Inweekly Sept 28 2023 Issue

winners &

winners losers

NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Navy Federal Credit Union recently celebrated its 16th year of the Dollars for Doers Program, which awards 100 grants at $1,000 each to qualified nonprofits where its employees volunteer their time. The program has surpassed more than $1.6 million in total impact since its inception. This year, nonprofits across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties received 40% of the grants awarded. Navy Federal also empowers its employees to champion their communities by providing eight hours of paid volunteer leave annually through the Operation: Give Back program. In 2022, employees serving at the Pensacola Campus completed nearly 16,000 hours of paid volunteer leave. Navy Federal has 43 credit union leaders serving on 57 local nonprofit boards in Northwest Florida.

LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTH FLORIDA

Legal Services Corporation awarded a Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant of $481,386 to Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF). Expanding pro bono and other volunteer services gives legal aid providers increased bandwidth to assist low-income Americans in civil issues, such as housing, family, employment and income maintenance, consumer debt and natural disaster recovery. LSNF plans to restructure its pro bono program to be integrated across its 16-county service area. This will increase the number of clients able to receive legal help and the level of legal assistance volunteers can provide.

MATTHEW CHESTNUTT SCORES! CHARITIES The charity donated $3,000 to The Snoezelen Foundation at Escambia Westgate Center. Matthew Chestnutt Scores! provides the Ice Flyers' fan base with the opportunity to pledge $1-$3 per power-play goal the Ice Flyers score during the regular season in a "Power Play Pledge Drive." Ice Flyers broadcast announcer Paul Chestnutt began this during the 2010-11 Ice Flyers' hockey season to honor his son Matthew and raise awareness and funds for the special needs community in Pensacola and the Northwest Florida area. The Escambia Westgate Center serves the needs of preK, elementary, middle and high school students with varying exceptionalities.

TOMMY TUBERVILLE On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the U.S. Senate voted 83 to 11 to confirm Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, circumventing Sen. Tommy Tuberville's months-long blockade of military promotions. Brown was the first of three generals set for confirmation to positions after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set up a process to force votes on their nominations. The next day, senators approved Gen. Eric Smith to be the Marine Corps Commandant and Gen. Randy George to be the Army Chief of Staff.

HANK'S FURNITURE The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Arkansas-based Hank's Furniture, Inc., for refusing to accommodate the religious beliefs of an assistant store manager in Pensacola and then firing her. In 2021, Hank's Furniture implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, according to the EEOC's lawsuit. When Pensacola assistant store manager Kaitlyn M. O'Neal requested an accommodation verbally and in writing, her supervisors informed her the company would strip her of her management position if she refused to comply with the policy, no matter the reason. The EEOC says Hank's Furniture could have honored her request without undue hardship but fired O'Neal instead.

TIFFANY CARR Authorities have charged the former longtime president of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence with fraud, grand theft and official misconduct, accusing her of bilking the state out of more than $3.7 million earmarked for domestic violence shelters. The felony charges came more than two years after Carr agreed to pay $2.1 million as part of a settlement of civil lawsuits centered on the state's attempt to claw back "exorbitant" compensation paid to Carr and other leaders of the agency. The charges against Carr stem from reports that she received compensation of at least $7.5 million in a three-year period. The investigative reporting of the Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas sparked state officials' examination of the nonprofit.

Photo Courtesy of Navy Federal Credit Union Tommy Tuberville / Photo Courtesy of senate

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

SETTING THE BAR

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lucy Morgan passed away last week. For more than five decades while working for the Tampa Bay Times and other newspapers in central Florida, she set the bar for the rest of the outlets covering politics and corruption in the state.

employees to double dip. They received retirement checks using the Deferred Retirement Option Program and continued to get their regular salary. The double dipping cost the state $300 million annually.

Easy living on the waterfront awaits! This three bedroom, two bathroom home is situated on almost a half acre lot on a canal that feeds right into Blackwater Bay.

Stories

Lucy won numerous honors and awards, including induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame and Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame. The First Amendment Foundation named an award after her: The Lucy Morgan Award for Open Government Reporting, given to Florida journalists who use public records to expose government corruption.

Stories of her investigative reporting are legendary. While investigating corruption in Dade County for the St. Petersburg Times in 1973, a judge sentenced Lucy to eight months in jail for refusing to name a source. She never served time, but more people contacted her because they trusted she would protect them.

In her obituary, the Tampa Bay Times recalled the story behind her Pulitzer Prize-winning article on corruption within the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The investigation began after Lucy spoke to a class of recruits at the sheriff's office, and a high-ranking officer showed up at the house with tales of misdeeds under Sheriff John Short.

The sheriff's office fought Lucy throughout her yearlong investigation, searching her trash and passing out "Screw Lucy Morgan" bumper stickers. The resulting article led to Sheriff Short's indictment and removal from office.

Subjects of other investigations would tail her car, tap her phone and flash firearms, but Lucy refused to cave into the pressure.

In 1994, Lucy covered an investigation into a Gulf County sheriff accused of sexually assaulting more than 20 employees and inmates. The Tampa Bay Times reported that when a federal grand jury found Sheriff Al Harrison guilty, she received a dozen roses with a note: "From the women you believed."

At Inweekly, we followed Lucy's reporting religiously. In 2008, she found lawmakers had quietly amended a retirement bill in 2001 that allowed elected officials and other government

I called Lucy and discussed the article. The conversation led to our story on the city and county pension plans. We found Escambia and Santa Rosa counties had several double-dippers.

In Escambia County, Sheriff Ron McNesby, County Clerk Ernie Lee Magaha, Tax Collector Janet Holley and School Board Members Gerald Boone and Pete Gindl were getting monthly retirement checks while in office. In Santa Rosa, County Clerk Mary Johnson was a double-dipper.

When I spoke with Lucy, I picked her brain on how the investigation occurred and how she got people to open up. Many of those tools I used in covering the murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings and the BP oil spill.

The blog helped us develop a relationship with readers who trusted us with their news tips and protect them. Like Lucy, I learned to use my Mississippi drawl to relax those I interviewed before I sprung a few hard-hitting, direct questions on them.

Lucy and I believed everybody and anybody could be a source—receptionist, server, janitor, bartender or unemployed. We also held politicians, government officials and business leaders accountable for their words. Once you catch them in a lie, you must check everything they tell you.

Four years later, I was a finalist for the Florida Sunshine Awards for my investigative reporting on the failed turnaround at Warrington Middle School (Inweekly, "Tarnished Turnaround," 4/7/11). That award spurred other investigations into county jail deaths, health issues in neighborhoods with borrow pits, corrupt charter schools, the firing of two fire chiefs, and dozens of other misdeeds.

One of Lucy's editors at the Tampa Bay Times described her as "powerful as any politician in the state." He said, "Her goal was to tell stories that needed to be told."

Lucy Morgan inspired Inweekly and other Florida journalists to do the same.

{in} rick@inweekly.net

of her investigative reporting are legendary.

NO TIME TO PANIC

than I thought," he said. "I'm really learning that as this book has come out and doing the publicity for it, people have been coming out of the woodwork, and yes, highpowered people, millionaires, CEOs, nurses, teachers and big-time anchors."

He continued, "People have started to share with me their stories, and the statistics tell us that 28% of Americans will experience a panic attack in their lifetime. And the psychologists that I interviewed in the book say it's probably a lot higher, closer to 50%. I didn't know I'd been suffering from panic for 15 years before somebody told me that what I called 'nerves' were actually full-blown panic attacks. I just didn't know."

By Rick Outzen

Matt Gutman became chief national correspondent for ABC News by facing danger to get the critical scoops— surviving captivity under Venezuela's secret police, anacondas in the Amazon, hurricanes and sniper fire. His reporting earned him two Emmys, a Peabody Award and several journalism honors. Through his nearly two decades with ABC News, the intrepid, fearless reporter lived with a secret: panic attacks.

In January 2020, Gutman's public persona crumbled on air when he suffered a panic attack while reporting on the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, six other passengers and the pilot. He inaccurately stated that all of Bryant's daughters died in the crash. The on-air mistake led to a monthlong suspension, public shame and regret, which triggered a wake-up call to address his condition for the first time.

Gutman shares his three-year odyssey in his recently published book, "No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks."

Since the book's release, Gutman has found his condition, which he initially thought was a case of "nerves," is more common than he thought.

"It's so much more pervasive and common

The panic attacks might mimic heart attacks. Gutman said, "Forty percent of people who present at the nation's ERs with chest pains thinking that they're dying of a heart attack are actually suffering a panic attack. Only a fraction of them are told they're suffering a panic attack, treated and released home. The rest are told, 'Hey, you're going to be OK. We don't know what it is, but come back if it happens again.'"

He discussed the shame that accompanied his attacks.

"I'm a war correspondent. Last year, I covered Ukraine. I was in the Middle East for seven years covering every major conflict," Gutman said. "And yet I'm afraid of going on live television, which is my job. It's a pretty serious occupational hazard. It's like a free solo climber being afraid of heights. But that was the case."

EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY

As part of his journey toward mental health, he learned about evolutionary psychology. Gutman explained there are two major buckets of human fear.

"The first is physical danger, and I was very comfortable with physical danger," he said. "Physical danger for early humans is like you're on the savanna and the lion comes to eat you. That's your fear, but there was also a social fear, social danger."

Gutman said, "That evolved because humans evolved to live in groups and to depend on the cooperation of other humans. If we did something that got us kicked out of our group, we did something stupid or embarrassing or made our group weaker and got kicked out; we'd be wandering the savanna alone, whereupon a lion would eat us anyway."

Man learned to associate social threats as being as dangerous as physical threats because either way, he would be eaten by a lion. Gutman said, "This evolutionary psychiatrist told me that panic is totally normal. We are designed to have a thousand false alarms, which is a panic attack, rather than have one missed alarm."

He explained, "If you're driving on the freeway and you don't see the pileup in front of you and don't slam on the brakes, you're dead. But if you panic, you slam on the brakes and survive. We are designed not to be content, not to be happy necessarily. We are designed to survive and procreate. That's what humans as a species are designed to do."

Joshua Waddell, DNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Lakeview Center, agrees that panic has a purpose.

"Panic has kept us alive for thousands of years while we were in the forest and the jungle. We talk about its ability to keep us safe even now when we're out and about, maybe at night or we're doing things," Waddell said. "So panic has a purpose. Unfortunately, for some people, what occurs is they experience these unexpected, very frequent non-trigger and trigger-based panic episodes. They give you the same experiences but at an extreme level."

He said Gutman's initial reaction to dismiss his panic attacks as simply a case of nerves, and to hide them from friends and family, is common.

"Some people can find different ways to manage panic, but for others, it can be very debilitating," Waddell said. "They find defense mechanisms or compensatory behaviors, which then isolate them from their family and friends and lead to them maybe not working or not being involved in their life as much as they should."

He continued, "And then, they just kind of begin to isolate more and more. But they don't think it's a problem because the mechanism and behaviors seem to get rid of their anxiety. But I mean, for a guy like Matt, who is in the public eye constantly and seeing the things he's seen, the anxiety can develop into a panic disorder, for sure."

DEALING WITH PANIC ATTACKS

Gutman advises people who have panic attacks to realize they are normal. He said, "They are massively common. Everybody probably has had one or knows someone who has. The second thing is that you are not going to die. A panic attack is 15 to 60 seconds. It's your brain's assessment of the threat after that. It's just anxiety. All of us live with that every day."

His book offers several tips. Gutman said, "For me, I just reduced the amount of caffeine I was in-taking. When I'm feeling anxious or have periods of anxiety, I'm like, 'Okay, I'll have half a cup of coffee a day.' Or typically, what I do is decaf or decaf with a half calf."

He also limits his alcohol. "Drinking gives me anxiety in my old age, so I don't drink so much anymore," Gutman shared. "Also, just mindfulness, thinking about being present when you're washing the dishes or brushing your teeth or walking the dog eating better."

He recommends 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise. "My favorite drug is endorphins. Endorphins are endogenous morphine. It's morphine; it's an abbreviation. You've got morphine in your own body that you can release with just a little bit of exercise. So all of these things are easily within our grasp to make our lives and our panic a little bit more manageable, and our anxiety, in general, more manageable."

During a panic attack, Waddell recommends slowing down the physiological experiences that are occurring.

"When panic's happening, your body is going into this fight or flight mode; there's all of these physical cascading experiences that you have. Your pupils will dilate, and your heart rate will elevate so more blood can flow throughout the body. You become very tense, all these kinds of experiences in preparation for whatever's going to occur," he said.

"So, for many people, the best way to gain control of it is breathing exercises. And it sounds so radical that breathing could really fix a lot of this, but it really can. There are tons of breathing techniques and breathing styles and different breathing teachers that they solely focused on panic."

Waddell also suggests individualized and group therapy. He said, "Can we find if there are these triggers that are occurring, where these triggers are coming from, what could be causing these experiences to happen and get worse over time?"

He added, "And then there are other coping mechanisms that can help everything, from ways to distract the brain from challenging thoughts that are occurring in these episodes. So individualized therapy, breathing techniques and physical fitness are essential just because keeping your body very healthy allows you to respond better to situations such as panic.

What happened with the helicopter crash?

"I messed up; there was a lot of stuff going on in my brain, including the fact that my father was killed in a plane crash when he was at Kobe's age, and I was exactly Gianna's age," Gutman said. "I made a catastrophic mistake, which is terrible, and I got suspended for a month. I also realized I had to take the bull by the horns and figure something out. My worst fear after hundreds of panic attacks on air came true. I did lose control during a panic attack and made an on-air mistake and terribly regretted it."

He continued, "Eventually, I learned how to control the panic and reduce the incidence of anxiety and panic in me so that it doesn't happen anymore. I've learned that, that drill sergeant in my head who tells me I'm a failure, that I'm terrible, that I'm useless, he's been retired. I'm still ambitious, but I don't have that guy in my head chewing me out every time I mess up." {in}

Matt Gutman's "No Time to Panic" is available wherever books are sold. To learn about Lakeview's services or make an appointment, visit elakeviewcenter.org.

An Angel in our Midst 50 YEARS

AT WEAR

Sue Straughn has been with Channel 3 since 1973. She started as a clerk typist and is now a Senior News Anchor. You can see Sue on Channel 3 at 11a, 5p, and 6p.

Sue is the life of the community; she is involved with many organizations, such as ARC Gateway-Escambia County Child Development Committee, the Autism Pensacola Board of Directors, BRACE, Covenant Hospice Foundation Board of Directors, Sacred Heart Hospital Advisory Board, American Red Cross Board of Directors and many more.

Sue is also the founder of Communities Caring at Christmas.

Some of Sue’s most recent awards include: 100 Most Influential People by INWeekly, 10 Most Influential People by Climate Magazine, the Martin Luther King Junior “Living the Dream” Award, and the Ambassador for Education by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT DECLINES

Another option is to follow the national trend and transition high schools to grades 7-12. Hightower said, "The 7-12 model might make it easier to provide all those opportunities that are provided in middle school."

High schools fare only slightly better than middle schools from a school grade perspective. Three high schools earned Cs, and a fourth earned a D in 2021-22. The state has yet to release school grades for 2022-23.

SCHOOL VOUCHERS

By Tom St. Myer

Escambia County is growing with a population increase of 7% over the past 10 years, yet enrollment in its school district is heading in the opposite direction.

Escambia County Public Schools reports its enrollment is slightly above 37,000. Enrollment in the school district is down by more than 700 students from a year ago and almost 3,700 students over the past 10 years. That marks a 10-year decline of 9% in student enrollment.

The steepest decline in enrollment is at the middle school grade levels. Over the past three years, middle school enrollment is down 1,687, followed by high school at 347 and elementary at 310.

The middle school statistic is somewhat skewed. Warrington Middle transitioned to a charter school, and its nearly 600 students now

count as charter students. The decline in middle school students still tops 1,000, though, when taking Warrington out of the equation.

Middle schools in the county historically earn low grades. Five middle schools earned Cs and two earned Ds in the last grading period. One potential remedy is to transition high-performing elementary schools such as A.K. Suter, Cordova Park and N.B. Cook into K-8s. Santa Rosa County School District recently opened two K-8 schools at East Bay in Navarre and Wallace Lake in Milton.

"The thing I learned a long time ago about K-8s is there are so many advantages to K-8s, especially if you're trying to move kids from A to B," said Patty Hightower, an Escambia County School Board Member. "There's one less opportunity for transition, but the thing is, you also have to offer the same things at your K-8 that you offer six through 8, like basketball and band."

School board members acknowledge low-performing schools contribute to the enrollment decline. Another contributor is the state voucher system. A stroke of the pen from Gov. Ron DeSantis opened the floodgates for students to attend private schools in Florida. DeSantis signed universal school choice into law. The legislation expanded the state voucher system to all K-12 students by eliminating income eligibility limits on the taxpayer-funded program. The state first began offering vouchers when Republican Jeb Bush served as governor.

The News Service of Florida reported that as of Sept. 8, 242,929 students had enrolled in 2,098 private schools using vouchers through the state's two main programs, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship, according to a report by Step Up for Students—the organization that administers the vast majority of vouchers in the state. That is an increase from the roughly 170,000 students who received vouchers through the programs last year.

Of the nearly 243,000 students this year, 122,895 "are new to the programs," though many had already been enrolled in private schools, according to Step Up for Students.

The voucher amount is about $8,700 per student, roughly the same school districts receive in unweighted per-student funding from the state.

Escambia County is feeling an immediate impact with the number of students funded by Step Up For Students scholarship programs increasing by nearly 1,000 to more than 4,800.

"Back when vouchers first started, the income level of parents was significantly lower than it has to be now," said Paul Fetsko, chairman of the Escambia County School Board. "A lot of parents are taking advantage, which explains some of the big deviations."

He continued, "If the private schools and charters are our competition, then we need to find out what they're doing better, and we need to do that or choose not to compete. We need to be the choice parents make. They need to see that we provide a good education."

Hightower said she doubts students enrolling in private schools significantly impacted enrollment this year. She attributes the rise in vouchers used for homeschooling.

The state dictates that families who choose to homeschool through Family Empowerment Scholarships withdraw their children as a fulltime public or private school student or terminate a home education program with their school district. The parents then enroll their children as a Personalized Education Program student with Step Up For Students.

"There's a lot of flexibility in homeschooling," Hightower said. "Used to there wasn't a lot of structure to homeschooling. You didn't have to have any credentials. Now there's a lot of resources. Online groups have come together, and it provides a lot more flexibility in a family's schedule."

The school choice law that took effect in 201718 is yet another contributing factor to the declining enrollment in the county. School choice allows parents to enroll their children into any public school in the state unless said school is filled to capacity.

Fetsko said he supports parents choosing where their children attend school. He opined that the school district offers the best option to students who take their education seriously.

"When you take our top quartile and compare it to other districts, we beat them," he said. "The kids who have strong support and come to education prepared and ready, do exceedingly well in this school district." {in}

BLUE ANGELS NIGHT

The Pensacola Ice Flyers recently announced a three-year license agreement with their hometown heroes, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This agreement is effective through September 2026.

As part of this license, the Ice Flyers will host an annual Blue Angels Night to celebrate the flight demonstration team. The inaugural Blue Angels Night will occur this season at 7 p.m. on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Pensacola Bay Center.

"The Blue Angels are an integral part of our Gulf Coast community, and it is truly an honor to partner with them in hosting an official Blue Angels Night," said Greg Harris, the Ice Flyers owner. "To have this event on Veterans Day in our hometown, with its strong military presence, is a momentous occasion in the history of the Ice Flyers and our community."

During Blue Angels Night, the Ice Flyers players will pay tribute to the flight demonstration team by wearing officially licensed game jerseys, hockey pant covers and game socks that replicate the look of a Blue Angels flight suit. These unique uniforms will feature the iconic Blue Angels shield and script logos. The player numbers on the back will be designed in the style of the numbers on the tail of each Blue Angel F/A-18 Super Hornet.

To enhance the fan experience, the Ice Flyers will offer officially licensed replica jerseys and apparel for purchase at the game. As part of their military appreciation for Blue Angels Night, discounted tickets will be available exclusively at the Bay Center Box Office for all veterans, active duty and retired military and their families.

Harris emphasized, "Our organization is immensely proud to host this night, and we are thrilled about the enormous potential it holds. We are already hard at work planning a comprehensive evening that will pay tribute to the Blue Angels, honor our service members, support local charities, entertain our fans and bring our community together for a night to remember."

For more information, visit iceflyers.com.

OLF-8 UPDATE D.R. Horton has pulled its offer to buy 297 acres of OLF-8 in the Beulah area.

The home builder first offered $33 million, then bumped it up to $42 million for more than 500 acres—before dropping that offer to $24.1 million for 297 acres in July, after Escambia County reserved 241 acres for job creation near Navy Federal Credit Union's campus off of Interstate 10.

D.R. Horton's attorney Chris Gill wrote his client has too many obstacles to overcome in a limited time frame. He complained the OLF-8 master plan doesn't allow for a financially viable development.

"It really doesn't come as a surprise," said County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. "I'll just say that because we've had similar comments from each and every one of the previous potential offers. There's a problem with the property, and really there's a problem with the board. We've been kind of wishy-washy going back and forth. So in many respects, I think we've met the enemy; It's us. And in many respects, I think there are issues with the master plan that are preventing someone from making it economically viable."

However, the commissioner said the developers from Atlanta and South Florida have shown interest.

"I was contacted personally by a pretty large firm out of Atlanta," Bergosh said, "As it turns out, ironically, the president of the company whom I spoke with, his daughter lives in Nature Trail, and he happened to be down here. He saw it and sent me his email and his website. I looked at it and checked it out. I was like, 'Wow.' So I forwarded his information to Wes (Moreno, County Administrator). Hopefully they'll make a connection."

He added, "But then we had another person from South Florida, contact me yesterday. We moved very quickly, and we got a meeting with him and another partner with Wes and Alison (Rogers, County Attorney) yesterday at 3 (p.m.). And my understanding is that meeting went real well."

PAY RAISES COMING Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves conducted a wage study—not to increase the annual salaries of the city's administrators, but to adjust the hourly pay of the city's frontline workers.

"We've got people making $14-$15 an hour that they can make at any job at any fast-food place right now, and they may have spent several years working for the city," Mayor Reeves said on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen." "How can taxpayers go to departments and expect a certain result if we aren't respecting the people who are supposed to produce those results?"

He continued, "And so, we're going to get this done. It won't be easy, and we are going to respect the taxpayer dollar, and we're going to pay it with some of these vacant positions and making some other difficult decisions. But at the end of the day, it's the right thing to do."

The mayor expects the pay raises to add "seven figures" to the budget and may take three years to make the adjustments. He said, "There's some complexity to it, but the bottom line is the significant majority of overall dollars of this reform are going to be for the folks that make the least amount of money at the city."

Mayor Reeves wants to roll out the new pay plan by the end of the year, and some vacant positions won't be filled. He added, "We're going to get a little bit smaller as an employee base, but we're going to pay people what they deserve."

PARKING SOLUTIONS Mayor Reeves plans to present the parking consultant's study to the Pensacola City Council at the second meeting in October. He hired the consultant to look at both the city's managed parking spaces and those controlled by Premium Parking.

If the City Council accepts the recommendations, the mayor will draft ordinance changes so that any parking policy changes will be effective by Jan. 1.

"I'm tired of getting emails from people mad at the city about things that happen in a private lot that we don't have any control over," Reeves said. "I'm just losing my patience over it, and I can't keep sitting here and saying, 'Sorry, I know I'm the mayor, but I have nothing to do with that.' I do have something to do with it, and we've got to get proactive, so we're going to get our house in order on the city parking side."

He added, "I'm excited about some of the

things that I've heard so far about what we're going to do on the city side, and then hopefully, we'll see some improvements across the board."

BERGOSH 2024 District 1 County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh has filed to run for a third term next year. If reelected, he wants the Escambia County Commission to rework the county's land development code.

"Part of my reelection platform is going to be that we're going to go through and redo the land development code comprehensively," he said. "Now, I don't know if I'll get support for it. A lot of folks will be very scared of that. I'm going to do it in a way that's fair, in a way that's intelligent, but a way that really gives a voice to the people who live here and have to deal with the impacts of what we approve."

He continued, "That's what I believe is going to be ultimately the solution, not tweaking at the margins. Let's go through and do it right."

NUISANCE ABATEMENT MODULE

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has a new weapon to deal with street-level narcotics, a surveillance platform called a "nuisance abatement module."

"There may be a home that's in a neighborhood, maybe it's a nicer neighborhood, but that one house always seems to be a lot of activity. It looks like they're dealing drugs," said Sheriff Chip Simmons. "We have two vans to auction off. They're old with 200,000-300,000 miles on them, and no longer have any use to us. So I said, 'Instead of getting rid of them, why don't we put some cameras on them, mark them up with large red letters 'surveillance platform,' and park them legally on streets where suspicious activity occurs."

He added, "The cameras will record all the activity for a couple days, and we'll see what we can learn. It will give us one more weapon, and hopefully, a neighborhood will say, 'Hey, I'd like that van to be parked in this particular spot. It could be in a parking lot. It doesn't have to be in a neighborhood; it could be anywhere."

Sheriff Simmons said the equipment is being tested, and the first van will be deployed soon.

UWF TOUTED For the second consecutive year, the University of West Florida (UWF) ranks in the top 10 public institutions in the region by U.S. News & World Report.

"We are pleased that our high-quality programs and the opportunities we provide students are reflected in these national rankings," said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and success of the entire UWF community. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees, the Florida Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature for supporting our efforts."

U.S. News & World Report awarded UWF four Best Colleges award badges as symbols of ex cellence. UWF received badges for ranking among the top regional universities in the South in the following categories: Regional University South; Regional Public University South; Best Colleges for Veterans Regional South; and Undergraduate Nursing.

UWF received its highest ranking in the Best for Vets category, earning a spot in the top 10 for the second consecutive year at No. 8.

"About 20% of our students are military affiliates. They're dependents, veterans, a few active duty, and so what I call a 'cosmopolitan effect.' These are people that have been many places and done many things. If they're veterans, they may be a little bit older than the traditional college students, and they add a wonderful dimension to our classes," Saunders said.

"Also, Pensacola is a military town, and we, as the hometown university, should be providing resources for our military veterans and their families."

Other Florida universities had mixed results. The University of Florida fell a spot to No. 6 in public university rankings. Florida State University and the University of South Florida dropped three places to 23 and 45, respectively. Florida International University rose from 72 to 64. Florida A&M University improved by 12 spots to 91, and Florida Atlantic University jumped by 20 to rank 112.

TREES IN THE HOOD

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the City of Pensacola a $1 million grant to fund the Pensacola Urban Forest Forever project. The grant is divided between $700,000 for planting trees in poor, underserved neighborhoods and $300,000 for education and hiring an urban forester.

"If you think about how much we fight for trees and how much we argue over small amounts in our tree canopy fund, the fact that we're going to get $700,000 worth of new trees in some pretty desolate areas is really remarkable," said Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier.

"They thought a lot of poor health outcomes in redlined areas were due to just the lower income and socioeconomics of the people living there," she said. "They've found that in some of the gentrified areas, they're having the same poor health outcomes in these urban deserts because of the extremely high temperatures. One study found that pregnant women in these areas tend to have babies earlier because the temperatures may be 30 degrees above the rest of the city."

BCC VS. CHILDERS TRIAL The lawsuit between Escambia County Commission and Clerk Pam Childers over the commissioners' 401a retirement plan edged closer to a court date last week. Childers' attorney submitted a voluntary dismissal

of her appeal regarding a judge's earlier ruling and notified the court her discovery phase has ended and they are ready to go to trial.

The Escambia Board of County Commissioners filed a lawsuit in January 2022 to get Childers to make payments to the 401a retirement plans of Commissioners Steven Barry, Robert Bender and Lumon May. Childers tried to squash the lawsuit and filed a countersuit that Judge William Stone dismissed. She appealed that decision but withdrew it last week.

We finally may get a trial to settle this dispute that has lingered for more than two years when the clerk became upset after the board fired her buddy, County Administrator Janice Gilley.

INNISFREE FOOD CHALLENGE Local chefs will put their culinary skills to the test at 9 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Innisfree Food Challenge. Admission is free, and festivities will include live music from 3-4:30 p.m.

Heather Hice, director of food and beverage marketing for Innisfree, said ideally 20 chefs will compete in the challenge.

"We have a lot of interest, especially coming on the heels of Taste on the Beach," she said. "Some of them are very competitive and want to take the whole weekend. It's their goal to win Taste of the Beach and also win in our event."

Chefs will compete in three categories—Bacon, Sandwich and Live Fire Surf and Turf. Judges will score each chef to determine the winner in each division. The three winners will secure golden tickets to the World Food Championships in

November in Dallas, and Innisfree will pay for their airfare and accommodations. Each of the champions from the food categories will earn $10,000 for their victory and compete for a grand prize of $150,000.

The Innisfree Food challenge includes a VIP reception, Fire & Flavors, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Sal de Mar in Hilton Pensacola Beach. Celebrity chefs John Lindsey and Ronald Burns, who host the podcast "Arkassippi Smoke Live!" and the "Steak Cookoff Association Ribeye Roundup Show," will be at the reception. They will demo how to choose the best cut of steak and how to marinate, season and prepare the meat.

The cost is $75 per person and includes an open bar, sample appetizers and demo samples. Tickets are available at pensacolabeach.com. {in}

STAMPED FILM FESTIVAL Where LGBTQ+ Stories Find Their Voice

By Dakota Parks

Festival has become a cultural cornerstone in Pensacola that unites filmmakers, artists, activists and audiences, and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through the power of cinema.

For Stamped President Sid Williams-Heath, discovering the festival shortly after relocating from New York City with his soon-to-behusband was an affirmation that Pensacola was a place he could call home.

"Stamped was a glimpse into the progression of Pensacola," he explained. "I know there are so many in the community who, like me, didn't have access to something like Stamped growing up. From my small hometown in Mississippi, I can't imagine how different of a human I would be today if I had been able to see and celebrate people like me—people who loved like me—on a big screen in my community."

Keeping the big screen open for all is a key tenet of the festival. Stamped not only remains admission free, ensuring all can attend, but also maintains a commitment to creating an intentionally inclusive and welcoming space. Nearly 700 people come out to experience the festival each year, with 15% of those traveling from outof-town to attend, according to recent data from Visit Pensacola.

As the festival grew from a small event to a jam-packed, multi-day festival, it even began hosting additional pop-up screenings for events

It also developed a robust selection process, which includes a submission committee, open to volunteers, and the expertise of professional filmmaker and festival expert, Chris McNeany, to help curate the final lineup.

"There are so many boxes to check off to ensure your inclusive festival is, in fact, inclusive, such as representation, variety of genres, length of films, quality of submission, accessibility and age range," Williams-Heath explained. "Knowledge is power, and it's often even more powerful to see, experience and celebrate someone's story who doesn't look or love like you. That's what all attendees can take away from the festival—an opportunity to leave feeling both validated and educated on how others can be different than you."

In this mission to inspire, educate and cultivate a sense of community, Stamped continues to expand beyond the screen each year to engage with its audience through panels, workshops and Q&A sessions intermixed into the festival, as well as growing its family-friendly programming.

Recently, Stamped won a grant from Sunday's Child to expand its Family Day, held on Sunday each year. Back in 2018, a Sunday's Child grant also played a pivotal role in establishing The Center, aka the Pensacola Little Theatre, as the home base for the festival. Stamped Film Festival's Family Day not only showcases children's films, but also hosts programming for adults and resources

about the journey to parenthood.

"While Stamped has always offered a diverse lineup of films to represent every letter of the LGBTQIA+ community for adults, we were elated to introduce our Family Day in 2021. Each closing day of the festival has become a day dedicated to films for all ages. The festival is a huge resource, especially for parents raising LGBTQIA+ children," Williams-Heath said.

Despite increasing resistance and censorship against children's literature, drag in public spaces and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the state of Florida, Stamped remains steadfast in its commitment to the core mission: telling stories that demand to be heard.

"It's all about access. We recognize that so many hands are tied because of the politics surrounding censorship. And as a private nonprofit, Stamped is committed to providing the programming that many of our community partners and friends simply can't right now," Williams-Heath said. "If the queer community understands anything, it's limitations. Being limited to what we can say or who we can love or how we can express ourselves has forever been the rule, not the exception. But Stamped exists to tell stories—to showcase truth—and we'll continue to do that."

This year's expanded Family Day offerings will include children's films, improv workshops,

grams, while also incorporating new activities for adults to enjoy simultaneously. Stamped will also host a panel of internationally notable queer parents, who offer a wealth of knowledge on the lived experiences of raising queer families.

"One of the most special moments of Family Day this year will be screening 'Our Baby: A Modern Miracle' about filmmaker Jake Graf* who will actually be attending the festival in-person all the way from London," WilliamsHeath said. "While the kids are participating in children's activities, the adults present will hear Jake and his wife Hannah share their beautiful story of raising two delightful children and the journey to creating that family as transgender husband and wife." {in}

*For more with Graf, turn to page 14 for a Q&A.

STAMPED FILM FESTIVAL

WHAT: An event that highlights LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 1

WHERE: The Clark Family Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. COST: Free, but advance registration is encouraged

DETAILS: stampedfilmfest.com

Photo Courtesy of Stamped Film Festival

Arts & Entertainment

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

Diving into Diversity: Q&A with Trans Filmmaker Jake Graf

By Dakota Parks

and authentically, we met her for lunch in London and she brought her 20-something son. Several times that afternoon, he called her "Dad." When I politely asked if she wouldn't rather be referred to as "Mum," she looked at me in puzzlement and very proudly said, "Absolutely not! I'll always be their Dad. I may have changed, but there's no reason why our relationship should."

get, to ensure I can focus entirely on what I'm doing, knowing all the while she has her eye on the minutiae.

INWEEKLY: Your journey to parenthood with your wife was documented in a film and will soon be shared through a memoir. How has this personal experience influenced your approach to representation and storytelling, both in your personal life and your professional work?

Internationally acclaimed director, writer, actor and transgender rights advocate Jake Graf is a force to be reckoned with.

With an unyielding dedication to authentic representation, Graf uses his platform to amplify the voices of the trans male community worldwide and empower the queer community, providing them with a voice, hope and a vision for a brighter future. His powerful films serve as a catalyst for change, shedding light on the struggles faced by trans and queer youth, as well as adults.

From tackling issues like bullying and increased suicide risk to confronting government restrictions to life-saving, gender-affirming care, Graf's work transcends boundaries, offering a poignant and vital perspective. Back in 2016, his film "Dawn" clinched the award for Best Narrative Short Film at Stamped Film Festival. His films consistently make waves on the festival circuit, amassing an array of awards and accolades.

This year, Stamped Film Festival eagerly awaits the premiere of his latest film "Stone," which tells the story of a young woman's discovery her father was a transgender woman, forcing her to rethink her childhood. Festival attendees can also look forward to a special appearance by Graf and his wife Hannah, who will join a screen-

ing of "Our Baby: A Modern Miracle," chronicling their extraordinary journey to parenthood.

INWEEKLY: I understand your latest film "Stone" is premiering at Stamped Film Festival, and the film is entangled in complicated family relationships. Could you provide a glimpse inside the story and any inspiration behind the film?

GRAF: "Stone" is the story of a young woman, Tess, who has been led to believe by her mother that her father left her when she was a very young girl to be with another woman. Upon learning of her father's death, Tess goes to the funeral to confront the homewrecker who stole him from her, only to discover her father was in fact a transgender woman, and that everything she was told by her mother has been a lie.

"Stone" is inspired by the story of a close friend, a trans woman whom my wife Hannah and I met several years ago. At the time, she hadn't started her medical transition. But over the course of a year of speaking with her, she decided it was the right thing for her to do. Her wife reacted terribly, throwing her out of their shared family home and attempting to turn their adult kids against her.

A few years later, and now living happily

We spoke to several other trans women who had transitioned later in life, already parents, all of whom echoed the sentiment that their identity as "Dad" didn't in any way impact upon their womanhood. It struck me that this was a trans narrative that hadn't been seen before, and so I wanted to bring those stories to the screen. I think it speaks to the strength of these women, secure and comfortable in their femininity and happy to inhabit both the identities of woman and dad at the same time. For Hannah and I, it brought to life the question: What is a mother or father? Are they simply a parent who is female or male, or is it a more complex identity, related to the position or role you play in a child's life? It was important to Hannah and I to make sure we told these women's stories authentically. We hope very much to have done them justice.

INWEEKLY: On that same note, I noticed your wife starred in "Headspace" and codirected "Stone" with you. Can you share what this experience has been like producing art together?

GRAF: Hannah has in fact now co-produced several of my films, including "Dusk," "Headspace," "Listen" and "Bully," as well as acting in "Dusk" and "Headspace." She and I work well together and balance each other out, and she also gives me a lot of feedback on my writing. She doesn't have a film background but has a great eye for detail. I asked if she would like to be my co-director on "Stone," and it was a joy to collaborate with her on the project. While I'm working with the actors and cinematographer on set, Hannah is thinking about coverage we might have missed and shots I particularly wanted to

GRAF: We're really thrilled our documentary "Our Baby: A Modern Miracle" will be screened at Stamped's Family Day at the festival, and our autobiography "Becoming Us" is starting to gain traction in the U.K. Both have had an extremely positive reaction and helped a lot of people understand what it is to be trans and what we can achieve when we are supported and loved.  I have always believed positive trans representation is vital for the next generation of young trans folk, as I know the negative and detrimental effects that growing up with no visibility has on a young person.

Hannah and I were lucky to have had acceptance and support from our friends and families through our journeys, but I know we are not the norm and that many people face doubt, rejection and even violence when they come out. Many of those people find that understanding, education and support from books, films and television, and so I have always endeavoured to tell uplifting stories, which are often in short supply. Most of my stories focus on family dynamics, with queer and trans characters at their heart. It's absolutely vital that trans kids today know that just because they're different, they still deserve a home, a family, a career and to be loved.

INWEEKLY: As a filmmaker, your work often focuses on transgender and queer characters and experiences. How do you see the role of cinema in shaping perceptions and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community?

GRAF: When I first started making films some 12 years ago, I had only once seen a trans male character on screen, and that was in the 1999 film "Boys Don't Cry," the horrifying tale of trans man Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old from rural Nebraska, who was raped and shot when his peers discovered he was trans. That story haunted me for years after, yet it was my only point of reference for the trans male experience. When I came out as trans and began my medical transition, I wrote my first screenplay, "XWHY" about a trans man who has lived as a lesbian before finally, happily, becoming himself.

Jake and Hannah Graf / Courtesy Photo

The film did well at festivals, but it was only when I put it online that I started receiving messages from young men in places like Afghanistan, Lebanon, Poland and Russia—men who had never seen another trans man, thanking me for finally letting them know they weren't alone. I realized then that stories have the power not only to educate and to open hearts and minds, but also to help others know there is hope and a future for those who are different. It is so important that while we tell those stories of our persecution and struggles, we also find stories of those trans people who have existed throughout history, who have fought wars and healed people and created art, who are happy and thriving.

INWEEKLY: Your films directly address some very pressing matters for queer and trans youth, both in Britain and America, such as banning access to gender-affirming care, bullying, increased suicide risk, etc. Why is important to you to create educational content and share stories focused on youth?

GRAF: Currently, the media in the U.S. and U.K. are using trans people and our rights and protections to sell papers, gain clicks and ignite public discourse. Everyone is talking about trans kids: Should they should be allowed to socially transition, to use a name or pronouns they feel comfortable with, or to access, in their teens, puberty blockers which could help prevent the need for painful and costly surgeries in later life? What we're missing, however, are the voices of these young people—the stories of hope and survival, the relief from their families when their child stops talking about wanting to hurt themselves and starts talking about wanting to live. Through my films, I have given those young people a voice, and despite the huge amount of online hate my wife and I receive, we will continue to do so.

The younger generation are the future. They deserve the opportunity to grow up without feeling othered or lesser than their straight or cis counterparts. Suicide rates are disproportionately high among LGBTQ kids, and they are more likely to suffer from poor mental health, simply because they were born different. That needs to stop. Recent statistics in the U.K. indicate that currently 50% of 16 to 24 year olds identify somewhere along the LGBTQ spectrum, which gives me great hope for a kinder, less rigid and more understanding future.

INWEEKLY: When browsing through your films, it becomes apparent that casting trans or queer actors in the roles of trans/queer characters is important to you as a director. Can you speak about the importance of representation in film and casting, and why this is important to you?

GRAF: As an actor, I know how tough it already is working in an industry where people are looking to cast the familiar face, or the actor who has several hits under their belt, whether or not they have any understanding of the lived experience they are portraying. I fully understand the argument that an actor is playing a role, but when there are so many hugely talented trans, gay and queer actors out there, surely they would be the natural fit for those parts? I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to cast and highlight some of those amazing actors out there, who just need a first shot, and hope that soon becomes industry standard. Performances can only get stronger because of it.

INWEEKLY: By the same token, representation is an extremely nuanced topic in the film industry as many trans performers express joy/affirmation in finally being cast in roles that align with their gender and want to star in cis and trans roles alike. I am curious about your experiences with this as a trans actor and how these influence the films you went on to create?

GRAF: My experience has been mixed. I was very fortunate to appear in "The Danish Girl" and to consult on the film, and I am fully aware that was because I'm a trans actor. The same was true of the more recent film, "Colette," starring Keira Knightley, where I again consulted and had a few scenes. Both were cisgender roles, which admittedly felt great. I have also starred in several dramas on British television playing trans characters, which I have very much enjoyed, but have had some pretty negative castings for trans roles, most notably being told several times that I don't look "trans enough" to play a trans role, which is rather unsettling. One of my aims while shooting a film is to make every set as inclusive, supportive, female and queer as possible, and for the actors to be playing the roles that bring them the most joy.

INWEEKLY: Have you witnessed changes in the film industry in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and stories, and where do you see room for further improvement?

GRAF: There have certainly been very positive changes in the last decade or so, particularly in shows such as "Euphoria," in which Jules' (played by Hunter Schafer) trans identity is barely mentioned, "Heartstopper," in which many, if not most, of the characters are LGBTQ+ identified and several others which are doing great work. Sadly though, we are still seeing some truly awful portrayals of gay and trans characters, such as James Corden in "The Prom," which still caricaturize our experiences. There is also a tendency from shows to feature a trans or queer narrative, tick that box and then move quickly back to more mainstream stories, which isn't of course how life works. There is still much work to be done, and I firmly believe that begins at the top, with the execs, the show runners and the writers. Hopefully that has a positive trickle-down effect which then forces a permanent industry shift.

INWEEKLY: Your film "Dawn" won an award back in 2016 at Stamped Film Festival, and several of your films have been featured at other LGBTQ+ festivals. What do these festivals dedicated to LGBTQ+ cinema mean to you as a trans actor and filmmaker?

GRAF: I have been very fortunate that my films have screened at hundreds of festivals internationally and won a combined 70 Best Film awards, mostly from LGBTQ+ festivals. They have shown me unrivaled support that has been invaluable to me throughout my career. I know my stories really resonate and move their audiences, there will be someone in the audience who will be seeing themselves on screen for the first time and that my films have made people across the world feel a little less alone. As a filmmaker and an artist, I really can't ask for more than that. {in}

Visit jakegraf.com and jakeandhannahgraf. com to learn more about their films and book. You can also follow Graf on Instagram @ jake_graf5.

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

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

ADOPTION 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 POSTER

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

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

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

Rough drafts or sketches can be submitted, but, if selected, the final art must conform to the submitted draft or sketch. Substantial deviation

from the submitted sketch or draft will result in forfeiture by the artist of the cash prize and the selection of a new winner by Jazz Pensacola.

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

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. Friday, Sept. 29, Saturday, Sept. 30, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82 at 11000 University Parkway. 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 "Night at the Museum" on Friday, Sept. 29, starting at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach. Admission is free. Follow facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach for updates.

WRITING WORKSHOP WITH DEL SHORES "Creating Characters that Drive Your Story" Writing Workshop with writer, producer, and director Del Shores at The Clark Family Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 30. Fifteen participants will discuss the art of creating characters and dialogue and work through exercises structured to all mediums ranging from film, television and on-stage. Register at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

INFERNO BURLESQUE Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25 and up for ages 18 and older. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

PENSACOLA OPERA JUKEBOX GALA

Pensacola Opera's signature fundraising event featuring a four-course meal and serenades from artists featuring your favorite Broadway tunes and opera arias. Event is 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Hilton Pensacola Beach, 12 Via de Luna Drive. Buy tickets at pensacolaopera.com.

UWF PACE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Visit the John C. Pace Library book sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 located 11000 University Parkway. Stop by for great deals on "gently used" $1 paperbacks and $2 hardback books, and trivia fun.

TAG: 'TABLE 7: IN THE HOUSE OF PARTNERSHIP' The Art Gallery (TAG) 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.

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.

FOOD + DRINKS

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. Through Sunday, Oct. 8. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

O'RILEY'S OKTOBERFEST O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. will have its Oktoberfest event 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Partake in stein holding competitions, featured drinks and more.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Author Diane Ackerman says it's inevitable that each of us sometimes "looks clumsy or gets dirty or asks stupid questions or reveals our ignorance or says the wrong thing." Knowing how often I do those things, I'm extremely tolerant of everyone I meet. I'm compassionate, not judgmental, when I see people who try too hard, are awkward, care for one another too deeply, or are too open to experience. I myself commit such acts, so I'd be foolish to criticize them in others. During the coming weeks, Aries, you will generate good fortune for yourself if you suspend all disparagement. Yes, be accepting, tolerant and forgiving—but go even further. Be downright welcoming and amiable. Love the human comedy exactly as it is.

By Rob Brezsny

Cavanagh's work. As a Gemini, she expresses your sign's highest potential: the ability to wield beautiful language to communicate soulful truths. I suggest you make her your inspirational role model for now. It's time to dazzle and persuade and entertain and beguile with your words.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I cheer you on when you identify what you want. I exult when you devise smart plans to seek what you want, and I celebrate when you go off in high spirits to obtain and enjoy what you want. I am gleeful when you aggressively create the life you envision for yourself, and I do everything in my power to help you manifest it. But now and then, like now, I share Cancerian author Franz Kafka's perspective. He said this: "You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be quite still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked. It has no choice. It will roll in ecstasy at your feet."

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): If you have ever contemplated launching a career as a spy, the coming months will be a favorable time to do so—likewise if you have considered getting trained as a detective, investigative journalist, scientific researcher or private eye. Your affinity for getting to the bottom of the truth will be at a peak, and so will your discerning curiosity. You will be able to dig up secrets no one else has discovered. You will have an extraordinary knack for homing in on the heart of every matter. Start now to make maximum use of your superpowers.

hand. I propose we make Baez your inspirational role model. May she inspire you to be elegant and fierce, bold and compassionate, as you deepen and refine your excellence in the work you've been tenaciously plying for a long time. For extra credit, add some unexpected new flair to your game.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Taurus comedian Kevin James confesses, "I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot." Many of us could make a similar admission. The good news, Taurus, is that your anxieties in the coming weeks will be the "piece of seaweed" variety, not the great white shark. Go ahead and scream if you need to—hey, we all need to unleash a boisterous yelp or howl now and then—but then relax.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Here are famous people with whom I have had personal connections: actor Marisa Tomei, rockstar Courtney Love, filmmaker Miranda July, playwright David Mamet, actor William Macy, philosopher Robert Anton Wilson, rockstar Paul Kantor, rock impresario Bill Graham and author Clare Cavanagh. What? You never heard of Cavanagh? She is the brilliant and renowned translator of Nobel Prize Laureate poet Wisława Szymborska and the authorized biographer of Nobel Prize Laureate author Czesław Miłosz. As much as I appreciate the other celebrities I named, I am most enamored of

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Let's talk about changing your mind. In some quarters, that's seen as weak, even embarrassing. But I regard it as a noble necessity, and I recommend you consider it in the near future. Here are four guiding thoughts.

1. "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." —George Bernard Shaw.

2. "Only the strongest people have the pluck to change their minds, and say so, if they see they have been wrong in their ideas." —Enid Blyton. 3. "Sometimes, being true to yourself means changing your mind. Self changes, and you follow." — Vera Nazarian. 4. "The willingness to change one's mind in the light of new evidence is a sign of rationality, not weakness." —Stuart Sutherland.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "The soul moves in circles," psychologist James Hillman told us. "Hence our lives are not moving straight ahead; instead, hovering, wavering, returning, renewing, repeating." In recent months, Virgo, your soul's destiny has been intensely characterized by swerves and swoops. And I believe the rollicking motion will continue for many months. Is that bad or good? Mostly good—especially if you welcome its poetry and beauty. The more you learn to love the spiral dance, the more delightful the dance will be.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Have you been sensing a phantom itch that's impossible to scratch? Are you feeling less like your real self lately and more like an AI version of yourself? Has your heart been experiencing a prickly tickle? If so, I advise you not to worry. These phenomena have a different meaning from the implications you may fear. I suspect they are signs you will soon undertake the equivalent of what snakes do: molting their skins to make way for a fresh layer. This is a good thing! Afterward, you will feel fresh and new.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): According to legend, fifth-century Pope Leo I convinced the conquering army of Attila the Hun to refrain from launching a full-scale invasion of Italy. There may have been other reasons in addition to Leo's persuasiveness. For example, some evidence suggests Attila's troops were superstitious because a previous marauder died soon after attacking Rome. But historians agree that Pope Leo was a potent leader whose words carried great authority. You, Sagittarius, won't need to be quite as fervently compelling as the ancient Pope in the coming weeks. But you will have an enhanced ability to influence and entice people. I hope you use your powers for good.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Singersongwriter Joan Baez has the longevity and endurance typical of many Capricorns. Her last album in 2018 was released 59 years after her career began. An article in "The New Yorker" describes her style as "elegant and fierce, defiant and maternal." It also noted that though she is mostly retired from music, she is "making poignant and unpredictable art," creating weird, hilarious line drawings with her non-dominant

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquarian author and activist Mary Frances Berry has won numerous awards for her service on behalf of racial justice. One accomplishment: She was instrumental in raising global awareness of South Africa's apartheid system, helping to end its gross injustice. "The time when you need to do something," she writes, "is when no one else is willing to do it, when people are saying it can't be done." You are now in a phase when that motto will serve you well, Aquarius.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): I invite you to spend quality time gazing into the darkness. I mean that literally and figuratively. Get started by turning off the lights at night and staring, with your eyes open, into the space in front of you. After a while, you may see flashes of light. While these might be your optical nerves trying to fill in the blanks, they could also be bright spirit messages arriving from out of the void. Something similar could happen on a metaphorical level, too. As you explore parts of your psyche and your life that are opaque and unknown, you will be visited by luminous revelations.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What's your best secret? Is there a way you could capitalize on it? {in}

freewillastrology.com

newsletter.freewillastrology.com

freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

© 2023 Rob Brezsny

The more you learn to love the spiral dance, the more delightful the dance will be.

welcoming and amiable. Love the human comedy exactly as it is.

THE EASILY OFFENDED A resident of Trail in British Columbia called police on Sept. 8 to complain of a man wearing camouflage pants, which he believed to be a violation of some rule, the Toronto Sun reported. The caller, 27, said he was "offended on behalf of the military" and requested that an officer find the man and remove his pants. When the officer said he could not do that, the caller said he would remove the man's pants himself "under order of (the) king of England." The local Royal Canadian Mounted Police did look for the camouflage wearer, presumably to warn him about the caller, but—surprise!—couldn't find him.

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE After the long-awaited capture of escaped fugitive Danelo Cavalcante on Sept. 13, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens held a press conference to share the details of the arrest, Huff Post reported. One attendant, a podcaster named Michael Rainey, gets the prize for the most bizarre question posed to Bivens: "Was there any concern he (Cavalcante) would team up with another small man to step inside of a trench coat, 'Little Rascals'-style?" What?

On X, Rainey said he "knew no one else would ask the questions that needed to be asked. Also, they were very polite in asking me to leave." Bivens shot a curt "No" back to Rainey's question before the podcaster was encouraged to hit the exit.

AWESOME! Pedro Carvalho, CEO of Destilaria Levira, a wine distillery in Levira, Portugal, assured citizens that the 600,000 gallons of red wine that spilled from the facility on Sept. 10 and covered the city's streets would not leave a lingering smell because it was "good quality wine."

The New York Times reported that one tank collapsed because of a "structural failure," knocking over another tank. The distillery promised to "take full responsibility for the costs associated with damage cleanup and repair," which included one basement that was flooded. Firefighters collected some of the wine and removed it to a wastewater treatment plant.

IRONY Sure, if you work for the Walt Disney Co., you expect to have mice all around you on the daily. But at the company's headquarters in New York City, advertising staffers on the fifth floor were advised on Sept. 11 to clear out "immediately" because the building was infested with the happy little rodents (oh, and also, fleas), the New York Post's PageSix reported. "Risk management and facilities teams are aware of these issues and working to quickly resolve them," the email to personnel said. One source said the existing building is set to be demolished and "there's no incentive for upkeep. At any given time, most of the elevators are broken." Sounds like a fairy-tale job.

BRIGHT IDEA Police in Wiltshire, England, were called out on Sept. 12 when a neighbor spotted a grisly scene by the side of the road—an arm and two bloody feet hanging out of a garbage bin. Wiltshire Live reported that as officers scoured other nearby trash cans, one resident alerted them that the body parts were fake and he had

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

placed them in a neighbor's bin as a prank. "It's just a practical joke that got out of hand," he said. "I've put them in a bag so they can't be seen now." Save it for Halloween, chap.

IT'S COME TO THIS Rock climbers in British Columbia's Squamish area, north of Vancouver, have a new convenience available to them: Waste Alleviating Gel (WAG) bag stations. Yep, they're poop bags for humans. The CBC reported that after an "explosion in the usage of our backcountry areas ... increasingly we are finding that there are issues with human waste, particularly in our more remote crags (cliffs with climbing routes)," according to Ben Webster, chair of Squamish Access Society. Katy Holm, an owner of a store called Climb On, called the bags "totally robust. You don't have to fear that it's going to explode or anything." Well, that's a relief!

WHAT'S IN A NAME? We'll keep this short: Michael Gordon Dick, 61, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced on Sept. 11 to 90 months in prison following his guilty plea for felony public indecency, KPTV reported. Dick was arrested last year after someone reported him standing on a bench in a backyard, naked from the waist down and looking into neighbors' backyards. He was on probation for the same crime when the incident took place.

ATTENTION, TOURISTS! Looking for something else to do in Washington, D.C., besides endless monuments and galleries? Check out the Museum of Failure, WUSA-TV suggested. The brainchild of Dr. Samuel West, the Museum of Failure is a traveling exhibition that features some of history's biggest busts, from Crystal Pepsi to Thirsty Cat (fish-flavored water for your cat). "We need to be better at learning from failure," West said. "I want visitors to recognize that failure is an essential aspect of progress and innovation." The museum also includes a Failure Confessional, where visitors can leave their own personal flops behind. Don't fail to check it out: The museum will be open until Dec. 10.

CRY FOR HELP If there was ever a place where it would be better to let a dropped Apple Watch go, a Michigan woman found it. ABC News reported that on Sept. 19, passersby called police when they heard a woman yelling for help from within an outhouse. The unidentified woman had lowered herself into the outhouse toilet to retrieve her Apple Watch, which had fallen into the unmentionable muck below. Unable to climb back out, the woman resorted to yelling for assistance, and she was eventually lifted out via strap by first responders. State police issued a statement with a warning to any fumble-fingers who might follow the woman's poor example: "If you lose an item in an outhouse toilet, do not attempt to venture inside the containment area. Serious injury may occur." {in}