Inweekly Sept. 14 2023 Issue

winners & losers winners losers

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT The electric utility company announced a $500,000 gift to the Baptist Health Care Foundation to support the new Baptist Hospital campus. The new hospital's cafeteria will be named the FPL Energy Café in honor of the donation. Funded through the NextEra Energy Foundation, the funds represent the largest gift FPL has given in the Northwest Florida region. In its 98th year, FPL is known for its history of giving back through philanthropic gifts, grant funding, community fundraisers and team member volunteer time. Following the tradition of Gulf Power is evident, as FPL team members have more than 3,000 volunteer hours in the region and representation on more than 50 different organizational boards.

BRIAN HILSON On Thursday, Aug. 17, the Consul General Mio Maeda of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta presented Hilson, then executive director of Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA), the Consul General's Commendation. The award recognizes individuals who have helped advance the mission of the Consulate General and have provided significant contributions to mutual understanding and promoting friendship between Japan and the U.S. While at JASA, Hilson supported Japanese companies and welcomed them to Alabama. He played a huge role in strengthening the bond between Japan and Alabama's relationship. Hilson took over as president and CEO of Florida West, Escambia County's economic development authority, last month.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA HEALTH NETWORK People have wondered who funded the $297,000 mental health strategic plan that Rep. Michelle Salzman unveiled to the Mental Health Task Force this past May. The University of West Florida Foundation's records show the largest contributor was the Northwest Florida Health Network, which put up $131,250 to cover Ernst Young's invoices. Based in Tallahassee, the faithbased nonprofit has a contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide child protection and behavioral services in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Salzman serves on their board. The board's minutes oddly don't show any discussion of the donations to the task force.

RON DESANTIS Last week, Gov. DeSantis announced the appointment of Tina Descovich to the Florida Commission on Ethics. She was previously elected to the School Board of Brevard County in 2016 and served as the president of the Florida Coalition of School Board Members. Descovich is best known as the cofounder of Moms for Liberty, a significant player in controversies to remove or review books in Florida public schools and labeled an "antigovernment organization" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. DeSantis spoke at Moms for Liberty summit events in Tampa and Philadelphia in 2022 and 2023.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT The ban on Florida judges being allowed to take courses in "fairness and diversity" to meet continuing education requirements stands after the Florida Supreme Court ruled by a 5-1 vote that "no further amendments to the rule are warranted at this time." In February, the Justices approved the change but allowed for comments. Those comments didn't sway them. The rule previously said, "Approved courses in fairness and diversity also can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement." The revised rule states, "The portions of approved courses which pertain to judicial professionalism, opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, and the Code of Judicial Conduct can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement."

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh ruled the congressional redistricting plan pushed through the Florida Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis violated the Florida Constitution's Fair Districts amendment and needs to be redrawn. The lawsuit focused on a North Florida district held by Black Democrat Al Lawson until Republicans redrew his district. A white Republican won the redrawn congressional seat, helping Republicans gain a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Passed in 2010, the Fair Districts amendment barred drawing districts that would "diminish" the ability of minorities to "elect representatives of their choice." The state has appealed the decision. Attorneys have agreed to let the appeal go directly to the Florida Supreme Court.

Photo Courtesy of Baptist Health Care Foundation Ron DeSantis / Phot0 by Andrew Cline / shutterstock.com

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

BE A TRUSTED PARTNER

The attitude that Baptist Hospital has no responsibility to serve the primary medical needs of those it leaves behind when it moves on Saturday, Sept. 23, is inconsistent with its vision "to be the trusted partner for improving the quality of life in the communities we serve."

Jennifer Grove, Baptist Health Care's vice president of external relations, said the people living within walking distance of the E Street campus aren't really hospital patients. They use the emergency room for primary care and dental needs. Therefore, the people in nearby Morris Court don't need a hospital; they need doctors and nurses

Community Health should provide, not Baptist.

We're expected to overlook that Baptist treats hundreds of people in places other than its Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Jay hospitals. It has four medical parks with urgent care centers. Baptist doesn't only treat people who need hospital care.

When Baptist released its redevelopment vision for the E Street campus in May 2022, it listed among its seven principal components, "Ensuring there is a solution for health care that meets the needs of the neighborhood and surrounding areas."

The solution has to be more than offering an unhabitable building on land that constantly floods. When Community Health rejected the pitiable offer, Baptist had an obligation to come up with another solution. Simply expecting Community Health Northwest to somehow fill the hole created by Baptist's departure without any help doesn't fit the dedication its medical and clinical staff have shown for decades.

The doctors, nurses and the hundreds of others who work on the frontline at Baptist have a passion for helping people. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Baptist Hospital turned around its patient experience and employee satisfaction scores by connecting its employees' jobs with purpose, first under the leadership of Quint Studer and then Al Stubblefield. In November 2003, Baptist Hospital became only the third hospital to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

What's changed? Costs.

The original estimate for the new campus given in 2019 was $550 million for more than

650,000 square feet of patient care space. The cost has ballooned to $650 million, while the patient care space was reduced to 602,000 square feet. The $650 million price tag is a heavy lift in a county that has nearly half of its residents living paycheck to paycheck or in poverty.

A retired hospital executive shared that Baptist's expensive new campus and its massive debt are the equivalent of opening a fourth hospital in Escambia County. Though Escambia County's population is increasing, he worried about where Baptist will get additional patients to cover the notes.

However, the families and individuals living around its E Street campus shouldn't have to suffer. Baptist officials need to sit down with Community Health and city and county officials to develop a plan for what medical care should look like there. I wrote about this in early August (Inweekly, "Outtakes-Healthcare Before Housing," 8/3/23). Postcards need to be sent to those residents within walking distance, explaining how they can access Community Health and other options.

If Baptist's board would offer Community Health a more useable building or land not in a flood plain, that would be helpful—but any construction would take 18-24 months. Something must be done before the last moving van leaves E Street.

Quint Studer left Baptist Hospital in 2000 to devote his energy to the Studer Group, which helped healthcare systems around the country improve employee and patient satisfaction. Chicago-based Huron Consulting Group acquired the Studer Group for $325 million in January 2015. He recently returned to healthcare consulting with HealthCare Plus Solutions Group.

Studer shared with me that few hospitals move to new locations without leaving some medical services behind. He suggested an urgent care center might be a relatively inexpensive solution to address the primary care needs of the neighborhoods surrounding the E Street campus.

Commissioner Lumon May thinks there is still time to work out a solution. I hope he is right.

{in} rick@inweekly.net

The solution has to be more than offering

unhabitable building on land that constantly floods.

FROM LAST RESORT TO THE FERTILITY RESORT

of all of it. I was really impacted by that, because most people are just sad and upset; they don't know how to verbalize it very well, but she just handled it so gracefully. So then we started talking about this together, I thought, 'I think this is really realistic. She just felt like the right person to do this with.'"

Liggett's intimate relationship with the IVF process was an advantage. She knew up close and personal which parts had room for improvement.

By Savannah Evanoff

Bryant Liggett hasn't failed at much in her life—at least nothing she's tried really hard at. Except having a baby.

But Liggett—along with her close friend and doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine Erin Attaway—turned what she thought was her last resort into The Fertility Resort, so her perceived failure could increase the chance of success for others in their IVF journey.

"If I am not going to be able to birth a baby, I'm going to birth something else that helps other people do that," Liggett said.

The Pensacola natives (and former Inweekly Rising Stars) launched the online community this month to bridge the gap between IVF patients who need resources and providers who need tools to deliver it.

"So both parties get better outcomes," Attaway said. "The doctors have better-informed patients who are handling the process, who understand what's going on and are bought in from that lifestyle perspective. And the patients get all of those resources and can then sit with their doctor and say, 'Here's all the things that I've done to facilitate my IVF process'. So we're very specific in our market. We're working with people who are already in the assisted reproductive technology space. It's really built for people doing IUI and IVF."

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination. Sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly in the uterus around the time the ovary releases one or more eggs to be fertilized (ovulation). In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro. The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova from her ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a culture medium in a laboratory.

The co-founders explained the Fertility Resort incorporates self-assessment courses, peer-to-peer support groups, therapy sessions from licensed mental health providers, an inapp chat and vetted information from licensed health professionals.

'THAT REALLY SUCKS'

Liggett, a recurrent pregnancy loss patient, and her husband started trying to conceive five years ago. After a third miscarriage, she was referred to a fertility specialist. She then had an IUI, followed by three rounds of IVF, with no successful pregnancy.

Liggett has several health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune issues and clotting factors that make maintaining a pregnancy a challenge, she said.

"I think that that's the hard part is that publicly whenever you hear somebody is having fertility issues, the majority of the general public's response is, 'Well, why don't you just do IVF?'" Liggett said. "Because most people think IVF is a miracle solution for every single patient, and it's not. IVF does not guarantee a baby to anyone; it gives you better odds."

As an outlier in the IVF journey—most people would've had more success by now—Liggett's relationship with IVF is a complicated one, she said. In her candid op-ed "Infertility Has Become My Addiction, and I Just Can't Quit It," she wrote being infertile had become her identity— and she's still trying.

Liggett was advised to see Attaway, the owner of Five Points Acupuncture, to discuss nonclinical questions important to the IVF process, such as lifestyle, nutrition and mental health.

"It was like a platonic love-at-first-sight situation," Liggett said. "She was the first person who ever just kind of held space for the trauma I was feeling. I went to see her (and) I'd already had four miscarriages at that point. When I was doing my intake call with her, instead of railroading me with new protocols or ideas for what they could do differently this next round, she just was like, 'Wow, that really sucks. And I'm so sorry.'"

Over time, their doctor-patient relationship grew into a friendship, Attaway said. Liggett's perseverance spoke to her.

"Her ability to take her hardship and turn it into deep curiosity," Attaway said. "Most people don't dive into the why and the research like she did. We would have these amazing, deep conversations about science and spirituality, the role

"Doctors don't have enough time to sit down and talk to their patients for 45 minutes every day, every time they come in," Liggett said. "So if there was a space that was provider endorsed, and was real, vetted information so that their patients didn't have to turn to Dr. Google—which is a whole doom scrolling, terrible experience to begin with—maybe we could improve the live birth rate. If patients had the tools, resources and answers to the questions that they didn't know they should ask, before they even embark on their journey, that more informed patient could improve the statistics of the clinics."

"We had this conversation like, 'We see the problem. We know what needs to be done. Somebody's going to do it eventually. Why not us?'" Attaway said. "We can sit here and wish we had five years from now and say, 'Oh, that was our idea.' Or we just do it."

They consider themselves patient advocates.

"We want our people to find joy in life while they're still going through IVF, because that's really hard to do," Liggett said. "So the mission is to ensure our members are equipped for the IVF journey mentally, physically and spiritually.""

Liggett hopes The Fertility Resort will play a similar role in her life as Attaway, bringing light to what was often a dark tunnel.

"I think a lot of people who are really new to IVF … they're anxious to start and try this new adventure to hopefully bringing home of baby," Liggett said. "Those people are different than the people who have been in the trenches of IVF, who have spent so much money, all of their time, the me's in the group, the women like me who've spent six figures trying to have a baby and still don't have that baby. They will do anything at that point. I feel like for a lot of people, this business, our brand, are a lot of people's last resort."

'EVERYTHING I WISH I HAD'

The meaning of the name is twofold.

"When you think of the word 'resort,' you purposefully go there for relaxation, rejuvenation," Attaway said. "That's what we want to offer to people is like, 'OK, you don't have to do all this by yourself. Let us help you get through it in a way that doesn't feel like you're inside out and upside down.'"

They've also discussed a long-term goal of opening a physical fertility resort on Pensacola Beach, where women could have a "perfect IVF cycle" with a concierge service.

"You can take your long walks on the beach, have your meditation with experts, acupuncturist, your food all made in the perfect fertility diet for you every single day, your juices made for

you, your warm foods and everything is done for you there," Liggett said.

The Fertility Resort currently offers a podcast, future events and a line of greeting cards,

"You've just found out your male partner has defective sperm—that's a pretty big hit," Attaway said. "You can't go to Target and get the like, 'Oh, you have bad sperm card.' That doesn't exist. But why doesn't it?"

The idea was sparked when Liggett was shopping for a baby shower card for a friend who previously had an ectopic pregnancy.

"I was like, 'What can I give her that acknowledges how happy I am she's having her rainbow baby, but acknowledges the fact she lost one to get here? Where do I find that?'" Liggett said. "They're not all just dark humor. Some of them are very specific to acknowledging the hardship, the storm it took to get to the rainbow."

"It's the right kinds of sentiments for the different occasions," Attaway said. "And taking some of the language we hear amongst the people in the IVF community and making it a little bit more mainstream."

The podcast, set to drop in October, appeals to a broader audience than women trying to have a baby. It discusses reproductive aspects from scientific to political.

"For instance, we talked with somebody who is a ART (assisted reproductive technology) baby from 20 something years ago and did a DNA test and found out she has 18 siblings from a sperm donor, and what that's like," Attaway said. "Then we actually talked to a person who did serial sperm donation, who now 18 years later, potentially has lots of children he hasn't met yet that might come looking for him."

They won't avoid controversial aspects of IVF, such as spiritual reconciliation.

"Do you need to go have a conversation with your priest, rabbi, whoever that person is for you?" Attaway said. "If that's a foundational piece of how you live your life, then let's look at that. Let's figure out how to deal with those concepts. Because yes, some religious sects are pretty opposed to it."

The Last Resort is carving out a niche that doesn't exist, and it's a big message to deliver, Attaway said.

"Every time we post something, we'll get comments from people all over the country like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is everything I wish I had when I was doing IVF,'" Attaway said. "Frankly, you have no idea how many people are in the IVF community. But once you take the lid off of it, people you would never have expected are like, 'Oh my God, I did IVF 20 years ago,' but we were always so secretive about it."

It's already had an impact.

"I was at a party, and someone's mother came up to me and commented, 'Oh my gosh, you're helping my daughter through this process so much. She was totally lost, and I just feel like it's gotten so much better,'" Attaway said. "So that was a wow moment." {in}

To learn more about The Fertility Resort, visit thefertilityresort.com.

Erin Attaway and Bryant Liggett / Photo by Sarah Coleman Photography

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BAPTIST LEAVES

a proposal that would have cost over $7.6 million, and a significant part of the cost was the civil engineering required. We were just not in the position to take on that kind of debt, so we backed away from it."

In December, the mayor approached Community Health about partnering with the city and asking the Escambia Children's Trust to purchase Lakeview's activity center for a community resource center.

"That gave us another option to be in a space where we could expand access to pediatrics for the neighborhood sooner without taking on a huge capital project," Smiley said.

SEEKING RESOLUTION

Rev. Marcel Davis, the pastor of Adoration for A New Beginning Church, serves on the board of Bright Bridge Ministries, which serves Escambia County's homeless, children living in poverty and others in need by providing food, transitional housing and spiritual support. He believes Baptist isn't fulfilling its commitment to the E Street neighborhoods.

"They're leaving a hole in the community that has been dependent on being able to get the medical services quickly," Davis said. "I feel like they should have some type of caveat where they work with whomever they're going to let develop the property to have some type of medical care offered."

journey from its aging campus on E Street among the county's pockets of poverty to a $650 million facility on a high-profile site near Interstate 110.

The 57-acre campus will feature a 10-story hospital, six-floor medical office building, conference center for public events and an array of multi-specialty services such as oncology, women's health and outpatient imaging. It will also include a behavioral health unit to handle shortterm, in-patient psychiatric care for children and adults in mental health crises.

Last week, Inweekly learned Baptist will leave no doctors, nurses or clinicians at the old inner-city campus to treat the Black families that have depended on the hospital for generations.

"We, Baptist, are not going to have medical clinical services here following the move," said Jennifer Grove, Baptist Health Care's vice president of external relations. "We have team members staying, but they're not clinical."

She said Baptist had studied how people within walking distance of the hospital have accessed its services. Grove said, "The vast majority—in the upper 80%—is through the ED (Emergency Department) for primary care needs and dental care."

Baptist asked Community Health Northwest Florida to step up a clinic on the old campus and meet those needs. Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center that delivers lowcost and no-cost medical care through 19 locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Its facilities on North Palafox near Greater Union

said. "We identified a parcel that our board had agreed to donate to them for her to build a facility that would offer primary care and dental, but her board decided to go in a different direction, so that won't be right here on our campus."

Does Baptist have a plan B to serve that community at the old campus? Apparently not.

"(People within walking distance) are using the ED but not for ED care," Grove said. "Chandra and her team are figuring out how to meet those needs. A lot of the patients that are in that category are patients who are actually patients of Community Health Northwest Florida. For others who actually need our ED, they'll just be transported to the new ED where we can provide that level of emergent care needed."

The Baptist vice president pointed out that Community Health has added more services to neighborhoods and has a health navigator in its ED, and Baptist has negotiated a direct bus route from the E Street area to its new campus.

A DIFFERENT TALE

The position expressed by Grove is very different than what Baptist CEO Mark Faulkner announced the relocation and new hospital in June 2019.

The press release stated Baptist would keep at its E Street location "the majority of Baptist Health Care system administration, system support services, and Lakeview Center, as well as other programs and clinical services." Baptist would "remain a vital part of the community where it was founded."

committed to this community."

Two years later, the Baptist CEO reiterated that position with News Journal reporter Emma Kennedy (PNJ, "Forgotten residents around Baptist Hospital worry for their future as facility plans move," 6/23/21). Faulkner said Baptist was committed to keeping a presence in the area to provide some kind of medical care to the residents.

Faulkner was unavailable to be interviewed for this article because of his work preparing for the campus move Saturday, Sept. 23.

NOT A GOOD DEAL

Community Health CEO Chandra Smiley was surprised to hear her organization was Baptist's sole response to meeting the medical needs in the E Street area. She heard Faulkner and others had been telling the community Baptist was working with Community Health to take care of the neighborhood, but she didn't know the land her organization was offered was that plan.

"The 2.6 acres they offered had significant flooding issues," Smiley said, "It had an existing building on it that they were willing to donate, but the building had flooded many times and wasn't a space that could be rehabbed. We would need to pay to demolish it and build something in its place."

A Baptist board member put Catalyst HRE in touch with Community Health to determine what the new building would cost. Smiley said, "Last October, Catalyst came back with

He added, "When they started selling this when Grover (Robinson) was in office, they said, 'We're never going to abandon the community; we're never going to leave them.' And it feels like an abandonment and that they are leaving the citizens here without a choice."

News that Baptist would no longer offer medical care at its former site surprised Escambia County Commission Chairman Lumon May.

"This comes as a shock to me because one of the things we have agreed upon was Baptist would leave some presence and certainly some medical care there," Commissioner May said. "That was important, particularly for those residents who live in the Morris Court and Shanty Town areas. We know the medical care is critical in high-poverty neighborhoods."

The commissioner has a meeting scheduled with Faulkner. "Hopefully, we can resolve the medical care situation with our partners. I think that was the commitment made in 2019.

I look forward to continuing working with Baptist, Community Health and others to ensure medical stays."

Meanwhile, Community Health has begun dispatching its mobile units to the public housing areas within walking distance of Baptist Hospital.

"This summer, we took our mobile medical unit out to Attucks Court and Morris Court to specifically target incoming kindergartners and seventh graders that needed vaccines," Smiley said. "We had a meeting yesterday with Area Housing about returning to housing communities, with a focus on the senior population."

She added, "We will figure out how to best serve those neighborhoods." {in}

Community Health Northwest Florida Mobile Unit Team/ Photo Courtesy of Community Health Northwest Florida

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN REMEMBERED On Labor Day weekend, an all-Black aircrew from Hurlburt Field performed a flyover for the Red Tails Classic in Montgomery, Ala. For the crew, including U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Curtis Lassiter, being part of the flight was more than an honor.

"I want them to be able to see someone who looks like them, doing something they aspire to do," Lassiter said in a Hurlburt press release. "That's something I didn't really have, especially at the start of my career."

When he arrived at his first flying squadron 16 years ago, Lassiter was one of only a handful of Black crew members. A special missions aviator, now with the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, he found there to be much fewer Black flyers.

However, he said, "I don't have to think about if it changed or if it is changing. There's been major strides."

The flyover, featuring an AC-130J Gunship, kicked off the Red Tails Classic football game between Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State. The Red Tails Classic showcases Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is held in recognition of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a group of Black military pilots and crews who fought in World War II.

Three Pensacola natives served with the Tuskegee Airmen: General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., Grover Crumbsy and James Pokinghome.

Along with participating in the flyover, the crew was recognized on the field at halftime. The crew included a variety of flying positions, such as pilots, a combat systems officer, special missions aviators and aircraft maintenance crew chiefs.

"I never would have guessed that I would get this opportunity," said Senior Airman Christopher Miller, a crew chief with the 73rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "I really feel a sense of pride

in knowing that our dreams of flying and being in the Air Force might inspire someone else's dream and help lead them to it."

VIVA LAS VEGAS According to Airport Director Matt Coughlin, Pensacola International Airport continues to look for more carriers and new routes.

"We're talking to additional airlines," he said. "There's a couple out there now we're talking to that could potentially add some routes and destinations. The inn's getting a little full, but we'll make room for them, and that'll give our constituents more choices."

Adding a direct route to Las Vegas is a priority. Coughlin said, "We're really pushing that one with a couple different airlines, and that's one of our top 20 markets and would be a great nonstop."

COC COMMOTION John Johnson, the executive director of Opening Doors Northwest Florida, quietly sent an invitation to his choices to serve on the Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance Committee. The committee will establish CoC's rules, policies and governance board, which oversees how United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars to reduce homelessness are spent in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The original invite went to Rocky Harrison, Elizabeth Kissel, Laura Gilliam, Meredith Reeves, Tracie Hodson, Doug Brown, Sherri Myers, Joy Sharp, Sally Bergosh, Ben Boutwell, Dr. David Joseph, Marcus McBride, Robert Wingerter, Percy Goodman, Brad Baker, Mike Kimbrel, Tiffany Adams and Mindy Von Ansbach Young. The Zoom meeting was set for Thursday, Sept. 21.

Only two of the people invited by Johnson were on the list of recommendations made by Mayor D.C. Reeves and Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno: Harrison of 90Works and

Hodson of FavorHouse. Organizations missing included Ascension Sacred Heart, Community Health Northwest Florida, Children's Home Society, Pensacola State College and the First Judicial Circuit Court Administration. Individuals who might be more critical of Opening Doors were not invited—Councilwoman Allison Patton, County Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins and Northwest Florida Homeless Reduction Task Force cochair Connie Bookman.

Late Wednesday, Sept. 6, a new invite was sent out, changing the meeting to 9 a.m. the following day. Boutwell was dropped because he had resigned as Century's mayor two weeks earlier, and Councilwoman Patton was added. Several of the original invitees either weren't aware of the date change or didn't know they were on the committee.

Inweekly has asked the State Attorney's Office if Opening Doors violated Florida's Sunshine Law by not giving proper notice of the meeting. Section 120.525, Florida Statutes, requires all agencies to publish notices of public meetings, hearings and workshops, including those related to rulemaking, on the agency's website not less than seven days before the event.

NEW CITY SANITATION SCHEDULE Mayor

D.C. Reeves announced the two-day pickup schedule for Pensacola residents at his weekly presser:

•Monday customers: Monday-Garbage and yard waste; Thursday-Garbage only

•Tuesday customers: Tuesday-Garbage and yard waste; Friday-Garbage only

•Wednesday customers: Wednesday-Garbage only; Friday-Garbage and yard waste

•Thursday customers: Monday-Garbage only; Thursday-Garbage and yard waste

As part of its annual survey of residents' satisfaction with city services, UWF Haas Center is asking whether residents would be willing to pay $8-$10 more a month for curbside recycling.

"If you're willing even to pay just an $8 or $10 more a month, we know that you're going to be motivated to make sure that you're more than likely going to be recycling properly," Reeves said. One of the reasons for dropping curbside recycling was the recycling from city sanitation customers averaged more than 50% contamination.

The mayor said the recycling cans will be picked up during the week of Sept. 25 as the last curbside loads are being picked up.

ROUNDABOUT STUDY Traffic headaches

caused by the Perdido Key roundabout, a pet project of former county commissioner Doug

Underhill, might be alleviated if the Escambia County Commission follows its consultant's recommendation to build a bypass lane coming out of Johnson Beach Road going north.

"I think that's something that might be feasible," said Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, whose district now includes the Perdido area. "When it was a state road in 2018, the state said there's no way you should never do a roundabout here. And the commissioner at that time that was in charge of that area said, 'Well, we'll get a workaround.' He really badly wanted a roundabout, and so the square peg was forced into a round hole."

According to the study by HSA-Columbia, the roundabout slows down traffic by about 6 minutes during the peak season. However, its small diameter makes it difficult for drivers coming out of Johnson Beach Road to enter the roundabout.

"The folks going east and west on Perdido Key Drive are going so quickly through it that it becomes very difficult for the Johnson Beach folks to get out," Bergosh said. "I believe that's why the state in 2018 said, 'Never add a roundabout there.'"

PENSACOLA SPORTS RELOCATING Pensacola Sports is moving to the Pensacola State College (PSC) campus from its downtown Pensacola location. According to CEO Ray Palmer, the nonprofit has been in that location for 30 years and has outgrown the building.

"The opportunity to secure a long-term home with nearly double the space will allow everything to be under one roof and will provide for future growth," Palmer said. "Not to mention the convenience of access to multiple facilities which we already use for a variety of our events, such as our High School All-Star Series as well as other on-campus facilities."

Pensacola Sports plans to move into a temporary office on PSC's Campus in the next 30 days while its new space, the old PSC daycare building, is being renovated. Mayor D.C. Reeves has asked the City of Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to provide $27,670 to help the organization with the relocation as an incentive for Pensacola Sports to terminate its lease for the city building.

"The benefit to our CRA is the property is marketable three years sooner," said Mayor Reeves at his weekly presser. "In the short term, we will keep the building as temporary office space. We're looking at a lot of different options, but I think the long-term hope for that parcel is to maximize the income that CRA can generate."

The move makes sense for Pensacola Sports and PSC.

"We're excited about the opportunity to work with students as volunteers and other departments to further enhance Pensacola Sports events and programs," Palmer said. "A few perfect matches include PSC's Sports Management program, Culinary School and their outstanding athletic teams. This couldn't be more perfect for Pensacola Sports and PSC."

All-Black Gunship crew from Hurlburt AFB performs flyover at Red Tails Classic / Photo by Senior Airman Natalie Fiorill, U.S. Air Force

PSC President Dr. Ed Meadows agreed about the fit.

"Pensacola Sports has long been a great part ner with Pensacola State College, and their relocation to our Pensacola Campus will strengthen our partnership even more," Meadows said. "Our athletic staff are especially excited to have Pensacola Sports headquartered on our campus and in many ways, our respective missions match regarding service to our community."

He added, "I'm sure we will discover many more opportunities to collaborate to further enrich the quality of life for our community."

SECOND KEY RESIGNATION Kim Krupa, the Escambia Children's Trust director of programs and performance, submitted her resigna tion last week, effective Oct. 13. Her resignation shook the Trust's board of directors, which has started a search for an executive director after Tammy Greer resigned in mid-August (Inweekly, "Children's Trust Drama," 8/24/23).

Krupa wrote the Trust's Needs Assessment Report and won national recognition for passage of the 2020 referendum that created the Trust. She cited personal reasons, telling Interim Executive Director Tammy Abrams that she felt the resignation was "the right thing for her family."

Abrams wrote her board, "We will miss Kim terribly, and she has assured me that she will be a phone call away if we need her."

As the Trust's second-in-command, Krupa was considered for the interim position but told board member Stephanie White she needed to stay at her post because of the upcoming grant renewals.

NO PLATE LEFT BEHIND According to the Military Family Advisory Network, one in six military and veteran families experienced food insecurity in 2022. Navy Federal Credit Union and Feeding America have launched No Plate Left Behind to raise funds and awareness about military food insecurity. In addition to the campaign, Navy Federal employees have been donating their time to help combat this issue in their local communities.

"No Plate Left Behind is actually an augmented reality experience," said Brandi Gomez, senior program manager for corporate social responsibility at Navy Federal Credit Union. "Community members can go online to noplateleftbehind.com, or they can visit one of our branches in the area and look for the QR code."

She continued, "It will take you to this virtu al experience where you'll see a mess hall plate. You'll be asked to fill up this mess hall plate with some chow or food items, which will equal X amount of dollars to benefit Feeding America. All of those funds, a hundred percent of them will benefit military communities in the service areas of Feeding America."

Navy Federal is the top corporate partner for Feeding the Gulf Coast, where employees have supported the packing of more than half a million meals for distribution to those in need. In 2023 alone, 710 Navy Federal volunteers have donated more than 1,500 hours to Feeding the Gulf Coast.

To learn more, visit noplateleftbehind.com.

SUPREME PAPER ACQUIRED New Jerseybased Imperial Dade, a leading distributor of food service packaging supplies, industrial products and janitorial supplies, has acquired Supreme Paper Supplies. The transaction represented Imperi-

al Dade's 70th acquisition under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, its chairman and CEO, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded by the Kelly family in 1985, and now owned by the North River Group, Supreme Paper is a premier distributor of food service and janitorial products throughout the greater Pensacola market. By leveraging Imperial Dade's market-leading platform, Supreme Paper's customers can expect the same exceptional customized service coupled with an even greater offering of products and solutions, according to the announcement.

UNITED WAY HAS MOVED United Way of West Florida (UWFF) sold its Government Street location and relocated to 7100 Plantation

Road Ste. 18. The move puts UWWF in a more geographically central place for serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

"In 2024, the organization will celebrate its 100th year of service to the community. UWWF looks forward to continuing its partnerships with organizations and individuals in the community," according to the press release. "These stakeholders help UWWF make transformational investments, build capacity and connect people to resources."

POW/MIA PATCH UNVEILED On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos partnered to host a press conference, during which a new, commemorative POW/MIA-inspired uniform patch will be unveiled.

The patch honors the 50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming, in which nearly 600 American prisoners of war returned from Vietnam in 1973. The presser gave the public the first glimpse of the upcoming POW-Return with Honor Exhibit set to open in April 2024 at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The exhibit will feature advanced AI technology and will be one of the most extensive exhibits at the museum.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is the sponsoring partner for the home game Sunday, Sept. 17, in which the Wahoos' players will wear the commemorative POW/MIA patch on their jerseys in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day. A few former POWs are set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of the game against the Mississippi Braves at 4:05 p.m. {in}

FALL GUIDE PART 2 FESTS

This year, Pensacola welcomes back a longtime favorite to the fall festival calendar. The Pensacola Greek Festival has been in hiatus for years because of COVID-19 and church renovations. It's "incredibly rewarding" to be back in person, said Leo Wilson White, a volunteer with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

"The Pensacola Greek Festival is not only a cultural celebration, but a coming together of our entire community—something that we've deeply missed in the past years," he said. "There's a sense of relief, joy and perhaps most importantly, a sense of homecoming."

Newer to the local fall festival circuit is the Pensacola Mural Fest, which started as a oneday event last year. The response was so positive, artists were asked to paint more murals around the area this time around, said Holly Benson, a Mural Fest spokesperson.

"Pensacola's public art is an important part of what makes our city great," Benson said. "We hope attendees will appreciate the beauty of the art, be encouraged to support the arts and artists in our community and rediscover the great businesses in the Tanyard."

For 10 years, Foo Foo Festival has supported the arts with a calendar of events for the first two weeks of November. Anchor events, such as Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, mark the start of Foo Foo each year.

"When fall approaches, my main focus is Foo Foo Festival," said Therese Felth McKenzie, chairperson of the festival committee.

Foo Foo Festival encompasses most, if not all, the interests in the Pensacola community. Any cultural happening that occurs during the first two weeks of November probably has the Foo Foo stamp of approval, either through an official grant or 'Friend of Foo' listing on the calendar.

"The diverse offerings is intentional," McKenzie said. "As a committee, we want to support events that reach a diverse audience or embrace the vibrant culture we have here in Pensacola."

Some that come first to mind include 309 Punk Project's Night on the Tracks event and Night Moves Fest, a first-time grant recipient.

"The music festival will have Manchester Orchestra, Built to Spill and Soccer Mommy… it's going to be a great first weekend of the (Foo Foo) festival."

Many festivals are centered around food and culture, which the local area is rich in. Sharing that culture in a welcoming environment is what makes a good festival, White said. They're a place where communities are made.

"It's a place where you can feel the energy and excitement in the air," he said. "If you leave having learned something new, tasted something delicious and met someone interesting, then the festival was a success. However, a great festival leaves you wanting more and circling your calendar for next year. We hope to give everyone a great festival."

White personally looks forward to other longtime staples, the Pensacola Seafood Festival and Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. The latter falls on the same weekend as Pensacola Greek Festival.

"Both offer a fantastic display of our local culture, art and of course, delicious food," he said. "They're all great occasions to celebrate the diverse fabric of Pensacola."

The Pensacola area has plenty to offer this fall season. The hard part? Planning which events to go to. When it comes to Foo Foo Festival, McKenzie said to visit the official website's calendar and use it to map out your own schedule.

"Unless you can clone yourself, it will be impossible to see it all," she said.

Prioritize your favorite events, but make sure to try something new. Also have an "open mind and an empty stomach," White said.

"Plan your visits but allow for spontaneity —sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones," he said. "Make sure to check out various tents, booths and stages. And don't forget comfortable shoes."

Block Party

Sept. 16, 200southpalafox.com

200 South will celebrate Oktoberfest in September with an all-day event featuring live music and German style beer and food. A portion of ticket sales will support Rock4Vets 5K Run and Walk.

Wizard Fest

Sept. 17, wizardfest.com

Wizard Fest celebrates all things magic, witches, wizards and cosplay. This year, the festival is making a stop at Vinyl Music Hall.

Pensacola Para Con

Sept. 23-24, pensacolaexpo.com

Meet celebrity hosts, authors, comic book artists and more at Pensacola Para Con. This convention features vendors and guests with expertise in the paranormal, from ghost hunting to psychic mediums.

Oddtoberfest

Sept. 23, oddcolony.com

Odd Colony presents an ode to the German festival with specialty lagers, pretzels, traditional German lederhosen and dirndl apparel, a stein hoisting competition and more.

Pensacola ComposerFest

Sept. 24, performingarts.pensacolastate.edu

The 18th annual Pensacola ComposerFest features music from local composers, such as Michael Coleman, Kevin Fails, Matthew Fossa, Luke Graham and more.

Stamped Film Festival

Sept. 28-Oct. 1, stampedfilmfest.com

The annual Stamped Film Festival showcases independent cinema featuring LGBTQIA+ stories to raise awareness and understanding, while also promoting an inclusive community.

More than food, the Pensacola Seafood Festival packs live music, art vendors and kids activities all in one. The food is, of course, the big draw, with local chefs whipping up seafood dishes and classic festival fare.

Fall Pensacola Bay Music Fest

Sept. 30, apexshowsandevents.com

Gather at Community Maritime Park for a day of tribute bands including Jeremy's Ten, a tribute to Pearl Jam and Subliminal Doubt, a tribute to No Doubt and Gwen Stefani.

Dragon Boat Festival

Sept. 30, pensacoladragonboatfestival.com

Watch 30 teams compete in boat races on Bayou Texar to raise money for local charities as part of the ninth annual Dragon Boat Festival.

October

Pensacola Beach

Songwriters Festival

Oct. 4-8, pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival brings together the writers behind some of your favorite songs at various venues along Pensacola Beach.

Danetoberfest

Oct. 7, facebook.com/nwflgdr

The seventh annual Danetoberfest honors the beloved Great Dane with live music and vendors. Proceeds help support the Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue.

Gulf Coast Jazz Fest

Oct. 7-8, gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com

Bring your lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy two days of jazz music at the Community Maritime Park.

Brunch Fest

Oct. 8, sevillequarter.com

The third annual Brunch Fest supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast with all your favorite brunch staples.

Photo Courtesy of Great GulfCoast Arts Festival

Festa Italiana

Oct. 13-14, buonafortunalodge.org

Experience Italian food, music and culture at Fountain Park supporting the Buoana Fortuna Lodge of Pensacola.

Taste of the Beach

Oct. 14, pensacolabeachchamber.com

Pensacola Beach restaurants showcase their signature dishes in a daylong event that features live music, beer tastings, merchandise and more.

Great Bowls of Fire Chili Taste Festival

Oct. 15, apexshowsandevents.com

Taste samples of chili, vote on your favorites and enjoy live entertainment all day.

Pensacola Interstate Fair

Oct. 19-29, pensacolafair.com

With the rides, entertainment and food, the fair is always a sensory overload in the best possible way. Pensacola Interstate Fair will feature agricultural exhibits and a live music lineup including Tracy Lawrence, Shane Profitt and more.

Pensacola Lionfish Festival

Oct. 21-22, emeraldcoastconnected.com

Learn about invasive lionfish by watching hunters come in with their catches at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk with family-friendly activities.

WSRE Wine & Food Classic

Walkabout Tasting

Oct. 21, wsre.org

Support public television and the culinary arts in one. This year marks the 33rd annual event and will feature top local chefs and live music from Nobius.

Rolling by the Bay Car and Music Festival

Oct. 21-22, rollingbythebay.com

Do you like cars? Do you like music? Rolling by the Bay offers both. Enjoy a car show, vendor fair and live music over the two-day festival.

Latino Festival

Oct. 22, latinomediainc.com/latino-festival-2023

La Costa Latina Newspaper hosts the annual Latino Festival featuring live music and entertainment, authentic cuisine and more. The festival celebrates the rich and diverse culture the local Latino community has to offer.

Barktoberfest

Oct. 29, pensacolahumane.org

The animals available for adoption at Pensacola Humane Society are so cute it's scary. Support them and the rescue with this annual festival featuring vendors, live entertainment and a pet costume contest.

November

Foo Foo Festival

Nov. 2-13, foofoofest.com

Foo Foo Festival will celebrate its 10-year milestone with a packed calendar of events that span nearly every interest and medium. This year's grant-funded events include art installations by First City Art Center and Friends of Downtown, a singalong hosted by The Choral Society of Pensacola and Pensacola Children's Chorus and much, much more.

September 14, 2023

Night Moves Fest

Nov. 3-4, nightmovespensacola.com

Manchester Orchestra, Built to Spill, Soccer Mommy and more will perform at the inaugural Night Moves Fest on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event will kick-off with VIP pre-show on Friday night.

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Nov. 3-5, ggaf.org

One of Pensacola's premiere festivals, GGAF features hundreds of artists from around the country, including a special international artist, live music and food vendors. Enjoy every medium of art in one weekend.

Pensacola Greek Festival

Nov. 3-5, pensacolagreekfestival.com

The Pensacola Greek Festival is back in full force with authentic foods, entertainment and more.

Beulah Crafts and Sausage Festival

Nov. 4, facebook.com/beulahcandsfestival

In case you didn't know, Pensacola has its own Craft and Sausage Festival. This year is the ninth annual event, set to be packed with 80 vendors, live music and of course, sausage.

Mahabhuta Yoga Festival

Nov. 9-12, mahabhutayogavegfest.com

The Mahabhuta Yoga Festival celebrates all things yoga, art, vegan cuisine and more. This year's theme is water rabbit, honoring peace and calm.

Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival

Nov. 9-19, frankbrownsongwriters.com

For nearly 40 years, the Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival has brought together acclaimed songwriters to perform in venues along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast.

Night on the Tracks

Nov. 11, 309punkproject.org

Businesses and organizations in Old East Hill celebrate what they have to offer in the November edition of Night on the Tracks with a parade, live music, art, food trucks and more.

Jazz for Justice

Nov. 12, jazz.lsnf.org

Spend an afternoon listening to local and regional jazz artists to support the Legal Services of Northwest Florida.

Pensacola Egg Fest

Nov. 12, pensacolaeggfest.com

The Pensacola Egg Fest brings together cooking and charity as backyard cooks compete in the Iron EggChef Battle.

Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival

Nov. 12, pensacolabeachchamber.com

Sip and stroll the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk while checking out works from talented Gulf Coast artists. The wine tasting is for ticket holders, but anyone can enjoy the fall breeze and art show.

Pensacola Fall Food Truck Festival

Nov. 18, apexshowsandevents.com

All of your favorite food trucks will be in one place for the annual food truck festival with live entertainment, a bounce house and culinary competitions. {in}

Arts & Entertainment

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

At least that seems to be the case for season 21 winners of "The Voice," and Girl Named Tom band members Bekah Grace, Joshua and Caleb Liechty.

While just about everything in their life has changed—from the loss of their father to cancer to their homebase (previously in Pettisville, Ohio and now Nashville), to the sound of their music, one thing isn't likely to.

"We know for a fact we love to sing and singing together is the core of what we do," Caleb said. "We don't think that can change really. I don't think that's comin'."

While the siblings only started making music together four years ago, they've always been close. They grew up in a small town and were homeschooled through their elementary years.

"We were kind of each other's first friends, and we've always gotten along pretty well," Bekah Grace said. "We're on each other's team. Our parents really fostered an appreciation for your siblings, and we're very thankful for that."

They've learned to set healthy boundaries, Bekah Grace said.

Each of the siblings took piano lessons starting at around age 9, as well as voice lessons— they're classically trained in both. Their parents have always supported their music career.

said. "Music was a hobby for him, but we think he kind of secretly wanted to be in a band. He was a drummer at one point, too. He's passed away now, but he did get to see us win 'The Voice.' We like to think of ourselves as carrying on his legacy in that way. And then mom is still such a strong supporter, and she loves to dance and have fun at our concerts."

While you might've watched the tight-knit siblings on your TV screen; they don't live inside it. Through 100 concerts last year and almost the same number this year, they're on a mission to convert "The Voice" fans into Girl Named Tom fans.

"(We want) to make them kind of fall in love with us as artists, rather than just TV personalities," Caleb said. "A lot of people saw us on screen, and thought we were almost fictional characters because we're on the TV screen, and we understand that's the way it goes. So it's really been a mission of ours—and it's been successful—to go out and meet people all across the country and have face-to-face conversations and get to sing to them in theaters all over the country."

While they received a four-chair turnaround in their "The Voice" audition (meaning all the judges wanted them on their team), they never expected to win, Joshua said. They chose Kelly Clarkson's team.

tions," Joshua said. "We basically just took it week by week, just trying to do our best create the best music we could. We really enjoyed our time in Los Angeles with all the other contestants, all the fabulous musicians. It was a real treat to be able to perform with such a big band and to really get a behind-the-scenes look at what high-level live music production looks like. It was really inspiring and motivating for us going forward. We were like, 'We want this all the time.'"

And because they know everyone's wondering, their website explains the band's name is based on a childhood nickname. Joshua used to call Bekah "Thomas" when she was a baby.

At Girl Named Tom's upcoming concert in Pensacola, they will perform 80% original music and 20% of their fans' favorite covers from the TV singing competition.

"It's really a treat to sing those (covers) right to people and see their reactions," Bekah Grace said. "When Josh sings, 'I am a lineman for the county,' the audience always laughs, because they know it's one of their favorite songs. And that's been so humbling to have people recognize our cover songs, and we're just now seeing our audience recognize those original songs, too, and they give us feedback, 'Oh that particular song, you gotta record that one.'"

While they hope to record an album in the future, they've recently released the single "What a View"—and a summery music video to go with it. The song is about how fast life is going.

"As we get older, it seems like time is going faster and faster, and we just want to slow down, take time to appreciate the beauty all around us, the adventure of our career," Bekah Grace said. "We want to not miss those moments that go by so quickly. One of my favorite lines of the song, 'Kids growing up at the speed of light. Everything will change.' It's wonderful to be siblings on the road together, recording music together, we were on TV together. We're doing all of this together. And it's wild to grow up together and keep that going. And we want to keep growing together for years and years to come."

Much of their lyrics talk about change, Caleb said. They experienced a major change when their father Chris was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and underwent major surgery. They got a few bonus years, Caleb said.

"We're just grateful for the time we had with him, so grateful for the father that he was, but we're pretty mad that he's not around these days and sad," Joshua said. "That goes with us wherever we go."

"Music is medicine, and we have found it to be very healing to sing together, to feel our dad's presence at shows," Bekah Grace said. "We know there's a lot of people that can relate with our story of losing someone. Last year, we actually released a Christmas album titled 'One More Christmas,' and it was all about wanting more time with someone—and especially during the holiday season can be really tough. So we feel like that has inspired us to spread the healing around and have our music be healing for others."

Bekah Grace hopes "What A View" will inspire people to appreciate what's around them.

"It can be simple little things like just a bird flying outside your window, or it's just a beautiful view," Bekah Grace said. "It all is about perspective. So even though life is flashing by and you're gonna miss some things, it's a beautiful view, it's a beautiful ride." {in}

GIRL NAMED TOM

WHAT: Girl Named Tom in concert with support from Brandon Ratcliff

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15

WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. COST: $29.50-$49.50 (plus fees)

DETAILS: girlnamedtom.com, pensacolasaenger.com

Photo Courtesy of Girl Named Tom

By Savannah Evanoff

Night Moves Fest Announces Inaugural Lineup

CALL TO ARTISTS

JAZZ PENSACOLA'S JAZZFEST POSTER

Jazz Pensacola invites fine artists and graphic designers to submit renderings for the official 2024 Pensacola JazzFest poster.

The commission is $500. The Jazz Pensacola Board of Directors will consider all renderings and make a selection. Initial drafts are due by Jan. 31, 2024. If selected, the completed submission deadline is Feb. 28, 2024.

The poster design should reflect the deep, rich and diverse jazz music heritage of Pensacola and communicate a sense of place. Submissions should conform to a vertical orientation using a ratio that will fit with margin, on a final poster size of 18 inches wide by 24 inches high. All content must be the submitter's original creation, and must be unpublished. The submitter must have all rights to images and graphics used in the final artwork and during the design process. The poster must include the name of the festival: 2024 Pensacola JazzFest.

Rough drafts or sketches can be submitted but, if selected, the final art must conform to the submitted draft or sketch. Substantial deviation from the submitted sketch or draft will result in forfeiture by the artist of the cash prize and the selection of a new winner by Jazz Pensacola.

Submissions must be in low-res (72 ppi) JPEG format and emailed to info@jazzpensacola.com. There is no limit to the number of entries by a single artist. Each entry must include the artist's name, address, email and phone number.

Manchester Orchestra. Built to Spill. Soccer Mommy. And that's just the headliners.

Seriously, Night Moves is not messing around with the lineup for its first-ever music festival this November, as part of Foo Foo Festival.

Go ahead and save the date for Saturday, Nov. 4—that's when the main event will take place, starting at noon at the Community Maritime Park. There will also be a VIP pre-show at The Handlebar on Friday, Nov. 3, which will feature an intimate performance by Built to Spill. Night Moves is able to put on these shows

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. A full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -

TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. 9th Ave. to meet your furever friend. The next date is Saturday, Sept. 16. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY DOG -

GIE BATHE-IN The next doggie bathe-in is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at 5 N. Q St. Bring your own towels. Cost is $10. Visit pensacolahumane.org for details.

largely because of receiving a 2023 Foo Foo Festival grant.

In addition to that trio of headliners, Night Moves Fest will also feature Microwave, Lunar Vacation, Hovvdy, Pool Kids, Macseal, Fake Eyes, Cavae Mundi, GLSNR and Palmmeadow. VIP tickets include access to both the preshow and the festival and are $250. One-day tickets are $75. Tickets are on sale now at nightmovesfest.com/hb-events/night-moves-fest.

Learn more about Night Moves at nightmovespensacola.com, or on Facebook and Instagram at @nightmovespensacola.

BE A VENDOR AT BARKTOBER FEST 2023

The Pensacola Humane Society will celebrate 80 years at Barktober Fest on Sunday, Oct. 29 in Seville Square. The event is expected to bring more than 4,000 attendees. If you would like to be a sponsor or vendor, call or text Deborah Dunlap at (850) 232-9063.

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 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and 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 and sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

The selected artist is responsible for the preparation of the art for high-resolution reproduction. The artist will be contacted following the selection process and receive technical specifications for the production file.

ARTS & CULTURE

CONCEPT CARNIVAL FEATURING PECULIAR POP-UP PERFORMANCES The pop-up performances are 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept.14 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. All events are free and open to the public. Performances include: The Roller-Coaster-BoxTruck-Drag-Race-Tournament-of-Champions; the Hair-City-Fair-Queen-Beauty-Pageant; the Push-Button-Performance; the Electric-LightParade of Box-Truck-Dekotora; the Box-TruckRoller-Skate-Demolition-Derby; the Battle of the Cardboard Bands; the Surprise Corner; and the New-Fall-Lines-of-Froze-Toes Fashion Parade. Visit pensacolamusuem.org for details.

QUILTING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

LUNCHEON PCWC welcomes everyone to its "Quilting Through the Generations Luncheon" on Friday, Sept 15 at the Pensacola Country Club, 1500 Bayshore Drive. Debbie Kopriva, Chris Clark and Linda Hauge from the "Piecemakers" of the Milton Quilt Guild will present quilts from generations past to present. "Band of Brothers" from Pensacola will perform with banjo, mandolin and guitar. The luncheon is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $22. Call or text (850) 384-6941 or email barbaraudit111@gmail.com for details.

THE HIDING PLACE MUSICAL The Pensacola production of the musical "The Hiding Place" is 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at The Rex Theatre, 18 N. Palafox St. Tickets are $17-$25. For more information, visit hidingplacemusical.com.

PMA CLOSING EXHIBITS RECEPTION Visit Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., for a closing reception of two exhibits, HostyTotsy-Vrooom-O-Rama and 309 House Show. Reception is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 and will have cotton candy from Whim Cotton Candy.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND

The next Cinemas in the Sand will feature "The Greatest Showman" on Friday, Sept. 15, starting at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach. Admission is free. Follow facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach for updates.

'ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID' The latest Pensacola Little Theatre production is "Always a Bridesmaid" about six women and their enduring friendship. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 15 and 22, Saturdays, Sept. 16 and 23, Thursday, Sept. 21, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Sept. 17 and 24. Tickets are $10-$36. Thursday showtimes are half price. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

GALLERY NIGHT: ART OF FASHION The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 in downtown Pensacola. This month's theme is "The Art of Fashion," and will feature a "Pensacola Project Runway" design contest themed "From Sand To Sassy." Visit gallerynightpensacola.org for details.

FLAWLESS FRIDAY'S CABARET Enjoy a drag show and special showcase with show director Taize' Sinclair-Santi at Just One More Saloon, 3810 W. Navy Boulevard. Doors open at 8 p.m. and showtime is 10 p.m. Dates include Fridays, Sept. 15, Oct. 13 and Dec. 15.

COLLAGE NIGHT WITH NATALIE ALLGYER Supplies are provided, BYOB. Event is 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Jitterbug, 2050 N. 12th Ave. Cost is a $7 entry fee.

STEVE-O THE BUCKET LIST TOUR From the show "Jackass," Steve-O performs at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $35-$125 and available at pensacolasaenger.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY The Mission Anglican Church will host a neighborhood block party 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at 609 N. Alcaniz St. with live music, food vendors, water games and more.

NINTH ANNUAL FALL FLING ARTS & CRAFT FAIR Holiday vendor fair is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at The First Church of Nazarene. Visit facebook.com/handsandfeetofchristministryevents for details.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH GALA Enjoy a four-course meal, cultural presentations, guest speakers, live and DJ music, cash bar and dancing 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Sanders Beach—Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St. A silent auction will be conducted to raise funds and awareness for Global Corner. Visit latinomediainc.com for details.

WIZARD FEST Enjoy games, trivia, themed drinks, costume contest, and more celebrating all things witchy and magic. Event is 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $18-$65 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

Soccer Mommy / Photo by Daniel Topet

PAINT & PLANT WORKSHOP WITH JADE TREE SUCCULENTS AND RACHEL EIDSON

Jade Tree Succulents & Rachel Eidson will host their first ever Paint & Plant Workshop 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept 17 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Tickets are $40 and include one pot to paint and one plant to pot, as well as an Odd Colony beverage of your choice. Visit facebook.com/ oddcolony for details.

NEIL HILBORN SLAM POETRY Poet Neil Hilborn presents his slam poetry 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Pensacola State College Hagler Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard, Building 2A.

BROWN BAG OPERA Bring your own lunch to Pensacola Opera, 75 S. Tarragona St., for a free 30-minute selection of arias and musical theater pieces noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. More dates continue through March 2024. Visit facebook. com/pensacolaopera for more information.

DO YOU REMEMBER? A DISCO CELEBRATION Visit Garden & Grain, 50 E. Garden St., for a disco-themed event with vintage vendors, funky music and more 8-11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

LEANNE MORGAN: JUST GETTING STARTED Performances are 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20; Thursday, Sept. 21; and Friday, Sept. 22 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $36.75-$60.75 and available at pensacolasaenger.com.

TAG GALLERY: 'TABLE 7: IN THE HOUSE OF PARTNERSHIP' The Art Gallery at University of West Florida presents "Table 7: in the House of Partnership" featuring alumni from the UWF Department of Art and Design: Kenneth Jordan, Christian Dinh, Josh Green and Selina McKane through Sept. 29. Artwork will be on display at TAG, located in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, on the Pensacola campus. "Table 7: in the House of Partnership" is a part of the Art Gallery Summer Artist Residence Series. It showcases artwork by UWF Alumni Kenneth Jordan '15, Christian Dinh '16, Josh Green '14 and Selina McKane '18. TAG is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. All events are free and open to the public.

PALAFOX MARKET SOUTH AT PLAZA

FERDINAND Palafox Market South will include a blend of familiar Palafox Market vendors, along with a new mix of local farmers, artists and craftsmen and women, who will fill up Plaza Ferdinand on the corner of Palafox and Government streets. Shoppers can navigate between the new market and the always-humming original located on north Palafox at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday. For more information about Palafox Market, visit palafoxmarket. com. For information concerning other downtown events, please visit downtownpensacola.com

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 at 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 held 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 inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more join 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS 2023 ANNUAL FACULTY EXHIBITION The exhibit, also known as Show and Tell, showcases artwork from PSC faculty of the Visual Arts Department. Artwork will be on display in the Switzer Gallery, 1000 College Boulevard, through Oct. 6. All events are free to the public. More information at visualarts.pensacolastate.edu.

HOTSY-TOTSY-VROOOM-O-RAMA House

Pencil Green is the interdisciplinary studio of Joseph Herring and Amy Ruddick. Their exhibition at Pensacola Museum of Art, "Hotsy-TotsyVrooom-O-Rama," is part of a body of work in which the pair explore connections between the "art of the carny" and the "carnivalesque tendencies of the artist." The exhibit is on view through Sept. 17 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

DEPTH OF FIELD Depth of Field showcases photography from the Pensacola Museum of Art's permanent collection, alongside objects from the UWF Historic Trust Archives. Artworks on display explore the history, science

and alchemical nature of the medium. On view are works by pioneers in the field such as Alfred Stieglitz, Elliott Erwitt, Edward J. Steichen, Walker Evans and Vivian Maier, as well as notable contemporary artists including Valerie George, Richard McCabe, Sheila Pinkel and Gesche Würfel. Exhibit is located at 407 S. Jefferson St., and on view through Oct. 22. Visit pensacolamusuem.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY

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

FOOD + DRINKS

ALL ABOUT THAT BACON WITH CHEF BILL

E. STITT Wine pairing dinner is 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $99 and available at bodaciousshops.com.

HEALTHY GULF BEACH SMOKED LAGER RELEASE PARTY Support Healthy Gulf and a new lager brewed with beechwood, smoked malts, oyster shells, and lemongrass 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

200 SOUTH TAP HOUSE OKTOBERFEST SUPPORTING ROCK4VETS Raise your steins for the official Oktoberfest kickoff 2 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Sept. 16 at 200 South Tap House. Enjoy German inspired beer, games, live music and exclusive Oktoberfest swag. For more information, visit 200southpalafox.com.

BIERGARTEN LUAU Visit Gary's Brewery & Biergarten 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at 208 Newman Ave. for a luau, My Ohana food truck and a tiki carver. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for more information.

HALFWAY TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY All locations in the O'Riley's Irish Pub family will have limited-time specials to celebrate the halfway point to the next St. Patrick's Day Sunday, Sept. 17. Specials include Paddy's Irish Car Bombs, Jameson, Guinness, and Grog Punch Cocktails. O'Riley's Irish Pub is located at 321 S. Palafox. For more information on locations and specials, visit orileyspub.com.

Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at

view Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. Show is 6:30-8:30 p.m.

GIRL NAMED TOM Enjoy this concert with special guest Brandon Ratcliff. Show is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $29.50-$49.50 and available at pensacolasaenger.com.

MAGIC CITY HIPPIES Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $22.50 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

JAZZ PENSACOLA: JAZZ GUMBO The next Jazz Gumbo is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 at Phineas Phoggs in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Visit jazzpensacola.com for details.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES

CAFÉ Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

Tuesdays: Greg Bond from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays: John Wheeler from 6-8 p.m. Saturdays: Glenn Parker Band from 6:30-10 p.m. Sundays: Curt Bol Quintet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COL-

ONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District at 7 p.m. every Monday at 130 E. Government St. in End O' the Alley. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE

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

KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S

Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

EASY GOING DJ LAB Show is noon-4 p.m. Saturdays at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

SOULFUL SUNDAYS Listen to lo-fi hip hop, downtempo and acoustic open mic noon-4 p.m. Sundays at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. There is no cover charge. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS

Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups

7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

10TH ANNUAL BACKPACK PROJECT

USA FAMILY FISHING RODEO The 10th annual Backpack Project Fishing Rodeo is Sept. 14-16 at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club, 10653 Gulf Beach Highway. At the Fishing Rodeo, adults and children can compete in numerous fresh and saltwater fishing categories to win prizes. A fish fry will be held toward the end of the event Sunday, Sept. 17. Visit backpackprojectusa.com for details.

AMERICAN MAGIC WATCH PARTY

American Magic kicks off the America's Cup 37 competition at Vilanova Spain, racing their one-design AC40 foiling monohull against teams from New Zealand, Great Britain, France, Italy and Switzerland—all in identical AC40 yachts. Join Pensacola fans to cheer the team Friday, Sept. 15 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. with a $20 breakfast buffet available.

2023 VETTES AT THE BEACH Join the Miracle Strip Corvette Club for its signature event "Vettes at the Beach," an all-Corvette car show on Pensacola Beach at the Casino Beach parking lot 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and view more than 300 entries. Proceeds support Santa Rosa Kid's House and Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida. Visit miraclestripcorvette. com/vettes-at-the-beach for details.

PENSACOLA SENIOR GAMES The Pensacola Senior Games are through Friday, Sept. 22. Citizens ages 50 and older may compete in 22 recreation and sporting events over the course of a two-week period. Registration fees are $10 for the first event and $1 for each additional event. Athletes of all levels of experience are encouraged to participate. Game events will include bocce, horseshoes, bowling, darts, track and field, tennis and more. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to each age group in each game event. Fill out the registration form online at cityofpensacola.com.

YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.

BLUE WAHOOS 2023 SEASON The Blue Wahoos 2023 season has begun at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 651 W. Cedar St. Individual and season tickets are available at bluewahoos.com.

Upcoming home games:

6:35 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14

6:35 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15

6:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

4:05 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17

HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar held at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach the first Monday of every month. A free fish dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar beginning at 7 p.m. and typically lasting about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT COMMUNITY HEALTH NORTHWEST FLORIDA Community Health Northwest Florida offers free yoga classes to people ages 18 and older. No experience is required. The classes are led by Justin Nutt. Visit facebook.com/healthcarewithinreach for more information.

Schedule:

•Mondays 10-11 a.m. Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

•Tuesdays 10-11 a.m., Gentle Movement at Palafox

Two, 1380 N. Palafox St.

•Wednesdays 10-11a.m., Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

•Thursdays 10-11 a.m., Gentle Movement at Palafox

Two, 1380 N. Palafox St.

•Fridays 10-11 a.m., Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels, no partner required. Location is at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun

6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

FREE PILATES IN THE PARK The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department and PURE Pilates presents free one-hour outdoor Pilates classes at 10:30 a.m. the third Sunday of every month at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. The next date is Sept. 17.

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take in a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will offer free yoga throughout 2023 as a part of its Wellness in the Park Series. One-hour outdoor yoga classes will be led by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center at 9:30 a.m. the first Sunday of every month at Bayview Park. The next date is Sunday, Oct. 1.

KID-FRIENDLY

GALLERY NIGHT KID'S CAMP Bring your kids to Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox, where kids learn to cook 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. Tickets are $50 and available at bodaciousshops.com.

WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARIES

TOUCH A TRUCK EVENTS First responder vehicles will be available for kids to learn about and explore at WFPL. Event is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Molino Library, 6450-A 95A N. Molino.

SCIENCE SATURDAYS AT IHMC IHMC's popular monthly science enrichment series starts its next season in September. Sessions slated for the fall include science of the mind, game design, healthy wetlands and more. Programs for grades 3-4 are 9-10:30 a.m. and grades 5-6 are 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Each session is led by an IHMC researcher or community scientist. Visit ihmc.us/life/science_saturdays for details.

•Sept. 23: Science of the Mind, Dr. Kevin Gluck

•Oct. 28: Electric Motors, Dr. Robert Griffin

•Nov. 18: Computer Game Design, Heath Parr, •Brown-Barge Middle School

•Dec. 17: Illusions, Dr. Toshi Miyatsu

LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA'S SNAP

PROGRAM

The SNAP program is a free and fun community program to help parents and children deal with issues like emotional regulation and problem solving. The program is proven to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and give them skills for successful communication and actions. The program teaches parenting skills for adults and teaches children ages 6-11 important issues, such as emotional regulation, problemsolving skills and self-control. Meetings are once a week for 13 weeks. There is no cost, and dinner is served at each meeting. Sibling care and transportation is available if needed at no cost. Call or text (850) 375-3646 to get started.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries photographer Wynn Bullock had a simple, effective way of dealing with his problems and suffering. He said, "Whenever I have found myself stuck in the ways I relate to things, I return to nature. It is my principal teacher, and I try to open my whole being to what it has to say." I highly recommend you experiment with his approach in the coming weeks. You are primed to develop a more intimate bond with the flora and fauna in your locale. Mysterious shifts now unfolding in your deep psyche are making it likely you can discover new sources of soulful nourishment in natural places—even those you're familiar with. Now is the best time ever to hug trees, spy omens in the clouds, converse with ravens, dance in the mud and make love in the grass.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Creativity expert Roger von Oech says businesspeople tend to be less successful as they mature because they become fixated on solving problems rather than recognizing opportunities. Of course, it's possible to do both—untangle problems and be alert for opportunities—and I'd love you to do that in the coming weeks. Whether you're a businessperson, don't let your skill at decoding riddles distract you from tuning into the new possibilities that will come floating into view.

By Rob Brezsny

to him as an inspirational role model in the coming weeks, Gemini. Be as intriguingly paradoxical as you dare. Have fun being unfathomable. Celebrate your kaleidoscopic nature.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): "Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth."

Cancerian author Henry David Thoreau said that. I don't necessarily agree. Many of us might prefer love to truth. Plus, there's the inconvenient fact that if we don't have enough money to meet our basic needs, it's hard to make truth a priority. The good news is that I don't believe you will have to make a tough choice between love and truth anytime soon. You can have them both. There may also be more money available than usual. And if so, you won't have to forgo love and truth to get it.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Before she got married, Leo musician Tori Amos told the men she dated, "You have to accept that I like ice cream. I know it shows up on my hips, but if you can't accept that, then leave. Go away. It is non-negotiable." I endorse her approach for your use in the coming weeks. It's always crucial to avoid apologizing for who you really are, but it's especially critical in the coming weeks. And the good news is that you now have the power to become even more resolute in this commitment. You can dramatically bolster your capacity to love and celebrate your authentic self exactly as you are.

hitchhiking: Position myself in a place that's near a good spot for a car to stop. Make it easy for a potential benefactor to offer me a ride. Let's apply this principle to your life, Libra. I advise you to eliminate any obstacles that could interfere with you getting what you want. Make it easy for potential benefactors to be generous and kind. Help them see precisely what it is you need.

interesting—like a tempestuous downpour that turns the river into a torrential surge? Personally, I encourage you to opt for the misty rain model. In the long run, you will be glad for its gentle, manageable overflow.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini author

Fernando Pessoa wrote books and articles under 75 aliases. He was an essayist, literary critic, translator, publisher, philosopher and one of the great poets of the Portuguese language. A consummate chameleon, he constantly contradicted himself and changed his mind. Whenever I read him, I'm highly entertained but sometimes unsure of what the hell he means. He once wrote, "I am no one. I don't know how to feel, how to think, how to love. I am a character in an unwritten novel." And yet Pessoa expressed himself with great verve and had a wide array of interests. I propose you look

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The Virgo writer Caskie Stinnett lived on Hamloaf, a small island off the coast of Maine. He exulted in the fact it looked "the same as it did a thousand years ago." Many of the stories he published in newspapers featured this cherished home ground. But he also wandered all over the world and wrote about those experiences. "I travel a lot," he said. "I hate having my life disrupted by routine." You Virgos will make me happy in the coming weeks if you cultivate a similar duality: deepening and refining your love for your home and locale, even as you refuse to let your life be disrupted by routine.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): My hitchhiking adventures are finished. They were fun while I was young, but I don't foresee myself ever again trying to snag a free ride from a stranger in a passing car. Here's a key lesson I learned from

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In your history of togetherness, how lucky and skillful have you been in synergizing love and friendship? Have the people you adored also been good buddies? Have you enjoyed excellent sex with people you like and respect? According to my analysis of the astrological omens, these will be crucial themes in the coming months. I hope you will rise to new heights and penetrate to new depths of affectionate lust, spicy companionship and playful sensuality. The coming weeks will be a good time to get this extravaganza underway.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Is it ever morally permissible to be greedily needy? Are there ever times when we deserve total freedom to feel and express our voracious longings? I say yes. I believe we should all enjoy periodic phases of indulgence—chapters of our lives when we have the right, even the sacred duty, to tune into the full range of our quest for fulfillment. In my astrological estimation, Sagittarius, you are beginning such a time now. Please enjoy it to the max. Here's a tip: For best results, never impose your primal urges on anyone; never manipulate allies into giving you what you yearn for. Instead, let your longings be beautiful, radiant, magnetic beacons that attract potential collaborators.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Here's a Malagasy proverb: "Our love is like the misty rain that falls softly but floods the river." Do you want that kind of love, Capricorn? Or do you imagine that a more boisterous version would be more

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): According to the Bible's book of Matthew, Jesus thought it was difficult for wealthy people to get into heaven. If they wanted to improve their chances, he said they should sell their possessions and give to the poor. So Jesus might not agree with my current oracle for you. I'm here to tell you that every now and then, cultivating spiritual riches dovetails well with pursuing material riches. And now is such a time for you, Aquarius. Can you generate money by seeking enlightenment or doing God's work? Might your increased wealth enable you to better serve people in need? Should you plan a pilgrimage to a sacred sanctuary that will inspire you to raise your income? Consider all the above, and dream up other possibilities, too.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Piscean author Art Kleiner teaches the art of writing to nonwriters. He says this: 1. Tell your listeners the image you want them to see first. 2. Give them one paragraph that encapsulates your most important points. 3. Ask yourself, "What tune do you want your audience to be humming when they leave?" 4. Provide a paragraph that sums up all the audience needs to know but is not interesting enough to put at the beginning. I am offering you Kleiner's ideas, Pisces, to feed your power to tell interesting stories. Now is an excellent time to take inventory of how you communicate and make any enhancements that will boost your impact and influence. Why not aspire to be as entertaining as possible?

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: For three days, love yourself exactly as you are. Don't wish you could change yourself. {in}

freewillastrology.com

newsletter.freewillastrology.com

freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

© 2023 Rob Brezsny

Make it easy for potential benefactors to be generous and kind.

Be as intriguingly paradoxical as you dare. Have fun being unfathomable.

WALK OF SHAME "It's just a biohazard issue," the pilot told air traffic control. And indeed, the Delta Airlines Airbus A350 was forced to return to Atlanta after two hours in the air on Sept. 1 after a passenger suffered an "onboard medical emergency": uncontrollable diarrhea that left the entire length of the aisle covered in fecal matter. The Guardian reported that passengers said the flight crew did everything they could to clean up the mess, including spraying it with scented disinfectant. But that merely made the cabin "smell of vanilla s—t," one traveler said. Back in Atlanta, passengers, including the afflicted traveler, waited eight hours for the plane to be cleaned up and the aisle carpet to be replaced, then reboarded and were on their way to Barcelona—again.

BRIGHT IDEA A 38-year-old man and a 55-yearold woman have been arrested in the central Shanxi province of China, China Daily reported, for digging a shortcut through the Great Wall of China. Local police were alerted to the damage on Aug. 24 and followed tracks from an excavator back to the suspects, who explained that they needed the shortcut to get back and forth to their construction jobs. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has reportedly been "damaged beyond repair." The two were charged with destroying a cultural relic.

AWESOME! Tennessean Tami Manis is going to see her name in the 2024 edition of the "Guinness World Records" book after 34 years of hard work ... not getting haircuts. United Press International reported on Aug. 31 that Manis' mullet, measured at 5 feet, 8 inches long, earned her the prize in the female competitive mullet category. She had not cut the "party in the back" section of her hair since Feb. 9, 1990. "I've had people recognize me from 20 years ago because I've kept the same hairstyle," she said. "This is amazing."

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Nicholas

Coffey, 23, couldn't resist bragging on social media about his "new" Mercedes-Benz on Sept. 2, which made it easier for cops to track him down, Fox News reported. Coffey and an accomplice used the stolen car to break into other vehicles on Deltona, Florida, residential streets during the early morning hours, then stopped at a gas station, where Coffey was captured on surveillance video. Volusia County detectives caught up with him the following morning and arrested him on multiple charges.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Frick and Riverview Parks in Pittsburgh have a problem: The deer population has grown to the point that the animals are dangerous to themselves and humans, Fox News reported. "With no natural predators, we are seeing an increase in car-deer collisions, relentless damage to our ecosystem and unnatural aggression toward pets and people," the city's website reads. What to do? The city is going to randomly pick 30 archers to participate in "a pilot program with archery-controlled hunts ... during the 2023-2024 deer ar-

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

chery season," the city announced. Hopeful hunters will be part of a lottery system, and fi nal participants must have a clean background check and a deer permit. In addition, "the se lected archers will be required to attend an ac curacy test" and will be confined to a specif ic area of the park to hunt. Those who kill more than two deer in their area will be given prefer ence for subsequent seasons, according to the city. Keep that orange vest handy.

CLOTHING OPTIONAL

trict just couldn't let the city's nudists have a lit tle fun on Labor Day. Early that morning, some one posted a sign at Loyola Beach along Lake Michigan declaring "Nude Beach Past This Sign," WLS-TV reported. But, alderman Ma ria Hadden scolded, the sign was unofficial and "cheeky," and workers had it removed by that evening. Hadden did share that in 1932, alder man George A. Williston proposed a resolution to create a nude sunbathing beach in the same location. Great minds ...

INEXPLICABLE

secon, New Jersey, is facing criminal mischief charges after a bizarre series of stunts start ing in June, WPVI-TV reported. After the Quality Inn in Galloway Township was target ed about a dozen times with a bright green dye launched into its outdoor pool by a drone, San dra Woolston, the general manager, said she "had a meltdown" because the pool was large ly unusable. In August, police got a call about a similar incident from a resident who was swim ming in his pool when the dye was cast. The sea dye, normally used in search and rescue efforts, is damaging to swimming pools. Police got in touch with the FAA and learned the drone was operated by Spina. Detectives could not supply a motive but said they believed he was "prank ing people." "He was getting too happy with do ing it," Woolston said.

5 - 9 P M

THAT'S

ONE WAY TO DO IT

A woman in Chi na's Fuzhou City is facing a prison sentence of three years and a $27,000 fine after she chewed her way to a new iPhone at an Apple store. According to the South China Morning Post, the woman, surnamed Qiu, entered the store and made a beeline to the phone display. She was seen on surveillance video examining an iPhone 14 (worth about $950), then look ing around to make sure no one was watching. Then she put the anti-theft cable in her mouth and chewed through it, secured the phone in her bag and left the store. Store employees no ticed the severed cable and contacted police, who were able to track Qiu and arrest her at her home. She told them she planned to buy an iPhone but balked at the price and decided to steal one instead. {in}

Presented by Publix

Sponsored By

Media & Prize Sponsor