Inweekly April 18 2024 Issue

NEW RHYTHMS, NEW RHYMES Spotlight on Local Poets

Nurturing the world within

We are worldbuilders. We develop great minds and inspired leaders. We help children write their own story. Gulf Coast Freedom Schools nurtures the world within through a free, six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment program for students K-8th grade who reside in Escambia County.

Apply online by May 31, 2024 at gcfreedomschools.com

Where words change worlds

winners & losers winners losers

CARYL GREENE Members First Credit Union of Florida announces the retirement of its president and chief executive officer after serving the credit union for 38 years. Under her leadership, Members First Credit Union has experienced remarkable growth and success, including expanding to six locations, completing two successful mergers, attaining over 20,000 members and increasing assets to $286 million.

JESSICA LEE Kia AutoSport of Pensacola and its general manager celebrate 25 years in Pensacola this month. In 1999, Lee started working for the dealership her father founded and has worked in all facets of the business. She eventually earned the general manager position and purchased the dealership from her father. Lee created Kia Cares in the Community to bring awareness and support to local nonprofits and organizations. This year, Kia Cares in the Community has recognized and supported FavorHouse of Northwest Florida, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Nonie's Place by Covenant Care, Children's Home Society of Florida and the FamiliesFirst Network.

FRANK VERES JR. The retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross surrounded by his Holley-Navarre Middle School students, family and friends. Veres received the medal for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight two years ago when he was an evaluator flight engineer at Hurlburt Field. On a routine nighttime tactical-training sortie, seeping hydraulic fluid ignited, filling the cabin with smoke and crippling all electrical systems. His response to the high-intensity, hazardous situation resulted in the safe recovery of all nine aircrew members.

LAKEVIEW CENTER

The Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue, honored the Lakeview Center and eight other recipients doing exemplary work in their local communities to improve health outcomes and increase access to health care services and support. The foundation announced the winners at its annual Sapphire Awards ceremony in Orlando. Lakeview Center received a third-place award and $25,000.

RICHARD CORCORAN

The New College of Florida President will receive $200,000 in incentive pay after the school's Board of Trustees approved a performance evaluation and released the money. New College is the smallest school in the state university system and only had 731 students during the fall 2023 semester, less than 14 Escambia County public schools. Tate High, Pine Forest High, Booker T. Washington High and Escambia High each have more than double New College's enrollment. Corcoran's annual base salary is $699,000, and he also earns an "accrued retention payment" of $200,000 for the first three years that would be paid out in a lump sum of $600,000 in February 2026 if he remains on the job.

CYBER FRAUD

The Pensacola News Journal reported early last week that the Santa Rosa County Clerk's office had over $800,000 stolen. Fortunately, the report was premature, and the newspaper revised its story to say that a vendor had been the victim of someone hijacking its email and redirecting a payment of $853,000 to a fraudulent account, according to Clerk of Court Donald Spencer. The Clerk's Office was not a victim of theft, and the vendor has recovered a substantial amount of the funds stolen. Meanwhile, another Gannett publication, USA Today, reported that Florida and its major cities topped the list for the highest amount of fraud per 100,000 residents.

FLORIDA CITRUS

Florida's citrus industry got some bitter news last week as it enters the final months of the 2023-2024 growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report that reduced estimates of orange and grapefruit production. Overall, the new numbers indicated the industry will slightly outpace the 2022-2023 season, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian and had the lowest output in 93 years. Growers are expected to produce 18.8 million 90-pound boxes of oranges and 2 million boxes of grapefruit this season. That was down from a March forecast of 19.8 million boxes of oranges and 2.2 million boxes of grapefruit.

Richard Corcoran / Photo Courtesy of New College of Florida

Caryl Greene / Photo Courtesy of Members First Credit Union

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

NOT DIVIDED ON EVERYTHING

Over the past few years, we've seen the most radical viewpoints get the most attention and become amplified because mainstream media and social media platforms so desperately want clicks. The clicks translate to revenue, and politicians further push the outrage to raise campaign dollars, build large profiles and gain votes.

However, Americans may not be as divided as some want us to believe.

On my radio show last week, I spoke with ABC News reporter Jim Ryan about a recent poll by the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago, a renowned and respected objective and nonpartisan research institution with a long history. The survey of 1,282 adults from all 50 states and the District of Columbia found that we agree on several core beliefs.

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good jobs and achieve the American dream are extremely or very important to our national identity. Most—Republicans 66% and Democrats 71%— believe that democracy is a good system of government, even though it sometimes has problems.

Most adults believe the problems are our institutions or political leaders are not doing a good job of upholding democratic values.

Most adults believe the problems are our institutions or political leaders are not doing a good job of upholding democratic values. As you might expect, the percentages fell along party lines, with 82% of Democrats saying the GOP is doing a somewhat or very bad job, and 76% of Republicans believe the same about the Democratic Party. Only 21 % of Republicans think the Supreme Court is doing a somewhat or very bad job, while 68% of Democrats are unhappy with the justices.

"We hear so much about the divisions among Americans, divisions along party lines, racial lines and economic lines. Well, at least along party lines, maybe things aren't as bad as we thought they were," Ryan said. "The AP-NORC poll found that, in fact, the two parties can agree on some fundamental rights."

Regardless of political affiliation, the majority of Americans—both Republicans and Democrats—expressed strong support for fundamental rights. Nine out of 10 agreed that the right to vote, equal protection under the law, the freedoms of speech and religion and the right to privacy were extremely or very important. This bipartisan agreement is a testament to our shared values.

Ryan said, "It's kind of heartening to realize that that's the case, that most of us, regardless of party affiliation, feel kind of the same way about those basic rights."

While there were topics on which the parties disagreed, such as the right to bear arms, I found much in the report that gave me hope. The fact that most Americans, regardless of party affiliation, share a common understanding of basic rights is a reassuring sign of our unity.

Eight out of 10 Republicans and Democrats agree that having a democratically elected government and the ability of people living here to get

Those differences will not disappear anytime soon, but I liked how Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen summarized the survey. They wrote, "There's compelling evidence we've been trapped in a reality distortion bubble—social media, cable TV and tribal political wars — long enough to warp our view of the reality around us."

They pointed out that most Christians ignore politics and focus on their faith. They aren't white nationalists who see Donald Trump as a God-like figure. Most college professors teach their courses without trying to convert students to communism or any other ism.

Kids on our college campus are doing what they've always done—studying and enjoying life.

Most Republicans don't want to ban all abortions from the moment of conception, and most Democrats don't support abortions being allowed until birth. Many of both parties support in vitro fertilization (IVF) and birth control.

When the AP asked University of Chicago political science professor Michael Albertus about the survey's findings, he said, "If you get a bunch of normal people at random and put them in a room together and chat about issues, there's a lot more convergence than you might imagine."

We need more conversations that help us find common ground so that we can better focus on improving our community and nation. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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UWF IS 'HERE FOR GOOD'

By Rick Outzen and Tom St. Myer

The University of West Florida doesn't play when it comes to excellence and being Northwest Florida's premier institution of higher learning.

On the same day Inweekly named UWF president Dr. Martha Saunders the area's most influential leader, the university announced a new football stadium, kicking off its most ambitious capital campaign ever.

DARRELL GOODEN STADIUM

Dr. Saunders launched the public phase of the "Here for Good" capital campaign at a gala held at the Field House on UWF's Pensacola campus.

There had been a buzz about the possibility of the Argo football program getting a football stadium as the students and alumni embraced having the home games on campus instead at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The ballpark had been home to Argos since 2016 and during its NCAA Division II National Championship season in 2019. The length of Minor League Baseball's season and the park's conversion to artificial turf made it necessary for the team to move the home games two years ago.

How long would it take UWF to build its own stadium? Not long, thanks to Darrell and Debbie Gooden.

The couple made a gift in excess of $9 million to break ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium. The transformative gift is the largest gift given by a living donor in UWF history.

Darrell Gooden studied accounting at UWF and attributed much of his professional success to his college education.

"Since I went here back in the '70s, all we talked about was getting a football team, but we never had one," Darrell Gooden said. "Then we finally got football thanks to Dr. (Judy) Bense, and one thing led to another and then all of the sudden, we got out here on campus, and everything was rolling good, so we decided we'd try to put it together."

He continued, "One of the ways to put it together was I had to step up to the plate and get it going, and now we're really going."

The stadium will have approximately 7,500 seats and will include a much-needed student dormitory and suites for fans. Gooden estimated the university would break ground in about 18 months, and the stadium would take about two years to build. He expects the stadium to be complete by the end of 2028.

A KEY PLAYER

The Goodens' gift contributed to the university raising $65 million during the campaign's silent phase, easily surpassing the initial goal of $55 million. The fundraising goal is to now raise $90 million, making this the largest campaign in the university's nearly 60-year history.

Inspiring videos played during the gala showcased UWF's growth since 1967 and promoted its future success. The university is amid record enrollment, with more than 14,000 students enrolled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

"Since 1967, we have been a pillar for our

enhancing opportunities for learning but also elevating our community to new heights."

A TRANSFORMATIONAL CAMPAIGN

The following day, Howard Reddy, the vice president for the Division of University Advancement, appeared on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen." He shared that the silent phase of the "Here for Good" capital campaign began in January 2022.

"Since then, we've been having conversations with many donors to gauge their interest and perspective, and those conversations have been very successful," Reddy said. "We framed our conversations through the lens of people, programs, place and community, and that really resonated. When you think of UWF, there's such a diversity of initiatives that can be supported."

He continued, "In terms of people, we're looking at scholarships, which always resonate. We've raised a lot of money for scholarships and will continue to do so for the rest of the campaign, as well as support for teaching and research."

Under the programs, he listed the substantial gifts for the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership and the Jerry Louis Maygarden Undergraduate Communication Program.

region as an institution focused on individual growth and community advancement," Saunders said. "Now, more than 50 years later, we look forward to the future and focus on our commitment to impact our region and beyond."

She added, "The 'Here for Good' campaign is a promise to extend the passion of our people and unleash the best of UWF. We're telling our community and the world that UWF is here today and here to stay."

Focus areas of the campaign include people, programs, place and community.

If the university meets its fundraising goal, every undergraduate student will have access to a scholarship. In addition, UWF will bolster or create high-impact programs for students with the intent to continue earning national recognition for academic achievements, athletic accomplishments and groundbreaking research.

"Gifts to our programs will bolster our academic departments by providing high-impact practices and transformative learning experiences outside of the classroom for students before they go to the workplace," Saunders said. "Better programs mean better graduates."

The university plans to address place by enhancing its physical environment through named facilities and new technology. Community growth includes expanding the UWF Historic Trust offerings, making more archaeological discoveries along the Gulf Coast, and expanding the reach and resources of the radio station WUWF.

"As the only four-year public university in Northwest Florida, UWF is a key player in the economic, social and cultural development of the region," Saunders said. "We're not only

"Place covers upgrading our labs, equipment technology and athletic facilities," Reddy said. Under community, he discussed the UWF Historic Trust and its presence in downtown Pensacola.

He sees the Darrell Gooden Stadium as a transformative project. "Yes, there's the football piece, but there's also a housing component that we're going to look to build there. We have a waiting list for housing. Students want to live on campus and have that traditional university experience. The Darrell Gooden Stadium accomplishes that."

Pensacola has had several significant capital campaigns in recent years, including two to help build new hospitals. However, Reddy is optimistic UWF will meet its $90 million goal.

"This community, as you know, is such a generous community, such a philanthropic community," he said. "When they see something that's worthy of investment, they step up. The University of West Florida has a long history of receiving fantastic support from so many individuals, and this capital campaign is the largest in the institution's history."

He added, "We're building and continue to build under the leadership of Dr. Saunders. And it's just very, very exciting. We've got great momentum and we're inviting everybody to become a part of it. We're very thankful for all of those who have stepped up, and we look forward to having even more gifts to celebrate over the next 18 months to two years."

Reddy pointed out what Dr. Saunders said during her inaugural address in 2017. "She said, 'If we transform the university, we transform the community.' And we are seeing that."

To make a gift to the UWF capital campaign or for more information, visit uwf.edu/ hereforgood. {in}

Image Courtesy of uwf.edu

TINY HOMES GET A BOOST

By Tom St. Myer

For years, Pensacola real estate attorney and developer Jim Reeves has worked to have PRIDE Enterprises offer job training to state prison inmates in Northwest Florida. As the nonprofit's board chair, he struggled to assemble the funding and partnerships necessary for developing an industry that made the most sense for this region.

Reeves finally saw an opportunity in the affordable housing shortage and convinced PRIDE Enterprises, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), and Pensacola State College to collaborate on a tiny home manufacturing facility at the state prison outside of Century.

On April 11, the group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tiny Home building program at the Century Correctional Institution. This unique program will produce tiny homes built by trained and certified inmates in a manufacturing environment. State officials touted it as "a significant step toward addressing the pressing need for affordable housing for underserved people and families in the region."

The plan is to begin production in the fall and produce three tiny homes per month. The houses will measure just over 400 square feet with 12-foot by 36-foot dimensions.

"There's an assumption that if you can't afford a 1,000-square-foot house, you can afford a 400-square-foot house," Reeves said. "So, with that assumption, I moved forward and said affordable housing might be something smaller than the normal house."

The first classroom instruction occurred June 12, 2023, and the program is already in its third cohort. Each cohort consists of 15 students, with the goal to produce 40 to 45 graduates each year.

The program incorporates a nationally recognized construction trades course with a highly focused prison construction industry. Pensacola State College provides the course training. Only inmates who meet high standards qualify for the course. High-performing graduates of the course will then transition to the

PRIDE Enterprises micro-home construction industry and build houses.

PRIDE stands for Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises. The Florida Legislature created the nonprofit in 1981 to help FDC provide relevant education, job training and job placement once inmates are released. PRIDE seeks to reduce inmate idleness and recidivism. It operates 37 industries in 17 corrections institutions and receives no state appropriations.

WIN-WIN

Ideally, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will benefit from the PRIDE facility with an influx of skilled construction workers into their labor market and an increase in affordable quality housing.

PRIDE President Blake Brown said that inmates who complete the course will enter the PRIDE transition program upon their release from prison. The program provides standard transition program services: job placement, relocation assistance, social services and case management.

"They'll get certified and help us build these buildings over time," Brown said. "They signed a commitment paper that when they are released, they will stay in the eight-county region of West Florida. We are using some of them now to help us build our new building."

"We believe when folks have skills that they're trained to do something that will pay them a good living wage, they won't go back into crime." David Bear

In January, Triumph Gulf Coast approved a five-year grant for $923,745 to cover the Tiny Homes program's training portion. Triumph President David Bear said he considered the program an excellent investment to develop skilled trade and positively impact lives.

"We believe when folks have skills that they're trained to do something that will pay them a good living wage, they won't go back

into crime," Bear said. "We wanted to help reduce recidivism."

Bear also sees the potential for tiny homes as an option for the growing homeless population. He noted some people experiencing homelessness work and earn paychecks, but not enough to afford housing. Walter Arrington, a homeless health navigator and social worker at Community Health, told Inweekly that there are up to six homeless people for every shelter bed in the region.

Brown said venturing into the panhandle for this operation is overdue. Calhoun and Liberty counties previously held the distinction of farthest western portions of the state. He said this is a natural fit with Pensacola desperate for affordable housing.

A NATURAL FIT

According to Zillow, the average Pensacola home value is $257,482, up 2.4% over the past year. The cost to rent is just as pricey. The average cost to rent an apartment in Pensacola tops $1,500 per month.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is just as passionate as his father about addressing the affordable housing shortage. The city purchased the Pensacola Motor Lodge to address this issue, and a bill passed by the legislature this session includes $7 million to demolish the old Baptist campus and construct affordable housing on the site. Whether any of those homes will be tiny houses remains to be seen.

Jim Reeves has already ventured into tiny homes. His nonprofit, AMR Pensacola, Inc., has constructed seven in Pensacola near the old Baptist Hospital campus. The tiny homes house 18-year-olds who have aged out of foster care.

"We're doing a pilot program where they get a stipend for rent," Reeves said. "Not many people are renting to 18-year-olds, so we're trying to make adults out of them and make them proud of their individual homes and lawns."

AMR President Kevin Hagen said the Dwellings in Tallahassee served as inspiration. Established in 2020, the Dwellings became the nation's first tiny house community to fuse social services and shared amenities on a large

campus. Hagen visited the Dwellings and said, "Everybody who lived there loved it."

The AMR version is similar in that FamiliesFirst Network offers social services to the tenants. Hagen said FamiliesFirst and Baptist recommended that 18-year-olds aging out of foster care be the tenants.

"If you've been through that program and not been adopted, you can only imagine the uphill battle you face," Hagen said. "It just pulls at your heartstrings when you hear stories of them being taken advantage of when they get out. It's badly needed."

Hagen mentioned veterans and single mothers as possible future tenants for tiny homes. Reeves is only targeting Pensacola and Santa Rosa County for the tiny homes. Both have already adopted tiny home ordinances. Escambia County has yet to follow suit, but it will be an option if its county commissioners adopt an ordinance.

"There are areas like mixed-urban developments and urban infill that would work." Jeff Bergosh

County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said he met with Reeves and supports building tiny homes. He is simply waiting on the county staff to draft an ordinance that works for county residents.

"We had an ordinance that was drafted, and we felt it was pretty good," Bergosh said. "We wouldn't want to put them next to subdivisions with million-dollar houses. There are areas like mixed-urban developments and urban infill that would work. We just have to craft (an ordinance) that makes sense."

The county adopting an ordinance is an essential next step for Reeves in his attempt to solve the affordable housing shortage in both Escambia and Santa Rosa.

"There are two things I'm passionate about solving, and those are homelessness and childcare," Reeves said. "No one seems to be able to solve either one of them, so I'm on the case."

To learn more about PRIDE Enterprises, {in}

FOUR NEW PLAYGROUNDS Escambia

County Parks and Recreation has installed four new playgrounds at several neighborhood and community parks throughout the county. The playgrounds offer a variety of play features for children of all ages to enjoy, including slides, climbing structures, interactive games, musical instruments and more.

This year, new playgrounds have been added at Garcon Bayou Nature Park, 55 Doug Ford Drive, Harvester Homes I, 430 Belmont Ave., Lakewood Park, 670 Lakewood Road and Westernmark Park, 751 Massachusetts Ave. These are in addition to the five installed last summer.

All of the new playgrounds replaced outdated equipment.

"We are excited to have these playgrounds completed in time for spring and summer, and I have no doubt that children and families throughout Escambia County will enjoy these new amenities at our parks," said Michael Rhodes, the Parks and Recreation director. "Our Parks and Recreation team is always working hard to improve the park experience for county residents and visitors."

PATIENT SAFETY EXCELLENCE HCA

Florida West Hospital is honored to announce the hospital has been recognized with a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, a comprehensive database of ratings and comparisons for physicians, hospitals and healthcare providers. HCA Florida West Hospital is among 31 HCA Florida hospitals recognized by Healthgrades this year for high-quality care and prevention of serious safety events during hospital stays.

"To receive this recognition eight years in a row means we are a hospital that can produce extraordinary results and can replicate those extraordinary results to achieve quality healthcare that is equal to the best hospitals in the nation," said Gabe Bullaro, Chief Executive Officer of West Florida Hospital.

This year marks the eighth time HCA Florida West Hospital has received the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™. Over the same period, Healthgrades named HCA Florida West Hospital as being among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation for patient safety and among the top 10% in the nation for patient safety. The honors

are based on an analysis of required data reporting in 13 patient safety measures.

According to this year's Healthgrades report, if all hospitals observed the same protocols as those in this category, they could have avoided more than 97,000 patient safety events between 2020 and 2022. The analysis revealed that patients treated at award-recipient hospitals are significantly less likely to experience serious safety events compared to patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

LAWMAKERS' CASH State house candidates faced an April 10 deadline to file reports showing finance activity from Jan. 1 to March 31. State lawmakers are not allowed to receive campaign contributions during the legislative session, but they can spend money.

In District 1, State Rep. Michelle Salzman continued to burn through her campaign checking account. Since January 2023, Salzman has raised $114,892 and spent most of it, except for $8,809 she had in her checking account on March 31. During the first quarter of 2024, she spent $20,866, including $9,000 to Direct Mail Systems and nearly $2,900 to herself. She did get $1,000 reimbursement from Pensacola Indoor Shooting Range. Her Democratic opponent, Franscine Mathis, has raised no money. Salzman submitted 1,219 petition signatures to qualify to run, while Mathis has not submitted any signatures. Salzman's PAC, Committee to Protect Northwest Florida, is healthier. Started in September 2020, it has raised $467,736 and spent $319,060. As of March 31, the committee had $148,676 in the bank.

In District 2, State Rep. Alex Andrade has raised $52,430 for the 2024 reelection campaign and has spent $21,892, leaving $30,538 in his campaign account. He spent $4,555 in the last quarter, the majority for consulting services with Simwins, LLC. His opponent is Kimberly Kline, who is not affiliated with any party. Kline raised $3,790 and loaned $5,000 to her campaign. She has spent $3,231.

State Rep. Joel Rudman has no opponent in District 3. He has raised $99,055 and spent only $19,658.

INNOVATION SUMMIT Innovators and entrepreneurs from across Florida and the Southeast will attend the two-day Black Founders' Innovation Summit on April 19-20 in Pensacola. The summit brings together like-minded individuals and organizations committed to empowering and uplifting the Black community through the power of innovation.

"We are part of Innovation Leaders of Florida, and we've been, over the past year almost, touring cities like Tampa, Orlando and Miami, and now it's time for Pensacola," said Lloyd Reshard, who will host the summit with his wife Robin. "Black innovation leaders are literally trying to help more Blacks get into innovation. It's a really neat organization just getting off the ground, but we hope to have a lot of impact here in Florida."

Entrepreneurs, investors and leaders will gather in person to learn, network and gain the tools to innovate and scale their businesses, as well as develop and promote their ideas, and foster connections and partnerships.

The summit kicks off with a welcome reception 5 p.m. Friday, April 19 at the Kukua Institute, 300 N. Reus St. Speakers, workshops and panel discussions will begin 9 a.m. the next day at DeVilliers Square, 321 N. DeVilliers St. Registration starts at 8 a.m.

The keynote speaker is Dr. LaTanya White, president of Concept Creative Group in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Her substantial research and scholarship on racial equity and entrepreneurship culminated in developing Dynastic Wealth™.

"She's built a framework to show people how they can achieve and close the wealth gap through entrepreneurship," said Lloyd Reshard, the Kukua Institute's board chair. "She's also going to do a workshop on the mindset of innovation."

Following the keynote, Rose LeJiste, the CEO of the Orlando-based RL Engineering and Tech Solutions, will present a workshop on data management and artificial intelligence (AI). A former Kennedy Space Center engineer, LeJiste is an expert in data analytics, AI, performance management, process analysis and improvement, reliability engineering and strategic planning.

"The afternoon will be filled with interactive panels of entrepreneurs, investors and thought

leaders from across the state," Reshard said. "It is exciting to partner with the Florida Black Innovation Tour and awe-inspiring to host these innovators and learn from their experiences."

The first panel will feature successful Black founders. Reshard said, "For anybody who's aspiring to be an entrepreneur or a founder of a startup, these founders are going to share their best practices for building their startup. Following that, we're going to do a panel discussion on capital and investor readiness."

He added, "Entrepreneurs have skills you can learn, and so we want to make sure people learn those skills and learn the best practices for building a startup."

The summit is free and open to the public with required registration at bfis.kukuainstitute.org.

CITY UPDATE

As the City of Pensacola continues to bring services back online after the March cyberattack, Mayor D.C. Reeves has directed staff to provide credit monitoring services to city customers, as it did in 2019. He admitted they have enough information from the attack "for us to say that it was possible, but still, to this moment, we're not aware of that something has been leaked or something specifically is out there."

Out of an abundance of caution, the city has begun sending letters from USPS to anyone affected by the attack and will bolster its 3-1-1 services to handle any inquiries. The mayor said, "We've learned from 2019, so that in 2024, hopefully, we will have an even more seamless approach."

The Request for Proposals for curbside recycling ended April 8. The city received two proposals, which city staff is vetting to determine whether they are financially and logistically viable.

The first Portland Loo will be installed at the Bruce Beach playground Friday, April 19, and the playground will open Saturday, April 27. The outdoor restrooms will be installed at MLK Plaza on June 7 and the Brian Doyle Skatepark on June 14.

The mayor said, "Progress continues with the UWF Museum Plaza partnership with the UWF Historic Trust that would put a fourth Portland Loo behind the state museum. No date on that yet, but those conversations continue and are positive."

The mayor also announced the Parks & Recreation Department will add a kitchen to the Woodland Heights Community Center for $60,000.

PARKING RATES GOING UP

On April 11, Pensacola City Council approved a resolution authorizing the increase of city-owned parking rates from 50 cents an hour to $1 an hour beginning Wednesday, May 1.

With the passing of this resolution, Parking Management estimates a revenue increase of more than $240,000 with plans to reinvest the additional revenue for improving customer experience, payment technology and parking equipment.

ENVISION THE FUTURE

With significant population growth expected in the Florida Panhandle in the coming decades, the critical question of balancing development with environmental protection looms large. To address this challenge head-on, a workshop titled "Escambia / Santa Rosa 2040" is 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at the downtown Pensacola Public Library.

The event is organized by 1000 Friends, Florida's leading nonprofit advocate for environmentally and fiscally sustainable development. Generously supported by a Community Grant from the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP), this initiative underscores the commitment to safeguarding water quality and enhancing communities through thoughtful land-use strategies.

"Based on state projections, Escambia County is expected to grow by 9% by 2040, adding 30,000 new residents. And in Santa Rosa, that number is much higher at 24% or adding yearly 50,000 new residents by 2040," said Matt Posner, the PPBEP executive director. "The 1000 Friends of Florida Project really focuses on a comparison of growth models for this region, the traditional development pattern that we are currently seeing, which is a lot of suburban sprawl, and comparing that with a more conservation land use model."

He continued, "The difference that they identified in their project was that if we continue the growth status quo today, and based on those population projections, we would see a land loss or a conversion of that rural and natural lands of over 20,000 acres to developed area versus a more conservation model that would see that really only develop about half of that, about 10,000 acres."

1000 Friends President Paul Owens developed the two growth scenarios in collaboration with experts from the University of Florida's Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and Center for Coastal Solutions. At the workshop, Owens will outline the stark differences in outcomes based on whether the counties continue current growth patterns or opt for more compact, sustainable development. The discussion will also explore policies to promote environmentally responsible development, drawing on insights from local leaders and planning professionals.

Following the presentation and a questionand-answer session, Christian Wagley, the Pensacola-based coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf in Florida and Alabama, will lead a walking

tour highlighting nearby examples of compact, bay-friendly development.

CALDWELL ARCHITECTS

Caldwell Associ-

ates Architects, Inc. announced last week that Ellis Architects of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has joined the company. This effort culminates a four-year transition for the companies that has enabled their shared expertise, culture and assets to bring greater value to their clients.

The rebranded firm is Caldwell Architects, with offices in Pensacola, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Demopolis, Ala.

"We started working together back in 2019 on a host of different projects, really before COVID-19," said Miller Caldwell III. "As we started working through things, we saw a lot of similarities. We were both family-owned businesses at the time, and we had similar cultures and ways of doing business and serving our community."

He continued, "We felt like it was a great opportunity not only to grow our regional footprint but also to allow for the people within Ellis Architects and in Caldwell to grow their skillsets and to grow their abilities to practice architecture in a more holistic way throughout the Southeast."

Ellis Architects brings a 32-year legacy of professional service and successful projects across the state from Tuscaloosa to Mobile. With a portfolio of work, including education, high-end residential, historic preservation and civic projects, they bring diverse project knowledge, resources and enthusi asm to the growing Caldwell footprint.

"Ellis Architects has an outstanding reputation, proven expertise and a commitment to the com munities they work within—all of which aligned with our company values and made us optimistic about partnership and growth," Caldwell said. "The staff of Ellis Architects was a perfect addition to our team. We are greater together, and we are excited about the opportunities that our expanded reach and experience can offer to our clients."

AMBASSADORS SOUGHT United Way of West Florida's 2024-2025 Ambassador Program is accepting applications.

Each year, community-minded employers lend key personnel to United Way of West Florida to serve as ambassadors. By volunteering their time each month, these individuals help raise funds to meet critical needs in our community and address gaps in health, education and finan cial stability. Each ambassador supports between three to five companies by planning and imple menting successful fundraising campaigns.

The Ambassador Program is designed to help participants better understand the needs of our local community while building lasting relation ships with Escambia and Santa Rosa counties' current and future leaders. As ambassadors, participants will strengthen their leadership and public speaking skills, build strong community connections, and be part of something much larger than any one person or organization.

Applications are due May 1. The program runs June 12, 2024-December 11, 2024. Sign up and learn more at uwwf.org/ambassadors. {in}

NEW RHYTHMS, NEW RHYMES Spotlight on Local Poets

James Barrett "Bear" Rodehaver

Lachlan Woodson

Noah Couto

Will Gillette

Destiny "Dee" Herbert

Ericka Streeter Hodge

By Dakota Parks

Photos by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations)

"Poetry is the way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought … And where that language does not yet exist, it is our po etry which helps to fashion it. dream or vision, it is the skeleton architecture of our lives." In this quote, from her renowned essay "Poetry is Not a Luxury," Audre Lorde captures the profound power of poetry to uplift the mar ginalized and to help voice the unspeakable.

the dust off this skeleton, air out their closets and lay their souls bare for all to listen.

to several heavyweights—legends and role models in the poetry community, many of whom have graced the pages of Inweekly in the past—Charles McCaskill, LaChelle McCormick Johns, Quincy Hull, Jamey Jones, Patriot X and Northwest Florida's Poet Laureate Asia Samson just to name a few.

evolving poetry scene with its weekly open mics, curated poetry readings and art events constantly usher in new generations of poets. For April's National Poetry Month, we spoke with a few emerging and seasoned poets making their mark on the local landscape.

AN ODE TO COMMUNITY

with Ericka Streeter Hodge @soulfireprose

W hen Pensacola's longest standing open mic Pensacola Poetry found itself in need of a new emcee, Ericka Streeter Hodge stepped up to keep the "church" doors open.

offering one of her famous hugs to those who need it most.

Although she has been writing since childhood, it was this energy of Pensacola Poetry's weekly mic that fueled her creative drive to publish her debut book, "Soul Fire: Prose of Passion and Peace" in 2020. Hodge's poetry is sensual, playful and teetering on erotic while still leaving space for heavy heartache, grief and healing. She carries on a legacy of support-

the University of West Florida (UWF), studying English, and although she has relished in the escapism of writing prose since childhood, she is new to calling herself a poet.

After attending her first open mic at Jitterbug, Herbert found her space in the community, inspired by her peers and mentors to keep writing and sharing her poetry at open mics across Pensacola, as well as getting work published.

"I think of my poetry as a final girl, cowering in

HUMOR AND PAIN

with Will Gillette

willgillette8@gmail.com (to purchase a book)

For many, poetry has suffered from a tarnished reputation, often portrayed by English teachers as a puzzle demanding a single solution or interpretation. Yet, poetry is far from monolithic; it is fluid, multidimensional, capable of embodying myriad meanings and multi -

tudes—just like people. It can be playful, silly and funny in one stanza and heart wrenching in the next.

Poet Will Gillette has mastered this experimental, tender and weird poetry. His work is fluid, weaving from funny freestyle rap to whimsical journeys through nature and meditations on the universe. He credits Wallace Stevens as his favorite poet and "Weird Al" Yankovic for sparking his initial love for writing silly songs.

"I started out writing silly songs riffing on funny things I heard at school. My poetry is confessional in a way. Sometimes it's funny," Gillette said. "I like writing about my own discomfort. It helps me find meaning in it. But sometimes I just want a poem to be beautiful and to express how special nature is. Those are more difficult to write for me, and they usually end up drifting back into interior stuff. It's hard to look a squirrel in the eye and not blink, but someday I hope to."

Recently, Gillette self-published his first book "Dead Leaf Poetry," which he has been working on for the past three years. With hand-stitched pages and a cover decorated and pressed with dead flowers, the book is just as tenderly assembled as it is written. Gillette explores nature, his relationship with Christ, anxiety as well as experimental and lyrical forms.

"I love the musicality of words, and I want people to have fun reading it," Gillette said. "I think there are some deep ideas threaded through it. I have always been involved in the poetry scene wherever I lived, but Pensacola's is definitely special. There isn't a shred of the competitive element that sometimes finds its way into these circles. A little competition isn't a bad thing. But for me personally, I'm driven enough to work on my writing that it isn't necessary for others to push me. I would rather be held."

VERSES ON GRIPPY SOCK VACATIONS

with Noah Couto @itsmetalgreymonnow

L ike Gillette, newcomer Noah Couto is a force to be reckoned with—fusing rhyming verses with dark humor, heavy emotions, nerdy pop culture references and elements of slam poetry.

Although she is a new face in the poetry

community, Couto consistently brings fresh material, affectionately dubbed "new shit" by the Pensacola Poetry circle. Within a mere three months of immersing herself in the poetry scene, she has already penned over 30 poems with dreams of publishing a poetry book and a series of children's books.

"My poetry is crazy, like Kurt Vonnegutesque, but it flows," Couto said. "I've learned that writing poetry helps me understand and process very complex emotions so that I can move on from them instead of being trapped in a cycle where ugly emotions rear their heads over and over."

Couto doesn't shy away from these ugly emotions. In one of her notorious poems, "The Last Time He Called Me Crazy," Couto destigmatizes therapy, writing about running victory laps around the psych ward in grippy socks with the refrain: "Who you callin' crazy?"

Drawing from her personal experiences, her poetry frequently delves into themes of mental health, seamlessly intertwining elements of philosophy and psychology. As a psychology student at UWF, she brings a unique perspective to her craft.

"I'm Latina and an atheist, raised Catholic in the Bible Belt, so themes from the Bible and other religious texts come into play in my writing," she said. "But, the humor, it comes from a dark place. I have Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Symptoms include odd and eccentric manners of dress, speech and thought patterns. I have a proclivity to mixed metaphors and combining abstract and concrete thoughts. I'm a natural storyteller at heart."

SONNETS FOR SOUTHERN SURVIVAL

with James Barrett "Bear" Rodehaver @bearpoet35

Poetry not only facilitates communitybuilding and emotional exploration, but also stands as a beacon of resistance and resilience—a way to fight back and survive turbulent political landscapes and personal traumas.

As poet James Barrett "Bear" Rodehaver aptly puts it, when he isn't writing it—he's living it, surviving it. A prolific writer, editor and former slam poet, Rodehaver's work is deeply entrenched in the Southern gothic tradition, delving into the horrific violence and haunting

beauty of the South, crafting emotionally gripping poems that navigate themes of poverty, broken homes, illness, abuse, disability, political injustice and ultimately survival.

"There's a lot of sadness, anger and vitriol in my work, dealing with the trauma that was inflicted upon me for so long. I survived 30 years of abuse by a parent. I've died and come back to life, I've been in and out of hospitals my entire life," Rodehaver explained. "I'm a disabled, bisexual poet, and both of those play a huge role in my life and my work—especially with bisexual erasure. Sometimes I struggle to write about my disability positively, but there's this ableist narrative that's like, 'I'm disabled, but I don't let it stop me.' No, it stops you dead in your track sometimes and you have to take care of yourself."

Writing is how Rodehaver takes care of himself, processing the world around him. Over the years, he has published several works, including his poetry book "Strangely Wonderful" as well as other poetry collections no longer in print. He also helped co-create and co-edit a poetry anthology called "Not Dead Yet: An Anthology of Survivor Poetry" showcasing art, photography and writing from individuals who have survived a myriad of adversities.

"I believe in surrounding yourself with geniuses. That's how I stay on the cutting edge. I surround myself with not only an inner circle, but an outer circle of people who are smarter than me," Rodehaver said. "I think being part of a poetry scene changes your writing, depending on the politics of the area and the writers in it— what they inspire or challenge in you."

In that quest to surround himself with geniuses, Rodehaver has embedded himself in several poetry communities across the South, spanning from Montevallo, Ala. to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas to Pensacola. He is passionate about cultivating a community that goes beyond open mics.

Rodehaver is a co-facilitator of a new monthly writer's workshop hosted at Subculture Art Gallery alongside seasoned Pensacola poet Melani Udaeta (@melrose_poetry18). Together, they hope to carve out a space for writers to experiment with new poetic forms, spark creativity with group writing prompts and engage in discussions on topics ranging from writer's block to writing routines to publishing and beyond.

LOCAL OPEN MICS AND POETRY EVENTS

BALLADS OF BELONGING with Lachlan Woodson @lachlanwoodson

L ike Rodehaver, poet Lachlan Woodson is carving out their space in the poetry community and helping others find a place of belonging.

On any given day, you might spot them posted up with a typewriter, busking at a local market, hustling poems for sale. As a poet for hire, complete strangers offer Woodson a prompt, and they compose a poem live on the spot. This energy from forming deep connections with strangers mirrors the same spark Woodson first felt over a decade ago at Pensacola Poetry.

"I probably would not be a writer if it weren't for our local scene," Woodson said. "Seeing the Pensacola Poetry community share their deepest thoughts, emotions and experiences with oftentimes complete strangers was absolutely electric, like a current ran between the speaker and the crowd, and if you were lucky enough to touch it, you might end up on the mic yourself."

This electricity courses through Woodson's writing, driving their aspiration to sustain themselves through poetry as they hope to secure more engagements as a typewriter poet at creative gatherings, weddings and events such as PensaPride. Woodson's poetry varies widely in theme and form, but their work is rooted in spirituality, mysticism, grief, bad breakups, classism and Southern queerness.

Inspired by local poets, including Hannah Burns (@hannahreadslit), Woodson embarked on the creation of a new collective, called the Pensacola Queer Poets. The group co-hosts interdisciplinary, pop-up open mics that blend together other art forms like ceramics with live poetry readings, and they actively share the work of local queer poets on their Instagram @pensacolaqueerpoets.

"There are so, so many queer poets here in Pensacola, and I think they would be more apt to speak up if there were spaces designed just for them to write and share," Woodson said. "I don't know what that looks like yet. I've swung back and forth from trying to create small, in-home gatherings to considering larger open mics, but more than anything I just want to encourage my fellow Southern queer poets to keep writing, keep queering the South. I want to encourage them to explore self-publishing, and I want to lift their voices up however I can." {in}

Whether you're a seasoned poet or a curious newcomer drawn to the raw energy of an open mic night, the camaraderie of collaborative writing workshops or the inclusive spirit of new collectives, there is a place for everyone to contribute, to connect and to be heard.

PENSACOLA POETRY OPEN MIC

WHEN: Every Tuesday

NEXT EVENT: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23

WHERE: Subculture Art Gallery & Event Space, 701 N. V St.

DETAILS: facebook.com/pensacolapoetry

PENSACOLA POETRY WRITERS WORKSHOP

WHEN: Second Saturday of every month

NEXT EVENT: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 11

WHERE: Subculture Art Gallery & Event Space, 701 N. V St.

DETAILS: facebook.com/pensacolapoetry

THE GORDON OPEN MIC

WHEN: Second Thursday of every month

NEXT EVENT: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9

WHERE: The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N. De Villiers St.

DETAILS: @penartsinc

POETIC THURSDAYS WITH SPILLETRY AND FRIENDS

WHEN: The third Thursday of every month

NEXT EVENT: 9 p.m. Thursday, April 18

WHERE: Casks and Flights, 121 S. Palafox St.

DETAILS: facebook.com/spilletry

REVOLUTIONARY OPEN MIC

WHEN: Monthly, days and times vary

NEXT EVENT: 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 26

WHERE: Pensacola Liberation Center, 2110 W. Yonge St.

DETAILS: @psl_cgc

PACIFIC KAVA BAR OPEN MIC

WHEN: Last Friday of every month

NEXT EVENT: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26

WHERE: Pacific Kava Bar, 6301 N. Ninth Ave., Unit 2

DETAILS: @pacifickavabar

PENSACOLA QUEER POETS

WHEN: Pop-up events with no set schedule

NEXT EVENT: TBA

WHERE: Locations vary, but many happen at Jitterbug Beverage Co., 2050 N 12th Ave.

DETAILS: @pensacolaqueerpoets, @queerplaypensacola

FEATURED LOCAL POETS SELECT POEMS

How Not to Rot

By Will Gillette

Rot is the Beginning

By Lachlan Woodson

this house was built with rotting wood, rotting wood, but I don't mind, I don't mind that I'll be food for termites;

this house was built with rotting wood, but I don't care, I don't care that mycelium will spread, that the old will turn to mush;

this house was built with rotting wood, but I'm still here, I'm rapidly changing shape, but I won't go;

this house was built with rotting wood, but matter cannot be created nor destroyed, He didn't build this: I did, and I'm going to let it transform,

this house was built with rotting wood: flowers are growing from the roof

[I wonder,]

By James "Bear" Rodehaver

when God cradled

my body with care, and, making sure that all my fingers and toes were accounted for, exhaled life into:

A.) the absence of breath,

B.) a paper wingbox filled with formless prayers,

C.) an accordion-boned empty house,

D.) a desperate cathedral made for waiting on the Lord;

when he blew that perfect breath into this unworthy form, did he know just how hard his nimbused knee pressed into the small of my back?

I wonder, was it his effervescent kiss that mangled my tiny body so, or was it the crushing weight of his love?

I pray all my friends die and spring back to life as rivers.

Lord, let my ears be bladderwort bulbs, muddy and mist-washed, budding on opposite banks as spirited greetings burble between.

Ears, yellow and green, have no answer awaiting water's simple questions; so its questions remain simple:

so simple they cannot be answered by silence, the way more circuitous questions can.

My mouth is lost in the woods: possibly dead possibly full of blackberries.

Ballad

By Noah Couto

My song is no power ballad

My song is but a whimper

My breath is not like the wind

My breath is ragged and dying

My body is not strong, it is barely able

My mind is not sound, it is barely able I am not the hero of my story I am merely a character, in something

There is he who seems to love me

Of this I am never sure.

Sometimes I feel it— love. I think.

Please, Enjoy Me With Me

By Destiny "Dee" Herbert

I hope there is a place

That makes my presence feel as Sublime as the sea

Where there are bright sights

To see and drink and swim in—

Where my salt is mine

And my eyes are pearls

And can smile all on their own

And if I choose to

Press myself against the earth

It does not push back

But lets my strange shapes

Run over and sops up

All the sacrilegious worlds

That I bring with me

Because it will be aware of

Just how long

It took me to find the shore.

Broke Me Off!

By Ericka St reet er Hodge

I am tired.

Breathin' all hard

All sweaty and stuff.

Just layin' here.

I been rode hard, put away wet and I am lovin' it.

Bro' man broke me down, Broke me off

And I tried to break som'um off.

Ya know what I'm sayin'?

I'm gon cook for him.

I'm gon wash his car,

Pick up his dry cleaning, Rub his back, Shine his shoes.

I'm gon do all lat,

Just as soon as I can feel my legs.

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ Trivia is free to play, but admission to the cat café is required for $15. Event is 6-6:45 p.m. Thursday, April 18 and 5-5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24. Coastal Cat Café is located at 1508 W. Garden St. More information is at coastalcatpcola.com.

PET ADOPTION EVENT AT GARY'S BREWERY See Paws Crossed Dog Rescue 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 19 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Hip Pocket Deli will be on site. Live music from Elise Taylor is 6-9 p.m.

GUMBO YA-YA COOKOFF Gumbo cookoff contest benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $15-$20. To learn more about team registration, contact Buck Mitchell at buck@rosies.com. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Director of Development Lori Oswald, at loswald@bbbsnwfl.com.

SPRING PURREAK YOGA WITH KAYA BLOXHAM Join Coastal Cat Cafe for a Spring Purreak Cat-tacular Yoga event 9:45-10:30 a.m. April 21, featuring feline-inspired yoga led by instructor Kala Bloxham. Bring your own mat. Tickets are $28 and have limited availability. More information is at coastalcatpcola.com.

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 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and 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.

CALL TO ARTISTS

PENSACOLA MURAL FEST

The Pensacola Mural Fest committee has released the 2024 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2024 Pensacola Mural Fest. Muralists will begin painting Oct. 19, and the festival is Nov. 2. Interested artists can find the RFQ at pensacolamuralfest. com or contact Kelly Gunther at kellyegunther@ gmail.com for more information. Submissions are due no later than May 1.

Pensacola Mural Fest operates under the umbrella of First City Art Center. To learn more about the event, go to pensacolamuralfest.com or follow Pensacola Mural Fest on Facebook or Instagram.

ARTS & CULTURE

PENSACOLA CINEMA ART SCREENINGS

"Civil War" will have two showings 1 p.m. Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at Pensacola Cinema Art, 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are a $10 cash donation. Free snacks and wine will be available. A special free screening of "Blue Vinyl" is 6 p.m. Monday, April 22. Details are at pensacolacinemaart.com.

ADVANCED STEAM Adults ages 18 and older interested in virtual reality, AR, coding, robotics, engineering, construction, board games, crafts, and scientific experiments and exploration are invited to stop in for special STEAM activities. The theme for April is Earth and will take place 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at the Pace Library.

BUTTERFLIES IN MOTION

Learn about Florida's native butterflies and visit the mobile butterfly house at Santa Rosa County Libraries. Dates include 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 25 at Gulf Breeze Library and 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Navarre Library, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 26 at Jay Library and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Milton Library.

SWIFTIE SOIREE

Zarzaur Law is hosting Taylor Swift-inspired events as part of its "Eras Giveaway" promotion 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at The Well, 42 E. Garden St. The bar will be dressed in Taylor Swift-inspired decorations, including photo backdrops, music, karaoke, Swift-inspired cocktails and a chance to win two VIP suite tickets to see Taylor Swift's "The Eras" Tour concert in Miami on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Hard Rock Stadium. Visit zarzaurswiftgiveaway. com for complete contest rules, event details and more information.

LIBERATION! PRESENTS: NEON NIGHTS

Lineup of DJs and '80s-inspired drag featuring Wanda Doomy is 8 p.m. Friday, April 19 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Details and tickets are available at Liberation Pensacola on Facebook.

GALLERY NIGHT: EARTH DAY The April Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 19 with the theme of Earth Day. Enjoy a vintage market and live performances along South Palafox. Visit gallerynightpensacola.org for details.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND: 'JUMANJI' The next Cinemas in the Sand features the 1995 fantasy, "Jumanji." All movies are free to the public. Movie starts at sunset Friday, April 19 at the Gulfside Pavilion stage. For weather updates, go to facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach.

EARTH DAY PENSACOLA Pensacola's 34th annual Earth Day Festival is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday April 21 at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. The event showcases sustainable living through a fun day of environmental education, art, live music, local food, green products and hands-on activities. For full details, visit the event website at earthdaypensacola.com.

ESCAMBIA / SANTA ROSA 2040 WORKSHOP TO ADDRESS POPULATION

GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 1000 Friends, a nonprofit advocate for environmentally and fiscally sustainable development, will host a sustainability workshop 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Following the presentation and a question-and-answer session, Christian Wagley, of Healthy Gulf, will lead a walking tour highlighting nearby examples of compact, bay-friendly development. Attendees can gain firsthand

insights into how sustainable practices can be integrated into urban planning. More information is at 1000fof.org/county/escambia-santa-rosa.

WEST

FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARIES

SPRING BOOK SALE

The WFPL spring book sale 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 26 is $5 admission, but free to members; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 with half-off books and no admission fee, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 28 with the $7 bag sale. No admission fee. Sale takes place at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St.

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. every Sunday. 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 Center, 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 at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For

WINNER BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar for Games

Best Bar Food, Best Hot Dog and Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner

a&e happenings

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 held 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 actual 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. Following 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.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids' crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

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.

THE FLUIDITY OF PERCEPTION

Enjoy

an exhibit from Chris Gustin and Nancy Train Smith in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society. The show is on view through May 17 at the Switzer Gallery at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd.

LOVE LETTERS TO URSA MAJOR: WORK

BY KELLY ANNE MUELLER

Enjoy a solo show from Kelly Anne Mueller, Best in Show from the 2023 PMA Members Show. Exhibit is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

PMA MEMBERS SHOW

The 70th annual Members Show is on view through May 25 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

SEVILLE QUARTER WINE DINNER Wine

Dinner with winemaker Sean Minor is 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 18. Tickets are $75 a person. Reservations can be made by calling (850) 434-6211.

EVERYTHING: CREPES Learn everything you need to know about making crepes 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Tickets are $60 per student and available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

PENSACOLA BEACH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

The Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival returns to Bamboo Willie's and the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk on April 19-21 at 400 Quietwater Beach Road. Enjoy live music each day alongside flavorful crawfish. Details are available at bamboowillies.com/crawfish-festival.

DRIFTEE DARTY Day party with vendor market, tie dye station, live music and more is noon Saturday, April 20 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Tickets are available at facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.

THIRD ANNUAL PENSACOLA BEACH

BEER FEST Beer festival is 3-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Hampton Inn, 2 Via de Luna Drive. Tickets are $40 and available at eventbrite.com

SWAMPFEST 2024 All four Perennial Hospitality Group locations will transform into enchanting landscapes that will transport you back to a time of make believe for a day filled with fairy godmothers, Grimms' fairy tales and more. Event starts 11 a.m. Sunday, April 21. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

ADVANCED HAND ROLLING SUSHI CLASS

Class is 6-9 p.m. Monday, April 22 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $75 and available on eventbrite.com.

CULTURES COOK: INDIAN DISHES

ola Cooks Class is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $70 per student. Register through the link available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

SPANISH DINNER WITH CHEF EDWARD

Dinner is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Boda cious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Reservations are $85 and available at eventbrite.com.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS

Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15 which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collec tions/events.

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.

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.

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a&e happenings

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER

HOUSE Sunday Brunch at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.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.

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.

BAR BINGO Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for 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 on the third Friday of the month. Enjoy $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details available at districtsteaks.com.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights

7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

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.

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.

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA 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.

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. April shows are as follows: April 23 is Mass Kunfuzion and April 30 is True Blue Band. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-bands-on-beach.

ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS St. Christopher's Episcopal Church invites you to a free outdoor concert on the church lawn 4-6 p.m. Thursdays through May 23. Bring your own lawn chairs, snacks/dinner and beverages. Concessions are available. April 18 is JoyRide. April 25 is John Hart. May 2 is Mirage. May 9 is The Blenders. May 16 is NOBIUS. May 23 is The Lads. St. Christopher's Episcopal Church is located at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Visit scpen.org for details.

JESUS PIECE, SANGUISUGABOGG, GAG, PEELING FLESH Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $25-$30 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

UWF SINGERS PRESENT "MOMENTS: A CONCERT" Performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway Building 82. Event

is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve yours at uwf.edu/cfpa.

FAVORHOUSE BENEFIT SHOW Featuring Ego Death, A Sunday Fire, Jumping the Gun, Mid Evil Times, Marigold's Apprentice, the show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are a $10 suggested donation.

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE Show is 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $27.50 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SEASON FINALE Enjoy a performance with special guest Orion Weiss on piano. Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.

BORN TO BURN FEST Show is 4:20 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are at thehandlebar850.com.

PIANO MEN GENERATIONS Show is 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and information are at pensacolasaenger.com.

NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND Show is 7 p.m. Monday, April 22 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

a&e happenings

BRIT FLOYD Show is 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

UWF JAZZ ENSEMBLE & COMBO

The University of West Florida and Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will host a Jazz Ensemble & Combo in concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. For tickets or more information, visit uwf.edu/cfpa or call the CFPA box office at (850) 857-6285.

THE DAHMERS, AMERICAN SUICIDE, BANKHEAD BOYS Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

GASOLINA: REGGAETRON PARTY AT VINYL MUSIC HALL Event is 9 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20-$50 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

THE WAILERS Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $30 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ

Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

•6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18: John Wheeler

•6-10 p.m. Friday, April 19: Cat Daddy Blues Band

•6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 20: Glen Parker

•11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 21: Curt Bol

•6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23: John Wheeler

LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. On April 21, The Dead Flowers and on April 28, Kris Miller. Visit facebook. com/calvertsintheheights.

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.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE

QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District 7 p.m. Mondays at 130 E. Government St. in End O' the Alley. On April 22, the Prodigal Blues will play and April 29 will be Skyla Burrell. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night 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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia at 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 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.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

BLUE WAHOOS GAMES Take in a baseball game at the Blue Wahoos stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. For single, group or VIP tickets, visit bluewahoos.com.

Upcoming home games:

•6:05 p.m. Thursday, April 18

•6:05 p.m. Friday, April 19

•6:05 p.m. Saturday, April 20

•4:05 p.m. Sunday, April 21

•6:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 23

•11:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 24

•6:05 p.m. Thursday, April 25

FLORA BAMA MULLET MAN TRIATHLON

The 26th Annual Flora Bama Mullet Man Triathlon is 7 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at Flora Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. Information and registration is at florabama.com.

BRITS ON THE BAY CAR SHOW Display

and judging of British vehicles from the 1930s to present at Seville Square on Saturday, April 20. The event will include silent auction, 50/50, valve cover races and a Scottish Bagpipe Band. Details at pbca1.com.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Show is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com

WHALE FEST

The Gulf Coast Whale Festival brings environmental education and fun to Pensacola Beach 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Casino Beach Boardwalk. Life-sized models of Gulf whales will be on display, courtesy of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute. That includes a model of the Rice's whale—one of the world's rarest and most endangered animals. For more information, visit healthygulf.org/getinvolved/gulf-coast-whale-festival.

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free will astrology

WEEK OF APRIL 18

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): I suspect two notable phenomena will coalesce in your sphere sometime soon. The first is a surplus supply of luck. I'm not sure why, but the fates will be sending surges of good karma your way. The second phenomenon is this: You might not be entirely alert for the potential luck flowing in your direction, and it may not leap out and grab you. That could be a problem. Fortunately, you are reading this oracle, which means you are getting a heads-up about the looming opportunity. Now that you realize you must be vigilant for the serendipitous blessings, I'm confident you will spot them and claim them.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): You will be wise to summon extra love and rapport as you ruminate on your vivid upcoming decisions. Wouldn't you like to bask in the helpful influences of smart allies who respect you? How nurturing would it feel to receive healing encouragement and warm appreciation? I suggest you convene a conference of trusted advisors, good listeners, sunny mentors, wisdom keepers and spirit guides. Maybe even convene a series of such gatherings. Now is an excellent time to call in all your favors and get the most inspirational support possible as you navigate your way to the next chapter of your life story.

Wouldn't you like to bask in the helpful influences of smart allies who respect you?

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): If you drink alcohol, don't operate a forklift or backhoe. If you gamble, protect yourself with safeguards and have a backup plan. If you feel called to explore altered states of consciousness, consider doing meditation, dancing or chanting holy songs instead of ingesting drugs. If you have an itch to go hang-gliding or sky-jumping, triple-check your equipment. And if you have the urge to try to walk on the water, don a lifejacket first. But please note, dear Gemini: I am not advising you to timidly huddle in your comfort zone. On the

By Rob Brezsny

contrary. I highly recommend you stretch your limits. Just be secure and smart as you do.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I plotted out my usual astrological reckonings for your current destiny. Then I slipped into a meditative trance and asked the spirits to show me future scenes that correspond to my assessments. In one prominent vision, I beheld you partying heartily, navigating your avid and inquisitive way through convivial gatherings. In other scenes, I saw you engaged in lively discussions with interesting people who expanded your understanding of the meaning of life in general and the meaning of your life in particular. I conclude that intelligent revelry will be a main theme for you. Productive excitement. Pleasurable intrigue. Connections that enliven and tonify your imagination.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): The theory of synchronicity proposes that hidden patterns are woven into our lives. Though they may ordinarily be hard to detect, they can become vividly visible under certain circumstances. But we have to adjust the way we interpret reality. Here's a clue: Be alert for three meaningful coincidences that happen within a short time and seem related to each other. I predict the emergence of at least one set of these coincidences in the coming weeks—maybe as many as four. Synchronicities are coming. You have entered the more-than-mere-coincidence zone.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Psychologists J. Clayton Lafferty and Lorraine F. Lafferty wrote a book called "Perfectionism: A Sure Cure for Happiness." It's based on their work with clients who damaged their lives "in the illusory pursuit of the unrealistic and unattainable standard of perfection." In my observation, many of us are susceptible to this bad habit, but you Virgos tend to be the most susceptible of all. The good news is you now have an excellent chance to loosen the grip of perfectionism. You are more receptive than usual to intuitions about how to relax your aspirations without compromising your competence. As inspiration, consider these words from author Henry James: "Excellence does not require perfection." Leadership expert R. Stutman adds: "If perfection is an obstacle course, excellence is a masterful dance."

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "Everyone is a moon and has a dark side which they never show to anybody," wrote author Mark Twain. I agree that everyone is a moon and has a dark side. But it's important to note that our dark sides are not inherently ugly or bad. Psychologist Carl Jung proved to me our dark sides may contain latent, wounded or unappreciated beauty. To be healthy, in fact, we should cultivate a vigorous relationship with our dark side. In doing so, we can draw out hidden and undeveloped assets. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you Libras to do this.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Your current state has metaphorical resemblances to idling in your car, waiting and waiting and waiting for the red light to change. But here's the good news: I expect the signal will turn green soon—maybe even within minutes after you read this horoscope. Here's more good news: Your unlucky number will stop popping up so often, and your lucky number will be a frequent visitor. I'm also happy to report that the "Please don't touch" signs will disappear. This means you will have expanded permission to consort intimately with influences you need to consort with.

novel varieties of vegetables, fruits, grains and flowers. Among his handiwork was the russet Burbank potato, a blight-resistant food designed to help Ireland recover from its Great Famine. My personal favorite was his Flaming Gold nectarine, one of the 217 fruits he devised. I propose that Burbank serve as your role model in the coming weeks. I believe you have the power to summon highly pragmatic creativity.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): L. R. McBride wrote the book "The Kahuna: Versatile Mystics of Old Hawaii." He describes the role of the kahuna, who is a blend of sorcerer, scholar and healer. At one point, a kahuna gives advice to an American tourist, saying, "You have moved too fast for too long. You have left part of yourself behind. Now you should slow down so that part of you can catch up." I'm offering you the same advice right now, Aquarius. Here's your homework: Dream up three fun things you can do to invite and welcome back the left-behind parts of you.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I think it's time to graduate from your lessons in toxic kinds of enchantment and launch a new experiment with healthy kinds of enchantment. If you agree, spend the next few days checking to see if any part of you is numb, apathetic or unreceptive. Non-feelings like these suggest you may be under the enchantment of influences that are cramping your imagination. The next step is to go in quest of experiences, people and situations that excite your imagination, rouse your reverence and raise your appreciation for holy mysteries. Life will conspire benevolently on your behalf if you connect yourself with magic, marvels and miracles.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Luther Burbank (1849–1926) was a practical artist. Using crossbreeding, he developed more than 800

© 2024 Rob Brezsny You

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In the course of my life, I have heard the following three statements from various people: 1. "Everything would be better between us if you would just be different from who you are." 2. "I would like you more if you were somebody else." 3. "Why won't you change to be more like the person I wish you would be?" I'm sure you have heard similar pronouncements yourself, Pisces. But now here's the good news: I don't think you will have to endure much, if any, of such phenomena in the coming months. Why? First, because you will be more purely your authentic self than you have ever been. Second, because your allies, colleagues and loved ones—the only people who matter, really—are likely to be extra welcoming to your genuine self.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Enjoy free articles and audios from my new book: https://bit.ly/ lovelifegifts {in}

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news of the weird

BOOM! Police in Rose, Idaho, revealed on April 10 the names of the victim and suspect in a home invasion that took place in March, EastIdahoNews. com reported. Officials said that around 2 a.m., 85-year-old Christine Jenneiahn was sleeping in her home when she awoke to a man shining a flashlight and pointing a gun at her. Derek Ephriam Condon, 39, allegedly then handcuffed Jenneiahn and moved her to the living room, where he cuffed her to a chair and asked her where the valuables were. She told him there were two safes, and he left to investigate. While he was out of the room, Jenneiahn dragged herself and the chair into her bedroom and got her .357 Magnum revolver, which she hid on a nearby couch after returning to the living room. Ultimately, she made a "now or never" decision and drew the gun, fatally striking Condon with two shots. He returned fire, hitting her multiple times, but Jenneiahn survived and has already left the hospital. The case, said Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley, "presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of." Officials said the two knew each other and it was not a random incident.

RECTUM? KILLED 'IM A 24-year-old man, Yogesh R, in Bengaluru, India, died on March 25 of massive intestinal damage after a friend, Murali, 23, playfully inflated his rectum with a powerful car wash blow-dryer. The friend, an employee at a motorbike service center, had finished washing and drying the vehicle of the victim when horseplay ensued, the Times of India reported. The dryer's wand was not close to Yogesh, but the pressure was such that the victim collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were unable to repair his exploded colon. Murali was arrested for culpable homicide.

ANIMAL ANTICS In the wee hours of April 10 at a train station in Sydney, Australia, an unexpected commuter showed up, United Press International reported. A horse, wearing a blanket, appeared on the Warwick Farm station platform during heavy storms and tried to board the train. The escapade was captured on security camera video. The horse trotted up and down the platform and chased another rider before its owner was summoned to collect it. Transport for New South Wales declared that the would-be rider was "only horsing around" and was returned to his residence.

•On April 8 in Kansas City, Missouri, police were summoned after someone saw a mountain goat standing on a ledge under a highway overpass bridge, United Press International reported. Authorities tried using a rope to rescue the goat, who ended up hanging from the rope for a short while. Finally a veterinarian on the ground sedated the animal, and it was taken to a local animal shelter to recover. Apparently, the goat had recently been adopted by a nearby resident and had escaped its enclosure.

PRECOCIOUS At the Country Oaks Elementary School in Hendry County, Florida, two 10-year-old boys were trading more than Lunchables on March 27. ClickOrlando reported that one of the boys had

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

agreed in February to sell a handgun belonging to his father, who had recently died, to another for $300. The gun was located under a shed in the boy's backyard, along with a baggie containing 74 grams of marijuana. Both boys were arrested—one for selling a firearm to a minor, the other for purchasing a firearm as a minor. The seller's mom is a sheriff's deputy; she was put on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

HOLIER THAN THOU Peter Owens, 35, of Ellenton, Florida, went to a Walgreens store in Clearwater on Easter Sunday to buy some headphones, The Smoking Gun reported. While there, he got into an argument with an employee of the store, and the manager, 36-year-old Nicole Merck, tried to intervene, asking Owens to leave the store. That was when Owens, according to police, struck Merck in the face with his Bible. Authorities tracked him down, and he admitted striking her "because she was being rude to him." The charge was bumped up to a felony because of Owens' 2020 conviction in Michigan for assault and battery. WWJD?

OVERSERVED Anna Louise Keller, 49, of Seminole, Florida, was shocked—SHOCKED!—on April 8 when Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies stopped her because she was driving recklessly and, critically, missing her right front tire. Fox13-TV reported that officers smelled alcohol, and Keller admitted that she had been drinking and was unaware of the missing tire. She tested over the legal limit, and deputies found four empty Busch Light containers in the car. She was charged with DUI.

•When police came across Wyly James Weeks, 35, on April 5 in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was sitting in a trash can, on a sidewalk, and completely naked. The Smoking Gun reported that Weeks told cops he "was allowed to be drunk and disorderly and sit naked in a trash can on the public sidewalk." Indeed, they found him to be unsteady on his feet and smelling of liquor. He also told them he didn't have to provide his "name or demographics." He pleaded guilty to disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence and was fined $520.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF MY PARTS In what is apparently a regular prank in Mexico, someone submitted an adults-only video clip of their view of the eclipse on April 8 to an RCG Media news program, the New York Post reported. But this particular clip was of a man blocking out the sun with his testicles. While the male anchor read on from a list of locations where people could watch the celestial phenomenon, one of the two female anchors gasped as the crude image flashed on the screen. The male anchor then apologized; an X user with the name Rhevolver took gleeful responsibility for the joke. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird

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