Inweekly Sept. 21, 2023

Fall Into BudgetFinds

— COOKING CLASSES —

Sausage Making 101

Tuesday, September 26 6 p.m.

Become a links-legend. Learn the art of sausage making from scratch!!

$70 per person

It's in the Pot: Gumbo Night!

Tuesday, October 17 • 6 p.m.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Gumbo lovers, this one's for you!

Starts at $45 per person

Fall Comfort Foods: Soups and Stews

Tuesday, October 24 • 6 p.m.

Enjoy a cozy evening filled with delicious homemade soups and stews, perfect for the fall season.

Starts at $45 per person

“Mummy” and Me Charcuterie Night

Monday, October 30 • 6 p.m.

A spooky bonding experience that will have you and your little one wrapped up in culinary creativity!

Starts at $85 per person

Hands-On Pasta Night

Tuesday, October 10 • 6 p.m.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of getting messy and learning the art of pasta making!

$65 per person

Gallery Night Kids Camp

Friday, October 20 • 6 p.m.

Get ready for a super fun (mini) Kids Camp: Gallery Night Edition, where you can explore art, make new friends, and cook food!

Starts at $50 per person

BOOdacious Brunch!

Sunday, October 29 • 11 a.m.

Get ready for a frightfully fun cooking class that will cast a spell on your tastebuds!.

Starts at $45 per person

Sign Up and Let’s Get Cooking!

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winners losers

ESCAMBIA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

The Florida Recreation and Park Association honored Escambia County Parks and Recreation with the 2023 Excellence in Sports Tourism Award: Small Market Award recipient. This award is given in honor of outstanding work done to advance the parks and recreation profession in the area of sports tourism. In 2022, the Equestrian Center hosted 51 events, generating over $6 million in local economic impact. Additionally, the Southeastern Conference hosted the SEC Women's Soccer Tournament at the Escambia County-owned Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in October 2022, setting recordbreaking attendance numbers and generating over $2.5 million for the local economy.

SANDY SANSING FOUNDATION

For the third consecutive year, the Sandy Sansing Foundation donated $100,000 to the Children's Home Society to help the organization continue its efforts to improve children's lives. At the nonprofit's annual luncheon, Sansing said, "So many children in our community don't have food, don't have shelters, don't have safety. Children's Home Society reaches out in so many ways through their countless volunteers to help these little children grow up to have a safe, productive life, achieve their goals, be safe and have food every day—basics that many of us take for granted. We're here to help any way we can to the children in this community."

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA

The university was named a 2023 Great College to Work For for the 11th year, with a special designation as an Honor Roll institution for the fifth year. Conducted annually, the Great Colleges to Work For survey collects data and highlights colleges that receive top ratings from their employees on workforce practices and policies. This year, 194 institutions participated in the survey and 72 received recognition. UWF earned honor roll in nine recognition categories: Job Satisfaction & Support; Compensation and Benefits; Professional Development; Mission & Pride; Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness; Confidence in Senior Leadership; Faculty & Staff Well-Being; Shared Governance; and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.

JOSEPH LADAPO

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended everyone aged six months and older receive one new Covid booster from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. The CDC guidance stated individuals 65 or older or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised could get two new shots. Of course, Florida Surgeon General Ladapo contradicted the CDC and warned against anyone under the age of 65 getting the new Covid vaccine boosters recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. He said, "Once again, the federal government is failing Americans by refusing to be honest about the risks and not providing sufficient clinical evidence when it comes to these COVID-19 mRNA shots, especially with how widespread immunity is now." Last year, Ladapo left out key medical data when he recommended young men not get vaccinated last year. As of Sept. 14, 90,740 resident deaths from Covid had been reported, up from 90,232 reported deaths two weeks earlier, according to the Department of Health.

CARVER COMMUNITY CENTER In April 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.255 million to the Town of Century to renovate two community centers. Unfortunately, the historic Carver Community Center has suffered too much after years of neglect by the Escambia County School District and tremendous termite damage. The former school building, which was constructed in 1945, will have to be demolished. The full grant will be spent on a new community center that will pay homage to the original structure.

HUNTER BIDEN President Joe Biden's son has been indicted in connection with a gun he purchased in 2018. The three charges include making false statements on a federal firearms form and possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said in a written statement, "Hunter Biden possessing an unloaded gun for 11 days was not a threat to public safety, but a prosecutor, with all the power imaginable, bending to political pressure presents a grave threat to our system of justice."

SEC Women’s Soccer / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com Joseph Ladapo / Photo Courtesy of FDOH

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

THE LAND OF DISCARDED STUDIES

Pensacola is where studies die while elected officials and community leaders celebrate the unveiling as significant, transformative events, and consultants get rich. And most of us are exhausted from the charade.

The two latest examples are the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida Strategic Plan and Roadmap and Baptist Health Care's Moreno Street Campus Redevelopment Vision. Both were privately funded, but we were expected to take them seriously.

State Rep. Michelle Salzman raised over $300,000 to fund her task force's strategic plan, only to set it aside and tell us a long-term mental health treatment facility should be the community's priority.

Ernst & Young (EY) spent four months surveying local providers, interviewing mental health stakeholders, holding focus groups, meeting with lawmakers and state agencies and facilitating strategic planning and visioning workshops. According to their presentation, EY dealt with more than 110 unique participants before they delivered their final report to the task force in May.

Their research included studying background information review of 30+ documents and data sources, an environmental scan of critical services and programs currently available, evaluation of funding for behavioral health at a national and state level and research on national models and leading practices.

In May, Rep. Salzman, local hospital officials and state agency leaders praised EY for the thoroughness of its research and the final report and roadmap. However, EY did not recommend a long-term mental health treatment facility.

Rep. Salzman isn't bound by the plan. She and her cadre can do whatever they like, and maybe the facility should be a priority, but this divergence makes even the most loyal supporters of the state representative suspicious of her motives and curious about who is guiding her.

This month, we learned that Baptist Hospital has no plans to provide medical services at its Moreno Street campus after it leaves on Saturday, Sept. 23, despite "absolute" assurances that the healthcare system would provide an "appropriate healthcare solution for the needs of the immediate neighborhood."

Baptist spent nearly three years on its redevelopment vision. The hospital sought community and neighborhood input, hired James Lima and JLP+D Urban Planners, participated in the national Center for Community Investment's learning collaborative, and engaged in partnership discussions related to the redevelopment. A special board committee was created to oversee the process.

A community advisory council comprised of 73 stakeholders from government, neighborhood associations, business, education, nonprofit, law enforcement, and faith communities held seven meetings to review previous studies of the West Moreno District.

Lima and his team held over 15 meetings with local stakeholders, and Baptist mailed surveys to addresses within one mile of the West Moreno campus and received 160 responses. The top priority (80%) of the surveys listed healthcare services as what residents wanted to see in the redevelopment.

All the input led to Baptist including in the redevelopment vision a health care element: "Baptist ensuring there is a solution for health care that meets the needs of the neighborhood and surrounding areas."

We now know Baptist didn't mean that it would be the solution to provide those medical services, even though they told the Pensacola City Council in May 2022 that it was "on us." Its commitment ended when it offered property to Community Health, who decided the cost of demolition and construction was out of its price range.

Baptist isn't required to follow its redevelopment vision or listen to what residents and stakeholders from government, neighborhood associations, business, education, nonprofit, law enforcement, and faith communities told them. The hospital leaders can ignore its commitments and hope the public will become enamored with the campus.

The $650 million facility on Brent Lane is spectacular. It's the largest privately funded capital project in Escambia County's history. The new Baptist will become a new landmark to show our community's progress. The new environment will impress its employees and patients, but don't expect the families left behind in the West Moreno District to celebrate. {in} rick@inweekly.net

PERDIDO CLOSER TO INCORPORATION

tion. Participants included county commissioners, past and present county staff and

The study revealed a long list of strengths and weaknesses for the community. Strengths included its geographic location, beauty, community love for the area, a significant number of retirees, tenacity to rebuild after storms and residents with high IQs. Weaknesses included the absence of a proper fire department, lack of influence in the county, poor traffic flow during the summer season, soaring rental and real estate costs, threat of overdevelopment and a lack of identity.

The study stated, "It sometimes feels closer to Alabama than Florida due to the strong community of Orange Beach and the weak community of West Pensacola."

Those in favor of incorporation see the potential for increased business opportunities, better maintenance, public transportation across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and the Perdido communities, additional infrastructure and a say over land use. According to study participants, those same opportunities present threats, including overgrowth in both residential and business, too much government oversight and the loss of its

sand Gulf beaches and more than 15 miles of intercoastal waterway. Upscale waterfront properties and well-kept middle-class homes line the roads of the Perdido community. Residents consider it their slice of heaven, and a growing number want more control of their slice.

Hurdles remain to be cleared, but signs welcoming visitors to the incorporated town of Perdido could be erected as early as late 2024. The nonprofit organization We Are Perdido is taking steps to put town incorporation on the ballot for the next general election.

"The end goal is to get it on the ballot so local citizens can decide," We Are Perdido Chairman Steve Brendtro said. "Perdido citizens for years, all the way back into the 70s, have talked about becoming a town."

Earlier this month, We Are Perdido submitted a feasibility study to a state legislative committee to verify its accuracy, clearing the first hurdle. Next, they must convince local state lawmakers to present the initiative to the Florida Legislature in January 2024. If the Florida Senate and House approve, the referendum will be placed on the November 2024 ballot for registered voters in the designated area to decide.

One underlying challenge is raising enough money to pay for the process. Brendtro estimated the cost to be between $125,000-$150,000. The goal is to raise $75,000 by the fall, and the nonprofit is currently at about $40,000.

FEASIBILITY STUDY

After reviewing the feasibility study, Brendtro is optimistic about the prospects of Perdido incorporating into a town. BJM Consulting conducted a six-month study that indicates Perdido is positioned to operate as a revenue-generating town. The study projects revenue totals ranging from $14.5 million to $16.9 million over five years.

Revenue generators for 2024 include state shared revenue, communication service tax, franchise fees, business tax receipts, interest earnings and a $1 million bridge loan. Expenses include staff payroll and benefits, the mayor and city council salaries, contract services, local government operating costs, interlocal with county local elections, insurance, audit, capital equipment, contingency and loan payment.

The projected revenues and expenses increase dramatically in 2025. Revenues benefit from the additions of an ad valorem property tax set at 1.4805 mil and city assessments for fire and solid waste. Expenses rise by over $10 million from MSTU and MSBU inter-locals agreements with the county. The result is an estimated net of $3.44 million in 2025. The net projects to increase slightly each of the following three years.

"Citizens were wondering if we formed Perdido as a town, could you do it without raising taxes," Brendtro said. "The feasibility study shows yes, it's possible."

ally for capital maintenance and new projects, but he held those numbers out of the projected revenues and expenses.

"I budget 95% of revenues," Mazurkiewicz said. "I lag two years behind. I have very small growth numbers, and I budgeted 13 months of expenditures for 12 months. So, these numbers are extremely conservative."

Mazurkiewicz based the estimates on the outlined Perdido area, maintaining the status quo. He cautioned that status will be subject to change if Perdido transitions into a town with elected officials.

"The devil you know is the county commission," Mazurkiewicz said. "The devil you don't know is the city council. All I did was project the status quo. It doesn't guarantee the status quo. Your local elected officials could make changes."

Brendtro cited grants as another potential revenue stream for Perdido. He said Pensacola generated $55 million in grants, and Century brought in $21 million in July alone.

"All of these revenue sources get unlocked and allow citizens to take care of their own destiny and self-govern," he said.

SWOT ANALYSIS

BJM consulted with 38 local community leaders for its feasibility study. Participants answered questions for the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis sec-

District 1 County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh participated in the study. The majority of the proposed town of Perdido falls in his district, and a small portion extends into District 2. Bergosh favors letting the roughly 25,000 residents decide their fate, but he questions what they stand to gain if Perdido incorporates into a town.

"They're not going to take over roads," he said. "They're not going to own beach access points. They're not going to have their own schools. They're not going to have their own code enforcement, police or zoning. If you boil it down, what pressing problem is incorporation going to solve there?"

Brendtro countered that the movement for incorporation began after examining zoning and planning for the Perdido area by the county that resembled an "Etch A Sketch or stick drawing." His preference is that the citizens of Perdido form their own comprehensive plan.

Incorporation puts the onus of planning on the town residents. One requirement is that the town forms a 20-year comprehensive plan within its first three years of incorporation.

"If you live in Gulf Breeze or towns around that have good comprehensive plans, they have pictures of what it's supposed to look like in 20 years," Brendtro said.

What Perdido will look like in 20 years is unpredictable, but what transpires over the next few months will dramatically impact its future.

"The focus is bringing it to the forefront just to get it on the ballot so local citizens can decide," Brendtro said. "It really seems like a worthwhile endeavor to give them a chance to decide for themselves." {in}

To learn more, visit weareperdido.org.

TRUST AWARDS OVER $2 MILLION

tal health, so we have to get them to get their hair done. So, what are we going to pay for next? Facials? Manicures? Pedicures?"

The awards come on the heels of Krupa submitting a resignation letter last week. The resignation is effective Oct. 13, but Krupa spoke at the meeting and agreed to stay with the Trust for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth grant process.

"I would like to step down, but I'm willing to serve in the interim," Krupa said. "I'm not going anywhere. I don't have another job. I just want to take a step back."

Krupa submitted her letter of resignation less than a month after former executive director Tammy Greer resigned from her position. As second-in-command, Krupa stood to be the interim executive director, but she told board member Stephanie White that she preferred to remain in her current position.

Tammy Abrams serves as the interim executive director and is in charge of finance and operations. The board voted Tuesday to post an executive director job description immediately, requiring resumes within 30 days and selecting a search committee to recommend 10 candidates.

By Tom St. Myer

The flailing Escambia Children's Trust has lost staff members at a rapid rate, and its strategic plan is at least a month away from being finalized. Yet during its Sept. 12 meeting, its board still awarded over $2 million in taxpayer money to five agencies offering mental health support services for youths.

"The children in our community are hurting so much. I feel like this is one of those areas where we needed to get started yesterday rather than tomorrow," board member Patty Hightower said.

The Trust awarded Twin Oaks Juvenile Development Inc. $1,075,474, New World Believers $555,590, Lamplighters Inc. $218,902, Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast $102,859 and Youths Left Behind Corp $87,454.80. Each grant is for up to three years. Renewal is contingent on an annual review to ensure the agencies use the funds appropriately.

POSTPONEMENT MOTION FAILED

Each of the five mental health providers operates in County Commissioner Lumon May's District 3. Yet, as a Trust board member, May moved to postpone awarding the grants. His motion failed.

"I was just looking for stability for the taxpayers," May said the following day on "Real News with Rick Outzen" on WCOA. "Unfortunately, we've lost an executive director. Our compliance and program manager, Kim Krupa, put in her resignation to leave in October. Our auditor left with no real reason why they no longer want to audit our books, which raises a red flag—the lack of stability."

He continued, "I didn't move to deny anything. Just postpone it until we get our house in order because we're the stewards of taxpayer dollars, and city or county government and no other organization that is having a transition would issue out not just $2 million, but quite frankly, it's almost $7 million because these grants are for three years."

May ultimately voted in favor of awarding the grants to the five agencies for mental health support services, but he questioned their effectiveness.

"I didn't want to deny it because obviously services need to be had," May said. "But I was looking for programs with child psychiatrists, psychologists, crisis intervention and behavior intervention. None of that was addressed."

Not hiding his frustration, he added, "I mean, it was insulting, quite frankly. It was insulting for the chairperson to say to my colleague, David Peaden, that Black children's hair has to do with their men-

HOW MONEY WILL BE SPENT

The $2-plus million awarded Tuesday raises the total awarded by the Trust since Oct. 1 to almost $10 million.

Twin Oaks will utilize the $1-million grant over the next three years for its Project Connect model. Project Connect is a "boots on the ground" approach to juvenile service provision. Twin Oaks plans to significantly expand the model to serve 1,230 K-12 youth living in the 32501 and 32505 zip codes.

The agency will use a four-tier approach to serve the youth. Results from the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale will determine which tier is appropriate for each child.

•Tier 1 will include a mental health awareness campaign focusing on breaking the stigma of mental health needs and identifying youth needing support. Identified youth will be referred to a local barber or trusted mentor to provide basic mentorship and care.

•Tier 2 will activate informal mental health support specialists to provide in-home and in-community basic evidence-based mental and behavioral support.

•Tier 3 will include case management services for youth needing evidence-based traumainformed or mental health support beyond the basic level of care.

•Tier 4 is the highest level of informal care and will be directed by mental health case managers and incorporate evidence-based services that fill the gaps before, during and after formalized mental health treatment.

New World Believers will fund its Healthy Opportunities and Options Promoting Success (H.O.O.P.S.) program. The program seeks to double its impact and expand to serving 1,200 youth, ages 11-18, who face challenges that include poverty, parental incarceration, singleparent homes with no support network, adverse home environments, substance abuse, behavioral challenges, limited education attainment, poor grades, attendance problems and poor employment prospects.

Participating youth will receive services in 90-day dosages. Services include cognitive behavioral therapy, Tru-Thought and Choices emotional intelligence training curriculum, work-based learning creative arts therapy, job coaching and mentoring including access to a clothing closet, case management services coordinated by two part-time case managers, and individual, group, and family counseling offered by two part-time mental health counselors and licensed partners. Transportation, after-care, outcome monitoring and evaluation will be part of the services.

Lamplighters will use the grant for its Project P.R.I.D.E. The program is for disadvantaged male student-athletes who play football at Pensacola High School. The program will include one-to-one mentoring and character improvement, student-athlete self-esteem and self-efficacy development, mental health coaching and support sessions, state-of-the-art testing support, academic services and self-care through hair styling and self-care promotion.

The Trust awarded the Boys and Girls Club a grant for its Mind Time program. The targeted audience is 100 K-5 Montclair Elementary students. The program focuses on three direct services for youth mental health and well-being.

First is therapeutic yoga and meditation/sound bowls, second is access to licensed mental health counselors two days per week, and third is educational programming focused on teaching children how health and nutrition affect their brain development and mental well-being.

Youths Left Behind will use the grant to fund its After-School Peer Empowerment Program. The eight-week program targets underserved minority children in grades 6-12 who live at the Silurian Pond Apartments in the 32505 zip code. The program is designed to improve access to free mental health care by providing youths with resources, a support system that includes a licensed therapist and tutoring, stress reduction and mindfulness-based interventions in group settings.

The board awarded the Early Learning Coalition an additional $238,875 matching grant. The grant is for pre-school vouchers. {in}

To find out more about the Trust, visit escambiachildrenstrust.org.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

to change that.

Children who are not ready for kindergarten start behind and many stay behind, even dropping out of school. It’s difficult for the children and their families; it puts pressure on public school teachers to bring children up to grade level; it feeds a cycle of generational poverty in our community.

We are changing that. But we still need your help.

The money raised at Light Up Learning fuels our mission to build a brain, build a life, and build a community by working with parents to make sure every child is ready for kindergarten.

Together, we made a difference for more than 6,000 parents last year! They heard the message about early brain development and obtained the tools, coaching, and support needed to make the most of their child’s first three years.

The light has been turned on for these moms and dads.

BUILDERS SPONSORS

FRAMERS SPONSORS

• Ascension Sacred Heart

• Bear General Contractors

• Clark Partington

• Edward Jones John Peacock

• Outerspaces Landscapes

• HCA Florida West Hospital

• Highpointe Hotels Corp.

• Florida Power & Light

• Digital Boardwalk

• Navy Federal Credit Union

• Step One Automotive Group

LUL IN-KIND DONATIONS

• Escape on Palafox

• The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach

• Waffle House

• Daniel Pennington Public Speaking Training

• Ride Society

• Life’s A Dance

• Beach Bums Outdoors (The Cummings)

• Pensacola Ice Flyers

• Dillard’s

• Roy Jones Jr.

• Splash City Adventures

• Chuck E. Cheese

• Nixon’s Elegant Wear

• First Studio Ballroom Dance

• Coffee with Quint

• OWA Theme Park

• RS3

• U.S. Navy Blue Angels

• Elebash’s Jewelers

• Sunglass World (Cordova Mall)

• Beyond the Grape (Cordova Mall)

• Still Waters Day & Medical Spa

• Beloit Sky Carp

• Fast Eddies Fun Center

• YMCA of Northwest Florida

• Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel

• Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s

• Walmart Supercenter

• Gulf Winds Credit Union

• Jeff Livingston Photography

• Kate Treick Photography

• Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

• Jewelers Trade Shop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEAM MEMBERS

KATHY SANDSTROM Board Chair of SCI Retired, Heitman LLC

MORT O’SULLIVAN III

Retired Managing Member of the Gulf Coast Region

Warren Averett, LLC CPAs & Advisors

BERT THORNTON

Retired, Chief Operating Officer, Waffle House

VAN MANSKER

Retired, Regional Vice President of Lowe’s

THOMAS GREEK

Vice President of Learning & Development, Navy Federal Credit Union

WILL DUNAWAY Shareholder, Clark Partington

BRUCE WATSON

Executive Director, Escambia Early Learning Coalition

KATIE BALLARD Executive Director kballard@studeri.org

DONTE SHEPPARD Early Brain Development Program Manager dsheppard@studeri.org

KIM MARTIN Office Coordinator kmartin@studeri.org

KARA DIECK Building Jobs Program Manager kdieck@studeri.org

STEVE NISSIM Chief Storyteller snissim@studeri.org

LILY DOMINEY Business Development & Marketing Manager ldominey@studeri.org

QUINT STUDER Founder Quint@quintstuder.com (850) 232 4648

220 West Garden Street, Ste. 100, Pensacola, FL Web studeri.org

Facebook StuderInstitute

• Kuhn Realty

LUL VENDORS

• Vista Event Production

• Custom Balloons and Baskets

• Sweet Magnolia Baking Co.

• Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

• Taste Buds Snacks

• Wedding Walls

• RS3 Group

• Tap the Coast

• Alpha Lit

FRIENDS OF LUL

• Jean Norman

• Torgersen Causey Benefits Group

• Aaron Erskine

• Walmart

• Build a Brain, Build a Life

• Andrew Rothfeder

• Gulf Winds Credit Union/ Raymond James Wealth Management

• Escambia County Public Schools

• Krewe of SWAT

• Krewe of SWAT

• AMI Kids

• Studer Family of Companies

Thank you for printing the Light Up Learning program

Only 45% of children in Escambia County are ready for kindergarten. We want

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

The Hive Foundation INNISFREE HOTELS

Chris Janes

Special performers for the evening: Emma Hobbs, Emerald Coast Honors Orchestra, and White Tied Quartet.

IMPACT 100 FINALISTS IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area announced the 15 grant finalists selected for 2023. Eleven will receive grants of $108,364 each at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Annual Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 22.

This is the 20th year that IMPACT 100 will award grants to local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, it has awarded 142 transformative grants totaling $15,092,020 to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

The fifteen finalists for each category are as follows:

•ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY: General Daniel Chappie James Jr. Memorial Foundation, Pensacola Children's Chorus and the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee.

•EDUCATION: Santa Rosa County 4-H Association, Pensacola State College Foundation and Umbrella Learning Academy.

•ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION: Dixon School of Arts & Sciences, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Ocean Hour.

•FAMILY: Children in Crisis, My Father's Arrows and Valerie's House Pensacola.

•HEALTH & WELLNESS: Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, Health and Hope Clinic and Santa Rosa Kids' House IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, Inc. is an organization of philanthropic-minded women committed to improving their community by providing substantial grants to nonprofit organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Membership is open to any woman, age 18 or over, who makes an annual tax-deductible donation (membership fee) of $1,000 by March 1 of any calendar year. The entire contribution is used to fund grants.

IMPACT 100 President Kristen Longley explained how members decided the grant recipients.

"Our members will receive summaries in the next couple of weeks—details that the nonprofit organizations provided us on their mission, vision and the proposed project," she said. "Many of our members attended site visits with these locations as well to get more details there. At the annual meeting, each nonprofit organization will give a five-minute presentation in randomized order because we want to be fair to everyone. And then our members will vote with the Supervisor of Elections there and ballots on site."

IMPACT 100 will celebrate its 20th anniversary at 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Brownsville Community Center. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Sept. 25. The tickets can be bought at impact100pensacola.org.

for the Senate," he said. "Again, it's not something I tried to encourage. It's not something I've talked to people about and said, 'What do you think? Would you support me?' But there's a thirst in Northwest Florida for strong leadership that can help our area."

Gaetz plans to decide after discussing it with his family.

"I've gotten a lot of interest, but we haven't even had a family meeting about it," Gaetz said. "We've been consumed with some other things in our family and some really good things with our granddaughter. So we haven't decided, I haven't decided, but I've told people who've called me, 'Give me a few days, let me talk to my family and let me consider whether or not this is something that is really good for Northwest Florida.'"

it's the first entity that builds itself as a grocery store. It's being held accountable for contributing to the opioid crisis and causing so much harm to so many people."

Gaddy praised the effort of LPR partner Peter Mougey, a court-appointed leadership and negotiating team member in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation multidistrict litigation.

"I tell people I'm from a small town here in Pensacola, but it's amazing the impact that our firm and people like Mike Papantonio and Peter have across the country," he said. "What Peter did in negotiating some of these deals is nothing short of amazing. The relationships that he has formed with attorney generals across the country and the special masters that were involved was a herculean effort."

Gaddy added, "And the proof is in the $61.4 billion we've recovered thus far, and we're still trucking."

TASK FORCE'S BOOKS For over six months, Inweekly tried to find out how much Ernst Young's (EY) Mental Health Strategic Plan and Roadmap cost and who paid for it. State Rep. Michelle Salzman, who established the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida in August 2021, refused to provide the information and sent us to the Florida House's Open Government office, which didn't have any data because much of Salzman's solicitations were done not using her official email account.

Inweekly was forced to make a public record request to the University of West Florida Foundation that handled the funds.

The total expenses as of Aug. 31 were $306,673, which included the EY study cost ($297,500) and the administrative fees of the UWF Foundation ($9,173).

WILL HE

RUN?

Don Gaetz will decide whether to run for the Florida Senate District 1 seat after meeting with his family in the next few days.

Gaetz served in the Senate from 2006-2016 and as its president for the last two years before he termed out. Doug Broxson holds the seat, but he will term out next year. Currently, Frank White, a former state representative, is considered the frontrunner to replace Broxson.

"You ask any politician past or present, and they'll love to tell you that their phone is ringing off the hook and people want 'em to run. And sometimes that's true," Gaetz told Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen on Thursday, Sept. 14.

"Most often, it's probably an exaggeration, but for some reason, maybe it's because people like to torture me. I have gotten a lot of unsolicited requests from people in Northwest Florida and around the state to consider running

KROGER,

$1.4B SETTLEMENT

On Friday, Sept. 8, Levin Papantonio Rafferty announced a nationwide opioid settlement agreement for $1.4 billion with Kroger.

The total national settlement value for this litigation, when combined with earlier settlements by opioid distributors and manufacturers, as well as pharma companies Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Teva and Allergan, approaches $61.4 billion.

LPR attorney Jeff Gaddy led prosecuting the case against Kroger and managed the multi-year litigation that culminated in the recent settlement announcement.

"This latest settlement with Kroger is just another step in making sure that all of the different entities that contributed to this crisis are held accountable," Gaddy said on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen." "The substantial newsworthy point to the Kroger settlement is

Rep. Salzman raised $310,750, of which 42% ($131,250) came from the Northwest Florida Health Network (NWFLHN), which has a contract with the DCF to provide child protection and mental services in Northwest Florida. She serves on its board. When the strategic plan was unveiled in May, the state lawmaker said she was turning over management of the task force to NWFLHN CEO Mike Watkins.

Local hospitals contributed $95,000—Baptist Health Care $50,000, Ascension $35,000 and HCA Florida West $10,000. The other major donors included Quint and Rishy Studer $20,000, Florida Blue Foundation, Levin Papantonio Rafferty $10,000 and The Hive Foundation $10,000.

Rep. Salzman introduced Clint Fuhrman with EY. According to the notes posted on its website, "state leadership has noted that the work of the task force has been great, but to make larger (state level) changes, we will need a well thought out, documented plan." The task force was told a "concise report" was needed to request state budget funds.

IDALIA TAKEAWAY Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore and Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins helped Lafayette

IMPACT 100 Finalists / Photo Courtesy of IMPACT 100

County deal with Hurricane Idalia. Inweekly asked Gilmore what his takeaway was from the fast-moving Category 3 storm.

"Mission control," he said. "When we request resources and have them coming in, we need to vet and verify first that they're there to do the mission we put in for."

Gilmore explained, "We found that the state of Florida had pushed resources to us without us knowing. So Thursday morning, we had people rolling into the EOC there, and we were like, 'Okay, who are you with? What's your mission? Who requested you and what are you here to do?' We had resources just piling on top of us, which is a good problem but one that must be managed."

Communication became critical. He said, "We spent a better part of that day managing resources and making sure that they had the appropriate paperwork to get their reimbursement on the back end and make sure everybody was up to speed on what we were doing."

ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE People have questioned whether Baptist Hospital ever committed to providing medical services in the E Street area. Baptist executives were absolutely committed when they presented to the Pensacola City Council in May 2022.

Baptist asked the council to approve a resolution that supported its vision for redeveloping the old campus, buying land for a city park and returning the property to its original street gird.

The third element of Baptist's redevelopment was "Baptist ensuring there is a solution for health care that meets the needs of the neighborhood and surrounding areas."

"The third element is on us," said Baptist VP Jennifer Grove. "We will ensure that there is a solution for healthcare services that meets the needs of the surrounding neighborhood."

She continued, "We are fortunate that we have access to the data for patients, how they access our services there, and ultimately to receive what sort of services. So absolutely, we will ensure not just that we will serve them just over two miles up the street, but that there will be an appropriate healthcare solution for the needs of the immediate neighborhood within this redevelopment vision as well."

The council unanimously approved the resolution.

BAPTIST'S MOVING SCHEDULE Baptist Hospital will be moving patients from its E Street location to its new campus at the corner of Brent

Lane and I-110 in Pensacola on Saturday, Sept. 23. Both Baptist Hospital campuses at E Street and Brent Lane will be closed to the public.

The new Baptist Hospital Emergency Room on Brent Lane will open at 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and the ER on E Street will close simultaneously. On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Brent Lane campus will begin regular hours of operation. The Bear Family Foundation Health Center will open on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

ADDING DOSE At the presser, Mayor Reeves announced the Pensacola Fire Department and Escambia County Healthy Start have partnered to educate local families about unsafe infant sleep environments to reduce infant sleep mortality in the Pensacola community.

Escambia County has one of the state's highest rates of infant deaths related to an unsafe sleep environment. In 2021, 30% of all infant deaths in Escambia County were such fatalities. Ninety percent of the deaths were outside a crib or bassinet, and 70% occurred while sleeping with others.

Healthy Start's Direct On Scene Education (DOSE) safe sleep program trains first responders to identify unsafe sleep environments while responding to emergency and non-emergency calls.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our first responders to make a tangible impact in the community," Fire Chief Ginny Cranor said. "We hope this training will help prevent an unsafe sleep environment from becoming a tragic 911 call through proactive education and community outreach."

The DOSE representatives will train Pensacola firefighters to educate families on safe sleep and complete voluntary environmental checks to assess sleep space hazards. If an unsafe sleep environment is identified, a pack-and-play infant alternative sleeping arrangement will be provided at no cost to the family. The first responders will also be able to refer families to Healthy Start for supplemental resources and services.

Healthy Start Executive Director Allyson Anderson said, "We are tremendously grateful for the city's leadership, especially Chief Cranor, for bringing the DOSE program to West Florida. Pensacola is the first fire department in the Panhandle to receive this training."

Mayor Reeves thanked Anderson and Chief Cranor for "focusing on really impactful things for our community."

He added, "There's a lot of divisiveness maybe in our city, county and country, but one thing we all agree on is keeping all of our children safe and treating every child like they're ours." {in}

How Can We Help You?

Fall Into BudgetFinds

If you're anything like us, you are feeling the squeeze in your budget from the conclusion of yet another #hotgirlsummer. With the first day of fall right around the corner, now is as good a time as any to get back on track, but that doesn't mean staying indoors and eating stale leftovers. We rounded up a few budget eats, drinks and activities that will help you transition into fall without falling off the budget wagon.

The Eats & Drinks Tacos El Fluffy

707 N. Pace Blvd., @tacoselfluffy

As if this quality fast-casual Latino restaurant could get any better, stop in on Taco Tuesday for your choice of three tacos, a side of frijoles and a bottle of water for $10. We recommend upgrading by adding one of their freshly made agua frescas and/or a serving of their truly amazing house-made flan.

Khon's on Palafox

34 S. Palafox St., khonsonpalafox.com

Downtown mainstay Khon's has been rolling out lots of exciting new changes this summer, including their brand new happy hour menu. Tuesday through Saturday between 2-5 p.m. visit this Asian fusion joint for $6 cocktails, $5 draft beer and appetizers for $7 or less. A Black Thai Saketini and order of krab rangoons for $11? Yes, please.

The Kennedy

1 S. Palafox St., thekennedy.bar

If you want the classy vibes of The Kennedy at a slightly more wallet-friendly price point, visit between 4-6 p.m. any day of the week and enjoy select classic cocktails for $9 (we're looking at you, espresso martini). They also have a late night happy hour from 10 p.m. until close.

What the Cluck Chicken Truck

3808 N. 12th Ave., @wtc_chickentruck

According to Best of the Coast voters, What the Cluck Chicken Truck has the best wings in town, but they haven't let the fame get to their

heads. These award-winning wings are a steal every Wednesday; snag some by ordering their Wing Wednesday special, which comes with 12 wings for $12.

Great Southern Restaurants greatsouthernrestaurants.com

In addition to regular happy hours, most of the local hot spots under the Great Southern Restaurants umbrella offer regular weekly specials like Five Sisters Meatloaf Monday, Angelena's Super Tuscan Tuesday and Jackson's Wine Down Wednesday. Visit their website for a complete calendar and more details.

Agapi Bistro + Garden

555 Scenic Hwy., myagapi.com

Agapi's happy hour menu is the most extensive out there right now, with a pile of appetizers for $5.55, upgraded apps for $8.50, wells and wine for $5.55 and beers for $3. Ball out with your besties on a budget Tuesday through Friday between 4-6 p.m.

Lamonte Gelato

1010 N. 12th Ave., lamontegelato.com

Looking for a weekday sweet treat? Every Wednesday through Friday from 12-3 p.m., get $1 off your cones and cups of locally made gelato at Lamonte, including flavors like olive oil and fig or dairy free coconut.

Sake Cafe

4880 N. 9th Ave., sakecafepensacola.com

Enjoy some of the freshest sushi in town at Sake Cafe daily between 3-6 p.m. where you can find all of your favorite appetizers, sushi rolls and nigiri for as low as $3.99 each. See the full list online.

Graffiti Pizza

210 S. Palafox St., graffitipizzafl.com

Stop into th downtown pizza joint throughout the work week (Monday-Friday) from 4-8 p.m. for drink specials and two for $5 slices of cheese, pepperoni or sausage.

Taste of Jerusalem

2805 W. Cervantes St., tasteofjerusalemandmore.com

Enjoy a $7.99 business lunch daily between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring a variety of protein choices, rice and sides at this popular Mediterranean restaurant.

The District: Seville

Steak & Seafood

123 E. Government St., districtsteaks.com

$7 appetizers and $8 cocktails—that's what you'll get at The District if you go for happy hour, between 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. You'll have to stay for dinner if you want a steak, though.

The To Do's

Park Season

cityofpensacola.com/132/parks-recreation

As the weather begins to cool off, there's no better place to be than on a picnic blanket in Veteran's Memorial Park, Bayview Park or another grassy spot of choice. Grab a meal deal from the list above and you're all set for a budget picnic date.

Bands on the Beach

Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach, visitpensacolabeach.com

Alternatively, take your picnic seaside and enjoy what's left of the Bands on the Beach 2023 season. Bands play every Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. through the end of October, and as always, it's free to attend.

Museum Admission

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., pensacolamuseum.org

The Pensacola Museum of Art and the rest of the museums in the UWF Historic Trust complex have recently launched a unified admission ticket program, which provides entrance to all affiliated museums for seven days. The price tag is $12 for adults, $7 for kids.

Pensacola Little Theatre

400 S. Jefferson St., pensacolalittletheatre.com

As part of their ongoing Theatre Thursday promotion, PLT offers half price tickets to select Thursday night performances, including "Always a Bridesmaid" this Thursday, Sept. 21.

Pensacola Opera pensacolaopera.com

Our local opera company offers patrons multiple ways to experience live opera for free in laid back settings, including their Opera Al Fresco series, which is happening this Friday, Sept. 22 in Seville Square.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra pensacolasymphony.com

Looking for even more culture on a budget?

PSO offers tickets to dress rehearsals of select performances for only $10, including their 98th season opener on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Kids Musical Market at The Rex Theatre

18 N. Palafox St., makingwavesmusictherapy.com

Throughout September, Making Waves Music Therapy has partnered with the Gulf Coast Kid's House to provide free group music therapy sessions for families and kids of all ages on Saturdays at The Rex Theatre. The last two sessions are Sept. 23 and 30 at 10 a.m. Things to expect include drum circles, musical chairs, group singing and more.

PenArts Open Mic Night

306 N. DeVilliers St., penarts.org

The popular Belmont DeVilliers theatre PenArts welcomes performers of all types to an open mic event the second Thursday of each month. It's free to attend and free to take the stage.

Yoga at Ever'Man

everman.org

If you're already a member of Ever'man, that $20 a year membership gives you access to a whole lot of specials and coupons, plus free weekly yoga classes. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events. {in}

Arts & Entertainment

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

Coming Soon: Manchester Orchestra Returns to Pensacola

By Savannah Evanoff

that's extremely exciting. So I can't wait for it. We just want to come down here and finally be able to give back to the fans that have been waiting for us to come into this area for years."

Prince was stoked to team up with Night Moves Director Robert Goodspeed to make it happen. Goodspeed also applied for and received a Foo Foo Fest grant to help fund the event as part of the annual festival's 10th anniversary, happening Nov. 2-13.

"It's a huge deal for Pensacola," Prince said. "We're working together to make sure the show is as good as it can possibly be—that way we can do things like this in the future and Pensacola can be more of a hub for national acts."

A portion of the ticket proceeds will go toward hurricane relief through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Many people in Florida tend to shrug their shoulders after hurricanes, unaware of how much help is needed, Prince said, specifically referring to Hurricane Idalia.

It sat heavy on Prince's heart because of his own experience losing his home after Hur-

"My family lost everything, and there was like two and a half weeks of no power; we had to live with family members," Prince said. "Our house was underwater because we lived in Warrington on the west side, and I just know what it's like to try to pick up the pieces there."

Prince's Pensacola roots and journey to Manchester Orchestra are heavily intertwined.

Andy Prince is cool if you mistakenly think you're interviewing Andy Hull, the lead singer of Manchester Orchestra.

There's two Andys in the band; he's used to it. And if you still want the interview, he's in.

Bassist Prince is the one with the 850 area code—which only half explains why the band is headlining Night Moves Fest in Pensacola this November after playing its biggest tour with Jimmy Eat World (which to them is totally crazy; they grew up listening to Jimmy Eat World). They even traded covers—Manchester Orchestra covered "Table for Glasses" and Jimmy Eat World covered "Telepath."

"It's funny because that song on our record is a very chill, beautiful, not our typical big rock song," Prince said. "We said they 'Jimmy'd it', because they turned it into a rock song, and it sounds amazing. They did it in the classic Jimmy Eat World style. As soon as you turn that song on, even if no one told you what band it was, you'd be like, 'Oh, that's Jimmy Eat World.' … it's such a huge honor."

Later th is fall, in Pensacola, Manchester Orchestra will be amid yet another killer lineup for the inaugural Night Moves Fest, starting with Built to Spill—who are legitimately one of Manchester's favorite bands, Prince said.

Prince, a Pensacola native and current resident, and the band have a long history with Pensacola—hence the song "Pensacola" on its 2011 album "Simple Math."

The closest they've been on tour in the past decade, though, was Mobile in 2019, so every member of the band is excited about Night Moves Fest, Prince said. Drummer Tim Very still visits regularly. The timing will also align with Hull's birthday, so they plan to live it up on the beach and visit Prince's favorite spots—including Paradise Bar & Grill, Brother Fox and Sister Hen, George Bistro + Bar, Restaurant IRON and Odd Colony Brewing Co.

"It feels very serendipitous that this has finally come to fruition," Prince said. "And for someone like me that is from Pensacola and has a lot of pride for this city, this is something

Prince played music with all sorts of people affiliated in different ways with Manchester Orchestra before he ever became the band's second Andy. He made a habit of crossing paths with Very—from playing music at Brownsville Church in Pensacola to contributing to songs with Fort Walton Beach native Chris Staples.

Prince happened to be on tour with Harrison Hudson, a friend of Manchester Orchestra, when Manchester Orchestra was short a bassist.

"(Harrison) kinda looked sad saying it because he wanted me to be in his band, but he's like, 'Ya know, Manchester Orchestra, you may get a call from them soon … whatever you do, just say yes.'"

Prince knew the right web of people; he got the call a week later. He's now been a member almost 12 years.

Prince even has a connection to "Pensacola," though the song dropped long before he joined the band.

The other Andy wrote it after playing at a small venue called The Annex

in the back of University Mall. Prince helped the church that built the venue with sound at shows—including that one.

"One of the main lines is 'Alcohol, dirty malls, Pensacola, Florida bars,'" Prince said. "That song really has a lot to do with this area because every time Manchester would come into town, there would be some crazy story from the friends they stayed with or the people they were partying with. It's cool that this place stood out enough for the singer to write a song about it."

Prince moved back to Pensacola two years ago, and he loves it more than ever, he said. He's part of Upward Intuition, the organization that planted Blake Doyle Skatepark downtown. Manchester Orchestra is supportive of that, he said.

Prince loves the evolution of the band. Their strength isn't in major hits, but in consistently touring and putting out great records, he said.

"That is the type of fan base that sticks around for each record," Prince said. "So we have young fans all the way into people that are 50 plus years old that listen to our band. And now we have all the guys, the people that grew up with Manchester that are in their 30s like we are, they have kids now, and they're bringing their kids to the shows and the kids love it."

Manchester Orchestra is "really happy" right now with its identity as a band and their relationships with each other, Prince said. When it comes to live performances, they're making fun a priority, he said.

"When you finally kind of look up and look around at each other and realize like, 'We got this dudes. Let's try to enjoy it and be in the moment and enjoy each other and enjoy the music,'" Prince said. "And when that happens and when we play shows with that mindset, you can see the way that it affects the crowd as well. They feel it, we feel it. I feel like this show is going to be a show like that." {in}

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA AT NIGHT MOVES FEST

WHAT: An outdoor music festival featuring Manchester Orchestra, Built to Spill, Soccer Mommy and more

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4

WHERE: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.

COST: Tickets are on sale now and are $75 general admission, $250 VIP DETAILS: manchesterorchestra.com, nightmovespensacola.com

Manchester Orchestra / Photo by Ed Davis (@eddie24d)

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

BLUES ANGEL MUSIC FUNDRAISER

EVENT Enjoy local food vendors and live music to help raise funds for Blues Angel Music and bring music to more young talents. Event is 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

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. The 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. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

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 as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

JAZZ PENSACOLA'S JAZZFEST POSTE 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.

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

'THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES' The UWF Department of Theatre presents "The Marvelous Wonderettes," a jukebox musical featuring hit songs from the '50s and '60s. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 22 and 29, Saturdays, Sept. 23 and 30, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 at 11000 University Pkwy. Tickets are $7-$20 and free to UWF students with a Nautilus card. Tickets can be purchased at uwf.edu/cfpa.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND The next Cinemas in the Sand will feature "The Greatest Showman" on Friday, Sept. 22, starting at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach. Admission is free. Follow facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach for updates.

KHENCHEN TSEWANG GYATSO

RINPOCHE: BUDDHIST TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING DIFFICULT EMOTIO Public talk, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at the Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Point Lane in Gulf Breeze. Cost is $25. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

'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. Friday, Sept. 22; Saturday, Sept. 23; Thursday, Sept. 21; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Tickets are $10$36. Thursday showtimes are half price. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

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.

PENSACOLA BODY, MIND, SPIRIT AND PARANORMAL EXPO An event for people who are into alternative health, metaphysical practitioners, speakers, tarot readers, mediums, healers, UFO enthusiasts, paranormal, science fiction, horror, fantasy, gaming, anime, costuming and more. Event is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24 at Pensacola Fairgrounds, 5000 Mobile Hwy. For more information, visit newhorizonsexpo.wixsite.com/psychic.

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

OPERA AL FRESCO Pensacola Opera artists will perform a free show at Seville Square 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Visit facebook.com/pensacolaopera for details.

VOCAL MASTERCLASS WITH ALLEN PERRIELLO Vocal coach Allen Perriello presents a live masterclass with the 2023-2024 Jan Miller Studio Artists. Bring your questions and join the conversation at this free event at the Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Class is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25. Visit facebook.com/pensacolaopera for details.

TAG: 'TABLE 7: IN THE HOUSE OF PARTNERSHIP' The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida presents "Table 7: in the House of Partnership," on display through Sept. 29. Artwork will be shown 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 part of TAG's summer Artist in 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 crafts makers 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 happens 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 related to 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 come together 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 2023 ANNUAL FACULTY EXHIBITION This 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.

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 is on view through Oct. 22. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting its 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

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

JAZZ AT JACKSON'S Ellen Vinson and Bobby Can Deusen play your favorites by request as you dine. Seatings are 5 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at Jackson's, 400 S. Palafox. This is a limitedseating event. To reserve your table, please call Jackson's Steakhouse at (850) 469-9898.

NIGHT Celebrate National Estuaries Week at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Sept. 23 with trivia. Prizes go to first, second and third place teams. $5 donation suggested. Visit ppbep.org for details.

O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB OYSTER BASH Event is 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at O'Riley's, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com/orileys-downtown/oyster-bash-2023 for details.

SEVILLE QUARTER OKTOBERFEST Enjoy a German-style breakfast and beers served in a German beer stein at End O' the Alley, 130 E. Government St. from Saturday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 8. Visit sevillequarter. com for details.

Public House, located at 2719 E. Cervantes, will hold its Oktoberfest event 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. will have its event 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Partake in stein holding competitions, featured drinks and more.

LUNCH & LEARN: SOUPS, SALADS AND HANDHELDS Learn to make black and white bean creamy soup, tostado topped with guacamole, roasted vegetables and microgreens, and cilantro lime vinaigrette. Bring your own wine or beer. Class is 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $35. Purchase online through the link at facebook. com/pensacolacooks.

a&e happenings

BRATS & WEIN WINE TASTING Visit Apple Annie's Courtyard at 130 E. Government St. for a complimentary wine tasting with Maverick Beverage's Darian Morris and Chef Jason's bratwurst dinner plate for $10 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S

Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of Bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern. com for details.

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE FRIDAY

LUNCH SERVICE Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St., is now open for lunch service 11 a.m.2 p.m. Fridays. Chef Irv Miller has created a new lunch menu, which includes selections of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, featured plates and hand-selected steaks. Visit jacksonssteakhouse. com to see a full menu.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.co

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Concerts are 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Vinyl Revival performs. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach.

BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER Bands on the Blackwater is a free outdoor concert series held 7-9 p.m. Friday nights at 5158 Willing St. Pull up your boat or bring a lawn chair and relax while listening to great live music. For more info, visit facebook.com/bandsontheblackwater. Karli Ryan performs Friday, Sept. 22.

ZOSO: THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $18 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

COMPOSERFEST Enjoy original music from local composers 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24 at Pensacola State College's Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd. Visit performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/upcoming-events.

CANDLELIGHT: VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS & MORE Take in live orchestral, classical music in the candlelight at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Showtimes are 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Tickets are $32. Visit feverup.com/en/pensacola/candlelight to reserve your tickets.

BRASS QUEENS Brooklyn-based New Orleans-inspired nine-piece brass band with an all-female horn section. Performance is 2:30-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Ashmore Auditorium at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Tickets are $7-$11 and free to PSC students.

RAILROAD EARTH Show is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $27.50 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

GUTTERMOUTH, 1983, EARL'S KILLER SQUIRREL, DEAD DEVILS Show is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $18-$22. Visit thehandlebar850.com.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE STUDENT RECITAL Watch PSC students perform. Admission is free to the public. Event is 2:30-3:35 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd.

DROP CIRCLE Freeform community drum circle with Pensacola Drum Circles 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. This is a free event.

FIVE EIGHT, DEADLY FISTS OF KUNG FU, CAPSULE HOTEL Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $17 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

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 COLONY 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.

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

FIVE FLAGS DOUBLE HEADER A double header weekend comes to Five Flags Speedway for a big season closing event 8-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road. Visit 5flagsspeedway.com for details.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On Saturday, Sept. 23, the clean ups are at Wayside Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/ oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

PAWS AND PILATES Join the Pensacola Humane Society 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at Pure Pilates Downtown, 426 S. Palafox St. for mat class with friendly felines available for adoption. The Humane Express mobile adoption van will be on site until 2 p.m. Cost is $20 and all proceeds benefit Pensacola Humane Society. Call 850-607-2772 to register.

HOLLAND FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH & MAZE Get into the fall season with a farm hayride, corn maze, kids' activities, pumpkin patch and more. Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 23-Nov.4. Located at 2055 Holland Road in Milton. Visit hollandfarmsonline.com for details.

BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE The next Bike Pensacola Slow Ride is 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 leaving from Malaga Square, 1000 E. Blount St. Visit facebook.com/bikepensacola for details.

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:

•6:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22

•6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26

•6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27

PENSACOLA SENIOR GAMES The Pensacola Senior Games are on 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 experience levels 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.

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

SEASON 14 | FALL CONCERTS

GRITS & GREENS

TUES OCT 3 PAUL VINSON

THURS OCT 5

PENSACOLA BEACH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL SHOW

KATHIE BAILLIE MICHAEL BONAGURA

(BAILLIE & THE BOYS) ALYSSA BONAGURA

FRI OCT 6

FREE CONCERT SERIES

Original music, performed live. Come join the studio audience! Doors Open at 6 | Shows Start at 7 WSRE Amos Studio | Pensacola State College

wsre.org/events

Shows are being recorded by WSRE PBS for broadcast and streaming. No other photos or recording allowed during performances.

0,86,84,0

2,9,29,

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 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 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.

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.

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.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner

Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky

Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.

KID-FRIENDLY

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

BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

PERFORMING ARTS CLUB For ages 8-18, this club is an opportunity for all aspiring actors, dancers, singers, rappers and musicians. The club meets at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. For more information, contact Leroy Williams at (850) 4261156 or email lewilliams@myescambia.com.

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, problem-solving 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.

STEM PROGRAMS AT NATIONAL FLIGHT

ACADEMY

The National Flight Academy offers a lineup full of fun STEM-based programs for kids this fall, which are now open for registration.

"Adventures" is a one-day program that introduces fourth- and fifth-grade students to STEM, with topics ranging from flying drones to navigating through hurricanes. The program is offered 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call for availability.

"Deployment," the NFA's flagship program, is a six-day, five-night deployment for seventh-12th grade students. Attendees live aboard the virtual aircraft carrier Ambition, a 102,000-square-foot, four-story structure. The Deployment program envelops them into life as a Naval Aviator aboard a modern aircraft carrier. Missions progressively become more challenging throughout the week as the AXPs advance their aviation science skills as well as their communication skills. Christmas Break Deployment dates are Dec. 11-16 and Dec. 18-22. Deployments begin at noon Sunday and end at noon Friday with a graduation ceremony in the National Naval Aviation Museum's Blue Angels Atrium.

To learn more about the NFA's program opportunities, or to register online, go to nationalflightacademy.com. For more information, please contact Stephanie Pugh, Client Relations Director at National Flight Academy, by email at spugh@nationalflightacademy.com or by calling (850) 458-7836.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): So it begins: the Building and Nurturing Togetherness phase of your astrological cycle. The next eight weeks will bring excellent opportunities to shed bad relationship habits and grow good new ones. Let's get you in the mood with some suggestions from intimacy counselors Mary D. Esselman and Elizabeth Ash Vélez: "No matter how long you've been together or how well you think you know each other, you still need to romance your partner, especially in stability. Don't run off and get an extreme makeover or buy into the red-rosesand-champagne bit. Instead, try being kind, receptive and respectful. Show your partner, often and in whatever tender, goofy way you both understand, that their heart is your home."

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): From May 2023 to May 2024, the planets Jupiter and Uranus have been and will be in Taurus. I suspect that many Taurus revolutionaries will be born during this time. And yes, Tauruses can be revolutionaries. Here's a list of some prominent rebel Bulls: Karl Marx, Malcolm X, activist Kathleen Cleaver, lesbian feminist author Adrienne Rich, Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, artist Salvador Dali, playwright Lorraine Hansberry and dancer Martha Graham. All were wildly original innovators who left a bold mark on their cultures. May their examples inspire you to clarify and deepen the uniquely stirring impact you would like to make, Taurus.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini writer Joe Hill believes the only fight that matters is "the struggle to take the world's chaos and make it mean something." I can think of many other fights that matter, too, but Hill's choice is a good one that can be both interesting and rewarding. I especially recommend it to you in the coming weeks, Gemini. You are poised at a threshold that promises substantial breakthroughs in your ongoing wrangles with confusion, ambiguity and enigma. My blessings go with you as you wade into the evocative challenges.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Author Crescent Dragonwagon has written over 50 books, so we might conclude she has no problem expressing herself fully. But a character in one of her novels says the following: "I don't know ex-

By Rob Brezsny

actly what I mean by 'hold something back,' except that I do it. I don't know what the 'something' is. It's some part that's a mystery, maybe even to me. I feel it may be my essence or what I am deep down under all the layers. But if I don't know what it is, how can I give it or share it with someone even if I wanted to?" I bring these thoughts to your attention, Cancerian, because I believe the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to overcome your own inclination to "hold something back."

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): My favorite creativity teacher is author Roger von Oech. He produced the Creative Whack Pack, a card deck with prompts to stimulate imaginative thinking. I decided to draw one such card for your use in the coming weeks. It's titled EXAGGERATE. Here's its advice: "Imagine a joke so funny you can't stop laughing for a month. Paper stronger than steel. An apple the size of a hotel. A jet engine quieter than a moth beating its wings. A home-cooked dinner for 25,000 people. Try exaggerating your idea. What if it were a thousand times bigger, louder, stronger, faster and brighter?" (PS: It's a favorable time for you to entertain brainstorms and heartstorms and soulstorms. For best results, EXAGGERATE!)

of your ability to express these Capricornian strengths in the coming weeks. Here's a bonus: You will also be at the height of your power to enjoy your work and be extra likely to produce good work. Take maximum advantage of this grace period!

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In her book "Undercurrents: A Life Beneath the Surface," psychologist and author Martha Manning says she is more likely to experience epiphanies in "grocery stores and laundromats, rather than in the more traditional places of reverence and prayer." She marvels that "it's in the most ordinary aspects of life" that she is "offered glimpses of the extraordinary." During these breakthrough moments, "the baseline about what is good and important in my life changes." I suspect you will be in a similar groove during the coming weeks, Leo. Are you ready to find the sacred in the mundane? Are you willing to shed your expectations of how magic occurs so you will be receptive to it when it arrives unexpectedly?

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "These are the bad facts," says author Fran Lebowitz. "Men have much easier lives than women. Men have the advantage. So do white people. So do rich people. So do beautiful people." Do you agree, Virgo? I do. I'm not rich or beautiful, but I'm a white man, and I have received enormous advantages because of it. What about you? Now is a good time to tally any unearned blessings you have benefited from, give thanks for them, and atone by offering help to people who have obtained fewer favors. And if you have not received many advantages, the coming months will be an excellent time to ask for and even demand more.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): If you buy a bag of popcorn and cook it in your microwave oven, there are usually kernels at the bottom that fail to pop. As tasty as your snack is, you may still may feel cheated by the duds. I will be bold and predict that you won't have to deal with such duds in the near future—not in your popcorn bags and not in any other area of your life, either literally or metaphorically. You're due for a series of experiences that are complete and thorough and fully bloomed.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Writer George Bernard Shaw observed that new ideas and novel perspectives "often appear first as jokes and fancies, then as blasphemies and treason, then as questions open to discussion, and finally as established truths." As you strive to get people to consider fresh approaches, Sagittarius, I advise you to skip the "blasphemies and treason" stage. If you proceed with compassion and good humor, you can go directly from "jokes and fancies" to "questions open to discussion." But one way or another, please be a leader who initiates shifts in your favorite groups and organizations. Shake things up with panache and good humor.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Novelist and astrologer Forrest E. Fickling researched which signs are the worst and best in various activities. He discovered that Capricorns are the hardest workers, as well as the most efficient. They get a lot done, and they are expeditious about it. I suspect you will be at the peak

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): The British band Oasis has sold over 95 million records. The first song they ever released was "Supersonic." Guitarist Noel Gallagher wrote most of its music and lyrics in half an hour while the rest of the band was eating Chinese take-out food. I suspect you will have that kind of agile, succinct, matter-of-fact creativity in the coming days. If you are wise, you will channel it into dreaming up solutions for two of your current dilemmas. This is one time when life should be easer and more efficient than usual.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): "When sex is really, really good," writes Piscean novelist Geoff Nicholson, "I feel as though I'm disappearing, being pulverized, so that I'm nothing, just particles of debris, smog, soot and skin floating through the air." Hmmmm. I guess that's one version of wonderful sex. And if you want it, you can have it in abundance during the coming weeks. But I encourage you to explore other kinds of wonderful sex, as well—like the kind that makes you feel like a genius animal or a gorgeous storm or a super-powered deity.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Spend 10 minutes showering yourself with praise. Speak your accolades out loud. {in}

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© 2023 Rob Brezsny

This is one time when life should be easer and more efficient than usual.

You're due for a series of experiences that are complete and thorough and fully bloomed.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY As dog-walkers passed the Seascape Cafe in Chapel St. Leonards, England, on Sept. 6, they were startled to see what they thought was a "ritual mass murder" inside, United Press International reported. Police were called to the scene, but it turns out the people lying on their backs were just taking part in a yoga meditation exercise. The class's teacher, Millie Laws, said class members had dispersed before officers arrived, and assured the community on her Facebook page that "(w)e are not part of any mad cult or crazy clubs. ... They were all participating in a beautiful deep relaxation, and it could have never run through any of our minds that it could be taken this way." Namaste.

LIFE GOALS Zach Swope, 32, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, had a worthy goal in mind when he set out to capture a Guinness World Record: He wanted to raise awareness for mental health issues. To that end, Regal Cinemas donated $7,777.77 to the American Federation for Suicide Prevention after Swope saw 777 films in 365 days, United Press International reported. He started in July 2022 with "Minions: Rise of Gru" and finished with "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Swope wisely bought a Regal Unlimited Membership for $22 per month, which allowed him to see as many films as he could. He said he generally saw up to three movies every weekday after work and a few on the weekends, but he was not allowed to take bathroom breaks or have snacks or drinks during the films. What was his favorite? "Across the Spider-Verse."

•In Brezna, Montenegro, seven individuals are competing for the resort village's coveted title of "Laziest Citizen," Reuters reported—and all they have to do is lie down. The contest, which promises a prize of $1,070, is held every year; it started in 2012 to mock a popular stereotype of Montenegrins being lazy. In 2022, a record of 117 hours was set. But after 20+ days and nearly 500 hours, seven of the 2023 lazy competitors—down from the 21 who started— were still at it. (Don't worry: Each person gets 10 minutes every eight hours to visit the restroom.) Last year's champion, Dubravka Aksic, 38, said they all "feel good, excellent, there are no health problems, they are pampering us, all we have to do is remain lying down." "Time goes by quickly," said Filip Knezevic, 23, who is determined to take the prize.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF AIR TRAVEL A Swiss airlines flight on Sept. 9 from Zurich to Bilbao, Spain, took off without one key element in place: the passengers' luggage. Yahoo! News reported that although passengers waited for two hours in Spain for their luggage to arrive, it never did. Company spokesperson Kavin Ampalam explained: "There was a shortage of ground staff," and after waiting for more than an hour, they decided to take off anyway. The pilot apologized to passengers for the delay but failed to mention the lack of luggage on board. "We understand the situation is not fa -

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

vorable for the people involved, and of course we regret the inconvenience," Ampalam said. Or worse: "Our vacation is ruined," said passenger Carsten Redlich.

•Travelers aboard a Delta flight from Ghana to New York on Sept. 8 made an unexpected 12hour detour to remote Terceira Island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the New York Post reported, and the airline didn't have much sympathy for them. The plane experienced a "mechanical issue with a backup oxygen system," a Delta spokesperson said. Nana Asante-Smith, one of the passengers, said people on board were enclosed in a "partitioned section" because of visa regulations and "had no access to food" or water. Finally, the airport provided sandwiches, juice boxes and crackers. Flyers couldn't get any information from Delta, and one airport staffer told the group they "shouldn't start a revolution" and should be grateful that their plane didn't crash into the sea. When a replacement plane arrived, the group's luggage was not transferred to the new aircraft, and some travelers waited days for their items to be recovered.

WEIRD SCIENCE Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), exploring the Gulf of Alaska in early September, stumbled upon a "golden orb" on the ocean floor that they can't identify, Yahoo! News reported. Scientists used a remotely operated vehicle to survey deepwater habitats; the object, which was about 4 inches in diame ter and had a tear near its base, was perched on a rock 2 miles deep. "While we were able to col lect the 'golden orb' and bring it onto the ship, we still are not able to identify it beyond the fact that it is biological in origin," NOAA said.

REPEAT OFFENDER Reza Baluchi just can't stop getting into trouble with the U.S. Coast Guard, NPR reported. The Iranian-born man from Florida was arrested on Aug. 29 after of ficers tried for three days to convince him to abandon his plan: running across the Atlantic Ocean in a "hamster wheel" fitted with buoys, with his final destination being London, Eng land—4,000 miles from his starting point. He tried siilar stunts in 2014, 2016 and 2021, "all of which resulted in USCG intervention," said Coast Guard Special Agent Michael Perez. In a short documentary made about Baluchi by Vice, he explained his motivation: "If you drive a boat, nobody cares. Bubble, nobody did be fore. ... Make me crazy. They stop me every time, they save my life. I don't no need it, save my life." After the 2016 incident, the Coast Guard sank Baluchi's bubble, so he redesigned and built a new one. He faces charges of ob struction of boarding and violation of a captain of the port order. {in}