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LEWIS BEAR CO. Anheuser-Busch and The Lewis Bear Co. joined forces with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver more than 2,352 cans of emergency drinking water to the Baker Fire District in Baker as part of the brewer's larger effort to provide 1.5 million cans to volunteer fire departments across the country. The donation will prepare local volunteer firefighters with vital resources before the annual summer wildfire season rather than waiting for disaster to strike. Across the country, 65% of firefighters are volunteers, often with limited department budgets for critical supplies. Anheuser-Busch's water donations allow these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to prepare their forces for any emergency or disaster. Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 93 million cans of clean drinking water to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters and other crises.
DERRICK WILLIAMS Escambia County recognized the housing intake specialist in the Neighborhood Enterprises Division as the July 2024 employee of the month. Williams recently celebrated 10 years with the county. As a housing intake specialist, he provides customer service to prospective and current applicants for programs related to housing rehabilitation, first-home homebuyers and community development programs. He helps applicants determine their program eligibility and works hard to ensure they fall within the grant program guidelines. Williams is the first point of contact for homeowners when inquiring about county housing programs.
AMY MILLER Mayor D.C. Reeves chose Miller as his interim city administrator after Kerrith Fiddler stepped down earlier this month. Miller has served as deputy city administrator and has overseen the city's enterprise divisions, including the port, airport, gas utility and sanitation services, since June 2021 after serving eight years as Pensacola's first female port director. Miller entered the seaport industry in 1993 following a successful career in print journalism, working at ports in South La. and Gulfport, Miss. before joining the Port of Pensacola in 2002. In 2006, she was named assistant port director.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor rejected the district's request that the board and Superintendent Keith Leonard be shielded from testifying about the removal of the school library book "And Tango Makes Three." The district raised several arguments, including whether the testimony would be relevant and whether school board members are shielded by a "legislative privilege." Winsor denied the motion, writing the "members' motives are not irrelevant … Escambia says we cannot impute a single member's motives to the whole board. True enough. But a single member's motives could move the needle somewhat in determining the board's motives." Meanwhile, the board wants its attorneys to question a 7-yearold child named in the lawsuit.
CHILDERS DYNASTY DEBACLE County Clerk Pam Childers had dreams of building on her success in the 401a case. She plotted to get rid of three county commissioners, electing her hand-picked disciples to join Commissioner Mike Kohler and supplanting Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender with her hubby. Two grand juries returned with "No True Bills" after reviewing allegations against Jeff Bergosh and Lumon May. She failed to complete and provide her husband's Form 6, so Bruce failed to qualify to run against Bender. Commissioner Steven Barry only faces an NPA candidate in his race. Pam's remaining hope is Kohler's aide defeating Jeff Bergosh in the GOP primary. Can her support for Steven Stroberger trump Sheriff Chip Simmons' and Rep. Matt Gaetz's endorsements of Bergosh?
FLORIDA SMART ID The DeSantis administration has removed its digital driver's license from iOS and Android app stores and deactivated the app after having it available for two years. The state spent $1.5 million developing the product, which promised to be a "secure version of your driver's license." On its website, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states, "The Florida Smart ID applications will be updated and improved by a new vendor." Users have been notified the new app will be available in early 2025.
Photo Courtesy of The Lewis Bear Co.
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
SAVE OUR ARTS
With a line-item veto, Gov. Ron DeSantis has jeopardized the financial stability of 577 art programs across Florida. His decision to cut $32 million in art funding from the state's $116.5 billion budget marks the first time Florida's cultural organizations have received no state funding through the Division of Arts & Culture. The governor's reasoning for the veto was his dislike for the Fringe Festivals.
Florida has four Fringe Festivals, multiday festivals of short plays, concerts, comedy acts and sometimes adult performances and drag shows. This is only four out of 577 arts programs, community theaters, symphonies, museums and other cultural organizations.
DeSantis said, "We didn't have control over how it was being given. So you're having your tax dollars being given in grants to things like the Fringe Festival, which is like a sexual festival where they're doing all this stuff. How many of you think your tax dollars should go to fund that? Not very many people would do that."
Last week, the organizers of the Fringe Festivals in Orlando and Tampa sent an open letter challenging the governor to restore funding to Florida's other art organizations, and they would forego any state grants. I doubt the governor will reverse his decision.
Earlier this month, we reported on the veto's $1.3 million impact on Escambia County's arts organizations (Inweekly, "Cutting Deep," 7/4/24). The funding loss hit them days after many had approved their budgets and performances for the upcoming season.
"I am disheartened by the lack of vision and cultural understanding exhibited by our current state leaders," said Peter Steenblik, artistic director of the Choral Society of Pensacola. "They misunderstand the value of the arts in general. Imagine if the reaction of the arts community was to shut off all arts for every state-sponsored event over the next year—no music, lighting, graphic design, entertainment, etc. The impact of the arts on our communities would be immediately noticed."
Our community has been proud of its arts and cultural offerings for more than a century. In 1983, timber magnate Daniel F. Sullivan opened the Pensacola Opera House, a 1,400-seat theater
at the intersection of Jefferson and Government streets. Today, we brag about our community theater, opera, symphony orchestra, ballet, choral society, children's chorus and numerous festivals celebrating art and music.
The arts significantly contribute to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties' quality of life and economy. In the 2023 PYP Quality of Life survey, 61% of our residents gave a positive rating for our cultural opportunities—a 21-point increase from the first survey in 2008.
When nearly every city was trying to lure remote workers to their communities, our beaches, history and arts got their attention. Santa Rosa County economic development director Shannon Ogletree has shared that our arts and culture programs and the vibrancy they bring to downtown Pensacola have helped him attract new businesses to his county.
"I've met with multiple companies," Ogletree said. "There was a company out of Australia that I was working with last year, and they said downtown Pensacola was a driving factor of why they were considering locating to Santa Rosa County."
Maria Goldberg is a former director of the Pensacola Museum of Art and one of the cofounders of Foo Foo Fest, a 12-day celebration with culturally creative events that attract visitors to our community. She pointed out that the vari ous art and cultural performances throughout the year benefit local businesses because patrons of ten make a date night out of going to the Saenger Theatre or The Center. I remember our downtown restaurants were impacted when the Grand Dame of Palafox was taken out of commission for renovations and expansion 2007-2009.
The arts are good for our quality of life and economy. We can help our arts organization survive the governor's veto by buying season tickets. If you purchase them in July, you won't have to pay sales taxes because, thanks to the Florida Legislature, we have Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday. Outdoor recreation equipment, season tickets and various admission fees and events are tax-free this month.
COMMERCIAL LAND FOR SALE
$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
Please choose a local organization and order tickets before July 31. We must save our arts and culture. {in} rick@inweekly.net
FIGHTING FOR ALL FLORIDIANS
Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell spent last week in the Florida Panhandle building support for her bid to win the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Rick Scott. She faces challengers in the Democratic primary Aug. 20 but is seen as the party's likely nominee in the November general election.
Defeating Scott seemed impossible in April when a survey from Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research reported MucarselPowell trailed Scott by 17 percentage points. However, the same pollsters last month reported the first-term senator's lead over the former congresswoman had shrunk to two points in their June 8-9 survey of likely voters.
Inweekly asked her what happened between April and June that made her a serious contender in the race.
"It's interesting because I've seen several polls where I'm just within points of Rick Scott," Mucarsel-Powell said when she stopped by the Inweekly offices. "There was that one poll that had me down by double digits, and they had misspelled my name, so I think that was part of the difference."
She continued, "But I have been building coalitions across the state. There are still a lot of people that don't know me, but they do know Rick Scott, and they do know that they don't want to reelect him. He is one of the most unpopular, most vulnerable senators across the country who is running for reelection. And the more people get to know me, my story and the work I want to do, the more voters are excited about my candidacy."
Mucarsel-Powell said her coalitions include Independents, Republicans and Democrats. "I'm really proud that I've been receiving the support of 10s of thousands of people. This campaign is bringing Floridians across political lines."
That answer led to the next question: Why spend so much time in Northwest Florida, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by a wide margin?
"When I say I want to represent every Floridian, I mean that, and I think that it's important for me to visit Blue counties and Red counties," she replied. "I'm having conversations with Republicans who may not vote for a Democrat at the top of the ticket, but they'll vote for a senator that will work for them and represent them in Washington D.C., and that's the campaign
Mucarsel-Powell added, "I am never going to leave any community behind. It's impossible to be everywhere, but I'm trying to be in as many communities as I can. By the way, Rick Scott only won by 10,000 votes (10,033 out of 8.19 million votes cast). I can make up that difference right here in
ENTERING FLORIDA POLITICS
"My mom brought me here when I was 14 from Ecuador, looking for opportunities," she said. "Because of those opportunities, I was able to graduate from college and become the associate dean of the medical school."
Mucarsel-Powell never thought she would get into politics. "I was working at FIU (Florida International University) at the medical school providing access to healthcare to underserved communities, and it was very rewarding, but the work we were doing was getting harder and harder because they were making cuts to education. And then I had in my area, the congressman at that time was trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and I know what a lifeline that was to so many people living in South Florida."
In the 2018 general election, Mucarsel-Powell faced two-term Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo. "No one thought I could beat this very popular Republican incumbent at the time, but I knew the community, and I won."
Mucarsel-Powell defeated Curbelo with 50.9% of the vote, helping Democrats take control of the House of Representatives during the mid-term election. Two years later, she lost to Republican Carlos Gimenez, the Miami-Dade County mayor, as the GOP took back control of the House.
In this Senate race, she faces many of the same issues as in 2018 and 2020, except she believes they're more extreme this time. "Rick Scott wrote the plan to eliminate Medicare and Social Security. He has said multiple times that he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and raise taxes on middle-class families. He thinks that everybody has to pay, even if you're in the poverty line. Instead of thinking, 'How do we lift up our communities?'"
Mucarsel-Powell continued, "We're living under extreme attacks on all our liberties. We have these attacks on women's reproductive freedoms. Rick Scott supports the six-week
abortion ban. Why do I want to run for Senate? Because someone has to stand up to these attacks."
AFFORDABILITY PLAN
In May, Mucarsel-Powell announced her Affordability Plan, a detailed policy platform listing the bills she wants to become law after her election.
"What we're facing in Florida is unique to Florida," Mucarsel-Powell said. "Many of the struggles that we're facing here, it's because of these failed policies that they have been passing in Tallahassee. A lot of the property insurance rate crisis started under Rick Scott. He actually gave $53 million to one of his campaign donors, an insurance company that came into the market, taking it away from citizens. And it shouldn't have to be that way."
"It's impossible to be everywhere, but I'm trying to be in as many communities as I can."
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
The Insurance Information Institute, a nonprofit organization funded by insurers, estimated that in 2023, Florida homes cost $6,000—three times the national average to insure. She likes the bill by Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, which would require the U.S. Treasury Department to issue 10-year Treasury notes to cover damage beyond what would be generated by a one-in-50-year storm. Moskowitz said it would immediately lower the cost of homeowner property insurance by about 25% in Florida.
Mucarsel-Powell wants to introduce the same bill in the U.S. Senate. "We need to provide oversight and understand why these premiums continue to go up. Even right now, in this month, a lot of families have told me that they've raised them even higher than what they did last year. I just had a conversation with a senior who had to be forced back to work after retirement because of the property insurance rates."
She added, "We need to understand why they're doing this. I haven't heard any senator from Florida even ask that question."
Mucarsel-Powell wants to create jobs with a living wage and believes solar panel manufacturing may be a solution. "China controls about 80% of that. Why not bring it to Florida? Create good paying jobs and at the same time reduce our utility bills and energy costs, and they also help with combating the impacts of climate change."
She also wants to expand the childcare tax credit to help working mothers provide care for their children. She will also tackle the affordable housing crisis. "There are a few bills that are right now in the Senate that have been introduced that would limit the control hedge funds are having by coming to some communities and buying multiple properties and then pricing people out of having that ability to purchase their first home."
Mucarsel-Powell said, "I'm very much a policy wonk. That's part of why I'm running for Senate, to try and help the entire state. There's a lot we can do at the federal level. Unfortunately, we have a senator who has been using that seat more for self-enrichment. While people are struggling here, he's making more and more money sitting in the U.S. Senate."
ENJOYING FREEDOM
Mucarsel-Powell's congressional district covered south Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. When she was elected in 2018, she became the first Ecuadorian American and first South American-born immigrant to serve as a member of the U.S. Congress.
Because she is an immigrant, she is grateful to this country for the opportunities she has been given, she said. Her patriotism feeds her public service.
"I have felt more patriotic than ever because when you come from a place where you know what government interference and attacks on your rights and freedoms look like, and then you come here and live in a place where it doesn't matter who you are, what your last name is, what zip code you live in. If you work and if you believe, and you have a good community behind you, anything is possible. And so, I want to protect that freedom. I want to protect those opportunities."
Inweekly asked the mother of three what she wanted for her children.
"If you work and if you believe, and you have a good community behind you, anything is possible." Mucarsel-Powell
"Do you want to get me all teary-eyed in this interview?"
Mucarsel-Powell said. "I want them to be able to achieve whatever they want to achieve, whatever their dreams are, that they live in a community, in a space, in a state where they don't feel harassed for who they are, where if they want to get a job, they have options."
She wants her children to be safe. "I've done a lot of work on gun violence reform, and gun safety is also extremely important. My youngest had an active shooter drill at her school. She texted me, 'I hate this. I don't want to be in school when they do this. It's traumatic.'"
Mucarsel-Powell added, "I want my daughters to know that they're respected as women living in this state, that they have the same rights as men living in this state. That if they need to have reproductive care, whether it's to terminate a pregnancy because they have for health reasons or they choose to do so. I don't want them to feel discriminated. I want them to feel safe that they have good quality healthcare for them and their families. I want to live in Florida, and I want to enjoy this incredible state, and I want my kids to do the same."
To learn more about Debbie Mucarsel-Powell's campaign, visit debbieforflorida.com. {in}
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell / Photo Courtesy of debbieforflorida.com
GRANTS AWARDED Sunday's Child, a Pensacola Bay Area member-based philanthropic group that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality by awarding grants to significant charitable and economic initiatives, awarded grants to six Pensacola Bay Area charities at its 10th Annual Membership Meeting. Sunday's Child members funded and selected the projects, which officially marks more than $1 million awarded to nonprofits since the organization's inception in 2014.
Each of the six organizations will receive $20,000 to fund their projects:
•Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers: Barkery Booms, which will expand their program that provides job training for people with disabilities in running a business, baking, and selling all-natural pet treats.
•Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida: Equipment and Assistive Technology for Independence Program, which will fund equipment and assistive technology to optimize the independence of individuals with disabilities.
•First City Art Center: Hear Me + See Me: Sunday's Child Inclusion Stage will construct a permanent, covered performance stage as the centerpiece of the art campus, allowing the organization to showcase diverse art performances and art instruction.
•Golden Elite Track and Field Club: Van Expansion Project, which will help the organization purchase a second passenger van to accommodate the influx of underserved youth to the track and field program.
•Hope Above Fear: Empower, which will fund a professionally produced educational video de -
tailing the impact of the drug epidemic among Pensacola Bay Area teenagers.
•Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: Pensacola Pride Build, which will unite allies and the LGBTQIA+ community to build a home together while fostering dialogue and awareness about housing inequality within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The remaining finalists also received a $1,000 donation from Sunday's Child: Feeding the Gulf Coast, Pensacola Children's Chorus, and Ready Kids. Sunday's Child membership for 2025 is now open. For more information, visit sundayschild.org.
CHILDERS VS. MAY On July 11, Pensacola News Journal (PNJ) reported that County Clerk Pam Childers announced she had created an Office of Independent Internal Audit with a fraud hotline to ferret out suspicious and wasteful spending in county government. The same day, Inweekly reported Childers used an anonymous tip that led to falsified work orders she used to justify a complaint to the state attorney's office against another proclaimed nemesis, Lumon May—the county's lone Black commissioner.
Last week, Childers sent a demand letter to Commissioner May with an invoice for $4,253.74 for land clearing and cleanup that her internal audit "discovered" on property owned by May and his family. She accused the commissioner of fraud, waste, corruption and abuse.
Commissioner May told Inweekly that work orders attached to Childers' invoice were records falsified by one or more county employees. He voluntarily testified before a grand jury, which returned a "No True Bill," meaning no crime was
tion and has determined that the workers who were out there completely inflated how much time they spent by as much as 50 hours."
He added the workers charged the work order with time they spent visiting Wendy's and Whataburger and buying shoes. Three workers logged five hours on the site when they spent 62 minutes there. The grapple truck was recorded being on the property for 15 hours, but the GPS proved it was only onsite for five hours.
Did the grand jury find the commissioner committed fraud, waste and abuse? Stevenson said, "The grand jury never mentions any of those words—fraud, waste or abuse. If there is fraud, waste and abuse, it's the people exaggerating how much time they spent on something while saying that they were at work when they were at Whataburger."
The grand jury found "No True Bill" but did recommend the commissioner reimburse the county for the cost of the work done on his property.
"Lumon is absolutely willing to do that," Stevenson said. "He respects the grand jury, although he doesn't think he should have to do it because he didn't ask for it to be done."
committed by the commissioner. He referred the newspaper to his attorney, Eric Stevenson.
The grand jury report and Stevenson said May hired people to trim and clear the overgrowth on the two lots on Yonge Street. He also had a professional tree company remove several trees and do more extensive trimming. He planned to use dumpsters to remove the heavier debris and asked the workers to move the smaller yard debris the right-of-way for the county road crew to pick up as they do for all residents.
When neighbors complained about debris in the street, he called County Administrator Wes Moreno to have someone check on it. The call led to Field Supervisor Justin Walker clearing not only the debris in the right-of-way but also going on the Mays' property and hauling all the debris away with the help of nine county workers, an inmate crew and several trucks.
Walker told the grand jury his supervisors directed him to remove the material, but Moreno's investigation revealed Walker admitted he was only told to use his best judgment. Walker created a video of the debris with a running commentary of the size of the pile, its placement on private property and the work being initiated by a commissioner.
Moreno checked the GPS data on all the vehicles and equipment used by county employees. On Saturday, Nov. 4, Walker reported working three hours on the property but only spending 26 minutes on the site before going to watch a football game at Magee Field while still on county time.
In the GPS data Monday, Nov. 6, the hours for several workers were greatly exaggerated. Stevenson said, "The county did its own investiga-
The attorney said, "I'm going to be sending a letter to Alison Rogers, the county attorney, next week to ask her for what the actual amount is that the county was out for this time for people picking up when they picked up the debris actually off of his property when they shouldn't have been, because we know that the numbers that Lumon got from the clerk's office are not accurate."
Stevenson pointed out how the commissioner cooperated with the state attorney's office.
"When the state attorney's office did their investigation, they called Commissioner May," he said. "He came down and spoke with them twice voluntarily. He voluntarily came and spoke before the grand jury. He didn't have to do that."
Stevenson continued, "And he certainly would've done it had the clerk's office called him so that he could clarify what happened and make sure that everybody was really looking at all the same things and understood what was going on."
The grand jury did not recommend the county clerk set up an Office of Independent Internal Audit. People wonder how independent the office will be. Will Pam Childers use it as a weapon against her political enemies?
PRESSER
NOTES
At his weekly press conference, Mayor D.C. Reeves reported Pensacola International Airport had a record day Sunday, July 7, with 7,255 enplanements. He also reported Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security operated smoothly—except 2-3 p.m. Sunday, when a machine went down causing a 48-minute wait time.
"The average wait time for the entire day was 13.3 minutes for people waiting in line," he said, "So even our worst hour was not, if you were there even an hour and a half before your flight,
Photo Courtesy of Sunday's Child
you would've had no problem making it. And just another data point for your perspective: between 3-4 p.m. on that busiest day, we screened 793 people through security, and each lane fully manned is rated for 150 people an hour or 600 max. We exceeded our maximum capacity by 200 people."
The mayor continued, "So when we say bursting at the seams, we are doing it and outgrowing even our overall security capacity at this point."
Mayor Reeves also discussed the staff recommendation regarding the Jackson Street site that once was home to the Malcolm Yonge Gym. Following a monthlong Notice of Intention to Dispose (NID) period, the city received two responses in its efforts to redevelop the site with a Community Land Trust (CLT).
One eligible submission was received from the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust (NFCLT). The second submission was from James B. Washington Education & Sports, Inc. However, because it is not a CLT, the response was declared ineligible. Therefore, city staff recommended negotiations go forward with the NFCLT.
The city wants a for-sale housing development on the site that adheres to a long-term equity-sharing model, offering a 99-year lease with a 99-year renewal option to incomequalifying homebuyers. At least 51% of the units should be affordable to individuals with a median household income of 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. The remaining 49% of the units are for those in the 80-120% AMI range or less.
The City of Pensacola envisions this development serving workforce and attainable housing needs. Once negotiations are completed with NFCLT, a detailed timeline and project cost outline will be available.
The city seeks more input for its strategic plan. Mayor Reeves said, "There are areas where we need more feedback, so our sample size fits and matches the demographics of our community—young people under 25, African American residents and residents with the median household income for Pensacola, which is $67,722."
Surveys must be completed by July 31 and can be found at Pensacola2035.com.
The city has received the FDOT analysis to create a four-way stop at Tarragona and Romana Streets. "We will convert into a four-way stop on July 29."
The mayor said that the stop light cameras have yet to be activated. Inweekly checked with city staff, who shared the city is waiting for the permit from the state. The camera should be activated before the end of summer, but the mayor assured the media there would be a grace period to allow the public to become accustomed to the technology.
AIMING FOR PARIS University of West Florida (UWF) senior Kira Stevens wants to compete in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris next month. A four-time U.S. Paralympic High School All-American in the 100 and 200 meters, she qualified for her first adult Paralympic National
Championships in 2022 and won the 100-meter and shot events.
Later this month, she will attend the Paralympic Trials in South Florida in hopes of making Team USA.
Stevens was born prematurely during Hurricane Ivan, weighing 2 pounds and 3 ounces. Doctors told her parents she likely would die within 24 hours, and if she happened to make it, she would be severely limited in what she could do.
"Because I had a level four to five brain bleed, which was the highest brain bleed you could experience, I was born with cerebral palsy," she told Inweekly. "The doctors told my parents I would never be able to walk by myself, get dressed by myself or even talk by myself. They said I would have to have a communication board, which is kind of ironic because I'm a communication major at UWF."
Her parents refused to give up on their daughter. "My parents, being triathletes and swim coaches, got me in the water as soon as possible. They basically said if she is not going to be able to walk, she is going to be able to swim. They started with swimming and then moved on to running at 4 years old."
Stevens competed in local 5Ks and one-mile events, eventually progressing to triathlons. When she turned 11, she switched to swimming and running competitively on the national level.
"My first track meet ever, I competed in all of the events, a 100 meters, 1,500 meters, shotput, discus and javelin, and I qualified to go to junior international the same year at the same meet," she said. "Being a multi-sport athlete, I could do everything, and I really loved it. My parents were definitely getting their money's worth."
She has since focused on 100 and 200 meters, because those were the only events she could do internationally while being internationally ranked. "That was a change because I was a distant runner. I was doing 1,500 half marathons, et cetera, and changing from distance to sprint was crazy. So I've been sprinting for about five years now, and hopefully, I can impress people enough at the trials."
BYE, BRIAN FloridaWest CEO Brian Hilson has resigned to move to the Birmingham, Ala., area to help his wife care for aging family members. He was hired in August 2023 and was in the middle of capital campaign for the economic development alliance.
FloridaWest Board President David Bear said, "Although we're saddened by Brian's departure, the FloridaWest board has a process for such transitions and the executive committee will take the lead on an interim basis while we recruit a new CEO. Brian has committed to help us in this transition."
"Although we're saddened by Brian's departure, the FloridaWest board has a process for such transitions and the executive committee will take the lead on an interim basis while we recruit a new CEO," Bear said. "Brian has committed to help us in this transition."
FloridaWest is amid several economic
development projects at locations throughout Escambia County. Four projects were listed in the June board minutes under the code names Project Sable, Project Opal, Project Crescent and Project Ladyfish.
"The FloridaWest board of directors is fully committed and engaged for the success of our projects in Pensacola and Escambia County and will keep the momentum behind FloridaWest's economic development projects and current fundraising campaign, Built to Grow," Bear said. "Funding Solutions will continue to collaborate with FloridaWest leadership to bring success to their fundraising campaign."
To learn more, visit floridawesteda.com.
WILLING
TO
TRAIN
Republican Vicki Campbell seeks her fourth term representing District 1 on the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) Board. She explained why she is running on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen."
"The reason is that no one is running against me that has what I feel like the energy and the positivity to get things done," she shared. "Recently, I inherited all of Perdido in my district. I jumped on board and found out what we need in that community. And I want to complete some of the projects that we have going."
Her litany of projects includes a new main in the Beulah area, increasing the lines on Innerarity Island, adding a redundant force main to Perdido Island and building a transfer station to serve her district.
Campbell said she would like to prepare someone to take her board position in four years.
"When I ran for ECUA, I met with every ECUA board member, department head, legislators and everyone at the county and city because to have this job, you need to be able to work with other people," she said. "No one has done that yet, but I would love to coach someone up so that I don't have to do it again. I'm having a grandbaby this year, so I'd love to coach someone up to take this job over next time."
STUFF THE BUS United Way of West Florida's "Stuff the Bus" school supplies collection drive takes place on Thursday, July 25, at six Walmart locations across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The initiative aims to equip students with the essential tools to succeed in the upcoming school year.
The Escambia drop-off spots are the Walmarts at 2951 S Blue Angel Pkwy, 4600 Mobile Hwy and 2650 Creighton Road.In Santa Rosa, the stores are Tiger Point, 3767 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Navarre 9360 Navarre Pkwy and Pea Ridge, 4965 US 90.
The locations will accept new school supplies between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., except the Navarre store, which will start at 8 a.m. Items needed include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue sticks and other essential classroom supplies. Families in need of supplies should contact their child's school. If you can't make it to one of the drop-off locations, you can still help by making your donation online at uwwf.org/STB or by texting SCHOOL850 to 44321. {in}
Big Screen Time A Summer Movie Preview
BY JOSHUA ENCINIAS
We're only halfway through July, but it's felt like the dog days of August for months. If you're looking for an outing to beat the heat, nothing is better than the movies—especially with an overpriced Icee in hand.
To help you plan your next cinema date, here's a roundup of the best of what's coming to big screens this season. Are you thirsting for more Glenn Powell? You're probably already seated for "Twisters," huh? Need a movie for the kids, and you've already seen "Inside Out 2" twice? Studio Ghibli's "Ponyo" returns to theaters next month. And of course, there are plenty of indie, horror and superhero flicks to pick from too.
IN THEATERS NOW
L ONGLEGS
"Longlegs" is the most hyped horror movie of the year—let's hope it lives up. Nicolas Cage gives another gonzo-kabuki performance as a dollmaker who creates haunted effigies of his victims. Somehow, his craftwork turns his victim's families homicidal.
A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE
Don't be fooled by the title. This "Quiet Place" prequel has loose ties to the franchise's first two installments, and it's lightyears better than both movies. Lupita Nyong'o as Sam, and Joseph Quinn as Eric, make an unlikely pairing when the world as we know it comes to an end. With performances that mirror the best of Silent Era moviemaking, surprisingly, "A Quiet Place: Day One" is your writer's favorite movie of the year (so far).
JULY 19
T WISTERS
"Minari" writer-director Lee Isaac Chung levels up his budget game to create "Twisters," a sequel to the 1996 hit "Twister." Although the sequel has almost nothing to do with the original, it's considered to be as good or better than the first cinematic tornado romp. Starring Daisy EdgarJones, Glen Powell and soon-to-be DC's next Superman, David Corenswet.
JULY 26
DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE
Is it "Deadpool 3" or "Wolverine 4"? We don't know, but it looks like a fun time at the movies. And that's all we're really looking for in the summer.
DÌDI
The movie follows the character Dìdi in 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins. It's this summer when the impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can't teach him—how to skate, how to flirt and how to love his mom.
PARIS OLYMPICS AT AMC
Obviously, the Olympics isn't a movie. But watching Team America compete in 42 different sports on AMC Bayou's big IMAX screen sounds pretty nice to us. Beat the heat and cheer on your favorite athletes with some popcorn and soda for two weeks, July 26-Aug. 11. See AMC's website for the complete Olympics screening schedule.
AUG. 2
T RAP
Imagine there's a serial killer on the loose and authorities bait him to attend a massive Taylor Swift concert. That's exactly the premise of M. Night Shyamalan's new movie, "Trap." Except, Swift doesn't star in the movie. Instead, Shyamalan's daughter Saleka plays the pop princess who's being used as bait for the killer, played by Josh Hartnett.
KNEECAP
When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed "low life scum" Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip-hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, the real-life Irish group KNEECAP (playing themselves) quickly become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save Gaelic, their mother tongue.
AUG. 3
P ONYO
Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo" centers on a goldfish who desperately wants to be a human. In her pursuit, she befriends a 5-year-old human boy, Sōsuke. The screening is part of Studio Ghibli's yearly rerelease of its most beloved movies.
AUG. 9
CUCKOO
In "Cuckoo," 17-year-old Gretchen (played by actress Hunter Schafer) reluctantly leaves America to live with her father at a resort in the German
Alps. Plagued by strange noises and bloody visions, she soon discovers a shocking secret about her own family.
GOOD ONE
In "Good One," Sam embarks on a three-day backpacking trip in the Catskills with her dad, Chris and his oldest friend Matt. As the two men fall into their quarrelsome brotherly dynamic, long-held grievances bubble to the surface. When lines are crossed and Sam's trust is betrayed, tensions reach a fever pitch.
AUG. 16
A LIEN: ROMULUS
This film is a return to form for the long-running "Alien" franchise. Timeline wise set between Ridley Scott and James Cameron's flicks, "Alien Romulus" is horror director Fede Álvarez's shot at bridging the two movies and bringing back everyone's favorite acid-spitting beasts.
AUG. 23
BLINK TWICE
When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets Frida (Naomi Ackie), he invites her on a dream vacation to his private island. However, as strange things start to happen, she'll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive. Added bonus—this flick is Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut.
BETWEEN THE TEMPLES
This May-December meet-cute stars Jason Schwartzman as a Jewish cantor who's losing his faith. When he's reacquainted with his high school music teacher played by Carol Kane, he finds new purpose in his dying faith.
AUG. 25
R EAR WINDOW
See Alfred Hitchcock's classic suspense film "Rear Window" in theater as it was meant to be seen for its 70th anniversary. Jimmy Stewart and Grace
Kelly star in this story about a man confined to a wheelchair after an accident. As he spends his time watching neighbors through a telephoto lens and binoculars, he becomes convinced a murder has taken place.
SMALL SCREEN GEMS
Because we all know in 2024 good movies aren't limited to theatrical releases.
SAVING BIKINI BOTTOM: THE SANDY CHEEKS MOVIE
Aug. 1 on Netflix
When Bikini Bottom is scooped out of the ocean, Sandy and SpongeBob head to Sandy's home state of Texas and enlist her family to help save Patrick, Squidward and Mr. Krabs.
THE INSTIGATORS
Aug. 9 on Apple TV+
Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) are unlikely partners thrown together for a heist. When it goes awry, they team up to outrun the police, backward bureaucrats and a vengeful crime boss.
JACKPOT!
Aug. 14 on Prime
Set in the not-so-distant future, California has created a Grand Lottery, but for the winner, there's a catch: if you can kill the winner before sundown, you can legally claim their multibillion-dollar jackpot. The movie will star John Cena and Awkwafina.
THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
Aug. 23 on Hulu
The film follows a trio of best friends known as "The Supremes," who for decades have weathered life's storms together through marriage and children, happiness and blues. It's a feel-good summer movie for the waning days of summer. {in}
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. 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 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens at 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PARTY IN THE PARK The City of Pensacola and Upward Intuition hosts Party in the Park to promote the city's equity plan July 26 and 27. At 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 26 there will be a slow ride and game of SKATE at the Blake Doyle Skatepark. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27, is the Bash Under the Freeway at the Cecil T. Hunter Pool, where the first 50 people can complete
the equitable development values survey to get a free food and access to the pool. Details are at facebook.com/cityofpensacola.
O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB SCHOOL SUPPLY
DRIVE O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., will join a school supply drive now through Aug. 5 partnering with Baybridge Chiropractic Clinic. A supply drive box will be near the entrance of the bar during all operating hours. Requested items include pencils, backpacks, notebooks, binders, crayons, glue sticks, scissors and individuallysealed snacks, among others. An extended list of requested items can be found at facebook. com/baybridgechiropractic.
FREE Z TUESDAYS WITH ZARZAUR LAW
Stop by the corner of Palafox and Romana streets for free snow cones by Sneaky Tiki
Shaved Ice courtesy of Zarzaur Law, P.A. 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays through July 31. One Free Z per person, no refills.
CALL TO ARTISTS
2024 POP SHOW & EXHIBIT The Wide Angle Photo Club has opened registration for the 2024 Power of Photography show in November. All amateur and professional photographers are welcome to participate and compete for cash prizes and sponsor merchandise. Photographers may enter unlimited photos online. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 18. The late entry is July 16-Aug. 18 with a fee of $15. For details, visit wideanglephotoclub.org/contest.
ARTS & CULTURE
'SUBCCULTURED: THE RISE OF DIY ROCK IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX' Filmmaker and musician Richard Guerrero will present his documentary "SubCCultured," chronicling the 1985-1995 DIY punk rock and metal music scenes in Corpus Christi, Texas. The screen -
a bag for $7. Sale is at the West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St.
THE GREATEST SHOWCASE Hosted by Sasha Farber of "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," this fundraiser for Children's Home Society will feature locals performing ballroom dance numbers. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $34-$54 and available on ticketmaster.com.
CELEBRATING 70: A HISTORY OF
COLLECTING A new Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit runs through Sept. 29 featuring highlights of PMA's permanent collection at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are available at pensacolamuseum.org.
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.
ing is 7 p.m. Friday, July 19 at 309 N. Sixth Ave. Enjoy Lone Star refreshments and Texas punk band Bingo.
GALLERY NIGHT The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 19 with artists and restaurants taking over downtown Pensacola on South Palafox. The theme is Palafox Chalk Walk. For details, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.
FRUITY PARTY DRAG SHOW This fruit and food themed drag show hosted by Terrah Card is 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. for a $10 cover.
DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS MUSICAL Pensacola Little Theatre Treehouse Production is 7:30 p.m. Fridays July 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 20, 27 and Aug. 3, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, July 21, 28 and Aug. 4. A 7:30 p.m. performance is Thursdays, July 25 and Aug. 1— when tickets are half price. A sensory-friendly performance is 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Tickets are $15-$20 with discounts for seniors, military and students. PLT is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.
FRIENDS OF THE WEST FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER BOOK SALE The Friends' HOT Summer Book Sale is July 26-28., This year, for every 10 items (books, DVDs, audiobooks and CDs) purchased, library supporters will be invited to select an 11th item for free. This includes all books, (paperback, hard back, kids' books, etc.) except those in the Collector's Corner. The books in Collector's Corner are always individually priced. Times are 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 26 with $5 admission for nonmembers and free to members; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 with $5 admission for nonmembers, and free to members; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 28 with free admission for all. Fill
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.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC
COMEDY The floor is open for standups 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
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 at 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.
SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant
Glory of This / Courtesy Photo
a&e happenings
and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours are held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. 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.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
BIERGARTEN LUAU Tropical beverages, Hula dancers, Hawaiian food plates and limbo is 4-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details are at facebook. com/garysbrew.
O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB 11TH
ANNIVERSARY
Celebrate 11 years of O'Riley's Irish Pub on Saturday, July 20 at 321 S. Palafox St. There will be drink specials, a live DJ from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and a balloon drop at 11 p.m. Event is open to people 21 years and older. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH & LEARN: INTRODUCTION TO BLACK GARLIC Class is 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Cost is $30. Purchase tickets through the link at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
1920S MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Dinner
theater is 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $65 each and available on Eventbrite.
SUMMER BEER OLYMPICS Event is July
26-Aug. 11. Visit Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St., during the Olympics. Get a Beer Olympics Loyalty Card and get a free T-shirt when you purchase all 10 beers during the Olympics. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
PENSACOLA UNDERGROUND
KITCHEN WITCH SCAVENGER HUNT
Visit Garden & Grain, 50 E. Garden St., for a scavenger hunt July 26-28 and be eligible for a grand prize. Details are at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.
GREEN THUMB WINE TASTINGS Join
Green Thumb Wines for a wine tasting 6-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month at 9 E. Gregory St. Cost is $15, which can be applied to a bottle purchase of your choice. For more information and tickets, visit greenthumbwines.com/collections/events.
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 Enjoy Double Mondays 8 p.m. to 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 on 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.
A-Z is a MASSIVE, RIDICULOUS, INCLUSIVE exhibit opening at the 309 Punk Project in September— a “big tent” gathering of this city’s many countercultures, celebrating their history up to the present day.
EVERYTHING is going up on the walls alphabetically. This is a way to show off our archives, but we need your help. There are gaps in our collection, including recent events and groups which left behind little physical proof. THIS IS A CALL FOR ARCHIVAL MATERIAL to be considered for the show and our permanent collection. We need photos, fliers, artwork, meeting minutes, matchbooks, set lists, newspaper clippings, demo tapes, and business cards—but also odd, one-of-a-kind items that capture the spirit of the times. We are not seeking material on loan, only permanent donations to the 309 archives. We need physical objects, not digital files.
PLEASE SEND MATERIAL on the following organizations, individuals, bands, artists, and events— as well as any that are not on the list, based on your own definition of what underground means.
THE FOLLOWING IS JUST A TINY SAMPLING OF THE HUNDREDS OF SUBJECTS THE EXHIBIT WILL COVER: AMERICAN SERVICEMAN’S UNION, APATHETIC BAND, ART ON THE TRACKS, BACKDOOR POETS, BEAVER SKATES, BELMONT AND DEVILLIERS, BIG LO, BMX BANDITS, BOX CUTTER, BREAD BOX PUPPET TROUPE, BROKE YOKELS, BUGGHOUSE, CHIZUKO, COMPANY OF GHOSTS, CONCERNED OFFICERS MOVEMENT, DISTANT SILENCE, DIXIELAND ROCKS, DMZ, DON SHIRLEY, EAST HILL CD EXCHANGE, EMERALD CITY, EMMA JONES SOCIETY, THE ESTABLISHMENT, FEEDBAG GENERAL STORE, FIED URCH, 506 CLUB, FLAT BROKE FOLK, FLATWHEELERS, GATHERING AWARENESS, GLSNR, GOTHIC BLIMP WORKS, GRIT CITY NEWS, HANDLEBAR FIRE, HAVEN’S HOUSE, THE HIGH HAT, THE HOBBIT HOUSE, JAMEY JONES, MAY DAY FESTIVAL, MCQUIGGINS, MEMORIAL DAY AT THE BEACH, MYSTERIOUS RABBIT PUPPET ARMY, NEITHERWORLD, NIGHT MOVES, NIGHT OWL, OCCUPY PENSACOLA, ORGAN GRINDER, OVERGROUND DISTRO, PFLAG, PHLEGMBOYANT, THE QUIET VILLAGE, RAT HOUSE, RED GARTER, SABRE CLUB, SCOTT STANTON ZORLAC BOARD, SHADOWEYEZ, SHIKI SHOP, SHRED IN THE SHED, SKAB SKATES, SOUNDBOX, SPILLERS, STITCH AND BITCH, STONED INDIAN, STREGA NONAS, SUGAR BOWL, TAUGHT BEHAVIOR, TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY, TREACHEROUS BREAKERS, TREEHOUSE CINEMA, UNITY SKATEBOARDS, THE VAULT, VOICE OF MAN, XEROX 82, YANCY SPENCER, AND YUM YUM TREE.
309
Send to 309 Punk Project before July 25th , or drop off any Friday in July (10am-Noon) . You may also make appointments if necessary, but those hours are preferred. In person or postal, our address is: 309 Punk Project; 309 North 6th Ave; Pensacola, FL 32501.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays, at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit
Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m. to 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.
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. to 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.
TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AT SIR RICHARDS'S Poker Night is 6 p.m. Saturdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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 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
BANDS ON THE BEACH
Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. July 23 is Stormfolk and July 30 is Tyler Mac. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTER'S
Five Sisters Blues Café is located at 421 W. Belmont St.
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18
•Cat Daddy Blues Band 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 19
•Glen Parker 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20
•Curt Bol 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 21
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 23
•John Wheeler 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25
THE VOMIT SPOTS Show is 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
CANDLELIGHT SHOWS Two concerts featuring sting performances of pop songs: 7 p.m. Friday, July 19 is a tribute to Beyonce, and 9 p.m. is Coldplay and Imagine Dragons. Tickets are available at feverup.com. Both shows are at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St.
BEN LOFTIN'S BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT
Enjoy Ben Loftin's Birthday Blowout with Tyler Livingston & The Absolutes, Jordan Chase and Golden Hours. Event is 7 p.m. Friday, July 19 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
404 PRESENTS: ASHEZ Show is 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Cost is $20-$25. Details at facebook.com/pensacolasubculture.
GLORY OF THIS Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
THE M-80S EXPLOSIVE '80S ROCK Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Cost is $20. Tickets are available at vinylmusichall.com.
IMMORTAL SYNN Show is 5 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Details are at facebook.com/pensacolasubculture.
a&e happenings
BOYS LIKE GIRLS Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Cost is $35. Tickets are available at vinylmusichall.com.
KOYO, ANXIOUS, ONE STEP CLOSER
Show is 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Cost is $25-$30. Tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
HORSE JUMPER OF LOVE, MID EVIL
TIMES Show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Cost is $15$18. Tickets available at thehandlebar850.com.
BIG BUBBLE RAVE Show is 9 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Cost is $15 and available at vinylmusichall.com.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COL-
ONY 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 Kara -
oke 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.
LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO AT SIR RICHARD'S Enjoy live music outside 8-11 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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
BLUE WAHOOS GAMES Take in a baseball game at the Blue Wahoos stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. For single, group or VIP tickets, visit bluewahoos.com.
Upcoming home games:
6:05 p.m. Friday, July 19
6:05 p.m. Saturday, July 20
4:05 p.m. Sunday, July 21
RUNNING OF THE BULLS
The 13th annual Running of the Bulls is 9 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. This year's event benefits West Florida Roller Derby. More information is available at facebook.com/bullrunpensacola.
MONSTER JAM Monster Jam is the weekend of July 20-21 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola hosts weekly cleanups 7:45-9 a.m. Saturdays. On July 20, the locations are Wayside Park and Bartram Park. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook.com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.
a&e happenings
BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE The next slow ride is 6 p.m. Friday, July 26 as part of the Party in the Park event. Ride leaves from Blake Doyle Skatepark, 501 N. Hayne St. Details are at facebook.com/bikepensacola.
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the yoga class. Register for the class 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 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.
FREE YOGA IN THE PARK WITH BREATHE YOGA Enjoy a free, one-hour outdoor yoga class with Breathe Yoga 9:30-10:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the month at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. The next date is Aug. 4.
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 served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar at 7 p.m. and typically lasting 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. Cost is $15 to drop in and includes a drink. For details, visit iamabode.com.
FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.
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.
YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner
Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.
KID-FRIENDLY
PENSACOLA MESS HALL SUMMER PROGRAMS The Pensacola MESS Hall presents special programs every weekday of the summer. Mondays is puzzles and mathematical art, Tuesdays is slime recipes, Wednesdays is building challenges with Legos and other materials, Thursdays is chemistry and Fridays is coding activities. All activities are available 1-4 p.m. weekdays and for ages 6 and older. Pensacola MESS Hall is located at 418 E. Wright St. Details are at pensacolamesshall.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 (850) 426-1156 or email lewilliams@myescambia.com.
LUTHERAN SERVICES OF FLORIDA'S SNAP PROGRAM
The SNAP program is a free and fun community program to help parents and children deal with issues like emotional regulation and problem solving. The program is proven to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system and give them skills for successful communication and actions. The program teaches parenting skills for adults and teaches children ages 6-11 important issues, such as emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and selfcontrol. Meetings are once a week for 13 weeks. There is no cost, and dinner is served at each meeting. Sibling care and transportation is available if needed at no cost. Call or text (850) 375-3646 to get started.
BEANSTACK: 1000 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. A book a day is 365 books in a year, 730 in two years and 1,095 in three years. 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. {in}
Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings
Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements
Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing
Child Support • Child Support Modifications
Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce
Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation
127 Palafox Place Suite 100 (850)466-3115
WINNER BEST LATE NIGHT EATS
Runner Up Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key, Best Bar Ambiance, Best Bar for Games Best Bar Food, Best Hot Dog and Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner
free will astrology
WEEK OF JULY 18
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Have you ever been given a Starbucks gift card but then neglected to use it? Many people fail to cash in such freebies. Believe it or not, there are also folks who buy lottery tickets that turn out to have the winning number—but they never actually claim their rewards. Don't be like them in the coming weeks, Aries. Be aggressive about cashing in on the offers you receive, even subtle and shy offers. Don't let invitations and opportunities go to waste. Be alert for good luck and seize it.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to enhance your relationship with food. In every way you can imagine, be smart and discerning as you plan and eat your meals. Here are ideas to ponder: 1. Do you know exactly which foods are best for your unique body? 2. Are you sufficiently relaxed and emotionally present when you eat? 3. Could you upgrade your willpower to ensure you joyfully gravitate toward what's healthiest? 4. Do you have any bad habits you could outgrow? 5. Is your approach to eating affected by problematic emotions that you could heal? 6. Are you willing to try improving things incrementally without insisting on being perfect?
Are you willing to try improving things incrementally without insisting on being perfect?
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Hybridization could be a fun theme for you in the coming weeks. You're likely to align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you explore the joys and challenges of creating amalgamations, medleys and mash-ups. Your spirit creatures will be the liger, which is a cross between a lion and a tiger and a mule, a cross between a horse and a donkey. But please note that your spirit creatures will not be impossible hybrids like a giroose (a cross between a giraffe and a moose) or a coyadger (a cross between a coyote and a badger). It's good to be experimental and audacious in your mixing and matching, but not lunatic delusional.
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): In 1986, Cancerian singer-songwriter George Michael released his song "A Different Corner." It was a big hit. Never before in British pop music had an artist done what Michael accomplished: wrote, sang, arranged and produced the tune, and played all the instruments. I foresee the possibility of a similar proficiency in your near future, Cancerian—if you want it. Maybe you would prefer to collaborate with others in your big projects, but if you choose, you could perform minor miracles all by yourself.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): In the Biblical allegory of Noah and the Ark, God warns Noah about an impending flood and commands him to build a giant lifeboat to save living things from extinction. Noah obeys. When the heavy rains come, he, his family and many creatures board the boat to weather the storm. After 40 days and nights of inundation, they are all safe but stranded in a newly created sea. Hoping for a sign of where they might seek sanctuary, Noah sends out a dove to reconnoiter for dry land. But it returns with no clues. A week later, Noah dispatches a second dove. It returns with an olive leaf, showing the earth is drying out and land is nearby. Dear Leo, your adventure isn't as dire and dramatic as Noah's, but I'm happy to tell you it's time for you to do the equivalent of sending two doves out to explore.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): According to an ancient Chinese proverb, "An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox." I will add a corollary: An ant may be able to accomplish feats an ox can't. For instance, I have observed an ant carrying a potato chip back to its nest, and I doubt an ox could tote a potato chip without mangling it. Anyway, Virgo, this is my way of telling you if you must choose between your inspiration being an ant or an ox in the coming days, choose the ant. Be meticulous, persistent and industrious rather than big, strong and rugged.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "If it sounds too good to be true, it always is," said stage magician Ricky Jay. I only partially agree with him. While I think it's usually wise to use his formula as a fundamental principle, I suspect it won't entirely apply to you in the coming weeks. At least one thing and possibly as many as three
may sound too good to be true—but will in fact be true. So if you're tempted to be hyperskeptical, tamp down that attitude a bit. Open yourself to the possibilities of amazing grace and minor miracles.
Be meticulous, persistent and industrious rather than big, strong and rugged.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): What is the largest thing ever sold in human history? It was a 530-million-acre chunk of land in North America. In 1803, the French government sold it to the American government for $15 million. It stretched from what's now Louisiana to Montana. Here's the twist to the story: The land peddled by France and acquired by the U.S. actually belonged to the Indigenous people who had lived there for many generations. The two nations pretended they had the right to make the transaction. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to make a big, important purchase or sale—as long as you have the authentic rights to do so. Make sure there are no hidden agendas or strings attached. Be thorough in your vetting.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): An antiques dealer named Laura Young bought a marble bust of a distinguished man at a thrift store in Austin, Texas. Later she discovered that it was over 2,000 years old and worth far more than the $35 she had paid for it. It depicted a Roman military leader named Drusus the Elder. I foresee similar themes unfolding in your life, Sagittarius. Possible variations: 1. You come into possession of something that's more valuable than it initially appears. 2. You connect with an influence that's weightier than it initially appears. 3. A lucky accident unfolds, bringing unexpected goodies. 4. A seemingly ordinary thing turns out to be an interesting thing in disguise.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): My childhood friend Jeanine used to say, "The best proof of friendship is when someone gives you
half their candy bar. The best proof of fantastic friendship is when they give you even more than half." And then she would hand me more than half of her Snickers bar, Milky Way or Butterfinger. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to give away at least half your candy to those you care for in the coming days. It's a phase of your astrological cycle when you will benefit from offering extra special affection and rewards to the allies who provide you with so much love and support.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): If you're a teacher, it's a favorable time to enjoy a stint as a student—and vice versa. If you're a healthcare worker trained in Western medicine, it's an excellent phase to explore alternative healing practices. If you're a scientist, I suggest you read some holy and outrageous poetry, and if you're a sensitive, introverted mystic, get better informed about messy political issues. In other words, dear Aquarius, open a channel to parts of reality you normally ignore or neglect. Fill in the gaps in your education. Seek out surprise and awakening.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Jane Brunette, a writer I admire, uses the made-up word "plurk" to refer to her favorite activity: a blend of play and work. I have always aspired to make that my core approach, too. I play at my work and work at my play. As much as possible, I have fun while I'm doing the labor-intensive tasks that earn me a living and fulfill my creative urges. And I invoke a disciplined, diligent attitude as I pursue the tasks and projects that bring me pleasure and amusement. I highly recommend you expand and refine your own ability as a plurker in the coming weeks, Pisces. (Jane Brunette is here: flamingseed.com)
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What is hard but not impossible to change about your life? {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
AWESOME! Betcha didn't know about the Merlympics in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, in existence since 2015, is designed to "prove athleticism" among mermaid competitors, KSL-TV reported. At the May games, Mia Sim, 22, of Provo, Utah, secured her title as the fastest mermaid in the world. Sim has been mermaiding for 10 years; at the Merlympics, athletes must compete in five categories, including ecology (diving to the bottom and picking up trash); underwater posing for photographs; and rescue (swimming to "save" a submerged dummy)—all while wearing full mermaid or merman gear. "It's not a skill that's easily learned," Sim said of mermaiding. "This type of restriction on your body is very difficult for people to understand." She has now been inducted into Team USA and hopes other Utah mermaids will aspire to such heights.
KEEP DIGGING During a court hearing on July 2 in Crown Point, Indiana, defendant Devontae Harris, 26, just couldn't keep his shovel quiet, the Chicago Tribune reported. Lake Superior Court Judge Gina Jones was hearing Harris' argument for a plea deal in a stalking and battery case from November 2022, but when she denied the deal, Harris called her names and said, "... you think you know about stuff. I done killed (people). I got bodies under my belt. Go solve them." He also threatened to throw his chair at the judge and asked her to perform a sex act on him. Jones added 210 days to Harris' jail term, increasing it to 13 months.
WEIRD IN THE WILD Bigfoot walks among us— or at least among campers in Louisiana, MSN reported. On June 28, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office responded to a call for help from a group of campers, high school graduates from Houma, Louisiana, who were celebrating their matriculation. The kids were camping in Kisatchie National Forest and told officers they heard growling and saw a 5-foot-tall animal with glowing eyes. Officers were unable to locate the creature, but they escorted the campers back to their vehicle.
THAT RULE DOESN'T APPLY TO ME: SOUTH
AFRICA EDITION On July 7 in South Africa, a visitor to the Pilanesberg National Park lost his life after being trampled by an elephant, CTV News reported. The 43-year-old man was driving through the park when he left his car and approached a herd to take photographs, police said. Three other people in the car were unharmed. The elephant herd included young calves, which may have made the adults more aggressive. Piet Nel, chief conservation officer for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, said visitors are explicitly instructed not to leave their cars. "We must remember that you are entering a wild area," he said.
IGNOMINIOUS The San Diego Humane Society has put the city on the map, but maybe not in a good way. CBS8-TV reported on July 8 that the SDHS claims the city has more fleas than
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
any other city in the United States, making its pets miserable. "We have a perfect climate here, where it is warm year-round," said Zarah Hedge, chief medical officer at the SDHS. "It's just a perfect environment for them to live in." Hedge recommended pet owners talk to their veterinarians about treatment. Or, you could move.
OH, THE CHRISTIANITY! Roger Allan Holmberg Sr., 75, pastor of Grace Baptist Temple in Anchorage, Alaska, was arrested on July 2 after assaulting his wife, who has epilepsy, on a flight from Seattle to Anchorage, ABC News reported. The conflict started when Holmberg's wife got upgraded to first class, and he didn't. Shortly after liftoff, Holmberg appeared in the first-class cabin and asked his wife, "How the hell did you get the upgrade?" She answered, "I'm a gold point member. Don't speak to me like that." Holmberg returned to his seat but then approached again, asking his wife to read what was on his phone, after which he gave her the finger. During the third confrontation, according to the complaint, Holmberg "attempted to swing his arm towards (the victim)" and struck "the top of the victim's head with his hand." An off-duty police officer on board told Holmberg if there were any more incidents during the flight, he would have to wear handcuffs. An FBI agent met the plane when it landed and arrested Holmberg on one count of simple assault. Alaska Airlines said it had banned him from its flights.
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Four Sri Lankan fishermen are dead and two others are critically ill after they drank from bottles they found floating in the ocean, the BBC reported on June 29. The Sri Lankan Navy said the fishers thought the bottles contained alcohol, and they distributed some bottles to other crews fishing in the area. The navy said it was treating the men aboard their craft, the Devon, and trying to get them back to shore. Authorities are testing the contents of the bottles to determine what the sailors drank.
BRIGHT IDEA After Daniel Jean, 39, and Esmy Valdez, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, exchanged wedding vows on June 27, they celebrated with friends at an unconventional venue: the New York subway L train, according to the New York Post. The couple hosted 20 invited guests—plus a bunch of strangers—on July 2 at a "dope reception," Jean said. "We didn't have the money to do the dream reception that I'd always envisioned," he said. But for only $3,000, the couple had food catered by O's Grill Spot, a cake, drinks and music. Valdez was charmed: "When I walked onto the train and saw everything, I thought, 'Wow, I picked the right guy,'" she said. "Our reception was all about love." {in}
From
Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2024 Andrews McMeel
