Aug22issue

Independent News | August 22, 2013 | Volume 14 | Number 35 | inweekly.net

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publisher & editor Rick Outzen production manager Joani Delezen art director Samantha Crooke

staff writers Jessica Forbes, Sarah McCartan contributing writers Joani Delezen, Jesse Farthing, Hana Frenette, Brett Hutchins, Jason Leger, Chuck Shepherd,

Paul F. South, Lilia Del Bosque Oakey Whitehouse copy editor Ashley McLain contact us 438.8115

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winners & losers Rick Scott

Kim LeDuff

winners

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KIM LEDUFF The University of West Florida has hired Dr. Kim LeDuff as the university’s new Chief Diversity Officer. As Associate Vice Provost for Equity, Diversity and International Aff airs, LeDuff will be responsible for promoting and fostering a climate of diversity and inclusive excellence throughout all aspects of the University community.

RICK SCOTT Gov. Rick Scott is offering

JIM MESSER The city attorney of the city of Pensacola scored another court victory when Judge Terry Terrell dismissed the lawsuit by former Councilwoman Maren DeWeese on the mayor’s 2012 budget veto.

Messer and former Chief of Staff John Asmar crafted the veto language that was strong enough to withstand DeWeese’s legal challenge.

UPWORDS This is the cheesy name for

ESCAMBIA COUNTY AREA TRANSIT

For the first half of 2013, the ridership numbers for public transit in Escambia County are up 3.5 percent over the same period for 2012. From January to June of 2013, ECAT gave 739,646 rides, an increase of nearly 25,000 when compared to the previous year. Contributing to the increase was June 20 “Dump the Pump” ridership. ECAT, along with more than 100 other transit systems and agencies nationwide, encouraged everyone to try transit for a day. ECAT reported 4,692 rides on this single day—an increase of 10.8 percent when compared to the event in 2012.

Florida teachers $250 debit cards to buy school supplies. The problem is the teachers won’t get the cards until a month after the school year has officially begun. The timing is so off that only seven of the state's 67 school districts have enrolled in the program, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Mayor Ashton Hayward’s multimedia newsletter. While we laud his attempt to reach out from his seventh floor man cave, there has to be a better name for this. It sounds too much like “Up Yours.”

TURDS Jokes about turds never go over

well, although the downtown Rotary Club laughed loudly when Sheriff David Morgan opened his speech with a joke about swallowing one. The daily newspaper wasn’t amused. Turds, whether swallowed or chewed, never are appropriate dinner conversation. Fart jokes always work much better.

CITY BUREAUCRACY As this week’s

cover story on food trucks proves, there are no simple, direct answers coming out of Pensacola City Hall. Since 2006, nearly every mayor and city council member has run on platforms promising less red tape and making the city more business friendly.

We aren’t seeing it.

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THE ENDLESS LOOP We are caught in an endless loop here— a loop that somehow we must figure out how to break. No matter how much things appear to change, the same issues remain.

This newspaper has been a catalyst for change for the past 14 years. We pushed for the maritime park, new city charter and the election of several new commissioners, city council members, Mayor Ashton Hayward and Sheriff David Morgan.

Change has happened. However, all the changes haven’t helped us deal with the real issues facing this community.

A terrible incident happens. There is a momentary uproar. Then everything goes back to the way it was. We have become caught in a loop that forever holds this community back.

The unfortunate shooting of Roy Middleton, who was unarmed and in his own yard at the time, gives us an opportunity to talk about race and law enforcement. A long history of grievances exists between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Pensacola Police Department—grievances didn’t begin when Sheriff David Morgan and Chief Chip Simmons took control of their agencies.

A few years ago, we had people dying in the county jail and a Pensacola Police officer ran over and killed a teenager. We never really talked about the roles race and poverty played in those terrible incidents.

The Middleton shooting and the later shooting of two dogs in a couple’s home have brought national attention to our area. The daily newspaper has been critical of Sheriff David Morgan for his handling of the situations. Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating them and, to a certain extent, Morgan is limited in what he can say about the shootings.

However, his bringing up whether the public uproar would have ever occurred if Middleton was white, not black, didn’t help anything and only left him and his agency open to more criticism.

Lines have been drawn in the media and in the community. What I fear is that we won’t really talk about race, poverty and the huge disparities in this community and how those issues impact our law enforcement.

The community’s confidence in law enforcement has been shaken. An open dialogue about how we can restore trust and build upon recent successes needs to be held. Sherriff David Morgan is a good man and a much better sheriff than his predecessors.

When FDLE completes its reports, a series of town hall meetings should be held to discuss the results and where we go from here. Emotions may run high. However, we really can’t afford to avoid them any longer.

This endless loop has to stop. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Emotions may run high.

However, we really can’t afford to avoid them any longer.

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Open Letter to Mayor Ashton Hayward

October 12, 2013

Dear Mayor Hayward:

Here’s your chance to climb over it, crawl under it, wade through it and get super muddy to support Pathways for Change.

Come test yourself at the 2013 Pensacola Mud Run where the course is professionally designed to be challenging, messy and loads of fun!

When you fired the Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park Foundation last year for failure to maintain the Park and misappropriation of funds, you promised to go to great extremes to make sure the new Foundation would be 100% accountable for the $360,000 BP Fund Grant. You promised transparency by setting up a website so all citizens could see how every penny of the BP Grant money is being spent. That was then and this now.

Anyone who has spent time at the Park over the last twenty years has to admit it has never been in such bad shape as it has been in the last couple of months since the City took it over. Even Rob Johnson, who is a strong City supporter and never missed a chance to say something negative about our Foundation, brought to my attention back in May how bad the Park looked. He even took pictures of it then, but never did a story on it. The only reason that he did a story last week on it showing all the weeds and uncut grass is because General Rowe, a Board Member of the new Foundation, brought it up to the other Foundation members. After the meeting I challenged Rob in front of others to go to the Park and take pictures and run a story about how bad it looked.

Location: 3047 County Hwy. 95A Cantonment, FL 32533 (Next to St. Matthew’s Baptist Church)

So, Mr. Mayor, you fired our Foundation because we didn’t take care of the Park and the City takes it over and does a worse job, even though you have all this BP money to spend on it. Rob quoted Bill Weeks, who sits on the Board for the City, as saying, “About all we can do is mow the lawn. Our resources are limited.”

Mud-Run Sponsorship Levels

In regards to the transparency about how the BP money is being spent, Bill Reynolds (former City Administrator you fired) stated some months ago at a meeting he had received a check from BP for $90.000.00 and had to sign for it, which made him personally responsible for it. This was in response to a question from Lenny Collins, who was one of the founders of the Wall South and Veterans Memorial Park. Bill also said the BP funds would be transferred to the new Foundation and they would be responsible for how the money would be spent.

So when I asked at a Foundation meeting who contracted Gulf Power to install the light poles at the Park and how much it cost, no one had an answer. The answer I got was that the City is handling the money, which is completely contradictory to everything I have been told or read in the News Journal. It was always “The new Foundation will be responsible for the BP money.”

So let me get this straight. You fire us for failure to maintain the Park and then do a worse job Then you talked BP into giving the City $360,000 BP money that was awarded to our Foundation with the promise of transparency. Then, instead of turning over the funds to the new Foundation, you hire Gulf Power to install lights at the Park out of the BP funds. I assume this since the new Foundation could not give me an answer. No problem, Mr. Mayor. I will just go to the website you promised, which shows transparency for all the BP money that is being spent.

You have $90,000 of the BP money and I would like to know how much is being spent and how much is left. Only problem Mr. Mayor, is that I cannot find the website.

Mr. Mayor, I hope you can feel the frustration in this letter, trying to get answers. You failed to maintain the Park and the new Foundation has hired a contractor to take care of the Park. You have not turned over one penny of the BP money to the Foundation and have not been transparent to the public as to how the BP money is being spent.

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PARK PROBLEMS

Miraflores Park building

Locals Endeavor to Have City Parks Maintained

by Jessica Forbes Pensacola residents have always been proud of their parks and recreation facilities. However, there are indications that the city is having trouble maintaining them at the same standards that locals have become accustomed to.

While the finances and maintenance of the Maritime Park and Veterans Memorial Park have made the headlines recently, other city parks are having problems with maintenance, safety and ADA compliance, but it hasn’t always been this way.

In January 2011, Pensacola Parks and Recreation won an Agency Excellence Award from the Florida Recreation & Park Association “for excellence in Parks and Recreation management" for activities during the previous year.

Since the award-worthy year of 2010, the city government has seen its first strong mayor take office, multiple leadership changes at city hall, and budgetary woes that appear to have impacted the city’s award-winning park system.

From broad issues—such as recommendations made by the Parks and Recreation Board never being presented to the Pensacola City Council—to the more specific—slow response to mending fences at a westside ballpark—residents are questioning how to get the city to respond to their concerns.

ON A MISSION IN MIRAFLORES PARK

Barbara Albrecht has been entrenched in the process of requesting city building maintenance for two years. As the president of the Bream Fishermen Association (BFA), Albrecht has boiled down her wish list for improvements to one specific goal for the 79-year-old historic city building in which the group meets: “I just want raised toilets.”

The BFA, a group primarily dedicated to volunteer water-quality monitoring and environmental outreach, meets in a small brick building located in Miraflores Park, at the intersection of East Belmont Street and 17th Avenue. Miraflores Park is one of the 94 parks that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department—housed within the Department of Neighborhood Services—oversees.

The small brick building was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for the local Boy Scouts of America, who utilized it for several decades. By the late 1960s, the building had fallen into disrepair. The BFA made an agreement with the city of Pensacola whereby they would restore the building in exchange for using it as a meeting and storage area.

“It was a handshake, a gentlemen’s agreement,” Albrecht explained. The Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida and Pensacola Speckled Trout Club also regularly use the building and park for their meetings and activities.

As the building and the BFA membership aged, updates to the building were needed.

The members—many of whom now range from their 60s to 90s— were not physically able to continue maintaining the building as they previously had, including replacing the roof and other structural work.

“I don’t think I’m asking for anything that’s outrageous,” said Albrecht of her requests. “If you look at the grab bar going into the building, it’s a pipe. It was installed by the BFA so that they could pull themselves up.” The Fly Fishers even constructed a ramp so a member in a wheelchair could attend meetings.

In 2010, the BFA was notified that money from the city’s Pennies for Progress tax were available for repairs to the building. The three regular user groups identified approximately $55,000 worth of needed work.

“It sounds like a huge amount, but with an old facility there is a certain amount of maintenance that needs to be done in order just to take care of the place,” said Albrecht.

“The city had kind of neglected that over the years. Charlie Morgan was the city voice that kept it on the radar.”

Morgan, a manager in the Public Works Department had coordinated repairs to the building and had a long-standing relationship with the BFA. Albrecht took over leadership of the BFA in late 2011. No work had been done on the building during Mayor Aston Hayward’s first year. Parks and Recreation director Dave

Flaherty resigned in May 2012, shortly after instructing the user groups to vacate the Miraflores building so renovations could begin.

During the summer of 2012, over $19,000 was spent with a contractor to replace the floors and leaking chimney. The BFA was allowed to move back into the building before their August 2012 meeting.

Albrecht, who had visited the building weekly during those months, quickly pointed out that the air conditioning unit hadn’t been replaced nor had the basement or bathrooms been repaired. The work crew left a note on a bathroom mirror indicating additional work was needed, as the plumbing was backed up.

“Those guys did what they were asked to do, and they were not asked to do what we expected. There was a disconnect between the city and the contractors,” Albrecht stated.

Shortly thereafter Councilman Larry B. Johnson gave $5,000 of his discretionary funds to purchase an air conditioner for the building. Copied on some of Albrecht’s e-mails to city staff, “There was an immediate need,” Johnson saw, and gave his funds to expedite the process.

Brian Cooper became director of Neighborhood Services in September 2012. Albrecht began attending meetings of the Parks and Recreation Board to discuss the quality of work of the repairs and the number of items still left unaddressed.

Albrecht was dismayed to learn that the board’s recommendation to put the issue before the city council was superseded by city staff. The city council appoints the nine members of the Parks and Recreation Board and the council has to approve all expenditures the board might make.

“With an old facility there is a certain amount of maintenance that needs to be done in order just to take care of the place.”

Barbara Albrecht

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Terry Wayne East Park / playpensacola.com In January, the board voted to bring the ADA compliance of the building before the council, but learned during the next meeting that the item didn’t make the council agenda because staff feared the council might vote to demolish the building.

“Brian Cooper says, ‘We, the city staff decided not to bring it to the city council,’” Albrecht stated. “I was so emotional when I left that building, saying, ‘You can’t even follow your own rules. What’s the point of even meeting?’”

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the IN posted excerpts from e-mails between Albrecht, Cooper, and other city employees and council members on Rick’s Blog. The next day, before the BFA’s monthly meeting, city crews installed grab bars in the bathrooms.

Sinks, door knobs, and the exterior light over the entrance were also replaced.

Albrecht recently learned that further repairs—including raised toilets—are scheduled in the coming weeks using another $5,000 of Johnson’s discretionary funds.

“We are going to do everything we can to bring all of our facilities up and get them ADA compliant,” Johnson said.

time in years. The building also houses restrooms, which need maintenance from time to time, but Tibbs reported that the city has been responsive to calls to repair toilets and drag the field.

“It’s a dirt field and it’s not really, really bad, but we’ve got the fence around there that needs to be repaired,” Tibbs said of his primary unaddressed maintenance request.

“Some parts of the fence are rolled up on the ground … We haven’t had anyone hurt down there, but it could become a safety hazard, the more kids we have down there.”

Though the team plays in tournaments, they are not able to host them at Terry Wayne Park due to the quality of the field, though this year they hosted games at the park for the first time.

“Terry Wayne Park could actually be an awesome park,” Tibbs said, remembering his childhood playing there, “It needs a lot of work done, compared to other parks on the eastside of town that are run by the city.”

“We’re trying to really build Terry Wayne Park back up to the caliber it used to be 10, 15, 20 years ago,” the coach stated.

“Terry Wayne Park could actually be an awesome park.

It needs a lot of work done, compared to other parks on the eastside of town that are run by the city.”

Anthony Tibbs

UN-MENDED FENCES

Terry Wayne East Park is located between North J and West Gadsden streets. Having been sparsely used for a number of years, Coach Anthony Tibbs made the park in 2010 the home of the Pensacola Pirates, a youth league baseball team and part of the city’s westside baseball program.

“For the most part, it just really needs to be brought up to the standards of quality fields that they have at other parks now,” Tibbs said of the park, a single baseball diamond currently utilized for baseball and soccer practice. “We’ve talked about it but we were never told why. I don’t know if it’s funding or it’s not a big enough program.”

In the last season, the Pirates—ages 10 through 12—won approximately 70 of 85 games and placed second in the local youth World Series. “We practice on that field every day and I’m very thankful for the city letting us use that park, because it helped my team grow,” Tibbs stated. “It really helped our performance.”

The Pirates’ success has resulted in the opening of the concession stand for the first August 22, 2013

Go for the

Memories 5 MORE HOME GAMES

MOUS: THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE?

With shrinking budgets and bureaucratic challenges, it seems increasingly user groups are being courted as potential parks facilities managers, which is fine by Albrecht.

“Our group has taken care of that building for a long time,” said Albrecht, who is eager for a resolution. “If we develop an MOU or MOA with the city, I have no problem taking over all of their responsibilities and they will never have to look back again.”

Tibbs said he has been speaking with the city to form a Memorandum of Usage (MOU) through his non-profit, where they do smallscale maintenance. “We’ll be doing the light work,” Tibbs said of the arrangement after his group is properly insured, which he is in the process of completing.

“Hopefully if we build the field up it will help build the neighborhood up, which is what we need,” said Tibbs.

Neither Cooper nor Public Works’ Director Derrik Owens were available for comment for this story, out sick and on leave, respectively. While both are relatively new to their positions, it is a hope that they will work toward a more responsive and clear system for addressing citizen-reported maintenance issues in city parks.

Until then, Albrecht said, “I will continue to be a squeaky wheel.” {in}

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inweekly.net

If you’ve as much as stepped foot into the heart of a booming metropolis in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen a food truck. Perhaps you’ve even sampled some one of a kind “street eats.”

Even if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of stumbling upon a truck and biting into some signature grub, if you have cable you’ve most likely come across the Food Network series, “The Great Food Truck Race” while flipping channels. That’s right— August 22, 2013

food trucks have even earned a spot of stardom on their own reality TV show.

The novelty of food trucks is that their mobility allows them to go where the people go—and in some cities—stay where the people stay. Depending on the degree of regulations that are in place, food trucks can typically be found roving about town, or parked in front of host establishments. Certain cities even boast entire lots dedicated to these restaurants on wheels, while local

alliance groups regularly hold “pop up” food truck rallies.

Not only do food trucks offer unique, out of the box and on-the-go cuisine, they are proving to add vibrancy to areas within cities that may have previously gone overlooked, while serving to complement, rather than compete with, established food communities.

Food trucks have become a growing trend not just within contained areas, but

nationwide, and one that remains on the up and up. Industry research from IBIS World reports that food trucks and carts grew 8. 4 percent from 2007 to 2012 and now make up a $1 billion industry, with more than 3,500 businesses employing upward of 15,500 persons.

Northwest areas including San Francisco and Portland, Ore., and East Coast areas such as Washington D.C. have been leading the way for quite some time.

9

The home of the New Orleans Food Truck Coalition, this online hub is the ultimate guide to street food in New Orleans. Plus, it keeps you up to date on “pop up” rallies and other events, and acts as a resource center if you are looking to get started in the industry with a truck of your own. nolafoodtrucks.com

New Orleans Food Truck Coalition members Rachel Billow, Benoit Angulo, Alex del Castillo and Maribeth del Castillo / photo by Zack Smith A survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association in 2011 reported that “Consumers living in the West (29 percent) and Northeast (24 percent) were much more likely than those in the South (15 percent) and the Midwest (9 percent) to see a food truck parked in their community.”

While slower to catch on, the trend is continuing to spread throughout the South. Food trucks have become established entities in capital cities like Austin, Texas. Some cities that remain in earlier stages of the movement are using recurring events to further engage their communities.

Underground Atlanta hosts its own weekly summer series, “Food Trucks Wednesdays.”

Further South, in Tampa, the local community—and even the mayor himself—have shown visible support with a monthly event titled “The Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta.”

Back on the home front, currently the food trucks regularly gracing the streets of our own city add up to a whopping zero, or next to none. However, with the introduction of outdoor dining options, the restaurant

010 1

Brigade Coff ee truck on Magazine St. / courtesy photo

NEIGHBORING NOLA

community acknowledging the trend, and original stands such as tacos at T&W Flea Market, we just may be getting close.

Recently, nearby cities have jumped on board—forging together to allow the food truck phenomenon to truly grow and flourish; and serving as pioneers so that smaller cities like our own can take good notes, and hopefully over time—follow suit.

New Orleans is proof that you don’t have to be the biggest, “baddest,” or most bustling of cities—although in our eyes the mighty NOLA is all of the above—to have a food truck movement, you just need to be a little bit bold.

Rachel Billow was one of the early pioneers for food trucks in New Orleans. Two years ago when Billow purchased her food truck, carts and stands were rampant throughout the city but the food truck scene in New Orleans remained rather bare. Of the limited number of food trucks that were operating at the time, many were doing so without the required permit.

Although Billow had worked closely with city hall to find out how to obtain the required Mobile Vending Permit for her

La Cocinita Lacocinitafoodtruck.com facebook.com/LaCocinitaFoodTruck Brigade Coffee brigadecoffee.com facebook.com/brigadecoffee

truck, La Cocinita, what she didn’t realize was that there were no more permits actually left. At the time, there were only 100 permits available total. These permits extended not only to food trucks, but every Lucky Dog, produce or other stand on the streets.

inweekly.net

The New Orleans Food Truck Coalition began when Billow and a small group of eager entrepreneurs on wheels banded together in true grassroots fashion, seeking not only to expand the number of permits available, but to work together to loosen the restrictions that were in place in the city— restrictions that were vastly halting their mobile operations.

“We started a petition to get people interested and to show politicians there was widespread support for our cause,” said Billow. “I wrote my first proposal a year and a half ago.”

Today there are 22 trucks and carts in the Coalition, in addition to supporting community members.

Not only has the Coalition been able to achieve their goals and eliminate the dated restrictions that had been in place since the 1950s, they’ve been able to serve as a model entity, and resource for those interested in starting up their own operation—from assisting in outlining laws and permits, to pointing newbies in the direction of a truck.

“People resist change but food trucks are a win-win. They are a good way to get people eating outside and taking advantage of outdoor spaces. They turn streets that were once used to go from point A to point B into thoroughfares. They’re good for the economy, small businesses, and reductions in crime—more eyes on the street. They’re good for the whole community,” said Billow.

When it comes to the chefs themselves, Billow sees food trucks as a way for entrepreneurs to get started in a culinary field and an opportunity for line and sous chefs to go out on their own. Plus it lets you take creative cooking to a whole new level.

“It allows you to be creative and show people something they might not see on a restaurant menu,” she said.

Breeze through the menu of her truck, La Cocinita, and you will see that Billow’s menu is a prime example of both creativity and authenticity. “The Little Kitchen” takes a build your own approach to Latin American Cuisine beginning with choosing your vessel—be it cornmeal patties or flour tortillas, all the way to loading your vessel with protein of choice, and packing it down with extras such as tostones, crispy smashed green plantains. To wash it down, the truck serves the cinnamon rice milk beverage known as horchata.

“People are really excited to have new options—a quick gourmet bite to eat that doesn’t overlap with or replace [existing food options],” said Billow. “The trucks are colorful and we keep tourists coming—they’ve become a part of our tourism industry.”

Although she admits that her truck was the most expensive purchase she has ever made, with a base price of $15,000 increasing to $55,000 once branding, wrapping and getting it up to code was all said and done, Billow encourages that overall, “It is doable.”

The beauty in the business model is that while there are certainly costs associated, there are lower overhead costs and barriers to entry compared to those faced when looking into erecting or purchasing an existing brick-and-mortar restaurant.

This heightens the appeal and increases the accessibility for younger entrepreneurs, or those who may lack the startup capital to otherwise have a restaurant.

Despite initial oppositions that La Cocinita and other trucks faced, the trucks are receiving increased support from the established restaurant community.

“There are a lot of supportive restaurants who understand they can expand their own operation with a mobile branch of their existing business. They understand it can be mutually beneficial,” said Billow.

Billow has been involved with restaurants playing host to La Cocinita and other food trucks outside of their establishments, and confirmed that this festival-style setup resulted in spikes in revenues for both operations.

“It turned into a mini Mardi Gras,” she said.

Ultimately, the Coalition is promoting a community that they consider to be a “winwin” situation for all parties involved—the city, existing restaurants, and of course, the food trucks. In New Orleans, the Coalition has helped pave the way to success for a range of food and beverage ventures—from the most involved of menus, to simpler, more traditional delicacies simply being served out of the box—even coffee.

You may remember Brigade Coffee curing your hangover at Hangout Fest 2012. Currently, Brigade can be found as a flagship staple on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Emma Chevalier manages the noteworthy truck run by silent owners who started Brigade out of a desire to be a part of the rich, vibrant coffee culture that is native to New Orleans.

Brigade has become a fixture on Magazine, and developed a following of regulars, even in their young operations of under two years. Although Magazine Street has become increasingly home to tourists, “we definitely have regulars who travel from other neighborhoods to see us,” said Chevalier.

The truck itself was purchased from Belgium and then gutted and customized for its own coffee uses. It currently serves as Brigade’s only structure.

Unlike a typical food truck where operators are inside a closed, or semi-enclosed structure, the truck allows for Chevalier to serve coffee from the outside.

While trucks like La Cocinita are primarily roving trucks that are constantly on the go—Brigade remains slightly more stationary.

Although the Brigade truck travels around to targeted events such as movie sets and rallies, Chevalier explains, “Most people like the routine of having their coffee in the same place.”

Before the recent change in the New Orleans laws to loosen the restrictions and allow for an expanded presence of food trucks in the city, Chevalier notes that there were great difficulties, even for Brigade.

“We have had trouble and have had to leave areas,” she said.

For those wanting to start their own operation from scratch in a city that currently doesn’t have a flourishing community, Chevalier advises, “Research the laws first and then go from there. Also, utilize social media. That’s how food trucks function.”

URBAN OUTDOOR DINING

Albeit not mobile food trucks, in downtown Pensacola there is the recent introduction of urban outdoor dining that is attracting attention—one that goes by the name of Al Fresco.

Taking his own spin on the appealing, well-established food truck culture in Austin, Texas, Michael Carro sought to create an atmosphere that was well thought out and pristinely landscaped— rather than a dirt, unpaved, come and go, lot—here in Pensacola.

“I’m a big fan of Austin where they have 1600 food trucks in the community.

Really amazing food comes out of the food trucks,” said the owner and developer of Al Fresco.

He's also a fan of a different kind of setup that can be found closer to home. "When you go to Seaside they have a more structured environment for these food trucks to reside in that’s eclectic,” he said. “I wanted to blend my love for Austin with a development the community could be proud of.”

And so, the outdoor, food court style lot of permanent airstream trailers was born, right in downtown Pensacola. Vendors for Al Fresco were selected based on items that would not be seen as competing with downtown eateries.

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While this initial development is home to airstream trailers, Carro has plans in the works for a new development in town featuring different types of structures. Four other cities have also already contacted Carro, interested in erecting a similar food court in their respective areas.

“You never know where it’s going to go,” said Carro. “It’s been a wonderful learning experience and although we’ve made mistakes, we get to correct those on the next one. We’ve been blessed by the support. And Al Fresco continues to get better and better as people discover it.”

“I looked at what we didn’t have, and tried to make Al Fresco complement the existing Palafox eateries,” said Carro.

“Let’s face it. When you talk about something like this it can evoke a lot of different types of thoughts,” he said. “Even people that initially spoke out against it vocally have done an ‘about-face.’ This is so much better than they imagined.”

SUPPORTIVE CHEFS

But what about actual trucks—you know, on wheels?

“I think the Al Fresco project has changed how people look at food trucks; it is possible now,” said Sandy Veilleux, seasoned area chef and co-owner of Flora Bama Farms. “The coolness factor always helps sell something here in Pensacola.”

Veilleux notes brick-and-mortar establishments that have mobile operations, including Jordan Valley, and Miguel’s on Nine Mile, amongst others who have been taking their food on the road for quite some time.

“It’s definitely a budding industry. I know a lot of people in different stages of either trying to do this, getting to do this, or having done this,” she said.

Several businesses remain in the planning stages of branching out into their own accessory cart, truck or special supplementary units.

“It’s definitely a really fun idea to take your kitchen on the road. For a cook, even a fine dining chef, or a short order cook, it’s just a very unique way of reaching more people and not being stationary all at the same time,” she said.

Several area restaurateurs have previously dabbled with the idea of opening a truck as either primary or supplementary operations, but decided at the time the barriers were a bit high and Pensacola wasn’t quite ready. However, today, they remain supportive of the business model for others looking to go their own way.

Prior to opening The Magnolia in the East Pensacola Heights neighborhood, owners Kiley Bolster and Bill Manning were looking into the idea of a food truck—having seen the success in other areas.

“Food trucks allow a person who maybe can't drum up the money for a full service restaurant the opportunity to have a kitchen to work out of without the overhead of staff, rent, seating, etc.,” said Bolster. “You can sell gourmet food out of a truck for a fraction of what you can sell it for at a restaurant because you lack that overhead.”

Despite opting to open up a restaurant with walls and windows, rather than wheels, Bolster has high hopes for Pensacola catching on.

“I think Pensacola would embrace a food truck culture,” she said. “For having several colleges in this town, we don't really embrace the college-age demographic. A basic food truck system in the Cordova Mall to University area would probably thrive. A gourmet truck would hopefully be well received downtown, especially in the more mild months.”

Ryan Thomas, owner of downtown staples Nacho Daddies and Portabello Market, became inspired after hearing a story about a restaurant that served tacos at a permanent location during the week, and then catered weekend events, such as house parties, with a food truck serving the same menu. This was originally his plan for his restaurant Nacho Daddies; however, he decided the costs were too high.

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“It is a large investment overall to put a hood in it, to retrofit or outfit a truck. You have certain food safety guidelines that you have to follow so it has to meet state inspection guidelines. Then you have your cooking equipment. The cost outlay is pretty high,” he said.

“If you can lay down the money and go buy a food truck that’s already ready for you, it’d be turn-key. There’s a lot of stuff on Craigslist right now where you can buy an existing catering business from people and create a food truck for yourself, or you can build one from scratch,” said Veilleux.

Personally, Thomas sees a greater draw of implementing food trucks in cities with massive office buildings, and highly dense populations. “Pensacola seems so spread out. In larger cities you are able to pull up to a group of huge, tall office buildings that 5,000 people work in and make your money for that day,” he said.

And then there are the laws of the land.

It’s not the local regulations that Thomas cites as being cumbersome, but rather the paperwork, and the state laws.

“When you fill out paperwork to open a restaurant, they ask you if it’s a commissary for a food truck,” he said. “It’s in the paperwork. You do need a central location to work out of.”

Still, Thomas is supportive of others serving as pioneers. “If you have a dream, go for it,” he said, adding that if he thought it was viable for his business, he would probably try it.

LAWS OF THE LAND VS. RULES OF THE ROAD

When it comes to the laws—and the rules of the road—major cities have specific Mobile Food Vendor laws. Some cities like New Orleans have battled overregulation,

August 22, 2013

while others under regulation. In Pensacola, it’s the issue of misinformation, and the lack of a clear passageway that have served to hinder the movement.

To be clear—it’s not that Pensacola can’t have food trucks, it’s that with the lack of push for them, there has yet to be an outlined infrastructure in place to protect or support them on a local level. On top of that, the laws of the state land are costly.

As far as the City of Pensacola is concerned, despite the absence of a defined pathway in place, the recent introduction of open air dining into downtown has, if nothing else, planted a seed for the trucks to roll in.

Sherry Morris, AICP who oversees the City’s Planning Services Division, confirms that although there is nothing in the city code that specifically addresses or protects the operations of food trucks; there is currently not a ban on them.

She suggests that the city recognize the growing trend in other cities. And although it’s not something they’ve seen an influx of in Pensacola yet, it’s something they are willing to work with.

“We do allow food trucks as long as they have a business license and are legally operating in the right-of-way,” said Morris.

For example, trucks are able to “park in parallel spaces as long as they are feeding the meter and/or not exceeding time limits.”

Despite the hassle of the meter, it should be noted New Orleans’ food trucks must abide by the same practice back on their own turf.

Furthermore, “If they are invited on commercial property—they are allowed to do so,” said Morris. Still, as it stands, food trucks are not allowed in residential areas.

These “rules of the road” only apply to mobile food trucks. Immobile vendor food carts actually have stricter guidelines in place. Currently carts are not allowed on public, city property. Food carts that set up for events must obtain special events permits and separate approval is handled through the City’s Department of Neighborhood Services.

While the introduction of Al Fresco's airstream trailers brought about the updating of the City’s Land Development Code— outlining various restrictions tied to that particular parcel of private property situated on Palafox and Main—these private property restrictions are solely applied to that operation.

13

START IT UP

According to the existing language within the Land Development Code, any future private property lot wanting to set up a food court, or other operation of that nature must undergo the conditional use process and receive both approval from the City Council and Planning Board.

However, none of this tailored, specific language extends to regulations for “Food Trucks” with a business permit, operating legally within City right-of-ways.

Asking the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of West Florida if they ever receive inquiries about starting up mobile food operations merited a laugh from Janet Etheridge, Certified Business Analyst, who has spent extensive time assisting with the process.

Requests for guidance into entering the world of food happen at least once or twice a week. And although everyone jumps at the word grants—this “free” money, unfortunately, no longer exists.

What does remain free, are the SBDC’s dedicated services to assist aspiring entrepreneurs. Etheridge has created her own “cheat sheet” to walk individuals through the process of starting a business in the area, beginning with initial decisions regarding how to best structure from a legal standpoint.

“I love what I do and am very protective of my clients,” she said. “I know what it’s like to struggle and make something you want to be proud of and make your family proud of and I want to see my clients succeed.”

When it comes to mobile food operations specifically, Etheridge has worked with numerous area clients, some of whom attempted such operations and have cited frustrations of being forced to leave areas in both the City and County due to differing regulations.

“If you’re doing business in the County and not in the City, all you need is a County license. If you are doing business in the City, you have to get a license for both,” she said.

As far as the County goes—Etheridge’s understanding is that it’s limited to private property; however, the County ordinances themselves have outlined specified zones where it is acceptable to have a mobile food operation. Meanwhile out at the beach, although the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) did report that they were reviewing several of their ordinances in the wake of certain County adjustments, unfortunately serving food on the island is like most things, not as simple as it seems, or as it could be.

Local ordinances and grey area regulations aside, Etheridge confirms there are costly items of consideration—items that come from a state level.

“Any mobile vending unit has to have a commercial kitchen up to code as well,” she said. “When you get to the point of going to the tax collector’s office, they are going to look into regulatory state agencies and are not going to give you the license unless you meet that requirement.”

It’s not just one license, but rather cumbersome food safety regulations and codes.

In addition to the Florida Department of Agriculture, you are dealing with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. There is a plethora of paperwork and a fee schedule.

For those interested in starting small and in the comfort of their homes—the SBDC has been working to assist individuals with entering into the Cottage Food Industry, offering a stepping off point for those looking to break into small scale home food operations.

“It’s not heavily regulated like the food trucks are,” said Etheridge. “And it kind of gets you primed [for other food operations].”

The freedom in the Cottage Food Industry is that operators are not required to meet stringent requirements with a couple of exceptions. Gross sales must remain under $15,000 a year and they must sell directly from operator to consumer. Food must be labeled according to required Florida Statutes, especially important for those with food allergies.

As for actually outfitting a truck as home to your food operations, trucks are required to be equipped with or have access to a commercial kitchen, since you can’t store food at your home. Potable water has to come to and from a commercial kitchen.

And if you’re frying, your grease has to go to a commercial kitchen.

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“We really do have to be careful about food safety and I certainly wouldn’t want to endanger peoples’ lives,” Etheridge said, recounting her own experience with a bad batch of deliciously deceitful boiled peanuts. Still, she affirms that loosening the regulations on food safety would make it more accessible.

Despite the regulative barriers, Etheridge can report success stories, granted they required a bit of improvising.

“I had one client who ended up leasing a commercial kitchen at a convenience store but she also did festivals and had a mobile food truck. She expanded her business and then has the deli at the store,” she said. “I had another client making fudge who converted her garage into a commercial kitchen.”

While churches and area community centers have commercial kitchens, presenting opportunities for individuals to lease them out—it can still prove a challenge for those hoping to sustain mobile food operations, yet are unable to afford all-inclusive truck operations, outfitted up to code.

Word on the street is, a new project by Pensacola Cooks may provide an accessible answer to incubate the future of food trucks.

INCUBATION STATION

Meet Pensacola Cooks, the mobile education company lead by Mike and Jacki Selby that specializes in conducting culinary classes. They currently do on-site training for both adults and children’s groups at homes, as well as local establishments, including downtown locations like the Bodacious Olive, The Wine Bar and Polonza Bistro.

Although officially formed this year, the parties involved in Pensacola Cooks have been involved in conducting cooking classes in the Pensacola area going on eight years. Their newest project is an incubator kitchen—coming Fall 2013.

Although the word “incubator” may throw you off initially—think shared

August 22, 2013

Want to learn more about the Cottage Food Industry? As part of their ongoing series, The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida is presenting a Brown-Bag Lunch on Wednesday, Sept.

4 from noon to 1 p.m. Participants will gain knowledge on the types of foods that can be produced from their home kitchen, licensing and labeling requirements, and how products can be sold.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch. For more information, or to register for this free seminar, call 4742528 or visit sbdc. uwf.edu. The Florida Small Business Development Center is located at 9999 University Pkwy.

kitchen space that allows budding foodies to use it for a reasonable cost, until they are able to afford their own, full-fledged mobile, or other, kitchen operation.

“In addition to being a commercial kitchen that is available for rent to food entrepreneurs at specific hourly rates, an incubator kitchen offers other services that are critical to the success of a foodrelated business,” said Mike Selby.

Not only will it be a kitchen—but a fully functioning educational resource center.

“Many of the services are based upon networking a trusted set of referrals and many of the services include business education. We are located on the west side of Pensacola, minutes away from downtown,” said Selby.

15

Selby explained that the intended use of any incubator kitchen is “to provide Pensacola Cooks offers a variety of ongoing programs, including PC@lunch, PC@home, PC@work a physical, social, and and PC@night. From their lunch classes at Bodacious Olive, to ladies nights out and couples classes, educational environPensacola Cooks’ wide range of flexible programs allow you to participate in a dynamic up close and ment that permits budpersonal setting with one-on-one instruction, or if you so choose, sit back, relax and simply enjoy ding and established indulging on the delightful cuisine prepared right in front of your eyes. food entrepreneurs to Visit pensacolacooks.com to learn more and view an updated calendar of events. grow, to discover and refine their niche in the market place, and then permits the food entrepreneur a broader op“You can get Chicken move on to a bigger location.” portunity for sales and marketing.”

Cordon Bleu on your “In short, a successful incubator “Networking and distribution have lunch break in bigger kitchen will have a large portion of its historically been weaknesses in the growth cities—but we don’t clients move on to be fully established in of local food marketing. One of the goals of have that here [yet].” their own location,” he said. the incubator kitchen is to develop a strong With dedicated members of the SBDC Although the incubator kitchen will not food network that supports local food and like Etheridge on board to provide assisbe solely designated with the intent for use the local seafood industry,” he said. tance to help entrepreneurs, urban dining by food trucks, they can certainly benefit on the rise, and new projects such as the by operating from an incubator kitchen. forthcoming incubator kitchen acting as This is Pensacola Cooks’ first vena resource to those seeking to bring their “You go away [from Pensacola] beture into the world of incubator kitchens, food dreams into fruition, not to mention cause there are no jobs here.

Then you although they have been following and local foodies like Veilleux continuing to come back because you love it and it’s consulting with a number of incubator forge community food relationships, it’s home,” said Etheridge. “We need to give kitchens throughout the country that are clear that both the desire, and sustainable people the opportunity to stay and flourish proving successful—Houston, Chicago, network of support are here. and not have so many regulations.

We have Indianapolis, and central Florida.

Like New Orleans—it’s just going to the opportunity to grow around food.”

“Any area that has a rich food culture is a take some leaps forward.

“The food truck industry is huge and is prime candidate for an incubator kitchen for Billow encourages that much like what coming into vogue. It’s not hot dogs. We’re the food entrepreneurs,” said Selby. “It can has been done with the New Orleans Food talking gourmet.

It’s gone into a whole be especially important in Florida because Truck Coalition, all it takes is someone new realm of ‘Holy cow!’” she exclaimed. operating from a certified incubator kitchen

DRIVING FORWARD

to step out and be the forerunner for the movement—specifically in smaller Southern communities that remain on the brink of a cultural shift—like Pensacola.

“Go for it!” she exclaimed. “We’ll bring our truck [La Cocinita] out.”

“I deal with chefs on a daily basis, and they are so smitten with this idea and in such a productive way. To be able to create a small business and a mobile kitchen that would allow them to explore all of their menu options and their talents and have more freedom and be less constrained than by some of the experiences they’ve already had. There’s an incredible allure to it,” said Veilleux. “It’s completely doable if you’ve got the greatest spirit of adventure ever.” {in}

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Health Matters Heat Up

End of Summer Guide to Heart & Skin Health

by Sarah McCartan

“Everyone across the country in spite of where they are sees an increase of heart issues in the summer. This stress can be a precipitating factor, but that’s a little different than a cause,” Williams said.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

No matter how dedicated to health we may like to think we are, there’s something about summertime that has its way of leading us off of our somewhat straight and narrow paths.

Let’s face it—be it vacations, the suppressive heat, or just over-indulging on sweet treats that keep our blood sugars skyrocketing up, then crashing back down—there are endless distractions throughout the summer months that derail us from our health routines. Our activity levels tend to plummet, and check-ups end up going by the wayside.

With fall only a month away, what better time to reroute into a new routine centered on our overall health and wellbeing. But first thing’s first. Whether or not you are looking to start a new exercise program this fall, step up whatever it is you are currently doing, or are eager to test out an up-and-coming fad diet, or a “get ripped quick” trend, it’s important to remember two key areas of our health that we tend to overlook—our heart and our skin.

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART

Although constantly beating, our heart is not right there visibly glaring at us, holding us accountable, 24/7. As a result, it’s a bit too easy to forget just how important cardiovascular health is to the overall wellbeing and proper functioning of the human body.

Dr. James Williams, board certified cardiologist at Sacred Heart, reminds us that it’s truly unforgettable, or at least should be.

Williams has practiced cardiology for over 30 years and seen firsthand a variety of heart issues, including the silent killer—heart disease.

“Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer for adult men and women, particularly after age 50 across the board,” he said.

Accordingly to Williams, even those individuals less than 40 should be highly concerned with lifestyle choices, on top of genetic predispositions, since these come into play as risk factors, or preventers to a variety of heart issues, most notably, coronary heart disease. These lifestyle choices include things such as keeping your weight,

It's important to remember two key areas of our health that we tend to overlook— our heart and our skin.

818 1

diet and blood pressure in check.

“If you do those things right and if you pick your parents right you won’t have a problem,” he said.

Of course then there are other outside factors, like stress.

Williams explains that typically the effects of stress on your heart are in relation to how you are actually dealing with the outside stresses you’ve been dealt.

For example, if your coping mechanisms happen to be things such as smoking or excessive drinking, those can take a direct toll on your heart health.

“It has to do with how people react to stress—excessive drinking and smoking— not so good,” he said. “It’s tricky. I think stress is a negative factor, but I don’t think it’s a major issue unless it raises your blood pressure or makes you smoke.”

And although environmental factors are not directly linked to heart disease, there is something to be said for the “stress of the seasons.”

If we are talking about someone who doesn’t have heart disease and wants to keep it that way, in addition to not using tobacco products and monitoring your weight to avoid putting you at risk for development of Type 2 Diabetes, Williams instructs the following: “Know your blood pressure and make sure it’s controlled.”

“Know your cholesterol and make sure it’s acceptable.”

“Get regular exercise.”

“Don’t be foolish in what you eat.”

Like most things, when it comes to preventative treatments for heart disease, there is a catch.

“I think there is some degree of controversy of the appropriate preventative treatment,” said Williams. “Everyone needs to have their blood pressure and cholesterol checked through their family doctor.

The problem that comes up is how aggressive to be in the treatment.”

What about the active, and otherwise healthy people who tend to think, “I am active and healthy so I don’t need to check on my heart—right?”

Although people tend to think of heart attacks when heart disease is mentioned, there are a variety of other issues that often go overlooked that can affect individuals of all ages.

“When most people talk about heart disease in adults they think of coronary heart disease—that causes heart attacks.

But it is a misconception because heart diseases can include rhythm disturbances, and other aspects of heart function as well,” said Williams.

“Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer for adult men and women, particularly after age 50 across the board.”

Dr. James Williams

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HEART-HEALTH SCREENINGS

Before beginning a new routine, or restarting an existing, it’s best to get some routine checkups. While blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol issues can all increase the risk of coronary heart disease if left untreated, they are vital to all areas of health and day-to-day functioning and can and should be checked regularly.

For the remainder of August, Sacred Heart Health System is currently providing free heart-health screenings throughout the area. These Heart-health screenings measure blood pressure, blood sugar and total cholesterol and can detect anemia.

They are helpful in diagnosing conditions that put people at high risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other health problems.

Upcoming Dates & Locations • Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kingdom Life Worship Center, 1508 W. LaRua St., Pensacola. Non-fasting hearthealth screening.

• Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Orange Beach Senior Center, 26251 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Ala. Non-fasting heart-health screening.

• Aug. 28 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Moorings Apartments, 8491 Old Spanish Trail Road, Pensacola. Heart-health screening.

For more information about this enrollment, please call 416-6040.

CALCULATING THE SCORE

When we talk about screening tests for heart disease—the appropriate use of tests is limited and controversial. Most of these tests are imperfect and are not cheap.

“People need to remember that by the time you get heart disease, it’s a much bigger problem,” said Williams.

While there is an actual “stress test,” that can be performed, it is a bit trickier to use as a diagnostic tool and can also be a bit controversial.

“For a patient who has significant risk factors who wants to start an exercise program—we would do a stress test. It’s a screening in anticipation of a particular outcome,” said Williams.

The Coronary Calcium Score is one test Williams considers valuable in recognizing heart disease. And in some areas of the country, such as where Williams practiced in Austin, Texas, this test is covered by insurance companies. Although not covered in Florida yet, Williams encourages that at $100 bucks, it’s a pretty good deal.

“It’s an x-ray test that allows identification, localization and quantification of calcium deposits inside arteries in the heart,” he explained.

August 22, 2013

Not only does the test take all of your risk factors into account, and roll them into one “score,” it allows you to see what “damage,” in essence, is currently being done so you know the appropriate treatment.

“Here’s the catch,” he said. “Because of genetics, which can trump the other risk factors, it’s not enough to add up the risk factors and say ‘You should be worried’ or ‘Shouldn’t be worried.’ A large percentage of otherwise healthy individuals can be reclassified as being high or low risk, after they have the test.”

This test also helps answer questions when doctors are deciding whether or not to use medicine as treatment. Williams affirms that there are great medications for cholesterol out there but diet and exercise should be used first.

Ultimately, “A stitch in time saves nine,” said Dr. Williams, meaning timely, proactive efforts will prevent more work and potential struggle later.

Dr. James Williams Sacred Heart Hospital Medical Office Building 5153 N. 9th Avenue, Suite 404 416-4970 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Get Some Skin in Your Game

The truth is, if we were outside at all this summer in the heat of the Florida sun, chances are we left ourselves largely overexposed and under-protected.

As the end of summer nears, whether or not you feel dried up, or burnt out, it’s a good time to evaluate your skin. Not only is it important to take notice of any visible damage that has been done to your skin to decide what treatment options are available or necessary, but ultimately it serves as a good reminder to be proactive when it comes to your skin health. Skin health is certainly not only skin deep, after all.

While Dr. Kevin Welch, local cosmetic dermatologist, confirms that “daily use of sunscreen is the single most important thing a person can do for skin health,” he provided us with some valuable insights—things that we all need to add to our skincare routines.

CHECK IT OUT

Along with advising that a yearly skin check up with a health care professional is a good idea, Dr. Welch encourages that even more important, are frequent self-exams.

“In terms of screenings, probably the single most important thing is performing a self-exam,” said Dr. Welch. “Just as women are encouraged to do monthly breast selfexams, everyone should try to regularly look at their skin for the appearance of new or changing moles, or spots that will not heal.”

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Individuals that do see changes of concern should certainly seek a health care professional to assess any health threats or risk that could potentially exist and decipher next steps.

According to Dr. Welch, in terms of skin changes to look for, the most common are going to be brown spots, lentigos, and darkening, hyper-pigmentation, of the skin.

“These are seen most commonly in chronically exposed areas such as the face, chest and arms,” he said. “Sun can also cause a worsening of melasma, the patchy skin darkening that is seen mostly on the face of women, often in conjunction with hormone exposure.

This can be especially prominent in skin of color.”

For those seeking additional treatment options, he recommends the addition of Retin A (tretinoin) as a simple and popular tactic with real benefits. Other services that Dr. Welch performs such as Botox and fillers like Juvederm can effectively address wrinkles and loss of facial volume.

“Intense pulsed light (IPL), a mild laser treatment, can dramatically reduce brown spots, and also redness such as seen with rosacea. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can smooth out skin texture, such as the lines that develop around the eyes and upper lip,” he said.

“Daily use of sunscreen is the single most important thing a person can do for skin health."

Dr. Kevin Welch

A LITTLE OILY

When we see our skin drying out we tend to think that drinking a ton of water is the answer. While water is the key to keeping our bodies hydrated, what we may not realize is that what our skin is crying out for to keep it supple and hydrated is actually oil.

“Skin dehydration is often not a loss or absence of water, but rather of oil,” Dr. Welch explained. “Water does not keep skin moist, oil does. When skin dries out, it is a lack of oil that is the key factor. Moisturizers provide oil, not water, to the skin.”

TREAT YO’ SELF

Skin rejuvenation is a huge topic amongst those seeking rejuvenation, as well as professionals.

“Right now creams containing growth factors are on the rise as well as bleaching creams that reduce hyper-pigmentation,” said Dr. Welch.

REST & DESTRESS

Although stress isn’t as glaringly obvious to others on the outside, it certainly is obvious to us when it takes over our bodies on the inside, and can certainly have physical repercussions.

“A person who is undergoing physical or emotional stress can develop dry, dull skin.

Additional lines may form on the face. A loss of weight may cause the face to look older. Under eye circles may become more prominent,” Welch explained.

“Of course the best treatment is to eliminate the stress, but good luck with that.”

Personally, for the IN staff, we can all get behind the idea, and at least recommend a Spa Day to start with. After we perform a DIY check-up, and oil up, of course. {in} Dr. Kevin Welch Medical Center Clinic; Welch Skin Care Center 8333 N. Davis Highway 474-8386 kevinwelchmd.com

WEEK OF AUGUST 22-29

August 22, 2013

21

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

When Buzz Rings True

by Brett Hutchins

make a direct sequel to the first record. I love that first record. It's a cool experiment that's very much about the personality of the instruments that were sitting in our lead singer's living room—an organ and an old, beat-up upright piano. With this record, we allowed ourselves to bring in all of our influences, not just a narrow focus. We're children of the ‘80s, so it's no surprise that those influences came through. We aren't doing an ‘80s retro thing. We actually are children of the ‘80s.

“We're all focused on putting 100-percent energy to bring the whole crowd into the show. When you get that audience in tune, it's impossible not to have fun.”

Jeremy Ruzumna to really amp up the energy of our tracks. I've never been in a band where people will come up to me and say it's literally the best show they've ever seen.

press photo It takes most bands years to gain traction with the public. This is not the case for Fitz & the Tantrums. Within a week of meeting, they were playing their first gig. By their 10th show, they were in front of 8,000 people at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater. Keyboard player Jeremy Ruzumna tells the story of the band's fortuitous meeting, its rocket ride to relative stardom, and having the gall to sonically branch off from a debut album that was so successful.

IN: The band clicked as soon as you all got together. Can you talk about the magic in that room at that first rehearsal?

RUZUMNA: Before we even had much of a conversation, we just started playing the songs we knew. There was some jamming.

As soon as we started playing, we knew it was going to work. Some of us had played together in other bands, but some of us didn't know each other at all.

IN: How was it going from that initial rehearsal to your first show in one week's time?

RUZUMNA: It was exciting. That first

show was at a small singer-songwriteracoustic guitar place in Los Angeles called the Hotel Cafe. We stormed in there with a full band. That video footage is entertaining because it's this tiny venue and we are blasting it. Even then, I remember having no doubt that we'd be playing larger venues soon.

IN: How did the band deal with getting so much buzz so quickly?

RUZUMNA: It's odd when you're in the band. We're in our little bubble driving around in a van or bus. You hear some of the talk, but you don't actually see it in action until you're up there on stage and people know every word of every song. It's more surreal than anything.

IN: Why was being a live band so important to you guys from the beginning?

RUZUMNA: A lot of people go out and get the record, but when the show rolls around, they bring a couple of their friends who had never heard of us or seen us. The live show keeps them coming back. It's equally as important as the album and gives us a chance

IN: What's the secret to having fun every night when you're touring non-stop?

RUZUMNA: I try to pretend that it's the first time playing the songs. I put myself in the audience's shoes and realize that it could be their first time hearing the songs. Maybe they only see us when we come through their town. We're all focused on putting 100-percent energy to bring the whole crowd into the show. When you get that audience in tune, it's impossible not to have fun.

IN: A good chunk of this latest record was written on the road. What's different about writing on the road versus at home?

RUZUMNA: We recorded a lot of ideas and jams on our phones during sound checks. We probably have a few hundred of those sitting around. The sound is definitely different on this record. The ideas came from all over the place, the entire band. You can hear that in how eclectic the sound is.

IN: Coming from that generation, it had to have been out of this world to work with Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates for one of the episodes of his TV show, “Live at Daryl's House.”

RUZUMNA: You watch those guys and forget that every one of their songs was a massive hit. For me, being anywhere near that cabin reminded me how high you have to set the bar with songwriting and production quality. It was a beacon for us.

IN: For you, what's been the defining moment of the band?

RUZUMNA: One of my big moments was a couple of years ago at Lollapalooza. We were starting to get some buzz. There was a moment there where I got out of my bubble on stage and looked up at how huge the crowd was. It wasn't an anonymous crowd, either. It was one of those “Is this real life” moments for me. {in}

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS

IN: The new songs have more of an ‘80s and new wave sound going on to complement the retro soul of the last record. Was that a conscious direction?

RUZUMNA: We didn't want to

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox COST: $25 DETAILS: fitzandthetantrums.com or vinylmusichall.com

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inweekly.net

23

August 22, 2013

music

by Ashley Faulkner

Locals Only

If there is one show to see this weekend, it’s the Local Showcase going down Friday, Aug. 23 at Vinyl Music Hall featuring Jonni Greth, Isle, Pioneers! O Pioneers! and Jpegasus. Dig that $5 out of your couch cushions, hit up Grandma for early birthday money or consider selling some of that sweet, sweet plasma—it’ll be worth it to see what music the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Magnolia Springs, Ala., is where songwriter and two-time Pensacola resident Jonni Greth lays his head to rest these days.

Taking time out from a home-cooked TexMex dinner to talk to the IN on the phone,

Greth explained his take on whether growing up in the South has shaped his sometimes dark and religiously-informed lyrics rather than growing up in a more secular region would have.

“It really depends,” Greth said.

“If a person has been raised in a Christian environment at all it seems like the evangelical world has become more homogenized—that a lot of the Christian experience is the same everywhere.

[But] there is a lot that makes the South unique.”

"Pretty much if I play anywhere in the South, there are going to be people who relate to [my music],” he continued. “And they don’t think exactly the same way in the North; not everyone has that religious consciousness that we have down here.”

Echoing an almost Southern Gothic mentality in his lyrics, Greth agreed that growing up and developing as a musician here had a definite influence on his work. “I’ve talked about that a lot with my songwriter friends and their approaches are different depending on where they’ve come from,” he said. “Out West, especially in the Northwest, they seem to be a bit more flowery, at least the people I’ve known. They’ve got that kind of Western prose going on. Southern songwriters seem to be a lot darker.”

Greth uses the same inspiration to create his visual art, using his Tumblr page Mountain Dew Mouth (mountaindewmouth.tumblr. com) to expand his ideas past what he can get down on paper in song form. When the drive is not right for songwriting, he explained that he uses his collages, paintings and drawings to explore the same themes.

Through this, his fans can gain a deeper understand- self-portrait painting by Jonni Greth

“I am obsessed with what every other Southerner is obsessed with—which seems to be God, sex and death.”

Jonni Greth The juxtaposition of lyrics like “And Grandpa got shook up when the Parkinson’s set in and Grandma’s heart broke every day since he forgot her name” against music with that power pop edge certainly seems to take “Virgin Queen” exactly from his lyrically dark roots to the place that Greth aimed for.

Greth hopes to one day move on to more of a power pop sound like idol Chilton, but admits that so far song writing has served as a coping skill to work out feelings of depression. One may think that he is at least on his way, however, when he also admits another musical love—“Wings” by Paul McCartney.

“Paul McCartney’s later stuff is amazing to me,” he said. “It’s cheesy as all get out but it’s really well-written and it’s super happy. It takes a lot of bravery to do that.”

When asked teasingly if we might hear a “Wings” cover Friday night, Greth promised with a laugh, “Maybe one day when I get good enough.” {in}

ing from his visual art, and vice versa.

“They are about the same things, but it is almost like looking at it from a different angle. I am obsessed with what every other Southerner is obsessed with—which seems to be God, sex and death,” he added with a small laugh.

The Southern influence extends as far as the music Greth has been listening to most recently—the album “Third” by Big Star. After a quick lesson about Big Star frontman Alex Chilton, described

by Greth as “a depressed kid from Memphis” following the end of previous group the Box Tops, Greth WHAT: Jonni Greth with Isle, Pioneers! O mused about the influence listenPioneers!, Jpegasus ing to the album has had on his own WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 music. “[Big Star] had great melody WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox lines and gradually got into the COST: $5 power pop thing. Whether or not it DETAILS: vinylmusichall.com came though, that’s what I was kind

LOCAL SHOWCASE

of trying to do with ‘Virgin Queen.’”

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FOREVER DIETING? TIME TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD. A LUMINOUS LIFE HYPNOTHERAPY

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inweekly.net

happenings

Ears & Fingers

by Jason Leger

Superchunk – ‘I HATE MUSIC’ “I hate music. What is it worth? Can’t bring anyone back to this earth or fill in the space between all of the notes.

But I’ve got nothing else, so I guess here we go.” If you have learned anything about me over the past few months of this column, I hope it has been that

I’m a huge fan of simplicity and minimalism. The less complex music comes across to the listener, the easier it is for me to stomach. I haven’t always been this way, but I’m getting old and I just don’t have the time anymore.

With this is mind, it’s probably easy for one to see why the new Superchunk album, “I Hate Music” is so vividly appealing to me. Superchunk are indie rock veterans who at this point, 23 years after the release of their first album, seem to be at the top of their game. This long-player will be the second the band has produced since returning from a nine-year hiatus in 2010 with “Majestic Shredding.”

Any real knowledge of the band and its members will reveal how glaringly ironic the title “I Hate Music” really is.

Even just taking an outsider’s look at singer Mac McCaughan’s life, his mass of output between two bands—Superchunk and Portastatic, as well as the fact that he finds the time to run Merge Records, will actually show how deeply the people who make up Superchunk love and live for

music. The title, as captured in the quote at the beginning, mostly seems to speak of the fact that the things we love can’t always help us up when we need or hardly ever can they change our circumstances, but that shouldn’t keep us from enjoying them. McCaughan and I have learned that this becomes a more devastating, albeit necessary fact the older we get.

Musically, the album finds Superchunk as energetic and urgent as ever, while giving us a bit more coherency and polish. Listening to this album really became nostalgic to me, as it made me reminisce over some of the great punk influenced bands I listened to when I was younger. However, instead of focusing on girls or getting drunk, McCaughan lends his lyrics toward more grown up and, at times, considerably darker fare. After all, what good is getting older if we don’t find healthier ways to deal with loss? McCaughan puts it all out in the open and invites us all to peer inside what is sure to be considered Superchunk’s most lyrically somber album to date.

Highlights include a full range of what Superchunk are capable of, energetic anthem “Me & You & Jackie Mittoo,” vibrantly catchy “Void,” brash punk rager “Staying Home,” which clocks in at 1:15, as well as the brilliantly masked dark themes of album opener “Overflows.”

Probably the most brazen track on the album comes at the end of the 38 minute affair. “What Can We Do” is a lengthy, breezy tune about accepting life as it comes, finding what can be taken, and progressing with that newfound knowledge. This seems to be the theme of the album, as McCaughan has discovered these are the ways we carry on and fully live in the face of loss or pain; all we can do is move forward.

Superchunk are certainly older and wiser than they were even three years ago at the release of “Majesty Shredding,” but they fully embrace their age and have only gotten better with time. It will be a good while before we can count them out of indie rock relevance. “I Hate Music” is out now via Merge Records. {in}

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25

August 22, 2013

happenings

It's Pet Photo Booth Time!

Well, almost. The IN is teaming up with Limelight Photobooth and The Spotted Dog to bring together an owner and pooch (or cat or bird or lizard...) photo op next Saturday. Don't have a pet? That's ok too. Just bring a donation and husband/wife/significant other/kid/friend and join in on the fun.

We'll have plenty of props on hand, and you can maybe even check off your Christmas card photo early this year. {in}

PET-FRIENDLY PHOTO BOOTH

WHEN: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 WHERE: The Spotted Dog, 124 S. Palafox COST: Monetary or pet item donation. All proceeds benefit a local animal non-profit.

THURSDAY 8.22

RUNNING: SIX AT SIX 6 a.m. Running Wild, 3012 E Cervantes St. 435-9222 or werunwild.com.

VIVA FLORIDA 500 ‘ARTIFACTS’ 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The exhibition celebrates 500 years of Florida’s history – its people, places and cultural achievements. Exhibit on display through Sept. 28. First City Art Center Studios and Gallery, 1060 N. Guillemard St. 429-1222 or FirstCityArt.org MESS HALL 10 a.m. The Pensacola MESS Hall (Math, Engineering, Science & Stuff) offers weekly themes, special activities and workshops that captivate curious minds of all ages and inspire a lifetime of discovery. 116 N. Tarragona St. 877-937-6377 or PensacolaMESShall.org.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. Exhibits include Diane Brim, Marilyn Givens, Kate Owens, Geoffrey Powers. 17 E. Zaragoza St, 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. The Blue Morning Gallery's Spotlight on Art focuses on the third of the Visiting Artist shows, "August Ash," the work of well-known potter and instructor Larry Manning. August Ash is a study in wood fired pottery, specifically form, surface

and firing techniques. 21 S. Palafox. 429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

DRAGONFLY GALLERY 10 a.m. The gallery’s feature room is a favorite site for artists from throughout Santa Rosa County. 5188 Escambia St., Milton. 981-1100 or thedragonflygallery.com.

ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m. Artel Gallery presents " Line and Form,” a juried exhibit. 223 Palafox, Old County Courthouse. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

‘LANDSCAPES’ 10 a.m. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 432-6247 or pensacolamuseumofart.com.

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave. 433-9463 or aragonwinemarket.com.

WINE & GLIDE SEGWAY TOUR 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This one-hour Segway tour includes a stop at Seville Quarter or Aragon Wine Market for a wine tasting. Emerald Coast Tours, 701 S. Palafox. $45.

417-9292 or emeraldcoasttours.net.

live music

THE DAVENPORTS 6 p.m. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

JAMES AND FRIENDS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

COLLEGE DANCE NIGHT: MR. LAO 9 p.m.

Phineas Phogg's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

FRIDAY 8.23

WINE TASTING AT SEVILLE QUARTER 5 p.m.

Palace Café at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

WINE TASTING AT CITY GROCERY 5:15 p.m.

City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. 469-8100.

WINE TASTING AT EAST HILL MARKET 5:30 p.m. 1216 N. Ninth Ave. WINE & GLIDE SEGWAY TOUR 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This one-hour Segway tour includes a stop at Seville Quarter or Aragon Wine Market for a wine tasting. Emerald Coast Tours, 701 S. Palafox. $45.

417-9292 or emeraldcoasttours.net.

GROUP RUN AT PLAY 5:30 p.m. All abilities welcome. A casual run with fun partner exercises. Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 100 466-3080 or iplaypensacola.com.

BLUE WAHOOS GAME 7 p.m. versus Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, 300 W Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

LIGHT OF THE MOON TOUR 8 p.m. Climb to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse for the most breathtaking view of a moonlit Pensacola Bay, weather permitting. A bit of history and some ghost stories combine to make a fun tour for all. Tour times are set in relation to sunset times and will vary. This event is family friendly.

Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, 2081 Radford Blvd. Adults $10, Kids 7-12 $5. 393-1561 or pensacolalighthouse.org.

live music

VINYL MUSIC HALL PRESENTS - LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE 8 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, $5. 435-9849 or vinylmusichall.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

RICK MCNULTY 8:30 p.m. The Tin Cow, 102 South Palafox, 466-2103 or thetincow.com.

THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.

KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 8:30 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

BANANA REPUPLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

DJ MR. LAO 8 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

NICK & THE OVOROLS 9 p.m. Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

GRAND THEFT AUTO 9 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

FISH SANDWICH 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks, 10 South Palafox, 497-6076 or hopjacks.com.

SATURDAY 8.24

PALAFOX MARKET 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox St. Palafoxmarket.com.

VIVA FLORIDA 500 ‘ARTIFACTS’ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Exhibit on display through Sept. 28. First City Art Center Studios and Gallery, 1060 N. Guillemard St. 429-1222 or FirstCityArt.org MESS HALL 10 a.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. 877937-6377 or PensacolaMESShall.org.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY 10 a.m. 17 E. Zaragoza St, 438-2363 or quaysidegallery.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY 10 a.m. 21 S. Palafox.

429-9100 or bluemorninggallery.com.

DRAGONFLY GALLERY 10 a.m. 5188 Escambia St., Milton. 981-1100 or thedragonflygallery.com.

ARTEL GALLERY 10 a.m. 432-3080 or artelgallery.org.

BLUE WAHOOS GAME 6:30 p.m. versus Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, 300 W Main St. 934-8444 or bluewahoos.com.

BAYOU TEXAR TORCHLIGHT TOUR 7 p.m.

Saturdays through Oct. 26. Pensacola Paddle Sport Rentals offers an evening of exploring the waters of Bayou Texar guided by torch, under the light of the moon. Tour leaves from the beach next to the fishing pier at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. $10 for single kayaks, $15 for tandem kayaks. 255-5423 or pensacolapaddlesport.com.

SAENGER CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES – REAR WINDOW 7 p.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox. $5 General Admission. 595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.

live music

REUNION BAND 4 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 469-1001 or hubstaceys.com.

DJ MR. LAO 8 p.m. Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

DUELLING PIANOS 8 p.m. Rosie O’ Grady’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

VINYL MUSIC HALL PRESENTS – CEDRIC BURNSIDE 8 p.m. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, $5. 435-9849 or vinylmusichall.com.

EL FUEGO 8:30 p.m. The Tin Cow, 102 South Palafox, 466-2103 or thetincow.com.

KRAZY GEORGE KARAOKE 9 p.m. Hub Stacey’s Downtown, 312 E. Government St. 4691001 or hubstaceys.com.

BANANA REPUPLIC 9 p.m. The Deck at The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

GRAND THEFT AUTO 9 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

KNEE DEEP BAND 9:30 p.m. Hopjacks, 10 South Palafox, 497-6076 or hopjacks.com.

SUNDAY 8.25

BUBBLES & BRUNCH 9 a.m. Enjoy Gourmet Brunch Trios for $12...you pick the three delicious items to build your perfect brunch. Bottomless Champagne & Mimosas for $5. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox. 912-4229 or tlcdowntown.com.

THE FISH HOUSE BRUNCH 10:30 a.m. Delicious Sunday brunch on the Pensacola Bay. The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St. 470-0003 or fishhouse.goodgrits.com.

SEVILLE QUARTER SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 a.m.

Whether it’s a special occasion, an opportunity for friends to catch up, or a pleasant start to a lazy Sunday, brunch at Seville Quarter’s is a great way to treat your family every Sunday. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. 434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

END OF THE LINE BRUNCH 11 a.m. This vegan café offers its unique brunch every Sunday. 610 E. Wright St. $12. 429-0336 or eotlcafe.com.

MESS HALL 1 p.m. 116 N. Tarragona St. 877-9376377 or PensacolaMESShall.org.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

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Y2B A PYP: A GATHERING AND ORIENTATION FOR NEW FACES

Are you new to PYP? Still a little confused how to get involved working with our teams? Do you have some great ideas to bring to the table and contribute to the effort of our group? Well, it’s time to get together and get started! “Y2B a PYP” is a special networking event to orient new members (or even those who aren’t quite as new) to what PYP is all about and how to get involved with what we offer that interests you. There will be an introduction to each of PYP’s teams and explanations of what each team does and how you can help. We will explore how and why PYP is becoming such a dynamic force for leadership and change here in the Pensacola Bay area. This is also an ideal event for those who may be interested in joining PYP, as it’s a great time to meet current and new members and ask plenty of questions about the goals and missions of PYP. The event will be held on Thursday, September 19th, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at IMS Expert Services at 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 4.

We hope to see lots of new members and new faces there!

PYP’S NETWORKING NIGHT

Join PYP for the September 2013 Networking Night at Jaco’s in downtown Pensacola from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th! Our theme this month is “Networking on the Bayfront” to celebrate the end of summer on our beautiful Pensacola Bay. Come enjoy wonderful food and drinks and the lovely view of the sunset on the bay from Jaco’s at the pier.

Membership is not required, but it is preferred. Bring a stack of business cards and get your networking on! If you have any friends who are interested in joining PYP, bring them along. This is a great event to meet fellow PYP members, both for those are already members and those thinking about joining.

MEMBER OF MONTH: HALEY WILLIS

Haley Willis is one of PYP’s newest members, but that has not stopped her from jumping in and making a name for herself as one of Pensacola’s emerging leaders. She has made her mark in PYP and shown her dedication to the Quality of Life Team by bringing volunteer opportunities to the table and leading our recent Ocean Hour Beach Clean-Up on July 20th. She also had a hand in painting Pathways for Change’s Urban Garden. Haley has also started to take part in our Economic Development/Government Affairs Teams and was an active participant in our Belmont-

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Devilliers Community Beautification Projects. With her passion and commitment, it is no wonder she is PYP’s “member of the month.” With what we have seen in just a few short months, we know Haley will continue to make a real impact in our community.

LEADER OF THE MONTH: HONG TRAN

Hong Tran is PYP’s board member at-large for strategic planning. Using her wealth of knowledge and experience from working on strategic plans at Baptist Hospital, Hong has spent the last several months leading PYP’s board in its efforts to revamp our own strategic plan. Thanks to Hong’s hours of work and dedication, and her patient guidance of PYP’s team leaders and executive officers, PYP now has a complete strategic plan that provides excellent short and long-term goals for the organization.

This plan helps better define our organizational goals and provides concrete metrics for measuring our progress towards those goals. Thank you so much to Hong for helping PYP craft and implement such an important document!

PYP enjoyed a great networking event last month with our brethren from Santa Rosa Young Professionals. PYP and SRYP shared the Margaritaville deck at the August 9 Blue Wahoos baseball game. Over 65 young professionals from the two groups attended, and a great time was had by all!

EVENT CALENDAR September 10 Economic Development & Government Affairs Teams Meeting CAVU at the Crown Plaza Hotel 5:30-7:00 PM September 12 Quarterly Meeting #3 TBD 5:30-7:00 PM September 16 PYP’s No-Obligation Book Club 5 ½ Bar 6:00-7:00 PM September 17 PPDI Team Meeting Sluggo’s 12:00-1:00 PM September 19 Y2B a PYP IMS Expert Services 5:30-7:00 PM September 25 Quality of Life Team Meeting Fish House 5:30-7:00 PM

September 26 Networking Night Jaco’s 5:30-7:30 PM September 28 PYP Volunteering – Seafood Festival 5K Run Seville Quarter 8:00-10:30 AM

WWW.PENSACOLAYP.COM

27

August 22, 2013

news of the weird HAUTE WATER The upscale restaurant at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced in August that it would soon add a 20-item selection of waters from around the world, priced from $8 to $16 a bottle (except for a $12 "tasting menu"). Martin Riese, general manager of Ray's & Stark Bar, who is also a renowned water gourmet, will sell his own California-made 9OH2O, which comes in "limited editions of 10,000 individually numbered glass bottles" at $14 each. Said Riese, "(M)any people don't know that water is just as important to the entire dining experience (as, say, a good wine)." Riese has been certified as a Water Sommelier by the German Mineral Water Association.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS A security lab, delivering a report to the makers of software for a luxury Japanese toilet, warned that a flaw in their Android program renders the toilet hackable—even while a user sits on it.

The Satis (which retails for the equivalent of about $5,600) includes automatic flushing, bidet spray, fragrance-spritzing, and music, according to an August BBC News report, and is controllable by a "My Satis" cellphone app.

However, the PIN to operate the app is unalterably "0000," which means that a prankster with the app could create some very uncomfortable mischief in a public restroom.

• The CEO of Christian Schools Australia told the Australian Associated Press in June that Caloundra Christian College in Queensland teaches a range of creative sexual health messages and offered the school's recent student pamphlet, "101 Things to Do Instead of Doing It," as evidence. Recommended substitutes: "Pretend you're six again," "Have a water fight," "Blow bubbles in the park," and "Have a burping contest."

• What Hawkmoth Researchers Know: According to their study in July in the Royal Society of Biology Letters, researchers from the University of Florida and Boise State somehow have learned that the hawkmoth evolved to avoid predator bats by jamming bats' signature radar-like hunting technique called echolocation. A co-author told

by Chuck Shepherd

ScienceRecorder.com that the hawkmoth "confuses" the bats by emitting sonic pulses from its genitals.

• New Meaning to "Hon. John Hurley": Immediately following Judge John Hurley's having reduced her bond from $76,000 to $10,000 on drug trafficking charges in a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., courtroom in August, Felicia Underwood, 38, asked, "You can't make it a little lower, hon?" According to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel report, Hurley was momentarily taken aback, asking: "Did she just refer to the court as 'honey'?" "Oh, well ..." (He kept the bond at $10,000.)

• Adult "swinger" clubs occasionally rent commercial facilities like restaurants for an evening in which randy couples can mingle, but a club in Melbourne, Australia, struck a deal with the Casey Kids Play House Cranbourne, where frolickers could enjoy the playtime equipment—until parents of children who play there found out in June. The parents were especially concerned about the partiers cavorting among the plastic balls in the giant ball pit. One parent told the Herald Sun, "My son is one (who) puts balls in his mouth."

• British birdwatchers were especially excited by news earlier this year that a rare White-throated Needletail (the world's fastest flying bird) had been spotted on the U.K.'s Isles of Harris—only the eighth such sighting in Britain in 170 years—and ornithologists arranged for an expedition that attracted birdwatchers from around the world. A June report in the Daily Telegraph noted that about 80 people were on the scene when the bird appeared again, but then had to watch it fly straight toward the blades of a wind turbine. (As the event might be described by Monty Python, the bird thus joined the choir invisible, left this mortal coil, became an ex-White-throated Needletail.) {in}

Director, Information Technology Performance/ Cyber Security Center Innovation Institute, Position #120620

The University of West Florida, Innovation Institute invites applications for the position of Director. The Director provides leadership for and facilitates UWF Information Technology interdisciplinary initiatives and areas relevant to the Center mission, role, and scope working with UWF faculty and administrators as well as local, regional and national cyber security and information assurance education organizations in government, industry and academia.

The Director works with internal groups to: • Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Center that addresses the funding requirements and longterm sustainability; • Support interdisciplinary academic efforts in the College of Arts and Science, College of Business, College of Professional Studies, and Division of Distance and Continuing in content areas related to Center mission, role, and scope; • Work with department chairs and faculty in support of curriculum for credit and non-credit at undergraduate and graduate levels; • Work with groups such as the Military Resource Veterans Center and education partners throughout Northwest Florida; • Lead Advisory Committee comprised of faculty, students administrators, and business and industry representatives; • Support faculty research efforts through coordination and support of the development and procurement of cyber security and information assurance education-related grants and contracts; • Develop and implement assessment plan and use data to make decisions; • Disseminate internal education and research activities to external partners and constituents; • Coordinate external recognitions, certifications and accreditations; • Sponsor and coordinate education seminars, conferences, competitions and workshops; • Collect and organize information about education and research opportunities from eternal entities and disseminate to interested parties; • Sponsor the development and publication of cyber security and information assurance pedagogical research; • Supervise Center functions, processes and personnel, data, systems and finances.

• Monitor and report the Center’s performance relevant to the State of Florida funding requirements.

The Director works with external groups to: • Market Information Technology initiatives, including cyber security and information assurance academic programs; • Serve as the point of contact for external requests for information related to information technology, cyber security and information assurance education and research; • Work with regional and national education and industry partners; • Provide external entities with information about education and research activities on campus; • Coordinate external education and research functions.

Director will teach in one of the IT/Cyber-related programs or certificates.

Applicants should be prepared to attach a cover letter, curriculum vita, and names and contact information of three professional references to the online application. Salary: $70,000-$85,000 annually. For the complete announcement and position description, including qualifications and experience, please see our website: https://jobs.uwf.edu. The deadline to apply for this position is September 9, 2013, but it will remain open until filled.

This position requires a criminal background screening and evidence of legal authority to work in the United States.

UWF is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action Employer. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to respond is required to advise UWF by contacting the UWF Human Resources Department at 1-850-474-2694 (voice) or 1-850-857-6114 (TTY).

Apply online at https://jobs.uwf.edu.

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From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2013 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

Blue Moon

Antique Mall Got Stuff?

Sell it at Blue Moon.

A few very select spaces are currently available.

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3721 W Navy Blvd. 455-7377 Tues – Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5

We promise you the most memorable meal Runner Up Best Japanese Cuisine & Best Sushi

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant 850-494-2227 5555 N. Davis Hwy www.ichibanpensacola.com

Don’t be fooled by BP OIL SPILL ADS BP is the true FELON Here is the timeline of criminal conduct by the BP Oil Company: - September, 1999: Dumped hazardous waste in Alaska, $22 million in fines and penalties.

- May-June, 2000: Grangemouth, Scotland in which three separate incidents resulted in two criminal charges. BP pled guilty and was fined £1 million (pounds).

- March, 2005: Texas City Refinery Explosion, 15 deaths, 180 injured, and pled guilty to felony violations.

- 2005: BP pays $60 million in California Air Pollution violations.

- March, 2006: BP pipeline corrodes and dumps largest spill ever on Alaska’s North Slope.

- April, 2006: BP fined for unsafe conditions at Oregon-Ohio Refinery - 2007-2010: BP refineries in Texas and others accounted for 97% of all Petroleum Industry OSHA violations (760 BP violations). BP was cited for “egregious, willful” misconduct.

- In 2007 BP paid $300 million in fines and penalties relating to an illegal price fixing scheme.

- October, 2009: 270 safety violations, paid fines and penalties, and pled guilty to felony violations.

- April, 2010: Deepwater Horizon Semi-submersible explodes, kills 11 people, injures 16, and is the largest spill in the history of the Petroleum Industry.

- December, 2012: BP pleads guilty to 11 counts of felony manslaughter (Misconduct or Neglect of Ship Officers), 2 misdemeanors, 1 count of perjury in lying to Congress and is forced to pay $4.5 billion in criminal fines and penalties.

NOW THEY WANT YOU TO BELIEVE OIL SPILL CLAIMANTS ARE THE PROBLEM DON’T BELIEVE IT

PENSACOLA, FL

Independent News | August 22, 2013 | inweekly.net