winners & losers winners losers
LEVIN PAPANTONIO The law firm donated $25,000 to Community Health Northwest Florida to support its annual Communities Caring at Christmas charitable campaign. Started in 1979, this effort provides new toys, clothing and daily living needs for abused, disadvantaged and abandoned children living in foster care, as well as children living in poverty and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
GEORGE DODGE & JOE O'NEIL The Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) presented Presidential Service Medals for Volunteerism to these members of the Pensacola AHEPA Chapter on Veterans Day. Each year, the Pensacola AHEPA Chapter assists in the annual Veterans Day Parade and events. The Order of AHEPA was founded in 1922 in Atlanta on principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada and Europe.
BRANDT & SAMANTHA HENDRICKS
Florida Farm Bureau named the Jay couple the state winners of its coveted Achievement in Agriculture award. The Hendricks are thirdgeneration farmers of Hendricks & Son Farms. They grow cotton, peanuts and hay and raise direct-to-consumer beef cattle. The couple will receive a $45,000 cash prize, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Companies, a $500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to compete for the national title at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention. The Achievement in Agriculture Award recognizes Florida Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers program members who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on their agricultural operation's growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside the organization.
NAVY
FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
We have hundreds of hardworking friends and neighbors at the Beulah campus, but the national leadership of Escambia County's largest employer continues to get fined for mistreating its members. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ordered Navy Federal to refund more than $80 million to consumers, stop charging illegal overdraft fees and pay a $15 million civil penalty to the CFPB's victims relief fund. According to CFPB, through its "Optional Overdraft Protection Service," the credit union charged consumers $20 for most overdraft transactions, collecting nearly $1 billion in overdraft fees from 2017 to 2021. This is not the first time the CFPB has fined Navy Federal for illegally taking advantage of its members. In 2016, the CFPB took action against Navy Federal for making false threats about debt collection to its members, who include active-duty military, retired service members and their families. CFPB ordered Navy Federal to pay victims roughly $23 million in redress and a civil penalty of $5.5 million.
BAPTIST HOSPITAL We also have friends working at Baptist, but its highly compensated leadership has dumped on the City of Pensacola its "legacy campus" in the West Moreno District, ignoring its commitment to provide medical services to the inner-city neighborhood they abandoned. A year later, the city's consultants determined that the hospital, medical tower and an assortment of other buildings were unsalvageable. The only option appears to be demolition, an expense the Baptist leaders didn't put in their $650 million budget for the new location. Mayor Reeves has said the demolition cost may be as high as $35 million.
CUMULUS MEDIA For the first time in 98 years, WCOA 1370 AM will not have a local morning show. On Nov. 14, the station's owner shut down "Real News with Rick Outzen" as part of a national move to remove local hosts from many of its stations. WCOA's programming will switch to all syndicated shows. "Real News" debuted on Aug. 9, 2021, and set a local record with 4,009 interviews during its 90-minute weekday show since then.
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
TURNING THE PAGE
Escambia County will have new leaders on the Board of County Commissioners. We can't wait to see the newbies get their bearings and watch all five leaders determine how to work together for the betterment of the county.
District 1 voters wanted a change and ousted Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who served eight years on the commission after spending 10 years representing the district on the school board. Military veteran Steve Stroberger easily won the three-person GOP primary, besting the incumbent by 17 points.
Two years earlier, Bergosh convinced his colleagues to redraw the District 1 boundary, taking Stroberger out of District 2, where he had pre-filed to run for outgoing Commissioner Doug Underhill's seat. Mike Kolher won the Republican primary with 47% of the vote and named Stroberger his aide, which has helped him understand the budget and county operations.
Stroberger campaigned on more citizen participation in commission meetings, better engagement with citizens, partnering with the business community and holding regular town hall meetings. He has pledged to work with all fellow commissioners to move the county forward.
District 4 Commissioner Ashley Hofberger also has a head start since Gov. DeSantis appointed her to the post last month. She ran on improving county efficiency, boosting tourism and giving more attention to law enforcement, the fire department and Emergency Medical Services. Campaign materials blasted the current commissioners for being corrupt and attacked one opponent for being a friend of the board's lone Black member.
Hofberger has not hesitated to use her power to move money around. Last year, the Tourist Development Council (TDC) approved building public dressing rooms on Pensacola Beach. Last December, the County Commission awarded the contract.
However, the day after Hofberger was sworn into office, county staff suspended all work on the project. The county has already spent thousands on the dressing rooms. At the commission's Nov. 7 meeting, the board approved canceling the project and returning the remaining funds to the TDC. Hofberger didn't
consult TDC chair David Bear about stopping the project.
Her decision to waste tax dollars had no government transparency, but we look forward to how she approaches the TDC. Maybe it's just growing pains.
A common thought is Kohler and Stroberger will be a powerful pair. We had Commissioners Wilson Robertson and Gene Valentino do it for eight years, and Commissioners Lumon May and Steven Barry have tried to help each other during their tenures. The trick is to find that third vote. Hofberger is in the power position and will be courted by powerbrokers to be the swing vote.
The good news is the board is trying to work together and not force many divided votes. At the Nov. 7 meeting, Commissioner May argued for the Escambia Children's Trust's request for an interlocal agreement to deal with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds. Commissioner Kohler passionately fought to return the money to the CRA districts to improve infrastructure in impoverished neighborhoods.
Several attempts were made to give staff time to work an agreement, but Kohler would not budge. No one wanted to chance a motion that might fail and embarrass either May or Kohler.
The "gorilla" in the commission chambers is County Clerk Pam Childers. With the help of the News Journal and the Commissioners' hubris, Childers has heaped tremendous political dam age on May and Barry, bragging that she would have them indicted and removed from office. Yet, they won another term.
John R. Johnson filed to qualify to run against May, and Barry handily defeated NPA candidate Joshua Roberson by 24 points, the same margin by which Hofberger beat Democrat Ron Helms.
I don't think Childers will have as much power over Kohler, Stroberger and Hofberger as some wish, but the clerk is also the county's comptroller. She has used that position to hold checks. Several Foo Foo Fest events were nearly canceled when she refused to distribute funds and kept demanding more documentation. It will be interesting to see if the comptroller's office gives preferential treatment to Stroberger and Hofberger's projects.
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We will make sure you have a front-row seat to see if the new commission gels or doesn't. {in} rick@inweekly.net
PENSACOLA'S FIRST CITY-WIDE STRATEGIC PLAN
Throughout his mayoral campaign, D.C. Reeves promised to establish the first citywide strategic plan. Last week at CivicCon, the mayor delivered by unveiling an ambitious "Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035." The 10-year plan addresses the entire city instead of previous plans that focused on specific areas.
The city sought input from thousands of residents through a robust community engagement effort by Gehl, an urban design, research and strategy firm. The process included over 1,300 survey responses, an open house, two workshops, two focus groups with Black residents and youth, interviews with four city council members and input from housing and economic development professionals. Those who voiced their opinion included 60 vision group participants representing community organizations, nonprofits and the private business sector.
The plan states Pensacola is at a turning point and lays out a detailed blueprint for the next 10 years to shape future annual budgets, capital projects and policy priorities.
"At the end of the day, I'm excited for people to see this because it hits on exactly what
"It's something we've been hearing for a couple years that we need housing that people can afford," said City Council member Casey Jones, who participated in neighborhood and transportation working groups during the process. "It just validates that we're on the right track with a lot of the things we're working on with affordable or attainable housing. The basic economic principle is if you increase the supply to meet the demand then the prices come down."
The remaining seven goals include safe streets for all mobilities, support for youth experiences, resilient waterfronts and neighborhoods, public spaces that connect communities, thriving innovation and business, neighborhoods that celebrate culture and honor legacy and more walkable, mixed-use districts. The plan details opportunities for goals similar to those listed for attainable housing.
Jones said the feedback he heard during the working groups was that residents want safe neighborhoods where they feel comfortable walking or biking to restaurants and stores. Their feedback validated his efforts to create bike lanes and slow traffic since taking office.
"It's intuitive that people want their kids to be able to play in yards safely or hop on a bike and get where they need to go safely," Jones said.
Investments in housing, safe streets, parks, resilient facilities, the arts, unique cultural programming and innovation development programs are at the core of accomplishing the eight goals. The plan states, "Investments should prioritize fostering a thriving community by enhancing quality of life, directing resources to areas with the greatest need and achieving multiple goals at once."
The executive summary touched on a few other areas in which Pensacola could unlock its potential. Gaps in educational and workforce opportunities for the younger population rose to the forefront. Other concerns included poor coordination and communication among agencies about the programs and resources they offer and a need for a clear, distinct identity as the urban and cultural asset in the region.
"It just validates that we're on the right track with a lot of the things we're working on with affordable or attainable housing." Casey Jones
The plan includes a prioritization framework to ensure future investments address these core community concerns. The priorities begin with putting basic needs first, including developing more mixed-use hubs beyond downtown, ensuring racial equality and establishing feasible projects that address multiple strategic goals.
"People love downtown, but they do want to see some of that duplicated elsewhere," City Council member Jennifer Brahier said. Brahier has seen her share of ambitious city plans fall by the wayside. She commended the organizers for the robust community engagement but questioned whether the city would take action and turn its plan into reality.
"I'm glad there was a lot of public involvement; true to that, though, is whether we act," she said. "So we've seen a lot of times, we've had lots of public involvement, set plans and then not move."
the taxpayers' needs in four years are going to be; you see that with some strategic plans," said Reeves, who described the plan as nimble.
THE FOUNDATION
Eight goals form the foundation of the plan. The No. 1 goal is attainable housing for all income levels. The average cost to rent in Pensacola is nearly $1,600 for an apartment and $1,800 for a house rental. The median listing price for a house is about $320,000, according to realtor.com.
Steps listed in the plan to achieve attainable housing include identifying and using surplus publicly owned land for development and investing in administration and communication for home rehabilitation programs. Other steps include providing incentives for rental development and creating overlay districts to incentivize infill residential density near existing and planned amenities. The plan further calls for working with mission-based developers and faith-based organizations for infill development opportunities and with developers and landlords to use project-based vouchers for lowincome affordability.
Specifically, the plan identifies opportunities such as transforming Pensacola and the Carpenter Creek area, investing in public space to "stitch the city back together and catalyze infill development," upgrading streets, investing in neglected parts of the city and doubling down on downtown growth.
"We need to be coordinated in our efforts," said LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill, who participated in the survey and served on the vision group. "There are going to be limited resources, and if you're investing in one community center in one neighborhood, what does that mean for other neighborhoods?"
LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND
The plan is designed to leave no one behind. The vision statement is "By 2035, all residents have the support they need to stay and thrive in their city—at every stage of life."
The six dimensions of that vision include equitable outcomes for everyone, investments that promote security and opportunity, foundational necessities such as housing, safe streets and community resources, a city for current and future generations to build on, all the necessary and fun assets that let people live full lives and services and amenities and places that help every step of the way.
Brahier questioned why all council members were not involved and why those who participated were interviewed so late in the process. She said asking council members to vote on legislation they were not involved in is why "plans get left stacked in some dark room."
"I was kind of surprised to see that we all did not have interviews with them, and I don't know how that or why that went down, but I think sometimes leaving the governing body out of these conversations till the end—and then they're the only ones who can actually vote on moving them along—kind of short cycles," she said.
The plan is fluid, and its iterative implementation process involves recalibrating goals based on evolving priorities. The city will measure by collecting data, test by analyzing the data and refine based on the results.
Community buy-in over the next 10 years will be instrumental in whether the plan is successful. The city has limited resources and will rely on community organizations, nonprofits and the private business sector to take up the mantle.
"It needs to be self-policing," Reeves said. "We're confident that we've gotten a lot done, we're not insecure. We at the City are getting a lot done, so we really want to have the plan for the citizens."
Strive to Thrive: Pensacola 2035 is available on cityofpensacola.com. {in}
"Our current memorial has served us well as a solemn site of reflection," said Sheriff Chip Simmons, "but we dream of something more—a memorial that doesn't just sit apart from us but welcomes us in. A space that invites families and neighbors to gather, grieve and find peace together. The new Memorial Plaza will be open, inviting and woven into the fabric of our community. It will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the deputies who protected us and the community that stands behind them."
Making the Memorial Plaza a focal point in front of the Sheriff's Office will reinforce its symbolic importance. The plaza will allow for larger gatherings, events and moments of collective reflection.
"The Foundation Board is deeply honored to support the creation of this Memorial Plaza," said Escambia County Sheriff Foundation president Whitney Lucas. "This project embodies our commitment to honoring the brave heroes of the Sheriff's Office. We believe this plaza will be a welcoming space of remembrance that invites citizens to connect with their Sheriff's Office while focusing on the shared values that keep our community strong."
"I think one of the bigger things is that no tax dollars are going to be used," the sheriff told Inweekly. "The Escambia County Sheriff Foundation is doing a fantastic job raising money and pushing the sheriff's office and our engagement. The plan is to sell the pavers only on the plaza side. We will start shortly by bringing some information out on how people can support this Memorial Plaza by purchasing a brick that will stay there forever."
A public groundbreaking ceremony is planned for January 2025, and the project's completion is slated for April of that year.
she returned to Florida, she ran the gubernatorial campaigns of Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. Wiles was also a partner at Ballard Partners alongside Dan McFaul, who was chief of staff for three Panhandle congressmen—Joe Scarborough, Jeff Miller and Matt Gaetz.
In a phone interview, McFaul discussed Wiles and how he first heard of her.
"Susie is just a fantastic human being. Let me say, first of all, I first learned and got to know of Susie in 2010 when she was running Rick Scott's race. He was running a primary against Bill McCollum, a popular longtime congressman from Orlando and, at the time, the Attorney General for Florida. He was widely expected just to coast into a primary victory," said McFaul.
"A good friend of mine in Washington, Jennifer Cox, a very talented press secretary, one of the best of the business, told me, 'Hey, Dan. I'm going to Florida. I'm going to go work for Rick Scott.' I'm like, 'Why are you doing that, Jen? You got a great job up here. What are you thinking?' And she replied, 'Well, Susie Wiles is running the race, and I really want to work for Susie.' And I have found that theme repeated over and over again: folks that have worked with and for Susie will take a bullet for her. They really love her. She's a great person to work for, a great leader and really a sharp and intelligent individual."
EMPTY SENATE SEAT Trump also announced that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is his choice for Secretary of State. If Rubio is confirmed, Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint his successor. Dan McFaul said he had heard two names as possible replacements.
"I hear [Florida Attorney General] Ashley Moody's name a whole lot. Certainly someone very loyal to Governor DeSantis, his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, I hear his name men-
tioned out there," he said. "I am betting that it won't be a House member. The Republicans will end up with a razor-thin majority in the House. And I'm betting they don't want to take a Republican sitting House member out of commission. So I'm thinking it's going to be somebody in the state government, and again, the name I hear a lot is Ashley Moody's name."
There is also speculation that DeSantis will resign, and Lt. Governor Jeanette Núñez will appoint him to fill Rubio's seat. Stay tuned.
GAETZ FACES TOUGH HEARING President-elect Trump shocked the nation and Northwest Florida when he named Rep. Matt Gaetz to head the U.S. Justice Department as his Attorney General.
"Matt will end weaponized government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations and restore Americans' badly shattered faith and confidence in the Justice Department," said Trump in his official announcement.
He added, "Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ and return the Department to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our Democracy and Constitution. We must have honesty, integrity and transparency at DOJ. Under Matt's leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again."
Even with Republicans winning the majority of the Senate, few people expect Gaetz to win confirmation easily.
"Gaetz's enemies stretch far and wide across the GOP, and his connection to scandals will make the confirmation process extremely uncomfortable," BetOnline political analyst and oddsmaker Paul Krishnamurty said. "He may be a sacrificial lamb for GOP senators, for whom opposing this nomination provides cover to waive through other controversial appointments."
BetOnline's odds suggest Gaetz is a hefty underdog, giving the Northwest Florida Republican a 20% probability of being confirmed.
Meanwhile, Gaetz immediately submitted his resignation letter. A rumor surfaced that the congressman resigned from the current Congress but could still be sworn into the next one in January. However, his resignation covered the 118th Congress and 119th Congress.
His letter said, "I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration."
The governor cannot appoint Gaetz's replacement. A special election must be held. Several names have been mentioned as possible candidates for the open House seat, but Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons announced they would not jump in the race.
"We dedicate ourselves to this work because we believe in the power of positive change. For me, there's no greater fulfillment of seeing that change than serving as mayor of my hometown," said Reeves in a written statement. "I made a promise to this city two years ago, and I intend to
keep it. I will continue to dedicate my full energy and effort to making Pensacola the best it can be."
Sheriff Simmons said he was humbled by phone calls encouraging him to run for Congress. "However, I have made a commitment to the citizens of Escambia County who have reelected me, without opposition, to serve as the Sheriff. Serving this great community as Sheriff is both an honor and a responsibility that I take to heart."
He continued, "The challenges we face locally demand my full attention. For now, I believe I can make the greatest impact right here at home."
DOWNTOWN PARKING UPGRADES
At his weekly presser, Mayor D.C. Reeves announced several enhancements and changes to downtown parking, including a new website, parkpensacola.com.
He said, "I believe it's not just about charging for paid parking; it's that the citizens and the visitors who are paying this should know what they're getting for their money."
The website has an interactive parking map that shows all the paid and free spaces and where the parking revenue is going. The mayor said, "That will continue to be a living document as we invest dollars into parking, whether that's the reimagination of Palafox, a parking garage or whatever else comes from here. We'll continue to update that and show you how much we're spending and where it's going."
He added that parkpensacola.com will be "a cleaner experience for people looking for information, including information about citations and special events when Jefferson Garage is charging more because of the event—really a one-stop shop to make sure we have a clear understanding."
The mayor announced several changes starting on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The Commendencia parking lot next to the ferry landing behind the Holiday Inn Express will offer free parking beginning that Friday. Mayor Reeves said, "That's 230 spaces that will be free 24 hours a day. So that further increases not only the majority of our parking free here in the city but that ratio [of paid vs. free parking spaces]."
On the same day, 12 spaces in the Jefferson Street Garage area behind Vinyl Music Hall will become 30-minute free parking spaces. The mayor said, "If you want to pick up a donut, a watch, whatever, you have a location free of charge— where we continue to increase the availability of spaces by it not being two hours, which is an archaic way to do it."
He added, "We continue to look at expanding those options of 30-minute parking around the city as we collect more and more data. We learn a lot from our paid transactions; we see where people are coming from, where they're parking and at what hours. So we get a lot of really good information as we continue to build that. We are certainly open to putting 30-minute free spaces in the future around the city in strategic locations based on the usage that we see."
The city will also launch a pilot program for a downtown trolley service running from the Commendencia lot to the free parking spaces on
Wright Street. "The goal is to have a surreptitious route that runs north and south on Palafox Street and connects two large collections of free parking. Starting Black Friday, you can park in any one of those areas, wait for a couple of minutes and get dropped off on Palafox Street anywhere you want to go. That will be funded completely by city parking funds."
The trolley will run Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Parkpensacola.com will have a trolley tracker to help riders know when to expect it at their stop. Mayor Reeves said, "We will run that throughout the rest of the year through New Year's Eve."
The city is currently working on a couple of other projects we hope to unveil sometime in the first quarter of 2025. One would be wayfinding signage throughout downtown directing visitors to the nearest free parking areas. Parking Management is also working on enhanced parking permit options, including a discounted rate for city residents.
"What I'm most motivated to do with permits is to offer a deeply discounted parking permit to city property owners and city residents," said Mayor Reeves. "I think city residents should be paying a different rate for parking than folks outside of the city."
NEW
FLORIDAWEST CEO The FloridaWest Board of Directors selected Chris Platé as its new Chief Executive Officer. Platé brings nearly 30 years of experience in economic development, leading initiatives that have created 7,000 new manufacturing jobs and generated more than $4 billion in capital investment across North and South Carolina.
For the past 25 years, Platé has served with the Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission, most recently as Executive Director. His leadership has been pivotal in attracting industrial and commercial investments, including establishing North Carolina's largest aerospace cluster and achieving the lowest unemployment rate in the Charlotte Region in 23 years.
FloridaWest Board Chair David Bear praised Platé's proven track record. "Chris brings a wealth of expertise in industrial and commercial recruitment. His leadership in the Carolinas speaks for itself, and we're eager to welcome him to Pensacola to help drive our community's growth."
Platé succeeds Brian Hilson, who departed in July to become Executive Director of the Bibb County, Ala. Chamber of Commerce. Rick Byars of Florida Power & Light has served as interim CEO. Platé assumes the CEO role on Dec. 16.
"Pensacola and Escambia County have al -
Access care right in your neighborhood.
ready made remarkable strides in economic development, particularly in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, and I'm thrilled to lead the FloridaWest team as we build on this solid foundation," said Platé. "I've been impressed by the strong collaboration among the area's leaders, and I look forward to working together to drive prosperity and improve the quality of life for all citizens."
BHC DUMP The initial assessments show that Baptist Hospital's campus in the E Street and Moreno Street neighborhood cannot be salvaged, including the hospital, medical tower and an odd assortment of outer buildings.
Baptist Hospital vacated its "legacy campus" a year ago, moving uptown to Brent Lane. The buildings have been shut down since late September 2024, and Baptist leadership is looking for the City of Pensacola to take them off their hands. Mayor D.C. Reeves has received funding from the Florida Legislature to determine what to do. The structural assessment by Geosyntec was the first step.
"They did the environmental assessment and didn't just take Baptist information and assume that that's all we need to know or anybody else's information. Baptist did provide a lot, that was great, but I wanted the taxpayers to know what
they were getting themselves into and make sure that it makes sense," Mayor Reeves said. "The report comes back, and the one-sentence version is all these theories of repurposing this building and all that are pretty shortsighted by the time you get them compliant—take the black mold that's growing on the asbestos."
He continued, "Once you do all of that, what value is there to skinning the building to its bones? There's not any financial value versus knocking it down and starting over again is ultimately what the report said."
A drive around the abandoned buildings shows that several outlying buildings have significant damage and haven't been properly maintained by Baptist for years. Several of the structures were offered to Community Health Northwest Florida, but the cost to make them usable was determined to be prohibitive.
The city has asked demolition companies to bid on the project, and Mayor Reeves realizes the cost will be significantly more than the $7 million allocated by the Florida Legislature.
"After we shortlist qualified demolition bidders, we'll send it to bid, and we should get those bids back at some point in January. And when those come back, that's going to be the big pivot—is it $10 million, is it $16 million, which we've procured? Is it $35 million?" {in}
By Dakota Parks
Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era," is for you.
In it, Lang offers a deeply humanizing portrayal of trans, nonbinary and genderfluid teens, reminding readers that these kids are just that: kids, deserving of the same rights, protections and freedoms as their peers. After spending a year traveling across the U.S.—from the conservative Florida Panhandle to liberal California communities—Lang shares these children's stories, crossing racial, religious and class lines to paint a nuanced, authentic portrait of their lives.
"Journalists weren't doing a very good job of personalizing their coverage or telling the stories of people who are impacted directly by politically motivated hate," Lang explained. "This book centers the voices of kids who have found them-
transgender people in their lives—not as coworkers or casual acquaintances, let alone friends or family members—and thus, even fewer are likely acquainted with a transgender child," Lang notes in the ebooks' introduction. "Research shows that when a cisgender person knows someone who is transgender, whether they be a young person or an adult, they are more likely to support their right to exist."
Guided by this understanding, Lang adopts an immersive documentary style, drawing readers into the day-to-day lives of these teens, following them to school, family dinners, state legislatures and LGBTQ+ summer camps, capturing their fear, boredom, loneliness and joy. They spent several weeks with each family, conducting 40–
ery day, protesting, organizing and testifying, and they shouldn't have to. Adults should be helping them, and they're not getting it."
In each chapter, Lang connects the dots between statewide legislation and local politics that impact these kids' lives. Unlike fleeting headlines that overlook the real consequences of policy, "American Teenager" illustrates how these bills affect individuals. From children suffering bladder infections or wetting themselves from fear of using school restrooms to switching schools to escape bullying or even a teenager here in Pensacola grappling with severe depression and suicidal ideation after being forcibly detransitioned and losing access to life-saving medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
so many parents of trans teenagers. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, with a significantly higher risk for youth of color and transgender and nonbinary youth.
Inweekly spoke with two local families whose stories overlap with those in "American Teenager" and emphasize the lengths parents will go to support and fight for their children.
One is Pensacola mother Bethany Coleman, who despite doing everything in her power to love and protect her child, fears losing custody or being reported for child abuse simply for supporting them. To protect her family amid growing concerns for their safety, we have changed her name in this article.
to support both them and their friends.
"I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that people think somehow the parents have forced their kids to do this. It goes back to that child abuse situation," Coleman explained. "I didn't make my kid do anything, but I'm thankful my kid was comfortable enough with me to be their genuine and authentic self. I still know adults to who aren't comfortable showing the world their authentic selves."
When her teenager brings home friends who haven't come out to their parents, Coleman carefully navigates the use of different names and pronouns while they're in the safety of her home. Her advocacy centers on showing others they are not alone, which is why she regularly exposes her child to queer joy and community, taking them to events like PensaPride and Stamped Film Festival's Family Day. She even organized a trip for a group of queer and trans kids to attend, going so far as contacting each of their parents for permission before attending the festival. Living in the Bible Belt with acceptance at school still on rocky grounds, she hopes it makes a difference.
"More than anything, I think my kid fears getting beat up at school," she said. "When we went to orientation at high school, there were a couple things that pissed me off. First, we had to sign a waiver for them to use a shortened version of their birth name. The school also made a point to announce that your child has to use the bathroom of the gender that was assigned to them at birth. Cheers erupted throughout the school. Some kids walked out visibly shaken. It was really upsetting to hear that. These kids deserve better."
While much of these experiences are beyond her control, Coleman focuses on creating safe spaces for connection. She's helping organize the first local Free Mom Hugs event, "Hugs for the Holidays," on Saturday, Dec. 7 to provide a free holiday meal for queer and trans youth, as well as anyone seeking a welcoming community.
"I'm not going to stop parenting. I'm not going to stop supporting my child in everything that they do. My love and support for my child doesn't have any impact on someone else's child," Coleman said.
Your Voice is Your Best Weapon
Lachelle McCormick Johns and her son Arlo Angeles are no strangers to Inweekly readers. Over the years, they've both been featured several times for their contributions to Pensacola's poetry and arts community. Despite talking
"The name change was the scariest part for me, because it's a very sacred thing for a lot of parents, and my mother chose my name for its Spanish translation," he explained. "I had come out as lesbian prior, so I knew it was going to be okay, but it's still scary. People can be cruel about your preferences and identity changing. It was comforting being involved in the poetry community, knowing that I had such a welcoming and diverse community that was gonna accept me no matter what."
And accept they did. The community and family welcomed him with open arms, and his mother even took them out for a celebratory dinner, proud to tell the waitress they were celebrating her son. As the new name settled in, she shared about it on Facebook, reintroducing her son to the world alongside other life updates and family photos. Eventually, she filed the paperwork to have his name legally changed, so he could have a fresh start at a new school.
"Fear was a dominant emotion for me early on," Johns explained. "I feared for him logistically. When you're a lesbian, you're using the women's restroom, a female dorm and female spaces, which are generally safer. I feared he would want to start hormones immediately and wouldn't be able to access them. There was also the more urgent conversation of safety as he started driving, because there's a much higher rate of Black men being attacked and killed by the police than women."
Johns is the type of mother that will move mountains and homes for her children. Shortly after her son came out, she moved the family from rural Cantonment to Pensacola to enroll him in a high school with a more diverse student body and to bring him closer to the arts community that helped raise him.
"He was having a really hard time at school, and sometimes you just have to do things like that, no matter the financial risk. You have to make possible whatever you can make possible for your kids," she said. "Just witnessing his evolution helped me heal. Watching his confidence grow and seeing him become a happy, complete person was incredible to see. It's not hard to love your child for who they are."
As Angeles prepares for college, both he and his mother speak with an air of optimism, looking forward to a bright future ahead. While both are keenly aware of the political attacks against trans lives, they focus on the day-to-day, choosing not to let it overshadow their hopes.
"We have to stop treating trans people like
cates that you don't have to be perfect—you just have to show up.
"I think so many parents judge themselves too harshly for not being a perfect parent, for not being a perfect ally," Lang said. "I felt like it was important to show these supportive and loving parents who want the world for their kids but don't quite get all the details right. These parents would move mountains for their kids but don't always get their pronouns right. But they're still trying really hard to understand, and I think that's what matters."
Of course, "American Teenager" was written before the Nov. 5 general election.
"I'm really scared for the families in this book," Lang shared after the election results. "Many of them are already talking about moving out of the country or have made plans to leave. They're afraid for their futures in the United States and scared about what will happen when the Trump administration starts taking away their rights. He has promised a national ban on gender-affirming care for minors, as well as federal 'Don't Say Gay' policies and a nationwide trans sports ban. His running mate, J.D. Vance, wants to throw doctors in jail for treating trans kids."
For those who may be unaware of the increasing threats faced by trans people and their families across the country, Lang's work stands as a call to action—a plea to stay vigilant and informed, urging readers to keep all eyes on your state legislature and on politicians to ensure they are held accountable.
While most teenagers in Lang's book are fortunate to have supportive families, this is not the case for all. Many queer and trans teens face not only unsupportive families but also a government actively working to limit their rights before they're even old enough to vote. By reading this book, readers can gain insight into critical issues affecting trans youth, seeing them not as political talking points or subjects of fearmongering, but as kids who need all the help they can get.
"LGBTQ+ people are strong. Our community has fought difficult battles for decades, including the HIV activists who fought Reagan to even say the word 'AIDS' as their friends and loved ones died in the streets," Lang concluded. "We will keep fighting. The work isn't over. It's never over. It's sad we need a book like this and that I have to keep explaining this over and over again, but I'm just gonna keep doing it until I'm blue in the face or they put me in the ground." {in}
online at tinyurl.com/nico-lang.
RESOURCE LIST
FREE MOM HUGS freemomhugs.org, facebook.com/freemomhugsflorida Provides support, resources and allyship to the LGBTQ+ community through hugs and advocacy at Pride events and gatherings.
PANHANDLE TRANS COALITION facebook.com/groups/panhandletc Hosts a bimonthly support group for trans, nonbinary and queer individuals, along with family, friends and allies.
STRIVE strivepensacola.com, @strivepensacola Ensures the survival and well-being of transgender people in Northwest Florida by providing emergency housing, medication assistance, food and transportation.
PRISM UNITED prismunited.org, facebook.com/prismunitedal Offers programs and gatherings for LGBTQ+ youth and their caretakers in the Mobile, AL area.
EQUALITY FLORIDA eqfl.org, @equalityfl Civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's LGBTQ+ community.
RAINBOW RAILROAD rainbowrailroad.org, @rainbowrailroad Assists LGBTQ+ individuals escaping state-sponsored violence by helping them relocate to safer areas.
TRANS LIFELINE translifeline.org, @translifeline A hotline and microgrant organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.
THE TREVOR PROJECT thetrevorproject.org, (866) 488-7386
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, including 24/7 hotline, chat and text support.
a&e happenings
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
JEFF DUNHAM: ARTIFICIAL INTELLI -
GENCE Comedian Jeff Dunham will perform at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21. Tickets available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
NOVEMBER MEWVIE NIGHT
AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ Watch "Kiki's Delivery Service" with adoptable cats 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Tickets are $32 and include admission to the café, free popcorn and beverage. Bring your own blanket. For more information, visit coastalcatpcola.com.
PENSACOLA CINEMA ART SHOWTIMES The next PCA showtimes are 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23 with "White Bird" starring Helen Mirren. Tickets are $10 cash. PCA is located at 220 W. Garden St. Details at pensacolacinemaart.com.
GULF COAST CHORALE:
PEACE, LOVE & JOY The annual choral performance features familiar holiday tunes with fresh arrangements as well as new songs. Event is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at First Baptist Church, 555 Fairpoint Dr. in Gulf Breeze. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at gulfcoastchorale.org.
FALYNNE LEWING: MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLING TRIBUTE Dance tribute show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
THE PYRAMID PLAYERS PRESENT: THE HEADLINERS A musical revue celebrating underdogs. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd. Admission is free. Details at facebook. com/pyramidinc.
THE DINNER DETECTIVE COMEDY
MYSTERY DINNER SHOW Event is 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 S. Ninth Ave. Details and tickets available at thedinnerdetective.com.
BLOW YOUR OWN SUN CATCHER/ ORNAMENT Muffinjaw Designs will be back at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., 1-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Blow your own glass ornament, or just watch as people create their own masterpieces. To attend, visit muffinjawdesign.square.site.
NOVEMBER MOVIE NIGHTS ON THE BIG SCREEN Free moving screenings with s'mores, popcorn and happy hour specials at Laguna's, 460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Dates include 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 with "Alice Through the Looking Glass," 12 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 with Narnia Movie Marathon and 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 with "Moana" and "Peter Pan and Wendy" and 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Addams Family Values." Details at pimg.fyi/lagunas-nov-events-vp.
THANKSGIVING FLORAL DESIGN
WORKSHOP Event is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Celestine Bed and Breakfast, 514 N. Baylen St. Details at celestinebedandbreakfast.com/events.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE This holidaythemed circus arts show will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.
TAY TAY DANCE PARTY WITH DJ
SWIFTIE Taylor Swift-themed dance party takes place 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
TOM COVERLY AT ODD COLONY Comedy magician and motivational speaker Tom Coverly will be performing at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St., 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. 100% of ticket sales will go toward bullying prevention in the community. Tickets are $32-$42 and available on Eventbrite and brewsandmagic.com.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Enjoy an exhibition of work from 2023 Artists in Residence at the 309 Punk House. This exhibition consists of artists from myriad underrepresented cultural backgrounds and is diverse in race, class, sexual orientation and gender. This exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., through Nov. 24. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
DRAW TOGETHER: A LIVING EXHIBITION
As a living exhibition, the works and curation of the gallery space will continue growing as viewers are invited to participate in the art-making process. UWF and the surrounding communities can visit TAG, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, to view and interact with the exhibition. Public workshops, facilitated by Jarrod Goldman and inspired by game-based art activities, will take place in TAG 5-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. The exhibition runs through Nov. 21. The final iteration of the exhibition can be viewed during the closing reception, held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in TAG.
ECLECTIC FIDELITIES Artwork and performances celebrating women in the arts is on view through Dec. 13 at Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Building 15, 1000 College Blvd. Artist lectures and workshops are in November. Find details at foofoofest.com/2024-events/eclecticfidelities-presented-by-pensacola-state-college/.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch others perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Cen -
ter, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/ downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
YAPPY HOUR: BARKS-GIVING Meet up for dog lovers and owners 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov.
a&e happenings
21 at 225 Zaragoza St. Sign up at wolfgangparksandbrews.com.
CULTURES COOK: AUTHENTIC INDIAN
Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $50 per student. For ages 18 and up. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
PASTA MAKING Cooking class is 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $50 per adult. Ages 6 and up are welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
COASTAL COUNTY BREWING BLUE CRAB
BOIL Event is 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Details at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.
FRIENDSGIVING WEEKEND AT LAGUNA'S Enjoy park activities, festive drinks and more for a three-hour Friendsgiving event at Laguna's 460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Saturday, Nov. 23. The park pass is $40 and available at lagunaspensacolabeach.com.
OYSTER BASH Order a half dozen or dozen oysters while enjoying featured drinks such as Stella Artois on draft and the Honey Jalapeno Lemonade Cocktail at Sir Richard's, 2719 E. Cervantes St., 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Details at sirrichardslounge.com.
OYSTER BASH AT ATLAS Atlas Oyster House will host Oyster Bash 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 featuring a family-style oyster dinner and cookbook signing. Located at 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $50 per person and includes four wines and five courses. Cookbooks will also be available to purchase and for signing for $35. Seating is limited; reservations required. Be sure to make yours by contacting Taylor Dawson at (850) 287-0200 or taylor@goodgrits.com.
WELL, FUNK: THANKSGIVING EVE AT THE WELL Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve at The Well, 42 E. Garden St., from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Enjoy live music, funky spirit samples and more. Visit facebook.com/thewellpensacola.
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING EVE AT ODD
COLONY Give thanks early with a bottle release, live music, MI SU street food and more at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.
AYCE THANKSGIVING FEAST Thanksgiving buffet at Sandbar Sunset Bar & Grill, located at 715 Pensacola Beach Blvd., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28. Reserve seats by calling (850) 677-9987.
CULTURES COOK: ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN Cooking class is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is
$75 per student. For ages 16 and up. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
TROLLEY BAR TOUR Five Flags Trolley Co. hosts this hop-on/hop-off tour of the favorite bars in downtown Pensacola. Dates are through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, visit pensacolawinterfest.org/pub-and-party-trolley-indowntown-pensacola/.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy
Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
a&e happenings
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.1 a.m. and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9-11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge. com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT
O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 9-11 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER
HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
LIVE MUSIC
CYTOTOXIN, COGNITIVE, INOCULATION, NECROTICGOREBEAST, ROTTED REMAINS, HEMLOCK Show is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
THE M-80S Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.
UWF SYMPHONIC BAND Symphonic Band concert is 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at UWF Mainstage Theatre, 11000 University Pkwy. Building 82. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Get yours at uwf.edu/cfpa.
PENSACOLA SONGWRITER ROUND SERIES
Featuring Myke V., Austin Thompson, Jacob Kirkland and Katie Dineen. Show is 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
RED AND THE REVELERS, GRITS AND GREENS, BANGARANG PETER Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS Enjoy live music at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Glen Parker Band plays 6-10 p.m. Saturdays and Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY
Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern. com for details.
a&e happenings
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke is 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S
Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour
Clean Ups are Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. Next event is Saturday, Nov. 23 at Langdon Beach and Fort Pickens. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.
JUSTICE JOG 5K Downtown 5K and 1 mile fun run is 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 benefiting AWKO Justice Foundation Scholarship fund. Race starts at 17 E. Main St. Details at awkojusticefoundation.com/justice-jog-2024.
TURKEY SHOOT AT SPLASH CITY Through Nov. 27 (from 12-3 p.m.) for $10, you get the chance to shoot a "turkey" (with an orbeez gun)! $5 of that will go to Manna and help those in need this holiday season. Splash City is located at 6709 Pensacola Blvd. Details at splashcityadventures. centeredgeonline.com.
LEGENDARY BOATVEMBER FESTIVAL
Boat festival featuring vendors, food trucks, bounce house, games and more at Legendary Marine, 1220 Mahogany Mill Road Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
CYCLE SUNDAY Take part in a community bike ride and socializing 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 starting from Emerald Republic Brewing 1414 W. Government St. Details at facebook.com/ bikepensacola.
HOUSE OF WELLNESS Real Women Radio Foundation will host a health and wellness event Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 850 Event Center, 2148 Delano St. featuring workshops, a resource fair, activities, giveaways and door prizes. For more information, visit realwomenradiofoundation.org.
PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Games are at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and information are at pensacolabaycenter.com. Upcoming dates:
•7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27
PUBLIC ICE SKATE Tickets are $15 for adults and kids with skate rental or $12 for adults and kids with their own skates. Season passes and private sessions are also available. Skate sessions are located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Upcoming dates:
•1:30, 3, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
YOGASS UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
FREE YOGA IN THE PARK WITH BREATHE
YOGA Enjoy a free, one-hour outdoor yoga class with Breathe Yoga 9:30-10:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the month at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. The next event is Nov. 3.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY
FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.
TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA Take in a slow flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Dr. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com. for more listings visit inweekly.net
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free will astrology
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Awardwinning Aries filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was born and raised in the US. But he has said, "I don't make movies for America. I make movies for planet Earth." I applaud his expansive perspective and recommend you cultivate your own version of it in the coming weeks. You will generate good fortune for yourself as you enlarge your audience, your range of influences and your sphere of activity. It will be an excellent time to transcend previous notions of who you are and what your life's assignments are. The frontiers are calling you to open your mind wider than ever as you leap to the next higher octave of your destiny.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "Earth knows no desolation. She smells regeneration in the moist breath of decay." Author George Meredith said that, and now I'm conveying it to you. Why? Because you're entering a phase when you will have maximum power to ensure that decay leads to regeneration. My advice: Instead of trying to repress your awareness of what's decomposing, tune into it energetically. The sooner you embrace the challenging but interesting work to be done, the faster and more effective the redemption will be. Here's your battle cry: Turn rot into splendor!
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Mercury will be your slippery but sticky companion in the coming weeks, Gemini. Whether or not you believe he is a literal god who abides in the spiritual realm, I trust you will acknowledge that he is a vivid archetype. He symbolizes forces that facilitate communication and promote connection. Since he is constantly traveling and conversing, he also represents boundary-crossing and thresholds. I encourage you to summon his assistance whenever you want to lubricate links and foster combinations. He can help you unify disparate influences and strengthen your network of allies.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Utility poles and telephone poles may seem to be indestructible towers, but they have a limited life span. A prime factor in their gradual demise is woodpeckers. The birds drill holes that over
By Rob Brezsny
time weaken the wood. Their handiwork allows moisture to seep in, causing rot and creates access points for small animals to burrow in and cause further disintegration. I bring this to your attention because I want to encourage you to launch a woodpecker-like campaign against any seemingly impregnable structures that oppress and restrict you. It might take a while to undermine their power to interfere with your life, but now is an excellent time to begin.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): As an American, I'm jealous of how many festivals the Japanese people celebrate. By some estimates, there are over 100,000 events every year—an average of 274 per day! They may feature music, theater, dancing, entertainment, karaoke, sumo matches, games, delicious food, colorful costumes, spiritual observances and parades of floats and shrines. If you are a Japanese Leo, you're in luck. The astrological indicators suggest that in the coming months, you should take extra advantage of your culture's revels, parties and social merriment. If you're not in Japan, do your best to fulfill your cosmic mandate to frolic and carouse. Start as soon as possible!
If you're not in Japan, do your best to fulfill your cosmic mandate to frolic and carouse.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "The Flintstones" was an animated TV comedy show broadcast in the US from 1960 to 1966. It was colossally silly and wildly popular. It portrayed cavemen and cavewomen living suburban lives in the Stone Age with dinosaurs as pets and cars made of wood and rocks. The chirpy theme song for the show was stolen from a piano sonata written by the classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to steadily carry out the opposite of that conversion. Transform what's daft or preposterous into what's elegant and meaningful. Change superficial approaches into righteous devotions. Move away from trifling diversions and toward passionate magnificence.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Even if you're not a professional writer, I invite you to compose three lyrical messages in the coming days. One will be a psalm of appreciation for a person who enchants your imagination and inspires you to be your best self. Another will be a hymn of praise that you address to yourself—a gorgeous, expansive boast or an outpouring of gratitude for the marvel and mystery of you. The third salutation will be an address to a higher power, whether that's God, Goddess, Nature, your Guardian Angel, Higher Self, or Life itself. If you can find it in your brave, wild heart to sing or chant these exaltations, you will place yourself in close alignment with cosmic rhythms. (PS: In general, now is a fantastic time to identify what you love and express your feelings for what you love.)
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): The Greek term 'pharmakon' has a complicated set of meanings: scapegoat, poison, remedy and recipe. According to my astrological analysis, all of these could soon be operative in your life. One surprise is that a metaphoric "poison" you are exposed to may ultimately serve as a remedy. Another curiosity is that a scapegoat may reveal a potent recipe for redemptive transformation. A further possibility: You will discover a new recipe for a very fine remedy. I'm not certain exactly how the whole story will unfold, but I'm betting the net effect will be a lot of healing.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): The Museum of Broken Relationships is in Zagreb, Croatia. It collects castaway objects left behind after intimate relationships have collapsed. Among its treasures are love letters, wedding rings, jars of bitter tears, stuffed animals, feather-filled quilts,and matching sweaters. Inspired by this sad spectacle, I invite you to create a very different shrine in your home: one that's dedicated to wonderful memories from times of successful togetherness. Making this ritual gesture of hope and positivity will prepare you well for the potential relationship growth available for you in the coming months.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): It's the Soul Retrieval phase of your long-term cycle, Capricorn. Have there been people, either alive or dead, who wounded or pirated parts of
your treasured essence? Have you experienced painful events that weakened your connection to your inner riches? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to undertake meditations in which you carry out repair and restoration. You will summon curative agents whenever you reclaim lost and missing fragments of your soul. Be aggressive in seeking helpers who can synergize your own efforts.
Your vigor will be delightfully lavish and profound.
AQUARIUS
(JAN. 20-FEB. 18): The Wistaria Vine in Sierra Madre, California is the world's biggest blooming plant. Spread over an acre, it weighs 250 tons and teems with over 1.5 million blossoms. I propose we regard it as your inspirational symbol for the coming months. Why? I expect you will be more abundantly creative and generative than maybe ever before. Your vitality will overflow. Your vigor will be delightfully lavish and profound. Homework: Start planning how you will wield and manage all that lushness.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Piscean playwright and songwriter Robert Lopez is the only person to have won all four of the following awards more than once: Oscars, Tonys, Emmys and Grammys. He was also the youngest person to have won all four. I propose we make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks and months. According to my astrological analysis, you are primed to ascend to new levels of accomplishment in your chosen field— and to be acknowledged for your success. Think big! Then think even bigger.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: I invite you and dare you to revise your definitions of success. {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
CREME DE LA WEIRD On Nov. 7, the South China Morning Post reported an uproar following a social media post depicting a small child urinating on a table full of food. The baby's mother captured the moment on video when her child sprayed the breakfast table with urine, then proudly revealed that the family had continued to eat the food. The Beijing mom commented that they "rarely put disposable diapers on him ... We do not cover it because it is better not to interrupt the child while he is urinating."
RECURRING THEME On Nov. 8, police in Los Angeles arrested a man who had apparently been living in the crawl space beneath a 92-year-old woman's home, The New York Times reported. She had heard unusual noises from inside her house and assumed they were animals, but when family members heard knocking, they called police. When officers arrived, the alleged squatter, Isaac Betancourt, 27, who was naked, would not come out from under the home. Betancourt had to be forced out with gas; he was released after his arrest for trespassing. The homeowner's sonin-law, Ricardo Silva, said the entrances to the crawl space would be secured. "It's probably not uncommon, you know," Silva said, "in this day and age, people are looking for shelter."
THE ARISTOCRATS Auction house Reeman Dansie in Colchester, England, announced that a slice of wedding cake from the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has been purchased for $2,831, United Press International reported. The little slice of history, part of a 500-pound cake served at the Nov. 20, 1947, wedding, had been given as a gift to Marion Polson, a housekeeper at Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was preserved in a box bearing the then-princess's insignia and included a letter from the bride. No word on how it tasted.
OOPS Mattel is scrambling after releasing its new line of "Wicked" dolls in packaging that included a link not to the upcoming movie's official page, but to a porn website, United Press International reported. "We deeply regret this unfortunate error," the company said in a statement. It was unclear how many dolls carried the misprint, but the company said they were mostly sold in the United States. Mattel helpfully advises people who have purchased products with the misprint to dispose of the boxes.
AWESOME! Aaron Fowler, a surfer in Denmark, Western Australia, was riding the waves on Nov. 1 when he spotted an unusual bird, the Albany Advertiser reported. "There was this big bird in the water ... and it just stood up and waddled right over to us," he said. The emperor penguin had swum thousands of kilometers from Antarctica and was malnourished; it was given into the care of the University of Western Australia's School of Biological Sciences, where its rehabilitation is expected to last a few weeks. One expert there said the penguins are never observed north of the 60th parallel south. "It was kind of funny," Fowler said, "like as he came out of the water, he went to do a tummy slide—like I guess he's used to on
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
the ice—and he just did a kind of face-plant in the sand ... and looked a bit shocked."
SAY WHAT? Semi-professional paranormal investigator Johnny Turnip of Abergavenny, Wales, has weighed in on the recent American election, the Abergavenny Chronicle reported on Nov. 11. "Trump isn't the real enemy, leprechauns are!" he told the paper. "They have been using world leaders and royalty as puppets and distractions from their own diabolical schemes for generations. I don't think either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris were ever aware that they were being used by these corrupt, gold-hungry, shamrockobsessed, stove-pipe-wearing, alcoholic little pygmies." Turnip went on: "Most people don't think leprechauns are real, and neither did I until a wise man told me that I'd have a hard time finding a mermaid in this day and age because the leprechauns had systematically slaughtered most for them for their scales centuries ago." Unsurprisingly, Turnip had MUCH more to say than we can include here. Consider yourself warned.
UNDIGNIFIED DEATH
The Marion County (Indiana) Coroner identified a man found deceased on Nov. 11 as Derek Sink, 39, People magazine reported. Sink was discovered in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness location, where he had arrived on Friday, Nov. 8. His family had not heard from him since Friday and reported him missing on Sunday; Sink, who had battled addiction, was wearing an ankle monitor, so his probation officer was able to see his last location. Sink's mother, Karen Wetzel, said a syringe was found in the room with him, and she suspects he overdosed. She called her son "the kindest person" with "the softest heart."
THE PASSING PARADE
On Nov. 6, Mohammed Abdullah Alabilan, 27, of Pennsylvania, received a lap dance inside the Reign nightclub in Clearwater, Florida, but "refused to pay the $40 service fee," The Smoking Gun reported. When Alabilan tried to leave the club, a deputy stepped in and charged him with misdemeanor theft. He was released from jail after paying ... a $40 bond. The judge ordered him to stay away from the nightclub.
ANIMAL ANTICS
Residents of Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire, England, seem conflicted about the badgers that are causing problems in their burg.
The Daily Star reported on Nov. 13 that the burrowing animals have caused roads and sidewalks to collapse, which has resulted in construction projects and delays everywhere. But the locals are reticent about eliminating them: "I don't want anything untoward to happen to them, but I'm a believer that they've got to be controlled in certain areas," said resident Des Barnett. Natural England has warned road workers that their projects must be complete by the end of November, when badger mating season begins, or be put off until July 2025. {in}
