isolating process, especially for queer artists working in regions where support systems are limited or fragmented.

"To be a visibly queer person in the South is a brave act," Collins said. "One of the ways we change hearts and minds is by telling our stories. Right now, when we don't know what's happening legally, where they're fighting against trans people everywhere, it's even more important to live our lives visibly and tell our stories. People relate to storytelling in a way that nothing else

This year's festival will bring together 14 finalists and winners from across the South. The result is an immersive, communal experience where writers, actors and industry professionals share meals and celebrate each other's work.

"It's part educational, part celebration, part community," Collins said. "We want people to leave not just inspired but connected."

That spirit of connection extends to Pensacola itself, a city Collins says stood out for its collab -

"It's so impressive the way the Pensacola community shows up for each other," he said. "Not just arts organizations, but LGBTQ+ groups and service nonprofits; there's a real sense of

For Mettlach, that support helped turn an idea into a finished film, and now, into a full-cir-

"The making of 'Smoke Breaks' took a lot of work," he said. "There were moments I wondered if I was in over my head, but I would 100% do it all

His journey is exactly what the Del Shores Foundation hopes to replicate: writers taking initiative, building networks and bringing stories to

"We want people to see that example and think, 'I can do that,'" Collins said. "Don't wait for permission. Tell your story. If you are a writer, or if you have a story to tell, this festival is for you too. Come attend a workshop. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or a writer at all, everyone is welcome to come enjoy and support the arts." {in}

DEL SHORES FOUNDATION WRITERS FESTIVAL

WHAT: A multi-day event centering

LGBTQ+ Southern storytelling

WHEN: Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10

WHERE: Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St.

COST: Free; registration for each reading and panel is required

DETAILS: delshoresfoundation.org/ writersfestival2026

Del Shores, William Mettlach and Emerson Collins / Courtesy Photo

free will astrology

WEEK OF MAY 7

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Astronomers depend on instruments to collect the observations that fuel their work, but they don't spend every night glued to the stars. On overcast nights, they turn to what they have already gathered, digging into past measurements and reworking the data. You're in a comparable phase, Aries. For now, looking farther out into the glittering world won't give you anything essential. The guidance you need is folded into what you've previously seen, felt and taken in. It's waiting for you to sort through and understand it on a deeper level.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): When lightning from a cloud hits sand or soil, the current travels down into the ground. It melts material along its path and forms tubular, branching glass structures that can penetrate deep below the surface. I believe that metaphorically similar phenomena will soon happen in your life, Taurus. Sudden insights or electrifying feelings will leave permanent traces in your psyche, creating new pathways for energy and information to flow. These disruptive inspirations and inspiring disruptions will rewire your internal circuitry, creating channels that will enhance your receptivity to future revelations. You'll be able to absorb clues and hints from life that you weren't tuned into before.

By Rob Brezsny

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): What part of you is too tame? Maybe your imagination is politely well-behaved, or maybe your voice edits itself before it dares to say what it really thinks. Can you inspire it to be wilder and freer? Not reckless or destructive, but more honest and experimental? Here's a suggestion: go on regular excursions with your wild side, maybe once every two weeks. Follow it as it chooses what to explore and create. This might ultimately teach your tamed self that it's safe to let primal wisdom help steer you.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): According to quantum physics, particles can become "entangled," which means they share a single connected quantum state. Observing and measuring one particle reveals information about the other, even if they're not in close proximity. Einstein called this "spooky action at a distance." I predict that different parts of your life will also interweave in unlikely ways during the coming weeks, Leo. Moves you make in one area will seem to produce mysterious effects in other domains. For example, adjusting your morning routine may boost your creative output. Healing an old alliance could unlock a professional opportunity. Everything will be more intermingled than the visible evidence suggests.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Your key power word for now is stretch. Speak it aloud multiple times every day, and write it on a card that you put in a place where you will keep seeing it. Also, make a point of physically and spiritually living out these three senses of stretch: 1. to lengthen, widen, or expand without snapping or tearing; 2. to unfurl your body to its full reach, boosting circulation and warding off stiffness or cramps; 3. to take on challenging tasks that push you to amplify your abilities and move beyond what you previously believed you could do.

to grow a more muscular faith that's grounded in real evidence, not in vague hopes and wishful thinking. Take advantage.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I invite you to ruminate on death not as the conclusion of physical life, but as a metaphor for discarding what's stale and outmoded. In that light, what would be the best deaths you could generate during the coming weeks? Use your imagination with verve and vigor as you dream up scenarios in which you purge parts of your life that are not serving your strongest, most vital yearnings. Visualize how much fresh potency that will liberate. (P.S.: To reiterate—you are not in physical danger.)

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Four oracles for you, Libra: 1. You're in possession of keys to doors that haven't been built yet. Tuck those keys away somewhere safe. 2. You're ready to dream up titles for stories your life hasn't lived through yet. Write those titles down. 3. You are being granted sneak previews of your future, even though you can't yet see the bridge that will carry you there. Imprint these glimpses on your memory. 4. You have everything required

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): At the ancient Library of Alexandria, editors did far more than copy manuscripts. They compared multiple versions of important works and produced editions that aimed at definitively reliable texts. Their efforts at preservation required active intervention rather than mere reproduction. In the coming weeks, Scorpio, I think it will be fun and transformative for you to make similar adjustments to your own life story. How might your memories of the past need to be corrected and refined? How could you make your personal mythology more accurate and liberating? I invite you to revise and revivify the tales you tell yourself about your magnificent journey from the moment you were born until now.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The speed of light is how fast it travels through a vacuum. When moving through water and other media, though, light's swiftness decreases. The fastest possible speed in the universe only applies in emptiness. If you put anything in light's way, it slows down. Let's use this as a metaphor for your life. I suspect you may be frustrated by how incrementally things are moving. But you're not in a vacuum. Your bright intelligence is traveling through the complex situations that life has brought you. So of course you're not zipping along with maximum haste. My advice: be grateful for the slowdowns. Learn all you can about how they are educating and transforming your brilliance.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Cryptographer Claude Shannon (1916–2001) was the father of information theory. His achievements were comparable to those of Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Here's one of his secrets: he kept his office filled with jug -

gling equipment, unicycles and mechanical toys, which inspired him to solve abstract problems. His playful tinkering helped inspire breakthroughs that ultimately created the digital age. For him, recreation and innovation happened at the same time. I invite you to try a similar approach in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Blend "serious work" with "just messing around." Be alert for key insights that emerge from improvisation and experimentation. Your diversions won't be distractions from your purpose but rather pathways toward it.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Master calligrapher Yukimi Annand is an Aquarius. She teaches that beautiful letters emerge not just from the hand that holds the brush, but from the entire body and relaxed awareness. Breath, posture, centered weight and quiet mind all flow through the arm to create each stroke. Trying to control the outcome with arduous effort produces rigid, lifeless art. This is an excellent teaching for you right now, Aquarius. Whatever you're striving to accomplish, I beg you to refrain from forcing results through grueling, overly laborious exertion. Instead, align your whole being so that graceful outcomes flow naturally from your soulful coherence.

PISCES

(FEB. 19-MARCH 20): The placebo effect is getting stronger over time. Placebos in drug trials are becoming increasingly effective, to the point where it's sometimes becoming harder to prove that actual drugs work better than sugar pills. Are we getting better at healing ourselves through belief? That would be a problem for pharmaceutical companies but interesting for the rest of us. Dear Pisces, I believe your placebo response is exceptionally strong right now. In the coming weeks, use it deliberately. Be daring and exuberant in your efforts to heal yourself.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Visualize in detail that you're living the life you want to. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2026 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

SPECIAL DELIVERY When Ashley Blair boarded her flight to Portland, Oregon, she was about 38 weeks pregnant. By the time the plane landed, she was a new mom. Brielle Renee Blair was born on April 24 on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Portland, the Associated Press reported. Two passengers, paramedics Tina Fritz and Kaarin Powell, helped deliver the baby. With limited supplies available on board, Fritz and Powell had to improvise. They gathered blankets from other passengers and even shoelaces, to tie off the umbilical cord. Blair gave three "super, really good pushes, and the baby came out really quickly," Fritz said. "It was nice. ... Baby pinked up right away. She was gorgeous. Mom was a rock star." Personnel from Portland Airport Fire & Rescue "found the mother and baby healthy, and the new family was transported to a local hospital for observation," Port of Portland spokesperson Molly Prescott said. [AP, 4/28/26]

UNLEASH THE BEES Rebecca Woods, 59, of Massachusetts, was found guilty of assault and battery after unleashing hives of bees on officers who were in the process of evicting a friend of hers, The Guardian reported on April 28. One officer had to be hospitalized and others were stung repeatedly. In addition, Woods lost about a thousand bees in the kerfuffle. Some were crushed by the hives as she tried to move them, and some were female honeybees that perished after employing their stingers. Woods' lawyer, Mary Saldarelli, said that Woods' own experiences with being evicted compelled her to intervene on her friend's behalf, a cancer patient in his 80s. The man was not at home when Woods unleashed her bees, having gone to the library to try to find information about halting the eviction. Woods was sentenced to six months in jail. [The Guardian, 4/28/26]

•Meanwhile, in Arizona, two men were attacked by what sheriff's deputies called a "moving black cloud of hundreds of thousands of angry bees," People Magazine reported on April 29. The Greenlee County Sheriff's Office described the men as "completely covered head to toe in bees." Firefighters donned protective gear, but the bees still managed to sting several on their heads. No ambulances were available, so the men got a ride to the hospital in the fire truck while firefighters picked the bees off them. Officials were unable to locate a hive, and suspect the bees were part of a migrating swarm. Both men have been released from the hospital. [People, 4/29/26]

ODDLY SPECIFIC A speed limit sign in Appleton, Wisconsin, is giving motorists pause. UPI reported on April 29 that the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste announced their new speed limit: 17.3 miles per hour. Program Coordinator Jordan Hiller hopes the sign is just disruptive enough to make drivers slow down and be more aware of their surroundings. "Why 17.3? Because it makes you pause. It makes you look twice. And most importantly, it breaks that 'autopilot' feeling we can all fall into when driving familiar routes," the recycling center said in a social media post. [UPI, 4/29/26]

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

HOLE-Y GROUND Christine Keilback, 58, of Manitoba, found herself in a hole, UPI reported on April 28. No, really, an actual hole. She had just stepped out of her friends' car when she fell feet first into a hole in the ground. Buried up to her armpits, she waved at passersby and had her friends snap photos while they waited for Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to rescue her. "When they came around, it was quite surprising to find my head and shoulders just above the ground. The ground had just given away very fast. I have no recollection of the fall. It just happened very quickly," Keilback said. Paramedics used a harness to pull Keilback out of the hole, and she made it out unharmed. City officials who surveyed the situation determined that the hole was not a sinkhole as suspected, but a catch basin with a missing cover. They found another coverless basin nearby as well. "I mow the lawn there," she said of the second hole. "I mean, it could have happened [again]. Wouldn't that have been something?" Both holes have since been covered. [UPI, 4/28/26]

SHELL GAME A 19-year-old Taiwanese woman attempted to board her plane in Bangkok with an unusual carry-on item: 30 Indian star tortoises, worth $9,000, strapped under her clothing. Yahoo News reported that Thai authorities grew suspicious of her movements, and a search uncovered the protected species. "The suspect had used adhesive tape to immobilize the animals, packed them into cloth bags and attached them to her body to evade detection," Thailand's wildlife conservation department said. The passenger was charged with illegally transporting animals and evading customs controls, and given the preponderance of wildlife smugglers who use Thailand as a transportation hub to sell endangered animals on the black market, authorities are investigating whether she could be linked to a larger smuggling ring. The tortoises are under the care of wildlife conservation officials. [Yahoo!, 4/30/26]

CRYING WOLF A 40-year-old South Korean man could spend five years in prison and pay a fine of $6,700 for using AI to create an image of a wolf roaming the streets of Daejeon. A wolf named Neukgu escaped from the Daejeon Zoo in South Korea, Oddity Central reported on April 30. A South Korean man heard the news and used a prompt to create an AI-generated image of Neukgu. The fabricated image spread rapidly, and authorities closed schools and sent emergency teams to the area. Neukgu was eventually found just outside of Daejeon, but authorities believe it could have been captured much earlier had it not been for the AI shenanigans. "A single AI-manipulated image delayed the wolf's capture by up to nine days," they said. "The prolonged deployment of police and firefighters caused significant disruptions to their primary duty of protecting the public." [Oddity Central, 4/30/26] {in}