Inweekly Dec. 7 2023 Issue

F O T F I THE G K C A B G GIVIN

Independent News | December 7, 2023 | Volume 24 | Number 48

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winners & losers

outtakes

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news

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6, 7

I don't hold that against the fine people of Pensacola.

buzz

a&e

feature

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13

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publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Joshua Encinias, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, 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. © 2023 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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December 7, 2023

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winners & losers

Frank & Dale Silver / Photo Courtesy of UWF

George Santos / Photo by Philip Yabut / shutterstock.com

winners

losers

FRANK & DALE SILVER The University of

West Florida Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering recently received a $100,000 gift from the late Dr. Frank Silver to establish the Dr. Frank and Dale Silver Distinguished Chemistry Endowment. The endowment will provide operational and scholarship support to students in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Silver was a longtime supporter of the college, helping with the costs of students' travel to conferences, research supplies and seminar attendance until his passing Nov. 15.

CEDRIC BASCOM & SCOTTY ATKINS Minor League Baseball named the Pensacola Blue Wahoos' Scotty Atkins as the Southern League Head Groundskeeper of the Year and Cedric Bascom with the league's Visiting Clubhouse Attendant of the Year. Atkins joined the team before the 2023 season after previous field operations roles with the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the University of Richmond. In his first year as head groundskeeper, he led a crew that achieved high marks from both home and visiting clubs. This marks the sixth time a Blue Wahoos employee has been honored as Southern League Groundskeeper of the Year. Bascom, in his ninth season as visiting clubhouse manager at Blue Wahoos Stadium, maintained high satisfaction scores from visiting Southern League Clubs.

KATHY ROSS The United States Tennis Asso-

ciation named Ross its USTA Florida November Volunteer of the Month, calling her "a massive asset to Escambia County, helping grassroots tennis thrive across multiple age levels." Ross began volunteering around seven years ago after playing on a USTA Florida Adult League team and realizing she wanted to be the one organizing it. She also volunteers for USTA Florida's Love to Learn and Love to Play beginner programs, Love Serving Autism and the Special Olympics.

TOM OWENS Truist Bank has appointed the

perennial Inweekly Power List leader to market president for Alabama and Northwest Florida.

Bobby Behr will replace Owens as Truist's marketing president for Pensacola. A Pensacola native, Behr has been on Truist's Pensacola commercial team for 15 years.

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GEORGE SANTOS On Friday, Dec. 1, the Republican congressman from New York was expelled by his fellow lawmakers by a 311-114 vote, which was above the two-thirds majority required to oust one of its own. The freshman lawmaker served less than half of his term after facing revelations of lies about his past. In October, Santos was indicted for wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, aggravated identity theft, obstruction and making false statements to Congress. He became only the sixth House member to be expelled and the first kicked out without having fought for the Confederacy or being convicted of a crime.

CHRISTIAN ZIEGLER Gov. Ron DeSantis

and the Florida Democratic Party agree that Ziegler, the chair of the Florida Republican Party, should resign after reports of Sarasota police investing him for alleged sexual battery. Ziegler is married to Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, whom DeSantis appointed to the board that oversees Disney World. The couple worked for the governor's re-election. Ziegler's attorney expects no charges to be filed against his client.

FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION The Florida Supreme Court unani-

mously ruled that Marsy's Law, a 2018 constitutional amendment designed to protect crime victims' rights, "does not explicitly" protect the identities of police officers or other people.

The case involved a dispute about releasing the names of Tallahassee police officers involved in use-of-force incidents in which they were threatened. The Florida Police Benevolent Association represented the officers. Among the rights for crime victims that Marsy's Law put into the Constitution was the right to "prevent the disclosure of information of records that could be used to locate or harass the victim or the victim's family, or which could disclose confidential or privileged information of the victim." The 27-page decision, authored by Justice John Couriel, found those rights do not include concealment of a victim's name upon request. He interpreted Marsy's law to shield only information that could be used to locate or harass a victim. inweekly.net

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outtakes

By Rick Outzen

NO MULLIGANS I've called the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) out-of-school time (OST) grant program a dumpster fire. After attending the program committee's workshop last week, I realized it's more what political pundit Rick Wilson called Hillary Clinton's campaign "a clown car crashing into a dumpster fire."

The supporters of creating ECT promised that organizations receiving funds, which are taxpayers' dollars, would be held accountable and outcomes would be measured. That isn't happening.

At the workshop, I saw leaders of the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) and Urban Development make emotional arguments to keep funding while misstating facts (see "A Reckoning is Coming"). I've reviewed other ECT documents and worry these two embattled programs aren't the only ones stretching the truth about their attendance, programming and performance.

Although many of the OST contracts have metrics for improvements in school attendance, English Language Arts and mathematics, none of the providers have provided last year's grades and compared them with the kids' first report cards. ECT staff is working on an agreement with the school district to collect attendance and grades on all students in the 19 programs.

Heck, CTC had no objective measurements for its Kids with a Cause. For some reason, the ECT staff gave them a contract that measured outcomes based on surveys completed by parents and faculty. Per the contract, the academic outcomes were 23 unnamed literary skills, improved homework completion and engagement in learning. CTC turned in the surveys last but provided objective data.

Though all 19 contracts had data collection requirements, ECT has had trouble collecting data on time. Central Gulf Coast CDF Freedom Schools agreed to use $215,045 for a "six hours high-quality summer enrichment program" for 150 at-risk elementary and middle school students. The program only served 104 children, charged ECT $104,413, and didn't submit its results or the demographics of attendees.

Some of the attendance records are suspicious. For example, UDC shows 40 participants

for 36 consecutive weekdays and 35 for another 17 straight days. ECT board members have also questioned whether other providers have included the children they served last year in their attendance.

Many of these nonprofits have never been held accountable. They have received donations from benefactors and gifts from foundations without reporting their outcomes. They share dozens of photos on social media and pat themselves on the back, but they rarely provide concrete evidence of their impacts. And their boards of directors and most of the community have let them get away with it—not for years, but decades.

UDC committed to having 250 participants. Its co-founder John Rigsby last week said he wanted to lower its grade requirement to kindergarten and focus on children living in Century because the transportation was "cost prohibitive." While reducing its service area might save dollars, Century only has 332 children in the 5-17 age group. For UDC to attract 250 kids annually, it must capture nearly 75% of all the town's children. That will never happen. Their average daily attendance for Nov. 1-15 was nine.

The families in Century and District 5 have decided YouthFirst Century isn't needed. Nearby Bratt Elementary has earned two A's and three B's since 2015. It has a robust after-school program run by the school district. Northview High has some of the best career academies in the county. Kids aren't participating because they can get UDC services elsewhere.

And that is the case for several providers.

Their intentions may have been noble, but the average daily attendance shows few attend regularly. Some have said we need to consider the first year of OST grants as part of the learning curve for ECT staff and providers. A $5 million learning curve is too expensive for a mulligan.

A grand jury is needed to review all expenditures and make recommendations for improvement. I'm not saying crimes have been committed, but an independent, nonpartisan investigation needs to be done to rebuild public trust. Until then, ECT needs only to fund those that have fully met the requirements in their contracts. {in} rick@inweekly.net

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Many of these nonprofits have never been held accountable.

December 7, 2023

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A RECKONING IS COMING of getting as much positive impact on the lives of children as we can," Northup said. "And I hope and think that's what we are all here to do."

Only two of the five troubled providers spoke at the workshop.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY

By Rick Outzen The moment of reckoning nears for the 19 providers that signed contracts with the Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) last spring for out-of-school time (OST) programs for Escambia County's underserved children—at stake $5.3 million. Some may not be renewed for a second year, and a few may have their contracts canceled immediately when the ECT board meets Tuesday, Dec. 12.

The public received a taste of the performance issues when the ECT program held a workshop the last week of November to discuss its contracts with Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools (first-year grant: $215,045), Chain Reaction ($195,580), Children's Theater Company ($196,189), Urban Development Center ($397,556) and Valerie's House ($105,215).

During the workshop, ECT board member Dr. Rex Northup pointed out the board's responsibility to the taxpayers.

"If that is taking place, then things are good," said Dr. Northup. "And if it is not, we have an obligation and responsibility to the taxpayers of Escambia County to say that we either have to make some significant revisions, or we need to say that I'm sorry this is not going to work."

In 2020, Escambia County voters approved an independent special district that a half-mil property tax would fund for 10 years. According to the ordinance granting ECT the authority to levy the tax, the tax dollars fund additional early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health and well-being services, including after-school and summer enrichment programs. For 2023-2024, ECT has budgeted to receive $11.4 million from the ad valorem tax.

"We are up here sitting in a bit of a hot seat, very privileged to do so, but nonetheless, looking after taxpayers' dollars and with the intent 66

Children's Theatre Company (CTC), a New York-based theater company, has worked to develop a Pensacola chapter for the past two years. Its contract called for a weekly summer residency and a twiceweekly fall-winter theater residency for 200 of "Escambia County's most underserved K-12 children from three Title 1 schools" under its "Kids with a Cause" program.

The summer residency would run from June 3-July 22, with a performance July 22, and the fall residency would run from Oct. 14-Feb. 10, 2024, and would end with two performances.

CTC didn't start its program until July 19. According to its attendance records, the residency ran 10 days in July with an average attendance of 55 kids. In August, CTC met with children for six days, averaging 70 participants. The program met for three days the following month, averaging 83 kids. CTC put on a performance on Sept.

23 and canceled the fall residency.

ECT staff expressed concern that CTC's participation fell far below its contracted 200 kids. Of the more than 7,000 staff hours reported for the program, only 80 hours were for direct services to children. CTC exhausted its entire budget, $196,189, in five months.

At the program committee's workshop, CTC's Executive Director Mehr Mansuri and Equity and Community Engagement Director Eric Dozier tried to explain why they overspent their budget, failed to meet their attendance goal and ended their program early. They blamed Dixon School of Arts & Science for not letting them use the school.

Dozier said CTC had invested $200,000 in the community, and Mansuri noted the loss of the partnership with Dixon "devastated every single investment we made in this community for two years."

After signing the ECT contract in March, Mansuri was shocked. She said, "Yes, we failed getting 200 kids, but do you all know what happens in May in Pensacola? I didn't. Turns out the school shut down. Every school we called said, 'Sorry, we're out, we're gone, we're gone.'"

She identified two "extenuating circumstances"—the time of the award and the loss of the Dixon partnership. According to ECT

records, the board awarded the OST funds on Feb. 14, and Dozier and Mansuri signed the ECT contract on March 13, three months before the first scheduled session.

Mansuri said. "By that time, we had new staff. Because we couldn't use the Dixon staff, couldn't use the Dixon kids, couldn't use the Dixon facility, couldn't use the Dixon bus, every single logistic had to be rethought."

She added, "Teaching three-act musicals is not easy to do in 11 camp days; we increased it to 20, then increased it to 30. We are guilty of increasing and over-delivering on the number of days of our service. And yes, we exhausted those funds because we were essentially a startup from scratch."

Attendance records show ECT only met children on 19 days, and one of those days was for the performances. ECT board members questioned why CTC didn't provide the 35 onsite sessions in the contract.

"We projected 20 sessions based on the idea of returning students who knew our musicals," Mansuri said. "When we saw 93 new faces who didn't know how to say their names, we had to extend and add on sessions. So, we added on double days, morning and afternoon sessions.

We added to the 20 another 14 sessions, and we did so by adding days and adding double doses."

Later in the meeting, Dixon school officials spoke during the open forum. They said CTC should not have been surprised by Dixon's grant ($260,000) because Dozier sat on their board when they discussed the proposal in September 2022. He even voted for the Dixon grant proposal and understood the CTC would be separated from Dixon. The officials downplayed the school's relationship with the theater company.

"Our relationship (with CTC) was very minimal to start, and they presented six weeks on six Saturdays. It was meant to be in the summer. It turned out to be in the fall of 2022," Dixon Principal Kevin Kovacs said. "We had said we're starting our own program, and so we are certainly doing the ECT process on our own, and it was very, very clear to them from the very start they were welcome to continue to use students that had worked with them, but just not our location."

The principal continued, "So what they had said of us repeatedly was certainly an exaggeration or blatant lies."

URBAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Urban Development Center's founders, Dr. Jessica Griffen and John Rigsby, fought to keep its ECT contract for YouthFirst Century, a workforce development program for youth 11-18 in north Escambia County.

Since signing the ECT contract on March 3, UDC has spent $188,047 and only attracted an average of 28 middle and high school youth daily to its after-school program. Griffen and Rigsby asked to lower the age limit to 5.

Century Mayor Luis Gomez, Jr. defended the program, calling it the only after-school program for children in his town.

"Now it seems that some protocol has not

been followed, or whatever the case may be," the mayor said. "And I just want to advocate for the Town of Century because I saw a lot of articles written here at length that I don't think they understand the demographics in Century.

It doesn't represent what the program actually brings to the Town of Century."

Gomez continued, "If you take this program away from Century, you're not taking away one of the programs in the city. You're taking away the only program in the Century."

Last January, the Century Town Council unanimously passed Gomez's motion to loan UDC $61,925 for computers while the nonprofit waited to receive its ECT grant. According to council meetings, UDC was to reimburse the town when ECT provided funding. That didn't happen.

According to ECT records, UDC paid Hixardt Technologies, Inc. $34,723 for 20 desktop computers and two laptops in March. Century's town clerk told Inweekly that UDC had made one payment on the loan, and the balance is due this month. While NorthEscambia.com reported the payment was "at least $20,000," the town clerk provided no public records to document the reimbursement or balance due.

At the ECT workshop, Griffen and Rigsby blamed their failure to attract middle and high school students on youth sports and people seeing the program for Blacks only.

"We initially had planned to go to the schools, pick up children and bring them directly to the program," Rigsby said. "We found that to be cost-prohibitive from the start … This is one of the reasons why we focused primarily on the children who were directly in Century."

Former ECT grant committee chair Tori Woods felt changing the scope of the contract would set a bad precedent.

"My only concern is what you're asking for is outside of what the contract is," Woods said.

"That's a whole other program … If we allow somebody to change the scope of the grant, then I feel like those people that missed the deadline would feel slighted because they don't have a chance to apply now."

Rigsby said, "We do not intend ever to change our objectives for 11- 18. We want to expand. We want to still meet our numbers from 11-18. What we want to do is be able to include the children and not be excluded from any resources."

The program committee didn't vote on any renewals and asked staff to bring recommendations to the Dec. 12 board meeting, which could be eventful.

"It's ironic that I have the opportunity sitting as the interim superintendent to sit on this children's trust and know the impact that many of these organizations can have on the students in our school district and the positive impact that they have," said board member Keith Leonard.

"But I also need to tell you that it's disappointing when I see 11 participants, 30 participants, and yet we're expending $30,000 a month. So, I will think long and hard prior to our next board meeting on where I will cast my vote, and I'm just one." {in} inweekly.net

A MAN OF IMPECCABLE CHARACTER

Judge Roger Vinson / Photo Courtesy of ESRBA

By Tom St. Myer Described by his former colleagues as studious, professional and exemplary, the late C. Roger Vinson ruled from the bench with impeccable character. Vinson served as a judge for 40 years before his long battle with cancer ended on April 1. He died at age 83.

Exactly eight months after his death, legal practitioners paid tribute by hosting an event in his honor. The C. Roger Vinson American Inn of Court, the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation and the Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, in partnership with Ballinger Publishing and the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, hosted "Profession and Professionalism: In honor of Judge C. Roger Vinson'' on Dec. 1 in the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Pensacola.

Circuit Judge Stephen A. Pitre and Ross

Goodman, counsel with Levin Papantonio Rafferty and a retired circuit judge, organized the exploratory seminar. The event targeted practitioners and jurists to solidify and exemplify fidelity to the profession and position. Participating attorneys earned 1½ hours of Continuing Legal Education credits featuring the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges and principles of conduct of historical origins. The organizers reached a maximum capacity of 150 and turned away potential attendees due to space limitations.

"We just wanted this as an opportunity for the community to honor him and recognize what a major impact he had over the decades he served," Goodman said of Vinson. "I doubt we've had a lawyer gathering in West Florida that big."

Presenters at the seminar included attorney Bryan Aylstock, U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Miles Davis, attorney Roy Kinsey and retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy.

WEAR News Anchor Sue Straughn moderated the seminar.

Vinson left an indelible mark in his 40 years on the bench, consistently rendering nonideological, scholarly decisions with meticulous attention to the law.

"He was just one of those judges who said, 'I'm going to find out what the law says, and I'm going to rule that way, and whatever I feel personally is irrelevant." Ross Goodman "He was just one of those judges who said, 'I'm going to find out what the law says, and I'm going to rule that way, and whatever I feel

personally is irrelevant,'" Goodman said. "You knew you were going to get a fair hearing, and you knew he was going to study everything. You knew you better be damn well prepared."

From 1997 to 2004, Vinson presided as chief judge throughout the 23-county Northern District of Florida. His service on the bench included seven years with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Court, which reviews applications by the U.S. government for approval of electronic surveillance, physical search and other forms of investigative actions for foreign intelligence purposes. Vinson also served on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Committee for six years and sat on federal appellate courts across the country.

Notable cases he presided over included granting a challenge brought by 26 state attorneys general against the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, in 2010. The Wall Street Journal referred to his 78-page decision as "an exhaustive and erudite opinion (that) is an important moment for American liberty."

Vinson ruled the legislation violated the Constitution's Commerce Clause and that the flaws could not be severed, rendering the entire act unconstitutional. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his ruling, and the appeal ultimately went before the U.S. Supreme Court.

A majority of justices agreed with his Commerce Clause analysis and ruling, but they ruled the act constitutional on separate grounds.

Other notable cases for Vinson include the infamous Christmas Day 1984 abortion clinic bombings and the 1994 high-profile federal trial of Paul Hill for killing an abortion provider and his bodyguard outside the Ladies Center in Pensacola.

Vinson put aside any personal, political or religious biases and applied the law according to his interpretation of the Constitution. In 1988, he based his decision on the First Amendment when he overturned Escambia County's ban of the film "The Last Temptation of Christ."

In 2017, another First Amendment challenge came to his courtroom. Vinson put aside his deeply-held Christian beliefs and ruled a cross located at Bayview Park was unconstitutional under applicable case law regarding government

endorsement of religion. Two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed decades of precedent and allowed the cross to remain at the park.

Vinson is best remembered for his years on the bench, but he first made his mark as a naval aviator and then as an attorney.

He began his naval career as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1962, he entered flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where he earned his wings as a Naval Aviator. He commanded crews flying P-2 Neptune and P-3 Orion aircraft in Jacksonville before returning to the area in 1967 as a flight instructor at Whiting Field.

During his military service, Vinson presided over court-martial cases that inspired him to pursue a career in law. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1971 and joined the law firm Beggs & Lane. In just four years, Vinson made partner. His clients included Gulf Power. He practiced general civil law for 12 years before taking the bench.

Vinson gave back to the legal profession.

He contributed to the establishment of the Pensacola chapter of the American Inns of Court, an organization created by then-Chief Justice Warren Burger in the late 1970s to foster mentoring between experienced members of the legal community and younger attorneys.

In 2021, his colleagues named the chapter in his honor, with Timothy saying, "Judge Vinson is the epitome of that for which the inn stands and strives to instill in its members."

His outside activities included being a devoted member and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church for more than 50 years and a corporate director of the church for 40 years. A 40-year member of the Rotary Club of Pensacola, Vinson served as its president in 1998-99 and achieved the Rotary milestone of Paul Harris Fellow, plus eight.

Vinson also served as a trustee of the J. Hugh and Earle W. Fellows Memorial Fund for 48 years and as its chairman for the last 23 years. The private foundation has provided over $12 million in low-interest loans to West Florida students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, medical technology or the ministry. {in}

Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing Child Support • Child Support Modifications Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation

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One of the complaints about the current CoC has been the lack of any information on its board members, meeting minutes and who voted on grant awards. Stay tuned.

PRESS NOTES At his weekly press conference,

PURPLE HEART SCHOOLS The Florida

Department of Education has recognized 11 additional Escambia County Public Schools as Purple Star Schools of Distinction during the 2023-2024 school year.

The most recent schools to achieve this honor include Bellview Elementary, Beulah Elementary, Booker T. Washington High, BrownBarge Middle, Ernest Ward Middle, Hellen Caro Elementary, J.H. Workman Middle School, J.M. Tate High, Lipscomb Elementary, Pine Forest High and Pleasant Grove. Nine earned the distinction last school year.

"It was a privilege to guide the schools through the application process as the district's military point of contact," said Monica Willis, military liaison for the Escambia County Public Schools. "There are amazing things happening in our schools to support military families on a daily basis."

The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for militaryconnected students when transitioning to a new school environment. The Florida Legislature established the program in June 2021.

To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation, schools must meet several requirements, including having a school military point of contact, 5% open enrollment seats for military students and families and three additional activities to support military families, such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event or offering a JROTC program.

GRADE-A CARE According to nonprofit healthcare watchdog The Leapfrog Group, Escambia County has two A hospitals, Ascension Sacred Heart and HCA Florida West. Baptist Hospital earned a C. The Leapfrog Group grades hospitals twice a year based on data about infections, surgery and safety problems, staff and how hospitals work to prevent errors.

Unlike thousands of hospitals nationwide, Baptist Hospital refused to participate in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey to help patients and purchasers make better healthcare decisions. The hospital didn't answer questions about patient-centered care, preventing patient harm, critical care, health88

care-associated infections, maternity care, pediatric care, complex surgery, total joint replacement and care for elective outpatient surgery patients.

The Leapfrog Group reported Baptist Hospital had worse than average ratings for MSRA infection, death from serious treatable complications, blood leakage, kidney injury during surgery, serious breathing problems and handwashing. The outcome measures included errors, accidents and injuries this hospital has publicly reported.

Ascension Sacred received worse than average grades for surgical site infection after colon surgery, doctors order medications through a computer and nursing and bedside care for patients. The hospital reported its information to the watchdog group.

HCA West Florida received worse than average grades for infection in the urinary tract, sepsis infection after surgery, communications with doctors and nurses and responsiveness of hospital staff. The hospital did not report data on effective leadership to prevent errors, nursing and bedside care for patients and staff work together to prevent errors.

Since 2020, Baptist has received three B's and four C's; Ascension Sacred Heart five A's and two B's—only A's over the last three years; and HCA West Florida two A's, three B's and two C's – its last C was spring 2021. Check out the full report at hospitalsafetygrade.org.

COC UPDATE The Continuum of Care (CoC)

held its monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Opening Doors Northwest Florida. For over a decade, the nonprofit has managed the CoC, which is responsible for developing strategies for reducing homelessness in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The CoC handles grant applications to help local providers that serve that population.

This past spring, HUD official Dr. Joe Savage visited Pensacola to meet with area officials and questioned Opening Doors running the CoC and giving itself funds. John Johnson, the former Opening Doors executive director, appointed an advisory committee to revamp the CoC with the help of HUD. The initial deadline for the effort was December, but Opening Doors officials said at the monthly meeting that the advisory is at its mid-point and should be finished in March 2024.

Advisory Committee member Sherri Myers said, "The committee has been meeting pretty much about once a week, once every other week, working very hard. Our latest big task has been determining membership and the qualifications for membership."

Mayor D.C. Reeves announced an ordinance will be on the upcoming City Council agenda to add a layer of accountability to tree companies. He cited how contractors cutting down heritage trees at homeowners' request spurred the City to draft the ordinance. The City currently can only levy fines against the homeowners.

"I believe tree contractors who work in the city and have the business tax receipt and license to be able to work in the city should have the expertise when they are called by a homeowner, who may or may not know the rules," Reeves said. "That is your business; that is your profession to know the rules."

Punitive measures for contractors in the ordinance include written notice, remedial work and stop work orders. Reeves said the punishment levied will be based on the tree. For example, the punishment for cutting down a heritage tree will be significant compared to a younger tree without historical value. The ordinance permits only arborists to prune and remove heritage trees.

"This is not a foreign concept for anybody who has a business," Reeves said. "You have rules that if you are not held accountable to—whether it be the local level or the state level or the federal level—if you continue to violate those rules, you are not going to be in business anymore, and I don't think the tree contractors should be immune from being professionals in their field."

Reeves said the goal is to hold everyone involved accountable and reduce the interactions with homeowners who claim ignorance after the fact.

"I just really considered it disjointed to say that when a tree is cut down, the homeowner is solely responsible," he said. "The normal procedure has been for that homeowner, or property owner, to reach out to the administration or me personally and say, 'Well, I didn't know,' even though it clearly is in black and white what the policy is. Sometimes they may be telling the truth, and sometimes they may not be, but if you have a license in this city to cut down trees, you should know the rules on what trees should be able to be cut down or not."

Reeves said a building height ordinance will be on the same agenda. The ordinance allows building height bonuses similar to density bonuses for properties.

"It gives us the ability to offer verticality as an asset to help us better the community, generate revenue, to take on affordable housing projects, things like that," Reeves said.

The mayor gave an update on the air travel.

An estimated 43,000 passengers went through Pensacola International Airport during Thanksgiving weekend. That marked a 15.3% increase from last year.

An airport passenger increase has been a common theme throughout the year.

"I don't care what weekend, what month you

look at, when you compare 2022 to 2023, it isn't 5%; it's 12, 13, 15% more throughputs," Reeves said.

The increased number of passengers puts a strain on available parking at the airport.

Reeves said one possible contingency plan being discussed is shuttling in staff from an outside location. He said plans remain to add 400-plus parking spaces in the spring.

The mayor also confirmed the City officially submitted its legislative requests for the airport terminal, Baptist Hospital and Bay Bluffs Park.

The City is asking for $23 million for the terminal and $20 million for demolition of Baptist Hospital.

The City is requesting $2.2 million to renovate Bay Bluffs, which has been closed since March.

Reeves said, "We weren't going to go a legislative session without at least taking the opportunity to see if we could get some funding there."

NEW CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS Last week,

the Pensacola City Council elected District 3 Councilman Casey Jones as its president and District 4 Councilman Jared Moore as vice president.

They serve one-year terms.

SHOPPING SOIRÉE Rally Foundation for Child-

hood Cancer Research will celebrate the season's spirit with two shopping opportunities. Its Pop-Up Shopping Soirée is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 in the atrium of the SCI Building, 220 W. Garden St. This elevated shopping event is open to the public. Enjoy complimentary champagne, brunch bites and sweets, a live DJ and more while browsing pop-ups from the best local vendors and brick-and-mortar stores. Each partner will generously donate a percentage of sales to support Rally's critical mission. Donation-based gift wrapping is also available. The first 125 guests receive a swag bag with a souvenir champagne flute and sample items from Soirée partners.

The philanthropic fun continues 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, with the All-Day Shopping Soirée in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and surrounding areas. Local stores and restaurants will join Rally in the fight against childhood cancer by raising awareness among patrons and contributing a percentage of the day's sales. Shop, drink and dine at participating establishments to help Rally fund life-saving research and support families in the Gulf Coast community.

"Thanks to the participating retail and restaurant partners, along with our incredible committee who put it all together, the Shopping Soirée continues to grow and has become a much-anticipated signature event for our area each year," said Cindi Bonner, Rally Gulf Coast director. "There is a wonderful variety of local vendors offering something for everyone. Find incredible items for yourself and unique gifts for that hard-to-shopfor person on your list."

More details and a list of participants can be found in the Two-Day Shopping Soirée Facebook event. While the pop-up event is full, area businesses may still apply at bit.ly/46wYCdD to register as an all-day shopping partner to help make a difference for kids battling cancer. inweekly.net

COUNTY PET PANTRY Jo Jo's Paws recently

relocated its pet pantry program to the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on Fairfield Drive, providing free cat and dog food and various essential pet items and resources to residents in need.

Jo Jo's Paws Director and Founder Patti Roberts said they aim to provide judgment-free assistance to those who need a little help ensuring their pets don't go hungry.

"Our main goal is to help people not have to make that choice of whether they're going to eat or are their pets going to eat," Roberts said. "Maybe their paycheck is a little tight, or maybe they just need some support or someone to talk to."

The pet pantry is open to Escambia County residents with a valid driver's license. However, Roberts said exceptions can sometimes be made depending on the circumstances and number of available donations. The pantry is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

UWF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP The Uni-

versity of West Florida's Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO) Center for Leadership, housed in the College of Business, will host the 10th annual Women in Leadership Conference on Thursday, March 14. The conference, presented

by Kia Autosport, will be offered in person and virtually at the UWF Conference Center.

"The goal of this conference is to educate, empower and inspire women to reach their fullest potential," said Tim Kinsella, executive director of the AWKO Center for Leadership. "This year, on our 10th anniversary, we are excited to bring world-class speakers and panelists to discuss how understanding your purpose can help you find resiliency in a modern world."

The conference will provide opportunities to learn from and connect with prominent leaders who have achieved personal and professional success. The keynote speaker will be Simplified® founder Emily Ley '05, '07. Actor, writer and producer Erik Stolhanske will also speak at the event.

Many local businesswomen will share their stories of success as entrepreneurs with attendees. WEAR-TV morning news anchor Laura Hussey will emcee the conference. The conference will include a panel discussion geared toward corporate professionals and a panel discussion for small business professionals.

Young professionals will learn how to unlock their personal and professional leadership potential and create a blueprint for business and community success. Seasoned professionals will learn to leverage their unique strengths and be agents of positive change in current and future leadership roles.

In-person tickets are available for $150, and virtual tickets cost $75. The 2024 Women in Leadership Conference is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with check-in 8-9 a.m. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit uwf.edu/wilc.

NONPROFIT CERTIFICATION The Pensacola State College (PSC) Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Philanthropy certification program ensures applicants meet federal, state and local regulations while adhering to the highest nonprofit management standards.

The program is led by PSC faculty, nonprofit experts and community partners. Nonprofit professionals will be trained and evaluated on best practices in essential areas, including board governance, strategic planning, fundraising, risk management, human resources and financial management.

December 7, 2023

The center offers two certification program options: Certification for Organizational Excellence (four attendees and an organizational membership, $2,500 fee) and Certification for Core Competencies (one organizational attendee and membership, $500 fee). Scholarships are available for nonprofits and organizations seeking accreditation.

"Nonprofit organizations and professionals should seek certification because it boosts credibility," said Andrea Krieger, PSC's executive director of Institutional Development.

"Certification demonstrates an organization's dedication to excellence and commitment to the highest standards. You'll be more trustworthy to donors, partners and volunteers."

Krieger added, "These certifications can attract more supporters and show professional growth."

Other benefits of certification include access to grant opportunities, research and templates that amplify impact.

Krieger said many grants, partnerships and collaborations prioritize working with nonprofits that can prove legal compliance and demonstrate transparent and ethical business practices—qualities found in nonprofits with a certified status.

"Certification helps nonprofits get their foot in the door for amazing projects," she said. "We are excited to support the nonprofits that enhance the vibrancy of our wonderful community."

The application deadline is Jan. 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be matched with scholarship opportunities. For more information, visit bit.ly/47A4rIi.

BUZZ HISTORY Five years ago: The City of

Pensacola's Environmental Advisory Board unanimously passed a motion to request Pensacola City Hall be cleared of the plastic bottles of water and Styrofoam cups ever present at public meetings. City Council Executive Don Kraher told the board he felt sure he'd be able to find a council member willing to sponsor the motion and bring it before the council.

Ten years ago: The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) may have a more creative replacement for its Pensacola Wine Festival, which had to eventually be canceled for 2013 after Tropical Storm Karen threatened its scheduled date in October. Business owner Joe Abston suggested a smaller, more exclusive wine walk that would initially accommodate 100 participants and gradually grow to 150 people for subsequent walks. {in} 9

F O T F I G E TH K C A B G N I V I G

There's giving and then there's giving back.

Both have their merits, but giving back during the holiday season just feels right. It should feel right year-round, too, but it's especially important to remember as we enjoy all of our holiday traditions.

There is no shortage of need—and no act of kindness too small. In Northwest Florida, there are dozens of charities doing the work to better the community that can use your support. Take the opportunity to not just give back, but also learn more about charities in the region and how you can support the cause on a regular basis. Not sure where to start? A great place to learn more about local nonprofits and find resources for those in need is the 2-1-1 program from United Way Northwest Florida. More information can be found at 211nwfl.communityos.org.

EVENTS THAT GIVE BACK

Because the word 'fun' is in fundraiser after all.

Tree of Lights

The Arc Gateway provides several programs and services that help adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities reach their full potential. During the holiday season, Arc Gateway hosts the Tree of Lights, where you can honor someone, or the memory of someone, by adding their 010 1

name to the tree for a suggested $25 donation.

A tree lighting ceremony is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at Cordova Mall (by Dillard's), 5100 N. 9th Ave. You can find more information at arc-gateway.org.

Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida Winter Open House and Supply Drive

Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 for a special open house with special guests from the Francis M. Weston Audubon Society, Florida Audubon, Escambia Sea Grant, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Possum and Palmetto and more. There will be live exhibits and activities for kids. Bring some supplies to help the critters. Most requested items include paper towels, liquid laundry soap and Simple Green cleaners, to name a few. For more information, visit pensacolawildlife.com.

Seventh Annual Winter Wonder Ride

Join onbikes Pensacola for a wintery slow ride through Pensacola, complete with an afterparty at Museum Plaza. The ride begins 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16. Registration is $35 and funds raised are used to purchase bikes for children in Northwest Florida. Ticketholders receive a commemorative t-shirt, two drink tickets and other swag, as well as admission to the after-

party with a live performance from Ben Loftin & Family. Learn more at onbikespensacola.org.

online at raisedonors.com/councilonagingofwestflorida/perfectlyagedtickets.

Studer Community Institute's Gingerbread House Competition

Coastal Cat Café Swag

This fundraiser is good enough to eat. Free and open to the public, the Studer Community Institute's Gingerbread House Competition invites you to vote on your favorite creations made by local artisans and bakers. You'll also see houses crafted by middle school and elementary school students. Voting is made by donation with all proceeds supporting SCI's early development programs. The competition is 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at SCI, located at 220 W. Garden St. Visit studeri.org for details.

SHOP LOCAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE Here are a few gift ideas that help spread extra cheer.

Perfectly Aged Calendar

Council on Aging of West Florida has put together a 2024 "Perfectly Aged" calendar featuring seniors in, shall we say, their most pure form. Purchasing a $35 calendar helps support all of the programs CoA does, including Meals on Wheels, Senior Companion, caregiver support and more. The calendars can be purchased

Pensacola's first cat café has swag to purchase (or purrrchase). Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St., has a special room where you can mingle with adoptable felines from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Pensacola Foster Kittens. Whether you stop in for coffee or cuddles, make sure to leave with some gifts including tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, magnets and stickers. You can also shop online at coastalcatpcola.com/shop.

Goodwill Christmas on the Coast Ornaments

Goodwill of the Gulf Coast has a new set of Christmas ornaments that do good and look good. Two different ornaments celebrate two different communities. The Bankhead Tunnel ornament commemorates the infamous tunnel under Mobile Bay. The ornament also pokes a little fun at the tunnel's low clearance—something Pensacola folks can relate to with the Graffiti Bridge. The second ornament commemorates the Blue Angels' Fat Albert.

The ornament was designed by Pensacola State College alum Mitzi Holt. Pick out an ornament—or get both—at gesgc.org/christmas-onthe-coast-ornaments. inweekly.net

SHOP FOR OTHERS

Play Santa by donating a gift to someone who least expects it, but will be forever grateful.

Midnight Miracles Toy Drive & Ride

The Midnight Mopars Car Club is hosting its fifth annual toy drive benefiting local organizations including Gulf Coast Kid's House, The Children's Neighborhood, Children in Crisis, Studer Family Children's Hospital and Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. Donations of new and unwrapped toys will be collected through Wednesday, Dec. 13. For more information, visit midnightmoparscarclub.com/midnight-miracles.

Be a Santa to a Senior

Give a holiday gift to a senior citizen in need through Home Instead Greater Pensacola Area.

You can select a name off a local angel tree near you. Locations include First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St., Escambia County Sheriff's Office, 1100 E. Cervantes St., Downtown YMCA, 165 E. Intendencia St., and Walmart Supercenter, 3767 Gulf Breeze Parkway, in Gulf Breeze. For more information, visit beasantatoasenior.com.

Holiday Wish Card Drive

The Children's Home Society of Florida needs your help to spread holiday cheer for children in need. The goal is to provide more than 1,000 children with a special gift. Social workers and outreach members have worked directly with families to identify children's top three wish-list items. You can purchase the gift of their dreams directly or make a donation of $50 or more and someone will do the shopping for you. Donated items can be brought unwrapped, but in a holiday gift bag by Dec.15.

To obtain a wish card, contact Vonche Jackson at vonche.jackson@chsfl.org.

UWF Historic Trust Book Drive

Pensacola Children's Museum will host a book drive for ReadyKids, which helps get kids ready for kindergarten. Donate a new or gently used children's book at the museum, 115 Zaragoza St., now through Monday, Dec. 18. If you purchase one of the books in the museum bookstore, you can get 50% off on a children's book to donate. For more information, visit facebook.com/historicpcola.

Operation Santa

FamiliesFirst Network hosts Operation Santa benefiting nearly 1,000 local children in need of holiday magic. You can provide a monetary donation and volunteers will use the funds to shop for gifts or you can sponsor a child and shop their Christmas list. To donate, contact Chris at chris.root@familiesfirstnetwork.org or call (850) 418-3465

KEEP BELLIES FULL

Local food banks have seen an increase in need. Help them provide the support needed to individuals and families all over Northwest Florida.

Feeding the Gulf Coast

From school pantries to disaster assistance to senior assistance, Feeding the Gulf Coast works to close the meal gap in the Central Gulf December 7, 2023

Coast area. Donations can be made at feedingthegulfcoast.org.

Food Not Bombs Pensacola

Food Not Bombs Pensacola has been hosting free meals for more than 10 years. Friday evenings at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on North Palafox, volunteers set up with homemade vegetarian dishes ready to serve anyone in need of a meal—no questions asked. Monetary donations help pay for food to cook, or you can prepare your own vegetarian dish to bring to the table. More information is available at facebook.com/pensacolafnb.

Foodraising Friends, Inc.

Serving children and families in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties and helps provide meals during Christmas break to children who are food insecure. Donate at foodraisingfriends.com.

Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen

The Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen, 257 E. Lee St., serves about 4,600 meals each month with breakfast served five days a week, dinner service three days a week and lunch on Saturdays. Learn about volunteering or make a donation at loavesandfishessoupkitchen.com.

Manna Food Pantries

Manna Food Pantries has a number of programs serving children, families and seniors. In 2022, Manna served more than 69,000 people.

Programs help with those who are food insecure, low income or in need of emergency assistance.

Learn how you can help at mannahelps.org.

Pensacola Caring Hearts

The nonprofit Pensacola Caring Hearts hosts regular food giveaways in Escambia County, Santa Rosa County and South Alabama. Their next food distribution is 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at John Fisher Community Center, 301 Liles Blvd. in Brewton, Alabama. A community yard sale is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2105 W. Gregory St. to help support the nonprofit's mission. Learn more at facebook.com/pensacolacaringhearts.

DON'T FORGET THE FUR FRIENDS

Here's a list of animal shelters and rescues that can use donations of food, supplies or just plain cash.

•A Hope 5755 Washington St., Milton ahope4src.com •Animal Allies Florida ecaafl.org •Escambia County Animal Shelter 200 W. Fairfield Drive myescambia.com/our-services/animal-welfare •Pensacola Foster Kittens pensacolafosterkittens.com •Pensacola Hotel for Dogs and Cats 4110 Creighton Road h4dc.org •Pensacola Humane Society 5 N. Q St. pensacolahumane.org •Santa Rosa County Animal Services 4451 Pine Forest Road, Milton. santarosa.fl.gov/976/animal-services {in} 11

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inweekly.net

WEEK OF DECEMBER 7-13

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

Like Watching a Movie

By Savannah Evanoff

The Mountain Goats / Photo by Jackie Lee Young

Jon Wurster doesn't hold a grudge against Pensacola.

But the drummer for The Mountain Goats admits the city elicits a bit of the phenomenon commonly known as FOMO (aka fear of missing out). He missed out on the chance to play in the backing band for a Priceline commercial featuring William Shatner in the late '90s, because he had to play a show in Pensacola.

"I don't hold that against the fine people of Pensacola," Wurster said.

Luckily no missed opportunities are foreseen when he returns on a tour in support of The Mountain Goats' latest album "Jenny from Thebes," which is often referred to as a sequel to the rock band's 2002 album "All Hail West

Texas." With the rock opera returns the titular character Jenny.

"This is sort of the updating of her story, what she's up to now," said Wurster, who joined the band around 2007.

Wurster had fun learning about Jenny's backstory from singer-songwriter and album concept creator John Darnielle. While making the record, Darnielle would send the songs to the band with an explanation of what was happening in the story and how it related to the earlier album.

"Our job, mine specifically, is to lay the framework for (Darnielle) to tell his story … sort of the opposite of what you might think it is—to not get in the way of the song," Wurster said. "I hate this term, but it's interesting to

not have any skin in the game in terms of my relationship to these characters. For me, it's almost like watching a movie and seeing what happens … it's fun to see the reaction of diehard Mountain Goats' fans, because they know all about it. They go so deep, so it's cool to see them speculate about the meaning of the songs and all that."

Wurster particularly likes the track "Great Pirates," which he describes as having a "laidback yacht rock feel." It's not their typical sound, he said.

"It was cool to catch a groove we don't normally catch, and it worked," Wurster said. "Playing (wise), I love 'Going to Dallas,' 'Clean Slate,' 'Murder at the 18th St. Garage,' because they're all different—one's almost a punk-rock song, and the others are kind of all over the place. But that's what we like to do, change it up."

From acoustic to piano driven to lyric-driven rock featuring the saxophone, keyboard and string instruments, it can be hard to describe what their band sounds like—even moreso since Matt Douglas joined, Wurster said.

"He's sort of our auxiliary genius, and he can play anything," Wurster said. "His presence and his musicianship allows us to take that even further. So there's all kinds of places we can go."

Darnielle started The Mountain Goats as its sole member. He was known for initially releasing raw songs on cassette tape and 7-inch vinyl records and now—22 albums later—also for his quirky vocals and dark, clever lyrics.

Wurster suspects their setlist will feature five or so songs from "Jenny from Thebes," three of their most popular songs and two songs he's likely "never even heard of" from the second album or first tape, he said. Wurster thinks Darnielle suffers the most from the

band's prolific nature, but he'd hardly describe it as actual suffering.

"His creativity and enthusiasm for what he's working on is really infectious," Wurster said.

"I've made records with people over the years where that fire or enthusiasm and that kind of wonderment isn't there sometimes, but with (Darnielle), it's always there. It's hard not to get affected by that and have that inform what you do. The only hard part is remembering the song titles, because there's so many of them."

Wurster just finished packing for the tour in the only way he knows how—with the largest bag, because he refuses to do laundry while on tour, he said. He's looking forward to it.

Every band says their most recent album is their best and favorite, and Wurster is no different, he said.

"I think this record, just in terms of the musicality, is where I always hoped we'd be," Wurster said. "And it's really exciting that I think we have many more years ahead of us.

So it's great to be in this position with a record that you're really proud of and you really think shows that you've evolved and knowing that there's going to be a lot more evolution in the future." {in}

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

WHAT: The Mountain Goats with special guest Peter One WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. COST: $45 plus fees DETAILS: mountain-goats.com, vinylmusichall.com

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(that’s not really a sports bar, only a bar that shows sports) AGAIN!

23 PAL AFOX PL. | 850-43-BRUCE December 7, 2023

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13

a&e happenings Ave. Live music is at 2:30 p.m. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

HOLIDAYS AT THE HOUSE Holiday market and brunch benefiting Ronald McDonald House complete with photos with Santa, door prizes, live music and more 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 located at 5200 Bayou Blvd. Visit rmhc-nwfl. org/all-events for details.

UGLY SWEATER BRUNCH AT BODACIOUS Good food and bad fashion abound at the Ugly Sweater Brunch. Event is 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Tickets are $50 plus fees. Add bottomless mimosas for $15.

Get tickets at bodaciousshops.com.

A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET More

than 35 vendors with vintage goods will be at 21 S. Tarragona St. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Free photos with Santa. Visit facebook.com/pensacolavintagecollective for more information.

CRAFT & VINTAGE HOLIDAY MARKET

HOLIDAY EVENTS

for children 12 and younger is $5. Register at runsignup.com.

performances and schedule holiday trolley tours in downtown Pensacola now through Christmas. Take part in holiday fun at Winterfest Plaza, 223 S. Palafox. To schedule a trolley tour, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.

PENSACOLA CHRISTMAS PARADE Join

PENSACOLA WINTERFEST Enjoy free, live

CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST Pensacola

Children's Chorus annual Christmas concert with showtimes 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

GERMAN WINTER MARKET Gary's Brew-

ery, 208 Newman Ave., pairs up with Pensacola Arts Market for a special artisan market with bratwursts, pretzels with beer cheese, lots of beer and lots of Glühwein. Markets are 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 17. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for details.

15TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DECORATING CLASS Enjoy a two-part class at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. The class is 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Assemble and decorate your own gingerbread house. Cost is $65 per reservation (two attendees). Visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks for details.

FLORA-BAMA ANNUAL SANTA DROP

See Santa skydive onto the beaches outside Flora-Bama then jump in line to get pictures with him 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. Visit florabama.com/santa-drop for more information.

DOWNTOWN PARADE CHRISTMAS DASH Get ready for the Pensacola Christmas

Parade with a one-mile fun run 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 right before the parade. All participants will receive a bib, a gift and a cookie from Pensacola Runner's Association. Registration 414 1

the fun at the Pensacola Christmas Parade 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 with nearly 100 entries and eight bands. The parade starts on Garden Street and turns down Palafox in downtown Pensacola. For a full parade route, visit coxchristmasparade.org.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE The 2023 Lighted Boat Parade will set sail from Sabine Marina in Little Sabine Bay at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, do a loop, wind its way around the Santa Rosa Sound/Boardwalk area and circle back to Sabine Marina. Visit facebook.com/pensacolabeachchamber for details.

BAD SANTA MYSTERY SCAVENGER HUNT Join the pursuit to find Santa 3- 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9. The fourth annual Bad Santa Mystery Scavenger Hunt is at Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road. Visit facebook.com/coastalcounty/ for details.

HOLIDAY MOVIE WEEKENDS AT NAVAL MUSEUM Watch holiday movies on the big

screen at the National Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd. Ste. B. "Polar Express" will be shown at 2 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 9 and 16, and "Home Alone" will be shown 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 10 and 17. Tickets are $10. Cookies and cocoa will be provided.

DECK THE HALLS WITH JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE Dine at Jackson's Steakhouse,

400 S. Palafox, on select days and enjoy a holiday performance from Pensacola Opera. Events are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16. Call (850) 469-9898 to make your reservation or visit jacksonsrestaurant.com.

SANTA PAWS & PINTS Enjoy drinks and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman

Get to holiday shopping at Odd Colony 11 a.m.4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at 260 N. Palafox. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

JINGLE JAM Jazz Pensacola presents Jingle

Jam 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Featuring Mary Chavez on piano and vocals together with a bevy of local hot-shot jazz players including George Petropoulas, trumpet, flugelhorn & vocals, Bob Maksymkow, sax & clarinet, Jensen Cadenhead, drums, and Steve Douglas on bass. Cost is $10 for Jazz Pensacola members and $12 for nonmembers.

SANTA PAWS WITH WOLFGANG PENSACOLA Wolfgang Pensacola will host two

Santa Paws dates for you to get professional holiday photos. First date is 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17 at Wistera Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Both events will feature holiday markets. Photos are $15 and will be provided by Hoff House Pet Photography. Visit wolfgangparkandbrews.com for details.

CHEF ED CHRISTMAS POP-UP Awardwinning Chef Edward Lordman will be a doing a pop-up event at The Sauce Boss Burger Co., 319 N. Tarragona St., 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 with traditional holiday food, but elevated. Visit saucebossburger.com for details.

BALLET PENSACOLA'S "THE NUTCRACKER" Ballet Pensacola's holiday

tradition is back. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, Saturday, Dec. 16 and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets start at $45 and are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

BALLET PENSACOLA NUTCRACKER EXPERIENCE Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel offers a

unique holiday stay with the Nutcracker Experience Package for Dec. 15 and 16. The Nutcracker Experience Package includes overnight accommodations at Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, daily breakfast for two, two premier tickets to see the Nutcracker ballet performed by Ballet Pensacola, two admissions to the Sugar Plum

Fairies brunch and a themed tote upon check-in that is filled with holiday treats. Book the experience through Dec. 10. The rate is $709 per night (double occupancy). A limited number of brunch and ballet tickets are available for $150 per person plus tax. For more information, visit stayoysterbay.com.

PICKN' FOR PRESENTS SHOW AND TOY DRIVE Show with The New Cahoots, Royal

Horses, Swamp Water Symphony is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Bring an unwrapped toy for donation. Tickets are $15. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE HOLIDAY CLASSICS White Tie Rock Ensemble features

festive music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and other holiday classics 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

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. 9th Ave. to meet your furever friend.

Visit aaflorida.org for details.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD 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 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

JAZZ PENSACOLA'S JAZZFEST POSTER

Jazz Pensacola invites fine artists and graphic designers to submit renderings for the official 2024 Pensacola JazzFest poster.

The commission is $500. The Jazz Pensacola Board of Directors will consider all renderings and make a selection. Initial drafts are due by Jan. 31, 2024. If selected, the completed submission deadline is Feb. 28, 2024.

The poster design should reflect the deep, rich and diverse jazz music heritage of Pensacola and communicate a sense of place. Submissions should conform to a vertical orientation using a ratio that will fit with margin on a final poster size of 18 inches wide by 24 inches high.

All content must be the submitter's original creation and must be unpublished. The submitinweekly.net

a&e happenings ter must have all rights to images and graphics used in the final artwork and during the design process. The poster must include the name of the festival: 2024 Pensacola JazzFest.

Rough drafts or sketches can be submitted, but, if selected, the final art must conform to the submitted draft or sketch. Substantial deviation from the submitted sketch or draft will result in forfeiture by the artist of the cash prize and the selection of a new winner by Jazz Pensacola.

Submissions must be in low-res (72 ppi) JPEG format and emailed to info@jazzpensacola.com. There is no limit to the number of entries by a single artist. Each entry must include the artist's name, address, email and phone number.

The selected artist is responsible for the preparation of the art for high-resolution reproduction. The artist will be contacted following the selection process and receive technical specifications for the production file.

ARTS & CULTURE

AN EVENING WITH SEAN OF THE SOUTH Author Sean Dietrich will host an evening of storytelling and music 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at The Rex Theatre, 18 N. Palafox St. Event is a benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Get your tickets at bbbsnwfl.org.

UWF COMMENCEMENT The UWF Fall 2023

Commencement ceremonies is Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Undergraduates are named at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and graduate school is at 5:30 p.m.

85TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA CAMELLIA FLOWER SHOW AND PLANT SALE The 85th Annual Camellia Show & plant sale is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the WSRE Jean and Paul Amos Studio, 1000 College Blvd. More information at pensacolacamelliaclub.com.

MARKETPLACE AT THE WOMAN'S CLUB OF PENSACOLA Shop local artists and craft-

ers 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1551 E. Heinberg St. Details at facebook.com/thewomansclubofpensacola.

MARY GUTIERREZ & DEBRA STOGNER POETRY READING AND BOOK SIGNING Event is 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Open

Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. Visit facebook. com/openbooksbookstore.

INFERNO BURLESQUE Show is 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25-$500 for a private balcony for six.

Get tickets at vinylmusichall.com.

SWEET MOON LODGE Set intentions for 2024 and celebrate triumphs of this year with Asher + Bee and host Marni. Dress comfortably, crystals welcome, journal and pen are encouraged.

Event is 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at URU Yoga and Beyond, 2400 Executive Plaza Road. Tickets are $22 and available at asherandbee.com.

SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers the second Saturday of every month.

The next date is 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

December 7, 2023

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. They are also hosting additional holiday markets this month 4-8 p.m. Wednesday evenings through Dec. 20 at Plaza Ferdinand for more chances to shop local. 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 at 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 held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays.

Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual 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. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small

and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids' crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market is set up 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic

practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

ROLL-CALL: 2023 ART AND DESIGN FACULTY EXHIBITION The Art Gallery at UWF

presents "Roll-Call: The 2023 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition" on view through Dec. 8. The Art Gallery is located at 11000 University Parkway Building 88. Visit facebook.com/tag82uwf for details.

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a&e happenings INSPIRED BY PLACE EXHIBIT RECEPTION Inspired by Place brings together the work of four photographers (Todd Bertolaet, Don Clark, Mark Alan Francis and Roland Miller) who have collaborated in their academic and artistic endeavors for more than 30 years. The exhibit is on view through Dec. 15 at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, 1000 College Blvd.

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. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting its own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. This exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of History through December. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas

Beverage Class is Thursday, Dec. 7 at Atlas

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Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St., with classes at 5 and 7 p.m. Cost is $30 plus tax. Reservations are required. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com to reserve your spot.

music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin.com for details.

BRIDGERTON WEDDING COLLECTION

and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.

TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowl-

JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE FRIDAY LUNCH SERVICE Jackson's Steakhouse, 400

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

Step into the enchanting world of Regency-era romance at Garden & Grain for the Bridgerton Wedding Collection Evening Promenade 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Garden & Grain behind Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

VINO MAGNIFICO The next Vino Magnifico is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Cost is $15 per person for five wine samples. Visit vpauls.com to register.

GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join

Green Thumb Wines every first Friday of the month for a free wine tasting 6-8 p.m. at 9 E. Gregory St. For more information, visit greenthumbwines.com.

SATURDAY SIPS ON THE SIDEWALK Stop

by Green Thumb Wines, 9 E. Gregory St., every Saturday for wine selections. Visit greenthumbwines.com for details.

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. 9th Ave. Live

SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials

S. Palafox St., is now open for lunch service 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. Chef Irv Miller has created a new lunch menu, which includes selections of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, featured plates and hand-selected steaks. Visit jacksonssteakhouse.com to see a full menu.

GAMER/JACKBOX NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.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.

BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for Bar Bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit

Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.

edge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.

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.

PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA O'Riley's Tavern hosts trivia 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.

TRIVIA AT WISTERIA 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. 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.

TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's

inweekly.net

a&e happenings Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.

FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool and play bar bingo 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details at orileystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC

RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive features Pat

Byrne, Patchouli and John Common. Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at The Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.

PAGU TV, SURFWAX, YNICORNS, NOY BOYS Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at The

Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

SLIPPERY WHEN WET: THE ULTIMATE BON JOVI TRIBUTE Performance is 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $15-$30 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

D.R.I., DEATH WISH, MODOWN, DEAD DEVILS Show is 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at The

Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $18$22 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

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 at 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave., hosts karaoke 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts at 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.

SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.

FITNESS + RECREATION

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS Performance is 8

p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $45 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook. com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

WILDFIRE, TRANSIENT, FATEJACKET, TULPA Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at The

FM WESTON AUDUBON DECEMBER PRESENTATION Enjoy a slide show of the best avian

Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS BLUES CAFÉ Visit Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St., for live music on select days.

•Tuesdays: Greg Bond 5:30-8:30 p.m.

•Thursdays: John Wheeler 6-8 p.m.

•Saturdays: Glenn Parker Band 6:30-10 p.m.

•Sundays: Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Soci-

ety of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District at 7 p.m. every Monday at 130 E. Government St. in End O' the Alley. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodi-

ous Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

December 7, 2023

photography from local members throughout the year 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. The group meets at Building 21 Room 2142 at 21 Airport Blvd. Visit fmwaudubon.org for more information.

ISLAND FIGHTS 81 Watch Island Fights live

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are at pensacolabaycenter.com.

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS The Pensacola Ice Flyers 2023-24 season home games are held at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.

Upcoming dates: •7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 •7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 •7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 PUBLIC SKATE Ice skating sessions are available through April at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $12-$15. Season passes and group rates available at the box office or by emailing sjette@pensacolabaycenter.com.

Upcoming dates: •2, 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 •2, 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 •2, 3:30, 5, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 •2, 3:30, 5, and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 •9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 for more listings visit inweekly.net 17

free will astrology WEEK OF DECEMBER 7 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): I will cheer you on as you tenderly push yourself to be extra exploratory in the coming weeks. It's exciting that you are contemplating adventures that might lead you to wild frontiers and half-forbidden zones. The chances are good you will provoke uncanny inspirations and attract generous lessons. Go higher and deeper and further, dear Aries. Track down secret treasures and lyrical unpredictability. Experiment with the concept of holy rebellion.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In January, I will tempt you to be a spirited adventurer who undertakes smart risks. I will invite you to consider venturing into unknown territory and expanding the scope of your education. But right now, I advise you to address your precious needs for stability and security. I encourage you to take extra good care of your comfort zone and even add cozy new features to it. Here's a suggestion: Grab a pen and paper, or open a new file on your favorite device, then compose a list of everything you can do to feel exceedingly safe and supported.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Booker T.

Washington (1856–1915) was an American Black leader who advocated a gradual, incremental approach to fighting the effects of racism.

Hard work and good education were the cornerstones of his policies. Then there was W. E. B. Dubois (1868–1963). He was an American Black leader who encouraged a more aggressive plan of action. Protest, agitation, pressure and relentless demands for equal rights were core principles in his philosophy. In the coming months, I recommend a blend of these attitudes for you. You've got two big jobs: to improve the world you live in and get all the benefits you need and deserve from it.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): I periodically

get a big jolt of feeling how much I don't know. I am overwhelmed with the understanding of how meager my understanding of life really is. On the one hand, this is deflating to my ego. On the other hand, it's wildly refreshing. I feel a liberating rush of relief to acknowledge that I am so far from being perfect and complete that there's no need for me to worry about trying to be perfect

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By Rob Brezsny

or complete. I heartily recommend this meditation to you, fellow Cancerian. From an astrological perspective, now is a favorable time to thrive on fertile emptiness.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Have you reached your full height? If there were ever a time during your adult life when you would literally get taller, it might be in the coming weeks. And that's not the only kind of growth spurt that may occur.

Your hair and fingernails may lengthen faster than usual. I wouldn't be shocked if your breasts or penis got bigger. But even more importantly, I suspect your healthy brain cells will multiply at a brisk pace. Your ability to understand how the world really works will flourish. You will have an increased flair for thinking creatively.

Your ability to understand how the world really works will flourish.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): I like Virgo

author Cheryl Strayed's thoughts about genuine togetherness. She says, "True intimacy isn't a cluster fuck or a psychodrama. It isn't the highest highs and lowest lows. It's a tiny bit of those things on occasion, with a whole lot of everything else in between. It's communion and mellow compatibility. It's friendship and mutual respect." I also like Virgo author Sam Keen's views on togetherness. He says, "At the heart of sex is something intrinsically spiritual, the desire for a union so primal it can be called divine." Let's make those two perspectives your guideposts in the coming weeks, Virgo.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): According to my

interpretation of your astrological prospects, you now have the capacity to accelerate quickly and slow down smoothly; to exult in idealistic visions and hunker down in pragmatic action; to balance exuberant generosity with careful discernment—and vice versa. In general, Libra, you have an extraordinary ability to shift moods and modes with graceful effectiveness—as well as a finely honed sense of when each mood and mode is exactly right for the situation you're

in. I won't be surprised if you accomplish wellbalanced miracles.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Dear goddess, thank you a trillion times for never fulfilling those prayers I sent your way all those years ago.

Remember? When I begged and pleaded with you to get me into a sexy love relationship with "you know who?" I am so lucky, so glad, you rejected my prayers. Though I didn't see it then, I now realize that being in an intimate weave with her would have turned out badly for both her and me. You were so wise to deny me that misguided quest for "pleasure." Now dear goddess, I am asking you to perform a similar service for any Scorpio readers who may beseech you to provide them with experiences they will ultimately be better off without.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Among

our most impressive superpowers is the potency to transform ourselves in alignment with our conscious intentions. For example, suppose you feel awkward because you made an insensitive comment to a friend. In that case, you can take action to assuage any hurt feelings you caused and thereby dissolve your awkwardness. Or let's say you no longer want to be closely connected to people who believe their freedom is more important than everyone else's freedom. With a clear vision and a bolt of willpower, you can do what it takes to create that shift. These are acts of true magic—as wizardly as any occult ritual. I believe you will have extra access to this superpower in the coming weeks. Homework: Identify three situations or feelings you will use your magic to change.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): The

eminent Capricorn philosopher William James (1842–1910) is referred to as the "Father of American Psychology." He was a brilliant thinker who excelled in the arts of logic and reason. Yet he had a fundamental understanding that reason and logic were not the only valid kinds of intelligence. He wrote, "Rational consciousness is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the filmiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different." This quote appears in his book "The Varieties of Religious Experience." In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to investigate those other types of consciousness in the coming months. You don't need drugs to

do so. Simply state your intention that you want to. Other spurs: dreamwork, soulful sex, dancing, meditation, nature walks, deep conversations.

Are you weary of dawdlers urging you not to move, talk and mutate so quickly?

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Are people sometimes jealous or judgmental toward you for being so adept at multi-tasking? Are you weary of dawdlers urging you not to move, talk and mutate so quickly? Do you fantasize about having more cohorts who could join you in your darting, daring leaps of logic? If you answered yes to these questions, I expect you will soon experience an enjoyable pivot. Your quickchange skills will be appreciated and rewarded more than usual. You will thrive while invoking the spiritual power of unpredictability.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Romantic re-

lationships take work if you want them to remain vigorous and authentic. So do friendships. The factors that brought you together in the first place may not be enough to keep you bonded forever.

Both of you change and grow, and there's no guarantee your souls will continue to love being interwoven. If disappointment creeps into your alliance, it's usually wise to address the issues head-on as you try to reconfigure your connection. It's not always feasible or desirable, though.

I still feel sad about the friend I banished when I discovered he was racist and had hidden it from me. I hope these ruminations inspire you to give your friendships a lot of quality attention in 2024.

It will be an excellent time to lift the best ones up to a higher octave.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: I dare you to reclaim a power you gave up once upon a time. {in}

freewillastrology.com

newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2023 Rob Brezsny

inweekly.net

news of the weird AWESOME! Get those pens and pencils—OK, Google forms—ready! The Tampa Bay Times is inviting readers and anyone else around the world to submit their grievances, the best of which the Times will publish to celebrate Festivus on Dec. 23. United Press International reported that this will be the eighth year for the Times' Airing of Grievances. The custom is one feature of the holiday, which was introduced on a "Seinfeld" episode in 1997. (You might also remember the unadorned metal pole and feats of strength.) Happy Festivus, everyone!

PRECOCIOUS Ann Arbor, Michigan, police chased a stolen 17-ton forklift through city streets for an hour on Nov. 25, NBC News reported, in what they called "a very dangerous situation"—especially so, since the driver was a 12-year-old boy. The boy allegedly found the construction vehicle outside Forsythe Middle School with the keys inside. While no one was injured, the forklift struck 10 cars as it crawled through neighborhoods with law enforcement in pursuit; at one point, officers warned other cars that he was "lowering the hooks—don't go in front" of it. The boy was taken into custody and moved to a juvenile detention center.

THE PASSING PARADE "I'm having it my way!" appeared to be the message from a large inflatable Burger King Whopper that came loose outside a restaurant in Newberg, Oregon, and took off through the windy streets. KOIN-TV reported that the sandwich began its journey around 7 a.m. on Nov. 11 and crashed into a smoke shop before hitting an American flag and another business.

Amy Kepler of the Newberg Police Department said that strangely, they didn't receive any 911 calls about the burger, and no injuries or damage were reported to police. "It happened very quickly and did not affect traffic," she said.

UNCONVENTIONAL WEAPONRY Sandra Jimenez, 44, is cooling her heels at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami, Florida, after she attacked her boyfriend of eight years on Nov. 25 at their home, Fox35-TV reported. According to the victim, as the couple argued about him "looking at other women," Jimenez allegedly jumped on him as he lay on the couch and stabbed him in the right eye with one of her dog's rabies shot needles. She then left the house, and he called police, who took him to the hospital.

Officers later found her asleep in a vehicle outside the home and arrested her for aggravated battery.

Jimenez told them her boyfriend's injuries were "self-inflicted."

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION Iris Logan, 70, converted her front yard in St. Paul, Minnesota, into an expression of her individuality more than 30 years ago, the Associated Press reported. But the city inspector is fed up with her stones, statues and decorative art and has given her until Dec. 22 to clear it out. "I'm a rock lover," Logan said. "If I see a rock I like, I try and roll it in my car on a 2-by4." A petition supporting Logan gained 150 signatures. "It's not just about aesthetics," said Justin

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

Lewandowski, a community organizer. "It's about our identity and how we, as residents, engage with each other and with city policy."

•Kansans, emboldened by their vote to keep abortion legal in 2022, have spoken again: On Nov. 28, Gov. Laura Kelly announced that the state will halt production on the "ugly as sin" new license plates that were supposed to roll out in 2024. Fox News reported that some drivers balked at the design because it too closely resembled the University of Missouri's colors; others thought the gold-and-black plate was Kelly's nod to New York, her home state. Others called it "slapdash and dull." The governor promised a future public vote on possible new designs.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS Only in 2023. On Nov. 28, as a big gust of wind whirled through Washington, D.C., the fully decorated National Christmas Tree was blown over, WUSA-TV reported. The National Park Service had to replace a snapped cable and install reinforcement cables and concrete blocks to secure the tree, but the lighting ceremony went on as planned on Nov. 30.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF AIR TRAVEL A woman flying from Orlando to Philadelphia on Nov. 20 on Frontier Airlines apparently couldn't hold it another second, WKRC-TV reported. "Sorry, everybody," she said in a video captured by traveler Julie Hartman, before pulling her pants down and squatting in the aisle to urinate. According to the woman, she had been told by a flight attendant that she couldn't use the restroom; one woman on the video can be heard saying, "That poor little boy" about a child sitting next to the spot where the woman squatted.

YIKES! As a man in Xiamen, China, used the "smart" toilet in his home on Nov. 10, he first smelled smoke—right before the toilet burst into flames. He didn't have time to pull his shorts back up, but he did manage to capture pictures of the toilet with flames emerging from the bowl.

Oddity Central reported that the owner believed a short circuit was to blame; other incidents of toilets bursting into flame in China have been reported over the last two years. Burning ring of fire, indeed.

WAIT, WHAT? A 35-year-old man from Vietnam went to the hospital in Dong Hoi on Nov. 24 with severe headaches, fluid discharge and loss of vision, Metro News reported. When doctors did a CT scan, they discovered two broken chopsticks that were penetrating into his skull from his nose.

Apparently, the man had been in a fight several months before and didn't remember much about it—but said he thought something might have been stabbed into his face. Surgeons removed the chopsticks, and the patient is recovering. {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2023 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com December 7, 2023

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celebrate

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH GREAT SOUTHERN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS For additional information and to view NYE menus and features visit:

GREATSOUTHERNRESTAURANTS.COM

Independent News | December 7, 2023 | inweekly.net