Inweekly Sept 16 2021 Issue

Independent News | September 16, 2021 | Volume 22 | Number 37

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winners & losers

outtakes

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5

news 6

We hadn’t been enforcing it.

feature story

buzz 8

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publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite

contact us info@inweekly.net

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Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2018 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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JACQUELINE THOMAS Dr. Thomas received the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) Nurse Practitioner of the Year 2021 award. FNPN is a network of nurse practitioners in a state with the second-highest population of nurse practitioners in the United States. Thomas became a member of the FNPN as a new faculty member at UWF in 2018. Less than two months later, the FNPN leaders contacted her to consider forming a local network serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since one didn't exist. She, along with Monica Stanford, an acute care nurse practitioner and an adjunct faculty at UWF, formed the North West Florida VIP NP Network.

FLORIDA CHILDREN For the first

FLORIDAWEST Escambia County's economic development authority has scored big with its CyberCoast campaign to attract remote workers to relocate to the Pensacola area. LinkedIn ranked the Pensacola market in its top 10 cities where job seekers are most likely to apply for remote workers, ahead of Charleston, S.C., and Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla. The overall national rate for remote-job applications on LinkedIn was 21.3% for the past 12 months. Pensacola's percentage was 34.5%, which earned FloridaWest and the community the seventh spot in the rankings.

STEP ONE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP The Miami Herald reported the U.S. Department of Labor announced the Pensacola car dealer violated federal labor laws. Step One Automotive Group paid $36,320 in back wages to 16 employees, an average of $2,270 per employee, after a Wage and Hour Division investigation found several incidents of the company failing to obey the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). According to the report, the local dealership didn't make sure their pay was still at least the federal per hour minimum wage when paying auto detailers a flat rate per automobile and didn't pay detailers overtime when it was earned. Other workers were paid flat salaries, even when they exceeded 40 hours per week, another violation of overtime pay rules. Step One operates 14 dealerships in Florida and Georgia.

PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. The Pensacola brewery brought home two medals from the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship, one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the nation. Perfect Plan received a gold medal for The Well's Old City Tract (Munich Dunkel) and a silver medal for its Vienna Lager. Competitors entered more than 8,000 beers representing over 140 different styles to the championship. ROLAND CLENEAY After over 20 years as a financial and operations executive in health care, Cleneay has been named chief financial officer for Covenant Care's Home Health, Personal, Memory, Hospice and Palliative Care patient services. Covenant Care serves the state of Florida and lower Alabama. A graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Cleneay was previously CFO for Southeastern Health Care Services in Bristol, Pa., and CFO and VP Operations for ACM Medial in Tampa, Fla. 44

losers 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic through the end of July, only seven children under the age of 16 died from the virus in Florida. The weekly COVID-19 reports from the Florida Department of Health show that 10 children under the age of 16 died from COVID-19 from July 30 on. Florida saw an overall 63% increase in new childhood COVID-19 infections last month, 146,604 from July 30-Sept. 2. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis let the federal government's Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfers lapse in June. The program lets eligible families with school children get funds on EBT cards to buy food.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Four years ago, the federal agency took the Florida manatee from its endangered species list and downgraded it to threatened. Environmental groups called the decision premature, saying it neglected the rise in mortality events. Manatees have suffered since the change in status. Between December 2020 and May 2021, 677 dead manatees were reported on Florida's east coast, the highest number ever recorded in the state during a six-month period. Reps. Vern Buchanan (RSarasota) and Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee) have filed legislation aimed at restoring the manatee's endangered status. inweekly.net

outtakes By Rick Outzen

ILLOGICAL LOGIC Two fraternities take off from Clemson to watch their Tigers battle the Georgia Bulldogs to open the 2021 football season. Both groups get off at the same interstate exit to refuel their vehicles. Both wanted to spend $20 on gas. One stops at a Pilot station where unleaded only cost $2.98 a gallon. The other paid $3.05 a gallon at the BP station. Is it immoral for the group at the Pilot station to get more fuel? A parent gives his two daughters $10 each to buy whatever they want at Target. Karen comes back with only two items. Kate found the discount aisle and returned with her arms filled with candy. Both spent $10. Should the mother force Kate to take everything back and only keep two things? You are hired as a supervisor, and the HR director helps you sign up for the company's retirement plan. You later find out the HR director and supervisors that came on the job after you chose another option for supervisors that you didn't know was available. The employer contributes the same percentage to both options, so he doesn't care which option is chosen. However, the second option results in more being added to the supervisors' retirement accounts because the plan has less overhead. Would it be immoral for you to want to switch plans? Was it wrong for the employer to offer two programs? Who's the sinner in this scenario? The daily newspaper and County Clerk Pam Childers first asserted that the 401(a) annuity plan was illegal for the Escambia County commissioners. Both have recently backed off that argument. Childers has declared it's outside the law but has yet to have any state agency agree with her assessment. The Pensacola News Journal first insinuated Commissioners Steve Barry, Lumon May and Robert Bender were all criminals and should be arrested for signing up for the 401(a) plan, even though the taxpayers contribute the same for either option. The daily has tried to tarnish Commissioner Jeff

Bergosh's reputation, who isn't participating in the 401(a) plan, because he dared to disagree with its stance. And County Attorney Alison Rogers has been targeted for reasons that make no sense other than the newspaper likes Commissioner Doug Underhill and he wants Rogers gone. The News Journal was so quick to lynch May, the county's only Black commissioner, for allegedly calling Childers a "bitch," even though the only proof was an email from the county clerk who said someone told her he had overheard it. There was no audio or video to substantiate the charge. However, when Rogers submitted a letter to the board saying that Underhill had threatened her twice, the daily newspaper made it a joke, blaming the other commissioners for her plight. I guess we should be thankful the editorial board didn't try to blame it on something Rogers was wearing. For the daily newspaper, it's wrong for anyone to get more for their money. No one should get a better deal on their gas than someone else. No one should get more items at the store than their sibling. No one should invest their retirement more wisely than another, even though the dollar amount contributed by the employer is the same. Maybe the attacks are tied to commissioners' refusal to use taxpayers' dollars to build a town center for Beulah. Perhaps they are driven by a desire to create a county mayor that would rule over all of Escambia County, and the PNJ editorial board believes the only way to achieve that goal is to sully the reputations of those serving in county government. Fortunately, it appears this melodrama may come to an end soon. Childers has hired her attorney, and the Board of County Commissioners has hired its counsel. Let them get in the courtroom and settle these issues. It's time to move on. {in} rick@inweekly.net

I guess we should be thankful the editorial board didn't try to blame it on something Rogers was wearing.

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EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY

Adam Putnam / Photo by House of Representatives

By Rick Outzen Sept. 11, 2001, was set to be a big day for Congressman Adam Putnam. President George W. Bush was scheduled to visit Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Fla., and the 26-year-old lawmaker had been invited to join in the festivities, which included having second graders read to the president, followed by a speech to the fifth-grade classes in the school cafeteria. Then Putman would ride back with the president and Air Force One. "The president had narrowly won the 2000 election in Florida and was spending a lot of time in the state," Putnam, who now serves as Ducks Unlimited's CEO, shared during an interview on "Real News with Rick Outzen" on NewsTalk 1370 WCOA, days before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Putnam has told this story of being an eyewitness to the extraordinary events of the day with President Bush several times over the past two decades, but he condensed what he called his "three-beer tale" for WCOA listeners. He recounted standing in front of the Sarasota elementary school with local dignitaries waiting for the presidential motorcade. When aides climbed out of the car, they all had their flip phones to their ears. Putnam and the elected officials were told the president had

an emergency and wouldn't have time to greet them. They were to move to the cafeteria. The buzz was a plane, either a Cessna or commuter, had struck one of the Twin Towers in New York City. It was uncertain why. "The president did shake hands and greeted the teachers," said Putnam. "Andy Card, his chief of staff, told him, 'Mr. President, you have a call from (national security adviser) Condoleezza Rice.' He took the call but continued with the visit to the second-grade class." Putman and the dignitaries moved to the cafeteria, where a group of fifth graders was waiting to hear remarks from the president. The room had televisions, so they were able to watch as a second passenger plane hit the other tower. "That's when you have that famous moment of the secret service interrupting the second graders and whispering to the president what had happened," said Putnam. The secret service needed to get the president and his entourage out as quickly as possible. A presidential aide pulled Putnam and fellow Florida Congressman Dan Miller and rushed them inside one of the motorcade vehicles. "He realized that all flights would be suspended and airports closed," said Putman. "If we didn't get on Air Force One, I would be stranded in Florida with my wife and newborn daughter in D.C." At the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Putnam described the scene as "rushed and chaotic." The plane crew was scrambling. Dogs were running through all the press gear and baggage. When Air Force One took off, it went vertical almost immediately. Putnam said, "Few know this, but there are only three large jets that can do that—all of them are called Air Force One. We were shoved back into our seats as the plane went nearly straight up, and we were out of there. A detail that Putnam shared had not been common knowledge at the time. In 2001, Air Force One didn't have satellite capabilities, so the onboard televisions didn't work. To find out what was happening, the plane flew low and circled over Pensacola and Mobile, Ala., to pick up the transmissions from the local television stations.

Two jetliners had crashed into the World Trade Center, another had plowed into the Pentagon and one more plane was not responding to radio transmissions from airport control towers. "Pensacola had its moment in the history of the event," said Putnam. "President Bush and all of us watched the same news coverage as you were seeing." Air Force One initially intended to take the president to Camp David, but intelligence suspected the missing plane might be targeting that facility. There had been rumors of a call that had used the name Angel, which was the secret service code name Air Force One was using that day. The aircraft was being rerouted. President Bush invited Putnam and Rep. Miller to his office on Air Force One. In a solemn voice, he told them that all four jets had been accounted for "one way or another." Air Force One would land at Barksdale Air Force Base outside of Shreveport, La. The lawmakers and press would get off the plane and take another Air Force plane to D.C. while the president addressed the nation. Putnam said the president's words that the fourth plane had been accounted for "one way or another" struck him as odd. He asked Rep. Miller, "What do you think he meant?" Putnam thought then, and is positive today, that President Bush had authorized fighter jets to shoot down a commercial airliner filled with American citizens to protect the government from attack. "Emotions were high," he said. "President was very firm, resolute. He was not shaken but clearly processing a lot." Putnam also remembered the reporters being upset that they could stay on Air Force One when the plane landed at Barksdale. The secret service allowed the lawmaker to call his wife, Melissa, and tell her he was safe and coming home. "I told her I couldn't tell her where I was, but I was safe and coming home," Putnam said. "She said, 'I know you are Barksdale Air Force. The news just showed you landing.'" He laughed, "So much for secrecy." As the president addressed the nation and

Putnam and Miller waited to board the plane home, a supply truck rolled up to Air Force One and begun unloading cartons of food. "The safest place for the president was in the air, and they were planning on him staying airborne for quite some time," said Putnam. "He was going to run the country from Air Force One, if necessary. The plane is designed to be refueled in the air, and they were loading weeks' worth of meat, water and bread." They arrived in Washington around 5:30 p.m. Putnam said, "As we came in for a landing at Andrews Air Force Base, the Pentagon was still on fire. You could see the flames. Normally, the highways would have been filled with rush hour traffic. We saw only a handful of cars as we were driven to the Capitol." He continued, "We got to the Capitol. The building was surrounded by a ring of vehicles bumper to bumper—school busses, dump trucks, snowplows, garbage trucks, anything they could find to be a blockade." Putnam and Miller arrived in time to join their fellow congressmen—Republicans and Democrats—sing "God Bless America" on the Capitol steps. After joining his wife and 2-month-old daughter in their townhome in East Capitol Hill, Putnam heard a rumbling outside. When they ran out to see what was happening, they saw tanks from the nearby National Guard Armory moving down the streets to protect the city. "It was like a scene from the movie 'Red Dawn,'" said Putnam. "Those tanks protected the city for months after the attack." On Sept. 11, 2001, Putnam had been sworn in as a congressman only nine months earlier. He went on to serve five terms as a congressman for Florida's 12th District. In 2010, Putman was elected and served two terms as Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In 2018, he lost his first election, the GOP gubernatorial primary, to Ron DeSantis. He and his wife Melissa now have four children. Putnam spent the 20th anniversary of 9/11 watching documentaries about the day and remembering where he was as events unfolded. {in}

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Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. / Photo Courtesy of UWF Historic Trust

CHAPPIE UPDATE In July 2020, after

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill naming the new Pensacola Bay Bridge in honor of Gen. "Chappie" James, Cris Dosev told the daily newspaper that his nonprofit, General Daniel Chappie James Jr. Memorial Foundation, had recruited a national advisory board to take the fundraising campaign for James' memorial to the national level. PNJ reporter Jim Little quoted Dosev— "We are not looking to just make this a local-area issue. We wanted to make it a national campaign." Dosev estimated the statue would cost more than $500,000. However, when he announced the national campaign, the foundation did not have had an active license with the state. According to the Florida Secretary of State, the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation Inc. was reinstated this past June. Recently, Dosev and his board have asked the city and county to make substantial financial contributions to the project—with the City of Pensacola putting up $250,000 and Escambia County $100,000. The group initially requested $300,000 from the county, but the TDC board dropped it to $100,000. The fundraising has very much become a "local-area issue." Dosev called Inweekly and said the contributions from the local government are critical to raising funds from the private sector because they show the community's commitment to honoring Gen. James. The cost of the project with the landscaping may be as high as a million dollars, according to Dosev. 88

He saw letting the state license lapse last year as a paperwork issue. The group wasn't raising money, and the license wasn't really necessary last year. He assured Inweekly that the group has kept its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status active.

RAFFERTY TAKES THE CASE On

Thursday, Sept. 2, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners (BCC) voted to hire the Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm to represent it in the dispute with County Clerk Pam Childers. In August, Childers told the board that she wouldn't accept the legal opinions the board obtained regarding the 401(a) retirement plan and said she had hired Matt Dannheisser to represent her. Troy Rafferty is the lead counsel for the BCC and shared with Inweekly why his firm became involved. "I think like a lot of other people in our community, we've been seeing this unfold in the news and the county commission meetings, and you can't sit back and just see an injustice happening and not do something about it," said Rafferty. "That's why we decided to go ahead and get involved." He believes that Childers has left the commissioners no other option than to go to court. She has chosen not to honor the county's contract with the 401(a) vendor and has not made the full monthly payments. On Friday, Sept. 3, she wrote a memo telling the board that she would stop making any payments in 30 days. "This is a matter that is going to have to

go to the courts," said Rafferty. "At the last commission meeting, the clerk refused to take it to the Attorney General to get an opinion. And so it'll be in the court system, and we'll be representing the county commission." The Levin firm will not charge the county for its legal services. "It's going to be pro bono, meaning Escambia County taxpayers will not pay any legal fees for my firm," said the attorney. "Once again, as you watch this unfold in the press over the last several months, it's just the right thing to do. And sometimes, that's what you have to do, especially when you're seeing this kind of stuff happen in your community and county commission meetings. The way they're being portrayed is just an injustice." Rafferty added, "What needs to happen is the politics that are playing into this just needs to go away. Let's go to court; let's have a decision and move forward with our community." He pointed one fact that the daily newspaper continues to overlook. Rafferty said, "The fact of the matter is this program doesn't cost the taxpayers any extra money than if they were in the Florida retirement system. None. Zero." After his interview on NewsTalk 1370 WCOA, the attorney said he didn't plan to do any more interviews. Rafferty explained, "Personally, I don't intend to try this case in the press. The 401(a) program's been around for over two decades. And if there's a dispute about it, then we go into court and resolve it."

CHILDERS CIRCUS On the day the

county commissioners voted unanimously for the Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm to represent them in a dispute with Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers over the 401(a) retirement program, the clerk and her in-house attorney hand-delivered a memo to the board asking for a response within 30 days. The memo posed several questions about the board's legal opinions it has received about the program but offered no firm legal opinions. It requested the matter be handled in a dispute resolution process instead of in court. The memo didn't match Clerk Childers' public stances and her boast that she would see the board in court to resolve the issue. Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers repeatedly called the county's 401(a) retirement illegal for the county commissioners during June and July. The headlines in the daily newspaper announced her stance. At the end of June, Childers produced emails that she claimed proved the program was illegal. Yet, her Sept. 2 memo didn't mention the emails. Why? Because the emails proved nothing. No state agency

has ruled the plan illegal. However, Childers still adjusted the July and August payments to the company running the program according to what she said was the legal amount allowed for the commissioners. The county clerk backed up her assertions by repeatedly saying she would take the Board of County Commissioners to court. Her exact words reported by the News Journal—"I suggest you get a good, solid attorney opinion when you pick your rates, or we will be in court, sir." On July 22, Childers told the board, "The state has determined it is illegal to have a 401(a) for elected officials. They emailed me yesterday." There was no such email, so she created one to herself. On Aug. 20, the clerk told the commissioners that she didn't accept the two legal opinions from the county's labor attorneys that said the ICMA plan was legal. "I still believe that the ICMA contribution plan for elected officials is outside general law," she said. "I cannot find any language that is permissive of it. I will conclude my research. I will provide formal writing. Those of you that are in the plan, I will give you plenty of time to decide what you want to do as a county or as an individual when the contributions cease." She refused to join the board in asking for an Attorney General's opinion. Commissioner Robert Bender asked during the public meeting, "Pam, why can't we just jointly request the Attorney General's opinion?" Childers replied, "I have a feeling where we'll get stuck is how you present the issues and how I present the issues." She later added that she had hired Matt Dannheisser to represent her in court. Commissioner Jeff Bergosh told Inweekly that he believes the melodrama created by the county clerk is totally unnecessary and could have been handled at the staff level. "The best way to do it is to work it out with staff instead of blowing it up the way that it happened," said Bergosh. "So, we're going to find out, and look it could be illegal. Maybe it is. Let's find out if it is, but there's a way to do things without creating a bunch of drama for the newspaper. And anyway, one way or another, we will resolve this. We will bring it in for a landing, and we'll fix it, but it's our issue to fix, and that's what I've been screaming." He later added, "The most important question, after we determine whether or not it's illegal, is it appropriate for someone (Childers) to unilaterally determine we don't like a contract, and so we're going to void your contract? We're going to essentially terminate it constructively. I just think it's a dangerous precedent to set, and that's the reason I am so active on this. I inweekly.net

don't like it, and I'm not going to be passive about it."

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Florida Department of Health opened a monoclonal antibody treatment center at Pensacola's Bayview Community Center. The facility runs seven days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. State Rep. Alex Andrade told Inweekly how community leaders worked together to get the center in Pensacola in a matter of days. "Our hospital has been telling us for about two weeks that this monoclonal antibody treatment was getting higher and higher in demand," said Andrade. The demand had gradually increased to the point the three local hospitals were doing about 120 total infusions per day. The nearest state-run treatment center is in Fort Walton Beach. The lawmaker, who serves on the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee, began to work with local officials to gather the necessary information to convince the governor's office to establish a treatment center in Escambia County. Andrade called Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore and the county commissioners. "I asked them, one, to submit an emergency mission order to the Florida Department of Emergency Management requesting a treatment center," said Andrade, "and two, start coming up with a plan where if the state doesn't actually end up funding this, the county and city are prepared to fund it themselves because there's a need." He continued, "Mayor Robinson, the county commission, they both agreed to cover the $30,000 a day, the million dollars a month that it would take to run this. And thankfully, because of all that work, because of the mission order that was submitted to the Department of Emergency Management, the state saw that

September 16, 2021

Pensacola absolutely needed it, and they came through with the funding. I was very excited for Governor DeSantis to come and announce that last week."

BETTER EMS While urgent care centers

around the county report six- to eight-hour delays in ambulances arriving to transport sick patients to area hospitals, Escambia County Commission Chair Robert Bender is confident Emergency Medical Services will improve under its new leadership. "I think we're definitely moving in the right direction on the EMS," said Bender. "Dave Torsell is the EMS director that came in from Alachua County. And last month, we were operating a transfer bus. It was for one shift in the afternoons that would really lighten the load that was putting on EMS, that they were able just to keep making the transfers, and we're looking at expanding that." He continued, "Of course, we always have a little bit of room for improvement, but I think the people that are out there now are the ones that are committed to the job, committed to the community and the ones that we want. And so there has been a little bit of turnover, but I also think they probably have exemplified the values that we want to see in Escambia County."

FINALISTS NAMED IMPACT 100 Pen-

sacola Bay Area last week announced the 15 grant finalists selected for 2021. Eleven of these finalists will each receive a grant of $101,820 at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Annual Meeting on Oct. 17. The 15 finalists selected by IMPACT 100's Focus Area Committees are as follows: ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY •Ballet Pensacola, Project: Ballet Pensacola Ballet Floors •Pensacola Children's Chorus, Project: Pump Up The Volume •Pensacola Lighthouse Association, Project: Shining Light on Buried History

EDUCATION •Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Project: Keeping Wild Alive in Northwest Florida •Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence, Project: PHS Innovation Center •United Methodist Children's Home, Project: A Higher Education Home ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION & PRESERVATION/STRONG •The Arc Gateway, Project: The Arc Gateway Shred Works •Bream Fishermen Association, Inc. and PYC Satori Foundation, Project: Taking the Coast to the Kids •Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, Project: First Tee Gulf Coast FAMILY •A Hope, Project: The Foundation for Families with Pets •Martha's Vineyard Foundation, Project: Caring for Families in Crisis •Rally Foundation, Project: Rally Resource Room HEALTH & WELLNESS •Pace Center for Girls, Project: Girls Going Places •United for a Good Cause, Project: Hope Squad •United Service Organization, Project: Pop-Up USO This is the 18th year that IMPACT 100 will award grants to local nonprofit organizations. After Oct. 17, IMPACT 100 will have awarded 131 grants totaling $13,950,000 to the Pensacola Bay Area community since 2004.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Pensacola State College inducted four more Pirates to its Athletics Hall of Fame class on Thursday, Sept. 9. The honorees included State Sen. Doug Broxson, president of the college's first booster club; Catherine "Miss G" Gifford, a 50-year PSC employee who served as a student-athlete tutor for more than 30 years; Gerald McArthur, official

scorer for the PSC basketball teams for 32 years and a charter member of the first booster club; and Mark Whiten, a Pirates baseball standout who the Toronto Blue Jays selected in the fifth round of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft. Hall of Fame inductees are selected from student-athletes, fans, advisers, coaches, directors, administrators, contest officials, media personnel, sports medicine personnel, athletic trainers or distinguished volunteers who exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, moral character and ethical conduct. Fifteen inductees are currently in the PSC Athletics Hall of Fame.

MORE PAY Last month, the Escambia County School District School Board approved a pay increase for substitute teachers. The increases are based on the level of education attained by the substitutes. Effective Sept. 1, a substitute teacher with a high school diploma receives $75 per day. A substitute who has earned 60 college credit hours or an associate's degree receives $85 per day. A substitute teacher with a bachelor's or higher degree now receives $95 per day, while a substitute teacher with a master's or Ph.D. receives $105 per day. Finally, a substitute teacher on a long-term assignment, who meets specific requirements, now receives $130 per day. "We hope that the salary increase for substitute teachers will assist our daily instructional activities at all school sites," stated Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource Services Keith Leonard. "Our substitute teachers are an important part of our academic instruction on a daily basis. We appreciate our substitute teachers, and the salary increase is one small way to provide an example of that appreciation." On average, these new rates of pay represent an increase of 15.6% for substitutes across all educational levels. To apply for a substitute teaching position with the Escambia County School District, visit bit.ly/3A4W72w. {in}

9

Finding a Space for Food Trucks By Jeremy Morrison

Photo Courtesy of Odd Colony Brewing Co.

For a while now in Pensacola, people have been able to step up to the window of a food truck parked just off the sidewalk and order something to eat. It's been fun, felt hip and tasted good to boot. But such publicly parked operations have also been technically illegal, not allowed as per city ordinance. In recent years, there's been no enforcement of this ordinance—allowing the food trucks to flourish into fixtures around town, particularly in proximity to establishments that do not serve food, such as local breweries. But then the city dragged the ordnance out of the shed, in response to a complaint about food vendors on South Jefferson Street, and upended a business model that previously allowed several local entrepreneurs and their businesses to blossom. Alden Garcia, who operates MI SU Street Food with his wife, Hylene, was immediately pining for the good old days of a few weeks ago. "The biggest bummer for us is when we have a line and somebody walks by and says, 'Oh, this must be great,' and they hop 010 1

in line," Garcia said. "There's just not going to be any of that anymore." Or maybe there will be. Shortly after trotting out this municipal enforcement effort, officials began scrambling for a workaround. After all, everyone—or nearly everyone—loves food trucks. Currently, the Pensacola City Council has set the process in motion to rework its ordinances to better reflect an evolved perspective on the issue of food trucks— essentially allowing for the mobile vendors, except in the urban core—and also keyed in on a separate issue—unlicensed food vendors downtown. "I do think this whole thing has gotten blown way out of proportion," commented Councilwoman Sherri Myers, following city council's Sept. 9 dissection of the issue, which has ushered in a brief state of limbo during which mobile food operations have returned to business as usual as they await official accommodations to be carved out within the municipal code. Mayor Grover Robinson said he views this overall episode as a good example of

organic democracy and responsive government and a necessary discussion in order to ensure that the city's laws line up with the will of the public. "Getting the law that is consistent with our practice is a good thing," Robinson said.

"BOOM" & "SWOOP"

When Mayor Robinson formally announced that the city would be kicking food trucks out of public areas—following a fine-free, soft-rollout introductory weekend in late August—he explained how the city has a parking ordinance on the books that prohibits parking on public property, such as in parking spaces, for the purpose of selling stuff, like food. "We hadn't been enforcing it," Robinson said, explaining that the practice was a never-considered carry-over from the previous administration. A few years ago, city officials attempted to make a space for food trucks, but the effort fell apart, and so, technically, they've never been allowed except for on private property. Robinson nodded to Council-

woman Ann Hill, who he said requested the city begin enforcing the ordinance. "I simply thought, for sure, if a council member is asking us to enforce a council initiative, we should be doing that," the mayor said. Councilwoman Hill said that she did approach the mayor with a complaint regarding mobile food vendors that she had received from Jordan Valley, a downtown restaurant. But she didn't expect the unveiling of such an all-encompassing move—"I was shocked."

"I simply thought, for sure, if a council member is asking us to enforce a council initiative, we should be doing that." Grover Robinson "All the sudden, this thing came down, like, 'boom,'" Hill said. "It was like, 'swoop.'" According to Mayor Robinson, the city had no choice. The law is a law. And the inweekly.net

law must be observed and enforced, and it must be enforced across the board. "Our laws should be consistent with our practice," Robinson said. "If not, we have a problem."

SPICY STREETS

The city's move lit up the local food truck community very quickly. Enforcing this ordinance, after all, is an affront to the nature of their business. "Looks like the streets is getting spicy," proclaimed Two Birds Street Food's Eric Pommerening on social media Aug. 28, posting a photo of a warning ticket he'd been issued by the city's code enforcement. Two Birds has enjoyed a perch on North Palafox, outside Odd Colony Brewing Co.—that is until the city shooed him temporarily from the public parking spaces fronting the brewery. "While I would love to park out front on the streets and 'stick it to the man,' it probably wouldn't be the best way to handle things," Pommerening continued a few days later, announcing Two Birds' contingency plans of relocating to the alley behind the brewery. "I know we aren't as easy to spot; I know it's a little bit more inconvenient; I know we don't get as much business from the hotel next door and people having a stroll down Palafox, but we will be there waiting patiently till we can once again claim our spot on public streets."

"We're trying to introduce ourselves to Pensacola, and that's just being stifled right now by what the city is doing." Alden Garcia MI SU Street Food also briefly relocated their operation behind Odd Colony, and Garcia too began to dread the decline in business that was certain to come with the move. "We were getting a lot of guests from the hotel next door and just people walking by," he said. "We're trying to introduce ourselves to Pensacola, and that's just being stifled right now by what the city is doing." As of last Friday, after the council meeting, most local food trucks began operating again at their regular spots, at least for the time being, including Two Birds, MI SU and Le Dough (who sets up shop at a park on 12th Avenue most Saturday mornings).

SHAPING A SAFE SPACE

Councilwoman Hill's request to Mayor Robinson was pretty specific. It pertained to a complaint from Jordan Valley about a number of food vendors near the establishment. That's why she was surprised to see the way this unfolded. But Mayor Robinson contended that the law, if on the books, needed to be enforced across the board. And, besides, Jordan Valley hasn't been the only source of complaints. "There are consistent complaints on Government Street, Jefferson Street [and] Romano Street," Robinson explained. One of the business owners upset about nearby food vendors is Scott Mitchell, whose family owns Seville Quarter. September 16, 2021

"Seville Quarter is not against food trucks; we love food trucks," Mitchell told city council members, explaining that his concern was based more on the unlicensed, late-night vendors that pop up as everything else is closing down. "It's a public safety issue," he said. Scott's brother, Buck, was less varnished in his remarks and stressed what he painted as an unfair economic advantage held by mobile operations—"Food trucks are great if they are on private property, permitted property. But if they are just opening up out of the back of their car to sell, it doesn't matter if it's a food truck or a tent with a table, it's not permitted on city property." Derrick Cook, owner of Cook Soul Food Delight, a mobile food business, said he agreed that unlicensed vendors had become a problem, but that the issue was separate from licensed food trucks. "The main problem with downtown is that no one is enforcing existing laws," Cook said. "Now it's blown up citywide, that it's about food trucks, when the whole thing started about unlicensed vendors. It was simple. Just take care of the unlicensed vendors. But we've blown it all up to all the vendors are bad." Cook said he often sets up on Jefferson Street as nightclubs are closing down because there's a void to be filled. "The people are coming out; they're hungry," said Cook. While unlicensed vendors are in the purview of the law enforcement to address, the solution city council has keyed in on to address food trucks operating in the city won't likely sit well with Cook. In addition to repealing the municipal ordinance that prohibits food trucks in public spaces—a process that will take a few weeks, as it also involves a trip to the planning board and changes to the city's Land Development Code— a no-go zone, essentially the urban core, is also being proposed for food trucks. If approved in the coming weeks, the new rules will allow for food trucks in public spaces, with the exception of an area of downtown—"the box, that is the more historic area, the more traditional area," explained Robinson—bordered by Garden, Main, Baylen and Tarragona streets.

"At this particular time, we're making them aware of the rule, and when that new rule comes in, we'll be enforcing that new rule." Robinson In the meantime, Mayor Robinson said, code enforcement officers may visit food truck vendors set up in public space, but they'll be in an "educational" mode— "We're not looking to fine anybody or anything else." "At this point, we're not doing anything, telling people one way or another that they can't operate," Robinson said. "At this particular time, we're making them aware of the rule, and when that new rule comes in, we'll be enforcing that new rule." {in} 11

Rethinking Public Safety in America:

Where Do We Go From Here? Dr. Cedric Alexander is a leading voice on the topic of advancing policing and is the author of “The New Guardians: Policing in America’s Communities for the 21st Century.” When he speaks at 6 p.m. Monday, September 20 at The Rex Theatre, the topic will be “Rethinking Public Safety in America: Where Do We Go From Here?” He will share his ideas and the ideas of others regarding how police training needs to change and how officers can connect closer to all parts of the community.

Randall

Simmons

Tucker

QUESTION & ANSWER WITH:

• Pensacola Chief of Police Eric Randall • Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons • Santa Rosa County Chief Deputy Shane Tucker

Monday, Sept 20 6 PM – 7:30 PM CDT

The panel discussion will be moderated by Pensacola News Journal Editor Lisa Nellessen Savage with questions coming from those submitted by attendees registering on Eventbrite for the live event at The Rex Theatre.

Lisa Nellessen Savage lnelless@gannett.com

The Rex Theatre 18 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, FL 32502

REGISTER HERE

Studeri.org/events

Terry Horne thorne@civicconversations.org

CivicCon is a partnership of the News Journal and the Studer Community Institute to make our community a better place to live, grow, work and invest through smart planning and civic conversations.

Studer Community Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 212 1

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16-22

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

Exploring Gender in Portraits and Stories By Hunter Morrison

Portrait by Drew Riley

The Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center is now showcasing a new exhibit that highlights the lives of individuals who are part of the transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming communities. The "Gender Portraits" series is a project created by Austin, Texas-based activist and artist Drew Riley. Her vision is to bring each person's story to life through beautifully crafted portraits. "'Gender Portraits' is a series of paintings that serve to document trans, intersex and gender-nonconforming people to really look at the gender spectrum at large," said Riley. "We occasionally also look outside of trans and intersex people to really just explore through paintings and stories." Each painting in the "Gender Portraits" series is also accompanied by an interview of that individual. "Viewers get to not only appreciate the art but also get to meet the people that they're looking at and get to learn a little bit about them," said Riley. September 16, 2021

The "Gender Portraits" series was inspired by a self-portrait that Riley, who is a trans woman, painted of herself in 2013 while she was transitioning. The painting— titled "Adolescence"—would later be the first in a set of four paintings highlighting the different stages of her transition. "I painted it during a time where I was mostly out but still closeted at work and with family," said Riley. "The idea of using my art to paint my authentic self as a woman felt very scary because it was making my trans status very public, and I had never done that before." During this stage in Riley's life, most of her time was spent in private. It was an emotional time filled with confusion, exhilaration and terror. Creating "Adolescence" and the selfportraits that followed was the first time Riley had ever painted her true, authentic self. She later followed that same ideal when painting other trans, intersex and nonbinary people.

"When I made the self-portraits, it ended up being incredibly powerful," said Riley. "I had never made art that had actually moved me, as the artist, so much emotionally." It was then that Riley began expanding her art to portray the lives of other trans, intersex and gender-nonconforming people. She has painted both friends and strangers alike. "At that point, I realized that people like myself really need to see themselves reflected in art, and that has been missing my entire life," said Riley. "The whole world needed to see a diversity of gender expression in art to help express people's concepts of gender and people that defy gender. At this time, conversations around trans folks and intersex folks, or anyone outside of a very binary, cisgender view of gender, wasn't really commonplace." Riley began working on her "Gender Portraits" series full time in 2014. Before that, she was a concept artist and illustrator for movies, video games and animated films. The artist found her portrait subjects in a variety of different ways. While some she already knew, others she found at trans social events, Pride events and online. A few also found out about Riley's project and contacted her. "I feel like every person in the series stands out in their own way," said Riley. "I always try to find people who have different stories from each other." People featured in the series include Ernst, a father and oncology nurse from Canada who lives in a non-binary state and uses gender expression as a form of spirituality and art. He uses nonconforming fashion

as a way to express himself, but he doesn't consider himself a crossdresser or trans. Others, such as Norah and Dora, fit the more traditional trans identity. "Combined, I feel that each of these people stitch in a little bit more of the tapestry of the overall experience," said Riley. Although the artist is based in Texas, her art found its way to Pensacola through Sunday's Child, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting equality and inspiring inclusion. The organization serves to promote a wider visibility of the LGBTQ community in Pensacola. The series is also sponsored by the Austin Creative Alliance, a nonprofit organization that sponsors artists to help them gain access to resources and enhance Austin's art culture. The organization supports sex and gender minorities using art as a foundation for advocacy, activism and education. Jessie Craig, the curator of exhibits at UWF Historic Trust, says that the Pensacola community has reacted positively to the "Gender Portraits" exhibit. She also says that the installation is a nice addition to the "Queering Spaces" exhibit currently on display at the Pensacola Museum of History. The artist's ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on the Pensacola community and beyond with her art and stories. "If people get to go and see the exhibit, I hope that they go with enough time to read some of the stories," said Riley. "All of the people that I painted have really impactful things that they shared through my work, and I hope that people get to take something away from it, whether that is they relate to somebody that they read about or they're just inspired by the beauty of art." Riley also hopes that viewers will learn something new about gender. "I hope that my art educates as much as it inspires," she added. {in}

GENDER PORTRAITS

WHAT: An exhibit featuring pieces by artist Drew Riley WHEN: On view now-January 2022 WHERE: Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, 117 E. Government St. COST: Free DETAILS: historicpensacola.org, genderportraits.com 13

a&e happenings helped transform Escambia and Santa Rosa counties throughout the years. The event will start with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a threecourse meal. Tickets are $70. For more information, visit pensacolahabitat. org/40years.

LOCAL ORGANIZATION RALLIES SUPPORT FOR HAITI Fol-

Photo by Strong Street Studio

NONPROFITS + FUNDRAISERS KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL PIECES ADRIFT ART SHOW & AUCTION Keep Pensacola Beautiful's Pieces

Adrift show features artwork make of at least 50% reclaimed materials with all proceeds benefiting KPB's programming. The art show will be Saturday, Sept. 18, from 6-9 p.m. at 220 W. Garden St. For more information, visit keeppensacolabeautiful. org/pieces-adrift.

PENSACOLA HABITAT GALA TO CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY Pensac-

ola Habitat for Humanity will be hosting its first gala, "Framing 40 Years," to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Court of De Luna in Pensacola. This event is open to the public, and all Pensacola Habitat for Humanity supporters, home buyers, homeowners and volunteers are encouraged to attend. Guests will receive an exclusive look at the past, present and future of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and how community support for affordable homeownership has

lowing the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Haiti last week, local organization Diligent Act of Love for Haiti is spearheading a relief drive for families impacted by the recent disasters in this country. Organization Chairwoman Jessie Elusma is collecting food, toiletries and other items like flashlights, first aid kits and unused tarps to send to Haiti. Donations can be dropped off at WRNE Radio, located at 312 E. Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Monetary donations can also be made at dalove.org.

"FRIEND OF FOO" APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN The Foo Foo Festival Com-

mittee is now accepting applications from nonprofit and for-profit entities who are interested in playing a part in this year's events as a "Friend of Foo." Nonprofits in the Pensacola area who recently applied and did not receive a grant for this year's festival but would still like to participate, or local for-profit businesses such as hoteliers, restaurants and bars who are interested in participating and benefitting, are encouraged to apply. To review the application process, visit foofoofest.com. "Friend of Foo'' participants will receive local, regional and national visibility during the 12-day event via the festival's regional marketing campaign. When applying, entrants should be prepared to provide the name and title of their prospective event; the date, time and location for the

event; its respective category; and details and imagery to support the concept. The deadline to submit to be a "Friend of Foo" is Friday, Oct. 1, by noon. The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival will take place Nov. 4-15, 2021.

ARTS & CULTURE

"WHAT DID WE MISS? IS THE INTERNET CONSCIOUS?" ART SHOW A new

art show from Kind Witch Media explores where digital meets analog and propaganda meets history. The show will be open for viewing by appointment only Sept. 11-Oct. 11. For more information or to make an appointment, visit instagram.com/kindwitchmedia.

SEPTEMBER GALLERY NIGHT Due to continued elevated levels of COVID-19 and Delta variant cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Gallery Night Pensacola will be a virtual event, shown on Facebook Live from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The show will feature a dual headline from local musical artist Faithe starting at 6:30 and Faux/ Fox in the second hour. The event will also feature a live art auction highlighting local artists and performers. The event will be produced by Pensacola Artists Live and will be streamed live on Facebook with the opportunity for viewers to bid on local art and enjoy the music. Watch live at facebook. com/gallerynightpensacola. CLUE: ON STAGE Experience the stage show based on the 1985 movie inspired by the popular Hasbro board game. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 17 and 24; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 18, 26; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 19, 27. Two Thursday performances at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 23 will be half price. Masks are required. Cost is $8-$31. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for tickets and more information. BOB BURRIDGE PAINTING CLASS

Learn painting techniques from artist Bob Burridge Sept. 13-17 at Palette Productions. For more information and to register, visit paletteproductions.net.

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART The next showing at Pen-

sacola Cinema Art is "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit," playing at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 18. All tickets are $8. Reserve your seats by emailing jpncinema@gmail.com or texting (863) 446-7300. PCA is located at 220 W. Garden St. Visit pensacolacinemaart. com for information about streaming movies such as "Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation" and "Los Hermanos/The Brothers," an exclusive first-run film.

STRONG STREET STUDIO ONLINE PUMPKIN SALE Glass pumpkin season is

upon us, and you can order yours from the safety and comfort of your own home. Strong Street Studio will be offering a new inventory of glass pumpkins online 10 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 18, Oct. 2 and Nov. 13. For more information, visit strongstreetstudioglass.com

WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOOK SALE The Friends of West Florida

Public Library will hold its Big Fall Book Sale Sept. 24-26 at the Pensacola Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. Friday, Sept. 24, is the Friends' Advance Sale. From 3-7 p.m., Friends of WFPL members get exclusive early access to the Book Sale. Non-members can pay $5 admission to take part. Memberships can be purchased at the door. On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Book Sale will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with free admission for all shoppers and $1 books. Sunday, Sept. 26, is the final day of the Book Sale, with free admission and $5 Bag Sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For just $5, get as many books as you can fit in a brown paper grocery bag. Bags are provided. Carts will be available to help carry the bags to your vehicle. For more information, visit friendsofwfpl.org.

SEWING WITH STEAM FOR ADULTS

Tryon Library's STEAM librarian will teach a sewing class Wednesdays, Sept. 22 and 29, from 10 a.m.-noon. All skill levels are welcome. Learn something new each week. Tryon Library is located is at 1200 Langley Ave.

THIS IS NOT A PIPE Join a small group of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra musicians for a free performance at Artel Gallery, located at 223 S. Palafox. 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, and experience the music sur-

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a&e happenings rounded by visual art. For more information, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS PINK FLOYD'S "THE WALL"

Rescheduled from April, Black Jacket Symphony presents Pink Floyd's "The Wall" with the album played in its entirety with no sonic detail overlooked. The show is 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, located at 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $35. For more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, REIMAGINED: ARTIST TALK On Sept.

24 at 6 p.m., the PMA will be hosting an Artist Talk with curator Lesley Wolff, Ph.D., and the Haitian American artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. The event is free, but reservations are required. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

KATT WILLIAMS Comedian Katt Williams will be performing 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $65.50$134. For more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW WITH SHADOWCAST The UWF Department of Theatre presents a viewing of the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. The viewing will be accompanied by a shadow performance. For more information, contact CFPA at (850) 857-3285.

BROWN BAG OPERA Pensacola Opera's

monthly series is a free mid-day performance featuring Pensacola Opera artists in residence at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Opera Center, located at 75 S. Tarragona St. Visit pensacolaopera.com for more information.

HANK LOCKLIN DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND Q&A WSRE's award-

winning production "Hank Locklin: Country Music's Timeless Tenor" will be shown on the big screen in the station's Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, located at 1000 College Blvd., on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. Audience Q&A with Hank Adam Locklin and the film's producers will take place after the film. Admission is free.

PENSACOLA INTERSTATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Re-

turning for its 87th season Thursday, Oct. 21-Sunday, Oct. 31, Pensacola's biggest and longest-running annual agricultural and entertainment tradition returns, bringing with it the excitement of attractions and screams from exhilarating rides, exhibits, fair food, fun and shows for the whole family. This year's Pensacola Interstate Fair entertainment lineup includes: •Thursday, Oct. 21: "Cat Country 98.7 BIG Lip Sync Battle Finals" September 16, 2021

•Friday, Oct. 22: Eliminator KC (ZZ Top cover band) •Saturday, Oct. 23: White Tie Rock Ensemble tribute to The Eagles. •Monday, Oct. 25: Jordan Chase •Thursday, Oct. 28: Night Fever (Bee Gees cover band) •Friday, Oct. 29: Resurrection (Journey cover band) •Saturday, Oct. 30: Rodney Atkins

BROADWAY SERIES TICKETS ON SALE NOW Season tickets for Broadway

shows at the Saenger Theatre are on sale now. Shows include "Escape to Margaritaville," "Anastasia," "Hairspray," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "An Officer and a Gentleman." Becoming a Broadway in Pensacola subscriber has benefits, including keeping your same seats year after year, exclusive subscription savings, no waiting in line, free ticket insurance, advance show notice for season additions and supporting the arts in the Pensacola area. Visit pensacolasaenger. com for more information.

UWF HISTORIC TRUST 9/11 EXHIBIT

An exhibit honoring victims lost and others impacted by the tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001, is now on display on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History. The University of West Florida Historic Trust curated the exhibit, 9/11 Remembered, which runs through January 2022, with items on loan from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York and the History Museum of Mobile. The gallery includes a section of the I-beam from one of the World Trade Center towers and a helmet and other items worn by first responders who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Visitors can also view a video of newsreels from 20 years ago on projectors and a video from NAS Pensacola that features military members who responded to the 9/11 attacks. For more information on UWF's Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.

FINDING 1821 Finding 1821 is part of the UWF Historic Trust's Suddenly American exhibit. Using historic newspapers, maps and documents, it is possible to locate where businesses stood in the 1820s. From taverns to parasol shops, each site on the Finding 1821 trail reflects a local establishment that was near that location 200 years ago. Outside each business is a QR code that links to a corresponding advert from an early 1820s newspaper. Over a dozen sites have been identified so far. Take a stroll around town, visit local shops and explore the history of Pensacola through today's technology. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information. DRAG SHOWS AT DOLCE AND GELATO Head to Dolce and Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., for regular drag shows. For more information, visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE: PHOTOGRAPHY X DESIGN Exhibit from award-

winning portraiture, still-life and landscape photographer Robert Malmberg's. On view through Oct. 3. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SPECIALIST

Voted Best Real Estate Agent

THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, REIMAGINED The Kingdom of This World,

Reimagined provides a new look at the real and imagined stories told in Alejo Carpentier's 1949 historical novel "The Kingdom of This World," which recounts the Haitian Revolution in his signature literary style—lo real maravilloso, or the marvelous real. This exhibit will be on view at the Pensacola Museum of Art from Sept. 24, 2021Jan. 9, 2022. The PMA is open TuesdaySaturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. For more information about exhibitions, programming or support, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

SIMONE SANDS, Realtor © cell 850-293-2292 office 850-434-2244

FREE CONCERT SERIES TUESDAYS 7  9 PM | GULFSIDE PAVILION

"END OF CENTURY" EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART End

2021

of Century, an art exhibit featuring Art Nouveau glassware and works on paper, is a new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art. This special exhibit includes items from the museum collection as well as the collection of local art supporter and educator Dr. Patrick M. Rowe. On view through Oct.10. Learn more about the exhibition at pensacolamuseum.org.

SM 2014

IN PLACE UWF ART FACULTY EXHIBITION The Art Gallery (TAG) at the

University of West Florida presents In Place, Art Faculty Exhibition. This exhibition features work by Thomas Asmuth & Sara Gevurtz, Dale Castellucci, Yvonne Christine, Nicholas Croghan, John Dougherty, Carrie Fonder, Valerie George, Justin Quaid Grubb, Jim Jipson, Kelly Leitermann, John Markowitz, Marzia Ransom, Gregory B. Saunders and Jenea Wood. The exhibit runs through Nov. 5 at TAG, located on the UWF Pensacola Campus in The Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82.

Southern Breeze | Sept 21

Rockin’ Country, Acoustic and Southern Rock Hits

True Blue Band | Sept 28 Blues and Funk

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT ARTEL GALLERY Three new exhibitions will be on

display at Artel through Oct. 14. In the main gallery is "This Is Not A Pipe" with various artists. Work from artist Frank Myers is in the vault, and in the Alcove is work from John Holden. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free to the public. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

NEW EXHIBIT AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY The current Spotlight on Art

We encourage all concert-goers to take appropriate COVID-19 preventative measures, socially distance themselves and follow the guidelines of our local health authorities.

For updates, call SRIA at (850) 932-2257, go to VisitPensacolaBeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7. Please, no glass containers or pets.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

KIDS BOOKS

is "Serendipity," a collective show featuring potter Tammy Caspersen and photographer Suzanne Tuzzeo. The show promises bold color and unique finds and twists with a fun, carefree feel and is on view at Blue Morning Gallery, located at 21 S. Palafox. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for more information.

PENSACOLA BEACH ART WALK ON THE BOARDWALK Stroll the Pensacola

Beach Boardwalk Sundays through October from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and check out local

909 N. 12th Avenue

pensacolapopcomics.com 15

a&e happenings art vendors, listen to live music and enjoy local restaurants and bars at 400 Quietwater Beach Road.

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio

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

SEVILLE HAUNTED TOURS Seville

Quarter's haunted tours offer a different look at Pensacola's history as guides weave tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more. Choose your experience from three ongoing tours—Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour, 11 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month; Seville Haunted Gallery Night Tours, 7 p.m. every third Friday of the month; Seville Sunday FunDay Haunted Tours, 4 p.m. last Sunday of each month. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

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OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off

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

STAND-UP COMEDY AT THE REX THEATRE Visit The REX Theatre every

Friday at 8 p.m. for national stand-up acts. Tickets are $26-$35 at the door. For more information, visit rexpensacola.com.

COMEDY MAGIC SHOW AT THE REX THEATRE Comedy magician Tom Coverly,

known as "The Illusionist," performs Saturday nights at The Rex Theatre, located at 18 N. Palafox. Shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$35. For more information, visit rexpensacola.com.

OPEN MIC COMEDY AT BIG TOP BREWERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy

some homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

NEW CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS Mixon Magic Per-

forming Arts (MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class

schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement, Ballet/Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult. MMPA is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the building and studio. More information about Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixonmagic.com or emily@mixonmagic.com or by calling (850) 221-7438.

GENDER PORTRAITS Gender Portraits is a project from artist Drew Riley of the Austin Creative Alliance. The nonprofit organization supports sex and gender minorities using art as a foundation for education, activism and advocacy. The exhibit is on view at Voices of Pensacola, located at 117 E. Government St., through January 2022. For more information, visit historicpensacola.org.

BLACK CITIZENSHIP IN THE AGE OF JIM CROW "Black Citizenship in the Age

of Jim Crow," a traveling exhibition from the New York Historical Society Museum & Library with additions from the African American Heritage Society of Pensacola, is now on view at Artel Gallery. To learn more about it, visit africanamericanheritagesociety.org. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

CRAFT CLASSES AT STUDIO SOUTH ON NINE MILE Learn a new craft or meet

up with other makers at Studio South. Tuesday is Knit Night 4-7 p.m., and Sit & Stitch is Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Both classes are free. For a full calendar of events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad.com. Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road.

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

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Bands on the Beach is back. The free concert series features shows each Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m., April-October, at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach. UPCOMING DATES: •Sept. 21: Southern Breeze •Sept. 28: True Blue Band

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a&e happenings ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERT SERIES Thursday evenings starting Sept. 2, visit St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, located at 3200 N. 12th Ave., for an outdoor concert. Food and drink concessions are available. Alcoholic beverages are not available for sale. •Sept. 16: CrossTown •Sept. 23: Reunion Band

BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER Free outdoor concert Friday nights from 7-9 p.m. at Jernigan's Landing, located at 5158 Willing St. in Milton. •Sept. 17: 12Eleven •Sept. 24: The Flavors BENNY HUE WITH NO LATENCY Benny Hue and No Latency will be performing Friday, Sept. 17, from 8-11 p.m. at Dolce and Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave. Cost is $5 at the door, which goes to appearing artists. Visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola for more information. PENSACOLA TRIBUTE FEST Pensacola

Belmont St., Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and listen to Curt Bol Jazz Quartet. Visit curtbolband.com for more information.

OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel

Gallery is open from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays for open jam with Pensacola Folk Music Society. Feel free to visit and listen to music. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Sing your heart out Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, or just enjoy drinks friends with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/ mugsjugs. LIVE MUSIC AT HUB STACEY'S Sit back with good food and live music at Hub Stacey's, located at 312 E. Government St. For a full calendar of bands, check hubstaceys.com.

Tribute fest features the best tribute bands at Community Maritime Park Amphitheater, located at 351 W. Cedar St., Saturday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Food and craft vendors will also be onsite. VIP tickets include two-day tickets and two adult beverage tickets. Visit pensacolatributefest.com to purchase tickets.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues

RICHIE WIGGINS Riggie Wiggins will be

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Me-

performing at Dolce and Gelato, located at 2050 N. 12th Ave., Saturday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/dolcegelatopensacola for more information.

JAZZ GUMBO Jazz Pensacola will be

honoring jazz pianist and composer Bill Evans at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at End O' the Alley at Seville Quarter, located at 130 E. Government St. Admission is $10 for Jazz Pensacola members and $12 for nonmembers. Admission is free to students and military in uniform. Visit jazzpensacola.com for more information.

LITTLE RIVER BAND Little River Band will be performing at the Saenger Theatre, located at 118 S. Palafox, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30. For tickets and information, visit pensacolasaenger.com. LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH Head to Red Fish

Blue Fish for live performances from local bands Fridays and Saturdays all day. For musician lineups, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.

SAXOPHONIST JIM ANDREWS AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT Saxophonist

Jim Andrews will be performing at Alice's Restaurant, located at 1504 W. Intendencia St., on the first Friday of every month from 6-9:30 p.m.

CURT BOL JAZZ QUARTET Visit Five Sisters Blues Café, located at 421 W. September 16, 2021

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

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

FITNESS + RECREATION

CELEBRATE THE GULF Join Healthy

Gulf for a hands-on environmental education at Red Fish Blue Fish, 5 Via de Luna Drive, Unit B, in Pensacola Beach from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Healthy Gulf will have popular shells and other items that wash ashore on local beaches including live fish and other animals from Santa Rosa Sound. A portion of proceeds from restaurant sales at Red Fish Blue Fish will be donated to Healthy Gulf to support their work in Florida and around the Gulf to protect beaches, waterways, marine life and communities.

KREWE OF VIXENS QUALIFYING CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT The annu-

al Krewe of Vixens Charity Cornhole Tournament will take place at Bamboo Willie's this year on Saturday, Sept. 18. There will be multiple divisions for both singles and doubles players of all skill levels at Bamboo Willie's, located at 400 Quietwater Beach Road. Singles tournament will take place at 9:30 a.m. with registration starting at 9 a.m. Doubles tournament will follow at noon. for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

free will astrology WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "Books are mirrors—You only see in them what you already have inside you," wrote author Carlos Zafòn Ruiz. Let's take that a step further—"Other people are mirrors—You only see in them what you already have inside you." And even further. "The whole world is a mirror—You only see in it what you already have inside you." Have fun playing with these meditations, Aries. The coming weeks will be a fertile time to explore how thoroughly your experiences reflect the activity transpiring in your own brain. TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Some

spiritual teachers say things like "I am not my body" or "This body is not me." I don't understand that. It's an insult and disparagement. It's dismissive of our bodies' sublime beauty and our bodies' inspired role in educating our souls. I agree that we are not ONLY our bodies. I agree that a part of us is eternal, not confined to flesh and blood. But hell yes, I am my body. You are your body. It's a glorious aspect of who we are. It's a miraculous creation that has taken millions of years to evolve into the masterpiece it is. So yes, you are your body, and yes, this body is you. I hope you love your body. Are in awe of it. Are pleased to be inside it. If anything is lacking in this department, now is an excellent time to make corrections.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "I know

someone who kisses the way a flower opens," wrote poet Mary Oliver. I'd love for you Geminis to have that experience. The astrological omens suggest it's more likely than usual to occur sometime soon. Other experiences with a better-than-average chance of unfolding in the coming days: allies who speak of intimate subjects in ways that resemble a flower opening; partners who co-create with you in ways that resemble a flower opening; spiritual helpers who offer guidance and help in ways that resemble a flower opening.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): "I lie to myself all the time, but I never believe me,"

By Rob Brezsny

writes Cancerian author S. E. Hinton. Ha! As a Cancerian myself, I confess to the same crime. But I am looking forward to a shift in the coming weeks. I suspect we Crabs will be inspired to cut way back on the fibs we try to get away with. You know what that means, right? We'll be more inclined to trust ourselves, since we'll be more likely to tell ourselves the truth. Our decisions will be shrewd, and our self-care will be rigorous. Hallelujah!

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): My object in this horoscope is to stimulate your imagination in ways nobody else in your life will. You need an influence like me, from outside your inner circle, to administer friendly, playful shocks to jolt you out of habitual ways of thinking. Here we go. 1. If you were to stow seven parts of your soul in seven objects, what objects would they be? 2. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be? 3. If you were a character in a fairy tale or a movie, who would you be? 4. If you could travel to a place that would teach you what you most need to know, where would it be? 5. If you had a magical animal as your special ally, what animal would it be? 6. If you could sing a song with uncanny healing power for someone you care about, what song would it be? 7. If you could improve your relationship with some part of your body, what would it be? VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "There's

nothing wrong with reading a book you love over and over," writes Virgo author Gail Carson Levine. Adding to that encouragement, I offer you the following authorizations: There's nothing wrong with seeking a pleasure you love over and over; or doing a necessary task you love over and over; or performing an energizing ritual you love over and over; or expressing key truths you love over and over. And these permissions will be especially crucial for you to exult in during the coming weeks, dear Virgo: because it's a time when mindful repetition will be one of your strengths and a key to stimulating the deepening experiences you need.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "If I'm a bitch and a fake. Is there nobody who will love a bitch and a fake?" Libra author Graham

don't reflect on this truth very often. Perhaps you feel that it's not helpful to think about or that it's irrelevant to your daily decisionmaking. But I propose that in the next three weeks, you give it a central place in your understanding of your destiny. Allow it to influence everything you do. Make it a major factor in your decision-making.

Greene wrote that in his novel The End of the Affair. Here's my extrapolation—I believe that every one of us, including me, is a bitch and a fake now and then. We all go through periods when we are not at our best, when we fail to live up to our own high standards. Is it possible that you have recently flirted with such a phase? If so, the cosmos has authorized me to absolve you. You are free you to reclaim your full exquisite beauty. And if you haven't been a bitch and a fake, congratulations. It means you have weathered a gnarly storm.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Poet Yves Olade writes, "I've started thinking of people as wounds that don't heal." To me, that idea is idiotically cynical. Moreover, I think it's wrong for most of us. The truth is, humans have a natural instinct for healing. They are predisposed to attract experiences that might aid their recovery from difficulties— that might teach them the healing lessons they need. I believe this will be especially true for you in the coming weeks. (P.S. Dr. Andrew Weil writes, "Any level of biological organization that we examine, from DNA up to the most complex body systems, shows the capacity for self-diagnosis, for removal of damaged structure and for regeneration of new structure.")

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Research suggests that most people think everyone else has more fun than they do. But I'm guessing that only a small percentage of Sagittarians feel that way. You tend to be extra alert for fun, and you have intuitive skill at tracking down fun. In addition, you often take the initiative to precipitate fun. You understand you have a responsibility to generate fun, and you have a talent for generating it. All these capacities will serve you well in the coming weeks. I recommend you raise your mastery of the art and science of having fun to a new level. Be the Champion of Fun and Games for your entire circle. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): I'm

not engaging in empty flattery when I say that you are unlike anyone else who has ever lived in the history of the world. Your absolute uniqueness is a fundamental fact. Maybe you

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Welcome back from the underworld, Aquarius. I hope your time wandering through the maze-like twilight brought you as many fascinating mysteries as confusing questions. I trust you took advantage of the smoky riddles and arresting dilemmas to fortify your soul's wisdom. I suspect that although your travels may have at times seemed hard to fathom, they have provided you with a superb education that will serve you well in the immediate future. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the lead character says to a friend, "You filled me with a wild desire to know everything about life." Is there a person who might inspire you like that, Pisces? Maybe a person from your past with whom you've fallen out of touch? Or is there a person hovering on the outskirts of your life who could stimulate you to have such feelings? Now is a favorable time to seek these influences. I advise you to be bold in your quest to associate with allies who will stimulate your lust for life and teach you crucial lessons. (PS: For extra credit, make abundant use of another theme from Wilde's book—"The search for beauty is the real secret of life.") THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Tell me why you HAD to do the thing that some people question or misunderstand—newsletter@ freewillastrology.

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freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com Rob Brezsny © Copyright 2021

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news of the weird THAT'S ONE WAY TO DO IT When Hurricane Ida swept through New York, the heavy rain and flooding did an estimated $50 million in damage. But in the Big Apple, there's a silver lining: The storm may have cleared out a significant portion of the rat population that lived in the sewers and subway system. Experts believe hundreds of thousands of rats may have died as sewer systems were overwhelmed and dumped into local bays and estuaries, where the rodents later washed up on beaches. Bobby Corrigan, longtime pest control expert, told Gothamist, "I can't imagine they would've survived." Conversely, those that did weather the storm appear to be seeking shelter on higher ground, as exterminators report a spike in complaints. CREEPY As Hurricane Ida made its way up the East Coast and Louisiana started to clean up, a Covington Domino's Pizza store tossed some of its leftover dough into a dumpster out back, nola.com reported. Temperatures in the area climbed into the 90s, and the dough climbed ... out of the waste container. Nicole Amstutz, who lives nearby, started documenting the wayward dough blob on Sept. 1, posting updates on Facebook. The dough spilled over onto the pavement, but Amstutz reported on Sept. 4 that it had fallen and boxes were placed on top of it. The general manager of the Domino's store did not respond to an interview request. LONG LIVE THE KING Elvis has left ... the barber shop. Elvis Presley's personal barber, Homer Gilleland, scooped up snippings of the King's hair over multiple haircuts and kept the baseball-sized ball of tresses in a plastic bag, which he then gifted to Thomas Morgan, a friend of both men. United Press International reported on Sept. 8 that the hair, now in a sealed jar and backed up by "extensive documentation," sold at auction for $72,500. A Los Angeles auction house offered the hair alongside one of Presley's concert jumpsuits and other items.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

THE (LITERAL) PASSING PARADE At midnight on Sept. 9, North Korea held a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, to celebrate the country's 73rd anniversary, CNN reported. Kim Jong Un appeared on a platform and waved, but reportedly did not speak. Perhaps the late hour was thought to be more dramatic than a daytime spectacle, especially for the dropping of paratroopers from military planes and firing of flares. Observers noted that Kim appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight. SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED Oddity Central reported on Sept. 3 that Li Zhanying of Henan, China, is known in her community for having gone more than 40 years without sleeping at all. Her husband and neighbors confirmed her claims, saying that she stayed up all night to do chores and didn't ever nap. But recently, Li visited a Beijing medical center, where doctors used sensors to monitor her and discovered that Li does sleep—with her eyes open and while talking to her husband. Doctors called it "sleep when awake," which is similar to sleepwalking. They said Li sometimes had "slow eyeballs and hollow eyes," indicating that she was resting. GREAT ART Remember the self-shredding Banksy artwork that sold for $1.4 million in October 2018? Originally called "Girl With Balloon," the piece, now known as "Love Is in the Bin," will be up for auction again in October, the Associated Press reported, and is expected to fetch between $5 million and $9 million. Alex Branczik, chairman of modern and contemporary art at Sotheby's, calls the piece "the ultimate Banksy artwork and a true icon of recent art history." Before the auction, the piece will be on display in London, Hong Kong, Taipei and New York. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2021 Andrews McMeel

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