Independent News | December 22, 2016 | Volume 17 | Number 51 | inweekly.net
FREE â–ś
winners & losers
outtakes
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5
viewpoint 6
You stand on our shoulders‌
cover story
buzz
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8
22
publisher Rick Outzen
art director Richard Humphreys
editor & creative director Joani Delezen
contributing writers Duwayne Escobedo, Jennifer Leigh, Chuck Shepherd, Hamishe Randall, Shelby Smithey
contact us info@inweekly.net
calendar 17
Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The Road to America’s First
Creating America’s First Early Learning City is the largest and most important construction project in the history of Escambia County
Early Learning City This week we focus on:
Healthcare
Make your baby smart by talking to them One of the best times to get a child off to a great start is right after child birth. Each Escambia Hospital will be offered Brain Bags they can provide every new mother and baby. The Brain Bag is filled with material to build the baby’s brain so they can be best prepared for learning and life. BIRTH
1 YEAR OLD
2 YEARS OLD
By age 3,
85%
of the brain is developed The wiring of a child’s brain is developed between birth and age 3. The stronger the connections in the brain, the more the brain will be able to learn — and the smarter that child will grow up to be.
3 YEARS OLD
Brain Bags: What will be in them? B ab
Stud er
y St
A small toy : elicancola P r o f a s s
Pi
n’s
A binder with information with community resources, advice, tips, and more.
Learn how your organization, business or family can help sponsor the Brain Bags and reach 5,000 local moms. Learn more by emailing Quint@QuintStuder.com
ity In stitu te
eps
H b a by o w t o t ’s b ra i n ra c k y o d ev e u r lopm e nt
A video provided by the Thirty Million Word initiative will be available to each Escambia County Hospital to help coach parents on the power they have to build their baby’s brain.
Ba
childre
How you can help
mun
by S A baby book to teps t ’s br ain d rack you evel r opm ent
f Pen BCs o The A book
Local information
Com
Thank you to Impact 100 in providing funds to help.
Your name here
Build a Brain Build a Life Build a Community VISIT: STUDERI.ORG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Blaise Adams • Cindi Bear Bonner • Becca Boles • Patrick Elebash • Randy Hammer • Chad Henderson • Gail Husbands • Stacy Keller Williams • Jerry Maygarden December 22, 2016
• Jean Pierre N’dione • Lisa Nellessen-Lara • Mort O’Sullivan III • Janet Pilcher • Scott Remingtion • Martha Saunders • Julie Sheppard • Josh Sitton
/StuderInstitute /StuderInstitute EMAIL Info@Studeri.org 3
winners & losers
winners
losers
NATIONAL FLIGHT ACADEMY Thanks to the Brookley Aeroplex STEM Initiative, students from two Mobile, Ala., high schools will be sponsored to attend the National Flight Academy's six-day Deployment program next year. The STEM Initiative is a collaborative effort funded by Continental Motors, Airbus Americas, VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering, Alabama Power, Star Aviation, Signature Flight Support and Mobile Airport Authority Foundation.
ERIC OLSON The City Administrator made the decision to allow excavators and dump trucks to operate in the Tanyard neighborhood on weekends and through the night. Residents had to put up with the constant noise, diesel fumes and dust, while Olson enjoyed the comfort of his home miles away. Worse, he refused to tour the site with Commissioner Lumon May and meet with the residents.
DARRELL GOODEN University of West
Ashton Hayward hired the research center to survey Pensacola residents and measure their satisfaction with city services and other elements of his administration. According to the Haas Center, the public loves the mayor and his team. The only problem is that the study was skewed. The survey had 444 respondents of which nearly 60 percent lived in the mostly white neighborhoods on the east side of Pensacola, even though more people live on the west side. The taxpayers deserved a more balanced survey.
Florida alumnus and founder of Gooden Homes gifted $100,000 to the UWF football program. His contribution will help address the growing program's facility and equipment needs. In recognition of the generous gift, the UWF Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will name the new Student-Athlete Academic Center in his honor. Gooden was part of the visionary group that helped establish football as a varsity sport at UWF. As a leader of this effort, Gooden was inducted as a member of the UWF Football Founders.
DAVID FRIES The IHMC Interdisciplinary research scientist has been named a prestigious Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Fries is an expert and innovator in undersea technologies, especially microsystems and robotics for sensing applications, advanced sensor development, and mobile robotic systems for field applications. He holds more than 35 U.S. patents, 13 of which have been licensed to seven separate companies. The NAI Fellows Program currently has 582 Fellows worldwide representing more than 190 universities and research institutions.
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Eric Olson
UWF HAAS CENTER Pensacola Mayor
VISIT FLORIDA The state agency came under criticism for its $1 million deal with Miami rapper Pitbull to promote Florida. PDR Production argued the contract from the 2015-2016 fiscal year included trade secrets that kept terms of the deal out of the public. The Florida House filed a lawsuit, which prompted the rapper to release the contract via Twitter. Visit Florida President and CEO Will Seccombe agreed to resign from the $120,000-a-year position he's held since November 2012.
inweekly.net
417 E ZARAGOZA ST.
outtakes
by Rick Outzen
GREAT INTERVIEWS Since February 2015, I have hosted the venerable "Pensacola Speaks" on News Talk 1370 WCOA. The hourly show that runs during the afternoon drive time Monday-Thursday has given me an opportunity to interview many wonderful people. Here are four that have stood out for me:
RICK WILSON
Rick is a national Republican political strategist based in Florida. At the presidential debate in the Las Vegas, I watched him go headto-head with Trump campaign senior advisor A.J. Delgado, delivering the memorable line: "Republicans need Donald Trump, they need Donald Trump like they need herpes." I can always count on Rick saying something to attract headlines. On "Pensacola Speaks," he described a Hillary Clinton press conference regarding her emails "a clown car crashing into a dumpster fire."
a period, back when people in the early '60s could stand in state houses and stand in the national political forum and just spew hatred and intolerance."
BERT THORNTON
The former President and COO of Waffle House and the creator of the WH's Bert's Chili lives in the Pensacola area. Bert shared the story behind his famous chili. He said, "If you were foolish enough to order chili at a Waffle House in the early 1980s, we'd scoop it out of a can and heat it up for you." The Waffle House president asked Bert who was running the Texas operations to come up something better. Bert met the challenge. Waffle House now serves over 11 million servings of Bert's Chili annually.
Having a chance to interview an award-winning actress is always treasured.
ALFRE WOODARD
Having a chance to interview an awardwinning actress is always treasured. Alfre Woodard has been nominated once for an Academy Award, Grammy Award, and 18 times for an Emmy Award (winning four). She traveled to Florida, working to help get out early votes for Hillary Clinton. She was gracious and thought-provoking. She said, "There are people who along with Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and all of those guys, who would like to take us back to
Downtown at its Best! Just off Seville Square on Zaragoza Street! The Moreno Cottage has a rich history and those features have been preserved. Water views of Pensacola Bay from the back courtyard! Parking on site. Make this your business location or downtown residence! Only $875,000 with approx. 3600 sq. ft. MLS#494054
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RUPERT "SKEETS" FAIRFIELD
As the co-pilot of a Huey helicopter in August 1967, Marine Corps Capt. Fairfield participated in the rescue of several Army soldiers who were being attacked by about 40 Viet Cong on the beach. The Milton native and Ole Miss grad left the aircraft to go to the trapped soldiers. He pulled a machine gun from its mount and used it to drive off some of the Viet Cong, shot others with his pistol and managed to rescue three of the wounded soldiers. His awards for combat valor include The Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals. It was an honor to speak with him. {in} rick@inweekly.net
Practicing Since 1974 INJURED? (ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENTS)
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WHITE COLLAR CRIMES (HEALTH-CARE FRAUD • DRUG OFFENSES & D.U.I.s)
FREE CONSULTATION ON INJURY / DEATH CASES & CRIMINAL CASES NO RECOVERY - NO FEE / COST ON PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH CASES
24 HOUR SERVICE
Join Rick Outzen guest host of Pensacola Speaks weekdays at 5pm
433-9922
304 E. GOVERNMENT STREET December 22, 2016
5
viewpoint
CHRISTMAS WITH MS. ALYCE
President Barack Obama greets Alyce Dixon in the Oval Office, Oct. 27, 2014 / Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
By Dr. Eurydice Stanley Last year, my friends were close to having me committed as I shared plans to drive from Pensacola, Florida to Washington D.C., to bring Christmas cheer to a dear friend and mentor, Ms. Alyce Dixon. At the time, Ms. Alyce was 108-years-young and was America’s oldest living female World War II veteran. My mission was to personally thank Ms. Alyce for all that she had done for me and other women veterans, and convey once again how much she meant to my family. The opportunity to reconnect with Ms. Alyce felt like a real Christmas Miracle. Unfortunately, I lost contact with her after our military relocation. She was an absolute angel who inspired and encouraged everyone she met. Her character was reflective of being a member of the “Greatest Generation” and the all-woman unit with whom she served, commonly referred to as the “Six Triple Eight.” The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were among the first African Americans to volunteer after Army racial and gender restrictions were lifted in 1942. I met Ms. Alyce and her fellow unit members, Gladys Carter Schuster 66
and Mary Ragland, at a US Army Freedom Salute ceremony held at the beautiful Women in Military Service to America (WIMSA). Memorial. The elaborate ceremony was overdue. The unit returned home after serving in 1945 to silence, not to ticker-tape parades. Dixon, Schuster, and Ragland, all privates when they all served together, were the only unit members still living or capable of attending the ceremony in 2009. The trio valiantly represented the tenacity, intelligence, dedication, and resilience of the 830 officers and enlisted women with whom they served. The encouragement of the dynamic trio came to mind while entering Ms. Alyce’s Veteran Administration Medical Center room with a small Christmas tree, gifts and sweet treats the doctor limited. Although my beloved mentor was in failing health, she was still larger than life. The projected two-day visit extended to a week, Ms. Alyce was such a joy. The centenarian confided the secret to long life is “caring and sharing,” so I started a campaign through my non-profit, The Transition Foundation, purchasing gift bags filled with toiletries, confections, and small gifts for her fellow residents. We called the project, “Ms. Alyce’s Christmas Cheer.”
Watching her distribute the items to fellow Veterans was worth the entire trip. Once again, the gift of Ms. Alyce multiplied exponentially. I will never forget the blessing of that experience, or the war stories Ms. Alyce shared from her heart. An excellent storyteller, Ms. Alyce routinely held audiences in the palm of her hand. Her World War II stories were vivid representations of the grit and mettle of the 6888th. Often, her levity eased the sting as she shared the discrimination her unit faced. The 6888th had the distinction of being the only all African American, all woman unit to serve during World War II. They deployed overseas to relieve a severe backlog of seven million pieces of undistributed mail, significantly impacting soldier morale. Letters from home were critical, and General Dwight Eisenhower knew it could cost America victory. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and activist Mary McLeod Bethune lobbied for the inclusion of “Negro” women in the service, and the 6888th volunteered gladly. When the unit arrived in Birmingham, England, they encountered three hangars filled with millions of pieces of improperly addressed mail. To make matters worse, rodents, bugs, and vermin ate their way through the abandoned care packages. Ms. Alyce liked to think of the Six Triple Eight as “detectives.” Since many did not know how to address mail, letters often read, “To Junior, U.S. Army.” Ms. Alyce and the 6888th tracked every letter to its intended recipient. “We found Junior,” she beamed. 6888th Battalion Commander Major Charity Adams was the first commissioned African-American woman and the first to achieve the status of Field Grade Officer. An exceptional leader, the 6888th mission was achieved by implementing round-theclock unit operations of three, 8-hour shifts for mail processing and distribution. Adams was well respected by her unit. Ms. Alyce said, “Major Adams led by example with excellence.” One of my favorite “Ms. Alyce” stories concerned the USO’s ban of AfricanAmericans from their recreational facilities. Undaunted, Major Adams created her own facilities to provide respite for her soldiers, complete with a hair salon. Extremely fair skinned, Ms. Alyce could “pass for white” as was said at the time. She said, “I could pass, but I never wanted to.” Although she knew the 6888th was banned from the USO, she took great pride in defying the restriction, “I went there anyway,” she loved to say, rebelliously. Aside from her patriotism, Ms. Alyce also joined the Army because she suffered from vitiligo, which was slowly turning
her skin white. The military was believed to have the best doctors in the world, so she hoped they could help her maintain her “café’ au lait” coloring. However, the military doctor told her there was nothing he could do, adding, “Relax. In a little while, you’ll be white like me.” Ms. Alyce replied, “Well, can you make me white now, so I can enjoy it as much as you do? I don’t want to be white like you; I want to look like me.” During our final goodbyes, Ms. Alyce and I made plans for our next visit. In March, we planned to speak together at WIMSA for Women’s History Month. Afterward, she promised, “We're going on an adventure.” Excited, I asked, “Where?” “We’re gonna find us a new place,” she replied with a gleam in her eye. Unfortunately, we never had the chance to find our special place. Less than one month later, Ms. Alyce passed away. When I was notified, I was giving a class at Florida A & M University to the next generation of leaders who loved the history. They were ignited by Ms. Alyce’s can-do attitude and the 6888th mindset that did not suffer excuses lightly. One year later, I share our visit and memories of Ms. Alyce as a prime example of a life lived to the maximum every day. She had no regrets and encouraged all to love. I am grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye to my mentor and military service activities like WIMSA for ensuring today’s service members are aware of the price paid for their service. Ms. Alyce was exceptionally proud of women in service. “They can do anything a man can do,” she said repeatedly. As aptly stated by Mrs. Gladys to the 6888th tribute attendees, “You stand on our shoulders…” Woman veteran advocates – regardless of gender – are encouraged to join and support organizations and initiatives that tell “herstory”. It is hard to believe that one short year ago, I spent Christmas with my beloved mentor and friend. Thank you, “Six Triple Eight Sheroes.” Merry Christmas, Ms. Alyce, you are dearly missed. I look forward to our “adventure.” These organizations are critical to sharing the history, contributions, and legacy of women veterans. Keep these stories alive by donating to the Women in Military Service to America (WIMSA) online at womensmemorialstore.wufoo.com/forms/ online-registration-and-donation-form/. Select “register” and make your donation in honor of Ms. Alyce Dixon and the incredible women of the 6888th. {in} Dr. Eurydice Stanley is an international motivational speaker, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and founder of The Transition Foundation, a non-profit. inweekly.net
A
Advance Tickets: $ 60 Tickets a fter Jan. 9: $65 Individua seating t l reserved ickets in band area: $70 / person Tables of 8 be reserv : $495 (must ed in adv ance) Call 4
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December 22, 2016
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Lumon May at the stormwater pond construction site / Photo by Duwayne Escobedo TANYARD TOUR On Wednesday, Dec. 14,
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May toured the enormous Government Street stormwater pond and listened to residents' and business owners' fears of soil contamination and complaints about round-the-clock work at the project and lack of fencing around the stormwater pond.
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"The safety of the citizens is important to me," May told the small crowd that included county officials. "I asked for a tour of the site so I could intelligently talk about it. It's my responsibility to articulate your concerns." May was the only elected official there. Mayor Ashton Hayward and City Council members did not show up, although Council-
woman Sherri Myers had previously visited the neighborhood. County Administrator Jack Brown and Natural Resources Management Director Chips Kirschenfeld accompanied Commissioner May. The city is spending over $3 million to build the hourglass-shaped pond in the Tanyard neighborhood where Corrine Jones Park used to be. The pond will capture and treat stormwater runoff from 40 acres in downtown Pensacola that currently discharges untreated runoff directly into Pensacola Bay. It has been in the works since 2013 when Mayor Hayward first announced the $2.1-million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. To alleviate residents' fears about the soil possibly being contaminated, the county tested the soil at the project. The county reported on Dec. 14 that contamination levels were not harmful to people. Large water filtration systems, which run 24/7 and hum loudly in the neighborhood, have removed 40 million gallons of water, city officials said. City Engineer Derek Owens led the site tour, along with Assistant City Administrator Keith Wilkins, and told
Commissioner May that several changes were being made at the work site. By the end of the week, the large water filtration systems would be shut down and removed. The large excavation machines would finish their work and be removed, and temporary orange fencing was scheduled to go up around the drainage pond, according to Owens. As of Sunday, Dec. 18, none of those commitments had been met. Tanyard Neighborhood Association President Marilyn Wiggins, who lives in a house about 25 yards from the city project, told Inweekly during Commissioner May's tour that the community just wants answers and have been unable to get them from elected officials. "We deserve a lot more than they've given us," Wiggins said. "We've got to hold these people (politicians) responsible." Other residents were also outspoken. Jellie Whitehurst said, "The mayor won't even pick up his phone. He won't even talk to us." Hazel Johnson added, "There are toxins out there, and we would like to know what they are."
inweekly.net
HAYWARD NON-RESPONSIVE On "Pensacola Speaks," Emerald Coastkeeper Laurie Murphy reported she sent Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward a list of code violations at the Government Street Stormwater Project in the Tanyard neighborhood a week ago. Mayor Hayward has yet to respond. The violations that she reported to the mayor: 1. Blocked off stormwater drains 2. Piles of soil that have been there so long that grass and weeds have grown on them. 3. Lack of silt fencing on part of the job site 4. Soil from the job site tracked out onto residential streets. 5. A pipe with an unknown substance piped into the storm drain. 6. Axel grease containers opened and laid out in the residential street area. 7. No fencing around this large storm pond in a residential neighborhood where children play. 8. Large areas of standing water and gravel from the job site located on residential neighborhood streets without regard to safety. "This is a danger to the residents and children residing in this neighborhood," said Murphy. She was disappointed that Mayor Hayward didn't show up for the site visit held by County Commissioner Lumon May. She had hoped to discuss the violations with him in person. During the tour, Murphy did speak with Tanyard residents who were concerned about construction activity lasting until 10:45 p.m. on many nights. "They've been there in that neighborhood for over 50 years, and some of them received a certified letter from the city back in February," said Murphy. "One sentence, only one sentence, has any negative connotation to it. Basically, that meant that inconvenience and interactions, not to worry, we're here for you if you need us." Unfortunately, the city has not lived up to that commitment, according to the residents. "Hazel (Johnson) actually went to one of the city hall meetings and tried to get up to speak about it and was told by one of the city council members (Jewel Cannada-Wynn) that she would drop by and see her, would not let her speak about problems," said Murphy. Cannada-Wynn did not follow with Johnson. Murphy expressed concerns about how city government operates. She said, "You have some departments and people, whether elected or not, that decided they will not be transparent." December 22, 2016
The problems at the city's work site are simple, according to the Emerald Coastkeeper. "It would have been very simple just to speak with the residents, let them know what was going on, keep up with them, keep the street clean, take care of the business of the site, and there wouldn't be this problem today," she said. The problem is very simple. It is not a hard problem. "It doesn't take a lot of time or a lot of money to resolve it," said Murphy. "Yet it's as though this neighborhood doesn't matter to anybody except the people that live there."
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Rebecca
McMullen has been selected as the 2016 Employee of the Year for the standards of excellence she displays in her job duties for the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. She was chosen by County Administrator Jack Brown from a pool that included all of the year's Employee of the Month winners. McMullen, who works as a senior budget analyst in the office of management and budget, was recognized at the Dec. 8 county commission meeting. Within OMB, McMullen prepares annual revenue forecasts, evaluates the status of various county funds, and manages the County Municipal Services Benefit Unit, or MSBU program. Often thought of as the county's "MSBU expert," she is always ready to answer residents' questions relating to street lighting, construction, holding ponds, nuisance abatement, and Fire MSBUs. McMullen has been an employee with Escambia County since 1998. She first worked as an accountant, then as a budget analyst before being promoted to senior budget analyst.
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PPD OFFICER OF THE YEAR Charles Restifo has been a Pensacola Police officer for approximately 19 months and already has earned numerous awards and recognitions for his pro-active approach to his job. In recognition of those achievements, Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III named Officer Charles Restifo the department's Officer of the Year for 2017. "Oftentimes we hear our younger generation is a lost generation," Alexander said. "I believe Officer Restifo is an example of what a 21st Century police officer personifies through his courageous actions and impartial decision making." Restifo joins Detective Amy Parsons, who was named Officer of the Year for 2016, and Officer Trevor Mayo, who was named Officer of the Year for 2015. {in} 9
featuring trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and Friends with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra December 31, 2016 • 7:00PM Saenger Theatre
“Just his presence is a creative experience.” Here & Now with Robin Young and Jeremy Hobson, reflects the fluid world of news as it’s happening in the middle of the day, with timely, smart and in-depth news, interviews and conversation.
Mon-Thurs
1 PM
on WUWF 88.1 FM or wuwf.org.
Learn more and find the full list of WUWF programs at wuwf.org/ programs.
Photo Credit: Liz Linder
—Wynton Marsalis
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W
e're still having a hard time wrapping our heads around some of the strange and sad things that happened in 2016. But one thing is for sure, there certainly were more than enough headlines for a year in review.
December 22, 2016
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NATIONAL HEADLINES 1. 2016 ELECTION
From Hillary Clinton’s emails to Donald Trump’s “locker room talk” with Billy Bush, the 2016 election dominated pretty much every news cycle of this year. And boy, did it get ugly. So it really isn’t a shocker that it ended like it did—with Trump winning thanks to the Electoral College and Clinton leading in the popular vote by a margin of over 2.5 million.
2. PULSE SHOOTING
On June 12, Omar Mateen opened fired inside The Pulse, an Orlando nightclub, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. It was both the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people in United States history. It was also the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since the September 11 attacks.
3. #NODAPL
Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline started in the spring as construction was set to begin at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The Standing Rock tribe opposed the pipeline because of the threat to its clean water supply and sacred burial grounds. On December 4 under President Obama's administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied an easement for construction of the pipeline under the Missouri River. The Army Corps will also conduct an environmental impact assessment.
4. BLACK LIVES MATTER
Sadly, 2016 still had more than its fair share of headlines about police shootings of unarmed black men. The deaths of Philando Castille and Alton Sterling in particular incited several demonstrations by Black Lives Matter (BLM) protestors across the U.S. As a response, several professional athletes, including Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers, participated in National Anthem protests as a sign of solidarity with the BLM movement.
5. LOUISIANA FLOOD
In August, heavy rainfall resulted in catastrophic flooding in Southern parts of Louisiana including areas around Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Thirteen people were confirmed dead as a result of the floods, and 146,000 homes were reported damaged.
6. TRUMP PROTESTS
In the wake of Trump’s victory, protestors began to rally against him in over two-dozen major cities across the U.S. A peaceful protest turned violent when a small group began attacking and rioting against police in Portland, Oregon.
7. THE FINAL FIVE
The U.S. Gymnastics team of Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman took home the Gold medal for the country at the Rio Olympics. Biles also won Gold in the individual category.
8. HURRICANE MATTHEW
It was the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic since Hurricane Felix in 2007. The second major hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, Matthew caused widespread destruction and catastrophic loss of life during its journey across the Western Atlantic, including parts of Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Lucayan Archipelago, the southeastern United States, and the Canadian Maritimes. Over 1,600 estimated deaths have been attributed to the storm, including 546 to 1,600 in Haiti, 1 in Colombia, 4 in the Dominican Republic, 4 in Cuba, 1 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and 49 in the United States.
9. ZIKA VIRUS
Florida health officials announced this year that mosquito-borne Zika infections had been detected in Miami-Dade County. Since October, Florida has reported 1,031 Zika infections this year, with 179 local cases and 847 travel-related cases, including 108 pregnant women according to the Florida Department of Health. The Zika virus can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected, and there are currently no known treatments or vaccines.
10. OBAMA VISITS CUBA
In March, President Obama made a historic visit to the Caribbean island, making him the first sitting US president to do so since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.
Sharon Jones
REST IN PEACE Bowie. Prince. Ali. Yeah, 2016 was a total heartbreaker.
•Muhammad Ali Boxing icon •David Bowie Musician, cultural icon •Fidel Castro Cuban leader
•Sharon Jones Soul singer
•Leonard Cohen Singer-songwriter
•Harper Lee Author of the classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"
•Bill Cunningham New York Times fashion photographer
•Garry Marshall Writer, director, and producer
•Glenn Frey Co-founder of the Eagles
•Arnold Palmer Golf icon
•John Glenn Astronaut
•Phife Dawg Rapper and co-founder of A Tribe Called Quest
•Merle Haggard Country music icon •Florence Henderson Actress 212 1
•Gwen Ifill Journalist and co-anchor of PBS' "NewsHour"
•Prince Pop music legend
•Nancy Reagan Former FLOTUS •Janet Reno Former Attorney General •Alan Rickman British actor •Leon Russell Musician •Antonin Scalia Supreme Court Justice •Garry Shandling Actor and comedian •Alan Thicke Actor •Gene Wilder Actor •Elie Wiesel Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author inweekly.net
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES continent. The mosquito-borne disease can cause birth defects and neurological problems. Several athletes withdrew, including golfers Jason Day and basketball star Stephen Curry from August's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games because of Zika virus concerns,.
7. RIO OLYMPICS
The 2016 Summer Olympics were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August. The United States topped the medal table, winning the most golds (46) and most medals overall (121). Great Britain finished second, China third. Swimmer Michael Phelps announced his retirement with a record 23 Olympic golds to his name and 28 medals in all.
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Air temperatures were 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the 1981to-2010 average in the months between October 2015 and September of 2016.
9. EARTHQUAKES IN ITALY
Three earthquakes wrecked Central Italy. In August, a quake killed 297 people and injured another 365. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Italy west of Visso on October 26. Four days later, an earthquake larger than the August shock struck Norcia with a magnitude of 6.6.
10. EL CHAPO CAPTURED
The world's most-wanted drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Fidel Castro Guzman, was recaptured in a daring raid by Mexican marines in January, six months after he fled through a tunnel from a maximum security prison in a made-forHollywood escape that deeply embarThe Arctic saw the warmest temperarassed the government. tures ever recorded in 2016, according to an annual report released in December by
8. ARCTIC CIRCLE'S TEMP
1. BATTLE OF ALEPPO
"Syria's Stalingrad" began in 2012 as the Syrian Army, with the support of Russia, tried to oust the Sunni fighters from the country's largest city. The four years of fighting represent one of the longest sieges in modern warfare and one of the bloodiest battles of the Syrian Civil War, which left an estimated 31,000 people dead. In late September, Russia and Syria began performing nightly air raids on rebel-held parts of the city. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that "crimes of historic proportions" were being committed in Aleppo. Most recently a truce was announced, but many fear more deaths will occur as the rebels evacuate the city.
2. BREXIT
Following a referendum held in June 2016, in which 52% of votes were cast for leaving the European Union, British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and was succeeded by Theresa May. She intends to invoke in March 2017 Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union, the formal procedure for withdrawing. A court challenge to May's right to trigger the Article 50 process without getting the backing of Parliament was successful in the High Court. The decision has been appealed to the Supreme Court with a judgment expected in January.
3. TERRORIST ATTACKS ESCALATE
In March, three coordinated suicide bombings claimed 32 lives and injured December 22, 2016
more than 300 others in Brussels, Belgium. In June, three armed men attacked the international terminal of Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, killing 45 and injuring over 230. Two of the attackers detonated suicide bombs while one was shot dead by security forces. In July, a cargo truck was driven through the crowd gathered in Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, killing 84 and injuring 434 more.
4. NORTH KOREA GOES NUCLEAR
On June 23, North Korea released video of a test launch of a surface-to-surface medium long-range strategic ballistic missile. NBC News reported that U.S. military officials say North Korea now has the capability to launch a nuclear weapon, but while the U.S. believes Pyongyang can mount a warhead on a missile, it's not clear that it can hit a target.
5. DEATH OF FIDEL CASTRO
One of the world's most polarizing figures passed away in November. Castro seized power in 1959 and governed the Republic of Cuba as prime minister to 1976 and then as president from 1976 to 2008. Castro converted Cuba into a Communist state, the first in the Western Hemisphere, and a thorn in the United States' side for over 50 years with the help of the Soviet Union.
6. ZIKA VIRUS
On January 25, the World Health Organization warned that the Zika virus epidemic was likely to spread beyond Brazil and affect the wider American
10 BOOKS WE WISH WE READ If you’re anything like us, you probably wish you’d spent more time reading anything besides FiveThirtyEight this year. Here’s a round-up of books we missed and are hoping to catch up on during the holiday break. 1. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
8. You Can't Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson 9. Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer 10. You Are Having a Good Time by Amie Barrodale
2. A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women: Essays on Art, Sex, and the Mind by Siri Hustvedt 3. The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan 4. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 5. Heroes of the Frontier by Dave Eggers 6. You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott 7. Swing Time by Zadie Smith
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LOCAL HEADLINES 1. MAYOR HAYWARD FIRES CHIEFS
three weekend performances after the crash and flew the Pensacola Beach airshow short one jet.
Mayor Ashton Hayward spent three months and over $60,000 investigating Fire Chief Matt Schmitt and Deputy Fire Chief Joe Glover before he fired the two veteran The Florida Department of Transportation firefighters. The men were investigated for six selected Skanska USA Civil Southeast, with its allegations made by Chief Human Resources Officer Edward Sisson after the Chiefs had filed bid of $398.5 million, as the contractor for the Pensacola Bay Bridge replacement. The Bay EEOC complaints against the City. Bridge replacement is the largest construcMost of the allegations were tion project ever for Pensacola. found to be insignificant, but the mayor still terminated them. He never spoke with them In October, the Pensacola directly about Police Department reported a the allegations or homicide investigation was in the investigator's progress after a man's body was report. Their apfound behind a local business. peals were denied. The murder was the fifth since Schmitt has filed Capt. Jeff Kuss June 30 and the seventh for the suit against the City, year. Recently, Police Chief David and Glover is expected Alexander announced the department to do so soon. would saturate areas within city limits to address the increase in gun violence.
4. BAY BRIDGE CONTRACTOR AND DESIGN CHOSEN
5. RISE IN PENSACOLA HOMICIDES
2. JEFF MILLER'S RETIREMENT
After 15 years in Congress, Rep. Jeff Miller announced that he would not seek another term. While in office, he helped the First Congressional District recover from Hurricane Ivan and the BP oil spill. As chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Miller passed the most significant reform bill in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. His announcement brought out a slew of candidates to fill his seat, including State Sen. Greg Evers and State Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz won the Republican nomination and defeated Democrat Steve Specht in November.
3. BLUE ANGEL CRASHES
In June, a U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet crashed in Smyrna, Tenn. killing Capt. Jeff Kuss. The husband and father of two from Durango, Colo., had just taken off when the crash occurred during a practice run. The Marine Captain was hailed as a hero for preventing further casualties. The Blue Angels suspended
ment of Education. The district's total score, 543, placed it in the bottom 15 school districts in the state. Over 40 percent of the district's public elementary schools are on the state's bottom 300 list. Three of Escambia County's nine non-charter middle schools are in the state's bottom 20 middle schools.
8. JOHN SUNDAY HOUSE LOST
On July 1, Judge Gary Bergosh ruled in favor of the developers seeking to demolish the John Sunday House on the corner of Reus and Romana streets. Mayor Ashton Hayward wasted no time issuing the demolition permit, and the building was bulldozed the next day. The judge's ruling ended a protracted fight to keep the house that was once owned by John Sunday, one of the Northwest Florida's most prominent black leaders in the years after the Civil War.
9. TANYARD TURMOIL
Two blocks west of Pensacola City Hall, the City is building the Government Street
Stormwater Pond at Corrine Jones Park. Residents have complained of the fumes, equipment running 24/7, lack of fencing, run-off from the site, and rats. Commissioner Lumon May toured the neighborhood and listened to residents on Dec. 14. Derek Owens, head of City Public Works, told the media that changes at the construction site are underway. Meanwhile, Inweekly learned that Mayor Hayward's Community Survey has underrepresented District 7, the city district in which the Tanyard is located, for the past three years. Only 7.8 percent of the District 7 residents have been surveyed, even though its share of city residences is 13.5 percent.
10. FEBRUARY TORNADO
On Feb. 23, the strongest tornado to touch down in Pensacola in 45 years hit Northeast Pensacola and left the GE Wind facility off Scenic Highway and more than 300 homes damaged.
6. HEALTH CARE EXPLOSION
In February, Baptist Health Care announced a $6-million investment in the commerce park at the entrance to the airport. In May, Sacred Heart broke ground on its regional children's hospital and announced the facility would be named for the Studer family. Sacred Heart Health System and Ascension have committed $55 million, and Sacred Heart will raise the remaining funds from community supporters to complete all phases of the expansion. West Florida Healthcare announced in October the construction of a new $10-million freestanding Emergency Department near Perdido Bay.
7. PUBLIC SCHOOL DECLINE CONTINUES
The Escambia County School District dropped from a B to a C grade for the 2015-16 school year, according to the Florida Depart-
John Sunday House / Courtesy Photo
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POP CULTURE HEADLINES 1. IT’S STILL BEYONCÉ’S WORLD…
We’re just lucky enough to live in it. But seriously, it’s a given that Queen Bey would make this (and every other) year end list. She started out the year with her politically-charged ‘Formation’ video, followed it up by stealing the show at the Superbowl, and sealed the deal by releasing her sixth studio record in April—another visual album entitled “Lemonade.” The rest of the year was spent by most of us debating the meaning of the lyrics, shopping for the perfect yellow dress, and wondering who “Becky with the good hair” is.
2. HAMILTON
Fandom of the hit Broadway show based on American forefather Alexander Hamilton reached a new high in 2016. A production of the musical began previews in Chicago in September 2016, and opened in October with sold out performances. Creator Lin Manuel Miranda appeared as the host on Saturday Night Live in October, performing a version of Hamilton’s song 'My Shot' as his monologue.
3. POKÉMON GO
This summer the location-based mobile game, Pokémon Go sparked a global phenomenon with over 500 million downloads. The game required users to
interact with virtual Pokemon characters in real-world locations. Team rivalry ensued between Mystic, Valor or Instinct, and virtual battles broke out over gyms. We’re still holding out for Pikachu.
4. NASTY WOMEN UNITE
After Donald Trump made a comment calling Hillary Clinton “such a nasty woman” at the third and final presidential debate, the phrase took on a whole new meaning, spawning a call for feminist solidarity in support of Clinton. Across social media, the phrase morphed into a badge of pride for self-professed nasty women everywhere.
Generes Show and had cameos in Weezer's ‘California Kids’ music video.
7. MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE
The Mannequin Challenge was 2016’s biggest viral-video trend to bombard our social media feeds, featuring people freezing themselves in place for the camera, typically to the tune of Rae Sremmurd’s ‘Black Beatles.’ The video first surfaced in October by a group of high schoolers in Jacksonville, Florida, and since then celebrities from Taylor Swift to First Lady Michelle Obama have tried it.
The sci-fi series premiered on Netflix this summer and was pretty much an instant hit. Just about everyone got caught up following missing boy Will Byers and his journey to the Upside Down as his mom, friends, and a mysterious girl named Eleven try to save him. But let’s be real, Barb was the real star of the show. RIP Barb.
6. DAMN DANIEL
9. BRANGELINA BREAKUP
Daniel and his white Vans took over the Internet after his friend Josh posted a 30-second video on Twitter of, well, Daniel and his white Vans. It became so popular that the two were invited on The Ellen De-
10. HARAMBE
After the gorilla was killed to protect a 3-year-old boy who’d fallen into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in May, his death was turned into a viral meme that’s been unavoidable since. Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard said he “wasn’t amused with the memes, petitions, and signs” about Harambe. The zoo had to delete its Twitter account to avoid constant harassment but has since reactivated it.
8. GILMORE GIRLS REVIVAL
When word got out that Netflix was bringing back “Gilmore Girls,” the show’s loyal fan base rejoiced and celebrated with way too much coffee, of course. The gang from Stars Hollow officially returned in “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” in November and just about everyone who watched it binged all four episodes immediately, which is exactly what series creator Amy ShermanPalladino wanted us not to do.
5. STRANGER THINGS
of the couple’s brood, Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, Pax, and twins Vivienne and Knox.
10 BEST SELLING ALBUMS OF 2016
True love took yet another hit in 2016 when one of Hollywood’s most-beloved celebrity couples called it quits. Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt in September. Jolie also filed for sole custody Unlike the election, this list should surprise absolutely no one. Except maybe the fact that Beyoncé isn’t number one. 1. “25” by Adele 2. “Views” by Drake 3. “Purpose” by Justin Bieber 4. “Lemonade” by Beyoncé 5. “Anti” by Rihanna 6. “Blurryface” by Twenty One Pilots 7. “Traveller” by Chris Stapleton 8. “Made in the A.M.” by One Direction 9. “Beauty Behind The Madness” by The Weeknd 10. “Hamilton: An American Musical” by the Original Broadway Cast
December 22, 2016
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The Road to America’s First
Early Learning City The WHY:
Today in Escambia County, every year more than 1,000 children who start kindergarten are already behind. This leads to higher crime, more teenage pregnancies, lower wages and loss of jobs. We must change that and we can. Every child is our child.
Creating America’s First Early Learning City is the largest and most important construction project in the history of Escambia County
The WHAT:
America’s First Early Learning City is one in which all parts of the community work as one to make sure every child is ready for kindergarten. Nearly 85 percent of the brain is developed in a child’s first 3 years. We are poised to make a difference for our children and other communities will learn from us.
The HOW:
In working with many local and state resources and experts, as well as utilizing resources from the University of Chicago, a leader in early brain development, the steps have been identified that will help every child be ready for kindergarten.
In the coming weeks we will look at these topics in greater detail
Healthcare
WEEK
1
WEEK
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In addition to focusing on the health and wellness of mother and baby, steps are under way to focus on the importance of exposure to language from birth to age 3 — and stressing the power that parents have to impact early brain development.
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Resources are available in the community to help parents become good first teachers for their babies. Highlighting that work and helping parents access those resources are critical for our children’s success.
Children learn from what they see around them. If that environment is colorful, filled with words and encourages them to explore using all of their senses, their brains will build strong connections and thrive. Buildings, playgrounds, sidewalks, signs and public spaces can help with early brain development and make every space a learning space. Service clubs, governments, schools and churches all are players in building an Early Learning City.
Education WEEK
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WEEK
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Resources
Architecture WEEK
Business
Most people believe that education begins with kindergarten. But from preschools to the home environment, there is so much that parents and even siblings can do to help young children get a good start before they enter kindergarten.
Businesses have a role to play in early learning. By adding children’s books to their waiting areas and creating early learning-friendly spaces to support employees who are parents, businesses that are not in “education” can become educational. They also can educate employees on how a baby’s brain develops in the first 3 years.
Community WEEK
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WEEK
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An Early Learning City maximizes all of the resources in the community and points them toward a common purpose: helping all children have the best chance to be ready for school. Churches, civic groups, PTAs and more can have a role in supporting early learning.
Media
The media — print, TV, radio and online — are important partners in spreading the message of the importance of early brain development, school readiness and in educating parents on the vital role they play.
Build a Brain Build a Life Build a Community Learn more by visiting STUDERi.ORG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Blaise Adams • Cindi Bear Bonner • Becca Boles • Patrick Elebash • Randy Hammer • Chad Henderson • Gail Husbands • Stacy Keller Williams • Jerry Maygarden 616 1
• Jean Pierre N’dione • Lisa Nellessen-Lara • Mort O’Sullivan III • Janet Pilcher • Scott Remingtion • Martha Saunders • Julie Sheppard • Josh Sitton
/StuderInstitute /StuderInstitute EMAIL Info@Studeri.org inweekly.net
calendar THURSDAY 12.22
18 from 5-9 p.m. Starting Dec. 19 take Santa’s Holiday Express Tour that runs through Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $7 for kids and $15 for adults. Old Courthouse, 223 S. Palafox. pensacolawinterfest.org
DEC. 22
HOLIDAY ICE SKATING Pretend you’re in your own winter wonderland while skating around Pensacola Bay Center. The ice rink will be open Dec. 18 through Dec. 22 at 2, 3:30, 5 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and children with their own skates and $12 for adults and children including skate rental. Watching the skaters is free. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com ENJOY THE LAST BIT OF THE SEASON BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS
THROUGH DEC. 27
ZOO LIGHTS See the Gulf Breeze Zoo transformed into a magical light display. Zoo Lights are 5 to 9 p.m. nightly at the zoo through Christmas Eve and again on Dec. 26 and 27. Check out special events such as live ice sculpture demonstrations 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 21, a cappella performances from All-Night Yahtzee from FSU on Dec. 17 and visit with Santa Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and children. $5 for members. Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., gulfbreezezoo.org
THROUGH DEC. 24
WINTERFEST PERFORMANCE TROLLEY TOURS Take a ride round around downtown and be entertained on the Winterfest Performance tours and reindeer games running throughout the weekends through Dec.
DEC. 22
GINGERBREAD HOUSE BAKING AND DECORATING CLASS Learn to create the Gingerbread House of your dreams with Pensacola Cooks. The two-part class will be 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 3 p.m. Dec. 23 at Imogene Theater. The class is fun for the entire family. Cost is $50 and covers two family members — one must be an adult. Imogene Theater, 6866 Caroline St., Milton. cookingschoolsofamerica.com/ pensacolacooks
JAN. 5-JAN. 7
TWELFTH NIGHT ON TWELFTH NIGHT Celebrate the end of the Christmas season with First City Shakespeare. As a twist to the historic tradition of men playing all of the parts, this production will be an all-female cast. Shows are 8 p.m. Jan. 5, 6, and 7. Tower East, 1010 N. 12th Ave. Ste. 211, setsco.orgsetsco.org
WORK ON FLORIDA TRAIL 8 a.m. Regular meet up of Western Gate Florida Trail Association to work on National Scenic Trail and side trail. Meet at Blackwater River Forestry Center, 11650 Munson Highway. meetup.com/ftawesterngate WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com. PRIX FIXE DINNER 6-9 p.m. $17 for a threecourse meal, plus beer and wine selection with organic and gluten-free options. End of the Line Cafe, 610 E. Wright St. eotlcafe.com CHATEAU MONTELENA WINE DINNER
6:30-8:45 p.m. $106.43. Four-course meal with wine pairings. SoGourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com
FRIDAY 12.23
PILATES MAT WITH EMILY 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Free. City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. HAPPY HOUR COOK OUTS 5 p.m. Drink specials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com VINYASA YOGA FLOW 6-7 p.m. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org DATE NIGHT DANCING 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn the basics of several ballroom and country dance styles. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com OPEN MIC 7-11 p.m. Single Fin Cafe, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/singlefincafe FESTIVUS 7 p.m. Free. Benefit Blake Doyle Community Park. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com
SATURDAY 12.24
SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road, Pace. CLEAN UP WITH OCEAN HOUR 8:45 a.m. All supplies are provided. Meet at the fishing pier parking lot at the very end of Ft Pickens Road, 7-8 miles from the park entrance. For more information, contact oceanhourfl@gmail.com.
PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered at the weekly Palafox Market. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS 9 a.m.-2 p.m. "Eat with the Seasons." Palafox Market. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com DANCE PARTY 8-midnight. Strictly ballroom. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com
SUNDAY 12.25
WAKE UP HIKE 7 a.m. Meet at Bay Bluffs Park,
Scenic Highway at Summit Ave., for a brisk one to two-hour walk with brunch to follow at an area restaurant.
MONDAY 12.26
SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 5:30 p.m. Runners meet in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Free pasta and drink specials after the run at Fast Eddie's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com QUICK AND EASY SKILLS: BANANA AND ZUCCHINI BREADS 6-7 p.m. $21.50. So Gourmet,
407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com
TUESDAY 12.27
QUINA HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS 12-4 p.m.
Free. 204 S. Alcaniz St. Call 432-3050 Tuesday thru Saturday 12 noon to 4 p.m. for further information. COMPLEMENTARY WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. SoGourmet, 407-D S. Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. Country, Swing, and Ballroom. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com ICE FLYERS VS. MACON MAYHEM 7:05 p.m. $15-$29. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com TUNESDAY SOUND CAFE 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and tunes from the baby grand piano. Pensacola Library lobby, 239 North Spring St.
Feeling Cheated by Volkswagen Diesel? Did you buy a 2009-2015 VW because you wanted an environmentally friendly car that got great mileage? Recently, VW has admitted they programmed cars to cheat emissions tests so their cars appeared more economical and environmentally friendly. You may have a claim for:
•Diminished value of your car, •Unfair and deceptive advertising and trade practices, •Several other violations and misrepresentations. We are reviewing these cases now at no cost to you. If you have a 2009-2015 Volkswagen diesel or certain 2014-2015 Porsche or Audi diesels, we would be happy to talk to you about your potential claim. Call us now to discuss how you can seek justice for this misrepresentation to you, the innocent consumer.
127 Palafox Place, Suite 100 Pensacola, FL 32502 | 850-444-0000 www.stevensonklotz.com December 22, 2016
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calendar UGLY GOD 8 p.m. $12. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com AFTER GAME SKATE 9:30 p.m. $9-$12. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com
Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. bluemorninggallery.com THE FESTIVUS SHOW
On view through Jan. 5. Various artists, The Gallery 1060, First City Art Center, 1060 Guillemard St. firstcityart.org
WEDNESDAY 12.28
QUINA HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS 12-4 p.m. Free. 204 S. Alcaniz St. Call 432-3050 Tuesday thru Saturday 12 noon to 4 p.m. for further information. VINO MAGNIFICO 5:30 p.m. $10. V. Paul's Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. WATERBOYZ SLOW SKATE 6-7 p.m. Every Wednesday. Skate starts and ends at Waterboyz, 380 N. 9th Ave. waterboyz.com RESTORATIVE YOGA 6-7 p.m. Free. Ever'man. 327 W. Garden St. everman.org DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. West Coast Swing. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS 8 p.m. $15. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com MEDITATION 7:15-8:30 p.m. Free. Ever'man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org DANCE PARTY 8-10 p.m. A mix of swing, country, and ballroom music for partner dancing on the best wood dance floor in the area. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com
UNDER CONSTRUCTION Various media
from PSC students. Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, 1000 College Blvd. pensacolastate. edu
Salvador Dali at PMA
arts & culture
≥Events
FREE TUESDAY AT PMA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 27. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org
≥Exhibits
2016 MEMBERS’ SHOW
On view through Jan.
6. 113 different exhibiting members. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org
WANDA SULLIVAN: SYNTHETIC/ NATURALS On view
through Jan. 6. Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. artelgallery.org ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SHOW On view
through Dec. 26. Various artists. Blue
OLD SOUTH, NEW SOUTH: A RETROSPECTIVE Paintings
by Svend Damhave. On view through Dec. 31. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org
INSPIRED BY: A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION
Photography by Dottie King. Gallery 88 at WUWF, 11000 University Parkway.
wuwf.org
ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH CONSTANTINO On view through
Dec. 31. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org 3D BLEND 3D works including pottery, metal and tile work. Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. bluemorninggallery. com CONTROVERSIAL LINES: LATE PRINTS BY SALVADOR DALI
On view through Jan. 7. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org
Classes & Workshops
POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Six-week
workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursdays from 6-9
p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at First City Art Center, 1060 Guillemard St. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY ON THE WHEEL Every Monday
from 6-8:30 p.m. at First City Art Center. Classes are $40. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
CLAY HAND BUILDING Six-week
workshops are held Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at First City Art Center. Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
CLAY SCULPTURE
Six-week workshops held Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at First City Art Center.
Cost is $157.25 for members and $185 for non-members. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
BELLY DANCING
Eight-week beginner and advanced classes on Tuesday nights. For beginner, intermediate and advanced students. Classes held at First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St For more information and to sign up for a class visit pensacolabellydance.com LIFE DRAWING Artists of any skill level are welcome to draw life figures. 6-9 p.m. Monday nights. Cost is $5-$10 a person. Contact phayes@ ihmc.us if interested. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. The group is always looking for new models, contact Pat at the email address above if interested.
When your life is affected by autism, you can feel lost, helpless, and alone. But, you’re not.
818 1
Autism Pensacola will help you find the support, strength and answers you need to breakthrough.
Less uncertainty. More answers.
Together, we’ll connect the pieces.
autismpensacola.org | 850.434.7171
inweekly.net
from our family to yours
December 22, 2016
19
calendar typensacola.com
POOL TOURNAMENT 8 p.m. The
Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar. com Saturdays
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT 8 p.m.
Seville Quarter Membership Card Holder Appreciation Night at Phineas Phogg's. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter. com Sundays
BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE (B.A.R.E. NIGHT) 7
bars & nightlife
≥Bar Games Thursdays
LADIES NIGHT 5 p.m.
V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante, 29 S. Palafox. vpauls.com
020 2
POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com
POOL TOURNAMENT
8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com COLLEGE NIGHT 10 p.m. Drink specials,
beer pong tournament starts at 10 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com. Fridays WINE TASTING
5-7 p.m. Informative wine tasting in Seville Quarter Wine
and Gift Shop. No charge for the tasting. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DRAG BINGO 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and over. Emerald City’s The Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldci-
p.m. Special prices for B.A.R.E. Card membership holders. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Mondays TEXAS HOLD ‘EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA 7
p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
sandshaker.com TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/ Palafox BAR BINGO 8 p.m. Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30 p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ mugsjugs Tuesdays TUESDAY TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook. com/thebridgebargb TICKET TEAM TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Ticket
1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Road. ticketsportsbar.com
TEAM TRIVIA 9 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S. Palafox. hopjacks. com Wednesdays WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 11
a.m. Half- priced bottles of wine every Wednesday. Jackson's Steakhouse, 226 S. Palafox. jacksonsrestaurant.com LADIES NIGHT ON THE DECK 5 p.m. $2
drinks and music. The Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com PUB TRIVIA NIGHT
7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli
WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The
Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com
TICKET BAR BINGO
8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Road. ticketsportsbar.com
BAR BINGO 10 p.m.
Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com
≥Karaoke
Thursdays Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m. 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Saturdays Krazy George 9 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays The Sandshaker Lounge, 9 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com Mondays The Cabaret, 9 p.m. 101 S. Jefferson St. 607-2020 or cabaretpensacola.com Tuesdays Sandshaker Lounge, 8 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com Play, 9 p.m. 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com
inweekly.net
calendar TUESDAY 12.27 LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The
Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com
AN EVENING OF GREAT JAZZ 6:30-10
≥live music
THURSDAY 12.22 JOHN RIPLEY 6-9
p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox AL MARTIN 6:30 p.m. Doc’s Courtyard & Cafe, 5198 Willing St. Milton. LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD 6 p.m. The
Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com JAMES ADKINS 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com DUELING PIANOS
8 p.m. Rosie O' Grady's Dueling Piano Show. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com THE GILLS & JON HART 8 p.m. Sand-
shaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker. com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com
FRIDAY 12.23
LIVE JAZZ WITH JOE OCCHIPINTI 12 p.m.
The Drowsy Poet Coffee Co., 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd. TBA 12-4 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD & CONTINUUM 5 p.m.
The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com TBA 6-9 p.m. V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante, 29 S. December 22, 2016
Palafox. vpauls.com
AL MARTIN 6:30
p.m. Doc’s Courtyard & Cafe, 5198 Willing St. Milton. TBA 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com JOHN RIPLEY 7-10 p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox DUELING PIANOS
8 p.m. Rosie O' Grady's Dueling Piano Show. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com DJ MR LAO 9 p.m. Phineas Phogg's Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com SCENIC HEIGHTS
9 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com
SATURDAY 12.24
AL MARTIN 6-11
p.m. The Piano Bar, Quality Inn, 7601 Scenic Highway. TBA 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com
SUNDAY 12.25
LIVE JAZZ WITH JOE
OCCHIPINTI 9-10 a.m. The Drowsy Poet Coffee Co., 655 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
SEVILLE QUARTER JAZZ BRUNCH 11
a.m.-3 p.m. Apple Annie’s Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com TBA 12-4 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com DUNNOTTAR 4-8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com TBA 6 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com BROOKS HUBBERT 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com
MONDAY 12.26 TBA 6-10 p.m. Peg
Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com JAZZ JAM 7 p.m. Horizen Restaurant, 3103 E. Strong St. MONDAY NIGHT BLUES 8 p.m. Blues
Society of Northwest Florida presents and open jam at Lili Marlene's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com BROOKS HUBBERT 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com SCOOT AND JEREMY
10 p.m. End O' the Alley. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
p.m. Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RICH MCDUFF 8 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com MIKE QUINN 9 p.m. End O' The Alley Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
WEDNESDAY 12.28
GREG LYON 4-8 p.m.
Hemingway's Island Grill, 400 Quietwater Beach Road. JOHN RIPLEY 6-9 p.m. Skopelos at New World, 600 S. Palafox TBA 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road. peglegpetes.com HOLLY SHELTON AND THE J’S 7-10
p.m. The New Malibu, 1000 Gulf Beach Highway.
CONE OF UNCERTAINTY 7 p.m.
Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com
TYLER MAC BAND
8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com
DUELING PIANO SHOW 8 p.m. Rosie
O' Grady's, Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MIKE QUINN 8 p.m. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com RICH MCDUFF 9 p.m. McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD & DJ TONEY 9
p.m. The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com 21
C O M I N G S E P T E M B E R 2 0 TH
ORDER NOW ON
222 2
inweekly.net
news of the weird HOLES AGAINST HUMANITY The rebellion against the absurdities of Black Friday this year by the organization Cards Against Humanity came in the form of raising money to dig a pointless hole in the ground. During the last week of November, people "contributed" $100,573, with Cards digging initially for 5.5 seconds per donated dollar. In 2015, according to an NPR report, Cards raised $71,145 by promising to do "absolutely nothing" with it, and the year before, $180,000 by selling bits of bull feces. (Asked why Cards doesn't just give the money to charity, a spokesperson asked why donors themselves don't give it to charity. "It's (their) money.") GOVERNMENT IN ACTION New York City's Department of Parks and Recreation has completed its two-year project of assigning ID numbers (with arboreal characteristics) to every one of the 685,781 trees in the city's five boroughs. More than 2,300 volunteers walked the streets, then posted each tree's location, measurements, Google Street View image, and ecological benefits for the surrounding neighborhoods (rainwater retained, air pollution reduced). (Privacy activists hope the National Security Agency is not inspired by this.) THE CONTINUING CRISIS A note in The New York Times in October mentioned a website that comprehensively covers everything worth knowing and wondering— about shoelaces. Ian's Shoelace Site shows and discusses (and rates) lacing methods, how to mix lace colors, how to tie (comparing methods, variations and, again, ratings), lengths of laces (how to calculate, which formulas to use, what to do with excess lengths), "granny knots," aglet repair and much more—neatly laid out in dozens of foolproof drawings for the shoelace- challenged (because no one wants to be caught in a shoelace faux pas). IRONIES (1) The county executive in Cleveland, Ohio, complained in November of lack of funds (because the county's credit is "maxed out") for necessary renovations to its well-known sports and concert venue, the Quicken Loans Arena. (2) In November, after a companion asked Victoria Vanatter, 19, what blood-sucking was like, she let him slice her arm with a razor to have a taste, but the two then argued, and Vanatter allegedly grabbed a knife and slashed him for real. Police in Springfield, Missouri, arrested her after both people were stitched up at a hospital. QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS The Space World theme park in Kitakyushu, Japan, opened a popular (with visitors) ice-skating rink in November, but was forced to close it two weeks later for being
by Chuck Shepherd
hugely unpopular (with social media critics). The park had placed 5,000 fish and other sea animals in the ice deck of its "Freezing Port" rink so that skaters could look down as they glided along, gazing at marvels of nature (all dead in advance, of course, purchased from a fish market). Nonetheless, the park manager apologized for grossing out so many people and closed the exhibit (melting the ice and conducting an "appropriate religious service" for the fishes' souls). WAIT—YOU MEAN THIS IS ILLEGAL? (1) A substitute teacher at Sandhills Middle School in Gaston, South Carolina, was charged with cruelty to children in December after she, exasperated, taped two kids to their desk chairs for misbehaving. (2) A second-grade teacher at Landis Elementary in Houston was charged with felony cruelty after video showed her punching a serial troublemaker in the head as he fought her while she walked him to the principal's office. (3) A high school teacher in Glasgow, Scotland, got in trouble in November for proposing in a journal that teachers be allowed to cuss back at students who cuss them. He wrote that limiting teachers to "Don't call me that" sends the wrong message. RECURRING THEMES (1) Add goat horns to the "religious covering" items permitted to be worn in government identification cards. It took Mr. Phelan MoonSong of Millinocket, Maine, two trips to the BMV, but his ID, after his name change, was finally approved in December, based on his "Paganism" religion. (2) In December, a 21-year-old man became the most recent to fall to his death during a roadside "pit stop." Four passengers alighted from a car on the side of Interstate 15 near Escondido, California; two urinators returned without incident, and a third also fell about 40 feet but survived. THE PASSING PARADE (1) In November, an arranged custody swap of a child from one grandmother to another in a Wal-mart parking lot near Dallas ended when both ladies pulled guns and started firing. One granny was hit in the neck and the other arrested after she also fired at an off-duty officer trying to calm things down. (2) A 22-year-old man pedaling a vending cart through downtown Victoria, British Columbia, in November with large-lettered "420 delivery" on the carrier was stopped by police and found with a stash of marijuana. (Selling recreational cannabis is illegal, even though the man had conscientiously printed underneath the sign, "NO MINORS.") {in}
UNION PUBLIC HOUSE | 309 SOUTH REUS ST.
SPEND THE HOLIDAYS AT THE PMA In Focus: Architectural Photography by Joseph Constantino through December 31
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INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED HYPNOTHERAPIST Controversial Lines: Late Prints by Salvador Dali through January 7
850-346-7865 EAST HILL
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Old South, New South: A Retrospective through December 31
From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2015 Chuck Shepherd
Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com December 22, 2016
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: CALL 850.607.6320 OR VISIT OPENTABLE
407 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacolamuseum.org
23
Holidays!
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Independent News | December 22, 2016 | inweekly.net
12/14/16 3:06 PM