Inweekly April 6 2023 Issue

winners & losers

winners losers

LT. AMANDA LEE The U.S. Navy Blue Angel pilot became the Blue Angels' first female fighter jet pilot in the squadron's 76-year history on Saturday, March 11, at the El Centro Naval Air Facility air show in El Centro, Calif. Lt. Lee of Mounds View, Minn., served as a member of the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 before joining the Blue Angels this year. Women have served with the Blue Angels in other capacities for more than 55 years but not as demonstration pilots.

PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS Pensacola's Double-A baseball team had 31 former players on Major League team rosters when the season opened last week. Over its first decade, the Blue Wahoos have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins. The 14 players with Reds connections spread over 12 different teams, including Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas, who played for the Blue Wahoos' first team in 2012. Three former Minnesota Twins prospects that played on the 2019 Blue Wahoos team were starters. Six former Blue Wahoos are on the Twins' pitching staff.

UWF DANCE MARATHON The 10th annual University of West Florida Dance Marathon raised $30,109.48 on Saturday, March 25, to support Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, a member of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. During the UWF Dance Marathon, over 250 participants danced for six hours in support of children. Winners were split into three divisions—sororities, fraternities and all other organizations. They raised funds as teams for the event and competed in the "Miracle Ball." The 2023 champions were Alpha Delta Gamma, Sigma Xi and Argonets.

EVER'MAN COOPERATIVE The grocery and café is celebrating its 50 years of serving Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe has been driven by its members' commitment to actively create a healthier, more vibrant community. Since its founding in Gulf Breeze in 1973, it has been the local source for natural and organic foods and educational classes about conscious living.

MATT GAETZ The day after Donald Trump was indicted, Congressman Gaetz sent out fundraising emails—not for the former president but for himself. Declaring himself one of Trump's top allies, Gaetz wrote, "It's clear why this dark day for America has sadly become a reality: President Donald J. Trump always fought for us. He puts the American People above corrupt interests. And for that reason alone, the powerful will never stop coming after him. So I will continue to stand with President Trump, friend—because I know that he has always stood with us. Will you help me continue to be one of 45's strongest defenders in the wake of this political persecution?" Inweekly declined.

CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT BOARD

Gov. Ron DeSantis' handpicked board to oversee Disney World's future development may have been outmaneuvered by Disney. Ahead of the state takeover, the corporation pushed through the pact and restrictive covenants that may tie the hands of future board members for decades. The previous board, which was known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District and controlled by Disney, approved the agreement on Feb. 8, the day before the Florida House voted to put the governor in charge. The new Board of Supervisors has voted to bring in outside legal help to examine the agreement.

KATHRYN DREY

The Assistant U.S. Attorney in Pensacola has pleaded guilty to illegally steering contracts to her spouse in violation of the federal criminal conflict of interest statute. According to court documents, Drey directed contracts from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida to companies in which her spouse had a financial interest, including while she served as chief of the office's Civil Division. She concealed that financial interest in contracts to conduct title searches in litigation defended by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Drey pleaded guilty to one count of acting with a conflict of interest. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Amanda Lee / Photo by Chief Petty Officer Paul Archer, DVIDS Matt Gaetz / Photo by Consolidated News Photos / shutterstock.com

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

One of my favorite issues was Inweekly's April Fools edition, but with so much misinformation on social media, we decided years ago to drop it. With everyone hollering "fake news," we didn't want to add to the confusion, even though we were doing it in jest.

Parody and satire have gotten lost in today's toxic political discourse. People move too quickly to demonize, marginalize and disenfranchise those with whom they disagree. Many of the more current examples of parody have a mean-spirited component intended to damage a person. Our goal was to always highlight the silliness of our politicians without drawing blood.

In 2003, Pensacola City Hall lost a referendum to create a festival park on the waterfront property across the street. We published "City Trumped!" and told a story about how billionaire Donald Trump had won the 27.5 acres in a poker game with City Manager Tom Bonfield in the champagne room of Babe's Show Club.

Our reporter Aces High wrote that Trump planned to build two 110-story towers along with the Fetterman Naval Marine Museum, Grand Wiggins Casino and the Fogg Crystal Ball Institute, but the developer was open to public input. We set up an email, high@inweekly.net, for submissions.

The following year, we had a sheriff who loved gadgets. We wrote that Sheriff Ron McNesby had bought a submarine and tank on eBay for his law enforcement arsenal. The stories were so believable that Ron Mac had to field questions about them while on the campaign trail.

Years ago, Inweekly hit its April Fools' Day peak with several articles that tapped into the day's news. The University of West Florida was striving to better connect with the public. We published the UWF Board of Trustees approved the addition of football on the heels of the University of South Alabama launching its program. UWF Argos would field a Division 1 team that would play its game at the Community Maritime Park.

We said the rumor was the first head coach would be Mike Price, who lost the Alabama job

after an unfortunate incident with a Pensacola stripper during the Emerald Coast Golf Classic. The schedule was ambitious, with the first three games on the road versus Alabama, Auburn and Florida State. The Argos would host Notre Dame for its home opener. We even gave the phone number of the UWF Sports Information Department for people to make reservations for season tickets.

Of course, football fans flooded UWF with calls. UWF President John Cavanaugh took advantage of the buzz and created T-shirts touting the football team with "Still Undefeated" on the back of the shirts. In 2013, UWF announced its new football program, and the first home game was played at Community Maritime Park.

In 2008, the city of Mobile was booming. Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. were chosen over Boeing to supply the Air Force with 179 aerial refueling tankers. EADS had selected Mobile for a $600 million factory, thanks to $120 million in incentives. The previous year, ThyssenKrupp AG of Germany announced a 2,700-employee steel mill plant to be built north of Mobile.

Why not annex Pensacola to Alabama? Our reporter Walker Holmes wrote the Pensacola City Council and Escambia County Commission had passed a joint resolution asking that the state of Alabama annex the county. We suggested residents go to the tax collector to get their Alabama tags at a discounted rate.

While Escambia County wasn't annexed, the article spurred discussions about ramping up the county's economic development. Two years later, Rick Scott was elected governor. With the help of state incentives and Triumph Gulf Coast dollars, Navy Federal Credit Union built a massive campus in Beulah, and ST Engineering developed its MRO (maintenance, repair and overall) campus at the Pensacola International Airport.

We published the April Fools issues for 10 years. Some were better than others, but these stood out. Maybe the political climate will cool enough to bring them back. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Parody and satire have gotten lost in today’s toxic political discourse.

UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE IS HERE

dren." He said the law would hand over that public money to "unaccountable, corporate-run private schools."

By Tom St. Myer

One stroke of the pen from Gov. Ron DeSantis potentially opened the floodgates for students to attend private schools in Florida. The governor signed universal school choice into law. The legislation expands the state voucher system to all K-12 students by eliminating income eligibility limits on the taxpayer-funded program.

The voucher amount will be about $8,700 per student, roughly the same school districts receive in unweighted per-student funding from the state. Reaction to the new law splits primarily down party lines. Republicans overwhelmingly approve the measure touting school choice for families. Democrats say the measure is simply a subsidy for the wealthy and will harm public education.

DeSantis addressed their fear at a billsigning ceremony on Monday, March 27, at a Catholic school in Miami. He said, "There will be a preference for low- and middle-income families, but at the end of the day, we fundamentally believe that the money should follow the student. And it should be directed based on what the parent thinks is the most appropriate education program for their child."

DeSantis noted 1.3 million children already receive their education from outside of their assigned public schools. About 5,000 of those children live in Escambia County. Guesses on how the legislation will impact students in Escambia County Public Schools and the 32 private schools in the county depend on whom you ask.

State Rep. Alex Andrade (R-District 2) voted for the bill. He questioned why anyone opposes freedom of choice for where parents send their children to school and improves on a voucher system that is 20-plus years old.

The state first began offering vouchers when Republican Jeb Bush served as governor. Florida joins Arkansas, Iowa and Utah as states that enacted new education savings account programs with universal eligibility. Other states considering educational choice proposals include Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. Overall, 11 states offer ESA programs.

"The government has no business dictating which students go to which school," Andrade said. "It's really up to the parents to decide what's best for their children. Every parent has the ability and resources to make that decision regardless of any other factor."

He continued, "Some school choice options in the past were based on incomes. This is the first time it applies to every family regardless. There should be an investment in each individual student in Florida regardless of where they attend."

SUBSTANTIAL CASH

Tuition costs at a significant number of private schools in the county exceed $8,700, and some already operate at capacity enrollment. Private schools have the power to deny a student enrollment. House bill sponsors rejected a proposed amendment to prohibit schools from discriminating against students.

program will cover money for tuition and fees at an eligible

An analysis of the bill by the House estimated the cost at over $209 million, and a Senate analysis estimated the figure at $646-plus million. But the independent Florida Policy Institute projected a cost of up to $4 billion.

Teach Florida, a division of Teach Coalition that advocates on behalf of nonpublic schools and parents, estimates about 80% of schools will qualify for the voucher. The measure prevents entrepreneurs from establishing private schools that provide inadequate education so they prosper off the vouchers.

Florida NOW, an organization that promotes feminist ideals, social change and the elimination of discrimination, released a statement that criticized the legislation.

and spend the money until the arship expires when a student graduates high school or turnsalized education program, but any homeschool family that accepts the voucher will be required to meet the funding standards, which include submitting an annual learning plan and meeting state attendance requirements.

"If a parent or school doesn't want government involvement in how they operate, then they don't have to take these taxpayer dollars," Andrade said. "There has to be an element of accountability, an element of analysis on how this money is being deployed. This is my money as a taxpayer."

UNCERTAINTIES

Escambia school board member Patty Hightower cited a potential issue with universal school choice. She said, "If more people use it than that reserve is, that's where the concern comes in."

Hightower neither endorsed nor spoke out against the program. She said there are too many uncertainties at this early stage. She favors financially supporting families who send children ill-equipped for public schools to private institutions. But she said the public schools offer a wealth of opportunities for students.

"I'm optimistic parents will see their schools are doing an excellent job for their children and want them to stay there," Hightower said.

Detractors of universal school choice include Florida Education Association Teachers Union President Andrew Spar. He released a statement that said the legislation "will drain billions of taxpayer dollars away from the neighborhood public schools that nearly 90% of Florida's parents trust to educate their chil -

"There is no separation of Church and State since most vouchers will go to religious schools," Florida NOW President Debbie Deland said. "There is no oversight or accountability planned for the schools taking vouchers."

Deland blamed the governor. "DeSantis is taking racist action and attempting to destroy public schools, a cornerstone of American democracy. He doesn't know the impact because they haven't done their due diligence. Implementing this across the whole of Florida is irresponsible. People of color, LGBTQ and disabled students will be left in public schools without resources."

Andrade countered that opponents are stereotyping the Black population. He said the legislation applies to everyone, no matter their skin color, gender or religious beliefs.

"The racism argument is ridiculous," Andrade said. "The racism argument says that poor students who happen to be Black should be bound to attend the public school that they live closest to. It's a ridiculous premise and one that any Black parent should be able to say it is as well."

EdChoice, a nonprofit organization that campaigns for families to choose the learning environment for their children, released a statement endorsing the legislation. CEO Robert Enlow referenced the previous School Choice bill that DeSantis signed two years ago. That legislation raised income levels to receive vouchers to 375% of the federal poverty level.

"Florida lawmakers show that even states with existing school choice programs in operation shouldn't rest until those opportunities are available for all," Enlow said.

But will those opportunities decimate school districts whose state funding is directly impacted by their student enrollment? That is the question Hightower and fellow school board members hear ad nauseam now that universal school choice is a reality.

"A lot of people see it as the end to everything," Hightower said. "But I have to be optimistic it will help parents be able to choose where they think will be the best benefit for their child." {in}

Ron DeSantis / Photo Courtesy of flgov.com

CITY UPDATES

the port of its intention to lease Warehouse 4 for indoor sports. Mayor Reeves said staff has been working with a group led by Robert Fabbro, the president of WhitesellGreen, Inc., on the last nuances of the deal.

"I feel really good about it, and I know the operator is optimistic and ready to get going," Mayor Reeves told Inweekly. "We're both motivated to get this thing done and before the city council in April."

BRUCE BEACH'S POOP PROBLEM

The city is waiting on test results to confirm the fecal problem in the waters off Bruce Beach has been resolved.

"We're waiting on the official FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) results, but the preliminary tests found that bacteria levels were acceptable. However, we want the official results to confirm and provide additional assurances."

In today's news cycle, reporting is constant, and, frequently, topics and issues get forgotten. Inweekly recently caught up with Mayor D.C. Reeves to get updates on three issues that made headlines in 2022.

STREAMLINE BOATS

For months, city officials have waited to see what Streamline Boats would do with Warehouse #10 at the Port of Pensacola. The waiting is over.

On WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen," Mayor Reeves said, "We have notified the lessee that we have terminated the lease as of March 16, which was the deadline for the organization to have a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) for the building."

He continued, "They had requested an extension, and we have denied that. At this juncture, there is no leaseholder for the warehouse."

least 45 jobs at the port. The warehouse sustained significant damage from Hurricane Sally, and the city agreed to reimburse the boat manufacturer for repairs on the building. Port officials were told the work would be finished by the end of 2022.

Last week, Clark shared with the Inweekly that work on the warehouse had tapered off in recent months. "They were working sporadically on and off to get that facility, and then things started slowing down. We were assured it would be shortterm and that we could expect them to start back on the repairs. Unfortunately, one month led to another month, led to another month, and now it's been sitting idle for an extended period."

PROJECT PICKLE

The city is edging closer to creating a pickleball facility in downtown Pensacola on the edge of the Port of Pensacola. Last month, city officials notified businesses and homeowners near

Former Mayor Grover Robinson first presented Project Pickle to the Pensacola City Council in November 2022. The project would transform the warehouse into a facility catering to pickleball but also capable of hosting games and tournament events for volleyball, basketball and indoor soccer. For Mayor Robinson, the project fit his vision for diversifying port tenants and looking beyond more traditional industrial uses.

Robinson told the council, "The parking lots are already in place, and the building is already there, so you don't create a big footprint insofar as what it is and the existing space."

The initial drawings called for taking the shell of Warehouse 4, located near the ferry terminal, and creating 10 pickleball courts indoors and adding another 10 outdoor courts next to the building. The courts could be repurposed to accommodate other sports as needed.

"This project really does fit well into the strategy of the north side of the port that we've been talking about since I was sworn in," Mayor Reeves said. "When it comes to something like this and American Magic, the type of impact that these projects can have transcends any market-rate rent. It's about what kind of catalytic economic impact these projects can have when you're only 50 acres in the heart of downtown."

In 2021, Dr. Jane Caffrey, a professor within the University of West Florida's Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation, her students and Barbara Albrecht of the Bream Fishermen Association conducted water sampling and testing. Initially, tests were conducted at three sites at Bruce Beach, with sampling later expanded to the areas downtown within the stormwater drainage area.

The sampling found high levels of enterococci, an indicator of the presence of fecal material.

Last year, ECUA and the city began testing downtown sewer lines to determine how human waste was getting into the city's stormwater system.

In October, a damaged wastewater line was discovered beneath Spring Street near Garden Street. Following repairs to the line, city and ECUA officials indicated that the damaged line may have largely been responsible for the contamination issue at Bruce Beach.

In an email earlier this year, ECUA Public Information Officer Nathalie Bowers told Inweekly, "Yes, we do believe this was the major source of contamination of Bruce Beach, which has been addressed."

She said that the water samples taken shortly after the repairs indicated no presence of human waste. The agency was confident that a major contamination source had been stemmed.

"However, while this point source may be a significant contributor, the ECUA, city of Pensacola and FDEP team will continue to monitor the water quality in this vicinity," Bowers added.

Last week, Mayor Reeves said, "Since that repair, testing has been showing acceptable bacteria levels, and this follow-up testing from FDEP should really galvanize that. We'll continue to keep you updated." {in}

PYP LEADERSHIP CHANGE The Pensacola Young Professional held its change of command at its PYP Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 30. President Ebony Cornish, the organization's first Black president, passed the gavel to Justin Oswald before a sold-out crowd at 5eleven Palafox.

Before the transfer of power, Cornish handed out several awards, including Member of the Year, Anna Goretski; Leader of the Year, Dani Woods; Alumni of the Year, Kristine Rushing; and Four Core Award, Lydia Lucius.

While giving Cornish her presidential plaque, Oswald said, "You led us this year with grace and poise. I appreciate everything you've done with PYP. I appreciate your friendship, and I look forward to all your success in everything you do in the community."

Addressing the PYP members, the incoming president said, "I don't know that it's the president's responsibility to come in and every year have a new vision for the organization because what makes PYP great is we have a mission and a vision."

Oswald continued, "The thing that galvanizes us is so many different kinds of people that represent so many different kinds of industries and rallies us around this thing that we all want to be a part of making Pensacola better than what it is. It motivates us all to want to be a part of that."

He later added, "We don't have to change Pensacola, but we do get to serve. The world around us is changed by our example, not our opinion. We change the world not by what we say or do but the consequence of what we have become."

CEMEX EXPANSION Cemex officials were in Pensacola last month to meet with Mayor D.C. Reeves, Port Director Clark Merritt and other city leaders about their future at the Port of Pensacola.

"The port had a banner year on Cemex's import of bulk cement, which comes in on a sealed ship and is transferred into their facility pneumatic," Merritt told Inweekly. "Then it goes into a train or a truck to concrete batch plants across the region, of which Cemex owns 25, to feed the concrete needs of construction projects."

The port director said the concrete industry has been allocating cement and concrete to its customer for several years. "There's tremendous pent-up demand, and we continue to see vessels about every other week coming in and bringing in more bulk product use regionally."

Merritt added, "We had some great meetings updating the city council and mayor's office on their expansion plans moving forward."

"In light of this bill passing, if we're not careful in the way we sell this property, it appears to me and staff that developer could potentially build a lot of affordable housing there, and we would have no say whatsoever," said the commissioner.

"I spoke with several county lawyers yesterday and other folks involved in this," said Bergosh. "We believe there's a method whereby we can put a declaration of restrictive covenants on the deed to the property before we sell it, which could prevent that. But I want to make sure before we vote on a sale."

SOUL ROYALS REUNION A popular band from the '60s and '70s, The Soul Royals are reuniting for a reunion show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at the Pensacola High School Auditorium. Tickets are $20 in advance on eventbrite. com and $35 at the door.

Charles Thornton founded the group with his friend Willie Johnson when they met at a Heaven & Hell Party in 1967.

"I played trombone in middle school and high school, and I played in the church for about two or three years and wanted a way to get out of the house and get out of playing at the church, even though I was making $3 a night," Thornton told Inweekly. "Willie and I formed a band, recruited other members, and before we knew it, we had an aggregation of about six or seven guys."

Rafferty law firm. "That's how my grandfather always did everything."

The free community event promotes the services of Northwest Florida nonprofits through family activities, including inflatable games, face painting, live music and an exotic car show. Over 50 nonprofit organizations will showcase their services at the festival.

The nonprofits will distribute free essential items to attendees. Items include backpacks, blankets, body wash, books, deodorant, diapers, first aid kits, food, hygiene kits, pet food, school supplies, soap, socks, thermometers, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, underwear, water bottles and wired earbuds.

"We got great feedback from nonprofits that people they were able to meet at the festival were able to come to them for help," Goodman said. "The nonprofits were even able to get individuals who didn't need help but were willing to contribute once they found out about what our nonprofits were doing for the community."

Bring HOPE Now, Inc. is returning to the festival after participating last year. Its Bring HOPE SQUAD offers peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs for students in schools throughout the region. The nonprofit organization will hand out journals and encourage attendees to express their feelings in words rather than bottle up their emotions.

AFFORDABLE

HOUSING

VS.

OLF-8

On Wednesday, March 29, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a $711 million plan to make housing more affordable. The Live Local Act doubles funding for housing and rental programs, provides incentives for investment in affordable housing and encourages mixed-use developments in struggling commercial areas.

However, the bill has a downside for cities and counties because it pre-empts local government rules on zoning, density and building heights in certain circumstances. Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh shared with Inweekly that he is concerned it may impact future light industrial development on Outlying Land Field (OLF) 8 in the Beulah area.

"There are about 60 lines on pages three and four that really pre-empt our ability to do any kind of zoning on commercial properties," Bergosh said. "If a builder wants to build affordable housing, these folks can just do an end around our zoning and planning department, which is very, very concerning because of the very long-running dispute over housing on OLF 8.

In 2020, consultant DPZ presented a master plan for most OLF 8 to be developed as a town center and residential housing. Four of the commissioners objected, and Commission Chairman Robert Bender negotiated a hybrid plan with more room for light-manufacturing facilities.

Since February, the county has received several offers from homebuilders to buy OLF 8 with the understanding the approved master plan would be followed. Bergosh is concerned the Live Local Act may give the buyer a loophole to build more residential than what is in the plan.

The Soul Royals played pep rallies and school functions and, at one time, was a house band at Abe's 506 Club in Belmont-DeVilliers. "But we wanted to take the music off the blocks and take it out to the streets. We are about 15 or 16 years old and started playing at the Cobb Center, Pensacola High School and all around the Gulf Coast at different places."

Thornton added, "We were playing actually good music at that time because we had a ninepiece band. We had three singers, and it was just an awesome thing."

He wanted the public to know the reunion concert is "just not going to be a bunch of old men up there, doing nothing." Thornton said, "It's going to be real live music. If you want to pop your hands, even get up and dance, you'll be able to do it."

FRED FEST RETURNS Ideas on how to pay tribute to the late Fred Levin birthed a festival that synced perfectly with the mission of the Fred & Marilyn Levin Family Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs to children, families and animals in Northwest Florida.

The inaugural Fred Levin Way Fest attracted a crowd of about 4,000 last year, and thousands dined on free meals, took home essential items such as toothbrushes and learned what services nonprofits offer to better their lives. The festival returns Sunday, April 16, kicking off at 11 a.m.

"When my grandfather passed away, and they named the street after him, we thought we wanted to do something big," said Brenton Goodman, an attorney for the Levin Papantonio

"What a gift it is to the community and to the nonprofits who have the opportunity to share the support we each bring to the area," Bring HOPE CEO Peggy Brockman said. "It is a beautiful way to honor the memory of Fred and Marilyn Levin, who always gave so much back to the community. All of the families will walk away with so many wonderful gifts."

The festival will include free admission to the downtown museums and access to the YMCA courts and pool. The Blue Wahoos will pay tribute with a Fred Levin Bobblehead Day and by passing out flyers about the festival during their game against the Montgomery Biscuits on Sunday, April 9.

"It really is the community getting behind a free festival," Goodman said. "That's what the family wanted, and we think that's what my grandfather would have been extremely proud to have his name attached."

CITY WELCOME SIGN

The City of Pensacola is hosting a design contest for artists to create a three-dimensional welcome structure, which will greet as many as 100,000 visitors daily on the Pensacola side of the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge.

"What do we want the welcome to be as people come in from Gulf Breeze?" Mayor D.C. Reeves told Inweekly. "We have a lot of talented people here, and we want the sign to be something the community can embrace, not just picking something at random."

The city has partnered with Dalrymple Sallis Architecture for the contest. The Florida Department of Transportation will help fund the sign

PYP Award Recipients / Photo Courtesy Milestones Studios

through a Joint Participation Agreement. The city will fabricate and install the selected design between Bayfront Parkway and Gregory Street facing south-southeast, near where the city's five flags display stood for decades.

All interested artists are encouraged to submit their designs for consideration to  submissions@cityofpensacola.com using the requirements outlined in the application packet found on cityofpensacola.com. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26. Interested artists can ask questions via the above email address through Friday, April 7.

A panel will review submissions and select the best design using a scoring rubric. Artists are asked to take into consideration the location's aesthetics, physical limitations, Pensacola history and cohesiveness when creating their design.

2023 PACE AWARDS The Greater Pensacola Chamber held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) awards banquet on Pensacola Beach on Tuesday, March 28.

The winners were Business Leader—Kara Cardona, Navy Federal Credit Union; Community Leader—Sheriff Chip Simmons; Professional Leader—David Deliman, Cox Communications; Spirit of Pensacola—Grover Robinson; Pioneer Award—Belle Bear; Advocate Leader— Connie Bookman, Pathways for Change; Leader in Education—Dr. Kim Thomas, C.A. Weis Elementary; and Emerging Leader—Nicole Stacey, Visit Pensacola.

"It's always an honor for the Chamber to celebrate the best of our community," said Chamber President Todd Thomson. "On behalf of our board of directors, I congratulate all of tonight's winners."

PEPPLER RESIGNS City Attorney Charlie Peppler has announced his resignation. The city posted the job opening for an interim city attorney position on Friday, March 31. Peppler was appointed city attorney by former Mayor Grover Robinson in July 2021.

In a written statement to the media, Mayor D.C. Reeves said, "I have accepted the resignation of Mr. Peppler as City Attorney. I have a lot of respect for Charlie and his time spent representing Pensacola. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

In his resignation letter, Peppler said, "In line with your statement to me on March 2, 2023, that you desire "to go in a different direction" as to my being the City Attorney, I am resigning effective April 30, 2023."

He added, "It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as City Attorney, and I will always cherish my time serving in that role."

NAME STREET SWEEPERS The city of Pensacola has launched a contest to name its three newest street sweepers. Name ideas must be submitted via the online form on cityofpensacola.com. Mayor D.C. Reeves and city staff will review submissions, and the public will vote on

the top names to determine the final three selections. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14.

"Other cities have had a lot of fun with this, and I'm excited to do this contest to name our streets sweepers," Mayor Reeves told Inweekly. "I'm looking to see our Pensacola creativity."

The city's fleet of eight street sweepers removes an average of more than 4,700 tons of leaves, debris and trash from city streets each year. Street sweepers provide a significant environmental benefit by helping prevent debris from entering stormwater systems and eventually discharging into local waterways.

City PIO Kaycee Lagarde told Inweekly that she received over 450 submissions in the first two days of the contest. The suggestions included Sweeping Beauty, Fleetwood Vac, No Sweep Til Brooklyn, Bruce Springsclean and Kevin.

She added, "Since we have three street sweepers, some people are going with a theme for all three of them—Louie, Huey and Dewey; Larry, Moe and Curley; and Snap, Crackle and Pop."

After the suggestions have been narrowed by staff, the city may use March Madness-type brackets to determine the top three names. Lagarde shared, "We were originally going to just pick out six and then let the public vote, but because we've gotten so many great submissions, the mayor and I have discussed doing like a bracket kind of March Madness style. We may have a couple of our favorite names face off and see who makes it to the final round."

CARING FOR BAKER ACT PATIENTS Florida Hospital Association recently surveyed over 82 facilities to assess access to involuntary psychiatric beds, a critical component of caring for Baker Act patients. In recent years, the number of involuntary beds in Florida has decreased due to a reduction in the number of beds in state psychiatric facilities and recent reductions by private organizations.

In Escambia County, Baptist Hospital, LifeView Group and HCA Florida West have worked on plans for two central receiving facilities to care for adults and children brought in under the Baker Act. Last August, HCA Florida West let law enforcement and health care providers know that it would stop accepting Baker Act patients but later relented when the central receiving facilities were presented as possible solutions.

FHA study found that psychiatric patients require a one-to-one staff ratio, which presents a challenge with more nurses and health care professionals leaving the field after struggling with the pandemic and due to "increased incivility from patients and their families."

The association recommended an increase in the current Medicaid reimbursement rates to reflect better the high costs of maintaining and supporting involuntary psychiatric beds. The data showed that the reimbursement rates were less than half of the actual cost of care.

Let's hope the Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida discusses the report at its next meeting. {in}

'Tis the season for homestands, grand slams and rooting for the home team.

Baseball is back, and in Pensacola that means the Blue Wahoos are about to get down to business.

The Blue Wahoos—a Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins—wrapped up last season on a high. For the first time in the team's 10-year history, it won the Southern League championships.

Ahead of the Blue Wahoos' April 7 season

opener Friday night, players began rolling into town. Some of these players, about 20 of them, are returning from last season's championship team.

Also, back for another season in Pensacola are several members of the coaching staff, as well as team manager Kevin Randel, who actually began his professional baseball career with eight seasons as infielder in the Marlins' system.

Randel began leading the Blue Wahoos in 2021, with a 57-54 winning record for that season. Then,

last year, he guided the team to its Southern League championship, and now he's back for another go.

"I'm very excited to return to Pensacola in 2023," Randel said back in January. "The fans in Pensacola are unbelievable, and we play great at home because of the support of the fans. It's a fun place to play with a beautiful stadium and great clubhouse and amenities for the players. The ownership, staff and fans make us feel right at home, and there's no place I'd rather be than Pensacola." {in}

BLUE WAHOOS 2023 HOME OPENER

W HAT: Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery

WHEN: 6:35 p.m. Friday, April 7

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St.

DETAILS: bluewahoos.com @bluewahoosbball

Photos Courtesy of Pensacola Blue Wahoos

For their 11th season, the Blue Wahoos will play 69 regular season home games across 12 homestands.

The team is starting off the season this weekend, April 7-9, with a three-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits. On Opening Day, the first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a replica 2022 championship ring.

There are a few exceptions throughout the season, but the majority of the games will follow this game time schedule: 6:35 p.m. first pitches on Mondays-Fridays, 6:05 p.m. on Saturdays and 4:05 p.m. on Sundays. Visit bluewahoos.com for additional details and ticketing information.

2023 Home Game Schedule

April

Friday, April 7 vs. Montgomery

Saturday, April 8 vs. Montgomery

Sunday, April 9 vs. Montgomery

Tuesday, April 18 vs. Birmingham

Wednesday, April 19 vs. Birmingham

Thursday, April 20 vs. Birmingham

Friday, April 21 vs. Birmingham

Saturday, April 22 vs. Birmingham

Sunday, April 23 vs. Birmingham

May

Tuesday, May 2 vs. Mississippi

Wednesday, May 3 vs. Mississippi

Sure, baseball is the main reason to make your way to Wahoos Stadium, but there are a few other things you might want to plan your ballpark outings around. Here's a rundown of this season's promotional schedule.

Daily Promotions

Doggone Tuesdays

Fans are allowed to bring their pups to the ballpark every Tuesday (except July 4, due to the post-game fireworks).

One-Price Tuesdays

All box, reserved and standing-room tickets will be the same price ($18) and include a hot dog, chips and a soda.

Thursday, May 4 vs. Mississippi

Friday, May 5 vs. Mississippi

Saturday, May 6 vs. Mississippi

Sunday, May 7 vs. Mississippi

Tuesday, May 16 vs. Tennessee

Wednesday, May 17 vs. Tennessee

Thursday, May 18 vs. Tennessee

Friday, May 19 vs. Tennessee

Saturday, May 20 vs. Tennessee

Sunday, May 21 vs. Tennessee

June

Tuesday, June 6 vs. Montgomery

Wednesday, June 7 vs. Montgomery

Thursday, June 8 vs. Montgomery

Friday, June 9 vs. Montgomery

Saturday, June 10 vs. Montgomery

Sunday, June 11 vs. Montgomery

Tuesday, June 13 vs. Mississippi

Wednesday, June 14 vs. Mississippi

Thursday, June 15 vs. Mississippi

Friday, June 16 vs. Mississippi

Saturday, June 17 vs. Mississippi

Sunday, June 18 vs. Mississippi

July

Tuesday, July 4 vs. Biloxi

Wednesday, July 5 vs. Biloxi

Thursday, July 6 vs. Biloxi

Friday, July 7 vs. Biloxi

Saturday, July 8 vs. Biloxi

Sunday, July 9 vs. Biloxi

Tuesday, July 18 vs. Rocket City

Wednesday, July 19 vs. Rocket City

Thursday, July 20 vs. Rocket City

Friday, July 21 vs. Rocket City

Saturday, July 22 vs. Rocket City

Sunday, July 23 vs. Rocket City

August

Tuesday, Aug. 1 vs. Biloxi

Wednesday, Aug. 2 vs. Biloxi

Thursday, Aug. 3 vs. Biloxi

Friday, Aug. 4 vs. Biloxi

Saturday, Aug. 5 vs. Biloxi

Sunday, Aug. 6 vs. Biloxi

Tuesday, Aug. 15 vs. Montgomery

Wednesday, Aug. 16 vs. Montgomery

Thursday, Aug. 17 vs. Montgomery

Friday, Aug. 18 vs. Montgomery

Saturday, Aug. 19 vs. Montgomery

Sunday, Aug. 20 vs. Montgomery

Tuesday, Aug. 29 vs. Chattanooga

Wednesday, Aug. 30 vs. Chattanooga

Thursday, Aug. 31 vs. Chattanooga

September

Friday, Sept. 1 vs. Chattanooga

Saturday, Sept. 2 vs. Chattanooga

Sunday, Sept. 3 vs. Chattanooga

PROMOTING FUN

Winning Wednesdays

In honor of the 2022 championship season, Winning Wednesdays will give fans the opportunity to win great prizes by playing ballpark bingo. Mid-week fireworks will also return on Wednesdays during the summer.

Mullet Thursdays

The team's alter ego, the Pensacola Mullets, are returning to the ballpark every Thursday.

Giveaway Fridays

The Wahoos will once again offer exclusive giveaway items each Friday throughout the season. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and most promo items have limited quantities, so make sure you arrive early if there's one you really want.

Fireworks Saturdays

Win or lose, the Wahoos always celebrate every Saturday night with post-game fireworks.

Military Family Sundays

Active and retired military members receive a discount at the box office each Sunday, and families with kids can take the field, run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game.

Freebie Fun

The Blue Wahoos 2023 promotion schedule features 16 giveaway items. Here’s a rundown of the ones that have been announced so far.

April 7 2022 Southern League Championship Replica Ring Giveaway

Tuesday, Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi

Wednesday, Sept. 13 vs. Mississippi

Thursday, Sept. 14 vs. Mississippi

Friday, Sept. 15 vs. Mississippi

Saturday, Sept. 16 vs. Mississippi

Sunday, Sept. 17 vs. Mississippi

April 7-9 2023 Magnet Schedule Giveaway

April 9 Fred Levin Bobblehead Giveaway

April 21 2022 Championship Hat Giveaway

May 5 Blue Wahoos Novelty Socks Giveaway

May 19 Blue Wahoos Bag Giveaway

May 21 First Half Team Photo Giveaway

June 16 Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway

Aug. 4 Back-To-School Lunchbox Giveaway

Sept. 1 Eury Pérez Bobblehead Giveaway

Sept. 3 Second Half Team Photo Giveaway

Sept. 15 Blue Wahoos Beach Towel Giveaway

Giveaway Friday items for the June 9, July 7, July 21 and Aug. 18 games will be announced soon

*All games times, giveaways and promotions are subject to change.

Arts & Entertainment

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

A Hometown Show Away from Home

By Joshua Encinias

"I don't know many people who've had an upbringing or a childhood like that, and I feel very lucky to have gotten to live that way," said Thomas.

Jenny Thomas and her twin sister Jude Hammock lead Flora-Bama's house band Syn Twister, where they played original bops like "He's Hot." You can even watch Syn Twister play the song on the YouTube channel for "The Uncharted Zone." Phil Thomas Katt liked the group so much that he filmed one of their performances in 1990. "I always thought they were a cool band with some unique songs," said Katt.

Thomas said that vibe he recalls so fondly changed when the Deepwater Horizon disaster washed globs of oil onto Gulf Shores. When the tide receded, so went that bohemian paradise, and when it came back in, a new vision for the beach town came with it.

hoped Gulf Shores would welcome him home with open arms.

"But the truth is, I wasn't even in the Mullet Wrapper in Gulf Shores," Thomas told Inweekly.

At 18, he moved to Los Angeles to become an entertainer, and months in California turned into years. Eventually, stories from his childhood made it into his 2020 HBO special "The Golden One," which was filmed at the Flora-Bama.

Despite the national platform, the FloraBama didn't really promote the show. It's led Thomas to think he still isn't well-known in Gulf Shores. But Pensacola knows him well, and he knows Pensacola.

Thomas is bringing his autobiographical comedy and music act to The Handlebar on April 12 for a headlining show in support of his new album, "The Older I Get The Funnier I Was."

He would visit Pensacola for everything growing up—shopping at Cordova Mall, seeing bands play at the old Handlebar, finding new bands at East Hill Records (now Revolver Records) or even to eating at Chili's or Hooters.

One of his most vivid memories of Pensacola is seeing Against Me! at The Handlebar with an audience of 20 people. Years later, he

saw them play for a few thousand people in Los Angeles.

So when his brother Johnny told him The Handlebar reopened last fall in the same location with new owners, Thomas knew he wanted to play at the esteemed venue.

"The Handlebar was one of my favorite venues as a kid. I'm stoked they reopened and they're down to have me," said Thomas.

GROWING UP

Thomas' new album, released by Sub Pop Records, features a cover illustration that should be familiar to anyone who's lived on the Gulf Coast for more than a decade.

There's a scruffy little boy front and center; presumably, that's Thomas as a kid. There's a woman in an American flag bikini to his left and punks to his right. And don't miss the raccoons and opossums snacking on the beach picnics.

"I always describe Gulf Shores as a place where all the black sheep of the Southeast go to raise their family," said Thomas.

As a kid, Thomas loved its "hippie-dippy" vibe, citing his deceased mom, Jenny, "who just wanted to get fucked up on the beach while their kids skimboard," as an example.

According to Thomas, the new Gulf Shores was less accessible to locals. So the album art for "The Older I Get the Funnier I Was" is a tribute to the Gulf Shores he knew.

THE MOVIE

As a kid, Thomas and his best friend Clay Tatum tried their best to get into trouble. They would skate all day, sneak into pools at hotels and condos, and go to Waffle House all night.

The boys were thick as thieves. At one point in the eighth grade, Thomas and Tatum's parents were having some issues and had to move. Their parents rented condos next to each other for a few months, "which was a blast," said Thomas.

The bond Thomas and Tatum developed as kids endured when they both moved to Los Angeles. And when the opportunity to make a movie presented itself during the pandemic, the duo turned to their ability to have fun on a budget into the hit indie movie "The Civil Dead."

The movie follows a struggling photographer (Tatum) who just wants to watch TV and eat candy while his wife is out of town. When a desperate old pal (Thomas) resurfaces, his plans are thwarted with spooky consequences.

Their ghost story, which was made on a $30,000 budget, won top honors at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2021, earning Best Nar-

rative Feature. And this spring, the movie was a hit at art house theaters across the country. Someone on Letterboxd said Thomas' performance is the best take on the Joker they've ever seen, but you'll have to watch the movie to find out what they mean. ("The Civil Dead" is available to rent or buy online.)

"We shot it deep in COVID, but it wasn't as stressful as you would think," said Thomas. That's because their crew was never more than five people. Like when they were kids, Thomas and Tatum made something away from the watchful eyes of adults, but this time it was because the world hit pause.

THE STAGE SHOW

Thomas' upcoming show at The Handlebar is basically a hometown show. He sowed his oats in Pensacola, so it's the perfect place to bring his not-so "raw and unfiltered" show.

"It's a joke when I call my show 'raw and unfiltered,' because there's absolutely nothing controversial about anything I make," said Thomas. "Agro alpha comics will say, "This show's going to be raw and unfiltered. I'm gonna say what nobody else will!" And it always ends up being that they're obsessed with non-binary people or some stupid shit."

Raw and unfiltered isn't the worst way to describe his music, though. After 10 years making music and comedy, Thomas thought it felt inauthentic if he didn't talk about heavy things on stage like his mom drinking herself to death.

When he tried writing songs about his mom's alcoholism, he would get sick of trying to build the stories with metaphor. A friend invited him to play at a comedy show but there was one rule— no stand-up comedy. So Thomas fused stories from his stand-up show with songs and just like that, he found his niche.

"My music isn't necessarily comedy. It's some sort of hybrid," said Thomas. "I felt trying to be more poetic wasn't earnest. I can't get away with being too cool. It just doesn't work for me." {in}

WHITMER THOMAS LIVE

WHAT: A night of comedy and music with Gulf Shores native Whitmer Thomas WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. COST: $15 in advance, $18 at the door

DETAILS: whitmerthomas.com, thehandlebar850.com

Whitmer Thomas / Photo by Michael Delaney

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PENSACOLA TO HOST DIAPER DRIVE AT FRED LEVIN WAY

GRANT PROGRAMS

VISIT PENSACOLA EVENT GRANT PRO -

Submitted zines will be included in the 2023 Zine Challenge and be part of the 309 archives. For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.

FEST

The Junior League of Pensacola is pleased to announce that it will be distributing diapers at the Fred Levin Way Festival on Sunday, April 16, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Diaper Bank drive is for the sole purpose of providing diapers to people who do not have access or money to buy diapers.

THE ESCAMBIA-SANTA ROSA BAR FOUNDATION ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 2023

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, the 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 $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. The next event is Tuesday, March 28. For more information visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

GRAM Visit Pensacola is now accepting grant applications for its event marketing program for events in Escambia County occurring between Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024. Grant submissions are due by June 6 at noon and must be emailed or timestamped by drop off at the Visitor Information Center at 1401 E. Gregory St.

Grant workshops will be hosted at the dates and times below in the Bowden Building at 120 Church St. to aid the submission process. All grant applicants are required to attend one of the workshops.

Dates:

• April 14: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

• April 14: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• April 17: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• April 17: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Visit Pensacola Grant Committee will meet to review and score applications on June 20 at 8:30 a.m. at the UWF Historic Trust Bowden Building, First Floor. Applicants are required to attend to present to the committee. Following, the Visit Pensacola Board of Directors will vote to approve grants on June 28 at the monthly board meeting.

For more information on grant guidelines, scoring and the application process, please get in touch with Nicole Stacey at nstacey@visitpensacola.com.

ARTIST SUBMISSIONS FOR PENSACOLA WELCOME SIGN NEAR PENSACOLA BAY BRIDGE

The City of Pensacola is hosting a design contest for artists to create a three-dimensional welcome structure for the Pensacola side of the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

The city is working in partnership with Dalrymple Sallis Architecture for the contest. The selected design will be fabricated and installed by the city, to be placed in the area between Bayfront Parkway and Gregory Street facing south-southeast.

All interested artists are encouraged to submit their designs for consideration to submissions@cityofpensacola.com using the requirements outlined in the application packet. The submission deadline is Wednesday, April 26, at 5 p.m.

Artists are asked to take into consideration the location's aesthetics, physical limitations, Pensacola history and cohesiveness when creating their design. There will be a Q&A period until April 7 for interested artists to ask questions by emailing submissions@cityofpensacola.com.

ARTS & CULTURE

NEW ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT 309 PUNK HOUSE

of her work, exploring projection possibilities and creating a companion sound piece. We will be hosting 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.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR The traveling Broadway show comes to the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6. Tickets and information at pensacolasaenger.com.

ARTIST TALK AND BOOK SIGNING ROLAND MILLER "Orbital Planes" is Roland Miller's photo book of the Space Shuttle Program. Through a combination of documentary and abstract photographs made around the U.S., "Orbital Planes" tells an expansive story of the Space Shuttle Program in a visually arresting style, describing the distinctive design of these spacecraft and the facilities where they were maintained and launched. He'll be doing a free artist talk and book signing Thursday, April 6, at 5:30 p.m., at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

DRIVE

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.

FLORIDA HUMANITIES GRANT WORKSHOP Cultural nonprofits and public institutions in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are invited to attend an informational funding workshop hosted by statewide grant maker Florida Humanities at 1 p.m., Monday, April 17, at the Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. To attend, participants should register at bit.ly/FHworkshop_Panhandle. For more information about Florida Humanities, visit floridahumanities.org.

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.

Winner

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 inter-species 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

WORLD BALLET SERIES: CINDERELLA A part of the World Ballet Series, "Cinderella" is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most celebrated fairy tale to life. Show is 7 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $46-$95. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

A SECRET GARDEN MARKET Visit The Nest General Store, 11 S. Palafox, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 8, for a market with wine, food and vendors including Make Ends Sweet, Fonda Trece, Blue House Curio, Parcel Vintage and more.

PENSACOLA CLIMATE RALLY Join local students, advocates and musicians in their call for climate action and a better future for our community. The rally is 4-6 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at Plaza de Luna, 900 S. Palafox. The Pensacola Climate Rally is a joint project of 350 Pensacola, Healthy Gulf and Climate Together Pensacola. For more information, contact christian@healthygulf.org.

NAVY POINT ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR The eighth-annual arts and crafts fair is 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 8, located at 315 W. Sunset Ave.

Tired of suffering from droopy eyelids?  Uplift your eyelids with the once daily eye drop, Upneeq. Call now to schedule your appointment with the eye care specialists at Terrezza Optical: 850-434-2060

Best Late Night Eats & Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key Runner Up Best Hot Dog, Best Bar Ambiance & Best Bar for Games

a&e happenings

PENSACOLA GEM AND MINERAL SHOW

Over 20,000 square feet of fabulous vendors of Fine Jewelry, Artisan Jewelry, Crystals, Minerals, Beads, Components, Fossils and more, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9, at 6655 Mobile Highway. Something for all ages. Retail event, open to the public.

OPERA AL FRESCO Watch a free Pensacola Opera performance, Tuesday, April 11, at 6 p.m., at H.K. Matthews Park. Visit pensacolaopera. com for details.

LITERARY NIGHT WITH OPEN MIC AT BODACIOUS BOOKSTORE Read your short stories, poetry, monologues, etc. at Bodacious Bookstore, 110 Intendencia St., Wednesday, April 12, 4:30-6 p.m. Visit facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore for details.

UWF DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE PRESENTS "EMMA" The University of West Florida Department of Theatre presents Jane Austen's "Emma." Performances will be held April 14-16 and 21-23, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. All performances will take place in the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82, on the Pensacola campus. General admission ticket prices are $20 per person for adults, $16 per person for senior citizens and active military, $14 per person for non-UWF students and UWF faculty and staff, and $7 for high school students. UWF students are admitted free with their Nautilus cards. Tickets can be purchased at the CFPA Box Office, Bldg. 82, by calling (850) 857-6285, or online at uwf.edu/tickets.

THE ART OF FIELDWORK WITH CLAUDIA

O'STEEN Claudia O'Steen and Aly Ogasian work collaboratively to produce multimedia, researchbased installations by incorporating sculptural elements, digital media, drawing, writing and photography. Their work focuses on their relationship with the changing environment and uses methodologies borrowed from citizen science to critique traditional notions of exploration and conquest. Join PMA for "The Art of Fieldwork" talk with STEAM artist Claudia O'Steen in Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St., Friday, April 14. Reception opens at 6 p.m. Talk begins at 6:30 p.m.

PENSACOLA RECORD FAIR The largest selection of records Pensacola has to offer with tables upon tables topped with bins of records to dig through, noon-5 p.m., Saturday, April 15. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE INTERNA-

TIONAL FESTIVAL Filipino pancit, African drummers, Polynesian Hula Dancing, Irish bagpipe tunes and a Japanese bonsai exhibit will be among the many offerings at the 2023 Pensacola State College International Festival, which is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Visit pensacolastate.edu/international-festival for details.

SPANISH FILM FESTIVAL As part of the Pensacola State College International Festival on Saturday, April 15, WSRE PBS will host the PSC Spanish Film Festival—matinee screenings of five films

from the Pragda Spanish Film Club series. The films will be shown on the big screen in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, located at 1000 College Blvd., starting at 10 a.m. Admission is free. The films and showtimes are as follows— "Cacu: A Change for Life" from director Marvin Del Cid at 10 a.m.; "In the Heights" from Jon M. Chu at 11:30 a.m.; "Even the Rain" from Icíar Bollaín at 2:15 p.m.; "My Name is Gennet" from Miguel Angel Tobias at 4:15 p.m.; and "The Queen of Spain" from Fernando Trueba at 6 p.m.

THERESA CAPUTO LIVE Long Island Medium star will be at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, 3 p.m., Sunday, April 16. Tickets start at $49.75 plus fees. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE Show is 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $40-$100. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

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. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf. edu or call (850) 595-5985, ext. 125. The next date is April 19 with John Sledge about the architecture and historic preservation in Mobile.

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-San ti, show director, at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST

TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensac ola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and in vestigate the spirits with actual paranormal equip ment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Se ville 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 Investi gation 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 Pen sacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tick ets 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

a&e happenings

clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market also sets 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.

ART SPACE AT THE WRIGHT PLACE The artwork from the local organization, The Art Study Club, will be on display through April 10 at The Wright Place, 80 E. Wright St.

TAGGED TAGGED is an annual exhibited at The Art Gallery of University of West Florida featuring artwork from UWF students at The Art Gallery, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. The exhibition will be on display through April 11. Visit facebook. com/tag82uwf for details.

AVIAN NOBLE SOLO SHOW Photographer

Avian Noble's work will be on view at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox, through April 21. Visit artelgallery.org for details.

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS Artwork in all mediums that represent at least one of the seven deadly sins. On view through April 21 at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for details.

FIRST CITY ART CENTER MEMBERS

unknown but also allow for the healthy integration of such an inner life. Learn more at facebook.com/easygoinggallery.

SHOW

The third annual members show at First City Art Center's Gallery 1060 will be on display April 12-28. The show features works from members of FCAC. An opening reception will be Friday, April 21.

IHMC'S SCIENCE SATURDAY 2023 SESSIONS ON HUMAN HEALTH PERFORMANCE, SMART CITIES AND ROBOTICS

Science Saturdays is a series of 90-minute educational enrichment sessions geared toward families and children in grades three-six. Topics in 2023 will include robotics, roller coasters, animal adaptations, human performance and more. The sessions are free to the families who attend. For more information, visit ihmc.us/life/science_saturdays.

• April 22: Dr. Gwen Bryan, IHMC, Robot Hands

FIGURES OF IMAGINATION AT EASY GOING GALLERY The opening reception is 5-9 p.m., Thursday, March 23. See the artwork of Mitchell Dembowski in the new exhibit "Figures of Imagination," running through the month of March, at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. "Figures of Imagination" establishes an ongoing dialogue between physical reality and the unconscious. These figures and psychological landscapes not only serve as a window into the

STEAM On view at Pensacola Museum of Art through April 9, the STEAM Exhibition is a community-centered, educational experience engaging contemporary art with science and new technologies. Artwork on display investigates concepts related to the environment, biology, digital interfaces and speculative fictions/imagined futures. Exhibiting artists challenge narratives of human and non-human ecologies, more-than-human relations and entangled response-abilities, as well as offer exciting insights into transdisciplinary processes. The main focus of the exhibition centers around the idea of ecosystems as a metaphor for critical thought. Visit the exhibit at PMA, 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

FINE WINE FRIDAY Visit The Nest General Store, 11 S. Palafox, from 6-9 p.m., Friday, April 7, for their first Friday of the month wine event. Tickets are $35 and available at thenestgeneralstore.com to purchase.

ODD COLONY WITH MYLO

The Mylo Foundation will be at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, 4-8

a&e happenings

p.m., Saturday, April 8. Come meet adoptable dogs. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

CCB ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT Eggs will be stuffed with a combination of Free Beer Cards, CCB Swag and Raffle Tickets, and it's up to you to hunt 'em down. Event is 5 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Visit coastalcountybrewing.com for details.

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Annual Easter event for kids with 3,000 filled Easter eggs. Event is 1-6 p.m., Sunday, April 9, at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Visit coastalcountybrewing.com for details.

EASTER BRUNCH AT ODD COLONY Join Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, on Easter Sunday for brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (or when sold out) with Chef Amy Potmesil. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

EASTER BRUNCH AT AGAPI Celebrate Easter Sunday with a Brunch menu of Agapi Bistro + Garden favorites, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, April 9. Agapi is located at 555 Scenic Highway. Reservations are required at (850) 813-LOVE. Visit myagapi.com for details.

CELEBRATE EASTER SUNDAY AT GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANTS Join Great Southern Restaurants on Sunday, April 9, for Easter.

•The Fish House will be open and serving Easter brunch and dinner on Sunday, April 9. Brunch hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with dinner service beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, please call (850) 470-0003 or visit fishhousepensacola.com.

•Jackson's Steakhouse will be open and serving Easter brunch and dinner on Sunday, April 9. Brunch hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m,. with dinner service 5 p.m.-9 p.m. For reservations, please call (850) 469-9898. For more information, and to view all menus, visit jacksonsrestaurant.com.

•Five Sisters Blues Café will be open for their traditional Sunday Jazz Brunch on Easter Sunday, April 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information and to view our full menus, visit fivesistersbluescafe.com.

•Angelena's Ristorante Italiano will be open and serving Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To reserve your table for Easter Brunch at Angelena's, call (850) 542-8398 or visit angelenaspensacola.com.

VINO MAGNIFICO The next Vino Magnifico is 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox. Reservations required. Tickets are $15 per person. Visit vpauls.com to purchase tickets.

EVER'MAN ANNIVERSARY Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Café is celebrating its 50th anniversary through Tuesday, April 11, at both stores. Visit facebook.com/evermancoop for details.

BASIC CUPCAKE DECORATING FOR ADULTS Class is a series, 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, April 11 and 18, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $150 for all three classes. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6, at 600 S. Barracks St. The featured brewery is Faubourg Brewing Co. from New Orleans. Reservations are required. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com to register.

BEYOND THE GRAPE SOUTH AMERICAN WINE TASTING BENEFITING PENSACOLA OPERA Come explore diverse (and unexpected) wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay while enjoying good company and charcuterie and cheese from Union Public House. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Pensacola Opera. Event is 6 p.m., Thursday, April 13, located at 5100 N. Ninth Ave. Tickets are $25 and available at pensacolafruitwinery.com.

BUSHELS & FEASTS NIGHT Le Cordon Bleu trained chef Rina Thoma prepares dishes from her cookbook, Bushels and Feast. Event is 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 13, at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $75 and available at bodaciousshops.com.

CRAVIN' ASIAN: SUSHI SKILLS Class is 7-9 p.m., Saturday, April 15, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details and tickets.

ARABIAN NIGHTS AND ALE Take a magical carpet ride through an Arabian night at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Greek's Catering & Food will be on site. An open jam session and bonfire and Emerald Coast Belly Dance are part of the festivities. Event is 6-9 p.m., Saturday, April 15. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

MARINE CONSERVATION DAY Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., is hosting its first Marine Conservation Day event with Ocean Strike Team. There will be delicious beverages on tap. Meet local dive shops, fishing shops and check out the touch tank that will be out from the Estuary. Event is noon-6 p.m., Sunday, April 16. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

HANDS-ON SUSHI NIGHT Chef Summer teaches you how to roll your own sushi. Class is 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $75 and available at bodaciousshops.com.

DOGS, DRAFTS & DAISES AT PERFECT

PLAIN A WolfGang Doggie event creating oneof-a-kind works of art using the paws or noses of furry friends. Tickets include all art materials, doggy treats, professional photos and 15% off your tab at Garden and Grain. Event is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, April 16. Get tickets at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

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.

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free will astrology

WEEK OF APRIL 6

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries-born René Descartes (1596–1650) was instrumental in developing of modern science and philosophy. His famous motto, "I think, therefore I am," is an assertion that the analytical component of intelligence is primary and foremost. And yet, few history books mention the supernatural intervention that was pivotal in his evolution as a supreme rationalist. On the night of Nov. 10, 1619, he had three mystical dreams that changed his life, revealing the contours of the quest to discern the "miraculous science" that would occupy him for the next 30 years. I suspect you are in store for a comparable experience or two, Aries. Brilliant ideas and marvelous solutions to your dilemmas will visit you as you bask in unusual and magical states of awareness.

Mediate on how to activate a boost in your willpower.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): The dirty work is becoming milder and easier. It's still a bit dirty but is growing progressively less grungy and more rewarding. The command to "adjust, adjust, and adjust some more, you beast of burden" is giving way to "refine, refine, and refine some more, you beautiful animal." At this pivotal moment, it's crucial to remain consummately conscientious. If you stay in close touch with your shadowy side, it will never commandeer more than ten percent of your total personality. In other words, a bit of healthy distrust for your own motives will keep you trustworthy. (P.S. Groaning and grousing, if done in righteous and constructive causes, will continue to be good therapy for now.)

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "'Tis the good reader that makes the good book," wrote Gemini philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. "In every book, he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakably meant for his ear." In the coming weeks, a similar principle will apply to everything you encounter, Gemini—not just books. You will find rich meaning and entertainment wherever you go.

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From seemingly ordinary experiences, you'll notice and pluck clues that will be wildly useful for you personally. For inspiration, read this quote from author Sam Keen—"Enter each day with the expectation that the happenings of the day may contain a clandestine message addressed to you personally. Expect omens, epiphanies, casual blessings and teachers who unknowingly speak to your condition."

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Traditional astrologers don't regard the planet Mars as being a natural ally of you Crabs. But I suspect you will enjoy an invigorating relationship with the red planet during the next six weeks. For best results, tap into its rigorous vigor in the following ways—1. Gather new wisdom about how to fight tenderly and fiercely for what's yours. 2. Refine and energize your ambitions so they become more ingenious and beautiful. 3. Find out more about how to provide your physical body with exactly what it needs to be strong and lively on an ongoing basis. 4. Mediate on how to activate a boost in your willpower.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): I won't ask you to start heading back toward your comfort zone yet, Leo. I'd love to see you keep wandering out in the frontiers for a while longer. It's healthy and wise to be extra fanciful, improvisatory and imaginative. The more rigorous and daring your experiments, the better. Possible bonus—if you are willing to question at least some of your fixed opinions and dogmatic beliefs, you could very well outgrow the part of the Old You that has finished its mission.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The Supreme Deity with the most power may not be Jehovah or Allah or Brahman or Jesus's Dad. There's a good chance it's actually Mammon, the God of Money. The devoted worship that humans offer to Mammon far surpasses the loyalty offered to all the other gods combined. His values and commandments rule civilization. I bring this to your attention, Virgo, because now is an excellent time for you to deliver extra intense prayers to Mammon. From what I can determine, this formidable Lord of Lords is far more likely to favor you than usual. (P.S. I'm only half-kidding. I really do believe your financial luck will be a peak in the coming weeks.)

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): It's an excellent time to give up depleted, used-up obsessions so you have plenty of room and energy to embrace fresh, succulent passions. I hope you will take advantage of the cosmic help that's available as you try this fun experiment. You will get in touch with previously untapped resources as you wind down your attachments to old pleasures that have dissipated. You will activate dormant reserves of energy as you phase out connections that take more than they give.

You will find rich meaning and entertainment wherever you go.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "The best revenge is not to be like your enemy," said ancient Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius. I'm tempted to advise every Scorpio to get a tattoo of that motto. That way, you will forever keep in mind this excellent advice; As fun as it may initially feel to retaliate against those who have crossed you, it rarely generates redemptive grace or glorious rebirth, which are key Scorpio birthrights. I believe these thoughts should be prime meditations for you in the coming weeks.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sometimes love can be boring. We may become overly accustomed to feeling affection and tenderness for a special person or animal. What blazed like a fiery fountain in the early stages of our attraction might have subsided into a routine sensation of mild fondness. But here's the good news, Sagittarius—even if you have been ensconced in bland sweetness, I suspect you will soon transition into a phase of enhanced zeal. Are you ready to be immersed in a luscious lusty bloom of heartful yearning and adventure?

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): What shall we call this latest chapter of your life story? How about "Stealthy Triumph over Lonely Fear" or maybe "Creating Rapport with the Holy Darkness." Other choices might be "As Far Down into the Wild Rich Depths That I Dare to Go" or "My Roots Are Stronger and Deeper Than I Ever Imagined." Congratulations on this quiet but amazing work you've been attending to. Some other possi-

ble descriptors—"I Didn't Have to Slay the Dragon Because I Figured Out How to Harness It" or "The Unexpected Wealth I Discovered Amidst the Confusing Chaos."

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): It's swayswirl-swivel time for you, Aquarius—a phase when you will be wise to gyrate and rollick and zigzag. This is a bouncy, shimmering interlude that will hopefully clean and clear your mind as it provides you with an abundance of reasons to utter "whee!" and "yahoo!" and "hooray!" My advice—Don't expect the straight-and-narrow version of anything. Be sure you get more than minimal doses of twirling and swooping and cavorting. Your brain needs to be teased and tickled, and your heart requires regular encounters with improvised fun.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): When I was growing up in suburban America, way back in the 20th century, many adults told me that I was wrong and bad to grow my hair really long. Really! It's hard to believe now, but I endured ongoing assaults of criticism, ridicule and threats because of how I shaped my physical appearance. Teachers, relatives, baseball coaches, neighbors, strangers in the grocery store—literally hundreds of people—warned me that sporting a big head of hair would cause the whole world to be prejudiced against me and sabotage my success. Decades later, I can safely say that all those critics were resoundingly wrong. My hair is still long, has always been so, and my ability to live the life I love has not been obstructed by it in the least. Telling you this story is my way of encouraging you to keep being who you really are, even in the face of people telling you that's not who you really are. The astrological omens say it's time for you to take a stand.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What do you love most about yourself? {in}

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© 2023 Rob Brezsny

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WEIRD SCIENCE Australian company Vow has wowed the science world with a meatball made of meat cultivated from the genetic sequence of an extinct mammoth, the Associated Press reported on March 29. "This is not an April Fools' joke," said Tim Noakesmith, founder of the company. Using publicly available genetic information from the mammoth, along with data from the African elephant, Vow grew the cells in a lab. The large meatball—somewhere between the size of a softball and a volleyball was displayed at the Nemo science museum in Amsterdam. "We wanted to get people excited about the future of food," Noakesmith said. "We thought the mammoth would be a conversation starter." People who were there as it was being cooked said it smelled good.

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Here's an item you can share at this weekend's cocktail party: The animatronics at your local Chuck E. Cheese may be powered by a 3.5-inch floppy disk. Of 600 restaurants around the world, about 50 still use the floppies, BuzzFeed News reported. In related news, a robust subculture of Chuck E. fans builds and restores the iconic animatronics at home, and vintage memorabilia has a strong market online. Here's the less cheery news: Subway trains in San Francisco run on floppies, and Boeing 747s and 737s get their updates on the '80s-era medium, too.

GREAT ART As you drive along the EastLink toll road in Melbourne, Australia, you might be tempted to spend the night at the Hotel EastLink, Oddity Central reported. But it's literally impossible to get a reservation there, because it's not really a hotel. It's a sculpture that was unveiled in 2007 by artist Callum Morton. At only 20 meters tall, the "hotel" isn't exactly a high-rise, and it sits in the middle of an empty field. But it fools passersby with lights that come on at night in the "rooms"— enough that people try to call for reservations. "Putting something in a space that is slightly beguiling or is a little bit strange ... changes the way people think about art or practice," Morton said.

•Wilma Flintstone, eat your heart out. French luxury brand Coperni has revealed a fall 2023 limitededition handbag that'll put buyers back $43,000, Oddity Central reported on March 24. The Mini Meteorite Swipe Bag is made of a meteorite that fell to Earth 55,000 years ago. It weighs about 4 1/2 pounds empty, is too small to hold much, is nonrefundable and will take about six weeks to arrive. So yeah maybe yabba dabba don't?

COMPELLING EXPLANATION Springfield, Missouri, real estate agent Clifford Craig Edwards, 52, got caught up in the wild and crazy atmosphere of spring break in St. Petersburg, Florida—at least that's what he told police after he was arrested on March 16 for felony criminal mischief, The Smoking Gun reported. Edwards was spied by the owners of a van standing near their vehicle and "making motions." When they confronted him, he laughed and ran away. The owners discovered their car had been vandalized with a butter knife,

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

causing "extensive paint damage" to the tune of $1,000, police said. Edwards had put his number down on a wait list at a nearby restaurant, so police got in touch with him; that's when he said his actions were a "spring break mistake." He was released on a $2,000 bond.

WAIT, WHAT? Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found that using mindfulness to treat social anxiety is more effective when combined with sniffing body odor, Sky News reported. The body odor for the study was collected from people watching films, but it didn't matter whether they watched comedy or horror. Women who participated in a mindfulness session while exposed to the odor saw a 39% reduction in social anxiety, while those who did mindfulness alone saw only a 17% reduction. The scientists aren't sure why human sweat affects the response to the treatment.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT "Sammie," a housekeeper in Tampa, Florida, is cleaning up with a twist on the usual duties of the job, the New York Post reported. She makes $300 an hour—before tips—to tidy up a home while topless. "Today I cleaned five houses ... I have a security guy who sits out in the car and waits for me just in case something happens," Sammie said on a TikTok video. With tips, she made more than $2,000 that day. "If you think you needed a sign, this is your sign," Sammie advised. "Topless maid cleaning service for the win." One commenter noted that the security guy had the sweetest deal: $800 to sit in the car.

SMOOTH REACTION On March 24, a sheriff's deputy from Chisago County (Minnesota) pulled over a driver who had been speeding through Franconia Township, WFLA-TV reported. When the officer asked for the driver's identification, he was handed a driver's license and a "Get Out of Jail Free" card from a Monopoly game. "Unfortunately the state of Minnesota does not recognize this as a valid document," the sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page. "Points for the effort and humor though!" The driver was issued a "verbal warning" and allowed to proceed.

IT'S A MYSTERY For about two weeks, the Highland Park neighborhood in Los Angeles has been inundated with Uber Eats deliveries that the residents didn't order, KTLA-TV reported on March 19. One man reported receiving 13 deliveries in one day. "It was bag after bag after bag, sometimes three at a time, 3 in the morning, 5 in the afternoon," said William Neal. He said the food was "a nice treat at first," but that he had been trying to find places that would accept donations of the food. Other delivery services have also been involved; Uber told the Los Angeles Times it is investigating the source of the mysterious deliveries. {in}