March 19 2015 Issue

Pensacola

Sierra Leone

Pensacola's Bob Cross and the Fight Against Ebola Independent News | March 19, 2015 | Volume 16 | Number 12 | inweekly.net

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ber Foundation and the University of West Florida recently announced that Maygarden has been appointed chairman of the UWF College of Business Advisory Council. He replaced Gen. Michael Ferguson, who served as chair of the council for nearly two decades. The advisory council provides advice, guidance and support to the college dean and faculty, while also promoting leadership and management in areas such as job opportunities, private fundraising activities and community needs. Maygarden currently serves as the executive director for the Pensacola Chamber Foundation.

REUBIN ASKEW Gov. Rick Scott named the

late Gov. Reubin Askew, former law partner of Fred Levin, as one of three inductees to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Askew was elected governor in 1970 and served two terms.

In announcing the hall of fame selections, Scott’s office cited issues such as Askew’s support for desegregation and his appointments of top black officials, including the first black justice on the Florida Supreme Court.

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losers BOB COLE State Attorney Bill Eddins has charged the Santa Rosa County Commissioner with a non-criminal violation of the Government-in-Sunshine Law, which is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500. Cole is a member of the Milton Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board. Prior to a Jan. 15 meeting, he discussed an agenda item with another board member. That discussion is a Sunshine violation because it happened outside a public meeting.

RICK SCOTT Once again the state has

become the butt of several jokes. The Miami Herald reported that Gov. Scott’s administration has imposed an unwritten gag order on Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, ordering officials and staff to refrain from the terms “climate change,” “global warming” or “sea-level rise.” Scott has denied the gag order exists, but several state employees have shared stories of warnings from their bosses.

FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT

State officials are investigating a cyber-attack against Florida's online-testing program for public schools, operated by American Institutes for Research, a nonprofit group that signed a six-year, $220 million deal to design the tests. The attack added more pressure on the state to rethink its move to the Florida Standards Assessment, particularly when it comes to using the results on state-issued report cards for schools. Several groups want lawmakers to suspend the school-grading system and disregard or de-emphasize the test.

inweekly.net

outtakes

by Rick Outzen

CONVENTION CENTER DÉJÀ VU The success of Pensacon has reignited a discussion of building a convention center. It’s a worthy topic. The fourthcent of the Tourist Development Tax was originally presented as a funding source for just such a venture. After all, that penny of the bed tax was used to finance the Pensacola Civic Center.

When that fourthcent expired in the late 1990s, Escambia County looked at renewing it to fund a convention center.

In 2000, the chamber paid for a $100,000 for a study on its feasibility of a convention center.

Hotelier Julian MacQueen and members of the Santa Rosa Island Authority proposed a plan to bring back the fourth cent to build an 80,000-square-foot convention center, 500lot parking garage, and a 500-room resort hotel on Pensacola Beach.

The Board of County Commissioners appeared to be open to the idea and added a $3-million soccer complex at Brosnaham Park to the plan to win support from the rest of the county. However, the plan fell apart because Perdido Key, downtown Pensacola and other parts of the county were lukewarm to building a center on the beach tied to a privately owned hotel.

A year later, TriMark, a Dallas-based company, proposed to build a 135,000 square-foot convention center for Marriott on Perdido Key. That plan blew up with it

was pointed out that the county’s comprehensive plan forbid using public money to build in a coastal high-hazard area. All of Perdido Key is high-hazard.

In 2003, City Community Redevelopment Agency Director David Bailey brought up the idea that the property around the Civic Center could accommodate a full-scale convention center, complete with exhibit halls, an auditorium, ballrooms, meeting rooms, orchestra pit, dressing rooms and concession space.

It got some traction during a series of meetings led by urban planner Ray Gindroz, who was paid $200,000 to study the city’s historic district. Then we were hit with Hurricane Ivan and Gindroz’s study was placed on a shelf somewhere in city hall.

The land near the civic center was instead developed into a Tech Park to attract hightech companies.

I’m happy the current Board of County Commissioners is open to reviewing a renovation of the Pensacola Bay Center and the possibility of adding a convention center.

Will the hotel industry agree to allow the fourth-cent to be used to finance a convention center? Will they agree on a location?

The answers to those two questions will determine if a convention center is built anytime soon. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Will the hotel industry agree to allow the fourthcent to be used to finance a convention center? Will they agree on a location?

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STINGRAYS AND RIGHTS TO PRIVACY

By T.S. Strickland Pensacola police are among a growing number of law enforcement agencies making use of a secretive technology to track criminal suspects through their phones— and they’re doing it without warrants.

Pensacola Police Chief Chip Simmons told Inweekly his agency had used a cell site simulator, commonly referred to as a “Stingray,” after a popular brand, on at least seven occasions since 2010.

The devices—which Simmons said were borrowed from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement—masquerade as cell towers to track targets’ phones with incredible precision. They can record every text message and cellphone call within a half-mile radius, disrupting cellular service to innocent bystanders.

Developed in the 1990s, Stingrays were first used by the federal government to locate terrorists overseas. More and more, police are using them domestically to track suspected drug dealers, robbers and thieves.

The American Civil Liberties Union has identified at least 48 agencies in 20 states and the District of Columbia that now own the devices, which are typically purchased with federal anti-terror grants. The rev-

FOREVER DIETING?

elation that the Pensacola police used Stingrays was contained in a trove of documents released late last month by the ACLU of Florida—the result of dozens of public records requests the group filed last year.

The PPD’s use of Stingrays is modest compared to other agencies in the state.

However, it is not clear whether and to what extent other local agencies are using the devices. The Escambia and Santa Rosa county sheriffs’ offices—not included in the ACLU survey—were less willing than Simmons to discuss the matter with Inweekly.

The ECSO said they did not own a Stingray, but declined to comment further, referring questions to the FDLE. The SRCSO declined to discuss the matter at all, citing a statutory exemption to disclosing surveillance techniques.

Statewide, the technology has made significant inroads. Florida police have used Stingrays almost 2,000 times in the last decade, according to the ACLU—almost always for routine investigations, not the national-security-level threats often cited to justify the secrecy surrounding their use.

What’s more, police did so—overwhelmingly—without obtaining warrants.

"In many of the investigations, police never sought a court order authorizing Stingray use,” ACLU attorney Nate Wessler wrote in a press release announcing the findings. "In others, they sought a court order on a low ‘relevance’ standard, but not a warrant based on probable cause."

Wessler told Inweekly the practice could have profound implications for the criminal justice system. He pointed to a Florida Supreme Court ruling, handed

down in October, that determined it was unconstitutional for police to track a suspect’s phone in real time without a warrant.

The logic of that case, the attorney said, should apply to Stingrays.

“Police should be on notice that a warrant is required,” Wessler said, “and, if they’re not getting a warrant, they are at serious risk of having evidence in their cases thrown out later.”

Despite these warnings, Simmons said this week that Pensacola police did not feel they had to prove probable cause or obtain a warrant before using a Stingray, though he said they always sought a court order before doing so. The chief said he was not aware of the October ruling by the state’s highest court and felt judges were providing adequate oversight as is.

“Our policy is to always get a court order,” Simmons said. “We have confidence in the ability of our judge’s to review those applications.”

It is not clear to what extent local judges knew what they were approving when they reviewed these applications, however—as all documentation is sealed by court order and Simmons would not discuss details of the applications.

“We don’t get into specifics on surveillance techniques,” the chief said.

It has been shown in other places that judges have not always been adequately informed. In Tacoma, Washington for instance, a newspaper investigation revealed last year that judges in almost 200 cases did not know they had approved Stingray use.

This should not be surprising, according to Wessler. In analyzing documents

“(Sen. Nelson’s comments) are a strong indicator of how much we need to worry about this sophisticated spy technology coming home to our local communities.”

Nate Wessler

from across Florida, he noted a “pattern of secrecy” surrounding the technology. A case in point: When the Tallahassee Police Department provided the ACLU a sampling of judicial applications and orders, Wessler could not find “a single mention or description” of the devices.

“This suggests that judges weren’t being fully informed about what they were approving,” Wessler wrote.

The PPD did release to the ACLU the full text of five cases in which cell site simulators were used. Two involved serial car burglaries. Two involved assault on a law enforcement officer, and one involved a “suspicious circumstance” in which no charges were ever filed.

None of the files mention Stingrays or describe how the technology was used.

The ACLU noted a similar pattern in Tallahassee’s investigative files.

“Officers’ notes and other documentation in the files never once mention Stingrays or provide descriptions of their use,” Wessler wrote. “Instead, there are only fleeting references that would likely be inscrutable to a defense attorney or judge not already on the lookout for signs of covert Stingray surveillance.”

Even if police were getting warrants, Wessler said, the technology would still pose privacy concerns. The ACLU is especially worried about the privacy of innocent bystanders, whose data can be swept up by the devices.

“There should be strict protections for those innocent people’s data,” Wessler said.

Simmons said his agency had no policies governing the use of Stingrays locally, though he added the PPD had “collected no data” thus far. When asked whether the devices could record the content of phone calls and text messages, as some models have been shown to do, he referred questions to the FDLE. Lawmakers at every level of government are just beginning to grapple with

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Stingrays. This month, in the wake of the ACLU disclosures, Sen. Bill Nelson raised concerns about the privacy implications of the technology and called on regulators to take a closer look at the issue.

Melbourne-based Harris Corp., Nelson’s second largest campaign contributor, is a leading manufacturer of Stingrays. “(Sen. Nelson’s comments) are a strong indicator of how much we need to worry about this sophisticated spy technology coming home to our local communities,” Wessler said.

The issue is also getting the attention of state and local lawmakers. So far, about a dozen states have passed laws requiring police to obtain a warrant before tracking suspects’ cell phone locations. At least as many have proposed legislation that would do so.

“It’s really the whole spread of geographic regions and in states with all different tints of red, blue and purple,” Wessler said.

There is movement at the local level, also. The Seattle City Council two years ago passed legislation requiring city departments to obtain council approval before acquiring new surveillance technology.

The issue of Stingray use and police surveillance will likely come before the Pensacola City Council in the next month, though it is not clear what, if any, concrete steps will be taken.

Only three of eight council members responded by deadline to a request for comment. Larry Johnson, Sherri Myers and P.C. Wu said they had not been aware the PPD was using the technology.

Myers, who plans to raise the issue at April’s council meeting, said she thought the Seattle model was “a good idea” for Pensacola, though she added she would have to further research the issue before taking any action.

“I do have many concerns that citizens are losing their right to privacy due to technology,” she said. “I feel we ... have to be very careful when the government engages in activities that violate the privacy rights and expectations of the people …

The primary function of the government is to protect the rights of the people—both their constitutional rights and their right to be safe." {in}

March 19, 2015

HABITAT: THE SPRING BREAK ALTERNATIVE

By Jennifer Stewart Vanderbilt University freshman Chiedza Chauruka hammered nails into an interior portion of a Pensacola Habitat for Humanity home on Friday afternoon, March 6–the last day of her spring break.

“I could have been watching TV for these five hours,” Chauruka, 20, said.

The biomedical engineering major had not been attending Vanderbilt's Habitat for Humanity campus chapter meetings, but Chauruka felt compelled to spend her spring break doing something worthwhile, she said.

Chauruka decided to join around a dozen Vanderbilt students who spent their spring breaks working on Habitat for Humanity homes in the Providence Manor II neighborhood, off West Michigan Avenue, in the Bellview area of Northwest Pensacola.

This year, Vanderbilt is one of 13 colleges and universities participating in Habitat for Humanity International's Collegiate Challenge program in the Pensacola area. Through the alternative spring break program, now in its 26th year, more than 153 students worked on homes in January through March, according to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

By the end of March, the students will have helped to build 13 separate homes, which account for about 20 percent of the homes on the local nonprofit's docket, said executive director Tim Evans.

Toward the end of the Vanderbilt group's workday that Friday afternoon, a reporter asked what they what be doing that evening.

“Sleeping,” someone said, jokingly.

For dinner, the students tried to eat at McGuire's and the Tin Cow, but opted instead for Siam Thai, a couple of them said. The restaurant is located near where they stayed for the week at Grace Lutheran Church.

Grace Lutheran is one of several local congregations that provides lodging and Wednesday night suppers for the Collegiate Challenge students who come to Pensacola.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity hosts welcome dinners for the groups on Monday nights, volunteer coordinator Taylor Thomae said, and the students typically work on homes Tuesday through Friday of their designated week.

During Vanderbilt sophomore Davin Burnell's time in Pensacola, he helped with jobs like nailing plywood onto the back of a home.

Burnell, 20, a neuroscience major, said he had worked with wood before when he built a stand for an aquarium. “But I've never worked on a house. This is my first (Habitat home) build.”

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is one of around 1,500 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, “a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded (in 1976) on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live,” according to its website.

“There is a tremendous need (for affordable housing) in this community,” Evans said.

In fact, in 2010 the local nonprofit was among seven affiliates in major metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and Dallas, to be awarded a three-year, $25 million grant.

“And that is very unusual for Habitat,” Evans said. “We are much busier than most Habitat organizations.”

Of the 1,500 Habitat affiliates, half of them have no staff at all and rely solely on volunteers, Evans added.

The local nonprofit has around 45 full and part-time employees.

For 2015, the Collegiate Challenge groups, which pay their own expenses, have pledged more than $26,000 to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity for building materials and supplies. The funds include a $175 donation from each participant, and some schools, such as Vanderbilt, also hold fundraisers and present the local nonprofit with a second check, Thomae said.

Other schools participating in the 2015 Collegiate Challenge program locally include: Ohio State University, DeSales University, the University of Missouri, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Birmingham-Southern College, Maryville University, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, the University of Memphis, the University of North Georgia, Purdue University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity works with Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida year round, Evans said.

Like the Collegiate Challenge students, AmeriCorps volunteers, who were all from out of town, also traveled to Pensacola to help build homes from 2011 to 2013.

Part of the reason for the volunteers coming from outside the Pensacola area to help build homes, Evans said, “is that there are people who are willing to invest themselves into our community to benefit those people who are looking to find a way to better themselves and their families.”

During many of the Collegiate Challenge students' time in Pensacola volunteering for Habitat, they also help other local nonprofit organizations, such as Project GreenShores and the Waterfront Rescue Mission, Thomae said.

As the Vanderbilt group wrapped up their work on March 6, Chauruka was beaming with pride, clearly pleased she decided to make the trip to Pensacola to help build homes for Habitat.

“I really enjoyed it,” Chauruka said. “It's been a worthwhile spring break.” {in}

7

Sheriff David Morgan VIOLENT TEEN GANGS Sheriff David Morgan talked last week about the rise of teenage gangs in Escambia County. He warned that these gangs, commonly referred to as “hybrid gangs,” can be much more violent and unpredictable than the nationally known Bloods, Crips and MS-13.

“The gang experts will tell you that they are much more violent than the national gangs because they tend to not have hierarchy,” said Morgan on News Talk 1370 WCOA’s Pensacola Speaks.

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He explained their lack of structure makes them more violent. “If you go to one of the national gangs, whether it's a motorcycle gang or whatever, there's almost a military-like structure to this gang,” the sheriff said. “If you violate the norms, the mores, the rules, the laws of the gang, punishment is swift, severe and certain.”

Morgan said the leadership is more fluid in these gangs of teens. “You could be the gang leader today, I could be the gang leader tomorrow, Don (Parker) could be the day after,” he said. “It depends upon who shows up today with the most money, the most drugs, et cetera.”

The lack of organization can be a recipe for disaster.

He explained. “What you fear from the local gangs is that the biggest whack job in the gang today shows up with the biggest gun and decides, ‘Today would be a good day to do some retaliation or some drive-by shooting.’

Because they're in charge today, it becomes chaos. That's why they are much more dangerous than some of your, again, nationallyknown gangs that are very well-structured.”

STUDER WORLD UPDATES The initial use

of old Main Street Sewage Treatment Plant on Main Street will be as a parking lot for Blue Wahoos season ticket holders, according to Quint Studer, who with his wife Rishy, owns both the Blue Wahoos and the 18-acre site.

What are the long-term plans for the site’s development? His answer might surprise you.

“Rishy and I go back and forth on it,” said Studer on Pensacola Speaks. “When we first bought it, we thought we were going to put a lot of buildings on it, but when my father was dying in Fort Myers, we spent a lot of time at a community park there.”

He said the park had a water feature, places where families could picnic and a train that went around it. "More and more, if we can't find the absolute building to go there, we are thinking that one of our legacies could build a park there."

Studer said the Community Maritime Park is looking like it will not be the community park

that was originally envisioned in 2005 with its plans for hotel, high-rise luxury condominiums and apartments, and a marina.

"We want to create a place where people will come to picnic, to run, to jog, to workout, to maybe do some boating activities," Studer said. "That is what's sort of in the back of our minds."

Studer said that the proposed apartments for the old News Journal building on Romana Street, which he and his wife also own, are in the design phase while they seek conceptual approval from the various city boards, talk with potential general contractors and try to lock down financing for the $50-million project. He said the demolition of the building should start later this month.

Podcasts of these and other interviews are available on Podomatic.com and our websites, inweekly.net and ricksblog.biz. Pensacola Speaks airs weekdays from 5-6 p.m. on News Talk 1370 WCOA. {in}

"We want to create a place where people will come to picnic, to run, to jog, to workout, to maybe do some boating activities.” Quint Studer

inweekly.net

Pensacola

Sierra Leone

Pensacola's Bob Cross and the Fight Against Ebola | By Scott Satterwhite When the first cases of Ebola made news last spring, only a few more than a dozen people from Liberia and Sierra Leone were diagnosed with the virus. By the end of June, over 400 people were dead with no end in sight.

The word “Ebola” and “epidemic” became synonymous with West Africa, especially as the virus threatened to spread across the globe. To combat this global danger, several teams of healthcare workers and scientists mobilized to go directly into the “hot zone” to

I

fight the spread of Ebola and help those affected by the deadly hemorrhagic virus.

Enter Pensacola’s own, Dr. Bob Cross.

Known locally more for playing bass in several punk bands over the years than as a scientist, Cross is a native of Northwest Florida. Though he trained in the Pensacola area and studied at the University of West Florida, Cross has been a mainstay of the Pensacola punk scene since the late 1990s.

While working on his degrees, Cross played

n December 2014, Time magazine dubbed these healthcare workers and scientists the “Ebola Fighters” and selected them as its “Person of the Year.” According to Time, the Ebola Fighters “risked and persisted, sacrificed and saved.” Cross, however, takes this

March 19, 2015

for such bands as Thundermug, Holden Red, Emerald Coast Murderers and Tender Cobra [Full disclosure—Bob Cross and I still play in the punk band Tender Cobra]. After attaining his master’s in public health from UWF, Cross earned a doctorate in molecular virology from Tulane University and currently works at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston studying disease transmission. His work in epidemiology eventually brought him to West Africa.

honor in humble stride. Their struggle to save the lives of thousands, if not millions, was truly heroic with many paying the ultimate sacrifice fighting this deadly virus.

In this interview, Bob Cross talks about being Time magazine’s “Person of the Year,” his

As the recent Ebola epidemic spread rapidly throughout West Africa, hundreds died and thousands were diagnosed with the life-threatening hemorrhagic virus. At the height of the epidemic, Cross did what few others would do—he volunteered to join several of his colleagues in Sierra Leone to fight the Ebola virus. While in Sierra Leone, Cross’s team helped create the first FDA-approved rapid testing kit to detect Zaire Ebola virus authorized for use in West Africa.

dedication to his work in West Africa and his punk roots.

Because of the sensitive nature of Cross’s work, I conducted this interview via email so it could be reviewed by governmental bodies before publication.

9

INWEEKLY: Are you still at Tulane?

INWEEKLY: How does it feel to be among CROSS: No, I’m currently a post doc at those named as Time magazine's "Person the University of Texas Medical Branch of the Year" for 2014? in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Geisbert CROSS: It’s a great honor to be part of the [Dr. Geisbert is one of the people feagroup for sure. Many have made extreme tured in the Time magazine article. He’s a sacrifices to this cause and everyone inrecognized leader in research on emerging volved, on all levels, should be applauded. viruses that require Bio-Safety Level 4 conThis is not easy work, and nine times out of tainment (i.e. the spacesuit labs)]. In this ten, you aren’t getting paid any extra for the additional effort. In fact, most [of] the folks who’ve been working in this field for some time would do it regardless of any awards. But the recognition is certainly appreciated, if for anything, for bringing attention to parts of the world where the existing public health infrastructure isn’t set up to deal with these kinds of [diseases].

Funny story: When Time magazine came to interview my boss, he had no idea he was to be featured in the Time article. None of us did! Ultimately, I’m glad it happened. The world now seems to be paying attention to how Cross, left,performing in Tender Cobra important this work is. Hopefully it will remain that way.

INWEEKLY: So tell me a little about the work you do?

CROSS: I wear several hats, but I mainly consider myself a public health biologist, though much of my training and work deals with emerging viruses, specifically viral hemorrhagic fever epidemiology, pathogenesis, and development of therapeutics and vaccines against [these diseases].

INWEEKLY: What about your education?

Where did you learn to become an “Ebola Fighter”?

CROSS: It takes a village, right? Well, my career started in Pensacola where I worked with an epidemiologist named Samantha Rivers who got me onto a project with her when West Nile Virus first came through. It was through her that I met Drs. George Stewart, Justice Mbizo, Kendall Martin, Joe Lepo and John Lanza through which I completed my early training in infectious disease biology and epidemiology at the University of West Florida. I got my Ph.D. from Tulane University working on Hantavirus pathogenesis and epidemiology under Drs. Thomas Voss, Daniel Bausch and Bob Garry.

010 1

setting, I’m working in concert with his world-class team studying pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses with the central effort of developing medical countermeasures against them.

INWEEKLY: Five days seems like a long time considering how fast Ebola progresses. Has that changed since your mission to West Africa?

CROSS: At that time, there weren’t any approved rapid diagnostics available, [tests with] 10-30 minute results, so our mission was to field-test these kits in order to show the regulatory powers [such as the World Health

lance beyond what they already had going on in-country, which was mostly rodents at the time given that the area highly endemic for Lassa Fever, a virus that is similar in disease course to Ebola.

INWEEKLY: Between your last visit to Sierra Leone and this one to fight Ebola, what differences did you see?

CROSS: Probably the biggest difference was the silence throughout the country. This is a big thing.

Nationwide curfews were in effect for motorcycle travel at night because it was thought that this might have been a contributing element to the outbreak’s spread, and so the streets were much quieter, less people out.

Interpersonal communication was vastly different as well.

Previously, meeting a friend or colleague on the street and shaking hands was a very long and involved choreography of complex handshakes and discussion. This Dr. Bob Cross working in a BSL4 Laboratory / time, there were no handshakes Photo by Chad Mire, PhD from anyone. No touching, period.

This was in part of the national campaign to cut transmission by altering Organization and social behaviors, not to mention the fear of the FDA] that we not knowing who was or was not infected. had something Without the handshake, salutations were that could really much less intimate and connected. make a difference During [the Ebola] visit, it was clear the with a disease nation was in a critical state. Awareness that takes hold in of the virus was everywhere. Many, many three to five days losses on personal and cultural levels had after exposure. been suffered.

However, we just recently got word INWEEKLY: Since you’d already been to that both the WHO and the FDA have apthe affected countries, I’m sure learning proved this diagnostic test for use, so it will be about this outbreak must’ve been more rolled out to places that need it very soon. personal. When you first heard about the Ebola crisis in West Africa, what was your INWEEKLY: Even when our band was first response? more active a few years ago, you were CROSS: Filovirus [a type of virus that beginning to do this kind of work. If I tends to cause hemorrhagic fevers-editor] remember right, this trip to Sierra Leone was your second trip to that country. Why outbreaks have been happening almost annually throughout Central Africa for some did you go to Sierra Leone the first time? time now. But these were almost always in CROSS: My first mission to Sierra Leone small, remote villages. When [Ebola] surwas a research trip looking for bird-borne faced in West Africa, the general consensus viruses in birds [native to] West Africa. It of folks in this field was this was going to be was also a capacity building mission where different. Mainly because of how interconwe worked with local [African] biologists to nected the cultures are in this part of the expand their ability to do disease surveil-

“This is not easy work, and nine times out of ten, you aren’t getting paid any extra for the additional effort. In fact, most [of] the folks who’ve been working in this field for some time would do it regardless of any awards.” Dr. Bob Cross

INWEEKLY: How did that work get you to Sierra Leone fighting Ebola? Can you tell me a little about what you did in West Africa?

CROSS: Sure, I was brought on as a biosafety and technical consultant to help validate a new rapid diagnostic [test] for Ebola in the field. The current state of testing and triaging patients for Ebola is complex and time consuming due to the need for stringent biosafety procedures as well as access to technical facilities that can do the molecular testing necessary. The delays for getting results [generally] vary from one to five days depending on proximity to testing centers and their respective caseload.

inweekly.net

world [West Africa]. Sure there are political boundaries or borders between countries, but the heritage and culture of the people from this area don’t really subscribe to these [borders] as clear-cut lines of separation between populations. Further, it’s a lot easier to cover greater distances in the region [now] due to road systems that have been recently developed, owing in-part to international resource exchanges with China and other countries.

INWEEKLY: With the virus spreading quickly, what were the personal risks of going to West Africa this time?

CROSS: Well, Ebola is in the area, that’s clear. But you’re really more likely to get malaria than Ebola just by being in the country, and even that is avoidable to an extent merely by taking antimalarial drugs prior to travel. Ebola virus disease is mostly an incapacitating disease. Folks that are so infectious that they are capable of transmitting are clearly sick and really too weak to be out and about in public without great effort.

Now if you are one [of the workers] in a treatment unit or otherwise treating or assisting confirmed or suspected cases, that’s a whole other story. [There was] much risk in that arena, no doubt.

INWEEKLY: What was your impression of the crisis when you first got to Sierra Leone?

CROSS: It was impossible to miss. Posters were everywhere, hand-washing stations were everywhere, fever check outposts were everywhere, the smell of bleach was everywhere, news that Ebola was in Sierra Leone was everywhere. Despite this, it was clear that there was a response in action. Ebola treatment units dotted the country side throughout the country and any radio station was centered on new reports and informative updates on the outbreak. It’s just such a big job.

INWEEKLY: In your professional opinion, what were some of the reasons the Ebola Virus spread so quickly?

CROSS: There are a number of reasons that have surfaced as guilty culprits, but likely the most important was the lack of preparedness, coupled to the delay of international response.

This region has never had to deal with an Ebola virus outbreak before. They just weren’t ready. Limited diagnostics, trained personnel, and adequate equipment were not sufficiently available to act in an efficient manner enough to contain the outbreak.

INWEEKLY: As far as your African partners and their facilities, what were the West African health care systems like?

CROSS: It’s not really well developed. It exists, but you have to remember that these are not wealthy nations, unfortunately. So with limited resources, you get limited infrastructure. Outside support from international partners is nice, provided it can be sustained or leads to self-sustenance.

INWEEKLY: Often when the Western media reports about the efforts to stop Ebola, the focus is on the internationals. But you mentioned some of the local African biologists you worked with earlier. Can you tell me about the African scientists and healthcare workers you partnered with in Sierra Leone?

CROSS: This time around we worked with two outstanding Sierra Leonean scientists, both of whom I’m very proud to call friends. Augustine Goba confirmed the first case of Ebola in Sierra Leone. He and Mambu Momoh—along with other partners working from the Kenema Government Hospital’s Lassa Fever Laboratory—tirelessly processed a lion share of the diagnostics for the entire country as the outbreak intensified until international assistance could arrive.

And these two are just an example of the hard work, dedication and ultimate sacrifices that have been made through the course of this outbreak. This is one [experience] that none of us are ever going to forget. Just about anyone working in this field has known and worked with some, or many, of those who have died during this effort.

PENSACOLA

“This is one [experience] that none of us are ever going to forget. Just about anyone working in this field has known and worked with some, or many, of those who have died during this effort.” Cross

INWEEKLY: Were you scared?

CROSS: Not at all. No reason to be. Sure, this is what I do for a living, every day. And much like any public servant, like a police officer or firefighter, I’ve had to go through extensive training to get the confidence to make the best decisions possible when whatever challenge presents itself. No reason to be scared if you understand how transmission works and you take the proper precautions.

INWEEKLY: As people’s anxiety levels grew throughout the region, they started to get very scared. There was a lot of misinformation spread about the disease, but also the healthcare workers. I read that there were riots in some of the outbreak zones, specifically in Liberia and elsewhere. Were you ever in any immediate danger?

CROSS: I really don’t think so. It’s actually a very peaceful part of the world. Despite the stress of the outbreak, everyone just wants to put this thing to rest.

March 19, 2015

INWEEKLY: When you got back to the States, how were you treated? Were you treated differently by strangers, friends or even other scientists, knowing you were around so much death?

CROSS: I would say no, I received great support from friends, colleagues and family.

They all know this is where my heart is.

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https://twitter.com/EFOF

INWEEKLY: How do you feel about the stigma associated with Ebola? Are you worried about that, either from your professional or personal perspective?

CROSS: The stigma is real, unfortunately.

Very real on multiple levels. I am not a fan of it, but it exists, and I think the only way to deal with it is head on. Transparency with respect to how the disease works, clear descriptions QS0413_Epilepsy IN News.indd 1

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3/12/15 12:37 PM

on the state-of-the-field in regard to vaccine and therapy. National preparedness is crucial to allay public fears [so people know] that it really is possible to get this thing [Ebola] under control. I am worried about [the virus and stigma] just as anyone should be worried about what dangers fear and misunderstanding are capable of producing. This is why I feel transparency throughout the process of response to this outbreak is crucial.

INWEEKLY: How is the general American perception of this Ebola crisis different from the reality, at least as you see it?

CROSS: I think there was certainly cause for raised awareness on the issue. This is an important outbreak because, much like SARS did in 2002, [the virus spread] very rapidly as a result of how globally interconnected the world’s become. If anything, my hopes are that the heightened state of alarm that many Americans have regarding this particular outbreak will help our government see how important continued support of research into understanding emerging pathogens and controlling them really is.

INWEEKLY: When Americans saw the news about Ebola and read about how dangerous it was, I know a lot of people became very scared, especially after the handful of reported cases in the U.S. Do you think a similar outbreak could happen in the United States?

CROSS: I’m a firm believer that [an outbreak] could not happen on the scale that happened in West Africa. The primary

reason is that the public health architecture of the U.S. is very well developed. Response to anything like this would, and has been, comparatively swift and efficient. We simply have more resources available.

INWEEKLY: Are you satisfied with the work you and your colleagues did in Sierra Leone?

CROSS: Absolutely! We put in some serious time toward helping to develop and raise awareness for an important technology [the Ebola virus rapid test kit recently approved by the FDA-editor] that will no doubt help in the fight.

The team I worked with were all world class scientists, and it was truly a pleasure to work alongside them.

INWEEKLY: How do you think being a punk influenced the work you do now?

CROSS: Well, I’m not sure. I think everybody’s definition of “punk” differs.

But the central theme I’ve always gotten out of punk was to “do what is right” regardless of societal norms or what have you. A big part of being a public health scientist is just that. By and large, most of the diseases I work on affect the poor more than any other class, if you will. Poverty, as we all know, is rife with injustices on many levels. So a big part of what I push for is giving any advantage possible to those who need it, be it developing diagnostics, vaccines or drugs to combat infections. In my field this is done through capacity building and through technology transfer. Sure, going to an outbreak setting and helping to stop a deadly virus from taking over the world is a noble cause, but what happens when you leave? If you don’t leave the people with the capacity to deal with re-emergence, the cycle will continue and more will suffer.

“The central theme I’ve always gotten out of punk was to ‘do what is right’ regardless of societal norms or what have you. A big part of being a public health scientist is just that.” Cross

INWEEKLY: Switching gears a bit, besides your career as an “Ebola Fighter,” you also play in a few bands. Did you get to write any music while you were there or check out the music scene at all? Did you get the opportunity to see any shows or otherwise interact with the people of Sierra Leone, outside of the context of your work, while you were in Africa?

CROSS: No writing, but I always try to sample new music when I’m there. West African music is some of the most amazing and intricate and downright funky stuff I’ve

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INWEEKLY: Reflecting on your work as a whole, do you have any specific moments that stand out to you, either as a scientist or an American—or simply as a human being?

CROSS: As a scientist and human being, if you can really separate the two. Well, my first experience in science was with West Nile Virus in early 2000s, doing field work. That experience really made the work real to me.

Getting the opportunity to go out and see how these diseases are affecting society [and working] with people on the front lines is a real driver for me and is part of what gets me out of bed every day. The folks in every vein of this field are some of the hardest working, most passionate people I’ve ever met, and it’s truly a pleasure to be part of the effort. {in}

March 23-April 24, 2015 at Gallery 88 Reception: Thursday, March 26, 5-7 p.m. at WUWF’s Gallery 88

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INWEEKLY: If asked, would you go back?

CROSS: I have been asked and probably will someday. But right now, much of my work against Ebola is in the lab. The central mission of our work in Dr. Geisbert’s lab is to push new drugs and vaccines for Ebola and other emerging viruses out of the lab and into the places they are needed most.

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INWEEKLY: Are you hopeful that there will be a cure or vaccine for Ebola in the near future?

CROSS: Vaccines for various strains of Ebola have existed for some time now. If I’m hopeful for anything it is the continual societal and governmental support to see that the best [vaccine] candidates become available to the public as soon as possible.

VISAGE

Free Checking

212 1

ever heard. I love it and try to soak it up as much as possible. But no shows this time. All the night clubs have been closed due to the outbreak. But I did get to catch up with many old friends from my first trip and of course got to meet many new ones.

Federally Insured by NCUA

UWF’s BFA exhibition Visage will feature student artists Jaime Diffee, Elizabeth Guerry, Jasmine Holmes, Kenneth Jordon, Lexie Reames, and Jenea Wood.

11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 88, Pensacola, FL | 850.474.2787 inweekly.net

WEEK OF MARCH 19-26

Arts & Entertainment A Whole New World art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

by Jennifer Leigh

The last Ballet Pensacola performance of the season is set in a faraway land.

After a season of divas, artwork and a headless horseman, get ready for a version of “Aladdin” you’ve never seen before.

“What we have done is taken some of the elements from the Disney version— because you don’t want to disappoint the children—and created our own animal,” said Artistic Director Richard Steinert.

The ballet company’s production of “Aladdin” has been in the making for a while.

Finally, all of the work will come together.

“We’ve been in pre-production for more than a year, so we’re ready to open,” Steinert said.

From the special effects to the vibrant costumes, Steinert counts this fairy tale re-telling as one of the biggest productions with the company since he started eight years ago.

“I always have a lot of ideas that float around, but I stuck with this one because I just knew this was going to be great—for young people as well as adults,” Steinert said.

The story of “Aladdin” has a history beyond the 1992 Disney animated film with its origin dating back to the 18th century. Told through the minds at hand at Ballet Pensacola, the story is given a modern twist.

“The costumes are relatively contemporary. Ballet Mistress Christine Duhon has gone all out with the colors and styling.

It’s been fun to watch her design,” Steinert said. “The music is very techno and computer driven as opposed to orchestras.”

Steinert compares the performance with “The Nutcracker,” which borders the line of a play and a dance performance.

The dancers are more than just that—they also have to act without any spoken word.

But Steinert said it’s not too hard of a challenge.

“Dance really is a universal language,” he said.

What you won’t find in the production is Aladdin’s monkey sidekick, Abu. Instead there’s comedic character, Akhdah. And there is no flamboyant genie, who was made a fan favorite after the late Robin Williams voiced the character in the Disney movie. In the ballet, there are two genies, a girl and a boy, who essentially act as narrators.

What you will find is plenty of comedy—a note to the audience, it’s OK to laugh—and a magic carpet courtesy of Production Designer Lance Brannon.

“Lance is ever the faithful guy,” Steinert said. “When I told him 'I need a magic carpet that dips and flies,' he made it happen.”

Aladdin, played by soloist Ellis Endsley, provides a lot of the laughs. One scene that sticks out in Steinert’s mind is when Aladdin dresses up as woman to sneak into the palace and hilarity ensues.

“So often for me I have a pretty good idea of who I want for roles,” Steinert said. “Ellis is an experienced and very comfortable actor and he doesn’t take himself too seriously.”

Growing up in a musical theatre family and performing since he was 3, Endsley said he’s been waiting for this role for years.

“She has a He continues movement, a to perform style and works in regional with that unaptheaters proachable while dancing beauty without with Ballet being haughty,” Pensacola.

Steinert said.

“I always It’s a wanted to perfect match play Aladsince Lin and din,” he said.

Endsley have “When I was 8, danced together since Endsley first I was in a production, but I played the auditioned for the company and it began a magic carpet.” close friendship.

Endsley said “Aladdin” has always “We’re super close,” he said. “So the been his favorite Disney film, and to bring chemistry isn’t forced in any way.” the character to life for children is an As “Aladdin” closes the season on a exciting endeavor.

“He’s one of the most well-known char- high note, Steinert said he hopes to see new faces in the crowd. acters,” Endsley said. “I feel like we have “This is a ballet for everyone, your some similarities. I mean, except for the 3 year old, your 15 year old, parents and whole street-rat thing, but we both mean grandparents too,” he said. “I know it to do well and we’re lighthearted.” sounds corny, but it’s really just good, oldSince joining the ballet last year, Endsfashioned entertainment.” {in} ley said he’s enjoyed learning about himself as a dancer and person through each performance including the current production.

“Richard has a very different WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 20, 21, 27 & 28 way of choreographing,” he said.

WHERE: Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. “He takes classical and contempoJefferson St. rary and pushes their limits.”

COST: $19-$31 And what would “Aladdin” be DETAILS: balletpensacola.com without a Princess Jasmine? For the

“What we have done is taken some of the elements from the Disney version— because you don’t want to disappoint the children—and created our own animal.” Richard Steinert

ALADDIN

role, Steinert cast principal dancer, Ya Meng Lin.

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March 19, 2015

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Have your Community Shoutout featured on

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by Jennifer Leigh

‘Theater on Speed’

It was six years ago that Renee Jordan first got her taste of the 24 Hour Theatre at Pensacola Little Theatre.

“It was chaotic and wonderful,” she said. “I was an actor and my character had a British accent. It was intense. It’s like theater on speed.”

The pressure cooker atmosphere didn’t scare Jordan away. In fact, she’s now the main coordinator for the semi-annual event.

“They call me the overlord,” she said.

For 24 Hour Theatre, a few dozen people come together to produce several

short, original plays. When you factor in sleep—even though it comes in small amounts—it all comes together in less than 24 hours.

“We start with six writers and six directors,” Jordan said. “Most of the writers are connected with the West Florida Literary Federation, and I usually try to include about two or three veteran writers who have done 24 Hour Theatre before.”

The fun begins on Friday, March 20 with open auditions, which typically play off like an episode of “The Voice.” Acting hopefuls come in, get a quick headshot and do a cold read.

“We usually have about 35 to 40 people show up,” Jordan said. “Some of the directors and writers will fight over who they want, which is really funny to watch. But we always aim to cast everyone that shows up.”

All ages, talents, skills are welcome, although minors need to have parental supervision.

“We’ve had some come in as young as 7, which is fun because it gives writers more to play with. My 15-year-old daughter has done it too,” Jordan said. “We want a variety of people.”

The 24 Hour Theatre is a good, albeit, short introduction to the stage and with only one showtime, it’s not a huge commitment.

“It’s good for people who have thought about acting, but never did it. Maybe they did

a play in high “It’s the school,” Jordan coolest thing. said. “It’s a The characgreat way to get ters are written new people into specifically for the door.” you. Some of the The most seasoned production is actors don’t ever also a chance get that treatfor first-time ment, ” she said. directors to get “It blows my mind a feel for that role. After Jordan’s first each time. Luckily, we do recordings experience with 24 Hour Theatre, she was of each of the plays, which is something chosen to direct the next year, which was a everyone can take home.” whole new way of looking at the stage.

Many PLT regulars came from the 24 “Directors have to dictate what lights Hour experience. Jordan said she normally to use and what costumes to get,” she said. sees about three to eight actors come back “It’s a great way to get a directing credit to to audition for PLT stage productions. your resume and it says a lot about anyone “That always makes me happy, because who’s willing to do it.” this is the best theater home to make,” Once actors are chosen and go home, Jordan said. “An applause can be addicthe crunch time begins. Writers have just tion. And I always try to keep this event a handful of hours to finish a script before fun. I tell everyone ‘If you’re not having the actors come back the next morning to fun, come find me and I’ll fix it.’” learn their lines before they perform inside While Jordan says the 24 Hour Theatre the PLT courtroom. is a “high like no other” she does eventually “By 7:30 the next night it’s show time— come down after the chaos. the one and only time,” Jordan said.

“Watching the shows in the back riser, Scripts are usually only a few pages and I get my second wind,” she said. “But by with so many actors, there typically aren’t a lot Sunday, I’m a coma.” {in} of lines to learn for each individual.

“The beautiful thing about it is that since these are all original plays nobody knows if you mess up,” she added.

WHEN: Auditions 7:30 p.m. Friday,March 20, Every year Jordan said she is Performance 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21 impressed with the scripts she sees WHERE: Pensacola Little Theatre courtproduced. Many are silly comedies, room, 400 S. Jefferson St. but there have been a few thrillers and COST: Audience is first come, first serve. mysteries. And because it is a Studio Tickets are $10.

400 Production, there are very few DETAILS: pensacolalittletheatre.com guidelines or script limitations, which leaves a lot of room for creativity.

“The beautiful thing about it is that since these are all original plays nobody knows if you mess up.” Renee Jordan

24 HOUR THEATRE

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a neighborhood bar & restaurant

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calendar

Ears & Fingers

by Jason Leger

Modest Mouse “Strangers to Ourselves”

Well, it’s official: the wait was worth it. Almost eight years to the day the band’s last album, “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank,” was released, Modest Mouse have released their sixth studio album, “Strangers to Ourselves.” As frustrating as their hiatus was, this album is even better than I expected. In fact, in my opinion, it’s stellar. There is a popular opinion that Modest Mouse have been a wholly different band since signing with Epic Records, and I have been akin to siding with it in the past. In some respects, it’s undeniable, but what Isaac Brock and Jeremiah Green have accomplished is maturing something they started 22 years ago, when both were teenagers.

Now, the aging musicians are on top of the world. A world that has been waiting on pins and needles for something new.

Well, “Strangers to Ourselves” is quite a mammoth work to digest. Fifteen songs at just under an hour make up the LP that’s

possibly the most zealous group of the songs the band have ever churned out. It’s sort of strange how the album makes me feel. I feel encouraged by listening to it, almost as though I got a comforting call from an old friend or a distant relation. Brock and Green are effervescent and nuanced, but also run the gamut of angry, sad, joyous and introspective giving the album a perfect emotional balance. The high point for me is one of five ‘singles’ that were released prior to the album. ‘The Ground Walks, with Time in a Box’ is the song that caught me from the first time I heard it. There are obvious nods to Talking Heads in the song, but the melody and composition are very Modest Mouse. This is the album we have wanted, and I see very little room for disappointment. “Strangers to Ourselves” is out now via Epic Records.

IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD:

Tobias Jesso Jr.

He taught himself to play piano. He is garnering comparisons as broad as Randy Newman to Billy Joel to Daniel Johnston.

He has received praise from Pitchfork, Patrick Carney (we all know how hard to impress he is) and Taylor Swift. He wrote his album while recovering from a car accident and a break-up and while nursing his mother back to health after cancer remission. His songs are svelte and casual throwbacks to the soft rock of the ’70s and maintain the most tasteful elegance someone his age is capable of. Tobias Jesso Jr. is all over the place right now and the attention is due. I highly recommend paying attention before you get tired of hearing him all over pop radio, because I foresee it coming for him. His debut, “Goon,” is out now via True Panther Records. {in}

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY: TOUR FOR LIFE

11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pensacola Humane Society will be partnering with North Shore Animal League for the national adoption event, Tour for Life.

There will be adoption specials, giveaways, and other rescue groups with adoptable dogs. The Tour for Life bus will be parked at Petco, 1670 Airport Blvd. pensacolahumane.org.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Try something new every week at Aragon Wine Market’s regular wine tasting, only a few blocks from downtown. 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com

GROUNDSWELL RISING FREE FILM SCREENING

5 - 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to this encore showing of Groundswell Rising presented by non-profit group Food &Water Watch.

The documentary film explores the expansion of fracking and the rise of a movement to challenge a system that promotes profit over the health of our environment. The inspiring film gives voice to ordinary folks engaged in a David and Goliath struggle against Big Oil and Gas. The screening is followed by a discussion led by activist Craig Stevens. West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St., Meeting Room B. foodandwaterwatch.org

FRIDAY 3.20

“WINE WITH HILARY: THE WINEMAKER” 4 -5

TRACK OF THE WEEK:

Tame Impala ‘Let it Happen’

Last week was monumental for me in new music. I got to hear the article’s preceding album as well as another that will be included with next week’s issue. I also got a new track from one of Australia’s largest indie exports, Tame Impala. The band have an as-of-yet untitled new album on the way for later this year. ‘Let it Happen’ offers the first taste, and I love the direction it takes. The song is a proggy, nearly eight minute jam that grows over time only scantily whets the appetite. Hopefully, the new album won’t take much longer to become reality. Check out ‘Let it Happen’ on YouTube or wherever you stream music, or as of press time you can download it for free from the band’s website.

THURSDAY 3.19

Tobias Jesso Jr. / Photo by Sandy Kim

p.m. Wine education and tasting gathering.

SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $15. sogourmetpensacola.com WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5-7 p.m. Out and about in East Hill on Friday night? Stop by City Grocery for their free weekly wine tasting before settling in or heading out for the night.

2050 N. 12th Ave. HOT CLASS, COLD BREW 5-9 p.m. While supplies last, guests will receive a hand-blown glass or hand-thrown pottery cup. Come early as these collector glasses are limited and go fast. Enjoy live glassblowing demos by First City Art Center's own John Shoemaker, Joe Thompson and fellow Glass Guild members.

Pottery Guild members offer demonstrations throughout the event. Patrons will enjoy complimentary food from Fish Fry Magazine, brews courtesy of Pensacola Bay Brewery. alcoholic* and non-alcoholic beverages, live music by Cat Daddy, and Kids Creative

Personal Injury • Criminal Justice

127 Palafox Place, Suite 100 Pensacola, FL 32502 | 850-444-0000 www.stevensonklotz.com 616 1

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Friday 3/20

Fishing/Beach Night

Saturday 3/21

Military/Fan Appreciation Night

Tuesday 3/24 t ops a at.; r D k Puc . Fri. & S s. p.m 7:05 5 p.m. Tue 6:3

www.pensacolaiceflyers.com March 19, 2015

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calendar Corner for younger artists. First City Shakespeare Company will showcase its latest work and the Emerald Coast Community of Makers will feature technology projects. PechaKucha Night will also be part of this event. $25 nonmembers/$20 members. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA GALLERY NIGHT

5-9 p.m. Stroll through downtown Pensacola and experience an eclectic array of music, art and cuisine. Explore galleries and businesses featuring the works of local artists. Gallery Night is a free event and many businesses provide light refreshments. downtownpensacola.com BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: ALADDIN 7:30 p.m. The season will close with the world premiere of Aladdin, a tale of love, trickery, and triumph. Mainstage at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $19-31. pensacolalittletheatre.com FREE GALLERY NIGHT SHOW 8 p.m. A 70s rock show experience. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com ICE HOCKEY 7:05 p.m. Ice Flyers v. Louisiana.

College Night. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory. $15-29. pensacolabaycenter.com DISMAL CREEK 10 p.m. The Handlebar, 319 Tarragona St. $10. pensacolahandlebar.com

SATURDAY 3.21

BLUE ANGELS ROCK ‘N FLY HALF MARATHON & 5K 8 a.m. The Blue Angels Rock ‘N Fly

Half Marathon and 5K will begin at 8 a.m.

The half marathon course takes you through and around various landmarks such as the glorious Barrancas National Cemetery, the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola Light House, Sherman Cove, and great waterfront views of Pensacola Bay and the entry to the Gulf of Mexico. Both races start and finish in the heart of NAS Pensacola on Radford and Fred Bauer (at the Starbucks sign). $35-$85. runrocknfly.com TOUR DE CURE 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The American Diabetes Association’s Gulf Coast Tour de Cure offers cyclists the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Pensacola and Navarre Beaches, whether you are a seasonal cyclist or just enjoy a leisurely ride for a good cause. The four course options are available for everyone from novice to experienced cyclists including a 4-Mile Fun Ride, 18-mile, as well as 36- and 62-mile rides. Riders will ride along the beautiful beaches of Pensacola and Navarre. Each course is supported from start to finish with full-service, SAG Vehicles, rest stops stocked with energy snacks, hydration and restrooms, mechanical support and medical teams. At the finish line riders will be welcomed with cheering volunteers, a post-race lunch, music, massages, fun and much more. Margaritaville Beach Hotel 165 Ft. Pickens Road. $20. For more information, contact local event manager Lynne Cranford at lcranford@diabetes.org.

ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE TO BENEFIT ANIMALS 8 a.m. -3 p.m. Sponsored by Animal

Allies Florida, proceeds from this sale will be used to spay or neuter homeless animals in the community. Donations of good resaleable items can be delivered Friday, March 20 to the site. 1117 East Hernandez St. (In East Hill near J’s Pastry Shop on 12th) PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered at the weekly Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com UKULELE CLASS 9:30 a.m. The Pensacola Ukulele Players Society (PUPS) meets every Saturday morning at Blues Angel Music, offering free ukulele lessons for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Loaner ukuleles are available for the sessions, which usually last an hour. Blues Angel Music, 657 N. Pace Blvd. bluesangelmusic.com HANDS-ON PASTA MAKING DINNER CLASS

6-8 p.m. Learn how to make pasta in this classic Italian dinner class. On the menu: anti pasta salad, pasta with Amatriciana Sauce, and tirimisu, plus complementary wine. Class limited to 10 participants.

SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $65. sogourmetpensacola.com ICE HOCKEY 7:05 p.m. Ice Flyers v. Louisi-

ana. Fan Appreciation Night. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory. $15-29. pensacolabaycenter.com

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: ALADDIN

7:30 p.m. The season will close with the world premiere of Aladdin, a tale of love, trickery, and triumph. Mainstage at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson. $19-31. pensacolalittletheatre.com FIVE-EIGHT “WEIRDO” 20th ANNIVERSARY TOUR 8 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox.

$10. vinylmusichall.com

JOSH MORRIS 9:30 p.m. Josh Morris (Nash-

ville/Folk) with Kevin Lawson, Kid Eternity, and Flossie and the Fox. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. $5. sluggospensacola.com

SUNDAY 3.22

TRIBAL SEEDS 7 p.m. Tribal Seeds, with The

Movement, and Leilani Wolfgramm. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $15-18. vinylmusichall.com

MONDAY 3.23

COOKING FROM THE GARDEN WITH CAT MCCREERY 5-6 p.m. Cook dinner from the

greens and lettuce garden, conducted by heirloom gardener Cat McCreery. Pensacola Cooks Kitchen, 3670 Barrancas Ave. $25. pensacolacooks.com CODE ORANGE 8:30 p.m. The Handlebar, 319 Tarragona St. $12. pensacolahandlebar.com

FIORE

flowers sucre

local art balloons

pressed & dried floral art

gardens

jewelry wine champagne candles unique gifts

events parties

holiday decor

cake stands weddings classes & demonstrations Deliveries Daily

Free Parking

15 W Main Street Pensacola, Florida 32502

850.469.1930

www.fioreofpensacola.com 818 1

inweekly.net

calendar TUESDAY 3.24

HANDS-ON KNIFE SKILLS CLASS 2-3 p.m. Practice knife skills while using different chopping techniques; samples provided. SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $10. sogourmetpensacola.com FOOD CHAINS FILM SCREENING 6 p.m. From Eva Longoria and Eric Schlosser, producer of Food Inc. and Fast Food Nation, comes a powerful and shocking expose about what feeds our country. This powerful true story of one small group of workers overcoming corporate greed to end slavery and abuse in America’s fields will inspire you to demand your food be fair. West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. For more information, email pandhandlefairfoodalliance@gmail.com, or call 474-1495.

ICE HOCKEY 6:35 p.m. Ice Flyers v. Huntsville. Military Appreciation Night. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory. $15-29. pensacolabaycenter.com STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog owners for a 45-minute leisurely stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well behaved.

Owners should be prepared to pick up after the pets. Meet at the entrance of Bayview Park, 20th Ave. and E. Mallory St. TUESDAY NIGHT POETRY NIGHT AT SLUGGO’S

7 p.m. Free open mic poetry event every Tuesday. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook.com/TNPNS DANCECRAFT SWING CLASS 7:30-9 p.m. This class teaches the skills necessary to become a

March 19, 2015

practitioner of West Coast Swing, a popular partner dance that can be enjoyed with virtually any kind of music. Additional classes and a social dance are held each Wednesday for a chance to put your skills to use. Tuesday class fee is $10 per person or free for people 30 years of age and younger. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com THE ORIGINAL WAILERS 7 p.m. The Original Wailers with Heritage. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $20. vinylmusichall.com

WEDNESDAY 3.25

“COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL” SEAFOOD LUNCH CLASS noon-1:30 p.m. On the menu:

Mixed Green Salad with Edible Flowers and Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette, Cioppino with Crusty Bread, and Lavender Crème Brulee, plus a Complementary Glass of Wine.

SoGourmet above Bodacious Olive, 407 S. Palafox. $35. sogourmetpensacola.com WEST COAST WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. Learn the West Coast Swing at this weekly class, which is followed by a social dance at 8:30 p.m. DanceCraft instructors are among the foremost experts in West Coast Swing in the Pensacola area. Wednesday classes are $10 per person and the social dance is $5 per. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. dancecraftfl.com ATMOSPHERE 7 p.m. Welcome to Florida Tour. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $20-22. vinylmusichall.com

bars & nightlife

≥bar games Thursdays

POKER 8 p.m.

The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The

Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Fridays

DRAG BINGO 6-8

p.m. Ages 21 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The

Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Mondays

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA 7 p.m.

The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

sandshaker.com

TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9

p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/Palafox BAR BINGO 8 p.m.

Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30

p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ MugsJugs

Tuesdays

TUESDAY TRIVIA 8

p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook. com/thebridgebargb

TICKET TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Ticket

1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar. com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com

DRAG BINGO 10

p.m.-Midnight. Ages 18 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com

Wednesdays

PUB TRIVIA NIGHT

7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli

WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The

Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com

TICKET BAR BINGO

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m.

Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks. com BAR BINGO 10 p.m.

Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypen-

sacola.com

≥karaoke Thursdays

VFW Post 706, 6 p.m. 5000 Lillian Highway. vfw706.org Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m.

130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com The Cabaret, 9 p.m.

101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola. com Hub Stacey’s At the Point, 9 p.m.

5851 Galvez Road. hubstaceys.com Saturdays

Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 9 p.m.

312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays

Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m.

130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com

for more listings visit inweekly.net

19

BOTTOMLESS CHAMPAGNE AND MIMOSAS FOR $5 AND BLOODY MARYS FOR $2

Easter Sunday Brunch SUNDAY, APRIL 5, FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 3:00 P.M. Chef Matthew Brown’s cold smoked, bone-in pork loin will be our Easter brunch and dinner feature. Additionally, we’ll be serving from our regular menus—brunch from 11 till 3, dinner from 3 till—with all your Fish House favorites. 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.

Discover your

Appetite

for fun Downtown

MARCH 28 8pm SAENGER THEATRE

Featuring Ilya Yakushev, piano

Downtown Invites You to Taste the Finest Coastal Cuisine.

Enjoy over 40 outstanding places to dine!

Brought to you by the

Downtown Improvement Board 020 2

DowntownPensacola.com

PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3 and selections by RIMSKY-KORSAKOV & TCHAIKOVSKY

CALL NOW FOR TICKETS 850.435.2533 WWW.PENSACOLASYMPHONY.COM

inweekly.net

music

by T.S. Strickland

Twin City Sounds in the City of Five Flags

Photo by Dan Monick Iconic hip-hop duo Atmosphere will breeze into Pensacola on March 25.

The original ambassadors of Minneapolis alternative rap, emcee Sean "Slug" Daley and producer Anthony "Ant" Davis have been cranking out their signature brand of introspective hip-hop since the 1990s.

Over the last two decades, the duo has produced seven full-length studio albums through the influential indie-rap label they founded, Rhymesayers.

Last year, they released "Southsiders." The album—a paean to Daley's home neighborhood and a portrait of the rapper on the cusp of middle age—continued the trajectory begun in 2008’s “When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold.”

Set against the backdrop of Ant’s spare instrumental production, “Southsiders” is a meditation on family life, contentment and mortality. The album has been roundly hailed as the group’s most “mature” to date, with both the good and bad connotations that adjective evokes.

This week, while driving down the freeway with his 5-year-old son, Daley took a few minutes to talk with Inweekly about his art, growing older and being a "Southsider."

March 19, 2015

INWEEKLY: Your new album is called "Southsiders." What's that about?

SLUG: It's just kind of a shoutout to my part of town. Here in Minneapolis, we have a south side and a north side. Westside is kind of like the money side. The north side is the hood. Southside (where I’m from) is working class, kind of the Archie Bunker side. We're not rich enough to lose community, and we we're not broke enough to have a broken community.

But the title of the album is also a shout out to the flip-side of life—death, mortality, hell. Those themes kept showing up in the writing—a lot more than we were used to. The picture of us that's on the cover of the album was actually taken in front of a cemetery. We were below the graveyard, actually standing in front of a retaining wall. Behind us, and above our heads, were dead people. It was something that was on our minds.

INWEEKLY: Why do you think those themes were with you so much when making the album?

SLUG: Probably just because we're getting old. You know, I'm 42. You get to a place where you think, 'Man, I didn't even think I was going to make it this far.' At 25, you don't even think what 42 is gonna look like.

It's a new thing for us to even create space for this age in hip-hop. It's been such a youth-fueled and -driven music and culture that we don't even really know how to interpret middle age in our art. We're kind of carving out new ground, but I don't want to be one of those old guys on stage who's still trying to act like I'm young.

INWEEKLY: How has Minneapolis affected your art?

SLUG: Growing up here, we didn't have a lot of outlets for this kind of music. We were kind of a fly-over state. Maybe once

a year you could go see a hip-hop show.

Because of that, we were pretty much self taught.

We had to learn by trial and error. I think that, in a way, that isolation forced us to create sounds and themes that weren't necessarily the token of what was going on in the mainstream. Also because of that isolation, there was no hope of trying to carve a career out of this. We absolutely did not have an aspiration of making anything out of this. It was not something we planned.

Everything we've achieved has just been by fortune and accident.

You can listen to one Minneapolis artist and hear many different influences—from Outkast to Nas to Atmosphere.

And the scene is represented by so many different voices today. That was true of the Minneapolis rock and funk scenes too. I think it has to do with our being situated at a crossroads geographically, and also the fact that we're so secluded from everywhere that we have been forced to support and develop our own talent.

“We're kind of carving out new ground, but I don't want to be one of those old guys on stage who's still trying to act like I'm young.” Sean "Slug" Daley

INWEEKLY: The song "Kanye West," from your latest album, is about not being afraid to show your passion, being willing to look foolish for the things you love. Could you tell me about that song and why you named it after Kanye?

SLUG: I'm a big fan of Kanye's. I think he's an amazing artist. I named the track after him out of respect. I think right now he's the guy who most embodies the idea of making art—and, sometimes, making messes—without caring what your critics think of it. {in}

INWEEKLY: You don't find much music these days that is grounded in a sense of place. Do you feel that sense of where you’re from is important?

SLUG: You know, I grew up listening to rap music in the ‘80s, and back then, one of the five rules of rap was that you were supposed to represent where you were from.

I'm still stuck in that mentality to a certain extent. I'm still stuck on being honest. I'm still stuck on representing where you're from. I'm still stuck on representing other parts of the culture, like breakdancing and graffiti. But a lot of those traits are not still a part of the landscape today.

WHAT: Atmosphere with Prof, deM atlaS and DJ Fundo INWEEKLY: Speaking of place, WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 what makes Minneapolis hip-hop WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox unique?

COST: $20-22 SLUG: We draw our influences DETAILS: rhymesayers.com/atmosphere/ from so many other scenes that you

ATMOSPHERE: THE WELCOME TO FLORIDA TOUR

can't really peg what our sound is.

21

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inweekly.net

news of the weird ANATOMY CLASS IN COURT "This will be upsetting," cautioned Justice Robert Graesser, addressing jurors in February in the Edmonton, Alberta, murder trial of Brad Barton. At issue was the cause of the victim's having bled to death from her genitals, and the judge, ruling that jurors would benefit by inspecting the actual wound, admitted the vagina itself (not a photograph) into evidence. The organ had been removed for autopsy and preserved, and the chief medical examiner donned rubber gloves and pointed out to jurors how "clean" the wound was (suggesting a sharp object), rather than the rougher, "scraping" wound that would have been created in other ways, such as by impalement. (At press time, the trial was still in progress.)

NEWS YOU CAN USE Researchers from Cornell University, inspired by the book "World War Z," recently computersimulated the spread of a "zombie apocalypse"—and now advise the anxiety-prone to head for higher ground if infections break out, recommending Glacier National Park in Montana or, even better, Alaska. Using differential equations and "lattice-based" models, the statisticians demonstrated that infections would slow dramatically as fewer people became available to bite (but that, ultimately, we're all doomed). The state most quickly wiped out? New Jersey.

LEGISLATORS' WAR ON SCIENCE Nevada Assemblywoman Michele Fiore told a radio audience in February that she would soon introduce a bill reforming endof-life procedures for terminally ill cancer patients, such as administering baking soda intravenously to "flush out" the cancer "fungus." Before her election in 2013, she was CEO of Always There Personal Care of Nevada (which she describes as being "in the healthcare industry"). (Bonus: Fiore blames her accountant for the company's reported $1 million in IRS tax liens; the accountant is her ex-husband.)

• In February, Idaho state Representative Vito Barbieri, at a hearing on a proposed bill to ban doctors from prescribing abortion-inducing medications via remote telecommunication, asked expert witness Dr. Julie Madsen about one alternative he had in mind: Couldn't a woman just swallow a small camera, he asked, and then have doctors "conduct" a remote gynecological exam on her? Dr. Madsen quickly reminded Rep. Barbieri that "swallowed" things do not end up in that part of a woman's body.

BREAKING BAD Mark Rothwell made the news in Portland, Oregon, in March 2010 when he prevented a bank robbery (and rescued the terrified Chase teller) by

by Chuck Shepherd

jumping the thief, knocking his gun away and holding him until police arrived. He was later awarded a coveted Portland police Civilian Medal for Heroism. However, on Feb. 19, 2015, according to an arrest report, Rothwell himself pulled a gun and robbed the Albina Community Bank in Portland, making off with $15,700.

• For Arthur Mondella, 57, a successful maraschino cherry supplier in Brooklyn, New York, the inspection by the district attorney's office in February was to be routine, concerning possible pollution of local waters from discharges of cherry syrup. Mondella was cooperative until the investigator discovered odd shelving "attached" to a wall with magnets, revealing a "secret" room, and then the smell of marijuana—at which point Mondella calmly left the room and shot himself in the head. Ultimately, police found that the 75-year-old company was merely a side business to Mondella's substantial marijuanagrowing operation in the basement.

CAVALCADE OF REDNECKS (1) A 37-year-old man and two female companions were charged in February with stealing tailgates from nine trucks in the Orlando area. (Their spree ended when, noticing that a club owner had offered a reward on Facebook for his branded tailgate, the three tried to sell it back to him but botched the transaction.) (2) The driver of an empty car-carrying truck pulled off the Bishop Ford Freeway near Calumet City, Illinois, in February after he heard a calamitous sound and felt the trailer shaking violently. It turns out Asa Cole, 23, speeding and following too closely, had inadvertently driven his pickup truck up the low-hanging tracks of the trailer and come to a stop only inches away from the cab. Said the carrier driver, "Is this 'Dukes of Hazzard' or something? " Cole was cited for several violations.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Aleksander Tomaszewski, 33, was convicted of filing a false police report after a January incident in Lane County, Oregon, when he claimed police had beaten him up in his cell after his arrest for stalking and sexual abuse. Tomaszewski's face evidenced a beating, but he was obviously unaware of the surveillance camera, which revealed that, over a four-minute period, Tomaszewski (alone in his cell) had punched himself in the face 45 times to create the "police" attack. {in}

April 11 – 12 • Seville Square Free admission • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Holly Shelton

DUKES of Dixieland

Poster by Nina Fritz Roman Street

Gino Rosaria

Guffman Trio

Joe Occhipinti Big Band

From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2015 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 March 19, 2015

PensacolaJazzFest 2015

Music • Arts & Crafts • Kids Area • Food & Drinks Plus College, High School & Middle School Jazz Bands

The one for JAZZ on the Gulf Coast! jazzpensacola.com

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Independent News | March 19, 2015 | inweekly.net