Inweekly Nov. 24 2022

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk co ntributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh , Jeremy Morrison, Dakota Parks, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

contact us info@inweekly.net

Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materi als published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rick Outzen edi tor & creative director Joani Delezen

It felt like a huge deal, and it was a huge deal.

winners & losers

winners losers

DOUG BROXSON Incoming Senate President Kathleen Passidomo rolled out her leadership team last week, which included the state senator for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as chair man of the powerful Appropriations Commit tee. Broxson was first elected to the Florida Sen ate in 2016 after serving in the Florida House for three terms. This year, he served as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He easily won reelection this November, defeat ing Democrat Charlie Nichols 71%-29%.

DAN MCFAUL The legislative director for Rep. Joe Scarborough and chief of staff for Rep. Jeff Miller has been named the Managing Partner in Ballard Partners' Washington, D.C., office. Mc Faul has been a partner in the firm's Washington office since 2017. McFaul has been involved with more than 30 federal, state and local campaigns in the last two decades, including races for Con gress, U.S. Senate and governor, as well as pres idential campaigns. He was a member of the Presidential Transition Team for then Presidentelect Donald J. Trump, recruiting and vetting po tential appointees for the Department of De fense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Armed Services and the Intelligence community.

RONALD TOWNSEND The city of Pensaco la last week dedicated the tennis court at Arm strong Park in honor of the former District 7 coun cilman, renaming it the Ronald Townsend Tennis Court at Armstrong Park. During his decade on the city council, Townsend was a passionate ad vocate and worked diligently for his constituents. He was instrumental in having the tennis court at Armstrong Park built to provide the youth in the community with a place to play tennis. He had a passion for the Pensacola community, specifically recreational activities for local youth.

RICK SCOTT The U.S. Senator from Florida lost his bid to become the Senate Republican lead er when the Senate Republican Conference reelected Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell to the position he has held since 2006. McConnell re ceived 37 votes, while Scott received 10. The loss was the second in two weeks for Scott, who chaired the National Republican Senato rial Committee that failed to retake the Senate leadership during the 2022 election cycle. Scott blamed McConnell for the failure, but his fellow GOP lawmakers didn't agree.

BIG PHARMA The government drug discount program 340B requires drug makers to sell cer tain medications at lower prices to health centers and hospitals. Three drugmakers—AstraZeneca, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk—are suing for the right to restrict rebates to drugs dispensed at health centers like Community Health Northwest Flor ida and instead offer them to corporate-owned pharmacies that they claim are closer to patients' homes. The policy shift would impact public health in poor communities. Health centers have reported using the 340B savings to pay for servic es such as dental care, behavioral health, trans portation, housing support, food pantries and copay assistance programs.

TWITTER The social media platform appears to have imploded since Elon Musk paid $44 bil lion for it last month. Musk has cut its workforce in half, fired dissenters and played with requiring subscriptions for some features. Twitter employ ees have had enough. When the billionaire set a deadline for employees to decide whether to leave or stay, hundreds walked out. Many tweeted fare well messages using hashtags like #TwitterMigra tion and #TwitterTakeover with a salute emoji.

ARMY OF PENSACOLA In Northwest Florida, FPL Care To Share® program funds are distributed through the Salvation Army of Pensacola to help families in need keep their lights on. FPL also chose the Salvation Army of Pensacola for a nonprofit energy makeover to help them lower their energy usage. The cost savings will give the Salvation Army more funds for direct services.

SALVATION

LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT According to media reports, the owner of Ticketmaster is now facing an antitrust investigation recently opened by the Justice Department. The probe will focus on whether the company has demonstrated an abuse of power over the live music industry. Last week, Ticketmaster's systems fell apart as Taylor Swift fans crashed servers as they sought to purchase presale tour tickets, forcing the company to cancel public ticket sales set for Friday, Nov. 18.

Doug Broxson / Courtesy Photo

Rick Scott / Courtesy Photo

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

Mayor Grover Robinson handed over the reins of the city at noon on Tuesday. He leaves incoming Mayor D.C. Reeves a healthier, more robust and more transparent city government than Grover took over four years ago.

The Hayward administration had become a dumpster fire—no employee manual or objec tive evaluation program, a struggling port and hundreds of thousands wasted on attorneys over wild statements about The Fish House owing the city millions of dollars for past due rent and mishandling of the firing of the city's fire chiefs. All the city's gas taxes had been spent, and con tracts for the most expensive community cen ter in the city's history had been approved. Plus, the much-touted ST Aerospace expansion at the Pensacola Internation al Airport was $25 million short in funding.

Grover was the per fect leader to put out the fires and rebuild city gov ernment. He had the tem perament and understood the city and its expectations for city services. He brought in a diverse leadership team that im proved employee morale by rewriting the em ployee manual and tying evaluations to perfor mance and surveys of residents. The work wasn't sexy, but much of the city's growth can be tied to the stability that Grover brought to city hall.

I also appreciated that he held weekly press conferences. Reporters were allowed to ask questions on any topic. His predecessor made a commitment to doing it but later reneged when the questions got tough. Grover never hesitated to answer questions or face his critics.

During the pandemic, Grover invited lead ers of our hospitals, the Florida Department of Health and Community Health Northwest Flor ida to his press conferences. The pressers be came the best source of information about how COVID-19 was impacting our community and putting stress on our local health care system.

When Hurricane Sally struck our area, Gro ver again stepped up and kept us informed about the damage and recovery efforts. He and I had several phone calls about what he was doing and how our newspaper could get the information out to the public.

Though I often tease him that he isn't al ways the best listener, Grover hasn't backed away from tough discussions. He did listen to the community and removed the Confeder ate monument in Lee Square. He responded to public outcry over the shooting of Tymar Craw ford by creating a task force to discuss polic ing. And when the former county administra tor began funneling more homeless people to downtown Pensacola during the pandemic, he opened a temporary camp area under the I-110 overpass and established a task force to devel op solutions.

And while he was rebuilding city depart ments, facing major issues that prior adminis trations kicked down the road and dealing with calamities, Pensacola con tinued to prosper. Promot ing long-time Port Direc tor Amy Miller to assistant city administrator and giv ing Airport Director Matt Coughlin and new Port Di rector Clark Merritt the freedom to do their jobs without political in terference were brilliant moves that have paid huge dividends.

The Port of Pensacola's revenues are up, and the city has plans to diversify the facility—some thing that advisory committees have been rec ommending since 2004. American Magic's being here may lead to our city becoming the national sailing training center. Warehouse 4 may become the long-sought-after indoor sports facility that we've wanted.

The Pensacola International Airport has had another recording-breaking year, and it's look ing at adding another terminal in five to seven years and 10 more gates. The second hangar for ST Aerospace is expected in early 2023, and the work will begin on the other two hangars on the other side of the runway.

Grover wasn't without some miscues, and those who took advantage of the prior admin istration's dysfunction have been quick to point them out. But I think we were fortunate to have him at the helm for these past four years. How ever, if anyone deserves a rest, it's him.

Thank you, Grover, for your service to the city you love. {in} rick@inweekly.net

The work wasn't sexy, but much of the city's growth can be tied to the stability that Grover brought to city hall.

GROVER RIDES INTO THE SUNSET

"I feel good about what we were able to do," he said. "Were we able to solve everything? No. But like I said before, I have a good idea coming into this office that all of these things are tempo ral and all I can do is control the time I have."

GROVER'S EPIPHANY

Sometime around the middle of his term in office, Mayor Robinson went out to the desert and had an epiphany. He returned from his Southwest hiking trip sporting a vacation beard and an nounced that when his term was up, he was done.

"It was the right decision for me," Robinson said.

It had been a rough couple of years. The cir cumstances were extraordinary with all the over lapping fires and a sickening partisan meltdown long-simmering on the national level—one that valued meanness as strength and interpreted civility as weakness—was on full display locally.

"A lot of the things that you see on the na tional level were beginning to spill into the local level," Robinson reflected. "I think the hurricane on top of the pandemic really took a lot out of me, and I realized I was not enjoying what I was doing. I said, 'I've got to do something else.'"

In making this decision, Robinson reflected on his father's experience as a state representative.

By Jeremy Morrison

As Grover Robinson wraps up his single term as Pensacola's mayor, he is walking away from an era-defining, 16-year run in public office. For much of that time, Mayor Robinson—who also served 12 years as an Es cambia County Commissioner—was responding to one crisis or another.

"Thank God I went through the oil spill," Robinson likes to joke, "because if I hadn't been through the oil spill, I'd been a lot more worried about the pandemic."

It's almost ironic Robinson has found him self leading the region through times of peril. He's very much a wonk. He gets way too excited about administrative flow charts and is more comfortable tending to the day-to-day of local government. But you don't necessarily get to choose what fate throws your way.

"If I'd had my choice, I would have called 'pass.' If they'd said, 'Do you want a hurricane?' I'd said, 'No, pass, go on to the next one. What else you got for me?'" Robinson reflected. "But unfortunately, in life, they don't let you do that; you've got to go through 'em all."

Eyeing the horizon of his time in public of fice and looking back over the years, Robinson said he's proud of the work he's been able to ac complish; he's just had to learn to deal with the unpredictable flow of life.

"I've done this for 16 years. It teaches you some patience. You're not going to get every thing done at once. You're just going to have to sit back; there's going to be some things you can't control."

FOUR YEARS OF FIRE

During these past four years, Mayor Rob inson has led the city of Pensacola through the uncharted territory of the COVID pandemic, as well as the dangers and destruction wrought by Hurricane Sally. He also shepherded the city through a sensitive internal analysis of the Pen sacola Police Department after one of its officers fatally shot an unarmed Black man. The mayor facilitated a racial justice-centered dialogue locally that dovetailed with similar discussions nationally and resulted in the removal of down town's Confederate monument.

But when Robinson considers his tenure as mayor, he is most proud of rebuilding the city's administrative team and developing a positive employee culture within Pensacola City Hall.

"There was no employee manual. You were really kind of starting from scratch and building a team back," the mayor reflected on his early days in office. "We wanted to create good de partments, attract and retain good people and identify talent."

Robinson can also point to other highlights of his term, such as securing ST Aerospace's MRO campus at the Pensacola International Airport, reimagining the overall vision at the Port of Pensacola and beginning to diversify the port's tenants, and further developments along Jefferson Street that draw downtown's energy further north.

But there's no question that the whirlwinds of crisis formed the foundation of Robinson's time as mayor. "I don't want to say we only dealt with adversity, but there is an overriding theme to the last four years."

First and foremost, there was the unprec edented territory of the pandemic.

"The first thing you think about is how ter rible it's going to be, and you don't worry too much about that because you're like, 'It's going to be bad, but we're going to be able to get through it.' The real question is, what are we going to do when we come out of it?"

But by the time the reality of COVID set in, the city of Pensacola was already neck-deep in a discussion about how to improve communitypolice relations following the death of Tymar Crawford, a Black man killed by a PPD officer during a traffic stop. The local discussion mir rored the national conversation after a similar officer-caused death of another Black man, George Floyd, in Minnesota. The mayor even tually established a task force to assess what changes needed to be made at PPD.

"That dialogue that we had, the whole process that we went through, I think at the end of the day we've come out of it so much better," Robinson said. "We're still not 100% perfect, but we're much better off today than we were when I started four years ago. And while some of that was uncomfort able to go through, I think the reason we're better is because we went through some of those things."

Still to come was Hurricane Sally. And the loss of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. And the pan demic-sidelining of the area homeless shelters. And the bitter blowback at Robinson's sugges tion that wearing masks during the pandemic peaks might be beneficial.

Amidst it all, Robinson managed to keep focused on some more routine fare—improving public safety, attracting development, increasing the tax base and wrestling with a housing crisis.

"My father served in office 14 years. He always said that 12 of 'em were good and it was the last two that he didn't enjoy and that he wished he'd gotten out earlier," he said. "So, when I hit 14 years and it wasn't getting any fun for me anymore, I said, 'You know what? Maybe this it; maybe I've got to find something else. Because I've got to have fun at what I'm doing. If I'm not having fun, I'm not going to do a very good job at it.'"

When Robinson first entered public office as an Escambia County commissioner in 2006, it was because he wanted to contribute to creating a region with more opportunities and bolster the area's standing statewide. He looks back on additions like ST Engineering and Navy Federal—enterprises he worked to land—as well as the windfall of opportunities created by RESTORE funding—environmental penalties associated with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which he was instrumental in bringing to the area—and is confident that his time in pub lic office was well spent.

"We have opportunities now that we've nev er had in Northwest Florida," Robinson said, "and I'm excited to have been a part of that."

Going forward, Robinson said he doesn't plan on getting back into public office but would like to continue serving his community in other capacities.

"Just because I'm not an elected official doesn't mean I can't still serve the public and help some of these projects I think will help move our community forward," Robinson said. "So I very much still plan on being involved in those things and making a difference in this community. It just means I might not be an elected official doing it." {in}

Grover Robinson / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

FPL CONTINUES SUPPORT OF PSC Pen sacola State College dedicated its new nonprofit training room to Florida Power & Light on Tues day, Nov. 15, in appreciation of the company's substantial support of the college.

The Nonprofit Center for Excellence at Pensacola State College was established in De cember 2018 after the Gulf Power Foundation made a five-year, $150,000 commitment to help kickstart the Center. In 2021, Florida Power & Light bought Gulf Power and pledged to contin ue the commitment.

"We are grateful that Florida Power & Light and the FPL Foundation have continued this strong history of support,'' said Andrea Krieg er, PSC Foundation Executive Director of Insti tutional Development. "Today, we are dedicating this room while celebrating the impact and reach that their gift has already created."

Since 2019, the Nonprofit Center for Excel lence has hosted over 37 training sessions that were attended by more than 500 people from more than 90 Northwest Florida nonprofits.

"Pensacola State College and FPL share a strong, long-standing partnership as we are both committed to bettering our communities," said J.T. Young, FPL Northwest Florida Vice Presi dent. "We are humbled that this training room, named in recognition of our combined vision and support, will provide our nonprofit and phil anthropic organization professionals a home for building the skills they need to support their mis sions in Northwest Florida."

The Florida Power & Light Company Non profit Center Training Room is the largest room in the PSC Nonprofit Center Annex and can hold around 50 people.

RESTORING CARPENTER CREEK Years in the making, the Carpenter Creek and Bay ou Texar Watershed Management Plan is al most finished. A draft was presented on Tues day, Nov. 15, at the Bayview Community Center. The Escambia County-led effort is expected to be finalized within a month.

"We're not slowing down; this isn't going to sit on the shelf," Escambia County Commissioner Robert Bender told a packed house in attendance.

In 2016, Mayor Grover Robinson, then an Escambia County commissioner, suggested the watershed management plan when the county listed its projects to be funded with RESTORE dollars stemming from the environmental pen alties associated with the 2010 Deepwater Ho rizon oil spill. Since then, county and city of ficials, along with a collective of community partners and private consultants, have studied watershed conditions, gathered community and stakeholder input and identified a host of po tential projects that could help to improve con ditions within the watershed, such as erosion and sedimentation issues.

The management plan's top-priority project spans the run of Carpenter Creek from the over pass at Davis Highway and around the bend to Airport Boulevard. The watershed management

plan team termed the stretch "a critically urgent segment of proposed restoration that will improve water quality further downstream."

In addition to addressing bank erosion issues, the proposed project also includes a multi-modal trail running from Davis to Airport, as well as a na ture trail that incorporates an existing stormwater pond and a potential kayak launch near where the creek connects to Bayou Texar.

The second catalytic project focuses on the restoration of "Jennie's Swimming Hole," locat ed in a section of Carpenter Creek near the AMC movie theater off Bayou Boulevard. Named for Jennie Hudgins, a matriarch of Pensacola's Black community and co-founder of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, the spot is considered culturally and historically significant. The proj ect includes a multi-modal trail featuring a 45,000 square-foot lawn, picnic area and art walk.

The third priority project area entails the res toration of Carpenter Creek near Ninth Ave nue and the creation of trails designed to link up routes heading into various areas of towns, such as toward downtown Pensacola.

While the watershed management plan team has selected these catalytic projects through the public input process, funding must still be se cured before proceeding. Matt Posner, direc tor of the Pensacola Bay Estuary Program, said that he expects about $2.2 million in RESTORE funding to be soon confirmed, which the estu ary program applied for to cover the design and permitting work required for Carpenter Creek restoration efforts from I-110 to 12th Avenue, an area which encompasses all three catalytic proj ects in the watershed.

A final decision from the Florida Depart ment of Environmental Protection regarding this chunk of RESTORE funding is expected by the middle of December. If the funding is ap proved, these catalytic projects would still re quire further funds to push them through to the development phase.

Funding aside, the work will take a while once these watershed projects commence. Combined, the watershed plan lays out more than a decade worth of restoration work.

"This has been a problem decades in the mak ing, so it takes some time to cure that," noted John Kiefer, a biophysical engineer and technical advi sor on the management plan team. He added that because this work—with the three catalytic proj ects and any other projects listed in the overall management plan—will be carried out over such a span of time, conditions in the watershed, such as sediment loads and erosion risks, will need to be closely observed and factored into a sort of liv ing plan. "Because it's spread out over some years, things can change."

While this new Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar management plan prioritizes the three cata lytic projects, efforts are also being made on oth er restoration projects geared toward improving conditions within the watershed.

Escambia County is designing a stormwa ter pond near the Olive Road headwaters site of

Carpenter Creek. The project would be benefi cial overall for water quality downstream and a funding decision from the FDEP's Resilient Flori da Program is expected early next year.

On Friday, Nov. 18, the city of Pensaco la announced a $5.95 million RESTORE fund ing award for the Bayou Texar Outfalls Project, which will help improve Bayou Texar water qual ity through the addition of five underground stormwater treatment units along the bayou.

DONE WITH TRUMP The Lincoln Project Chief of Staff Ryan Wiggins said on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" that she believes the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement is done with former President Donald Trump.

"Trump was a symptom of the political move ment," Wiggins said. "He was not the political movement. And I think, in a lot of ways, that polit ical movement has outgrown Donald Trump. And so, I mean, you'll see this continue to play out with these far right-leaning people."

She added, "I think the midterm said, 'We want to move back more to the middle.' I don't think that this was a referendum that said America wants to move left into the progressive space. I think what it said was that we are more moderate than this extremism. I think both the Republicans and the Democrats will do well to listen to the American people."

REMEMBERING HOMELESS More than 40 homeless people who died this year were hon ored with a candlelight memorial service on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Waterfront Rescue Mission, providing the deceased with a formal and somber acknowledgment of their passing and remembrance of their life.

"They all lived unique lives, had unique jour neys and, like all of us, had unique challenges," said Chandra Smiley, CEO of Community Health Northwest Florida.

With a singular table positioned in the cen ter of those assembled, a collection of candles was lit and, one by one, each bearing the name of an individual who has passed away this year, they were placed on the table.

"Light pushes back darkness; light is com forting; light gives you confidence," said John Johnson, director of Opening Door of North west Florida.

In unison, the assembled crowd lit their own candles as "Amazing Grace" was performed and those lost were remembered. As Clay Romano, president of Waterfront, had said earlier in the evening, "Each of them deserves to be remem bered and lifted up in prayer this evening."

Offering a personal perspective on the con dition of homelessness, Melvin Grace, who now serves up food Waterfront's kitchen, shared with those gathered his experience living with out permanent shelter. "Homelessness is real and can happen to the best of us. This night, you're on top of the world; the next night, the world is on top of you."

Grace relayed how living on the street can be

a hard, dangerous existence. He urged people to show compassion for people who found them selves homeless for whatever reason. "When you pass by a homeless person, don't just pass by them; see them. See them as a human."

Before the candlelight service, Angie Ish ee, Waterfront's vice president of PR and Devel opment, noted an unfortunate aside. When the press release regarding the candlelight service was originally sent out, the number of deceased homeless individuals was significantly lower.

"At the time I sent that last week, we had 32 names on the list, which is in line with the 2530 average each year," Ishee shared. "Howev er, we just finalized the list, and sadly, there are 41 names."

Those individuals who died while homeless, Ishee said, might not otherwise be afforded a formal send-off, save for this annual candle light service noting their passing, and the vig il gives the wider community an opportunity to grieve. "Our homeless neighbors matter. They are mothers, sons, brothers, daddies and sisters. They were our friends."

DRIVER LICENSE CLINIC The First Judicial

Circuit will host a Driver License Clinic on Fri day, March 24, 2023, to assist individuals whose licenses have been revoked, suspended or can celed. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, located at 190 Governmental Center in Pensacola.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, and is open to the first 150 registered par ticipants. To register, go to bit.ly/3OnmkkX.

Registered participants should closely moni tor the email address provided at registration, as email will be the primary form of communication between participants and the clinic staff. Addi tional information may also be requested by email. Failure to provide requested information may re sult in canceled registration.

Staff from the Escambia County Tax Col lector's Office, Florida Department of Revenue, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Ve hicles, Escambia County Clerk of Court, Escam bia County Sheriff's Office, Office of the State Attorney and the Office of the Public Defend er, along with judges and court staff, will work together to assist registrants and provide indi vidualized information relevant to each partici pant's circumstances.

The clinic's goal is to provide "one-stop shopping" for citizens to interact with the appro priate state agencies and the court so they can determine how to regain their driving privileges.

The clinic will not be able to assist individ uals with licenses revoked, suspended or can celed due to out-of-state matters. Additional ly, the clinic will not waive outstanding financial obligations or address pending criminal charg es or charges for which an individual is current ly on probation.

Driver licenses may be suspended for vari ous reasons, including failure to pay traffic tick ets or child support, accumulation of too many

points on one's driving record, or designation as a habitual traffic offender. Licenses may also be revoked due to entering a plea to certain crimes, such as driving under the influence or certain drug-related offenses.

A list of frequently asked questions is avail able at firstjudicialcircuit.org. Please email ques tions to esc.dl.clinic@flcourts1.gov or call (850) 595-4105.

TACKLING INSURANCE RATES On WCOA, State Senator Doug Broxson discussed being the new chairman of the powerful Ap propriations Committee and tackling soaring insurance premiums.

As chairman, Broxson will be responsible for helping develop a $112 billion budget plan. He said, "We'll have to spend it according to the needs of Florida. Frankly, about 95% of that is pre-spent through education, health care, roads, prisons, law enforcement, just running the gov ernment. But what's left is a lot of money."

He is looking forward to the special ses sion on insurance. Broxson said, "The impact of our insurance industry has got to be reevaluat ed, and we're going to do that in special session in a few weeks. And if we don't, then increased

premiums are really a form of a hidden tax that people simply cannot afford."

He continued, "So we have a lot of pressure to get it right and to get the rates going the other way rather than doubling every year as they have for the last two years."

HOSPITAL SAFETY GRADES HCA Florida West Hospital received an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction celebrates HCA Florida West Hos pital's achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

"Receiving an 'A' rating for hospital safety is a testament to the dedication that our phy sicians, nurses, colleagues and volunteers have for patient safety," said Gabe Bullaro, chief ex ecutive officer for HCA Florida West Hospital. "We applaud our health care workforce for their strong culture of patient safety, excellent pa tient care experiences and always putting our patients first."

The Leapfrog Group is an independent na tional watchdog organization with a 10-year his tory of assigning letter grades to general hospi tals throughout the United States, based on a hospital's ability to prevent medical errors and

harm to patients. The grading system is peer-re viewed, fully transparent and free to the pub lic. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

Florida West Hospital Chief Medical Offi cer Dr. Vinay Pallekonda shared with Inweek ly, "Leapfrog really does look to see how hos pitals do when it comes to preventing medical errors to prevent them from getting infections in a hospital and decreasing the harm. So they use process measures on how hospitals perform with this. They use structural measures and ac tually measure the outcomes."

He continued, "At Florida West Hospi tal, we've taken that really seriously. We went from a few years ago being a 'C' grade and really worked hard at fixing our processes to prevent harm to patients. And we are so proud of the 'A' grade that we got."

Ascension Sacred Heart also received an "A" grade, while Baptist Hospital and Gulf Breeze Hospital earned "B" grades. To see all full grade details, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

TAILGATE PARTY

nity Health Northwest Florida is hosting a tail gate party from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Themed around College Football Conference Championship Saturday, this block party cele brates the opening of two new CHNWF patient care locations on North Palafox Street.

Free, family-friendly, fun activities, music and entertainment will include Pine Forest march ing band and cheerleaders, Greater Union Bap tist Church singers and praise dancers, and ESPN Game Day on the big screen.

Attendees can enjoy grilled hot dogs, ham burgers, Kona Ice, refreshments, popcorn, activi ties and games for children and families.

The event is to show appreciation to the community and showcase Community Health's Walk-in Care, Primary Care and Pharmacy, which in August relocated to their new patient care home at 1400 N. Palafox, and CHNWF's Behav ioral Health & Wellness and Optometric Vision Care departments that in October moved to one location next door at 1380 N. Palafox.

Familiarly dubbed "Palafox One" and "Palafox Two" among Community Health team members, the two new facilities give the com munity centralized locations with easier access and convenience. {in}

COMMUNITY

As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Commu

Our Corner, formerly known as Keep Pensacola Beautiful, is an Escambia County-based nonprofit that works strategically with community partners to implement programs that advance the environmental quality and beauty of our community, today and for future generations.

Because small actions today make a big impact tomorrow.

Where fun meets responsibility.

Winners Congratulations

The 2022 EntreCon® Awards presented by Cox Business is meant to recognize the achievements and economic impact leaders and businesses have on a community.

Photos by Gulf Coast Panorama / GCPanorama@yahoo.com

President & CEO

Congratulations

STUDER COMMUNITY INSTITUTE

Awards

The 2022 EntreCon® Awards presented by Cox Business is meant economic impact leaders and businesses have on a community. The at every stage in their life cycle, from start-ups to family businesses

VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement in the community.

WINNER: Pensacola Air Flight School

RUNNER-UP: UKnightedXP, Inc.

EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

THE RODNEY JACKSON MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained out standing business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the com munity. Rodney was a beacon of hope for minority businesses and this award honors his memory by recogniz ing others who are improving the world for all people.

WINNER: Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce

RUNNER-UP: InHer Physique

This award is open to all businesses started within the last two years that have either found a niche area to focus on, brought a fantastic new product to market, or have overcome the odds to achieve success.

WINNER: WolfGang, LLC

RUNNER-UP: SCI Health Metrics

MICRO-BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

With fewer than 10 employees, micro-businesses are vitally important contributors to the economy. The micro-business of the year award recognizes a business marked by its ability to flourish regardless of size that possesses a flair for spotting opportunities in its chosen niche market.

WINNER: Vivid Bridge Studios

WINNER: 3SIXTY Marketing

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award is given to a business with fewer than 50 employees that has shown resilience and fortitude in overcoming obstacles and difficulties to ensure a secure and growing success.

WINNER: Schmidt’s Music

RUNNER-UP: InHer Physique

MEDIUM-LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award will be given to a business with 50 or more employees that has shown resilience and fortitude in overcoming obstacles and difficulties, and has displayed economic growth.

WINNER: Bear General Contractors

RUNNER-UP: Landrum HR

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

Pensacola has many outstanding nonprofits, and this award is given to one that has shown a dedication to improving the quality of life in our community through volunteering, partnerships and fundraising.

WINNER: Embrace Florida Kids

RUNNER-UP: Food Raising Friends

ENTRECONPENSACOLA.COM

The Studer Community Institute is a tax-exempt

Brian Wyer

The Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce

Award Winners

Sponsored by

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

generations.

Businesses can reap rewards by offering employees outstanding training programs, progression monitoring and continuous career prospects. Employers recognized in this award category inspire and motivate their staff by enabling career expansion, operating equal opportunity initiatives and understanding the importance of a worklife balance.

WINNER: Clark Partington Attorneys at Law

WINNER: Office Pride

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The entrepreneur of the year has excelled and shown distinction and success in his or her enterprise thanks to creative problem-solving and business flair.

WINNER: Tia Robbins

RUNNER-UP: Tavaris Brooks

FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement in the community.

WINNER: Starpoint Screening

RUNNER-UP: Vivid Bridge

ENTRECONPENSACOLA.COM

tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

THE JOHN MYSLAK SERVANT LEADER AWARD

This award is given to a leader who enriches the lives of others, builds better organizations, and ultimately helps create a more just and caring world. That is what our friend and colleague John Myslak did in our community, and we honor his memory by recognizing others who live their lives as fully as he did.

WINNER: Marty Moore

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR

Starting a new venture under the age of 30 is a significant achievement. This award recognizes a small business owner who has successfully launched and grown their business before their 30th birthday.

WINNERS: Ryan and Alexis Ford

RUNNER-UP: Abraham Sculley

FASTEST GROWING BUSINESS

This award will recognize an outstanding business that has grown quickly and serves as a prestigious opportunity to celebrate its talent and wisdom.

WINNER: Dominguez Design-Build

EXCELLENCE IN MENTORSHIP AWARD

This award recognizes a person who has dedicated themselves to helping others through mentoring. Their level of experience affords them the ability to have a significant impact on the professional development and career advancement of those they mentor.

WINNER: Bob Hart

WINNER: Andrew Rothfeder

So many of our communities, organizations, small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are doing amazing things to create vibrancy. These award winners have all shown us they are resourceful and creative as they work to make our communities better.

WINNER: Will Dunaway

WINNER: Krewe of SWAT

WINNER: Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition

WINNER: Chain Reaction

Studeri.org

RACHAEL GILLETTE, President rgillette@studeri.org (850) 748-5656

QUINT STUDER, Founder quint@quintstuder.com (850) 232-4648

to recognize the achievements and categories aim to honor businesses businesses that span multiple

While you're making a holiday gift list, check it a second time and see if there's room for one (or a few) more.

Plenty of local organizations are in need of donations or monetary help this holiday season to put toward families in need or animals in the Pensacola area.

If you are able to give, consider one of the fol lowing local charities in need—every bit helps.

And if you are one of those in need, help is only a phone call away. The 2-1-1 program from United Way Northwest Florida connects callers to resources they need—from financial assistance to mental health support services. Help is available 24-7. Learn more at 211nwfl.communityos.org.

DECORATE FOR A CAUSE

These decorations will do more than just spread holiday cheer.

WREATHS OF JOY GALA: Join Arc Gateway for an evening of whimsical decadence Thurs day, Dec. 1. The sweet soiree will feature fine

foods, seasonal spirits, decadent confections and candy, and an impressive auction of gor geous wreaths for every season and celebration. Enjoy performances by Ballet Pensacola, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and Pensaco la Children's Chorus. While magical moments await, seating is limited. For more information, visit arc-gateway.org.

CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST ORNAMENTS:

Goodwill Gulf Coast is excited to announce its annual collection of 2022 Christmas on the Coast ornaments for Mobile and Pensacola. The limited edition, brass- and gold-plated or naments have become collector's items for many Gulf Coast residents. Revenue generated from the sale of Christmas on the Coast orna ments allows Goodwill Gulf Coast to provide services in our community that encourage, edu cate and employ thousands of individuals each year with disabilities and other barriers to suc cess, helping to build stronger families and communities. The 2022 Christmas on the Coast ornament for the city of Pensacola is Pensaco la's Veterans Memorial Park, a place of healing,

remembrance, learning and celebration of the lives of America's fallen warfighters. Ornaments are now available for $15 online at goodwillgulf coast.org, all Goodwill Gulf Coast retail stores and select Gulf Coast vendors.

HAVE FUN WHILE YOU'RE AT IT

You

SANTA PUB CRAWL: O'Riley's Irish Pub will host its annual Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 3, to benefit several charities, including Toys For Tots, St. Jude Children's Hospital and Shriners International. The pub crawl will be gin and end with drink specials at O'Riley's Irish Pub, concluding with an afterparty with raffles and other prizes. The event will have three tiers of donation with different benefits, each requir ing the donation of one unwrapped toy to par ticipate. All participants will receive a 22-ounce refillable mug to carry with them from bar to bar. Visit orileyspub.com for more information.

WINTER WONDER RIDE: 'Tis the season for giving, and that's the goal of this year's onbikes Winter Wonder Ride. The Winter Wonder Ride is a family-friendly slow ride through downtown Pensacola that serves a dual purpose of raising funds to provide bicycles and helmets free of charge for local kids in need. Over the past six years, the volunteer group has given more than 3,000 new bikes to children throughout the greater Pensacola community. The 2022 Winter Wonder Ride starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Blue Wahoos Stadium and concludes there at noon, where riders will be treated to food, drinks and a live performance by the pop rock tribute band Get Sideways. Participants can register online at onbikespensacola.org.

HELP OTHERS CELEBRATE

Help give local children and seniors a real Christmas this year.

COSTELLO'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE: Costello's Butcher Shop will host the an

By Savannah Evanoff

nual Kimberly Tauer Christmas Toy Drive along with Family of Hope World Ministries from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Be sure to stop by Costello's, 8190 W. Fairfield Drive, to donate an unwrapped toy for the Kimberly Tauer Founda tion. Enjoy free hot chocolate, hotdogs, treats and fellowship being held in the corner parking lot.

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE: It's now time for Children's Home Society's annual Christmas Toy Drive in which individuals, groups or businesses can spon sor one child or more by obtaining a Wish Card from the office, 17 S. DeVillers St. Each child has a Wish Card with three lines of items on it. The unwrapped gifts should be tagged with the Wish Card and delivered to the Pensacola of fice location by Friday, Dec. 9. Donations are also welcome. To participate or learn more, call (850) 698-5705 or send an email to vonche. jackson@chsfl.org.

PENSACOLA HERITAGE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP'S HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: Pensacola Heritage Community Partnership Presents the second annual toy drive in part nership with Pensacola Heritage Title. Toys will go to second- and third-grade classrooms, rang ing in age from 7–9 years. Drop off a new, un wrapped gift any time before noon on Monday, Dec. 12, at any of the following drop-off loca tions—Greater Little Rock Baptist Church Pen sacola, 901 N. A St.; Family Ty's Good Eats, 40 W. Nine Mile Road, Unit H; Casks And Flights Wine Tasting Room, 121 S. Palafox (across from the Saenger Theatre); or Pensacola Heritage Ti tle, 2400 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1.

OPERATION SANTA: FamiliesFirst Network and Northwest Florida Health Network serve children who have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect in Northwest Florida. This year, they will join community partners and the local faith community for Operation Santa, a mission to help 2,000 children in the local area celebrate the magic of Christmas by granting their Christ mas gift wishes. Without the generosity of do nors, many of these children would not receive any gifts during the holidays. Please provide a monetary donation to support the many chil dren coming into care between now and Christ mas. For more information, visit familiesfirst network.org/2022/09/20/operation-santa.

BECK PARTNERS' HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: Beck Partners is hosting a toy drive for children served by FamiliesFirst Network and Gulf Coast Kids House. Gifts collected between now and Wednesday, Nov. 30, will be donated to Fami liesFirst Network. Gifts collected Dec. 1-23 will be donated to Gulf Coast Kids House. For more information on what to purchase, visit face book.com/teambeckpartners.

RE-ENTRY ALLIANCE PENSACOLA, INC.'S HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: Donate new toys, bikes, diapers, wipes and monetary donations to those less fortunate from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Fri day, through Dec. 23 at the REAP main lobby, 1000 W. Blount St. For more information on how to donate, visit reapreentry.org.

SANTA TO SENIORS: This year, Council on Aging of West Florida is asking for gift cards for its clients so they can purchase what they most want or need. Suggested gift cards are Walmart, Target, Dollar General and Dollar Tree. To make a monetary donation via check, write "Santa to Seniors" on the memo line. Donations can be dropped off at 875 Royce St. or made online at coawfla.org.

SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD PROGRAMS

Consider making a food or monetary donation to a local food bank this year.

FOODRAISING FRIENDS, INC.: This is the time of year when FoodRaising Friends, Inc. feeds children and their families during holi day breaks from school. To put the number of meals that a child misses in perspective, Christ mas Break equals 22 free school meals per child (11 breakfast and 11 lunch). FRF provides enough breakfast and lunches to replace each child and their family's missing meals. Help replace meals for children from Jay to Navarre to Pensacola by making a donation at foodraisingfriends.com.

Manna Food Bank, Inc. 3030 N. E St. mannahelps.org

Feeding the Gulf Coast 5709 Industrial Blvd. feedingthegulfcoast.org

Food Not Bombs Pensacola 50 N. Palafox St. facebook.com/pensacolafnb

Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen 257 E. Lee St. loavesandfishessoupkitchen.com

HELP YOUR FUR FRIENDS

As the weather gets colder, animals are more in need this time of year.

Pensacola Humane Society 5 N. Q St. pensacolahumane.org

Escambia County Animal Shelter 200 W. Fairfield Drive myescambia.com/our-services/animal-welfare

Santa Rosa County Animal Services 4451 Pine Forest Road, Milton santarosa.fl.gov/387/animal-services

Pensacola Hotel for Dogs and Cats 4110 Creighton Road h4dc.org

A Hope 5755 Washington St., Milton ahope4src.com

Animal Allies Florida ecaafl.org {in}

er has made a priority, it's his mental health.

The thread through Vinson's latest album, "Tunnel Vision," is his mental health struggles and an affirming diagnosis of obsessive-com pulsive disorder (OCD). He wrote the title track mid-pandemic, just after he found out.

"It truly was a relief, the diagnosis, the un

By Savannah Evanoff

derstanding of why I had felt that way," Vinson said. "I had been real ly having a tough time mentally, and that song is truly just about those feel ings … the idea tunnel vision is in trusive thoughts, how they work and how (with) OCD, once that thought is there, it becomes so cyclical and it be comes so hard to break that pattern. It creeps up out of nowhere, even when you think it's gone."

The opening track, "Drama Queen," is equally as personal, explain ing anxiety he had in his relationship with his partner of four years.

"During the first year of my rela tionship, I had a tough time talking about my feelings, and when I tried to, I started to feel like the other person was getting on to me in a sense," Vin son said. "But what I realized is, I was just not processing the situation right and I was being really dramatic. It was very hard to explain. The song itself was hard to write because it was hard to get that idea right."

The song, too, was Vinson's first shot at what he'd always wanted to do musically—rock.

"'Drama Queen' felt like a dip in the water toward a little bit punkier, glammier sound, and the lyrics were set to match that," Vinson said. "Some of them are very simple, although I think that the idea of the song itself is not."

Vinson first sang the guitar riff in his car and stashed it in a voice memo until he got home. The next day, he sat down to write music and the whole song poured out.

Then, with a little help from online thera

py and some inspiration from newer artists (The 1975) and classic ones (Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), the pandemic gave him a whole album.

Recording a full-length album has been Vin son's most frequently listed goal in his jour nals—he has a paper trail for everything—since he started music. His journey began in youth worship at Olive Baptist Church and then tran sitioned into YouTube covers.

"All of a sudden, people in school were watching them, and then people started know ing me as the guy who sings and plays guitar," Vinson said. "People liked it; I liked it because that was what I wanted to do. And then I leaned into that, and it gave me a little bit of an abili ty to believe in myself and what I'm doing and to not feel so silly to be publicly playing music."

Vinson started writing his own songs and playing with friends in a band in high school, sometimes busking for six hours straight on Gallery Night with an open tip box.

"Eventually, crowds started forming around us," Vinson said. "I remember one week after we did it—I worked at the Bodacious Brew for a while—and I was just bopping around Palafox and someone was like, 'Hey, your name's Paul, right? I saw you play Gallery Night last week. Super cool.' I was like, 'Oh, cool.' It's so silly, be cause it's just a small town, but that idea of get ting recognized for making music just kept being so encouraging."

Vinson played the beach bar scene until he made the difficult decision many songwrit ers make.

"I realized I wanted to take this seriously, and serious artists don't play cover gigs," Vin son said. "I was like, 'It's going to suck. We're go ing to stop playing gigs as much as we are, but

it's going to be worth it because I'm going to be presenting myself the way that I want to be por trayed and received.'"

Instead of playing 20-30 gigs that year, he played three. He remembers playing at The Handlebar before it closed, sandwiching his softer music between the moshing and raging of metal bands—all of it leading to his most pivotal moment—a performance at Vinyl Music Hall.

"It felt like a huge deal, and it was a huge deal," Vinson said. "It was a big local show. That was my EP release show and marked my end in Pensacola in my brain."

Moving to Nashville was scary. Vinson had spent his entire life in Pensacola with a "massive" family on both sides. His only saving grace was a mentorship from Pensacola native and musician Ben Kimsal—who met weekly with Vinson in ex change for him playing at his church.

"Truthfully, the first year in Nashville was horrible and absolutely kicked my ass, but it would have been way worse," Vinson said. "It was weird to feel so adequate in Pensaco la and then to come to Nashville and realize— even though I knew this was going to happen— how much harder I was going to have to work to make music a reality in my life. It is a very diffi cult industry. But nonetheless, I'm still here."

And now that Vinson can check off his goal of recording a full-length album in two-three journals, all he has to say is, "It's terrific."

"I think it's fucking incredible, and that song for song, it's my best work," Vinson said. "I'm ex cited about it, and I think people should be lis tening to it." {in}

PAUL VINSON @paulvinson

Paul Vinson / Courtesy Photo

THANKSGIVING DINNERS

H20 THANKSGIVING LUNCH BUFFET

Seatings at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. $60/adults, $17/ kids 6-12, and 5 and under eat free. There will also be live music and drink specials. Located at 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach.

BONSAI – THANKSGIVING LUNCH AND DINNER Lunch at 1 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Enjoy six courses for $150. Guests can add the wine, sake and cocktail pairing for an addi tional $45. Located at 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach.

THE FISH HOUSE From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the full dinner menu is avail able all day along with a Thanksgiving entrée fea ture. Full dinner menu available from 5 p.m.-until. The Fish House is located at 600 S. Barracks St. Visit fishhousepensacola.com for details.

JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the full dinner menu is available all day along with a Thanksgiving entrée feature. Jack son's is located at 400 S. Palafox. Reservations required and can be made at (850) 469-9898.

ANGELENA'S RISTORANTE ITALIANO Angelena's will be open 11a.m.-7 p.m. with a full

dinner menu available along with a Thanksgiv ing entrée feature. Angelena's is located at 110 E. Intendencia St. Reservations required and can be made at (850) 542-8398.

FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ Five Sisters will offer a fixed-price, two-course Thanksgiving dinner. Located at 421 W. Belmont St. Reserva tions are required, with five available seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Make your reservations by calling (850) 912-4856.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

WINTERFEST TOURS Downtown Pensacola is again transforming into a winter wonderland. Reserve seats on special themed tours including the Scrooge Tour, Polar Express Tour, Grinch Tour as well as Santa and Grinch photo ops and pre-shows for the public to enjoy. For tour information and reservations, visit pensaco lawinterfest.org.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AT NAVARRE PARK The holidays kick off in Navarre with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, Nov. 25, from 4-5 p.m. Community members will gather in Navarre Park to mark the official begin ning of the holiday season and gear up for the festivities to come.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE: A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS Rocky Mountain High Experience®, A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, is at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $25 and up. Visit pensacola saenger.com for details.

ELF PARADE The annual Elf Parade will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, starting at 223 S. Palafox. Visit pensacolawinterfest.org for details.

FIRST CITY LIGHTS FESTIVAL Join the City of Pensacola to see the holiday lights come to life downtown on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m., at 226 S. Palafox.

PALAFOX MARKET WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOLIDAY EDITIONS

Palafox Market will host four new Wednesday night market dates to celebrate the holiday season. Dates are Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. Palafox Market will host 50-plus vendors from 4-8 p.m. Bars/brewer ies interested in setting up as a vendor can email emilyk@downtownpensacola.com.

ASCENSION SACRED HEART CHRISTMAS

TREE LIGHTING Ascension Sacred Heart Pen sacola will host its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the front of the hospital's campus on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. Parking for the event is available in the Ninth Avenue Parking Garage. Guests are invited to gather in the court yard next to the hospital's conference center, 5151 N. Ninth Ave.

The tree-lighting is an event going back de cades and will feature a young patient from the Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart setting the 50-foot tree aglow for the holidays. Activities include photos with Santa Claus, arts and crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and a choir providing sounds of the season.

The event is free to the public.

WREATHS OF JOY Enjoy a sweet soiree with fine foods, seasonal spirts and an auction of wreaths for every season. Performances from Ballet Pensacola, Pensacola Symphony Orches tra and Pensacola Children's Chorus complete the evening. Event is at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $250-$350. Visit wreathsofjoy.org for tickets and details.

S'MORES WITH SANTA American Legion Post 78, located at 6025 Spikes Way in Milton, will host its first-ever S'mores with Santa event Friday, Dec. 2, from 5:30-8 p.m., and will feature hayrides and s'mores by the campfire. Warm beverages such as hot chocolate and apple cider will also be available.

CHRISTMAS MESSIAH The Choral Society of Pensacola presents "Christmas Messiah" Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3, at noon, at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1212 E. Moreno St. Tickets are $5-$20. Visit choralsoci etyofpensacola.org for more information.

WINTER ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR The annual Winter Arts and Crafts Fair at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, located at 6842 Oak St., is Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Browse one-of-a-kind art, custom jewelry, woodcrafts, candles and other creative handi work. Homemade turkey gumbo, as well as baked and canned goods, will be available for purchase from the Episcopal Church Women.

NAVARRE CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Sat urday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Navarre's An nual Christmas in the Park includes the Merry Market featuring local and specialty retailers. Starting at 11 a.m. is the annual Navarre Com munity Christmas Parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be featured in the parade atop a fire truck and will be available for photos after the parade is finished. The Christmas in the Park event will also include free baked goods and beverages at Mrs. Claus' Bakery, as well as live entertainment from local schools and choirs.

10TH ANNUAL SANTA PUB CRAWL

O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox, will host its an nual Santa Pub Crawl Saturday, Dec. 3, to benefit several charities. Event registration is from 4-10 p.m. at O'Riley's. General admission will require only the toy donation. The T-shirt Tier will re quire the toy donation and a $10 cash donation. The VIP Tier will require the toy donation and a $35 cash donation. More information can be found at orileyspub.com.

SLEIGH THE LITTER: A HOLIDAY CLEAN

UP Our Corner will be hosting a beach cleanup Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon, at Park West on Pensacola Beach. The exact meeting

a&e happenings

place will be the parking lot right before the entrance to Fort Pickens at 1334 Fort Pickens Road. Anyone interested in participating can sign up at ourcornerescambia.org/volunteer.

CHRISTMAS IN THE SOUTH Celebrate the most beautiful time of the year at the Christmas in the South Festival, located at 3360 Joppa Road in Pace. Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon-7 p.m. Enjoy activities for the whole family as well as food and plenty of Christmas shopping.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTIONS Animal Allies will be at Pet Supermarket, 6857 N. Ninth Ave., Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 17. Over 35 cats and kittens will be looking for homes. All cats are up to date on shots, and adoption fee includes spay or neuter with microchip. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE TO OFFER "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" ADOPTION

SPECIAL The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is offering a "Home for the Holidays" adoption special nowDec. 31. Anyone looking to adopt will be able to take home a cat or kitten for $10, or a dog or puppy for $25. Escambia County residents are required to pay a separate $11 licensing fee at the time of adoption. Adoption fees include spay or neutering services, microchips, heart worm tests and the initial vaccinations including rabies vaccinations.

The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive and is open Monday-Friday from noon-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. To learn more about becoming a foster or volunteer, visit myescambia.com/animalwelfare.

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Florida is hosting Bingo at two locations. Dates are 7 p.m., Nov. 22, Dec. 6 and 20, at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burning Tree Road. $10 for 30 cards. At The 5 Barrel Brewery, 121 S. Palafox, dates are 6 p.m. Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and 29, and Dec. 13 and 27. $10 for 10 rounds. Proceeds go to help local animals. You must be 18 years old to play. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

ARTS & CULTURE

309 NOVEMBER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

ANASTASIA LEECH Anastasia Moray Leech is an artist born and bred in Pensacola. Her mother is from Hong Kong, and her father is from Texas. Her work probes ideas of hyperstimulation and hyper-reality while navigating the evolu tion of popular culture. She enjoys playing with the themes of camp, hedonism, and sensuality. Working in video, sculpture, and multimedia installation, Anastasia aims to create an ethereal relationship between physical and digital modes of connection.

During the month of November, Anastasia will create an installation inside her studio room at 309, exploring how media and technology evolve natural experiences and augment person al desires. Closing her stay on Dec. 3, Anastasia will hold a community meal open to the public for her closing reception, where the completed

installation will be on display. Visit facebook. com/309punkproject.

VANDALS TO VANGUARDS On view at the Pensacola Museum of Art, located at 407 S. Jefferson St., the Vandals to Vanguards ex hibition explores the evolution of pop art and street art through works from the museum's collection and loans from local collectors. Exhibit on view through Jan. 28. Visit pensaco lamuseum.org for details.

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINE

MA ART PCA is located at the Studer Commu nity Institute, 220 W. Garden St. "Aftersun" will play at 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, and "Calendar Girls 2022" at 3:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26. A special screen ing of "Causeway" will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

END-OF-THE-YEAR GODZILLA MARA

THON Kind Witch Media Studios will host a Godzilla double feature starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. Bring your own drinks and food. Visit kwmpensacola.neocities.org for details.

MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY Shop conscien tiously this holiday season and support the UWF Historic Trust. Revenues generated by museum stores help fund the programs and operating budget of the UWF Historic Trust, providing economic sustainability for the museum and cultural engagement for the community. Shop Sunday, Nov. 27, from noon-4 p.m. Museum store is located at 205 E. Zaragoza St.

BODACIOUSLY YOU BOOK CLUB Join the Bodacious Book Club for a discussion of "What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing" at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 E. Inten dencia St. Visit facebook.com/bodaciousbook store for details.

TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the Historic Trust for a monthly lunch and learn series on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, located at 117 E. Government St., from noon-1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf.edu or call (850) 5955985, ext. 125. The next date is Jan. 18, 2023, with Jess Cragg and Mike Thomin about the archaeol ogy of piracy.

MOVIE NIGHT AT ALGA BEER CO. Visit Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., every Monday at 7 p.m. for movie night. Follow @movie_night_ at_alga_ on Instagram to find out which movies will be featured each week.

LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's life drawing group meets every Monday, except holidays, from 6-9 p.m. in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.

a&e happenings

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shop ping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Market, Saturday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Frank Marston American Le gion Post 33, 1401 W. Intendencia St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, hand crafted unique gifts and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/ pensacolaartsmarket.

EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET

Every Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, lo cated at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggal leryart@gmail.com.

LOST PENSACOLA EXHIBIT "Lost Pensac ola" is a poster exhibit that examines lost icons from Pensacola's past by Joe Vinson. Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St.

SÉANCE: PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHANNON

TAGGART A collection of photographs that explore the communities and phenomena asso ciated with spiritualism, séance circles, medium ship and the devices used for communication with the spirits. On view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson, on view through Dec. 4. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting their own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The United States eyed the region early on, using the Seminole Wars as an excuse to seize territory before turning to diplomatic means to acquire Florida. The Adams-Onis Treaty, debated and initially agreed upon in 1819, resulted in Spain ceding control of East Florida to the United States. At the same time, Spain also agreed to give up all claims on West Florida, in essence giving the entire Florida territory over to the United States. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pen sacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. On view at Pensacola Museum of History through Dec. 23. Visit his toricpensacola.org for details.

CELEBRATE! 50 YEARS OF THE GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL This exhibit explores the incredible story of the volunteers who keep the festival alive. Through the past five decades, little has made a larger impact on the city than the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and those who dedicate their time to ensuring it remains a vibrant affair in the heart of Pensacola. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through February 2023.

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

SIT AND SPIN Meet other knitters and spin your yarn on the first Saturday of the month at Studio South Yarn Co., 955 E. Nine Mile Road, Unit 101. Visit studiosouthyarnco.com for details.

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LIT

TLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's and Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the group to read and discuss? Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue. The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fasci nated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook. com/pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.

OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon's Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.

OPEN MIC COMEDY AT BIG TOP BREWERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy some homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending on the number of sign-ups. Registra tion begins at 6:30 p.m.

CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORM

ING ARTS Mixon Magic Performing Arts (MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement, Ballet/Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult.

MMPA is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the building and studio. More information about

a&e happenings

Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixon magic.com or emily@mixonmagic.com or by call ing (850) 221-7438.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT FIRST CITY ART First City Art Center offers a wide range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels. Classes include glass blowing, ceramics, painting and drawing, kiln-forming, stained glass and more. For a complete list of classes and times, visit firstcityart.org.

FOOD + DRINKS

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES Join Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., in the taproom for the 2022 World Cup Watch Parties. Come dressed in game-day gear and receive 15% OFF your bar tab noon-3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21; noon-3 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25; and noon-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29. Visit facebook.com/perfect plainbrewingco for details.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAYS Support your favorite college football teams at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Wear your game day gear and get 15% off your beer tab. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

SAINTS SUNDAYS Deck out in your game day gear and watch your team on the big screen at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Get 15% off your tab when dressed in Saint's game day gear. Sundays Aug. 13-Jan. 8. Visit facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

FINE WINE FRIDAY Visit The Nest General Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, on the first Friday of every month for a wine tasting from 6-8 p.m. It's $35 a person and includes charcuterie and the opportunity to try their monthly wine club of ferings in house. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com/ events for more information.

MONTHLY WINE TASTING IN AGAPI GARDEN Visit Agapi Garden, at 555 Scenic Highway, from 5-7 p.m., to sample five wines for $10. For more information, call (850) 813-5683.

SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE

WELL The Well, located at 42 E. Garden St., has expanded its offerings with a Sunday Funday Brunch cocktail menu including items such as Spicy Paloma made with Mezcal, a cold brew cocktail with Irish whiskey, a cucumberinfused spritz and a Bloody Mary spiced with house-made hot sauce and garnished with fresh pickled vegetables. Price range is $9$12. Brunch hours are Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Other small plate offerings are available Thursday-Saturday from 4 p.m.-one hour before closing. For more information, visit facebook.com/thewellpensacola.

BAYOU BUZZ COFFEE TASTING TOUR

Seville Savories Food Tour will host a coffee tour of downtown Pensacola Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are available online at sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com.

WINE WEDNESDAY Visit The Nest General Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, every Wednesday

from 4-7 p.m. for a wine happy hour. Deals include $1 off listed by-the-glass wines, a waived corking fee, charcuterie plates and a $15 'wine flight' option. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com/ events for more information.

WEEKNIGHT HAPPY HOUR Every weeknight before 6 p.m. at The 5 Barrel, get $1 off all The 5 Barrel pints, $2 wine by the glass and half off hummus plates when you buy a pint of beer. Visit the5barrel.com for more information.

TABLETOP TUESDAYS AT THE 5 BARREL

Join The 5 Barrel for a special Tabletop Tuesday event at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in March. A wide variety of games ranging from the classic chess to the crowd favorite Catan will be available. Players are welcome to bring their own games.

ARAGON WINE TASTINGS Wine tastings at Aragon Wine Market are back every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in store at 27 S. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit aragonwinemarket.com.

THURSDAY TRIVIA NIGHT

AT THE

5 BARREL Gather a group for a weekly Thursday Trivia Night Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at The 5 Barrel. There will be prizes for every round and select drafts for $3. Find out more at facebook. com/the5barrel.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is host to local vendors and crafters at MLK Jr. Plaza. For more information, visit facebook.com/down townpensacola.

EVER'MARKET AT NINE MILE ROAD Visit

Ever'Man at 1000 E. Nine Mile Road on the fourth Saturday of each month for the Ever'Market with food, music, giveaways, activities and more. Visit everman.org for more information.

200 SOUTH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Every first Saturday of the month, the busi nesses at 200 South will host Small Business Saturday to show support for local businesses. Bring a receipt from a purchase from any other downtown business and receive 10% off your bill at Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Taco Agave and Blend Lounge.

PENSACOLA POSITIVITY'S SUNDAY

MARKETS Sunday Markets on Palafox Street happen each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in MLK Plaza on Palafox. Local makers, growers and cre ators gather each under the oak trees to sell their goods to the community. Interested vendors can request an application by emailing requeask mikellah@gmail.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/palafoxmarkets.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): One of your callings as an Aries is to take risks. You're in clined to take more leaps of faith than other people, and you're also more likely to navigate them to your advantage—or at least not get burned. A key reason for your success is your keen intuition about which gambles are rela tively smart and which are ill-advised. But even when your chancy ventures bring you exciting new experiences, they may still run you afoul of conventional wisdom, peer pressure, and the way things have always been done. Everything I have described here will be in maximum play for you in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Your key note comes from teacher Caroline Myss. She writes, "Becoming adept at the process of selfinquiry and symbolic insight is a vital spiritual task that leads to the growth of faith in oneself." Encouraging you to grow your faith in yourself will be one of my prime intentions in the next 12 months. Let's get started! How can you become more adept at self-inquiry and symbolic insight? One idea is to ask yourself a probing new ques tion every Sunday morning, like "What teach ings and healings do I most want to attract into my life during the next seven days?" Spend the subsequent week gathering experiences and revelations that will address that query. Anoth er idea is to remember and study your dreams, since doing so is the number one way to de velop symbolic insight. For help, I recommend the work of Gayle Delaney—tinyurl.com/inter viewyourdreams.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The TV science fiction show "Legends of Tomorrow" features a ragtag team of imperfect but effective superhe roes. They travel through time trying to fix aber rations in the timelines caused by various villains. As they experiment and improvise, sometimes resorting to wildly daring gambits, their suc cesses outnumber their stumbles and bumbles. And on occasion, even their apparent mistakes lead to good fortune that unfolds in unexpected ways. One member of the team, Nate, observes, "Sometimes we screw up—for the better." I fore see you Geminis as having a similar modus ope randi in the coming weeks.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I like how Cancerian poet Stephen Dunn begins his poem, "Before We Leave." He writes, "Just so it's clear—no whining on the journey." I am of fering this greeting to you and me, my fellow Cancerians, as we launch the next chapter of our story. In the early stages, our efforts may feel like drudgery, and our progress could seem slow. But as long as we don't complain exces sively and don't blame others for our own lim itations, our labors will become easier and quite productive.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Leo poet Kim Ad donizio writes a lot about love and sex. In her book "Wild Nights," she says, "I'm thinking of dating trees next. We could just stand around all night together. I'd murmur, they'd rustle, the wind would, like, do its wind thing." Now might be a favorable time for you, too, to experiment with evergreen romance and arborsexuality and trysts with your favorite plants. When was the last time you hugged an oak or kissed an elm?

JUST KIDDING! The coming weeks will indeed be an excellent time to try creative innovations in your approach to intimacy and adoration. But I'd rather see your experiments in togetherness unfold with humans.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): In her book "Daughters of the Stone," Virgo novelist Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa tells the tale of five generations of Afro-Cuban women, her ancestors. "These are the stories of a time lost to flesh and bone," she writes, "a time that lives only in dreams and memories. Like a primeval wave, these stories have carried me, and deposited me on the morn ing of today. They are the stories of how I came to be who I am, where I am." I'd love to see you explore your own history with as much passion and focus, Virgo. In my astrological opinion, it's a favorable time for you to commune with the in fluences that have made you who you are.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In accordance with astrological omens, here's my advice for you in the coming weeks: 1. Know what it takes to please everyone, even if you don't always choose to please everyone. 2. Know how to be what everyone wants you to be and when they need you to be it, even if you only fulfill that wish when it has selfish value for you. 3. DO

NOT give others all you have and thereby ne glect to keep enough to give yourself. 4. When others are being closed-minded, help them de velop more expansive finesse by sharing your own reasonable views. 5. Start thinking about how, in 2023, you will grow your roots as big and strong as your branches.

been studying for a long time. In honor of this joyfully tumultuous opportunity, draw inspira tion from poet Charles Wright—"Knot by knot I untie myself from the past / And let it rise away from me like a balloon. / What a small thing it becomes. / What a bright tweak at the vanishing point, blue on blue."

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Even if some people are nervous or intimidated around you, they may be drawn to you nonetheless. When that happens, you probably enjoy the pow er you feel. But I wonder what would happen if you made a conscious effort to cut back just a bit on the daunting vibes you emanate. I'm not saying they're bad. I understand they serve as a protective measure, and I appreciate the fact that they may help you get the coopera tion you want. As an experiment, though, I in vite you to be more reassuring and welcoming to those who might be inclined to fear you. See if it alters their behavior in ways you enjoy and benefit from.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sagit tarian rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has stellar advice for his fellow Sagittarians to contemplate regularly: "Ain't nothin' wrong with the aim; just gotta change the target." In offering Jay-Z's ad vice, I don't mean to suggest that you always need to change the target you're aiming at. On many occasions, it's exactly right. But the act of checking in to evaluate whether it is or isn't the right target will usually be valuable. And on oc casion, you may realize that you should indeed aim at a different target.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): You now have extra power to exorcise ghosts and de mons that are still lingering from the old days and old ways. You are able to transform the way your history affects you. You have a sixth sense about how to graduate from lessons you have

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In accor dance with current astrological rhythms, I am handing over your horoscope to essayist Anne Fadiman. She writes, "I have always felt that the action most worth watching is not at the center of things, but where edges meet. I like shore lines, weather fronts, international borders. There are interesting frictions and incongruities in these places, and often, if you stand at the point of tangency, you can see both sides better than if you were in the middle of either one."

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate to work with 13 psychotherapists. They have helped keep my mental health flourishing. One of them regularly reminded me that if I hoped to get what I wanted, I had to know precisely what I wanted. Once a year, she would give me a giant piece of thick paper and felt-tip markers. "Draw your personal vision of paradise," she instruct ed me. "Outline the contours of the welcom ing paradise that would make your life eminent ly delightful and worthwhile." She would also ask me to finish the sentence that begins with these words—"I am mobilizing all the energy and ingenuity and connections I have at my dis posal so as to accomplish the following goal." In my astrological opinion, Pisces, now is a perfect time to do these two exercises yourself.

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: In what process have you gone halfway, and you really should go all the way? newsletter.freewillastrology.com {in}

news of the weird

THE TECH REVOLUTION Talk about taking your gaming seriously. Palmer Luckey, a defense contractor and, according to Vice, the father of modern virtual reality, has invented a VR headset that literally presents a life-or-death outcome. Inspired by the NerveGear VR headsets in the anime "Sword Art Online," Luckey's headset fea tures three explosive charge modules that deto nate and instantly destroy the user's head if the user dies during gameplay. "Pumped-up graphics might make a game look more real, but only the threat of serious consequences can make a game feel real to you and every other person in the game," Luckey said. He admits, though, that he needs to keep tinkering: "There are a huge vari ety of failures that could occur and kill the user at the wrong time. This is why I have not worked up the (nerve) to actually use it myself. At this point, it is just ... a thought-provoking reminder of unexplored avenues in game design."

MONEY TO BURN A pair of "well used" Birken stock sandals once worn by Steve Jobs has sold at auction for almost $220,000, the Associated Press reported. The brown suede sandals, which date to the mid-1970s, retain "the imprint of Steve Jobs' feet," the auction said in describ ing the listing. The buyer was not named. Jobs' home in Los Altos, California, where he and Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple, is now a his toric landmark.

IRONIES The Buckingham and Villages Com munity Board in England admitted that the irony was running thick when, on Nov. 15, it had to cancel a program about protecting your home from flood damage due to heavy rains in the area. The board hoped to provide residents with demonstrations of flood resilience equipment and what to do in case of a deluge, according to the BBC. "However, it was due to take place out side in pouring rain and high winds, so there was concern ... that people would not turn out for this important event," the BVCB said. "A new date will be arranged as soon as possible."

• In Norway, energy firm Equinor produced its first energy from floating wind turbines on Nov. 13, CNBC reported. The installation, called Hy wind Tampen, lies about 87 miles off the coast of Norway, with 11 total turbines, four of which will come online in 2023. Ironically, the turbines will be used to produce energy for Equinor's oil and gas fields in the North Sea. "This is a unique project, the first wind farm in the world power ing producing oil and gas installations," said Geir Tungesvik, the company's executive vice presi dent for projects, drilling and procurement.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS Marine biologists in the Cayman Islands are desperately searching for a nurse shark that is sporting a mesh bag around its middle, the Daily Star reported. The "skirt" is blocking the shark's gills, effectively choking it. The Department of Environment said they are "doing our best to locate and assist him but so far, we've been unsuccessful." A scuba diver ini

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

tially spotted the animal, but he didn't have the tools he needed to cut the bag away.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Police in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, were able to eas ily identify a carjacker who followed a woman off a bus at a park-and-ride on Nov. 1, WTAE reported. When they located her stolen car a couple of hours later, the people inside hopped out and ran away—but one of the thieves left their identity behind via the Bluetooth iPhone connection in the car. "Darrells iPhone" turned up on the car's list of devices, and a security guard at Westinghouse High School identified Darrell Cammon Jr., 19, from a surveillance video on the bus. Cammon and another suspect are still at large.

SHADE Byron and Christie Jefferies started dat ing in 2007 while attending Clemson University, WYFF reported. Through the ensuing 15 years, they stayed together as they lost parents, at tended grad school and moved for jobs. So when they married on Oct. 15 in South Carolina, Chris tie couldn't help but throw a little shade: As she opened a piece of paper with her vows on it, she blew off a layer of dust. Christie calls her mar riage to Byron a "home run."

NIGHT OF THE LIVING POODLE On Oct. 29, as Kathrin Burleson and a friend walked Burleson's 13-year-old corgi, Emma, at Trinidad State Beach in California, a pack of 10 standard poodles burst from a nearby car and raced toward them, the Mad River Union reported. Burleson leaned down to pick up Emma, but she wriggled out of Burleson's arms just as the pack attacked. "I thought Emma and I were going to be killed," Burleson said. To make things even weirder, during the incident, Burleson felt her finger being bitten, but when she looked up, it was the poodles' owner, Frank Mallatt, who had her finger in his mouth. Mallatt later told her he thought he was biting one of his dogs. Emma was severely injured and underwent emergency surgery, from which she is still healing. Mallatt reportedly owns a service dog company that, according to the website, places dogs "with children at little to no cost through the help of donations and volunteers."

IT'S COME TO THIS Brandy Bottone of Plano, Texas, who argued successfully in June that her unborn fetus qualified her to drive in the HOV lane, is now the namesake of House Bill 521 in Texas' 2023 legislative session, MSN reported. The Brandy Bill, introduced by state Rep. Briscoe Cain, states that a pregnant driver "is entitled to use any HOV lane in the state." Texas penal code stipulates that an unborn child is considered a person "at every stage of gestation from fertiliza tion until birth." If the Brandy Bill is signed into law, it will take effect in September. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird

© 2022 Andrews McMeel