June26issue

My biggest challenge is to fight that name recognition and expand my own.

It’s been neglected and people have lost their eye.

There’s something about a locked in, straightforward, driving drumbeat.

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Wedgewood Seeks Environmental Justice Independent News | June 26, 2014 | Volume 15 | Number 26 | inweekly.net

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publisher Rick Outzen editor & creative director Joani Delezen art director Samantha Crooke contributing writers Jessica Forbes, Hana Frenette, Jason Leger, Jennifer Leigh, Sarah McCartan, Chuck Shepherd contact us info@inweekly.net Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591.

(850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2014 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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winners & losers Vincent Johnson

Grover Robinson

Free and confidential services available.

winners

losers

GROVER ROBINSON The Escambia Coun-

VINCENT JOHNSON The Pensacola man

SAENGER THEATRE The SMG-managed

LILA COX Mayor Ashton Hayward un-

ty commissioner has been installed to serve as president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). Robinson was sworn in during the installation lunch at the 2014 FAC Annual Conference and Educational Exposition in Orange County. As president, Commissioner Robinson will oversee the association by directing policy, advocacy and administration of the Florida Association of Counties.

theatre was ranked No. 1 for the year in the state of Florida by industry publication “Venues Today.” The award encompasses the period of April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014 based on gross box office sales for venues 2,000 seats and under. The Saenger Theatre rose above other cities with more than double the gross box office sales ($2.5 million) of No. 2 Capitol Theatre in Clearwater ($1.2 million).

SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD LANDFILL The

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) recognized Escambia County’s effort to remediate a variety of serious issues at the Saufley Field Road Construction and Demolition Debris Landfill. The county spent more than $6 million to transform the property from an environmental problem into an aesthetically appealing, clean property. Work on the project was started in early 2012 and completed in the spring of 2013. SWANA awarded the project its Silver Award for Landfill Remediation.

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

has a unique robbery technique—punching female store clerks in the face, and law enforcement has him on two surveillance videos doing just that. In May, Johnson punched Sherry Bryson while she was working at Happy Nick’s Store. Recently Johnson was caught on video at a Boost Mobile Store punching Jessica Smith in the face before stealing cash from the register.

ceremoniously fired the Pensacola City Council’s first council executive on June 19. Former City Attorney Rusty Wells, whom Hayward fired in 2011, was immediately hired as her replacement. Cox was hired after the council voted for the mayor to offer her the job. The council did not have a chance to weigh in on the mayor’s decision. Cox’s firing came three days after the council held a workshop on the city charter. Coincidence?

ESCAMBIA COUNTY HR A county employee is charged with soliciting a child for sex and transmitting obscene material to a child using his county cell phone. Once he was released on bond, he was allowed to go back to work as county inspector in the Engineering Department. It took an inquiry from a reporter to make the county suspend him until his case is adjudicated.

The Rape Crisis Center, a program of Lakeview Center, Inc., is dedicated to serving the needs of sexual assault victims in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Trauma Recovery counselors help victims of sexual violence recover from emotional trauma. Victims and their families receive immediate, supportive, non-judgmental intervention and incident-specific counseling in a caring climate. The services are free and available whether or not the crime has been reported.

• 24- Hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 850.433.RAPE (7273)

• Information and Referral • Crisis Intervention • Advocacy/Accompaniment • Community Awareness • System Coordination • Primary Prevention Education Victims may receive information about referrals for medical services, legal services, the criminal justice system, social service agencies and financial restitution.

This publication was made possible by the 2013 Florida Legislative Session, administered by the State of Florida, Department of Health (DOH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of DOH or the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.

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by Rick Outzen

WORDS WITH POWER His words came near the end of a recent press conference on street violence.

Some may have missed the significance of them, but they voiced sentiments that have been festering in the African-American community for years.

Pastor Lonnie D. Wesley, III of Greater Little Rock Baptist Church urged the community to vote against an upcoming referendum to extend the Local Option Sales Tax for capital improvement for the school district for another decade.

“Vote against it,” said Rev. Wesley. “It's helping the problem, not our community.”

The pastor was referring to the disproportionate number of schools in black neighborhoods that have been closed since the last LOST referendum passed and how those neighborhoods have deteriorated since.

And more may be on the chopping block. Montclair Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary and O.J. Semmes Elementary are rumored to be up for closure once the LOST referendum passes.

The LOST is important to builders, road contractors, engineers and architects. The city, county and school district have come to depend on those funds for capital improvements and equipment. For the building and road construction industries, LOST is financial security. And for politicians, LOST is power and the key to future campaign contributions.

Wesley and his fellow ministers don't care about any of that. They see how the school district’s abandonment of the black neighborhoods has hurt families and businesses.

Property values decline and crime goes up.

Many of the men behind the LOST referendum, which is being held three years before the current one expires, could careless about the black minister’s words.

Their rationale is AfricanAmericans don’t vote in numbers in mid-term elections. They believe that they can win without one black “yes” vote being cast.

So what if more schools are closed in the black community? That only means they can profit from building new ones elsewhere.

These men cannot fathom a world where whites might agree with the black ministers, where whites might also think it’s wrong to close schools in the black neighborhoods and warehouse them elsewhere, and where whites might believe that hurting any part of community damages the soul of the entire community.

Money, power and influence are on the side of those who support the LOST referendum. They have already raised tons of money to make sure it passes.

All that the ministers have on their side of the ledger is people. Last time I checked, people still are the ones who cast votes. I would recommend listening to them, but that’s just me. {in} rick@inweekly.net

All that the ministers have on their side of the ledger is people. Last time I checked, people still are the ones who cast votes.

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COME ON CHARLIE

press photo

Nan Rich calls out Crist by Rick Outzen Nan Rich wants to be Florida’s next governor. To win, the former Florida Senate Minority Leader is fond of saying that she has to beat two Republicans—incumbent Rick Scott and his predecessor Charlie Crist, who switched from Republican to Democrat to battle Rich in the party’s August primary.

When Rich stopped by the Independent News offices on Wednesday, June 18, Crist was very much on her mind. The man won’t debate her, but she refused to take “No” for an answer.

Rich traveled the state for nearly two years meeting with Democratic Party leaders, building her grassroots campaign organization.

When Crist got into the race, things changed.

Rich had to win the nomination by beating someone with huge name recognition across the state.

“My biggest challenge is to fight that name recognition and expand my own and to get our records out there,” she said. Once people begin to focus on her and Crist’s records, Rich believes that Democrats will support her.

“He doesn't want that, which is why he has not agreed to a debate,” she said. “We'll see.”

According to Rich, Florida Democrats want a primary debate because they don't know who he is and what he stands for. “He doesn't want to do it because he doesn't want to give me any more name recognition,” she said. “He also knows I'm going right after him on the flips and flops of his record.”

She believes that party faithful will see that Crist really isn’t a Democrat. “If it were just one thing, you could say people change their minds.

They get new information. Science changes.

Something,” Rich explained, “But not 180 degrees on every single issue of importance and what I consider core Democratic values.”

Rich pointed out that Crist now promotes myself as pro-public education and repeatedly attacks Governor Rick Scott on education. She said that Crist’s record on public education isn’t as strong as he wants voters to believe.

“He was governor for four years. Did he do anything about the FCAT and changing high stakes testing?” she said. “No, he never did anything. What he did do is sign a huge voucher expansion. That is one of things he doesn't talk about.”

She asked, “How can you say that you are good for teachers and public education when you signed the largest expansion of school vouchers that takes money away from public schools?”

Rich has challenged Crist on his record on LBGT rights. For seven years, she sponsored a gay adoption bill in the state legislature. Florida was the only state that banned gay adoption until a judge overturned the law in 201.

“When I first filed the bill in the House, I had one legislator stand next to me, a Republican woman who happened to have a gay son,” she said. “When the seventh year came around, I had 23 legislators stand with me.

Charlie Crist was against it all seven years. Now that he is a Democrat running for office, he is in favor of it.”

She added, “In 2008, he was proud to sign the petition to ban marriage equality in the state of Florida. Now he's for that.”

Rich said that she got into the governor’s race because she believed strongly that Florida is going in the wrong direction. From her travels around the state, she has found that people agree with me.

“We need to refocus our priorities and focus on the best interests of people instead of the best interests of corporations,” she said.

“The past three Republican governors have lead us in that direction.”

She added, “They undermined and tried to destroy public education in this state in favor of privatization. I think parents, particularly mothers, have shown that they are no happy with the direction that state is going, particularly with public education.”

Rich saw that dissatisfaction when she built a coalition in 2012 to block the “Parent Trigger” bill that would have allowed a majority of parents at chronically failing schools to vote on a method to restructure their neighborhood school.

“We worked to kill that "Parent Trigger" bill on a 20-20 vote the last day of the 2012 session,” she said. “Parents from all over this state came to Tallahassee to show they were unhappy.”

That was when she began thinking about running for governor. "I looked around at the Democrats who could possibly think about it, and I said why not met” she said. “I have the experience, the knowledge, the passion for these issues so I began the quest.”

At the time, Crist was still a Republican, but Rich didn’t waiver when he switched parties. And she will get that debate.

“I'm a lifelong Democrat. I have a record and I'm proud of it,” said Rich. “Let's debate and have Crist tell the voters why he did this before he did this.” {in}

“He was governor for four years. Did he do anything about the FCAT and changing high stakes testing?” Nan Rich

Social Security

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY Na-

tional HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27. As an annual campaign, National HIV Testing Day’s purpose is to encourage people of all ages to "Take the Test, Take Control."

Locally, HIVevolution, a project of OASIS, is hoping to encourage those who don’t know their status to take advantage of free testing programs on Friday as “a great tool for prevention.”

“Getting tested is the first step to finding out if you have HIV. If you have HIV, getting medical care and taking medicines regularly helps you live a longer, healthier life and also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others,” stated Kimberly Brill, Outreach Coordinator for HIVevolution.

“We would like to encourage people to come and get tested June 27, and then keep a regular biannual testing maintenance schedule.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and one in six of those are unaware of their infection; approximately 1 in 4 new HIV infections is among those ages 13 to 24.

Testing and knowing one’s status is the first step in what Brill advised is a multi-faceted approach to ending the spread of HIV. “We must keep HIV positive clients adhering to medication, encourage people to use prevention and promote getting tested to know their status. With educating people on this approach we will see the end of HIV in our lifetime,” Brill said.

HIVevolution is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for “free, fast and confidential testing.” Testing is offered at HIVevolution’s offices at 113 North Palafox St., and results are available within 20 minutes. Call 429-7551 with questions or to schedule an appointment, though appointments are not required.

For information about other local free HIV testing locations and HIV/AIDS in general visit: hivtest.cdc.gov.

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the Pensacola City held a workshop to discuss possible amendments to the city charter for the 2014 election cycle. Lynn Tipton and Ken Smalls from the Florida League of Cities (FLC) were on hand to help facilitate the discussion.

Individual council members were asked to share with Council Executive Lila Cox aspects of the city charter that might be amended. This was done ahead of the workshop to allow FLC and Cox an opportunity to research the issues and options prior to the workshop. The workshop agenda included 19 items to be covered during a two-hour span. Because it was a workshop the council could not take any formal action.

The council did discuss reducing its number from seven to five members. Tipton said Pensacola council was the second largest when it had 10 council members.

Jacksonville has the largest with 11 members. The leaders also discussed whether the five districts should be single-member or at-large.

“I look at size of city and look at size of county,” Councilman Charles Bare said. “If

all the political news and gossip fit to print

we chopped ours down to five, we would have about 7,500 voters per district.”

Councilwoman Megan Pratt wasn’t convinced the reduction was a good one.

“We come from nine different lives,” she said. “Reducing size of council reduces number of voices that goes into improving the city.”

Councilmen Larry Johnson liked reducing the size of the council but he wanted to keep the single-member districts. He said, “I think we should come from a district and be voted on by that district.”

The topic of the council having the power to hire its own staff was discussed, which is particularly poignant since Mayor Ashton Hayward fired the council executive three days later and replaced Cox with former City Attorney Rusty Wells.

Tipton pointed out that the language from both the Tampa and Jacksonville

charters gives the council the ability to hire and oversee staff.

Pensacola City Council President Jewel Cannada-Wynn said, “I don’t want it left up to the executive branch whether or not we have staff. Who’s in control of council staff?

We do not want staff to be put into the middle of political shenanigans. Their role is to be liaison between the executive and the legislative branch.

I think we would clear up things in the future. We need people to do grunt work.”

However Pratt expressed skepticism that the citizens would pass a charter amendment for the council to have its own support staff.

“Council staff is one of the main questions people have asked me a lot,” she said.

“Is this going to increase the bureaucracy of government? They are going to see this as growing government. The likelihood of passing is low. No. 1 thing we need is staff for council. It’s critical to our effectiveness.”

“We do not want staff to be put into the middle of political shenanigans.

Their role is to be liaison between the executive and the legislative branch.”

Jewel Cannada-Wynn

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Pratt blamed the mayor’s interpretation of the charter as preventing council from having its own staff to boss around.

“Other attorneys would read it differently,” she said. “We’re listed as an office of the city. Does the mayor supervise us? Another attorney who read this (the charter) would see it as giving the council ability to have staff—staff who know they don’t have to serve two masters.”

She added, “If we had legal support we could find a way to have council staff. It has been a frustration for a long time.”

Ironically when Hayward announced the termination of Cox and immediate hiring of Wells, he said that he did it to give the council legal help.

“Several City Council members have expressed a desire for more staff support, especially staff familiar with our Charter, ordinances and other legal issues,” said Mayor Hayward. “Rusty’s decades of legal experience, deep understanding of municipal operations, and familiarity with our city make him an ideal candidate to serve as our new Council Executive.”

The old saying is “Be careful for what you ask for, you just might get it.” {in}

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Wedgewood Seeks Environmental Justice

by Rick Outzen The residents of Wedgewood are upset. They are tired of being sick. They are tired of seeing their loved ones and neighbors die of cancer, renal failure and other illnesses. They are tired of living under the shadow of a 130-foot mound of debris with its dust and stench that permeate the neighborhood.

Those emotions bubbled to the surface on June 3 during a public forum at the meeting of the Escambia County Commission. The board was scheduled to hold a public forum on renewing the permit for a construction and debris landfill owned

by Waste Management on nearby Longleaf Drive. Wedgewood families used that opportunity to make their case for the commission to do something about the Rolling Hills C&D Recycling Center, where the mound of debris sits.

June 26, 2014

7

Waste at Rolling Hills C&D Recycling Center Gulf Coast Grading and Paving originally permitted the Rolling Hills landfill in 1990. In 2007, South Palafox Properties, LLC purchased the property with loans from First National Bank of Florida and Jamestown Gaming, LLC of Hammond, Louisiana. According to its website, rollinghillscd.com, Charlie Davidson is the director of operations and Scott Miller, first cousin of State Sen. Greg Evers, is the liaison with county and political officials.

Wedgewood is a neighborhood off of Highway 29 behind Bob Tyler Toyota. The predominantly African-American subdivision is nestled between the Marcus Point development and Interstate-10 and surrounded by landfills and sand pits. Pinestead Road borders the Rolling Hills C&D Recycling Facility.

“Wedgewood is historically significant to the African-Americans because it was the first black middle-class neighborhood,” explained Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, who represents that area. “It was where black families moved when they got good paying jobs and got out of the public housing projects.”

LOST QUALITY OF LIFE

On June 16, the Independent News met with a dozen residents of the Wedgewood community at the Marie K. Young Community Center. The center was built by the county for $6.2 million on the site of the old Wedgewood Middle School and abuts the Rolling Hills facility. The residents were eager to tell their stories.

Wanda Shakir’s family moved to Wedgewood in the 1960s when she was eight. They were either the eighth or ninth family in the subdivision, living on the corner of Dunbar Street and Pinestead Road, according to Shakir.

“There were no problems when we were coming up,” she told the Independent News.

“This was a good neighborhood.”

In 2005, she and her husband moved back to her family home to take care of her mother and father who were ill. Both have since passed.

“When I moved back, my mother developed pancreatic cancer,” she said. “She had never smoked or drank a day in her life.”

She is worried about her husband, Ronnie, who has loved spending time outside in their yard, which is across the street from the Rolling Hills facility.

“Since he moved back here, my husband has developed a lot of health problems,” she said, adding that he has had a heart attack.

“When we visit the doctor, he always says, ‘I’m surprised to see you’re here’—that means still here.”

Ronnie Shakir has lately had respiratory problems. “I always work in the yard, but it’s gotten so lately where I can’t even stay out in the yard because of the scent and the dust.”

He said that over the past 18 months he has battled shortness of breath. His wife said, “He wheezes. I have to make him rollover at night to be able to breathe. It’s really, really bad.”

The Shakirs believe the dust coming off the Rolling Hills facility may be the culprit.

Their car stays covered with dust and the dust also infiltrates their home.

“I’m a clean fanatic,” Mrs. Shakir said. “I can wipe down my home at 8 o’clock in the morning, go back at 9:30 and there’s dust back again.”

Mr. Shakir said, “To me, it just gotten real bad in the past year. When the mound was lower, it didn't affect the neighborhood as much. Now the dust just covers everything.”

Rev. James Howard lives on Pinestead Road, across the street from the Shakirs.

He too has battled the dust, offensive odor and health issues. He moved to Wedgewood in 1971.

He said that he was in good health in 1999 when he retired from BellSouth but has since had kidney, heart and respiratory problems.

“Some way, some how for the last two months, I've been just coughing,” he said. “No matter what the doctor gave me, the coughing just weighed right through it. Finally he gave me some super Z-pac. It kind of slowed it down, but as soon as I finished taking it, it all came back.”

Howard said the dust and foul smell come off the Rolling Hills property in waves. “I was looking down the street last week and there was just a dark cloud coming off the dump,” he said. “Plus the offensive odor that they have, it stinks. You can stand in the yard and it's like a slow wave and your eyes start burning.”

Two doors down, Charles Sapp, who has lived in the area for almost 40 years, also complained of his eyes burning after being outdoors. “My wife and daughter are constantly having headaches,” he said. “She would be here tonight but her head was hurting so she couldn't come. They don't want to be outside very long because of the condition of the air and the dust in this community.”

One block further east on Pinestead Road, Jesse Walker has suffered from the dust and odor, but he also expressed concerns over the drinking water, pointing out the number of people in Wedgewood who have died from kidney failure.

Oh, man, it's a shame before God that they are trying to do this to Wedgewood."

Larry Williams

“My mother on Wenowah (also in the Wedgewood neighborhood) had dialysis problems,” he said. “Four people have died on this block alone.”

He blamed the landfills. “They have completely surrounded our whole neighborhood with dumps,” Rev. Howard said. “Nobody should approve that many dumps around anybody. Everybody's property values are going down.”

World War II and Korean War veteran Willie Lawrence echoed the concerns of his neighbors. He talked about what Wedgewood was like when he moved there 43 years ago.

“When we first moved out here, it was nothing like it is now,” Lawrence said. “The air was fresh. No one had sinus problems or respiratory problems, but since they had this dust out here, it seems like everyone has come down with respiratory problems.”

He said when South Palafox Properties bought the facility they talked about putting an industrial park on the property. “You can see how far they have gotten. All they have is a three-story mound of trash, “ Lawrence said.

“They are hurting our community. They are lowering the prices on our homes. Pretty soon our homes won't be valued for nothing much.”

Fellow veteran LaFanette Soles-Woods has had one health issue after another since moving back to Wedgewood in 1995. She is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer and has had triple-bypass surgery. Recently she was diagnosed with coronary artery disease.

She, too, believes the landfills may be the problem. “We don't need these pits here,” Soles-Wood said. “It's killing us. It really is [that] they are killing us.”

Linda Gulley is on the community board for the Marie Young Community Center. She has complained about the odor and the dust and is afraid to let her grandchildren play in the park behind the center.

“As I come back and forth to the center, I tend to get headaches. The odor is so bad that when I come into the building I put something over my face,” she said. “When you stand out in the parking lot talking to someone, I get a real bad headache. I've had a cough. My doctor has sent me to specialists but I continue to cough. I was not having those problems before coming over here.”

Larry Williams may have been the youngest resident in the room. He is attending Florida A&M University and in the process of moving back to the neighborhood where he grew up.

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LYNCH MOB MENTALITY

Scott Miller, one of the owners of Rolling Hills, defended his operations. “I know what kind of facility I run, the DEP knows what kind of facility I run and the county does, too,” he told the Independent News in a phone interview. “The bottom line is no one wants to hear the truth. There’s a lynch mob mentality right now.”

Miller blamed the men who were fired from Rolling Hills for “cherry picking” recycling material and failing to provide adequate overnight security for stirring controversy over the Rolling Hills landfill.

“This is an extremely valuable piece of property, not just for us, but for the community in its position for economic development,” he said. “Are we going to risk this property with pollution? No!” He pointed out it’s a large tract with energy distribution on two sides, an 18-inch gas line, 40-inch sewer line and railroad. Also, the county has a four-lane road on the drawing board that would cut across the tract.

“Which alignment they pick really determines the life of the C&D option,” Miller said.

He said the landfill is complying with a DEP remediation plan to treat groundwater pollution. He explained the odor issue was a “very small problem with hydrogen sulfide” that he blamed on the torrential April storms.

As far as the groundwater concerns, Miller said the water table is 150-feet below his site. He said the Wedgewood neighborhood is uphill from the landfill and a 48-inch pipe collects all the stormwater from the area and dumps it on his property.

“They are the ones polluting me,” Miller said. “I’m accepting the fact there’s nothing I can say to change anybody’s minds.”

Miller said that the mound of debris is actually 5-feet below the maximum allowable height; and 10-12-feet below the “natural height.” On the dust issue, he said now they’re burying stuff under 2-feet of dirt rather than 12-18 inches. Plus, “if it’s not raining, we have a 1,000-gallon water truck.”

“That we’re not responsive is just ridiculous,” Miller said.

A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS

The Independent News reviewed over 450 documents the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had on the facility.

The C&D landfill has a checkered environmental past. South Palafox Properties has been issued several Consent Orders by DEP. On March 7, 2011, DEP entered into a Consent Order after a finding of violation of unauthorized disposal of Class I and III solid waste, unauthorized air emissions, lack of weekly cover, improper working face and slopes greater than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical. South Palafox Properties was ordered to pay $3,5OO in penalties and costs.

On August 5, 2011, DEP entered into another Consent Order after finding of a second violation of unauthorized disposal of Class I and III solid waste. The penalties and costs were $2,500.

According to a Notice of Violation dated Feb. 11, 2012, DEP found at the facility on Sept.

29, 2011, Sept. 30, 2011 and Oct. 11, 2011, more non-C&D debris, including clothing, electronics, mattresses and household garbage.

According to DEP, monitoring wells have been placed on the property to sample points of both groundwater and surface water at the facility. The groundwater monitoring data indicates elevated levels of arsenic, boron, ammonia, iron and total dissolved solids and surface water concerns related to arsenic and iron.

South Palafox Properties submitted its Remedial Action Plan, which was approved in July 2013.

The facility was expected to implement the remedial action plan as submitted to and approved by the Department with 120 days of that approval.

According to local DEP official, the plan was to install a remediation system that would pump ground water from recovery wells to a treatment system. At this point the facility has failed to make progress in the implementation of this plan, due at least in part to their failure to obtain proper authorization from Escambia County to alter their stormwater system.

The facility, according to DEP, is working with the county to address this issue. The state expects the facility will resume construction of the remediation system immediately.

A recent DEP inspection report for the facility noted that the proper financial

"They are the ones polluting me. I'm accepting the fact there's nothing I can say to change anybody's minds."

Scott Miller

June 26, 2014

assurances required by the agency had not been made South Palafox Properties. DEP officials told the Independent News that the company was required to have financial assurance for the corrective actions associated with the remedial action plan.

The facility submitted cost estimates as required, which are used to determine the value of financial assurance required, and DEP approved those estimates in August 2013. The financial assurance has not been obtained by the facility.

ADDRESSING THE DUST AND ODOR

Since April, DEP and Escambia County have received several complaints concerning Rolling Hills about the odor, dust and the height of the debris mound. Both the state and county inspected the facility several times in April and May. According to DEP, the odor is a result of the decomposition of the C&D material at the site, primarily from the breakdown of drywall that results in the production of hydrogen sulfide and produces a rotten egg like smell.

A May 6 letter to Charles Davidson, coowner of the facility, DEP asked him to submit an odor remediation plan. The plan has not yet been submitted. However, DEP staff met with the facility operators on June 17 and was told the plan is forthcoming. At that meeting, DEP also requested the facility have a professional survey conducted to measure the height of debris mound. DEP anticipate the results of this professional survey within the next two to four weeks.

DEP also instructed the operators to cover the slope on the north side with dirt. Staff confirmed the activity being done on June 18. According to DEP, the facility is expected to monitor the perimeter of the facility to determine the effectiveness of this corrective action. The facility’s odor remediation plan should address this issue long term.

Two months before the DEP meeting with Rolling Hills, the Escambia Solid Waste staff met with the operators at the facility. In an email dated April 21, Pat Johnson, head of the department, summarized what was discussed.

Rolling Hills had not worked the land clearing waste in accordance with permit conditions for several months. The operators told the county that it would be sufficiently covered in two weeks.

County staff discussed with the operators the odor problem. According to its permit, the facility was to cover the construction and demolition debris bi-weekly. Rolling Hills indicated that suitable cover to reduce the smell would be installed by May 19.

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"I am Wedgewood. I grew up out here,” Williams said. “When I saw the mound, I didn't believe it. We talk [in school] about how they dump toxins in the poorer neighborhoods and how it creates an environmental injustice.”

He longs for the Wedgewood of his childhood. “The water was fresh, it was clean,” Williams said. “The air that they are talking about—Oh, man, it's a shame before God that they are trying to do this to Wedgewood.”

Williams pointed out that experts can identify the health issues Wedgewood residents have and determine the rate at which people are suffering from cancer, kidney and respiratory issues. The water and air can be tested.

“It's not right that we have to be the ones that have got to prove that we have a problem,” he said. “Do the science and produce the results.”

407 SOUTH JEFFERSON ST. 9

On June 17, the same day DEP was meeting with Rolling Hills, the county issued a Notice of Violation for the facility. Six violations were listed:

•No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the discharge in the air of dust, fumes, gas, mist, odor, smoke or vapor, or any combination thereof, so as to constitute a nuisance as defined herein.

•All working faces must be covered bi-weekly by cover sufficient in quantity to deprive debris of oxygen minimize the risk of fire and prevent emission of objectionable odors.

•An effective dust suppression system must be provided.

•No person shall operate a regional, rural, infill or transfer C&DD or LCD facility until first obtaining an interim permit from the department of solid waster management.

•Every use shall be operated so as to prevent the emission into the air of dust or other solid matter as specified in F.A.C. ch. 17-2, as amended, “Rules of Department of Environmental Protection: Air Pollution.”

•Every use shall be operated so as to prevent the emission of objectionable or offensive odors in such concentration as to be readily perceptible at any point at or beyond the lot line of the property on which the use is located as specified in F.A.C. ch. 17-2, as amended, “Rules of Department of Environmental Protection: Air Pollution.”

South Palafox Properties has 10 days to correct the violations. If it does not, the Escambia County Office of Environmental Enforcement may fine the company or hold a hearing.

WEAR ORANGE

Commissioner May was happy to hear that the county had taken action to force the facility into compliance. He also appreciated that DEP was working with South Palafox Properties.

“The people of Wedgewood deserve the same quality of life standards as other parts of the county,” he told the Independent News. “Many of these families lived in that neighborhood long before the landfills. They shouldn’t have to suffer because these businesses have moved in.”

May said that he has been working with county staff to test the groundwater and air around Rolling Hills C&D Recycling Center and the other landfills in the area. He is concerned over the health problems that Wedgewood residents have developed over the past decade.

“This area is a top priority for me,” May said. “We will be discussing it more at upcoming county commission meetings.”

The residents of the Wedgewood neighborhood are going to make sure the county commissioners discuss the landfills and the

adverse impact on their community. They have seen how residents in the North Hill area got Gov. Rick Scott to stop the Department of Corrections from relocating its parole and probation offices near their neighborhood. They have seen the residents in Cordova Park rise up to stop a zoning change that would have allowed Dollar General to build a store on the corner of Spanish Trail and Summit Boulevard.

The Wedgewood community has gotten organized, too, and they will be attending the Escambia County Commission meeting on Thursday, June 26.

They will wear orange to show unity and will address the board.

Georgia Sunday, president of the Wedgewood-Rolling Hills Neighborhood Association, has been working hard to make sure they have a strong presence. She has seen the quality of life decline in her area, which she called “The Bottom.” Her husband has never smoked or drank and was very athletic up until about a year and half ago. Since the, he has respiratory problems and has had several tests.

They tested him for allergies and found the only thing he was allergic to was dust.

“In the past 10 years, we have lost in her neighborhood over 25 people to cancer, renal failure and respiratory problems,” Sunday said. “We've had young as well as old people.”

"The death rate is very high for our area.

We want something done, and we don't want to wait forever."

Georgia Sunday

She attended the June 3 county commission meeting and one of the commissioners motivated her. "When a county commissioner said two weeks ago that the county had spent $8 million to clean up the Saufley Field Landfill, that really gave me the incentive to push harder," Sunday said. “If they can spend $8 million to clean up that area, what can they do for us? If can be done for one area, it can be done for this area."

Sunday and her friends have been passing out a flier to their neighbors asking them to attend the June 26 county commission meeting. Their message is simple and direct: “Wear orange. Come and support us.”

"My minister read it on Sunday,” she said. “We want to get the churches involved.

We want everyone to come down and just fill the place.”

Sunday believes that time to act is now.

She said, “The safety and health problems that we are having need to be addressed, and the death rate is very high for our area. We want something done, and we don't want to wait forever.” {in} Duwayne Escobedo contributed to this article.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUM WHEN: 4 p.m., Thursday, June 26 WHERE: 221 S. Palafox DETAILS: For more information contact Judy Cook at 549-3528

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DIFFERENCE MAKERS Pensacola Sports Association unveils its Little Free Library On Thursday, June 19, the Pensacola Sports Association joined the Little Free Library movement.

They became one of the estimated 15,000 worldwide locations to contain a Little Free Library. The location is at the Pensacola Sports Associations’ office building, 101 West Main Street.

The opening at the Pensacola Sports Association will become the area’s 7th registered library. The idea for Little Free Libraries began in 2009 when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin built a model of a one room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother, filled it with books, and placed it on a pole in his front yard. The idea quickly spread and there are now Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and over 40 countries.

The Pensacola Sports Association Board of Directors donated the first collection of books to be used in the library. Although running out of books is rare, P.S.A. will be responsible for restocking the shelves.

“We are very excited to be part of the Little Free Library program and anticipate a lot of activity at our location,” said Ray Palmer, Pensacola Sports Association’s Executive Director. “We decided to join the program as a way of serving the community and to give something back. We hope this will help bring our community closer together and improve literacy and education. The people at P.S.A. appreciate and care about their community and want to contribute to the betterment of it.”

A Little Free Library is a small, free-standing structure intended to promote reading and literacy through free book exchanges. Their founding principle of “take a book/return a book” tells you everything need to know about how to use the libraries. The concept is simple, if you take a book, return one. Anyone can use the libraries and individuals are encouraged to share their favorite literature with the community.

If you want to learn more about Little Free Libraries visit their website at http://littlefreelibrary.org/ or if you are interested in donating sport themed books to P.S.A. please call 850-434-2800 or stop by the P.S.A. office.

Sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer June 26, 2014

11

Grand Opening Celebration, New Tower Tours & FREE Health Fair Saturday, June 28 ■ 8 AM – NOON FREE HEALTH FAIR

Sacred Heart Hospital’s Bayou Tower is complete and we’re celebrating with an open-house extravaganza!

Bayou Tower will officially open July 19, but you can get a sneak peek!

The $52 million expansion project added five new floors to the existing Heart and Vascular Institute.

Take a tour of our new state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, Medical/Surgical Units, Joint Replacement Center and more.

Inside the Greenhut Auditorium

■ Free Health Screenings – Same-Day Results Blood Pressure, Glucose & Cholesterol (Fasting required for screenings.)

■ Expert Analysis ■ Community Vendor Booths ■ Sacred Heart Booths – Learn more about our services!

FUN FOR THE FAMILY ■ FREE Food & Refreshments provided by McDonald’s & Subway ■ Great Prizes & Giveaways ■ Behind-the-Scenes Tower Tours ■ Pediatric Ambulance Tours ■ AIRHeart Helicopter Tours

FUN FOR THE KIDS ■ Face Painting ■ Bounce House ■ Special Guests: Kazoo, The Cat Country Cat, & Cox Characters

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6/20/14 10:13 AM

An Ounce of Prevention

by Jessica Forbes

For most Floridians, days spent boating, lazing on the beach, or playing in the yard are a regular and time-honored tradition— we live in The Sunshine State, after all.

As warm and comforting as basking in the sun can sometimes feel, the verdict has long been in that sun exposure can have serious affects on our health. Over the past decade, steadily increasing rates of skin cancer among both women and men—the highest increases being among Caucasian women in their late 20s and early 30s—signal the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s rays cannot be overemphasized.

With the summer season officially in full swing, we at the IN decided to review the basics about skin cancer and its prevention.

We spoke to experts to learn important pointers like what strength of sunscreen to buy, how bad tanning beds may actually be,

plus how often skin cancer screenings are necessary and what a first-timer can expect during the exam.

THE BASICS

Thinking back to science class, you might remember that the skin is the largest organ of the body. Three main types of cells make up the epidermis, or top layer of our skin (squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes), from which each of the three types of skin cancer take their names. Cancer can develop in any of those cells and often does. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer accounts for almost half of all cancers in the U.S. and shows no signs of slowing.

The two types of non-melanoma skin cancers—basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma— account for over 3.5 million

skin cancer diagnosis each year in the U.S. The ACS predicts that over 76,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2014. While its rate of occurrence is the lowest of the three, melanoma is more aggressive, accounting for between 75 and 80 percent of all deaths attributed to skin cancer each year.

“As far as basal cell and squamous cell, we usually see them if they’re more advanced cases. We treat melanoma that is more advanced because they might need chemotherapy,” said Dr. Dee McLeod, an oncologist with Sacred Heart Medical Oncology. McLeod treats patients who are referred to the practice after skin cancer is diagnosed and also counsels patients with other forms of cancer on sun protection.

“Skin cancer is very common, but it also depends, as does anything,” McLeod said, cautioning against neglecting to have a spot examined, as time will only compound the risk of an unchecked growth developing into something serious. “I’ve seen people who’ve had a regular squamous cell skin cancer, which is one of the more common skin cancers, and it’s been neglected and people have lost their eye. They have had to have aggressive surgery done and even undergo radiation and chemotherapy.”

Experts recommend conducting a selfexam of your skin once a month and having a screening exam performed by a physician once a year.

“If there is a spot on your skin, a mole of any type, it needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist,” McLeod said, emphasizing that anything asymmetrical or that has had a change in color or diameter should be a

priority to mention in an exam. “It can be serious. You don’t know what it is when it’s on your skin, so it needs to be evaluated.”

As far as those more likely to develop skin cancer, genetics play a factor in increasing a person’s risk, but behavior and habits— like having bad sunburns in the past and/or not using sunscreen consistently—also play a role.

“Some families can have a genetic predisposition to develop melanoma in particular,” McLeod said. Adding sun exposure is a key factor that increases the risk for anyone, particularly those who are prone to developing freckles. “If you’re fair skinned, you’re more likely to be at an increased risk, but anybody can have a risk for any type of skin cancer.”

WHAT TO PUT ON YOUR SKIN

It is pretty common knowledge that if you’re heading outdoors, applying sunscreen should be a priority, and the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” is particularly appropriate when it comes to sunscreen usage.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma cases are attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When it comes to shielding skin from that radiation, medical sources say sun protection factor (SPF) 30 is a minimum for periods of prolonged exposure, and many recommend SPF 15 for everyday use, as UV rays that hit the skin while walking, driving, et cetera can have cumulative effects over the long term.

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Dr. Dee McLeod

guidelines, means a product protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the skin, and it’s important to remember that sand, water, concrete and snow act as reflectors. This means on most days and in most environments, there will be UV rays coming at you from a number of directions—all the more reason to sunscreen up.

As of 2013, labels also specify whether a sunscreen becomes ineffective after 40 minutes or 80 minutes, a good reminder for those of us who are prone to forgetting to reapply. Whatever the labels say, experts recommend applying at least one ounce (or approximately two tablespoons) of sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapplying at least every two hours. They also suggest reapplying more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.

“If there is a spot on your skin, a mole of any type, it needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist.” GETTING CHECKED OUT: WHAT Dr. Dee McLeod TO EXPECT DURING AN EXAM Two types of UV radiation—UVA and UVB—damage different layers of the skin, and sources suggest purchasing sunscreen labeled as “broad spectrum,” which, under new Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

Some screening exams held in public venues are different than full-body exams performed in a physician’s office. If you’ve made an appointment with either a general practitioner or dermatologist for an exam, there are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for the appointment.

Screening exam first-timers can sometimes be surprised to find out the exam will require them to strip almost totally down to their underwear. As it is possible for melanoma to develop in places on your body where the sun literally doesn’t shine, your doctor will need to take a glance at the full surface of your skin. Your scalp, behind your ears, and between your toes are all locations a physician will look over during an exam.

“You can probably leave your undergarments on, but plan accordingly,” said Dr. Kevin Welch, a board-certified dermatologist. Welch also suggests patients bring a list of all current medications as part of their pre-exam preparation. “Clean, fresh skin is always preferable, but not always possible with work, weather and time of day. It is best not to wear makeup if possible, or perhaps plan to remove in the office.”

All sources recommend conducting monthly self-exams of your skin as the best way to learn of any new spots or any spots that have demonstrated changes in their color, boundary definition or symmetry. If you’d like a point of reference for self-exams, the Skin Cancer Foundation provides guidance and body maps to aid in documenting what you observe. They can be found by visiting skincancer.org.

“Be familiar with skin lesions and birthmarks. Pay special attention to lesions that are new or changing,” Welch advised, adding if you have help at home, accept it. “Have a spouse or significant other circle spots on hard to see places like the back.”

Also, be prepared for a doctor to possibly perform a biopsy if they note something questionable—it is a very common occurrence in screenings, Welch said. “During a skin cancer screening, biopsies are routinely performed if suspicious lesions are noted. It is usually a simple procedure with minimal pain and requiring less than 5 minutes,” he explained. {in}

DR. KEVIN WELCH

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Ask A Doc: With Dermatologist Dr. Kevin Welch Dr. Kevin Welch is a board-certified dermatologist who offers a variety of cosmetic dermatological services at the Welch Skin Care Center at the Medical Center Clinic. Though he specializes in treating cosmetic issues (like premature wrinkling and hyperpigmentation), Welch also sees patients and screens for skin cancer as part of his work.

IN: How dangerous are tanning beds when it comes to skin cancer? How does their use contribute (or not) to the development of skin cancer?

WELCH: Tanning beds have been shown to significantly increase the risk of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The UV rays from tanning beds penetrate deep into the dermis of the skin, causing damage to all layers. If the cancer risk does not scare you, tanning beds use exactly the type of UV most linked to making the skin look old and saggy.

IN: Does SPF 100 really protect better than SPF 50? Is there a certain number at which the SPF factor doesn’t really matter?

WELCH: Anything Dr. Kevin Welch higher than SPF 30 probIN: For those who ably provides very little get gel manicures and sit under the incremental benefit. Certainly SPF 30 drying lamps that are popular now, is is better than SPF 15, which is better ultraviolet radiation from the lamps than SPF 8, et cetera, but above SPF 30 a concern? the benefit is small. Instead of worrying WELCH: UV exposure from manicures about getting SPF 1000, folks should is negligible. A recent report in the April apply an adequate amount of sunscreen 2014 Journal of the American Medical (always more than you think) and reapAssociation found little risk. If a client is ply often. worried, sunscreen can be applied to the exposed skin. Alternatively, cotton gloves IN: Is sitting under an umbrella or with the tips cut out could be utilized. wearing sheer fabrics adequate sun protection for a day on the beach, or IN: Some sources say to avoid being is sunscreen still necessary? outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

WELCH: Wearing clothing, even sheer to avoid the strongest UV rays of fabrics, is helpful in sun protection. the day; others say 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, those wearing sheer fabrics What’s your guidance as far as times still require sunscreen to afford adto minimize exposure? equate protection. Umbrellas are cerWELCH: The exact time to avoid or limit tainly helpful, but there is a tremendous direct sun exposure is somewhat of a amount of indirect and reflected light. common sense issue. I think the beach Sunscreen is absolutely needed, even is most beautiful at midnight, and you under an umbrella. can expose as much of your skin as you would like. Mid-day sun is obviously IN: How high does skin cancer rank as more damaging than sun exposure in a cause of death among women? Does early morning or late afternoon—I like it occur more frequently in women the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. parameters. than men?

WELCH: Skin cancer deaths are mostly IN: Does skin tone really have anyattributable to metastatic melanoma. thing to do with the likelihood of It is the fastest increasing cancer in the developing skin cancer?

United States. More than 7,500 deaths WELCH: Fair-skinned, blue-eyed per year are due to melanoma. Men and people are at a higher risk of all skin women are roughly equivalent. It is the cancers, including melanoma, squamous sixth leading cause of cancer death for cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. men and seventh for women. However, Melanin in the skin protects against the it is the second most common cause of damaging effects of UV radiation (suncancer death for women ages 20 to 35, light). Light-skinned people have less and the leading cause for women ages pigment, so less protection.

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WEEK OF JUNE 26-JULY 3

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

Meet Wray: A Power-Gazing Dream Pop Trio

by Sarah McCartan

“One day the stars aligned, and we decided to jam and Wray just happened.” Blake Wimberly IN: Any bands that you cite as major influences?

WIMBERLY: There’s something about a locked in, straightforward, driving drumbeat.

The motorik beat. Neu! did it quite well BROWN: Post-punk, romantic new wave movement and dream pop.

SWATZELL: Jean-Claude Vannier, Weird Al and Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins). photo by 2threefive If you are drawn to the atmospheric sounds of the band War on Drugs, then get ready to be captivated by newcomers Wray. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, this power-gaze trio is comprised of band members David Brown, Blake Wimberly and David Swatzell.

Wray is set to release their self-titled debut album July 15 via Birmingham-based label, Communicating Vessels. Prior to that, they are making Pensacola one of their summer tour stops and taking the stage at Vinyl Music Hall on Friday, June 27.

IN: How and when did Wray form?

WIMBERLY: David Brown and David Swatzell had been playing in and out of bands together in Birmingham for the last ten years. Two of us (Swatzell and Blake) have been roommates for about four years and frequently went to see each other’s bands play. One day the stars aligned, and we decided to jam and Wray just happened.

IN: Where did the name Wray come from?

WIMBERLY: Well, there is an asteroid named 19721 Wray and considering we’re about to do some touring with the intergalactic surf-rock outfit Man Or Astro-man?, I think we’ll go with that.

IN: What was the inspiration behind Wray's upcoming debut album?

SWATZELL: Dreamlike frequencies, sonic colors and cannabis.

BROWN: Trying to take this band more seriously, writing music at a more personal level.

WIMBERLY: Repetition, movement and cohesiveness.

IN: Are all three members involved in the writing process?

WIMBERLY: Yes. Usually it’s us playing around with ideas during practice. We’ll start to get something together and do a quick phone recording. We’ll talk it over, discuss structure, add this or that and go from there.

IN: Is this stop at Vinyl Music Hall part of a larger tour?

WIMBERLY: Indeed, it’s leading up to a couple of outings with Man Or Astro-man?.

After Pensacola, we’ll be in Mobile for a show and then head home to get ready for our album release show in Birmingham. From there we’ll head out West with MOAM? for a couple of weeks. We’ll take a break in August and hopefully jump back into recording new material, and in early September head back out to do the East Coast with them. We’re all pretty excited and ready to get out there.

IN: Are all three of you Alabama natives?

WIMBERLY: Yes. Conceived, born and raised in the Magic City.

IN: Do you feel like your Birmingham home has shaped the direction of your music?

WIMBERLY: One thing is for certain: we wouldn’t have the opportunities we have now if it weren’t for Communicating Vessels (located here

in Birmingham). They’re doing an amazing job, not just for us, but also for the community as a whole.

They’re releasing our debut album and going far beyond that. They’re doing everything they can to ensure that everyone is taken care of. Jeffrey Cain (label owner) and Bekah Fox (label manager) have an undeniable passion and dedication. We’re incredibly grateful.

IN: What’s one thing you hope for individuals to take away from your music?

WIMBERLY: I am not sure we want them to learn anything, just listen. Maybe while they run or drive or fall asleep.

IN: What's the best way you've heard your sound described?

WIMBERLY: Power-gaze IN: Any plans, hopes or pipe dreams moving forward?

WIMBERLY: Well our first album is coming out July 15, so that’s pretty big for us. We’ll have the Man Or Astro-man? tour coinciding with that…couldn’t ask for more. We’re going to be working on getting new material recorded and ready for the next release.

Other than that, I think we all want to get to a point where we’re doing this thing full time. Whether it’s on the road, in the studio or just creating in general. {in}

WRAY AT VINYL MUSIC HALL

WHAT: Wray with Precubed, Kent Stanton and Electric Sheep WHEN: 8 p.m., Friday June 27 WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox COST: $5-10 DETAILS: vinylmusichall.com

Our 3rd Annual Pet Issue is Coming Soon And that means we need some cute reader pet photos. Send the best photos of your furry (or feathered, scaled, reptile-skinned... you get the picture) friend to joani@inweekly.net by July 18th for a chance to be featured in the issue.

June 26, 2014

17

happenings

Ears & Fingers

by Jason Leger

Strand of Oaks "HEAL"

Sometimes in life, you meet someone and from the very second of introduction, you get the feeling this person is going to play some significant role in your life from that point on. This is something I’ve felt several times in my life, and for the most part I was right. This is also an attachment I have been known to have with works of art. The first time I read “The Catcher in the Rye,” I was hooked within the opening chapter, and within the first few minutes of “The Tree of Life,” I was already caught up in sensation.

When I put on Timothy Showalter’s Strand

THURSDAY 6.26

RUNNING: SIX AT SIX 6 a.m. The doors

of Running Wild open every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 a.m. ahead of group runs that begin at 6 a.m. sharp. The casual group run is free of charge and intended for runners of all abilities. Running Wild, 3012 E. Cervantes St. 435-9222 or werunwild.com.

ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m.—4 p.m. The exhibit “Push It to the Edge” is on display through Friday, July 11. Tuesday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Free admission. 223 S. Palafox,

of Oaks project’s fourth album, “HEAL,” for the first time, it felt very familiar, like something I had been listening to for years or something written by a friend. The immediate connection I shared with the record was remarkable.

Showalter has been in deep valleys and on high peaks in his personal life across the span of four albums under the name Strand of Oaks. He has seen love come and go, experienced poverty and homelessness, and felt the sting of loss. The release of “HEAL” finds Showalter at a place of deep self-reflection that leads at times to peace, at times to regret and at times to embattled acceptance. Tracks like opener “Goshen ‘97” and “Shut In” revolve around wistful images of the past that made Showalter into who he is today, all on top of searing guitar licks, which the nearly legendary J. Mascis provides on the former. Elsewhere on the album, tracks like “For Me” and the title track deal with honest regret. The album’s centerpiece is “JM,” Showalter’s touching, slow-burning tribute to the late Jason Molina of Magnolia Electric Co. and Songs: Ohia who passed away last year. In this song, even those unfamiliar with Molina’s work (which I strongly recommend rectifying) are painted a picture of how he touched lives.

Old County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

The exhibition “Lens and Palette,” featuring the works of Valerie Aune, painter; Cathy Deal, photographer; Mary Anne Sweida, water media; and Jim Sweida, photographer is on display through Saturday, June 28.

“Individual Perspectives” goes on display Sunday, June 29. Monday—Wednesday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m., Thursday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12:30—4 p.m.

Whole Roasted Lamb Neck

Showalter has always been very emotionally connective with his albums, but “HEAL” is without a doubt his most accessible and well-rounded. “HEAL” is out now via Dead Oceans.

fork’s point of view or the artist themselves, it just kind of turns me off. Tom Krell’s brainchild How to Dress Well was almost one of those bands. As the release of his new album “What is this Heart?” was drawing nearer, there seemed to be an article about him popping up in my Facebook feed daily. Finally, I succumbed and gave it a spin, and in all honesty, every bit of the hype is due. Raw, emotive, personal, and at times devastatingly honest pop and R&B have become Krell’s forte across the span of the past five years.

With his third LP making waves, now is the time to get on board. “What is this Heart?” is out now via Domino Records.

TRACK OF THE WEEK:

White Lung-Down it Goes IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD:

How to Dress Well

There are plenty of times where Pitchfork will give an artist tons of exposure and award their work the coveted “Best New Music” honor, and I just can’t bring myself to listen to it. I don’t have anything innately opposed to Pitch-

21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

PENSACOLA MESS HALL 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers weekly themes, special activities and workshops that captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. Summer hours are Sundays 1—5 p.m. and Tuesday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. Admission is free for members and $8 for adults and children ages 3 and over. 877-937-6377

White Lung’s third album, “Deep Fantasy,” continues to impress with each released single. “Down it Goes” exudes the “chaos is king” ethos, replete with breakneck composition and one of the most confident front-women in the business, which has made this band one to watch in 2014. Check this track out online or pickup “Deep Fantasy,” which is out now via Domino Records. {in}

or PensacolaMESShall.org.

PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART 10 a.m.—5 p.m. The 60th Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition is open through Saturday, July 26. “The Art of the Brick: Nathan Sawaya LEGO® Brick Artist” is on display through August 8; tickets for the exhibition will be $12 for adults and $8 for children. Free Tuesdays will be suspended during “The Art of the Brick.” Tuesday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m. and Sunday, 1—5 p.m. 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseum.org.

Tuesday’s “Burger and Bordeaux” $15 Free Wine Wednesdays Try Our New Chef’s Table

Elegant Southern Cuisine

Type Restaurant by Chef Blake Rushing Inside Duh! 501 N. 9th Ave. Tue-Sat 5:30-10pm

Reservations @ 850-466-5181/ opentable.com + walk-ins welcome

Like us on Facebook and see our ever changing menu 818 1

inweekly.net

happenings

The Grand Budapest Hotel

by Clay Bloodworth

His movies can be described in a number of ways, but the word that invariably comes to mind is genius. The writer/director behind films like “Rushmore” (my personal favorite), “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “Moonrise Kingdom,” Anderson has effectively created his own world of quirky characters that resonate with people more than your typical Hollywood escape. And now only two years

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

“Awestruck 2014” featuring the work of artists Diane Brim and Marilyn R. Givens will be on display in the East Gallery through July 21. Monday—Saturday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m. and Sunday, 1—5 p.m. 17 E. Zaragoza St. Free admission. 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

“HEALTHY EATING” AT SO GOURMET

Noon—1 p.m. Guest speaker and foodie Dr. Erika Schneider, an OB/GYN with Baptist Medical Group, partners with SoGourmet sharing helpful educational tips on how to prepare healthy meals that taste great and are great for you. $35 per person. 407 S. Palafox St. 438-7857 or sogourmetpensacola.com.

DINNER WITH STRINGS ATTACHED 5 and 7:30 p.m. Jackson’s and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO) are partnering for the 4th annual “Dinner with Strings Attached” event. A trio of symphony musicians will perform a variety of selections including light pops and tango while guests enjoy a special dinner prepared by Chef Irv Miller. Two seatings. Reservations required.

Jackson’s Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. 469-9898 or greatsouthernrestaurants. com.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon June 26, 2014

since the release of his last project, he brings us “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which proves to be just as delightful and charming as his past work. Chock-full of small but equally memorable roles from actors that we all know and love, it may be the cleverest movie you see all year.

Set in 1932, it’s the story of Monsieur Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) who quickly becomes friends with his new protégé and lobby-boy, Zero (Tony Revolori). Their adventures begin after the death of a wealthy guest who had a special relationship with Gustave. We see him quickly become pinned as the prime suspect and the events surrounding Zero’s attempt to clear his name. Full of slapstick humor that will undoubtedly make you laugh, the film is constructed in a magnificent and elegant manner where all the characters get their chance to shine. Even the smallest roles (the crippled shoe-shine boy and the man with a scar on his face) still have an impression on the movie as a whole, and it never feels too ‘written.’

Fiennes delivers a striking and hilarious performance unlike anything he’s ever done and works well alongside scenestealers like Adrien Brody and Edward Norton. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is available on Blu-ray and DVD now and will be available On Demand July 1. {in}

Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. 433-9463 or aragonwinemarket.com.

WINE & GLIDE SEGWAY TOUR 5:30—7:30 p.m. Take a one-hour Segway tour complete with a stop at Seville Quarter or Aragon Wine Market for a wine tasting.

Offered on Thursday and Friday nights.

Call ahead for availability and information about other tour offerings including Historic Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and East Hill glides. Emerald Coast Tours, 701 S. Palafox. $45. 417-9292 or emeraldcoasttours.net.

“WINE WALK ABOUT” AT SO GOURMET

6—8 p.m. SoGourmet hosts this wine tasting event showcasing French wines paired with a range of appetizers. Space is limited and reservations are required. $45 per person. 407 S. Palafox St. 438-7857 or sogourmetpensacola.com.

VEGAN DINNER AT END OF THE LINE 6—9 p.m. While End of the Line offers vegan dinner options every day (except Mondays, when they’re closed) each Thursday the café also serves a 3-course dinner, the menu for which changes every week. 610 E. Wright St. $15. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.

Thanks to our 2013 Season Spnsors

for more listings visit inweekly.net 19

It’s election time again... time for you intelligent, discerning and beautiful people to vote for all of your favorite things.

Forget cheap imitations. There’s only one BEST OF list you need to know: This one.

So, find a pen that actually works and fill this baby out.

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•Vote only once. Please include your name and address (for verification only) or your ballot will not be counted.

•Only one ballot per envelope.

•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.

•Vote in at least 25 categories. Ballots with fewer than 25 entries will not be counted.

•Ballot stuffing will be disqualified. (We can so tell when you try.)

•Voting ends July 31, 2014.

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Best TV Station Best TV News Anchor Best Radio Station Best Radio Personality Best Morning Radio Show Best Reason to Pick up an IN Best News Story of 2013 Best Local Person or Business to Follow on Twitter Best Local Website Best Local Person to “Friend” on Facebook Best Local Business to “Like” on Facebook Best Local Person/Business to Follow on Instagram Best Music Venue Best Local Band Best Concert or Live Show in 2013 Best Place to Hear Free Music Best Band/DJ/MC Name

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Best Consignment Store Best Thrift Store Best Athletic/Outdoor Store Best Furniture Store Best Home Décor and Accessories Best Antiques Best Flea Market Best Gift Shop Best Place to Buy a Greeting Card/Stationery Best Comic Book Store Best New Retail Shop Best Jeweler Overall Best Unique Jewelry Best Surf/Skate Shop Best Nursery Best Green Business Best Pet Store Best Hardware Store Best Music Gear Best Place to Buy Vinyl Best Cigar Shop Best Liquor Store Best Wine Shop Best Wine Tastings Best Grocery Store Best Asian Food Market Best Gourmet/Specialty Food Best Gone-But-Not-Forgotten Retail Store

weddings Best Place to Meet Your Future Mr./Mrs. Best Place to Propose Best Place to Buy Engagement Ring Best Ceremony Venue Best Reception Venue Best Officiant Best Bridal Store Best Place to Rent a Tux Best Bridal Make-up Artist Best Wedding Hair Salon Best Wedding Hair Stylist Best Wedding Planner Best Wedding Photography Best Photobooth Best Wedding Videography Best Wedding Band Best Wedding DJ Best Wedding Caterer Best Wedding Cake Best Wedding Florist Best Wedding Rentals Best Wedding Party Transportation Best Place to Buy a Bridesmaids Gift Best Place for a Rehearsal Dinner Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift Best Honeymoon Destination

restaurants Best Restaurant–Downtown Pensacola Best Restaurant–Cordova Area Best Restaurant–North Pensacola/Nine Mile/UWF Best Restaurant–West Pensacola/Perdido Key Best Restaurant–East Pensacola Heights Best Restaurant–Gulf Breeze Best Restaurant–Pensacola Beach Best Restaurant–Pace/Milton Best New Restaurant Best Restaurant Overall June 26, 2014

Best Greek Cuisine Best Mexican Cuisine Best Italian Cuisine Best Chinese Cuisine Best Japanese Cuisine Best Hibachi Best Thai Cuisine Best Indian Cuisine Best Cajun Cuisine Best Vietnamese Cuisine Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine Best Seafood Market Best Steakhouse Best Original Menu Best Chef Best Up-and-Coming Chef Best Wait Staff Best Waiter Best Waitress Best Coffee Shop Best Outdoor Dining Best View Best Place to Splurge Best Bang for Your Buck Best Place to Blow Your Diet Best Place to Count Calories Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Best Place to Feed The Whole Family Best Romantic Dining Best Place for a First Date Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Lunch Spot Best Place for a Business Lunch Best Take Out/To Go Best Fast Bite Best Drive-Thru Best Place for a Birthday Dinner Best Restaurant for Sports Fanatics Best Late Night Eats Best Gone-But-Not-Forgotten Restaurant Best Place to Eat Like a Tourist

food (List the specific menu item if applicable. Example: Best Sandwich - Reuben from New Yorker Deli) Best Uniquely Pensacola Dish Best Bagel Best Cup of Coffee Best Specialty & Iced Coffee Drinks Best Pizza Best Steak Best Burrito Best Taco Best Gumbo Best Soup Best Deli Best Bread Best Po-Boy Best Sandwich Best Sub Best Chicken Salad Best Cheeseburger Best Way to Get “Cheese-y” Best Appetizers Best Sides Best French Fries Best Soul Food

Best Fried Chicken Best Wings Best BBQ Best Sushi Best Salad Best Place to Buy Local Produce Best Vegetarian/Vegan Dish Best Gluten-Free Dish Lest Lo-Carb Dish Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Best Desserts Best Original Menu Item Best Lunch Special Best Weekly Special

bars, drinks & nightlife Best Bar Overall Best Night Club Best Bar–Downtown Pensacola Best Bar–Cordova Area Best Bar–North Pensacola/Nine Mile Road/UWF Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key Best Bar–Pensacola Beach Best Bar–Milton/Pace Best New Bar Best Place to Meet Friends After Work Best Happy Hour Best Drink Specials Best Ladies Night Best Cover Charge Worth Paying Best Place to Eavesdrop Best Bar to People Watch Best Bar to Drink Alone Best Day Drinking Best Drink Menu Best Daiquiri Best Bushwacker Best Martini Best Margarita Best Shot Best Signature Drink Best Selection of Beer on Tap Best Selection of Bottled Beer Best Bartender Best Dance Floor Best Bar to Meet New People Best Selection of Wine by the Glass Best Selection of Wine by the Bottle Best Sports Bar Best Sports Team Club Headquarters Best Neighborhood Bar Best Hotel Bar Best Bar With a View Best Bar Ambiance Best Bar for Games Best Bar for Poker Best Bar for Bingo Best Bar for Trivia Night Best Pet-Friendly Bar Best Karaoke Night Best Bar for Live Music Best Jukebox Best Bar Food We try out new Best of the Coast categories every year to keep our ballot fresh and relevant. With that comes getting rid of a few based on voting results (i.e. lack of votes) from the year prior.

If you see a category missing that you think we should add next year, feel free to send your suggestions to joani@inweekly.net.

21

FABULOUS 5-COURSE DINNER AND THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE WITH A FRONT ROW VIEW OF THE FIREWORKS!

4th of July wine dinner!

FRIDAY, JULY 4 · RESERVED BALCONY TABLE (WITH OUR 5-COURSE WINE DINNER), $125 PER PERSON Celebrate at our house! The Atlas, Fish House and Deck Bar will be open for walk-in dining, serving from our spring/summer dinner menu with live music before the fireworks, and a DJ after. Or reserve early for our 5-course wine dinner. For details, visit fishhousepensacola.com.

FISH HOUSE: (850) 470-0003, OPEN DAILY AT 11 A.M. · ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE: (850) 437-1961, OPEN MON.–SAT. 5 P.M., SUN. 11 A.M. · 600 S. BARRACKS ST.

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Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.

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inweekly.net

6/24/14 12:19 PM

news of the weird MAN OF THE PEOPLE? Scott Fistler, twice a loser for electoral office in Phoenix, Arizona, as a Republican, decided in November 2013 that his luck might improve as a Democrat with a name change, and legally became "Cesar Chavez," expecting to poll better in a heavily Hispanic, Democratic congressional district. ("Cesar Chavez" is of course the name of the legendary labor organizer.)

Furthermore, according to a June report in the Arizona Capitol Times, "Chavez's" campaign website features photographs of frenzied supporters holding "Chavez" signs, but which are obviously scenes from the streets of Venezuela at rallies for its late president Hugo Chavez.

(At press time for News of the Weird, a judge had removed "Chavez" from the ballot, but only because some qualifying signatures were invalid. "Chavez" promised to appeal.)

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf of Omaha, Nebraska, trying to be helpful, he said, advised female lawyers appearing in his courtroom to lower their hemlines and cover their cleavage because males, including Judge Kopf himself, are "pigs."

Writing in his personal blog in March, he said, "I have been a dirty old man ever since I was a very young man" and that the women in his office are similarly contemptuous of daringly dressed female lawyers. The lifetime-tenured judge later said he regretted any harm to the judiciary that his remarks might have caused.

• Almond Upton, 60, charged with murder for "intentionally" striking a New York state trooper in May with his pickup truck, denied everything. He told reporters following his first court appearance that he is bewildered by the accusation: "I was (close to) the Connecticut border, and all of a sudden, I'm in Binghamton, New York (about 140 miles from Connecticut), and this cop got killed, I don't know how it happened. It had to be a time warp."

• The National Security Agency admitted in a June court filing that it had disobeyed two judicial orders to stop deleting accusatory evidence in its databases (which judges had ordered preserved to help determine if the NSA was illegally violating privacy laws). The

by Chuck Shepherd

NSA's reasoning for its chutzpah: Its datagathering systems, it claims, are "too complex" to prevent the automatic deletions routinely programmed into its data, and it cannot reprogram to preserve the data without shutting down its entire intelligence-gathering mission.

The challenging party (the Electronic Frontier Foundation) called the NSA's explanation disingenuous and, in fact, further proof that the NSA is incapable of properly managing such massive data-gathering.

• Michael Adrian, 26, was arrested in Lakeville, Minnesota, in June for frightening officials at Lakeville North High School by skateboarding in front of the school, in military dress, face covered by a bandana, with an arrow strapped to his arm, and concealing knives, a box-cutter, a slingshot and pepper spray. Adrian told police he was merely "testing" the school's security system by "looking like an a**hole." (A judge ordered a mental evaluation.)

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KARMA At an April press conference on a train station platform in Milford, Connecticut, to critique the allegedly shoddy safety record of the Metro-North rail line, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut set up a chart on an easel to illustrate the problem. Suddenly, a train roared through the station and, according to news reports, "nearly" clipped Sen. Blumenthal, who was standing on the yellow platform line that passengers are admonished to stand behind.

• In June, a jury in Fresno, California, decided that Bobby Lee Pearson, 37, was guilty of burglary -- but they accidentally signed the "not-guilty" form, instead, and by the time Judge W. Kent Hamlin caught the error, he could not change it (because of "double jeopardy"). Pearson walked out a free man, went to his sister's home, got into a fight hours later, and was stabbed to death by the sister's boyfriend. {in} From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2014 Chuck Shepherd

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com

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mypensacolaattorney.com • email: eric@mypensacolaattorney.com 23

Celebration Comes Early for Pensacola’s New Year’s Event Pensacola Scores in First Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Richard Berg, the University of West Florida Athletic Director from 1988-2007, has been named to the inaugural class of the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame. He joins a stellar group of inductees that includes five former student athletes, three administrators and two head coaches.

Under Richard Berg’s leadership, the UWF Athletic Department was transformed from NAIA to NCAA, from 9 to 13 teams, from an annual budget of $500,000 to over $3 million. During his 19-year tenure, UWF brought home 3 NCAA Division II national championships and 41 GSC championships, including a record-setting 6 in his final year.

Pensacola’s Pelican Drop New Year’s Celebration was chosen by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event for December 2014. The Pelican Drop was chosen from among events in 12 different states and features musical performances, kids’ festivities, and the famous Pelican Drop.

Pensacola’s lighted pelican is 14 feet tall, sporting a 20-foot wingspan and 2000 metal feathers. On December 31, it will be perched 100 feet above an expected 50,000 revelers at the intersection of Palafox and Government, where at the stroke of midnight, it will swoop into the New Year in a shower of fireworks and confetti. Don’t miss this exciting and unique event!

Congratulations to the Downtown Improvement Board and Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. for the soaring success of the Pelican Drop.

We salute Richard Berg for his astounding record of success and muchdeserved selection as a first-round pick for the GSC Hall of Fame.

Richard Berg with Sandra, his wife of 50 years

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Independent News | June 26, 2014 | inweekly.net

6/23/14 3:05 PM