"Here for Community and Art" with The Undergrowth Artist Collective
Bryce Jollie
Artwork by Aidan Garcia
Artwork by Grace Cole and Robin Bailey
Artwork by Jasmyn Prevatte
John
Collin McDonald, Electrical Engineering
Possibility
Mariah Earnhardt, Biology
Kellen Gibson, General Business
Kaitlyn Izworski, Music and Outside Field
John Savini, Software Development
Cham Swift, Biomedical Sciences
Lilia Treick, Pre-BSN Major
winners & losers winners losers
SANDY SANSING The car dealer recently donated $100,000 to Gulf Coast Kid's House. The contribution supports the organization's expansion of mental health programs as it transitions sexual abuse treatment services in-house from Lutheran Services of Florida. Gulf Coast Kid's House provides services to over 4,000 abused and neglected children annually. It receives 75% of its funding from community sources. Sansing and his family also contributed $100,000 to Children's Home Society of Florida, fueling services that help children grow up safe, healthy and prepared for life. His lifetime giving to these two charities exceeds $1,677,800.
TOMMY SEEKER The University of West Florida undergraduate has been selected for the 2025 Kappa Delta Pi Distinguished Chapter Officer Award, recognizing exceptional student leadership in education. Tommy serves as officer and webmaster for UWF's Omicron Delta Chapter of the national honors society, which promotes excellence in education. The award acknowledges his creativity, dedication and significant contributions to the local chapter. Enrolled in UWF's online exceptional student and elementary education program, Tommy is pursuing dual certification in Exceptional Student Education (K-12) and Elementary Education (K-6) with reading and English as a Second Language endorsements.
BILLY ANDERSON The owner of Anderson Subaru made a significant impact at Sherwood Elementary School, surprising teachers with a $5,000 donation and essential school supplies during what educators thought was a routine back-to-school luncheon. The contribution will directly benefit 10 classrooms and more than 210 students. This marks the fourth consecutive year Anderson Subaru has partnered with Sherwood Elementary to "adopt" classrooms through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative in partnership with adoptaclassroom.org. The donation comes at a critical time when 92% of teachers nationwide serve students whose families cannot afford basic school supplies, forcing educators to spend an average of $895 of their own money annually on classroom materials. Anderson said, "Through Subaru Loves Learning, we're proud to support the educators who help shape our community— and be part of something that makes a real difference right here in Pensacola."
PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE TRUSTEES
The board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis voted to end WSRE's 53-year affiliation with Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) and decertify its relationships with the public television station that has served Northwest Florida since 1972. The decision was a slap in the face of the WSRE Foundation, whose recent pledge raised $305,000 in a little over six weeks this summer, while attracting over 400 new members and 431 renewed memberships. The foundation received 1,205 pledges and 1,081 donations with many pledge "thank you" gifts. PBS programming will continue through June 2026 when the current budget expires.
UWF FOUNDATION BOARD
Sorry, guys— we appreciate how much money you have raised for scholarships, academic programs and athletics, but the Harry Roy Membership Committee, also known as the University of West Florida Presidential Search Committee, has determined you have to double your fundraising to cover the new UWF president's compensation package, which will range from $800,000 to $1.2 million. Now we know why Trustee Chair Rebecca Matthews didn't want any foundation board members on the committee. At least the foundation doesn't have to pay $1 million to renovate the interim president's offices. The UWF Board of Trustees shifted around its budget to cover that.
HOPE FLORIDA
The embattled initiative launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis is missing in legislative budget requests from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families, raising questions about the charity's future and current status. Hope Florida came under scrutiny when its foundation received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, much of which ended up in the coffers of a political committee fighting a marijuana referendum on the 2024 ballot. It's uncertain whether Hope Florida is dead or has been shifted elsewhere in Gov. DeSantis' budget request. Rep. Alex Andrade, who investigated what he called "money laundering" on Medicaid, told Florida Politics that he will not know the fate of Hope Florida until his committee has "longer, more in-depth discussion with the agencies."
Sandy Sansing / Photo Courtesy of Gulf Coast Kid's House
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
A BETTER WAY
What forum can we use to have a difficult community conversation? Dr. Martha Saunders often said that the University of West Florida was the best environment to air ideas and debate issues, and I agree with her.
The topic that I want us to discuss is Charlie Kirk, the positives and negatives of his Turning Point USA movement, and his impact on American politics and civil discourse. Let's have informed scholars, not politicians or media personalities, present each side. And, of course, we will have to grant immunity to those taking the negative side.
Why do this? Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler wanted to rename a stretch of North 65th Avenue (in front of Escambia High School) in honor of Kirk, the polarizing conservative activist killed earlier this month at Utah Valley University.
Kirk helped galvanize the youth vote for the Republican Party and President Donald Trump. He created one of the largest conservative youth organizations in our country. However, he had no connection to Escambia High or Myrtle Grove. Most Escambia residents knew very little about him before his death.
Kohler said his proposal was "about political tolerance" and "a place where we can live and respect each other." However, critics have called Kirk's rhetoric divisive and inflammatory, noting that his events often seemed to spark conflict rather than dialogue.
A public debate and panel discussion sponsored by UWF and involving informed scholars would help sort out those opposite views.
For some reason, Kohler thought ninety minutes of public comment from nearly three dozen citizens about his last-minute proposal would bring about political tolerance. It didn't. Instead, we got political theater.
The public feedback session at a recent County Commission meeting displayed the deep divisions in our community, reminding some of the past racial tensions at Escambia High when the all-white school was integrated 50 years ago.
Multiple speakers quoted statements they characterized as racist or divisive that they attributed to Kirk, including comments about Martin Luther King Jr., black women and civil rights being a "mistake."
Others argued Kirk's statements were taken out of context. They said Kirk opposed violence and promoted legitimate political debate. The supporters viewed honoring Kirk as demonstrating a commitment to free speech principles.
Dr. Saunders and her administration developed effective ways to have difficult conversations that led to increased understanding and agreement on controversial issues.
During my interview with Saunders after she stepped down in July, she talked about UWF being a "marketplace of ideas." She said, "If we can't have those conversations in a controlled environment like a university, who else can set that model?"
Saunders added, "We did a lot of things on some really tough issues. We focused on civil discourse and intentionally set up student exchanges on hot topics that we knew everybody had an opinion about."
She shared how UWF handled a student discussion on the recreational marijuana amendment last year. The facilitator set a red card, a yellow card and a green card in front of each student on the panel and said, "Pick up the card that's green if you support the amendment, red if you don't, yellow if you don't know."
Students held up their cards, and the facilitator asked them to explain their viewpoints. Saunders said, "It forced thinking. It was brilliant, and it was insightful, and it was persuasive, and it created understanding."
She continued, "But if they start getting uncivil in the conversation, [the facilitator,] which was our speech and debate coach—he would blow the whistle like a referee and say, 'You've crossed the line there and you're no longer talking about the issue. You're attacking the person. Stop that.' So I think those are kinds of things we did on a variety of topics that made a lot of sense."
It makes tremendous sense. If the goal is to foster civil discourse, Commissioner Kohler, you need to show the public how that's done. Invite UWF to hold a debate educating attendees on Charlie Kirk. Follow it with a panel discussion like the ones hosted for UWF students.
Our community deserves better than political theater. UWF can lead the way.
rick@inweekly.net
PENSACOLA AND "THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"
and PBS scheduled the broadcast for 2025, the 250th anniversary of the start of the war—which began on April 19, 1775, when shots were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.
DuVal covered the siege of Pensacola in extraordinary detail in her book, "Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution." She focused on eight historical characters, including a slave, Native American leaders and women. She won the 2016 George Washington Book Prize for the best book about the founding of the United States.
Schmidt read "Independence Lost" and contacted DuVal to be part of the documentary. According to DuVal, he told her, "We really want the Gulf Coast to be part of the story we tell about the American Revolution."
"It was a real turning point," DuVal said of the siege of Pensacola. "It's really, really important and I think most kids in Florida don't even learn about it."
The documentary offers a crash course on the siege. DuVal said Burns masterfully weaves in perspectives from everyone involved in the war and paints a complete picture.
"One of the things this documentary sets out to do is tell many stories of the American Revolution," DuVal said. "They make a point that it's not just one story. There were people who disagreed with the American Revolution at the time, people who had different reasons for getting involved. The documentary immerses viewers in multiple ways on how people would understand the American Revolution at the time."
By Tom St. Myer
Legendary filmmaker Ken Burns is no stranger to masterpiece documentaries. His films include "The Civil War," "Baseball," "The War," "The Vietnam War" and "Country Music."
His newest documentary, "The American Revolution," debuts in November on WSRE and other PBS stations. To promote the documentary and highlight Pensacola's role in the war, WSRE is hosting a free preview screening event at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Kathleen DuVal, who contributed significantly to the documentary, will be at the screening and will speak to the audience afterward. She lends her expertise on the battles along the Gulf Coast in this six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the founding of our country and its eightyear War of Independence.
The siege of Pensacola is prominently covered in the film. The siege lasted from March 9 to May 10, 1781. Bernardo de Galvez led nearly 8,000 Spanish troops to victory over British forces and was subsequently promoted to governor of West Florida and Louisiana.
"I'm mostly excited to show the clips," said DuVal, a historian at the University of North Carolina. "I'm so excited for people in Pensacola to see up on the big screen—in full Ken Burns glory—how important Pensacola was in the American Revolution. You can say it, but to see it is different. Americans all over the country will know how important Pensacola was in the American Revolution."
FULL EMBODIED EXPERIENCE
Burns directed and produced the documentary, along with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Burns' long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward wrote the script. The filmmakers
DuVal's contributions extended beyond her on-screen appearances. Burns and his staff sent her early drafts for review and asked for her opinion throughout the process. She watched the film in its entirety three times.
"Ken Burns is so good at what he does, but I didn't realize part of it is that he can really put down his ego and listen to other people," she said. "That's a part of the skill he brings to projects. He listens to other people."
DuVal described the experience of watching the film as "overwhelming." She marveled at the storytelling, visuals and sound. "It's a full embodied experience," she said.
TURNING POINT
Battles that occurred along the Gulf Coast involving European nations and Native American tribes during the American Revolution fascinate DuVal. Her initial interest came from reading Spanish recollections of the war.
"When I was working on my first book, I was reading literature by Spanish officials and several of them talked about the American Revolution as a war Spain had won," she said. "I wondered, what are they talking about? Spain didn't win the American Revolution."
She soon discovered that Spain won battles along the Gulf Coast, including Baton Rouge, Mobile and Pensacola, and that Native American tribes played important roles in the outcomes. The British and Spanish competed for allegiances with the powerful Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creek nations who inhabited the region.
DuVal said the siege of Pensacola marked a pivotal moment in the war. Britain lost its first non-rebelling colony to Spain, which claimed all of West Florida, the British garrison, large quantities of war material and a British sloop of war.
Soon after the siege of Pensacola, Spain contributed to Britain losing the Battle of Yorktown. Spain provided financial support with over 500,000 silver pesos and protected a French merchant fleet in the Caribbean. That protection allowed French Navy officer Conte de Grasse to sail north with all of his warships and aid George Washington at Yorktown.
She continued, "[Burns] can put the viewer in the shoes of one kind of person and understand why they're acting the way they did and then shift it to the other side, and you understand why they're acting the way they did."
PULITZER PRIZE
DuVal last visited Pensacola while writing "Independence Lost," which was published in 2015. She said seeing the new Galvez statue, at the intersection of North Palafox and Wright streets, is on her to-do list.
Life has changed significantly for DuVal since her last visit to Pensacola. In May, she won the Pulitzer Prize for her book, "Native Nations: A Millennium in North America." The book is a history of the power of Indigenous North America from ancient cities to fights for sovereignty.
Author Gerard Helferich reviews books for the Wall Street Journal and described her book as "an essential American history." He said DuVal "fuses a millennium of Native American history into a thought-provoking, persuasive whole."
DuVal won three other prominent awards for "Native Nations," including the Bancot Prize, Cundill History Prize and the Mark Lynton History Prize. But those awards take a backseat to the coveted Pulitzer. DuVal said she never in her wildest dreams imagined winning a Pulitzer Prize. She is still somewhat shocked to read "Pulitzer Prize-winning author" in her bio.
"It's not something you can see coming," she said. "You know you wrote a good book, but you know there are hundreds of good books written on history every year. It completely surprised me. It's been surprising to discover what a different thing it is from anything else I've done. Everybody knows the word Pulitzer. It makes people more interested in my work."
Penguin Random House is reissuing DuVal's "Independence Lost" in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary and her appearance in "The American Revolution." The first 100 to register for the Oct. 21 preview screening will receive a copy of the new edition at the event. Admission is free. Register online at wsre.org/ events or at eventbrite.com. {in}
Kathleen DuVal / Photo Courtesy of WSRE-PBS
WWII MICRO EXHIBIT In a week filled with news stories, this one almost got overlooked. The City of Pensacola unveiled a new World War II micro exhibit at City Hall, celebrating the community's designation as Florida's only American World War II Heritage City.
Located in the first-floor lobby of Pensacola City Hall, the exhibit showcases Pensacola and Escambia County's significant role during World War II, particularly highlighting Naval Air Station Pensacola and its network of auxiliary air stations that served as a key Naval Air Training Center.
Mayor D.C. Reeves recounted the journey to the heritage designation, which began with an application submitted to the National Park Service on April 27, 2022. The application received support from numerous organizations, including Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Park Service, Pensacola City Council, state lawmakers, the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation and the University of West Florida Historic Trust. Only one city from each state or territory could be designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as an American World War II Heritage City.
"We were officially named the World War II Heritage City for the state of Florida on December 6, 2022," Reeves said. "I think the genesis of this conversation … was, how can we continue to make that tangible? How can we continue to honor that?"
Retired Capt. Sterling Gilliam, director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, stressed Pensacola's 199-year connection with the Navy, noting that the city has been "inextricably linked" to naval operations, especially during World War II. He praised museum team members William Johnson, Jared Barrow, Megan Tester and Kevin Hoffer for their craftsmanship on the exhibit.
He said, "It is only fitting [for] this city to be given the prestigious Heritage City designation, and we at the museum are thrilled to play a part in memorializing that selection with this exhibit."
Gilliam talked about Pensacola having its share of patriots who fought in World War II. "Two of the longest-serving mayors, Admiral Charles B. Mason and Vince Whibbs, were World War II veterans. Former Mayor Grover Robinson's grandfather jumped into Normandy with the 101st Airborne. Pensacola native, General Daniel 'Chappie' James, got his wings at Tuskegee, going on to fly in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Familiar business names Elebash, Baars and Appleyard have links to that war."
John Maddox, president of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, spoke as both a Navy veteran and grandson of a Pearl Harbor survivor. He said, "This designation is more than a title. It's a testament to their courage, sacrifice and service that defines Pensacola's identity. Our city has long been a beacon of military heritage, from the brave service members who trained here during the war, to the families who call Pensacola home today; we are a community shaped by duty and honor."
REASONABLE OPEN CARRY Florida has officially become an open carry state after the First
District Court of Appeals struck down the state's open carry prohibition. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons recently discussed the implications of this landmark ruling and what it means for both law enforcement and citizens.
"The First District Court struck down the open carry prohibition," said Sheriff Simmons. "So now we do not have a law that says you can't carry openly."
However, Simmons was quick to clarify that this doesn't mean firearms can be carried anywhere. The ruling doesn't affect existing concealed carry restrictions, which include 15 specific locations where firearms remain prohibited.
"What that does not mean is you can carry it anywhere," Simmons emphasized. "You still can't carry a firearm into a police station, a highway patrol station, a detention facility, a courthouse, a polling place while they're conducting election functions or a meeting of a governing body."
The prohibited locations also include schools, career centers, airports and anywhere federal law restricts firearms. These restrictions apply to both open and concealed carry.
Private property rights remain intact under the new ruling. Simmons noted, "It doesn't mean that you have the right to go into someone's property."
Business owners can still choose whether to allow open carry in their establishments, similar to other open carry states like Alabama.
For law enforcement, the transition has been straightforward. "I immediately told our deputies to not enforce that statute and act as if that statute never existed," Simmons said, noting that the Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he has no intention of appealing the court's decision.
While Florida already implemented "constitutional carry," allowing people over 21 without felony convictions to carry firearms without permits, concealed carry permits still offer benefits. Simmons explained, "If you want to have a permit, you can purchase a weapon and not have to wait the mandatory waiting period. There's some reciprocity with other states."
The sheriff stressed important safety considerations for those choosing to open carry. "Be aware of your surroundings," he advised. "You no longer have the element of surprise. If you're carrying a weapon on your hip, everyone can see it."
Existing laws regarding firearm misuse remain in effect. Simmons warned, "Brandishing is still a crime, still a misdemeanor. But if you point a weapon at somebody in a threatening manner, it can be aggravated assault; it could be a felony."
The sheriff also emphasized responsible carry practices. "Don't wear a gun if you're not familiar with that gun. Don't use a holster you're not familiar with. We don't need guns dropping and flopping on the ground."
BAPTIST BOOGIE Pensacola's plans to demolish the abandoned Baptist Hospital campus in West Moreno District have taken an unexpected turn as Escambia County commissioners unani-
mously approved a $500,000 alternative that would preserve two buildings.
Commissioner Lumon May, who represents the district containing the hospital site, spearheaded the alternative during the commission meeting on Sept. 16. He had negotiated a deal with Mayor D.C. Reeves to preserve at least two buildings. The county would pay $500,000, using Community Development Block Grant funds, for one building to be used as a community resource center. The city would agree to set aside a second building for healthcare services.
"My goal is to make sure we have healthcare, we have food and we have affordable housing," May explained, reminding the commissioners of promises made by Baptist Hospital to the community over the years.
"My goal is to make sure we have healthcare, we have food and we have affordable housing." Lumon May
May wants to provide services to longtime residents, many of whom are seniors who worked at Baptist Hospital for decades. "Sixty-five percent of them are probably between the ages of 75 and 90. They worked their life off in the cafeteria at Baptist. They cleaned the floors; they were the orderlies. They want a place on that legacy campus that they can call home."
After the commission meeting, Mayor Reeves confirmed that his legal staff is communicating with county officials about the offer, calling it "an absolute 'the devil's in the details' situation." He wants assurances that the county will not let the building it receives sit vacant for a long period.
"If this perceived investment of today—this community center and this healthcare—doesn't happen quickly, then why are we doing it?" Reeves said.
To address funding gaps with the demolition, the Pensacola City Council recently voted to acquire six additional parcels from Baptist Health Care surrounding the hospital campus. These properties have an assessed value of approximately $1.5 million and could help close an expected $2 million budget shortfall through future sales or development.
Now the mayor must convince the Pensacola City Council to give the county a building valued at approximately $800,000 for $500,000, while setting aside another building for healthcare services. He wants to begin demolition before the end of the year.
Before then, the city plans extensive community listening sessions with surrounding neighborhoods and military leadership from Naval Air Station Pensacola. These meetings will occur "before we draw anything, before there's a poster board, before anything else," according to the mayor.
RENAMING MISFIRE At the same county commission meeting, the board unanimously voted to drop a controversial proposal to rename a portion of North 65th Avenue as "Turning Point
USA Road." Chair Mike Kohler had proposed the naming to honor Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed by a sniper on Sept. 10 during a Utah Valley University campus event.
The proposed stretch runs between West Fairfield Drive and Lillian Highway, directly in front of Escambia High School. The location's historical significance amplified concerns, as the school was a focal point of desegregation conflicts and Confederate symbol controversies from 1969 through 1977.
Commissioner Lumon May led the effort to remove the item from the agenda. "We have to recognize the cultural war that we're having in this country," May said, noting that more than a dozen pastors had expressed concerns about the proposal's sensitivity given the area's history.
Chair Kohler defended his proposal as a stand against political violence, referencing recent assassination attempts on Presidents and attacks on other politicians. He stressed the proposal was "never about offending black people" but rather opposing political extremism.
Other commissioners offered varied perspectives while supporting the motion to drop the item. Steve Stroberger defended Kirk's opposition to DEI programs, sharing personal military experiences. Steven Barry acknowledged the community concerns and noted that past road naming decisions "have not aged well."
The unanimous decision to drop the proposal came after extensive public input and debate that lasted nearly 90 minutes, with commissioners recognizing the deep community divisions the naming would have created.
SUPERINTENDENT SCUFFLE
The Escambia County Commission also voted 3-2 to request an Attorney General's opinion on whether it has the authority to determine ballot placement for a school superintendent election referendum. This opens the door for a potential legal battle with the school board over voter access.
Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger spearheaded the push to move the referendum from the 2026 primary, which the school board requested, to the general election. "With the primary election, you only get about 23% of the turnout from your voters."
Commissioner Lumon May pointed out how primary timing could disproportionately impact Democratic voters in the predominantly Republican area. "Unfortunately, I live in a red area, and I'm a Democratic candidate, and we don't have very many primaries in the Democratic community."
Hofberger was blunt about the implications for voters not affiliated with a political party: "We're excluding one-fifth of our community from voting on this. That's ridiculous."
Two commissioners hesitated to override the school board's preference for primary placement. Chair Mike Kohler expressed reluctance about "getting into uncharted territory trying to run other boards," while Commissioner Steven Barry said he had "no interest in litigating with the school board over a ministerial function."
County Attorney Alison Rogers warned of "very high" litigation risk based on conversations with school board counsel, who "disagrees with me very strenuously" about the county's authority over ballot placement. She cautioned that the legal guidance process could take "at least eight to 12 weeks," noting the Attorney General has issued only one opinion this calendar year.
EDUCATION CRISIS Florida's voucher program has left thousands of students unaccounted for while taxpayer money funds family trips to Disney World, according to Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar, who detailed systemic failures in the state's education policies.
Spar revealed that 22,000 students appeared simultaneously on both public school rosters and voucher program lists last year, creating confusion over funding and student locations.
"Public schools were saying, 'No, these kids are here. We count them; they're present in our school.' And the voucher company was like, 'Hey, well, we got 'em on the voucher list,'" Spar explained.
The state's solution was to split funding between both systems, leaving public schools shortchanged even after proving students were in their
classrooms. Districts still haven't received their full funding from that debacle.
The tracking problems extend beyond funding disputes. In Orange County alone, approximately 3,200-3,600 students who were enrolled simply didn't show up this school year. "They haven't dis-enrolled in the public schools. They just didn't show up," Spar said. "Does that mean they are somewhere else in the country? Does that mean they've gone out of the country? We don't know."
Meanwhile, voucher recipients are using taxpayer funds for questionable purchases.
Spar said, "Homeschooling has become a big deal where [they] are able to take money and use it for all kinds of crazy things that I think would upset most taxpayers—buying new furniture, buying big screen TVs, going to Disney, taking a family trip to Disney and calling it an educational experience."
The accountability gap between public and private schools is stark. Public schools must follow 1,330 pages of education law, while charter schools operate under 68 pages of regulations and voucher schools under only 40 pages. Spar said, "There is really no accountability outside of the public schools."
Teachers face growing hostility, with Spar citing a Brevard County educator who lost
her job for calling a student by their preferred name—the same name used throughout the student's high school career. He said, "The new [Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas] came in, said, 'No, we've got to take that teaching certificate from that teacher and make an example out of her.'"
These challenges come as Florida ranks 43rd nationally in public school funding, creating what Spar describes as a deliberate effort to "decimate public schools and chase great people out," ultimately impacting the 80% of Florida students who attend neighborhood public schools.
MORE APPLICANTS NEEDED
The City of Pensacola extended its search for a new city administrator after receiving only 10 applications for the high-level position, reopening the application period through Wednesday, Sept. 24.
The leadership role became vacant last month when City Administrator Tim Kinsella resigned to accept a vice president position with Navy Federal Credit Union. In his resignation letter to Mayor D.C. Reeves, Kinsella praised the mayor's leadership, writing that serving alongside Reeves "has been a highlight of my career" and calling him "the exact leader this city needs."
Deputy City Administrator Amy Miller currently serves as interim administrator while the search continues.
The position offers a salary range of $172,099 to $250,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field, plus seven years of municipal management experience with five years in a deputy chief administrative officer role or equivalent.
Under the city charter, Mayor Reeves has sole authority to hire the city administrator without requiring city council approval. Inweekly has requested the names of the applicants and will post them on ricksblog.biz when they are received.
SILENCED On Sept. 17, the University of West Florida, with The Center for Truth in Love, hosted several local churches and far-right groups for a three-hour "Unsilenced—The Legacy Continues" rally honoring the late Charlie Kirk's legacy on the UWF Commons. Speakers included Joel Barry, managing editor of The Babylon Bee, and Eric Hovind, founder of Creation Today.
On the same day, we learned Rick's Blog had been silenced and dropped from the internal media feed shared with UWF staff daily. {in}
"Here for Community and Art"with The Undergrowth Artist Collective
By Elizabeth Royappa
It's an odd time to be a working artist. Economic insecurity, governmental crackdowns on free speech, and AI-powered image generation are all thorny inhibitors. Add queerness into the mix—being queer in Florida, no less—and you have a recipe for struggle.
The Undergrowth, a Pensacola-based arts collective that describes itself as "an emerging DIY punk house style gallery space for queer artists and allies across the Gulf Coast," recognizes this struggle and has seized on a strategy: gathering friends together at regular intervals, sharing art and having a damn good time.
The co-directing team includes recent University of West Florida graduates Grace Cole and Adrianna Campagna, and current student Jadyn Gilliard.
"It kind of had a weird origin story, in that we— as in, me, Grace, Jadyn and a few of our friends from [UWF]—were full of anger and fear about what was happening in the world and the state of politics at the time," said Campagna, thinking back to early 2025 when the collective was just an unlabeled group of artist friends. "We wanted to put on an exhibition that was sort of a 'fuck-you' to all of that, and like, expressed our anger and our fear through art."
"But as we collected this community of people that were showing up to our craft nights every week, that ethos sort of changed, I feel. It became a lot more about positivity, and we wanted to put on a show that reflected the community that we were building instead."
This new ethos soon translated into action. Since coalescing as The Undergrowth in March 2025, the group has thrown roughly one public event per month, including backyard concerts and a mini carnival. The show Campagna referred to was a juried, multimedia art display in June. It drew 200-plus visitors and more than 35
contributing artists, raising over $1,500 for the Middle East Children's Alliance and local trans nonprofit Strive.
Origin Story
Conversations about justice and identity defined the trio's time in college and especially surfaced at craft nights, a tradition that started around February of this year. Future Undergrowth members gathered regularly at a friend's house to create tiny treasures like puppets, custom lighters and collages—doing "art for art's sake," Gilliard said.
"It was about giving people something to do with their hands," Cole added. "We're all awkward artists, and none of us are good at like, talking to each other … [Craft nights] were really just a way to break all of our awkward barriers. It was like, 'Do you wanna come make a button at craft night?'"
With low-stakes crafting as the medium, tough conversations became tractable. Right around the time craft nights started, Gov. Ron DeSantis began aggressive attempts to revamp UWF's board of trustees (BoT) and force the university's moderate administration sharply rightward.
Gilliard was particularly concerned about non-NWFL-resident Scott Yenor's appointment as BoT chair. Yenor is a vocal Christian nationalist and critic of working women, once describing the modern "independent [woman]" as "medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome" in remarks from the 2021 National Conservatism Conference that went viral locally.
Yenor ultimately stepped down in April after widespread, organized local outcry. Back in February, however, Gilliard remembers the proto-Undergrowth friend group feeling "very helpless with the current political climate."
"I was like, okay, we need to do something, like, today because I'm freaking the fuck out," Gil-
liard said. "I need direct action. I need something that can have, like, an immediate goal to impact this shit that's going on. Because it's all we were talking about. It was all so consuming."
Formally organizing was the natural next step. Campagna explained that the collective picked the name "The Undergrowth" "because not only did it have, like, those nature motifs that we were all really drawn to—it also had this air of subversiveness that we felt reflected what we are and what we do."
So one craft night in March, Campagna said, the co-directors told attendees, "Hey, by the way, we're called The Undergrowth now."
The House
The Undergrowth would exist with or without physical headquarters—but having a characterfilled East Hill home to host shows at definitely doesn't hurt.
The dream of a DIY gallery-style show predated craft nights. It started on Zillow in Summer 2024.
"This was the only place [Grace and I] reached out to to tour," Campagna recalled. "So we were like, 'If it doesn't work, it has to work.'"
Luckily, it was love at first sight. "As soon as [Adrianna and I] walked in, we were like, 'Oh, we're going to host a show here, right?'" Cole said.
"The hardwood floors, the architecture— you can't see it now, but there's like, a murder stain on the floor—we were sold immediately," added Campagna.
Each room has a distinct feel, and like many old Pensacola houses, the original footprint has been added onto over time. The result is a cozily jumbled, quirky layout with just enough extra room for art studio space. Kevin, Fig and Nomi— the roommates' three cats, whom Campagna describes as "slightly evil"—weave in and out of the
background, sometimes chiming in with loud meows when they sense an Undergrowth meeting getting lively.
The well-attended June gallery show, product of over a full year's dreaming, was titled "Our House."
"The show's name came about because we were always just like, 'Oh, just meet at our house,'" said Cole. "That's how I welcome everyone. I go, 'Welcome to our house!' It was so fun to say that the night of the show, too."
"The house is always filled with people," she added. "We were the only friends in the friend group to have a house … It just kinda became a gathering spot."
Where some might feel reticent about opening their doors to strangers, Cole primarily feels excitement. "I grew up in a very hosting family, so it's just a big 'everyone's welcome' thing in my brain," they explained. "As long as people respect my house, they are allowed in my house, and that's why it's kind of been open to the public so much."
In mid-August, when local indie-rock band Other was looking for a venue last minute, The Undergrowth was happy to "adopt" the show, Cole said.
Hosting has its benefits, and Pensacola punks take care of each other. "Our toilet was fixed at the house show," Cole added. "A man came up to me, and he said, 'Come here.' He had fixed our toilet while he was here and using the restroom."
Now and Beyond
The collective's calendar of upcoming events is packed. Future highlights include a backyard Rocky Horror Picture show with shadow cast; a late November movie night; more craft nights open to the public (and hosted at the Pensacola Liberation Center); and monthly fourth Friday concerts starting this Friday, Sept. 26.
Jadyn Gilliard, Adrianna Campagna and Grace Cole / Photos by Katie Brabham
"[The fourth Friday shows] are, like, fundraising events to work towards our larger goals of exhibitions in which we can donate the profits to a cause that matters to us," Campagna said, noting that The Undergrowth plans on picking a different, probably local, charity to benefit each time.
Every co-director emphasized that being a queer artist or ally right now is necessarily linked to political action.
"We chose Strive as our big, like, donation thing [for the June show] because there were just so many legislations being passed against trans people," Cole recounted. "We were like, what can we do to help that's more than just going to a show and throwing $20 their way? We were like, well, we can host a show and then throw all of that their way."
"That money goes directly to local trans people to help with their housing and medicine and things like that," said Campagna.
"And as much as that is, like, a drop in the bucket—thank god we had some water to drop," added Gilliard.
The next major art show is slated for early January 2026. "It's entitled 'Creature Feature,'" Campagna said. "It's mainly about othering and feeling ostracized … and the way that especially the queer community finds solace in [monster media]. And kind of just twisting the grotesque and the macabre into something that is beautiful and fantastical."
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of mediums represented. "Me and Grace, we are both painters and ceramicists. A lot of the musicians in our group also do photography. So there's just like, that overlap," Campagna noted.
Becoming a member of The Undergrowth entails attending Monday night meetings when possible, tabling occasionally at events like Lady
Fest and contributing art and opinions. People interested in joining can direct message the group on Instagram.
Campagna considers the group's near-term mission to be "creating a sense of community and showing people that they aren't, like, in this sort of isolated bubble in their heads or on their phone, and that people are approachable and people do want the same connections that they want."
"At the end of the day, we're kind of just here for community and art," Gilliard said. "[Now], like, we often don't even really talk about politics at meetings. People are outside hanging out and we're listening to music or somebody's playing a guitar in the corner. It's just a haven from how social media feels, honestly."
"And how is it gonna help us to keep saying, 'How fucked up is this? We're so mad.' No, you have to have that light in it. There's no getting through the dark without a flashlight. If you leave the perfectly good light off, what're you doing?" concluded Gilliard. {in}
The Undergrowth
@the.undergrowth paa.ge/the.undergrowth
Acoustic backyard concert hosted by The Undergrowth
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show Friday, Sept. 26
WHERE: DM @the.undergrowth for address
COST: $5-10 suggested donation
DETAILS: @the.undergrowth
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 FENNER RIDE Early registration is officially open for the 2025 Fenner Ride which takes place 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Registration is $45 for the 18and 44-mile routes and $50 for the 62- and 100mile routes. Prices increase by $5 after Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Register at runsignup.com/race/events/ fl/milton/fennerride.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -
TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
JEKYLL & HYDE Pensacola Little Theatre presents a gothic musical thriller based on the classic. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. Two Thursday showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 with half-price tickets. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
NOT DEAD YET! JOHN CLEESE AND THE HOLY GRAIL AT 50 Movie screening and live
Q&A 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
JO KOY: JUST BEING KOY TOUR Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
CARDS ON THE COAST Look for sports cards and trading cards 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Sanders Beach Corrine Jones Resource Center, 912 S. I St. Free admission. Details at cardsonthecoast.com.
STRONG STREET STUDIO 2025 PUMPKIN
PARTY Find your perfect pumpkin at the annual Strong Street Studio Pumpkin Party. The online sale starts 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at strongstreetstudioglass.com. The Studio Sale is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 109 N. A St. with live glassblowing, food trucks, kids crafts, art raffles and more.
CHRIS D'ELIA: STRAIGHT OUT OF THE MULTIVERSE Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
FRIENDS OF WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC
LIBRARY BOOK SALE The big fall book sale is Sept. 26-28 at the main library, 239 N. Spring St. On Friday, Sept. 26 the sale is 3-7 p.m. $5 admission for nonmembers and free to members; on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with free admission and on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. is the $7 bag sale. Details at facebook.com/ friendsofwfpl.
1-PAGE READS HOSTED BY EMERALD COAST WRITERS All levels of aspiring writers are encouraged to showcase their craft in a welcoming, community-oriented setting 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ever'man, 1000 E. Nine Mile Road. The program welcomes poetry, short stories and excerpts from novels or screenplays, which should be no longer than one page. RSVP on Eventbrite.
THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS A mix of circus cabaret and theatre. Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
TWILIGHT DRAG SHOW Visit Jitterbug Beverage Co., 2050 N. 12th Ave. Tuesday, Sept. 30 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the Twilight series with the Perfect Day Book truck, special edition release of the books, merch, and a Bella look-alike contest.
RELEASE AND BOOK-SIGNING PARTY FOR LIGHT BOX OVER MY HEAD Celebrate the new Sun Ra-inspired poetry book by two-time Poet Laureate of Northwest Florida Jamey Jones, and "Am I Dreaming Now," the new album of dream songs by Michael Hugh Kilmer—punk artist/musician extraordinaire and founding member of Giggle Out Loud. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave.
19TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH AT FIRST CITY ART CENTER Browse artful pumpkins Saturday, Oct. 4 at First City Art Center, 1040 N. Guillemard St. First pick is 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and general admission is 1-5 p.m. Purchase tickets at firstcityart.org/product/19th-annualpumpkin-patch.
LOCAL AUTHORS' PRESENTATION: LUNA THE CAT Local authors Michael Thomin and Nicole Grinnan will share their adventures as they work together to bring their idea for a new young readers series to life with "Luna the Cat" 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. This is open to all local supporters of the Friends of the West Florida Public Library and our local public library branches.
MASTERCHEF ALL-STARS LIVE Show is 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
SHELLY BELLY COMEDY Show Starts at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Known for her viral comedy skits and a standout appearance on Netflix's The Circle Season 3, Shelly Belly delivers a no-holds-barred standup performance that's as relatable as it is hilarious. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
GESTALT OF THE BERTH The latest exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art is Gestalt of the Berth, a culmination of the inaugural Artist-in-Residence program at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Selected artist, designer and educator John Dougherty, was tasked with forging a stronger con-
nection between the local arts community and the park, and he saw collaboration as the most effective approach. The show features the work of John Dougherty and includes participating artists Nicholas Croghan, Poppy Garcia, Stoycho Hadziev, Joe Hobbs, Richard Humphries, Steve Matechik, Mia McCann, Keeley Morgan, Paul Myers, Nick Phoenix, Richard Rodriguez and Eniko Ujj. A closing exhibition is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. More details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
ARTEL GALLERY EXHIBITS Current shows at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox St., run through Oct. 3. Exhibits include: "Recycle It," creating new art from old and the works of featured artists; "Echoes of Color" by Lynn Huber; "Ways We Float and Fall" by Summer Sevi; "Echoes of Creation" by Pyramid Inc. and "Winner of Best Show" by Hope Mastroianni. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance is free.
JOE HOBBS: TIME AND PLACE An exhibit by glass artist Joe Hobbs, "Time and Place," is on display through Oct. 10 at the Charles W. Lamar Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.
DUALITIES: NATIONAL SCULPTURE
EXHIBITION This national exhibition will feature works from various artists at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 11. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
THRIFT STYLE New exhibit at Pensacola Museum of History explores the reuse of feed sacks to make clothing and other household objects. View the exhibit and explore the museum, located at 330 S. Jefferson St. Details at historicpensacola.org.
FIRST FRIDAY AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Visit Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox St., 5:30 p.m. every first Friday of the month for a reception with wine, live music and occasional artist demonstrations. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
a&e happenings
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox streets at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERI -
CAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensac-
ola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
LIVE MUSIC
MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE Visit
Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music:
•Cat Daddy Blues Duo 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
•Josh Strickland Trio 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26
•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Brandon Giles is Sept. 30 and CrossTown is Oct. 7. Details are at visitpensacolabeach.com.
BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Fridays at 5158 Willing St. in Milton. Sept. 26 is Nobius and Oct. 3 is Blue Levee Band. Details are at facebook.com/bandsontheblackwater.
LIVE BIG BAND JAZZ PARTY! Jazz show hosted by Joe Occhipinti, featuring vocalist Saundra Daggs. Friday, September 26, It's Personal, 2610 W. Cervantes St. Doors open at 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m. $20 cash at the door. BYOB. Ice and food available for purchase. Call (850) 377-4692 for details.
RED AND THE REVELERS WITH RUFUS MCBLACK Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
CANDLELIGHT: VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS AND MORE Show is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Details at feveruo.com.
ZAC AMICO AND ZACH HOLMES COMEDY SHOW Starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
THE KAMERMAN PIANO SERIES AT UWF FEATURING HSIANG TU Pianist Hsiang Tu will perform 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Rolfs Music Hall at Center for Fine and Performing Arts at UWF, 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are $14-$20 and available at uwf.edu/tickets.
MAGIC CITY HIPPIES Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA Show is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
PENSACOLA BEACH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Now in its 17th year, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is a nationally recognized celebration that brings together today's hottest hit songwriters, legends of yesterday, and rising stars of tomorrow. More than 135 artists will perform over 13 days at 30+ intimate venues, most of which are free and open to the public. The festival runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 12. For details, visit pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com.
I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE, ENTHRONEMENT, HOPOUT AND WITH FIRE CAME DISPARITY Show starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
OLD CHRIST CHURCH CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES Members of UWF Chamber Music Class
a&e happenings
will perform 12-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Old Christ Church, 405 S. Adams St. Event is free and open to the public.
POURS & ENCORES WITH PENSACOLA OPERA Event is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.
PETITE LEAGUE, PENNYBOMB AND MORNING TRIPS Show starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
WUWF PRESENTS RADIOLIVE RadioLive with James Adkins, The Burney Sisters and Dustin Dale Gaspard. Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.com.
BANDS ON THE BAYOU Outdoor concert with Cowboy Park 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at Bayview Park. Details at facebook.com/bandsonthebayou.
SLOW JAMZ ONLY WITH YUNG BLEU Event is 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.
AFTERDUSK, NICK NASTY, DEAD ETIQUETTE AND CAVING IN Show starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:
OPENING NIGHT Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.
WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE
Tribute to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.
THE CONSTELLATIONS, HEAVY KID, AND PALMMEADOW Show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. More info available at thehandlebar850.com.
GRACE & GLORY TOUR Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.
EVERCLEAR Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE
QUARTER The Blues Society of Northwest Florida brings blues to Florida 7 p.m. Mondays at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Food and drink specials start at 8 p.m. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLO -
NY 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.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE
QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
ROSIE O'GRADY'S DUELING PIANO SHOW
Watch the famous dueling piano show 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Rosie O' Grady's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 7 p.m.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.
VIBE IRIE REGGAE: LIVE IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy Vibe Irie Reggae band 4-10 p.m. Sundays at the End O' the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FOOD + DRINKS
LUNCH AND LEARN: SCANDINAVIAN
CRACKERS Cooking class is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $61 and available on Eventbrite.com.
PENSACOLA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Enjoy
seafood and live music 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Seville Square. Details at pensacolaseafoodfestival.com.
PALATE PASSPORT: ITALIAN Cooking class is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at Pensacola Cooks at The Warrington Shopping Center, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Unit C. Cost is $70 (adults only). Register at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.
TROPICAL LUAU IN THE BIERGARTEN
Event is 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 with Asesinato Tequila at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required. Make yours by emailing taylor@ goodgrits.com or call (850) 287-0200.
COUPLES COOK: ROMANCING FALL
FLAVORS Class is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Cooks at The Warrington Shopping Center, 4051 Barrancas Avenue, Unit C. Cost: $100 per couple.
LUNCH SERVICE AT RESTAURANT IRON
Restaurant Iron, 22 N. Palafox St., now offers a refined midday experience starting 11 a.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner service will continue to be available Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (850) 476-7776 or visiting restauran -
a&e happenings
tiron.com/reservations. Walk-ins will also be welcome based on availability.
LUNCH & DINNER AT SEVILLE QUARTER
Enjoy a good meal and atmosphere with lunch and dinner at Seville Quarter. At 11 a.m. in Apple Annie's Courtyard, have the soup and salad bar, featuring more than 30 fresh selections, along with a delicious variety of sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, wings and local Gulf seafood favorites. Beginning at 5 p.m., dinner is served in the historic Palace Café, where the culinary team brings creative dishes to the table, blending Southern comfort, local ingredients and Seville Quarter flair. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR AT SEVILLE QUARTER Drink specials and laid-back vibes are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every weekday throughout the entire Seville Quarter complex with $2 off all liquor drinks and $1 off all beer and wine. Must be 21 or older. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from at Wisteria, 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
and bar tabs up for grabs for winners. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
MARTINI NIGHT AT THE KENNEDY Every Tuesday, The Kennedy, 1 S. Palafox St., hosts Martini Night, featuring all martinis from the menu for $10 from open to close (4-11 p.m.).
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tacos are on special Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Hwy. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit
Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.
LATIN NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER
Get on your feet with a social Latin dance—no partner required—and Latin music 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Drink specials and music from DJ DavidC continue after the dancing. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks are on site. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Hwy. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
COLLEGE NIGHT AT SEVILLE QUARTER College night is 8 p.m. Thursdays at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Ages 18 and older are welcome. Free beer pong tournament begins at 10 p.m. Drink specials include $2 bar drinks, $3.50 Fireball shots for ages 21 and older. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20. Details are at sevillequarter.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music are 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Dr.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 8 p.m.; SIN Night starts 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
•
•
•
Pensacola,
free will astrology
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In Tonglen, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation, you visualize yourself breathing in the suffering, pain or negativity of other people, then imagine breathing out relief, healing or compassion toward them. The practice can also be done on your own behalf. The goal is to transform tension and stress into courage, vitality and healing. I recommend this practice, Aries. Can you turn your scars into interesting tattoos? Can you find mysterious opportunities lurking in the dilemmas? Can you provide grace for others as you feed your own fire?
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In a YouTube video, I watched Korean artisans make hanji paper in the same way their predecessors have for 1,300 years. It was complicated and meditative. They peeled off the inner bark of mulberry trees, then soaked it, cooked it and pounded it into pulp. After mixing the mash with the aibika plant, they spread it out on screens and let it dry. I learned that this gorgeous, luminous paper can endure for a thousand years. I hope you draw inspiration from this process, Taurus. Experiment with softening what has felt unyielding. Treat what's tough or inflexible with steady, artful effort. Be imaginative and persistent as you shape raw materials into beautiful things you can use for a long time.
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): In Inuit tradition, qarrtsiluni means "waiting in the darkness for something to burst forth." It refers to the sacred pause before creativity erupts, before the quest begins, before the light returns. This is an apt description of your current state, Cancerian. Tend your inner stillness like a fire about to ignite. Don't rush it. Honor the hush. The energies you store up will find their proper shape in a few weeks. Trust that the silence is not absence but incubation. Luminosity will bloom from this pregnant pause.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): You're feeling the stirrings of a desire that's at least half-wild. A surprising vision or opportunity has begun to roar softly within you. But here's key advice: Don't chase it recklessly. Practice strategic boldness. Choose where and how you shine. Your radiance is potent, but it will be most effective when offered deliberately, with conscious artistry. You're being asked to embody the kind of leadership that inspires, not dominates. Be the sun that warms but doesn't scorch! P.S. People are observing you to learn how to shine.
ing remembered, take it seriously. You're being steered toward deeper nourishment.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In Venice, Italy, floods periodically damage books at libraries and bookstores. Trained volunteers restore them with meticulous, hands-on methods. They use absorbent paper and towels to separate and dry the pages, working page by page. I offer this vignette as a useful metaphor, Scorpio. Why? Because I suspect that a rich part of your story needs repair. It's at risk of becoming irrelevant, even irretrievable. Your assignment is to nurse it back to full health and coherence. Give it your tender attention as you rehabilitate its meaning. Rediscover and revive its lessons and wisdom.
may sometimes feel an urge to define, control and fortify, but acting on that impulse could interfere with the gifts that life wants to bring you. Honor what is as-yet unwritten.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): In West African Vodún cosmology, the deity named Lêgba guards the crossroads. He is the mediator and gatekeeper between the human world and spirit realm. He speaks all languages and serves as the first point of contact for communication with other spirits. In the weeks ahead, Aquarius, you may find yourself in Lêgba's domain: between past and future, fact and fantasy, solitude and communion. You may also become a channel for others, intuiting or translating what they can't articulate. I won't be surprised if you know things your rational mind doesn't fully understand. I bet a long-locked door will swing open and a long-denied connection will finally coalesce. You're not just passing through the crossroads. You are the crossroads.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Legendary jazz musician Sun Ra was a Gemini who claimed to be from the planet Saturn. He aspired to live in a state of "cosmic discipline"—not just in his musical training but in his devotion to self-improvement, aesthetic exploration and a connection to transcendent realities. He fused outrageous style with sacred order, chaos with clarity. I invite you to draw inspiration from him. Put your personal flair in service to noble ideas. Align your exuberant self-expression with your higher purpose. Show off if it helps wake people up.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): If humans ever perfect time travel, I'm going to the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt. It was crammed with papyrus scrolls by authors from all over the world. It was also a gathering point for smart people who loved to compare notes across disciplines. Poets argued amiably with mathematicians. Astronomers discussed inspirations with physicians. Breakthroughs flowed freely because ideas were allowed to migrate, hybridize and be challenged without rancor. Consider emulating that rich mélange, Virgo. Convene unlike minds, cross-pollinate and entertain unprecedented questions. The influences you need next will arrive via unexpected connections.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): The ancient Mesopotamians believed each person had a personal god called an ilu who acted as a protector, guide and intercessor with the greater gods. You're in a phase when your own ilu is extra active and ready to undergo an evolutionary transformation. So assume that you will be able to call on potent help, Libra. Be alert for how your instincts and intuitions are becoming more acute and specific. If you feel an odd nudge or a dream insists on be -
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): In classical Indian music, a raga is not a fixed composition but a flexible framework. It's defined by a specific scale, characteristic melodic phrases and a traditional time of day for performance. Musicians improvise and express emotion within that expansive set of constraints. Unlike Western compositions, which are written out and repeated verbatim, a raga has different notes each time it's played. I think this beautiful art form can be inspirational for you, Sagittarius. Choose the right time and tone for what you're creating. Dedicate yourself to a high-minded intention and then play around with flair and delight. Define three non-negotiable elements and let everything else breathe.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In medieval European monasteries, scribes left blank pages in certain texts. This was not done by accident, but to allow for future revelations. Later readers and scribes might fill these spaces with additional text, marginalia and personal notes. Books were seen as living documents. I recommend a metaphorical version of this practice to you, Capricorn. You will thrive by keeping spaces empty and allowing for the unknown to ripen. You
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In 1977, NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft into the abyss. Both carried a message in the form of a golden record to any extraterrestrial who might find it. There were greetings in 55 languages, natural sounds like whale songs and thunderstorms, music by Chuck Berry and others, plus over 100 images and diagrams explaining how to find Earth. It was science as a love letter, realism with a dash of audacity. I invite you to craft your own version of a golden record, Pisces. Distill a message that says who you are and what you are seeking: clear enough to be decoded by strangers, warm enough to be welcomed by friends you haven't met. Put it where the desired audience can hear it: portfolio, outreach note, manifesto, demo. Send signals that will make the right replies inevitable.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: You know that insult you fling at yourself? Stop flinging it! {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com BrezsnyAstrology@gmail.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny
Foster parents provide loving homes to some of the most vulnerable in
When you become a foster parent through Lakeview Center, our specialized team is here to support you on this rewarding journey.
news of the weird
NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME? At a rehearsal on Sept. 16 for an airshow in Changchun, China, two flying cars collided while performing difficult stunts, CNN reported. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are intended to be part of a "low-altitude economy" in China, which includes flying taxis, drone deliveries and other services below 3,000 meters. Xpeng Aeroht, the company that makes the vehicles, said the collision happened because of "insufficient spacing. All personnel at the scene are safe." However, an unidentified employee said one pilot sustained minor injuries.
COMPELLING EXPLANATION Officer David Jewell, 45, of the Edgewater (Florida) Police Department, was killed on Sept. 15, MSN reported, at the Circle K in Ormond Beach. Jewell died after being shot by Circle K employee Eduardo Felipe Labrada Machado, 24, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said. Machado confessed to the shooting, telling authorities that "he was having a bad day on his drive to work" and had "thought about shooting Jewell earlier" because Jewell carried a firearm and Machado was afraid of him. Machado's family members said he had been "diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past."
FREAK ACCIDENT As Jessica Preciado drove on a freeway on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles County, she heard a pop, then immediately experienced a sharp pain in her backside, Yahoo! News reported. Preciado said she thought she'd been shot, but when paramedics arrived, they saw that her left buttock had been pierced by a metal rod that had come through the rear of her Ford Fusion and the driver's seat. "I was so confused as to where this injury was coming from," Preciado said. Now recovering from the accident, she believes the rod must have fallen off a truck and urges drivers to secure their loads before hitting the road.
IT'S A DIRTY JOB In Szekszard, Hungary, on Sept. 6, more than 20 teams competed in the International Grave Digging Championship, Oddity Central reported. The contest is sponsored by the country's Association of Cemetery Operators and Maintainers (MTFE) and is intended to raise the prestige of the profession. Teams of two must dig graves 2 meters long, 80 centimeters wide and 1.6 meters deep within two hours, then shovel the dirt back into the holes to create a neat burial mound. Contestants are judged on speed, accuracy and attention to detail. The Hungarian team of Laszlo Kiss and Robert Nagy won the first prize for the second year in a row. "The winners credited their success to the routine they developed in their daily work without any special training," the MTFE said. The Russian team came in last, blaming their performance on the hot weather.
THE FOREIGN PRESS Meanwhile, in Scotland, scandal erupted at the World Stone Skimming Championship, United Press International reported on Sept. 16. The stones used in the contest are required to be naturally occurring slate from the island of Easdale, where the match takes place, but
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
several contestants were found to be using stones that had been smoothed and shaped by machine. Kyle Matthews, the Toss Master, said he "contacted the individuals, who admitted their transgressions, and I had to disqualify them." Matthews said the organizers are considering having competitors choose from already-vetted stones in the future, rather than providing their own. Jonathan Jennings of Kentucky became the first American to win the adult male category; repeat champion Lucy Woods won the adult female category.
SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED The Times reported that on Sept. 15, as a French airliner prepared to land in Corsica, the pilot ended up having to circle above the Mediterranean Sea for 18 minutes, unable to get a response from the air traffic control tower. The flight from Paris was an hour late, arriving after midnight, and only one controller was on the job. As the aircraft circled, the airport's fire crew went to the tower and found the controller asleep at his desk. He woke up, switched on the runway lights and cleared the jet to approach. The pilot said the passengers "treated the incident with good humor," and the controller was tested for drugs and alcohol, for which he was clean.
GOVERNMENT AT WORK More than 50 animals—mostly cats and a few others—vied for the title of Bike Path Mayor this summer in Somerville, Massachusetts, NBCBoston-TV reported. On Sept. 14, Minerva the cat, whose one-word campaign slogan was "Crime," took the honors. Somerville residents were able to vote via a QR code in an election that had been going on since July. One Somervillian said Minerva's "platform of crime, I think, really resonated with people."
INEXPLICABLE A cameraman touring with singer-songwriter Benson Boone was arrested in Clearwater, Florida, on charges of criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication after he allegedly entered the Surf Style shop on Sept. 11 and relieved himself on almost $700 worth of clothing. The Smoking Gun reported that Tyler Capehart, 39, of Georgia, told cops that he had "consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana," but he said he had no recollection of peeing on the clothing in the store. He posted $650 bond and was released.
BRIGHT IDEA Just after midnight on Sept. 15, a man swam up to the Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs, Florida, removed his wet suit and scuba gear, and robbed the restaurant, WFTV reported. Orange County deputies said the thief allegedly walked into the manager's office, where the night's take was being counted, and ordered two employees to stand in the corner and close their eyes. He tied them up, then scooped up tens of thousands of dollars and left, putting his gear back on and swimming into the night. The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing. {in}
