Inweekly April 27 2023

winners & losers

winners losers

SANDY SANSING The University of West Florida hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center, a $6 million facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for all UWF student-athletes. The 10,000-square-foot center will be an addition to the Darrell Gooden Center on UWF's Pensacola campus. The Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center will include a new treatment space, new rehabilitation and physical therapy area, hydrotherapy areas and physician exam rooms for student-athletes. UWF athletics worked with Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine on design and necessary spaces within the facility for student-athletes and coaches.

RON MELTON American City & County honored Fire and Life Specialist Ray Melton with a 2022 Exemplary Public Servant for his dedication to fire prevention and education in Escambia County. Last year, Melton started the home fire safety program. The program is an opportunity for Escambia County residents to request to have their homes inspected for any potential fire hazards.

COASTAL MOVING & STORAGE At the recent Mayflower Learning Conference, the local mover walked away with two awards—top booker for civilian federal agencies and the Vanliner Insurance Prevention award. Coastal Moving & Storage has placed in the top three for insurance prevention since 2019, and this was the first time the company won the top honor. Owner Jay Bradshaw said, "This award goes to our exceptional crews who think safety first and have a very low claims ratio."

EMERALD COAST UTILITY AUTHORITY

The utility was dealt another legal blow in its efforts to avoid a $10 million lawsuit regarding allegations ECUA misled developer Thomas Homes Corporation about the sewage capacity of a new subdivision in Cantonment. Florida's First District Court of Appeal rejected the utility's request to overturn a lower court ruling that ECUA could not invoke sovereign immunity and limit the damages to $200,000.

GARCON POINT BRIDGE

The saga of "Bo's Bridge" may come to an end if the Florida Legislature passes legislation to put the span under the control of the state turnpike system. Built due to the political influence of former House Speaker Bo Johnson, the bridge never produced enough toll revenue to pay its bondholders. The Florida Department of Transportation last year paid $134 million to pay off the bonds. The proposed bills also transfer governance and control of the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority to FDOT.

ANTI-WOKE BEER Seth Weathers announced that he would produce "Conservative Dad's Ultra Right 100% Woke Free American Beer" and that Bent River Brewing Co. in Rock Island, Ill., would brew and can the product. Bent River Brewing Co. passed on a potential deal after seeing the product's transphobic marketing campaign. The company told the media their company's name was used without their permission.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The school has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the fourth year ECPS has earned this recognition. Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The areas reviewed to receive the designation included funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and community music-making programs.

EVERBRIDGE Gov. Ron DeSantis called for "swift accountability" over an emergency-alert test that went out to smartphones early Thursday, April 20, at 4:45 a.m. EST. The Florida Division of Emergency Management later posted an apology on Twitter—"We know a 4:45 AM wake-up call isn't ideal." Later in the day, a division spokesperson confirmed the state's contract with vendor Everbridge, the company that provided coding and instructions to push emergency alerts, had been terminated. The alert was supposed to go out on televisions, not cell phones. The Florida Association of Broadcasters normally schedules the tests for very early in the morning because that is when the fewest people are watching.

Sandy Sansing Sports Medicine Center / Photo Courtesy of UWF

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

LOSING LUSTER

The luster of Ron DeSantis is beginning to fade as his anti-woke agenda draws more attention thanks to the Florida Legislature that willingly makes his wishes Florida law. In his five years as governor, he has built his political base by attacking transgender people, gays, teachers, doctors, Disney, authors, newspapers, unions, school boards and anyone who disagrees with him.

His political formula is simple but effective. Hold daily press events that appear to be press conferences but really are staged, well-scripted political performances. Then, rotate the appearances between his cultural war agenda, handing out checks and trips around the country promoting his presidential ambitions.

Sprinkled among these press events are appearances by First Lady Casey DeSantis, during which she hands checks and gets celebrated for her compassion, leadership and motherhood.

Last week opened with Gov. DeSantis announcing in Lake Buena Vista with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and state lawmakers at his side that "Disney's corporate kingdom is over." The Florida Legislature would nullify the Reedy Creek Improvement District's agreements with Disney and punish the state's top tourist attraction. And, of course, state lawmakers did just that.

On Tuesday, April 18, he announced the award of more than $13.6 million for innovative technologies and short-term solutions to aid in the prevention and mitigation of harmful algal blooms. He didn't hold a press event because he traveled to Washington, D.C., to court GOP members of Congress for his expected 2024 presidential bid.

On Thursday, April 20, Gov. DeSantis signed Senate Bill 450, which reduced the number of jurors needed to hand down a death sentence to only eight out of 12, joining Alabama as the only other state that doesn't require a unanimous jury vote. The Alabama threshold is 10-2.

He balanced the private signing ceremony with announcements of an international trade mission and the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to help businesses dealing with flooding in Broward County.

On Friday, April 21, the governor traveled to Maryland to speak at the Heritage Foundation's 50th anniversary Leadership Summit, which was fitting since DeSantis has pledged to make New College of Florida the Heritage College of the South. He used the speech to take a shot at Donald Trump.

"We reject the culture of losing that has infected the Republican Party in recent years," he told the friendly audience before listing his many accomplishments, which included his signing of the bill prohibiting abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

Touting the six-week abortion ban bill (SB 300) was interesting because DeSantis signed it in another private ceremony late at night. He did the same thing with HB 543, which allows individuals to forgo getting a permit to carry a gun.

The bills for permit-less gun carry, abortion ban and lower threshold for the death penalty are problems for DeSantis both in and out of Florida. Political observers believe the governor, with the help of a compliant Florida Legislature, may have outrun his coverage by failing to listen to the majority of the voters and only pleasing the alt-right segment of the Republican Party.

His former colleagues in Congress and other Republicans have begun talking to the media about DeSantis's arrogance and social awkwardness. Locally, Republicans have shared DeSantis makes his predecessor Rick Scott seem downright charismatic.

Former GOP Congressman David Trott told Politico that he sat next to DeSantis for two years on the Foreign Affairs Committee without the Florida congressman ever speaking to him. Trott said, "I think he's an asshole; I don't think he cares about people."

Then, there's a photo circulating of 10 Florida members of Congress, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, April 20. They have endorsed Trump over DeSantis. Many praised the former president's interpersonal skills over DeSantis' political approach. Ouch.

Staged events might work in Florida, but DeSantis will find it harder to win primaries unless he can develop a warmer persona.

{in} rick@inweekly.net

WARRINGTON MIDDLE IN JEOPARDY

and Smith met afterward with Senior Chancellor Adam Miller.

State officials sided with Charter Schools USA and criticized the district for failing the Warrington students. Florida Board of Education Vice Chair Ryan Petty cited a visit he made to Warrington where he sat in an eighthgrade math classroom with algebra books sitting on a shelf while the teacher taught students basic arithmetic.

"We have been failing these students for more than a decade," Petty said. "What I don't hear from either of you is a sense of urgency. These kids deserve better. This school needs to be fixed. This board is out of patience with the Escambia County School District."

Fetsko took exception to placing all the blame on the district. "For the last eight years, the State Board of Education and the Department of Education have had the authority, power and control, and they still refuse to take responsibility for their initiatives, requirements and directives not working."

cambia County Public Schools is searching for remedies to salvage a contentious relationship and keep the doors open at Warrington Middle School.

"Where it stands at this point is we need to have a final decision from Charter Schools USA about what is their bottom line and how that compares to our bottom line," Escambia School Board Chair Paul Fetsko said. "Every time they've sent a document, it's had surprises, and the surprises have been more surprising each time."

The deadline for the school district to finalize a contract with Charter Schools USA is Friday, April 28. A signed contract must be presented to the State Board of Education and Department of Education by May 1. State officials will take action on May 2 if the school district and Charter USA fail to agree on terms. According to Fetsko, the state will either take complete control of the school or order its closure.

A NEW PROPOSAL

Charter USA submitted a proposal to the school district in April that veered significantly from the original K-8 plan. The education management company proposes students in grades 6-8 who live in the Warrington school zone attend the charter school its first year. Charter USA then proposes adding K-5 the next year as a choice option, followed by choice options for ninth graders in Year 3 and 10th graders in Year 4. Ultimately, Warrington will become the only K-12 school in the county and the fourth magnet school.

Charter USA would no longer be mandated to accept zoned middle school students after the third year. School board members insist that zoned middle students be allowed to attend Warrington throughout the partnership.

"The big thing that got me was after three years, those 600 kids that are there now will probably be bussed out to other schools," School Board member Kevin Adams said.

Other areas of contention in the Charter USA proposal include paying the school district a

district they plan to erect another facility on the site. The district must build facilities to State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) standards. The same SREF standards do not apply to Charter USA.

"If at any point they decide to discontinue the charter, then the district must assume any debt that was made in regards to facilities," Fetsko said. "We're not just being contrarians. There are valid reasons these proposals don't make sense from a financial, business and education standpoint."

The Florida State Board of Education ordered the district to either close or transition Warrington to a charter school by the 2023-24 school year. The order came after Warrington earned yet another D this past school year. The middle school last earned a C in the 2010-11 school year. School officials said Warrington was on the verge of earning a C in 2019-20, but no grade was awarded due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

According to the district's general counsel Ellen Odom, closure is no longer an option for the district in the eyes of the DOE because the school board had already opted for a charter school.

Superintendent Tim Smith vehemently opposes closing Warrington primarily for geographical reasons. "Having a complete closure with no school in Warrington is a big problem. It's a problem where we would have to put students on a bus at a couple of locations; one location isn't too far away, but another is farther away and a significant drive."

He hasn't given up on the charter school option. "We want a partnership with Charter Schools USA. This is an agreement we just have to negotiate through and come to a fair and balanced deal that anybody looks for in an agreement."

TALLAHASSEE TRIP

Smith and Fetsko traveled to Tallahassee and spoke at the State Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, April 19. DOE wanted an update on contract negotiations with Charter USA. Fetsko

The district is putting measures in place just in case of a closure, such as determining where to rezone the current Warrington Middle School students and planning bus routes from Warrington to Bailey and Workman middle schools.

"We're in the process of positioning because at the end of the road, if that's what happens and we have to close, we have to move quickly and be prepared," Smith said.

Charter USA blindsiding the district with new proposals only further damages an already contentious relationship. The company has accused the school board of not negotiating in good faith. The board members say the reverse is true.

The contentious relationship with Charter USA extends beyond the school board to the Warrington staff and the school district's operations department.

Charter USA wrote an assessment of Warrington that upset Principal Denny Wilson. He voiced his frustration at the April school board meeting.

"They said the school is academically, socially, physically and emotionally failing students and the community," Wilson said. "I mean, whatever. My teachers, my Rocket family, are academically, socially, physically and emotionally failing their students. This is an unbelievable statement. There is no other way to put it than it's just absolutely wrong."

Proficiency ratings for Warrington students in the 2021-22 academic year fell drastically short of the state averages in language arts, mathematics and science. Its best showing came in math at 25%, well below the state average of 53%. Similar gaps occurred in language arts (-29%) and science (-27%).

Wilson criticized DOE rules for hindering the school. Before the 2019-2020 school year, DOE required nine teachers to be transferred out of Warrington. Wilson said, "Seven of them were 'needs improvement.' I wrote a dissertation requesting that five of the teachers who earned a rating of 'needs improvement' be allowed to re -

main at Warrington Middle School. These five teachers just finished their first year of teaching, and they all desperately wanted to remain at Warrington Middle, and they love their students."

DOE rejected the request stating state rule requires only effective and highly effective teachers be at Warrington Middle or any school in turnaround status.

"The major fail of this rule is that it does nothing to ensure equity or guarantee high-quality instruction every day," Wilson said. "The assumption is that when these teachers are transferred out of the school; they are replaced quickly with a teacher rated effective or highly effective. That does not happen. As we all know, we have been experiencing a teacher shortage for several years."

The idea of Charter USA only paying $1 a year for the lease is another issue for Dennis.

"We have worked very, very hard to eliminate $1-a-year leases over the past 20 years," he said. "We have one. Just one. So this would be a backwards step in that regard."

The $1-a-year lease is a sticking point for school board members, too. Each board members opposed the financial terms of the lease.

"You look at their stuff and you realize they have been successful, but it's very difficult to deal with someone who keeps changing the rules every time they get a piece of paper," school board member Patty Hightower said. "I really don't have a problem with their enrollment expansion except for the fact that 30 years at $1 is not acceptable to me."

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Time is running out for negotiations. The start of the 2023-24 school year is fewer than four months away, and the school district is already registering students for middle school.

School board member Bill Slayton noted that hundreds of students and parents in the Warrington attendance zone are in limbo while the school district and Charter USA try to finalize a contract.

"Our major objective is we've got to do something for the students in that attendance zone and do it quickly," Slayton said. "Recently, there was a meeting of elementary schools trying to get cards to register for middle school. Guess who had no cards? Guess whose kids came home saying, we didn't get anything? That's where the students and parents are. They need something from us."

Slayton acknowledged that Charter USA holds all the negotiating power. The school district is at its mercy unless state officials change their tune and agree to let Warrington close. Charter USA is the only education management company that expressed any interest in Warrington.

"You're worried about dotting the i's and crossing the t's. There's no way," Slayton said to his fellow school board members. "They're changing that. They're dotting the t's and crossing the i's, and it doesn't make any difference to them what they're changing. It's going to have to fit what they want done. I do not like everything that is in here, but I at least think we're better off (with Charter Schools USA)." {in}

TEXAS TWO-STEP

district litigation (Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MD 2738 (D.N.J.), questions J&J's tactics.

"There's no settlement here; this is a scam," Papantonio said. "It's a continuing scam by Johnson and Johnson, which has been lying to American women for 50 years. They've lied to the court, their shareholders, the media and the families of women they've killed. And sadly, the lies continue."

Cameron Stephenson, also an attorney with Levin Papantonio Rafferty, questions whether the lawyers who have given J&J commitments to support the reorganization plan and the proposed settlement are operating in the best interest of their clients.

"These bottom-feeder firms did not have any cases actually filed in the MDL before the bankruptcy," Stephenson told Inweekly. "These lawyers saw an opportunity to say, 'Hey, you know what? We're not going to have to work up and prove these cases. Let's go out and buy a bunch of leads from marketing firms.' And so they accumulated tens of thousands of cases, and they're just cases on paper. They don't have medical records."

By Rick Outzen

Nearly 50,000 women have lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson alleging they developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after regular, prolonged use of Johnson's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower body powder. The lawsuits claim that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) deceptively marketed the talc-based products for feminine hygienic use without disclosing talc's carcinogenic properties.

Earlier this month, J&J announced that its subsidiary LTL Management LLC had re-filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, prompting statements of outrage from attorneys of the women who claim that J&J's talc products caused their ovarian cancer or mesothelioma. U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia dismissed a similar bankruptcy filing, known as the "Texas Two-Step," last January. The three-judge panel found LTL Management was

created solely to file for Chapter 11 protection but had no legitimate need for it.

Last week, J&J requested a pause in the litigation to give the company the time to reach a permanent settlement with plaintiffs in the talc cases. The company proposed an $8.9 billion settlement for current and future talc-related claims, alleging that more than 60,000 claimants had already committed to voting in favor of the plan. J&J said it expected to bring that plan to bankruptcy court in mid-May.

On Thursday, April 20, Judge Michael Kaplan put a temporary hold on the suits that will last through mid-June. J&J won't have to go to trial over any other talc claims during the pause, but new lawsuits can still be filed against the company.

"A SCAM"

Mike Papantonio, a senior partner with Levin Papantonio Rafferty law firm, whose attorneys are heavily involved in the national talc multi-

He continued, "And then, so what J&J did is they went around to two or three of these case acquisition players, negotiated a settlement and announced that they re-filed for bankruptcy with an $8.9 billion settlement on the table."

The average cost to a family of an ovarian cancer victim exceeds $500,000. This amount encompasses damages for medical expenses and lost wages and does not even account for pain and suffering and non-economic loss.

"Ovarian cancer is a hell of a disease," said Stephenson. "Under this bankruptcy plan, each woman would be entitled to somewhere between $90,000 and $120,000. And there's no way we or anyone in top leadership would ever support that."

For J&J's plan to be approved, the company would have to represent that it could get 75% of talc claimants to participate. Papantonio said, "This is never going to happen. It's not even close."

Stephenson added, "We don't know if any of these purported supporters of the plan by these case acquisition attorneys are going to be qualified to vote on the settlement."

However, Papantonio worries that the threat of even more delays for compensation for women who have allegedly suffered at the hands of this corporation and who face hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs and lost wages could turn heads, leading them to consider accepting J&J's settlement offers.

Stephenson believes J&J fears dealing with the lawsuits in a jury trial. "They just are. A lot of people did not get involved in this litigation because they never thought that the science would be this good or that this judge would actually allow the case to go to a jury. But this very conservative judge, Judge Wolfson, after three years of the attorneys on both sides litigating the science, had a Daubert hearing, which is the gateway to science to get to a jury. After a week-long hearing, she found there was support that there was asbestos in talc, the talc could cause ovarian cancer and that we could bring these cases to a jury."

He continued, "And so once that happened, J&J is sitting over here saying, 'Look, we can't be on this field anymore. We're going to lose. So we got to pick up our ball and find another place to litigate these cases.' And that's why they decided to try bankruptcy, which is ludicrous in the first place because they're a half-atrillion-dollar company."

The LPR attorney sees the bankruptcy filing as a ploy to bypass the MDL leadership that has been litigating this case for seven years and go to these case acquisition firms in the hopes that they could generate legit cases to get the $8.9 billion settlement approved. He said, "And I'll tell you right now, with a litigation that's been pending for seven years, the vast majority of legitimate cases out there had already retained law firms or retained attorneys."

Stephenson added, "The only way that you're going to get true compensation for someone is to go to trial and win and collect the money. I mean, that's the only way you ever get true compensation for someone."{in}

Photo by rblfmr / shutterstock.com

PALAFOX MARKET SOUTH Palafox Market is expanding its popular Saturday farmer's market into Plaza Ferdinand starting Saturday, May 13. The Downtown Improvement Board has invited local farmers and small businesses interested in being part of the new market to find out more and apply online at palafoxmarket.com/vendors.

"Palafox Market South" will include a blend of familiar Palafox Market vendors, along with a new mix of local farmers, artists, and craftsmen and women, who will fill up Plaza Ferdinand on the corner of Palafox and Government streets every Saturday between 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Downtown Improvement Board opened the Palafox Market in 2006 with about 25 farmers but has grown to weekly markets featuring painters, jewelry makers, glass blowers, bakers, floral designers and other cottage entrepreneurs, with as many as 10,000 shoppers on the busiest Saturdays.

"The market began as an outlet for local farmers to be able to sell their fresh produce and has grown to be a top weekend destination for locals and visitors," said Walker Wilson, executive director of the DIB. "Palafox Market is a great economic engine for all of our downtown merchants and offers low-barrier access to anyone looking to start a small business."

DEFAMATION BILL DEAD Rep. Alex Andrade's defamation bill (HB 991) is officially dead. The bill that drew criticism from both Republicans and Conservatives made it through the House Civil Justice Subcommittee in March but has been waiting for a House Judiciary Committee hearing for more than a month.

Last week, Florida Politics reported the bill and its Senate companion bill were dead for this session. Andrade—who would told House Civil Justice Committee the bill should be titled "Journalism 101"—acknowledged the bill's demise but tried to spin it, telling Florida Politics, "While I'm sure journalists and media outlets cared a great deal about this policy, there were just too many more important issues than a niche issue in civil torts that we needed to commit our time and attention towards."

The bill was backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In February, the governor held a roundtable discussion in Hialeah Gardens. The staged, scripted event included "victims of media defamation, legal experts, and a member of the media who has witnessed the defamatory practices of his colleagues." They discussed "the damaging impacts of defamation from the legacy media as it becomes a more prevalent issue in the lives of everyday citizens."

DeSantis called upon lawmakers to take action during the 2013 Legislative Session. Andrade filed his bill two weeks later.

The First Amendment Foundation come out against the bill, "HB 991: Bad for Florida, bad for America." The Florida Press Association also lobbied against it. U.S. Rep. Cory Mills (R-Lake Mary) criticized the bill for violating "the free speech rights that are enshrined in the First Amendment of the United State Constitution."

NEW POCKETS OF POVERTY Eight years ago, the Studer Community Institute published a map showing the pockets of poverty in Escambia County based on the 2014 census data. Inweekly asked the UWF Haas Center to update the map using the most recent census data.

"Our developers, which include Mariah Hill, our statistician and two UWF economic students, Alex Vargas and Oliver Watson, worked on this team effort," said Nicole Gislason, executive director of the UWF Haas Center. "Our big focus was to shine a light on areas of Escambia County where children are experiencing poverty."

The map can be found by visiting haas.uwf. edu and clicking on "Explore the Economy" and then "Pockets of Poverty." Gilason said, "Readers can hover over various parts of the county to identify the population, the poverty rate under 18, as well as snap households by census tract, among other measures. This is all in an effort to identify exactly where the greatest need resides in our community."

The county has 78 census tracts and 14,308 children living in poverty. Six tracts in the city and county's urban core have more than half their children living in poverty. These six tracts account for 24% of the children in poverty—so

almost one in four children in Escambia County living in poverty reside in those neighborhoods.

BELMONT

HALL

Last year, the PNJ reported on Jordan Yee and Alistair McKenzie building a food hall and multi-purpose outdoor area in the parking lot across from the SCI Building on Garden Street. Belmont Hall's plans included a large food hall, a terrace, an event space and an openair lawn for community events.

The lot on the corner of Spring and Garden streets had an option for the Studers to repurchase it if construction was not begun by a specific date. The credit crunch stalled the construction, and the Studers bought back the land.

McKenzie shared with Inweekly that he is working on an agreement to move the project to the Port of Pensacola near the proposed pickleball facility and the ferry landing.

Quint Studer told us that he and Rishy are looking at a developing project similar to the Pins Mechanical Company in the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis. (Check out pinsbar.com/indianapolis). He said they wouldn't need the entire lot for the Pins project and would like to work with Yee and McKenzie because the site has enough space for both. But he also thinks the Port location would be an excellent site for them.

He said, "We love those guys and support whatever they do."

VALENTINO REMEMBERS Former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino told Inweekly that he tried to get county staff to get a declaratory judgment concerning the 75-foot public beach easement after he took office in 2006.

"It was during that period of time that land use was becoming a real issue," Valentino shared. "The number one issue—which is a blessing and a curse for Escambia County—is its management and mismanagement of land. The land use management in this county sucks, and it's been a total debacle of inconsistency and a disjointed vision in its methodology of developing the community."

He added, "The have and the have-nots were the central issue of how land was developed, and it caused in many ways for this community to lag behind in its growth."

The former District 2 commissioner praised Commissioner Jeff Bergosh and Mike McCormick for uncovering the easement. He said he believed a public easement existed and was being hidden from the public.

Valentino said he asked his fellow commissioners and county staff to investigate and do "a deeper dive into the deeds and the encumbrances or restrictions or easements on those deeded properties, not only for Perdido Key but also Pensacola Beach.

"I was disappointed that the deep dive of research did not occur into the true origination of the deeds and any language related to those deeds that may have clarified some of the land use issues," he told Inweekly. "I wanted the county commission to do what's called a declaratory ruling, authorizing the attorney to seek legally a de -

claratory judgment countywide, which would've given us clarification on the entitlements to land, whether it was the land leases on Pensacola Beach and how they could be distinguished from true land ownership down towards the rest of the county, specifically Perdido."

Valentino said, "That never happened, but it needed to happen because you could not soundly develop land without clarity of thought, clarity of understanding of what the deed entitled you to do."

CHANGE OF COMMAND Cmdr. Peter Manzoli relieved Capt. Meredith Schley as commanding officer of Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station during a change of command ceremony held at the National Naval Aviation Museum on April 7. Capt. Blythe A. Blakistone, commanding officer of Tactical Communications Command (TCC) 1, served as the guest speaker.

Capt. Blakistone noted the time-honored change of command ceremony. "This is a longstanding tradition that dates back to the Roman Legions; passing the commanding officer baton in front of the troops as witnesses to signify a new leader would take them into battle."

She acknowledged that Schley led the schoolhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic. "She stepped into the position with grace, confidence and solid decision-making abilities and successfully continued to guide this command."

After her captain shoulder boards were affixed, Schley proudly reported that IWTC Corry Station had successfully accomplished its mission during her time in command. She added that the broad talent and sheer will of those assigned to the command is on par with the best operational commands around the fleet and that it possesses vast subject matter experts with a drive to deliver highly trained technicians.

IWTC Corry Station, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), provides a continuum of training to Navy and joint service personnel that prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

SKATEPARK OPENING

The city of Pensacola invites the public to a ribbon-cutting event at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, to celebrate the completion of the Blake Doyle Community Skatepark.

The event will take place under Interstate 110 along North Hayne Street, between Jackson and La Rua streets. The skatepark is not yet open to the public, but it will open immediately following the ribbon cutting.

All community members, skaters, stakeholders and project supporters are encouraged to join in celebrating the completion of the skatepark, which features approximately 25,000 square feet of skateable surface area for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The skatepark also includes a beginner area, multilevel skate plaza, and two skate bowls, along with an additional 5,700 square feet of surrounding sidewalk and gathering areas.

Palafox Market / Photo Courtesy of DIB

CRIME PROBLEM Want to win a bet? Ask your drinking buddies which county has the bigger crime problem - Mobile County, Ala., or Escambia County, Fla.?

Escambia County has a much bigger crime problem. From 2015-2022, Escambia County's violent crime rate per 1,000 people was 6.0; Mobile County 1.18. Over the same period, Escambia County's property crime rate per 1,000 was 25.93; Mobile County 9.14. The data sources are the Alabama Department of Labor and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

PERDIDO KEY SAFETY Escambia County

Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore is improving the public safety messaging on Perdido Key to avoid further drownings on the beaches in southwest Escambia County.

"We are putting up notices that there are no lifeguards at the four public access points," said Gilmore. "And as you cross over the dunes, we're working on putting rip current signage out there, making sure that's visible as you walk onto the public beach."

The county is also working on syncing flags along the beach. "There are four different entities out there that fly flags—the private condos, state park, Gulf Islands National Seashore and Station 19. We're making sure we're getting out the same message on the rip currents."

Gilmore continued, "I need to work with the condos and make sure that they're on board with flying the same flag that we're all flying across the key. So messaging, communication and coordination right now are what we're focusing on and to make sure everybody's on the same page at the key."

He said that the county provides lifeguards on the federal law on Johnson Beach but not the rest of Perdido Key because it was thought that those areas were privately owned. If the county can prove that there is a 75-foot public beach easement, then more lifeguards could be placed on Perdido Key at the taxpayers' expense.

"Right out the gate, when we buy a lifeguard stand that's $60,000, and that's just one of those fiberglass huts, no power that sits out there," Gilmore said. "And then we started adding our manpower, at least a minimum of two lifeguards at each stand running 9:00-6:00. You're looking somewhere around $70,000 per stand, not including the vehicles we need to go out there. We have four-wheelers at Pensacola Beach."

WAVERLY UPDATE Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves shared the latest update on The Waverly on Garden Street with Inweekly last week. The Waverly project was announced last June, with construction beginning in the fall, but that failed to happen. Recently the sales office was removed from the site, but Mayor Reeves isn't concerned. The grocery store and apartments may be the first phase as the city works on timelines for street improvements based on city officials' conversations with the developer.

The mayor said, "We're working with them

on making sure that we're supporting their effort, but also our partnership with them to help us enhance the streetscape there that'll allow the store to be there and really make for a beautiful Spring Street and entry into our downtown."

He continued, "They need those improvements for a store to be able to go in and to get deliveries, which makes sense. So, we're just having conversations about the sequence of funding. We should be good to go, and I'm really excited about that and getting more apartments online. You know, the demand is unbelievable downtown."

The mayor pushed back against criticism of the city paying for infrastructure improvements on Spring Street. "People asking, 'Are you helping with a developer's infrastructure?' Really, it's the opposite. Our dollars are going to enhance a very old, outdated intersection whose parts are unsafe. All of our dollars are going into the improvement of Spring Street."

STAMP OUT HUNGER The annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive is only a month away. Letter carriers will be picking up food donations on May 13. Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive is the largest one-day food drive in the country. Food collected in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties stays here.

This year, residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties can participate by leaving non-perishable food donations at their mailboxes on Saturday, May 13, for their letter carriers to collect.

"Many folks in need of food assistance right now are the working poor, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and moms and dads who do not have enough money to pay their bills and buy food for their family due to high food, utility and housing costs," said DeDe Flounlacker, executive director of Manna Food Pantries.  "Stamp Out Hunger makes it possible for Manna and many of the area's food pantries to feed thousands of children, senior citizens, veterans, families and individuals in need."

Residents are encouraged to leave a bag of healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned fruit in 100% juice, canned mixed vegetables, canned chicken, canned tuna, dry breakfast items (oatmeal, whole-grain cereal), peanut butter and/or dry beans. Residents should not donate items in glass containers or items that have been opened or homemade.

Local food donations will benefit individuals and families served by Manna Food Pantries, Feeding the Gulf Coast, ACTS Ministries, We Care Ministries and Warrington Emergency Aid Center. Last year Escambia and Santa Rosa letter carriers collected 188,813 pounds of food from generous residents.

Residents of the two-county area will receive a Stamp Out Hunger postcard reminder in the mail, as well as a bag to fill with donation items. For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, please visit uwwf.org/soh. {in}

Arts & Entertainment

art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...

Finding Solitude and Space with Kim Darling

By C. Scott Satterwhite

munity oriented. I love that people who emerged from the punkhouse are local business owners, advocates and activists. The collaboration and kinship have a strong impact on what happens in Pensacola. The 309 residency is a gem, providing fantastic studio space for regional and national artists. There are incredible representations of queer, BIPOC and femme-identifying persons in Floridian punk history.

INWEEKLY: You've been here a few weeks now. What are some of the highlights of your residency?

DARLING: Having solitude and space to complete a new body of work has been a treasure. Spending time perusing the archive, reading and learning about the community has been amazing. I've met incredible artists, musicians and writers. Meeting the writer CA Conrad has been incredible. Lots of laughing and storytelling. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you, Lauren [Anzaldo] and Valerie [George], as well as the folks who live at the house.

After following the 309 Punk Project online, artist and educator Kim Darling came to Pensacola with the intention of touring the famed punkhouse. Almost immediately, the Tampa-based artist asked to be considered for an artist residency and was selected for the 2023 lineup.

Coming from a teaching position at the University of South Florida, Darling has previously participated in residencies across the United States. Her work—which explores gender, race, politics and social issues—has been featured in several solo and group exhibitions, often leading to collaborations with internationally recognized artists and art organizations. Known for her community-based projects, Darling has spent the month immersed in Pensacola art scene. In this interview, Darling spoke about why she came to Pensacola, her thoughts on the city's art scene and her closing exhibit at 309.

INWEEKLY: How did you land here in Pensacola?

DARLING: When I saw the book "Punkhouse in the Deep South" by you and Aaron Cometbus, I was instantly curious. While I wasn't able to make it to any of the readings [on tour], I began to follow the 309 Punk Project. I had worked with former 309 Artist-in-Residence Tim Kerr in the past at my old gallery, and my friend [Dave Dondero drummer] Craig D was a collaborator from Omaha who had lived at the house had highly recommended it. Last year, when passing through, I visited and you gave me a tour of the archive, and I was instantly obsessed with the intersectionality of the project.

INWEEKLY: What's your impression of Pensacola, both the city and the art scene?

DARLING: The artists and writers I've met in Pensacola have been generous, kind and com -

INWEEKLY: For those who aren't familiar with your work, can you describe the art you're working on now?

DARLING: Currently, I am creating a collaborative video project, animating some of the iconography from my painted works and beta testing the projected images on the pine walls of 309. I have been creating large collage work with ephemera and trash from around Pensacola.

INWEEKLY: On behalf of the city, thanks for doing your part to clean our streets. Is this a move away from earlier art projects you've done elsewhere or is this a continuation of those works?

DARLING: There are many new marks emerging. I have had time to do research and write. While I am continuing parts of the body of work exhibited at University of

South Florida Contemporary Art Museum last spring, there's all new work in the 309 exhibition. I am finishing a book and painting a series as well.

INWEEKLY: From our conversations, as well as your bio, I know that you often do collaborative community work during your artist residencies. Have you been able to do any of that since you've been in Pensacola?

DARLING: I have been doing socially engaged and community-based work for years. The time at 309 has provided respite from the public pressure. I've truly enjoyed the many conversations I have had with artists and visitors. It has been incredibly restorative. The open studio and exhibition [on Friday, April 28] will be a fantastic time to visit with anyone who's curious about the work.

INWEEKLY: 309 has been a busy hive of activity since you've arrived. People hanging out, art everywhere. It's great to see the artist in action. I'm curious, though, about how you create. Can you tell me about your process?

DARLING: My process is a very kinesthetic one. I respond to a color, texture, time and environment. For example, the peeling paint on the walls of the artist studio at 309 and the exposed pine lathe on the walls of the main area is stunning. Making marks, sourcing objects, putting things together and playing with the objects until they turn into a cohesive body of work.

INWEEKLY: As you mentioned, you have a show coming up Friday, April 28, can you tell us about the show? What should the audience expect to see?

DARLING: The exhibition will have all new works created at 309. There will be a video piece and I will be available to discuss the work. I am looking forward to seeing all the fabulous people I have met while at the residency. {in}

GHOSTS

WHAT: A closing exhibition and artist talk with 309 Punk Project’s April Artist-In-Residence Kim Darling

WHEN: Exhibition 6-9 p.m., artist talk and Q&A 8 p.m., Friday, April 28

WHERE: 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave. COST: Free

DETAILS: ratsneststudio.com, 309punkproject.org

Kim Darling / Courtesy Photo

a&e happenings

Wish You Were Here?

Inweekly Hangout Music Fest 2023 Ticket Giveaway

$10 with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. A full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for Bingo Nights. Must be 18 to play. For more information visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. On Tuesdays, the ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. The ministry's food pantry opens at 11:30 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 and sweatshirts and new underwear for men sized small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

309 ZINE FEUD 309 Punk Project announced a Zine Feud. Requirements include a minimum page count of 16, minimum print run of 15 and no reprints. Deadline is June 1. Send or deliver at least one copy of your zine before 5 p.m. on June 1 to Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti St., Mobile, AL 36602, or 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave. Pensacola, FL 32501. Submitted zines will be included in the 2023 Zine Challenge and be part of the 309 archives. For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

If you're anything like us, every time you hear "Kill Bill," you start daydreaming about Hangout Fest 2023.

In addition to SZA, headliners for this year's fest include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Calvin Harris, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Flume, Skrillex and The Kid LAROI. They've also got The Backseat Lovers, Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Sabrina Carpenter, GloRilla and a couple dozen more acts we're dying to check out.

As if that stacked line-up alone wasn't enough to get you packing up and heading to Gulf Shores, Inweekly has once again partnered with Hangout Fest to give away a pair of general admission, three-day passes to one lucky reader.

All you have to do to win is tell us your name, email and who you'd bring with you to

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

BLUES NIGHT FOR GULF COAST KID'S HOUSE Join Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, April 27, for a night supporting Gulf Coast Kid's House with blue beer, blues music from Fred Domulot & the 4th Down Band, raffle prizes and MI SU Street Food. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.

AUTISM PENSACOLA'S CONNECTING THE PIECES GALA Support Autism Pensacola at its annual fundraiser, 6-9 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at Sanders Beach Community Center, 913 S. I Street. Tickets are $150 per person. Details at autismpensacola.org/gala.

THE ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR FOUNDATION Accepting Grant Applications for 2023

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, the

the beach. Super easy, right? Go to inweekly.net and search "Hangout Giveaway" to enter.

Contest Rules: Each email address entered will only be counted once. Winners must provide their own hotel and travel arrangements. The contest begins Wednesday, April 26, and ends Wednesday, May 3. The winner will be notified via email Thursday, May 4.

HANGOUT MUSIC FEST 2023

WHEN: Friday, May 19-Sunday, May 21

WHERE: Gulf Shores, Ala.

DETAILS: hangoutmusicfest.com

philanthropic arm of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, is currently accepting grant applications for 2023. Grants are awarded to organizations that successfully demonstrate how a proposed program aligns with one or more of the tenets of the mission of the Foundation, which are to foster greater accessibility to the judicial system, improvements to the overall quality of the administration of justice, law-related education and increased public awareness of the judicial system, and improved management and operation of the court system.

Grants awards are typically in the $500$1,500 range. For more information on the Foundation and to download an application form, visit esrba.com/bar-foundation/about-esrbf.

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies hosts bingo twice a month at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. 10 rounds of bingo for

THE BOOK OF MORMON The Broadway show comes to the stage for the last night, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Find tickets at pensacolasaenger.com.

FREE CLOTHES SWAP UWF Young Democratic Social Club is hosting a free clothes swap Thursday, April 27, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Cannon Greens on UWF campus, 11000 University Parkway. Bring clothes, accessories and shoes to swap or donate.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BEYOND VAN

GOGH Tickets are on sale now for Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. In the interactive experience, guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as many revealing self-portraits. Beyond Van Gogh is Aug. 5-Sept. 9 at Pensacola Interstate Fair, Bldg. 6, 6655 Mobile Highway. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets are on sale at vangoghpensacola.com.

NEW ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT 309 PUNK

HOUSE Kim Darling is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and an independent curator exploring the intersection of social practice, painting, sculpture, place making and performance. Exploring ideas such as gender, self-governance and interspecies justice through the lens of public engagement comprises much of her work. Kim's early years in punk culture have embodied her aesthetic, parenting, and time as a gallerist. She is the recipient of numerous artist residencies and grant awards, among them the National Endowment for

the Arts. Darling's work has been exhibited in national and international solo and group exhibitions at the Joslyn Art Museum, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, USF Contemporary Art Museum, and Bond Street Print Shop, to name a few. She raised three brilliant humans and now travels with her adorable dachshund, Mr. Lady.

During her time at 309 she will be painting, building, and playing with animated iconographs of her work, exploring projection possibilities, and creating a companion sound piece. There will be a public closing exhibition on April 28. She encourages anyone to schedule a studio visit and swap stories, especially wildlife stories. You may contact her directly via Instagram @kimdahling.

OLDE NEUE: INTERACTIVE PRINTING DEMO Join PMA for a printmaking demonstration and activity, free and accessible for all ages, Friday, April 28, from 6-7 p.m., at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

ATTAINABLE HOUSING SUMMIT Join the City of Pensacola to network with industry professionals and subject matter experts and gain knowledge on key factors to allow residents more choices when it comes to finding homes that meet the needs of the community. Summit is 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., Friday, April 18, at Bayview Resource Center, 2001 Lloyd St.

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Shakespeare's play comes come to Ballet Pensacola. Showtimes are 7 p.m., Friday, April 28; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 29; and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 30, at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $35-$40. Visit balletpensacola.com for details.

2023 TROUBADOUR ISSUE RELEASE RECEPTION A reception will be held at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., to celebrate "Troubadour," UWF's student-edited and designed literary and art journal. The reception is 7 p.m., Friday, April 28, and a reading will follow. The reception is free and open to the public.

BIG SCREEN ON THE BAYOU MOVIE NIGHT: "SHREK" Watch the animated movie "Shrek" under the stars, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. Visit myeasthill.org for details.

VISUAL JOURNALING WORKSHOP Learn to build a background collage with instructor Marcia Wagner, Saturday, April 29, from noon3:30 p.m., at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Workshop is $40 and includes all materials. No experience required. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

LOCAL AUTHOR BOOK FAIR FOR INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY Bodacious Bookstore and Café celebrates Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 29. From 11 a.m.1 p.m., local authors will be available for meet and greets. Located at 110 E. Intendencia St. Visit facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore for details.

CABARET OFF BROADWAY Cabaret features six open-bar venues, live entertainment,

Photo Courtesy of Hangout Music Fest

a&e happenings

performances and culinary art—spotlighting local drag performers, aerialists, singers, dancers, live musicians, actors, bands, DJs, projectionists, flash mobs, graffiti artists, cartoonists and every drop of drama in-between. Event is Saturday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m., at Pensacola Little Theatre. Tickets are $150. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERI-

CAN 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 at 10 p.m. For more information, contact Taize Sinclair-Santi, show director, 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 held weekdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sundays 2-4 p.m. 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 inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment Sundays from 6-8 p.m. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets available at pensacolaghostevents.com

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave., from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with over 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 at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., from 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more. Held on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is an inside and outside event for. Door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. Free admission. Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. For vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

SYNTHESIS: OPENING RECEPTION A

group BFA exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. This exhibition features work by graduating Bachelor of Fine Art students from the University of West Florida Department of Art and Design. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

FIRST CITY ART CENTER MEMBERS SHOW

The third annual members show at First City Art Center's Gallery 1060 will be on display through April 28. The show features works from members of FCAC. Located at 1060 Guillemard St.

TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the Historic Trust for a monthly lunch and learn series on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, located at 117 E. Government St., from noon-1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. The next date is May 17—Cart Blackwell of Carnival Museum in Mobile. For more information, please email hparchives@ uwf.edu or call (850) 595-5985, ext. 125.

THE ART OF JADIA DANK AND KYLE

FORD AT EASY GOING GALLERY See the artwork of Julia Dank and Kyle Ford in a new exhibit, "The Elementals," running through the month of April at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. "The Elementals" focuses on the four elements—water, earth, fire and air. Most pieces consist of recycled materials, paying homage to the much-needed sustainability they promote. Learn more at facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

NONNEY ODDLOKKEN: TINY, LITTLE FABLES Nonney Oddlokken is a contemporary artist who utilizes fiber and collage techniques to create a Louisiana narrative and exhibition entitled "Tiny, Little Fables." The references in this body of work mix elements from her own childhood "fables," Catholic references, Cajun folklore, New Orleans Voodoo, and the indigenous flora and fauna of Louisiana swamps and bayous. Her work employs a unique process that consists of handmade paper substrates and collage elements that are finished with hundreds of yards of handstitched gold thread embellishments. This exhibit is on view through May 28 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

THE MEMBERS SHOW The Pensacola Museum of Art Members Show is on view through May 28, showcasing over 50 artists in a diverse range of media at 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting their own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The United States eyed the region early on, using the Seminole Wars as an excuse to seize territory before turning to diplomatic means to acquire Florida. The Adams-Onis Treaty, debated and initially agreed upon in 1819, resulted in Spain ceding control of East Florida to the United States. At the same time, Spain also agreed to give up all claims on West Florida, in essence giving the entire Florida territory over to the United States. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. On view at

Pensacola Museum of History through Dec. 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

TEXTILES OF THE TIMES: REGENCY ERA DRESS MAKING

The period between 1811-1820 is historically defined as the Regency Period. This exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History looks at a day in the life of a Regency-era Pensacolian through fashion and garment use. Drawing on historical documentation of stores known to have operated on Palafox, inside this recreation of a seamstress shop visitors will be able to explore the dress of yesteryear. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through June 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

HOW TO HOST A TEA PARTY Learn to put together the perfect tea party from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL The annual crawfish festival is 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday, April 28; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, April 29; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, April 30, at Seville Square and Fountain Park. Visit fiestapensacola.org/ crawfish-festival for details.

NFL DRAFT WATCH PARTY AT O'RILEY'S

O'Riley's Irish Pub will host watch parties for the NFL Draft at each of its four locations. Drink specials include a BOGO deal on $4 Bud Light drafts at the downtown location, 321 S. Palafox, and O'Riley's Uptown Tavern and Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, will have Bud Light drafts for $2.75. Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes, will have Michelob Ultra Drafts for $4 and Queen's Lager drafts for $5. The specials run from Thursday, April 27-Saturday, April 29.

FAMILY COOKS: BREAKFAST FOR DIN -

NER Learn to make a breakfast dinner with Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Saturday, April 29, at noon. Cost is $45 for adult and $35 for ages 6-17. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

BLOW YOUR OWN PINT GLASS Join Muffinjaw Designs in the Biergarten at Gary's for a unique experience and take home your very own masterpiece on Saturday, April 29, from 2-7 p.m., located at 208 Newman Ave. Food will be available from the pub kitchen from noon-9 p.m. Live music starts at 6 p.m. Cost is $100. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for a link to register.

JAMBALAYA PARTY AT ODD COLONY Visit Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, for jambalaya on the patio at Odd Colony on Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or sold out. Cost is $10. More details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

CRAWFISH SUNDAY FUNDAY Every Sunday in April through April 30, you can enjoy $12 per pound boiled crawfish with corn, potatoes and sausage at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., starting at 2 p.m.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Join Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., on Thursday,

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a&e happenings

May 4 for their 6th annual Star Wars Day Celebration an annual Star Wars beer release, Binary Sunset DIPA, Star Wars themed cocktails, trivia, and costume contest. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

sie Ritter performs. Visit visitpensacolabeach.com/ whats-happening-bands-on-beach for details.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS

The next Atlas Beverage Class is Thursday, May 4, at Atlas, 600 S. Barracks St. Enjoy a Cinco De Mayo celebration. Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required. Call (850) 2870200 for your spot.

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.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., for themed trivia nights on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco 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, calvertsintheheights.com.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Concerts are held every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, May 2, Jes-

UWF SYMPHONIC BAND The UWF Symphonic Band concert will be 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 27, at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82, at 11000 University Parkway. 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.

CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS Nobius will play the next Christopher's Concert Series, Thursday, April 27, from 6-8 p.m., at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Visit scpen.org for details.

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY Black Jacket Symphony presents Tom Petty's "Full Moon Fever," 8 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $31-$36. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

SHREK RAVE Show is 9 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $30. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

SHREK RAVE AFTER PARTY Liberation! Pensacola presents the official (unofficial) after party event with drag performances from Beba B, Keke Fox, Vantasia Divine, Andy Rodginous, Wyntier Kandiey & Aniyah J Oshanns from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Cost is $20. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

ABE PARTRIDGE AT ODD COLONY Alabama musician Abe Partridge will be performing at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, April 29. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

BLUES ON THE BAY Blues on the Bay is Sunday evenings at Community Maritime Park, 351 Cedar St. The Modern Eldorados play at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 30.

AGENT ORANGE Show is at 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $15. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

OSO OSO With Noiseheads and Capsule Hotel, 6 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door and available at thehandlebar850.com.

RADIOLIVE Featuring Matt Hires, The Lubben Brothers and Abby Posner. Show is 6 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at wuwf.org/radiolive.

HERAKLEION, BRAT, ANEURYSM AND WAX OFFERING Show is at 7 p.m., Friday, May 5, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

EASY GOING DJ LAB Show is every Saturday, noon-4 p.m., at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

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

GARY-OKE Sing your heart out at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Joe Occhipinti performs at West Florida Public Libraries twice a month. The concerts are free. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m., the concert is at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Visit mywfpl.com for details.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, from 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month. 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, located at 130 E. Government St. every Monday night in End O' the Alley starting at 7 p.m. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

By Hunter Morrison

Gather Around the Campfire

"Possibly most important of all, it lets people know that there is someone who cares and is there to help when they are in need," said Campfire Fund president Ryan Goldberg.

This year marks the second year the organization has held the Elijah Stepherson Men's Health Concert. This year's lineup will feature music from Nikki Forgione, Justin Colvard, Kyle Wilson, Jessie Ritter, Joey Collins, Allie Bryan, the Victrolas and others.

"We are often approached at events and messaged on social media about how a social media post or event poster from The Campfire Fund of Florida has sparked a conversation, be it family or friends, about mental health issues and how men are often held to different standards when it comes to talking about their feelings or their emotional state," Goldberg said. "And it is not just Pensacola or the Gulf Coast. We receive messages and donations from around the world."

The Campfire Fund of Florida is a newly formed Pensacola-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides funding and mental health re sources to men in the community. was conceived in November 2021 after the loss of local friend and musician Elijah Stepherson.

"Elijah was an amazing person and an incred ibly talented singer and songwriter," said Brett Benton, vice president of the nonprofit. "His death greatly impacted our friend group, as well as the Gulf Coast music community."

To the organizers of this charity, Stepherson's death highlighted the fact that men's mental health is often overlooked. The Campfire Fund, named after Stepherson's song "Campfire," addresses men's mental health by providing financial access to counseling for members of the Pensacola community who are unable to afford it.

"We hold events locally to raise awareness about men's mental health issues and work to remove the stigma attached to men asking

Best Rising Leader

trying to help as many people as possible.

services

Best Hair Salon

Best Hair Stylist

Best Hair Colorist

Best Barber Shop

"The concert impacts us and the community in various ways," Benton said. "First of all, it allows The Campfire Fund to get our message out, letting the community know we exist and what we offer. Last year, the day after the concert, we had calls from people who needed help finding and paying for therapy. The concert also allows us to raise money, so we can pay for the therapy sessions."

Best Men's Hair Stylist

Best Day Spa

Best Massage

Best Massage Therapist

Best Pedicure

"For us originally, it was just a way to remember and honor Elijah," said Jim Hamilton, a member of the Victrolas and supporter of the organization. "It's now the most important event of the year for us. There's a great sense of love and community that happens at this event."

Best Politician

Best Person to Have on Your Side

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Day Trip

Best Annual Event

Best Pub Crawl

Best Food Event

Best Manicure

Best Waxing

Best Facial

Best Esthetician

Best Skin Care Overall

Best Bank

Best Credit Union

Best Regular/Reoccurring Event

Best Parade

Best Free Event

Best Neighborhood

Best Pensacola Landmark

Best Public Park

Best Pet-Friendly Park

Best Playground

Best Financial Advisor

Best Accounting Firm

▶rules

•Only one ballot per envelope.

•Vote in at least 25 categories. Ballots with fewer than 25 will not be counted.

•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.

Since its founding, the organization has raised over $30,000 to support men's mental health in the community. Organizers of the upcoming concert fundraiser hope that attendees will not only have a good time but remember that The Campfire Fund is there for them, their family and their friends. If someone you know needs help or wants to talk to a professional therapist, the organization will work to facilitate and pay for their therapy sessions.

•Ballots must be postmarked by July 31, 2019.

▶mail your ballot to Best of the Coast c/o Inweekly, PO Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591

A close friend of Stepherson's, Hamilton says that he wants his friend to be honored and remembered through positive action. He believes that men should never be afraid to ask for help or access surrounding mental health services.

▶required info

Name E-mail

"I find it incredibly important to have something there to help people get to where they can see a therapist to work through their problems," Hamilton said. "This organization gives men an anonymous way of getting that help, and I think that's important for our soci -

"We started this charity to help people, and that is what we do," Goldberg said. "We are all volunteers, and no one gets paid. Every cent goes to paying for mental health resources, and we have an increasing number of people utilizing The Campfire Fund. Our good friend Jim Hamilton might have said it best—'This is the most important thing we've ever done, and I wish like hell it never had to happen.'"

"There are people that are willing to help you," Hamilton added. "There are people that care. This whole concert was born out of love and the pain of loss. We are a community of people pulling together out of our love for each other, who are trying to help other people from having to experience the pain that we did." {in}

Best Green Business Best New Business health & wellness

Best Gym

Best Personal Trainer

SECOND ANNUAL ELIJAH STEPHERSON MEN’S HEALTH CONCERT

Best Boutique Fitness Studio

WHEN: Noon-9 p.m., Sunday, April 30

Best Yoga

The importance of The Campfire Fund is multi-faceted. Hosting events like these allows the organization to bring men's mental health issues to the forefront of people's minds via public platform. It also allows them to open a conversation about how mental health issues have impacted the community, whether it be through volunteer staff or the public.

Best Yoga Instructor

WHERE: Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St..

DETAILS: thecampfirefund.org

Best Pilates

Best Residential Real Estate Agency

Best Commercial Real Estate Agency

Best Real Estate Agent

Best Boutique Hotel/Inn

Best Hotel–Pensacola Beach

Best Hotel–Pensacola

Complex

Best Free/Community Fitness Classes

Best Fitness Classes

Best Fitness Instructor

Best Bootcamp

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Best Place to Walk/Run

Best 5K

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Best Dentist

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Best Pediatrician

Best Psychiatrist/Therapist

Best OB/GYN

Best Optometrist

Best Dermatologist

Plastic Surgeon

Photo Courtesy of The Campfire Fund

free will astrology

WEEK OF APRIL 27

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): According to a study by Newsweek magazine, 58% of us yearn to experience spiritual growth, 33% report having had a mystical or spiritual experience, 20% of us say we have had a revelation from God in the last year and 13% have been in the presence of an angel. Given the astrological omens currently in play for you, Aries, I suspect you will exceed all those percentages in the coming weeks. I hope you will make excellent use of your sacred encounters. What two areas of your life could most benefit from a dose of divine assistance or intervention? There's never been a better time than now to seek a Deus ex machina. (More info at tinyurl.com/godintercession)

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): After the fall of the Roman Empire, political cohesion in its old territories was scarce for hundreds of years. Then, a leader named Charlemagne (747–814) came along and united much of what we now call Western Europe. He was unusual in many respects. For example, he sought to master the arts of reading and writing. Most other rulers of his time regarded those as paltry skills that were beneath their dignity. I mention this fact, Taurus, because I suspect it's a propitious time to consider learning things you have previously regarded as unnecessary or irrelevant or outside your purview. What might these abilities be?

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I'm turning this horoscope over to Nigerian poet Ijeoma Umebinyuo. She has three messages that are just what you need to hear right now. 1. "Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don't stop. Start where you are, with what you have." 2. "You must let the pain visit. You must allow it to teach you. But you must not allow it to overstay." 3. "Write a poem for your 14-year-old self. Forgive her. Heal her. Free her."

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Historical records tell us that Chinese Emperor Hungwu (1328–1398) periodically dealt with overwhelming amounts of decision-making. During one ten-day phase of his reign, for example, he was called on to approve 1,660 documents con -

By Rob Brezsny

cerning 3,391 separate issues. Based on my interpretation of the planetary omens, I suspect you may soon be called on to deal with a similar outpouring. This might tempt you toward overstressed reactions like irritation and self-medication. But I hope you'll strive to handle it all with dignity and grace. In fact, that's what I predict you will do. In my estimation, you will be able to summon the extra poise and patience to manage the intensity.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Poet Pablo Neruda wrote, "Let us look for secret things somewhere in the world on the blue shores of silence." That might serve as a good motto for you in the coming weeks. By my astrological reckoning, you'll be wise to go in quest for what's secret, concealed and buried. You will generate fortuitous karma by smoking out hidden agendas and investigating the rest of the story beneath the apparent story. Be politely pushy, Libra. Charmingly but aggressively find the missing information and the shrouded rationales. Dig as deep as you need to go to explore the truth's roots.

on Oct. 22 in the year 4004 BCE. From this spectacularly wrong extrapolation, we might conclude that not all Capricorns are paragons of logic and sound analysis 100 percent of the time. I say we regard this as a liberating thought for you in the coming weeks. According to my analysis, it will be a favorable time to indulge in wild dreams, outlandish fantasies and imaginative speculations. Have fun, dear Capricorn, as you wander out in the places that singer Tom Petty referred to as "The Great Wide Open."

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Is it even possible for us humans to live without fear—if even for short grace periods? Could you or I or anyone else somehow manage to celebrate, say, 72 hours of freedom from all worries and anxieties and trepidations? I suspect the answer is no. We may aspire to declare our independence from dread, but 200,000 years of evolution ensures that our brains are hard-wired to be ever-alert for danger. Having provided that perspective, however, I will speculate that if anyone could approach a state of utter dauntlessness, it will be you Leos in the next three weeks. This may be as close as you will ever come to an extended phase of bold, plucky audacity.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "Dear Sunny Bright Cheery Upbeat Astrologer—You give us too many sunny, bright, cheery, upbeat predictions. They lift my mood when I first read them, but later I'm like, "What the hell?" Because yeah, they come true, but they usually cause some complications I didn't foresee. Maybe you should try offering predictions that bum me out, since then I won't have to deal with making such big adjustments. —Virgo Who is Weary of Rosy Hopeful Chirpy Horoscopes." Dear Virgo—You have alluded to a key truth about reality—Good changes often require as much modification and adaptation as challenging changes. Another truth—One of my specialties is helping my readers manage those good changes. And by the way—I predict the next two weeks will deliver a wealth of interesting and buoyant changes.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): We've all done things that make perfect sense to us, though they might look nonsensical or inexplicable to an outside observer. Keep this fact in your awareness during the next two weeks, Scorpio. Just as you wouldn't want to be judged by uninformed people who don't know the context of your actions, you should extend this same courtesy to others, especially now. At least some of what may appear nonsensical or inexplicable will be serving a valuable purpose. Be slow to judge. Be inclined to offer the benefit of the doubt.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): We often evaluate prospects quantitatively—how big a portion do we get, how much does something cost, how many social media friends can we add? Quantity does matter in some cases, but on other occasions may be trumped by quality. A few close, trustworthy friends may matter more than hundreds of Instagram friends we barely know. A potential house may be spacious and affordable, but be in a location we wouldn't enjoy living in. Your project in the coming weeks, Aquarius, is to examine areas of your life that you evaluate quantitatively and determine whether there are qualitative aspects neglected in your calculations.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I completely understand if you feel some outrage about the lack of passion and excellence you see in the world around you. You have a right to be impatient with the laziness and carelessness of others. But I hope you will find ways to express your disapproval constructively. The best approach will be to keep criticism to a minimum and instead focus on generating improvements. For the sake of your mental health, I suggest you transmute your anger into creativity. You now have an enhanced power to reshape the environments and situations you are part of so they work better for everyone.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In the 17th century, renowned Capricorn church leader James Ussher announced he had discovered when the world had been created. It was at 6 p.m.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): "Dear Dr. Astrology—Help! I want to know which way to go. Should I do the good thing or the right thing? Should I be kind and sympathetic at the risk of ignoring my selfish needs? Or should I be a pushy stickler for what's fair and true, even if I look like a preachy grouch? Why is it so arduous to have integrity? —Pinched Pisces." Dear Pisces—Can you figure out how to be half-good and half-right? Half-self-interested and halfgenerous? I suspect that will generate the most gracious, constructive results.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: If you could change into an animal for a day, what would you be? {in}

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© 2023 Rob Brezsny

I hope you will make excellent use of your sacred encounters.

Be slow to judge. Be inclined to offer the benefit of the doubt.

CREME DE LA WEIRD

The Mondaiji Con Cafe

Daku (loosely translated: Problem Child Concept Cafe) in Sapporo, Japan, was forced to fire one of its waitresses in April after she was discovered to be adding her own blood to cocktails, the Daily Mail reported. The cafe owner called her actions "absolutely not acceptable" and said the establishment would close while every drinking glass was replaced. "We will hire a contractor to clean the store, change glasses and dispose of alcoholic beverages that may have been contaminated," he said. He called her actions "part-time job terrorism." A local doctor said anyone who had patronized the cafe should visit a doctor and have a blood test.

IT'S A MYSTERY Over the last several months, Don Powell and his wife, Nancy, have been puzzling over uninvited inhabitants of their fancy mailbox in Orchard Lake, Michigan. USA Today reported that in August 2022, two small dolls, a miniature couch and a small table appeared in the mailbox, which is custom-built to resemble the Powells' home, with windows and a solar-powered interior light that comes on at night. The dolls were accompanied by a note: "We've decided to live here. Mary and Shelley." Powell thought a neighbor might be spoofing him, but after exhaustive investigatory work, he's no closer to knowing the source of the figures. Over time, the home gained a four-poster bed, a dog, a rug and art for the wall. "The whole thing got rather whimsical," Powell said. At Halloween, Mary and Shelley were replaced by two skeleton dolls dressed in black, and at Christmas, tiny, wrapped gifts appeared. Now, Powell is thinking of writing a children's book about the mailbox mystery. "I think it creates a novel story," he said.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS Angel Footman, 23, a teacher at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, was arrested on April 7 and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the New York Post reported. The charges came after school administrators learned Footman was allegedly hosting violent brawls between students in her classroom. Naturally, she set down rules: no recordings, and no pulling hair. No screaming (draws attention). Fights must be limited to 30 seconds each. However, several sixth-grade girls alerted administrators, and video turned up showing Footman at her desk while students fought each other. She's scheduled for arraignment in May.

BRIGHT IDEA Drivers along Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, were startled on April 11 to see $100 bills floating through the air, Fox News reported. In fact, many cars stopped along the highway to grab the loot. When the Oregon State Police tracked down the source, it was Colin Davis McCarthy, who told them he'd been throwing the money out of his car to "bless others." He said he thought he'd dispersed around $200,000. The OSP later revealed that McCarthy's family had been in touch; he had depleted a shared family bank account for his Robin Hood moment.

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Northern Railway in England has made a specific appeal to its riders: Please stop watching porn on the train. The Mirror reported that Northern provides "Friendly Wi-fi," which meets (apparently the bare) minimum filtering standards. Tricia Williams, chief operating officer, said people should remember that "some content is not suitable for everyone to see or hear—particularly children." While the company understands that the ride may be "the first opportunity to view content," commuters should "wait until you get home."

OVERREACTION A Monopoly game in Belgium on April 2 took a sinister turn, Sky News reported. Four people were playing the game outside their home when a neighboring man and his son, apparently annoyed by the players, came outside with a stick and a Japanese samurai sword in a sheath. A scuffle ensued, and the sword came out of its sheath; police said two men—one of the players and the son—were injured by the weapon. The Monopoly player was later discharged from the hospital, but the son was reported to be in critical condition. Both men had been arrested. Large patches of blood and scattered Monopoly cards marked the spot of the dispute.

QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT Parents of students at Desert Hills Middle School in Kenne wick, Washington, are questioning the think ing behind a school assembly activity that took place before spring break, YakTriNews reported. The game involved a large piece of clear plexi glass with stripes of whipped cream sprayed on both sides; teams of students and staff com peted to see who could lick the cream off both sides at the same time, making it appear as if the two people were kissing. District Superin tendent Dr. Traci Pierce sent a letter to parents on April 12, which assured them that "The con tent of a video being shared on social media is highly concerning" and the activity "does not reflect the high standards we hold for our staff members." An investigation is underway.

AWESOME! A batch of ale originally brewed to celebrate King Edward VIII's coronation in 1937 will hit the auction block, Sky News reported. Edward abdicated the throne before his cor onation in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The Coronation Ale went into storage until it was uncovered in 2011; sever al crates of the 86-year-old beer will be auc tioned off in advance of King Charles III's cor onation in May. The brewer, Greene King, says the beer is no longer drinkable and the bottles will just be collectors' items. (Keep an eye on News of the Weird for the unlucky collector who can't resist a sip.) {in}