Inweekly Sept 9 2021 Issue

Independent News | September 9, 2021 | Volume 22 | Number 36

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winners & losers

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September 9, 2021

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winners & losers

Courtesy of Cat Country 98.7

winners CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK Cat Country 98.7 and Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, a proud member of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, raised more than $76,000 during the station's Cat Country Cares For Kids Radiothon, presented by Wind Creek Atmore. The annual event was hosted by radio personality Brent Lane and WEAR ABC 3 News Pensacola host Sue Straughn as well as NewsRadio 92.3 & ESPN Pensacola. The event provided listeners with the opportunity to hear from children and their parents about the high-quality care and recovery they received at Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, which serves the Gulf Coast.

JO AND BILL JONES The couple created an endowed scholarship at Pensacola State College to help nursing and health science students as part of the "Your Community, Your Legacy Campaign." The new scholarship bears the name of Bill and his late wife, Jolinda Gaye Jones. They have been devoted supporters of the Northwest Florida community since moving to Pensacola in February 2008 and continue that trend with this selfless gift. Recipients must be pursuing a nursing or health science program, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a United States Citizen or resident alien and be enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis. Students will receive up to $1,000 per year.

CHERYL KEES CLENDENON KBB (Kitchen and Bath Business) Magazine has named the owner and lead designer of Pensacola's In Detail Interiors its 2021 Person of the Year.

Clendenon was chosen for her passion, innovation, her impact on the industry and her mentorship of young designers.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY BUS DRIVERS

The Escambia County School District has reached a pay raise agreement for all educational support personnel (ESP), including bus drivers. Under the proposed deal, bus drivers will receive at least a 4% pay hike. A new incoming bus driver will now earn $14.72 per hour, with training opportunities to receive a 50 cent increase.

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losers CITY GROWTH For all the new housing going up inside Pensacola's city limits, the population only increased 4.6%, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The cause may be the 2,361 Black residents who moved to neighborhoods in the county, such as Myrtle Grove, Bellview, Beulah and Ferry Pass. The Beulah area, which is outside the city limits, saw the most population growth in Escambia County, adding 4,217 new residents over the past decade.

SCHOOL MASK MANDATES The future

of school mask mandates is hazy. An appeal filed by Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration put on hold a Leon County circuit judge's written judgment that said DeSantis overstepped his constitutional authority in a July 30 executive order that sought to prevent school districts from requiring students to wear masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under legal rules, the notice of appeal triggered an automatic stay, effectively meaning that the decision was put on hold while the appeal moves forward. Despite the threat of financial penalties, 13 school districts as of Sept. 3 had moved forward with student mask mandates that allow exceptions only when parents present doctors' notes—Alachua, Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Leon, Brevard, Indian River, Sarasota, Lee and Volusia.

Meanwhile, students are contracting the COVID-19 virus.

MICHAEL CERNECH The city of Tama-

rac has fired City Manager Cernech after investigators charged him with conspiracy to commit racketeering, a felony. Prosecutors say Cernech conspired with real estate developers Bruce and Shawn Chait, along with several other individuals. The Chaits are already facing charges of attempting to extort rival developer Arnaud Karsenti. The charges tie Cernech into that alleged scheme. According to a release from Attorney General Ashley Moody's office, Karsenti's company acquired a Tamarac property more than a decade ago after the Chaits defaulted on a loan. Prosecutors say Cernech helped the Chaits manufacture false claims that soil on the property was contaminated. Cernech had worked for the city since 2001. inweekly.net

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REMEMBER THE SACRIFICES Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? I was in a sales staff meeting when my editors came rushing into the conference room shouting that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. We huddled around the TV in time to see a second airliner strike the other tower. Then the towers fell.

We scrapped our issue and started over. My partner Joe Scarborough, now of "Morning Joe" fame, had the idea to send the staff out to interview people all over town. Our cover was all black with the words "We Will Never Be the Same."

Scarborough wrote in his weekly column, "The true strength of America's character has always shown through at times of crisis, during depressions and world wars. Just as the Roman character sustained that great empire against the unceasing attacks of Hannibal, the American character has always sustained our great republic in the face of epic challenges."

He repeated the quote of Admiral Yamamoto after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, "I'm afraid we awakened a sleeping giant."

"We as a nation will rise from the ashes to begin building the next American century," wrote Scarborough. "And may God help those who find themselves in the path of an angry giant awakened from a peaceful sleep."

We did rebuild, and we punished those who attacked our nation. Thousands of men and women enlisted to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, defending freedom and protecting the security of not only this nation but the world.

I recently interviewed Dan McFaul, who served as chief of staff for Scarborough, and Congressman Jeff Miller. McFaul disagreed with President Biden's comments that the Afghanistan War was about nation-building.

"Afghanistan was a noble cause," said McFaul. "We eliminated the terrorist threats and our military kept the country safe for two decades. And, in my opinion, that was worth it. The goal of this was

never nation-building, and that's where I disagreed with the president's statement.

This was about containing a regime that nurtured and incubated the worst terrorist organization and then the worst terrorists that the world's ever seen."

I also spoke with former Army Ranger Tom Amenta, who fought in Operation Enduring Freedom. He and his friends have written "The Twenty-Year War," a coffee table book of 71 unique stories from veterans who have fought over the past 20 years in the global war on terror.

"I think at the end of the day, to serve is an honor and a privilege, first of all," Amenta told me. "I think sometimes that gets lost in the shuffle. We wanted to give this snapshot of what service and sacrifice look like because we are positive about what this 1% of America has done over the past 20 years."

He wanted to point out that the men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan did not serve in vain. We owe them our gratitude for the blanket of freedom under which we have lived and raised our families since Sept. 11, 2001.

Lt. Col. Dave Glassman USMC Ret. trained troops who saw combat in the Middle East. He and his friends have put together Freedom Quest 2021 to mark 20 years since the World Trade Center attack.

The event has no political or religious alignment or agenda. It is designed to bring our community together in remembrance to celebrate America and honor our military, first responders and Gold Star and Surviving Families.

On Saturday, Sept. 11, many of us will reminisce about where we were when the terrorist attacks hit our nation. Please say a prayer for the sacrifices our military has made over the past two decades. And if you have a chance, visit Freedom Quest 2021 at Pensacola State College in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studios parking lot. The fun starts at 9 a.m. {in} rick@inweekly.net

We owe them our gratitude for the blanket of freedom under which we have lived and raised our families since Sept. 11, 2001.

September 9, 2021

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FORMING A MENTAL HEALTH PLAN

Michelle Salzman / Photo Courtesy of myfloridahouse.gov

By Rick Outzen Who could get dozens of health care executives, politicians, nonprofit directors and business owners to attend a two-hour meeting after a hurricane had made landfall in a neighboring state? Not many, but State Rep. Michelle Salzman did.

The meeting concerned forming a mental health task force that would create a master plan for improving mental health services in Escambia County. What made the event rare was the meeting was about action, not sound bites and press clippings. Salzman expected commitments from the participants to do something in the next three months.

"I wanted us to have a collaborative conversation and find gaps in our mental health services," said the state representative. "I'm one that will hold you to it in front of everybody. And so I created a form for everybody in the room that said, this is what I'm committing to do in the next 90 days. And they know that I'll be reaching out to them and saying, 'How are you doing on your goals?'"

Healthcare thought leader Quint Studer believes Salzman's timing on putting together a task force is spot on. Over the past few

months, he has focused on helping health care systems, businesses and communities get past the stigma regarding mental health issues.

"It's tough to get past it," Studer told Inweekly. "That's why so many people don't access mental health. For employers, one of their first or second largest expenses in their employee benefit plan is antidepressants. Nothing wrong with antidepressants, but you would sure hope there are also other things that go with it, such as an employee assistance program (EAP)."

He added that some employers have renamed the EAPs employee wellbeing or employee wellness programs to avoid the stigma. Issues at home or in an employee's personal life can't help but interfere with their work performance.

"This whole myth of separate work and home, it's pretty hard to do," said Studer. "I think it's just breaking through that barrier and looking at mental health the same way we would look at other components of our health in a human being."

He added, "I think we have an opportunity now to break the stigma of mental health finally. And I think we can do that right now because I think people understand what the situation we're in due to the uncertainties, stress and isolation that has come with this pandemic, that there are people that are going through horrendous struggles."

Studer gave credit to Salzman for putting a task force together. He said, "I think we just have to take advantage of the situation. I hate to use that word, but we have to let people know it's okay to get help. But the other challenge we have is, of course, people wait too long to get help, and then they might even lose a job."

He believes that access to mental health care is an issue here in Escambia County.

Studer said, "Even though we have well-intentioned people that are providing care, we just don't have enough of them."

The Pensacola area has just one crisis mental car facility—Lakeview Center. Others offer mental health services, but Rep. Salzman recognized that we have gaps in service, and Lakeview cannot bear the entire burden. She believes the task force meeting might have helped people break out of their silos.

"If we all do a little bit at a time, I think the momentum is going to grow just in that alone," she shared with Inweekly. "I've read through the goals, and some of them are really, really good. I'm really excited."

She has created two subcommittees— Messaging Awareness and Process Design.

The Messaging Awareness subcommittee includes Lindsey Cannon, Rachel Croley, Todd Godwin, Ashton Hayward, Serene Keiek, Lumon May, David Mica, Marie Mott, Gay Nord, Chief Eric Randall, Troy Rafferty, Dawn Rudolph, Eric Rutledge, Shawn Salamida and Brian Wyer.

"Being a marketing person PR person, I see us creating a consistent message and then learning how to adjust it to push it through the various silos, whether it be educating you and your business on the importance of taking care of yourself or whether it be at the health department or Lakeview," said Salzman, "something that we can share everywhere because, as you know, if you're trying to change something, you've got to have a very consistent message there."

Salamida and Wyer are also on the Process Design subcommittee, along with Patricia Babcock, Laura Gilliam, Allison Hill, David Josephs, Scott Luth and Angelo Pananas. Salzman wants that group to build a map of mental health care with all of the little silos of different services.

She said, "You got geriatric mental health.

You've got adolescent mental health. There are all these different categories. And I'm not an expert at this, but we've got some smart folks in the room, and we're going to build out the diagram because the consensus from the task force meeting was we can't build a map with gaps until we have a real true view of what everything is that we need."

Salzman was reluctant to release the 90-day goals. She explained, "I promised them that I would not upload these forms in any way so that it wasn't public record because I wanted them to feel confident in whatever their goal was they could trust me, and I'm not trying to go and get them."

One goal, however, did stand out to her.

She said, "There was one that said they want to create an adolescent mental health facility.

And I knew that they were wanting to do that, but they actually wrote it down. And so that's another step in the direction of bringing in more mental health care."

She added, "Some were something that I think is critical that we're missing the mark on, and that was engaging in training their employees. And some of these people in the room have a lot of employees. So that would be a very big thing to do. Some are looking to partner with other organizations at the meeting. Everybody in there learned a mental health tool or a partner that they didn't know was there, to begin with."

Each attendee received a binder that had a directory with contact information of all those involved in mental health services. "I gave them everybody's contact information so that they could, on their own, reach out to these people and build those networks and coalitions," she said. "So if you want to know who does adolescent counseling, you open up this book, and it tells you all of the adolescent counselors that we have in Pensacola."

Salzman added, "What an incredible idea to create a directory for folks that are leading in the conversation and mental health to be able to go look for another resource and have it in that guide."

Studer missed the meeting but has been impressed with the feedback he's received about the task force. If the group can improve access to mental health services, he believes it will be successful.

Studer said, "What else is there? If a person can't get into care, if they just can't even get into care, then what chance do they have?" {in}

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Photo by Olga Steckel / Shutterstock.com

AIR SHOW MOVES TO BEACH Due to

COVID-19 restrictions onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola and other naval installations across the Southeast, the 2021 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show will be moved to Pensacola Beach. The show dates will remain Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6.

"Holding the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at NAS Pensacola is a long, proud Pensacola tradition that is especially meaningful in this 75th anniversary year," said Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer of the base. "But, as I've said many times before, the links between this community and the military are incredibly strong. This air show is important to the community, and I think in these times, we probably need it more than ever."

To fund the Homecoming Air Show on Pensacola Beach, Visit Pensacola plans to use excess TDT funds from the area's banner summer tourism season to pay for the event, combined with a significant sponsorship donation from Kia Autosport.

"We couldn't let the Blue Angels end their 75th anniversary season with a canceled hometown show," said Darien Schaefer, president and CEO of Visit Pensacola. "Visit Pensacola, with the sponsorship support of Kia, is very proud to bring the Blue Angels home on Pensacola Beach this November."

County Commissioner Robert Bender told Inweekly that he and Visit Pensacola have been working with the Navy to relocate the air show to Pensacola Beach. He expects the November show to be a boost to the beach economy.

"We already had a number of rooms booked out there through the Blue Angle Foundation, who had all these pilots and former pilots and members of the team that were coming in for the 75th Anniver88

sary," said Bender. "But it really will be a boost to the restaurants, bars and shops to have all these people come out and support our community."

He added, "That's one of the reasons why Visit Pensacola stepped up and is helping support the funding for this. It is another way that we can use some of these dollars that tourists bring in to put on things for the community."

A PATH FORWARD FOR FOOD TRUCKS

Recently, the city of Pensacola began enforcing a parking ordinance that effectively prohibits food trucks from operating on public property, like parking spaces along a sidewalk. Officials appear game to figure out a workaround for the mobile food vendors, but in the meantime, diners may have to search out their favorite food truck fare in allowable nooks and crannies.

"We're trying to introduce ourselves to Pensacola, and that's just being stifled right now by what the city is doing," said Alden Garcia, who runs MI SU Street Food with his wife, Hylene.

Food truck operators have been vocal in their discontent with these prospects.

Parking in spaces near an establishment that doesn't serve food has become common for food trucks in Pensacola over the past couple of years.

"We hadn't been enforcing it," explained Mayor Grover Robinson when announcing that the city would soon begin ticketing food trucks in violation of the city's parking ordinance.

Robinson said City Councilwoman Ann Hill had brought this issue to his attention, requesting that the city enforce the ordinance. Hill says she did approach the mayor after receiving complaints from a downtown

restaurant but was surprised when such a widespread ban on food trucks resulted.

"All the sudden, this thing came down, like, 'boom,'" Hill said. "I was shocked."

Robinson has said he's not opposed to food trucks operating in some public spaces but also can't square having a law prohibiting such on the books and simply not enforcing it.

"Our ordinance says we don't want food trucks," he said. "We have an ordinance that doesn't match what we want."

Robinson suggested that if city council members are dissatisfied with the current ordinance, they should address it. That's exactly what Councilman Casey Jones intends to do, with plans for introducing changes to both the city's parking ordinance as well as its Land Development Code.

"I think it's time to be changed," the councilman said.

Jones intends to bring this up during the Sept. 9 Pensacola City Council meeting. He's also kicking around the concept of a moratorium on enforcing the city's current parking ordinance when it comes to food trucks. He admitted, "It may be 60 or 90 days, just until we get things sorted out."

THE CENSURE VOTE At the end of the Escambia County Commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 2, County Attorney Alison Rogers told the board that Commissioner Doug Underhill had threatened to ruin her until she resigned. Rogers has worked for the county since 2003.

"On two occasions, I was threatened that he is going to bash my reputation until the day I resign," said Rogers. "And he has clearly exhibited the ability to do that and carry it out."

She continued, "The most heartbreaking thing about this is that he's mad at me for doing my job. He's mad at me for requesting an advisory opinion from the Commission on Ethics, which is part of my job. I've even gotten one for him before."

Rogers had been targeted most of this summer by the Pensacola News Journal's editorial board, insinuating the county attorney acted improperly when she traveled to Tallahassee with Commissioner Steven Barry for an ethics hearing. The daily newspaper has sided with Underhill against the county attorney and four other commissioners in the past.

"We only made the trip to Tallahassee at the specific request of the executive director and assistant general counsel to the Commission on Ethics," said Rogers, "in part because the question was more complex than normal and also in part because there's a brand new rule in the Florida Administrative Code that went into effect in December of 2020, and the commission had never analyzed and applied it yet."

She added, "If it had been any of the rest

of the four of you who had asked me to get an advisory opinion, I would have done the same, including from Mr. Underhill."

Commissioner Underhill denied the allegation—"I will say that categorically the words quoted here did not ever escape my lips, nor did they do it twice. I did say that the attorney's conduct has brought shame on this board. And I did state that I think that by the time all of this is said and done, it will be very surprising if you do not escape consequences for those things. That is well within my duties and my responsibilities for the oversight of one of the two full-time employees that we have as commissioners."

He later added, "So certainly, Madam Attorney, nothing that I said was intended to be a threat. Nothing with I said was intended to be anything other than my oversight of your job, which is my duty, as I said up here."

Commissioner Barry commended Rogers for having the courage to come forward.

Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said, "Madam Attorney, not one of us individually has the right to treat you that way."

He made it clear that he didn't believe Underhill's denial. He said, "This board is your employer, not individual members of the board. And if Doug said this to you, he's way out of bounds by doing it. Now he's saying he didn't. I heard from another source that he did."

Underhill said it was Bergosh's prerogative not to believe him. He said, "It would be interesting to find out if there was somebody else who heard it because it wasn't actually a first; it was only a phone call. I don't have private meetings with the county attorney."

Bergosh unloaded on his colleague, "Listen, Doug. You don't have the right to say anything to her. This board is her boss, not you. You don't have that right, and this is very upsetting to me. As a matter of fact, it's so upsetting to me, along with a lot of other crap I'm seeing online from you."

He continued, "I think it's about time this board took some action. You run us down constantly. Your help from the office runs us down constantly. You're a source of consternation on this board that's unnecessary.

And I'm just about fed up with it. I think it's time for this board to take some action. Now we're limited in what we can do, but when I hear the attorney's voice cracking and she provides me with this, and I've heard it from another source, that, by the way, I do trust, that's a problem."

Bergosh made the motion to censure Underhill. Barry seconded, and the motion passed 4-1, with Underhill voting in the negative. The audio and transcript of the meeting are available on ricksblog.biz.

MEET STEVE SHARP Steve Sharp pre-filed on Tuesday, Aug. 31, to run for the mayor of Pensacola. The longtime Pensacola resident

inweekly.net

moved to the area when he was 6 and his father, a Navy master chief, was transferred to NAS Pensacola.

"I grew up on the westside of town and have two daughters—one who went to Washington High School and then on to Florida State, and then my youngest went to Pensacola High School, and then she went to Auburn," Sharp shared with Inweekly. "I'm fortunate that they both moved back home after college, and they started their careers here, and that doesn't always happen with our young folk."

Sharp has worked in public safety for more than 30 years—first as a volunteer firefighter, paramedic and flight medic with Baptist Life Flight. He recently retired from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

"Prior to the Sheriff's office, I served as director of protection services for the school district for a little over 11 years," he said. "In that position, I was responsible for directing the security, safety and environmental operations for the school district.

And I think a lot of people don't realize how big of an operation that is, but every day that school's in session, they bring in a little over 40,000 students, 7,000 employees into 67 facilities throughout the county. That's pretty much the population of the City of Pensacola, so that in and of itself is a pretty significant operation."

Why is he running?

"I want to see Pensacola realize its full potential," answered Sharp. "I see it as a continuation of my public service to the community. I live downtown, over here on the westside, on Gregory Street, and I've really enjoyed seeing the revitalization of downtown Pensacola."

He continued, "And it's been good for the community, but at the end of the day, I think maybe the city government has lost its focus. City government is there to serve all the citizens and all the businesses within the city limits. Downtown Pensacola is only a portion of the city."

September 9, 2021

His administration would focus on public service.

"That's what we're there for," said Sharp.

"The citizens of the city, the businesses, they're paying the taxes and the fees that the city runs on. And we need to remember that, that we're out there to serve the public."

He continued, "Some of the other things—we'll focus on transparency. I want to look at streamlining the staff, especially the upper echelons. I think there are some cost savings there … We really need to get a handle on all the violence going on in the neighborhoods. And that goes back to the fact that most of these folks are out there working; they're working hard. And when they go home, they want to be safe. They want to feel secure."

Later in the show, Sharp added, "When you asked what my administration is going to look like, I am going to donate 20% of my salary, if I'm elected, throughout my entire term to local charities."

Inweekly featured the other four candidates, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Tim Horton, James Hilburn and D.C. Reeves, in an earlier article (Inweekly, "Who's Running for Mayor," 8/19/21).

CONFERENCE CENTER POLL Last

month, the Pensacola City Council voted 4-3 for a publicly funded conference center and parking garage, an indoor entertainment complex and 80 housing units to be built on Lots 4 and 5 at the Community Maritime Park. The council rejected the recommendation made by its consultant, Mayor Grover Robinson and city staff for a proposal with more residential and retail.

Inweekly hired Political Matrix to find out what city voters thought of the council's decision. There wasn't much support for the proposal—only 31%—and even fewer of the 518 likely city voters polled want to borrow $40 million to build the project, 23%. Hardly anyone wanted to raise taxes to pay for it, 10%.

If the city council wants to proceed on this course, they will need to convince more citizens that the project is worthwhile. Right now, it appears some members are out of step with their constituents.

SKANSKA UPDATE Claiming issues due

to Hurricane Ida, the attorneys representing Skanska have asked and received a continuance in the lawsuit brought against them by local residents and business owners.

A pre-trial conference has been set for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The lawsuit focuses on the economic impact on the community caused by Skanska's barges that damaged the Pensacola Bay Bridge, shutting it down for six months after Hurricane Sally.

PROJECT HOMECOMING ARREST

Stephen M. Alford, 62, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted by a federal grand jury on counts of wire fraud and the attempted prevention of seizure of an electronic device, announced Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Alford was arrested on Aug. 31 and made his initial appearance in federal court to face the charges.

The official press release didn't identify the Gaetz family, but the evidence presented matches Alford's attempt to get Don Gaetz, father of Rep. Matt Gaetz, to pay $25 million in exchange for a pardon for his son. Alford called his plan "Project Homecoming."

The indictment alleges that, between March 16 and April 7, Alford engaged in a scheme to defraud a victim (assumed to be former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz) out of $25 million. As articulated in the indictment, Alford is alleged to have been involved in a scheme to obtain money based upon false promises or guarantees he made to the victim that Alford could deliver a Presidential Pardon for a family member of the victim (Matt Gaetz).

Alford is currently being held in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Alford faces up to 25 years imprisonment on the charged crimes.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

ELEVATED WALKWAY PROPOSED Es-

cambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, State Rep. Michelle Salzman and School Board member Kevin Adams have joined forces to seek funding after an elevated walkway over Nine Mile Road near the Beulah Middle School.

"There's been a lot of growth, a lot of subdivisions, and Kevin and I have been working to get the speed limits right through that area," Bergosh told Inweekly. "It's a state road, so it's difficult. The idea was getting tossed around—how about we build one of those overpasses because it's really inefficient right now. You've got school buses going through there to pick up kids to take them across the street because it's dangerous. Even if you have a crosswalk, you've got people speeding through there."

Rep. Salzman indicated that she would seek funding from the state, Bergosh pledged $500,000 of his sidewalk funds for District 1 and Adams committed to pursuing money from the school district.

Commissioner Bergosh said the elevated walkway would benefit more than students.

"It's about anyone that wants to get out. We're going to have a network of sidewalks through the area—up and down Nine Mile Road from Exit 5, all the way to the Publix. You can do the roundtrip, and now you can do five miles on sidewalks, courtesy of the state."

He added, "If we can safely navigate Nine Mile Road without fear of getting run over, I think that's a great thing—not just for the students but for the health of the community." {in}

9

Clue

Based on the screenplay by: Jonathan Lynn Written by: Sandy Rustin

n Stage

SEPTEMBER

10 - 26, Additional Materials Provided by: Hunter Foster and Eric Price Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE Directed by : Original Music by: Michael Holland

2021

Mario Dante Cieri

850.432.2042 pensacolalittletheatre.com CLUE ON STAGE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing (www.broadwaylicensing.com).

010 1

Tyler Kercher

inweekly.net

It's officially September—which means the only thing more anticipated than a change in the weather (which has to be coming any day now... right?) is the rollout of must-see TV shows and award season contenders at theaters. There's also a lot of great books and new music worth pre-ordering, so no matter how conflicted you're feeling about "Insecure" returning for its final season (we personally aren't even a little bit ready to say goodbye), there's plenty to look forward to.

By Gina Castro, Joani Delezen & Jennifer Leigh

September 9, 2021

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BIG SCREEN TIME THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Release date: Sept. 17 From Director Michael Showalter of "The Big Sick," comes the story of the rise and fall of televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Jessica Chastain—with the help of prosthetics—plays Tammy Faye and Andrew Garfield plays Jim in this drama based on the documentary of the same name.

GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

Release date: Oct. 8 One of the (many) films to postpone its release date is the latest James Bond flick starring Daniel Craig in his supposedly final run as 007.

Release date: Nov. 19 In this sequel to the original "Ghostbusters" franchise, two kids discover their grandfather's history with Ghostbusters amidst a series of unexplained phenomena. Using the equipment they find, they set out to save the world—again. The film features original cast members (although Harold Ramis sadly passed in 2014) along with Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard.

THE LAST DUEL

HOUSE OF GUCCI

NO TIME TO DIE

Release date: Oct. 15 Based on the book of the same name, "The Last Duel," is about the last legally sanctioned duel in France's history. A knight in 14th century France, played by Matt Damon, challenges his best friend and squire, Adam Driver, to a duel after his wife claims she has been raped by him. Ben Affleck and Damon reunited as writers to pen the screenplay with Nicole Holofcener.

DUNE

Release date: Oct. 22 in theaters and on HBO Max The much-anticipated sci-fi epic "Dune" is based on the sprawling book series from author Frank Herbert which takes place in the distant future in an interstellar society.

The movie is jam-packed with stars including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac and more.

THE FRENCH DISPATCH

The way we watch movies might still be a bit different, but the anticipation of award season contenders doesn't stop. Whether you don your mask for a socially-distanced showing at a—gasp—real theater or rent a movie from the comfort of your own home, these are a few of the flicks you shouldn't miss this season.

All films listed below are theatrical release only unless otherwise specified, and all release dates are, of course, subject to change. We are still in a global pandemic after all.

land" Chloé Zhao. A cast including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Kumail Nanjiani tells the story of powerful immortals who help shape humanity and history on Earth.

Release date: Oct. 22 Here's hoping this release date holds and Wes Anderson fans finally get to experience "The French Dispatch." The film, which was supposed to be released July 2020, brings a series of stories to life from the French bureau of a fictional newspaper. The movie stars Timothée Chalamet as well as a handful of Anderson regulars including Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Tilda Swinton.

ETERNALS

Release date: Nov. 5 Marvel continues its next phase of the superhero storytelling with "Eternals" from the award-winning director of "Nomad-

Release date: Nov. 24 in theaters, the film will also be streaming on Paramount+ at some point after the theatrical rollout Lady Gaga and Adam Driver star in this movie based on the true story about Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) who was tried and convicted of orchestrating the assassination of her ex-husband and former head of Gucci, Maurizio Gucci (Driver). The film also stars Al Pacino, Salma Hayek and a very well disguised Jared Leto.

Release date: Dec. 10 If there's anyone who can at least try and re-make a classic, it's Steven Spielberg.

The Broadway musical based on Romeo and Juliet follows two teens in 1950s New York who fall in love despite belonging to rival gangs. The film stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as well as Rita Moreno who starred in the original movie.

The pandemic has hit movie theaters hard, and it's hit independent theaters even harder.

Thankfully our local indie arthouse theater, Pensacola Cinema Art, is open for business, showing independent movies and following CDC guidelines—including masks (which are recommended for all guests). You can also take advantage of plenty of streaming options and support PCA virtually. PCA's film selection changes pretty frequently, so you should check their website for new showings or subscribe to their newsletter: pensacolacinemaart.com.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Next in-person screening:

THE LOST DAUGHTER

This film is based on Judith Kerr's autobiographical book about a Jewish family's escape from 1933 Berlin. The film will be showing Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. at PCA, which is located at 220 W. Garden St. (inside the Studer Community Institute building).

WEST SIDE STORY

Release date: Dec. 17 The third installment of the Tom Hollandera "Spider-Man" franchise will be a Marvel multi-verse journey with Dr. Stephen Strange helping Peter Parker to restore his secret identity with magic. This, of course, results in chaos.

Release date: Dec. 17 in theaters, Dec. 31 on Netflix Maggie Gyllenhaal is making her directorial debut with this drama, which is based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante. Gyllenhaal's film stars Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson and Peter Sarsgaard.

A FEW REASONS TO KEEP YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS Here are some streaming movies to watch before you binge the same TV show (again).

CODA

A coming-of-age story about the child of deaf parents who wants to pursue her dreams of singing. Starring Emilia Jones and Marlee Matlin. On Apple TV+ now.

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TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

KING RICHARD

THE POWER OF THE DOG

DON'T LOOK UP

Joel Coen's update on the William Shakespeare classic. Starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. On Apple TV+ this fall.

Set in the American West, two brothers and ranch owners duel after one of them gets married. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst. On Netflix Nov. 17.

SUPPORTING PENSACOLA CINEMA ART

The story about how Serena and Venus Williams' father helped train their minds and bodies. Starring Will Smith. On HBO Max Nov. 19.

Two low-level astronomers go on a media tour to warn of an approaching comet that will destroy the planet. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. On Netflix Dec. 10.

WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT

Some films currently available via the PCA streaming service:

TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION

Voiced by Jim Parsons and Zachary Quinto, "Truman & Tennessee" shares the story of Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams in this dual-portrait documentary.

LOS HERMANOS/THE BROTHERS This documentary tracks brothers Ilmar and Aldo who live parallel lives in New York and Havana.

SLOW MACHINE

Chloë Sevigny stars in this movie about an actress who meets an NYPD counter-terrorism specialist and theatre aficionado who might be going crazy. inweekly.net

FOR THE RECORDS We already got "Certified Lover Boy," "Donda" and their messy aftermath— which we'll never forgive Kanye West for dragging André 3000 into. But that doesn't mean the fall music scene is going quiet. There are plenty of exciting releases still on the horizon for 2021.

SEPT. 10

Diana Ross "Thank You" James Blake "Friends That Break Your Heart" Kacey Musgraves "Star-Crossed" Common "A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2" Low "Hey What" Sleigh Bells "Texis"

Young Thug "Punk" Finneas "Optimist" Johnny Marr "Fever Dreams, Pt. 1" Remi Wolf "Juno"

OCT. 22

My Morning Jacket "My Morning Jacket" Deerhoof "Actually, You Can" Parquet Courts "Sympathy For Life"

OCT. 29

Ed Sheeran "=" The War on Drugs "I Don't Live Here Anymore"

NOV. 5

Lil Nas X "Montero"

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats "The Future"

SEPT. 24

NOV. 12

SEPT. 17

Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine "A Beginner's Mind" Brittany Howard "Jaime Reimagined" (a remix album) Japanese Breakfast "Sable" (official soundtrack)

Courtney Barnett "Things Take Time, Take Time"

OCT. 1

Albums without official release dates, that are rumored to be dropping soon Noname "Factory Baby" Khalid "Everything Is Changing"

Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett "Love for Sale"

OCT. 15

Coldplay "Music of the Spheres"

NOV. 19

Taylor Swift "Red (Taylor's Version)"

TBD

Chloe Bailey The title is still TBD too (but her first solo single—"Have Mercy" is dropping Sept. 10)

SPECIAL ADDITION

Storytime with Seth Rogen It's not a really a record, but we had to include this upcoming new podcast from Seth Rogen.

The premise of the show is pretty simple—Rogen asks his friends, both famous and not so famous, to tell him their most interesting stories. Confirmed guests include Paul Rudd, Ava DuVernay and a friend of Rogen's from Canada who survived an absolutely crazy sounding encounter with a bear.

The first episode is set to premiere Oct. 6.

BOOK MARKS Where Are You" is about young people and love. This particular plot revolves around Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon and how they worry about the things we all worry about—sex, work and their relationships with each other. You might as well read it...or just wait for the inevitable TV series adaptation.

POET WARRIOR

By Joy Harjo The author of nine poetry books and two award-winning children's books just released a memoir called "Poet Warrior." Harjo is the first Native American United States Poet Laureate and, in this memoir, she explores how her ancestral connection to poetry became a source of healing and power.

Whether you're a fan of romance, biographies, essay collections or all three, this fall reading list has you covered.

MISFITS: A PERSONAL MANIFESTO

By Michaela Coel The writer, director, producer and actor—who gave us the equally amazing and totally different shows "Chewing Gum" and "I May Destroy You"—is adding author to her resume with this nonfiction book.

BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU

By Sally Rooney Like Rooney's other novels, "Beautiful World, September 9, 2021

THE INHERITANCE OF ORQUÍDEA DIVINA

By Zoraida Córdova Córdova, the author of the "Brooklyn Brujas" series, just released another spellbinding book. In this dreamy magical realism tale, the characters must trace their family origins back to Ecuador to uncover the truth of their inheritance and save what's left of their family.

HARLEM SHUFFLE

By Colson Whitehead Release Date: Sept. 14 The newest novel from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author is about a small-time crook in 1960s Harlem named Ray Carney. The plot revolves mostly around cons and heists, but at its core is a beautifully crafted love letter to Harlem.

ASSEMBLY

By Natasha Brown Release Date: Sept. 14 Brown's daring first novel "Assembly" takes readers through the carefully assembled life of a Black British woman who is preparing to meet her boyfriend's wealthy family.

The story challenges the many personas one creates to fit into the unique worlds of race and class.

BESSIE SMITH: A POET'S BIOGRAPHY OF A BLUES LEGEND

MAJOR LABELS: A HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC IN SEVEN GENRES

By Kelefa Sanneh Release Date: Oct. 5 Sanneh has been a New Yorker staff writer since 2008, and before that he was a music critic at The New York Times. In this book, he lays out all the knowledge and insight he's earned and learned during his impressive career (so far).

By Jackie Kay Release Date: Sept. 21 This release is a reissue of the 1997 biography, which is still incredibly relevant and worth reading or rereading. It includes a new introduction by the author.

PLEASE DON'T SIT ON MY BED IN YOUR OUTSIDE CLOTHES

By Phoebe Robinson Release Date: Sept. 28 Robinson wrote this book during 2020, which means it explores topics that are hyper-relevant to our current cultural moment like performative allyship and self-care.

CROSSROADS

By Jonathan Franzen Release Date: Oct. 5 In what's expected to be the first book in a trilogy, "Crossroads" tells the story of a Midwestern family during a moment of crisis in 1971.

13

SERIES REGULARS

Issa Rae / Photo by Merie Wallace/HBO

This fall, lots of incredible shows are kicking off or returning with new episodes and some classics are coming back from the dead just in time for spooky season.

IMPEACHMENT: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

SEX EDUCATION

Season three premieres Sept. 17 on Netflix “Sex Education” follows a broad range of characters—from students in and out of the closet to outcasts and jocks. Although this show is sure to make you laugh, don’t underestimate its ability to make the tears flow, too.

New episodes currently airing Tuesdays on FX In this new FX original series, viewers will have the opportunity to unpack the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky scandal. Lewinsky is one of the producers of this Ryan Murphy production which stars Beanie Feldstein, Sarah Paulson, Clive Owen and Edie Falco.

CHICAGO PARTY AUNT

THE CIRCLE

Premieres Sept. 19 on Adult Swim Adult Swim's latest adult animation show delivers "Rick and Morty" raunchy type humor but with a female misfit as the lead. When Annie accidentally brings her mom back from the dead, her high school life takes a turn for the better. Who knew the undead could make a decent role model?

New episodes currently dropping Wednesdays on Netflix We know reality TV tends to feel phony, but "The Circle" is actually pretty good.

In this series, a collection of strangers attempt to forge real connections over the internet. The catch is that there are catfish among them.

SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE

Premieres Sept. 12 on HBO This limited series starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain is a remake of Ingmar Bergman's 1973 Swedish television miniseries of the same name.

THE PREMISE

Premieres Sept. 16 on FX on Hulu B.J. Novak from "The Office" has curated an anthology of character-driven episodes that feature an alternating cast experiencing issues involving sex, revenge, love and identity. Oh, and somehow butt plugs are part of the storyline, too.

THE MORNING SHOW

Season two premieres Sept. 17 on Apple TV+ Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return as co-hosts dealing with the aftermath of a workplace sex scandal in this TV show about a TV show. If we're being totally honest, we aren't entirely sure we like this series yet, but the cast is so good we keep watching.

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Premieres Sept. 17 on Netflix If you're a fan of "Big Mouth," you might want to give "Chicago Party Aunt" a shot.

This series follows the relationship between a wild, fun-loving aunt and her shy, nerdy nephew. The character's opposing natures are sure to make for a hysterical cartoon.

TEENAGE EUTHANASIA

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE

Volume 4 premieres Sept. 22 on Netflix We can't lie—we're a little nervous about the final season of this show being done in musical format. It just seems a little cringy given the weighty topics the series normally deals with. But if anyone can pull it off, it's this incredibly talented cast.

THE WONDER YEARS

Premieres Sept. 22 on ABC This reimagining of the coming-of-age classic takes place in Montgomery, Alabama, during the 1960s. This time around the Kevin Arnold character is named is Dean Williams and the plot focuses on racism and fitting in at the close of segregation. Don Cheadle is the narrator.

FOUNDATION

Premieres Sept. 24 on Apple TV+ The beloved science fiction book series "Foundation" by Isaac Asimov is finally having its on-screen moment. The series takes place in a futuristic world where characters live on planets scattered throughout the galaxy under one ruler—the

Galactic Empire. But a revolution is brewing and the empire's grip is slipping.

GHOSTS

Premieres Oct. 7 on CBS Spooky season is around the corner, so that means ghosts, demons and witches will be filling up your screens in no time. But if spooky isn't really your thing, you'll still get a kick out of "Ghosts." In this supernatural comedy, a lovable couple inherits a bed and breakfast. Adorable, right? The kicker is it's haunted by former guests.

DOPESICK

Premieres Oct. 13 on Hulu This limited series is based on the book "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America" by Beth Macy. Its got a really strong cast that includes Michael Keaton, Kaitlyn Dever, Peter Sarsgaard and Rosario Dawson.

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

Premieres Oct. 15 on Amazon The 1997 horror classic has been resurrected as a TV series. Amazon had been relatively tight-lipped on how this slasher will play out, but it did say the storyline will pay respect to the original film, with the addition of unforeseen twists and turns, of course.

YOU

Season three premieres Oct. 15 on Netflix Ah, yes. "You," the sinister, psychological thriller that has the audience cheering for an unhinged serial murderer named Joe. He just has a certain charisma, you know? The series' new season is reaching a new level of insanity because Joe and his almost equally as strange partner are now parents. So that means Joe will be doing his stalking with a newborn strapped to his chest.

DAY OF THE DEAD

Premieres Oct. 15 on SYFY You guessed it, another series about zombies. However, this show seems to have created a completely new rule book for the genre. A shot to the head won't do the job anymore. To kill the zombie, the head or body has to be completely destroyed.

But on the bright side, a zombie bite is no longer an inevitable death sentence.

QUEENS

Premieres Oct. 19 on ABC The fact that "Queens" stars Brandy Norwood is really more than enough to get us on board. But we also love that the plot revolves around a musical girl group called The Nasty Bitches.

INSECURE

Season five premieres Oct. 24 on HBO Not to be dramatic, but the final season hasn't even started airing yet, and we're already mourning the loss of "Insecure."

What can we say—we just love Issa, Molly, Kelli and Tiffany that damn much.

Please don’t ask us about Lawrence and Condola though.

COLIN IN BLACK & WHITE

Premieres Oct. 29 on Netflix A limited series that focuses on Colin Kaepernick's high-school years, with Nick Offerman and Mary-Louise Parker playing his adoptive parents. Yup, that sounds like must-see TV to us, especially when you add in that Ava DuVernay is involved.

SUCCESSION

Season three is supposed to premiere sometime in Oct. on HBO "Succession" is a really good show, about really shitty people, and we honestly couldn't love it more if we tried. Thankfully HBO has promised the much-anticipated and much-delayed third season is coming soon and they better not be lying because we really need our Roy family fix soon.

DEXTER: NEW BLOOD

Premieres Nov. 7 on Showtime Eight years after "Dexter" ended, fans are getting a 10-episode revival. And yes, Michael C. Hall is returning to play serial killer Dexter Morgan.

THE GREAT

Season two premieres Nov. 19 on Hulu Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are coming back for another season as Catherine the Great and Peter III. Huzzah! If you haven't watched season one yet, consider this your official notice to fix that before the new one starts. {in} inweekly.net

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 9-15

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

Dynamic Duo Puts a Spin on Brownsville Music Scene

By Gina Castro

Photo Courtesy of Easy Going Gallery

A new musical beat has taken hold of Brownsville. The neighborhood is known as the city's blues and jazz hub, but the opening of Easy Going Gallery is switching up the tempo. The gallery is focused on uplifting artists in the house music genre, especially DJs. "Tons of people listen to house music.

People will travel to festivals, Miami, Atlanta, Bonnaroo and New Orleans' Voodoo Festival to hear dance music," said William Bowers, 27, co-owner of Easy Going Gallery. "They will go everywhere, but Pensacola for dance music. We would like to be able to be their home base for dance music culture in our town."

But they are limiting the gallery or the shows they host. Every weekend since Easy Going Gallery opened on Aug. 14, lively beats from local artists have flowed from its doors. From hip hop to bedroom pop to techno, the gallery features it all.

William and his other half, Rebbecca September 9, 2021

Bowers, 27, have dreamed of opening a space that combined both of their backgrounds. Aside from the gallery's weekend dance shows, it's a cafe and an art gallery with a retail shop featuring vintage clothing.

For the past three years, William has made a name for himself in the Panhandle's dance scene as DJ Dad. The father of two children has spun discs at Gallery Night, Odd Colony and Emerald Republic, to name a few. William's passion for music took root in middle school band and evolved into him being the aux cord master for all road trips and gatherings with friends.

"I always had an ear for listening to newer and newer music," William said. "As opposed to those types of characters who listen to the same music their entire life, I always wanted to find something new, something different, and I always wanted to share music with friends."

On the other hand, Rebbecca's artistic expression is fashion. In high school, she

began scouring through yard sales and estate sales for vintage finds. Now, she runs Nostalgic Behavior, an Etsy store and mobile vintage shop. Her style is largely vibrant, funky '60s and '70s women's clothing.

Rebbecca is the gallery's first vintage retailer. The couple plans to feature other vintage clothing retailers in the future.

The couple realized a vintage retail section was a perfect fit for the gallery because of the building's layout.

"We had a negative space that was kind of like tucked away but still up at the front of the building, and it was just big enough for a couple of racks," William explained.

The building dates back to the 1950s and started out as the Brownsville Post Office.

It transitioned to various storefronts and, most recently, the art gallery Interzone.

Interzone opened just at the cusp of the pandemic, and the shutdowns were a devastating challenge, as they were to much of Pensacola's art community. chizuko, a local favorite music spot located in the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood, closed in August 2020 as a result of the pandemic, too. Easy Going Gallery hopes its presence will benefit the arts in Brownsville and Pensacola as a whole.

"We're stepping into a market gap in Pensacola's art community," William said. "Those gaps were created whenever COVID hit and took out those two core foundation pieces in Pensacola. We're able to see a need, and we're able to fill that on several different scales."

The Easy Going Gallery's stark brick white walls contrast with the surrounding green lots. Inside, guests are welcomed by a bold black and white "Take it easy" poster. The minimalist furniture coupled with exposed walls and solid black ceilings create an industrial feel. The lush green plants in each corner and windowsill add a subtle vibrancy to the space.

The walls are currently lined with paintings from Ryan Mayall, who is the gallery's art director. Intricate ceramic pieces from First City Art Center's Katie Soo are also on display in the gallery.

There are studios in the back for artists to rent. William explained that featuring a diverse range of artists is important to the gallery.

"We want this to be a space for many types of artists," William said. "We have a graffiti artist, an oil painter, a multimedia graphic designer, and we just brought in a film photographer."

The gallery also dedicated an outside wall to local graffiti artists. Just like the beloved Graffiti Bridge, locals can come and paint the wall.

"Any artist who wants to go to the Graffiti Bridge and paint is welcome to do so in our space," William said. "That's just another dimension we were able to incorporate."

To help foster the gallery's passion for music, the back wall of the space features a selection of vinyl records and a listening station.

"Vinyl records are a huge aspect in DJing and discovering older music, forgotten music," William said. "It's very common in larger cities that you have a listing station because you're looking for music you've never heard before. What sense does it make to buy a record if you aren't able to listen to it? It's just a huge factor in music discovery."

Coffee is another passion of William's.

He spent years as a barista in Niceville and later for Amavida Coffee, which is based in the 30A and Panama City Beach area.

The gallery offers coffee from Amavida and plans to rotate Nova Espresso, which is based in Mobile, later on. Whenever the gallery needs new inventory, it intends on rotating in a new brand.

Once the night rolls in, the gallery shifts to a spacious dance floor. The tables are removed and the lights are turned low, but the key element to the dance space is the sound system. The gallery has two 15-inch subwoofers stacked onto two 18-inch subwoofers in either corner. Stacked at the very top is a three-way vintage clip La Scala speaker, or, as William calls it, "the crown jewel."

"Whenever you're listening to them, you're hearing something in music that you've never heard of before, and that's what they are known for," William said.

Easy Going Gallery is kicking off its second month of business with its own house-hosted dance music night—Aciid.

DJ Dad will be the first DJ to jumpstart the recurring event.

"Aciid is going to be one of the main ways that we promote the dance music culture development in Pensacola," William said.

The gallery will also play host this weekend to a vintage and vinyl market with Pensacola Vintage Collective on Saturday, Sept. 11. {in} EASY GOING GALLERY 701 N. V St. @EasyGoingGallery 15

a&e happenings NONPROFITS + FUNDRAISERS

LOCAL ORGANIZATION RALLIES SUPPORT FOR HAITI Following the 7.2-mag-

nitude earthquake in Haiti last week, local organization Diligent Act of Love for Haiti is spearheading a relief drive for families impacted by the recent disasters in this country.

Organization Chairwoman Jessie Elusma is collecting food, toiletries and other items like flashlights, first aid kits and unused tarps to send to Haiti. Donations can be dropped off at WRNE Radio, located at 312 E. Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Monetary donations can also be made at dalove.org.

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

mittee is now accepting applications from nonprofit and for-profit entities who are interested in playing a part in this year's events as a "Friend of Foo." Nonprofits in the Pensacola area who recently applied and did not receive a grant for this year's festival but would still like to participate, or local for-profit businesses such as hoteliers, restaurants and bars who are interested in participating and benefitting, are encouraged to apply. To review the application process, visit foofoofest.com.

"Friend of Foo'' participants will receive local, regional and national visibility during the 12-day event via the festival's regional marketing campaign. When applying, entrants should be prepared to provide the name and title of their prospective event; the date, time and location for the event; its respective category; and details and imagery to support the concept. The deadline to submit to be a "Friend of Foo" is Friday, Oct. 1, by noon.

The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival will take place Nov. 4-15, 2021.

ARTS & CULTURE

PMA VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSION: A DEAD RECKONING Join a free virtual dis-

cussion about the exhibit "A Dead Reckoning."

Moderated by curator Adam Shiverdecker, the talk will highlight work by panelists Ebitenyefe Baralaye, Caitlin Rhea, Jesse Ring and Virginia Scotchie. This program is 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, and is open to the public. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

FREEDOM QUEST 2021 "INDIVISIBLE"

The public is invited to attend this free event that honors the 20th anniversary of the Sept.

11 attacks with speakers, music and a first responder "touch-a-truck" experience. Food trucks will also be on site. The program begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, in the WSRE parking lot located at 1000 College Blvd. Admission is free.

"WHAT DID WE MISS? IS THE INTERNET CONSCIOUS?" ART SHOW A new art show from Kind Witch Media explores where digital meets analog and propaganda meets history. The show will be open for viewing by appointment only Sept. 11-Oct. 11. For more information or to make an appointment, visit instagram.com/kindwitchmedia.

CLUE: ON STAGE Experience the stage

show based on the 1985 movie inspired by the popular Hasbro board game. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 10, 17 and 24; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 11, 18, 26; and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays, Sept. 12, 19, 27. Two Thursday performances at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 23 will be half price. Masks are required. Cost is $8-$31.

Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for tickets and more information.

VINTAGE & VINYL MARKET Shop for vintage finds at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St., on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for more information.

BRIAN REGAN Comedian Brian Regan will take the Saenger stage 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Tickets are $47.50-$60.50. Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox. For more information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

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

POPULAR LITERARY BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: THE SWEETNESS OF WATER

BY NATHAN HARRIS Join the Popular Lit-

erary Book Club as they discuss Oprah's Book Club selection "The Sweetness of Water"

10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the Pensacola Library, located at 239 N. Spring St. For more information, visit mywfpl.com.

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

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

STRONG STREET STUDIO ONLINE PUMPKIN SALE Glass pumpkin season is

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

THIS IS NOT A PIPE Join a small group of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra musicians for a free performance at Artel Gallery, located at 223 S. Palafox. 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, and experience the music surrounded by visual art. For more information, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

BROWN BAG OPERA Pensacola Opera's

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

SEWING WITH STEAM FOR ADULTS

Tryon Library's STEAM librarian will teach a sewing class Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22 and 29, from 10 a.m.-noon. All skill levels are welcome. Learn something new each week. Tryon Library is located is at 1200 Langley Ave.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY WRITERS' GUILD ANNUAL AWARD All writers are

welcome to submit work for the Santa Rosa County Writers' Guild Annual Award. The award is given to one winner for a poem or

NICK’S PICKS

TUESDAYS

6-8 PM CENTRAL ON RADIO

FREE PENSACOLA streaming world wide www.radiofreepensacola.com 616 1

Facebook/NYN’sBADLANDS NYNBADLANDS.COM

23 PALAFOX PL. 850-43-BRUCE

book written by a Santa Rosa County resident who submits their writing or book to srcwg@ mediacombb.net by Sept. 10. There is no entry fee. The winner is chosen solely in the discretion of the Guild. By submitting, you are granting permission to the Guild to have your writing and/or book's title and the award appear in any publications connected with the Santa Rosa County Writers' Guild, including Issue VI of the Blackwater Literary Journal. All rights remain with the person submitting.

BROADWAY SERIES TICKETS ON SALE NOW Season tickets for Broadway shows at

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

UWF HISTORIC TRUST 9/11 EXHIBIT

An exhibit honoring victims lost and others impacted by the tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001, is now on display on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History.

The University of West Florida Historic Trust curated the exhibit, 9/11 Remembered, which runs through January 2022, with items on loan from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York and the History Museum of Mobile. The gallery includes a section of the I-beam from one of the World Trade Center towers and a helmet and other items worn by first responders who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Visitors can also view a video of newsreels from 20 years ago on projectors and a video from NAS Pensacola that features military members who responded to the 9/11 attacks.

For more information on UWF's Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.

FINDING 1821 Finding 1821 is part of the

UWF Historic Trust's Suddenly American exhibit. Using historic newspapers, maps and documents, it is possible to locate where businesses stood in the 1820s. From taverns

An Official Florida Lottery Retailer Home of the

D.D.D.

(Downtown Day Drinkers)

Open: 11am-3am Every Day inweekly.net

a&e happenings to parasol shops, each site on the Finding 1821 trail reflects a local establishment that was near that location 200 years ago. Outside each business is a QR code that links to a corresponding advert from an early 1820s newspaper. Over a dozen sites have been identified so far. Take a stroll around town, visit local shops and explore the history of Pensacola through today's technology. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information.

DRAG SHOWS AT DOLCE AND GELATO Head to Dolce and Gelato, located

at 2050 N. 12th Ave., for regular drag shows.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ dolcegelatopensacola.

"A DEAD RECKONING: NAVIGATING CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS" EXHIBIT AT PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART

"A Dead Reckoning: Navigating Contemporary Ceramics" is now on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, which asks viewers, "Where is the field of American ceramic art going?" On view through Sept. 12. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

KISSED IN DIGITAL GLOSS Anastasia Moray Leech creates using installation, sculpture and digital multimedia to address the effervescence of popular culture and its evolving modes of physical and digital connection. On view through Sept. 12. For more information, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE: PHOTOGRAPHY X DESIGN Exhibit from award-

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

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

Century, an art exhibit featuring Art Nouveau glassware and works on paper, is a new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art. This special exhibit includes items from the museum collection as well as the collection of local art supporter and educator Dr. Patrick M. Rowe.

On view through Oct.10. Learn more about the exhibition at pensacolamuseum.org.

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT ARTEL GALLERY Three new exhibitions will be on display

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

Admission is free to the public. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

NEW EXHIBIT AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY The current Spotlight on Art

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

September 9, 2021

PENSACOLA BEACH ART WALK ON THE BOARDWALK Stroll the Pensacola

Beach Boardwalk Sundays through October from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and check out local art vendors, listen to live music and enjoy local restaurants and bars at 400 Quietwater Beach Road.

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's

and Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the group to read and discuss?

Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue. The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fascinated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook.com/ pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.

SEVILLE HAUNTED TOURS Seville Quarter's haunted tours offer a different look at Pensacola's history as guides weave tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more.

Choose your experience from three ongoing tours—Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour, 11 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month; Seville Haunted Gallery Night Tours, 7 p.m. every third Friday of the month; Seville Sunday FunDay Haunted Tours, 4 p.m. last Sunday of each month. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

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

STAND-UP COMEDY AT THE REX THEATRE Visit The REX Theatre every Friday at 8 p.m. for national stand-up acts. Tickets are $26-$35 at the door. For more information, visit rexpensacola.com.

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

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

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

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

for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

Studer Community Institute continues to bring together diverse partners to improve the quality of life in our community. Halfway through 2021, here’s how:

LEADING THE WAY IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Studer Community Institute’s Leadership Development division provides training that grows people, creates jobs and drives economic development. Our 2021 economic and social impact:

2,869

1,036

HOURS OF TRAINING

205

PEOPLE

PRESENTED BY

ORGANIZATIONS

14

ACROSS STATES

AWARDS BY

No matter your title or industry, we invite you to reset, reskill, reimagine and re-engage with us at EntreCon® 2021.

NOVEMBER 17-18

EntreconPensacola.com 818 1

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Solving Problems and Connecting People Through

Boosting Careers and Retaining Talent Through

Reducing Stress and Improving Relationships Through

MENTORSHIP

CERTIFICATION

TEAM TRAINING

The Accelerate Roundtable program brings together 130 leaders in 11 groups each month to network, share problems and brainstorm solutions.

Since January, 50 people are growing vital skills and earning a leadership certificate through a mix of both in-person symposiums and On-Demand courses!

Management by Strengths (MBS) training is crucial to improving communication and building stronger teams at work.

“As an entrepreneur, nothing is more important than your mindset. Surrounding myself with others to keep me focused on my goals is invaluable!”

—Dannon Byrd, Accelerate member & owner of Tap the Coast

“I want to continue to push Office Pride forward while also pursuing my own growth and development.”

— KC Ives, first-ever leader certification graduate

“The MBS Training allowed us to better understand each other and our different leadership strengths so that we could become a stronger and more impactful management team!”

— Dr. Le, owner of Victus Dental

Looking to surround yourself with excellence? Level-up your leadership skills? Build an exceptional team?

VISIT STUDERi.ORG/LEADERSHIP STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOSH BELSINGER President and Founder, Gulf Blue Group

CINDI BONNER

Director Pensacola Rally

RICK BYARS

Regional Manager, Corporate External Affairs, Gulf Power Co.

WILL DUNAWAY

JULES KARIHER

KATHY SANDSTROM

Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Sacred Heart

Retired, Heitman LLC

JOY SHARP

VAN MANSKER

Retired, Regional Vice President of Lowe’s

JEAN-PIERRE N’DIONE

Co-Owner, Five Sisters Blues Cafe & Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano

LISA NELLESSEN SAVAGE

Shareholder, Clark Partington

Executive Editor, Pensacola News Journal

THOMAS GREEK

MORT O’SULLIVAN III

Vice President of Learning & Development, Navy Federal Credit Union

CHAD HENDERSON Founder and CEO, Catalyst HRE

Director of Community Health Programs, Baptist Healthcare

JOSH SITTON

Former NFL Super Bowl Champion and Co-Owner, Bear General Contractors

MICHELLE SNOW

Product Management at Nike, Inc., Entrepreneur and Retired WNBA Player

Retired Managing Member of the Gulf Coast Region Warren Averett, LLC CPAs & Advisors

BERT THORNTON

TIA ROBBINS

BRUCE WATSON

Entrepreneur, Co-founder Mr. Robbins Neighborhood

Retired, Chief Operating Officer Waffle House

Executive Director, Escambia County Early Learning Coalition

EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT EARLY LEARNING SHANNON NICKINSON Director of Early Brain Development snickinson@studeri.org (850) 525-2116 REGINALD T. DOGAN Project Manager rdogan@studeri.org (850) 529-6485 FRENCY MOORE Community Outreach Coordinator fmoore@studeri.org (850) 525-4386

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MORGAN TUFTO Training and Marketing Coordinator mtufto@studeri.org (507) 828-2476 STEPHANA GAUDIN Learning Content Developer sgaudin@studeri.org (904) 923-1463 ERIC CHRISTIANSON Leadership Development Coordinator echristianson@studeri.org (515) 451-5662

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE SPRING

DC REEVES Chief Entrepreneur Officer dcreeves@studeri.org (850) 232-2949 GRACIE PRICE Entrepreneurial Manager gprice@studeri.org (850) 637-5797 ARJUNA COLES Operations Assistant acoles@studeri.org (305) 619-2767

CIVICCON CIVICCON

TERRY HORNE CivicCon Executive Director thorne@civicconversations.org, (480) 395-7736 HANNA MOORE CivicCon Assistant hmoore@civicconversations.org (850) 324-4964

220 W. Garden St. #506 Pensacola, FL 32502

studeri.org

RACHAEL GILLETTE

President rgillette@studeri.org (850) 748-5656

QUINT STUDER

Founder Quint@quintstuder.com (850) 232 4648

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

September 9, 2021

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STUDERS

19

Studer Community Institute’s

Early Brain Development Studer Community Institute continues to bring together diverse partners to improve the quality of life in our community. Halfway through 2021, here’s how:

Pensacola’s First Early Learning City On March 30, 2016, Dr. Dana Suskind came to Pensacola and educated the community on how vital early brain development is. This began SCI’s journey to build America’s First Early Learning City. Why? Only 48% of our children are kindergarten ready.

When a child is not ready, the dedicated teachers and support personnel at schools must spend extra time to help him or her catch up. Sadly, many never will. It means that the other two-thirds of the students who were ready for kindergarten will miss some instruction due to the time spent with the children who were not ready. Our children and their teachers deserve better.

THE BASICS: Supporting brain building every week

Pensacola

SCAN HERE TO ENROLL

Of the 1,900 parents enrolled in Basics text messages, 1,000 have joined in 2021. These parents and caregivers get brain-building texts sent to their phones twice a week to use every day with their children. Also in 2021, SCI partnered with Pensacola Pediatrics and Community Health Northwest Florida to share The Basics of healthy brain development. By year’s end, 17 clinics and offices will offer The Basics video lessons and texts to more than 22,000 families with children under 5.

VISIT: www.studeri.org/pensacolabasics to enroll now if you are the parent or caregiver of a child ages 3 and under.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STUDERS

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2,300 BRAIN BAGS

BUILDING EARLY LEARNING INTO THE ENVIRONMENT

7,500 BUILDING BLOCKS MAGAZINES

Josh Sitton at the opening of the Moreno Court playground.

Given to mothers of newborn babies

Building learning into the environment

Latest edition is free to pick up

So far in 2021, families at Baptist, Sacred Heart, Santa Rosa Medical Center and West Florida hospitals have all benefited from our video lesson and in-hospital teaching about healthy brain development, including a video lesson, a copy of Baby Steps developmental guide and more resources to help support them.

In 2021, signage at Wahoo stadium was updated to build early brain development into the environment. SCI also dedicated an early learning playground at Moreno Court housing complex and plan another at Gonzalez Court.

The magazine is available to help families build their knowledge of the link between parent talk and interaction and school readiness.

Contact: Shannon Nickinson, snickinson@studeri.org

Win a 2-year lease on a Kia Sorento!

A suggested donation of $100 enters you for your chance to win.

TO ENTER: LightUpLearning.cbo.io Winner will be drawn Oct. 21 at the Light Up Learning event.

The winner is chosen at random.

Annual Fundraising Dinner and Gala

Courtesy of Jessica Lee’s Pensacola Kia Autosport

Thursday, Oct. 21 • Blue Wahoos Stadium

All proceeds benefit the Early Learning Programs: Brain Bag Program • Family Outreach Program • The Basics Pensacola Sponsorships are still available for the event. Contact: Shannon Nickinson, snickinson@studeri.org STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOSH BELSINGER President and Founder, Gulf Blue Group

CINDI BONNER

Director Pensacola Rally

RICK BYARS

Regional Manager, Corporate External Affairs, Gulf Power Co.

WILL DUNAWAY

JULES KARIHER

KATHY SANDSTROM

Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Sacred Heart

Retired, Heitman LLC

JOY SHARP

VAN MANSKER

Retired, Regional Vice President of Lowe’s

JEAN-PIERRE N’DIONE

Co-Owner, Five Sisters Blues Cafe & Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano

LISA NELLESSEN SAVAGE

Shareholder, Clark Partington

Executive Editor, Pensacola News Journal

THOMAS GREEK

MORT O’SULLIVAN III

Vice President of Learning & Development, Navy Federal Credit Union

CHAD HENDERSON Founder and CEO, Catalyst HRE

Director of Community Health Programs, Baptist Healthcare

JOSH SITTON

Former NFL Super Bowl Champion and Co-Owner, Bear General Contractors

MICHELLE SNOW

Product Management at Nike, Inc., Entrepreneur and Retired WNBA Player

Retired Managing Member of the Gulf Coast Region Warren Averett, LLC CPAs & Advisors

BERT THORNTON

TIA ROBBINS

BRUCE WATSON

Entrepreneur, Co-founder Mr. Robbins Neighborhood

Retired, Chief Operating Officer Waffle House

Executive Director, Escambia County Early Learning Coalition

EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT EARLY LEARNING SHANNON NICKINSON Director of Early Brain Development snickinson@studeri.org (850) 525-2116 REGINALD T. DOGAN Project Manager rdogan@studeri.org (850) 529-6485 FRENCY MOORE Community Outreach Coordinator fmoore@studeri.org (850) 525-4386

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MORGAN TUFTO Training and Marketing Coordinator mtufto@studeri.org (507) 828-2476 STEPHANA GAUDIN Learning Content Developer sgaudin@studeri.org (904) 923-1463 ERIC CHRISTIANSON Leadership Development Coordinator echristianson@studeri.org (515) 451-5662

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE SPRING

DC REEVES Chief Entrepreneur Officer dcreeves@studeri.org (850) 232-2949 GRACIE PRICE Entrepreneurial Manager gprice@studeri.org (850) 637-5797 ARJUNA COLES Operations Assistant acoles@studeri.org (305) 619-2767

CIVICCON CIVICCON

TERRY HORNE CivicCon Executive Director thorne@civicconversations.org, (480) 395-7736 HANNA MOORE CivicCon Assistant hmoore@civicconversations.org (850) 324-4964

220 W. Garden St. #506 Pensacola, FL 32502

studeri.org

RACHAEL GILLETTE

President rgillette@studeri.org (850) 748-5656

QUINT STUDER

Founder Quint@quintstuder.com (850) 232 4648

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

September 9, 2021

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STUDERS

21

Important topics featured so far in 2021

New Escambia School Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith shared his vision for local schools.

Andrew Davis, author of Town Inc., discussed “location envy” related to placemaking as a strategy to drive a local economy.

Tim Keane, Atlanta Planning Commissioner, explained it isn’t enough to create great community plans – the plans must be brought to life and moved forward quickly.

CIVICCON TOWN HALLS The results of the Quality of Life Survey were shared at a Jan. 19 CivicCon Town Hall by Quint Studer, SCI founder, and Claire Kirchharr of the Pensacola Young Professionals. The survey has been done every year since 2008 by Mason Dixon polling in Washington, DC.

Dr. Rachael Solotaroff, CEO of Central City Concern in Portland, OR, shared what it is doing to lessen homelessness (a program the National Homeless Alliance describes as a “national model” for other communities to emulate).

Vincent Brown, author and consultant on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, presented on “Rewiring Our Biased Brain” at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

An April 22 Town Hall aimed at sharing best practices from other Children’s Trusts in Florida was held just prior to the official launch of the Escambia Children’s Trust.

Jill Miller, CEO and President of Bethesda, Inc., educated us about racial disparities in health and what communities are doing to create a more equitable future.

Beth Silverman and Philip Payne, two founders of The Lotus Campaign from Charlotte, NC, described how both homelessness and affordable housing challenges are being addressed by the nonprofit’s strategy to bring private investment to help solve homelessness at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Dr. Michael DeMaria, a retired psychologist and wellness author and Paige Spencer, a licensed clinical psychologist, along with Quint Studer, a nationally-known consultant to hospitals, discussed “When Stress Becomes Trauma” at The Rex Theatre.

FIND STORIES, COMMENTS, AND SPEAKER VIDEOS pnj.com/civiccon • facebook.com/civiccon • studeri.org/civiccon 222 2

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STUDERS

inweekly.net

Raising The Civic IQ

CivicCon empowers the Pensacola area through civic conversations by: Attracting national experts to a speaker series that explores what “great” looks like and how others have overcome challenges in their communities.

Offering Civic Engagement Courses that increase the knowledge base and skill set for people who want to be engaged in public affairs and work to make this a stronger place to live, invest, grow and prosper.

World-Class Speakers

Every speaker event is followed with a survey of audience members so that we know that topics and speaker performance have met expectations. In 2021, the average event value rating on a scale of 1 to 10 is 9.4. The highest value rating was 9.8 for the Stress and Trauma event on July 26. Audience members have rated speakers an average 9.4 with Vincent Brown on June 14 and Quint Studer on July 26, were the highest-rated speakers at 9.8.

Mentoring civic-minded individuals and groups to move ahead small and big projects that make life better for others.

Encouraging a Strong Towns approach to our community to strive for resiliency and an affordable place where “the good stuff” is available to all.

Engaging The Community

With four years of speaking events already in our archive, the audience sizes continue to grow. Audience members for CivicCon events have three ways to watch the live CivicCon speaker events: 1) In person; 2) On the Pensacola News Journal Facebook page; 3) By going to the Pensacola News Journal website at pnj.com.

This year’s events have drawn more than 57,000 audience members.

Working to make sure local elected officials understand the importance of transparency with community members and the power of government encouraging and embracing civic engagement by informed citizens.

Community Building

Impact Events with volunteers helping others in the community have been hindered by the impact of the pandemic, but a tree-planting event late this spring afforded an opportunity to be together outdoors.

About a dozen volunteers and some residents at Morris Court community combined to plant street trees along that neighborhood’s sidewalks. Panhandle Growers donated trees and Bob Ross Tree Service donated mulch for the project.

Find out how you can join the civic conversation and be a CivicCon founding member by emailing, Thorne@civicconversations.org CIVICCON BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Will

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

Kevin

Lisa

Quint

Will Dunaway .........................Shareholder, Clark Partington Attorneys at Law ................................Wdunaway@clarkpartington.com Kevin Robinson ......................Content Coach, Northwest Florida Daily News .............................Krobinson4@pensacol.gannett.com Lisa Nellessen Savage ...........Executive editor, Pensacola News Journal and Panhandle Region ..................... Lnelless@gannett.com Quint Studer...........................Founder, Studer Community Institute.................................................................. Quint@quintstuder.com Terry Horne, CivicCon Executive Director, thorne@civicconversations.org • Hanna Moore, CivicCon Assistant, hmoore@civicconversations.org

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

September 9, 2021

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE STUDERS

23

THE FRONT DOOR TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Launched in early 2020, The Spring Entrepreneur Hub is a new program of Studer Community Institute and exists to empower, connect and grow small businesses in Northwest Florida, serving as the front door to our community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a hotline to help. Focusing on three key areas – mentorship, connection to resources, and scaling/acceleration – The Spring brings structure and aid to local small businesses in our area.

TEAM MENTORING

CONNECTION TO RESOURCES

Our team mentoring program, The Spring Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), is based on the successful model used by the renowned VMS program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Led by 28 highly skilled experts, 15 local businesses have received 72 hours of mentoring in 2021.

We have connected 54 small businesses with the resources they need to take their business to the next level through what we call our “triage” process.

SCALING + ACCELERATION

CO-WORKING SPACE AVAILABLE IN DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA

SCI and The Spring are partners with gBETA Pensacola, a 7-week program funded by SCI and provided by nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor. gBETA accelerates the growth of early-stage companies. $1.2M of funding was raised and 14 jobs were created in our in first cohort capped at 5 high-potential startups.

The Spring, located at 220 W. Garden St., not only serves the needs of local entrepreneurs, but it offers an energetic, creative atmosphere to those looking for flexible shared working and small conference spaces. We provide members with areas to ensure productivity and collaboration.

Visit us and take a tour of the space!

Looking for more ways to grow and develop your business?

VISIT THESPRINGPENSACOLA.COM STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOSH BELSINGER President and Founder, Gulf Blue Group

CINDI BONNER

Director Pensacola Rally

RICK BYARS

Regional Manager, Corporate External Affairs, Gulf Power Co.

WILL DUNAWAY

JULES KARIHER

KATHY SANDSTROM

Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Sacred Heart

Retired, Heitman LLC

JOY SHARP

VAN MANSKER

Retired, Regional Vice President of Lowe’s

JEAN-PIERRE N’DIONE

Co-Owner, Five Sisters Blues Cafe & Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano

LISA NELLESSEN SAVAGE

Shareholder, Clark Partington

Executive Editor, Pensacola News Journal

THOMAS GREEK

MORT O’SULLIVAN III

Vice President of Learning & Development, Navy Federal Credit Union

CHAD HENDERSON Founder and CEO, Catalyst HRE

Director of Community Health Programs, Baptist Healthcare

JOSH SITTON

Former NFL Super Bowl Champion and Co-Owner, Bear General Contractors

MICHELLE SNOW

Product Management at Nike, Inc., Entrepreneur and Retired WNBA Player

Retired Managing Member of the Gulf Coast Region Warren Averett, LLC CPAs & Advisors

BERT THORNTON

TIA ROBBINS

BRUCE WATSON

Entrepreneur, Co-founder Mr. Robbins Neighborhood

Retired, Chief Operating Officer Waffle House

Executive Director, Escambia County Early Learning Coalition

EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT EARLY LEARNING SHANNON NICKINSON Director of Early Brain Development snickinson@studeri.org (850) 525-2116 REGINALD T. DOGAN Project Manager rdogan@studeri.org (850) 529-6485 FRENCY MOORE Community Outreach Coordinator fmoore@studeri.org (850) 525-4386

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MORGAN TUFTO Training and Marketing Coordinator mtufto@studeri.org (507) 828-2476 STEPHANA GAUDIN Learning Content Developer sgaudin@studeri.org (904) 923-1463 ERIC CHRISTIANSON Leadership Development Coordinator echristianson@studeri.org (515) 451-5662

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE SPRING

DC REEVES Chief Entrepreneur Officer dcreeves@studeri.org (850) 232-2949 GRACIE PRICE Entrepreneurial Manager gprice@studeri.org (850) 637-5797 ARJUNA COLES Operations Assistant acoles@studeri.org (305) 619-2767

CIVICCON CIVICCON

TERRY HORNE CivicCon Executive Director thorne@civicconversations.org, (480) 395-7736 HANNA MOORE CivicCon Assistant hmoore@civicconversations.org (850) 324-4964

220 W. Garden St. #506 Pensacola, FL 32502

studeri.org

RACHAEL GILLETTE

President rgillette@studeri.org (850) 748-5656

QUINT STUDER

Founder Quint@quintstuder.com (850) 232 4648

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

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MEATLOAF MO A S

MA E LOBSTER MO A S

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free will astrology WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 9 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): "We need to become more unreasonable but in an intelligent way," says Aries politician Jerry Brown. Yes! I agree! And that's especially true for you right now, Aries. To Brown's advice, I will add this message from Aries fashion designer Vivienne Westwood—"Intelligence is composed mostly of imagination, insight—things that have nothing to do with reason." Here's one further suggestion to help you take maximum advantage of cosmic rhythms, courtesy of Aries historian Arnold J. Toynbee—"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "I have

become whole and complete, like a thundering cloudburst in summer," wrote Taurus poet Miklós Radnóti. I love that metaphor for fullness—not an immaculate icon of shiny, sterile perfection, but rather a primal, vigorous force of nature in all of its rumbling glory. I hope you like this symbol as much as I do, and I hope you use it to fuel your creative spirit in the coming weeks. P.S. Keep in mind that many indigenous people welcome rainstorms as a source of fertility and growth.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "Pandicula-

tion" is a word that refers to when you stretch and yawn at the same time. According to my understanding of the astrological omens, you will benefit from doing a lot of pandiculations in the coming days. I also recommend gazing lazily out the window and looking at the sky a lot. Keep your shoes off as much as possible, get a massage or three, and let yourself sleep more than you customarily do. Did you know that sighing deeply is good for your lungs' health? Here's your homework—Dream up all the things you can do to relax and renew yourself. It's prime time to indulge in generous acts of self-healing.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): The ancient Roman author Pliny's ten-volume "Natural History," written in the first century, was a monumental encyclopedia of the natural world, unprecedented in its own time and for centuries afterward. It offered compila-

GRAPHIC NOVELS

By Rob Brezsny

tions of facts about astronomy, geography, zoology, botany, mineralogy, and many other subjects. There was one big problem with it, however. It contained a great deal of erroneous information. For example, Pliny described in detail many non-existent animals, including dragons, flying horses, and giant serpents that swallowed bulls and snatched birds out of the sky. My reason for telling you this is to inspire you to be extra discerning in the coming weeks. Be especially skeptical of authorities, experts, and other know-it-alls who are very confident despite being inaccurate or erroneous. It's time for you to increase your trust in your own authority.

It depicts a hellish scene. Cities are on fire.

Weird beasts devour sinful humans. There are demons and torture chambers. Hamrick did what no one in the history of art had ever done—She transcribed the musical score that the artist had written on a man's naked hindquarters. Her work inspired a composer to create a recording entitled "500-Year-Old Butt Song from Hell." In the coming weeks, I invite you to perform feats comparable to Hamrick: 1. Explore the past for useful, overlooked clues. 2. Find or create redemptive transformations out of stressful situations. 3. Have fun telling stories about your past misadventures.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "There are those

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Born on

fortunate hours when the world consents to be made into a poem," writes Leo poet Mark Doty. That's great for a poet. But what about for everyone else? My variation on Doty's comment is this—There are fortunate hours when the world consents to be made into a holy revelation or a lyrical breakthrough or a marvelous feeling that changes our lives forever. I expect events like those to come your way at least twice in the immediate future.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Between

one of the Galapagos Islands, Diego is a giant tortoise who has lived for over 100 years.

He's a member of the Hood Island species, which had dwindled to a population of 15 by 1977. That's when he and his tortoise colleague, whose name is E5, became part of a breeding program with 12 female tortoises. E5 was reserved in his behavior, but Diego was a showboat who vocalized loudly as he enjoyed public mating rituals. Together the two males saved their species—producing over 2,000 offspring in subsequent years. According to my astrological analysis, you could be as metaphorically fertile as Diego and E5 in the coming months—even if you prefer to adopt an approach more akin to E5's.

37 and 41 B.C.E., Virgo-born Caligula served as third Emperor of Rome. To do so, he had to disprove the prophecy of a renowned astrologer, Thrasyllus of Mendes. Years earlier, Thrasyllus had predicted that Caligula, despite being well-connected, "had no more chance of becoming emperor than of riding a horse across the Bay of Baiae"—a distance of 2 miles. Once in power, Caligula arranged to have a series of pontoon boats arrayed across the bay, enabling him to ride his favorite horse Incitatus from one shore to the other across the Bay of Baiae. I foresee the possibility of a comparable turn of events for you, Virgo. Is there a curse you want to undo? A false prophecy you'd like to cancel?

Someone's low expectation you would love to debunk? The coming weeks will be a favorable time.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): "The meaning of my existence is that life has addressed a question to me," wrote psychologist Carl Jung. "Or, conversely, I myself am a question that is addressed to the world, and I must communicate my answer, for otherwise, I am dependent upon the world's answer." These are superb meditations for you Sagittarians during the coming weeks. Between now and Oct. 1, I invite you to keep a journal where you write about two subjects—1. What is the main question that life asks you? 2. What is the main question that your life asks the world?

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): College

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19):

student Amelia Hamrick studied the right panel of Hieronymus Bosch's 15th-century painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights."

North Korea's Capricorn leader Kim Jongun has an amazing résumé. Official reports say he learned to drive at age three and

was an accomplished sailor at nine. As an adult, he developed the power to control the weather. He's a skilled musician and artist, as well as a scientist who developed a miracle drug to cure AIDS, Ebola, cancer, heart disease and the common cold. Most impressively, Kim is an archaeologist who discovered a lair where magical unicorns live. Is it possible you have unexpressed powers like these, Capricorn? If so, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to identify them and start tapping into their potential.

It's time to develop your dormant talents.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquar-

ian author Toni Morrison testified, "I think of beauty as an absolute necessity. I don't think it's a privilege or an indulgence. It's almost like knowledge, which is to say, it's what we were born for." I urge you to adopt her perspective during the next four weeks, Aquarius. In my astrological opinion, a devoted quest for beauty will heal exactly what most needs to be healed in you. It will teach you everything you most need to know.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Poet and translator Anne Carson periodically joins with her husband Robert Currie to teach a workshop called "EgoCircus." It's an ironic title, because the subject they teach is the art of collaboration. To develop skills as a collaborator, of course, people must lay aside at least some of their egos' needs and demands.

In accordance with current astrological potentials, I encourage you to stage your own version of EgoCircus in the coming weeks.

The time is ripe for you to hone your creative togetherness and synergistic intimacy.

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: Tell me the most important lesson you've learned since 2021 began—newsletter@freewillastrology.com.

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news of the weird CREATIVE CRIMINAL Firearms are hard to come by in Japan, so criminals often resort to makeshift weapons to threaten their victims, including nose hair clippers and kitchen knives. On Aug. 21, Tomoharu Nakamura, 41, of Sapporo, was arrested after trying to rob a convenience store using a lighter, SoraNews24 reported. "Out with the money or I'll light you up!" Nakamura allegedly said to the store manager, who instead ran to the back room and called police. When officers arrived, Nakamura tried to turn his fierce weapon on them, but they quickly overwhelmed him and charged him with robbery and assault, along with other offenses.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION The city of Naples, Florida, has spent more than $340,000 over the last three years suing the owners of seawalls that officials say are in disrepair and pose a danger to citizens, Wink News reported. The city and property owners have gone around and around about who owns the seawalls, and the lawsuits continued even after an engineer hired by Naples determined that only one of the seawalls was actually failing. Finally, in May, an arbitrator declared that the seawalls are owned by the city of Naples.

"Procrastination and wasting money of the taxpayers is complete," announced the new mayor, Teresa Heitmann.

IRONY At Harvard University, the president of the organization of chaplains coordinates the campus's assorted religious communities.

The New York Times reported that the new president, 44-year-old Greg Epstein, is a bit of a trailblazer in the job: He's an atheist. Harvard chaplains unanimously felt Epstein, who previously served as the university's humanist chaplain, could relate to a growing group of young people who no longer identify with any religious tradition. Epstein grew up in a Jewish family and recognizes the "real need for conversation and support around what it means to be a good human and live an ethical life," he said. "We don't look to a god for answers. We are each other's answers." The chairperson of

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

the nominating committee, the Rev. Kathleen Reed, explained: "We're presenting to the university a vision of how the world could work when diverse traditions focus on how to be good humans and neighbors."

EXTREME REACTION Soccer fans are known to be passionate about their sport, but at a game in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on Aug. 15, it was the referee who lost control. Davi Bathez issued a red card to a player during an adult league game, which ignited a scuffle amongst players. According to WKRC-TV, Bathez went to his truck and retrieved his firearm, which he fired toward the player and the crowd. Then he hopped in his vehicle and sped away, but police caught up with him quickly and confiscated his .38-caliber handgun. Remarkably, no one was injured in the incident. Bathez was charged with feloniously pointing a firearm.

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SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED In January, Demetra Street of Baltimore attended a memorial service for her husband, Ivan, complete with a photo of him next to an urn at the front of the room at Wylie Funeral Homes. But after the service, funeral home personnel whisked the urn away and wouldn't turn over Ivan's ashes, she told The Washington Post. Now she thinks she knows why: Ivan's ashes weren't in the urn. Instead, his body had been buried three days earlier, according to the wishes of another woman who claimed to be Ivan's wife, at Baltimore's Mount Zion cemetery. In early August, Street filed a lawsuit against the funeral home for $8.5 million, calling the urn displayed at the memorial service a "sham."

The funeral home's president, Brandon Wylie, denies the accusation: "We vehemently deny the claims advanced by Ms. Street and assert that the underlying matter was handled with the utmost sensitivity toward the loved ones of the deceased." {in} From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2021 Andrews McMeel

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