YEAR IN PREVIEW CALENDAR
winners & losers
winners losers
YMCA OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA The Community YMCA celebrated the grand opening of its recently renovated facility in Gulf Breeze on Saturday, Jan. 4. The modernized facility now features three virtual personal studios, enhanced fitness equipment and spaces, individual locker rooms and a 24/7 access community education room through the HCA Florida West Hospital partnership. Since acquiring the former private gym two years ago, membership has doubled. The YMCA serves over 20,000 people annually through its four branches: Bear Levin Studer, Gulf Breeze, Northeast and Pullum, with $928,089 in mission impact across two counties last year.
SPACE FLORIDA The state shattered its space launch record in 2024 with 93 rockets lifting off from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, surpassing 2023's total of 72 launches. As the space industry anticipates continued growth, Space Florida's Board of Directors approved negotiations in December for up to $65 million to support an unnamed company's $1.8 billion expansion at Cape Canaveral. The project promises 600 new jobs averaging $93,000 annually, with construction planned for January 2025. SpaceX, which dominated 2024's launch schedule, continues expanding its Cape Canaveral presence for its 400-foot Starship system. Meanwhile, Blue Origin prepares for the inaugural launch of its 320-foot New Glenn rocket.
FLORIDA WORKERS Florida's minimum wage has followed a steady upward trajectory since voters approved the "Fight for $15" initiative in 2020. Hourly workers saw their minimum wage rise to $13 in September 2024, up from the previous rate of $12. Looking ahead, the rate will climb to $14 per hour in September 2025. For tipped workers in the service industry, the minimum wage increased to $9.98 in 2024 and will rise further to $10.98 in 2025. The wage increases stem from a constitutional amendment enacted through a 2020 ballot initiative. The measure, which passed with 60.82% approval (6.39 million votes in favor versus 4.11 million against), mandates annual dollar increases in the minimum wage. This progression will continue until reaching $15 per hour in 2026.
JOEL RUDMAN Florida law required the state lawmaker to resign from the Florida House to qualify to run for the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz. To attract attention to his campaign, Rudman filed seven bills, ranging from open carry to recall of county commissioner, in the Florida House in December. On Jan. 2, he had to withdraw them all because he no longer was a state lawmaker—another example of Santa Rosa politics. Where do these Bozos come from?
GENE VALENTINO Meanwhile, former Escambia County Commissioner and GOP congressional candidate has been collecting endorsements from former elected officials who served before or during his eight years on the board a decade ago—Sheriff Ron McNesby, Property Appraiser Chris Jones and former commissioners Kevin White and Terry Smith. Valentino also has been endorsed by former Okaloosa County Commissioner John "Jazz" Jannazo and pro wrestler Jorge Masvidal. Maybe he can pick up one from a truck driver on the Monster Jam Tour.
FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY State Rep. Hillary Cassel of Dania Beach announced in late December her switch from Democrat to Republican, becoming the second Florida House Democrat to change parties since November's elections. Cassel, an attorney, cited several reasons for her decision on X, including her support for House Republicans' vision for Florida and concerns about the Democratic Party's stance on Israel. "As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party's failure to unequivocally support Israel," she wrote, also criticizing the party's tolerance of "extreme progressive voices." She joins Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes, who switched parties on December 9 after losing a bid for local party leadership. House Speaker Daniel Perez welcomed Cassel, while Democratic colleagues criticized her decision. Rep. Angie Nixon called it "a betrayal of the voters." Cassel, who won reelection unopposed in November, has been a prominent voice discussing property insurance issues in the Florida House. Her switch gives Republicans 87 seats in the 120-member House, further expanding their supermajority following November's elections.
Joel Rudman / Photo Courtesy of myfloridahouse.gov
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
AMERICA'S EARLY LEARNING CITY
In March 2016, a transformative vision for Pensacola began to take shape when Quint and Rishy Studer invited Dr. Dana Suskind to the city. Their goal was ambitious yet focused: transform Pensacola into an Early Learning City. This invitation would not only catalyze the Build a Brain initiative but also spark the creation of the CivicCon speaker series.
Dr. Suskind brought impressive credentials to this mission. As the founder of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago, she leads an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing early childhood development. Her journey to this field began as a pediatric otolaryngologist specializing in cochlear implantation. Working with deaf children, she discovered the crucial role of early language exposure in brain development—findings that aligned with groundbreaking research by University of Kansas researchers Betty Hart and Todd Risley, who found children in poverty heard approximately 3 million fewer words than their more affluent peers.
During her presentation in Pensacola, Dr. Suskind shared a powerful message: "Intelligence is malleable." She emphasized that roughly 85% of human brain development occurs in the first three years of life, noting that "Babies aren't born smart; they're made smart."
This presentation deeply impacted Quint Studer, who took away a crucial lesson: effective change requires focused effort. He shared with me, "If you want to make an impact, you can't try to make an impact on 10 things. You pick one."
The stakes were clear. Research by the Studer Community Institute revealed that one-third of Escambia County children—approximately a thousand students per year—weren't kindergarten-ready. Even more concerning, 22% of these children enter kindergarten so far behind that catching up becomes nearly impossible, creating a cascade of consequences: lower graduation rates, reduced wages, diminished job prospects and increased crime rates.
This reality spurred Studer to become a passionate advocate for early brain development, not just in Escambia and Florida, but across the nation. His approach, built on research by Dr. Suskind and other experts, rests on four key principles:
1. Parents and caregivers are a child's primary educators
2. Meaningful early experiences create the foundation for future learning
3. Parent-infant communication is the most powerful tool in early brain development
4. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential
Understanding that creating an early learning community requires long-term commitment, Studer partnered with former HCA Florida West CEO Carlton Ulmer to establish the Build a Brain program. This initiative focuses on informing, equipping and supporting early brain development one child at a time, using scientific research and evidence-based tools to improve childhood outcomes.
By 2018, the Studer Community Institute had implemented its Brain Bag program across all three area hospitals. The first cohort of babies born under this program entered kindergarten in fall 2023, and despite the ongoing effects of COVID-19, Escambia County showed promising results. The Florida Department of Education reported a 4.5% increase in kindergarten readiness scores for Escambia County Public Schools, rising from 45.1% in 2022 to 49.5% in 2023—just 1.7 percentage points below the state average of 51.2%.
Six years into the Early Learning City initiative, the 4.5% improvement in kindergarten readiness marks a potential tipping point. With continued dedication and increased effort, even greater improvements could be achieved by the 10-year milestone in 2028.
To become America's Early Learning City, we should expand the Build a Brain program into a comprehensive community-wide campaign. This expansion could include establishing more early learning zones in public spaces, creating partner ships with local businesses to promote early child hood development and developing a network of neighborhood-based parent support groups. The city should also consider implementing a datatracking system to measure the impact of these initiatives more precisely, allowing for targeted improvements where needed most.
$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres New wetland survey April 2023! 3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger
By mobilizing the entire community—from healthcare providers and educators to business leaders and community organizations—Pensacola can create an ecosystem where early learning becomes as natural and embedded in daily life as going to the park or grocery shopping. This holistic approach would help ensure that the promising gains seen in kindergarten readiness continue to grow, potentially making Pensacola a model for other cities seeking to prioritize early childhood development. {in} rick@inweekly.net
ESCAMBIA COUNTY'S MAJOR MILESTONES
By Rick Outzen
It's the season for status reports from our local governments. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves gave his annual State of the City address to close out the 2024 CivicCon sequence. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons gave his first-ever State of the Agency address on Monday, Jan. 6.
Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno isn't one for speeches, but before the holidays he did publish the Escambia County Annual Report for 2023-24. It showed the county made significant strides last year, completing over $100 million in county projects while enhancing public safety, expanding community services and improving infrastructure across the region.
Moreno sat down with Inweekly to discuss a year marked by notable achievements in construction, emergency services, environmental protection and community development.
"It's good for the citizens to be able to have a document that tells our story, if you will, all the good things that we've done throughout the year and all the different departments," he said.
YEAR IN REVIEW
"Over a hundred million dollars on the street in construction of various types of things," Moreno noted. "A lot of drainage projects there. Eleven Mile Creek Basin, Reno Street Pond there in Brownsville and all the sidewalks that we put out through Brownsville, through Wedgewood and all the districts."
392,500 visitors and facilitated more than 62,490 attendees at various events. The library system expanded its services with new programs, including bilingual programming and enhanced digital resources. Parks and Recreation completed numerous improvements, including new playgrounds at multiple locations and significant enhancements to existing facilities.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) made substantial progress in revitalizing designated areas, awarding multiple grants for residential rehabilitation and hazardous tree removal. Neighborhood Services facilitated the Summer Youth Employment Program, which provided valuable work experience to 165 local youth.
Environmental initiatives saw significant progress, with the Natural Resources Conservation Division providing technical assistance for 180 citizen requests and conducting 92 acres of prescribed burning at the Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve. The Marine Resources Division deployed six new artificial reefs and maintained 11 others while also coordinating extensive sea turtle conservation efforts.
Waste management services handled approximately 406,038 tons of waste, successfully diverting about 22,162 tons through recycling initiatives. The department's Re-blended Paint Program proved particularly successful, diverting nearly 8,781 gallons of unused latex paint from the waste stream.
fund subsidy" that needs to be addressed through strategic planning.
Escambia County has several transformative projects in development that will shape the community's future. The Engineering Division is managing over $51.1 million in open contracts for key projects, including the Beach Haven Phase 2, Longleaf Drive, Gibson Bridge Replacement, Chemstrand South Sidewalk and Massachusetts Avenue Sidewalk and Drainage Improvements.
In public safety, the county is progressing with plans for a new fire training academy, supported by a $1 million state grant. The Paradise Beach fire station development is underway, and property has been acquired for a new station around Kingsfield Road and Highway 297. These additions will enhance emergency response capabilities across the county.
Community development initiatives include the construction of several new facilities. Plans are in motion for the New Century Community Center/Emergency Shelter, New Englewood-Palafox Community Center, New Brownsville Business Incubator and New Cantonment Community Center. The county is also moving forward with completing various roofing replacements and rehabilitations of county buildings.
Major completions included the Jones Creek and Jackson Creek Floodplain Restoration projects totaling $2.95 million and the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path Construction exceeding $4.2 million.
"The work on the beach that took place is just phenomenal," Moreno added. "A lot of RESTORE money, grant money going out the door, a lot of grant money coming in the door. We had our 61.2 million worth of ARPA money that's now obligated, and that work will start taking effect."
Public safety enhancements included Emergency Services seeing significant improvements across all departments. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to over 67,400 calls and completed nearly 44,000 transports. The department added eight new ambulances and created 14 additional full-time positions to better serve the community.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to over 20,300 incidents, with firefighters handling approximately 1,359 fire suppression calls and 8,773 medical emergencies. The department acquired four new fire engines, one ladder truck and two air carts while also opening the newly constructed Beulah Fire Station.
The Emergency Communications Division managed approximately 83,700 EMS calls and 17,100 fire rescue calls while answering about 200,000 911 calls and 326,000 non-emergency calls. The division maintained high-performance standards while implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures for the 911 system.
Under community development and services, the county's libraries welcomed over
The Office of Management and Budget maintained fiscal responsibility while managing significant resources. The county administered assistance totaling over $3.2 million to residents in need through various housing rehabilitation and emergency repair programs. The department also secured more than $124 million in grant funding from multiple sources, demonstrating strong financial stewardship.
The county administrator bragged about the procurement department. "I cannot say enough positive things about our procurement department purchasing—$61.2 million worth of ARPA that had to be obligated by Dec. 31. They met regularly with engineering, facilities and public safety, and they put it together; we got it out the door and got it done."
In the past the county was good to have 75 to 80 procurement solicitations annually. "Now we're running 135 to 140 solicitations and putting work out the door."
LOOKING AHEAD
Escambia County has ambitious plans for continued growth and improvement in the coming year. Administrator Moreno emphasized several key priorities, particularly in emergency services: "We've ordered 23-25 ambulances in addition to the ones we just picked up, and they should start arriving here shortly. We're down to about eight vacancies in the paramedics, which is an improvement. We're full in EMTs."
Fire services funding is another crucial focus area. "Fire funding is something we need to take a look at," Moreno noted, explaining that there's currently "$10 million out of the general
Environmental projects remain a priority, with the Perdido Landfill expansion planning project in its preliminary stages. This comprehensive initiative includes wetland delineations, property assessments and alternative analysis studies. The project team is actively working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers to ensure environmental compliance while meeting future waste management needs.
Transportation improvements continue to be a focus, with extensive plans for road resurfacing, bridge replacements and drainage projects in development. The county is also expanding its sidewalk network and implementing various stormwater management improvements to address flooding concerns in vulnerable areas.
These upcoming projects demonstrate Escambia County's commitment to strategic growth and development while maintaining its focus on public safety, environmental stewardship and community enhancement. The diverse range of initiatives reflects a comprehensive approach to meeting the evolving needs of county residents.
However, Moreno didn't just want to discuss projects. He plans to continue focusing on his employees. "This past week, I've been cooking everywhere. We're having our last cooking of the year over across the street here shortly. But it gives me an opportunity to just be there on-site. Like yesterday, I was at Central Office Complex, not necessarily to have a formal meeting, but I was there. Employees can come by and speak or ask questions. We want to continue being a little more available to the employees."
To read the annual report, visit myescambia.com. {in}
Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com
SPECIAL ELECTION INFO
The election cycle for who will replace Matt Gaetz as the next representative for Florida's First Congressional District has begun. The deadline has passed for voter registration and changing parties for the Republican primary on Jan. 28.
Voters wishing to vote by mail must make their request to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 16. The voter, a member of the voter's immediate family or the voter's legal guardian can make the request in person, online, by mail, by email or by telephone. The request will cover the primary and the special election on April 1.
The person requesting a vote-by-mail ballot must disclose:
•The name of the voter for whom the ballot is requested
•The voter's address
•The voter's date of birth
•The voter's Florida driver's license number, Florida identification card number or the last four digits of the voter's social security number
•The requester's name
•The requester's address
•The requester's driver's license number, identification card number, or the last four digits of the voter's social security number, if available
•The requester's relationship to the voter
•The requester's signature (written request only)
All ballots must be received in the Supervisor of Elections' office no later than 7 p.m. on Jan. 28. For the telephone number, visit escambiavotes.gov.
Early voting runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, through Saturday, Jan. 25. Voters may vote at any of these locations:
•Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 S. Palafox, Second Floor
•Main Library, 239 Spring St.
•Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino
•Asbury Place, 750 College Blvd.
•Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway
•Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway
•Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road
The winner of the Republican primary will face a Democratic opponent, one No Party Affiliate candidate and four write-in candidates in the special election on April 1. For more information, visit escambiavotes.gov.
CAMPING ORDINANCE ENFORCED In a recent interview, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed ongoing efforts to address homeless camping and local crime trends. The county has successfully cleared most homeless individuals from Beggs Lane, with only abandoned vehicles remaining.
On Jan. 1, deputies began enforcing a new ordinance prohibiting camping on county property, aligning with state statute and Pensacola city regulations.
"The state statute nowhere talks about law enforcement, doesn't direct law enforcement, doesn't give law enforcement any teeth really, but it does put the onus on the municipality or the county government," he said. "The county commission just passed an ordinance that is pretty much the same and mirrors the City of Pensacola's ordinance, which I think is good. Consistency amongst agencies within the same counties is important, but it also is consistent with the state statute itself."
The sheriff's office will receive a list of county-owned properties and a blanket. "Our guys will tell them to move on, and if they don't move on, obviously they could be placed in jail."
Addressing violent crime, Simmons noted that while retaliatory shootings persist among a "finite group of people," overall aggravated assault numbers are declining. The department faces challenges with witness cooperation in these cases.
The sheriff's office has expanded its
capabilities, doubling the narcotics unit and increasing search warrant executions. It has also integrated school security cameras with its real-time crime center and is considering a new substation near Mobile Highway's equestrian center to serve the growing Beulah area.
"Our capabilities are greater than they've ever been," Simmons stated, highlighting the department's focus on combining manpower with technology. With over 300,000 service calls annually, Sheriff Simmons aims to maintain competitive compensation for deputies.
Looking ahead, Simmons plans to seek a new three-year compensation agreement with county commissioners and expressed support for Jimmy Patronis in the upcoming congressional race.
"I've had a number of conversations with Jimmy over the last years," said the sheriff. "He always shows up at the sheriff's conferences and always wants to do what he could as the chief financial officer. I've had many conversations with him. I think that he will do right by the district. I think that he will help law enforcement. He will help keep our state safe, help keep our community safe, and so I'll lend my support behind Jimmy Patronis."
ELECTRIC BILLS GOING UP Florida
Power & Light announced plans for significant rate increases spanning 2026-2029, driven by what the company describes as "significant growth in our customer base" and inflationary pressures.
The utility giant, serving approximately 6 million customers, will propose a $1.55 billion base rate increase for 2026, followed by a $930 million increase in 2027. The plan, outlined in a letter to Public Service Commission Chairman Mike La Rosa, also includes yet-to-be-specified increases for 2028 and 2029 to fund solar and battery projects.
"While this growth will ultimately have a positive impact by spreading existing fixed costs over a larger customer base, it also means that FPL must invest significant capital to meet the needs of these additional customers," the company explained, citing needs for infrastructure including "poles, wires, transformers, substations and other components."
FPL CEO Armando Pimentel defended the proposal: "While we know there is never a good time to request a rate increase, we need to continue to make smart investments in the grid and new generation resources." The company projects customer bills will increase by approximately 2.5% annually from 2025 through 2029.
The utility emphasized its commitment to solar expansion, stating that "utility-scale solar and battery projects are currently the lowestcost form of new power generation, providing not only clean and reliable energy to customers but also mitigation of fuel price volatility."
A detailed proposal will be filed Feb. 28, initiating a comprehensive review process by the Public Service Commission.
HONORING FALLEN DEPUTIES
The Escambia County Sheriff's Foundation has launched an ambitious project to create a Memorial Plaza honoring fallen law enforcement officers, with a groundbreaking scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16. Whitney Lucas, chief of staff at the sheriff's office and foundation president, announced that the project has already raised $175,000 of its $550,000 goal in just 45 days.
"The project is going to be the new focal point for the entrance of the sheriff's office," Lucas explained in a recent interview. The plaza will replace an existing memorial that Lucas noted was "really easy to miss" and will feature two distinct areas: a memorial space with names of fallen officers and canines alongside a water feature and a community area with seating for public events.
The foundation offers various donation levels to ensure widespread community participation, including personalized pavers starting at $500. Lucas emphasized that contributions have come from all sectors, including sheriff's office employees, which she described as particularly heartwarming.
What makes the foundation's work especially meaningful is its all-volunteer structure. "While I am now chief of staff at the sheriff's office, my foundation work is after hours and on the weekends," Lucas said. "It really allows us to put a hundred percent of what we raise directly back into our mission."
Beyond the Memorial Plaza project, the foundation provides crucial support to sheriff's office employees facing unexpected hardships. Lucas revealed that the foundation recently provided emergency support payments to two employees during the holiday season.
Those interested in contributing to the Memorial Plaza project can contact the foundation at info@escambiacsf.org for donor information. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan.16. The project, set to be completed in the spring, aims to create a lasting tribute to fallen officers while providing a functional community space for sheriff's office events and gatherings.
COURT DISMISSES CONDO LAWSUIT On Dec. 18, Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford granted motions to dismiss six related lawsuits challenging a public beach access easement in the Gulf Beach Subdivision. The cases were brought by various homeowners' associations against Escambia County regarding beachfront properties along the Gulf of Mexico.
The dispute centers on a 75-foot perpetual
easement for public use that was included in the original 1957 deeds when the U.S. government conveyed 64 Gulf-front lots to private owners. This easement creates a continuous 1.5-mile corridor from the subdivision's eastern edge to Perdido Key State Park.
Judge Jan Shackelford ruled that all 64 lot owners in the subdivision are indispensable parties to the litigation, meaning they must be included in any lawsuit challenging the easement. The six plaintiff associations—Windemere Owners' Association, La Riva Resort Association III, Mirabella Owners' Association, Ocean Breeze Owners Association, The Palms of Perdido Owners' Association and Portico at Perdido Condominium Association—had argued that examining individual lot chains of title would be sufficient.
However, the court rejected this argument, finding that ruling on the easement without all lot owners present could create gaps in beach access and lead to inconsistent results from multiple lawsuits.
The dismissal was granted without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs can refile their case if they include all necessary parties. The court gave the plaintiffs 60 days from the Nov. 19 hearing to file an amended complaint, joining all indispensable parties.
NEW PARTNERSHIP
Reuters and Gannett, owners of the Pensacola News Journal, are partnering to create a content bundle. Reuters will handle sales, and Gannett will receive a revenue share. The product will be for regional and local news websites, radio and television. The secondary market includes national/international outlets seeking U.S. local coverage.
The bundle includes Reuters' national and international coverage, USA Today's national reporting, local news from 200+ USA Today Network publications, ready-to-publish stories, photos, graphics and videos and attribution to Reuters or USA Today Network publishers.
Reuters hopes to expand its local news reach. Gannett can repurpose its reporting for more revenue, and the whole world can read what local restaurant has rat droppings and
cockroaches every week. We can expect even more sensational headlines.
2025 TOP LEGAL ISSUES As Florida enters 2025, several landmark cases will shape state policy on education, civil rights and public health. The News Service of Florida reported these cases challenge controversial laws passed under Governor Ron DeSantis and address ongoing disputes over social media regulation, healthcare access and environmental protection.
Education: Three major First Amendment cases dominate Florida's educational landscape. Publishers and parents are fighting book removals under the 2023 education law, while universities face challenges to the "Stop WOKE Act" restricting race-related teaching. A separate lawsuit targets new restrictions preventing minors from creating social media accounts without parental consent.
Healthcare Access: Two healthcare cases could affect millions of Floridians. A class action lawsuit contests the state's handling of Medicaid disenrollments following the COVID-19 emergency, while another challenges Florida's ban on Medicaid coverage for transgender healthcare. The transgender healthcare case also examines restrictions on treatments for minors and adults.
Constitutional Rights: The courts are weighing significant Second Amendment and voting rights challenges. The 11th Circuit is reviewing Florida's post-Parkland law barring gun sales to people under 21. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court examines DeSantis' controversial 2022 congressional redistricting plan, which dramatically altered North Florida's political landscape.
Technology and Environment: Tech companies continue battling Florida's 2021 social media law prohibiting platforms from banning political candidates. Separately, environmental groups achieved a victory against Florida's wetlands permitting authority, though both state and federal governments are appealing.
Pandemic Aftermath: The Florida Supreme Court must decide whether university students
deserve refunds for campus services interrupted by COVID-19 closures in 2020, potentially setting precedent for similar cases nationwide.
TDC
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking two Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment as an "Interest in Tourism" representative on the Escambia County Tourist Development Council.
Escambia County residents interested in serving on the Tourist Development Council are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve on the council by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. Resumes and letters should be emailed to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to:
Jose Gochez, Program Manager, Escambia County Administration, 221 S. Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32502.
Please be aware that resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council was created in accordance with Florida Statutes through County Ordinance 77-34 and revised by County Ordinance 89-7. The council's duties are to review each proposal for expenditure of funds to determine if it complies with the Tourist Development Plan as outlined in the ordinance. The ordinance provides that the council is to review all expenditures of revenue from the trust fund; expenditures that the council believes to be authorized are to be reported to the county commission and the Florida Department of Revenue.
Members shall be owners/operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tax, and/or individuals involved in the tourist industry or who have demonstrated an interest in development but are not owners/operators within the tourist industry. Council members serve a four-year term of office and meet quarterly for approximately two hours.
BUZZ HISTORY Five years ago, in early December, the City of Pensacola was hit with a ransomware cyberattack. While the city has been tight with details regarding the attack, Mayor Grover Robinson said that no ransom had been paid and that the city was able to recover thanks to sufficient backups of data. At the mayor's Jan. 6 press conference, Public Information Officer Kaycee Lagarde said about 57,000 residents, customers and businesses who may have had sensitive data compromised as a result of the municipal cyberattack should expect to be hearing from the city soon about free LifeLock identity protection services.
Ten years ago, Escambia County staff developed several amendments to the ordinances that regulate borrow pits and construction and debris landfills. Since August, the county had a moratorium on issuing permits for pits and landfills when it was revealed the vast majority of the pits in Escambia County were operating illegally. The proposed ordinance requires owners to submit a written reclamation plan for their pits. The permit will be valid for five years. The owners must consent to random and periodic inspections of the site; such inspections by county staff must occur at least twice a year. The draft ordinances were presented to the pit and landfill owners on Monday, Jan. 5 and to the residents of the Wedgewood, Rolling Hills and Olive Heights neighborhoods on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Twenty years ago, the Pensacola area was recovering from Hurricane Ivan. Even though Pensacola Beach had 1,000 of about 6,700 hotel rooms out of commission during the month of November, the Tourist Development tax collections were up by $46,377, thanks to contractors, displaced homeowners and FEMA workers taking up the hotel rooms normally filled by tourists and business travelers. In Gulf Breeze, Mayor Lane Gilchrist made a plea that the residents donate $1 each for tsunami relief on Dec. 30. Citizens were asked to drop their contributions to Gulf Breeze City Hall. In just three business days, the Gulf Breeze populace had given over $4,500—not bad for a bedroom community of less than 5,700 people. {in}
YEAR IN PREVIEW
CALENDAR
Raise your hand if you're ready to say farewell to the dumpster fire of a year that was 2024. Yeah, us too. In the spirit of moving on and looking ahead, let's start by saving the dates for some things we're actually looking forward to in 2025.
ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND MAJOR COMMUNITY EVENTS
M LK Day Parade
Jan. 20
facebook.com/mlkparadepensacola
Pensacon: Pensacola Comic Con
Feb. 14-16
pensacon.com
Pensacola VegFest
March 29
pensacolavegfest.com
Blue Wahoos Home Opener
April 4
bluewahoos.com
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
April 25-27
fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival
Grand Fiesta Parade
May 30 fiestapensacola.org
PensaPride June 28 facebook.com/pensapride
Pensacola Beach Air Show
July 18-19
facebook.com/newsairshow
Stamped Film Festival
Aug. 14-17
stampedfilmfest.com
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Sept. 26-28 fiestapensacola.org/seafood-festival
Pensacola Interstate Fair
Oct. 16-26 pensacolafair.com
Foo Foo Fest
Oct. 30-Nov. 10 foofoofest.com
Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival
Nov. 6-16 fbisf.com
Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Nov. 7-9 ggaf.org
MARDI GRAS PARADES AND EVENTS
p ensacolamardigras.com, pensacolabeachmardigras.com
Jan. 11 Mardi Gras Mambo Lil Jon and Yung Joc
Feb. 8 Kids & Kritters Parade
Feb. 15 Milton Mardi Gras Parade
Feb. 15 Pirates of Lost Treasure Flotilla Boat Parade
Feb. 16 Paw-di Gras
Feb. 22 Navarre Krewe of Jesters Parade
Feb. 28 Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade
March 1 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
March 2 Krewe of Wrecks Beach Parade
March 4 French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration
GALLERY NIGHT DATES AND THEMES
g allerynightpensacola.org
Jan. 17 Lunar New Year "Art of the Snake"
Feb. 21 Fork & Frames "A Foodie Gallery Night"
March 21 Dancin' In the Streets "Art in Motion"
April 18 Pensacola Navy Days "Vintage Vibes & Valor"
May 16 Art in Bloom
June 20 Juneteenth "Art of Freedom"
July 18 Swingin' into Art "A 1920s Jazz Night
Aug. 15 Retro Rides & Art Vibes "Car Show"
Sept. 19 Viva Pensacola "Art of Hispanic Heritage"
Oct. 17 Ghoul-ery Night "Art for the whole Family"
Nov. 21 Festival of Living Art
Dec. 19 Threads of Cheer
SELECT CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
BALLET PENSACOLA balletpensacola.org
Don Quixote
March 28-30, April 4-6
CHORAL SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA choralsocietyofpensacola.org
Still Rising March 28-29
Amazing Grace May 17
PENSACOLA CHILDREN'S CHORUS pensacolasings.org
One World, Many Voices Feb. 22
Showtime May 9-11
PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE pensacolalittletheatre.com
Short Attention Span Theatre Jan. 24-Feb. 2
The Play That Goes Wrong
March 7-16
Trail to Oregon May 2-11
Camelot June 13-29
PENSACOLA OPERA pensacolaopera.com
Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Jan. 24 and 26
January 9, 2025
Leoncavallo's Pagliacci
March 14 and 16
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA pensacolasymphony.com
Beethoven & Blue Jeans
Jan. 11
Mozart Madness Feb. 8
Bond & Beyond Feb. 15
Symphonic Spectacular
March 8
Strauss & Schubert
March 29
Season Finale May 3
BROADWAY IN PENSACOLA SERIES
p ensacolasaenger.com/broadway
Riverdance 30 - The New Generation Feb. 4-5
Hadestown March 19-20
Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations June 4-5
SELECT CONCERTS
H alestorm's Lzzy & Joe: The Living Room Sessions Jan. 19 vinylmusichall.com
Sydney Sprague Jan. 30 thehandlebar850.com
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Feb. 20 vinylmusichall.com
Sean of the South Feb. 27 pensacolasaenger.com
partygirl March 9 thehandlebar850.com
Lily Rose April 2 vinylmusichall.com
Lunar Vacation April 19 thehandlebar850.com
STRFKR April 23 vinylmusichall.com
Shakey Graves April 30
vinylmusichall.com {in}
Arts & Entertainment
[glsnr] (and Friends) vs. Cancer
By Savannah Evanoff
Peck was thankful his sister Micale launched a GoFundMe that greatly helped with medical costs the first time around. She created one again this time for those who can't attend the concert.
"Our friends helped out like crazy," Peck said. "I ate so much takeout during that first time, people were just DoorDashing us food for like a month. Everyone really, really came through for us."
Fast forward to now; Ashley gets annual or semiannual MRIs, and doctors found a second area opposite the first one that has to be removed with surgery. Because of residual tissue from the first tumor, she will also undergo chemotherapy and radiation.
Peck will take a leave from work and a [glsnr] hiatus while Ashley recovers. [glsnr] drummer Tony Kirk came up with the idea for the benefit show to help ease their financial burden.
"We asked [Ashley] what band she would want, and that's why Palafoxx is on there— they're like an '80s cover band, and she's huge into '80s metal," Peck said. "They kind of reunited to do this, which was super rad of them."
The other bands on the lineup know Ashley either through Peck or the Pensacola shows she's attended on her own.
Hunter Moore (guitar/backup vocals) of Scream Out Loud said Peck was formerly in his band, and they still remain close. The band has existed since 2008, playing a variation of posthardcore, pop punk—or put more simply, 2000s Warped Tour music, Moore said.
They're currently promoting "Anxious," a song they wrote four years ago but only recently released. The subject matter is still pertinent.
Came Disparity, knows Ashley from playing Magic: The Gathering weekly with Peck. Thompson said the benefit concert will actually mark With Fire Came Disparity's first show under that name. They plan to donate part of their merch proceeds to Ashley.
"With Fire kind of takes elements from black metal, death metal and death core, and we're doing a very symphonic sound; we have string sections and brass and choirs mixed into the metal format," Thompson said.
Their setlist is actually built around the seven-minute song "Fires Keep." It's what made them decide to incorporate a symphonic element and maintain a "lush and layered sound."
"That's the longest song I think any of us have written since we've been writing together, and that one's probably our favorite that really kind of solidified who we were going to become as a band," Thompson said. "We had previously been a hardcore band, and after that going of separate ways, we wanted to do something more true to ourselves, but also kind of different, something that's not really being done around there."
They're honored Peck incorporated them into the [glsnr] vs. Cancer lineup.
"We're hoping that we can promote this and do everything we can to help Ashley and her recovery," Thompson said.
Peck said Ashley will attend the pre-surgery concert so long as her corner of The Handlebar is available.
strength is inexplicable.
The [glsnr] guitarist explained that by the end of January, Ashley Peck will have gone through not one, but two brain surgeries to remove cancerous areas that leave her temporarily partially paralyzed. The second surgery—on a date still to be determined—will also require a subsequent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.
"Even with insurance, the cost of having brain surgery is insane—and then the fact that she has to have the chemo and radiation this time around is a new curve ball," Peck said. "We're hoping that this is it, like we're done. We can put it to bed and all that."
To help the Pensacola couple raise money for medical costs and income discrepancies from work absences, Peck's band [glsnr] is hosting a
Fire Came Disparity, Palafoxx, Snow Halo, Grave Chorus and of course, [glsnr].
Ashley was first diagnosed with brain cancer in December 2021, after suffering from a grand mal seizure. It was the result of a golf-ball sized brain tumor called Oligodendroglioma.
"The first time, I got a call on my off day, like, 'Yo, your wife is seizing right now,'" Peck said. "We go to the hospital, find out, and within two weeks, they're like, 'It's got to go like now; it's got to come out.'"
The doctors told her she might not have feeling in her foot after the surgery because the procedure affects the secondary motor portion of her brain. When she came out, her entire left side was paralyzed for weeks. Both sides work normally now.
"It's basically about the ups and downs of going through anxiety and depression and the roller coaster of emotions it can put you through," Moore said. "When we wrote that song, we kind of tried to mimic that feeling in the music. So when you listen to it, it takes you through a roller coaster of sound, whether it be fast and in-yourface or slowed down and kind of groovy."
The band name comes from an equally relatable premise.
"I just remember being in traffic and being pissed off like, 'Damn, I could fucking scream out loud right now,' you know what I mean?"
Moore said. "And I don't know why, but that stuck in my head. And it was between Scream Out Loud or Stone Cold Divas. That was our two band name choices."
Moore was excited when Peck asked them to perform at the benefit show. Ashley was already attending shows before she met Peck, he added.
Kyle Thompson, the guitarist for With Fire
"There's a corner if you're facing the bar on the right side, and if she comes to a show, like one of my shows, she's in that corner the whole time; she doesn't leave it," Peck said. "So that's probably what she will do this time."
The couple is grateful for the help from Pensacola's music scene, he said.
"The community coming together to give us a hand—I can't express how appreciative we are of it," Peck said. "I can't say thank you enough to everyone that's been a part of it." {in}
[GLSNR] VS. CANCER
WHAT: A benefit show to help cover medical costs for Ashley Peck
WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
COST: $10
DETAILS: @glsnrband, thehandlebar850.com
DONATE: gofund.me/ca7c55d3
Ashley and Micah Peck / Photo by Geoff Peck (@tinyobservations)
a&e happenings
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
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
MARDI GRAS MAMBO Enjoy traditional Mardi Gras food and drinks with live entertainment from Lil Jon and Yung Joc. Event is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Pensacola Bay Center,
Sign making event for the Jan. 18 Pensacola Women's March 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St.
NAVARRE KREWE OF JESTERS MARDI
GRAS BALL Event is open to the public, ages 21 and up. Dinner, appetizers and cash bar 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8491 Navarre Parkway. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at nkoj.org.
PENSACOLA ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY
LECTURE Historic Preservation Planner Adrienne Walker will discuss the Miraflores burial ground study at the next PAS lecture 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 in the Activities Building at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd. Visit pasfl. org for details.
OPERA GALLERY TALK: MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Lecture series discussing the link between opera and visual art 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Details at pensacolamuseum.org.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased at pensacolabaycenter.com.
ROARING 1920S MURDER MYSTERY
SHOW Take part in an interactive murder mystery show 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at
GALLERY NIGHT The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 in downtown Pensacola. The theme is Lunar New Year. Details at gallerynightpensacola.org.
WOMEN'S MARCH OF PENSACOLA
March and rally is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 in Downtown Pensacola with speakers, poets and music. Details at facebook.com/ pensacolawomensmarch.
DUSTY SLAY Comedian Dusty Slay will perform 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
RISING TIDE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN
DEPP Enjoy this exhibit on view through April 4 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. 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.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. The next date is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.
CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret Drag Showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors open 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
LUNCH AND LEARN: LATTE ART Learn to make beautiful foam art 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $30 and available at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five different wines and mingle with wine enthusiasts 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox
Photo Courtesy of Pensacola Ice Flyers
a&e happenings
St. Reservations are required and can be made online at vpauls.com.
COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER: COMFORT FLAVORS Cooking classes are 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Cost is $55 per person and includes demonstration, tasting, wine pairings and recipe booklet. Reservations required. Make yours by emailing marthaanne@ goodgrits.com or call 777-0412.
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
SIX FEET UNDER Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
WUWF PRESENTS RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive is 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Enjoy performances from The Lubben Brothers, Shelby Kemp and Lou Hazel. Tickets are $10 and available at radiolive.org.
MIDNIGHT CRICKET CLUB Show is 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. Tickets are $7-$20 per person and can be purchased at uwf.edu/tickets.
BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performance featuring guest conductor Laura Jackson. Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com. Dress rehearsal is 1:30 p.m. with $10 tickets.
LILITH'S DEMISE, OINKLITERATION, INNERWOUNDS, HEMOLOCIA Show is Monday, Jan. 13 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
THE DRIFTERS, CORNELL GUNTER'S COASTERS, THE PLATTERS Show is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.
SHEER TERROR, BURNING STRONG, SERRATED FL Show is 7 p.m, Thursday, Jan. 16 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
BROADWAY RAVE Event is 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
SUNSHINE WRANGLERS Free local showcase at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St., 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Details at vinylmusichall.com.
ELLIS BULLARD, THE VICTROLAS, ALLIE BRYAN Show is 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are available at thehandlebar850.com.
a&e happenings
HALESTORM: THE LIVING ROOM
SESSIONS WITH LZZY AND JOE Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets at vinylmusichall.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS Enjoy live music at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Glen Parker Band plays 6-10 p.m. Saturdays and Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY
Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE
QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern. com for details.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke is 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook.com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour
Clean Ups are 8:45 a.m. Saturdays. On Jan. 11, the site is Sanders Beach. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.
PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Games are at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and information are at pensacolabaycenter.com.
Upcoming dates:
•4:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
•7:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17
•7:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
•4:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19
PUBLIC ICE SKATE Tickets are $15 for adults and kids with skate rental or $12 for adults and kids with their own skates. Season passes and private sessions are also available. Skate sessions are located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.
Upcoming dates:
•6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
•9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17
•9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar the first Monday every month at Flounder's Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach. A free fish dinner is 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasts about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.
TIKI TUESDAY SUNSET YOGA Take in a slow flow yoga class led by Donna Dickey 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sneaky Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Drive. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING From 6:30-11 p.m. the first Friday of each month, enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. This is a fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels and no partner required. Location is at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun
6:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays for $5 and 6:30-11 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month for $10. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE
From 6:30-11 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. The cost is $10. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.
PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North Parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is free and open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.
KID-FRIENDLY
PRESCHOOL ART & STORYTIME Join PMA alongside the West Florida Public Libraries to engage your preschooler in story time and art 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Register at pensacolamuseum.org.
ART ACADEMY FOR AUTISM Free art program for ages 5 and up. The next date is Saturday, Jan. 18. Ages 5-9: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; ages 10-15: 12:30-2 p.m.; and ages 16 and up: 2:30-4 p.m. Register at pensacolamuseum.org.
BROWNSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMING ARTS CLUB For ages 8-18, this club is an opportunity for all aspiring actors, dancers, singers, rappers and musicians. The club meets 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. For more information, contact Leroy Williams at 426-1156 or email lewilliams@ myescambia.com.
LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA'S SNAP PROGRAM
The SNAP program is a free and fun community program to help parents and children deal with issues like emotional regulation and problem solving. The program is proven to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and give them skills for successful communication and actions. The program teaches parenting skills for adults and teaches children ages 6-11 important issues, such as emotional regulation, problemsolving skills and self-control. Meetings are once a week for 13 weeks. There is no cost, and dinner is served at each meeting. Sibling care and transportation is available if needed at no cost. Call or text 375-3646 to get started.
BEANSTACK: 1,000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN Enjoy reading 1,000 books with your little ones through West Florida Public Libraries. Log reading and earn badges along the way while bonding with your child and inspiring literacy. For every 100 books, you can claim a prize at the library. Register for the challenge on the West Florida Public Libraries' Beanstack, either on the mobile app or at mywfpl.beanstack.org.
free will astrology
WEEK OF JANUARY 9
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Aries poet Charles Baudelaire said that if you want to fully activate your personal genius, you will reclaim and restore the intelligence you had as a child. You will empower it anew with all the capacities you have developed as an adult. I believe this is sensational advice for you in 2025. In my understanding of the astrological omens, you will have an extraordinary potential to use your mature faculties to beautifully express the wise innocence and lucid perceptions you were blessed with when you were young.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In many Asian myths, birds and snakes are depicted as adversaries. Their conflict symbolizes humanity's problems in coordinating the concerns of earth and heaven. Desire may be at odds with morality. Unconscious motivations can be opposed to good intentions. Pride, self-interest and ambition might seem incompatible with spiritual aspirations, high-minded ideals and the quest to transcend suffering. But here's the good news for you, Taurus: In 2025, I suspect that birds and snakes will cooperate rather harmoniously. You and they will have stirring, provocative adventures together.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Using a fork to eat food was slow to gain acceptance in the Western world. Upper-class Europeans began to make it a habit in the 11th century, but most common folk regarded it as a pretentious irrelevancy for hundreds of years. Grabbing grub with the fingers was perfectly acceptable. I suspect this scenario might serve as an apt metaphor for you in 2025. You are primed to be an early adapter who launches trends. You will be the first to try novel approaches and experiment with variations in how things have always been done. Enjoy your special capacity, Gemini. Be bold in generating innovations.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Psychologist Abraham Maslow defined "peak experiences" as "rare, exciting, oceanic, deeply moving, exhilarating, elevating experiences that generate an advanced form of perceiving reality, and are even mystic and magical in their effect upon the experimenter." The moment
By Rob Brezsny
of falling in love is one example. Another may happen when a creative artist makes an inspiring breakthrough in their work. These transcendent interludes may also come from dreamwork, exciting teachings, walks in nature and responsible drug use. (Read more here: tinyurl.com/PeakInterludes) I bring these ideas to your attention, Cancerian, because I believe the months ahead will be prime time for you to cultivate and attract peak experiences.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, your life in 2025 will be pretty free of grueling karmic necessity. You will be granted exemptions from cosmic compulsion. You won't be stymied by the oppressive inertia of the past. To state this happy turn of events more positively, you will have clearance to move and groove with daring expansiveness. Obligations and duties won't disappear, but they're more likely to be interesting than boring and arduous. Special dispensations and kind favors will flow more abundantly than they have in a long time.
a pleasant shock that some old expectations about your destiny are too small, and soon you will be expanding those expectations. Can you handle one further mind-opening, soulstretching prophecy? You will demolish at least one mental block, break at least one taboo and dismantle an old wall that has interfered with your ability to give and receive love.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): If you're not married and would like to be, 2025 might be your best chance in years to find wedded bliss. If an existing intimate bond is less than optimal, the coming months will bring inspiration and breakthroughs to improve it. Let's think even bigger and stronger, Scorpio, and speculate that you could be on the verge of all kinds of enhanced synergetic connections. I bet business and artistic partnerships will thrive if you decide you want them to. Links to valuable resources will be extra available if you work to refine your skills at collaboration and togetherness.
ate us from our mind-forged manacles. They always have the potential to help us discover the deeper meanings beneath our experiences. Everything I just said is essential for you to keep in mind during 2025.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): One of my most enjoyable goals in life has been to expunge my "isms." I'm pleased that I have made dramatic progress in liquidating much of the perverse cultural conditioning that imprinted me as I was growing up. I've largely liberated myself from racism, sexism, classism, ableism, heteronormativity, looksism and even egotism. How are you doing with that stuff, Virgo? The coming months will be a favorable time to work on this honorable task. What habits of mind and feeling have you absorbed from the world that are not in sync with your highest ideals?
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Here's one of my predictions for you in 2025, Libra: You will reach the outer limits of your domain and then push on to explore beyond those limits. Here's another prediction: You will realize with
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): I wonder how you will feel about the fact that I'm declaring 2025 to be the Year of the Muses for you Sagittarians. Will you be happy that I expect you to be flooded with provocative clues from inspiring influences? Or will you regard the influx of teachings and revelations as chaotic, confusing or inconvenient? In the hope you adopt my view, I urge you to expand your understanding of the nature of muses. They may be intriguing people, and might also take the form of voices in your head, ancestral mentors, beloved animals, famous creators, or spirit guides.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Astrologers in ancient China had the appalling view that over two-thirds of all omens are negative, threatening, or scary. I haven't seen formal research into the biases of modern Western stargazers, but my anecdotal evidence suggests they tend to be equally pessimistic. I regard this as an unjustified travesty. My studies have shown that there is no such thing as an inherently ominous astrological configuration. All portents are revelations about how to successfully wrangle with our problems, perpetrate liberation, ameliorate suffering, find redemption and perform ingenious tweaks that liber-
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Over the years, a few people who don't know me well have accused me of "thinking too much" or "overthinking." They are wrong. While I aspire to always be open to constructive criticism, I am sure that I don't think too much. Not all my thoughts are magnificent, original and highquality, of course; some are generated by fear and habit. However, I meticulously monitor the flow of all my thoughts and am skilled at knowing which ones I should question or not take seriously. The popular adage, "Don't believe everything you think" is one of my axioms. In 2025, I invite you Aquarians to adopt my approach. Go right ahead and think as much as you want, even as you heighten your awareness of which of your thoughts are excellent and which are not.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): I'm pleased, bordering on gleeful, that your homecoming is well underway. All the signs suggest that as 2025 unfolds, you will ripen the processes of deepening your roots and building a stronger foundation. As a result, I expect and predict that your levels of domestic bliss will reach unprecedented heights. You may even create a deeply fulfilled sense of loving yourself exactly as you are and feeling like you truly belong to the world you are surrounded by. Dear Pisces, I dare you to cultivate more peace of mind than you have ever managed to arouse. I doubledare you to update traditions whose emotional potency has waned.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, imagine that you lived another life. Where was it? Who were you? {in}
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news of the weird
UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Sam, 22, is an assistant manager at a frozen yogurt shop in Florida, Newsweek reported on Dec. 26, but even at his young age, he is able to recognize cash that might be counterfeit. Unlike his employees, that is, who flagged a $10 bill and a $5 bill as FAKE. "I shed a tear because of the sharpie they scrawled onto the bills," he wrote on Reddit. Sam said he had to explain that the bills were "just old, not counterfeit." He admitted that people his age and younger might rarely use cash: "It's a digital world nowadays, so I would suspect that to be one reason (they flagged the bills)."
SAW THAT COMING The Rockwall County Herald-Banner in Texas reported that Valencia Smith, mother of a former football player for Rockwall-Heath High School, filed a suit on Dec. 23 against the team's former coach, John Harrell, and 12 other coaches. Smith's suit stems from an incident in January 2023, in which the coaches allegedly used excessive exercise as punishment for wearing the wrong uniform or failing to show enough "hustle." Students were forced to perform more than 400 pushups within an hour, which led to at least 26 players being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle to break down and enter the bloodstream. Smith said her son spent seven days in a hospital. The lawsuit seeks compensation for his medical expenses. Harrell resigned in March 2023; he settled two other lawsuits, but this is the first that names the assistant coaches as defendants.
BRIGHT IDEA Canadian business student Javeria Wasim, 19, was with a friend in Toronto when she hatched the brilliant idea to try to bite into a 3-inch jawbreaker, the Daily Mail reported on Dec. 24. Immediately, Wasim's jaw began to hurt, and a tooth became loose. X-rays revealed that she had suffered two fractures in her jaw. The following day, she underwent surgery and had her jaw wired shut for six weeks. She said she would "probably never try a jawbreaker again. It hurt really bad, I was crying a lot when the ambulance came," she said. "All my bottom teeth are messed up. I lost seven pounds in two weeks. It was a dumb idea."
THE FOREIGN PRESS Belarusian retailer ZNWR, sometimes called the "Balenciaga of Belarus," is making headlines with its newest line of dresses and jackets, starting at about $116, fashioned from bubble wrap. The Times of India reported on Dec. 30 that the air-filled pockets provide a satisfying, quirky popping experience. The brand hyped the dresses as perfect for those who want to stand out on New Year's Eve (rather than wear the tired old velvet and satin). At least when you fall down drunk, you'll be cushioned!
LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL In Haines City, Florida, on Dec. 29, Jervin Omar Mendieto Romero, 40, arrived at the home of his former partner, ClickOrlando reported. Romero wanted to speak with her, but when no one answered the door, he crawled into the house through a
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
window, police said. "Once inside," police said, Romero "confronted ... his ex-domestic partner and her new boyfriend." The boyfriend was shot five times; in the process, Romero managed to shoot off his own ring finger. "This caused (him) to drop the firearm and flee the residence on foot," police reported. They tracked him down less than a mile away, and he was charged with attempted first-degree murder and armed burglary with assault or battery, along with other offenses. The boyfriend is expected to survive.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Jude Hill of Plymouth, England, traveled to Thailand a few months ago after a fire at her home in September, Metro News reported. Around 3 a.m. on Christmas, Hill and her boyfriend were seen in the lobby of the Flipper Lodge Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, consummating their relationship on a sofa. Witnesses said the pair then tried to move to a glass table, but it shattered. "We approached them and discovered they were not hotel customers, so we ushered them out," an anonymous worker said. Hill ran away but was detained by an armed officer near the beach. The hotel plans to press charges.
THAT RULE DOESN'T APPLY TO ME Magnus Carlsen, 34, the No. 1 chess player in the world, dropped out of the Fide World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York on Dec. 27 because he didn't want to change out of his blue jeans, Sky News reported. Officials said he had broken the dress code; Carlsen wasn't moved. "I didn't even think about it. ... They said I could (change) after the third round today. I said, 'I'll change tomorrow if that's OK' ... but they said, 'Well you have to change now.' At that point it became a matter of principle for me." Carlsen said he'd head somewhere with better weather.
REUNITED A Florida family got just what they wanted for Christmas when they answered a 2:30 a.m. doorbell ring on Christmas Eve to find their missing dog. Brooke Comer, a Green Cove Springs resident whose 4-year-old German shepherd, Athena, went missing on Dec. 15, spent the ensuing nine days receiving tips from neighbors and people in nearby towns about Athena sightings, but the frustrated family would always arrive too late, NEWS10 ABC reported. After several heartbreaking near-misses and with Christmas just one day away, Comer received an early morning notification from her Ring doorbell. "I was kind of like in a daze, and the dog was barking, and as soon as I heard that ring, I looked at my phone and you could see in the video it was Athena and she was jumping at the door, ringing the doorbell," Comer said. Athena seemed no worse for the wear after her journey, but will receive a full exam (and a microchip) soon. {in}
McMeel
