Folio Vol. 39, Issue 4 by Folio Weekly

Zone: The Growing Threat to our Children at Local

photo exemplifies the danger our children face crossing the road getting to and from school.

FOLIO STAFF:

KERRY

AMBAR

AMIYAH

KAILI

DREW

SUBMIT MAIL TO Team@folioweekly.com

BOUQS & BRICKS

BOUQUETS

To St. Johns County officials for working to establish an Emergency Response and Preparedness Complex in effort to build up emergency response infrastructure.

BRICKBATS

To the federal court in New Hampshire for blocking President Trump’s wildly unconstitutional executive order that seeks to strip certain infants born in the U.S of their citizenship.

To Elon Musk for overstepping his bounds on most all things in the White House thus far. He and his DOGE team seem to have double standards. While in the midst of cutting federal spending, he also happened to get a $40 million dollar defense contract from the U.S. government for his company SpaceX.

Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

horos C opes

aries

February brings Aries opportunities in career and love with a focus on networking and strategic planning. Trust your intuition mid-month but double-check details. Venus in Capricorn favors commitment, while Mars in Gemini adds spontaneity — that being said, communication will be key. Stay adaptable, and you’ll navigate the month’s shifts smoothly.

taurus

Much like your star sign the bull, you have your sights set on a certain red flag this month, Taurus. And no, we aren’t talking literally here nor are we talking about a certain someone in your life who may have many red flags, though you sure do know how to pick ’em. With the sun in Aquarius and in your ambitious 10th house, your eyes are set on your career. This is the time to buckle down and focus on your professional path.

G e M ini

Early in the month, networking and new ideas flow easily, making it a solid time for professional growth. By mid-month, Mercury in Pisces could cloud details, so stay sharp to avoid miscommunication. In love, Venus in Capricorn pushes for deeper connections, while Mars in Gemini later on cranks up confidence and attraction.

C an C er

What’s brewing inside that tough shell of yours, Cancer? With the Sun in Aquarius illuminating your eighth house of mysteries and transformation, you’ve been keeping things a little more under wraps lately. Whatever — or whoever — you’re keeping in the shadows is your business, and it just might work to your advantage. Get ready for deeper, more intimate connections to take center stage.

This month holds quite a bit of contradiction in your life, Leo. While your head is pulling you one way, your heart is pulling you the other. Neither is right or wrong. February will be a learning curve for you. It is time to listen to both rather than one or the other. The full moon on Feb. 24 will highlight your intuition: Listen to it.

V ir G o

Who needs a planner when you have the sun in Aquarius making its way into your sixth house of order, Virgo? This month is about putting all those organizational skills to use and getting your life in order. It’s still early enough in the year to start setting some new goals, and Aquarius season is all about clean slates. So those drinks you had last month don’t count.

li B ra

Technically, it’s not your month, but you are the breakout star of Aquarius season with the Sun, Venus and Jupiter moving in your favor all month long, lighting up house after house after house. The most important to pay attention to is your ruling planet, Venus, trailing through Aries lighting up your relationship sector. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and lucky for you, they’re biting.

s C orpio

It really is the love month for you, Scorpio, with Jupiter snapping out of its retrograde right into your house of seduction. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to keep suitors away, not that you would even want to. But that will only last so long because come Feb. 18, Aquarius Sun will move into your domestic fourth house. Big hibernation vibes approaching. Enjoy the simmering heat while it lasts!

sa G i TT arius

Before you hit “do not disturb,” remember — everyone just wants a little more of you this Aquarius season, Sagittarius. You’ve been in hibernation mode since the holidays, and while beauty sleep is great, so is spending time with those who matter most. With Mars going direct on the 23rd, your bold, confident self is making a comeback!

C apri C orn

Get your shit together, Capricorn. Enough slacking off! Those are words you will never hear because you are quite the fine-oiled machine. Clearly, you heard the phrase “no days off” and took it very, very literally. Work this, money that, have you ever thought about, oh, I don’t know, relaxing? No? Figures.

a Q uarius

Happy belated birthday, Aquarius! While Aquarius season technically ends on the 18th, don’t be too quick to end the celebrations. On the 23rd, Mars turns direct in Cancer, lighting up your sixth house of routine and health. During the next couple of weeks, you’ll finally have a breath of fresh air and consistency. But don’t get too comfortable, Pluto is still in your sign until 2044, meaning you have a lot of inner shadow work to tackle.

pis C es

It’s time to come out of hiding, Pisces, and take your rightful place in the spotlight. In other words, happy birthday! While a big blowout sounds tempting, you might want to keep it more low-key with your closest friends and family. Trust us, you’ll be grateful when the emotions start flowing (and they will).

Words by Shelton Hull

FOLIO WEED

Back to the Drawing Board

We’re only two months into the year, and we’re already off to a very fast start in the state’s cannabis industry. Despite the debacle that was Amendment 3 last year, the biz has bounced back pretty nicely from that national humiliation. According to the research firm Headset (which we’ll be talking a lot more about in the months ahead), Florida dispensaries sold approximately $160,654,639 in cannabis in January 2025 alone, the highest sales figures since May 2024. This is pleasantly surprising news for industry analysts (including myself, to be fair) who were expecting a mild chilling effect from last year’s failed effort to legalize. It turns out that the real chill already happened last year, and the optimists win this round.

Speaking of Amendment 3, its narrow failure left a bad taste in many people’s mouths, especially mine. I was frozen out of the process by most of the key players, and I think the results speak for themselves. When I heard reports that organizers had already begun the petition process for 2026, I was initially skeptical, as I’m sure many of you were, as well. I’ve watched this same process play out over the past three electoral cycles, going back to the disastrous initial rollout in 2020, which we covered extensively here.

Given the way things have started out in this first month of the new administration, it seems likely that voter turnout in 2026 will be significantly higher than usual for midterm elections. I’d expect the turnout in Florida to be even higher than the national average in November 2026, with an open seat for the governorship, basically an open seat for the Senate position left by Marco Rubio, and of course all the congressional and state legislative seats, in addition to school board spots. And by that point, we should also be in full swing for the local elections that will happen just six months after that. (Deegan’s defense of her title will be the most interesting contest to happen anywhere in this country between now and 2028, even though no one has formally committed to the challenge yet. That will happen next summer.)

While advocates for legalization have managed to do a little better each time, it’s always been a matter of how we measure degrees of failure. At first, I was inclined to just ignore this new effort until it was impossible to ignore. That moment, for me, came just a few days ago, when me and my family and many of my friends, all over the state, all got petitions in the mail from Smart & Safe Florida, which also ran last year’s efforts. Good for them for getting ahead of this, and taking advantage of all the unusually intense focus on politics that many in this state and every state are feeling right now.

Placing a constitutional amendment on the Florida ballot requires getting a number of signed and certified petitions equal to 8% of the number of votes cast here in the last presidential election.

We had 11,004,209 votes last year (66.7% turnout), which means that we’ll need at least 881,000 signed petitions submitted by Jan. 2, 2026, in order to give the state the 30 days legally required to certify them by Feb. 2. Election day in 2026 is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Given the relative ease with which Amendment 3 made the ballot last year (967,528 signatures certified), they should hit all the necessary marks well ahead of schedule.

This leaves more time, and resources, to really drill down on engaging voters directly and not losing the public relations battle to DeSantis, who will be making his last stand as governor next year, all while possibly helping to manage his wife Casey’s own campaign to succeed him Makes perfect sense. They’d save six figures, just in moving costs.) Dare I say it, but legalization in Florida should be a lock by 2027 — but I said that last year, too!

Your unique life, planned.

Understanding what people are passionate about is how we help them plan for what’s most important. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor gets to know you and everything that makes your life uniquely complex. That’s Life Well Planned.

Words by Carmen Macri

PRO-LIFE OR ANTI-CHOICE?

Reading Florida Abortion Bans Fine Print

It’s a tale as old as time — what women are allowed to do with their bodies, and naturally with the course of history, that list gets shorter and shorter. For some, this may seem like old news. I mean, the Florida abortion ban became law in May of last year, so why are we still talking about it? Because the law itself is asinine.

The Ban

For starters, Florida’s abortion ban now blocks the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy. Sounds like that means six weeks from conception, right? Wrong. This ban starts the clock on the first day of your last menstrual cycle. So in reality, you could be only a week pregnant, but if your last period was five weeks ago, you’re shit out of luck.

Under Florida law, you’re considered “six weeks” pregnant just two weeks after a missed period — assuming your cycle is regular. And with so few doctors in the state providing abortions, actually getting one is another hurdle. The law requires two in-person doctor visits, spaced at least 24 hours apart, making it even harder for most people to access care in time. Welcome to the Sunshine State.

A physician cannot knowingly perform or induce an abortion except in cases outlined by the law. The statute makes exceptions for instances of rape, incest, human trafficking or if the pregnancy puts the mother’s life at risk but only if the patient provides proper documentation.

But only if the patient provides proper documentation of rape, incest, or human trafficking.

The “ e x C ep T ions”

The woman has to provide a restraining order, police report, medical record or some other official documentation to prove her case of rape, incest or human trafficking. Sounds simple, right? Except — do you know how many sexual assault cases get ignored or dismissed? How often do law enforcement doubt the victim? And if the woman can’t provide proper documentation, she will be required to carry to full term and give birth.

And here’s another fun fact: rape kits are useless if the victim has showered, too much time has passed, or if there was not a substantial amount of bodily fluid left to be collected.

There are no exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking after the 15th week of pregnancy.

The Cri M e

The Florida ban does not just prohibit abortion: It criminalizes it. Florida’s ban makes it a felony for doctors to perform an abortion, with criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000 for violating this ban, and in some cases, the woman herself could be charged.

According to the bill, “Any person who willfully performs, or actively participates in, a termination of pregnancy in violation of the requirements of this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who performs, or actively participates in, a termination of pregnancy in violation of this section which results in the death of the woman commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.”

S. 775.082: Outlines the penalties for various offenses within the state. Felonies of the First, Second, and Third Degrees: The statute provides specific sentencing guidelines for these offenses, detailing the maximum imprisonment terms based on the degree of the felony.

S. 775.083: Outlines the fines that may be imposed upon individuals convicted of offenses other than capital felonies.

$15,000 for a life felony.

$10,000 for a felony of the first or second degree.

$5,000 for a felony of the third degree.

$1,000 for a misdemeanor of the first degree.

$500 for a misdemeanor of the second degree or a noncriminal violation.

S. 775.084: Violent career criminals; habitual felony offenders and habitual violent felony offenders; three-time violent felony offenders; definitions; procedure; enhanced penalties or mandatory minimum prison terms.

This establishes enhanced sentencing guidelines for individuals with multiple felony convictions.

More aB ou T aB or T ions n ationwide

Think the six-week ban was harsh? Wait until you hear about the total abortion bans — 12 states had them in place by January 2025. Most states don’t allow abortion under any circumstances, not even in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking. But it doesn’t stop there. There’s also a federal total abortion ban in the works under H.R.722, which states, “To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.” This bill would grant legal rights to fertilized eggs, embryos, and fetuses — effectively banning abortion nationwide and giving full rights to a bundle of cells (up to a certain point).

So, in my interpretation, a “preborn person” has more rights than women nationwide – Nice!

The full lis T of to T al a B or T ion states:

Alabama: The Human Life Protection Act, which equates abortion to historical genocides, was passed in 2019 but only took effect after the Supreme Court ruling. Under this law, anyone convicted of performing an abortion could face up to life in prison. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Arkansas: Anyone who performs an abortion faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Idaho: Idaho has become the first state to introduce an “abortion trafficking” law, making it illegal to take a minor out of state for an abortion without parental consent. Lawbreakers face up to five years in prison.

Indiana: This was the first state to enact total abortion after the Supreme Court ruling. There are exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies and to prevent serious risk to the mother’s health.

Kentucky: Anyone performing an abortion risks up to five years in prison. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Louisiana: Anyone providing an abortion could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of between $10,000 and $100,000. There are no exceptions for rape and incest. They were also the first state to classify abortion pills as “controlled substances” making it dangerous to bring abortion pills across state lines.

Mississippi: Anyone who performs an abortion risks up to 10 years in prison. There are exceptions in cases of rape reported to police.

Oklahoma: The first state to ban abortion from the moment of fertilization(?). The law also allows private citizens to sue anyone who helps a woman terminate a pregnancy. A separate ban that came into play in August 2022 carries penalties of up to 10 years in jail and a $100,000 fine. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

South Dakota: There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Tennessee: There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Texas: Anyone providing an abortion can face up to life in prison. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. The law allows citizens to sue anyone who aids in obtaining or provides an illegal abortion. “Abortion trafficking” is also outlawed.

West Virginia: There are exceptions for rape and incest.

r esour C es

For many women, Planned Parenthood is a crucial resource — a place that saves lives and offers so much more than just abortions, though that’s often the only thing people remember. They forget about the free or affordable birth control, mental health counseling, parental care, STD/STI/HIV testing and treatment, emergency contraception, vasectomy surgeries, wellness and preventative care, gynecological exams, miscarriage management, infertility care, cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, menopause care and even adoption services. But sure, let’s just focus on that one service that doesn’t sit well with you.

In 2016, Florida proposed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics. A court injunction blocked the law from going into effect, citing the Roe v. Wade ruling. But then, in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court overturned Roe, rendering the injunction irrelevant. And thus, here we are.

Other resources for abortion care in Florida:

A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville

All Women’s Health Center of (Gainesville, Tampa, Orlando, Clearwater, Jacksonville and Sarasota)

Bread and Roses Women’s Health Center

Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center Lakeland Women’s Health Center Inc. Orlando Women’s Center

North Florida Women’s Services

PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE

To make you look your absolute best.

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Words by Shelton Hull

STEM AND ROOTS: SAM JOHNSON GIVES BACK

The innate appeal of Black History Month is self-evident, from an educational standpoint. But the occasion is always also ripe for exploring the vast array of Black excellence unfolding now, in the present, and all its potential for the future. One such story is being written right now by today’s subject, Samuel Johnson, a Black U.S. Army veteran who parlayed his remarkable early success in the cryptosphere into a whole new platform to facilitate rapid advancement in tech circles, a service created specifically for people of color, particularly children.

Orbital only launched in January, but Johnson’s story goes even deeper than that. “I’ve been planning this for about three years,” Johnson says, Zoom-ing in from Havana, where he was working his day job in some amorphous realm related to corporate cybersecurity, which takes him all over the world. “I actually got the idea when I was in Thailand.” Having known him for several years, I’d say that I don’t think he’s ever been in the same place for any random conversations we’ve ever had, and we’ve had dozens, just in relation to this article. So these quotes come from all over the place, literally.

“I traveled to about 20 countries, in addition to America,” he said, “and I noticed the lack of ability when it comes to computers, information technology, blockchain research, etc. I also noticed that people wanted more ingenuity, more innovation, right? Technology is supposed to be used to better our lives, and I’ve seen

how a lot of technologies go out, and it hinders us. So my platform aims to teach people how to use technologies: coding, basics of computers, the insides of computers and how they work. And not just in English, but in Thai, Arabic, Spanish, etc. My goal is to have it available globally.”

“I’ll start with Southeast Asia, for sure,” he continued. “I traveled through Southeast Asia a lot, not just Thailand or Singapore, but Malaysia, as well, and I noticed there are some companies there that need careers in IT, careers in technology, in general. And that’s true, also, in the U.S. Companies like Facebook and Google, they got rid of a lot of their entry-level staff and are going for more senior-level staff, which is understandable. But right now, there’s a need for jobs, and my goal is to help create jobs, globally.”

“Orbital aims to create an education platform that provides job-level certifications for people between ages

17 and 25, or even older. These will provide newer, incoming employees with something to serve as a hedge against certain college degrees and other certifications that may be more expensive. Some things, you just have to get through them, but my certifications are basically free, and all you have to pay is a transaction fee, and that’s it.”

“My more conservative goal is to have just 100 clients globally,” he said, prior to launch. “But my more passionate side of me, in terms of goals and whatnot, is to have at least 10,000 clients using my platform by the end of next year.”

Less than two months into the launch of Orbital, that first goal was achieved almost immediately, and he’s progressing steadily toward the second. “My goal is to integrate this into schools, and for students and teachers to integrate it into their own projects,” Johnson added.

“My goal is to find two types of talent. That’s less about people who have ‘the sauce,’ as they say, but people who want a change in their careers. A lot of the talent I’ve found are people who are not satisfied with the careers they were in, and they wanted to take that chance and really bet on themselves,” he said.

Operating Orbital as a nonprofit, Johnson has sourced talent from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S.: Arizona, Texas, and of course Jacksonville, the city he still considers home, even though he’s hardly ever here. He’ll certainly be back more often, as his operations continue to grow.

THE MACHINE: BRINGING PINK FLOYD’S TIMELESS SOUND TO LIFE

Pink Floyd is legendary, known for their intricate compositions, thought-provoking lyrics and groundbreaking live performances. While the original band no longer tours, fans around the world still have the opportunity to experience their iconic sound thanks to The Machine, one of the most revered Pink Floyd tribute bands in existence.

Since its formation in 1988 by Tahrah Cohen, drummer, and co-founder Joe Pascarell, lead singer/guitarist. “It was 1987 and I was 15 years old when I met Joe Pascarell. He came into Alto Music (where I was working) to see if he could get his Les Paul repaired.” Cohen recalled. They quickly became friends and eventually formed the band.

Cohen’s love of music started as a child. She began playing drums at age 14 with influences like PJ Harvey, Jeff Buckley, The Police, Leonard Cohen, Joan As Police Woman and Rufus Wainwright. Pascarell’s earliest influences came from her family’s stereo where they listened to The Beatles and Glen Campbell. As she grew older, of course, his music taste evolved, prog rock deeply affected her with ELP, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and, obviously, Pink Floyd all making their mark. The two combined their talents, and for the next 34 years The Machine dedicated itself to authentically recreating the Pink Floyd experience.

Unlike many tribute bands, The Machine went beyond simply playing the songs—they fully immersed audiences in the spirit of Pink Floyd. With meticulous attention to detail, the band captured the sonic depth and visual grandeur that made Pink Floyd’s concerts legendary.

The band made some changes to the lineup over the years adding Scott Chasolen as pianist/ keyboardist/backing vocalist in 2006. Onstage he masterfully recreates the sounds of Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright. His energy is infectious, his ability to play analog and to improvise is something the band needed and still relies on for their nuance.

Ryan Ball, lead guitar and vocalist became a member of the band in 2012. He brings a guitar style that draws from a wide array of players: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, Slash and Richie Blackmore. Ball implements a bit of jazz and fusion, coupled with a sprinkle of Jerry Garcia, in his playing style which resonates well with the band’s overall sound.

In 2022 Pascarell passed away, eventually leading to auditions to replace him. It wasn’t going to be easy filling his shoes but thankfully the band found Chris DeAngelis, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, who has shared the stage with artists like Oteil Burbridge, Jon Fishman, Victor Wooten, John Popper and more. In addition to performing as part of The Machine, he also teaches jazz bass at Western Connecticut State University.

One of The Machine’s greatest strengths is their ability to perform a vast range of Pink Floyd’s catalog, spanning from early psychedelic explorations to later-era classics. Whether it’s the ethereal beauty of “Echoes,” the political edge of “Animals” or the haunting storytelling of “The Wall,” The Machine delivers stunning renditions that transport audiences through decades of musical brilliance.

“We are very passionate about each and every song we play.We play it like we own it,” Cohen said. Playing more than 60 shows a year, Cohen did not hesitate to reveal her favorite Pink Floyd song to play: “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” “It never gets old,” she said. Actually, it still brings the chills and is a mesmerizing experience time and time again.”

Pink Floyd was famous not just for their music, but for their elaborate stage productions featuring dazzling light shows, video projections and atmospheric effects. The Machine faithfully recreates this experience, using stunning visuals and immersive stage effects to complement their performances. Fans can expect a full-sensory experience that mirrors the grandeur of a real Pink Floyd concert.” We aren’t trying to look at them, we just focus on a great production,” said Cohen.”

Many fans consider The Machine to be the ultimate Pink Floyd tribute band, not only because of their technical prowess, but also due to their deep respect for the music. The band’s passion is evident in every note, making their performances an emotional and nostalgic journey for both longtime Pink Floyd fans and newcomers alike.

For those who never had the chance to see Pink Floyd live, The Machine offers the next best thing. They play venues of all sizes, Cohen shared one memory of playing for a crowd of more than 150,000 fans “It was a Riverbend Festival in Tennessee, and it was absolutely incredible. Everyone was excited. The roar of the crowd was very exciting and gave us all the chills,” she recalled. Their dedication to preserving the essence of Floyd’s music ensures that its magic continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Machine tours extensively, bringing their spellbinding performances to fans across the globe. If you’re a Pink Floyd enthusiast looking for a live experience that does justice to the legendary band, catching a The Machine show is a must. Whether you’re a die-hard Floyd fan or discovering their music for the first time, The Machine delivers an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest bands in rock history. Catch them live for yourself at the Thrasher-Horne Center March 14.

THE BEAR

Our fears are often instilled through genetic predisposition, trauma or the apprehensions that arise from unexplored curiosities. We often shiver at ghost tales, nightmares and the thought of apex predators lurking in the distance. But we’re typically able to self-soothe our unease with the notion of the separation of mystical realms and the distance between the woods and us.

Or so we thought…

The forest line that partitioned us from the wild has shifted. What once isolated the dangers of the untamed has now entered our White House, Congress and judicial system.

Our terrors have been actualized: We’re prey.

And by those who hunt not out of necessity, but for their own sinister pleasures.

It brings me back to a trending topic of discussion a couple months back:

“The bear or the man?”

A discourse that was sparked over women expressing their fears and experiences with malicious men, whose motives didn’t stem from their own permanence (as it may for a wild bear) but the satisfaction that comes from impious dominance.

A “Psychology Today” article, “I’ve Met the Bear, and I Would Still Choose It,” by Patricia Prijitel further highlights some key points of this widely shared stance amongst women.

“Most women would rather meet a bear in the woods than a strange man. With a bear, you generally know what to expect. A bear is most likely to leave you alone unless it has cause to fear you, especially if you’ve surprised it or come between a mama and her cubs. Then, it reacts to protect itself,” wrote Prijitel. “A man can be less predictable.

He could be, like most men we know, kind and helpful. But he might not be, and we have no idea how to tell the difference.”

This trepidation is rooted in personal attestation, frequent news stories and firsthand witnesses.

According to a March 2024 article, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that “about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non partner sexual violence in their lifetime.”

While this figure doesn’t dismiss same-sex relationships or violence from other women, California State Polytechnic University reports that “Nearly 99% of perpetrators are male.” NOTE: This U.S. Department of Justice statistic does not report those who do not identify in these gender boxes.

I implore you to not take this article as a smear campaign against men, as I acknowledge there are many good men in this world. But as a woman and a victim of sexual assault, I write this from a place that was violated once a perpetrator sat in the highest seat in the world. This further encouraged those like white nationalist Nick Fuentes to heckle callous commentary such as “Your body, my choice. Forever.” via his X account. This post that still remains up has 101 million views with 36,000 retweets and 51,000 likes. This rhetoric was also reported being used at schools with a Wisconsin Superintendent — Cory Hirsbrunner — sending a mass email to parents: “In the days after the election, we have received reports of some students using the phrase, ‘Your body, my choice.’ It is simply unacceptable for students to use any language that is threatening in nature. Any students found to have violated school district policy will be subject to disciplinary action.”

Fuentes further cements his ideologies with a video stating, “Hey b**** we control your bodies. Guess what, guys win again ok. Men win again and yes we control your bodies.”

This tirade came after President Donald Trump’s win over former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“It’s over, glass ceiling. Dude it’s a ceiling made of f****** bricks. You will never break it, your stupid face keeps hitting the brick ceiling. We will keep you down forever. You will never control your own bodies. You will never be the president of the global empire, never going to happen, sweetie.”

Unfortunately, Fuentes is an impactful symbol in today’s plight of incels and bigots—also known as the “Groypers.” His influence is quite alarming, as he is mobilizing a younger generation of chauvinists.

Fuentes’ loud support for Trump and his 2022 sighting at a dinner at the President’s Mar-a-largo estate, illuminates the empowerment that many Make America Great Again loyalists feel. I vocalized a similar sentiment in a past article, “Blessed Be the Fruit,” where I challenged that phrase — because when has America ever been great for the oppressed?

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) reported in November that posts made on X, that desired the 19th Amendment to be repealed, soared 663% in comparison to the prior week, with this amendment giving women the right to vote.

Jon Miller, another conservative commentator also posted, “women threatening sex strikes like LMAO as if you have a say.” on X. Which was a response to the 4B Movement that started in South Korea and was beginning to gain traction in the United States following the results of the 2024 election. Many men expressed their disapproval — with threats of retaliation if women didn’t comply with their sexual desires.

The transfer of power to a man who was found liable for sexual abuse is not a step in the right direction, America. It is a big middle finger to victims across the world, and a public display that we aren’t protected.

Three of Trump’s initial cabinet selections have faced sexual misconduct allegations: Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to NBC News, Former Florida representative Gaetz “is accused of having sex with a 17-year old and paying two other women for sex.” Hegseth entered a settlement agreement in 2020 with his accuser, and Kennedy was accused of sexual assault. In resurfaced text messages, he apologized to his victim with, “I have no memory of this incident but I apologize sincerely for anything I ever did that made you feel uncomfortable,” and message screenshots further stating, “I never intended you any harm. If I hurt you, it was inadvertent. I feel badly for doing so.”

Annabella suffered a meniscus tear but thanks to Injury Care Centers & our Biotarget Therapy she was back on the field in only 3 weeks.

But why would we expect anything less from a man, once again President of the United States, who has said, “And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the p****. You can do anything.”

The United States of America is reverting to a time when the masses were turning a blind eye to the injustices that mock the very system that many are hellbent on upholding. Many excuses are being made to justify verifiable crimes for an exchange of power. It is gut-wrenching that the femicide that is happening will increase as hateful rhetoric has gone beyond a screen and miscellaneous “tweets” but has manifested into a reality of tangible violence.

This is why many are choosing the bear.

Words by Andrew Carswell

DANGER ZONE:

THE GROWING THREAT TO OUR CHILDREN AT LOCAL BUS STOPS

That morning started out like any other: 16-year-old Alondra Martinez, a bright, intelligent student at Atlantic Coast High School, was walking to her bus stop, on her way to school.

She was working part-time at Chick-fil-A, saving up for the car she had always wanted, a VW Beetle, but until she could afford the Beetle, she rode the bus. She enjoyed attending church, was an animal lover, and of course, like any teenager, she loved her phone.

Martinez never made it to school that day.

She didn’t even make it to the bus stop, and it wasn’t because she was skipping or sick.

Martinez was hit and killed on her way to the bus stop on the morning of Jan. 17, 2025. A driver hit her as she was walking, and she later died at the hospital. Instead of calling 911 and waiting with her, he placed Martinez in his vehicle and drove her to a medical facility, himself.

Her sister Alejandra Martinez wishes that he wouldn’t have.

“I wish he would have just called 911...” she said in a recent interview. While the driver was well intentioned, many have wondered what would have happened if he had called 911. Would Alondra have survived?

Had he called 911, first responders would have attempted to provide life-saving measures at the scene of the accident, as well as while she was being transported to the hospital. Instead, she was put into a stranger’s car, as she was dying, without any sort of medical treatment, and by the time she got to the hospital, it was too late.

Alejandra has started a GoFundMe, to help with her family’s funeral expenses.

Unfortunately, Martinez’s case is just one of many.

We are just weeks into 2025, but several students have been hit at or around bus stops in our area already this year. On Jan, 10, 14-year-old Maslin Mooney narrowly escaped death when he was hit by a car in St. Johns County, as he was on his way to Gamble Rogers Middle School. Both of his legs were broken, as well as his wrist, several teeth, and he also suffered a brain injury.

The driver in this case didn’t stop and put him in his vehicle, but instead kept on driving, leaving him for dead on the side of a road in Flagler Estates, until he was found by someone else who was driving by.

You may be asking yourself, who would run over a 14-year-old and then keep driving, like nothing happened ? Andrew Phillip Robinson, 46, was arrested for hitting Maslin, and according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, he is being held on a felony charge of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury with a bond set at $100,000.

On Jan, 8, a 7th grader on her way to Fruit Cove Middle School was also hit by a car, and severely injured. The student’s name has not been released. The driver involved in that incident, thankfully, stayed on the scene and called 911.

So, how did we get here, and what do we do? For starters, there are absolutely no laws on the books in Florida protecting children at bus stops. None. Many find this troubling, when we seem to have laws governing everything else.

Florida does have a law prohibiting a woman from falling asleep under a hair dryer in a hair salon. We also have a law making it illegal to roll a barrel down a public street. And, according to Florida Statute 379.233, it is illegal to release more than 10 balloons at one time.

We have these laws, but none that protects children from being killed or injured as they try to get to school.

There is a law requiring drivers to stop for actual school buses, but no protection for students before or after they get dropped off.

John Phillips is a Jacksonville-based lawyer, who has handled wrongful death cases for over 20 years, including representing parents who have lost children in vehicular crashes. He’s also a father of three school-aged children. “Making matters worse than the statistics discussed in this article is Florida’s failure to criminalize dangerous driving in school zones,” Phillips said. “Drivers know they may get yelled at by a volunteer crossing guard, but it doesn’t slow them down. Without significant criminal penalties, you have systemic danger.”

Coupled with the fact that it is pitch black dark outside when many of these students are on their way to school, it is a recipe for disaster.

Jacksonville is notorious for pedestrian deaths: In just a two-year span, from 2021-2023, 147 pedestrians or bike riders were killed. You’ve seen the crazy driving in the mornings, as people are sleepy, distracted, annoyed and running late. You’ve heard stories from your co-workers when they get to the office, about the person that almost ran them off the road on their way to work. During that same two-year span, over 500 people died in Jacksonville vehicle accidents. In 2024 in Jacksonville, we lost more lives to car crashes than by homicide — by far.

These numbers tell us that we are all in danger, but what do we do to protect those who can’t protect themselves? How can we feel safe sending our children to school, knowing that there is a chance they might not ever make it there alive?

Legislation protecting students at bus stops from reckless drivers is crucial to ensure their safety and prevent avoidable tragedies. Children on their way to school are extremely vulnerable to speeding vehicles and distracted drivers ignoring stop signals.

Unsplash Photo by Benjamin Wedemeyer

“Justice is spelled one way but defined by victims differently. When they can’t get criminal justice or civil justice or law changes to make children safer, can we really say we stand by children?” Phillips said.

Phillips added other frightening facts. Florida is one of the only states in the country that does not require drivers to have insurance to pay for the injuries and deaths they cause. In most states, the state requires bodily injury coverage, but Florida has repeatedly voted down laws which require drivers and insurance companies to stand behind victims. Further, sovereign immunity puts hurdles and caps on damages when the danger is caused by the school, bus or failures to implement common sense security measures or lights.

Enacting bus stop laws would be a sensible place to start. Measures like required lighting, harsher penalties for violations, surveillance cameras and clear signage, would all do much in the way of protecting our local students.

Sadly, it is too late for Martinez. Mooney, who’s only 14, will spend the rest of this year learning how to walk again and spend the rest of his life recovering from his injuries, as will the 7th grader that was hit in Fruit Cove.

We can’t go back and change what happened to them, but we still have the opportunity, and the obligation, to protect our kids and prevent this from happening again.

For this to happen, we all have a duty to raise public awareness about the issue of students safely getting to and from school, and to foster a culture of accountability, prioritizing the lives and safety of students on the First Coast.

Memorials, editorials, condolences and fundraisers won’t be enough. We have to actually do something about it, so that it stops.

Andrew Carswell is a writing professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville.

A GAY BAR HISTORY AS

BY DENNIS TAYLOR

Photo of Main Street in 1970s by Jax Today

I moved to Jacksonville in 1976, and in February 1978, opened a gay bar, The Junction, on King Street. I would like to think I was a pioneer of what King st has become.

Mayflower Hotel was a mixed bar where gay people hung out. Earlier, the FBI found Smitty’s Beach Club on First Avenue in Jacksonville Beach was “frequented by prostitutes on holiday and queers,” and according to an April 11, 1958, report, the Mayfair Bar on Beach Boulevard was a “hangout for queers.” A subsequent report in November 1958 further identified Millie’s Bar in Jacksonville as “frequented by prostitutes and sex perverts.”

I the late ’70s I remember a mixed downtown bar called the “The Downtown Bar” (“The New French Quarter”). The bar war managed by a large lady named Polly, a lesbian who took no shit from anyone. The bar was known for its drag shows. I believe there was a downtown dive bar called the R&R lounge, where downtown drunks and unemployed young men hung out. There was another mixed bar downtown called Howard’s at the foot of the Main Street Bridge. The Onyx Bar on East Bay Street was also known as a gay hangout.

I believe The Little Dude opened in 1972 and wasowned and operated by Jo and Jackie on College at Willowbranch. It was one of the first openly gay bars in Jacksonville primarily frequent by lesbians. Of interest, The famous “Bo” later of Jacksonville Beach fame was a Little Dude bartender. Years later The Little Dude was renamed The Norm, owned and operated by Cindy Norman. The bar has been a Riverside lesbian institution every since I can remember.

I am told Bo left the”dude” oo become a manager (so called owner) of a Bar on Beach Boulevard Bar owned by a man named Chuck Malley.. That must have been in the 70’s, before my time. Sometime in the 70’s Bo closed the Arlington bar and opened a bar at the beach on First Street called Bo’s. Bo’s was “the” bar to go to on Sundays, all other bars in Jacksonville were closed on Sundays by blue laws. ( thanks to the Jaguars that law was changed) Bo later moved the bar to Fifth Street and renamed it Bo’s Coral Reef.

***(LPB Note: I seem to recall that Bo moved way out south on Philips Highway for a short while before going to the beach. There was another bar at the beach, the Tides Inn, only a block or so from the Coral Reef. Another popular bar of the early 70s was the Knight Out, on Atlantic The Knight Out was a large beer and wine bar with the usual dancing, dj, and shows. It was run by Mark Riley and his partner [can’t remember his name]. They began publishing a local gay magazine “David”which was available free in most area bars. Unfortunately, the lease expired around 1976

In 1976 “Brothers” was “the” gay bar in Jacksonville. At Edison and May streets in the Brooklyn neighborhood. The bar was owned by Bill Nickels and Richard Stewart. Brothers was a popular and cavernous beer and wine bar, with a disc jockey booth, a large island bar, and dance floor. During the day the bar was a popular restaurant with an interesting and quiet atmosphere, quite unlike its nightly transformation. After The Junction opened, The Phoenix moved to San Marco and Monroe opened several bars Brothers just seem to peter and closed. The bar was later to become the Third Dimension than Incahoots.

Sometime around 1976-77, Chuck Malley opened a nice beer and wine bar in Arlington called “Mary’s Back Door” operated by Mary Grimes. The bar was popular for a while, with a dance floor and shows.

In 1978 Dennis Taylor and his brother Ron opened a bar on King Street called The Junction, pioneers of an area now known for its night life. Ron moved to Ft Lauderdale, and Dennis operated the bar for about 7 ½ years. It was a known as “the” gay happy hour bar and a cool place to have a beer before or after going to the disco or The Phoenix. The business went through several owners, finally becoming The Art Bar after twenty-two years as the Junction. Dennis sold the building to representatives of the bank across the street, and they closed the bar two years later.

The Park Place was a dive bar in a store front on Park Street that survived on Junction customers who wanted liquor. It was owned by Art Eisen, who didn’t care for gays and said so, but loved their money. The Park Street landlord died, and the new landlord forced them out by raising the rent to an unreasonable amount. After Art let it be known around town that he didn’t like gays the Park Place business went into the ash can. Art bought a building at King and Post nearby and moved his liquor license there. He then called David and Allen owners, and the rest is history.

Ben and Tony opened The Phoenix on Phoenix Avenue at 15th Street east of Springfield in 1977.The Phoenix was known as a man’s bar, popular with manly men -- think leather. Ben and Tony closed the Phoenix location and re-opened in San Marco, where they enjoyed several fun years operating somewhat like a private club.. I have seen them throw people out because they didn’t like their cologne (DLT).

Sometime after the Dude opened in 1972, Monroe Midyette opened the French Quarter. My understanding is Monroe’s father had been the primary owner of liquor licenses in downtown Jacksonville. When his father died, Monroe and his mother ended up with several liquor licenses. Monroe was a master at creating excitement when opening disco bars, and his mom sat at the front door collecting the door charges.

Photo of Mayflower Hotel in 1970s by Florida Times Union

I remember a bar that was briefly open in the revolving top of the Universal-Marion building on Main at Church, now owned by JEA. He had another called The Producers in the Philips Highway Mall that lasted a bit longer. Monroe hit on a winner when he opened the Old Plantation downtown on West Bay at Jefferson. OP Club Jax was a chain owned by the mob. They had locations in Tampa, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, it’s primary license holder was Bob Fournier. It is reported that Monroe ran afoul of the law somehow, and Don Strickland who was the manager ended up with the business, backed by Tom Hills. I believe that was when there was a name change to Third Dimension, 3-D. The city acquired the building through eminent domain; Tom and Don moved the bar to the old Brothers building on May Street. Don sold the business years ago to Stacy, and it became InCahoots.

1980’s..College Station a once popular lounge on Edgewood in the Murray Hill. A fun place to see shows, dance and cruise.

MetroMetro Started by Monroe, sold to James Brown, willed to Michael Burton, acquired by Jerry Rosenburg. The Metro in Riverside by the railroad tracks on Willowbranch, is spacious, with several different bars and dance areas. It draws a cross-section of local people, mainly on weekends. Now closed.

HMS (Cecil’s): a real dive bar on East 21st Street near Talleyrand. Cecil was the main attraction, a lovable old loudmouth. Beer, wine and fun on Sundays with cookouts. The bar lasted a couple years.

Eagle: Daddy Mack San Marco leather bar wannabe, dancing boys, food

Club 57: Chuck Malley opened it briefly in 1977 in Arlington.

616: On Park Street near Rosselle in Riverside. Cheap beer, nice back patio, bear strippers lasted several years and was a fun place to go.

CLOSED BARS:

The Pearl (the old Art Bar): mixed crowd, dancing

Photo of The Metro in 1970s by Florida Times Union

When one closet door closes, another one opens. While few and far between, our Bold City is still home to several gay bars. And just as the history of such businesses is worth highlighting, it’s important to uplift the ones still standing today. After all, history is made every day.

p ark p la C e l oun G e:

Founded 31 years ago on Park Street, Park Place Lounge stands as one of Jacksonville’s oldest gay bars. Its story begins in 1989 when Midwest partners David Perreault and Alan Wood set off for a short vacation in Key West. But at the time, the Keys weren’t the paradise we know today — Fantasy Fest had been canceled, the AIDS epidemic had pushed Florida Keys Memorial Hospital to the brink of financial collapse, and locals frequently complained about poor roads and heavy traffic.

Maybe it was the state of things, or maybe the humid tropical climate didn’t suit the Midwestern couple, but whatever the reason, they decided to cut their trip short. Fate, however, had other plans. On their way home, their car broke down — right here in Jacksonville. Despite the era’s widespread discrimination, particularly in the bar scene, Perreault and Wood saw something more. They knew they had found their new home.

The original penny-lined bar Park Place was founded in 1992 on Park Street. Even though owner at the time, Art Eisan, made it clear that he didn’t care for the LGBTQIA+ community but liked their money, Perrault and Wood (and many others) found solace in the windowless, low-key bar. When the original landlord died and the new one raised the rent, Eisan moved shop over to King Street and passed Park Place Lounge over to Perrault and Wood.

With Perrault and Wood at the reins, they made Park Place Lounge a place for everyone. At a time when many wouldn’t support them, they fought back tenfold by raising money for the community and giving food to the less fortunate.

While Perrault and Wood have since passed on, Park Place Lounge stands as a beacon of the legacy this couple created. Some of the charities Park Place Lounge supports include the NFAN, Ray Ray’s Kids, PFLAG Jacksonville, Amber House, Christmas Day sandwiches and other needed items for the homeless, RIOT (Riverside Invitational October Tournament) bowlers, drives for local teachers for school supplies and the American Cancer Society. Park

Place Lounge is a place where you can be yourself, have a drink and support the local community.

i nCahoots:

Originally founded in the ’80s and newly renovated in 2024, InCahoots Nightclub remains a vibrant haven for Jacksonville’s LGBTQIA+ community. While Park Place Lounge offers a laid-back bar atmosphere, InCahoots brings the energy. Flashing strobe lights, high-energy dance floors and nightly drag performances set the scene, complete with go-go dancers and an electric crowd. Known for hosting some of the city’s best shows and serving up the cheapest drinks, Incahoots has earned its place in the city they fondly call “Gayville.”

h ardwi C ks:

If Incahoots and Park Place Lounge had a baby, it would be Hardwicks. Nestled in the heart of Downtown, this newest addition to Jacksonville’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene is setting a new standard. From the outside, its dark-painted walls and terracotta roofing may seem unassuming, but step inside, and you’re met with pure luxury. Plush brown leather seating is scattered throughout, offering a stylish retreat from the disco ball-lit dance floor. With regular drag performances and a live DJ, Hardwicks welcomes everyone, no matter their background or sexual preference. It’s a place to let loose, enjoy the music and dance the night away.

n ote fro M GM Teresa s pen C er:

Oh, and let’s not forget Jack Night at Birdies in 5 Points. Once a month they host a night for men to meet men. Not that it stopped me. I went with a friend once and had a complete blast. Being one of the only women in the place, I got a lot of attention.

The Walrus also hosts a few LGBTQIA+ throughout the month. One of the events they are pushing in February is “T W i N K L i G H T,” a theatrical drag parody of “Twilight” written and directed by BeBe Deluxe.

Hamburger Mary’s is always a fun place for food, drinks and, of course, bingo and drag shows … but you’re going to have to wait a little longer. After a fire destroyed the restaurant/bar at its Beach Boulevard location, Hamburger Mary’s has found a location in Murray Hill — but the opening isn’t scheduled until March 2025. In the meantime, check out another popular LGBTQIA+ place for food, drinks and fun. Be sure to check out the Mascara & Mimosas Drag Lunch, hosted by the one and only Jordyn Sinclair, at Tulua Bistro in Springfield — or stop by their location in Jacksonville Beach.

And we must mention that our sister city St. Augustine also has a ton of fun gay bars/ events around town. One of our favorites is Naughty Bingo hosted by Karrissa T. Wade at The Original Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine Beach.

Be sure to let us know what we left out. Email us team@folioweekly.com

JAX BEACH’S NEWEST HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

Shark sightings aren’t exactly known for bringing peace of mind. And when OCEARCH spotted the biggest great white shark in the research group’s history cruising off the coast of Jax Beach on Jan. 17, let’s just say “calm” was nowhere to be found. Weighing in at a jaw-dropping 1,700 pounds, this massive predator — now named Contender — has been tagged with a SPOT tracker to help scientists study shark behavior and ocean conservation for the next five years. So yeah, a little terrifying, but also kind of awesome. Just remember to check your surroundings next time you take a dip… unless you’re looking to meet your own Contender.

JACKSONVILLE’S STOLEN VALOR VILLAIN: SEMPER FRAUD

Jacksonville is a military town, more so than most with residents actively participating in every U.S. conflict since the Civil War. Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS) has been the city’s biggest employer basically since it was built in 1940, so the local economy and culture are both significantly shaped by our active duty and (especially) veteran presence here. As such, we take all that “thank you for your service” stuff seriously, and we do not take kindly to stolen valor around here, as a local man learned the hard way in late December. In fairness, he did serve in the USMC, and thanks for that. But his military discharge document (DD-214) contained a number of false statements about that service, including positions he never held and awards he never won. Worse, he used it to fraudulently obtain government contracts and other benefits on multiple occasions. The rapacious rapscallion will go unnamed; he gets no clout from us, but he does face five years in federal prison.

EXTREME COUPONING: THE

PRISON EDITION

Late-stage capitalism can be a challenge, even at the best of times, which these are not. So it’s to be expected that people will seek out savings at every opportunity, and that some will try (and usually fail) to game the system in their favor. One local woman went above and beyond in her effort to put the “extreme” back into “extreme couponing.” She was just one of five indicted on conspiracy charges after buying and redeeming counterfeit coupons that she bought from a Virginia Beach couple. Having spent just $5,000, she ultimately cleared savings of exactly $334,388.60 over 42 individual transactions from 2017 to 2020, averaging $7,962 each. Her colleagues, who made over $32 million with the scheme, are already cased up, to the tune of 20 years in prison combined. Her fake coupons won’t save her any money where she’s going, but that’s OK because no one would pay money for prison food, whether the money is real or not.

This isn’t about the crime itself, but rather what happened afterward. Jordan Wilson, 25, was caught red-handed in an alleged drug deal Downtown. Instead of facing the music, he made a break for it — straight into oncoming traffic. But running from two mounted police officers? Not exactly a winning strategy. Yep, mounted. Wilson was trying to outrun two cops on horses.

The chase was short — just a quarter mile — and after the arrest, JSO posted the body cam footage with the caption, “If you choose to run, you’ll just go to jail tired.” Classic.

Words by Ambar Ramirez

Words by Shelton Hull

Words by Carmen Macri

Photo by Sam Kaplan

Unsplash Photo by Joemi Brazier

Unsplash Photo by Julia Morales

Photo by OCEARCH

Words by Ambar Ramirez

PIPER PIERATT

1ST PLACE

Piper Pieratt’s love for singing began before she could even form full sentences — at just 18 months old. With both passion and talent, it was no surprise that when Pieratt stepped onto the Star Search stage at last year’s Clay County Fair, the search for a star was already over. She captivated the crowd with her stunning rendition of “My New Philosophy” by Kristin Chenoweth, leaving no doubt that she was born to perform.

Folio: When did you first discover your talent? And how long have you been practicing?

Pieratt: I started singing when I was only 18 months old. I already knew how to sing some nursery rhymes. I started practicing at St. Johns Stage when I was 7 years old, but before that, I was in a song and dance group called Showtime USA starting when I was about 4.

Folio: Who inspires you the most?

Pieratt: My mom and my musical theater team. My mom inspires me the most because she is an amazing singer, and I love that she has that talent. That gives me someone to look up to. I wish she would share her talent. Maybe I will inspire her! My musical theater team inspires me because they have lots of people supporting me, and when we go to a competition they say that I’m amazing at singing and it really means a lot.

2ND PLACE

JACKSON MCCARTHY

KALI KERSTEN

Words by Kaili Cochran

In first grade, Kali Kersten took a chance at her school’s talent show, but little did she know the talent show would change her life forever. For three years now, Kersten has been taking on the stage and giving performances from the heart.

When Kersten got on the Star Search stage to perform “Hey, Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams Jr., it was clear that Kersten had the talent long before she discovered it in elementary school. Some of Kersten’s biggest inspirations are Anne Wilson, Lauren Daigle and Lainey Wilson.

Kersten’s passion for singing goes beyond her own enjoyment, as she sings for the people who listen. Her favorite part of competing in Star Search was being able to sing and perform in front of the people in her hometown. Even the song she chose to perform had the audience in mind.

“I chose it because it is a fun song and it really gets the crowd going,” Kersten said.

With what Kersten describes as an energetic stage personality and the support of her family and singing coach Miss Marie Hardway, Kersten sees herself confidently performing in more competitions in the future.

I think the world just found its fifth Beatle in Jackson McCarthy. Not only does his name fit the bill, but he looks the part too. With a killer mullet and a fresh suit and tie, the 11-year-old strutted onto the Clay County Star Search stage with a confidence well beyond his years.

Like the judges, we all expected a Morgan Wallen cover—then came “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles. And wow, did he deliver. McCarthy owned the stage, singing, dancing and keeping the crowd hooked from start to finish. He hit every note, sauntering across the stage like he’d been doing it for decades.

Despite his age, McCarthy has an old soul when it comes to music—his favorite band is Queen. He originally considered performing “Hey Jude” but opted for “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” thinking its upbeat energy would keep the crowd engaged. Safe to say, he made the right call.

“I just want to make people feel inspired,” McCarthy shared. “To see more and be more excited about life”

This isn’t the first or the last contest he’s been in either. Earlier last year he found himself placing fourth in a “Best Mullet” competition, and the proof is in the pudding. I mean, that head of hair would make grown men jealous.

Words by Carmen Macri

JONI BAXLEY

1ST PLACE

Words by Carmen Macri

With a name like Joni Baxley, it’s almost fitting that she was crowned the shining star of Clay County’s Star Search competition last year. But make no mistake — her talent speaks for itself. Baxley has been singing for as long as she can remember, her earliest performances taking place in church as a young girl. Since then, she’s honed her craft on karaoke stages wherever she can find them, seizing every opportunity to step into the spotlight. And when she took the stage at Star Search, she owned it, belting out Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” — a song that’s notoriously difficult to pull off, but for Baxley, it was effortless.

Folio: When did you first discover your talent, and how long have you been practicing?

Baxley: I’ve been singing my whole life. Started singing as a child in church.

Folio: Who inspires you the most?

Baxley: My momma! She passed a few years ago, and when I miss her the most, I sing.

TRENNIS MILLER

2ND PLACE

Words by Carmen Macri

“I’ll show you why you never doubt Trennis Miller.”

And prove them wrong he did. Trennis Miller had no plans to take the stage at Clay County’s Star Search — said it wasn’t really his thing. That was until a local DJ secretly recorded him singing and sent the video to the competition organizers. Just like that, Miller was in. True to style, he showed up late after his daughter’s softball game — no time to rehearse, voice a little worn out — but none of that mattered once he hit the stage. Even then, he took control, owning the moment and holding the entire crowd captive.

Miller has been performing for over 24 years, starting at just 15. But his talent isn’t limited to his powerhouse vocals — he’s just as skilled on the guitar. Taking the stage, he performed “Drift Away” by Uncle Kracker, and before long, the entire crowd was singing along.

“I don’t get real nervous during performances,” Miller said. “But there was a moment when I had the whole crowd singing, and I thought to myself, ‘I might have a chance to win.’”

After 24 years of singing, nerves aren’t really a factor. For Miller, every performance comes straight from the heart. His kids have been his greatest inspiration and have always been in his corner. They’ve been his biggest supporters.

“My performance was from the heart because I truly feel music run through me. I try to move around and keep the audience entertained and allow them to sing,” Miller shared. “My kids inspired my performance because they were pushing me to start playing and singing again after the loss of my father.”

LILLIAN MICHELL

3RD PLACE

Words by Ambar Ramirez

For Lillian Michell, singing has always been a part of who she is — so much so that she can’t remember a time without it. It’s woven into her personality, and she has no plans of ever stopping. Taking the Clay County Star Search stage by storm, Michell delivered a heartfelt, emotionally charged rendition of “Creep” by Radiohead. Wanting to stand out, she opted for a slowed-down piano arrangement, allowing her powerful vocals to take center stage. The performance left a lasting impression, earning her third place in the adult division.

“Music wise I get inspiration from ’90s bands like Nirvana, Radiohead and Deftones or pop singers like Billie Eilish and Laufey,” Michell shared. “But I am mostly inspired by my parents because they always push me to be my best.”

Though this was Michell’s fourth time taking on the Star Search stage, she mentioned how nerves still find a way to sneak in. Her secret to getting over those nerves? Just keep singing and trust that whatever was meant to happen will happen.

“The entire performance I remember being so nervous. I kept thinking, ‘I’m only 16 competing with literal adults! What!!’ All I knew was that I just had to get up there and let loose. Whatever happens, happens,” Michell said. “With this huge journey to a win, I’ve learned to just sing. In other performances, I’ve gotten so nervous that I freeze up, and all technique goes out the window. However, with this performance, I said to myself “just sing”, and I knew that I would be OK.”

Through her time at Star Search, Michell has seen herself grow both on and off the stage. She described the experience in one word — “astonishing” — and is excited for the performances still to come.

TRYING CLASS PASS: IS IT WORTH IT?

Disclaimer: If you’re a dedicated gym bro or loyal to one workout spot, this article might not be for you. But if you’re open to trying new and exciting ways to break a sweat, keep reading. In just one week, I took a Pilates class, a barre class, a cycling class, and a hot yoga class — each at a different studio, all booked through ClassPass. But is ClassPass worth the monthly subscription, or is it better to stick with one gym or studio? Let’s dive in.

w hat is Class p ass and

ClassPass is a new fitness and wellness app redefining how people can achieve a healthy lifestyle with a flexible, credit-based subscription that lets you mix and match your workouts. Whether you’re into Pilates, cycling, dance or just need a good massage or manicure, ClassPass partners with studios, gyms and wellness spots to give you plenty of options — all in one app.

Your monthly cost depends on how many credits you want. For example, 8 credits cost $19 per month, 15 credits are $35 and the default 28-credit plan is $59. The more you pay, the more credits you get, which means more classes you can book. The number of credits needed for a reservation varies based on factors like class type, location, popularity and time. My first Pilates class was 4 credits, while a beginner pole class was just 1 credit.

A standard gym membership might run you anywhere from $10 to $40 per month — but that’s just for one gym. With ClassPass, you’re paying more for variety and access to multiple studios and services. Make sense? Cool, let’s move on.

I lucked out with 53 free credits by using a friend’s referral and scoring an extra 10 credits just for opting into SMS promos. If you don’t have a friend with ClassPass but still want to do a test run before committing to the app, you can get a free trial of 43 credits which will last you a month or even longer depending on how you use them.

My Class p ass e xperien C e

I’ve always been a workout class girly—don’t even think about asking me to hit the gym. Weights? Not my thing. Machines? Way too complicated. I need an instructor to tell me exactly what to do and how to do it.

I also thrive in a group setting — there’s something about working out with others that pushes me to do better. Or maybe I’m just a little competitive and love the challenge of keeping up. OK, jokes aside, I genuinely enjoy trying new things. So when I heard about ClassPass, I knew I had to give it a go. And boy did I give it a go 5— workout classes in one week. Talk about being an overachiever.

I started my week off with a beginner Pilates class at Studio Rhythm. I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous.

Not only had I never done Pilates, but I had that first-day-of-school feeling. Would I stick out as the outsider using ClassPass instead of being a dedicated member? The short answer is no. In fact, the moment I walked in I felt incredibly welcomed. They gave me a tour of the studio, showed me the amenities, and, to my relief, I wasn’t the only first-timer or ClassPass user. One woman even told me she had taken a dance class the night before through ClassPass to “take the edge off.” Personally, I’m more of a take-a-tequilashot-to-take-the-edge-off kind of girl, but hey, to each their own.

The next morning, I tried something else new—a barre class at Pure Barre. Yes, I was sore for an entire week. Yes, it was worth every second. The beauty of ClassPass is stepping out of your comfort zone and finding what sticks, and it’s safe to say this one is making its way into my regular rotation. By my third class — a cycling session at Full Psycle — I felt like a ClassPass pro. The nerves? Gone. I was fully embracing my new role as the person who proudly announces, “Yep, I signed up with ClassPass” and “Nope, never taken this class before.”

The p ros and Cons of Class p ass

So, is ClassPass worth it? In my opinion, absolutely—but that’s based on my experience, and everyone’s different. I only used the free trial, so I didn’t get full access to nail studios or massages, but just knowing those options are available with a subscription is a game changer. To make things easier, I’ve broken it all down into a classic pros and cons list so you can decide for yourself if ClassPass is the right fit for you.

p ros:

• Variety: I think one of the most attractive qualities of ClassPass is that you don’t have to tie yourself down to one gym. Or even to just one activity. With ClassPass you can take a ballet class, a pilates class, boxing class, barre class, yoga class and so on. You can create your own workout routine by the click of a button and a few credits. If you are into going to the gym, you can also book gym time. Did I mention you can also book nail appointments and massages? Name one gym membership that gives you that variety … I’ll wait.

• Sociability: Not only is there the social aspect of taking a workout class versus going to the gym by yourself, but you can also add friends onto the app and see what classes they are signed up for. If a spot opens, you can take that class with them! ClassPass is truly making being fit, fun. And I never thought I would use the word fun with working out but here you have it.

• Travel Access: Going out of town but don’t want to mess up the workout routine you’ve got going on? Well with ClassPass you can sign up for a class in any city, regardless of where you live. There are 2,500 locations globally that work with ClassPass.

• Credit Flexibility: Any unused credits from the month before roll into the next month. No. Credit. Wasted.

Cons:

• Availability: One downside with ClassPass is that there may be a popular class you want to book but the spots are filled. Or maybe the class isn’t offered at a time that works with your schedule. This is a minor downside as you could easily book through another studio or wait till a spot opens up. But if you are dead set on a certain class and know that it’s at a popular location, you’ll want to book the class way in advance.

• Cancellation fees: I’ll be honest, I missed one of my classes and had to pay a no-show fee of $12. That’s on me for booking a 9 a.m. pole beginner class the Monday after my birthday. If you book a class and find that you won’t make it, ClassPass does offer a 12-hour free cancellation period, but that only works if you remember to cancel 12 hours prior.

• Pricing: While I do believe you are getting a bang for your buck with ClassPass, it can get a bit pricey the more credits you want or need. Again, for a classic gym membership, you’re paying a flat fee for the amenities but with ClassPass you are paying for credits.

The Girlies Talk Florida Conspiracy Theories

CARMEN: Did you know that Florida is one of the most gullible states? The most, actually. According to a recent study done by Oddspedia, Florida residents are some of the most diehard conspiracy theorists – whether we are the ones coming up with it, or just blindly believing everything we hear. As Ricky Bobby once said, “If you’re not first, you’re last.”

AMBAR: It really should come as no surprise that the state that famously gave birth to“Florida Man” was ranked as having the most conspiracy theory-believing residents, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that I myself am a die-hard conspiracy theorist.

CARMEN: Are you talking about the time you swore up and down that you saw dozens of UFOs during cheer practice?

AMBAR: So that’s not a conspiracy theor,y but a true retelling of something that happened to me. But anyway, that’s old news. I think everyone, by now, knows aliens are real.

CARMEN: The government really just threw us a bone in hopes of distracting us with whatever was going on last year.

AMBAR: And it clearly worked.

CARMEN: Well, we’ve already talked about infamous conspiracy theories in this column, so we thought it would be fun to talk about Florida-specific conspiracy theories. It was Ambar’s idea if you couldn’t tell.

AMBAR: If you are a born and raised Floridian, chances are you’ve heard of Disney on Ice. And no I’m not talking about the ice skating show the company puts on. I’m talking about the famous conspiracy theory that when Walt Disney died, his body was frozen in a cryonic chamber and placed somewhere in the parks in hopes that we would be able to revive him at a later date.

CARMEN: You’re telling me that’s not true? I thought that was 100% fact…

AMBAR: You and me both. And we aren’t the only ones to think this theory was the stone-cold truth (buh-dum-tst). The theory started back in 1967 when a reporter for “The National Spotlite” claimed he snuck into the hospital where Walt Disney was being treated and saw with his own eyes Disney being submerged into a cryogenic metal chamber. From then on, more magazines, tabloids and Disney employees fed the rumor by stating in articles that Walt Disney would thaw out by 1975. Maybe they were just dealing with the loss of one of the most creative icons of our time, but with Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress ride, it wasn’t the most far-fetched idea.

CARMEN: So where did Walt actually go?

AMBAR: Unfortunately, this rumor has an ironic ending as records were released proving that Walt Disney was, in fact, cremated two days after his death.

CARMEN: Ever wonder why Florida is the hurricane capital of the states? Surely it has nothing to do with its geographic location as a peninsula or the temperature of the ocean mixing with the temperature and humidity of the air. No, that’s not it. How about FEMA manipulating weather to increase the severity of a hurricane: That’s more like it.

AMBAR: I can vouch that I’ve seen those “chemtrails” and noticed a change in the air afterward.

CARMEN: This conspiracy gained major traction after Florida was hit with two powerful hurricanes back to back last year. And because Trump permanently disproved any scientific evidence of global warming and the dangerous effects it would have, the only other logical explanation for these hurricanes is governmental foul play. While some people did believe it was a freak coincidence, a vocal minority remained skeptical, proposing that the hurricanes were engineered, that Florida’s weather was being manipulated, or even that it was targeted at Republican voters.

AMBAR: I honestly wouldn’t put it past the government.

CARMEN: The so-called “weather manipulation” is linked to “chemtrails” seen trailing behind planes. In reality? It’s just water vapor — plain and simple. Just condensation.

AMBAR: Is it really just water vapor, or is that just what they want us to believe? It wouldn’t be the first time the government spun a narrative to keep us distracted from the truth. Which brings me to a newer conspiracy theory — rumor has it the government was hiding 8-foot-tall aliens in a Miami mall.

CARMEN: Do you by any chance enjoy listening to Alex Jones?

AMBAR: … I have no idea who that is.

CARMEN: Interesting… I think you could enjoy his content. Anyway, carry on with the 8-foot-tall aliens.

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen

AMBAR: This theory was sparked back in January of last year when TikTok was flooded with videos of a bunch of cop cars and policemen being seen outside Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami. Why else would there be a bunch of cops outside a mall?

CARMEN : Should I look up Miami’s crime rating, or are we rocking with the aliens?

AMBAR: In one of the videos, viewers claimed to see a tall, dark figure standing outside the mall. But considering the footage was filmed from a distance, zoomed in to the max and had that classic Android camera quality, I can’t blame anyone for thinking they saw an alien. Alas, the real reason the cops were there wasn’t nearly as exciting — just another fight breaking out between some teenagers.

CARMEN: Ah, I was really hoping we had our own Area 51.

AMBAR: We honestly might because this isn’t the first time an unknown creature has been “seen” in our Sunshine State.

CARMEN: It’s more local than that. We’re talking about good ol’ Johnnie, the St. Johns River monster. According to Simon Smith, a keeper of snakes and lizards and an “amateur cryptozoologist,” the earliest known mention of Johnnie in a mainstream newspaper dates back to 1849. He has a clipping, but it’s from the “Franklin Daily Journal” in Indiana, published on Oct. 8, 1970. That day’s “The Way Things Used to Be” column by Verne Vandivier — ostensibly about the Loch Ness Monster — references “a monster of the deep” reported by Captain Adams of a Florida schooner called Lucy and Nancy. Quoting a story from “The Examiner,” the “Franklin Daily Journal” recounts Adams’ account from Feb. 18, 1849, at the mouth of the St. Johns River, where he and his crew were captivated by “an immense sea monster which he took to be a serpent.”

AMBAR: What we really should talk about is the misgendering of our hypothetical beast. According to Smith, Johnnie is a she which we would obviously know if we knew anything about marine science…silly us.

CARMEN: We’ve been misgendering her all this time? My sincere condolences, … Jonie? Back to business, in 1847 citizens of Jacksonville vouched fully for Adams’ character, claiming if he saw it, then they believed it. In 1953, “The Orlando Sentinel” put a bounty on sweet Jonie’s (?) head.

AMBAR: A bounty of about $5,000 which would be close to $50,000 today. Money makes people do crazy things, but I don’t think anybody was crazy enough to hunt down this mythical river monster. Still, throughout the years, there were many reports of a “beast that swims like a fish and walks like a dog” between Orlando and Jacksonville.

CARMEN: So technically speaking, this conspiracy hasn’t really been disproven.

AMBAR: The last reported sighting of our beloved Jonie was back in 1975, but in our hearts, she is still swimming somewhere out in our rivers undisturbed.