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2026 MIDTERM ELECTION GUIDE

EARLY VOTING Now-October 31 ELECTION DAY November 3

Independent News | October 22, 2026 | Volume 27 | Number 42

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winners & losers

outtakes

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publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Joshua Encinias, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Dakota Parks, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

happenings 16

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. © 2026 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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October 22, 2026

winners & losers

Henry Mack / Photo Courtesy of fldoe.org

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 3, 2026

WHERE TO VOTE EARLY VOTE EARLY AT 10 AREA LOCATIONS! Monday, October 19 through Saturday, October 31

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola Pensacola Library, 239 Spring Street, Pensacola Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd, Pensacola Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola

ALL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS OPEN

8:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W De Soto Street, Pensacola Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N Century Blvd, Century UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola Sample ballots are available online at EscambiaVotes.gov/sample-ballots.

Robert D. Bender, Supervisor of Elections Phone: (850) 595-3900 Fax: (850) 595-3914 Email: soe@escambiavotes.gov 44

EscambiaVotes.gov

winners

losers

UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA Hancock

HENRY MACK The Florida Education Commissioner praised Okaloosa and Walton schools last week for reopening after Hurricane Isaias, calling it "quite remarkable." The compliment rings hollow in Santa Rosa County. Earlier in the week, Mack allegedly threatened Santa Rosa School Superintendent Karen Barber, accusing her team of being "too tired" to reopen, refusing to use her title and claiming he would order the Florida Highway Patrol to break down school doors if necessary. Barber was led to believe her funding was at risk. Santa Rosa's school board voted unanimously to remain closed through Oct. 16. Praising districts that reopened first while pressuring those still digging out is not leadership. Mack owes Santa Rosa teachers and parents answers.

Whitney, Navy Federal Credit Union and Florida Blue have donated to the United Way of West Florida's (UWWF) Recovery Fund to help Escambia and Santa Rosa households hit by Hurricane Isaias. Hancock Whitney gave $50,000 and Navy Federal $100,000. Florida Blue's amount was not specified. UWWF's 211 Northwest Florida line answered 920 calls from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12, assisting 2,422 people, including 385 seniors, 352 children and 100 veterans. Before the storm, 47% of Escambia households and 36% of Santa Rosa households fell below the ALICE Threshold. UWWF does not fund individuals. Donations go to local partners for repairs and recovery aid. To give, visit uwwf.org.

DAVID GREENWOOD The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation commending Greenwood on his retirement as Chief of Water Safety after nearly four decades protecting Pensacola Beach and Santa Rosa Island. Greenwood began surf lifeguarding in 1987 and joined the Pensacola Beach Lifeguard Team in 1992. He started the Junior Lifeguard Program in 2003 and helped the team grow from about 12 lifeguards to more than 70. He helped move lifeguard services from the Santa Rosa Island Authority to the county in 2015 and became chief that October. He has led water safety for the Blue Angels Air Show since 2015. ERIC J. NICKELSEN The Escambia County

Board of County Commissioners also issued a proclamation recognizing Nickelsen for his professional and philanthropic achievements and his contributions to the community. Nickelsen began his banking career in 1966 at Citizens and Peoples National Bank, where he became president in 1986 and later chairman and CEO. After the Bank South acquisition, he served as its regional president and later led Northwest Florida operations for Barnett Bank. He retired from active banking in 1999. He later served on the Whitney National Bank board, became its first lead director, and joined the Hancock Whitney board until retiring in 2019. He has chaired the Pensacola Chamber, Sacred Heart Hospital System and the UWF Foundation.

WES MORENO The Escambia County admin-

istrator sidelined AshBritt, a contractor with 22 years of county experience, one day after the county issued its Notice to Proceed. AshBritt says its surveys show two to three million cubic yards of debris, and Commissioner Mike Kohler said Moreno had earlier told him 1.3 million. AshBritt says its trucks were four hours out when Moreno canceled its activation. The contractor told commissioners it could finish the work in 60 days. County officials told the media the cleanup would take three to four months, which Moreno later called "ultra conservative." Commissioners voted 3-1 to bring AshBritt back. Moreno continues to lose the public's confidence.

LIVESTREAMING EXECUTIONS Last week,

President Donald Trump called off plans to livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, Axios reported. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the livestream in early October, drawing bipartisan criticism. Trump said on Truth Social that streaming might deter terrorists but that many "well-meaning people would rather not watch." He said victims' immediate families may attend in person. Hasan, a former Army officer, was convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 shooting. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found 80% of Americans opposed a livestream, including 64% of Republicans. inweekly.net

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

CUMULUS ABANDONED US On Friday, Oct. 9, I turned my car radio to WCOA 1370 AM as I drove to the office to begin our newspaper's action plan for covering Hurricane Isaias. WCOA, Florida's second oldest radio station and Pensacola's first, had covered hurricanes for over 100 years. But instead of getting the latest update on the storm, I heard a syndicated program in which the host shouted about the danger posed by Dominican gangs and how Democrats were too weak to deal with them. On Saturday morning, Pensacola's once-reliable news station was completely off the air. The loss stayed with me as I sat in the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), covering two press conferences and writing articles for the blog and Inweekly. When I finally got a break later in the week, I began researching WCOA's role in previous hurricanes and came across a research paper by a University of Nebraska graduate student on the mass media's public service role during Hurricane Ivan.

A STATION BUILT FOR STORMS When Hur-

ricane Ivan came ashore in September 2004, WCOA and its fellow local stations were a lifeline for a community that had lost power, phones and, for many, roofs. At the time, 15 radio stations were licensed in the market. Only four had a news staff, and WCOA was one of them. The station put staff in the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center for Ivan, and later for Dennis and Katrina. The Cumulus Media stations, WCOA, WJLQ (FM 100.7) and WRRX (FM 106.1), prepared more formally than most. Brian Newkirk, a 13-year WCOA veteran who also assisted the program director, said the stations held planning meetings with engineering, traffic and other departments to build a coordinated team response. Engineers set up live broadcast hookups at the operations center. The stations scheduled Ivan updates four times an hour and coordinated with local agencies to obtain information. About a day before landfall, they began simulcasting WCOA's news/talk programming on the two FM stations. The cooperation went beyond a single company. WEAR-TV (Channel 3), WCOA, WPNN (790 AM), WUWF (FM 88.1), WYCL (FM 107.3) October 22, 2026

and WXBM (FM 102.7) formed a loose hurricane network. For the late Don Parker, who worked at WCOA with another radio legend, Luke McCoy, broadcasting emergency information became the station's primary responsibility because of its historic role as a community station and as the area's primary emergency broadcast source. The content ranged from the practical, such as where to find ice and which stores were open, to the urgent, such as downed power lines and flooded roads. Much of it came from listeners phoning in eyewitness reports.

CUMULUS'S BROKEN PROMISES Eight

weeks before Isaias, Cumulus CEO Mary Berner put a promise in writing. In an Aug. 14 letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, she said Cumulus stations provide "timely, freely available information that can help protect life, property and public safety." She wrote that during hurricanes, employees "have worked through extraordinarily difficult circumstances to keep our stations on the air." She pledged to keep delivering "locally relevant news, weather, traffic, emergency information." However, Berner and Cumulus let down Pensacola during Hurricane Isaias, even though WCOA's station was next to the EOC. Cat Country 98.7 broadcast from the EOC around the clock for three days, providing critical storm updates and the latest word on open stores or flooded roads—the information listeners relied on during Ivan. Berner told Washington, "Unlike national platforms or algorithmically curated news feeds, Cumulus Media's employees are positioned to provide broad-based, free, over-the-air news and information closely tuned and responsive to immediate local conditions." However, Cumulus had no one at the EOC, which had a desk where its employees could have broadcast "immediate local conditions" to its listeners. Instead, Cumulus gave Pensacola syndicated drivel. The FCC is weighing Cumulus's applications to emerge from bankruptcy. Before it signs off, the commission should investigate whether WCOA truly still is a community station and not just a cost center on the Cumulus balance sheet. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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OUTLYING FIELDS PLAN ADVANCES The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners last week voted 5-0 to advance an ordinance adopting the Outlying Fields (OLF-8) Master Plan and Design Code, setting up a final hearing Nov. 5 on the 540-acre Beulah property. The ordinance amends Chapter 3, Section 3-1.3 of the Land Development Code, "Zoning and Future Land Use," and adopts the master plan, design code, regulating plan map and road classification plan. It was the first of two required public hearings. Commissioners also accepted an errata sheet dated Oct. 15 that removes references to an Architectural Review Committee and sends variances through LDC Section 2-6.3. The corrections answer a question raised at the Planning Board's Oct. 6 hearing. Beulah resident Theresa Blackwell told commissioners the design code written for developer Tri-W Development "will dismantle the heart" of the DPZ master plan the county adopted after years of public engagement. She said the rewrite removes agriculture from residential areas, adds two stories to building heights, allows nearly twice the possible density, widens travel lanes, drops block size standards, makes sidewalks and bike lanes optional and reintroduces warehouse uses. She read from a letter by Marina Khoury of DPZ that accused the applicant's planner of misrepresenting the adopted code. Blackwell warned commissioners that "Beulah will remember." Attorney Troupe Brewer of Phelps Dunbar represents Tri-W Development, a joint venture of Chad Henderson of Catalyst HRE and Jim Wilson and Associates. He said the plan keeps the core principles of the DPZ plan. He said it dedicates more than 100 acres of the site to green space, uses block sizes identical to the current plan and places a town center within half a mile of any point on the property. 66

On roads, Brewer said a typical street has 10.5 feet of pavement per travel lane, compared with a 10-foot minimum in most of the existing plan. He said distribution centers are not allowed under either plan, and that warehouses and light industrial uses would sit in the Employment, Technology & Innovation (ETI) District, which the county will keep and can further restrict. He said state agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection, reported no adverse impacts. Brewer did not directly address Blackwell's claims on agriculture, density or the two added stories. He said only that maximum building heights were changed so the site can attract highwage employers such as Navy Federal, Birdon and ST Engineering. Commissioner Steve Stroberger said Tri-W was not his first choice but "won me over" by answering his written questions and talking to the people he suggested, including Navy Federal and Blackwell. He said he lacked the votes to stop the project, so he found another way to help shape it. He also told Blackwell she had held more private meetings with the developer than anyone else. Commissioner Mike Kohler said he supported the team because it did what it promised, though he did not like the county keeping 171 acres. He said, "There's no perfect plan." Henderson told the board the county's investment in the property was roughly $17 million. The county sold 100 acres for $4 million, leaving a basis of about $13 million. He said the plan would more than double that through the sale of a portion of the land. The county's contract with Tri-W makes land use approvals a condition of the purchase. County Attorney Alison Rogers said the same ordinance returns Nov. 5, along with a separate quasi-judicial rezoning matter. Brewer said the fu-

ture land use change to the comprehensive plan will also be up for final approval that day.

GRIEF AND GRATITUDE On Oct. 15, Escambia County commissioners used the start of their first regular meeting since Hurricane Isaias struck Northwest Florida to mourn a storm victim, thank first responders and warn that many residents are still struggling. Commissioner Mike Kohler, who said his own power wasn't restored until Oct. 14, told the audience that his office is fielding calls and emails daily. "We're hearing you, trying to help," he said. He defended utility linemen despite criticism of FPL, saying crews "are working hard and we need to thank them." An emotional Kohler then recounted the storm's first reported death. Jenn Biggs Williams, 57, was killed Saturday when a tree crashed through the roof of her Pensacola home, trapping her husband, Joey, he said. Joey Williams' legs were crushed, but he crawled out after 20 to 30 minutes and used an Apple Watch to call his son. Kohler said he knows her mother, Becky Biggs, an ICU medical assistant. He also said a political ally, Keith Bow, is recovering in a burn unit after losing his two cats. Kohler held up a patch reading "No one fights alone. Be strong and courageous," and thanked county employees, noting road crews were clearing Live Oak at 6:30 a.m. after the storm and EMS trucks were rolling on some 200 calls. Commissioner Lumon May said the need goes beyond thanks. About 100 people were waiting for roof tarps, he said, but many can't afford to have them installed. Others can't pay to clear fallen trees. "I'm not sitting here waiting on Pennsylvania Avenue or Capital Circle to come in and help my district," May said, urging the board to set aside money for individual assistance.

May said he helped feed about 700 children Sunday, Oct. 11 at Oakwood Terrace, where some hadn't eaten since the storm. He thanked BRACE, Brownsville Church, Caring Hearts and Mayor D.C. Reeves, and praised ITL Solutions for driving dialysis patients to appointments for free. "Disaster has no color," May said. "It has no creed. It has no political affiliation. It just has a need." Commissioner Steve Stroberger thanked emergency management staff, dispatchers, shelter workers, public works crews and other responders, noting they were serving while worrying about their own homes. He described stopping on Interstate 10 near exit 5 after an 18-wheeler overturned. Curtis Matthews of Beulah broke the windshield with a borrowed sledgehammer to free the driver, and Stroberger drove him to the HCA emergency room in Beulah. The driver was later moved to Sacred Heart's trauma center and is expected to be released soon. Stroberger asked residents to heed emergency warnings and give crews room, since debris and downed power lines can turn familiar roads deadly. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger closed the segment by recognizing Deputy Harder and EMS supervisor JT Winford, who went out in the middle of the storm with medical director Dr. Ben Abo to deliver a baby. Both mother and child are doing well. Hofberger quipped it was likely the only baby delivered by men wearing helmets to dodge flying debris.

DEBRIS DEBACLE On Oct. 15, the Escambia

County Commission voted 3-1 to add AshBritt, a national storm recovery firm based in Florida, to the county's hurricane debris collection effort, reversing a decision by County Administrator Wes Moreno to stand the contractor down. Commissioner Steven Barry voted no. Commissioner Lumon May was absent. AshBritt, which has held a county disaster debris contract for 22 years, received a Notice to Proceed before Hurricane Isaias hit Northwest Florida on Friday night and began mobilizing. On Saturday afternoon, Moreno rescinded it. Senior Vice President Matt Gerdin told commissioners he had trucks "four hours out" that were turned around. Moreno said the county's consultant, Thompson Engineering, estimated debris at about onethird of Hurricane Sally's, so he decided two contractors were enough. "I made a decision," he said. He added that the county began picking up debris Monday afternoon, had 65 units working by Thursday, Oct. 15 and expected more than 100 by Friday, Oct. 16. AshBritt disputed the estimate. Gerdin said the company's road surveys showed more than 2 million cubic yards, possibly 3 million. Hurricane Sally produced 3.7 million in 2020. Commissioner Mike Kohler said Moreno had earlier told him the figure was 1.3 million. AshBritt CEO Brittany Perkins Castillo said the company could finish in 60 days. County officials had told media cleanup could take inweekly.net

three to four months, an estimate Moreno called "ultra conservative." Kohler asked what harm adding AshBritt would do. Moreno said none, but the county would have to modify its existing contracts because "somebody's going to give up area." Kohler moved to add the company, saying the goal is getting the county cleaned up. Barry, the lone dissent, said the north end of the county saw far less damage than after Sally and pointed to discrepancies in the debris estimates. Commission Chair Ashlee Hofberger said District 4 was hit hard, with roughly one in five trees down in East Hill. Moreno confirmed that only three of the county's nine contractors received Notices to Proceed: AshBritt, Panhandle Paving & Grading and C.W. Roberts Contracting. Roads Inc., a previous contractor, was sold to C.W. Roberts, and commissioners voted 4-0 Thursday to assign its contract to the company. The debris collection work will now be split three ways, as it was after Sally.

WEST NOT ALWAYS BEST Hurricane Isaias

broke the rule that Gulf Coast residents have trusted for generations: the west side of a hurricane is the best side. For Pensacola, it turned out to be the worst. Florida Power & Light's vice president and general manager for Northwest Florida, J.T. Young, said the damage came from something that happened just offshore, which meteorologists are calling a "sting jet." He described it as a burst of very high wind on the storm's west side that was dry but powerful. Young, a Pensacola native who has lived through Ivan and many other storms, said FPL had never seen anything like it. Locals have long known that the northeast quadrant is the most dangerous, and utility crews were positioned with that expectation. The sting jet upended the plan. Because of that wind, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties took heavier punishment than Okaloosa and Walton counties to the east, where the storm was expected to do more harm. FPL had to pull crews from Fort Walton Beach and Panama City to help rebuild here. At the peak, about 435,000 customers were without power. Tree damage was especially severe in places like East Hill and the neighborhoods south of Fairfield Drive. The storm also behaved oddly from the ground. It felt as though the eye had passed over us, because the wind stopped for about 20 minutes. Yet the center of the storm was passing to the east of Escambia County. Pensacola usually braces for storm surge when a hurricane approaches. Young said Isaias lacked the surge problem we typically see, so the danger came almost entirely from wind and falling trees. That is a different kind of storm than the one many residents prepared to encounter. The wind made the restoration harder to predict. FPL flew nearly 500 drone flights over the weekend and found damage worse than first estimated, which forced the company to push back its goal of 95% restoration by Oct. 12. Young said the unexpected west side damage was a major reason FPL could not declare full restoration sooner. Isaias was not the longest outage in local memory. Young noted that Ivan took about 13 October 22, 2026

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days. But it was a reminder that the old rules of thumb about hurricanes can fail.

DEBRIS REMOVAL TRACKER Curious about how collection of Hurricane Isaias debris is progressing in the City of Pensacola? Residents can follow debris removal efforts through the Debris Collection Dashboard. The dashboard provides updates on debris collected, loads completed and collection activity throughout the city. You can find the dashboard at tinyurl.com/4rrxdf2f. GOOD ENOUGH FOR DESANTIS Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that VISIT FLORIDA will award $1 million to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council, the regional group whose Escambia County dues Clerk Pam Childers has delayed paying for two years.

The money comes from VISIT FLORIDA's crisis recovery budget, which is reserved for hurricanes and other disasters. It will fund a restart of the Northwest Florida Beaches marketing campaign after Hurricane Isaias, with an emphasis on fall and winter drive-market travel and added support for the most affected counties. DeSantis cited a previous campaign, funded in part by Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. His office said it brought more than 2 million additional visitors to the region between 2024 and 2025, generated $327 million in added visitor spending and supported nearly 3,000 jobs. The governor said every dollar invested produced $58.95 in total economic impact. Those figures address the question Childers has pressed on Visit Pensacola: whether Escambia's membership delivers value for local tourism.

Whether the grant changes the clerk's stance is unclear. To learn more about successful tourism marketing, visit northwestfloridabeaches.com.

BANANA BALL Blue Wahoos Stadium will host Banana Ball May 21-22, 2027, after being chosen as one of 75 stops on the Savannah Bananas' World Tour. The Loco Beach Coconuts will face the Indianapolis Clowns. Tickets are available only through the lottery at bananaball.com, where registration closes Oct. 31. Prices are $35, $45 and $65, and third-party resellers are not valid. Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer called the event "a really nice economic engine" for the community. The Bananas first visited the area in 2021, when owner Jesse Cole led a staff workshop in Pensacola after games in Mobile. {in} 7

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2026 MIDTERM ELECTION GUIDE We know that for some of you, the midterm elections may seem like a ho-hum affair. But we promise, they're not. The governor's race, along with the other statewide races, will have a major impact on our state's future. The local races are important, too. And please don't overlook the rest of the ballot. State Amendment 3 would nearly eliminate property taxes on our homes, which sounds appealing until you realize how devastating it could be to the essential services our cities and counties provide. The county referendum to extend the Local Option Sales Tax is vital to our city and county capital projects. So do your homework and remember your vote matters.

BALLOT BREAKDOWN FEDERAL & STATE U.S. SENATE

Term: Six Years | Salary: $174,000 (source: senate.gov)

Ashley Moody (Republican, incumbent) ashleymoody.com

Angie Nixon (Democrat)

angienixon.com

Neil J. Gillespie (No Party Affiliation)

neilgillespie4senate.blogspot.com

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Term: Two Years | Salary: $174,000 (source: house.gov)

Jimmy Patronis (Republican,

incumbent since 2025) joinjimmy.com

Gay Valimont (Democrat)

gayforcongress.com

Tyler L. Davis (No Party Affiliation) tylerdavisforcongress.com GOVERNOR

Term: Four Years | Salary: $141,400 (source: salaries.myflorida.com)

Byron Donalds (Republican)

byrondonalds.com

David Jolly (Democrat)

davidjolly.com

Scott Eckhard Jewett (Libertarian)

scottjewett.com

Charles Burkett (No Party Affiliation)

burkettforgov.com

Frank J. Russo (No Party Affiliation) russo2026.com

Moliere "Moe" Dimanche (No Party Affiliation) nomoecorruption.com 010 1

Dean Ocean Abrams (No Party Affiliation) deanabrams.com

Jeffery Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto (No Party Affiliation) facebook.com/drjeffdatto

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Term: Four Years | Salary: $139,987.90 (source: salaries.myflorida.com)

Jose Javier Rodriquez (Democrat) jjr.vote

James Uthmeier (Republican, incumbent) jamesforfl.com

FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

For Retention | Biographies on each can be found at: 1dca.flcourts.gov/judges

Joseph Lewis Jr.

Appointed by Gov. Bush in 2001

Rachel Nordby

Appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2019

Tim Osterhaus

Appointed by Gov. Scott in 2013

Blaise Ingoglia (Republican, incumbent) blaiseforflorida.com

Annette Taddeo (Democrat) annettetaddeo.com

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

LOCAL FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Term: Two Years | Salary: $29,697 (source: ballotpedia.org)

DISTRICT 1

For Retention

Carlos Muniz Appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2019 Biography: supremecourt.flcourts.gov/the-court/ about-the-court/justices/justice-carlos-g.-muniz

Term: Four Years | Salary: $50,581 (source: edr.state.fl.us)

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 4

Jacob Cavender (Democrat)

tinyurl.com/3anhbdse

Greg Litton (Republican)

electlitton.com

Ralph H. Schofield Jr.

Francesca Yabraian (Democrat)

(No Party Affiliation) facebook.com/telelawyer

Michelle Salzman (Republican, incumbent)

CITY OF PENSACOLA CITY COUNCIL*

vote4francesca.com

michellesalzmanforhouse.com

votejonfay.com

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

EMERALD COAST UTILITIES AUTHORITY

Gloria Horning (Independent) facebook.com/gghorning

Appointed by Gov. DeSantis in 2025

Joey Mendoza Atkins (Democrat)

(Republican, incumbent) wiltonsimpson.com

Joe Vinson (No Party Affiliation) facebook.com/vinson4escambia

Raymond Treadwell

DISTRICT 2

Wilton Simpson

voteashlee.com

Lois Benson (Republican) facebook.com/loisbensonecua

Appointed by Gov. Crist in 2007

Term: Four Years | Salary: $139,987.90 (source: salaries.myflorida.com) joeyforflorida.com

Ashlee Hofberger (Republican, incumbent)

Clay Roberts

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Term: Four Years | Salary: $139,988.04 (source: salaries.myflorida.com)

DISTRICT 4

Jon Fay (Republican) Johnny Austin Thompson (Democrat) standwithjohnny.com

ESCAMBIA COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Non-Partisan Races Term: Four Years | Salary: $37,148.80 (source: cityofpensacola.com)

DISTRICT 2

Charles Bare (incumbent)

bare4council.com

Sherri Myers

facebook.com/sherrimyersforuptown

Term: Four Years | Salary: $105,437 (source: edr.state.fl.us)

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 2

briancoled4.com

Mike Kohler (Republican, incumbent) votekohler.com

Mathious Robinson (Democrat)

facebook.com/alleycat.tete

Brian Cole

Boyce White

facebook.com/cid90 *For more on the City Council candidates, turn to page 12. inweekly.net

AMENDMENTS This election, voters will decide on three proposed amendments to the state constitution. One of them, a sweeping rewrite of the state's property tax rules, could drastically reshape how counties and cities fund law enforcement, fire protection and other services. The Legislature placed all three on the ballot. Each needs approval from at least 60% of voters casting ballots to become part of the constitution. The threshold applies to each amendment, not to the total ballots cast in the election. We have used the League of Women Voters of Florida's Vote411 voter guide to help you do your homework on the state amendments before you vote. We did our own research on the county amendment.

Florida prepared for storms, emergencies and downturns without raising taxes." However, Gov. Ron DeSantis opposes the amendment, saying any additional revenue should be used to lower taxes. This year, he vetoed a $750 million transfer to the fund in the state budget. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly backs Amendment 1. Earlier this month, he told the media, "A rainy day fund is always great, and I support raising that cap. I appreciate those who say don't do it, but it's because they don't trust our current Governor and they don't trust the guardrails. So let's raise the rainy day fund, let's put strong guardrails in place and let's put ourselves on a strong financial footing."

AMENDMENT 1

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND

This amendment would expand the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, which voters created in 1992 with 83% support. The fund cannot hold more than 10% of general revenue collections and cannot fall below 5%. In fiscal year 2024-25, it held 9.3%. The amendment would raise the cap to 25%. It would also require lawmakers to transfer money into the fund every year, either $750 million or the amount needed to reach the cap, whichever is less. Withdrawals would be limited to three situations: paying for an emergency, covering a revenue shortfall such as weaker-than-expected sales tax collections or meeting a nonrecurring critical state need. The last route requires that the fund hold more than 15% of revenue collections and that two-thirds of the Legislature approve. Lawmakers could suspend the annual transfer in two cases. They could do so no more than once every five years for a critical state need, with a twothirds vote. They could also suspend it in any year they withdraw money for an emergency or shortfall. The last time Florida took more out of the fund than it put in was 2008, during the Great Recession. The fiscal impact is described as indeterminate but likely insignificant. The measure passed the House 100-1 and the Senate 29-4. The Florida Education Association and the League of Women Voters of Florida oppose it. The Republican Party of Florida supports Amendment 1. Chair Evan Power said it "keeps

AMENDMENT 2

This amendment would exempt certain tangible personal property from property taxes. The term covers physical, movable assets such as machinery, tools and equipment. To qualify, the property would have to be located on land classified as agricultural, be used to produce agricultural products or for agritourism, and be owned by the landowner or leaseholder. If approved, it would first apply to tax years beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Businesses currently pay property tax on equipment, with exceptions that include motor vehicles, household goods and the first $25,000 of such property per taxpayer. The Revenue Estimating Conference projects the amendment would cost local governments $31 million a year, beginning in fiscal year 2027-28. It passed the House 110-1 and the Senate 37-0. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation supports the amendment, asserting that it supports family farms, protects local food production and keeps farming viable. The Florida Education Association and the League of Women Voters of Florida oppose it.

AMENDMENT 3

PROPERTY TAXES

Amendment 3, titled "Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes," is by far the most consequential. If approved, it takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. For homeowners, the headline change is a larger homestead exemption. Currently, the first $25,000 of assessed value is exempt from all

property taxes, and a second $25,000 is exempt from everything except school levies. Under the amendment, the exemption from non-school taxes would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust for inflation. By 2028, a home valued at $250,000 or less would owe no property taxes except those levied by school districts. Owners of non-homestead property, including second homes, rentals and commercial buildings, would see the annual cap on assessment increases cut from 10% to 5%. Newcomers would not share equally. People who are not Florida residents on Dec. 31, 2026, would receive the existing exemption and qualify for the larger one beginning in their fifth year of exemption, to the extent the U.S. Constitution allows. The amendment would also restrict how counties and cities spend property tax revenue. Spending would be limited to public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, debt service, employee retirement benefits, and operations and administration. The Legislature would set a uniform procedure allowing counties and municipalities to raise the homestead exemption up to a home's full assessed value, and special districts could do the same with voter approval. The Revenue Estimating Conference estimated on June 12 that local governments would lose nearly $5 billion in 2027-28. The projected loss grows to $8.8 billion in 2028-29, $9.7 billion in 2029-30, $10.7 billion in 2030-31 and $11.9 billion in 2031-32. Those figures do not count any additional exemptions local governments might adopt. The League of Women Voters' guide notes that a trust fund meant to cushion the state's 29 fiscally constrained counties was dropped from the final legislation. Moody's, Fitch and S&P Global Ratings have each said they expect greater credit pressure on local governments if the amendment passes. Local governments could try to fill the gap by raising property taxes on non-homestead property, leaning harder on local sales, fuel, tourist and utility taxes, issuing more special assessments, raising impact fees on new development, creating or increasing service fees, or selling naming rights and advertising. The guide warns that landlords could pass higher costs along to tenants. It also cautions that services funded by property taxes, including libraries, parks and mosquito control, could face cuts.

The Legislature passed the amendment 7527 in the House (with 16 not voting) and 30-8 in the Senate (with two not voting). The Republican Party of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Realtors support the amendment. Opponents include Florida TaxWatch, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, the Florida Sheriff's Association, Florida Education Association and the League of Women Voters of Florida. Mayor D.C. Reeves told Inweekly that the city would lose about $6.4 million, affecting public safety, parks and public works, if the amendment passes. Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler stated Amendment 3 would create a $43 million loss in revenue.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY REFERENDUM FUNDS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

Escambia County's local option sales tax (LOST) is a voter-approved 1-cent sales tax that funds law enforcement/fire and public safety facilities and equipment, transportation and drainage improvements, infrastructure projects/public facilities, recreation/natural resources, jail/court facilities, capital equipment, community services and economic development projects across Escambia County and the City of Pensacola since 1992. Voters must renew the tax every 10 years, and they renewed it in 1997, 2006 and 2014. This referendum would continue LOST from January 1, 2029 through December 31, 2038. Tourists and out-of-town visitors paid up to 28% of the tax. The program has generated over $2 billion for local capital projects, including ST Engineering's MRO facility, the Escambia County Jail, John R. Jones Athletic Complex and several fire stations, libraries and community centers across the county. According to independent research conducted by the University of West Florida Haas Center, extending the surtax through 2038 will yield an estimated $889.2 million in total revenue. If the referendum doesn't pass, the county and city will have to find other revenue sources for public infrastructure, roads, drainage, parks, public safety and other capital projects.

VOTING RUNDOWN WAYS TO VOTE EARLY VOTING

Early voting in Florida continues through Saturday, Oct. 31. In Escambia County, registered voters have 10 spots to pick from, and each is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Early Voting Locations: •Supervisor of Elections Office 213 S. Palafox, Second Floor

•Pensacola Main Library, 239 Spring St. •Molino Community Center 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino •Ashbury Place, 750 College Blvd. •Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway •Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway •Escambia County Extension Services 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment •Brownsville Community Center 3200 W. DeSoto St. October 22, 2026

•Billy G. Ward Courthouse 7500 N. Century Blvd., Century •UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82

VOTE BY MAIL

If you want to vote by mail-in ballot, we hope you requested one before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Oct. 22. For the information required to request a ballot, visit escambiavotes.com. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) no later than 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. If you are worried about using the mail service, you can drop it off at the SOE office or any early voting location during the early voting period. If you change your mind and want to vote in person, simply take advantage of any early voting location or vote on Election Day. You no longer have to worry about surrendering your unused mail-in ballot because of technology improvements that let the SOE better track mail-in ballots.

Already sent in your vote-by-mail ballot? You can track it online at escambiavotes.gov/ track-my-ballot.

And remember—if you're in line when the polls close, you still get to vote. So don't leave simply because the clock strikes 7 p.m.

ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOV. 3

ELECTION PROTECTION

Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Find your precinct by using the "Find My Precinct" tool at escambiavotes.gov/precinct-finder. If you moved recently and forgot to update your address information, the precinct workers can help you. To vote in person (early and on Election Day), you must present a photo and signature identification card. Acceptable forms of this kind of ID include Florida Driver's Licenses, student and military IDs and U.S. passports. Your voter registration card isn't necessary. If you need assistance due to a disability or inability to read or write English, you are entitled to assistance in voting. You may bring someone with you, or poll workers from different political parties will assist you.

If you experience a problem while trying to vote, don't just walk away. Try going to the SOE office and asking them what's up. Or call 1-866-OURVOTE (1-866-687-8683)—it's a nationwide nonpartisan election protection hotline.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

•EscambiaVotes Essential voting information, such as sample ballots and polling locations, can be found on the official SOE website, escambiavotes.gov. •VOTE411 Launched by the League of Women Voters, VOTE411 is a non-partisan one-stop shop for election information. To compare candidates, make a voting plan and more, visit vote411.org/florida. 11

City Council Hopefuls Make Their Pitches BY RICK OUTZEN Pensacola voters will decide two City Council races on the Nov. 3 ballot. In District 2, incumbent Councilman Charles Bare faces former Councilwoman Sherri Myers, who held the seat for 12 years before term limits forced her out. In District 4, Councilman Jared Moore is not seeking another term, leaving an open seat contested by Brian Cole and Boyce White. All four candidates appeared on "Rick's Blog Live." Property tax relief under Amendment 3, tree canopy, downtown parking and the council's role alongside a strong mayor came up repeatedly.

DISTRICT 2: BARE VS. MYERS

CHARLES BARE

The Army veteran said his biggest contribution has been constituent service. "I am the conduit" for residents who need answers on garbage pickup, law enforcement or other city issues, he said. He was candid about the limits of a single vote. "It's a team sport, it really is," Bare said, adding that as one of seven council members he has not directly accomplished much on his own. Bare named two votes that shaped his thinking. He wishes he had stuck with his first "no" on the Tippin Street and Creighton Road site, which started as an Aldi and is now a Circle K. Many trees were lost, he said, and neighbors are unhappy. He also reversed his early support for a youth curfew after hearing from residents this summer. "I did not hear a single person tell me we need a curfew." Bare said he has knocked on more than 1,000 doors since early September. Looking ahead, he warned that passage of Amendment 3 could force the city to hold the line on police and other public safety spending rather than expand it. He also raised concerns about police presence in parts of District 2, sidewalks that rarely reach his neighborhoods and trees going in

where he sees no need. Bare said the city has no true tree canopy study to justify the plantings. He praised the police chief for meeting with residents and sharing his phone number. On the council's role, Bare said he pushes back on the mayor when constituents do not want to go the direction the mayor is heading.

SHERRI MYERS

The former councilwoman never planned to return to the council. What changed her mind, Myers said, began with Tippin Park. When she left office, the budget carried a $1 million line item for a community center there. The city had issued a request for qualifications, drawn six or seven responses and hired a contractor, she said, but a planned community input session was canceled in late 2022 for reasons she never learned. Myers said she backed Bare in 2022 after he promised to fight for the district. At a 2023 meeting where the council recognized her as Council Emeritus, the council approved a budget resolution that affected her goals for Tippin Park. Buried in its details, she said, was a move of roughly $900,000 in Local Option Sales Tax money out of the community center project, and Bare voted for it. Myers acknowledged that Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier then offered an amendment, which Bare supported, that preserved about $420,000 for the park without earmarking it specifically for a community center. Myers said Tippin Park was only the start and that her central pitch in this election is trust and accessibility. She said she always returned calls, texts and emails, and that she took home a thumb drive of her emails when she left office to prove it. Her proudest accomplishment was putting her own items on nearly every agenda, since the charter makes the council the legislative body. Today, she said, "It looks like the mayor is sponsoring everything." Myers said she gets along with Mayor D.C. Reeves and is working with him on Carpenter Creek's restoration. She credited herself with the rebuilding of Fire Station 3 on Summit Boulevard, which she called a model for how LOST dollars should be prioritized.

DISTRICT 4: COLE VS. WHITE

BRIAN COLE

Cole, a property restoration contractor, is a longtime volunteer firefighter, first at Station 7 in Ferry Pass and later at Station 2 in Beulah, where he said help was most needed. He coaches youth sports and is raising two daughters with his wife. His father was also a firefighter. Cole said firefighting taught him how departments make do with limited resources. He praised the city's department heads but questioned whether resources are going where they are needed. He said he has attended every City Council meeting and agenda conference since getting in the race. The tree canopy, downtown parking and cost of living top the concerns he hears as he knocks on doors. Many of those problems, he argued, trace back to a weak local economy that sends talented young people to Atlanta and Gainesville. He cited the Birdon project, which may create 2,000 jobs at the port, as evidence the city can play a role in economic development. Cole wants the city to put as much effort into helping existing businesses that sell outside the area as it does into recruiting new ones. He pointed to a young engineering entrepreneur who is trying to export structural engineering services from Pensacola across the state. Asked how he would weigh decisions, Cole cited the proverb that a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will never enjoy. He plans to ask: "What is best for us long-term?"

BOYCE WHITE

White is a third-generation Pensacolian and a Booker T. Washington High graduate. He earned his undergraduate degree at The Citadel and his MBA at UWF, then worked in Atlanta before returning home. White currently chairs the Zoning Board of Adjustment and is a past president of the East Hill Neighborhood Association. White said he did not want the job while

Moore held it, and he spent two months deliberating after Moore announced in December that he would not run. White said he did not want the seat to go to someone with higher political aspirations. Voters have told him about speeding on Scenic Highway near Calvert's, thin funding for parks in neighborhoods like Cordova Park, and downtown parking. He said some residents in East Pensacola Heights, Cordova Park and East Hill avoid downtown because of the parking and technology hassles. He also warned that parks would be among the first casualties if Amendment 3 passes. White said the council's formal power is mostly the budget, but it can act as ambassador for the mayor's economic development goals. He said his contacts at the federal and state levels, and among Citadel classmates now running businesses, could help recruit employers. White called the school board the biggest obstacle to economic growth and said the county did itself a disservice by returning to an appointed superintendent. In his closing statement, White compared his goal to building a sandcastle that later generations can improve.

WHAT TO WATCH Amendment 3 hangs over both races, with candidates warning of pressure on public safety and parks if property taxes are cut. Both races also test how much independence voters want on a council that works alongside a strong mayor. Myers argues the council has ceded the agenda, while Bare describes a council that pushes back when constituents ask it to. In District 4, Cole is running on long-term economic planning and community service, and White on experience and relationships. {in}

The candidate interviews can be found at youtube.com/@coloronthedog.

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

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 22-28

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

Breaking the Curse By Dakota Parks

Asia Samson is cursed. Well … maybe. According to his dad, a generational curse strikes the firstborn son of every generation in their family, bringing failed marriages, unrealized dreams and the sense that life never quite turns out the way it's supposed to. Samson, a spoken word poet, performer and Northwest Florida Poet Laureate, isn't so sure. But the idea of a family curse became the starting point for "CURSED *maybe:" a one-man comedy, poetry and storytelling show presented by Emerald Coast Writers, exploring the strange things families pass down and the experiences that shape us. "I may not have gotten to where I thought I would get to in life, with fame, fortune and Netflix talk shows, but I don't consider that a curse," Samson said. "I'm like, wow. I got to do what I love for a living, and my dad does too. He's an architect and loves his job, and in my head, I'm thinking, what makes you think that that's not successful?" Samson has spent much of his career performing poetry onstage, touring over 2000 colOctober 22, 2026

lege campuses. His work has reached audiences through platforms including HBO's "Def Poetry Jam," and he's built a career around connecting personal experiences to the hardships people recognize in their own lives. When Emerald Coast Writers approached him about publishing a book to mark the culmination of his poet laureate tenure, Samson pitched the one-man show he's been writing in his head for the past 16 years. "If you know me, my performances have always been onstage," he said. "The book thing has never been a thing for me. And if I was going to write a book, it would probably be more of a novel than it would be a poetry book. So, I asked them, 'Since I'm a spoken word poet—instead of a book, what if I produce a one-man show that I can show at a theater?' Because that's where my strength is." The idea was approved, and Samson got to work, creating the show's promotional flyer before he'd even started writing it. After a phone call with his father, now in his 70s and preparing for the next stages of his life, Samson found himself revisiting conversations about their family's supposed generational curse. Suddenly, he had the framework for his one-man show. "It just came out," he said. "The story just came out. I'm telling you, it came out within three days of me just sitting there and going under that one theme. The pressure kicked in, and I wrote without any second thoughts, without doubting myself, without overthinking anything. The flow just came out, and I looked at it, and I was really proud of it." Although "CURSED *maybe," incorporates poetry, Samson didn't want to spend months

writing new poems and memorizing them for the show. Instead, he returned to his existing work, pulling lines and passages from poems that fit the stories he wanted to tell. The result isn't quite like a traditional poetry performance. "Basically, it's taking the poem and stretching it into a story to make it more of a monologue than it is a poem—without the rhymes, without all the performance of poetry," he said. "It's just going to be me telling stories, like you're getting a behind-the-scenes look of how I wrote the poem." The show's blend of humor and storytelling also reflects Samson's longstanding interest in one-person performances. Early in his poetry career, he watched a lot of spoken word poets including Anis Mojgani and Andrea Gibson, along with work from "Def Poetry Jam" and Button Poetry. Over time, touring and performing poetry so frequently left him less interested in watching poetry in his downtime. Stand-up comedy and solo shows became a way to unwind, particularly John Leguizamo's "Freak" and Mike Birbiglia's comedy specials, which unfold more like personal stories than a succession of jokes.

"I'm not trying to make everyone sit for an hour just to be sad." Asia Samson "I'm not trying to make everyone sit for an hour just to be sad," Samson said. "There are so many hilarious stories in my life that I want to tell them, and I don't even have to write jokes. It's just the way my mom talks to me, the way my dad talks to me, the way life unfolds. I'm like, this shit is hilarious, and I don't have to write jokes about it. I just have to pay attention." Woven throughout the overall humorous show is treatment of heavier topics. The family's supposed curse took on a different meaning for Samson after his younger sister died. His father saw the loss as further evidence that something was wrong with the family. "Dad, you keep fighting for this vision of what a family looks like, and you're missing the actual family that we have now," Samson recalled telling him. "You know, my parents divorced, I lost my sister, I'm a cancer survivor, my wife and I had multiple miscarriages before finally having our first kid," Samson explained. "He was born with neurofibromatosis, and he has learning delays, ADHD, things like that. These are all central

themes of the show. It's hard enough to deal with one of those things. It's a crazy thing when you're dealing with all of them." But Samson still doesn't see them as a curse. Instead, he hopes audiences will recognize something familiar in the stories, even if their circumstances are different. The show asks what happens when life feels like it has veered off course, when the future you expected doesn't arrive and the hardships keep accumulating. "I think the stuff that I went through is life stuff," he said. "For those people that think the world is always against them or out to get them, hopefully this show will give them hope that maybe it's not as bad as it seems, or maybe it is, but there's also a light at the end, a way out; or maybe you just need to shift your perspective." The show arrives as Samson wraps up his tenure as Northwest Florida's Poet Laureate. During his time in the role, he helped send a team to the Southern Fried Poetry Slam, a goal he was proud to accomplish, and organized workshops and other programming. He wishes he'd had more time to do more, but says the experience also helped push him toward finally bringing "CURSED *maybe" to the stage. For audiences, Samson sees the performance as a chance to spend an evening with stories that are funny, painful and recognizably human. He recommends it as a date-night outing, with the caveat that some of the subject matter may not be suitable for younger viewers. More than anything, he hopes people leave feeling that whatever they're facing, they aren't facing it solo. "I try to show all my audiences, like, yeah, this sucks, but hey, guess what? What you're going through sucks too, and you're not alone," he said. "I think that's why a lot of people gravitate sometimes to my poetry, because of that exact thing, and I'm hoping that is what this show will do for them." {in}

CURSED *MAYBE: THE ONE MAN SHOW OF ASIA SAMSON

WHAT: A hilarious and thought-provoking storytelling show exploring the strange evolution of generations WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. COST: $10 for non-members; free for Emerald Coast Writers members DETAILS: @theasiaproject, zeffy.com/enus/ticketing/cursed-maybe-the-one-manshow-of-asia-samson 15

a&e happenings TOURNAMENT OF TERROR Coastal County

Brewing Co. is hosting a Halloween-themed Beer Olympics 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3041 E. Olive Road. Visit coastalcountybrewing.com/events for details.

WITCHES & WEREWOLVES: PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE Dress in your Halloween costume

and bring your kayak, paddleboard, canoe, circle boat or float 12-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Galvez Landing, 5888 Galvez Road. Registration is $25. Proceeds support Feeding the Gulf Coast. Visit perdidokeyareachamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com for details.

PAWS & CLAWS PET COSTUME CONTEST Bring your dog in costume to Perfect

Plain, 50 E. Garden St., 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 for a contest to win prizes and bragging rights. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN'S THEATRE COSTUME DRIVE The Children's Theatre will

Photo Courtesy of First City Art Center

HALLOWEEN CALENDAR

36TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE WALKING TOURS Visit Historic Pensacola properties

to learn the haunted history of Pensacola. Choose between the Haunted History Walking Tour or the Macabre Museum Walking Tour. Tours are 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $15-$20 per person and available at historicpensacola.org.

SPIRITS OF THE SIMPSON HOUSE Enjoy a tour of the Simpson House, 4755 Anna Simpson Road in Milton. Tours are 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Visit historicpensacola. org for details. BOO AT THE ZOO Boo at the Zoo returns

this month with trick-or-treating, face painting, bounce houses and more at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5703 Gulf Breeze Parkway. Dates are Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31 and Sundays Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Details available at gbzoo.com/events/boo-atthe-zoo-2026.

20TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH The First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., will host its annual Pumpkin Patch 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 Visit firstcityart.org for more.

HOWL-A-WEEN The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare invites the public to "Howl-o-Ween," a free community event featuring free pet adoptions, food trucks, vendors, pet resources, and more. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center, located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive. Adoption fees will be waived for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at the shelter during the event. A $15 licensing fee will be applied to all adoptions for Escambia County residents. Attendees will be able to adopt pets same day during "Howl-oWeen." Visit 24petconnect.com to see a full list of adoptable pets in Escambia County. HALLOWEEN TRIBUTE SHOW Show is

8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.

DAY OF THE DEAD CHARCUTERIE BOARD MAKING Cooking class includes a tradition-

al Day of the Dead drink and pumpkin fruit dip. Class is 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.

42ND ANNUAL GREAT PUMPKIN RACE 5K AND FUN RUN Sacred Heart Cathedral

sacola Arts Market is 4-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

School will host runners and walkers of all ages 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 42nd annual Great Pumpkin Race 5K and Fun Run, which is a free event that begins at 9 a.m. Located at the corner of 12th Avenue and Moreno Street. Register online at bit.ly/pumpkin5k.

MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR DRAG SHOW Event is 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at The Han-

37TH ANNUAL CHARITY UNDERWATER PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST Bring

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET SPOOKY VIBES A special Halloween edition of the Pen-

dlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com.

GIMME GIMME DISCO: HALLOWEEN EDITION Show is 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at The

Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details and tickets at thehandlebar850.com. 616 1

a dive buddy and carve pumpkins to support FavorHouse of Northwest Florida 12-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Park West on Pensacola Beach (1340 Fort Pickens Road). Event includes BBQ, costume contest, awards and raffle prizes and more. Details available at facebook.com/diveprospensacola.

be accepting donations of new and gently used costumes through Oct. 23 at 2800 Wilde Lake Blvd. The costume shop will be open 3-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 ahead of Halloween. Visit nctnowplaying.com/events for details.

HAUNTCERT: A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN CONCERT Pensacola Children's

Chorus event is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Jane C. Noonan Center, 46 E. Chase St. Tickets are $15-$45. Watch the livestream for $20. Tickets available at pensacolasings.org.

PUMPKINS, PETALS AND MULLED WINE

Join Wendy from Aliff Farms for a cozy, handson fall floral workshop where you'll create your own seasonal arrangement using a pumpkin as your centerpiece. Event is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $99.49 and available on eventbrite.com.

LITTLE PUB OF HORRORS PLANT BINGO

O'Riley's Irish Pub, located at 321 S. Palafox St., is hosting its weekly bingo with a Halloween/plant twist. Bring a potted plant to enter 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Visit orileyspub.com/events.

MURDER AT THE MONSTER'S BALL: A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Event is 5:30

p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Barkely House, 410 S. Florida Blanca St. Tickets are $60 for Historic Trust members and $65 for general public. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

EVERYTHING: PUMPKIN Cooking class menu is maple pumpkin butter chicken, pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin mousse. Class is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes. DRAG ME TO THE WELL! Drag show hosted by Chelsey Polk 9-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at The Well, 42 E. Garden St. Details available at facebook.com/thewellpensacola.

RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Performances are 7:30 p.m.

Fridays Oct. 30, Nov. 6; Saturdays Oct. 31, Nov. 7; Sundays Nov. 1 and 8; Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $15-$40 and available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

TALKING TO THE DEAD: THE VICTORIAN SÉANCE Sessions are limited to eight people.

Session times are 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 at Barkley House, 410 S. Florida Blanca St. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

TIKI TERROR Enjoy cursed drinks, live music,

fire dancers, photo booth and more 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details available at facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco.

ODD HALLOWS EVE Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St., is celebrating Halloween 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Oct. 31 with dark beer releases, costume contest at 9 p.m. and classic horror films on the projector. Details available at facebook.com/oddcolony.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

SOCKTOBER West Pensacola Elementary

School is once again teaming up with Running Wild and other local businesses and community partners for the annual Socktober donation drive. From Oct. 1-31, the community is encouraged to donate new socks and other essential items to help individuals and families in need throughout the Pensacola community. Drop-off locations: Running Wild Pensacola, 3012 E. Cervantes St.; Running Wild Fairhope, 72A South Section St.; West Pensacola Elementary School, 801 N. 49th Ave. New, unopened socks for all ages and genders are especially needed. The community is also welcome to donate other essential items, including: jackets, blankets, shoes, hats, rain gear, bottled water, etc..

WILDFEST The 44th Annual WILDFest Anni-

MURDER MYSTERY WALKING TOUR WITH MICHAEL SIMMONS OF SWEET TEA MURDERS Event is 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at

versary Event and Supply Drive for The Wildlife Sanctuary is 12-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 (rescheduled date) at The Sanctuary, 105 N. S St. Details available at pensacolawildlife.com.

HALLOZINE FEST 2026: PENSACOLA ZINE FESTIVAL Shop the zine market, listen to key-

HAIR OF THE DOG INVITATIONAL Golf tournament benefiting the Pensacola Humane Society, on Friday, Oct. 30 at Marcus Pointe Golf Club, 2500 Oak Pointe Drive. Registration is $125 for individuals and $500 for teams. For details, visit riptidemedia.net/hairofthedog.

Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $36.39 and available at eventbrite.com.

note speakers, watch movies, listen to live music and more. Event is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Voices of Pensacola, 101 E. Government St. Details available at eventbrite.com.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at inweekly.net

a&e happenings Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every

first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Min-

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

ARTS & CULTURE

PENSACOLA INTERSTATE FAIR The Pen-

sacola Interstate Fair Oct. 22-Nov. 1 at 6655 Mobile Highway, with rides, live entertainment, fair food, 4-H displays and more. General admission pricing is $12 for adults MondayThursday and $14 on Fridays and Saturdays. Pricing for children is $6 for ages 4-11. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. For special events and live entertainment schedule, visit pensacolafair.com.

WAITRESS Broadway in Pensacola show is

7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 and Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.

READ PENSACOLA The next Read Pensac-

ola Book Club meetings are 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 with a discussion of "Dungeon Crawler" by Matt Dinniman. Meetings held at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Details on Instagram @ readpensacola.

SONGS OF REVOLUTION & REBELLION: A USO-STYLE VARIETY SHOW UWF event

is 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Details available at uwf.edu/cassh/community-outreach/gulfcoast-culture-series.

PHOTO TRANSFER WORKSHOP Event is

6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 309 N. Sixth Ave. $10 suggested donation. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Details at facebook.com/309punkprojects.

GLITZ & GLAMOUR Pensacola Little Theatre fundraiser includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, a curated silent auction and special performances by PLT young artists. Event is 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at pensacolalittletheatre.com. October 22, 2026

CECE WINANS Event is 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22

at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Details and tickets available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

OPERA AFTER DARK Event is 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at the Museum Plaza, 120 Church St. Details available at facebook.com/pensacolaopera. EAST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE East Hill residents will be hosting garage

sales 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Look for signs posted in the neighborhood.

PENSACOLA HIPPIE FESTIVAL Enjoy live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, tie dye and boho clothing and more 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Seville Square. Free admission. Visit pensacolahippiefest.com for details. CRAFT AND VINTAGE FAIR Event is 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

CINCO BANDERAS Artel Gallery's contemporary art show Cinco Banderas is on view through Oct. 23. Also present are exhibits by featured artists Diane Brim, Wendy Emeny, Michael Curri and Ronson Stewart. Located at 223 S. Palafox St. For details visit. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entrance is free. HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS Home is Where the Art Is, featuring Jasmin Busbee's Accommodations, is a temporary exhibit co-hosted by FPAN and The Art Gallery (TAG). The exhibit is on view at Destination Archaeology, 207 E. Main St. through Nov. 2026. Learn more at fpan.us/ events/home-is-where-the-art. MAKE IT LAST AT TAG Six artists ranging in both medium and imagery come together in The Art Gallery (TAG), 11000 University Parkway, to form a unified statement of resistance through mindfulness and rest. Exhibit is on view through Nov. 12. Details about the exhibit available at uwf. edu/cassh/departments/art-and-design/art-gallery. HOUSE SHOW: 309 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE This exhibition features artists from the

2025 cohort of the 309 Punk Project Artist in Residence Program. Curated by Valerie George and Christopher Satterwhite, the exhibition brings together works made during each artist's residency alongside select pieces gifted to the 309 Punk Archive, preserving their contributions as part of our community's living history. The exhibit is on view through Nov. 29 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St.

ROAD TO REVOLUTION EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY "Road to

Revolution: Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American War for Independence" highlights how Pensacola helped shape the outcome of the American Revolution. Developed in partnership with America250, the exhibit explores how a Gulf Coast port played a pivotal role in a global conflict. The exhibit is on display through May 2027. The museum is located at 330 S. Jefferson St. For more information about the UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.

A CRAFTY SOUTHERN PUB WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

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36 E. GARDEN ST. | 850.607.6320 17

a&e happenings THE 72ND ANNUAL MEMBERS SHOW The

annual juried exhibition is open to all PMA members. On view through Jan. 3. The museum is located at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details available at pensacolamuseum.org.

STEAM2026 STEAM2026 highlights themes

of exploration and wonder through investigative contemporary art, interdisciplinary fields of study and unique collaborations. This national exhibition is a community-centered experience that integrates multifaceted art practices with science, new technologies and thought-provoking research. On view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. through Jan. 17. For details, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

HUMANISTS OF WEST FLORIDA MONTHLY MEETING The Humanists of West Florida

meet at the Ever'man Education Center, 327 W. Garden St. 10:15 a.m. every second Sunday of the month. For more information, visit facebook.com/ humanistsofwestflorida.

WEST FLORIDA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETINGS Monthly meetings start at 10:30

a.m. the first Saturday of every month (except March and July) at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Informative lectures and resources to begin your ancestry research. Visit wfgs.org for more information.

WEST GARDEN DISTRICT ARTISAN MARKET Shop local vendors and artisans 1-6 p.m. Fri-

days at Del Mar Plaza, 1617 W. Garden St. For more information, contact info@ub-pensacola.com.

TALK TO THE MOON COMEDY CLUB OPEN MIC Weekly comedy open mic is 7 p.m. Wednes-

days at Mathison Brewing Co., 500 E. Heinberg St. Signup starts at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Adam Bowles and Russell Douglas. Details available at talktothemooncomedyclub.com.

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

MOVIE NIGHTS AT MUGS & JUGS Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, hosts monthly movie nights. Watch their website for dates and movie announcements at mugsjugsbar.com. All movies are screened 9 p.m. on select Saturdays. CLUB 27 COMEDY SHOW Visit Lili Marlene's

lasts one hour. Lecture cost is $5 for non-members and is free to members. Lunches are $12. For reservations, call (850) 380-7759.

PENSACOLA CINEMA ART FILM SCREENINGS Pensacola Cinema Art will screen films se-

lect weekends during the summer season at 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10 and payment is cash only. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for their complete schedule.

PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.

SUNDAY MARKET ON PALAFOX Rain-orshine market is Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola, between Chase and Gregory Streets in the MLK Plaza. Market features handmade crafts, art, baked goods, international cuisine and fresh produce. Visit smopalafox.com for details. CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Caba-

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

ret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

STAND UP COMEDY WITH PENSACOLA COMEDY CLUB Join the Pensacola Comedy

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pen-

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

Club 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturday at Betty's on Belmont, 506 W. Belmont St. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

PENSACOLA HERITAGE FOUNDATION LECTURES Learn Pensacola and Northwest

Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every second Saturday of the month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

Florida history through interesting, informal lectures every other Tuesday at The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St. Doors open at 11 a.m., and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. The lecture starts at noon and

cal farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features lo-

sacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321. for more listings visit inweekly.net

THANKSGIVING ALREADY ON YOUR MIND? Make Thanksgiving plans early and leave the cooking to us! Join us November 26, 2026 from 11 AM–4 PM in the Royal Palm Ballroom at Hilton Pensacola Beach for a festive Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, prime rib, ham, fresh seafood, traditional holiday favorites, and an irresistible dessert selection!

CALL AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

850-343-6791

12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 818 1

inweekly.net

October 22, 2026

November in Pensacola means art — over 200 juried artists, live music, delicious food, and kids’ activities. It’s all free and under the oaks in Seville Square.

Nov. 6, 7 & 8 DISCOVER THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA

020 2

Details at

ggaf.org

inweekly.net

a&e

By Joshua Encinias

The cast of "The Rocky Horror Show" have spent weeks learning it's just a step to the right. Their director, Justin Gaylard, first saw the film version ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show") in ninth grade, at the infamous midnight showings in Pensacola's Silver Screen Theater. He wasn't old enough to be there, but one Halloween, some upperclassmen told Gaylard he was coming with them. "Silver Screen never really cared," he says. Now he's directing the show at Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) this fall. It is PLT's seventh staging of the production and its first since 2016. Joanna Hayes handles music direction, and Michael Dennis choreographs. Gaylard grew up queer in Pensacola, and the movie gave him "the sense of freedom, discovery and belonging—that it's OK to be different." In college in Asheville, N.C., he joined several "Rocky Horror" shadow casts, which are troupes that act out the film while it plays. When his college staged the musical, his cast put on a lowbudget version of the show. "We just wanted it to be a little different from the shadow cast," he says. Now considered a cult classic by most, "Rocky Horror" took a few tries to find its crowd. The stage show opened at London's Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in June 1973 and ran there for about a month before moving to larger London theaters, where it played until 1980. The film was another story. When it reached American theaters in September 1975, it flopped. Midnight screenings changed that. They began at New York's Waverly Theater in April October 22, 2026

1976, and by the end of 1979 the film was playing twice a week in more than 230 theaters across the country. Pensacola joined the midnight crowd early. In the 1980s, the Cinema Tavern, as the Silver Screen Theater was first known, ran midnight movies, and local moviegoers remember its "Rocky Horror" nights. The Silver Screen kept the tradition going into the 1990s. The University of West Florida staged the show in 2001, and PLT's first performance came in 2008. Periodic shadow casts at Vinyl Music Hall and the University of West Florida have kept the tradition going ever since. That late-night, double-feature crowd still shapes how Gaylard directs. At a "Rocky Horror" show, the audience shouts lines at the performers and throws things onstage. "Audience participation is a huge part of why it is so popular and people still do it and love it," he says. A cast can lose its footing in all that noise if the staging isn't solid from the start. So Gaylard blocked the entire show early, setting where every actor stands and moves, so everyone knows their place before the callbacks begin. Choreographer Michael Dennis knows the show from the inside. He played Dr. Frank-NFurter in every PLT staging until now, and Gaylard says that's why he wanted him on the team. "He is a part of 'Rocky Horror's' legacy at PLT." This time, Benjamin Haupt takes on FrankN-Furter, the sweet transvestite host in the mansion where the story unfolds. Gaylard calls Frank a host, a victim and something of a predator all at once. Frank is "a very sexually charged character, but you do also always want to root for him," he says. Working with Haupt, he adds, "we're riding the line of that sexual energy where he never feels quite predatory," even when Frank's dark side shows. Gaylard is playing with a second question too—who really runs the mansion? "Is FrankN-Furter playing everyone or is everyone playing Frank-N-Furter?" he asks. He leans on Riff Raff, Frank's butler, to make the case. At moments in the show, Riff Raff is "actually driving the ship."

Any actor who plays Frank works in Tim Curry's shadow. Curry, who died in August at 80, originated the role in the 1973 stage production and the 1975 film. Audiences know his mannerisms backwards and forwards, and Gaylard doesn't want Haupt to copy him. He says their Frank is "an homage without being a copy." Audiences know the music as well as they know Curry's performance, and at PLT they'll hear it performed live. A five-piece rock band will play in the open pit, including keyboard, drums, sax, guitar and a second keyboard that will lean heavily into the synth. The show's rights contract requires a live rock band, and it is the only show of PLT's season with one. A show this loud fits PLT's stage. Gaylard says the theater is "reflective of our community," and queer stories often show up on its stage. Last season PLT presented "The Perfect Arrangement" and "Sugar Witch," two shows with queer storylines. Not everyone in town welcomes that. Gaylard told the cast early that protesters might show up. "You never know," he says. People already stand on the corner outside the building some Thursdays and shout at the theatre. If protesters do come for "Rocky Horror," he expects the audience inside to drown them out. The joy of ticket buyers, he says, "will overshadow any random man with a cheap poster board." He spends more time thinking about the "virgins" in the audience than about the haters. Fans use that affectionate label for people seeing "Rocky Horror" for the first time. At one of their first rehearsals, the cast sat in a circle and shared their own first experiences with the show. Gaylard's advice to newcomers is short and sweet. "Be open and let yourself go on the journey," he says. To that end, his director's note in the program ends with a line from the show itself, "Don't dream it, be it." He says nothing else quite captures "Rocky Horror's" ability to let you express yourself and feel the freedom of discovering where you belong. That freedom is why he expects such a mixed room. "Rocky Horror" regulars will come "hardcore dressed up every night," he says, "sitting right next to the people who are secret 'Rocky Horror' fans." "Who knows," he says. "A conservative guy might have a harness on under his shirt." {in}

RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

WHAT: Pensacola Little Theatre's production of the cult classic musical WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 8 WHERE: Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. COST: $30-40; $15 for students DETAILS: pensacolalittletheatre.com

Don't Dream It, See It

FREE CONCERT SERIES

GULFSIDE PAVILION PENSACOLA BEACH TUESDAYS • 7-9

HORSESHOE KITTY

OCTOBER 27

CLASSIC ROCK • PARTY ROCK

FOR UPDATES, CALL SRIA at (850) 932-2257, go to Facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach or tune to Cat Country 98.7. PLEASE, NO GLASS CONTAINERS OR PETS.

SANTA ROSA

ISLAND AUTHORITY

free will astrology WEEK OF OCTOBER 22 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): The 18th-cen-

tury Aries watchmaker John Harrison solved one of the great scientific problems of his time: how to determine longitude at sea. Many learned astronomers failed to crack the puzzle, yet Harrison, largely self-taught, persisted for decades to refine the method. His breakthrough transformed navigation and enhanced the safety of sea journeys. I nominate Harrison to be your inspirational role model in the coming weeks, Aries. Persistence combined with ingenuity and a trust in your hunches will be more important to your success than your mastery of the way things have always been done.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): A green-

house can coax flowers to open ahead of their natural timetable. I recommend applying a similar approach to the fears taking root in you. Rather than letting them spread gradually and feed you a stream of low-grade dread, push them toward an immediate peak. Let every concern become enormous and fully formed as quickly as possible. Invite the anxieties to arrive all at once. Then meet them in a decisive confrontation, exhaust their drama and clear space for adventures that will give you deep, sweet pleasure. Set a date for your "worrygasm," the grand finale of your fretting, for no later than 48 hours from now.

Trust what your flesh knows that your mind hasn't figured out yet. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini-born

physicist Richard Feynman was famous not only for his brilliance but for his refusal to pretend he understood things he didn't. He routinely asked childishly simple questions in rooms full of experts. "But why does that happen?" was one of his favorites. Those naïve inquiries often cracked open problems the specialists had stopped seeing. He distrusted jargon and prized the ability to explain a complex idea in plain words. If you can't explicate it simply, he suggested, you don't really understand it. I invite you to adopt this as your

By Rob Brezsny

strategy in the coming weeks, Gemini. Your superpowers will be to pose obvious questions everyone else is too proud or numb to ask and to insist on answers you can actually understand.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Cancerian

dancer and choreographer Anna Halprin lived to 100 and danced to the end. She taught the idea that movement could heal. Our bodies, given permission to move freely and expressively, know how to release grief, summon joy and restore wholeness. She once danced through her own cancer diagnosis as a form of medicine and lived for decades longer. Her lesson for you: Your body has its own intelligence, and you can enhance your ability to access it. In the coming weeks, let it lead. Dance, stretch, walk, sway. Trust what your flesh knows that your mind hasn't figured out yet.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In at least one way,

Leo, you'll be coming home during the coming weeks. Perhaps you will discover a sanctuary that brings out your best: a power spot where you feel unguarded and authentic. Or you may gather (or stumble into) the community you've always imagined, or link up with a web of allies and resources that once felt out of reach. You might dream of journeying to the land where your ancestors loved and labored for generations, or consider a pilgrimage to a storied place that holds the key to a mystery you're hungry to resolve.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Renaissance as-

tronomer and astrologer Tycho Brahe spent decades collecting precise measurements of planetary motion. He never developed a final theory to explain the data, and he harbored mistaken theories about how the solar system worked. But his observations enabled his assistant Johannes Kepler to discover the laws of planetary orbits. You could play a similar role, Virgo. Your careful attention to details can lay the groundwork for important realizations, whether by you or someone working in collaboration with you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I admire your abil-

ity to stay outside the conflict and offer detached, incisive commentary. I respect your preference for avoiding small-minded camps and partisan skirmishes. But in the coming days, I hope you'll step directly into the muck and bring the passionate contributions of a devotee who's invested in

the outcome. Put the grand ideas aside and stir up good trouble in service of practical justice. Clever sidestepping won't do; what's needed are honest tests of what actually works. Be a pragmatist who makes soulful things happen through tender focus on the concrete tasks.

What's the seemingly simple ingredient that could enliven everything else? SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Are there

parts of the past you're in bondage to? Maybe some shackles are even beloved to you, like a comfortable old belief, a protective habit or a story about who you are that once helped you but now confines you. If you're like most of us (me included!), you have fond memories that unfortunately impose limits on your future. Whatever they may be, dear Scorpio, now is an excellent time to disengage from their hold on you. To begin, make one small but potent gesture of liberation. As you do, say this aloud: "I am no longer chained to outdated versions of myself." Alternate version, if you're feeling extra fiery: "I am no longer &^%$@# chained to any *%#@&+ outdated versions of myself."

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The Supreme Ministry of Astrological Myth has agreed to my request to temporarily give you a new designation. For the next four weeks, you are authorized to refer to yourself as the Contemplative Adventurer or the Meditative Rambler or the Pensive Pathfinder—or all three, if you like. In bestowing these titles, I'm encouraging you to free up heroic energy for use in your inner realms. One good way to capitalize on this blessing will be to relax in a comfy chair and negotiate truces with your demons. Another recommended activity: ask the spirits of nature and the songs of birds to heighten your intuition about your future as you take long walks. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In 2029, I predict you'll get nanotech implants to fight the aging of your body, ensuring that you'll live well past 100. In 2032, you'll begin downloading your

nightly dreams into a digital medium, allowing you to study them at length and bolster your ability to learn from their coded messages. In 2037, you and a loved one will be able to take advantage of technology that allows you to merge telepathically. In 2043, you'll take a vacation on the moon, where you'll dance exuberantly in low lunar gravity. But in 2027, your task will be simpler. You'll learn to love yourself better and treat yourself with more tender kindness than ever before. Now's a great time to get started!

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Many cel-

ebrated chefs insist that acidity is an underestimated element that transforms good food into memorable food. A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar awakens other flavors already present. Consider what the equivalent might be in your own life, Aquarius. What's the seemingly simple ingredient that could enliven everything else? More playfulness or more walking? More music, more honesty or more sleep? The astrological omens are clear that now isn't the time to overhaul your entire existence. Instead, identify one or two subtle additions that make your existing gifts brighter.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Nothing is the

same as what it appears to be, but neither is it the opposite of what it seems to be. Life isn't fair, yet we'd be wrong to say it's unfair. You should be on the lookout for the words that are NOT being said. Assume that every question has a hidden complication. Be skeptical if anyone tells you the current mysteries are unsolvable and be eager to discover the deeper riddle buried inside each superficial riddle. But now here's the good news. The maddening complexities will ultimately prove to be fun and helpful if you're diligent in untangling them. The key to success: be tender as you explore uncomfortable thoughts and frustrating feelings. HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: You can finally do what you haven't been able to before. tinyurl.com/77vv77vv {in}

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news of the weird MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK An Austin, Texas, resident got a little more than they bargained for after purchasing a few boxes at an estate sale. The Houston Chronicle reported that on Oct. 12, the buyer opened the boxes to discover grenades and called the police, who confirmed via X-ray examination that the grenades were live and active. As seen in a photo shared on social media by the Austin Police Department, police cordoned off portions of the neighborhood with yellow caution tape and safely removed the grenades. "No crime here, just a great reminder," the Austin Police Association said in the social media post, "If you ever come across old military ordnance (grenades, shells, mortar rounds, etc.), even if you think it's inert, don't touch it, don't move it, and call 911. Let the experts handle it." [Houston Chronicle, 10/13/26] LOCKED IN Tia Chandler of Keene, New Hampshire, called 911 after being locked in an urgent care facility, WMUR reported on Oct. 13. Chandler was seeking treatment for an asthma attack and received a steroid shot. The staff member who administered the shot said they would be right back, but never returned. Chandler left the exam room hoping to find even a cleaning crew, but the office was empty. When she tried to leave the building, she inadvertently set an alarm off. She ended up calling her husband, who called the police to let her out. "I can't believe this just happened to me," Chandler said, "because literally when I was thinking in my head ... 'They would never lock me in there. That's crazy talk. That only happens in movies or on a show, not in real life.'" A spokesperson for the urgent care says they have apologized to Chandler and "taken steps to ensure this won't happen again." [WMUR, 10/13/26] LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS A man who shattered the window of a Tempe, Arizona, business around 2 a.m. on Oct. 4 took off with dozens of Mac Mini computer boxes that turned out to be empty, Fox 10 Phoenix reported. The computers themselves were right next to the boxes. "They stole empty boxes. Everyone was laughing about it," employee Curran Rose said. "I'm just glad no one was hurt." The company filed a report with the police, and the business owner is offering a $1,500 reward to anyone with information that leads to the identification and arrest of the person seen in security footage. [Fox 10 Phoenix, 10/6/26] •Maki J. Davis, 22, of New York might want to revisit his hiring practices for getaway drivers. NJ.com reported on Oct. 13 that Davis robbed a Marshalls in Paramus, New Jersey, by stuffing about $2,200 worth of clothes in three large rolling suitcases and attempting to flee the store with them. As police approached, the man took off running, leaving the stolen goods behind. He fled through the parking lot toward a green Dodge Charger, presumably his ride, but before he could hop in, the driver took off, leav-

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

ing the shoplifter in the dust. He was arrested and charged with theft, resisting arrest and trespassing. [NJ.com, 10/13/26] THERE'S A LOT GOING ON HERE Three men wearing masks and women's pajamas allegedly arrived at a bank in India by ambulance and proceeded to break into an ATM, reported Gulf News. The robbery took place at about 1 a.m. on Oct. 11 at a State Bank of India in Gandhari. CCTV footage shows the suspects forcing open the ATM with cutting equipment and then making off with cash. Police are working to identify the suspects and investigating if the ambulance was part of the ploy or if it was authentic. [Gulf News, 10/13/26] MISSION IMPOSSIBLE In a move straight from "Mission: Impossible," four thieves were arrested in France after conducting literal highway robbery, AFP reported on Oct. 6. The robbers leapt onto trucks in transit, going at speeds as high as 56 mph, and threw $225,000 worth of electronics to a trailing vehicle before jumping back in their getaway cars. Surveillance video and detective work led French authorities to the thieves, who were hiding out in Angers. The four are charged with aggravated theft, criminal damage and criminal association and could face up to seven years in prison. [AFP, 10/6/26] PEOPLE WITH ISSUES A Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger, a 44-year-old Salvadoran woman, was rescued after spending 20 hours in Greece's Ionian Sea, CBS News reported on Oct. 14. The woman jumped from the ship early on Oct. 9 and later told rescuers she did it because she wanted to disembark. A Greek coast guard patrol found her early in the morning the next day, while it was still dark, floating in an orange life ring. The woman went to a hospital for treatment and has been ordered by a local prosecutor to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. [CBS News, 10/14/26] DANGLING OPOSSUM A person visiting South Fork Trail in Lincolnton, North Carolina, spotted an opossum dangling from a tree by a fishing hook and called the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center, reported WWAY 3 on Oct. 7. Upon arrival, a manager from the wildlife center climbed the tree to save the marsupial. After an exam and X-rays, the opossum was found to have a fishing hook embedded beneath its tongue, and the fishing line was still attached. The animal was emaciated and dehydrated, leading experts to believe it had been trapped in the tree for more than 24 hours. The wildlife center shared in a social media post that the hook was removed and the opossum is now safe. [WWAY 3, 10/7/26] {in} From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2026 Andrews McMeel

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