Inweekly April 24 2025 Issue

TAKING ON TRUMP

Local Entrepreneur Emily Ley Files Lawsuit Against Tariffs

winners & losers

winners losers

ESCAMBIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In partnership with Nemours Children's Health and the American Heart Association, the school system completed its district-wide CPR training initiative on April 23 when West Florida High School became the seventh and final school to receive hands-only CPR instruction. Over 2,200 students across the district have been trained, exceeding Florida's House Bill 157 requirements. The training gives students potentially life-saving skills for emergency situations. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances after cardiac arrest, which is significant given that more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually.

CHRISTIAN GARMAN The University of West Florida faculty member was awarded the Communication Business/Industry Award at the Escambia County Public School's Career Academy Awards ceremony. Focusing on his decades-long career as a broadcaster and mass communicator, Garman teaches courses on public speaking, media relations, multimedia journalism, advertising and public relations. He has been in the public eye in Northwest Florida since 1996. After spending 20 years as the morning meteorologist at WEAR-TV, Garman has continued forecasting for the Gulf Coast through various outlets, including pensacolabeach.com, WOW Radio, the Destin Fishing Rodeo and as a regular fill-in meteorologist at WEAR. He's also a professional emcee and has served in that capacity for the ITEN Wired Conference for the last several years.

CAMERON KONETZKI The twelve-year-old associate member of the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club captured gold at Skate Nashville held April 10-13 in Tennessee. Competing among 15 skaters in the Juvenile Solo Combined Dance level, Konetzki performed the Hickory Hoedown pattern dance and a free dance routine to secure first place. The victory earned him a fifth-place ranking in the Eastern Section of the U.S. Figure Skating Solo Dance Series, which continues through September. Top performers will advance to the National Solo Dance Final in Salt Lake City this fall. Konetzki trains at the Pensacola Bay Center when ice is available and travels to Central Florida and Northern Virginia for coaching.

ESCAMBIA REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The group isn't having a good year. For the first time since 2006, a Democratic candidate received more votes than the Republican candidate in a federal race when Gay Valimont beat Jimmy Patronis in Escambia County by 2,277 votes. Then last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis banned all Escambia County and City of Pensacola GOP elected officials from his media event at Pensacola State College. We hear County Commissioner Steve Stroberger was particularly upset he wasn't allowed in the room.

GATES GARCIA

The Tampa podcaster resigned from the University of West Florida Board of Trustees last week to avoid embarrassment before his approval hearing before Sen. Don Gaetz's Committee on Senate Ethics and Elections that was set for April 22. Gates faced intense questioning before the Senate Committee on Higher Education about his voting to make former Trustee Scott Yenor chairman of the UWF board. Gates denied four times any knowledge of Yenor's controversial comments about women in the workforce, claiming he only knew of the Boise State professor's "education reform." When the senators read them aloud, Gates did not state he would have voted differently.

JOSHUA HAY

The chairman of the Hope Florida Foundation testified under oath on April 15 before the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee that "mistakes were made" with the organization's record-keeping. The foundation is under scrutiny for receiving $10 million from Medicaid provider Centene, which it subsequently distributed as $5 million grants to two nonprofits. Hay acknowledged lapses in reporting procedures and insufficient staffing support, and said he would address governance issues and missing federal tax reports at a future board meeting. When questioned about the foundation's grants possibly being used improperly, Hay stated he had "no reason to believe there was anything odd." Hay, who is also CEO of Indelible, faced questions about his company's $119 million in state contracts since 2021. He defended his business success, saying, "We are friends of the administration. We are friends of the legislature. We know people. We do good work."

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

DESANTIS' PENSACOLA WATERLOO

Governor Ron DeSantis may have finally met his match in the determined citizens and lawmakers of Northwest Florida. What began as a seemingly routine reshaping of the University of West Florida's Board of Trustees has evolved into a formidable challenge to DeSantis' authority and a potential turning point in his political career.

The governor appointing out-of-state trustees to UWF's board, including controversial Boise State professor Scott Yenor, sparked unprecedented community backlash. The subsequent 8-5 vote installing Yenor as chair provoked fears that these right-wing ideologues would repeat at UWF the New College of Florida debacle.

But the Pensacola community refused to stand idle. Community leaders expressed concern about the lack of locals on the board. UWF Trustee Alonzie Scott argued during the chairmanship vote, "One of the key things of being a great board of trustees isn't because you have a resume working somewhere else. It is being involved in the community."

The "Save UWF" movement mobilized rapidly and galvanized support for UWF and its president, Dr. Martha Saunders. Their persistence has already yielded significant results: Yenor and Tampa podcaster Gates Garcia have resigned from the board. Trustee Adam Kissel, a West Virginia resident, was rejected by the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

Meanwhile, Pensacola's legislative delegation has mounted its resistance to DeSantis' agenda. Rep. Michelle Salzman's HB 1321 passed the Florida House by a 104-8 vote, repealing a 2022 law that provided exemptions to public records and public meetings laws for university presidential searches.

During a media event at Pensacola State College (PSC) before the vote, DeSantis accused Salzman of betraying voters and "going native" in Tallahassee, suggesting she was "doing the bidding of the leadership and the staff" rather than representing constituents.

Yet Salzman maintained that her bill wasn't an attack on the governor but rather an effort to restore public trust. She explained that lawmakers had supported the 2022 law after receiving assurances that information about presidential finalists would be made public. However, "how the process played out created a huge level of distrust" among Floridians.

What made the PSC event weirder was DeSantis banning Pensacola's elected officials and the Escambia County Commission from attending.

Adding to DeSantis' Pensacola troubles, Rep. Alex Andrade, the House Health Care Budget Committee chair, has investigated potential financial irregularities in First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope Florida initiative. During a heated committee exchange with officials from the Agency for Health Care Administration, Andrade questioned a $10 million settlement between a Medicaid managed care operator and the state directed to Hope Florida.

Andrade described the arrangement as "a violation of state law to not take settlement funds and put them back into general revenue," suggesting improper financial management at the highest levels of state government.

When I talked with him last week, Andrade expressed concern about the governor's behavior at the PSC event, describing DeSantis as "getting progressively more and more emotional and erratic and manic." The lawmaker lamented that the governor is "doing a lot to hurt his legacy right now."

Even within Hope Florida itself, voices for accountability are emerging. Pensacola's Stephanie White, a Hope Florida Foundation board member, has taken center stage in demanding financial transparency. At a recent board meeting, White questioned discrepancies in the organization's financial reporting, noting that substantial distributions appeared missing from official documents and advocating for stronger board oversight of funding decisions.

The convergence of these challenges suggests DeSantis may have misjudged Northwest Florida's independent spirit. A region that has flourished under President Martha Saunders's leadership at UWF and serves as an economic driver for the surrounding area has good reason to defend its institutions against political interference.

The governor has been hit with an unprecedented rebellion in what should be friendly territory. For a politician long accustomed to deference from Republican lawmakers, this Pensacola resistance could indeed become DeSantis' Waterloo—the moment when political overreach finally encounters effective, organized opposition from his own party's base.

The battle for UWF's future has evolved into something much more significant: a test case for the limits of gubernatorial power and the resilience of local communities determined to protect their institutions from becoming

in ideological struggles. {in} rick@inweekly.net

FOLLOW THE MONEY

By Rick Outzen

The Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit organization tasked with fundraising for Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis' welfare assistance initiative, has become the center of a rapidly growing controversy.

Under oath before the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee on April 15, Foundation Chairman Joshua Hay acknowledged that "mistakes were made" with the organization's record-keeping practices, as lawmakers continue to probe the foundation's handling of $10 million received from Medicaid managed care provider Centene.

"In recent weeks, the public reporting has made evident that mistakes were made. There are lapses in reporting procedures. The foundation was not provided with the staffing support necessary to ensure all matters were being quickly and appropriately handled," Hay testified.

The investigation centers on financial transactions that have raised serious concerns among lawmakers. Last fall, the Hope Florida Foundation received $10 million as part of a larger $67 million settlement between Centene, Florida's largest Medicaid managed care provider, and the state Agency for Health Care Administration.

After receiving these funds, the foundation promptly distributed $5 million grants to two organizations: the Florida Chamber of Commerce's Secure Florida's Future, and Save Our Society from Drugs. These organizations then contributed to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee headed by James Uthmeier, then Governor Ron DeSantis' chief of staff and now Florida's attorney general.

First Lady Casey DeSantis passionately defended

"I hate to see people suffer," she explained. "There are people in our society and in our state who are suffering. And if there is something that we can do to ease their suffering, then we have an obligation to stand up and fight for them."

The First Lady said Hope Florida was not designed to grow government but rather to transform how existing resources are utilized. The initiative converts government benefit processors into "navigators" who serve as mentors and coordinators for those in need. She described how these navigators help connect people with resources outside of government, including non-

She had representatives from Vision of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit in Pace, and St. Andrew Christian Care Center of Panama City, talk about how Hope Florida grants have helped them ex-

A Hope Florida beneficiary said, "Hope Florida provided hope at a time I needed it most. I

nor's inner circle. Hay testified that he hired Jeff Aaron as the foundation's general counsel after being introduced to him by David Dewhirst, who is Uthmeier's chief of staff and a former colleague from the governor's office.

The foundation has also recently retained attorney Mohammad Jazil to address "deficiencies" in its paperwork. This revelation appeared to surprise Chairman Andrade, as Jazil also represented the Keep Florida Clean committee. Andrade said, "I have serious concerns about what might be occurring in the postdating of documentation in the attempt to justify and cover up what actually happened," Andrade stated.

Questions about potential conflicts of interest continue to mount. Hay's own company, Indelible, has secured over 30 contracts totaling more than $119 million with state agencies since 2021, according to the state chief financial officer's website. Additionally, two lobbyists serve on the foundation's five-member board.

The Keep Florida Clean committee actively campaigned against Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would have legalized recreational marijuana use in Florida.

'CONSPIRACY' TO MISUSE MEDICAID FUNDS

House Health Care Budget Chairman Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola) has taken the unusual step of requiring sworn testimony in this investigation. He has accused Uthmeier of routing Medicaid settlement money through the foundation to finance political campaign activities against Amendment 3.

"This is looking more and more like a conspiracy to use Medicaid money to pay for campaign activity," Andrade told reporters following the committee meeting. The chairman indicated he plans to seek additional public records, including text messages and emails from various state agency officials, including Uthmeier himself, and did not rule out issuing a subpoena requiring the attorney general to appear before his panel.

When asked about the legality of the transactions, Andrade didn't mince words: "Given Mr. Uthmeier's involvement in the settlement and then the transfer to Hope Florida and then soliciting these grant proposals and then immediately receiving that to his PAC ... That's very much what looks like criminal behavior."

DESANTIS PUSHES BACK

At a media event held at Pensacola State College while Andrade's committee was meeting,

Meanwhile, the DeSantis administration has chosen to attack Andrade and House GOP leaders personally. Jeremy Redfern, speaking on behalf of Attorney General Uthmeier, challenged Andrade's motivations, accusing him of having connections to Trulieve, a medical marijuana company.

"This is Democrat-style lawfare by a representative who is in the pocket of Big Weed," Redfern, who is Uthmeier's communications director, posted on X (formerly Twitter). "He's pushing this hoax because his Canadian-traded marijuana bosses are mad they spent $150 million to have unrestricted marijuana use in public and lost."

At the Pensacola media event, Gov. DeSantis described the investigation as "manufactured smears" against the Hope Florida program, suggesting that House leadership is "colluding with liberal media and the Democratic party in Florida" to undermine the initiative.

He claimed the attacks happened because the House is "not cutting your property taxes, they're not fixing the condo crisis, they're not doing the things that voters want them to do."

He further criticized House members for not taking the time to understand the program: "How someone will come from Iowa to learn about Hope Florida. And you won't even walk down the hall and ask questions about it. You don't even know what you're talking about. You don't even understand what the program is actually doing."

Some DeSantis supporters have suggested the governor views the probe as politically motivated to potentially derail his wife's political future.

WEB OF CONNECTIONS AND CONFLICTS

The legislative inquiry has revealed a complex network of connections within the gover-

When asked if the foundation had a conflictof-interest policy for board members, Hay admitted this was a "deficiency" to be addressed at an upcoming board meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHTS AND MISSING DOCUMENTATION

The foundation's administrative practices have faced intense scrutiny. Hay admitted that the organization has failed to file required federal tax reports (known as 990s), and Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch acknowledged confusion about responsibilities between the state agency and the foundation.

"It's clear that there were responsibilities of the department and responsibilities of the DSO, the direct-service organization, or foundation; from what I've been able to gather, the DSO thought DCF was handling some things, DCF thought the DSO was handling things," Hatch said.

Rep. Allison Tant (D-Tallahassee) expressed shock at the foundation's operational standards, stating, "I'm astonished at how the foundation operated. I'm trying to wrap my head around how this happened and how we prevent it from happening again."

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The Hope Florida Foundation is scheduled to hold a board meeting to address governance issues and correct deficiencies in documentation and reporting. However, Chairman Andrade has expressed concern that this may be an attempt to correct improper actions retroactively.

With allegations of possible criminal wrongdoing now in play, the investigation could potentially expand beyond the state legislature. When asked whether federal authorities might become involved, given that Medicaid includes federal dollars, Andrade responded that he "wouldn't be surprised if they did get involved." {in}

Photo by Rick Outzen

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Pensacola | Destin | Tallahassee | Santa Rosa Beach

the University of West Florida's new football stadi um, supporting a project university officials say will boost tourism and serve as a community asset.

The $45 million multi-use facility will increase capacity from the current temporary 3,800-seat arrangement to approximately 7,500 seats, addressing persistent overcrowding at UWF football games, which currently average about 4,500 attendees despite limited seating.

"Over a five-year period, UWF athletics has driven nearly $250 million in total economic output," UWF President Martha Saunders told TDC members. "Our growth brings people to this community for both short-term stays in many of our hotels and longer stays as many of our students will become part of your workforce."

The stadium funding breaks down to $25 million from an internal institutional loan, $10 million from a private gift by UWF alumnus Darrell Gooden, $10 million from ongoing fundraising efforts and the newly approved $2 million from tourism development funds.

Athletic Director Dave Scott highlighted the stadium's projected tourism impact. By 2028, football ticket sales alone are expected to generate $1.6 million in hotel rooms, resulting in approximately $84,000 annually in tourism development tax collections.

"The multi-use stadium could be used for classics, bowl games, suites, clubs, conferences and events that might happen on campus or from the community," Scott said, emphasizing that the facility will serve as more than just a football stadium.

Former UWF President Dr. Judy Bense, who launched the football program, testified to the sport's transformative effect on campus. "I was at the university for 40 years, and I have never seen anything as transformational as football," she said. "Facilities matter. They matter to getting good football players. They matter to people coming to see the game."

Gooden, whose $10 million gift forms a substantial portion of the funding, addressed the council about his commitment to the program. "I'm actually the investor that put up the $10 million as a gift," Gooden said. "I've got all my life savings invested in it."

Local hotelier Dave Cleveland, representing

both the university as a former

phasized the documented "well

would "grow exponentially when journey from startup to national championship in just a few years.

bear Gooden's name, is expected to become what Scott described as "the front porch for the university," serving as a visitor center and central gathering place to attract

The TDC's $2 million contribution will come from tourism development tax reserves, following Budget Director Stephan Hall's recommendation to use the fourth-cent tax with any difference coming from the first two cents of the tax.

SALZMAN STANDS FIRM In a significant rebuke to Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to increase transparency in higher education leadership selections. The bill, sponsored by Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola), passed with a decisive 104-8 vote.

HB 1321 would repeal a 2022 law that shields university presidential searches from public records and meeting laws. The legislation also removes the authority of the state university system Board of Governors to confirm presidential selections and restricts communication between the governor's office and selection committees.

"This is about showing the voters what we're doing. This is about transparency in government," Salzman stated when presenting the bill.

The move comes amid growing controversy over recent university presidential appointments, with several former lawmakers securing top positions at Florida's colleges and universities. House Speaker Daniel Perez previously criticized the current process as a "spoils system."

Governor DeSantis has strongly opposed the bill, directly criticizing Salzman during an appearance in Pensacola. "It removes the ability of us to ensure that we're holding universities accountable," he said, threatening a potential veto.

The governor specifically targeted Salzman, claiming she had previously been "a very good ally" with "a good conservative record" before turning against his agenda. DeSantis said, "I think what happens is these people go to Tallahassee, and they go native."

Despite the governor's sharp criticism, Salzman maintained that the bill was not intended as an attack on him. She explained that lawmakers supported the 2022 exemptions after receiving assurances about transparency that were not fulfilled, creating "a huge level of distrust" among Floridians.

A similar bill is advancing through the Florida

Senate, requiring one more committee approval before reaching the Senate floor.

FESTIVUS IN APRIL Reminiscent of a popular "Seinfeld" episode, former State Rep Dr. Joel Rudman aired his grievances against Rep. Alex Andrade and House GOP leadership in a blistering speech at Gov. Ron DeSantis' media event at Pensacola State College last week, accusing them of abandoning DeSantis' conservative agenda and welcoming Democrats into their ranks.

Rudman told the Pensacola crowd he had resigned from the legislature after new House Speaker Danny Perez allegedly told Republican members they would no longer follow the governor's lead.

"They literally said, 'We are not going to listen to Ron DeSantis anymore,'" Rudman claimed, alleging House leadership "went out and got themselves two Democrats, two people who had just voted for Kamala Harris, and they made them members of your Florida Republican party."

Rudman, who described himself as "the second most conservative member of the Florida House," labeled the current legislature a "runaway house" that is "running away from conservative ideals."

The former representative criticized local Representative Alex Andrade, accusing him of "taking shots at our governor" and using his committee to "enact lawfare on the governor and our wonderful first lady." Rudman highlighted tensions with Andrade by noting a local gun store owner had challenged the representative to a boxing match.

Rudman also claimed Democratic Representatives Anna Eskamani, Angie Nixon and former Democrat Hillary Cassel—who he alleged recently joined Republicans and was given a vice chair position—were working to undermine DeSantis' efforts to eliminate DEI programs and reform homeowners' insurance.

Throughout his remarks, Rudman framed Florida's political landscape as a choice between supporting "America's governor" or Republicans who are "Democrats in name only."

After praising DeSantis' COVID-19 education policies and conservative reforms, Rudman concluded, "Governor, it's time to put on the armor of God because Pensacola, Florida, stands with you."

RUDMAN REJECTED After former state lawmaker Joel Rudman bashed the Florida House leadership at the governor's presser, he made an online appearance before the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee. It didn't go well.

Florida Politics reports the committee unanimously voted down appointing him to the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees.

The Navarre Republican faced trouble from the committee based on comments he made on a recent X Spaces chat. Senators said the apparent threats to expose or embarrass lawmakers if he wasn't confirmed would not be tolerated.

"There's no way you can read those comments and, with a straight face, tell people that they weren't intended to intimidate and influence the Senators on this panel, and that is something I cannot abide," said Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach).

Even DeSantis supporter Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) couldn't endorse Rudman:

"I don't believe that I'm in a position to be able to vote to confirm going forward. And it does pain me to do that because I know Doc as well and enjoyed a good relationship with him, but I just think those comments really do paint us in a certain corner where we're left with only this result."

BYE BYE On April 16, Erik Dellenback announced that he had sent in a resignation letter as executive director of Hope Florida in midMarch, effective May 1. His announcement came just one day after testifying before a House panel investigating the Hope Florida Foundation's financial practices.

The resignation letter, which cited "a very prayerful time with my family," became public amid growing scrutiny over a controversial $5 million transfer from the foundation to a political committee that fought against last year's marijuana initiative. James Uthmeier, Governor DeSantis' former chief of staff, controlled the committee.

Republican Representative Alex Andrade, who leads the investigation, praised Dellenback on social media while distinguishing him from Uthmeier: "The decision by Erik Dellenback shows his character and integrity. Unlike James Uthmeier, Mr. Dellenback wasn't implicated in any wrongdoing."

Despite defending Hope Florida's "faith and community" mission during Tuesday's hearing, Dellenback had only served as executive director since Jan. 14. The Governor's office announced he would become CEO of Florida Family Voice while maintaining an advisory role with Hope Florida.

Andrade has vowed to continue the investigation, promising to interview more Hope Florida officials and obtain records extending to the Governor's office.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

State economists predict a significant transformation in Florida's educational landscape over the next five years, with traditional public school enrollment projected to decline while school choice participation surges.

According to the latest Education Estimating Conference report, enrollment in traditional public schools is expected to decrease from approximately 2.81 million full-time equivalent students currently to 2.74 million by fiscal year 2029-2030. This represents a reduction of roughly 70,000 students from the public system.

Simultaneously, Florida's expanded voucher programs—including support for homeschooled students—are anticipated to grow dramatically from nearly 457,000 students this year to almost 697,000 by 2029-2030, reflecting a 240,000-student increase.

This shift follows Florida's recent policy initiatives expanding school choice options, creating what many describe as a "universal" school choice environment in the state.

Escambia County exemplifies this trend, ranking third statewide in private school attendance at 21.2% during the 2023-24 school year, behind only Martin (44.4%) and Jefferson (38.6%) counties. The district faces challenges with middle school student retention. To address this exodus, administrators have already added sixth grade to two elementary schools—Cordova Park and West Pensacola—and approved a middle school

scholars program at Pensacola High School beginning in 2026-27.

Additional solutions under consideration include grade level expansions at other elementary schools and partnerships between neighboring schools, such as Hellen Caro Elementary and Bailey Middle. Officials are also exploring collaboration between N.B. Cook and O.J. Semmes elementary schools, potentially expanding Cook's popular curriculum model by housing primary grades K-2 or K-3 at Semmes with intermediate grades at Cook.

More information about these strategic adjustments is expected as the Escambia County School District prepares its budget for the next fiscal year.

NEW HOME For Escambia County District 5 resident Luverne Bonner, a 25-year struggle with a deteriorating home has ended thanks to the county's Housing Demo and Replacement Program. Funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the program provides new homes for income-eligible residents facing unsafe living conditions.

"It means everything to me," said Bonner, who had endured electrical problems, major leaks and structural issues in her previous home. The conditions prevented her from hosting family members, particularly her children and grandchildren, for extended visits.

District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry praised the program's impact: "It is incredibly rewarding to see lives changed for the better through county programs like this, which help greatly improve the quality of life for residents in need of a helping hand in our community."

On April 4, Bonner celebrated her move-in day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by county staff, family and friends. She expressed profound gratitude for the assistance, noting she would have been unable to make repairs or replace her home without the county's help.

"Now I can just be comfortable," Bonner said. "I can just relax and not worry about things."

The Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division encourages other income-eligible homeowners to inquire about assistance programs, though funding is limited. Interested residents can contact ned@myescambia.com or call (850) 595-1642 for information about eligibility requirements.

BRONZE BICYCLE The City of Pensacola will celebrate National Bike Month in May with renewed enthusiasm after receiving the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists.

"We are incredibly proud to receive the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation," said city transportation planner Caitlin Cerame. "This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our city staff, local advocates and community partners in making Pensacola a better place to ride."

The designation acknowledges communities that demonstrate commitment to cycling through improvements in five key areas: infrastructure, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation. For Pensacola, this achievement represents progress in implementing recommendations from the city's Active Transportation Plan.

According to Cerame, National Bike Month provides the perfect opportunity for residents to experience Pensacola from a new perspective: "Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, we encourage everyone to participate in local events and discover the many benefits of biking, from improved health and well-being to reduced traffic congestion and a smaller carbon footprint."

Throughout May, the city and community partners will host various cycling-focused events and initiatives designed to engage residents of all ages and skill levels. These activities highlight the recreational and practical benefits of cycling while showcasing recent improvements to the city's biking infrastructure.

Details about specific National Bike Month events will be announced as dates approach. Residents are encouraged to watch for updates through official city communication channels.

SAVE MANATEES With Gulf waters warming beyond 68°F, manatees are beginning their annual migration to the northern Gulf, according to the Panhandle Manatee Program. These federally protected marine mammals typically arrive in early April as they travel from southern wintering grounds.

Local researchers are calling on boaters and residents to report sightings to aid conservation efforts. The Panhandle Manatee Program—a partnership between the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Manatee Sighting Network (DISL/ MSN)—relies on these reports to track manatee movements throughout the region.

"We really depend on the public to report every sighting, any time, as soon as possible," stated Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael, DISL Senior Marine Scientist and DISL/MSN Director.

Last year saw significant manatee activity in the region with over 150 sightings reported in the Perdido Bay Watershed and more than 50 in the Pensacola Bay Watershed. Sightings have been recorded as far north as the Blackwater River in Milton.

The program also emphasized the importance of protecting seagrass habitats. PPBEP Community Outreach Coordinator Logan McDonald noted that boaters should trim up motors in shallow seagrass areas to prevent damage to both the ecosystem and their equipment.

Officials remind the public that manatees are protected under federal law, making it illegal to disturb them. Boaters should maintain a distance of at least 100 feet, wear polarized sunglasses to spot them more easily and reduce speed in known habitat areas.

Boat strikes remain a leading cause of manatee deaths, making cautious navigation essential during the April-to-September season.

The public can report manatee sightings 24/7 by phone (1-866-493-5803) or online at panhandlemanatee.org. The program also seeks volunteers to serve as Manatee Ambassadors at boat ramps, fishing piers and community events to educate the public about conservation efforts.

For more information, visit ppbep.org or manatee.disl.edu. {in}

GoGulf Winds.com/fun

TAKING ON TRUMP

Local Entrepreneur

Emily Ley Files Lawsuit Against Tariffs

By Tom St. Myer

Before small business owner Emily Ley emerged as the face of the anti-tariff movement in the United States, the Pensacola resident heavily weighed the pros and cons of filing a civil complaint against President Donald Trump and his administration.

"I didn't go into it lightly for sure," said the 42-year-old Ley, whose company Simplified produces its goods in China. "It's a scary thing to put yourself out there. Filing a lawsuit against the president of the United States was not on my bingo card for 2025."

Check any social media posts about her lawsuit, and ridicule from Trump supporters fills the comment section. Some of those unleashing vitriol live right here, in predominantly conservative Northwest Florida. Ley is essentially taking on Trump and her neighbors.

Bipartisan support is pouring in, too, though. Ley is a formidable foe for the Trump administration in the court of public opinion. She is a woman of faith who dotes over her husband and their three children, and to complicate matters further

for Trump, she is conservative, mature, photogenic, resilient and well-spoken.

New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) is representing Ley in the lawsuit. On April 3, NCLA filed the lawsuit, "Emily Ley Paper, Inc., d/b/a Simplified v. President Donald J. Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Peter R. Flores, in their official capacities, et al."

NCLA claims Trump is unlawfully requiring Americans to "pay a heavy tariff on all products they import from China." The Trump administration implemented a 20% tariff on Chinese goods. The NCLA further states the International Emergency Economics Powers Act that Trump invoked "does not authorize the president to impose tariffs." Only Congress possesses that power.

The lawsuit asks the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida to declare the China import tariff unlawful, vacate the increase in the U.S. tariff schedule and enjoin the implementation and enforcement of the tariff.

Ley is filing the lawsuit to save her American dream. Without it, she said, "There's a very real possibility this could be the end for our company."

BETTER RATES IN CHINA

Ley earned degrees in English and public administration from the University of West Florida (UWF) and then founded Simplified in 2008. What began as a love affair with school supplies soon grew into a lifestyle brand of products sold in major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Office Depot, Staples and Anthropologie. Her planners, books, accessories and an array of other products sell rapidly online and in retail stores. Ley is also the author of the No. 1 parenting Substack in the U.S. and 12 bestselling books.

When Simplified launched its first planner in 2012, Ley opted to make the product in the United States. That proved to be a costly decision, resulting in a negative profit margin.

"We just don't have the infrastructure," Ley said. "I paid $38 for each planner and sold them

for $50 each. Everyone told me this isn't possible as a professional business."

Fellow business owners recommended Ley consider China for production. The Chinese produced products at a significantly discounted rate compared to the U.S. and Ley connected with Chinese manufacturer Zhiqiao. He accepted her business even though she could only afford to produce 500 planners.

"Printing in China, they have amazing manufacturers, amazing companies," Ley said. "I pay about 25% of retail cost for every product."

Ley explained that in China, specific districts specialize in areas such as textiles, sewing, packaging, printing and books. The factories work in unison. One factory prints the paper and others handle the cover, gold foil, binding and packaging.

The individualized U.S. model is a losing proposition for producing detailed products. Ley currently charges $50 for her planners. She estimates she would have to raise the price to over $100 to manufacture at a profit in the U.S.

"We have a paper mill in Cantonment, yes, but what they don't do is binding and printing and packaging and all those things," Ley said.

PRICE OF TARIFFS

Her perfect setup in China hit a snag in 2017 after Trump took office the first time. Since then, Ley said she has paid about $1.17 million in tariffs and projects the amount will be between $830,000 and $1 million this year alone.

"We've been used as essentially pawns in the international trade war and we're going to see the end of a lot of dreams," she said. "As of [early April], our tariffs are anywhere from 104-134% a shipment that I'll have to find money for."

To make matters worse, the U.S. economy tanked at the most inopportune time for her business. Simplified launched its new spring collection on April 9. Its Cottage Floral Spiral Weekly topped opening-day sales for planners and its Gingham Gel Pen Set ranked first among new products. Interestingly enough, two Republican stronghold states, Texas and Florida, topped the sales for Simplified products.

"We launched our biggest collection to date," Ley said. "We've done well, but not as well as normal. People are terrified to spend right now. Their 401Ks are down, grocery prices are through the roof."

Ley employs eight women from around the U.S. She refers to her staff as "a small but mighty team running a multimillion-dollar business." Instead of expanding her staff to meet customer demand and contributing to nonprofit companies she supports such as women's shelters, Ley is fighting to keep each of the women on her staff employed.

"There's just nine of us doing it and we could for sure use more help," she said. "We're saying, 'Let's get to work.' We're going to survive this and take on all the work we can. My biggest fear is having to tell one of them we have to cut jobs." Ley continued, "My American dream is that this company does amazing things, not just in business, but in philanthropy and for the community. I'm not going down without a fight."

The Simplified founder and owner is fighting the Trump administration in the courts and under the public spotlight. She has generated her share of publicity in the past with features in "Forbes," "Glamour" and "Good Housekeeping," but those stories focused on her as a business owner, not someone taking on the president of the United States.

Her TV appearances since filing the lawsuit include CNN, MSNBC and CNBC and she has spoken to dozens of journalists for newspapers and podcasts. Ley has also actively posted on her social media accounts including a 4-1-1 on tariffs.

"There's a lack of understanding, 1000%," Ley said. "They don't understand tariffs. Who pays it? Why can't everything be made in the U.S.?"

LIMITED OPTIONS

In a social media post on April 7, Ley broke down what a tariff is in simple terms. She stated, "A tariff is a tax paid by U.S. importers (like Simplified) directly to the U.S. government, not by China or other countries. This money typically comes from raised prices (the consumer), salaries (jobs) or other necessary line items (advertising, growth opportunities, new hires, philanthropy etc.)."

Ley then answered a series of questions to better explain the tariff process and its impact on small business owners.

"I sign the checks, so I know exactly how to pay these tariffs," Ley said. "I was so moved to put that information out there in a factual way that you can't argue. These are the facts and I just thought it was time for me to stand up and say something and be part of this lawsuit."

Ley said she pays $1.04 for every $1 she pays her overseas manufacturer. She further dispelled the notion that tariffs protect American jobs. She posted, "For products without domestic manufac turing options, tariffs harm U.S. companies rather than creating alternatives."

What about simply switching to a manufacturer in another country? Ley shot that idea down saying establishing manufacturing in another country takes months of vetting, sampling and quality testing. She added that new tariffs placed on other countries also limit viable alternatives.

UWF Economics Professor Richard Hawkins called the tariff structure outdated in the evolv ing global supply chain. He said the tariffs provide two options—pass higher costs onto consumers or switch producers.

"The design of the tariff is the assumption they'll switch. It's why economists say tariffs are insufficient," Hawkins said. "If a closer producer was a better producer, she would have already chosen them. It highlights the complexity of a global supply chain for naive tariff structures that were designed years ago. It's not a tariff on a Chi nese company. It's a tariff on a U.S. company which is also the designer of the product."

Hawkins credited Ley for being courageous enough to be a trailblazer. She dared to take a path no one else was willing to take in standing up to the Trump administration.

"Going vocal on this and filing a lawsuit is a risky strategy," he said. "The safe strategy is to hope someone else goes vocal and files a lawsuit that you'll benefit from."

Ley spoke up before her contemporaries did, but other small business owners nationwide are beginning to voice the same complaints. According to a 2021 study by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, nearly 77% of U.S. importers are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. In 2024, FedEx reported that 75% of small and medium-sized businesses rely on imported goods for production or as merchandise to distribute in the U.S.

President Trump told those affected that the tariffs are a "short-term pain for longterm gain." Ley said a significant percentage of small businesses operate on thin margins and are unable to absorb the cost increases even if temporarily. She said, "We can't survive the short-term pain."

For Ley, the fight is about more than just her American dream. She is standing up for the American dream of all small business owners.

"Ultimately, my hope is the Supreme Court finds that what the Constitution says and what happened are not the same," Ley said. "I'm very proud to be the face of this lawsuit and take a stand for small business owners. I know the blood sweat and tears of running a business from scratch. It's like your child." {in}

To keep up with Ley, follow @emilyley and @simplified , or visit emilyley.com.

For more information on the civil lawsuit, visit nclalegal.org.

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

BLUE GALA Gulf Coast Kid's House hosts Blue Gala in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 30 at 201 E. Wright St. Guests will enjoy heavy appetizers, beer and wine and live music. Tickets available at gulfcoastkidshouse.com/events.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Beef 'O' Brady's, 1 New Market St., Cantonment (on Nine Mile Road near Pine Forest Road). The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

WSRE PRESENTS BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY

WSRE PBS invites families to Be My Neighbor Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station's Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, located at 1000 College Blvd. This annual family fun event emphasizes early learning, health and safety and the neighborly values of beloved PBS characters Mister Rogers and Daniel Tiger. Admission is free. Visit wsre.org/ events to learn more.

SCAVENGER HUNT FOR AUTISM

AWARENESS Take part in a Disney themed Scavenger Hunt to raise money for Autism Pensacola 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Clues start at Pensacola Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. and end at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Tickets at eventbrite.com.

ESCAMBIA

COUNTY TO HOST FREE COASTAL PLANT GIVEAWAY

Escambia County will host free coastal plant giveaways for the public on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. Plants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to one plant grouping per household. Plant giveaways will take place at the following locations:

•Friday, April 25: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Perdido Key Community Center, 15500 Perdido Key Drive

•Saturday, April 26: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pensacola Beach Community Church, 920 Panferio Drive

ARTS & CULTURE

IHMC EVENING LECTURE: THE ART AND NEUROSCIENCE OF SELF-HEALING AND LEARNING The next IHMC evening lecture is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 located at 40 S. Alcaniz St. Lecture is free and open to the public. Details at ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures/ pensacola-lecture-series.

HENRY CHO: THE EMPTY NEST TOUR

Show is 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets and details at pensacolasaenger.com.

SBDC AT UWF PRESENTS: LAUNCHING A HOME-BASED CHILDCARE BUSINESS

Learn how to start a home-based childcare business with the SBDC workshop 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at the Escambia County Early Learning Coalition, 1720 W. Fairfield Dr. Register at sbdc.uwf.edu.

APRIL MEWVIE NIGHT: THE SECRET

LIFE OF PETS Visit Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. and watch "The Secret Life of Pets" 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 25. Cost is $32 per person and includes kitten snuggles, complimentary popcorn, and coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea. Details at coastalcatpcola.com.

FRIENDS OF THE WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SPRING BOOK SALE The Friends of the West Florida Public Library Spring Book Sale is 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 25; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 26; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 27 in the Downtown Pensacola Library at 239 N. Spring St. Admission is $5 on Friday (free for members), free admission Saturday with book prices reduced and on Sunday there is free admission with the $7 bag sale. For more information, visit friendsofwfpl.org.

BIG SCREEN ON THE BAYOU Watch "The Boys in the Boat" 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. with No Borders Street Food + Southern Treats on site. Admission is free and open to the public.

2000S PARTY AT VINYL MUSIC HALL Event is 10 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AT PERFECT

PLAIN Take park in a vendor market, live music from Brynne and Bones, costume contest, sword fighting, belly dancers and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Details at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY AT BODACIOUS BOOKSTORE Celebrate independent bookstores Saturday, April 26 with a Q&A with author Ginny Myers Sain from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., storytime at 11 a.m. and a bubble happy hour. Located at 110 E. Intendencia St. Details at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

JOHN CRIST: JOKES FOR HUMANS

Performances are 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

POT PAINTING WITH KITTIES Visit

Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St., from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, April 27 and spend an hour painting with adoptable cats. Cost is $25 and includes all supplies. Details and tickets at coastalcatpcola.com.

A TRIBUTE TO RED SKELTON Show is 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE The next Improvable Cause show is 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

THE TRAIL TO OREGON! Interactive musical at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Show is 7:30 p.m. Fridays May 2 and 9, Saturdays May 3 and 10, and Thursday, May 8; 2:30 p.m. Sundays May 4 and 11. Details and tickets at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

BLUE MORNING GALLERY: SPRING

FLING The latest Blue Morning Gallery exhibit is Spring Fling with featured artists Jan Hoffman, Mark Schmitt and Kathy Stewart. The gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St. Visit bluemorninggallery.com for details.

JIMMY RHEA: TO BE DEFINED Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit featuring mixed-media work by Jimmy Rhea that juxtaposes historical icons with contemporary culture is on view through June 1 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. For museum hours and details, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

IN YOUR FACE: PORTRAITS BY GILA RAYBERG Mosaic portraiture by Gila Rayberg. On view through Sept. 7 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.

UWF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT AT BLUE MORNING GALLERY Blue Morning Gallery will present its two UWF scholarship recipients, Stephanie Nowlin and Izzy Braniff. Work from the two artists will be in the featured artists area at the gallery through April 26. Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 S. Palafox St.

THE MEMBERS SHOW PMA Members show is on view through June 1 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.

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 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 St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.

a&e happenings

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.

FOOD + DRINKS

PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Food vendors, live music, kids' activities and plenty of crawfish 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, April 25; 10 a.m.11 p.m. Saturday, April 26; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Seville Square and Fountain Park. Admission is $5 a day for adults and $2 for kids aged 6-12. Details at fiestapensacola.org/ crawfish-festival.

STREET FOODS: CHINESE Class is 6-8 p.m. Friday April 25. Location: Pensacola Cooks Classroom 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. Sign up at pensacolacooks. com/classes-and-events.

CHEESE PAIRING WITH BEER OR WINE

Cheese and drink event is 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Tickets are $25 and available at Eventbrite.

ROARING '20S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW Going Noir Mysteries and Seville Quarter presents a Roaring 20s-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner 6-7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Heritage Hall at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $69 and available on Eventbrite.

INTERSTATE MULLET TOSS AND BEACH

PARTY Annual beach party and mullet toss at Flora Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. Details at florabama.com/mullet-toss

PETALS & PROSECCO: BUILD YOUR OWN BOUQUET Flower arranging with Prosecco and Bodacious charcuterie 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $60 and tickets available at Eventbrite.com.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS: CINCO DE MAYO & CERVEZAS Event is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Seating is limited. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@ goodgrits.com to reserve your spot.

HANDS-ON CHARCUTERIE CLASS Class is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $65 and available at Eventbrite.com.

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.

FREE POOL Free pool all day at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. SIN Night begins at 1 a.m. Visit mugsjugsbar.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.

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.

KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. SIN Night is from 1 a.m. to close Mondays at Sir Richard's Public House, Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House,

happenings

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. Tacos on special all day. 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 & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN

Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain.com/upcoming-events for details.

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Food trucks on site. 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.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m., at Mugs & 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 are 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 8 p.m. SIN Night starts at 1 a.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays is 7-9 p.m. at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

POOL TOURNAMENT Pool tournaments

begin 8 p.m. Tequila Night is from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursdays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's

Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

KARAOKE Karaoke is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and SIN Night is 1 a.m. to close Thursdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

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.

BIG BEER NIGHT Drink specials 8 p.m.-12

a.m. and SIN Night from 1 a.m. to close Fridays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS DJ at 9 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. SIN Night starts at 11 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

FISH FRY FRIDAY Half off fish n' chips from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and live DJ at 9 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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. SIN Night starts at 11 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 8 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.

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.

KARAOKE AT MUGS & JUGS Karaoke is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

a&e happenings

SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 12 a.m. to close Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

LIVE MUSIC

MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFE

Visit Five Sisters Blues Café, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music:

•6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 24: Michael J. McCartan

•6-10 p.m. Friday, April 25: Charlie & the Hammerheads

•6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 26: Glen Parker

•11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 27: Curt Bol

•6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29: John Wheeler

BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Smoke Stak Band is April 29 and The Astronauts are May 6. Details at visitpensacolabeach.com.

CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS Concerts will take place every Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at 3200 N 12th Ave. Attendees may bring their own food and beverages, though a concession is available, offering hot dogs, chips, sodas, water and ice cream treats. Details at: scpen.org/christophersconcerts. Modern Eldorados play April 24, and Crosstown Band is May 1.

UWF JAZZ ENSEMBLE & COMBO Performance is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, 11000 University Pkwy., Bldg. 82. Tickets are free and available at uwf.edu/cfpa.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

EMO NIGHT Show is 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. $10. Tickets and info at thehandlebar850.com.

GULF COAST CHORALE'S SPRING SHOW

Gulf Coast Chorale's Spring Show is scheduled for Friday, April 25 at First Baptist Church Gulf Breeze, 555 Fairpoint Drive at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at gulfcoastchorale.org.

HOPOUT, GLSNR, NVSN, OVERSIGHT

Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. $10. Tickets and info at thehandlebar850.com.

COLD Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

DEAR CINCINNATI Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. $10-$12. Tickets and info at thehandlebar850.com.

THE MOTET Show is 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

SHAKEY GRAVES Show is 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details at vinylmusichall.com.

RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive is 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 E. Zaragoza St. With Brit Taylor, Adam Chaffins and Dillon Warnek. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.

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.

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, 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 & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.

WEEKLY SINGO AT PERFECT PLAIN BREWING CO. Take part in musical bingo 7 p.m. Thursdays at Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St. Admission is free. Details are at facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco.

KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights to 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 & JUGS Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs & 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.

a&e happenings

FITNESS + RECREATION

ROAD TO THE SNOWFLAKE Five Flags Speedway is kicking off race No. 1 on the road to the Snowflake 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Five Flags Speedway, 7451 Pine Forest Road. This year's competition begins with one-hundred laps of pro late model energy in the thrilling first race of the series. Details and tickets available at 5flagsspeedway.com.

OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour clean ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On April 26, the sites are Lexington Terrace Park and Morgan Park. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.

JUNIPER CREEK BACKPACKING TRIP

Join Outdoor Pursuits for our inaugural adult backpacking trip to Juniper Creek starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 26. This hike is geared towards 16 years and older; any minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Get details by emailing ppipes@cityofpensacola.com.

BLUE WAHOOS HOME GAMES The Blue Wahoos home games are held at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 315 W. Cedar St. Upcoming dates include: 6:05 p.m. Thursday, April 24, Friday, April 25, Saturday, April 26 and 1:05 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Details and tickets at bluewahoos.com.

EMERALD NATIONALS Three-day national championship is April 25-27 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $30-$95. Details at pensacolabaycenter.com.

CYCLE SUNDAY Join Bike Pensacola and Emerald Brewing Co. for social gathering and 30 minute slow ride 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 leaving from 1414 W. Government St. Details at facebook.com/bikepensacola.

YOGA 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 at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 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.

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 Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun

6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

KID-FRIENDLY

WATERBOYZ SUMMER CAMP Camps are 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Thursday May 27-Aug. 1. Camps include surf/skim, and indoor skate camps. Cost is $50-$200. More details at waterboyz.com/collections/lessons-camps.

ROBOTICS SUMMER CAMP The IHMC Robotics Summer Camp registration began March 17. Session one programming is for eighth graders and runs 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 2-5. Session two is for ninth and 10th graders and runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 9-12. Financial assistance is available for qualified families. For more details, visit ihmc.us/life/robotics-camp.

BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMING ARTS CLUB For ages 8-18, this club is an opportunity for all aspiring actors, dancers, singers, rappers and musicians. The club meets 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. For more information, contact Leroy Williams at (850) 4261156 or email lewilliams@myescambia.com.

BEANSTACK: 1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN Enjoy reading 1,000 books with your little ones through West Florida Public Libraries. Log reading and earn badges along the way while bonding with your child and inspiring literacy. For every 100 books, you can claim a prize at the library. Register for the challenge on the West Florida Public Libraries' Beanstack, either on the mobile app or at mywfpl.beanstack.org.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

free will astrology

WEEK OF APRIL 24

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries filmmaker Akira Kurosawa devoted meticulous attention to weather conditions. He would postpone shooting a particular scene for days, waiting for the influx of the exact right blend of wind, clouds, or precipitation to create the ideal ambiance. I recommend you adopt his patient sense of timing in the coming weeks, Aries. While you typically prefer direct action, now is a favorable phase to coordinate your desire to get what you need with life's changing conditions. What advantages might you gain by waiting for the ripest moments to arrive?

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): You can't see or hold the wind, though you can feel its force and observe its effects. It scatters some seeds far and wide, dispersing them to grow in unexpected places. When harnessed by turbines, the wind is a renewable energy source. It can be utilized to pump water and fuel telecommunications equipment. Winds influence daily weather by transporting water and heat. I have summarized wind's qualities because I see this upcoming phase of your cycle as being wind-like, Taurus. You won't necessarily have to be obvious to spread your influence. You will be able to work behind the scenes in potent ways. Who knows where your seeds will land and germinate? There will be surprises.

By Rob Brezsny

initially seem disruptive could ultimately generate positive outcomes. I hope you prime yourself to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. For best results, set aside your fixed beliefs about what's necessary for maximum progress.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): From the 17th through the 19th centuries, Paris was famous for its salons. There, artists, writers and big thinkers assembled to exchange ideas and inspire each other. The salons were often orchestrated by illustrious, educated women in their private homes. They were hotbeds of networking and cultural innovation. Listening and learning were key elements. Now would be an excellent time for you to organize, host, or encourage similar gatherings, Cancerian. You have extra power to facilitate the stellar socializing that generates zesty connections and spreads invigorating influences.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was one of the bravest Americans who ever lived. After escaping enslavement, she heroically returned to other southern plantations many times to help free enslaved people. To accomplish her miraculous rescues, she relied in part on her dreams and visions—what she called divine guidance—to navigate through challenging situations. I suspect you will soon have access to similar assets: extraordinary courage and help from unusual or even supernatural sources. Use these gifts wisely, Leo!

kept secret to protect it. In the spirit of shielding and nurturing valuable things, I urge you to consider maintaining similar safeguards in the coming weeks. Like Methuselah, your precious processes and creations might thrive best when allowed to grow free from undue attention. You may benefit from maintaining privacy and silence about certain matters as they develop.

to this understanding, however, since our culture conspires to hide it from us. That's the bad news. The good news, Capricorn, is that you will have an unprecedented chance to partly shatter this taboo in the coming weeks. I have high hopes that you will discover deep truths about yourself that have previously been unavailable.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The Earth's first big ecological crisis happened 2.5 billion years ago. Ancient bacteria became a successful life form. They proliferated. The only problem was, they produced an abundance of oxygen, which was toxic to all the other existing life forms at that time. And yet that bump in evolution was ultimately essential in the rise of complex organisms that thrive on oxygen, like us. We wouldn't be here today without bacteria's initially problematic intervention. Nothing as monumentally major or epic will occur for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. But I do suspect that what may

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The nations of planet Earth launched 263 space flights in 2024 and are on track for over 300 in 2025. Most of the satellites and spacecraft are devoted to scientific research. A relatively small proportion is dedicated to communication, navigation and military uses. I would love for you to have an equally high level of exploratory and experimental energy in the coming weeks, Virgo. You will align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you spend more time than usual investigating the frontiers. It's time to expand and extend yourself!

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): What's the oldest living organism on Earth? It's a bristlecone pine tree nicknamed "Methuselah." Almost 4,800 years old, it resides somewhere in California's White Mountains, though its precise location is

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): I love to gaze out my office window at Gallinas Creek during high tide. At certain interludes, the water is perfectly still. It almost perfectly reflects the sky in every detail, with all its clouds, birds and hues of blue. My conscious mind knows the difference between the real sky and reflected sky, but my eyes can't discern. That's a helpful metaphor for all of us all the time, and especially for you in the coming weeks. It will be crucial for you to maintain an acute awareness of what's genuine and what's illusory.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sagittarian anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978) revolutionized her field. She didn't study other cultures from a distance with a detached perspective. Instead, she learned their languages and immersed herself in their daily lives. So she earned the intimate understanding to conclude, "What people say, what people do and what they say they do are entirely different things." This is a crucial principle for you right now. You must directly observe people's actions rather than simply believing what they say about themselves—or what others say about them. You must look beyond surface declarations to understand the deeper rhythms and patterns. For best results, be a devoted participant, not an uninvolved judge.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Capricorn mystic Alan Watts wrote "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are." He proposed that each of us is far more glorious than our separate, isolated egos. It's difficult to come

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Beginning in 1946, Bedouins exploring caves near the Dead Sea discovered an immense trove of ancient documents written on parchment. These manuscripts provided many new revelations into early Christianity, Biblical texts and the history and culture of Judaism. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you may experience a metaphorical equivalent of this breakthrough and unveiling. To prepare, meditate on these questions: 1. What mysterious parts of your life story would you like to have illuminated? 2. About which aspects of your past would you like to receive new truths? 3. Is there anything missing in your understanding of who you really are?

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): White light enters a glass prism and is translated on the other side into a rainbow of colors. That's because each color rides its own wavelength, even while seamlessly blended in the white light, and then gets bent differently by the prism. The magic of the prism is that it reveals the hidden spectrum within, the latent diversity contained within the apparently monolithic beam of white light. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I predict that you will be like a prism, bringing out vibrancy in situations or relationships that may seem nondescript or mundane at first glance. Your ability to discern and appreciate multiple perspectives will enable you to create an intriguing kind of harmony. You will have the power to notice and reveal beauty that has been veiled or unnoticed.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: look in the mirror and praise yourself. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2025 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

AWESOME! Serendipity Books in Chelsea, Michigan, got a hand—or 600—with a big project on April 14, NBC News reported. Owner Michelle Tuplin was wondering how she was going to move more than 9,000 books to the store's new, larger location without closing the business for days. The community came to the rescue, and more than 300 people showed up, forming a human conveyor belt that stretched around the corner and into the new location. "It was just a joyful experience," said volunteer Donna Zak. In less than two hours, the entire inventory had been transferred—all in alphabetical order. "It was overwhelming," Tuplin said. The new store will open on April 26 to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.

THE PASSING PARADE "Star Wars" fans, listen up! If you're free on May 4, you can hop over to The Little Vegas Chapel in Nevada and tie the knot with your knight or princess. United Press International reported that the chapel is offering two special packages for the special date: "Yoda One for Me" and "Love Star." Both feature an officiant dressed as either Princess Leia or Darth Vader, "Star Wars" music, professional photography and video and a special themed wedding certificate. You may want to stop at the blackjack table first, though—the packages cost $600 and $860. May the Fourth Be With You.

WEIRD IN THE WILD Well, almost wild. At the San Diego Zoo on April 14, the animals reacted to the magnitude 5.2 earthquake, too, United Press International reported. Video from the elephant enclosure showed the pachyderms' behavior even before the shaking started; the adults ran to form a circle, facing out, around the juveniles, Zuli and Mkhaya. "This behavior is known as an 'alert circle' and is intended to protect the young—and the entire herd—from threats," said zoo spokesperson Emily Senninger. She said the elephants can feel sound through their feet.

RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE On April 13, after a United Airlines flight took off from Denver International Airport, the pilot had to make an emergency landing because of a fire in one of the engines, ABC News reported. After being told the apparent cause, the pilot responded, "Rabbit through the number 2, that'll do it." A bunny—NOT the Easter bunny—had been sucked into the engine. Passenger Scott Wolff said he experienced "a loud bang, and a significant vibration in the plane. Every few moments (as the plane was climbing) there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it." Passengers were loaded onto a different aircraft and proceeded to Edmonton, Alberta. Rabbit strikes are fairly rare, experts say.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Visitors to Abbey Road in St. John's Wood in England are voicing their disappointment on Tripadvisor, Your Local Guardian reported. The street, made famous by the eponymous Beatles album, is a favorite spot for a photo op, but some tourists were expect-

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

ing ... more. "Disappointed doesn't cover it ... My disappointment in not finding street sellers, either side of the road, selling cheap T-shirts and merchandise was a surprise," one commented. Another said, "I am a massive Beatles fan, but there is really nothing to see here. It's just an ordinary zebra crossing." It's no Penny Lane, that's for sure.

CLOTHING OPTIONAL About 700 women gathered at Glenwood Springs, Colorado's Sunlight Mountain Resort on April 11 for the Boot Tan Fest, a three-day event that includes the "naked lap," The Denver Post reported. The festival started four years ago with just a few friends but has grown to include live music and women-owned brands peddling their wares. Par ticipants ranged in age from Gen Z to retirement and stripped down to celebrate women's bodies. For instance, Lisa Harper of Dillon wrote on her stomach "3 weeks postpartum." "This is what's real, having your baby pooch and still skiing," she said. Another skier gushed, "Here you belong; everyone belongs."

ANIMAL ANTICS The Blavatnik School of Government building at the University of Oxford features a glass roof, the BBC reported. But as of mid-April, the building has been closed after a cheeky seagull broke the glass by repeatedly drop ping a stone on one of the glass panels. Seagulls are known to drop shellfish on the ground to try to break them open. A spokesperson said they hope the building will be "open as normal again soon." No word on the fate of the seagull.

EWWWWW! Darren McConachie, 30, of Glasgow, Scotland, assumed he was going deaf or had an ear infection when his hearing became impaired, the Daily Record reported on April 15. But one night he woke up to a surging feeling of pressure in his head and felt something start to move. "I thought my ear had ruptured," he said. "Then I felt something small and hard sort of pop out. I was absolutely terrified." He used his phone light to check out the object, which turned out to be a "tiny piece of pink Lego, covered in wax." McConachie said he hadn't played with Legos since he was a small child. "I don't remember sticking the brick in my ear. I genuinely had no clue it was in my ear all that time."

SWEET REVENGE Joshua Lowe, 19, was sentenced to eight months in prison on April 14 for a stunt he pulled in January 2024, NBC News reported. Lowe, who was living with his girlfriend's family, became angry that they went on a cruise and left him behind to care for the pets. So he sent an email to Carnival Corp. after the cruise had departed, warning of a bomb on board. Prosecutors said the ship's crew had to check more than 1,000 rooms. FBI agents traced the email to Lowe, who apologized to the judge. {in}