winners & losers winners losers
SAM YOUNG The Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce recognized Pensacola Habitat for Humanity president and chief executive officer as the 2024 Community Leader of the Year. The honor is awarded to a non-businessperson or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the community in the form of a special project or service, or a series of projects or services. Under Young's leadership, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has grown to become the ninth-highest producing Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the nation, with 50 homes completed last year. Young has spearheaded the creation and growth of the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust.
UNITED FACULTY OF FLORIDA (UFF)
The union continues to demonstrate strong support across Florida's educational institutions. At the University of West Florida, faculty voted 96% in favor of the union. These victories add to the United Faculty of Florida's impressive track record, marking their seventh successful PERC (Public Employees Relations Commission) election. For teachers working under the Gov. DeSantis regime, the PERC elections are a choice between UFF or take-your-chances. UFF maintains an undefeated record of 42-0 in PERC election wins. The successful chapters include FAMU-Graduate Assistants United, FSU-Development Research School, PascoHernando State College, St. Johns River State College, Florida Polytechnic University, University of West Florida and Broward College.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA (UWF)
The university earned top rankings in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Online College rankings released Jan. 21. Among more than 350 institutions, UWF placed 39th for Best Online Bachelor's Programs and achieved a record 25th place for Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans, improving from 45th and 30th respectively in 2024. The rankings evaluate over 1,600 distance education bachelor's and master's degree programs. Only fully online degree programs, from entry to completion of the academic year, are included in the rankings. In September 2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked UWF in the top 10 public institutions in the region.
GULF OF AMERICA President Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" would require extensive revisions to Florida's legal framework, where the term "Gulf of Mexico" is deeply embedded in at least 55 state statutes. The Gulf of Mexico serves as a crucial geographic reference point in boundary descriptions of gulf-front counties from Escambia to Collier. The change would also affect various state agencies and programs. The Department of Environmental Protection's beach management initiatives, coastal construction regulations and tourist-development tax structures all contain specific references to the Gulf of Mexico. The Board of Internal Improvement Trust Fund and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Compact would require similar updates.
TARBALL-FREE BEACHES
After President Donald Trump announced an energy exploration initiative in 2018, Florida officials, including thenGov. Rick Scott, successfully lobbied for a state exemption. The Trump administration removed Florida waters from consideration, citing the state's heavy reliance on tourism and beachdependent economy. In 2020, Trump extended this protection by signing an order for a 10-year drilling moratorium covering Florida's Gulf Coast. However, on his first day in office, Trump rescinded a permanent ban on drilling in most of the Outer Continental Shelf, which covers waters off our beaches. "Drill, baby, drill" is back.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) PROGRAMS
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating the dismantling of all DEI programs across the federal government. The order requires agency heads to terminate DEI offices and positions within 60 days, cancel related training programs and end equity-related grants or contracts. Federal agencies must place DEI staff on paid leave immediately and take down DEI-focused web pages. The move follows a broader GOP push against DEI initiatives, which they claim threaten merit-based opportunities. Similar anti-DEI measures have already led to program closures and staff cuts across several states, including Texas, Florida and North Carolina. Civil rights organizations, including the National Urban League, argue the order is unconstitutional and plan to challenge it legally.
Sam Young / Photo Courtesy of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
Donald Trump / Photo by Anna Moneymaker / shutterstock.com
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
REMEMBERING BOB SNOW
The legendary Bob Snow passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, after a fall in his home. If you moved to Pensacola in the past decade, you may not have known Snow; he was the catalyst of downtown Pensacola's rebirth nearly sixty years ago.
In 1967, when most businesses were fleeing downtown Pensacola for the mall, a young naval aviation trainee with a trumpet and a dream saw an opportunity in the abandoned warehouses of East Government Street. That man was Bob Snow, and his vision would transform Pensacola's downtown entertainment scene for decades to come.
Originally from Minnesota, Snow found himself in Pensacola during his Navy training. After suffering injuries in a car accident, he formed a band called the South Hangar Six and began performing around town. With his distinctive mustache giving him the appearance of a young riverboat gambler, Snow became a familiar face in the local music scene. But he had bigger ambitions than just performing—he wanted to open what he called a "beer and peanuts-type saloon" downtown.
middle next to Dickie Merritt, who was furnish ing the beer. The place was packed, with about 400 more people waiting in the street. Snow, ever the showman, orchestrated an unforgettable debut. It started with Tootie Lockhart, a world-class banjo player, and his brother Burt on string bass, playing 'Dear One, the World is Waiting for the Sunrise.' Then suddenly, trumpets blared from the top of the stairs. There was Bob leading a parade of brass, clarinets and drummers down into the main room. The entire crowd jumped to their feet at 8 p.m. and didn't sit down until 2 a.m. the next morning."
properties.
The beginning was humble. Snow managed to secure a lease with an option to buy an old cigar and tobacco warehouse, which would become Rosie O'Grady's. But even with the lease in hand, he faced significant challenges.
In August 1967, just before opening, Snow confided in his attorney, Wilmer Mitchell, that trouble lay ahead; the air conditioning contractor had backed out of financing the $3,500 system.
In a 2016 interview, the attorney shared, "His dreams were big, but his pockets were empty. He came to me looking defeated. 'I don't think I'm going to make it,' he told me. When I asked how much he owed so far, his answer surprised me: 'Nothing. None.'"
Seeing Snow's potential, Mitchell walked him directly to C&P Bank, where vice president Roger Doyle insisted on lending $5,000 to ensure there was money for the till. Snow's success was immediate. He paid off the entire loan the day after opening.
Mitchell recalled Rosie O'Grady's first night: "I was there on opening night, sitting right in the
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Snow's success with Rosie O'Grady's was just the beginning. His vision expanded with each passing year as he acquired neighboring properties. Snow transformed a former print shop with an inch and a half of printer's ink on the floor into Lili Marlene's. He added the End O' the Alley bar and Coppersmith's Galley restaurant. Perhaps most impressively, he created Apple Annie's, a space that many mistake for an original historic building but was actually built from the ground up using salvaged materials, including trusses from the old Casino Beach casino and doors from the Ursuline Convent.
Snow's creative vision extended beyond Pensacola. He later developed Church Street Station in Orlando, which became another significant success. Though a subsequent venture into Las Vegas's casino business proved less fortunate, Snow's impact on downtown entertainment districts remains notable. He even developed $280,000 worth of plans for a New Orleans venture that ultimately didn't materialize because he refused to compromise his vision.
The Seville Quarter complex, now owned and operated by the Mitchell family, continues to thrive as a testament to Snow's original vision. What started as a simple dream of opening a saloon in a dying downtown area has become a cornerstone of Pensacola's entertainment district, proving that sometimes the most successful ventures start with nothing more than a trumpet, a dream and a $5,000 loan from someone who believes in your vision. {in} rick@inweekly.net
TRI-W IS STILL INTERESTED IN OLF-8
By Rick Outzen
One of the nation's premier developers resides in Pensacola, yet Escambia County is negotiating with an outside firm to oversee the potentially transformative OLF-8 project. Why?
The answer is relatively simple. Three county commissioners prioritized $7.5 million and did not look at the details of the proposals or the qualifications of the different development teams.
Catalyst HRE partnered with Alabama-based commercial real estate developer Jim Wilson and Associates and former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward to form Tri-W Development LLC.
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting, Tampa-based Beulah Town Center upped its bid to $50 million for the project, topping the Tri-W Development bid by $7.5 million. County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger still motioned for the county to begin negotiations with Tri-W, and fellow commissioner Steven Barry seconded her motion, but the others held out.
Catalyst HRE Founder and CEO Chad Henderson only learned that Beulah Town Center upped its bid to $50 million as he walked into the commission chambers for the meeting. He balked at upping the $42.5 million bid, and TriW rescinded its offer.
"I wasn't really that interested in getting into a cattle auction-style bid process in a public forum," Henderson said, "and the reason why is because the last thing I would ever want to do would be to put my name on a number that I wasn't 100% sure I could execute. There has been a lot of due diligence and a lot of financial modeling and underwriting on certain numbers,
and when you are increasing an offer from $42.5 million in a matter of minutes—it's not something I felt comfortable doing."
After Tri-W withdrew from consideration, the commissioners unanimously approved beginning negotiations with Beulah Town Center to develop the 540-acre property with the requirement that the DPZ Master Plan for the property be included as a deed restriction. The DPZ Master Plan includes 271 acres for a light industrial district, 61 acres for residential and 47 acres for a mixed-use center.
The clock is ticking on the 30-day negotiation window between the county and Beulah Town Center for a final sale agreement. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement within 30 days, the commissioners will continue negotiating with Beulah Town Center or select another bidder such as Tri-W. There is precedent for a deal falling through between the two sides. Last year, the county began negotiating with Beulah Town Center to buy 290 acres of the property, but the deal stalled without an agreement.
Asked about the possibility of renegotiating with the county if the Beulah Town Center deal falls through, Henderson said, "Certainly."
"As cumbersome as the process has been, it doesn't change the fact that this is a generational opportunity for Escambia County, the community of Beulah and all of Northwest Florida," he said. "I'm committed, whether it's us or someone else. I hope we achieve the outcomes that I believe are most important, which is a job creation-focused development as well as a retail mixed-use node that would serve the community."
Henderson continued, "This is an opportunity to really move the needle for Beulah,
$600 million of equity and you put debt against it, that's well over $1 billion in activity and private equity, real estate. So back to OLF-8: the notion of handling large-scale development with large dollars is something that is not foreign to us. We do it all over the place, and we have worked very hard to build a bench strength from a talent perspective to be able to handle that."
Henderson admits the Catalyst portfolio is relatively light on retail development. He partnered with Jim Wilson and Associates to solve that problem. JWA is a 50-year-old company with a portfolio that includes over 25 million square feet of retail development. Its projects include the Riverchase Galleria, located just outside of Birmingham, and the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
Henderson rounded out his dream team with Hayward, who owned and managed a real estate investment and development firm and then served as mayor during a significant growth period for downtown Pensacola. Hayward currently serves as president of the Andrews Research and Education Foundation and on the board of supervisors for the Hope Innovation District, a community development district tasked with delivering services and facilities to Speros (a 775-acre global innovation life sciences campus in Pasco County).
for Escambia County, Northwest Florida, so given the gravity of that, given how important this absolutely would be, I'm willing to have another conversation."
Henderson promises to support whoever develops the property. He envisions a public-private partnership that attracts high-paying employers in technology, biopharma and manufacturing. He said aligning with Navy Federal Credit Union and economic development agencies such as FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission would help recruit employers.
CATALYST HRE
Henderson founded Catalyst HRE in 2011 with a focus on local and regional real estate. That focus soon expanded to a nationwide full-service healthcare real estate investment firm. Its portfolio is valued at over $1 billion and includes inpatient rehabilitation facilities across Florida and in Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The Henderson Health Center, located on the new Baptist Health Care campus, is a $31.3 million project Catalyst HRE completed last year. In partnership with Florida State University, Catalyst is developing a 150,000 square-foot facility with a primary emphasis on football operations. Current projects under development also include the Ochsner Andrews Institute in New Orleans. The medical services facility will include an orthopedic center that will be utilized by professional athletes who play for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.
"We've placed over $600 million of equity in the last five years," Henderson said. "If you place
"We went into it looking at [OLF-8] as a 25year project, a billion-dollar project, a huge investment for all of us, and you have to have the right team to do it correctly," Hayward said.
Hayward expected the county commissioners to select Tri-W for the project. Why pass on a proven commodity with reputable leaders in your own backyard? Commissioners shocked Hayward when they cited $7.5 million reasons why. Commissioner Lumon May said he "can't vote against $50 million."
Hayward spoke at the meeting and said, "So what you're telling the citizens of Escambia County right now is that you're voting on price, correct?" Hayward walked out of the meeting stunned by what unfolded.
"I have a lot of empathy for politicians who sit up on the dais," Hayward told Inweekly. "They're quality people. I know all of them personally. It's a big decision but you have to make a decision as an elected official. It's very important when we are stewards of the taxpayers to hire the most qualified person to do the work for the citizens."
Commission Chair Mike Kohler argued that both Beulah Town Center and Tri-W qualified to develop the OLF-8 property. Henderson said he never expected a "hometown discount," but he wondered if the commissioners put enough onus on hiring a developer whose leaders live in and are fully invested in the county.
"There's always a benefit to having local ties for myriad reasons, certainly from a surface level of being truly passionate about the outcome," Henderson said. "Why? Because we understand the gravity of the opportunity and the accountability associated with not performing when you have to live here for the rest of your life." {in}
Hotel Tristan Project / Render Courtesy of Catalyst HRE
development for Pensacola's claim to the na tion's sailing capital, American Magic and Nautor Swan have announced a strategic partnership that may transform the Port of Pensacola into a major hub for high-end yacht manufacturing and competitive sailing in the United States. The Jan. 19 announcement signals a significant boost for the local economy and maritime industry, positioning Pensacola at the forefront of American sailing innovation.
The partnership's most immediate impact on Pensacola will be felt through the introduction of the ClubSwan 28 regatta series, which will feature the city as a premier racing destination. Scheduled to begin in late 2025, the regatta is expected to draw international attention and significant visitor traffic to the region.
The collaboration includes plans to explore manufacturing opportunities at American Magic's Port of Pensacola facility. The potential domestic production of Nautor Swan and Bluegame vessels would represent a major industrial expansion for the port, potentially creating new high-skilled jobs and strengthening Pensacola's position in the marine manufacturing sector.
Since establishing operations at the Port of Pensacola, American Magic has already demonstrated its commitment to the region through its America's Cup campaign preparations. This new venture with Nautor Swan, a globally recognized leader in luxury yacht manufacturing, significantly expands that commitment.
UWF BOARD SHIFTS Controversial University of West Florida Trustee Dr. Scott Yenor was elected board chairman by an 8-5 vote over local leader Dick Baker. The motion for Dr. Yenor was made by Rebecca Moya, a Board of Governors appointee, and seconded by DeSantis appointee Gates Garcia.
Dr. Yenor is a political science professor at Boise State University and a prominent figure in
speech at the National Conservatism Confer ence in Orlando, he focused on what he termed "the independent woman" in modern society, suggesting that this career focus comes at the expense of family life:
"Our independent women seek their purpose in life in mid-level bureaucratic jobs like human resource management, environmental protection and marketing," Dr. Yenor said. "They're more medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome than women need to be without connections to eternity delivered through their family."
Earlier this month, American Mind published Dr. Yenor's viewpoint titled "Tools for Conservative Education Reform," advocating for program reviews to eliminate what he considers "ideological programs."
Gov. Jeb Bush appointed the first University of West Florida Board of Trustees in June 2001. Before, all universities were governed by a State Board of Regents. Lawmakers and the public were told that the board would be comprised mostly of local people who would, for the first time, direct local university operations.
Baker, the longest-serving UWF trustee, has been involved in residential subdivision development, banking, economic development and nonprofits in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for decades. In 1998, the Pensacola Chamber selected him for the PACE Community Leader of the Year award.
In the area of economic development, Baker has served as Committee of 100 chair, TEAM Santa Rosa treasurer, Chamber treasurer and vice president of tourism, Florida's Western Gate Economic Development Council chair, Envision EscaRosa board member and Community Maritime Park Associates board member (2006-2012).
His community service includes the Pensacola Junior College Board of Trustees, Sacred Heart Health Systems board, Gulf Coast Kid's House, ARC Gateway, Rebuild Northwest Florida
Five Flags Rotary, Maritime Museum Committee, Pensacola Home Builders Association, IHMC Board and UWF Foundation.
Inweekly requested the ballots and found that the five new trustees appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the three appointed by the state Board of Governors— Paul Bailey, Gates Garcia, Adam Kissel, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moya, Ashley Ross, Dr. Scott Yenor and Chris Young— voted as a bloc.
Faculty Senate President Dr. Susan James and SGA President Maggie Brown argued passionately for Baker. They, along with Baker, Dr. Paul Hsu, Susan James and Alonzie Scott, voted
"The cloud of controversy that we now have over us, I'm concerned about. I want us all to work together. We have an absolutely amazing university that has excelled in so many ways," James said before the vote. "I wish you would consider making it easier for all of us with onboarding by having Trustee Baker as our chair."
Board of Governors appointee Rebecca Matthews beat Baker for the vice chair position by a 9-4 vote. Trustee Hsu joined the DeSantis/BOG bloc.
The next board meeting is 9 a.m. Feb. 13, via Zoom.
SURVIVOR-LED SOLUTIONS January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and survivors like Alicia Tappan are speaking out. A former high-achieving teenager, Tappan's life changed at 17 when she was drugged and assaulted at a party hosted by her track coach. "Then it turned into a nightmare, and he drugged us," Tappan said. "He had us in very vulnerable situations."
The coach recorded and sold footage of her rape. Though initially unreported, a school administrator noticed behavior changes and investigated. Tappan told him: "I don't know, I think I was raped." Law enforcement discovered, "I was one of 33 other victims. He had these kinds of gangs in school before mine, my school and then another school. And he had gotten away with it for 10 years, victimizing children."
Years of substance abuse and exploitation followed. "My real experience of late teenage relationships were always very violent and always very sexual," Tappan said. "I assumed that's how men treated women because I didn't understand healthy relationships. I didn't have an appreciation for hard work because I knew how to make money quickly."
She described the cycle: "You got to make money fast. You'll do anything to get what it takes. You're willing to hurt people. Meanwhile, you're being drugged, you're being raped, you're being put into positions where you don't have a ride out."
While in rehab in 2022, Tappan had a breakthrough: "I realized it wasn't my addiction that was holding me back. It was actually a psychological issue ... my brain was so used to keeping me safe. It would black out. It would forget things."
She founded Survivor-Led Solutions to help others. "Survivor-Led Solutions is really birthed out of an idea of getting on my own as a survivor
and wanting to do the work to help the longterm needs of survivors who are trying so hard to create a new pathway for other women and men to come forward."
Survivor-Led Solutions consults organizations to become survivor-informed and centered with an emphasis on trauma-informed care. Its mission includes providing survivors nationwide with leadership, professional development and ongoing mental health services. The organization partners with business coaches, speaking coaches, mental health professionals, law enforcement, military and non-governmental organizations to provide training and consulting for human trafficking awareness and trauma-informed care.
Now pursuing a doctorate in forensic psychology, Tappan works to prevent trafficking and improve victim identification. "A lot of kids who are trafficked will at some point become incarcerated because of their behaviors, whether it's truancy from school or acting out and crimes that were committed," she explained. "Law enforcement wasn't really trained to see those victims, so they were always the perpetrator."
Her organization provides comprehensive support: "We do a top-down approach, meaning we work with survivors who are in leadership positions, helping cultivate more professional development through contracts, public speaking gigs, training and also a bottom-up approach, meaning we work with the women who are coming out of incarcerated situations and are in recovery and walking along their healing path."
Tappan addresses systemic issues. "As you continue to move down this narrative, you start to understand the research and the lack of restorative justice programs across the nation. We are finding that a lot of survivors, in some point of their life, whether in childhood or as an adult, prostitution included, that we had victims being incarcerated."
As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month activities, her organization is hosting its second annual "Because I Wore This" fundraiser tonight at Step One Maserati Pensacola.
Survivor-Led Solutions is hosting its second annual Because I Wore This demonstration fundraiser from 6-8 p.m Thursday, Jan. 30, at Step One Maserati Pensacola. To order tickets, visit survivorledsolutions.org.
FIRST RESPONDERS Escambia
County first responders maintained continuous emergency operations despite hazardous conditions during last week's severe winter weather, handling nearly 1,000 calls in a 54-hour period. Between the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 21 morning and the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 23, Emergency Communications dispatched 568 EMS and 392 Fire Rescue calls across the county.
Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore praised his team's dedication: "I am incredibly proud of our Public Safety team for always being ready and willing to respond, often putting their own safety and comfort aside to protect and serve our community. It's times like this when the public relies on us the most."
The Emergency Operations Center operated around the clock starting Monday, Jan. 20, with advance planning beginning the previous week. EMS and Fire Rescue crews stayed overnight at the EOC to ensure rapid response capabilities. Public Works crews supported emergency operations by sanding bridges and clearing roads. They worked overnight Monday into Tuesday preparing roadways for the storm.
The county coordinated with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Department of Transportation, developing contingency plans for beach evacuations if roads became impassable.
In a written statement, County Administrator Wes Moreno said, "Even with unprecedented amounts of snowfall, I am very proud of how hard our county staff has worked before, during and after this storm to serve the public and keep everyone safe."
NEW LEADERSHIP The Escambia County Medical Society (ECMS), a cornerstone of Northwest Florida's medical community since 1873, has announced its 2025 leadership team.
"As the healthcare landscape evolves, our focus remains steadfast on supporting our physician members," said new ECMS President Dr. Jill Prafke. "Through professional develop -
ment, advocacy and networking, we're working to strengthen the practice of medicine in our community."
The ECMS Foundation, under President Dr. Ellen W. McKnight, manages several successful community and physician-focused initiatives, including Go Seniors transportation assistance, Blood Pressure Cuff program, Music: Just What the Doctor Ordered and Physician Wellness program.
The 2025 ECMS Board Members are President Dr. Jill Prafke, President-Elect Dr. Emmanuel Cruz, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Maureen Padden, and Members at Large Dr. Michelle Beasley, Dr. Deborah Boland, Dr. Erin Mayfield, Dr. Deanna Oleske, Dr. Anthony G. Pietroniro and Dr. J. Howell Tiller. ECMS Foundation President Dr. Ellen W. McKnight and FSU College of Medicine Regional Dean Dr. Paul McLeod are ex-officio members.
ECMS Foundation Board consists of President Dr. McKnight, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Padden and board members Dr. Brian Kirby, Dr. Brett Parra, Dr. Denise Sherman and Dr. Deborah Vigilione. ECMS President Dr. Prafke is an exofficio member.
ECMS Executive Director Laura Griffin said, "With over 400 years of combined medical experience, these physician leaders demonstrate an
extraordinary commitment to advancing medical practice in our region. Their volunteer leadership ensures we continue our 152-year tradition of supporting physicians and their practices."
PYP NONPROFIT EXPO Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) will host its annual Nonprofit Expo, bringing together local organizations and community members for a day of connection and impact. The free outdoor event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Museum Plaza in downtown Pensacola.
Nonprofit organizations can showcase their missions and connect directly with potential volunteers and supporters. Participating nonprofits will each receive a 10' x 10' booth space to engage with attendees and share their initiatives for building a stronger Pensacola community.
Nonprofit organizations interested in participating must register by Feb. 8. Each organization will need to provide its own tent, tables and chairs for its booth space. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged through the PYP website at pensacolayp.com/nonprofitexpo.
For community members, the Expo offers a unique opportunity to discover the diverse range of nonprofit organizations serving Pensacola. Attendees can learn about various causes, hear inspiring stories of local impact and find oppor-
tunities to get involved. The family-friendly event welcomes individuals and groups of all ages.
For additional information, visit pensacolayp. com or contact impact@pensacolayp.com.
RIBBON CUTTING Health and Hope has a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Health and Wellness Wing at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at 1718 E. Olive Road. The new facility features mental health counseling spaces and a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, enhancing the clinic's ability to provide comprehensive care.
The expansion project received crucial support from Senator Doug Broxson and State Rep. Michelle Salzman, who secured state funding, along with a substantial grant from Impact100 Pensacola Bay Area. The new Health and Wellness Conference Room has been dedicated to donor Sandy Sansing in recognition of his generous contribution.
In 2024, Health and Hope Clinic provided over $5 million in free care to the community, supported by 390 volunteers, including healthcare professionals and community members. The new wing will complement the clinic's existing services, which include medical care, dental services, mental health counseling and pharmacy services.
For more information, please visit healthandhopeclinic.org. {in}
(or hate)
Upcoming Albums to Love in 2025
By Savannah Evanoff
I feel strongly that a good list of albums to anticipate in the coming year should be well-rounded: some artists just about everybody likes, some artists just about everybody should like and some you kinda-sorta just don't like on principle. The reality is, not all music is meant for everybody. But I'm convinced all music is meant for somebody. So in this list, I've described some upcoming albums to love (or hate) in 2025. In case those aren't your vibe, I've added a list of others released around the same time, so your playlist won't hit a dry spell.
YOU HEARD HER ON THE RADIO
Alessia Cara
"Love & Hyperbole"
Feb. 14
Don't panic that I started this list with a mainstream artist. After hearing "Dead Man," I think Alessia's Valentine's Day album release is going to be cheeky and bold, but mature—and honestly a big departure from the likes of "Scars to Your Beautiful." Variety compared her new sound to Amy Winehouse, and I think that'd be a cool evolution for her career. Her impressive vocals will suit it well.
No Interest? Try:
The Weeknd "Hurry Up Tomorrow" (Jan. 31)
Bonnie "Prince" Billy "The Purple Bird" (Jan. 31) Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory self-titled (Feb. 7)
Squid "Building 650" (Feb. 7)
Wafia "Promised Land" (Feb. 7)
Wilco "A Ghost Is Born 20th. Anniversary Ed." (Feb. 7)
The Lumineers "Automatic" (Feb. 14)
Marshall Allen "African Sunset" (Feb. 14)
YOU FEEL NOSTALGIA FOR Youth Lagoon
"Rarely Do I Dream"
Feb. 21
This album had me at "home videos." It was reportedly inspired by a shoebox of them that Trevor Powers found in his parents' basement. "Rarely Do I Dream" follows the 2023 LP, "Heaven Is a Junkyard"—the first Youth Lagoon record in eight years. Throughout the album, Powers incorporates snippets of audio from home videos; you can hear an example now at the beginning of "My Beautiful Girl." Based on the four tracks dropped so far, it will be the perfect blend of vintage, nostalgic and dreamy, but still a little unpredictable.
No Interest? Try:
Bath "Gut" (Feb. 21)
Saya Gray "Shell (Of A Man)" (Feb. 21)
BANKS "Off With Her Head" (Feb. 28) serpentwithfeet "Writhing In The Wind" (Feb. 28)
Aloe Blacc "Stand Together" (Feb. 28)
The Ting Tings "Home" (Feb. 28)
YOU'VE BEEN MISSING
Japanese Breakfast "For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)"
March 21
When the first single "Orlando in Love" popped up as a Spotify recommendation in January, I couldn't tap play fast enough. And then when I saw the album title, I already liked it on principle. To be honest, I hadn't realized four years had passed since the last album "Jubilee"—probably because I'm still replaying it. Michelle Zauner as Japanese Breakfast is simply brilliant. What can't she do? Zauner's best-selling memoir—an expansion of her The New Yorker essay of the same name, "Crying in H Mart"—is being adapted into a movie. As for the upcoming album … with song titles like "Honey Water," "Little Girl" and "Winter in LA," I just know it will be as magical as everything else she touches.
No Interest? Try:
Jason Isbell "Bury Me" (March 7)
My Morning Jacket "is" (March 21)
The Horrors "Night Life" (March 21)
YOU SOMEHOW ALWAYS RELATE TO Perfume Genius
"Glory"
March 28
March is looking up with an album from another artist who explores a lot of topics lyrically in versatile ways musically. Michael Hadreas as Perfume Genius doesn't shy away from talking about his sexuality, having Crohn's disease, domestic abuse and what it's like to be a gay man in today's world. The lead single, "It's a Mirror," was named Best New Track by Pitchfork. They called the song "a slice of gothic Americana that wouldn't be out of place under the opening
credits of 'True Blood,'" and I couldn't agree more. I also saw a user on Reddit compare it to Neil Young, and no one disagreed. The music video is equally cool, featuring Hadreas in a leather racing jacket and gold hoops, then in a bustier arching his back across the handles of a motorcycle and, at one point, drinking gasoline straight from the pump. "Glory" is off to a good start.
No Interest? Try:
Destroyer "Dan's Boogie" (March 28)
Great Grandpa "Patience, Moonbeam" (March 28)
Dumb Things "Self Help" (March or April)
YOU WANT TO HEAR LIVE Lucy Dacus "Forever Is A Feeling"
March 28
This almost turned into a complete article about March albums when I saw Lucy Dacus was among those to release a new one that month, too. Like Japanese Breakfast, it's her first in four years. I'm not normally such a sucker for song titles, but the first singles, "Ankles" and "Limerence," were as intriguing as they sound. "Ankles" is relatable perfection, with a line about being pulled to the edge of your bed by the ankles at night next to another about doing crossword puzzles together in the morning. The album cover is a painting by artist Will St. John, showing Dacus wearing a robe hanging off her shoulders to reveal the album title tattooed across her chest—all on a background of clouds and bordered with a romantic gold antique-style frame. I predict the album will reflect this dreamy and romantic image.
No Interest? Try:
Florist "Have Heaven" (April 4)
David Longstreth, Dirty Projectors and stargaze "Song of the Earth" (April 4)
DJ Koze "Music Can Hear Us" (April 4)
Panchiko "Ginkgo" (April 4)
The Waterboys "Life, Death and Dennis Hopper" (April 4)
SYML "Nobody Lives Here" (April 4)
Yann Tiersen "Rathlin from a Distance | The Liquid Hour" (April 4)
Samia "Bloodless" (April 25)
YOU'RE NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT FROM Lana Del Rey "The Right Person Will Stay"
May 21
I questioned whether to include this on the list because little is known about what's to come from Lana—other than that the album will supposedly feature a song called "Henry, Come On," and it may or may not be country music. What I can say is that what I've heard of this song has a dose of country to it but still gives the ethereal Lana sorrow we know and love.
No Interest? Try:
Blondshell "If You Asked For A Picture" (May 2) Ben Kweller "Cover The Mirrors" (May 30) Cole Pulice TBD (May)
YOU'RE DYING TO KNOW WHAT'S NEXT FROM Chappell Roan: TBD
TBD
I couldn't leave off breakout star Chappell Roan if her sophomore album is even half as good as her no-skips debut "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess." I'm thankful to have seen a full set from Roan in a sparkly football jersey and shoulder pads at the 2024 Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, Ala., what felt like seconds before she really blew up. Roan has been teasing new music for a while—through Instagram posts and in the press—and I think I speak for everyone when I say, we're ready to hear it.
No Interest? Try these other unconfirmed releases: Chance the Rapper "Star Line" Doja Cat TBD
J. Cole "The Fall Off"
Rihanna "R9"
Rosalía TBD
Summer Walker "Finally Over It" {in}
Arts & Entertainment
Pulling Up Core Samples with Jonathan Fink
experimental and expansive project yet. Now available to the public, the book's release will be celebrated with a signing event this week at Pensacola Museum of Art.
"I always loved poetry," Fink said, reflecting on his early connection to the art form. "My father was an English professor and a poet, so poetry was in the fabric of my day-to-day life. Poetry is a space that welcomes not only musicality and language but contradictory and complicated emotions and feelings. Something I always quote in class is that W.H. Auden said, 'Poetry is the clear expression of mixed feelings.' So poetry is one of the last places, I think, that welcomes that as a strength rather than a weakness."
By Dakota Parks
This personal credence shines in "Don't Do It—We Love You, My Heart." The collection includes an array of poetic styles: intimate narrative poems and meticulously researched pieces that verge on essays to one-sentence poems that stretch over multiple pages. The book opens with a poem inspired by the true story of a cyclist convincing a jumper on the George Washington Bridge to reconsider, searching for "words to pin him to the path,
"One of the elements that appears in all of my books is trying to write about actual, historical events," Fink explained. "That poem, which is the title of the collection, is based off a 'New York Times' article I read about the story. The cyclist actually says, 'Don't do it—we love you, my heart,' which is such a wonderful and powerful turn of phrase. And, of course, I'm inventing and imagining the circumstances of that encounter, as I do in most of my poetry."
This poem sets the tone for the broader urgings of the collection—the tension alive between the verses, the urgency of shared empathy, the reminder that words and stories matter, even save lives. As a professor at the University of West Florida, Fink carries this spirit into the classroom, constantly encouraging students to embrace the fluidity of poetry, experimenting with form and
"I've been at UWF for almost 20 years now, and students always remind me of our interconnectedness and shared humanity." Fink said. "Richard Hugo has an essay in defense of creative writing classes that argues that creative writing classes are one of the last places that articulate, 'Your life matters.' Your stories, your hopes, your dreams, everything about who you are is worthy of writing. It's a great reminder to students that the space where they are exploring their lives and writing is something we treat seriously, and we treat the artistic process seriously simultaneously."
Fink's journey as a poet has always been informed by a blend of personal introspection and historical inquiry. His first book included a historical sequence about the Triangle Shirtwaist
Factory fire, while his second featured a collection of sonnets on the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the siege of Leningrad. In contrast, this new collection is less rigid in form and more experimental in its meandering journeys through space and time.
"Kurt Vonnegut once said that a writer's previous work is like tracks in the snow because you can see where you've been," Fink said. "For me, this book is a reaction to my earlier work, which was very controlled in its structure. I like the idea of having some sort of structure because it allows me to shift my focus away from the thematic elements of the poem—the meaning—and instead concentrate on the structural components. With this collection, I wanted more breathing room. It's about trusting my voice and welcoming seemingly disparate elements together: from the historical to the literary to the decidedly unliterary elements."
The collection spans a wide range of topics, including Fink's upbringing in West Texas at the end of the Cold War, intimate reflections on his family life, a brief history of execution and its survivors, ekphrastic meditations on the paintings of Goya, Leonardo da Vinci and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft, and sprawling poems that draw parallels between personal and national history.
"I think what I like about working with historical material, both autobiographical and broader history, is that once you place something in time, you automatically have a past, a present and a future. You have a 'here' and a 'there,' which gives you so much more to work with structurally," Fink explained. "One of the unintended aspects of this book is how much it revolves around the Cold War era—especially the 1980s—reflecting my experience as a Gen X kid. That time was pervasive in our lives, and incorporating history into a first-person narrative poem gives you a clear structure to work within, spanning across both time and place."
Many of Fink's poems begin and end with a careful framing of an anecdote, memory or inspiration, before expanding into broader historical and philosophical reflections. It's as if the narrative offers an adventure, inviting readers to delve into the language and the winding paths of thought that unfold within.
One such poem, "A Year of Growth," is framed by the scene of building a treehouse with his children but quickly unravels into meditations on parenthood, childhood curiosity and grief, ultimately serving as an elegy to his late mother-inlaw. The narrator juggles his children's demands to keep playing while stress and grief bubble to
the surface: "Who says the world is fair? mostly resisting, though sometimes not, to itemize, while wielding a clothes-less Barbie or broken toy like a judge's gavel, every slight from work and love and politics both foreign and domestic … as grief permeates all things," it reads.
"I was trying to capture that triggering event of building a treehouse for the girls out back, but as the poem developed, it became an elegy for my wife's mother, who was in the process of passing away," he said. "That wasn't my original intention, but for me, the challenge—and the joy—is bringing together different materials and competing elements to create an architecture in which they cohere. With a family and three daughters, I can't just leave to explore the world on a whim. I'm stationary these days, but my writing process feels like pulling up core samples from permafrost—digging down through layers of history to see what I can uncover and bring to the surface."
This approach mirrors the essence of Fink's poetry: pulling on these threads and tensions, weaving together connections that invite readers into a shared space of discovery.
"What I hope readers take away from this book is an attention and appreciation of language, because language is not just intended to be a vehicle for information. I hope they read these poems and have an experience—a sense of feeling like they're in the presence of the world. When I read a book, I always hope an author will bring me into this shared space they've created in an honest and important way. Then hopefully my attention to the outside world has changed in some way as I re-enter it," Fink said. {in}
jonathanfink.com
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA CROSSROADS CONFERENCE BOOK SIGNING EVENT
WHAT: Public reading, book signing and reception with authors Sonya Huber, Charlotte Pence, Nahal Suzanne Jamir and Jonathan Fink
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30
WHERE: Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St.
DETAILS: events.uwf.edu/event/crossroads-conference-2025-3
Jonathan Fink / Courtesy Photo
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
PENSACOLA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
2025 WOMEN BUILD OPEN HOUSE Kick off Women Build 2025, learn more about Habitat and tour homes 9-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at 2695 Massachusetts Ave. Admission is free. Reserve your spot by Jan. 27 at secure.qgiv.com/ for/2025womenbuildopenhouse.
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 or older to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN ADOP -
TION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are poptop 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) 7233390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE Pensacola Little Theatre presents Short Attention Span Theatre, a series of one-act plays by local playwrights. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. Shows at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
PAJAMA PAWTY AT COASTAL CAT CAFÉ
Get comfy and cuddle with adoptable cats 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 at Coastal Cat Café, 1508
of your choice, snacks and an hour of cat cuddles. Details at coastalcatpcola.com.
IHMC LECTURE: MOON TO MARS Lecture from Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist with SETI Institute, The Mars Institute and NASA Ames Research Center. Event is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 at IHMC classroom, 40 S. Alcaniz St. Lectures are free. Register at ihmc.us/life/evening_ lectures/pensacola-lecture-series.
EXTREME PRECIPITATION WORKSHOP
Pensacola MESS Hall adult program is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. Attendees will explore the social, economic and environmental impacts of extreme precipitation, work with others to recommend resilience strategies, and learn about how participating in community science can help inform scientists about which communities are at risk for extreme precipitation. Admission is free. Details at pensacolamesshall.org.
WOMEN'S MARCH OF PENSACOLA Rescheduled date. March and rally is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Graffiti Bridge. Details at facebook.com/pensacolawomensmarch.
RIVERDANCE 30: THE NEW GENERATION
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 and Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
EVOLVE: COLLECTIVE ODYSSEYS IN CLAY CLOSING RECEPTION The UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities invites you to the closing reception for the Evolve: Collective Odysseys in Clay exhibition on Thursday, February 6 in The Art Gallery in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Building 82) 11000 University Parkway. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
PAINT AND SIP Head to Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St., for an evening of painting and sipping wine 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS Pensacola Cinema Art will have screenings of the Oscar nominated short films 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, Saturday, Feb. 8, Sunday, Feb. 9, and Monday, Feb. 10 at PCA, located in the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Cost is $10 cash donation. For more information, visit pensacolacinemaart.com.
RISING TIDE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN
DEPP This exhibition is part of Ben Depp's ongoing project documenting the rapidly shifting landscape of Southern Louisiana. Depp has been flying above the bayous and wetlands of Southern Louisiana in a powered paraglider for ten years, photographing the visual clues that tell the story of this place and its destruction. Exhibit on view through April 4 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for hours.
71ST ANNUAL YOUTH ART FOCUS The Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., in partnership with the PMA Guild and Escambia County Public Schools, is proud to present the 71st Annual Youth Art Focus exhibition, showcasing artwork from across the Escambia County School District. The exhibition serves as a celebration of the strong artistic achievements of K-12 students and their teachers. Exhibit is on view through Feb. 23. Visit pensacolamuseum,org for hours.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch others perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
THE BRENT LOFTS ART EXHIBIT Exhibit of Sally T. Miller, abstract painter, and Erica Dukes, travel photographer inside The Brent Lofts, 17 S. Palafox St. Exhibit will be on display through March 30. Details at facebook.com/ thebrentlofts.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (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 real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
a&e happenings
FOOD + DRINKS
DOODLE'S DAY OUT Enjoy dog-friendly activities in a fully-enclosed dog park with custom Frisbees, bounce houses for kids, and house and specialty craft brews. Event is 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Rd.
CHILI COOK-OFF WITH GULF COAST KID'S HOUSE Head to Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St., for a chili cook-off benefitting Gulf Coast Kid's House 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. Details at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
BAKING BASICS: CROISSANTS Cooking class is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60. Purchase tickets at pensacolacooks.com/cooking-classes.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS Featuring Ology Brewing. Classes are 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations required. Make yours by calling (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com.
DINNER AND AN ARIA Enjoy a special dinner at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St., with performances from Pensacola Opera on Thursday, Feb. 6 with two seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call (850) 469-9898.
"FUN"DAMENTALS: FLAMBÉ Learn the art of flambé 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave., Ste. C. Cost is $60. Purchase tickets at pensacolacooks.com/ cooking-classes.
OYSTER BASH AT O'RILEY'S Oyster Bash returns to O'Riley's 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. Attendees can purchase orders of oysters in half dozen or full dozen quantities with a choice between raw and grilled oysters. Visit O'Riley's at 321 S. Palafox St.
GALENTINE'S DAY BRUNCH Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Bodacious, 407D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than 150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75-CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TUESDAY TRIVIA AT PERFECT PLAIN Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for trivia nights 7-9 p.m.
Tuesdays at 50 E. Garden St. Visit perfectplain. com/upcoming-events for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.1 a.m. and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS
Take part in trivia nights 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9-11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night
with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials
start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 9-11 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
LIVE MUSIC
SYDNEY SPRAGUE, COLOR THE VOID, SNOW HALO Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
DEAD REGISTER, INSOMNIAC Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
REGGAETON RAVE Reggaeton Rave is 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at vinylmusichall.com.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
SHOUT OUT
Celebrating the Wins That Lift Us All
What is an Early Learning City?
An Early Learning City is a community dedicated to creating environments and opportunities that support the development of young children from birth through school age, with a focus on school readiness.
By age 3, 85% of the brain is developed up to
Building Brains Program
Jan. - Sept., 2024
3,437
Resource bags with instructional guides, given to new parents
45%
Increase in parental knowledge after watching video lessons
1,339
Parental sign-ups for instructional text messages
Pathway to an Early Learning City
The Studer Community Institute (SCI) is making significant strides in early childhood education, particularly through partnerships with local hospitals and community health organizations.
West Hospital
Blue Wahoos Stadium
Blue Wahoos Stadium has become an Early Learning City space, integrating fun, educational activities throughout the ballpark. Partnering with the Studer Community Institute, the stadium offers reading corners, play zones, and interactive learning stations that turn game day into a family-friendly educational experience
Early Learning Garden
Early Learning Garden at 16 W. Main St., offers families a vibrant space where children can explore and learn. With interactive stations promoting language, sensory play, and motor skills, the garden encourages hands-on learning experiences.
STUDER
FAMILY OF COMPANIES
Playgrounds
An early learning playground at Moreno Court offers a safe, engaging space where children can play and learn. The playground promotes language skills, creativity, and social development, supporting SCI’s mission to make early learning accessible in local neighborhoods.
Bookstore
At Bodacious Books, 110 E. Intendencia St., the Kids’ Corner is an engaging space where young readers can explore books and enjoy interactive learning activities. Designed to inspire a love for reading, this corner provides families with resources that support early literacy and foster curiosity in children.
5Eleven • Blue Wahoos • Bodacious Shops • Bodacious Bookstore Bodacious Brew Thru • Bubba’s Sweet Spot • Oyster Bay • Studer Properties Submit your shout out: info@quintstuder.com
free will astrology
WEEK OF JANUARY 30
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In medieval Europe, beekeepers made formal reports to their hives of significant events in the human world, like births, deaths, marriages and departures. They believed the bees needed to be continually informed so as to ensure robust honey production. The practice was called "telling the bees." Let's make this an inspiring story for you in the coming weeks, Aries. I invite you to keep your community fully apprised of what's happening in your life. Proceed on the assumption that sharing your plans and changes with others will generate harmony and support. Like the beekeepers, you may discover that keeping your community in the loop will strengthen your bonds and sweeten your endeavors.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): A regular guy named Jesse Ronnebaum bought an old painting at a yard sale for 50 cents. For the next ten years, it hung on the wall in his living room. Then he noticed a dim inscription on the painting that suggested maybe it was more valuable than he realized. Consulting an art dealer, he discovered it was an unusual composition that featured the work of seven prominent artists—and was worth a lot of money. Ronnebaum said, "Years of struggling, barely making bills and the whole time there's $50,000 hanging over my head, literally." I am predicting metaphorically comparable events unfolding in your life during the coming months, Taurus. Hidden value will no longer be hidden. You will potentize neglected sources of wealth and finally recognize subtle treasures.
By Rob Brezsny
tion has emerged. I love that! I cherish mysteries that thwart attempts at rational explanation. In accordance with astrological omens, Gemini, I invite you to specialize in tantalizing and unsolvable enigmas in the coming weeks. Your soul needs rich doses of provocative riddles, mysterious truths and fun puzzles. Exult in the liberating declaration, "I don't know!"
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Wherever you wander, be alert for signals that remind you of who you used to be. This will stimulate your creative speculation about who you want to evolve into during the next few years. As you ruminate about your history, you will get inspirations about who you want to become. The past will speak vividly, in ways that hint at your best possible future. So welcome clues from people who are no longer alive. Be receptive to old allies and influences that are no longer a central part of your world.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): "Crown shyness" is a phenomenon seen among some trees like lodgepole pines. In forests, they grow big and strong and tall, yet avoid touching each other at their tops. This creates canopies full of pronounced gaps. What causes this curious phenomenon? First, if branches don't brush up against each other, harmful insects find it harder to spread from tree to tree. Second, when winds blow, branches are less likely to collide with each other and cause damage. There's a third benefit: More sunlight penetrates to the forest floor, nourishing animals and other plants. I propose that you adopt crown shyness as a metaphor for your use, Leo. Express your beauty to the max—be bold and vivid and radiant—but also provide plenty of space for your allies to shine. Be your authentically amazing self, but create boundaries that allow others to be their amazing selves.
will be to celebrate and nurture your self-sufficiency even as I coach you to be dynamic about gathering all the assistance you can.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Life is not fair. In the coming days, you will be odd proof of this fact. That's because you are likely to be the beneficiary of uncommon luck. The only kind of karma that will be operating in your vicinity will be good karma. X-factors and wild cards will be more available to you than usual. Your timing will be impeccable, and your intuition will be extra incisive. You may even be tempted to theorize that life is conspiring to bring you an extra supply of meaningful experiences. Here's the clincher: If anyone in your sphere is prone to feeling envy because you're flourishing, your charm will defuse it.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): In the coming weeks, your authenticity will be your greatest strength. The more genuine and honest you are, the more life will reward you. Be alert for situations that may seem to demand camouflage when in fact they will ultimately reward your complete transparency. You will be most powerful and attractive as you allow yourself to be fully seen. You can even use your vulnerability to your advantage. Be openly, clearly, unabashedly yourself.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): As I envision your life in the coming weeks, I am moved to compare you to certain birds. First, there will be similarities between you and the many species that can literally perceive Earth's magnetic fields, seeing them as patterns of shadow and light overlaid on their regular vision. You, too, will have an uncanny multi-dimensional awareness that helps guide your travels. Secondly, Aquarius, you will be like the migrating songbirds that recalibrate their internal compass every day when the sun sets. In other words, you will make steady efforts to ensure that your magical ways of knowing are grounded in earthy rhythms.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In Namibia's arid grasslands, fairy circles periodically emerge. They are highly regular rings of bare land encompassed by vegetation. What causes them? Supernatural entities, as believed by the local people? Sand termites or hydrogen-loving microbes, according to a few scientists? As yet, no definitive explana-
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Some astrologers assert that you Virgos suffer from an ambition deficit. They authoritatively assert that a fiery aspiration to achieve greatness never burns hot within you. But in the coming months, I will work to show you a different perspective. Let's start now: Many of you Virgos are highly skilled at being self-sufficient. But sometimes this natural strength warps into a hesitancy to ask for help and support. And that can diminish your ability to fulfill your ambitions. My goal
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Here are three questions to ruminate on: 1. What resources are you afraid you will run out of or squander? 2. What if your fear of running out or squandering these resources obstructs your ability to understand what you need to know and do so that you won't run out or squander them? 3. How can you dissolve the fear and feel confident that the necessary resources will keep steadily flowing in and you will use them well?
SAGITTARIUS
(NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Most stars have at least one companion star, sometimes two. Our sun, which is all alone, is in the minority. Astronomers have found evidence that our home star once had a companion but lost it. Is there any chance of this situation changing in the future? Might our sun eventually link up with a new compatriot? It's not likely. But in contrast to our sun's fate, I suspect that 2025 will offer you a significant diminishment in your personal loneliness quotient. If you crave more camaraderie and togetherness, the coming months will be a favorable time to seek them out. Your meditation question: What's the opposite of loneliness?
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): In some Polynesian cultures, there is a belief that one's mistakes, including excessive anger, can cause physical sickness. Hawaiians traditionally have employed a ritual remedy for such ills called ho'oponopono. It includes acts of atonement, forgiveness and correction. It may even involve a prayer conference where all the people involved talk about their mutual problems with respect and compassion, seeking solutions and restitution. The coming weeks will be a fantastically favorable time for you to carry out your own version of ho'oponopono, Pisces.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Make two promises to yourself: one that's easy to keep and one at the edge of your capacity to fulfill. {in}
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news of the weird
ANIMAL ANTICS A Starbucks employee in Mobile, Alabama, had to have stitches and rabies vaccinations on Jan. 10 after a pet Aotus monkey jumped out of a car at the drive-thru window and into the restaurant, according to Lagniappe. The monkey ran up the employee's arm to her head and started biting her until a co-worker grabbed it and threw it back out of the window. Mobile Police Department public information officer Blake Brown said the monkey's owner, Tammy Elaine Gardner, drove away from the restaurant before police arrived. The wounded employee said Gardner, who had another monkey in the car, later returned to the restaurant to check on her but wouldn't give her name. "The owner of the animal could face charges," Brown said. The Starbucks location has banned Gardner and her monkeys from the drive-thru. "She's welcome to come inside if she leaves them in the car," the employee said.
WAIT, WHAT? Jose Israel Teran Jr., 21, was taken into custody on Jan. 19 in connection with a road rage incident in San Antonio, KSAT-TV reported. In that confrontation, Teran allegedly shot a man in a semitruck while driving north on I-35. But it was Teran's earlier criminal activity, on Dec. 30, that really had law enforcement's attention. He was accidentally added to a family group text string that day, in which members were discussing a 9-monthold baby's upcoming baptism. Teran replied to the text, "That's a nice Caucasian baby how much you want?" He went on to ask, "Are you not interested in selling? I'm willing to start the bid at 500k." The baby's father called Teran, who explained that he purchases babies for their organs and could pay in cash or bitcoin. Teran told police he thought the group thread was spam, but he was charged with the purchase and sale of human organs.
TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN NETFLIX A 3-year-old girl who was visiting Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia, on Jan. 17 was bitten by a dingo, ABC reported. The Queensland Park and Wildlife Service said the girl was bitten on the back of a leg as her family strolled the beach. The family said they were regular visitors and had scanned the beach for dingoes, but "dingoes are quick and it happened suddenly," said head ranger Linda Behrendorff. Other people came to assist in fighting the dingo off using a kayak paddle. The toddler didn't go to the hospital and is expected to recover.
QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT A housekeeping crew on a P&O Cruises Australia ship took passengers by surprise in December when they paraded by the ship's swimming pool wearing their all-white uniforms with pointy white hoods, News.com reported on Jan. 22. The eight crew were dressed as upside-down snow cones, but passengers were horrified and were quick to document the incident on social media. "We were like, 'are we seeing this correctly,' it was so bizarre," said one cruiser from Melbourne.
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
Lynne Scrivens, communications director for the cruise line, said the housekeeping crew are from all over the world and had never heard of the Ku Klux Klan. "They are limited with what resources they have on ships," she said, explaining that they make do with what they can find for costumes. P&O Cruises Australia issued an apology following the event: "The crew members were horrified."
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE A plastic surgeon in Taipei City, Taiwan, is being called the "bravest man in Taiwan" after he shared on social media that he had performed his own vasectomy, Oddity Central reported. Chen Wei-nong recorded the surgery for educational purposes and presented the 11 steps necessary to complete the procedure. "It was a strange feeling to touch and suture my own urethra," he wrote. He reassured followers that the surgery was performed outside of work hours and under the supervision of a urologist, and while he experienced some discomfort following the vasectomy, he felt fine the next day.
FREQUENT FLYER Mittens the cat gets around, to wit: On Jan. 13, the 8-year-old Maine coon was booked on a one-way flight from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, Sky News reported. But in Melbourne, Mittens was never unloaded from the baggage compartment. Instead, three hours later, the airline revealed that Mittens had flown back to New Zealand—about 7.5 hours in the air. Owner Margo Neas was told a wheelchair in the cargo area had obscured Mittens' cage from the baggage handler's view. "It was not a great start to our new life in Melbourne because we didn't have the family, we weren't complete," said Neas. After arriving back in Christchurch, Mittens was loaded onto another flight to Melbourne, where she was reunited with her family. She "ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here," Neas said. "It was just such a relief."
AWWWWW! A sunfish at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, has a new lease on life—or at least, new "friends" to share it with. The New York Post reported that the sunfish, who is the sole occupant of its tank, became depressed and stopped eating after the aquarium closed for renovations in December. "One of the staff members said, 'Maybe it's lonely because it misses the visitors,'" said an aquarium worker. "We attached uniforms of the staff members to the tank with a little bit of hope. Then, the next day, it was in good health again!" Workers say the sunfish tracks the uniforms and face cutouts with its eyes as it swims by, and those still in the building wave to it every time they pass the tank. {in}
