We would like to thank everyone who attended the 2024 CivicCon Awards. Seeing so many people coming together to better our community is what CivicCon is all about.
LEARN ABOUT 2024 CIVICCON WINNERS AND THE LOCAL WORK THEY DO
EQUITY AWARD
• Walter Arrington
• Righting the Past
• Stamped Film Festival
BEST NEW ADDITION TO DOWNTOWN PENSACOLA
• Easy Going Records
• Bruce Beach Park
STRONG TOWNS AWARD
• Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
• Brownsville Masonic Lodge Renovation
VOLUNTEER AWARD
• Stephanie Shepard
• Chris Holzworth
• Brian Wilson
• Stephen Born
THE CIVICCON AWARD
• Connie Bookman
• Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida
winners & losers winners losers
TRAVIS JONES International Paper announced Jones was promoted to mill manager of its Pensacola Containerboard Mill in Cantonment. In his new position, Jones will assume overall responsibility for safety, people engagement, commercial and operational excellence and community stewardship at the Pensacola Mill. Most recently, Jones was the operations manager and maintenance and engineering manager at the Pensacola Mill. Jones joined International Paper in 2005 in global technology and has held various roles of increasing responsibility at the Pensacola and Rome, Ga. mills.
ED SPAINHOWER Escambia County named the human resources specialist its 2024 Employee of the Year. Spainhower is charged with maintaining employee records, facilitating training opportunities, overseeing all FMLA and ADA processes and educating county staff on human resources policies and procedures while ensuring compliance with employment laws and fostering positive relationships with employees. He has taken the initiative to assist with the implementation of policy changes, instruct a variety of training sessions for county staff, develop necessary standard operating procedures for the employee relations division and play an active role in prominent internal investigations.
REAL CHANGE PROJECT RECONNECT
Escambia County's Real Change Project Reconnect Program celebrated a milestone of helping 100 individuals reunite with their family, friends or other support networks through free transportation assistance. The new program was launched in February, with the goal of reducing homelessness in Escambia County and offering resources to those wanting to travel to locations where they have a better support system to help them get back on their feet. Joseph "J.J." Johns, Jr. was the 100th person to receive assistance through Project Reconnect to obtain a bus ticket to San Antonio, Texas. Real Change Project Reconnect is funded by Escambia County and facilitated by Ministry Village at Olive, Inc. Through the program, eligible individuals and families are provided with a bus or plane ticket to their chosen destination, provided they can demonstrate that family, a job or support network is in place.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
State Rep. Alex Andrade believes the committee may have violated Florida law when it asked the 10 Republican candidates for Congressman Matt Gaetz's seat to make a minimum donation of $1,000 to participate in a candidate forum. The candidates received an invitation stating the donation would be "gratefully accepted from each serious candidate to participate in the opportunity for voter engagement and earned publicity. State law states: "No person shall pay money or give anything of value for the privilege of speaking at a political meeting in the furtherance of his or her candidacy."
ESCAMBIA COUNTY COMMISSION
The newly formed commission reached an impasse in their late-night meeting Dec.12 regarding the development of OLF-8. Despite deliberating until after midnight, the commission failed to select a developer for the 540-acre Beulah property. Chair Mike Kohler and new commissioners Ashlee Hofberger and Steve Stroberger struggled to find common ground with veteran commissioners Lumon May and Steven Barry. The meeting began with promising potential, as three developers had submitted offers ranging from $30 million to $42.5 million for the property. However, as the clock struck midnight, the discussion deteriorated into a series of conflicting motions. The commission's inability to reach a decision raises concerns about future governance effectiveness.
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Disability Rights
Florida has sued the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), claiming the agency failed to fulfill its legal obligation to track and report data about Baker Act cases. The lawsuit seeks to compel DCF to collect data from mental health facilities about their use of the Baker Act, which permits involuntary detention and treatment of individuals with mental illness under specific conditions. The advocacy organization argues this information is essential for their role in monitoring psychiatric facilities. The lawsuit notes that Disability Rights Florida submitted a public records request on Oct. 4 for this data, but DCF did not provide the requested information.
Travis Jones / Photo Courtesy of International Paper Image by MariaLev / shutterstock.com
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
SAFEGUARD OUR BAYS
The recent passage of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Act represents more than environmental legislation; it mirrors successful conservation initiatives that have consistently demonstrated the economic wisdom of protecting vital waterways. Like the 1987 expansion of the National Estuary Program that safeguarded natural treasures such as Tampa Bay. This watershed moment for the Florida Panhandle builds on a proven model of environmental stewardship driving regional prosperity.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the legislation to federally designate the PPBEP, leveraging federal, state and local government funding to address water quality and resource challenges in our bays.
"I am grateful for the House's passage of my bill to designate the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program," said Rubio in a written statement. "The EPA's National Estuary Program has a successful track record of cooperative federalism across the nation, including with the four existing Florida programs. Enrolling the PPBEP into this program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays while enhancing economic activity in the Florida Panhandle."
Scott added, "The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act will take important steps in our fight to protect and conserve Florida's environment and natural resources. I am proud that our good bill was passed by the House of Representatives, unanimously passed by the Senate and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law—a major win for Florida's Panhandle."
Historical data from existing National Estuary Programs demonstrates the economic multiplier effect of protected waterways. In Tampa Bay, where similar protections were implemented decades ago, the recreational fishing industry alone generates more than $500 million annually. The commercial seafood sector supports thousands of jobs, while tourism centered on healthy coastal ecosystems contributes billions to the regional economy.
Federal protection arrives at a critical juncture for the Pensacola-Perdido watershed, which spans approximately 13,856 square miles across Florida and Alabama. These interconnected bays support more than 200 species of fish and shellfish and serve as essential nursery grounds for commercially valuable species. The region's $17 billion tourism
industry and robust maritime sector depend fundamentally on the health of these waters.
"This is an overdue recognition of the economic and environmental importance of Pensacola and Perdido Bays to Northwest Florida and our nation," said Dr. Wes Brooks, Florida's chief resilience officer. "The National Estuary Program designation will supplement current local and state investments that are already generating regional water quality improvements and enhancing the resilience of surrounding local communities."
We have not always been good stewards of our waterways. Pensacola's history as one of Florida's first industrialized cities has left a lasting mark. During the 1800s and early 1900s, extensive logging of hardwood trees occurred on tributaries entering the Pensacola Bay system. Sawdust covered Blackwater Bay and lower reaches of the Blackwater River and Pond Creek. Our area has been plagued by pervasive pollution from chemical mills and plants that leached toxins into the soil, creeks, bayous and bays for decades. The International Paper mill has struggled to meet emission standards for decades, causing problems in Eleven Mile Creek and Perdido Bay.
The creation of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) in 2018 was an important step in reversing the degradation of our waters. The program works to protect and restore these vital watersheds through active restoration projects, public education initiatives, and scien tific monitoring of ecosystem health. PPBEP and its partners have secured critical funding of $30+ million for priority environmental projects in the Pensacola-Perdido watershed system.
"Designation as a National Estuary Program is a generational investment in the restoration and conservation of our estuaries and watersheds," said Matt Posner, the PPBEP executive director. "Children growing up in Northwest Florida today enjoy much of the same quality of life their par ents and grandparents grew up with—access to fishing, swimming and exploring our area's beauti ful natural resources."
$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres New wetland survey April 2023! 3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger
The Act's passage reflects our understanding that strategic environmental investments consistently yield substantial returns for local communities. By joining the network of 28 existing National Estuary Programs, the Pensacola-Perdido system gains access to federal resources while maintaining local control and a balanced approach that has historically proven most effective in sustaining both natural resources and economic growth. {in} rick@inweekly.net
'CHAPPIE' JAMES MEMORIAL ON HOLD
the City of Pensacola has an expiration date.
Six months earlier, the Foundation announced that nationally renowned sculptor Ed Dwight, a former U.S. Air Force test pilot and the first Black astronaut candidate, had been selected to sculpt the statue memorializing General James at the bridge's landing. Fundraising began in the fall of 2021.
The Pensacola City Council voted in favor of allocating $150,000 to the Foundation's memorial fund in December 2021. Overall, the City has allocated $250,000 to the project, with the other $100,000 coming from local option sales tax funds. Wheeler said there is an unexpended balance of nearly $82,000.
In February 2022, then-Mayor Grover Robinson announced the memorial tribute would be relocated north of the bridge.
"There wasn't enough room on the waterside to be able to do this, so it is going to be on the north side right there by the visitor center," said the mayor. "When you come down the 17th
"We are going to step up to make it happen. They want it to be a tribute to Chappie James." Grover Robinson
The city council granted the Foundation exclusive rights to construct the plaza and associated installations on a portion of Wayside Park, but the stewardship agreement between the two sides automatically terminates June 30, 2025, "unless the Foundation has provided documentation in a form acceptable to the City evidencing the full funding required for construction of the Plaza and Associated Installations." The agreement further requires the Foundation to provide funding for at least three years of anticipated maintenance, repair and upkeep.
"That says, 'Hey, yeah, you can have it here, but you don't have 10 years to build it,'" Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. "I mean, there's some finite amount of time that you're going to have for us to consider it. But again, we're supportive of it and I think it's just a matter of getting it funded and whatever mechanism they plan on taking on to do that. We're at the ready
COUNTY RED TAPE
The Foundation is requesting that amount to raise enough money for the estimated $2-million plaza, with Escambia County tourism development tax revenue as the potential funding source.
"Certainly, if we get that grant, we'll be able to start construction almost immediately," said the retired U.S. Navy Capt. Butch Hansen, who serves as the Foundation treasurer.
Hansen said the Board of County Commission originally recommended the Foundation apply for $750,000 to the Tourism Development Council (TDC). Instead, the TDC decided to let the county commissioners vote on the proposal. Since then, the County Commission has twice sought an opinion from the Florida Office of the Attorney General on the legality of using TDC funds for the plaza.
The last inquiry by the County Commission failed to establish "the nature and potential ownership of the various elements that might
comprise the plaza and its various installations," said Teresa Mussetto, the senior assistant at-
In an August response to County Attorney Kristin Hual, Mussetto wrote, "The County's description of the proposed project is currently insufficient to undertake such an analysis. Based on the foregoing, we are unable to provide you with additional guidance or
Hansen said ownership is not in question. The stewardship agreement spells out that the City is the custodian of the plaza, and the Foundation acts as the steward, taking responsibility for all the installations. The Foundation purchased the flagpole and the loaned F-4 Phantom II jet has been restored at the National Naval Aviation Museum. James flew the F-4 Phantom II in the Vietnam War.
The only holdup for the plaza is the final funding piece. The Foundation plans to bring the measure before the county commissioners
"We haven't approached the county commissioners again, but we intend to do that soon now that the commission is set, and we'll ask them for a vote," Hansen said. "The attorney general didn't say they couldn't approve it. They have to decide in their own mind that it's tourism-related, and I think surely it is."
Hansen said the plaza is long overdue. The Foundation will continue to raise funds while waiting on a decision from the county commissioners. "If we don't get there, we can always scale the project somewhat," he said. "We're dedicated to it, and we'll get it done, and the community and the nation will be much better off."
A Pensacola native and Washington High School graduate, James served in the Air Force and made history in 1975 as the first Black officer to be promoted to a four-star general. His military career spanned four decades, beginning as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. He later served as a fighter pilot in the Korean and
An inspirational speaker, James delivered passionate speeches on patriotism that national and international publications published in their editorial sections. The University of West Florida and four other higher education institutions awarded James honorary Doctor of Law degrees.
Former President Ronald Reagan said, "He had four stars on his shoulder and 50 stars in his heart," during a dedication of the Tuskegee University's General Daniel "Chappie" James Center. James died of a heart attack within a month after retiring from the military. His childhood home, where his mother established a school for Black children, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the Chappie James Jr. Museum of Pensacola. In 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill renaming the Pensacola Bay Bridge as the General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Bridge.
To learn more about the Foundation, visit generalchappiejamesmemorial.org. {in}
Render Courtesy of Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation
struction of the Maritime Center of Excellence, home for American Magic. Warehouse 10 is currently being renovated, with structural improvements and new eastern wall foundations being added. The facility will include a new boat ramp and office spaces, marking a significant upgrade from their previous warehouse setup.
"If you're driving up and down Bayfront Parkway, you'll see the bones of the building that's coming together," Merritt said. "It's basically been stripped down to its main structural members, and they are painting and sanding and making some structural improvements. After the footers for the eastern wall are done and set and the steel is in place, they'll finish out the building shell. And so, it'll start to come together pretty quickly after the new year."
The team will officially arrive in early February with more than 50 containers of equipment, including two yachts and chase boats. Around 150 employees will eventually work at the facility, with staff beginning to arrive in late December and increasing through January. Even before the building's completion, the team plans to start fabrication work in a temporary space to meet existing contract obligations.
Merritt noted American Magic sailors are at the pinnacle of the sport. "They are really a great group to be around, great role models for the young. When you meet these sailors, it has a huge international flavor with all the languages spoken. Even the American Magic team will have international sailors. So it's pretty dramatic to bring the whole world to Pensacola and to see this location. And don't forget, they could have gone anywhere in the States but chose Pensacola and Pensacola Bay."
Foiling Week Pensacola 2025, the premier international foiling regatta and World Sailing Special Event, will take place in less than three months on Feb. 24- March 2 in Pensacola. Additionally, Pensacola will host two regattas featuring GL 52 class boats in 2024. The first competition will occur in late March, followed by another in mid-April, bringing high-level yacht racing to Pensacola Bay.
GO, JIMMY State Rep. Alex Andrade has endorsed Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis in the special
"I fully support Jimmy Patronis," Andrade said. "I think he's going to be a great congressman. He's very personable. He's got a depth and a breadth of knowledge that no one else in that race is going to have. He's got incredible relationships both in Florida and in D.C. He's got a deep understanding, obviously, of major systems that affect us."
He added that Patronis will become a resident of Escambia County. "When was the last time we've had Escambia County resident in CD 1?"
The state lawmaker said, "I've known Jimmy Patronis for seven years now. He's always really taken a really personal approach to public service. Shoot, we were at an event; someone passed out in the parking lot, and he was the first person to come running from the building with a wheelchair."
Patronis faces nine other candidates in the GOP primary, including former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino, soon-to-be former State Rep. Joel Rudman, and Aaron Dimmock, who Gaetz crushed in the GOP primary in August.
Rep. Andrade also discussed the new House Speaker Danny Perez and Rep. Susan Valdés' switch to the Republican Party.
The House Speaker sent this email to state lawmakers and the media Monday, Dec. 9: "I so rarely get to send a communication solely in my role as Republican Leader, but I am thrilled today to announce that Representative Susan Valdés has changed her voter registration from Democrat to Republican. We all know Susan as a fierce advocate for her community and a person of uncommon common sense. She will be a great asset to our Republican team."
"(Speaker Perez) has the courage of his convictions, and he stands by what he believes," Andrade said. "He's also a big tent guy. As of today, we have the largest Republican majority in the history of the Florida legislature at 86 Republicans. As of today, we have the largest Republican majority in the history of the Florida legislature at 86 Republicans. That's because Susan Valdés from Tampa has a relationship with Danny. She trusts him, likes him and respects him. And she just kind of gravitated toward what he stated he wanted to make the Florida House look like for the next two years."
He continued, "And so the best way to summarize is he's just got a way of making everybody want to be part of the team and a way of making everybody feel like they can contribute."
PRESSER NOTES Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves also endorsed Jimmy Patronis for Congress.
"I think that if anybody can appreciate what it takes to run for office, it's me," said Mayor Reeves at his weekly press conference. "I am a big supporter of Jimmy Patronis. I've known him for a while. He's a hospitality guy like I was, and I absolutely think he would do a great job for us. I'll be supporting Jimmy."
The mayor said he has been getting phone calls about rebuilding the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge. He noted it is a county-controlled project. The design plans have been submitted to the Army Corps, and permitting is expected by March. The project should go to bid in April, and construction will start this summer. It's expected to cost $20-plus million.
The city will delay any infrastructure work at Wayside Park until the bridge is completed. He added, "We continue to move forward from the boat launch north, the train trestle, the boardwalk on the north side of the graffiti bridge. Anything south, the city is putting a hold on because it's about to be closed to the public for most of 15-18 months."
WAVERLY DELAYED The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) granted a six-month extension to the developers of the proposed condo and apartment development on the former Escambia County School District property at the corner of Spring and Garden Streets.
On Feb. 6, 2023, Bearing Point Properties presented proposed plans for the Westmore apartments with 326 units and the Waverly with 54 condominium units. The development would also include a large-scale grocery retail space, two pocket parks and a multi-level structured parking facility with approximately 175 ungated parking spaces. The estimated investment is $45 million.
The developer requested to partner with the CRA to undertake streetscape improvements along Spring Street from Garden Street to Romana Street to accommodate delivery trucks to the grocery and improve sidewalks. The CRA adopted Resolution No. 2023-03 CRA authorizing a Master Redevelopment Agreement (MRA) with the City of Pensacola and the Developer, which provided for a redevelopment incentive of up to $1,482,278 toward the full cost of the streetscape improvements. The MRA requires the developer to construct the full mixed-use redevelopment project, except for the 54 condominium units to receive the redevelopment incentive.
On Dec. 9, the CRA agreed to extend the "Preconstruction Period" and the "Commencement" for six months, shifting the deadline from Dec. 31 to June 30, 2025.
BRAIN TUMORS Levin Papantonio (LP) has filed suit against Pfizer, Upjohn and related companies on behalf of Alicia Wilson from Upland,
Calif. The lawsuit alleges inadequate warnings about Depo-Provera's potential link to meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.
"Depo-Provera is most commonly prescribed as a contraceptive for birth control," said Chris Paulos, an LP attorney. "It was originally approved to help treat heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine cancers and things in the '50s and '60s, but slowly became used off-label, mostly as an injectable contraceptive. It's the only product that is used that is an injection, and it's administered every basically 90 days to prevent contraception."
Paulos touched on how Depo-Provera was tested and eventually received FDA approval.
"The first thing that Upjohn did was they took this synthetic hormone that they made, and they started using it in human populations in about 76 countries outside the United States that had less stringent safety standards or no FDA type entity in those countries at all," he said. "But when they first started testing this on humans, it was in the early '70s, and they had two investigational new drug programs going on here in the United States. One focused on the use of Depo-Provera with women to prevent pregnancy. And then the other was done at Johns Hopkins University involving men and the process of chemical castration."
Though the drug wasn't approved to be used as a contraceptive, doctors prescribed it to thousands of women. So many prescriptions were written that Congress held a hearing on the rampant use of Depo-Provera for an unapproved use, Paulos said.
By the time the FDA approved it as a contraceptive product in the early '90s, the attorney said, "At that point, there were so many people using it already for that purpose."
A large epidemiological study published last April examined tens of thousands of patients in France over multiple years. The researchers investigated the relationship between DepoProvera use and the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.
"They determined after adjusting for confounding variables and other potential causes that women who use Depo-Provera for any more than about two administrations are at an increased risk of developing a brain tumor called a meningioma," Paulos said. "And if you use Depo-Provera between three and five years, your chances of developing those types of brain tumors shoot up 500-fold."
With nearly 2 million U.S. women having used Depo-Provera, attorneys anticipate thousands of cases and file a petition to consolidate the lawsuits in multidistrict litigation. To learn more, visit levinlaw.com.
ECT YEAR 3 The largest expenditure of the Escambia Children's Trust has been for out-ofschool (OST) programs. With the third and final year of the agreements up for consideration, the staff met with all 16 providers, reviewed their metrics, and recommended 11 should be renewed for Year 3. The Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) met Tuesday, Dec. 10 to discuss the programs.
"I want to assure all of you that children are being served regardless of what you see in this report. There are children who are in need; they are children who are being fulfilled in these particular programs," said Lindsey Cannon, the executive director, when she presented the OST renewal report. "But we do have to look at this from a financial standpoint and the perspective of what was proposed versus what's being provided."
She noted the programs cover traditional after-school care, summer programs and camps, and specialty programs that work with children maybe once a week. "You're not going to see apples to apples in every single part of this. You're going to see apples to orange just to bananas. And that's OK for now. We will be looking at this very differently as we release an OST going forward for Year 4, which will have some metrics for everyone to achieve.
As reported in our Dec. 5 issue, Gulf Coast Freedom School canceled its contract so its board could regroup. Four other providers were tabled to give ECT staff more time to work with them: the City of Pensacola Parks & Recreation, Covenant Hospice, Pensacola Little Theatre and Pensacola MESS Hall.
"We spent a tremendous amount of time, specifically yesterday, as a team looking into proposals, reviewing the review committee videos to see what was said, what was changed, looking
at original budgets versus what those changes looked like, and any sort of change of scope that has happened or that we feel probably will need to happen if we move forward," Cannon said. "We really do want more time around those four."
The programs approved for Year 3 include the Boys and Girls Club, Children's Home Society, CMB Visions, Dixon School of Arts and Sciences, James B. Washington Education & Sports, Omega Lamplighters, Chain Reaction, Epps Christian Center, Pensacola Children's Chorus, SALT Ministry and YMCA of Northwest Florida.
WARRINGTON PREP Warrington
Preparatory Academy announced plans to expand to high school over the next four years. The goal is to provide unique educational options for students focusing on workforce development through digital design, entrepreneurship and academic achievement to help its graduates earn industry certifications and Bright Futures scholarships.
"What we realized this year is that our sixthgrade class was low. We had about 148 students. The previous year, last year we had 200," said Eddie Ruiz, the Charter Schools USA state superintendent. "We did some research early on and started asking what the high schools around here are offering. What are their academics? What are their career programs?"
Charter Schools USA knows that in Florida's school choice environment, where parents can enroll their children in any school, Warrington Prep must pursue other options.
"School choice is about providing unique options that parents can choose," Ruiz said. "And so in doing that, we could create a good outcome for students if we did have a high school. And so that's what I'm here to share. We plan to add ninth grade here next year, about 125 to 150 students."
He continued, "We currently have an eighthgrade class of 199. So what's going to be a little bit different is that ninth graders will not be zoned here. The ninth grade will be total choice. Parents will have to apply."
Ruiz noted smaller high school enrollments have advantages for students. "This is a small boutique kind of high school. Eventually when we're all said and done, there'll be about 500-600 ninth graders, which is different from your local high schools around here with 900,1200,1600 or 1800 kids."
Charter Schools USA has developed the WPA Program for the high school.
•W—Workforce Readiness: Students will learn about entrepreneurship and how to open a new business.
"Workforce is for students who really want
to take these hands-on approaches and be ready to have something if they don't want to eventually go to a four-year college afterward," Ruiz said. "The two roles are digital design and entrepreneurship."
•P—Prototyping: Students will earn digital certifications in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming simulation/design.
Ruiz said, "In ninth grade, all students will take information digital tech, digital information technology. That's the base course in ninth grade. And then they'll branch off in 10th grade to one of three tracks."
•A—Academia: Students will participate in Cambridge University's AICE courses, which will help them qualify for a Bright Futures Scholarship to earn as much as full tuition to a four-year university in Florida.
"None of the schools here in Escambia have AICE Cambridge," Ruiz said. "It's a three-year curriculum. You can start it in ninth grade, finish it in 11th or start it in 10th and finish it in 12th, but you have three years, and you have to take a whole bunch of courses and pass seven of them. If you pass seven of those courses with the minimum score, you will receive a full Bright Future Scholarship to any college you want."
To learn more about Warrington Prep, visit warringtonprep.org. {in}
WRAP IT UP
Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Gifting
Be honest—you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, have you? Or even if you have, most of what you ordered on Black Friday was actually for yourself, wasn't it?
It's alright, and trust us, you've come to the right place. Here at Inweekly, we don't think being a procrastinator means you have to give crappy gifts. Below are a few suggestions for shopping smart despite the time crunch. And we promise it's a quick read; we know you've got a lot to do over the next few days.
1. KEEP CALM
Good decisions are rarely made in panic mode. This applies to everything, especially shopping. So do yourself (and everyone on your gifting list) a favor and make a commitment to stay calm. One of the best ways you can do this is to avoid crowded big box stores, which brings us to No. 2.
2. STAY LOCAL
This one seems obvious to us, given that we work downtown and know how much good shopping can be found on Palafox Street alone. But here it is, just in case you're considering spending this precious last pre-holiday Saturday at the mall: don't. Not only does your chance of getting a unique gift that someone might like to go up when you shop small, but so does your customer service experience and overall happiness.
In addition to local stores, markets are some of our favorite places to shop, and this weekend has no shortage of those on the calendar. First up is Gallery Night on Friday, Dec. 20, then Palafox Market on Saturday morning. Both of these regular events are sure-fire ways to score some unique presents while supporting local makers and artisans. Lastly, The Burrow is hosting a holiday market Sunday, Dec. 22 in East Hill that will feature brunch and a Santa photo-op, in addition to a great lineup of local vendors.
3. ADD A LAYER
Just making a gift appear more thought-out can take it up a notch overall. So instead of giving a journal, for example, try a journal and a matching pen. Or a book with a cool bookmark tucked inside.
Even a gift card can become a home-run gift if you pair it with some merch. A few of our favorites for going this route are Maker's Cafe & Espresso Bar, Waterboyz Surf & Skate Shop and pretty much any of our local breweries.
4. PUT A BOW ON IT
On the same note, you should never underestimate the power of a good wrapping job. Taking the extra time to actually wrap your gift vs. shoving it in a bag goes a long way.
5. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Sometimes, the best thing to gift isn't a thing at all. Luckily for us procrastinators, it's easy to give the gift of an experience via tickets, passes or even annual memberships. Pensacola has several culture hubs, concert venues and two sports teams, so you can stick to tip No. 2 here, too.
BALLET PENSACOLA balletpensacola.org
PENSACOLA BAY CENTER pensacolabaycenter.com
PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS bluewahoos.com
PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS pensacolaiceflyers.com
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE pensacolalittletheatre.com
If you're an adult, you don't need an invitation to come to Pensacola MESS Hall; and if you do, let this article be it.
Nicole Dickson, the lead outreach educator, explained adults are often intimidated by the space, thinking it's exclusive to children or families. She couldn't disagree more.
"I feel very strongly that as an adult, you can come into the MESS Hall and spend two hours easily exploring our space—if you bring a sense of curiosity with you," Dickson said. "I think it's very important for adults, especially nowadays, to tap into that part of themselves—that part of questioning and curiosity and exploration, because we're so overwhelmed as people nowadays that it's very important we allow ourselves that space to just play and explore and question and get out of our heads and off of our screens."
With bright colors, Pensacola MESS Hall might look like it's meant for children, but it's always been for ages 3 and (much) older, added Sarabeth Gordon, the education director.
"We want more people to be science informed and understand the process of science, and what better way of understanding the process of science than to engage it in a playful level—lowers the stakes in some ways," Gordon said. "There is an element of play in learning,
and you can learn through play, and the adults need a little boost to do that."
The latest boost is Friday Night Lights, an adults-only science night and the first of many events geared toward adults at the hands-on science museum. The event series will feature the opportunity to explore the "Illuminate: Light" exhibit and play games and puzzles with friends.
"Nicole came up with the idea, 'Let's invite adults to come without kids,'" Gordon said. "We'll make it a lower price point, so that we can get adults to see the MESS Hall as a place where they can come."
The light exhibit sprung from MESS Hall's collaboration on St. Paul Catholic School's Glow Night. The school brought the art, and MESS Hall brought the science; other schools got involved, too.
up level, than just kids. Kids can engage with it and enjoy themselves, but adults can really understand it. Every once in a while, all of us get a little gobsmacked when we start playing with the Faraday cage and the radio that we have, because radio is light."
They presented the "Illuminate: Light" exhibit as part of 309 Punk Project's Night on the Tracks last month during Foo Foo Festival. The people who showed up despite the bad weather really liked it, Dickson said.
know how light works,'" Dickson said. "And so you are constantly discovering, through this immersive walk-through experience, the different ways we interact with light. It's cool. It's like mixing a science museum and a haunted house, in some ways."
And it is two hours; you don't have to come for 20 minutes and leave, Dickson said.
"There's the walkthrough, but then you come next door, and we've got out our puzzles and our games, and you can have a little game night with your friends," Dickson said.
The blacked-out museum exhibit is on display through Jan. 3 for full museum price for those who can't attend Friday Night Lights. Other adult social (and scholarly) events coming up include Extreme Precipitation—a workshop in which you step into a fictional town and make decisions as stakeholders—Singles Science Night, a Pi Day pie tasting and a guest speaker with an expertise on sleep and stress.
"The best way to think about the Singles Science Night is like speed science dating in a way," Dickson said. "So we'll have activities where people can work together and get to know each other through that immersive experience of doing an activity together."
As a lead outreach director with an acting and improv background, Dickson has a fun way of presenting the Mess Hall's events. Gordon thinks she's the perfect example of how someone can enjoy the Mess Hall without a sciencefirst perspective.
"You don't have to be a scientist and you don't have to be a super geek to enjoy the MESS Hall, because there is no better person to show one of our science things to than Nicole," Gordon said. "You tend to see the inside fascination come out in her as a curious, creative person, and her mind gets, not blown, but just expanded. And then she starts thinking, and then things start rolling. My background is totally in sciences, and watching Nicole see things is so much fun. In fact, sometimes we're like, 'Here Nicole, do this. See what happens.'" {in} art,
"Our executive director was the push behind, 'Why don't we do an entire exhibit on light?'" Gordon said. "Because that was the cool part about Glow Night is that we're using ultraviolet light to have things fluoresce and we thought, 'Oh, we have so many light activities. Let's make this wider and larger.' And a lot of the light activities that we have available that are open during Friday Night Lights really reach more of an adult level, or middle school and
"It's super cool," Dickson said. "But that's why I came up with Friday Night Lights, because I was so enamored with the experience, and just fell in love with it. If I like it, other people are gonna like it. I don't have a hard science background, but I was blown away by the light exhibit. It was so cool and I just want to share that experience with other people."
An example of what people will see—and one of their favorite displays—is basically a "really large sunglasses [lens] that's polarized." People can view cellophane tape through the lens.
"A lot of what you encounter in Friday Night Lights is unexpected, because everybody thinks they know how light works for the most part, and then you get in there and you're like, 'Oh no, no, no, never mind. I did not
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
WHAT: An event series for adults-only at Pensacola MESS Hall
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Fridays Dec. 20 and 27
WHERE: Pensacola MESS Hall, 418 E. Wright St.
COST: $7.50
DETAILS: pensacolamesshall.org
Photo by Elizabeth Linn Photography
HOLIDAY EVENTS
SAINT NICK'S PUBLIC HOUSE Visit Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St., in December for an immersive holiday experience with decorations and holiday-themed cocktails including Jack Frost Martini, Apple Pie Hot Toddy, Spiced Cranberry Paloma and more.
GRINCH VS. SANTA SCAVENGER HUNT
Through Dec. 31, you can go on a mission to save Christmas with holiday-themed challenges. Sign up for the self-guided scavenger hunt at amazingcitytours.com or visitpensacolatours.com.
SHELTER ANIMAL CHRISTMAS TOY
DRIVE Join Wolfgang Pensacola and local businesses in bringing joy to adoptable pets by dropping off treats, toys and supplies to be donated. Locations include Intermission, Perfect Plain, Pensacola Bay Brewery, Wisteria Tavern and Play Pensacola. For more information, visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
DECEMBER MEWVIE NIGHT Watch "Elf" and cuddle with adoptable cats 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Cost is $32 and includes complimentary popcorn, coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Details are at coastalcatpcola.com.
THE POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY
Watch "The Polar Express" on the Giant Screen Theater 2 p.m. every Sunday through Dec. 22 at National Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Each kid will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie. Tickets are $10 a person. Children 4 and younger are free admission. Visitors without a Department of Defense identification card must enter the base via the West Gate located off Blue Angel Parkway. Details are at facebook.com/navalaviationmuseum.
WINTERFEST TROLLEY TOURS Explore downtown Pensacola by trolley and enjoy
GALLERY NIGHT: UGLY SWEATER
Wear your "ugly" holiday sweater and head downtown for Gallery Night 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 on South Palafox St. Details are
KIDS GALLERY NIGHT HOLIDAY CLASS
Class is 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $40 and
BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS 'THE Ballet Pensacola's holiday tradition of "The Nutcracker" features five performances: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or
COUPLES COOK: A PUERTO RICAN
Class is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Unit C. Cost is $100 per couple. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com/classes-and-events.
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
holiday characters and stories through Dec. 24. Choose between Polar Express, Grinch's Merry Match or Christmas Tree Heist. Also, make sure to meet Santa and watch live performances starting 5 p.m. outside 223 S. Palafox St. For more information and to make reservations, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.
A CHRISTMAS STORY Watch this A Treehouse Theatre Production with showtimes 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday, Dec. 21 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and info are available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
OPERA AFTER DARK CHRISTMAS
CABARET Enjoy festive songs from Jonathan Beyer and Amanda Crider 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 E. Zaragoza St. Tickets are $40 and available at pensacolaopera.com.
HOLIDAY MOVIES AT LAGUNA'S Watch a holiday movie on the big screen outside of Laguna's, 460 Pensacola Beach Blvd. Movies are free to watch with concessions such as popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee and drink specials available for purchase. Movie showtimes are 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 with "The Grinch," noon Monday, Dec. 23 with "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2," and noon Tuesday, Dec. 24 with "The Polar Express."
CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS Enjoy live music in a multi-sensory environment with two performances at 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. Tickets and information are feverup.com.
WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
BALLET PENSACOLA PRE-SHOW BRUNCH AND DINNER EVENTS Ballet Pensacola will offer two pre-show opportunities for "The Nutcracker" performances. On Saturday, Dec. 21, you can enjoy Land of the Sweets festive brunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and Solstice Soirée 5-6:30 p.m., which includes a sushi spread and champagne tower. Both events are at The Loft at the Mercantile, 2 Intendencia St.
CHRISTMAS COOKIE WORKSHOP Kids cooking event for ages 6-12 is 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 21 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
WINTER SOLSTICE SOIRÉE Join Craft Bakery for a solstice-themed event 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Tickets are $45 and will include a drink upon arrival, charcuterie, a 10-inch wire wreath with greenery and assorted decorating items, plus a rosé and macaron toast at the end of the evening. For more details, visit craftgourmetbakery.com.
ORNAMENT MAKING AT COASTAL CAT
CAFÉ Enjoy making an ornament and meet adoptable felines 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St. Details are at coastalcatpcola.com.
WATERBOYZ CHRISTMAS PARTY Stop by Waterboyz at 380 N. Ninth Ave., for live music, beer and more to support The Campfire Fund supporting men's mental health. Starting at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Details are at facebook. com/waterboyzsurfandskate.
HOLIDAY RAMBLE AT ODD COLONY
A holiday event at Odd Colony is 5-10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 at 260 N. Palafox St. It will feature desserts from Craft Bakery, holiday vinyl spinning from Revolver Records and Smash Burger Pop Up. Details are at facebook.com/ oddcolony.
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
CLUB 90S PRESENTS: PINK PONY CLUB Event is 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $15 and available at vinylmusichall.com.
WINTER WAX VINYL AND ART FAIR
Event is noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch others perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scrip -
Photos Courtesy of Ballet Pensacola / By Edward A. McGrath
a&e happenings
teasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
TROLLEY BAR TOUR Five Flags Trolley Co. hosts this hop-on/hop-off tour of the favorite bars in downtown Pensacola. Dates are through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, visit pensacolawinterfest.org/pub-and-party-trolley-indowntown-pensacola.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern. com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT
Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub. com for details.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
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a&e happenings
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9-11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub. com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge. com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 9-11 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE
O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER
HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
LIVE MUSIC
THE PURPLE MADNESS PRINCE TRIBUTE
Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20-$25 and available at vinylmusichall.com
GASOLINA: REGGAETON PARTY Show is 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at vinylmusichall.com
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS Enjoy live music at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Glen Parker Band plays 6-10 p.m. Saturdays and Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. Charlie and the Hammerheads will perform 6-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD
COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook. com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE
QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6
p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke is 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS
Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
a&e happenings
KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook. com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour
Clean Ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On Saturday, Dec. 21, the sites include Bayfront Parkway and Veterans Memorial Park. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.
PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Games are at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and information are at pensacolabaycenter.com.
Upcoming dates:
•7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
•7:05 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26
•7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
PUBLIC ICE SKATE Tickets are $15 for adults and kids with skate rental or $12 for adults and kids with their own skates. Season passes and private sessions are also available. Skate sessions are located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Upcoming dates:
•9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
•2, 3:30, 4, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22
•2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23
•9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26
•2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
•9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
•2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
•2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30
•2, 3:30, 5, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.
TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA Take in a slow flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30
p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.
KID-FRIENDLY
BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMING ARTS CLUB For ages 8-18, this club is an opportunity for all aspiring actors, dancers, singers, rappers and musicians. The club meets 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. For more information, contact Leroy Williams at 426-1156 or email lewilliams@myescambia.com.
LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA'S SNAP PROGRAM The SNAP program is a free and fun community program to help parents and children deal with issues like emotional regulation and problem solving. The program is proven to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and give them skills for successful communication and actions. The program teaches parenting skills for adults and teaches children ages 6-11 important issues, such as emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and selfcontrol. Meetings are once a week for 13 weeks. There is no cost, and dinner is served at each meeting. Sibling care and transportation is available if needed at no cost. Call or text 3753646 to get started.
BEANSTACK: 1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN Enjoy reading 1,000 books with your little ones through West Florida Public Libraries. Log reading and earn badges along the way while bonding with your child and inspiring literacy. For every 100 books, you can claim a prize at the library. Register for the challenge on the West Florida Public Libraries' Beanstack, either on the mobile app or at mywfpl.beanstack.org.
free will astrology
WEEK OF DECEMBER 19
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): If you worked eight hours per day, seven days a week, it would take you 300 years to count to the number one billion. I don't recommend you try that. I also discourage you from pursuing any other trivial tasks that have zero power to advance your long-term dreams. In a similar spirit, I will ask you to phase out minor longings that distract you from your major longings. Please, Aries, I also beg you to shed frivolous obsessions that waste energy you should instead devote to passionate fascinations. The counsel I'm offering here is always applicable, of course, but you especially need to heed it in the coming months.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In 1951, minister and author Norman Vincent Peale was working on a new book. As he wrote, he would regularly read passages to his wife Ruth. She liked it a lot, but he was far less confident in its worth. After a while, he got so discouraged, he threw the manuscript in the trash. Unbeknownst to him, Ruth retrieved it and stealthily showed it to her husband's publisher, who loved it. The book went on to sell 5 million copies. Its title: "The Power of Positive Thinking." I hope that in 2025, you will benefit from at least one equivalent to Ruth in your life, Taurus. Two or three would be even better. You need big boosters and fervent supporters. If you don't have any, go round them up.
You need big boosters and fervent supporters. If you don't have any, go round them up.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): I love how colorfully the creek next to my house expresses itself. As high tide approaches, it flows south. When low tide is on its way, it flows north. The variety of its colors is infinite, with every shade and blend of green, grey, blue and brown. It's never the same shape. Its curves and width are constantly shifting. Among the birds that enhance its beauty are mallards, sandpipers, herons, grebes, egrets and cormorants. This
By Rob Brezsny
magnificent body of water has been a fascinating and delightful teacher for me. One of my wishes for you in 2025, Gemini, is that you will commune regularly with equally inspiring phenomena. I also predict you will do just that. Extra beauty should be on your agenda!
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Just 81 billionaires have commandeered half of the world's wealth. Even worse, those greedy hoarders are usually taxed the least. That's hard to believe! How is it even possible that such a travesty has come to pass? I also wonder if many of us nonbillionaires have milder versions of these proclivities. Are there a few parts of me that get most of the goodies that my life provides, while other parts of me get scant attention and nourishment? The answer is yes. For example, the part of me that loves to be a creative artist receives much of my enthusiasm, while the part of me that enjoys socializing gets little juice. How about you, Cancerian? I suggest you explore this theme in the coming weeks and months. Take steps to achieve greater parity between the parts of you that get all they need and the parts of you that don't.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Anthropologist Robin Dunbar theorizes that most of us have limits to our social connections. Typically, our closest circle includes five loved ones. We may also have 15 good friends, 50 fond allies, 150 meaningful contacts and 1500 people we know. If you are interested in expanding any of these spheres, Leo, the coming months will be an excellent time to do so. In addition, or as an alternative, you might also choose to focus on deepening the relationships you have with existing companions and confederates.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was the best-selling novel of the 19th century. It was written by a Virgo, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Her story about the enslavement of African Americans in the U.S. was not only popular. It awakened many people to the intimate horrors of the calamity—and ultimately played a key role in energizing the abolitionist movement. I believe you are potentially capable of achieving your own version of that dual success in the coming months. You could generate accomplishments personally gratifying even as they perform a good service for the world.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will be teased with an abundance of invitations to grow in 2025. You will be encouraged to add to your current skills and expertise. You will be nudged to expand your understanding of what exactly you are doing here on planet Earth. That's not all, Libra! You will be pushed to dissolve shrunken expectations, transcend limitations and learn many new lessons. Here's my question: Will you respond with full heart and open mind to all these possibilities? Or will you sometimes neglect and avoid them? I dare you to embrace every challenge that interests you.
I dare you to embrace every challenge that interests you.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Scorpioborn Rudolf Karel was a 20th-century Czech composer who created 17 major works, including symphonies and operas. His work was interrupted when Nazi Germany invaded and occupied his homeland. He joined the Czech resistance, but was eventually arrested and confined to Pankrác Prison. There he managed to compose a fairy-tale opera, "Three Hairs of the Wise Old Man." No musical instruments were available in jail, of course, so he worked entirely in his imagination and wrote down the score using toilet paper and charcoal. I firmly believe you will not be incarcerated like Karel in the coming months, Scorpio. But you may have to be extra resourceful and resilient as you find ways to carry out your best work. I have faith you can do it!
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): What is the perfect gift I could offer you this holiday season? I have decided on a large square black box with nothing inside. There would be a gold ribbon around it bearing the words, "The Fruitful Treasure of Pregnant Emptiness." With this mysterious blessing, I would be fondly urging you to purge your soul of expectations and assumptions as you cruise into 2025. I would be giving you the message, "May you nurture a freewheeling voracity for novel adventures and fresh experiences."
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): One of my paramount wishes for you in 2025 is this: You will deepen your devotion to taking good care of yourself. You will study and learn more about the sweet secrets to keeping yourself in prime mental and physical health. I'm not suggesting you have been remiss about this sacred work in the past. But I am saying this will be a favorable time to boost your knowledge to new heights about what precisely keeps your body and emotions in top shape. The creative repertoire of self-care that you cultivate in the coming months will serve you well for the rest of your long life.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): To fulfill your life mission, to do what you came here to Earth to do, you must carry out many tasks. One of the most important is to offer your love with hearty ingenuity. What are the best ways to do that? Where should you direct your generous care and compassion? And which recipients of your blessings are likely to reciprocate in ways that are meaningful to you? While Jupiter is cruising through Gemini, as it is now and until June 2025, life will send you rich and useful answers to these questions. Be alert!
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Mysteries of the past will be extra responsive to your investigations in 2025. Persistent riddles from your life's earlier years may be solvable. I encourage you to be aggressive in collecting previously inaccessible legacies. Track down missing heirlooms and family secrets. Just assume that ancestors and dead relatives have more to offer you than ever before. If you have been curious about your genealogy, the coming months will be a good time to explore it. I wish you happy hunting as you search for the blessings of yesteryear—and figure out how use them in the present.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Get yourself a holiday gift that's beyond what you imagine you deserve. {in}
AWESOME! A Laysan albatross named Wisdom, who lives at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, laid what experts believe to be her 60th egg recently, her first in four years. Wisdom is 74 years old, the Associated Press reported on Dec. 6. Laysan albatrosses mate for life; Wisdom's mate, Akeakamai, has not been seen for several years, and Wisdom started stepping out with another male. "We are optimistic that the egg will hatch," said Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge. Eggs typically incubate for about two months.
FAKE SANTA Visitors at the Great Hall in Winchester, Hampshire, England, are demanding refunds after the quality of the Santa stand-in was not up to their expectations, the Guardian reported on Dec. 10. Comments included that he had a "blatantly fake beard" and "cheap red suit" and called the whole experience a "shambles." "He wasn't very talkative at all—he didn't seem very jovial. It ruined the experience," said dad Matthew Fernandez, 38, who brought his three children. His children were "in tears regarding the situation and said they knew he was a fake." The Hampshire Cultural Trust said this year's experience is different from last year's and they would offer refunds to customers who had not visited yet.
SIGN OF THE TIMES An unnamed woman in Chongqing, China, landed the grand prize of $1,380 after she managed to avoid using her mobile phone for ... one hour, MSN reported on Dec. 3. A local business organized the "public welfare challenge" aimed to spotlight the issue of smartphone addiction. The winning participant showed up in her jammies and had to lie perfectly still, without benefit of distractions like books or movies. Out of 10 contestants, she was the only one who prevailed.
EYES ALL OVER Ever feel like you're being watched? Someone in Bend, Oregon, has been putting googly eyes on public artwork in local roundabouts, reported the Sacramento Bee on Dec. 8. At least eight statues and sculptures have been "enhanced" so far, and city officials are none too pleased. "While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art," read a Dec. 4 post on the city's Instagram page. It seems the adhesive used by the googly bandit can damage the artwork; the city claims to have spent $1,500 on repairs so far. However, the comments on the city's post were decidedly pro-whimsy: "These googly eyes give me the hope to move forward each day," read one. Others included: "Let us have some fun," "Googly eyes keep my mental health in a good place," and the hard-to-arguewith "LONG LIVE GOOGLY EYES!"
THAT'S COMMITMENT And you thought your commute was tough. International student Guangli Xu, 28, currently in his final semester at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, went viral in early December after posting a
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
video on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) documenting his weekly commute. That is, his weekly 5,468-mile commute. Xu told SBS Mandarin that the trip from his hometown of Dezhou in China's Shandong province to Melbourne and back—a journey he made 11 times between August and October—costs about $1,500, which ends up being comparable to what his cost of living would be if he stayed in Melbourne full-time. "But I think the money is better spent
CLAUS CANCELED? The debate about a War on Christmas may be something of an annual tradition in American news media, but a recent letter from Vitaly Borodin, head of Russia's Federal Project on Security and Combating Corruption, names Santa Claus himself as the key figure in an international Christmas conflict. According to Newsweek, Borodin's letter to Russia's Prosecutor General, first reported by the Russian news outlet Meduza, calls St. Nick a "foreign agent" and expresses concern that the jolly old elf is replacing Father Frost (also known as Ded Moroz), the country's traditional Christmas figure. Borodin has at least one notable supporter in Mikhail Ivanov, deputy of the Bryansk regional parliament, who told the Russian outlet Life, "Santa Claus has become not so much a symbol of Christmas as a symbol of commerce and mass production." Ivanov has called for Santa merchandise to be replaced with that of Ded Moroz all over Russia. Someone's getting coal for Christmas.
BAD HABIT A mafia investigation in Italy recently yielded 24 arrests, but one suspect stands out among the rest: Sister Anna Donelli. The BBC reported on Dec. 4 that a sting operation by the Italian police caught the nun using her position as a volunteer at a prison, which gave her "free access to the penitentiary facilities," to relay messages and info between the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia and its incarcerated members. Donelli will surely have company as she awaits trial; the police operation, which involves hundreds of officers, is ongoing across northern Italy.
ISSSS THAT YOU SSSSNORING? Here's some news to help you replenish your stock of nightmare fuel. The Indian Express reported that a man in Stellenbosch, South Africa, found a surprise under his bedroom pillow when he returned home in late November: a live cape cobra. The man immediately called Stellenbosch Snake Removals, who posted a video clip on Nov. 24 on Facebook of the removal by expert snake wrangler Emile Rossouw. The company called the highly venomous snake "by far our most dangerous cobra," and said "with the Black Mamba it accounts for the majority of fatal snake bites in South Africa." Sleep tight. {in}
