Inweekly Dec. 15 2022 Issue

publisher

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk co ntributing writers Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh , Jeremy Morrison, Dakota Parks, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

contact us info@inweekly.net

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. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rick Outzen edi tor & creative director Joani Delezen

That was the year we were relieved from Santa duty.

A big congratulations to Josh Sitton and the Sitton family on being

winners & losers

Josh was named to the Pro Bowl three times (2012, 2014, and 2015) and earned second-team AP All-Pro honors three times (2013-2015). He started 112 of 121 regular season games and all 13 postseason contests in which he appeared.

winners losers

SANDY SANSING The car dealer recently donated $100,000 to Gulf Coast Kid's House. The money will go toward expanding their mental health services to not only child abuse victims but also to their families. Sansing and his family have been supporters of GCKH for nearly two decades. They played a significant role in the growth of the GCKH mission by contributing over half a million dollars since 2005. GCKH works to end child abuse and heal families through collaborative intervention, family support and prevention education.

SUE STRAUGHN Since 1979, the WEAR-TV anchor and the station's Communities Caring at Christmas program have provided new toys, clothing and daily living needs for abused, neglected, abandoned children living in foster care, children living in poverty and adults with developmental disabilities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Straughn, who topped the Inweekly Power List in 2021, has been a caring mentor and role model who exemplifies our community's caring spirit.

CLAUDIA VAN GEE The retired dog obedience competitor with a career spanning a period of 42 years has decided to leave her Pine Forest home and property to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Foundation to benefit ECSO's K-9 unit for years to come. She told NorthEscambia.com that she wanted to give back to the community.

GRIFFIN CERRA In the week leading up to the regional championship, the UWF placekicker Griffin Cerra missed practice and traveled to Seattle to donate special plasma needed to save a life through the Be The Match program. The fourhour procedure was successful, and Cerra returned the following day and later played in the game against Wingate University.

REAL WOMEN RADIO FOUNDATION In June, Google shared it would invest $4 million in a new fund to expand justice reform. Over 500 nonprofit organizations applied to receive support from the fund. Real Women Radio Foundation was selected based on its history of helping people who have been impacted by incarceration receive training, career resources and job placement support.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY IMMUNIZATION

Last school year marked a more than 10-year low for Florida's kindergarten students completing all doses of required immunizations, according to a recent Florida Department of Health report. The shots protect children against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza B, hepatitis B and polio. About 91.7% of kindergarten students statewide completed the immunizations required to enter school during the 2021-2022 year. Only 18 of Florida's 67 county districts met or surpassed the 95% "coverage goal." Escambia was one of the nine districts that had fewer than 90% complete their shots. Health officials are worried the drop in immunizations may lead to more breakthrough cases for the diseases.

JARRELL LAMAR REYNOLDS The former recycling manager at the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority's Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) pleaded guilty to racketeering in connection with selling $510,000 worth of recyclables through a shell company he owned. Four months after he was hired in September 2018, Reynolds set up JAT Recycling in Georgia, which acquired the property from ECUA and sold the recyclables to third parties. He kept the profits and used them to purchase cars and investment properties and for other personal expenses. Additional charges of racketeering as well as organized fraud, money laundering and extortion were dropped in exchange for Reynolds' guilty plea.

RICK SCOTT The day after former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker lost the Georgia U.S. Senate race to Democrat Raphael Warnick, the National Republican Senate Campaign chairman released the following statement on the results of the Georgia Senate race—"Over the last year, I've gotten to know Herschel and have seen firsthand the movement he built in his home state. Herschel's story and message inspired millions in Georgia and across the country. While Herschel came up short last night, I know he will continue to be a leader in our party for years to come."

Wow, Inweekly is left speechless. However, we would like to hear Walker debate werewolves versus vampires one more time.

Sandy Sansing / Photo Courtesy of Gulf Coast Kid's House

Congratulations from all of us at Studer Family of Companies

Josh is the Founder & Chief Development Officer of Bear General Contractors and serves on the Studer Community Institute Board of Directors.

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

When you move around downtown Pensacola today, it's difficult to remember when Palafox and the surrounding streets were dead, especially on weekends. Fifteen years ago, there wasn't much happening downtown, and the few retail shops, restaurants and bars struggled. Adding to the problem was the odor drifting over from the Main Street Sewage plant that made any desire to provide outdoor seating a pipedream.

Fortunately, the Downtown Improvement Board and its innovative executive director, Kim Kimbrough, didn't sit still and bemoan how stagnant downtown had become. Kimbrough convinced the DIB to hire Marketing Developments Inc. to survey local retailers and business leaders to develop a retail strategy to turn around downtown Pensacola. The goal was to identify ways to market and expand downtown offerings of downtown retailers so that we could better compete with Destin and Baldwin County, Ala.

The sewage plant was scheduled to be shut down in five years, and Kimbrough knew downtown needed a plan. He felt that with all our cultural and historical assets, downtown was leaving a lot of dollars on the table by not having a marketing strategy.

I recently came across my notes on Marketing Developments president Stan Eichelbaum's presentation to the Pensacola City Council in December 2007, and I was surprised to see how many recommendations have been implemented and how successful they were. Pensacola has filing cabinets filled with plans that were never acted upon, but fortunately, the recommendations were taken seriously this time.

The report found that downtown Pensacola resembled a puzzle with many good pieces thrown on the table but without the parts not fitting together. It chastised Pensacola for being a downtown of one-way streets that whisked "potential consumers past low-visibility retailers." The city's lack of focus on its downtown had ceded development and tourism opportunities to Destin and Orange Beach. Marketing Developments pointed out that our downtown had thousands of church attendees every Sunday and only two spots offered brunch.

The consultants recommended that Palafox

and Baylen streets allow two-way traffic, which was implemented in 2009. They wanted the city to use the Palafox median north of Garden Street as an open-air market on weekends, which validated the Palafox Market pilot program that Kimbrough and the DIB had launched in May 2007. They also promoted adding more Gallery Nights events. Over the years, Gallery Nights have expanded from quarterly to bimonthly to monthly. They have become a fixture of the community's social calendar.

The report recommended finding ways to connect downtown to its waterfront. The opening of Community Maritime Park in 2012 was a huge step in that direction. The Bruce Beach redevelopment will be an even bigger one when it's completed next year.

Marketing Developments also wanted to see the city council remove limitations on the number of entertainments per block—a holdover from when city leaders were worried about the number of strip clubs downtown. Today, downtown Pensacola has developed into a thriving entertainment district with various options without pole dancing.

The consultants wanted a landscaping plan with a funding mechanism to maintain it. This one took the longest to accomplish. In 2015, Levin Papantonio Rafferty partner Peter Mougey raised funds from 16 local law firms to plant and maintain 30 flowers on Palafox Street.

As with any plan, not every recommendation was golden. The consultants wanted to rebrand downtown as "HarborTown." Their logic was that the new identity would permit "a way, with market integrity, to reintroduce the district—re-energize the marketing of retail and entertainment downtown—negate past negative perceptions—and allow a more immediate start time." We dodged that gem.

They were also hung up on attracting national retailers to downtown Pensacola. Fortunately, we have grown downtown without adding big box stores.

When the retail sales strategy plan was announced, implementation was supposed to take three years, but this is Pensacola—everything takes a little longer. However, community leaders listened, and the DIB definitely got its return on its investment in the plan. {in} rick@inweekly.net

BAPTIST'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING DREAM

which has proposed purchasing 10 acres of the campus for both the multi-family and senior developments, each with associated amenities and retail opportunities.

Grove said that Baptist went with Paces/Soho because their projects would result in the maximum number of housing units but also because the health care institution felt the developers, a not-for-profit with a focus on affordable housing, represented a kindred spirit.

"We feel an affinity towards other notfor-profits that are mission-based like we are," Grove said.

Both of the Paces/Soho proposed projects— the multi-family with 112 units and the senior development with 102 units—are seeking the Florida Housing Finance Corporation tax credit financing. While the senior development is seeking a lesscompetitive 4% tax credit that has already secured the considerably less municipal commitment of around $35,000, the multi-family development is going for the highly competitive 9% tax credit.

While the nearly half-million-dollar commitment needed for the multi-family project is a much larger ask, the mood at Pensacola City Hall has been positive. Former mayor Grover Robinson championed this track, as is newly-elected Mayor D.C. Reeves.

"I think this is important because we all talk about the need for housing right now," Reeves said recently. "We're trying to turn that talk into some real action here."

By Jeremy Morrison

Baptist Health Care will soon move to its new digs, leaving in its wake a 51-acre campus near Pensacola's urban core that represents an unprecedented modern-era development opportunity. Whatever comes next has the potential to shape the surrounding neighborhood and city as a whole for years to come.

With the city facing a housing crunch, Baptist is aiming to use this opportunity to increase Pensacola's housing stock.

"We know how important getting more rental and home-ownership affordable units in the city is," said Jennifer Grove, Baptist's vice president of external relations.

Baptist is exploring two separate affordable housing developments for a portion of the campus along E and Moreno streets. One will focus on multi-family units, while the other caters to seniors. Each hinges on tax-credit financing, which is highly competitive and not guaranteed, and that financing essentially hinges on municipal buy-in from city officials.

The buy-in consists of the Pensacola City Council creating a Local Government Area of Opportunity and committing $460,000 to the project. Grove knows this commitment is a big ask and a first for the city. But she's hoping the council will put its money where its mouth is when it comes to the city's stated goal of increasing the housing stock.

"This is a huge opportunity to add 200-plus

units to that inventory pretty easily. I know that if you do the math, it's at a pretty low cost to the city. I'm hopeful, but, you know, you never know what's going to happen," Grove said. "I'm hoping this proves to be just the next step in their commitment to affordable housing."

AN INTENTIONAL PATH

Hospitals tend to take up a lot of real estate. When they relocate, a vacuum or void can appear on the landscape.

"There's a hospital in Birmingham that closed over a decade ago, Carraway Hospital, and they just boarded it up and left it there. And now the city of Birmingham has come in and—you know, negative things happened there that were not good for the surrounding neighborhoods," Grove said. "We do not want that to happen here, so we're trying to be very proactive,"

The day after Baptist announced its plans in 2019 to relocate, the health care system assembled a community task force. The intent, explained Grove, was to engage the community as it began planning for what would come after the hospital was gone.

"Most health systems, when they close something or move, wait to think about what to do with the legacy campus after they've moved or just sell it outright. Whoever is the higher bidder wins, and then whatever comes comes," she said. "But because we've been here over 70 years and because we are so rooted in this community, we wanted to approach this differently."

Increasing the city's stock of affordable hous ing was pretty immediately identified as a primary need in the area of Baptist's campus. So the hospital brought on board urban planners, James Lima Planning and Development from New York, and set about figuring out what housing developments on the campus might look like.

"They're urban planners who focus on redevelopments in historically under-served neighborhoods, and we wanted to be very thoughtful about the redevelopment in a way that it brings the ability hopefully for more people to be able to afford to live in Pensacola and respects what legacy residents of this neighborhood want for their neighborhood," Grove said.

While Baptist's campus represents a significant opportunity, it's also a little intimidating. It's a lot to bite off at once, and hospital officials recognized that the reimagining process would likely be a phased event.

"We understood it wasn't likely to go in one fell swoop to somebody who said, 'Yeah, we'll build whatever you want,'" Grove noted. "Fiftyone acres is a lot of land to take on at one time for anybody. And it has the complication of the hospitals and the towers being located there, so a significant demolition will need to happen for new development to occur."

After Baptist solicited proposals for its campus, it received three proposals focused on affordable housing. The emerging candidate in what has become known as phase one in this process is Paces Foundation and Soho Housing, a not-for-profit affordable housing partnership,

LOOKING TOWARD PHASE 2

Baptist will ask for the city of Pensacola's support on its affordable housing efforts during the December 15 city council meeting. That commitment is needed by the end of the year for Paces/ Soho to try for the 9% tax credit financing.

If, for whatever reason, this tax credit financing doesn't pan out, Grove said that Paces/Soho will hopefully be able to proceed with other options. "They feel confident that even if they don't receive these awards from the state, they will find other ways to build these and keep them affordable."

She said that the developers will have a better idea of the chances of securing the tax credit after the first of the year. A final answer will come later in April or May.

After that, Baptist will move on to phase two of reimagining the remaining acreage of its vacated campus. That vision will likely include more affordable housing and probably opportunities for more market-rate housing.

"We plan, right after the first of the year, to sit down and start talking about what can we do together to make sure that phase two maximizes the potential it holds not really for Baptist, but for the community at large," Grove said.

"We can't imagine that we're going to see this amount of acreage—this close to downtown, the waterfront, the interstate and the airport—come up again for sale in this area, so we want to be a strong community partner and move forward on phase two as soon as we can to bring that certainty to the neighborhood." {in}

Photo Courtesy of Baptist Health Care

WWII HERITAGE CITY On the eve of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the National Park Service designated the city of Pensacola and Escambia County as an American World War II Heritage City, honoring the area's contributions and critical role in shaping the U.S. home front during World War II.

The American World War II Heritage Cities program was established by the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 to recognize the historical importance of the communities' involvement in World War II and ensure the continued preservation of defining period in American history. It honors the contributions of local towns, cities, counties and their citizens who stepped into the workforce to support America's war effort during World War II. Only one American World War II Heritage City can be designated in each state or territory.

The greater Pensacola area was one of 18 new communities across the country to receive the designation. The application for the American World War II Heritage City was a joint effort by the city of Pensacola and Escambia County, with support from local elected officials, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Gulf Islands National Seashore, University of West Florida Historic Trust, Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources and veteran-related groups.

In a written statement, Mayor D.C. Reeves thanked all who worked on the application. He said, "This designation is a testament to Pensacola's rich history, and it will open the door for new opportunities to promote our history on a statewide and national level."

Echoing Reeves' sentiments, Escambia County District 3 Commissioner and Chairman Lumon May said, "This is a significant event for Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. It honors the rich history of our area and pays tribute to the men and women who served this great nation in World War II."

On its website, the National Park Service points out that Naval Air Station Pensacola was established in 1914, earning the base the moni-

ker "Cradle of Naval Aviation." When the United States entered World War II, NAS Pensacola graduated 28,625 pilots, nearly half of the naval aviators who served.

The National Park Service cites how Escambia County and the city of Pensacola have preserved their heritage and achievements through the establishment of museums, parks and monuments, including Barrancas National Cemetery, the National Naval Aviation Museum and the World War II Memorial in Admiral Mason Park.

Inweekly reached out to retired Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad, CEO and president of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, when the designation was announced. He wasn't surprised to hear it.

"Back in World War II, NAS Pensacola was the focal point for aviation training for naval aviators," Cozad told Inweekly. "We tripled in our capacity from about 800 pilots produced a year to 2,500. We set up the photographic school and the School of Aviation Medicine."

The National Naval Aviation museum has an impressive World War II aircraft collection. Cozad said, "I've got a couple favorites. My first one is the B-25 Mitchell, the same airplane that Jimmy Doolittle flew on the Doolittle Raid. Though it was an Army Air Force aircraft, they trained in 1942 at Eglin Air Force Base by a Navy pilot to be able to launch off that carrier deck to that historic mission."

The admiral mentioned two local World War II veteran aviators. "Cash Barbers, a retired lieutenant commander and World War II survivor, who volunteers frequently at the museum, loves to tell people the story about his PBY Catalina and what he did during the war."

He continued, "We've also got Frank Emond, retired chief warrant officer five. He was a Navy musician. Frank's 104 years old, and he survived the attack the morning of Dec. 7 on board the USS Pennsylvania and went on to serve an illustrious career."

Because of his work with the foundation, Cozad interacts with veterans from several eras, and he has been impressed with their humility.

"I have never met a World War II veteran or a Korean veteran who is anything but modest," he said. "They really don't feel like they're the heroes that we consider them, and rightfully so. They are those common people who did uncommon things, but they're humble. And it's such a treat to sit and talk with them and just listen to what it was like because they didn't have internet; they didn't have phones. They went away from their families and friends for years. And they fought the war. And they came home rightfully as the American heroes that they were."

RED ROOF INN SUED Last month, the Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, joined by Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR), filed a lawsuit against Red Roof Inns on behalf of a survivor of sex trafficking in North Carolina. The allegations include that she was sex trafficked, sexually exploited and victimized by traffickers at a Red Roof Inn brand hotel, as well as several local hotels and motels listed

as Defendants in the lawsuit. The Plaintiff states that the Defendants knew or should have known about the occurrence of sex trafficking on these properties and turned a blind eye.

"Human trafficking harms individuals, families and society beyond measure," said Carissa Phelps, LPR attorney and survivor leader. "The dual purpose of civil lawsuits in North Carolina and across the United States is first to seek justice for survivors. In doing so, we secondarily hold accountable businesses like hotels and motels that too often facilitate and benefit from the horrors of sex trafficking."

She added, "It comes down to a choice of what is more expensive or profitable—protecting victims who seem to be thrown away from society or looking the other way? Until it costs more to look the other way, we can expect the same behaviors again and again."

LPR attorney Chris Tisi told Inweekly, "This young woman was groomed at a housewarming party by someone who would ultimately become a trafficker. They brought her to a hotel room they had. And they met another trafficker."

He continued, "Then her horror really began. She was trafficked at a Red Roof Inn and two other places close by near Raleigh, N.C. She would be taken to a hotel and visited by 10 or more men a night."

According to the complaint, the Brand Defendants in this lawsuit had access to information that could have protected Doe. The hotel staff failed to use the resources and powers to protect sex trafficking victims, including Doe, from being trafficked at their property. Red Roof Inns allegedly had at its disposal public police reports and news reports, as well as internal documentation from customers and employees regarding sex trafficking at multiple Red Roof Inns at its growing brand of hotels across the country.

Local operators also allegedly ignored and/or defended the numerous online customer reviews referring to the prevalence of obvious prostitution and pimp violence at their properties.

"It became pretty obvious what was going on," said Tisi. "You'd see women—sometimes very young, young women, teenagers—being brought into the hotels with people who were obviously not their partners or parents, and they would stay for days. People would be coming and going to the room."

CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mayor D.C. Reeves is looking to hire someone to handle economic development. On WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen," he explained the role would have two parts—one internal and the other external.

"When I campaigned for 14 months, we talked about, how do we value investment in the city and how do we make sure things get across the finish line," the mayor said. "I'd heard some frustrations—just in general, not with even one particular department— that it seemed that we weren't helping as compared to other communities."

Reeves continued, "The city wasn't saying, 'Hey, let us help you with planning. Let us help you with zoning. Let us help you with inspections and get your project across the finish line.' So I really would want a point person for that will say, 'Hey, thank you for considering Pensacola, and we're going to help get this.'"

On the external, the mayor wants to help partner with the county, state, FloridaWest and others to help sell the area. He said, "I want to add more muscle to our community as a whole to be able to talent attraction and start looking at some of the industries and markets that would really have a direct feed into the city of Pensacola."

RATES GOING UP State regulators last week approved utility costs that will translate to higher electric bills in January for homeowners and businesses because of rising natural gas costs at the Crist Plant.

With utilities heavily reliant on natural gas, Florida Public Service Commission Chairman Andrew Fay expressed frustration about the costs and urged the regulatory panel to look at "risk management" to try to limit volatility in fuel prices.

Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power, FPL has two sets of rates. FPL residential customers in other parts of the state will see 1,000-kilowatt-hour bills go from the current $120.67 to $125.39 in January. They will go up again to $129.59 in February.

According to the commission, former Gulf Power customers in Northwest Florida who use 1,000-kilowatt hours will see their bills go down a penny in January to $155.60. But the bills will go up to $159.79 in February.

GULF BREEZE YMCA

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the former Gulf Breeze Aerobics & Fitness became the Community YMCA at Gulf Breeze. The move was nearly seamless. After the Pensacola Bay Bridge was damaged after Hurricane Sally, the two entities joined forces to offer reciprocal access to impacted members.

"It just opened the door for us to start having some conversation about things we might do together," Andrea Rosenbaum, the YMCA's director of advancement, told Inweekly. "When the owners decided they were ready to sell the business, they saw the opportunity for us to come in, take over the location, create a community and start offering more for families and kids."

YMCA CEO Michael Bodenhausen touted the acquisition as means for his organization to "establish a footprint in Gulf Breeze and begin offering a Y experience, including programs and mission outreach than it would be to build a new YMCA from the ground up."

Community YMCA at Gulf Breeze will remain a 24-hour facility, with staffed hours during the core of the day. All current YMCA members with regional membership will have full access to the facility once the full ownership transition has been completed, which will take eight to 10 weeks.

RELENTLESS POSITIVITY Last week, ret. Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad's book, "Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds," hit bookstores. Cozad, the Naval Aviation Foundation's CEO and president, suffered in 2018 an accidental fall in his kitchen that crushed two vertebrae. Despite surgery, he lost all feeling below his waist and was told he would be a paraplegic for life. However, he has remained physically active.

"After my spinal cord injury, one of the things that really motivated me, pushed me harder, was a piece of inspiration for me, was to get out and become an advocate for disabled Americans, disabled veterans," Cozad told Inweekly. "The book is my attempt—instead of just individual mentoring that I do—to reach more people and tell them how I fought through a pretty horrific accident. And I'm completely independent and like to feel that I'm a contributor to our country and naval aviation today despite the spinal cord injury."

He continued, "I attribute a lot of my toughness, maybe some stubbornness, my resilience, my grit to being a naval aviator. And so 100% of the proceeds for this book don't go to me. They go directly back to the Naval Aviation Muse -

um Foundation, so we can continue to tell stories of those whom I refer to as common people who did uncommon things in the service of their country."

RECYCLING RECONSIDERED After taking a break from recycling as the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority made repairs to its recycling facility, the city of Pensacola is now looking to tighten up its collection of residents' recycling cans. In a recent meeting with the folks at ECUA, Mayor D.C. Reeves said he learned some pretty discouraging data.

"The reality is that the recycling picked up from the city of Pensacola sanitation customers is 45% contaminated," Mayor Reeves said at his Monday, Dec. 7, presser.

Calling the percentage "staggering," Reeves explained that many city recycling customers seem unclear on what is allowed in their recycling cans. Cardboard, for instance, is good to go. But other items, such as plastic bags, aerosol cans or food, are not allowed in the recycling.

"When those go in one of our cans in the city, and then those go in the facility, then it's contaminating, and it's hurting our ability to recycle," Reeves said.

The mayor said that the city would be trying to better inform its recycling customers about what items are and are not recyclable. "You'll see an effort from ECUA and the city of Pensacola jointly over these next few months to try to really make sure we educate everybody on what can and can't be recycled."

GENEALOGY LIBRARY MOVED On Monday, Dec. 12, the Genealogy Library collection moved to the Pensacola Library at 239 N. Spring St. The library will rejoin the Pensacola State College campus in 2023.

The public can continue to access the Genealogy Core Print Collection and microfilm, along with the high-resolution microfilm reader, at the Pensacola Library. Full accessibility will still be available to online Genealogy collection components Ancestry Library Edition, Family Search, HeritageQuest Online and digitized copies of the Pensacola News Journal through WFPL's ProQuest Database.

"We are grateful to Pensacola State College for their partnership and to everyone who has enjoyed the Genealogy Library's collection over the years," said Todd Humble, director of Library Services for West Florida Public Libraries.

"The collection will be at home at the Pensacola Library. We welcome anyone interested in genealogy and local history to come by and use this community resource."

BEACH SIGN UPDATE The replacement of the Pensacola Beach Sailfish Sign, which sustained damage during Hurricane Sally in September 2020, began last week with the removal of the old sign components. D&R Painting Inc. Group started sandblasting and painting the frame. Once the framework is finished, the new sign, built by Plastic Arts Sign Company of Pensacola, will be installed in January 2023.

"Insurance is covering the cost of the replacement sign," said Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, whose district includes Pensacola Beach. "This sign is an iconic piece of Pensacola Beach's rich history, and we are looking forward to seeing it light up the night sky again. I would like to thank the residents and beachgoers for their patience while the county worked through the insurance and procurement processes. We are excited to have the sign installed in January to welcome everyone to Pensacola Beach." {in}

Whether you're a planner or a procrastinator, we can all agree that the holidays are overwhelming ... right?

From social obligations to gift-giving, it really is the most wonderful and busy time of the year.

But even in the midst of all those things you have to do, there's tons of good stuff happening that you really should want to do—like seeing

a festive cultural performance or classic movie on the big screen. Or enjoying a seasonal beverage or two around town.

To help you find that good stuff and make the most of what's left of 2022, we put together this handy to-do list. We tried to cover all the bases and not leave anybody out—including kids, pets and people who still have a lot of shopping to do.

Say "hello" to The Suchcicki Santas* suchcickisantas.com

*We loved this one so much, we decided to talk to Mike Suchcicki. Turn to page 13 to learn more about the Suchcickis' always-growing collection of plastic lawn Santas.

Rock your best "Ugly Sweater" for December's Gallery Night Dec. 16 gallerynightpensacola.org

Treat yourself to a latte and a slice of olive oil cake at Makers Coffee Co. @makerscoffeeco

Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy at "The Nutcracker" Dec. 16-18 balletpensacola.org

Bike for a good cause at onbikes' Winter Wonder Ride Dec. 17 onbikespensacola.org

Check out OHWB's Nightmare on Palafox holiday pop-up featuring festive decor and a special drink menu oldhickorywhiskeybar.com

Shop local at Palafox Market's special Wednesday Night Holiday Market Dec. 21 palafoxmarket.com

Catch a hockey game Dec. 16 and 23 pensacolaiceflyers.com

Join the reindeer games at PLT's production of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr." Dec. 15-18 pensacolalittletheatre.com

Gift some art at Panhandle Slim Art's show/sale at The Handlebar Dec. 23 @panhandle_slim_

Get nostalgic watching "It's a Wonderful Life" at The Saenger Theatre Dec. 19 pensacolasaenger.com

Or "A Christmas Story" if that's more your style Dec. 20 pensacolasaenger.com

Pose with your pup at one of WolfGang's Santa Paws events Dec. 17 and 18 wolfgangparkandbrews.com

Bake some holiday cookies

Or if you're like us, buy some from J's Bakery and Cafe jsbakeryandcafe.com

Crate dig for the perfect gift at Pensacola Record Fair* Dec. 18 vinylmusichall.com

*For more on this event, hosted by Easy Going Gallery, turn to page 21.

Go ice skating at the Bay Center Dec. 19-23 and 26-30 pensacolabaycenter.com

Try The Sugar Baby at Jitterbug Beverage Co. drinkjitterbug.com

Buy yourself a gift and make sure it's something really cool—like a Hangout Fest ticket hangoutmusicfest.com

Drink and be merry at Seville Quarter's Boozy Santa Sunday Funday Dec. 18 sevillequarter.com

Laugh it up at Anna Lepeley's Comedians in Drag Doing Comedy Christmas Pageant Dec. 17 vinylmusichall.com

Plan ahead for New Year's Eve

One suggestion—Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's annual show at The Saenger Dec. 31 pensacolasymphony.com {in}

Arts & Entertainment

Santa Clauses Are Coming to Town

Suchcicki ended up traveling to Louisiana to get "the big guy" after finding it online. It's the family's 25th anniversary addition to the collection. But each Santa in this collection is special, each representing the passing of another year.

"The original still holds a place in my heart, just because it's the original," Suchcicki said, pointing to the smallest Santa in the group, standing proud, front and center.

Over the years, a couple of Santas have succumbed to time. One flat out faded to dust.

"Over the years he just crumbled, just disintegrated; we couldn't repair him," Suchcicki lamented.

But usually, the Santas can be salvaged from the wear of the years. Suchcicki has assembled a repair kit with all the necessary tools. When needed, he sands and patches and paints the Santas.

At one point, years ago, Suchcicki's daughter, Kate, and a friend named each Santa, assigning each a detailed backstory. That creativity has continued and more recently been exported online, where it now sits as suchcickisantas.com. There you can learn about Phillip K. Doonesbury, 2019's Santa, or Dolphus Lancaster, 2011's Santa.

Suchcicki. "It's nothing revolutionary or anything."

Standing in the front yard of his family's Pensacola home, Suchcicki is surrounded by plastic, blow-mold Santas. Each year, the collection grows larger. And this "silly little ritual," as he calls it, has been going on for 25 years now.

"It's just a silly little tradition, but we have a lot of fun with it," Suchcicki said.

Usually, the Suchcickis light up their Santa collective without fanfare, quietly slipping into the Christmas season. But this year, just after Thanksgiving, the family figured they'd invite over some neighbors, serve up some hot chocolate and celebrate the Santas silver anniversary in style.

"We just thought we'd play it up a little bit more," Suchcicki said.

After all, after so many years, these blowmold Santas are more than just a silly holiday tradition. The Santas have become a reliable neighborhood fixture; they have become a celebration of both community and high kitsch.

"Neighbors will thank us, literally," Suchcicki reflected. "It makes people happy; people tell us that they look forward to our Santas."

idays. Mike threw out the notion of blow-mold Santas. He wasn't serious.

"I was just kind of playing and being a Grinch or a Scrooge," Suchcicki recalled. "I was doing the whole bah-humbug thing as a joke."

In fact, Suchcicki suggested the blow-mold Santas because he considered them to be the epitome of over-the-top holiday decor.

"In my mind, a blow-mold Santa like this—if you wanted to talk about tacky, this is what came to mind," Suchcicki said, looking over the collection of Santas gathered in his front yard.

But Suchcicki's family took the joke to the next level. They got him a Santa. Then, the next year, they got him another. Then another.

A few years in, Suchcicki was still considering the Santas to be a joke. Then something funny happened. The family couldn't find a new blowmold Santa, so they brought home a Tigger—the tiger from Winnie the Pooh fame—wearing a Santa hat. And this was not acceptable.

"That was the year we were relieved from Santa duty," said Joe Suchcicki, Mike's son.

After warming up to his growing collection

into his own joke—he had blossomed into a fullblown, blow-mold-Santa aficionado.

"I'd scour the stores, thrift shops; I'd look online, just ask around," Suchcicki said, recounting the ensuing years, each welcoming a new Santa to the collection.

But as the years passed, it became increasingly difficult to secure a new Santa each year. The blow-mold concept seemed to be fading from the landscape.

"You started seeing things like these fiber optic Santas, or the inflatables were becoming really big; everybody was getting inflatables in their yards," Suchcicki said. "You don't see blow molds anymore."

PLAYING FAVORITES

Looking over the Santas assembled in his front yard, it's tough for Suchcicki to pick a favorite. Well, not that tough.

"The Holy Grail, the one I really wanted, was one of the 5-foot Santas, the big guy in the back," Suchcicki laughed, pointing to a large blow-mold Santa.

Or you could just make a trip over to the Suchcickis' and take a gander at the Santas yourself. That, Suchcicki said, has become a sort of holiday tradition for folks in his neighborhood, who look forward to the display returning each year, like old friends popping into town for the holidays.

"Every night people drive by, they'll get out; some will take pictures," he said, describing the reception as "heartwarming."

But, while onlookers will be greeted by the gaggle of Santas, they'll likely not see the rejected blow-mold Tigger that fortified this tradition. He doesn't get to join the others in the front yard.

"For several years," Joe laughed, "he was relegated to the attic; he couldn't come down."

These days, Tigger is allowed down to play. Suchcicki's granddaughter likes to see the dancing tiger. Suchcicki, however, still eyes the outcast suspiciously.

"Here's the infamous Tigger," he said, casting a sideways glance at the blow-mold tiger perched on his kitchen table. "Yeah, Tigger's cool, but—but I'm a Pooh fan anyways." {in}

THE SUCHCICKI SANTAS suchcickisantas.com

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

Christian College, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 250 Brent Lane. There will be free hot chocolate and a Christmas light show synced to music. PCC will also be receiving nonperishable food items during the event to help a local charity. Everyone is welcome to join for this free holiday event.

GINGERBREAD ENGINEERING Join the STEAM team and construct gingerbread houses for the holidays, Friday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m., at Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway. Materials provided by

Christmas ZOObilee includes winter-themed bounce stations, live music and entertainment, a Candy Cane Market full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season, including unique gifts from lo cal artists and delicious holiday treats. Santa makes visits to the zoo on weekends for photo ops. Tickets to the Zoo during Christmas ZOObilee are $9 for members and $19.95 - $25.95 for regular admis sion. Safari Express Train Rides included. Visit gbzoo.com/event/zoobilee for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

FREE ON-STREET PARKING DOWNTOWN

Fees for city-owned, on-street public parking (designated by teal blue signs) will be waived on Dec. 23-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 The City of Pensacola has also donated six months of free parking inside the Jefferson Street Garage as part of the Downtown Pensacola "All I Want" holiday giveaway, which is open through Dec. 18.

WINTERFEST TOURS Downtown Pensacola is again transforming into a winter wonderland. Reserve seats on special themed tours including the Scrooge Tour, Polar Express Tour, Grinch Tour as well as Santa and Grinch photo ops and preshows for the public to enjoy. For tour information and reservations, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.

SANTA AT THE LIBRARY Stop by your local library for Santa pictures and fun activities this holiday season.

•Thursday, Dec. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway •Saturday, Dec. 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St.

•Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Molino Library, 6450-A Highway 95A

BLUES CHRISTMAS The Blues Society will celebrate "Christmas Blues" every Monday at 7 p.m. throughout the month of December. The Blues Society will fill your ears and spirits with the glorious gift of Christmas Blues at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Visit sevillequarter.com for details.

THE ARC GATEWAY'S TREE OF LIGHTS

The 23rd Annual Tree of Lights is 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at Pollak Training Center, 1000 E. Fairfeld Drive. This ceremony sets aside time for our community to pay tribute to those who bring brightness to their life through the symbolism of light and the reading of names by WEAR-TV 3 news anchor Sue Straughn. You may make a donation of any amount to the Tree of Lights campaign online at thearcgatewayagency.crowdchange.co/29479.

DRIVE-THRU LIGHTS AND FOOD DRIVE

AT PCC Enjoy the Christmas lights of Pensacola

COUPLES

COOK; ROMANCING THE FLAVORS OF PUERTO RICO CHRISTClass is 7-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $80 per couple. Visit facebook. com/pensacolacooks for details.

BAD SANTA MYSTERY SCAVENGER HUNT

Santa's gone rogue and ran off with all the Christmas goodies, and Coastal County Brewing needs your help to find them. Join in the fun Saturday, Dec. 17, from 3-5 p.m., and see if you can help to recover all the missing Christmas trinkets at our Third Annual Bad Santa Mystery Scavenger Hunt. CCB is located at 3041 E. Olive Road.

SANTA PAWS Join the Pensacola Humane Society on Saturday, Dec.17, at Anderson Subaru, 7050 Pensacola Blvd., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Find your purrfect friend, donate some supplies and get your picture taken with Santa. For more information about Santa Paws, check out pensacolahumane.org/event/santa-paws. To make a monetary donation toward our Greater Good Fund, visit pensacolahumane.org/donate.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

The holiday classic comes to life in this Broadway Junior, 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. features all of your favorite characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. Shows are 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, Thursday, Dec. 15, and Friday, Dec. 16; 11 a.m., Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17; and 2:30 p.m., Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18, and Saturday, Dec. 17. Tickets are $9-$33. Thursday shows are half-off. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for details.

PALAFOX MARKET WEDNESDAY NIGHT HOLIDAY EDITIONS

Palafox Market will host four new Wednesday night market dates to celebrate the holiday season. Dates are Dec. 21. Palafox Market will host 50-plus vendors from 4-8 p.m. Bars/breweries interested in setting up as a vendor can email emilyk@downtownpensacola.com.

CHRISTMAS ZOOBILEE The Fourth Annual Christmas ZOObilee will be held at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 17 and 18.

DECK THE HALLS Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox, will host three special seatings with costumed carolers from Pensacola Opera, Saturday, Dec. 17, with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be a special menu. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (850) 4699898 or visiting jacksonsrestaurant.com.

BALLET PENSACOLA'S NUTCRACKER The timeless Classic comes to life on the Saenger stage, 118 S. Palafox, with shows at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17; 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17; and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $44 and up. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

DON YOUR "UGLY SWEATER" FOR DECEMBER'S GALLERY NIGHT On Friday, Dec. 16, from 5–9 p.m., Gallery Night Pensacola's theme is "Ugly Sweater Night!"

This month features a new holiday event, a family-friendly "Ugly Sweater Comedy Crawl!" Join local comedians Andy Honaker, Gale Fluker aka Mz. Undastood, Lamar Defoe, Savanna Zehe, Zach Van Getsel, and organizer Andrew Ferrara of Yikes! Comedy for an evening of laughs as they lead you up Palafox Street to the Garden Street Main Stage. The first stop is The 5 Barrel at 6 p.m.

Gallery Night's December Featured Artist is Cora Lynch. Joe Occhipinti and his saxophone will bring music to the streets from the Garden Street Main Stage from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Find more information and updates, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

SANTA'S WORKSHOP Stop in to make your own design for a unique gift at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Century Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd. Get busy making key chains, peg doll ornaments and other small gifts. Supplies and gift bags will be provided by the library.

ANNA LEPELEY'S

SIMONE SANDS, Realtor cell 850-293-2292 o ffice 850-434-2244

©

COMEDIANS IN DRAG

DOING COMEDY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Comedy drag show at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $15-$30. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details and tickets.

WHITE TIE CHRISTMAS White Tie Rock Ensemble will perform the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and holiday classics from Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and more. Show is at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $15-118.50. Visit penscolabaycenter.com for details and tickets.

HO HO HOMICIDE CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY SHOW Partake in a holiday murder mystery show at Garden & Grain, 50 E. Garden

Come to Deluna Flowers for your Holiday Floral needs … We Deliver ! 3516 W. Navy Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 (The former Sleepy Hollow Florist ... Just inside the city limits)

Phone: 850-466-5315 Email: delunaflowerspensacola@gmail.com www.delunaflowers.com

Hangout Fest 2023 Lineup

St. Show is at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $29. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

CELTIC CHRISTMAS WITH DANNY O' Danny O'Flaherty's Celtic Christmas encompasses the customs, stories and songs from each of the Celtic nations. The show is at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at The Beach Church, 920 Panferio Drive. Tickets are $20 available at the door or by emailing danny@dannyoflaherty.com. Children under 12 years are free.

WOLFGANG'S SANTA PAWS AT PERFECT Santa Paws at Perfect Plain is Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with holiday pictures by Chloe Peterkin Photography for you and your pups at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Bring a donation for The Escambia County Animal Shelter along with your photo purchase ticket and you will receive one free 12-ounce craft beer per photo from Perfect Plain. Donations should be in a stocking form with one dog or cat toy, one dog or cat treat bag, and one fleece blanket. Photos are $15 and can either be pre-purchased at wolfgangparkandbrews.com or in person the day of the event. A portion of the proceeds will go to ECAS.

Chloe Peterkin Photography for you and your pups from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Wisteria has gathered over 20 local vendors for lastminute holiday shopping that you might need to tie up. And don't worry, there will be food trucks to help fuel all this holiday fun. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in person the day of or ahead of time at wolfgangparkandbrews.com. A percent of the proceeds will go to the Northwest Great Dane Rescue.

SAENGER HOLIDAY MOVIES The Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, will be screening two holiday movie favorites. First up is the black and white classic "It's A Wonderful Life," starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, on Monday, Dec. 19. And then on Tuesday, Dec. 20, is everyone's favorite, "A Christmas Story," a comedy about Ralphie, a young boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas.

Tickets for the Movie Series are on sale now at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, located at 22 E. Intendencia, or on the night of each movie beginning at 6 p.m. Prices for admission remain at $5 per person for general admission seating. Tickets are only available for purchase at the Saenger Theatre Box Office.

Yup, it's true—those are the 2023 Hangout Fest headliners.

Hangout Fest is going all out this time around, and we're beyond excited to see SZA back on the beach, singing songs from her ridiculously good sophomore album "SOS."

HERE'S THE COMPLETE LINEUP (AS OF TUESDAY, DEC. 6): Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, Calvin Harris, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Flume, Skrillex, The Kid LAROI, AJR, Alison Wonderland, The Backseat Lovers, FERG, Gryffin, John Summit, Kevin Gates, Noah Kahan, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, REZZ, Russ, Sabrina Carpenter, Ashe, Big Wild, COIN, GloRilla, Said The Sky, Thundercat, Tove Lo, Yung Gravy, Dr. Fresch, Jessie Murph, Kidd

G, The Maine, Mariah The Scientist, Mayday Parade, Mike., Priscilla Block, Stephen Sanchez, Two Feet, The 502s, A Hundred Drums, Aluna, Beach Weather, Charlotte Sands, Elohim, Flipturn, Gashi, HoneyLuv, Jordana, Moore Kismet, Night Tales, Nostalgix, Ranger Trucco, Sam Fischer, sfam, The Vegabonds and Wenzday.

Ticket pre-sale started Friday, Dec. 9, and you know they tend to sell out, so you better hurry and get yours ASAP.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA IN THE LIGHTSanta Claus will be reading Christmas stories with children of all ages at Bodacious Bookstore and Café, 110 E. Intendencia St., 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17.

WONDERLAND DINNER PARTY Enjoy a four-course meal with an eclectic wonderland whimsy theme from 5-8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Tickets are $65 per person or $120 per couple. Visit madmunchiestruck.com for tickets.

BOOZY SANTA Santa is coming to Seville Quarter at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, for Seville Quarter's renowned Santa Claus Sunday Funday. Meet the Big Man in Red, get a special gift and, most importantly, get the whole family and your friends together for an unforgettable Santa Claus event at End O' the Alley, 130 E. Government St.

KID'S CAMP HOLIDAY EDITION Kids can enjoy a three-day camp of learning basic kitchen fundamentals along with crafts from 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 19-21, at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Cost is $165 for all three days. Visit bodaciousshops.com for details.

PCKIDS JR. CHEFS: GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN Kids can enjoy edible Christmas gifts creation stations with PCK instructor elves from 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

RECYCLED CHRISTMAS CARDS Bring your imagination and let's make new Christmas Cards from recycled Christmas Cards at noon and 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Westside Library, 1301 W. Gregory St. Open to all ages.

Gulf Shores, Ala.

WOLFGANG'S SANTA PAWS & MARKET

AT WISTERIA TAVERN This year's Santa Paws Event will have professional holiday pictures by

FAMILY FUN CLASS: CREATING WINTER SOLSTICE EDIBLE SNOW DOMES In this family class, Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., offers you and your child a culinary experience, our unique Edible Snow Domes Class with Culinary Instructor Pastry Chef Mariah, 1-4 p.m., Wednes-

Guess who's coming to the beach? Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, Calvin Harris, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Flume, Skrillex and The Kid LAROI.

Photo Courtesy of Hangout Music Fest

day, Dec. 21. Cost is $60 per adult and child. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

WINTER SOLSTICE AT ODD COLONY Celebrate Winter Solstice surrounded by candlelight at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, with the release of Shadow Self [Baltic Porter] and Yule Log Cake by Craft Bakery. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

HOLIDAY RAMBLE Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, partners with two of our favorite local businesses to procure a night of holiday jingles and decadent treats. Eric from Revolver Records will be spinning a custom collection of Holiday vinyl classics all evening and Chef Jordan from Craft Bakery will be in house to pair some treats with seasonal beer releases on Friday, Dec. 23, from 4-11 p.m. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

CAT AND KITTEN ADOPTIONS Animal Allies will be at Pet Supermarket, 6857 N. Ninth Ave., Saturday, Dec. 17. Over 35 cats and kittens will be looking for homes. All cats are up to date on shots, and adoption fee includes spay or neuter with microchip. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE TO OFFER "HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"

ADOPTION SPECIAL The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is offering a "Home for the Holidays" adoption special nowDec. 31. Anyone looking to adopt will be able to take home a cat or kitten for $10, or a dog or puppy for $25. Escambia County residents are required to pay a separate $11 licensing fee at the time of adoption. Adoption fees include spay or neutering services, microchips, heartworm tests and the initial vaccinations including rabies vaccinations.

The Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive and is open Monday-Friday from noon-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. To learn more about becoming a foster or volunteer, visit myescambia.com/animalwelfare.

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Florida is hosting Bingo at two locations. Dates are 7 p.m. Dec. 20, at Scenic Hills Country Club, located at 8891 Burning Tree Road. $10 for 30 cards. At The 5 Barrel Brewery, 121 S. Palafox, dates are 6 p.m. Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and 29, and Dec. 13 and 27. $10 for 10 rounds. Proceeds go to help local animals. You must be 18 years old to play. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

ARTS & CULTURE

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA

CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. "Glass Onion" is at 1 p.m., Dec. 23-25. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

from Corpus Christi, Texas, Julia is heavily influenced by the small, family-based businesses she grew up around. Formally trained in printmaking and specializing in artistic forms of independent publishing, Julia founded Vice Versa Press and Curandera Press as her entrepreneurial debuts. Having launched QTVC Live!, a DIY home shopping channel, in January 2020, Julia is now collaborating with moCa Cleveland on six brandnew episodes. Will there be a Pensacola series of QTVC Live! Stay tuned for episodes by following 309 on Facebook.

LIFE IS HALE PRESENTS: 42 A LEGACY DEFINING CONVERSATION WITH JAMIL

DAVIS Enjoy a conversation with activist and musician Jamil Davis at Black Café & Bookstore, 3498 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17.

RECORD FAIR Pensacola Record Fair returns to Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Shop last-minute gifts and listen to local DJs. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

PANHANDLE SLIM ART SHOW The Handlebar will host a sale of art by Pensacola's own Panhandle Slim from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23. Location is 319 N. Tarragona St. Stop by, meet the artist and buy some of his paintings. First come, first served. The show is open to public and all art is for sale.

MISTER/MR. AND MISS FLAWLESS PAG -

EANT

The Second Annual Mister/Mr. and Miss Flawless Pageant will be held at 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, at the WAV Event Center, 511 S. Palafox. VIP Tables for (seating of 6) is $150. General admission tickets are $20 via Cash App: $flawlesspageant. For more information, please contact Taize' via email at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

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 Jan. 18, 2023, with Jess Cragg and Mike Thomin about the archaeology of piracy.

MOVIE NIGHT AT ALGA BEER CO. Visit Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., every Monday at 7 p.m. for movie night. Follow @movie_night_at_ alga_ on Instagram to find out which movies will be featured each week.

LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's life drawing group meets every Monday, except holidays, from 6-9 p.m. in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.

309

ARTIST

IN RESIDENCE Julia Arrendondo is the current 309 Artist in Residence. She is an artist entrepreneur who recently concluded her MFA at Columbia College Chicago. Originally

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shopping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Market First Friday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 2-6 p.m. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more.

a&e happenings

Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.

EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET

Every Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggalleryart@gmail.com.

THE ART GALLERY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA PRESENTS "SYNTHESIS" Artwork will be on display at TAG, located in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82, on the Pensacola campus, through Dec. 10. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. This exhibition features work by graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts students from the Department of Art and Design. The work on display incorporates a variety of mediums including painting, ceramics, sculpture, graphic and industrial design.

Exhibiting Students—Kiera Mayberry, Taylor Mittelstadt, Jillian Parker, Alyx Jeffries, Daniela Reyes Rivera and Rebecca Wakefield

The event is open and free to the public. No tickets are required.

VANDALS TO VANGUARDS On view at the Pensacola Museum of Art, located at 407 S. Jefferson St., the Vandals to Vanguards exhibition explores the evolution of pop art and

street art through works from the museum's collection and loans from local collectors. Exhibit on view through Jan. 8. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

LOST PENSACOLA EXHIBIT "Lost Pensacola" is a poster exhibit that examines lost icons from Pensacola's past by Joe Vinson. Voices of Pensacola, 117 E. Government St.

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. 23. Visit historicpensacola. org for details.

CELEBRATE! 50 YEARS OF THE GREAT GULF COAST ARTS FESTIVAL This exhibit explores the incredible story of the volunteers who keep the festival alive. Through the past five decades, little has made a larger impact on the city than the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and those who dedicate their time to ensuring it remains a vibrant affair in the heart of Pensacola. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through February 2023.

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.

SIT AND SPIN Meet other knitters and spin your yarn on the first Saturday of the month at Studio South Yarn Co., 955 E. Nine Mile Road, Unit 101. Visit studiosouthyarnco.com for details.

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's and Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the

group to read and discuss? Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue. The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fascinated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook. com/pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.

OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon's Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.

OPEN MIC COMEDY

AT BIG TOP BREW-

ERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy some homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending on the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING

ARTS Mixon Magic Performing Arts (MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement,

a&e happenings

Ballet/Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult.

MMPA is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the building and studio. More information about Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixonmagic.com or emily@mixonmagic.com or by calling (850) 221-7438.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT FIRST CITY ART First City Art Center offers a wide range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels. Classes include glass blowing, ceramics, painting and drawing, kiln-forming, stained glass and more. For a complete list of classes and times, visit firstcityart.org.

FOOD + DRINKS

PLANT-BASED JUNK FOOD POP-UP Join Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, for some of the best Vegan comfort food around with Crispy Chik'n Sandwiches and loaded fries 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

CULTURES COOK: BEYOND THE BASIC SUSHI CLASS Class is 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAYS Support your favorite college football teams at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Wear your game day gear and get 15% off your beer tab. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

SAINTS SUNDAYS Deck out in your game day gear and watch your team on the big screen at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Get 15% off your tab when dressed in Saint's game day gear. Sundays Aug. 13-Jan. 8. Visit facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

FINE WINE FRIDAY Visit The Nest General Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, on the first Friday of every month for a wine tasting from 6-8 p.m. It's $35 a person and includes charcuterie and the opportunity to try their monthly wine club offerings in house. Visit thenestgeneralstore. com/events for more information.

MONTHLY WINE TASTING IN AGAPI

GARDEN Visit Agapi Garden, at 555 Scenic Highway, from 5-7 p.m., to sample five wines for $10. For more information, call (850) 813-5683.

SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE

WELL The Well, located at 42 E. Garden St., has expanded its offerings with a Sunday Funday Brunch cocktail menu including items such as Spicy Paloma made with Mezcal, a cold brew cocktail with Irish whiskey, a cucumber-infused spritz and a Bloody Mary spiced with housemade hot sauce and garnished with fresh pickled vegetables. Price range is $9-$12. Brunch hours are Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Other

small plate offerings are available ThursdaySaturday from 4 p.m.-one hour before closing. For more information, visit facebook.com/ thewellpensacola.

BAYOU BUZZ COFFEE TASTING TOUR

Seville Savories Food Tour will host a coffee tour of downtown Pensacola Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are available online at sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com.

WEEKNIGHT HAPPY HOUR Every weeknight before 6 p.m. at The 5 Barrel, get $1 off all The 5 Barrel pints, $2 wine by the glass and half off hummus plates when you buy a pint of beer. Visit the5barrel.com for more information.

WINE WEDNESDAY Visit The Nest General Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. for a wine happy hour. Deals include $1 off listed by-the-glass wines, a waived corking fee, charcuterie plates and a $15 'wine flight' option. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com/events for more information.

TABLETOP TUESDAYS AT THE 5 BARREL

Join The 5 Barrel for a special Tabletop Tuesday event at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in March. A wide variety of games ranging from the classic chess to the crowd favorite Catan will be available. Players are welcome to bring their own games.

ARAGON WINE TASTINGS Wine tastings at Aragon Wine Market are back every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in store at 27 S. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit aragonwinemarket.com.

THURSDAY TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE 5 BARREL Gather a group for a weekly Thursday Trivia Night Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at The 5 Barrel. There will be prizes for every round and select drafts for $3. Find out more at facebook. com/the5barrel.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand. Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook. com/garysbrew.

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is host to local vendors and crafters at MLK Jr. Plaza. For more information, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.

EVER'MARKET AT NINE MILE ROAD Visit

Ever'Man at 1000 E. Nine Mile Road on the fourth Saturday of each month for the Ever'Market with food, music, giveaways, activities and more. Visit everman.org for more information.

200 SOUTH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Every first Saturday of the month, the businesses at 200 South will host Small Business Saturday to show support for local businesses. Bring a receipt from a purchase from any other downtown business and receive 10% off your bill at Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Taco Agave and Blend Lounge.

a&e happenings

PENSACOLA

POSITIVITY'S

SUNDAY MARKETS Sunday Markets on Palafox Street happen each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in MLK Plaza on Palafox. Local makers, growers and creators gather each under the oak trees to sell their goods to the community. Interested vendors can request an application by emailing requeaskmikellah@gmail.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/palafoxmarkets.

SATURDAYS AT THE MARKET OUTDOOR

VENDOR EVENT Located at 5300 Berryhill Road, the outdoor market features artisans and crafters alike from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For more information, email saturdaysatthemarket@gmail.com.

PENSACOLA POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Check out fresh and organic produce, milk, eggs, meat, fresh-baked bread, mushrooms, lumber, grits, cornmeal, pies and plants Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at East Hill Market, located at 1216 N. Ninth Ave. For a list of vendors, visit facebook. com/easthillmarket.

UPTOWN PENSACOLA MARKET Check out local vendors of art, produce and other local treasures every Saturday at 7201 N. Ninth Ave. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit facebook. com/uptownmarketpensacola.

TWILIGHT THREE-COURSE SPECIAL The District's Twilight Three-Course special is back

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:306 p.m. Guests enjoy three courses for $35 per person. Diners must be seated by 6 p.m. for offer to be valid. To make a reservation, call (850) 3325224, or go to districtstreaks.com. The District is located at 123 E. Government St.

LIVE MUSIC

COREY SMITH Show is 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $25 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

EGO DEATH, CROW ROAD, NOY BOYS AT

VINYL Show is 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

THE SPONGES The Sponges will be playing

The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St., 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22. Bring a toy for Gulf Coast Kid's House to get a discount on your ticket. More information at thehandlebar850.com.

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

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

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Blues Society of Northwest Florida

and Seville Quarter present Monday Night Blues, the longest running weekly Blues Jam in Florida, starting at 7 p.m. with an opening and followed by the Blues Jam at 9 p.m. Seville Quarter is located at 130 E. Government St. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, from 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.

LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH Head to Red Fish Blue Fish for live performances from local bands all day on Fridays and Saturdays. For musician lineups, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.

JOE OCCHIPINTI JAZZABOUTS Catch Joe Occhipinti and guests at Alice's Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1504 W. Intendencia St., Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and at Calvert's Restaurant & Bar, 670 Scenic Highway, Sundays from noon-3 p.m.

SAXOPHONIST JIM ANDREWS AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT Saxophonist Jim Andrews will be performing at Alice's Restaurant, located at 1504 W. Intendencia St., on the first Friday of every month from 6-9:30 p.m.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Join Joe Occhipinti and the Jazzabouts at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., Tuesdays, Nov. 22, Dec. 6, and Dec. 27, from 1-3 p.m., for classic jazz favorites.

RAY COLEY AT CAZADORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT Ray Coley performs oldies mix with jazz and blues every weekend with keyboard, horn and flute. Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. and a jazz set on Sundays from 12-3 p.m. on the patio at Cazadores Mexican restaurant, located at 8183 W. Fairfield Dr. Weather permitting.

CURT BOL JAZZ QUARTET Visit Five Sisters Blues Café, located at 421 W. Belmont St., Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and listen to Curt Bol Jazz Quartet. Visit curtbolband.com for more information.

OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel Gallery is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays for open jam with Pensacola Folk Music Society. Feel free to visit and listen to music. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Sing your heart out Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, or just enjoy drinks friends with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/mugsjugs.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

Music and More Music

Howdy Pouty, Birchwood Emoji, Mid Kid and the Master Plan, Gwety Mernans, PG Villain and, of course, DJ Dad.

For the record, Ego Death doesn't plan to get naked on stage—or do any of the other antics they used to garner attention at the beginning.

The group is looking forward to showing off how they've evolved, explained Matthew Barlow.

"You know it's serious whenever my mom's coming to it," Barlow said. "This Vinyl show is gonna be pretty big for all of us. But it's also more of a professional thing, as in like, 'This is where we're at now. We've grown to this from two years ago.' I think now we're at a status where people recognize us for music."

"We've come a long way," added Dillon Hunt. Ego Death started with Hunt (guitar and vocals) and Owen Reese (keys), then expanded when they needed to fill a 20-minute set in a pinch—now including Liam Ward (drums), Barlow (lead guitar), Shelby Lands (bass) and Owen Reese (keys).

"We have a lot more psychedelic-type music," Reese said. "Our lyric direction at first was very emo; we're trying to get away from the type of music that makes people want to kill themselves. But it's all self-expression, so, of course, we're still gonna have our deep emotions and our BPD be some of the main themes of it."

The band has many influences from hardcore punk to metal to indie, he said.

"We're majorly indebted to The Wiggles by the way," Reese said. "(Hunt), before he was in this band, he was in one of the internet's biggest Wiggles cover bands, which is pretty cool."

What sounds like a complicated math word problem is really just William Bowers estimating the number of vinyl records for sale at his first Pensacola Record Fair in February of 2020 at Vinyl Music Hall—21,000, if you don't have a calculator on-hand. He has hosted several fairs at Odd Colony Brewing Co. since.

"The first record fair we had was slampacked," Bowers said. "Vinyl Music Hall was fully loaded with record vendors and people buying throughout the entire event. It was an insane success. Everybody got paid. Everybody had a great time. People are still talking about how great it was. It was kind of one of those events."

His advice for this year's event at Vinyl Music Hall—bring your own bags.

"We'll have any and all records," Bowers said. "It really just matters what catches somebody's eye—and anybody can think anything is worth listening to. I mean, you obviously have the popular genres, like classic rock and metal and hip-hop and rap and jazz, but all that really makes a difference is if something catches somebody's eye."

The event will not only feature thousands of records of varying genres to flip through but also open-deck DJs playing house, funk, hiphop and jazz music throughout and drinks available at the bar.

Bowers, the owner of Easy Going Gallery, an event space, art gallery and record shop, said he was inspired by his own experiences with vinyl.

"I only really caught on to vinyl DJing several years after I initially got into it," Bowers said, "really inspired from a record label owner down in Miami that hosts the Miami Record Fair. We've been acquaintances for a couple years, and I saw that he was doing this event, and I was like, 'Well, shit, nobody's doing that in Pensacola. It would be great for the culture.' It's also a really great way to introduce some awesome DJs to Pensacola."

Bowers says all of this while looking at some 15,000 records in his shop, he said.

"I personally have winnowed my vinyl collection down to maybe 75 records—those are special records to me that I will either DJ with or have some sentimental connection with the music that's on the record," Bowers said. "There's a special connection that I will make with somebody that buys certain records. I love hearing the stories of, 'Oh, my dad listened to this here or there,' or 'My grandpa had this in his collection,' or 'I remember the first time this was played, I heard this on the dance floor at this party or whatever.' There's all those crazy, intimate connections that people have with the music and the nostalgia."

POST-FAIR MUSIC

Bowers also organized a concert to follow the Record Fair, featuring two local punk bands, Ego Death and Crow Road, as well as DJs playing heavier club beats mixed with house, techno and original music, he said. Performers include Pagu,

The band name came from one of Hunt's friends but became a fitting title for their sound.

"A lot of it's very emo and self-deprecating, so I guess Ego Death kind of fits with conflicting feelings of self-worth," Hunt said. "It's kind of a depressing answer, but…"

Ego Death dropped the EP "System 32" a year ago and continue to release singles. The EP will be sold on cassette tape at the show Sunday night. {in}

PENSACOLA RECORD FAIR

WHAT: A vinyl record sale hosted by Easy Going Gallery

WHEN: Noon-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18

WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox COST: Free

DETAILS: facebook.com/easygoinggallery, @easygoinggallery

EGO DEATH IN CONCERT

WHAT: A local showcase hosted by Easy Going Gallery featuring Ego Death, Crow Road and more

WHEN: 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18

WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox COST: $20 plus fees

DETAILS: vinylmusichall.com

Photo Courtesy of Easy Going Gallery

WEEK OF DECEMBER 15

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries painter Vincent van Gogh was renowned for translating his sublime and unruly passions into colors and shapes on canvas. It was a demanding task. He careened between torment and ecstasy. "I put my heart and soul into my work," he said, "and I have lost my mind in the process." That's sad! But I have good news for you, Aries. In the coming months, you will have the potential to reach unprecedented new depths of zest as you put your heart and soul into your work and play. And hallelujah, you won't lose your mind in the process! In fact, I suspect you will become more mentally healthy than you've been in a long time.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): "The soul is silent," writes Taurus poet Louise Glück. "If it speaks at all, it speaks in dreams." I don't agree with her in general, and I especially don't agree with her in regard to your life in the coming weeks. I believe your soul will be singing, telling jokes, whispering in the dark, and flinging out unexpected observations. Your soul will be extra alive and alert and awake, tempting you to dance in the grocery store and fling out random praise and fantasize about having your own podcast. Don't underestimate how vivacious your soul might be, Taurus. Give it permission to be as fun and funny as it yearns to be.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to expand your understanding about the nature of stress. Here are three study aids: 1. High stress levels are not healthy for your mind and body, but low to moderate stress can be good for you. 2. Low to moderate stress is even better for you if it involves dilemmas that you can ultimately solve. 3. There is a thing called "eustress," which means beneficial stress. It arises from a challenge that evokes your vigor, resilience and willpower. As you deal with it, you feel hopeful and hardy. It's meaningful and interesting. I bring these ideas to your attention, dear Gemini, because you are primed to enjoy a rousing upgrade in your relationship with stress.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Long before he launched his illustrious career, Cancerian inventor Buckminster was accepted to enroll at Harvard University. Studying at such a presti-

gious educational institution was a high honor and set him up for a bright future. Alas, he was expelled for partying too hard. Soon he was working at odd jobs. His fortunes dwindled, and he grew depressed. But at age 32, he had a pivotal mystical experience. He seemed to be immersed in a globe of white light hovering above the ground. A disembodied voice spoke, telling him he "belonged to the universe" and that he would fulfill his life purpose if he applied himself to serving "the highest advantage of others." How would you like a Buckminster Fuller-style intervention, Cancerian? It's available if you want it and ask for it.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): A blogger named Daydreamydyke explains the art of bestowing soulful gifts. Don't give people you care for generic consumer goods, she tells us. Instead, say to them, "I picked up this cool rock I found on the ground that reminded me of you," or "I bought you this necklace for 50 cents at a yard sale because I thought you'd like it," or "I've had this odd little treasure since childhood, but I feel like it could be of use to you or give you comfort, so I want you to have it." That's the spirit I hope you will adopt during the holiday season, Libra—as well as for all of 2023, which will be the year you could become a virtuoso gift-giver.

cosmic flow—and place yourself in closer and closer alignment with it.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Anne, a character in a book by L. M. Montgomery, says she prefers the word "dusk" over "twilight" because it sounds so "velvety and shadowy." She continues, "In daylight, I belong to the world . . . in the night to sleep and eternity. But in the dusk, I'm free from both and belong only to myself." According to my astrological assessment, you Aquarians will go through a dusk-like phase in the coming weeks— a time when you will belong solely to yourself and any other creature you choose to join you in your velvety, shadowy emancipation.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Leo-born Judith Love Cohen was an electrical engineer who worked on NASA's Apollo Space Program. She was also the mother of the famous actor Jack Black. When she was nine months pregnant with Jack, on the day she went into labor, she performed a heroic service. On their way to the moon, the three astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft had encountered a major systems failure. In the midst of her birth process, Judith Love Cohen carried out advanced troubleshooting that helped save their lives and bring their vehicle safely back to Earth. I don't expect you to achieve such a monumental feat in the coming days, Leo. But I suspect you will be extra intrepid and even epic in your efforts. And your ability to magically multitask will be at a peak.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): When you're at the height of your powers, you provide the people in your life with high-quality help and support. And I believe you could perform this role even stronger in 2023. Here are some of the best benefits you can offer—1. Assist your allies in extracting bright ideas from confusing mishmashes. 2. Help them cull fertile seeds from decaying dross. 3. As they wander through messy abysses, aid them in finding where the redemption is. 4. Cheer on their successes with wit and charm.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): In 1957, engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes invented three-dimensional plastic wallpaper. No one bought the stuff, though. A few years later, they rebranded it as Bubble Wrap and marketed it as material to protect packages during shipment. Success! Its new use has been popular ever since. I suspect you are in a phase comparable to the time between when their plastic wallpaper flopped and before they dreamed up Bubble Wrap. Have faith in the possibility of there being a Second Act, Scorpio. Be alert for new applications of possibilities that didn't quite make a splash the first time around.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I applaud your expansive curiosity. I admire your yearning to learn more and more about our mysterious world as you add to your understanding of how the game of life works. Your greed for interesting experiences is good greed! It is one of your most beautiful qualities. But now and then, there come times when you need to scale down your quest for fresh, raw truths and work on integrating what you have already absorbed. The coming weeks will be one of those times.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Better than most, you have a rich potential to attune yourself to the cyclical patterns of life. It's your birthright to become skilled at discerning natural rhythms at work in the human comedy. Even more fortunately, Capricorn, you can be deeply comforted by this awareness. Educated by it. Motivated by it. I hope that in 2023, you will develop your capacity to the next level. The cosmic flow will be on your side as you strive to feel the

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): My Piscean friend Venus told me, "We Pisceans feel everything very intensely, but alas, we do not possess the survival skills of a Scorpio or the enoughis-enough, self-protective mechanism of the Cancerians. We are the water sign most susceptible to being engulfed and flooded and overwhelmed." I think Venus is somewhat correct in her assessment. But I also believe you Fishes have a potent asset that you may not fully appreciate or call on enough. Your ability to tune into the very deepest levels of emotion potentially provides you with access to a divine power source beyond your personality. If you allow it to give you all of its gifts, it will keep you shielded and safe and supported.

If

news of the weird

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT RayLee Holladay and her husband, Bubba, live in Lascassas, Tennessee, where they raise cows. About six years ago, WKRN-TV reported, RayLee had been seeking a venture of her own to bring in money on the farm when she discovered Rent The Chicken, a business founded by Phil and Jenn Tompkins of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, RayLee's Rent The Chicken franchise is thriving. Customers can either rent egg-laying chickens for about six months, or hatching chicks, which can be returned about two weeks after they hatch. "It's great for teaching kids a little responsibility," RayLee said. "And this is a trial. It's not like getting a puppy for Christmas." Chickens can be rented by families or by schools, day cares and senior living facilities. If renters grow attached, they can adopt the fowl for an added fee. Since its beginning 10 years ago, Rent The Chicken has expanded into 24 states, the District of Columbia and into Canada.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL The Rockdale County (Georgia) Sheriff's Department posted a list of its top 10 most wanted fugitives on Facebook on Nov. 28, Fox News reported. One local criminal evidently felt left out, though: Christopher Spaulding, an area man with two warrants for his arrest, commented, "How about me?" The sheriff's department responded, "We are on the way" and on Dec. 1 arrested Spaulding. Later, they commented, "We appreciate you for your assistance in your capture!" Spaulding's warrants were for felony violation of probation.

QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENTS A 72-year-old woman was arrested on Nov. 29 in Berlin after she allegedly turned off her hospital roommate's ventilator—twice!—because the sound of it was annoying her, The Washington Post reported. After the first incident, police said, the woman was told the machine was necessary to keep the roommate alive, but she switched it off again later in the evening. The other patient had to be revived, although she is expected to recover. The suspect was charged with suspicion of attempted manslaughter.

•On Dec. 5, as Hassan Chokr, 35, appeared virtually from jail for a hearing in Wayne County, Michigan, he became frustrated with Judge Regina Thomas and started yelling and pointing at the camera, Fox News reported. Thomas asked for his microphone to be muted, and things escalated: "I want the record to reflect that ... now he has removed his pants to show the court his backside," Thomas said. "I don't know why anyone would think it is appropriate to pull down his pants and show the court their behind during a court proceeding." Chokr's attorney agreed with Thomas that a mental health evaluation "probably would be a good thing" and said Chokr was just exercising his right to free speech. Thomas wasn't buying it, though: "We don't get to do and say anything we want to without the consequences of those actions," she said. "That's where your client finds himself today."

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

MAKING A STATEMENT Mindy Janette Stephens, 46, was arrested on Dec. 1 and charged with illegal dumping after an incident that took place on Nov. 10 in Electra, Texas. According to KXAN-TV, Stephens, seen on security footage wearing a white hazmat suit and a yellow mask, deposited three 5-gallon buckets of human excrement at the front door of the Electra police department, then got in her SUV and drove away. Stephens told another media outlet that she had been renting an apartment to a man who had not paid rent or utilities for a year, and after she evicted him, she found the buckets of waste. "He'd been pooping in the buckets," she said. She said she called the police department to ask what she should do with them, but officers weren't helpful—so she took the buckets to the station. City wastewater officials removed them, and Stephens bonded out of jail.

HARSH An Olive Garden restaurant manager in Overland Park, Kansas, is out of a job after they sent a ranting message to team members about excessive time off, KCTV5 reported. "We are no longer tolerating ANY excuse for calling off. ... If your dog died, you need to bring him in and prove it to us. ... If you only want morning shifts, too bad, go work at a bank. ... Do you think I want to be here until midnight on Friday and Saturday? No. I'd much rather be at home with my husband and dog," the message said. An Olive Garden representative said the message was "not aligned with our company's values. We can confirm we have parted ways with this manager."

ANGER MANAGEMENT Mark Curtis Wells, 51, of Biloxi, Mississippi, and another golfer got into an altercation on Nov. 28 at Hollywood Casino, WXXV-TV reported. They had played earlier in the day at Bridges Golf Course, where the argument allegedly began, police said. When officers arrived at the casino parking lot, they found one of the men suffering a facial injury: His nose had been bitten off. Wells took off from the scene in a Tesla but turned himself in on Nov. 30 and was charged with mayhem. The nose was not found.

BAD BEHAVIOR Five-year Chicago police veteran Henry Capouch, 30, was arrested for battery and disorderly conduct on Dec. 5 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was vacationing, The Smoking Gun reported. According to officers, Capouch was discovered around 12:30 a.m. by an employee of Jimmy B's Beach Bar as he was "(urinating) on the ice in the machine." The worker told Capouch to stop, but instead he shoved both him and a security guard. Police said Capouch actively resisted and did not obey commands while being arrested. They said he showed an "indication of alcohol influence." {in}

LOST PENSACOLA

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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