Inweekly Nov. 22 2018 Issue

Independent News | November 22, 2018 | Volume 18 | Number 98

FREE â–ś

winners & losers

outtakes

4

news

5

6, 8

You can’t decide you want that to be part of your identity and fabricate it.

cover feature

buzz

a&e

13

10

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Michael Daw

contact us info@inweekly.net

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, C.S. Satterwhite, Stephanie Sharp

17

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

If you’ve been injured, hire an expert.

JOE ZARZAUR

Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist

zarzaurlaw.com Pensacola, FL

22

(855)hirejoe follow us inweekly.net

THE NEW 76ERS

presents

RadioLive adioLive THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH at the Museum of Commerce in Historic Pensacola

Featuring

12/06/18

KYSHONA ARMSTRONG THE NEW 76ERS JOHN COMMON & JESS DENICOLA

Tickets $10

6:00 p.m.

Doors 5:00 p.m.

Broadcast LIVE on 88.1 FM

available at wuwf.org 850.474.2787

ON THE WATER AND

OFF THE CHARTS! Fresh off the dock seafood. Spectacular waterfront view. Live entertainment and our legendary Southern hospitality. Year after year, the Fish House is rated one of the top restaurants in Pensacola.

Chart a course to our house and see why.

FISHHOUSEPENSACOLA.COM

OPEN DAILY AT 11 A.M. · (850) 470-0003 · 600 S. BARRACKS ST.

November 22, 2018

3

winners & losers

Scott Lunsford / Courtesy Photo

winners

SCOTT LUNSFORD The Escambia County Tax Collector announced his office returned $493,425 in unspent revenue to the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for the fiscal year 2017-18. His office has returned $1,048,360.37 in his first two years in office.

The Escambia County Tax Collector office is fee-based. At the end of each fiscal year, the tax collector distributes all unused fees to local taxing authorities.

SURTERRA WELLNESS One of Florida's leading medical cannabis providers has contributed $50,000 towards Hurricane Michael recovery efforts in the Florida Panhandle. This money will go towards several disaster relief groups, including "No Town Left Behind," Florida Disaster Relief Fund and Team Rubicon, an organization that partners first responders with military veterans to help with disaster operations.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE The U.S.

Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded Pensacola State College a $300,000 grant. The grant supports initiatives to implement comprehensive, coordinated responses to violent crimes on campus through partnerships with victim services providers and justice agencies.

PSC's Public Safety Department and Office of Institutional Diversity and Student Conduct will work collaboratively with FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Legal Services of North Florida and Lakeview Center Inc. to make all campuses and centers safer.

losers

FACEBOOK Last week, the New York

Times reported that Facebook executives had withheld evidence of Russian activity on its platform had occurred far longer than the company told Congress.

The company employed an opposition research firm, Definers, to discredit critics and demonize and shift blame to billionaire George Soros and other platforms. According to news reports, Definers also lobbied a Jewish civil rights group to cast negative rhetoric against Facebook as anti-Semitic.

SUSAN BUCHER The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections failed to meet the 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, deadline for submitting updated vote totals in the races for U.S. Senate, governor and commissioner of agriculture, which left out nearly 600,000 votes in the machine recount. Fortunately, Bucher's team met the Sunday deadline for the manual recount one second before the noon deadline, which put Palm Beach County back into the final election results.

DISGUISED ANTI-GOP VOTERS In an

interview with conservative news website The Daily Caller, President Donald Trump blamed the Republican losses on Nov. 6 to criminals that used disguises to vote multiple times. He said, "People get in line that have absolutely no right to vote, and they go around in circles. Sometimes they go to their car, put on a different hat, put on a different shirt, come in and vote again." We guess that explains it.

Stock Market Losses?

Hire a lawyer who is a former Merril Lynch stock broker.

Gene e. mitchell attorney and counsellor at law

Representing retirees and other investors

850-232-5278 11 east romana street

www.attorneygenemitchell.com 44

inweekly.net

417 E ZARRAGOSSA ST. outtakes

By Rick Outzen

MISSING MENTOR Thanksgiving Day is a special time to celebrate family, friends and God's goodness. It's also time to reflect on those who are no longer with us, those whose lives set examples for us and whose counsel helped us when we needed it the most.

During my 37 years in the Pensacola area, I've been fortunate to know some of our greatest leaders—Vince Whibbs Sr., Jack Fetterman, M.J. Menge, Benny Russell and Leroy Boyd, to name just a few.

The one who has popped up in my conversations most often has been Roger MacDonald, who passed away in June 2015 at the age 0f 84.

When Inweekly began its Martini Nights at the Global Grill, Roger was a regular. He usually had a new joke and carried a copy of the latest edition of the paper with all the typos circled in red.

Roger cared deeply for this community. The Wisconsin native fell in love with Pensacola when he went through flight training at Pensacola NAS. He later settled here and established Manpower Temporary Services offices throughout the region.

He was an active Rotarian for the last 35 years, serving as President of the Pensacola Rotary Club. He also was Past District Governor of Northwest Florida District #6940 as well as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Roger loved to talk politics. In the mid1960s, he was one of the Pensacola City Council members voted out of office after the council voted to add fluoride to the water. He avidly followed every local election and was a fountain of knowledge of Pensacola history. Roger enjoyed discussing the stories we published, often offering insights regarding what we missed as we tried to connect the dots.

Roger loved sports, too. He sat behind home plate for all the Pensacola Pelicans and Blue Wahoos games. He regularly attended Pensacola State College and UWF sports events. Roger also was a co-owner of the Pensacola Tornados that played in the Continental Basketball Association in the late '80s.

In July 2008, we featured him in our "People Who Inspire Us" issue.

He had returned from his 10th trip to the Transplant Games of America, where he was a medalist in tennis.

Roger had donated in 1972 a kidney to his brother, Doug. Twenty-four years later, his remaining kidney gave out, and he had to have a transplant of his own.

In my book, "City of Grudges," I loosely patterned Roger Fairley, Walker Holmes' mentor, after Roger as a tribute to my friend. Three years after his death, I still miss his company, quick wit and wicked smile. {in} rick@inweekly.net

In my book, "City of Grudges," I loosely patterned Roger Fairley, Walker Holmes' mentor, after Roger as a tribute to my friend.

Downtown Charming Historic Seville Cottage with waterview views of Pensacola Bay from rear. Features hardwood floors & windows along the front facade giving lots of light as you enter this well-designed Residence built in 1865 by the Moreno family. • $1,100,000

SEVILLE SQUARE REALTY, LLC Cheryl Young Licensed Real Estate Broker

308 E. Government St. • Pensacola, Florida 32502

(850) 712-4742

www.sevillesquare.net • cheryl@sevillesquare.net

Licensed in Florida & Alabama

Practicing Since 1974 INJURED? (ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS)

ARRESTED? (ALL FEDERAL & STATE COURTS)

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES (HEALTH-CARE FRAUD • DRUG OFFENSES & D.U.I.s)

FREE CONSULTATION ON INJURY / DEATH CASES & CRIMINAL CASES NO RECOVERY - NO FEE / COST ON PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH CASES

24 HOUR SERVICE

433-9922

304 E. GOVERNMENT STREET November 22, 2018

5

PENSACOLA'S NEW TEAMMATES

Courtesy Photo

By Jeremy Morrison Next week, the composition of city government will change in Pensacola when two new city council members and a new mayor will be sworn in.

In the Nov. 6 city elections, Grover Robison won the mayoral race. Jared Moore and Ann Hill won the District 4 and 6 council seats, respectively. All three recently spoke with Inweekly about their plans going forward.

TEAMWORK

When Grover Robinson talks about his plans for the city, the word teamwork comes up a lot, "trying to figure out what the team looks like" and "trying to put together a good team for the city."

Putting together a good team is one of his first priorities. Toward that end, he reached out to a potential city manager candidate before the election. Chris Holley had experience with not only municipal government but also served as executive director for the Florida Association of Counties.

"I knew he was out there. I knew he was a good manager and could put together a good team. He'd done it twice, at Okaloosa and FAC," Robinson recalled. "I said that's what I need. I need somebody I can trust who can come in and help me assess a problem, what I think could be a problem situation internally— we've gone through a lot of managers, you know—could help us stabilize the team and come forward."

Holley said yes and recently made a postelection visit to town. Robinson and Holley met with current officials as well as community leaders such as businessman Quint Studer.

In addition to Holley, another out-of-thegates new team member for the city will be a 66

new city attorney. Robinson isn't sure whom he's tapping for this position.

"I'd like to have somebody as a city attorney that I have experience with, can work with, trust, and feel like we can move forward with," he said.

The mayor-elect noted that there would also be some shakeups in staffing and probably additional managerial staff brought in—"I think there is an idea to add some depth to the management team, rather than making it to where everything is so flat-lined"—but he talked more about an external team member—city neighborhoods.

"One of the things that came out of the campaign loud and clear is the city must do a better job of working with our neighborhoods." Grover Robison "One of the things that came out of the campaign loud and clear is the city must do a better job of working with our neighborhoods," Robinson said.

He plans neighborhood meetings as well as more general district-based town hall meetings and feels connecting more with residents where they live will provide the city with a better roadmap.

"I think if you engage your citizens, your citizens will tell you a lot of ways to improve your city," Robinson said.

"They'll see small improvements that will make a difference in their life, in their community that aren't a tremendous expense," he said.

Robinson also listed off some things that citizens can expect to change. For starters, he plans to conduct regular community meetings.

He also intends to engage himself with city council members, including regular attendance at their meetings.

"There's a lot of things that Ashton (Hayward) has done very well on," Robinson added, saying that he wanted to continue some current arcs. "We're going to have to figure out how we continue to do well, especially over in Tallahassee and over in Washington. We want to continue to be successful. We can be, and we have to keep working at it."

Robinson also noted that he plans to revive regular press conferences and accessibility to the media.

"So that we're out there engaged with the media," he said, "and not just the media in a propaganda way, but a two-way street, asking questions, answering questions."

Robinson circles all of these plans and coming changes back around to his central theme—teamwork.

"We're going to build it on teamwork. The focus is not going to be on solely the mayor's office," he said. "We understand that any success has to come from good teamwork."

BEYOND DOWNTOWN

Newly-elected District 6 city council member Ann Hill is already getting input from her constituents. She heard from them while she was out collecting her campaign signs.

"It was pretty amazing how many told me their street lighting was too dark and they need better lighting." Ann Hill "They're telling me things that they're unhappy with," Hill said. "It was pretty amazing how many told me their street lighting was too dark and they need better lighting."

In addition to inadequate lighting in some areas, there were other issues. One woman, for example, detailed numerous traffic accidents occurring at a particular intersection. These types of low-hanging fruit issues are topping the new city council member's priority list.

"It's simple things that make their lives difficult, and I hope I can work on some of the easier things to get us started and then, as things are proposed, work into more comprehensive plans," she said.

Another issue on Hill's radar is historic preservation. She has long been involved in that particular conversation as a citizen.

"Of course, I live in Belmont-DeVilliers, and I'm familiar with some of the challenges that are going on with all of our shotguns being torn down and losing a really important part of our fabric here."

Hill also said she intends to make an effort to stay engaged with the public through regular town halls.

"I think there's a lot to District 6 that goes way beyond the downtown area," Hill said, "and I want to make sure that everyone gets part of that budget and that concentration of effort that District 6 needs."

CRAFTING THE BEST WAY FORWARD

Incoming District 4 Councilman Jared Moore sounds ready.

"Having spent 10 months talking theory and hypothetical," he said, "it's exciting to talk about something tangible and real, not what we would do but what we can potentially do."

So far, he's been taking care of some logistics—collecting campaign signs, resigning from the city planning board. Moore has also taken the time to consult with current council members to get their advice and input. One recurring piece of advice—listen.

"I think that was a repeated theme, to listen more. And honestly, that's kinda more my bent. I lean a little bit more toward listening," Moore said. "There's a lot of different perspectives, and in a representative government, that's a lot of times a heavy, inefficient lift, to listen to all the represented parties, to be sure that we craft the best way forward."

Insofar as priorities, he intends to focus on the Cervantes corridor. He'd like to see it better tied-in and made more drivable as well as pedestrian and bike-friendly.

"Cervantes is a big bear," Moore said. "It's a big bear, so it'll take a long time and a lot of consistent effort to address it."

"It's a big bear, so it'll take a long time and a lot of consistent effort to address it." Jared Moore And, like Hill, he considers preserving the area's history and character as vital.

"It's arguable where you draw that line," Moore said. "I certainly don't want to incentivize blight, but ensuring that we're not, during booms or real hot times of development, eliminating that fingerprint or that piece of our identity that makes us unique and make this place really special."

Allowing that the city has some challenges, Moore continued, detailing some area of needed improvement, such as stormwater management, the incoming councilman said that the city was in an enviable position with plenty of attributes that provide a solid foundation for its future.

"Our history and our waterfront, I think those are just incredible assets that we have, that you can't fabricate, right?"

Moore said. "You can't decide you want that to be part of your identity and fabricate it. And the fact that we have it as part of our identity, I think we need to maximize that." {in} inweekly.net

November 22, 2018

7

JOINING THE OTHER 99.5 PERCENT

By Duwayne Escobedo D.C. Reeves spent election day at polling sites along the battle line—Nine Mile Road.

Voters there made it clear they wanted to continue to elect the Escambia County superintendent.

"I think I changed a few votes," said Reeves, who supported appointing the leader of the school system.

Reeves, Studer Family of Companies director of operations and communications, supported the referendum for many reasons, but his primary one was his fouryear-old daughter, Caroline.

"This is a win for all of our children," Reeves said. "Every child, every parent, every teacher now can have the best possible person leading the school district. We couldn't say that before."

"Every child, every parent, every teacher now can have the best possible person leading the school district. We couldn't say that before." D.C. Reeves For the first time in six tries dating back 51 years, Escambia County—one of the worst performing and larger school districts in Florida—chose to join 99.5 percent of the school systems in the United States that 88

appoint their communities' chief educator. The measure, pushed by the Pensacola Young Professionals, League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area, Greater Pensacola Chamber and others, barely became law by 889 votes or 0.8 percentage points.

The PAC, Yes for Escambia Schools, mostly funded the campaign with $150,000.

From sea to shining sea, only Florida, Alabama and Mississippi continue to trust the education of their children in the hands of a locally-elected politician. While many studies fail to prove conclusively that school systems run by appointed superintendents outperform elected ones, many educators have long viewed the election of a superintendent as a practice whose time has passed.

That's exactly how Michelle Salzman sees it. The immediate past president of the Escambia County Parent Teacher Association played a key role in the change.

"Our children and families deserve the best of the best, not whoever raises the most money and we hope they can do the job," said Salzman, who has a second-grader at McArthur Elementary School. "On many important issues, we didn't have the passion to move to the next level."

Because supporters won by less than 1 percent, Walker Wilson said an open process must occur to implement the appointed superintendent system. The incoming PYP president, who ran unsuccessfully for the school board this year, said community-wide support will be vital.

"It's important that we have unity through the whole thing," Wilson said.

"This can be transformational, not for just one election but for decades to come."

"It's important that we have unity through the whole thing," Wilson said. "This can be transformational, not for just one election but for decades to come." Walker Wilson Escambia County will hire its first superintendent by 2020, allowing elected superintendent Malcolm Thomas to finish his third term.

Thomas has a spotty record when it comes to failing schools, keeping board members in the dark on important issues, hiring questionable contractors, overseeing finances of charter schools and other education issues.

The school board plans to meet with the Florida School Board Association and some other state school systems on how to make the transition. Marion and Martin counties also voted this election to appoint their school superintendents. It was the fourth time Marion voters considered the issue and the fifth time since 1986 that Martin voters cast ballots.

The process can be lengthy. It's up to the school board to draft new job descriptions, compile official qualifications for the post, hire

a search committee, form a committee to look through applications and then bring candidates in for interviews.

Marion County School District is researching replacing Superintendent Heidi Maier now. Its attorney pointed out that a 1967 state attorney general opinion states that "the superintendent serves only until the board has a qualified and duly appointed replacement."

Two of the most vocal opponents to hiring an appointed superintendent in Escambia County included District 1 board member Kevin Adams and District 5 board member Bill Slayton. Adams, who was endorsed for reelection this year by Superintendent Thomas, posted on social media his support for keeping elections for the superintendent of schools.

Both said they would put their personal opinions aside and hire the best candidate to oversee the county's 51 schools, 40,000 students, 7,000 teachers and staff and $654 million budget.

Adams said he doesn't expect an appointed superintendent to be able to turn around the failing schools in areas that he said suffer "generational poverty."

"It really does not make much difference," Adams said. "We will give it a try and hope we do good."

Slayton, who unsuccessfully ran for superintendent in 2004, said his biggest concern is an appointed superintendent will not be from Escambia County and not know the community and its schools. He insisted elected Escambia County superintendents have done just fine, despite facts that show it's the 14th lowest performing system in Florida.

"Why would an appointed superintendent from another city or state improve education in Escambia County?" Slayton asked.

Newly-elected board members Paul Fetsko in District 2 and Laura Dortch Edler in District 3 expressed support for an appointed superintendent. Escambia County school board member Patty Hightower could not be reached for comment.

"I believe it will give the board and the community latitude to bring about some changes," Edler said.

Meanwhile, Reeves said he's excited about the future of the county's education, an important component when it comes to economic development, quality of life, reduced crime and other factors.

"Ten to 15 years ago, I don't think you would have anybody say we were cutting edge." Reeves "I've grown up here, and it's very encouraging that we are doing what other vibrant communities are doing," he said. "Ten to 15 years ago, I don't think you would have anybody say we were cutting edge." {in} inweekly.net

Thank you STUDER COMMUNITY INSTITUTE

Presented by

Silver Sponsors

EntreCon Awards Sponsor

Brought to you by United Bank

Networking Reception Sponsors Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate • Innovation Coast Supporting Sponsors App Innovators • Beach Community Bank • Caldwell Associate Architects • Centennial Bank Clark Partington Attorneys at Law • Gulf Power Company • LandrumHR • Joe DeReuil Associates • Greater Pensacola Chamber McDonald Fleming Moorhead Attorneys at Law • Meyer Vacation Rentals • SunTrust Bank • Warren Averett • 850 Magazine In-Kind Supporters 5eleven Palafox • Bodacious Shops • BlabTV • H2o Technologies & Distribution • Heroman Services Plant Company • Museum of Commerce • Powell Entertainment • Salz Studio • The Marketing Bar • Transcending Dreams Photography • UPS Store Milestone • Vivid Bridge Studios Volunteers Korey Amaker Lauren Anderson Camille L. Bonner Hannah Borrero Kathy Boydstun Danielle Brown Nina Bubelova Patrick Cassidy Madrina Ciano

Jacey Cosentino Claire Crawford Melanie Dillon Kathryn Dixon John Feller Josh Gilmore Jennifer Glossinger Angela Greco Ali Green

Brielle Greene Farrah Hale Erik Hansen Katy Hendry Kat Hess Alex Hill Keith Hoffert Susan Hoover Brittani Hunter

Fenoy W Butler II Jake Kaiser Basil Kuloba Miriah Lasher Admiral L. LeRoy DeSheri McClure Victoria Florido Naef Chris Nix Morgan Peppers

Lori Ptacek David Pufall Lynne Randall Haley Reiss Michele Russo Michelle Salzman Nour Shoucralla Shawn Smith Jim Sparks

Ryan Swearingen Julie Thomas Shailendra Tummalapalli Erin Weinreich Santiria Williams Andrea Wilson Mikaela Windle Kristina Wright

Photos JC Feller Photography, john@jcfellerphoto.com • Phillip Salzman, salzstudio.com STUDER COMMUNITY INSTITUTE

CONTACT

®

Nicole Webb Bodie ...................nwebb@studeri.org Rachael Gillette .........................rgillette@studeri.org

EntreConPensacola.com

Morgan Milbradt ................ mmilbradt@studeri.org The Studer Community Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

November 22, 2018

9

their organizations need," said Dr. Mohamed Khabou, interim program director.

"In a spring 2018 survey of UWF engineering and computer science students, 66 percent of the 149 respondents indicated their interest in this new program."

The program will attract talented students from around the world, as it will be one of only a few in the nation, joining institutions like Carnegie Mellon, University of Pittsburgh and Georgia Institute of Technology.

"The groundbreaking program will focus solely on research and build upon our excellent computer science and engineering program," said, Dr. Jaromy Kuhl, interim dean of the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering. "Students will flourish by learning from award-winning IHMC scientists, and graduates will be highly competitive in a job market with a growing demand for experts in intelligent systems and robotics."

Dr. Kuhl added, "UWF and IHMC will educate the next generation of researchers to develop innovative technology that combines human and machine elements."

PSC's STEM Building / Photo Courtesy of Florida Architects PSC BREAKS GROUND Pensacola State

College last week broke ground on the east wing of the new STEM building, which will house its cybersecurity and mathematics programs.

Construction on the first phase of the facility will begin in January after abatement and demolition of the existing Mary Ellison Baars Building. The cost of the first phase is $13 million, and it will be completed by May 2020.

"We badly need the space for our cybersecurity degree program, which has quadrupled in enrollment since it was first offered in fall 2016," said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows.

With 15 stackable nationally-recognized certifications leading to the Associate of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, the facility will be state of the art for high-demand, high-wage jobs.

Once the entire facility is completed, it will be home to the College's computer science, aviation maintenance and advanced manufacturing programs.

Dr. Meadows added, "Realizing the importance of local workforce needs, the Escambia County Commission, the Santa Rosa County Commission and the City of Pensacola also have allocated funds for the project. With leadership and vision, these local stakeholders are to be commended for their support."

The STEM facility will replace the Baars Building, which was constructed in 1956. The facility was named for the matriarch of the Baars family in recognition of their role in making the property available for the Pensacola campus.

The west wing and second-floor connector will be a total of 46,133 square feet and is projected to cost an additional $21 010 1

million. Ajax Building Corp is the project's general contractor, and Florida Architects designed the facility.

NEWPOINT CEO SENTENCED On

Tuesday, Nov. 20, State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that Marcus May, former owner of charter school management company Newpoint Education Partners, was sentenced today to 20 years in state prison and fined $5 million.

Circuit Judge Thomas Dannheisser sentenced May and described Mr. May's conduct "a shocking pattern of pervasive theft."

An Escambia County jury last month convicted May of two counts of racketeering and one count of organized fraud after a four-week trial in which prosecutors presented evidence from more than 100 witnesses and dozens of boxes of financial records and documents.

It is one of the first racketeering cases involving a charter schools management company brought in the state of Florida.

In March 2015, Inweekly first broke the story of possible illegalities at Newpoint's high and middle schools in Escambia. The Escambia County School Board canceled the charter school's contracts two months later. Assistant State Attorney Russ Edgar found a pattern of misconduct that involved Newpoint's schools in other Florida counties that led to May being charged.

ANOTHER GAME CHANGER The

University of West Florida and Institute for Human and Machine Cognition have partnered to develop a doctoral program in intelligent systems and robotics. The program will be the first of its kind in Florida and one of only a few in the nation.

Calling the doctoral program a "game

changer," UWF President Martha D. Saunders said, "The program brings together the strengths of UWF engineering and computer science programs with the expertise of a world-class research center, IHMC." The program will begin fall 2019 and aligns with UWF's strategic vision for research that impacts Northwest Florida's economic development and technology enterprise. It will serve the manufacturing, health care, defense and other high-tech industries, providing critical support to high-demand career fields.

"I've envisioned a program like this for a long time," said Ken Ford, director and co-founder of IHMC. "It will attract top young talent from the world. This is such a great move not only for UWF and IHMC but also for Pensacola and the state."

"I've envisioned a program like this for a long time. It will attract top young talent from the world. This is such a great move not only for UWF and IHMC but also for Pensacola and the state." Ken Ford A not-for-profit research institute of the State University System, IHMC is a pioneer of technologies aimed at extending human capabilities through a unique approach combining computer science, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, engineering, medical sciences and related disciplines.

"The national demand for experts in intelligent systems and robotics is large, yet universities and technology firms such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon struggle to find people with the expertise and skills

OUTDOOR MUSEUM Thanks to an IMPACT 100 grant, St. John's Cemetery, located at 301 N. G St., has transformed its grounds into an outdoor museum and learning facility in the hopes of introducing locals and visitors to the city's illustrious forebears and history.

"We are excited to be able to help celebrate the lives and careers of the cemetery's founders and other notable and notorious citizens that rest within its hallowed grounds," said Jim Speed with Friends of St. John's Cemetery Foundation. "Now visitors can learn about the many historic leaders that have made Pensacola into the wonderful city that it is today."

The cemetery recently installed a new informational sign providing facts and historical context for visitors to discover as they tour the grounds. The doublesided, 3-foot-by-7.5-foot interpretive sign illuminates the cemetery's rich heritage and history, emphasizes points and people of interest throughout its grounds, and includes pictures and symbol meanings.

Also, a State of Florida historical marker was installed, 21 points-of-interest markers were placed throughout the cemetery, six benches were added, and the cemetery's gatehouse underwent a complete remodel. A real-time, interactive cemetery tour video was also created for visitors to watch while visiting the grounds.

Nearly 150 years ago, St. John's Cemetery was organized and founded by a group of businessmen and civic-minded leaders to fulfill the community's need for a cemetery to augment and eventually replace St. Michael's Cemetery.

Established in 1876 by the Freemasons of Escambia Lodge, No. 15, F&AM, St. John's became Pensacola's second public inweekly.net

cemetery and was established to meet the changing demographics of the area.

Originally on the edge of town, the 26 acres of St. John's served as Pensacola's primary burial site for a century.

St. John's Cemetery and its history are featured in Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen's award-winning novel "City of Grudges." The cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours.

JA HALL OF FAME HONOREES Junior

Achievement of Northwest Florida recently announced its annual award recipients for distinguished service to its mission to inspire young people to succeed in a global economy.

Junior Achievement's annual individual Hall of Fame Laureates for 2018 were Gulf Power CEO Stan Connally and Bodacious Shops founder/co-owner Rishy Studer.

The Laureates were selected on criteria including support of Junior Achievement's mission, volunteering in the classroom, assistance with fundraising for the organization, dedication to improving the community and distinguished community leadership that directly impacts young people.

Junior Achievement also announced its 2018 Business Leadership Hall of Fame awards: •The Marshall Blaise Adams Give Back Award: Michelle Salzman •Large Business of the Year: Republic Services •Small Business of the Year: IMS ExpertServices •Professional Business Partner of the Year: LandrumHR •Community Partner of the Year: Seville Rotary •Entrepreneurial Spirit 2018: DC Reeves and Perfect Plain Brewery •Leadership Council Member of the Year: Alan Ritchie •Volunteers of the Year: Darin Southard & Sara Wiggins During the event, SunTrust pledged $10,000 to Junior Achievement for 20182019 K-12 financial literacy programming.

SunTrust Regional President for the

Florida Panhandle Bob Anderson said, "SunTrust is pleased to be able to support Junior Achievement here in Northwest Florida. This is a great organization that shares our passion for financial literacy.

We are most excited about how Junior Achievement will impact our community for years to come."

Collier Merrill, J. Mort O'Sullivan and John Roche.

The board meets on a quarterly basis, and its purpose is to direct Ascension Florida to improve and deliver high-quality, safe care to patients and communities with particular attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.

BACKPACKS FOR BAY COUNTY Pensacola Parks and Recreation's Operation Backpack: Resupply drive is expanding to include collecting school supplies for Springfield Elementary School in Bay County.

Molly Mahtani, Parks and Recreation program specialist, has organized the Operation Backpack supply drive for the past three years. She discovered that Springfield Elementary was one of the most impacted schools due to Hurricane Michael.

"The building was devastated to the point that students had to be moved to another school in the district, leaving students and teachers with nothing," said Mahtani. "We want to help these students, teachers and families recover by providing school supplies and backpacks through Operation Backpack: Resupply."

A list of school supplies needed and the collection sites can be found online at playpensacola.com. Haynes Van and Storage will store supplies for Parks and Recreation as needed, and Two Men and a Truck has offered to take the supplies to Panama City.

Parks and Recreation will host a special collection day on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Skyzone Pensacola. If you donate a backpack with supplies at Skyzone Pensacola, on that day you will receive a buy one, get one free jump pass.

PELICAN DROP RETURNS The family-

FOUR PENSACOLA RESIDENTS NAMED Ascension Florida, a healthcare

system comprised of Sacred Heart Health System headquartered in Pensacola and St. Vincent's HealthCare based in Jacksonville, named four Pensacola area residents to its board of directors—Robert Emmanuel, J.

friendly celebration will return to Blue Wahoos Stadium on New Year's Eve for the second consecutive year as part of Kazoo's Rockin' Eve, hosted by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the City of Pensacola and Pensacola Parks and Recreation.

"We are thrilled to have the Pelican Drop return to Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2018," team president Jonathan Griffith said. "It's an honor for us to help this great Pensacola tradition continue and to be able to pursue our mission of improving the quality of life in our community by offering a fun, free, safe and family-friendly New Year's Eve event."

"It's an honor for us to help this great Pensacola tradition continue and to be able to pursue our mission of improving the quality of life in our community by offering a fun, free, safe and family-friendly New Year's Eve event." Jonathan Griffith The Pensacola Pelican Drop will run from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, featuring entertainment from two local bands, mascot appearances, on-field activities for children and families, fireworks and the Pelican Drop.

Admission is free to the public.

In addition to Kazoo's Rockin' Eve, the Blue Wahoos will also host in the stadium's Hancock Whitney Bank Club "New Year's on the Bay," a private party featuring a gourmet meal prepared by Executive Chef

Jason Perry. Perry, a competitor in the upcoming 2018 World Food Championships, will serve a buffet-style feast with options for both adults and kids from 6:30-8 p.m.

Attendees will be able to enjoy dinner, fireworks and the Pelican Drop from the Hancock Whitney Bank Club overlooking the Pensacola Bay. Tickets to this exclusive event are $75 for adults and $20 for children. To purchase tickets, visit bluewahoos.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The public is invited to attend a meeting hosted by the Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26 to learn more about and provide input on the Galvez Public Boat Ramp Improvement Project. The meeting will be held at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Room 104. Public comments and input will be accepted at the meeting or can be sent to marine@myescambia.com.

Join District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh for the next Coffee with the Commissioner, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Hardee's, 2500 Wilde Lake Blvd. The setting is informal with no agenda. No appointments needed.

Baptist Health Care will hold a job fair for medical assistants 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport, 1144 Airport Blvd. Multiple job opportunities are available for qualified medical assistants.

Interested candidates may visit joinbaptist. org for more information.

Celebrate the Christmas season and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at St. Mary's Episcopal Church annual Winter Arts and Crafts Fair, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The event will be held at the historic church located at 6849 Oak Street, Milton. Hours are Friday noon-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Weight-loss surgery patients will celebrate their success at the Sacred Heart Surgical Weight Loss Center Annual Bariatric Fashion Show, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Greenhut Auditorium at Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, 5151 N. Ninth Ave. The event is free and open to the public. {in}

MOST INVESTMENT LOSSES ARE FROM PRODUCTS WITH CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS PETER J. MOUGEY

Recovered $250 million on Behalf of over 3,000 Investors

850.435.7000 | LEVINLAW.COM Pensacola, FL November 22, 2018

11

212 1

inweekly.net

We all know there are better ways to spend your Thanksgiving than standing in line for a half-priced Keurig that you don't really want or need. But every year we get sucked in by the bargains and end up hating ourselves (and everyone else at the mall) for buying into Black Friday.

But not this year.

November 22, 2018

This time around, we're here to help you avoid the black hole that is Black Friday with some cool alternatives. Most of these suggestions are of the non-retail variety, but because we know shopping is pretty much unavoidable this time of year, we included some local options on that front too.

13

•SEE A MOVIE

open for season on Black Friday. But just so you know, to see the good stuff, you have to be game for a little road trip.

First up, there's Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile. If you've never been to this walk-thru wonderland, you should make it a must this year.

ZooLights at the Gulf Breeze Zoo is also opening Black Friday, and to celebrate, they are offering free admission in exchange for a donation to Toys for Tots. Sowell's North Pole Christmas Light Display in Milton will also open for the weekend (Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24) before opening nightly for the season Thursday, Nov. 29.

If the Winterfest Elf Parade is on your to-do list, make sure you stay put downtown after for the First City Lights Festival Lighting Ceremony.

During that, they will be unveiling this year's holiday decorations along Palafox Street.

DETAILS: pensacolacinemaart.com

DETAILS: bellingrath.org gbzoo.com facebook.com/sowellsnorthpole downtownpensacola.com

We know a lot of people do this on Christmas Day, but there are more than enough good movies out this time of year to justify taking in a few holiday weekend double features.

You can go festive with "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" and "The Grinch" or musical with "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "A Star Is Born."

Or you can get a jumpstart on the Oscar buzz and let Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell make you cry with "Beautiful Boy." If you want to stay away from the Cordova Mall area all together, you can still see a movie Friday and Saturday too. Pensacola Cinema Art is showing the Mr. Rogers documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Friday and the indie drama "Eighth Grade" Saturday. Both screenings are at 1 p.m. and cost just $5 (cash only).

•OR SOME LIVE MUSIC

If you're looking to entertain yourself and your long-distance family and friends Friday night, Vinyl Music Hall has just the thing.

They're hosting Nirvana and Green Day tribute bands, which sounds like the perfect way to get your cool uncle out of the house and having fun if you ask us.

If you haven't tried out a class at Ride Society yet, Black Friday might just be the perfect day to saddle up. They're offering a class at 8:30 a.m. that day.

DETAILS: vinylmusichall.com

DETAILS: ridesociety.com

•BEGIN A BINGE

•TRIM THE TREE

Sure, movies and bars are great, but you could also decide to go in a totally different direction for the long weekend and not leave the house at all.

But if you're going to stay put, you're going to need something really good to binge.

Thankfully, there's lots of fresh, good stuff out there, like the new season of "House of Cards" and "Narcos: Mexico."

Another option is watching or rewatching an old show that's been in your queue forever. If you decide to go that route, we always vote for "The West Wing" because Josiah "Jed" Bartlet really is the greatest fictional President of all time.

•DONATE SOMETHING

There's no better alternative to mass consumerism than doing something charitable. So no matter what you do on Black Friday, you should commit to volunteer in some way this season.

At the very least, you could declutter a little and make a donation to a local thrift store like Waterfront Rescue Mission or Pensacola Humane Society's Thrift Store, Beverly Barkway.

DETAILS: waterfrontmission.org pensacolahumane.org/thrift

•"ELF" IT UP

If you're hanging out with kids on Black Friday, The Winterfest Elf Parade is where you need to be. In addition to the annual parade (which kicks off at 4 p.m.), they also have lights, fake snow, games and tours, too.

Just make sure you wear your elf ears because there is a costume contest.

DETAILS: pensacolawinterfest.org

•TAKE IN SOME LIGHTS

Another family-friendly activity is checking out a large-scale holiday light display—many of which 414 1

•RIDE IT OFF

One great thing about Thanksgiving is that once it's over, it's officially time to move into Christmas mode if that's your thing. And if it is, you know there's no better place to start than picking out a tree.

Our favorite tree shopping spots are the ARC Gateway Nursery and Bailey's Produce and Nursery.

DETAILS: arc-gateway.org facebook.com/baileysproduce

•UPGRADE YOUR LEFTOVERS

Sure, you can just eat turkey sandwiches until you're ready pop. Or you could step up your leftover game with something like turkey tortilla soup or mashed potato pancakes.

DETAILS: Google "Black Friday Recipes" and go from there.

•AND IF YOU HAVE TO SHOP, SHOP LOCAL

We understand that you've got a gift list that's a mile long and you've got to get started sometime.

But just because you're going to give in and go shopping on Black Friday doesn't mean you have wait in a long line or get up super early. Most local retailers are open that day, too, and some even have their own totally awesome exclusives and sales—like Revolver Records. They are opening at (the very reasonable time of) 10:30 a.m. to participate in Record Store Day's annual Black Friday tradition.

And don't forget about Small Business Saturday the following day. More than 3,000 communities across the country are set to celebrate shopping local the day after Black Friday—including ours.

DETAILS: facebook.com/revolverfl facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday inweekly.net

@VOLUMEONESALON November 22, 2018

15

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

INTERNATIONAL PAPER PENSACOLA MILL AWARDS $85,000 IN FOUNDATION GRANTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS International Paper’s Pensacola Mill awarded $85,000 in grants through International Paper Foundation to local community organizations. Funding priority for grants is given to programs related to International Paper’s Signature Causes: – Education: Programs focused on helping children succeed via a comprehensive approach to education. Priority is given to literacy programs from birth through 3rd grade.

– Hunger: Programs dedicated to improving food security throughout our communities.

–Health & Wellness: Programs that promote healthy living habits.

–Disaster Relief: Programs that help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Funding also is available to address environmental initiatives, employee engagement and other critical community needs.

“We are privileged to be able to assist our local community organizations in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of the residents and children of Northwest Florida,” said Whitney Fike, manager, communications, International Paper Pensacola Mill. “We are able to provide the resources to address critical needs in communities where we live and work and the efforts of these organizations serve to strengthen our community.”

Local community organizations and their projects that were awarded grants for 2018 are: ·AMI Kids Pensacola, “Pensacola GED” ·Autism Pensacola, “Summer Learning Lab and Kids for Camp” · Ballet Pensacola, “Discover Dance” ·Beulah Academy of Science, “Culinary Arts Program” ·Big Brothers Big Sisters, “One to One Mentoring” · Cantonment Improvement Committee, “Cantonment Community Outreach Festival” · Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy centers, “The Tell Me Early Learning Literacy Program” · Children’s Home Society of Florida, “Garden for Community Partnership” · Council on Aging of West Florida, “Foster Grandparents Eco Solutions Project” · Covenant Hospice Foundation, “Covenant Care – Granting Final Wishes for Hospice Parents” · Creative Learning Academy “Professional Development Resources: Being a Writer” ·Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, “Camp Boggy Creek” ·Episcopal Day School, “Exhibit A(rt) – Taking Pride in Student Art” ·Ernest Ward Middle, “Innovation Walls,” “Aquaponics,” “Eagles Build for the Birds,” and “Food Backpack and Share Table” ·Escambia County 4-H Foundation, “4-H Shooting Sports” ·Escambia County Extension, “Healthy Trees, Healthy Communities” ·Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, “Literacy Grants for Excellence” ·Every Child a Reader in Escambia, “Books for the Break” ·Feeding the Gulf Coast, “Backpack Program” ·First Baptist Church of Ensley, “Feeding the Homeless” · Greater First Baptist Church, “Community Literacy Mentoring and Tutoring Program” ·Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Inc., “5th Grade Concerts” ·Health and Hope Clinic, “Access to Care” ·Hillcrest Baptist Church of Pensacola, “Disaster Relief Engagement” ·Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, “STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Programs” ·Jim Allen Elementary School, “Learning to Read…the Possibilities are Endless”

·Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida, “Financial Literacy Education for Cantonment Students” ·Kingsfield Elementary, “Literacy Libraries” and “The Future Engineers of Fourth Grade” ·Manna Food Bank, “Healthy Kids Initiative” ·Milk and Honey Outreach Ministries, “Literacy and Language” ·Miracle League of Northwest Florida, “Improve Lightning on Fields” ·My Brothers and Sisters, “Women in Transition” · My Fathers Arrows, “The Green Healing Project” ·Partnership for Community Programs “Bay Day 2019” ·athways for Change, “Healing Women Veterans” · Pensacola Children’s Chorus, “2019 Summer Festival” · Pensacola Civitan Club, “Wheelchair Ramp Building Program” ·Pensacola Little Theatre, “Acting Up” ·Pensacola Mess Hall, “Questing Corner” ·Pensacola State College Foundation, Inc., “Food Pantry” ·Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries, “Food on the Go” ·Pensacola’s Promise Chain Reaction, “Service Learning Program” ·Pine Forest High School, “Scholastic for Success” and “Literacy, Learning and Life” · Quintette Community Park Association “Senior Citizen and Youth Programs” ·Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida, “Home for Dinner Program” ·Sacred Heart Foundation, “Motor and Sensory Therapy Rooms” and “Hands-on Learning” ·Santa Rosa Education Foundation, “Literacy Lifelines for Early Learners” ·Studer Community Institute, “Brain Bags” ·The Global Corner “The Global Corner Visits Canada: An Activity Book for Young Explorers” ·University of West Florida Foundation, “Argo Pantry,” “Emerald Coast B.E.S.T. Robotics Hub,” “National Writing Project,” and “UWF Community Garden” ·WSRE Foundation, “Imagination Station Literacy”

Sponsored by The Studer Family 616 1

inweekly.net

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22-28

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

Drop In

By Sydney Robinson

Aaron Finlay / Courtesy Photo

Sean Peterson / Photo by Jollan Aurelio

While there are plenty of turkey-fueled naps and slightly discounted electronics to be had on Thanksgiving night, those looking for a glass of apple-spiced sake and some easy listening will want to head to Drop the Needle at chizuko, where local musicians Aaron Finlay and Sean Peterson will be spinning an eclectic mix of records all evening long.

The one great (or terrible, depending on your situation) thing about holidays like Thanksgiving is that for most, it means a trip home—to the Motherland; the source of your origin story; the place where it all began. For many, that means right here in Pensacola. But coming home doesn't have to just mean time with family. It can also be a valuable time to catch up with old friends or make new ones.

So when the pecan pie is gone and your extended family has lapsed into their eye-twitching habit of talking politics, religion and whether you're ever going to settle down, it may be time to plan your escape to Drop the Needle.

"I think attendees should come with open minds and ears," said Peterson. "I think everyone will hear things they like and are familiar with and some things they've never heard."

If you're wondering what sort of music Finlay and Peterson will be playing, you'll have to come to truly find out. Their tastes are as varied as the contents of your aunt Carol's Jell-O mold. From jazz to Motown and from post-rock to metal, you can expect to spend the evening visiting different genres and decades.

their unique event because the cozy venue Make no mistake, this isn't a DJ set or feels like home, and owners Jess Laws and a concert. Rather, Drop the Needle is two Daisy Doyle are good friends who, according Pensacola fellas looking to share their love to Peterson, "get what [they] are trying to do." for music with friends both new and old. "chizuko is my favorite place to hang, Peterson describes the event as a "complay and watch smaller shows," said Finlay. munal hang," an apt description for an "I love the whole staff, and they take good event held at chizuko, where couches and care of artists." comfort food are par for the course.

Attendees can also enjoy a wide choice If you've never attended a show at of beverages from the bar as they listen. As chizuko, this all-ages event is a perfect a special for the evening, chizuko will be place to begin. You could even bring your serving apple-spiced sake, a festive twist relatives. Skeptical grandparents would on their usual beverage fare. Also available be pleasantly surprised to see that their will be a wide selection of beer, as well as grandson is as eager to spin a record as wine and sake, and for the non-drinkers, they once were. they'll have locally-made Big Jerk Soda Just to be clear, Finlay and Peterson in seasonal Cranberry Ginger Beer and aren't just two guys with a record player.

Christmas Orange flavors.

Their combined four decades of local muWhile the bar traditionally serves a sical experience qualifies them as experts full menu of Asian and East Asian-inspired in our book. vegan snacks, on Thanksgiving night, the Peterson has been a professional bass kitchen will be closed and the event will be, player in Pensacola and surrounding areas as co-owner Laws puts it, "B-Y-O-L (Bring for two decades. Currently, you can find Your Own Leftovers)." him performing in his solo act The PossibilSo whether you're looking to escape from ity Wave, featuring improvisational ambithe long Black Friday lines or just resting up ent music sets. He also assists local bands for your midnight start time, bring your good and video producers, helping to develop spirits and make Drop the Needle part of your sound, mix, master and record. new holiday tradition. {in} Finlay has been playing music since he was a pre-teen and has been in several local bands in the last two decades. Finlay also works at Electrical Guitar Company and serves as a WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22 booker and curator with his comWHERE: chizuko, 506 W. Belmont St. pany Spiderdog. Additionally, Finlay COST: FREE plays in local band PRECUBED. DETAILS: facebook.com/chizukopensacola The two chose chizuko to host

DROP THE NEEDLE

www.radiofreepensacola.com November 22, 2018

17

calendar p.m. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com 'POLAR EXPRESS' PAJAMA PARTY 3 p.m.

Through Dec. 23. $7 per person. Infants one and under are free. Children receive free hot chocolate and cookie from refreshment counter. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1878 S. Blue Angel Pkwy. navalaviationmuseum.org SWING DANCE CLASSES 4-7 p.m. $10. Professional West Coast swing instruction for all levels. No partner required. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com VEGAN AND VINO SUNDAYS 4-7 p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox.

MONDAY 11.26

RESUME HELP 11 a.m. Molino Branch Library,

6450-A Highway 95A. mywfpl.com

MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE TECH TALK

4:30-6 p.m. Free and open to the public.

University of West Florida, 11000 University Pkwy. Bdg. 234. uwf.edu SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 5:30 p.m. Runners meet in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com HIP-HOP & CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES

8-9 p.m. $5. Learn amazing moves from professional instructors. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com

Marc Broussard / Photo Courtesy of Round Hill Music

THURSDAY 11.22

THANKSGIVING AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ

Seatings available 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. $21.95 for adults and $12.95 for children.

Five Sisters Blues Café, 21 W. Belmont St. greatsouthernresturants.com

SOUTH MARKET THANKSGIVING BUFFET AND CARVING STATION 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $29.95

per person. South Market, 232 W. Main St. facebook.com/eatsouthmarket THANKSGIVING AT SKOPELOS 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Special Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox. skopelosatnewworld.com THANKSGIVING BRUNCH AT HILTON PENSACOLA BEACH 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $21 to

$42. Kids 5 and under are free. Hilton Pensacola Beach, 12 Via de Luna Dr. facebook. com/hiltonpensacolabeach

DROP THE NEEDLE: THANKSGIVING PARTY AT CHIZUKO 8 p.m. Free. Sean Peterson and Aaron

Finley. chizuko, 506 W. Belmont St. facebook. com/chizukopensacola

FRIDAY 11.23

ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP 10 a.m. Pensacola

Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? SCREENING

1 p.m. $5 (cash only). Pensacola Cinema Art, Bowden Building, 120 Church St. pensacolacinemaart.com WINTERFEST ELF PARADE 4:45 p.m. Free. 223 S. Palafox. Holiday Lights ceremony to follow parade. elfparade.com FLIGHT NIGHTS 5-7 p.m. $9 for three 3-ounce pours. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com HAPPY HOUR COOKOUTS 5 p.m. Drink specials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DATE NIGHT DANCE CLASSES 6:30-8 p.m. $8.

818 1

Learn several romantic ballroom dance styles in unique group classes. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com OPEN MIC 7-11 p.m. Café Single Fin, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/cafesinglefin NIRVANNA: TRIBUTE TO NIRVANA WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DOOKIE: GREEN DAY TRIBUTE BAND 7 p.m. $15. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox.

vinylmusichall.com

SATURDAY 11.24

PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce,

live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques.

Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT SOUTH MARKET 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

South Market, 232 W. Main St. facebook.com/ eatsouthmarket OCEAN HOUR CLEAN-UPS 9-10 a.m. Park West.

Lot is on Ft Pickens Road immediately before the National Seashore oceanhourfl.com ALYSSA'S MINI GIFT MARKET 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Alyssa's, | 4586 Chumuckla Hwy. shopalyssas.com COMPUTER BASICS Noon. Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. mywfpl.com EIGHTH GRADE SCREENING 1 p.m. $5 (cash only). Pensacola Cinema Art, Bowden Building, 120 Church St. pensacolacinemaart.com PUBLIC SKATE 1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. $9-$12.

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com 'POLAR EXPRESS' PAJAMA PARTY 3 p.m.

Through Dec. 23. $7 per person. Infants one and under are free. Children receive free hot

chocolate and cookie from refreshment counter. National Naval Aviation Museum, 1878 S. Blue Angel Pkwy. navalaviationmuseum.org WINTERFEST POLAR EXPRESS MINI TOUR 5 p.m. Through Dec. 24. Downtown Pensacola. pensacolawinterfest.org NERF WARS 6-8 p.m. $10. Rumble Training Center, 375 N. 9th Ave. Ste. B. WINTERFEST PRESENTS 'POLAR EXPRESS' SCREENING 6:30 p.m. $7. Saenger Theatre, 118

S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com

BREAD & PUPPET THEATER 7:30 p.m. UWFHT

Museum Plaza, 330 S. Jefferson St. facebook. com/pensacolamuseum BIG DEAL BURLESQUE 8 p.m. $12-$45. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafocx. vinylmusichall.com

SUNDAY 11.25

WAKE UP HIKE 7 a.m. Meet at Bay Bluffs Park, Scenic Highway at Summit Ave., for a brisk one to two-hour walk with brunch to follow at an area restaurant.

BRUNCH WITH LIVE MUSIC 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Café Single Fin, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook. com/cafesinglefin TRANSMISSION GROUP WORLD SERVICE MEDITATION 10:30 a.m. Free. Ever'man Educational

Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org VEGAN BRUNCH 11 a.m.-2 p.m. End of the Line Café, 610 E. Wright St. Sign up for the newsletter for menu. eotlcafe.com SUNDAY BRUNCH AT H20 11 a.m. $28.95 for adults. Free valet parking and 15 percent off with local ID. H20 Hilton, 12 Via de Luna Drive. facebook.com/hiltonpensacolabeach PUBLIC SKATE 1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. $9-$12.

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com YAPPY HOUR AT PERFECT PLAIN 2 p.m. Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco FAMILY FRIENDLY IMPROV CLASS 2:30

TUESDAY 11.27

YOGA WITHIN REACH 9-10 a.m. Free. Community Health Northwest Florida, 2315 W. Jackson St., Room A. healthcarewithinreach.org GIVING TUESDAY AT BEVERLY BARKWAY THRIFT STORE 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sales, reduced

adoption fees. All proceeds benefit Pensacola Humane Society. Beverly Barkway Thrift Store, 817 Beverly Pkwy.

PILATES ON PALAFOX WITH WILD LEMON 4:30 p.m. Cowork Annex, 13 S. Palafox. beawildlemon.com COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. So Gourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com HANDS ON COOKING: CAST IRON HONEYGLAZED SALMON 6-8 p.m. $64.50. SoGourmet,

407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com

COUNTRY DANCE CLASSES 6:30 p.m. $10.

Country two-step, East Coast swing, competition choreography and more. No partner required. World championship dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftstudios.com COMEDY NIGHT 7 p.m. Swan Neck Meadery, 2115 W. Nine Mile Road. swanneckwinery.com OVER-50 BALLROOM DANCE CLUB 7-9:30 p.m. $5-$10. Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Center, 913 S. I St. Dressy attire (no jeans).

UWF JAZZ ENSEMBLE 7:30 p.m. Free, but tickets are required. 11000 University Pkwy, Center for Fine and Performing Arts. 11000 University Pkwy., Bdg. 82. uwf.edu

WEDNESDAY 11.28

ONE-ON-ONE TECH HELP Noon. Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A. mywfpl.com

for more listings visit inweekly.net inweekly.net

news of the weird BRIGHT IDEA Another birthday staring you down? Perhaps you can follow the lead of a man in the Netherlands who has launched a legal battle in the town of Arnhem to change his age from 69 to 49. "(Y)ou can change your name and change your gender," Emile Ratelband noted. "Why can't I decide my own age?" The Dutch positivity trainer told BBC News that he feels discriminated against both in the career realm and on Tinder. "When I am on Tinder and it says I'm 69, I don't get an answer," Ratelband said. "When I'm 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position." He also describes himself as a "young god." The arbiters of his case aren't so sure, though: One judge wanted to know what would become of the 20 years that would be erased by such a change. "Who were your parents looking after then? Who was that little boy?" he wondered.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Roxy Sykes, 33, of London, had a brainstorm that started when someone complimented her on her beautiful feet. "I was convinced to set up a social media account to show them off," she told Metro News on Nov. 1.

But that was just the ground floor for the pedo-preneur. "It wasn't until I started getting thousands of followers and messages about selling used items that I realized I could profit from it," she said. In her busiest month, she grossed more than 8,000 pounds peddling socks, shoes and videos to foot fetishists. "Pairs of shoes that I would wear for two months would sell for 200 pounds, and a pair of socks that I wore for a day would sell for 20 pounds. Then a single video of me just wiggling my toes would make 100 pounds, so I was really raking in a lot of money," she continued. Overall, she says she's pulling down about 100,000 pounds a year. Sykes has also mentored fellow fetish models: "It's great to be able to help others and teach people my apparent 'talent,'" she said.

NEW WORLD ORDER Coming soon from the state-run news agency Xinhua in China: the first artificial intelligence anchorman.

"Artificial Intelligence Anchor" debuted at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China, on Nov. 7. The virtual host, based on images of human news broadcasters, can have real-time news typed into its system even while it's on air. A synthesized voice reads the script. Xinhua told Time that its new anchor can work "24 hours a day ... reducing news production costs and improving efficiency." But does it have a personal catchphrase, such as "Good night, and good news"?

WEIRD SCIENCE Duuuude! Scientists at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey have created a mushroom that can produce electricity using light, Discover

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

magazine reports. Using common button mushrooms, cyanobacteria (very adept at photosynthesis) and graphene nanoribbons (to make electrodes to transport the electricity), researchers were able to produce harvestable electricity by shining a light on their "bionic mushroom." While the amount of electricity created was small, the team noted the experiment demonstrated an "environment-friendly and green source of photosynthetic bioelectricity."

WAIT, WHAT? On Nov. 12, a group of cyclists in Hustopece, Moravia, Czech Republic, enjoyed a sunny afternoon of riding to a local landmark known as Lookout Tower, reported United Press International.

Taking in the view from the top of the tower, they saw a drone flying around and took video of it, capturing the moment when the drone picked up one of their bicycles from the ground and flew away with it. One of the cyclists threw his helmet at the drone as it flew off, and the others ran down the tower's steps to chase the drone on foot.

Happily, the drone dropped the bike a few hundred feet from the tower.

CRIKEY! A Jackson County sheriff's deputy in Kansas City, Missouri, serving an eviction notice on Nov. 7, was startled to discover Katfish, a 7-foot-long, 200-pound alligator that tenant Sean Casey kept as a pet (along with three pythons, a rabbit and several cats). Casey told KSHB-TV that he's had Katfish for four years. "He's a big cuddly gator," Casey said. "He wags his tail when I come home." The gator could lounge in the home's bathtub, and "get up and get out and cruise through the house," said Dana Savorelli with Monkey Island Rescue, who officers called to help wrangle the alligator. "He had a ramp." Unfortunately, alligators are prohibited in Kansas City, so Katfish was relocated to Monkey Island in nearby Greenwood, Missouri. And although Casey said Katfish was "not a vicious animal like some people make them out to be," he was ticketed for possessing an exotic animal within city limits.

EATS, DRINKS & SMILES BIG ASS SMILES @THEMAGNOLIAEPH NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS

Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing Child Support • Child Support Modifications Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation

127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115 autumnbeckblackledge.com

ON THE LAM Perhaps in an effort to escape its likely fate, a turkey in Shoshone, Idaho, was rounded up by police on Nov. 7 after "terrorizing the neighborhood" around North Fir Street. United Press International reported the bird was detained at a local petting zoo pending the owner's coming forward to claim it. Shoshone police posted on Facebook that the claimer would have to do "an embarrassing dance" to get the bird back. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2018 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com November 22, 2018

19

Holiday Magic on Main Street Join us in the heart of Historic Downtown Pensacola to sip, savor and share a bodacious day!

Shop for unique gifts, host the perfect holiday party and celebrate everything the season has to offer.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS MON – FRI 9am – 6pm

DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA

SATURDAY 9am – 4pm

PALAFOX & MAIN STREET

SUNDAY 9am – 2pm bodaciousolive.com FOLLOW US & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

407 S. PALAFOX STREET 850-433-6505

@BodaciousShops

Photo Credit: Blake Howerton • Aislinn Kate Photography • Mallory Kennedy Photography • Barrett McClean Photography BOD0264 Holiday Magic INW.indd 1

Independent News | November 22, 2018 | inweekly.net

11/16/18 11:20 AM