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winners & losers
winners losers
KARL LEISTIKOW HCA Florida West Hospital announced Leistikow as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. He will oversee the 515-bed facility and its medical services, including four affiliated emergency rooms throughout Northwest Florida. Most recently the CEO of Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples, Leistikow led significant quality improvements and service expansions, adding over 50 healthcare providers in the past year. His 17-year career at HCA Healthcare includes chief operating officer roles at Swedish Medical Center in Colorado, where he managed $300 million in growth initiatives, and leadership positions in South Carolina. Leistikow holds an MBA and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
KRISTEN "BRENT" VENABLE
The professor and director of the University of West Florida's intelligent systems and robotics doctoral program secured a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate. The one-year award will fund artificial intelligence research focusing on multi-agent environments and learning algorithms. The project aims to create advanced computer simulations in which multiple agents—such as robots, drones or software systems—learn to collaborate autonomously in complex, multi-phase missions. This technology could eventually support real-world applications, including disaster response, search and rescue, and reconnaissance operations.
UWF
CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
The University of West Florida received approval for a $32.5 million grant from the Triumph Gulf Coast board to expand its research capabilities in Northwest Florida. The funding will accelerate the growth of the UWF Institute for Analytics and Industry Advancement and the Center for Cybersecurity. Simultaneously, the grant will help establish a new Center for Computational Intelligence focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and bioinformatics with applications in healthcare, energy, environmental monitoring and defense. The overall project, which includes building improvements, costs a total of $130.2 million over 10 years. Provost Dr. Jaromy Kuhl said, "This grant marks a pivotal step forward for UWF and our region. By expanding our capacity in cybersecurity and computational intelligence research, we are positioning Northwest Florida as a national leader in innovation."
GINGER MADDEN
The state attorney owes the community more explanation for her decision not to prosecute three Crestview police officers who a grand jury indicted and charged with manslaughter for the 2021 death of Calvin Wilks Jr. The official autopsy cited an irregular heartbeat after being restrained and tased, ruling the death as homicide. The attorney's office press release stated that additional evidence raised "serious questions" about the cause and manner of Wilks' death, and "the evidence as it now stands" fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that officers should be held criminally responsible. Previous state attorneys have given much more complete reports. Show us the evidence, Ms. Madden.
DESANTIS' CENSUS FLIP-FLOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has dramatically shifted his stance on the 2020 U.S. Census. In June 2019, DeSantis took a hands-off approach, stating, "The federal government does that. We don't have a role in it." This position lasted until January 2020, when his administration belatedly scrambled to conduct census outreach with minimal preparation, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated efforts. Now, five years later, DeSantis is actively pursuing an updated 2020 Census count. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 Post-Enumeration Survey revealed Florida was undercounted by nearly 3.5%, making it one of the most undercounted states nationally. Last month, DeSantis announced his collaboration with Attorney General James Uthmeier to secure additional congressional representation, acknowledging that "Florida got shortchanged in the reapportionment."
SCOTT YENOR Now we know who to blame for the dismantling of our Florida universities. Former University of West Florida Board of Trustees Chair Scott Yenor claimed credit for helping to "conceive and implement" Gov. DeSantis's higher education reforms during a public meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, according to a recording obtained by Inweekly. The Boise State professor said he was recruited directly by DeSantis and spent two years in Florida developing education policy. Yenor detailed his involvement in eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, removing what he called "left-wing ideology" from general education requirements, and regulating teacher certification programs at universities.
Karl Leistikow / Photo Courtesy of HCA West Florida
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
THE SUMMER OF 2025
Summer 2025 will be remembered for bringing us news stories from areas that are normally quiet. From Pam Childers' stranglehold on tourism funding to Susan Woolf's dramatic firing at UWF, we never experienced a summer lull. The following four stories dominated headlines.
CUT THE CHECKS, PAM: On June 1, Inweekly reported that Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers had withheld approximately $2 million in payments to tourism marketing agencies since September 2024, disrupting operations that support the county's $1.3 billion tourism industry.
Showcase Pensacola and Visit Pensacola, which have handled county tourism marketing since 2014, found themselves caught in bureaucratic limbo as Childers demanded additional documentation for invoices that had been routinely processed for over a decade. The agencies reported receiving constantly changing requirements with no clear guidelines provided.
The payment delays affected basic operational expenses including payroll, utilities and marketing campaigns that were already executed. Tourism officials warned that continued disruptions could jeopardize 18,700 local jobs dependent on the industry.
After a June 4 closed-door meeting, WEARTV reported that Childers agreed payments should resume. Sadly, the buzz says Childers is still stalling on paying bills and 2025 Foo Foo Fest events may have to be canceled.
UNWANTED BEACH ARCH: In mid-June, Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger abandoned plans for a decorative arch at the entrance to Pensacola Beach. The controversial $7.5 million gateway project drew widespread opposition after design options were revealed in April, including one that appeared to copy Innisfree Hotel's logo. Thousands of social media posts criticized the proposals, with residents calling the project wasteful and poorly conceived.
The situation worsened when Hofberger learned that $1.5 million in anticipated state funding wasn't approved by the Florida Legislature. Facing mounting pressure, she pulled the architectural component from consideration.
The remaining project will focus on functional improvements including a new tolling gantry system, fiber optic installation and roadway enhancements. Hofberger acknowledged communication failures and promised greater transparency.
CITY COMMUNICATION CRISIS: Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves drew criticism for his handling of two separate community disputes in
July, highlighting broader concerns about municipal communication.
In East Hill, Reeves sparked controversy after publicly challenging resident Randy Hamilton's parking ticket complaint on Facebook, calling it "a quality gaslight" and offering to personally pay the fine if proven wrong. Hamilton had received two $25 citations for parking over 24 hours while out of town. The mayor's confrontational tone drew criticism from other residents who questioned the professionalism of addressing citizen concerns on social media.
Simultaneously, Reeves faced backlash from the Black community over his absence from a contentious town hall meeting about $9.5 million in Fricker Center improvements. Over 100 residents attended, with speakers expressing frustration about gentrification and questioning the city's motives for suddenly investing in Black neighborhoods.
By the second week of August, tempers had cooled. A second town hall regarding the Fricker Center went much smoother, and the parking ticket controversy in East Hill died down.
THE FIRING OF SUSAN WOOLF: Interim President Manny Diaz dismissed University of West Florida General Counsel Susan Woolf in late July, just hours after she challenged Board Chair Rebecca Matthews over the selection of outside legal counsel for the presidential search committee.
The termination followed Woolf's memo to trustees outlining her dispute with Matthews.
Woolf had recommended two qualified attorneys for the presidential search advisory role, but Matthews preferred a different candidate whom Woolf deemed less qualified.
Woolf cited UWF Policy GC-03, stating that "the authority to hire outside counsel rests with the General Counsel" and that "no individual trustee has the authority to make that decision for the Board." Woolf had requested formal Board action, warning that the presidential search "will be closely watched and potentially audited."
Matthews ignored the warning and met with Gov. DeSantis' favored law firm, Lawson Huck Gonzalez, two days after Woolf's termination.
Other stories that narrowly missed the cut included our exclusive interview with Dr. Martha Saunders, the resignations of City Administrator Tim Kinsella and Police Chief Eric Randall, the Pensacola Little Theatre's $65,631 refund to the Escambia Children's Trust and the death of Rev. H.K. Matthews.
I don't expect news to slow down this fall. Follow it here and on ricksblog.biz. {in} rick@inweekly.net
KINSELLA LEAVES WITH 'HEAVY HEART'
sacola hired him as its city administrator, retired Navy Capt. Tim Kinsella wrote a heartfelt resignation letter to his friend, Mayor D.C. Reeves.
Kinsella used the words "heavy heart" and "utmost respect" before informing Reeves that he tendered his resignation, effective Sept. 3. Compliments for the mayor and thank-you notes for the career opportunity flowed throughout the letter, but ultimately, Kinsella chose what he considered best for his family and accepted the Vice President of Branch Operations position at Navy Federal Credit Union.
"I was perfectly happy where I am for the foreseeable future, but when opportunity knocks, especially with an opportunity like this, it only knocks once. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Kinsella said. "So I thought long and hard about it—very, very long conversations late into the night with my wonderful wife—and we decided this was the best thing for my family and for me and for my future."
His departure leaves a sizable void for the city to fill. The former NAS Pensacola commander held the city administrator position for only a brief period, but Reeves credited Kinsella for laying the building blocks that will serve 55,000 citizens and 850 city employees for years to come. Reeves said these building blocks included improving public safety, changing parade protocols and simplifying communication among city employees.
"I had a lot of confidence in him to bring that structure and organization that we need," Reeves said. "What that led to first and foremost was public safety. He reimagined our emergency response, and it's the best it's ever been—bar none."
SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE
The reimagined emergency response includes an emergency management coordinator position.
In July, the city hired Robert Hess for the job. He previously served as the emergency management branch chief for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District.
Hess reports directly to Fire Chief Ginny Cranor, who said emergency responders gravitated toward Kinsella because of his unique perspective on crisis management.
Kinsella flew helicopters and specialized in combat search and rescue during his tenure in the Navy, so he spoke their language, according to Cranor.
Kinsella demonstrated his crisis management skills during the January snowstorm.
Cranor said Kinsella was involved in all city planning meetings.
"I really appreciate his leadership and the mayor's leadership to get us through that," Cranor said. "It was a real highlight of our emergency management."
Cranor further complimented Kinsella for properly evaluating the city structure before taking action. He used that evaluation period to change how directors reported to Reeves and ensure their actions aligned with the mayor's vision.
"Overarching, one of his big things is just helping improve organizational structure, upstream and downstream," Reeves said. "We had a piecemeal approach where you get five departments, you get five departments, you get five departments. He really streamlined that, so everybody is reporting to the same person."
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Kinsella admittedly resigned at an inopportune time. Reeves has attracted his share of negative headlines since July 4, particularly within the Black community, following the sudden resignation of Police Chief Eric Randall and the mayor's decision to skip a meeting about upgrades to the Fricker Center. Poor communication about curbside recycling changes marked another PR challenge for the mayor.
"My heart was very, very heavy because I loved the city, and I loved working with the mayor. And I knew that this was going to come at a very difficult time for the mayor with a lot of things that are in the papers, justified or unjustified," Kinsella said.
He continued, "I didn't want to pile on him or distract from anything that he's doing in the city. And I knew that was going to be the case because there are folks out there who are going to take information and turn it into whatever. Anytime there's a vacuum, folks will fill that vacuum with whatever narrative they prefer to tell themselves."
Kinsella spent his career in the military surrounded by leaders or in leadership positions. He said Reeves is a natural leader, and he credited him for turning words into action.
"It's one thing to be a visionary, but it's another thing to actually get the stuff done," Kin-
sella said. "And it was a big reason why I wanted to come to the city and why I wanted to help our mayor, because he's not only a great friend, but I believe 100% in what he's doing. I would not have touched this place with a barge pole if I didn't believe that."
"But there's the tension between vision and action," he added. "The execution is where the rubber meets the road. He's got a limited amount of time to get as much done as he can to set this city on a trajectory going forward. We had a couple of mayors before us who started that trajectory. Now we've got to get it across the finish line."
NEXT UP
Kinsella said Reeves served as the city administrator for the first two years of Reeves' mayoral term. He credited Reeves for grabbing the city "by the scruff of the neck" and dragging it along. That changed when Kinsella came on board and the staff began to take shape.
"I don't care how good of a leader you are, any executive from Eisenhower to Lincoln to youname-it—you need a team around you that is going to be able to enact your vision," Kinsella said. "I've worked in a lot of organizations at the highest levels of this government, and you've got folks here that work under very difficult circumstances with very, very difficult tasks ahead of them. But they do it knowing that it's for the good of their city where they live."
He added, "The outcomes may not always be what the citizens want, but it's not for lack of trying and not for lack of caring."
Reeves stepped outside the box by hiring a city administrator in Kinsella without local government experience. He said the next city administrator will likely be someone with direct ties to local government to better round out the team. Deputy City Administrator Amy Miller will fill in for Kinsella while the city conducts a national search for his replacement.
"She's a very steady hand to help us with that," Reeves said of Miller. "She helps us not have to rush ourselves to make a hire."
He continued, "We're certainly urgent about it, but like every job that's been opened, timing is not going to force us into a rapid decision."
Asked what advice he has for his successor, Kinsella said to be patient and absorb information like a sponge.
"Sit back, learn, listen, don't do anything for the first three months," he said. "Get to know this place. And above all, be an advocate for your directors. Be their other voice, be their ears, be their eyes in the mayor's office, and help them to have honest communication with the front office so there are no mistakes about the direction that we're going."
Kinsella added, "Because when that happens and the mayor gets blindsided, bad things happen." {in}
Tim Kinsella / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola
Union has added a personal touch to its upcoming participation in Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Day through a community engagement initiative called "Written in the Walls."
The credit union has 20 volunteers who will join the Women Build event on Oct. 1, helping construct a new home for a local family. Gulf Winds is extending community involvement beyond the single build day by placing pink frame boards—which will become actual wall components of the new home—in branch lobbies across Alabama, Pensacola and Tallahassee.
"These inspiring messages of hope will become part of the very foundation of the home," said Pola Young, Gulf Winds' Director of Community Engagement. "It's a lasting reminder that our support goes beyond a single day of volunteerism."
The initiative allows both credit union members and team members to sign the boards and write encouraging messages to the future homeowners. These personal notes will literally become part of the family's new walls.
Gulf Winds is leveraging the boards to support fundraising efforts. Participants can make donations using QR codes posted near the boards or at teller lines, with all contributions counting toward the organization's $20,000 donation goal for Habitat for Humanity. The donation will be presented on-site during the October build.
Community members interested in participating can visit any Gulf Winds branch location to sign the pink boards and contribute to this homebuilding initiative. The boards will remain available for several weeks leading up to the October build date.
TRAFFIC FATALITY CRISIS
With four months still remaining in the year, the City of Pensacola has already recorded 10 traffic fatalities in 2025, surpassing the previous five-year high of eight deaths.
Interim Police Chief Kristin Brown reported that eight of the 10 fatalities were directly caused by speeding, while six involved motorcycles. A troubling pattern has emerged at the intersection of 14th Ave. and Gregory St. (the off-ramp
for the Chappie James Bridge) where three motorcycle fatalities have occurred.
"You can understand where there'd be some speed happening because there really isn't anything to slow folks down," Mayor D.C. Reeves said, referring to the area following the new bridge construction.
The 14th Ave. and Gregory St. location has become a focal point for city officials, who are coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) since the intersection involves state-controlled infrastructure. The Pensacola Police Department plans to deploy speed trailers and increase enforcement in this high-risk area.
At his weekly press conference, the mayor stressed that speeding remains the primary factor in most deaths, highlighting the critical need for drivers to observe posted speed limits.
BAY OYSTERS CRITICAL
The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program released its 2025 State of the Bays Report, revealing critical conditions for oyster populations in the Pensacola Bay System alongside mixed environmental health indicators across both watersheds.
The biennial assessment, which monitors key ecosystem metrics including water quality, wildlife populations and habitat conditions, shows contrasting trends between the two bay systems. While oyster populations have declined to critical status in Pensacola Bay, seagrass beds remain stable in both watersheds.
Water quality data present mixed results. The Pensacola Bay System shows overall stability across nitrogen, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and chlorophyll-a levels. However, the Perdido Bay System displays mixed conditions with improving dissolved oxygen and stable nitrogen levels, but declining phosphorus and chlorophyll-a indicators.
Bacterial contamination levels have improved in the Perdido Bay System, resulting in fewer beach advisories. However, Pensacola Bay's urban bayous—including Chico, Grande and Texar—continue exceeding bacterial standards, though overall bay advisory numbers remain consistent.
Infrastructure challenges show opposing trends: the Perdido Bay watershed experienced fewer sanitary sewer overflows, while such incidents increased in the Pensacola Bay watershed.
This year's report introduces fisheries monitoring data. Areas with abundant seagrass, such as Wolf Bay, Little Lagoon and Lower Perdido, support higher species richness than open water ar-
eas. Key species include gray snapper, speckled trout and brown shrimp.
The complete report is available at stateofthebays.org. These findings will guide the program's conservation and management priorities for both watersheds.
BYE, VEO Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that Pensacola will terminate its scooter contract with Veo, effective Nov. 1. Speaking at his Aug. 26 press conference, Reeves said a recent city survey revealed "a clear majority of our residents have a concern with this and don't see necessarily the value in it."
The mayor stressed that Veo wasn't at fault, instead citing infrastructure limitations. "Our city infrastructure is not built the way it is in larger cities where you have these protected bike lanes."
Usage data showed the program wasn't meeting its intended goals of serving residents without vehicle access, with limited ridership in lower-income areas. Costs were also comparable to ridesharing services for longer trips.
Despite ending this program, Reeves expressed curiosity about future alternatives. "We are open to multimodal solutions moving forward," he said, noting particular interest in manual bicycle rental programs.
VEO PUSHES BACK Veo immediately mounted a campaign to extend its Pensacola scooter contract beyond the Nov. 1 termination date, arguing that the city survey failed to capture voices of actual riders who depend on the service.
"We have heard from, so far since our campaign, over 750 riders since we launched it less than 24 hours ago," said Celeste Brown, Veo's policy and partnerships manager, the day after the mayor's press conference. "We're hearing from folks that are using our vehicles to get to and from work to get around downtown, disabled veterans that are utilizing it as a means of transportation."
Veo disputes the characterization that scooters primarily serve tourists, presenting data showing significant local usage. Using the billing zip codes, Brown said, "This year to date, we are at about 66,800 rides, and nearly 30% of those have been by Pensacola residents. We have seen an increase year over year, month over month in our ridership in Pensacola."
The company is now seeking a contract extension through the end of the year to facilitate community discussions. Brown said, "What we're asking for at this point is just an opportunity to extend the contract through the end of the year, so we can have these community conversations, have listening sessions, understand where folks are coming from."
Veo argues it serves essential transportation needs. Brown said, "We want to continue to give access to folks whether they're low income or don't have access to a vehicle or just want an easy way to get downtown."
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE When asked about Veo's request, Mayor D.C. Reeves said that he re -
spects it, but his primary concern is how city residents feel about the shared scooter service.
"You're darn right we polled the residents, because I represent the residents first and foremost," he said. "Whether they ride Veo or they don't, that should always be my primary concern—how do the residents feel about, or whether they consider something an amenity or a detriment, first and foremost."
He added, "Second, while I applaud [Veo's] ability to go engage the community and listen to the community, I just fail to understand why that started only when we've said we aren't going to renew."
The mayor met with Veo representatives on June 4. "I shared with them that there has been no investment in speaking to our residents. As they were collecting revenue from visitors and city residents, they weren't leaving the mayor's office to go meet with neighborhood associations and explain why there's scooters all over their sidewalks."
He believes that the lack of community engagement put the city at an unfair disadvantage. "This is not a revenue stream for the city, and it may be a revenue stream for them. So while again, I always appreciate people engaging the community, at the end of the day, none of the surveying of our residents had started [in June]."
He continued, "And so I think it's a case of too little too late. I wish they cared about what our citizens thought during the contract and instead of at the end of the contract."
AMERICAN MAGIC UPDATE
The headquarters for American Magic is on track to receive its certificate of occupancy on Nov. 6, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for early January.
The world-class sailing facility has already generated economic development interest. Mayor Reeves reported a surge in inquiries from advanced manufacturing companies and potential Department of Defense contractors, attracted by what he calls a "catalytic change" at the port.
"There's a lot of buzz about the port right now and lots of meetings," Reeves noted in a recent podcast interview. "We predicted this. If you plant your flag with somebody like American Magic, who's at the top of their class in the world, you might start to see that kind of catalytic change."
The mayor expects economic development momentum to accelerate once American Magic becomes fully operational, bringing millions of dollars in advanced equipment and technology to the region.
Regarding the 38th America's Cup, American Magic's participation received a boost with recent protocol changes. The competition, scheduled for 2027 in Naples, Italy, has introduced a franchise model to address the financially unsustainable "winner takes all" structure that previously threatened team participation.
"What was announced a couple weeks back is a great positive step," Reeves said, expressing confidence that American Magic will compete in 2027.
Even if American Magic's America's Cup plans change, Reeves remains optimistic about
Pensacola's sailing future. "We're going to have world-class sailing here one way or the other," he declared, citing numerous international sailing opportunities that could utilize the new facility.
BLACK LIVES MATTER MURAL TARGETED
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave the City of Pensacola until Sept. 4 to remove "noncompliant" pavement markings on North A Street, threatening state intervention and funding penalties if the deadline wasn't met.
The markings in question are the words "Black Lives Matter" painted by local artists on June 27, 2020, during nationwide protests following George Floyd's death. FDOT District Three Secretary Tim Smith declared the fiveyear-old mural violates state and federal transportation mandates.
Rather than mobilize city crews to meet the two-week deadline, Mayor D.C. Reeves asked FDOT to handle the removal themselves.
"We respectfully request that FDOT handle the execution of this mandate," Reeves said during his weekly press conference, after speaking with Secretary Smith.
The mayor cited several factors behind this ask. The city faces resource constraints and has numerous infrastructure priorities, including "lots of potholes and sidewalks at critical levels." Additionally, the mural's proximity to Cervantes Street—a major state corridor—would complicate city-led removal efforts requiring road closures near areas the city doesn't control.
"How quick can a city of 55,000 have the manpower to go take something on and have it done in a matter of days?" Reeves asked.
The mayor reported no "initial pushback" from state officials and emphasized the request wasn't adversarial. "We have a great relationship with FDOT, and we don't take that for granted. This wasn't any threat of non-compliance—we're asking partners how to execute the mandate in the best way possible."
The situation has further divided Pensacola's politically split community, with passionate supporters on both sides of the mural's existence. However, Reeves maintained the city's role is to follow federal and state law rather than pick political sides.
FDOT has not yet provided a timeline for potential state-led removal.
RED LIGHT CAMERAS
The city's red light camera program has generated an average of 97 citations per day during its first six months of operation, with two intersections accounting for nearly two-thirds of all violations.
Mayor D.C. Reeves reported that the Ninth Ave. and Bayou Blvd. intersection accounts for 31% of citations with 5,557 violations, while the Ninth Ave. and Gregory St. intersection represents 34% of total citations despite monitoring only one traffic approach (compared to Bayou Blvd.'s four directions).
"Clearly by single approach, Ninth and Gregory is our biggest problem area," Reeves said.
The data shows mixed results for the program's effectiveness. June marked the secondlowest month for citations since implementation, suggesting improved driver behavior. However, July experienced a significant spike in violations.
To address ongoing safety concerns, the city released YouTube video footage showing severe red light violations. Officials compiled footage of the 10 most egregious incidents to demonstrate the seriousness of the infractions.
"Sometimes when you don't see how egregious these violations are, you assume that someone was three inches over the line and got a ticket. That is a rarity," Reeves explained.
FAVORITE TALE On the "(We Don't) Color on the Dog" podcast, Dr. Michael Butler—author of two books about the late Rev. H.K. Matthews—shared his favorite story about the civil rights activist.
In the late 1960s, an Ensley laundromat, which displayed "Whites Only" signage despite being connected to a lumberyard that employed and served Black customers, became the target of an unusual protest led by Rev. Matthews and a group of local students.
The demonstrators entered the facility and proceeded to wash exclusively white-colored garments, with each participant using a separate machine for a single white clothing item.
"When the police were called, and they said, 'This is whites only,' Rev. Matthews said, 'That's what we're doing. We're obeying the sign. We're just washing whites only,'" Butler recounted.
"The officer just shook his head and said, 'You know what we're talking about, you need to wrap it up.' And Rev. Matthews said, 'I will, after we finish drying our clothes.' And the next week, the laundromat closed."
SAVE THE DATE Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and U.S. Senator Doug Jones will be the guest speaker at a community event presented by Innisfree Hotels' The Hive Foundation, Equity Project Alliance and Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home in collaboration with the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. The ticketed luncheon is Friday, Sept. 19, at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. Doors and lunch buffet will open at 11 a.m. The program will begin at noon.
As U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Doug Jones successfully prosecuted two out of four men responsible for the Sept. 15, 1963, bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church, bringing justice and closure nearly 40 years after the attack killed four young girls.
Jones will recount his experience, reflecting on the pivotal moment in our nation's history and the struggle for equal rights.
Tickets are $30 a person or $220 for a table of eight and must be purchased by Sept. 11. Tickets can be bought by credit card at esrba.com or (850) 434-8135 ext. 1. Checks should be made payable to the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association. Business casual attire is requested. {in}
By Savannah Evanoff
Budget cuts didn't stop the Pensacola performing arts scene, and it shows.
In last year's fall arts issue, Inweekly addressed major concerns among the arts community following Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto of more than $32 million in state cultural funding. But this year, arts organizations explained how the Pensacola community stepped up in response.
Ashley Simmons, the marketing director for Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT), said navigating the funding cuts complicated things, but theatre people "know how to adapt."
"We are nothing if not resilient and resourceful," Simmons said. "What's been especially inspiring is how our community and donors have stepped up to support us, reminding us that the arts matter here. In many ways, it's brought us closer together as an arts community—leaning on one another, sharing resources and staying focused on why the work is so important."
"At the end of the day, the arts survive because people believe in them, and our community has shown us again and again that they do."
Bret Barrow, the executive director of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO), echoed the sentiment, saying he was humbled—and still is—by the support from audiences and patrons.
"It's remarkable; I recall a moment at a concert this past season when we shared our need with the audience," Barrow said. "I heard a strong voice from within the crowd affirm loudly, 'The community will support you. We will support you.' And it was true."
MILESTONES AND MEMORIES
This year marks a special milestone for PSO: 100 years. For their season finale, the 100th Anniversary Gala Concert, they will play Dvořák's "New World Symphony" and celebrate the orchestra's history and future.
"We plan to highlight the talents of the Pensacola Children's Chorus, a group that initially came together under the Symphony, but that has gone on to become an amazing independent organization that has served so many students over decades," Barrow said. "We are also proud to highlight the Saenger Theatre debut of the newly formed Pensacola Symphony Youth Orchestra on this concert. They will perform a piece by themselves and also side by side with the professional orchestra. In fact, they'll join us for a special piece that we have commissioned for this occasion by Chicago-based composer Jim Stephenson."
Barrow also looks forward to a special concert as part of Foo Foo Fest on Sunday, Nov. 2 at The Sanctuary Event Space, which was Symphony Hall for the orchestra in the late 1950s. The concert will feature four PSO violinists as soloists on Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," Barrow said.
Even as he looks ahead, Barrow reminisces on the early days of PSO musicians—from gathering in the home of Edwin Northup (now the Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast) to performances in the old Symphony Hall (now The Sanctuary Event Space), Pensacola High School and Pensacola Junior College.
He rattles off many other fond memories, including the founding of the Pensacola Children's Chorus; a performance of Beethoven's "Symphony No. 9" following Hurricane Ivan with Pensacola Opera and Choral Society of Pensacola singers at Olive Baptist Church; Mother's Day performances on Pensacola Beach; two seasons performing at First Baptist Church during the most recent renovation of the Saenger Theatre and sharing concerts online during a pandemic.
"Our annual fifth-grade concerts have been a touchstone for many students in our community for the past several decades," Barrow said. "As a fifth grader, I attended one of these concerts led by our former Music Director Grier Williams. I know several of our patrons that cite their own
experiences from this event spanning many decades. Every time we perform for young people, it is special."
New initiatives include the Pensacola Symphony Youth Orchestra, presenting a historic guest artist (violinist Gil Shaham), the commissioning of a new piece of music written for the orchestra's anniversary and the recent growth of their community engagement program "Beyond the Stage." Throughout, PSO's tradition of acoustic live music experiences remains central.
"Occasionally we augment the performance with technology, but at its core, the music itself is our tradition," Barrow said. "Breathing new life into carefully crafted scores that were written recently or several hundred years ago gives us a responsibility as cultural stewards and ambassadors of the art form."
A SEASON FOR EVERYONE
PLT has a lot of new to acknowledge.
"Walking into our building, the changes are immediately clear; we've just completed a full renovation of our theatre, and it feels like a brandnew home for the arts," Simmons said. "Everyone is excited about the development of our new performance space on The Rooftop."
But their transformation goes beyond the physical space, she said.
"Over the past year, our staff, board and volunteers have come together in an incredible way to truly make PLT the community's theatre," Simmons said. "We're not just a stage for performances—we're a resource, a gathering place and a safe space where everyone can feel welcome and inspired."
PLT has also made some changes to enhance the theatre-going experience, like adjusting the seating in its smaller theatre to make things more comfortable for audiences. They're most excited about the variety of stories they'll share this season, she added.
"From the sweeping spectacle of big musicals like 'Jekyll & Hyde' and 'Six: Teen Edition,' to the more intimate, thought-provoking experiences of 'The Flick' and 'The Sugar Witch,' there's truly something for everyone," Simmons said. "We're also thrilled to once again be part of Foo Foo Fest with 'Somebody to Love,' where we'll bring Shakespeare to the public in a fresh, unexpected and exciting way."
They will again offer a production that includes sensory-friendly performances with "Junie B. Jones."
"It's a season full of powerful performances, new perspectives and a little something unexpected around every corner, and we can't wait for everyone to be part of it," Simmons said.
Like PLT, Pensacola Opera also seeks universal appeal, explained Director of Advancement Alex Hilkey.
"We want people to know that opera can be for everyone," Hilkey said. "We offer grand opera productions, yes, but also free concerts in the parks and lunchtime recitals—and most of our programming spans not only opera but musical theatre and popular music as well. We aim to be accessible to our community and provide programming to people of all ages, interests and backgrounds."
And they've got a variety of performance types this season to back it up.
"From classic opera like Verdi's 'La Traviata' to exciting musical theatre in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!,' we're most excited to reach a broad audience and welcome opera-lovers to our stages whether it's your very first time with us, or you've been a Pensacola Opera supporter for years," Hilkey said. "With our recognizable titles this season—even down to our children's opera production of 'Cinderella'—we're hopeful to welcome more patrons to this amazing art form that we love so much."
2025-2026 SEASON SCHEDULES
BALLET PENSACOLA
balletpensacola.org
Dracula
Oct. 17-19 & 24-26
Just in time for spooky season, the legend of Dracula lives on and is more haunting than ever.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 19-21
Ballet Pensacola's annual holiday tradition.
Romeo and Juliet
April 16-19
This classic tragic romance gets the Ballet Pensacola treatment.
CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA
facebook.com/choralsocietyofpensacola
A Choral Society Mixtape
Oct. 11
A varied program of choral favorites chosen by the audience, via a survey collected this spring.
Messiah Sing!
Dec. 5-6
Handel's "Messiah" returns with a sing-along, inviting the audience to join in on songs such as "Hallelujah."
Mass of the Children
May 16
John Rutter's musical tribute to a child's day, performed alongside choirs from Sims and Woodlawn Beach Middle Schools.
PENSACOLA
CHILDREN�S CHORUS pensacolasings.org
Hauntcert: A Family-Friendly
Halloween Concert
Oct. 27-28
Get in the spooky spirit with a performance of Halloween-themed songs.
Christmas on the Coast
Dec. 12-14
PCC's annual holiday tradition featuring festive songs, costumes and choreography.
Ovation
Jan. 30
This black-tie event celebrates Pensacola Children's Chorus, its supporters and the start of a new chapter.
One World, Many Voices
Feb. 28
A one-night-only performance of traditional choir music inside First Baptist Church downtown.
Showtime
May 8-10
PCC ends its season with a performance featuring the best of stage and screen.
PENSACOLA
LITTLE THEATRE
pensacolalittletheatre.com
The Flick
Now-Sept. 7
Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winning play centers on three employees at a movie theatre and their love of cinema.
Jekyll & Hyde
Sept. 19-Oct. 5
A gothic musical about man, monster and the thin line between them.
Somebody to Love
Oct. 31-Nov. 10
Shakespeare's romance collides with 1960s rock in this reimagining of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Dec. 12-21
The classic holiday story of George Bailey presented as a 1940s radio broadcast.
Perfect Arrangement
Jan. 30-Feb. 8
Secrets, satire and the Lavender Scare meet in this 1950s-set comedy.
Six: Teen Edition
March 6
The six wives of Henry VIII reclaim the spotlight in pop musical format.
Junie B. Jones The Musical
April 10-12
Based on the best-selling books by Barbara Park, this children's comedy offers sensory-friendly and accessible performances.
The Sugar Witch
April 24-May 3
Nathan Sanders' Southern Gothic suspense story about a haunted town.
The Cottage
June 12-21
Romance and scandal abound in a 1923 English countryside farce.
PENSACOLA OPERA
pensacolaopera.com
Three Decembers
Sept. 19 & 21
An intimate production set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and spanning three Decembers in 1986, 1996 and 2006.
La Traviata
Jan. 23 & 25
Verdi's romantic tragedy tells the tale of courtesan Violetta Valéry.
Oklahoma!
March 13 & 15
Travel back to the American frontier in Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic feel-good musical.
PENSACOLA
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
pensacolasymphony.com
Opening Night!
Oct. 4
The 100th anniversary season kicks off with selections from "Swan Lake" and more.
Classically Connected
Nov. 8
An evening of music featuring Haydn's "Symphony No. 102," guest artist Ilya Yakushev and more.
Music for Families
Nov. 15
All-ages event including a one-hour concert and hands-on activities.
Celebrate the New Year!
Dec. 31
Vocalist Michael Andrew will lead PSO in a tribute to the Rat Pack, featuring classics such as "Come Fly with Me."
Beethoven & Blue Jeans
Jan. 10
This annual celebration of Beethoven returns with the composer's Second Symphony, saxophonist Tim McAllister performing Kenneth Fuchs' "Rush" and more.
Mozart Madness
Jan. 31
Up next, this annual performance will feature Mozart's "Symphony No. 29" with concertmaster Leonid Yanovskiy and principal violist Audrey Naffe as soloists.
Icon: The Voices That Changed Music
Feb. 7
Broadway vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw join PSO for a show celebrating vocalists like Whitney Houston, Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Mahler Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection"
March 7
PSO joins the UWF Singers and the Choral Society of Pensacola for this performance of Mahler's masterwork.
Symphonic Spectacular: Gil Shaham Plays Brahms
March 28
Violinist Gil Shaham returns for a performance of Brahms' "Violin Concerto."
100th Anniversary Gala Concert
April 25
The finale of PSO's 100th anniversary season will feature Antonín Dvořák's "New World Symphony" and special guests. {in}
Arts & Entertainment
Clownery and Chaos
When Jimbo the Drag Clown takes the stage, the world gets a little weirder … and that's exactly the point.
Pensacola will have front-row seats to Jimbo's clownery on Sunday, Sept. 14 as she headlines "RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World Tour 2025" at the Saenger Theatre.
Jimbo (James Insell) is a 42-year-old Canadian drag queen who rose to fame through "RuPaul's Drag Race" franchises.
With her surreal, clown-inspired aesthetic and deliberately exaggerated proportions, Jimbo represents both the artistic potential and perceived threat that makes drag such a lightning rod in the culture wars.
By Joshua Encinias
And as "Werq the World's" host, Jimbo promises a night of outrageous comedy, jaw-dropping spectacle and unapologetic clownery, all delivered with chaotic charm.
She will be joined at the Pensacola show by Daya Betty, Jorgeous, Kim Chi, Jaida Essence Hall, Vanessa Vanjie and Onya Nurve.
Fresh off a Las Vegas residency, Jimbo is no stranger to commanding a stage. But hosting "Werq the World" is a different beast. One that requires equal parts glamour and absurdity.
"There's this big dramatic lift that flies me into the air and it reveals the cast," Jimbo says.
"Werq the World's" theme for 2025 is "awards" and Jimbo will host the show in character as Joan Rivers. The comedy legend was renowned for hilariously ruthless critiques of red carpet fashion.
Fans have long compared Jimbo's razorsharp wit and larger-than-life persona to the late comedian, so when actress Natasha Lyonne was cast as Rivers in an upcoming biopic, Jimbo had thoughts.
"I was so excited slash jealous at the same time," she admits. "I was like, 'Oh my god, that's such a cool choice and such a perfect choice, and I can't wait to see her impersonation.'"
Ever the hustler, Jimbo already has a pitch for the film's marketing team. "If whoever's making that movie doesn't bring me in to do promotion, they're fools."
For a performer who thrives on spontaneity, Jimbo's pre-tour routine is surprisingly methodical.
"I started my rehearsals in June because I'm kind of proactive like that," she says. "I need to think of my looks, get the designers working and get my tracks done."
But even the best-laid plans can't prevent opening night madness.
"Most of the time, the first show is also the first time it's all being put together. That's my experience of other shows in the past; I've never done a 'Werq the World,' so we'll see."
No matter what happens, no Jimbo performance is complete without her infamous, gravity-defying prosthetic breasts. They are a staple of Jimbo's drag that's equal parts homage and exaggeration.
"I am a clown, and clowns are all about more and more bigger. And I just generally love big things. I'm a size queen," Jimbo jokes.
The inspiration? A mix of pop culture icons and personal history.
"I grew up with Dolly Parton, Pamela Anderson and Elvira. Plus, my mom had breast implants and was a buxom lady, so it's a little nod to her," Jimbo reveals.
"She was always in her own kind of drag. Also, I'm a six-foot-tall man, so in order for my hips and waist to look small, it helps to have big boobs, big butt, little waist. That makes the illusion look better."
As a proud drag clown, Jimbo follows a long tradition of performers who blend comedy, horror and heart.
"There's a clown inside of everyone, and some people just embrace it and run with it," Jimbo says. "Clowning is something that's woven into public speaking, performance and the way we deal with every day with a sense of humor."
Jimbo shouted out fellow clowns, includ-
ing Victoria-based performer Eddie Licious, calling them "a really cool drag performer, drag king, drag queen and clown." She also praises the cast of Cirque du Soleil, noting that it's "amazing how many clowns I met in Vegas."
Ask Jimbo about her influences, and the list is delightfully unpredictable.
Pee-wee Herman, she says, was a childhood obsession.
"He was one of those TV shows that had that subversive twist … growing up as a queer kid with not a lot of queer representation, it really resonated."
She's also a horror fanatic, geeking out over director Mike Flanagan, who once edited a RuPaul music video. "Maybe he'll put me in one of his horror movies," Jimbo muses. "I should Instagram him."
For Jimbo, drag is about more than just sequins and lip-syncs. It's about freedom, laughter and celebrating the weirdos.
"The world is full of unseen, beautiful oddballs. People who are hustling every day, chasing joy, searching for love and fighting for their freedom. When they see someone else living that truth, it's electric," she says.
And if Pensacola's crowd is anything like Jimbo, it's going to be a gloriously bizarre night. {in}
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE WERQ THE WORLD TOUR 2025
WHAT: A star-studded drag extravaganza featuring Jimbo, Daya Betty, Jorgeous and more
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox
COST: Tickets start at $40
DETAILS: pensacolasaenger.com
Jimbo the Drag Clown / Photo by Fernando Cysneiros @thedragseries
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
PBS KIDS DAY AT GULFARIUM WSRE PBS will be at Gulfarium, 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy. for PBS Kids Day with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Carl the Collector 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Visit gulfarium.com for park fees and information.
PINK IN THE CITY ON THE BEACH Dining and entertainment benefit for several local nonprofits. Event is 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 with dining and entertainment at Corinne Jones-Sanders Beach Center, 913 S. I St. Tickets are $65 each. More details at akapinkinthecity@gmail.com.
NEW LEASH ON LIFE SPONSORED BY GREEN ACRES RESCUE Dog adoption event is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Escambia Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Hwy.
TOTALLY RAD 80S DANCE PARTY AND ARC GATEWAY FUNDRAISER An adults-only dance party with 80s tunes 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at The Sanctuary, 716 N. Ninth Ave. Free registration at arc-gateway.org.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 FENNER RIDE Early registration is officially open for the 2025 Fenner Ride which takes place 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Registration is $45 for the 18- and 44-mile routes and $50 for the 62- and 100-mile routes. Prices increases by $5 after Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Register at runsignup.com/race/events/fl/milton/fennerride.
PUPS OF PENSACOLA CALENDAR CONTEST WolfGang Pensacola, in partnership with Hoff House Pet Photography, is happy to announce the return of its calendar fundraiser. Proceeds, after costs and fees, from the contest raise funds for the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. Submit a photo of your dog for $15 (limit of two dogs per photo). Every dollar donated equals one vote. The contest runs through Sept. 6. For details, visit gogophotocontest.com/ wolfgangpensacola.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook. com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 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.
CALL TO ARTISTS
2025 PIECES ADRIFT Keep Pensacola Beautiful is accepting submissions from artists for the Pieces Adrift Art Show & Auction. The goal of this event is to highlight works of art produced with reused or recycled items. You don't have to be an established artist to participate. All skill levels are welcome. The event is Saturday, Oct. 25. Planning is underway. This year, they will provide awards for different age categories created by an artist from Gulf Shores who makes art out of reused materials. If you're interested in serving on the committee, please email Vanesa at volunteer@keeppensacolabeautiful.org. If you would like to submit a piece of artwork for the upcoming show, fill out the form at form.jotform.com/251134246638153.
ARTS & CULTURE
THE FLICK Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. production. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, Friday, Sept. 5, Saturday, Sept. 6, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Tickets are $25. Details at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
STAND-UP COMEDY HOSTED BY RYAN PFEIFFER, FEATURING LENA IBRAHIM, ARUN KRISHNAN AND CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS Show starts 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info is available at thehandlebar850.com.
PAINT & PURR: PAINT BY THE NUMBERS
Event at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. Beginner-level paint by numbers event and cuddle time with adoptable cats. Sign up at coastalcatpcola.com.
SEPTEMBER EXHIBIT TOURS Visit Pensaco -
la Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., for an intimate tour of Gestalt of the Berth. Tours are 3-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 and 5-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE The next Improvable Cause show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $10. Details at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
STEVEN HO: IS IT AN EMERGENCY? Comedian Steven Ho will perform 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info are at pensacolasaenger.com.
4TH ANNUAL HARVEST SIP AND SHOP
Event is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Rusted Arrow Mercantile, 130 S. Palafox St. Details at rustedarrowmercatile.com.
IMPROVABLE CAUSE: CHEESE FOR THE TABLE Show starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
PERDIDO PALOOZA COMMUNITY PARTY
Community event with live music, local food trucks and more 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at Warrior Beery Company 10605 Sorrento Road.
MOVIES IN THE SAND: TOY STORY Watch the 1995 Pixar film Friday, Sept. 12 at the Gulfside Pavilion. Movies start at sunset. Visit facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach for details.
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE: SLEEP AND STRESS WITH DR. JAIME TARTAR Join Dr. Jaime Tartar of Nova University for an eye-opening lecture on the latest science of sleep and stress 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Pensacola Mess Hall, 418 E. Wrights. Pre-registration appreciated. Register at pensacolamesshall.org/adult-programs.
BIG TIME MACA COMEDY SHOW FEATURING SAM SKOLNIK, OLIVIA SEARCY, RAY LAU, AND AARON MONTE Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE WERQ THE WORLD 2025 Show is 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and info at pensacolasaenger.com.
PENSACOLA OPERA: THREE DECEMBERS
Pensacola Opera opens its fall season with the chamber opera "Three Decembers" 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Pkwy. A select display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in the lobby of the theatre. Tickets available at pensacolaopera.com.
IN YOUR FACE: PORTRAITS BY GILA RAYBERG Mosaic portraiture by Gila Rayberg is on view through Sept. 7 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
GESTALT OF THE BERTH The latest exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art is Gestalt of the Berth, a culmination of the inaugural Artistin-Residence program at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Selected artist, designer and educator John Dougherty was tasked with forging a stronger connection between the local arts community and the park, and he saw collaboration as the most effective approach. The show features the work of John Dougherty and includes participating artists Nicholas Croghan, Poppy Garcia, Stoycho Hadziev, Joe Hobbs, Richard Humphries, Steve Matechik, Mia McCann, Keeley Morgan, Paul Myers, Nick Phoenix, Richard Rodriguez and Eniko Ujj. A closing exhibition is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. More details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
ARTEL GALLERY EXHIBITS Current shows at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St., run through Oct. 3. Exhibits include: "Recycle It," creating new art from old and the works of featured artists; "Echoes of Color" by Lynn Huber; "Ways We Float and Fall" by Summer Sevi; "Echoes of Creation" by Pyramid Inc. and "Winner of Best Show" by Hope Mastroianni. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free.
JOE HOBBS: TIME AND PLACE An exhibit by glass artist Joe Hobbs, "Time and Place," is on display through Oct. 10 at the Charles W. Lamar Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.
DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE EXHIBITION This national exhibition will feature works from various artists at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 11. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: KETEL ONE BOTANICALS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at Atlas Oyster
a&e happenings
House, 600 S. Barracks St. Class cost is $30 and includes beverages, and chances for giveaways. Seating is limited. Reserve your spot by emailing taylor@goodgrits.com or calling (850) 287-0200.
CRAVIN ASIAN: THAI FLAVORS Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 at Pensacola Cooks Classroom, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $50 per student (adults only). Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.
REPAST: A HISTORY-INSPIRED GULF-TOTABLE DINNER A dinner featuring Pensacola's culinary history is 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at Plaza de Luna Memorial monument. Tickets are $161 and available on Eventbrite.com.
VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five wines and mingle with wine enthusiasts 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Cost is $20. RSVP by visiting vpauls.com.
LUNCH & LEARN: TRADITIONAL SWEDISH OPEN-FACE SANDWICHES Cooking class is 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $62. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.
BAKING WITH OLIVE OIL: OLIVE OIL CAKES Cooking class is 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $48. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.com.
COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER: REAL AND RUSTIC Cooking class is 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Cost is $55 and includes cooking demonstration, tastings and wine pairings and take-home recipe booklet. Sign up by contacting contact Martha Anne Merrill, marthaanne@ goodgrits.com or (850) 777-0412.
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER Join Executive Chef Jason Hughes and special guests Grayson Bay Oyster Co. and Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Features a five-course tasting and drink pairings; cost is $65. Reservations are required. Make yours by emailing taylor@goodgrits.com or call (850) 287-0200.
LUNCH SERVICE AT RESTAURANT IRON
Restaurant Iron, 22 N. Palafox St., now offers a refined midday experience starting 11 a.m. MondayFriday. Dinner service will continue to be available Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (850) 4767776 or visiting restaurantiron.com/reservations. Walk-ins will also be welcome based on availability.
LUNCH & DINNER AT SEVILLE QUARTER
Enjoy a good meal and atmosphere with lunch and dinner at Seville Quarter. At 11 a.m. in Apple Annie's Courtyard, have the soup and salad bar, featuring more than 30 fresh selections, along with a delicious variety of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, wings and local Gulf seafood favorites. Beginning at 5 p.m., dinner is served in the historic Palace Café, where the culinary team brings creative dishes to the table, blending Southern comfort, local ingredients and Seville Quarter flair. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
BAR BINGO AT SEVILLE QUARTER Bar Bingo is 8 p.m. Mondays at Apple Annie's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller Lite bottles and $3.50 Bomb shots. Bingo is free to play with prizes, giveaways and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-
midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
a&e happenings
LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER
College night is 8 p.m. Thursdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Ages 18 and older are welcome. Free Beer Pong tournament begins at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 bar drinks, $3.50 Fireball shots for ages 21 and older. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live
music are 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Dr.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN
BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments begin 8 p.m., and Tequila Night is 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUAR -
TER Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. every Friday with cold drinks, hot food and great vibes in the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter. Happy hour begins 11 a.m. Fridays with drink and food specials.
SEVILLE QUARTER'S FLIP MY QUARTER
Seville Quarter is flipping the script—and a few quarters—with its brand-new happy hour promotion, Flip My Quarter, 6-8 p.m. every Friday throughout the Seville Quarter entertainment complex. When you order a domestic draft beer, well liquor cocktail or house wine, tell the bartender to "flip my quarter." When they flip it, call it in the air. If you call it right, your drink is free.
BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials are 8 p.m.-midnight, and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Enjoy a DJ 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips is 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and live DJ is 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir
Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
JAMESON SPECIAL Enjoy $5 Jameson Irish Whiskey all night Saturdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER From 8 p.m.-midnight every Saturday, members enjoy $3.50 Crown & Drown cocktails at Phineas Phogg's inside Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m., and SIN Night starts 11 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
B.A.R.E. NIGHT (BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE NIGHT) Sunday nights at Seville Quarter belong to hospitality industry. Head to End O' the Alley at Seville Quarter 7 p.m. every Sunday for B.A.R.E. Night. Not a member yet? Stop by and sign up for your B.A.R.E. Card, and start enjoying the benefits immediately.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Austin Curtis was a prominent Black scientist whose work had spectacularly practical applications. Among his successes: he developed many new uses for peanut byproducts, including rubbing oils for pain relief. His work exploited the untapped potential of materials that others neglected or discarded. I urge you to adopt a similar strategy in the coming weeks, Aries: be imaginative as you repurpose scraps and leftovers. Convert afterthoughts into useful assets. Breakthroughs could come from compost heaps, forgotten files or half-forgotten ideas. You have the power to find value where others see junk.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In Polynesian navigation, sailors read the subtle rise and fall of ocean swells to find islands and chart their course. They also observe birds, winds, stars and cloud formations. The technique is called wayfinding. I invite you to adopt your own version of that strategy, Taurus. Trust waves and weather rather than maps. Authorize your body to sense the future in ways that your brain can't. Rely more fully on what you see and sense rather than what you think. Are you willing to dwell in the not-knowingness? Maybe go even further: be excited about dwelling in the not-knowingness. Don't get fixated on plotting the whole journey. Instead, assume that each day's signs will bring you the information you need.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The umbrella thorn acacia is an African tree whose roots grow up to 115 feet deep to tap hidden water beneath the desert floor. Above ground, it may look like a scraggly cluster of green, but underground it is a masterpiece of reach and survival. I see you as having resemblances to this tree these days, Gemini. Others may only see your surface gestures and your visible productivity. But you know how deep your roots run and how far you are reaching to nourish yourself. Don't underestimate the power of your attunement to your core. Draw all you need from that primal reservoir.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): To make a tabla drum sing, the artisan adds a black patch of iron filings and starch at the center of the drumhead. Called a syahi, it creates complex overtones and allows the musician to summon
By Rob Brezsny
both pitch and rhythm from the same surface. Let's imagine, Cancerian, that you will be like that drum in the coming weeks. A spot that superficially looks out of place may actually be what gives your life its music. Your unique resonance will come not in spite of your idiosyncratic pressure points, but because of them. So don't aim for sterile perfection. Embrace the irregularity that sings.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): There's a Zen motto: "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." I hope you apply that wisdom in the coming weeks, Leo. Your breakthrough moments of insight have come or will come soon. But your next move should not consist of being self-satisfied or inert. Instead, I hope you seek integration. Translate your innovations into your daily rhythm. Turn the happy accidents into enduring improvements. The progress that comes next won't be as flashy or visible, but it'll be just as crucial.
Turn the happy accidents into enduring improvements.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The Gross National Product is a standard of economic success by which countries gauge their health. It reflects the world's obsession with material wealth. But the Buddhist nation of Bhutan has a different accounting system: Gross National Happiness (GNH). It includes factors like the preservation of the environment, enrichment of the culture and quality of governance. Here's an example of how Bhutan has raised its GNH. Its scenic beauty could generate a huge tourist industry. But strict limits have been placed on the number of foreign visitors, ensuring the land won't be trampled and despoiled. I would love to see you take a similar GNH inventory, Virgo. Tally how well you have loved and been loved. Acknowledge your victories and awakenings. Celebrate the beauty of your life.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In Japanese haiku, poets may reference the lingering scent of flowers as a metaphor for a trace of something vivid that continues to be evocative after the event has passed. I suspect you understand
this quite well right now. You are living in such an after-scent. A situation, encounter or vision seems to have ended, but its echo is inviting you to remain attentive. Here's my advice: keep basking in the reverberations. Let your understandings and feelings continue to evolve. Your assignment is to allow the original experience to complete its transmission. The full blossoming needs more time to unfold.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In the Australian desert, there's a phenomenon called desert varnish. It's a thin, dark coating of clay, iron and manganese oxides. It forms over rocks due to microbial activity and prolonged exposure to wind and sun. Over time, these surfaces become canvases for Indigenous artists to create images. I like to think of their work as storytelling etched into endurance. In the coming weeks, Scorpio, consider using this marvel as a metaphor. Be alert for the markings of your own epic myth as they appear on the surfaces of your life. Summon an intention to express the motifs of your heroic story in creative ways. Show the world the wisdom you have gathered during your long, strange wanderings.
SAGITTARIUS
(NOV. 22-DEC. 21): In Indigenous Australian lore, the Dreamtime is a parallel dimension overlapping the material world, always present and accessible through ritual and listening. Virtually all Indigenous cultures throughout history have conceived of and interacted with comparable realms. If you are open to the possibility, you now have an enhanced capacity to draw sustenance from this otherworld. I encourage you to go in quest of help and healing that may only be available there. Pay close attention to your dreams. Ask your meditations to give you long glimpses of the hidden magic.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Saturn is your ruling planet and archetype. In the old myth of the god Saturn, he rules time, which is not an enemy but a harvester. He gathers what has ripened. I believe the coming weeks will feature his metaphorical presence, Capricorn. You are primed to benefit from ripening. You are due to collect the fruits of your labors. This process may not happen in loud or dramatic ways. A relationship may deepen. A skill may get fully integrated. A long-running effort may coalesce. I say it's time to celebrate! Congratulate yourself for hav-
ing built with patience and worked through the shadows. Fully register the fact that your labor is love in slow motion.
Please feel emboldened to dole out your gorgeous uniqueness and weirdness to all who would benefit from it.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In Greek mythology, the constellation Aquarius was linked to a heroic character named Ganymede. The great god Zeus made this beautiful man the cupbearer to the gods. And what drink did Ganymede serve? Ambrosia, the divine drink of immortality. In accordance with astrological omens, I'm inviting you to enjoy a Ganymedelike phase in the coming weeks. Please feel emboldened to dole out your gorgeous uniqueness and weirdness to all who would benefit from it. Let your singular authenticity pour out freely. Be an overflowing source of joie de vivre and the lust for life.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In 1932, trailblazing aviator Amelia Earhart made a nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic, steering through icy winds and mechanical trouble. When she landed, she said she had been "too busy" to be scared. This is an excellent motto for you now, Pisces: "Too busy to be scared." Not because you should ignore your feelings, but because immersion in your good work, mission and devotion will carry you through any momentary turbulence. You now have the power to throw yourself so completely into your purpose that fear becomes a background hum.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Give yourself a second chance at a worthy goal! {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
BAD ATTITUDE Ralphie VI, aka Ember, is the mascot of the University of Colorado Buffaloes— or was, until she became "indifferent to running," The Athletic reported on Aug. 26. The tradition of the bison charging ahead of the CU football team at the beginning of the game started in 1967; they typically also run at the start of the second half. The animals and their handlers can reach speeds of up to 25 mph, and Ralphie V once got so excited she pulled loose from her guide ropes at the start of a game. But Ember is just not that into it, the school said. "It was determined that it was in Ember's best interest ... to focus on relaxing strolls in the pasture, which is her favorite hobby," a statement read. A succession plan has been in place for months, but it's not known when Ralphie VII will take the field.
THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS The Apple Valley (Minnesota) High School Eagles have been forced to switch some of their fall evening soccer and football games to daytime, thanks to some fellow birds of prey, the Associated Press reported on Aug. 22. A pair of ospreys built a large nest in the stadium lights at the sports field this summer, populating it with at least four eggs, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency is monitoring the growth of the chicks; once they're old enough to fly away, crews can relocate the nest and switch on the lights.
THE FOREIGN PRESS This year marks the 80th anniversary of Tomatina—Bunol, Spain's messy festival where revelers hurl overripe tomatoes at one another for an hour. The event on Aug. 27 drew about 20,000 people who smashed about 120 tons of tomatoes onto each other, the Associated Press reported. The tradition started as a diversion for children but now includes all ages; the tomatoes aren't wasted, organizers say, because they don't meet the quality standards for consumption.
WAIT, WHAT? Fox Business reported on Aug. 21 that a U.K. snack company launched corn chips this summer that taste like ... licking a 9-volt battery. Apparently, this was a fad in the 1990s: getting an electric tingle by licking a battery. "Rewind now offers a snackable way to revisit one of the '90s weirdest shared experiences—no batteries required," the company said. A spokesperson said the chips deliver a "very hard-hitting acidic zing to the tongue, followed up by some salty metallic notes." Oh, and by the way, "We do not recommend or condone licking, biting or otherwise ingesting real batteries," the company clarified. For now, the chips are only available in Dutch retail outlets.
IT'S A DIRTY JOB Marineland Antibes in France has closed, but two of its orcas are waiting for a decision on their new home, the BBC reported. In the meantime, Wikie, 24, and her son, Keijo, 11, are being cared for by their trainers. And by "cared for," we mean extra loving attention. Managers at the facility are defending their decision to have trainers manually "sexually stimulate" Keijo once a month to relieve his tension and prevent him from inbreeding with his mother. "Although spectacular, this is natural and totally painless for the ani-
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
mals," they say. However, activist groups are condemning the practice, calling it "perverse."
INAPPROPRIATE
BEHAVIOR Cleo Williams Jr., 44, of Leavenworth, Kansas, was found guilty on Aug. 25 of sexual battery against a law enforcement officer, KAKE-TV reported. During a domestic disturbance call late last year at a Leavenworth apartment complex, Williams kissed an officer's neck as he was being arrested, which apparently is frowned upon. "Any form of inappropriate physical contact, including kissing, is unacceptable," noted Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. Williams will be sentenced in September.
•Nichola Corr, 51, of Suffolk, England, has received $4,700 in compensation from the Suffolk Police after an incident during a raid at her home, Metro News reported. Corr said police were searching her home as part of an investigation involving a relative when their body cameras recorded them acting like "children in a playground," tossing a G-string back and forth and fondling erotic gadgets she had in a basket. "A young female officer ... started pulling all the things out, saying, 'Oh, this is sticky!'" Corr said. She requested the bodycam footage after seeing her G-string on her pillow. A police spokesperson said the investigation "determined the officers' behavior was deemed to be unacceptable and unprofessional, but was considered to be more due to immaturity than spite."
FLORIDA On Aug. 22 at Westside High School in Jacksonville, Florida, a pep rally included a rousing game of musical chairs, News4Jax-TV reported. So rousing that 16-year-old Nyla Millikin suffered a concussion and bruised ribs when a male teacher allegedly slammed her to the floor during the final round. As seen in video taken at the rally, the teacher jumped up to celebrate his win even as two people helped the student up. Nyla's mom, Joanna Millikin, has retained a lawyer in the wake of the incident. Attorney Gary Englander said, "The teacher should never have put his hands on her and taken her to the ground." While the teacher has not been charged yet, the mother wants to accuse him of assault. The district said he has been "reassigned to duties without student contact."
SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED Emely Martinez, 35, of Pinellas Park, Florida, is not a dentist, Yahoo! Entertainment reported on Aug. 26. Nonetheless, she allegedly called herself a "veneer technician" at Tapp Inn Beauty Bar and charged $3,000 for a full set of veneers, which she secured to patients' teeth with superglue. (Actual veneers can cost $1,000 per tooth.) Her victims suffered from infections and damaged teeth and had to undergo emergency (real) dental work. Martinez was unlicensed and had no formal training, police said. She was charged with fraud and practicing dentistry without a license. {in}
NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION Visit
• More than 150 beautifully resorted aircraft
• Hangar Bay One with an expanded Apollo Space exhibit, Marine One helicopter and F/A-18 Hornet
• Giant 4K Screen Digital Theater, cafe’, simulators, museum store and more!
• Access to the museum is through the West Gate on Blue Angel Pkwy.
• A REAL ID or valid passport is required for base access
• A clear bag policy is in effect.
See free Blue Angels practices most Tuesday and Wednesdays. Scan the QR code for all the details and premium seating options.
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When you become a foster parent through Lakeview Center – Northwest Florida’s leader in behavioral health care – you have the support of our specialized team alongside you on this rewarding journey.
