Inweekly march 10 2016 issue

Independent News | March 10, 2016 | Volume 17 | Number 11 | inweekly.net

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winners & losers

outtakes

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5

news

buzz 9

6, 8

When they're excited, they're not listening particularly to facts.

a&e

cover story

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publisher Rick Outzen

art director Richard Humphreys

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Duwayne Escobedo, Jason Leger, Jennifer Leigh, Chuck Shepherd, Shelby Smithey

contact us info@inweekly.net

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Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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A C E L E B R AT I O N O F D I F F E R E N C E M A K E R S I N P E N S ACO L A Pensacola has been blessed with families who have helped to mold our community, generation after generation.

They came here ready to work hard and take risks to make a diff erence. This series of stories celebrates Pensacola’s 1st generation and the legacy of contributions they started.

March 10, 2016

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PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS

winners & losers

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016 Florida is a closed primary state. The election is open only to registered Republicans and Democrats.

Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David H. Stafford reminds you there are

Three Ways to Vote 1. Early You still have time to early vote. Early voting will be held through Saturday, March 12, at seven area locations. Early voting hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

2. By Mail We are past the deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you, but you may pick up one at our office until 5 p.m. Monday, March 14.

3. At Your Precinct Cast your ballot at your

precinct on Election Day, Tuesday, March 15, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

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For election results and complete voting information, please visit us at

EscambiaVotes.com Phone: (850) 595-3900

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Fax: (850) 595-3914

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soe@escambiavotes.com

Grover Robinson

winners

losers

GROVER ROBINSON The chairman of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners rallied elected officials and business leaders across Northwest Florida to challenge the Florida House Appropriations chairman’s attempt to take away from Triumph Gulf Coast the $300 million in BP settlement funds. In the end, chairman Richard Corcoran blinked and denied he ever intended to do it. The temptation is too great, so Robinson and others must stay vigilant.

TEENS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE A recent study by the University

CLAY INGRAM The Florida House and

FLORIDA’S CITRUS INDUSTRY The citrus industry has experienced a 71-percent decline in citrus production since the 1997-98 season. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam has issued a crisis declaration to the Environmental Protection Agency in order to help the citrus industry fight citrus greening, which has caused the decline. The crisis declaration allows for the temporary use of three promising treatments that researchers have identified as having beneficial effects on controlling citrus greening.

Senate have passed companion bills that categorically outlaw synthetic drugs, such as Spice. Rep. Ingram sponsored the HB 1347 that passed unanimously. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised him and Sen. Wilton Simpson, the Senate bill sponsor, for their efforts. Having passed favorably in both the House and Senate, this legislation will now go before Gov. Rick Scott.

GENE VALENTINO His company, Col-

lectorSolutions, Inc., has signed a merger agreement with the JetPay Corporation, the Berwyn, PA-based provider of ecommerce debit and credit card processing, payroll and human capital management, and prepaid card services. According to the press release, CSI is expected to bring approximately $700 million of annual credit and debit card processing volume and approximately $4.50 billion of annual e-check processing volume to JetPay. Valentino started the company in 1999.

of Florida found that 88 percent of teens who used/ abused prescription drugs, like Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin, in the past 30 days said they had obtained the medications from someone else. When taken incorrectly, these stimulants can increase blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature and decrease sleep and appetite, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Florida House leaders aren’t

the only state lawmakers that covet BP settlement funds. Recently, the Mississippi House passed by a wide margin a plan to spend $50 million of the BP settlement monies to repay bonds on statewide projects, such as the repair of the state's highways and bridges. Fortunately, the bill is likely to be killed in the Senate.

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New Listings, New Subdivision in Milton

outtakes

by Rick Outzen

REPLACING JUDY The University of West Florida Board of Trustees has a tough task this year.

They must find a replacement for Dr. Judy Bense, who has been the university president since July 2008.

Mort O’Sullivan is heading the search committee. Garrett Walton chairs the subcommittee that will develop the job description and the selection criteria.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates of Miramar Beach, the consulting firm that helped the University of Florida find its president, is handling the selection process.

At a morning breakfast of community leaders, O’Sullivan said that the Board of Trustees hopes to have the new president named by September to allow for a smooth transition between Bense and her successor before her last day at the end of December.

Julie Holley of Greenwood/Asher asked the attendees what were their expectations of the next UWF president. She wanted to know what did the new president need to accomplish over the next three to five years to be considered successful; what are the characteristics and skills that best match with the institution’s needs; what are the challenges and opportunities for the new UWF leader; and what are the points of pride for the University and the greater Pensacola area.

Jerry Maygarden, a former UWF student body president, Pensacola mayor

and state lawmaker, spoke first. He has been associated with the university for 50 years and involved in the searches of four UWF presidents.

He stressed that the new president must have a focus on students and how to make the university attractive to them because enrollment numbers are important in determining state funds.

The new president has to be a fundraiser and the university’s top development officer. Maygarden said half of the president’s time must be spent on philanthropy.

He emphasized the need to understand the political process and how to work that process to get more funding from state government.

Escambia School Board Member Bill Slayton and others involved in the local school districts talked about how Dr. Bense was a familiar person to their students. He hoped the new president aggressively pursued local students.

Historian John Appleyard talked about the need for the president to have "feet in the community," like Bense and the first UWF president, Dr. Harold Crosby. The president should know the area and the employers.

Retired General Mike Ferguson added the president must give back to the community.

All of the speakers praised Dr. Bense’s presidency. Many of the qualities they presented were ones she has made a part of the position.

It became clear that Judy has left some big shoes to fill. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Many of the qualities they presented were ones she has made a part of the position.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE MENTALLY ILL Other findings from the newspapers’ investigative report: •Florida spends at least $50 million every year restoring the competency of defendants whose nonviolent crimes are so minor they never spend a day in prison.

•About 200 defendants get out of mental hospitals every year only to wind up back there again within 12 months.

•Thousands of Florida families desperate for mental health services forego them, as mentally ill defendants rotate in and out of state institutions.

•Defendants were found incompetent to stand trial 30,000 times from 2004 to 2013. The charges in 18,840 of those cases—63 percent—were for nonviolent offenses and many others were for minor scuffles with law enforcement officers.

Asst. County Administrator Chip Simmons and Rev. Lonnie Wesley III at Silent Protest / Photo by Rick Outzen

By Duwayne Escobedo In Florida, jails are the new mental health asylums. However, many working in the justice system and in mental health care realize a jail cannot take the place of a mental hospital.

Rev. Lonnie Wesley III is one of the latest in Escambia County to learn this hard lesson when his brother, Alfred, died in his cell Jan. 15. His older brother returned from the military in the early 1970s and was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Alfred Wesley was in jail for trespassing when he refused to leave a store. At a court hearing the day before his death, a county judge ordered the 63-year-old to undergo a psychological examination.

It was the second time Alfred, who spent time in and out of the state mental hospital in Chattahoochee during his lifetime, found himself in Escambia County jail during the past 18 months. The first time, he was charged with battery on a person who bumped into him.

“You could not tell he was on medicine,” Lonnie said. “Like most, he began to think he was OK. Then he would have these episodes.

It all stems from his schizophrenia.”

Wesley said it took the death of his brother for him to realize Escambia County jail needs to explore solutions in the way it handles its mentally ill inmates.

“I’m beating myself up a little in an em66

barrassing way because it took the death of my oldest brother to really wake me up to some of the problems that we’re having in our county jail,” Wesley said. “Everybody shouldn’t go to jail. Our jail isn’t set up to handle these problems. Jail is jail. Jail isn’t a hospital.”

GROUND ZERO IN PRISONER DEATHS

Many consider Florida to be ground zero in the death of prisoners. The state’s prison system tallied a record 346 deaths in 2014, which was then topped by 354 deaths last year. County jails from Escambia to Polk to Miami-Dade and elsewhere in Florida have recorded brutal death tolls, too.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies have been called in by activists to investigate. The Florida Department of Corrections points out only 0.3 percent of its more than 100,000 inmates die in prison, mostly by natural causes.

A yearlong investigation into Florida’s mental hospitals that was published in December by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Tampa Bay Times reported that about 38,000 mentally ill are incarcerated in Florida county jails. Meanwhile, national statistics find that 1.2 million mentally ill are put behind bars each year.

STATE FUNDING SLASHED

On top of that, Florida lawmakers cut $100 million in 2014 from the state budget to fund mental health initiatives. Now, Florida ranks last in the nation on mental health spending.

Lakeview Center Clinical Director Dr. David Anthony Josephs said state budget cuts have stunted treatment options for those coping with mental health issues.

“We have to make sure we have available mental health services and funding of these services we have,” Josephs said. “We need more of an emphasis on the prevention side of these issues that cause people to run afoul of the law and end up in prison.”

Treatment can be costly. Since 1996, the number of inmates in the state with mental illness has increased by 150 percent, the Department of Corrections reported. The department estimates over the next decade it will spend about $3.6 billion for mental health beds and services.

Meanwhile, one estimate finds that the Escambia County jail spends roughly $105 on each mentally ill inmate per day. If one of those persons is incarcerated for one year, the total cost equals more than $38,000. The

Florida Department of Children and Families reported a more than $185 cost per day to treat a person at the state mental hospital.

Steve Leifman, a Miami-Dade County judge who has led a 15-year crusade to reform Florida’s mental health system, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Tampa Bay Times that he wants to open a diversion program to keep nonviolent mental patients out of the state’s six psychiatric institutions.

“Rather than appropriating additional funding to keep up with this growth in demand, Florida simply shifted resources from the civil system to pay for the forensic system,” Leifman said. “The result has been fewer services available to those outside of the criminal justice system, which has consequently led to more justice system involvement.

“The way we spend money now is ludicrous,” Leifman continued. “Our emphasis should be on recovery and community reintegration rather than memorizing facts about the justice system.”

ESCAMBIA COUNTY JAIL DEATHS Escambia County is trying to solve its own problems. It’s death toll reached 10, including three suicides, in the past 18 months.

As a result of the abnormally high count of inmate deaths, Escambia County fired jail director Michael Tidwell on Dec. 10. County Administrator Jack Brown appointed Assistant County Administrator Chip Simmons, the former Pensacola Police Department chief, to oversee the jail and charged him with “fixing” the issue that has brought the county unwanted national attention.

Ironically, Sheriff David Morgan had begun to comply with DOJ recommendations to make the jail a safer place. DOJ began its investigation in 2009 because under his predecessor, Sheriff Ron McNesby, three mentally ill patients died within a year under questionable circumstances.

It was Morgan’s April 2013 “get well plan,” though, that led to a big blow out with county commissioners that led the county to blast Morgan and his budget and take over the jail again.

The 2012 DOJ report found that the Escambia County Jail had longstanding conditions that routinely violated the constitutional rights of prisoners. Systematic deficiencies at the facility subjected prisoners to “excessive risk of assault by other prisoners and to inadequate mental health care.”

DOJ found the jail woefully understaffed, which made the jail unsafe for both prisoners and detention deputies.

“Our emphasis should be on recovery and community reintegration rather than memorizing facts about the justice system.” Steve Leifman

inweekly.net

So, Sheriff Morgan requested in his 2013-2014 budget an additional 83 detention deputies and 12 detention assistants at the cost of $6.3 million. Morgan’s total budget request was $95 million—an $18.9 million increase that infuriated commissioners.

Morgan refused to comment on the county’s current efforts to implement plans to improve the jail and its handling of mentally ill, saying it was “inappropriate” through his spokeswoman Amber Southard. But he did tell Inweekly in 2009, “I’m not looking for a bandaid, I’m not looking for a work-around. I’m looking for a permanent fix to these longstanding problems.”

Morgan never got to follow through on his “get well plan” for the jail, because the Board of County Commissioners took over control in October 2013. The string of jail deaths began six months later when a natural gas explosion killed two prisoners.

SOLUTIONS TO MENTALLY ILL ISSUES

Today, Assistant County Administrator Simmons is leading the charge for safer jail.

The former police chief is improving security and taking care of medical deficiencies.

Besides improving communications between corrections and medical staff, Simmons has hired new medical staff. It includes a new full-time medical director, Dr. Paul Henning.

In addition, Corrinne Miller is now the health service administrator. Also added were two new positions that include a clinical nurse coordinator and a clinical nurse.

The county is continuing to look at upgrading other positions on the medical staff.

Simmons said Henning is “uniquely qualified” for the county jail post. He has worked in emergency medicine for 19 years and has been affiliated with Sacred Heart Hospital since 2006. Henning’s medical degree was earned in 1996 from St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada.

“I hope we never stop looking at ways to improve,” said Simmons, who credited jail Commander Selina Barnes for helping improve the jail. “We’ve made a lot of sweeping changes that filter down to all levels of the organization. Everyone is on board. Everyone has the same mindset.”

Simmons said he empathizes with families whose relatives have died in the Escambia County jail.

“We realize they are people and have family members and could easily be family members of ours,” Simmons said. “We will hold ourselves accountable for what we do.

That’s my philosophy, and we’ll continue to move forward.”

illness. One model for other counties to follow is the Health Care Court created in 2012

by Sarasota County in the 12th Judicial Circuit.

There, the court addresses the inmates’ mental health needs. In addition, a judiciallysupervised treatment plan is developed jointly by a team of court staff and mental health professionals. Weekly reports are given on each patient, and the judge finalizes all rewards and sanctioning.

The court gives those who qualify a chance to avoid jail by allowing them to receive psychiatric visits in either a group home or their own homes for a period of time and then have their charges dropped once they complete the program.

There are about 150 similar courts in the United States. A national survey found that about one-third of courts reported using jail as punishment in less than five percent of cases.

Escambia County established its court called TEAM Court in March 2014. TEAM stands for Teaching, Education, Accountability, and Motivation.

So far, 27 people have entered TEAM Court and three have successfully graduated.

That means they have followed a Personalized Care Plan, remained alcohol and drug free, stayed arrest free, taken ongoing skills training, made an effort to pay court fees, and met other court requirements.

“We have to make sure we have available mental health services and funding of these services we have.”

Dr. David Anthony Josephs

MENTAL HEALTH COURT MODELS Another solution is that counties have turned to Mental Health Courts. County courts are traditionally ill equipped to deal with misdemeanor offenders who suffer from mental

If participants do that, they will be recommended for graduation and their charges will be dismissed.

Despite the low number of participants, David Lewallyn, the Mental Health (TEAM) Court Program Coordinator, said to him the court has proven successful.

The county spends $58,627 annually on TEAM Court and he said more funding is needed to allow the expansion of the mental health program.

“We have connected every one of these 27 clients with community resources to assist them in their Mental Health treatment,” Lewallyn said by email. “Additionally many of them were able to be released from jail due to the special conditions and supervision of the TEAM Court program.”

Lewallyn credited the judges involved with the program and added: “By meeting the mental health needs of the participants we are able to ensure they have a major piece of what is needed for long term stability with respect to their mental health as well as their individual place in this community.”

Wesley is optimistic that changes underway will safeguard future Escambia jail inmates like his oldest brother, Alfred.

“We have serious-minded commissioners who want to do the right thing and are open to help and ideas,” Wesley said.

“Things can’t be corrected until you recognize corrections have to be made. (Escambia County Administrator) Jack Brown recognizes this, and that is the first step. I hope they make the necessary changes to keep others from going through this.” {in}

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HOW CANDIDATES MANIPULATE YOU

Colin Christopher / Courtesy Photo

By Rick Outzen The race to the Republican presidential nomination has been filled with so much finger pointing, hit pieces and personal attacks that one might think this was an Escambia County Commission race.

Who’s lying and who’s telling the truth?

Can we believe anything we hear or trust any of the candidates?

Colin Christopher, a clinical hypnotherapist and author of “Success Through Manipulation: Subconscious Reactions That Will Make or Break You,” recently discussed on News Talk 1370’s “Pensacola Speaks” how the GOP presidential campaigns have manipulated voters to win primaries and garner delegates.

Christopher has studied the thoughts, beliefs, philosophies, body language and behaviors of people for more than 18 years. He says the candidates and their campaigns are doing everything to manipulate your thinking – and most people don’t even realize it.

“Each candidate has teams who research what voters think about the candidate and his opponents,” he said. “Then they create a plan to change the voter’s perceptions,

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greatly manipulating the public’s opinion and in many cases significantly changing the outcome of the election.”

Christopher said the presidential candidates strive to engage voters emotionally.

“They want to create hot-button topics that everybody feels emotional about and try to get people excited,” he told Inweekly.

“When they're excited, they're not listening particularly to facts. They're listening to what the candidate's particularly saying.”

Candidates use celebrity endorsement to influence voters.

“Donald Trump just did one with (New Jersey Governor) Chris Christie endorsing him,” he said. “Senator Ted Cruz has got a few endorsements down in Texas like with (former Texas Governor) Rick Perry and (current Texas Governor) Greg Abbott.”

He explained, “What they're doing is a credibility transfer with the people that are already trusted. Celebrities, other politicians, those kinds of things that people trust already, and taking that credibility transfer and applying it directly to themselves so that people trust them.”

Christopher said that candidates use the tone of their voices to get attention on their message.

“If you look at Trump, his tone is very powerful, but he varies his tone,” he said. “He speeds it up, he slows it down. It's not like you're listening to this monotonous drone.”

Cruz had a different approach when he gave his Super Tuesday speech.

“Every sound bite that he did started off high and ended low,” said Christopher.

“Then he repeated that throughout. He sounded very robotic, so he lost trust from people just simply because of the way his tone was.”

He added, “He was trying to be strong, but it didn't really come across that way, versus Trump, whose conversation style sounds much more conversational, and so it elicits trust from people.”

Sen. Marco Rubio’s body language tends

to get him in trouble, according to clinical hypnotherapist.

“Marco Rubio is more in body language versus the actual way the vocal tones are for him,” said Christopher. “He sounds really confi dent in his vocal tones, though I think his pitch is a little bit too high, so that elicits distrust as well. The lower, slower tones, people feel comfortable with those and those are more trusting.”

He said, “Rubio's problem is he moves around a lot and because he's moving around constantly he's fi dgeting and that creates distrust as well, versus when you look at Trump and Cruz. They've got this strong powerful stance.”

He pointed that Trump always likes to put his arms on the podium to make him look like he's solid. He said, “That solidity comes across subconsciously to be trusting.”

Another tool used to manipulate voters is repetition.

“Numerous studies talk about how to fi gure out how many times somebody has to see something before it embeds in them subconsciously so that they become influenced by it. Depending on the study, you're looking at the necessary repetition being anywhere between 8 and 15 times.

When somebody gets exposed to something over and over again, that's when people start believing it,” said Christopher.

He added that the more emotional you are about a particular topic, the fewer times you have to have the repetition. The less emotional you are, the more times you have to have the repetition before it begins to take hold subconsciously.

Christopher said that while it may appear that Trump is “fl ying by the seat of his pants” at his rallies and playing to the crowd, the billionaire is well prepped and well prepared for his appearance.

“He's been working on this stuff since June,” he told Inweekly. “He's got 30 years of experience talking to people in the media.

He's got a whole team prepping him and I'm

sure he's prepping—it wouldn't surprise me 4 or 5 hours a day. People fi ring him questions so that he feels confi dent, looks confi dent and has prepared answers.”

He pointed that in the last two presidential debates, Trump looked less confi dent when Rubio and Cruz challenged him.

“When he was sort of cornered, it became like a screaming match,” said Christopher. “When he's prepared, nothing's going to stop him because he's just a bulldozer that way.”

What can we expect going into to the March 15 primaries?

“Trump has been playing a long game.

He's come in swinging, he's playing the game of ‘Let's be big in the media, let's get the popular vote’ so that he can win,” he said.

“The other guys have been very reactionary and so I think what they're going to do is they're going to start trying to attack Trump and make themselves look strong, whereas Trump's been strong all the way though.”

He doubted whether Cruz and Rubio could catch up to Trump.

“Even if they split, and let's say Cruz or Rubio drops out, or anybody drops out, and they think they're automatically going to get the votes and take out Trump, I don't think that's going to happen,” he said. “I think Trump is the stronger person here, and because of that strength, he'll take the votes of whoever else drops out, if they drop out.”

Christopher said that is exactly what happened when Chris Christie dropped out of the race. His supporters, and Christie, moved over to Trump.

“Trump's got a message that resonates really well with people,” he said. “He's come out of nowhere, and I think he's got the strategy that the other guys don't.”

Christopher added, “The other guys are doing a strategy of old school, this is how it's always been done, and Trump has changed the game by coming in and harnessing the media in a way that these guys have never been able to do.” {in}

inweekly.net

Bodacious On the Go Concept Drawing

DRIVE-THRU COFFEE COMES TO DOWNTOWN Just a few years ago, down-

town residents were complaining about the smell of the ECUA Wastewater Plant on Main Street, what Inweekly referred to as the “Poot Index.” The aroma of roasted coffee beans sounds like a welcome replacement.

Rishy Studer announced their latest downtown project this week, expanding the Bodacious Family of Shops to include a walk-up and drive-through coffee shop on Main Street at the former site of the Waterfront Mission.

Studer says the shop will be constructed of

former shipping containers, which is a growing and sustainable trend in urban architecture. Plans call for approximately 800 sq. ft. of enclosed space, which will house the coffee making and walk-up stations. The project will also include a roasting operation so that the Studer's coffee shop, The Bodacious Brew, will be able to roast their own coffee beans.

She also tells Inweekly the Bodacious On the Go location will include outdoor seating, a patio area, and a children's play area to allow families to enjoy the space, as well. The new project will be presented to the Architectural Review Board on Thursday, March 17.

RUBIO RELISHES UNDERDOG ROLE

Over the past weekend, both the Donald Trump and Ted Cruz camps did their best to pressure Marco Rubio out of the race for GOP presidential nomination. Both campaigns want Floridians to not see Rubio as a viable candidate.

Albert Martinez, top advisor to the Rubio

campaign, told Inweekly that his boss won’t fold under the pressure.

“The great thing about working for Marco Rubio is he is used to being an underdog, he's used to waking up every morning and going to work, and working hard because that's what he saw his parents do his whole life,” he said on “Pensacola Speaks” on News Talk 1370 WCOA. “He doesn't get too high or too low with the nonsense that goes on in politics.”

Last week, Sen. Rubio battled through the flu to challenge Trump in the debate.

“You saw someone on stage last week in Detroit that had a fever, that was fighting the flu, but he stood up there,” said Martinez. “He stood up to Donald Trump, and he still managed to get his message out, and that's what he's been doing throughout his campaign.”

A month ago, several polls had billionaire Donald Trump with a 20-point lead over Sen. Marco Rubio in the Florida GOP presidential primary. A recent poll by Monmouth University shows that margin has tightened considerably, and nearly half of the early voters have cast their votes in favor of Rubio.

Trump has support from 38 percent of likely primary voters compared to 30 percent

who back Marco Rubio, according to the Monmouth survey. Ted Cruz and John Kasich trail with 17 and 10 percent respectively.

PROTECTING JOB CREATION Contractor Jim Cronley addressed the Escambia Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday morning and asked the board to resist pressure to develop the Navy OLF 8 site, which is near Navy Federal Credit Union in the Beulah area, into anything other than a commerce park.

Cronley has served more than a decade on a task force to develop more commerce sites in Escambia County to spur economic development. He wants to protect the Navy Credit campus, but he disagrees with any attempts to use the acreage that the county is acquiring from the U.S. Navy in a swap for land the commission bought near Whiting Field in Santa Rosa County.

For years, the OLF 8 site has intended for a commerce park. The job creation potential is estimated to be approximately 5,000 jobs. He recommended that the county commission establish a committee to master plan the property. {in}

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March 10, 2016

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inweekly.net

Just in case you’ve somehow managed to block out the constant cable news coverage, social media takeover and millions of dollars of TV and radio ads, allow us to remind you that it’s an election year, and the Florida Presidential Primary is next week—Tuesday, March 15.

In anticipation of the big day, we’ve prepared a Primary Primer to help you find out more about the candidates on both sides of the ballot. So, no matter what kind of crazy things you hear between now and voting day—and given how this race is going that’s pretty much a given—you’ve got this issue to help you make an informed decision if you need it.

No matter which candidate you’re supporting, you can’t deny that this election cycle has people on both sides excited and engaged.

Of course, we’re curious what’s behind all this enthusiasm. So we decided to ask some local campaign volunteers, staffers and vocal supporters to tell us in their own words why their candidate of choice is the right candidate.

Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who has been consistent on the issues since even before he was elected into office. He fights for every American to have the right and equal opportunity to quality education, decent and affordable health care, and a decent job that covers living expenses. He is passionate about our country's people—the fact that we are behind over 20 other major countries in education standards, that the United States has a higher child poverty level than over 20 other major countries, and that the Unites States has the highest health care cost by far, but it is behind 10 other major countries in quality of health care. Bernie has a very clear plan to create new job growth, fix our road infrastructure, and most importantly, address climate change.

Something that hits very close to home for me is Bernie's plan to expand Social Security.

My grandmother worked every day until she was 82, but her small check each month does not provide her with enough to live on, never mind the care that she needs. Bernie Sanders is not for sale! His campaign is paid for by individual contributions. The fact that he stands against and refuses any type of corporate or PAC financing has proven that he will not sell out his values for any amount of money.

Bernie Sanders has supported equal rights for the LGBTQ community, racial equality, social equality, and equal rights for women since before it was popular and he still supports these things today. He marched with Martin Luther King JR and was arrested fighting for equal rights in the 1960's. Unlike other candidates, he supports everyone's right to live a free and happy life, without judgement regarding race, sex, language, sexuality, or religion. Our country is the melting pot, where many people, from many cultures come together to coexist peacefully. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who has supported this ideology for over 50 years publicly.

The absolute most important thing to to me is my children and their future. With war, racism, inequality, and hate in this country, I have often thought my children did not stand a chance at a good life. Bernie has given me hope that there are people in Washington that are on our side, that are above being sold out to greedy corporations, that are above the wideMarch 10, 2016

spread hate toward anyone that doesn't meet certain standards, and who will fight for all of us to have a future to believe in.

—Sarah Coutu, Administrative Director, Panhandle for Bernie Hillary Clinton is a longstanding advocate of human rights—women’s rights, LGBT rights, minority rights. She is the representation of a true Democratic Progressive movement and has proven time and again that she is dedicated to the dignity and prosperity of progressive ideals. Hillary Clinton represents those who do not have a voice; she speaks on behalf of them with respect and fortitude. She is determined to ensure that everyone is fairly represented in this country. Hillary respects diversity and insists on giving everyone the opportunity to discover his or her true potential.

Hillary’s leadership will balance our position in the global community—remarking on our strengths and insisting on our success. She will nurture our reputation and stand strong in the face of adversity. The world knows and respects Hillary Clinton.

Hillary is the only candidate who can successfully oppose the conservative—arguably outdated—agenda, moving this country forward with poise and prestige. She represents what this beautiful nation was founded upon: the fundamental ideology that all persons were created equal. Hillary Clinton has spent her entire life defending this principle and continues to stand adamantly against any entity that seeks to undermine it.

The United States is a nation of pioneers; a nation of acceptance and growth—we are not an establishment of hatred, bigotry and discrimination. The United States was once the land of the free and the land of opportunity; we have allowed the lurking shadow of our failures to haunt us. It is time for us to move past our shortcomings. Hillary Clinton is the only candidate that has the courage and wisdom to regain our position in the world and allow us to rise to the top—not with a fist of rage, but with a heart of gold.

—Alicia Trawick, Adjunct Professor at University of West Florida and Clinton Campaign Fellow At age 18, I was able to vote for Ronald Reagan. I was honored to cast my first vote for the man who captivated my imagination for a better America. The man who brought ‘Morning in America’ had a major influence on my life. Ever since Ronald Reagan left office, I have been hoping for a conservative that had the courage to not only talk the talk but walk the walk.

I am now fifty-three years old, and have found the 21st century Ronald Reagan. His name is Senator Ted Cruz.

I remember Ronald Reagan saying many times that "Man is not free unless government is limited.” Ted Cruz will fight for limited government. Ted Cruz will fight for the Constitution. Ted Cruz will fight for “We the People”.

Ronald Reagan also said, "Within the covers of the Bible, are the answers for all the problems man face." Ted Cruz is a Christian, and he believes in Religious Liberty.

Ted Cruz will protect the homeland and Israel.

Yes, Ted Cruz has my vote!

—Kelley Seward, Volunteer + NW Florida Co-Regional Director, Ted Cruz Campaign Over a decade ago when I was a green lobbyist in Tallahassee, I got to know Marco Rubio when he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. I had the privilege of working with a group of like-minded lobbyists and members of the Florida Legislature who were all young and motivated to make real change in Florida politics. Marco Rubio was one of us. So I got to know him a little, and this is the Marco I know.

Marco Rubio is an honest person, smart and principled. His life theology meets his reality; he doesn’t cheat on his wife, his taxes or on the citizens he is elected to serve. He is a quick study and relies on the smart people around him to help him make informed decisions that are in the best interests of his constituents. He knows what he knows and he knows what he doesn’t know.

He adapts quickly and digs deep and will stay the course on the well-fought battle.

The Marco I know can win Florida and defeat the enemy to the Republican Party, Donald Trump; a candidate who would not only lead to the eventual demise of the GOP, but surely a November loss to Hillary Clinton.

A new Monmouth Poll just leaked shows that Rubio is only 8 points behind Trump and that Marco is winning absentee ballots 5-1, putting him ahead of Trump by 150,000 votes on absentee ballots alone. The Marco I know can turn out a huge Miami voter base and win Puerto Rico, but can also speak to the intelligent conservative voters in the Panhandle; voters who understand that a direct and aggressive style can be refreshing but that there must be contemplation, humility and policy to back up your words.

With $8 million in TV ads scheduled to hit in Florida before March 15, the Marco I know wins Florida, putting 99 more delegates at play at the convention, and helps put a reasonable Republican back in office in November.

—Autumn Beck, Attorney

If you’re reading this, you either are a Trump supporter or are just curious as to why I jumped on the “Trump Train,” which according to a recent nationwide poll, includes 49% of Republican voters, plus an untold number of potential crossover Independents and Democrats.

I cast my first vote in 1980 for Ronald Reagan and have voted Republican in every presidential election since. And, in spite of my frustrations with both President Bushes, one year ago I would have told you that I probably would support Jeb Bush in 2016.

Then on 6/16/15, Donald Trump entered the presidential race, and I immediately knew I would support him.

I have been a Trump fan since as a young entrepreneur in my 20’s I read “The Art of the Deal.” Fast forward 25 years, when on a trip to New York with my mom and son, I had the opportunity to meet him in person. To say we were impressed by how engaging and gracious he was would be a ‘YUGE’ understatement. On that day I became a Donald Trump fan for life.

I also visited with him again on his campaign stop in Pensacola where I had the honor to endorse him, and once again, after speaking with him in person, he exceeded my expectations.

The GOP Establishment is now spending tens of millions of dollars on negative advertising against Donald Trump, Republican voters’ #1 choice for president. Why? It’s purely out of a fear of losing their grip on power, the power that we have entrusted to GOP elected officials over the past six years that has been squandered.

Donald Trump has employed tens of thousands of employees in hundreds of successful business endeavors over the past forty years.

No other candidate has ever run a business or even hired an employee. Who would you rather entrust your children’s and grandchildren’s futures to, particularly in dealing with the $19 trillion debt President Obama is leaving us with?

My family has already cast our votes for Mr. Trump, because we know that if there ever was a time for Donald Trump to be president, it’s now.

—George Scarborough, Works in Healthcare Consulting in Pensacola Inweekly tried to find a vocal Kasich supporter, but had no luck. If you’re supporting him and would like to tell us why, please email joani@ inwekly.net. We’d love to add him to the online version of this story. {in} 11

All information was compiled from candidates’ websites—hillaryclinton.com and berniesanders.com—unless otherwise stated.

Clinton: Plans to set national goals to have

500 million solar panels installed, generate enough renewable energy to power every home in America, cut energy waste in homes, schools and hospitals by a third, and reduce American oil consumption by a third. Also plans to lead the world in the fight against climate change by bringing greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below what they were in 2005 within the next decade.

Sanders: Plans to cut U.S. carbon pollution by 40 percent by 2030 and by over 80 percent by 2050 by putting a tax on carbon pollution, repealing fossil fuel subsidies and making investments in sustainable energy, such as wind and solar power. Plans to create a Clean-Energy Workforce of 10 million jobs by creating a 100 percent clean energy system. Will ban fossil fuel lobbyists from working in the White House and end the huge subsidies that benefit fossil fuel companies. Recently co-sponsored the Keep It in the Ground Act to ban future fossil fuel leases on public lands. Would stop the Keystone XL pipeline, ban offshore drilling, Arctic oil drilling, fracking, mountaintop removal coal mining and would stop exports of liquefied natural gas and crude oil.

Clinton: Plans to ensure no student has to borrow to pay for tuition or college expenses to attend a four-year public college in their state under the New College Compact. Supports refinancing at current rates for Americans with existing student loan debt. Supports holding colleges and universities accountable for controlling costs and making tuition affordable.

Sanders: Called for tuition-free courses for freshmen and sophomores at public universities, and suggested closing tax loopholes for corporations as a means of paying for it. Strong record of advocacy for college affordability and a borrowerfriendly stance.

Clinton: Supports strengthening back-

ground checks and closing loopholes in the system. As senator, she co-sponsored and voted for legislation to close the gun show 212 1

loophole by requiring criminal background checks on all transactions taking place at events that sell firearms. Also co-sponsored and voted for legislation to extend and reinstate the assault weapons ban.

Sanders: Would strengthen and better enforce the instant background check system, close the gun-show loophole, make “straw man” purchases a federal crime, ban semi-automatic assault weapons and work to fix mental health system. Believes that gun manufacturers should not be held liable for the misuse of their products.

Clinton: Defends the Affordable Care Act

(Obamacare) and building on it to slow the growth of out-of-pocket costs. Supports reducing the price of prescription drug prices and copays. Also supports making premiums more affordable and lessen out-of-pocket expenses for consumers purchasing health insurance on the Obamacare exchanges.

Sanders: Voted for Obamacare, but wants to build on it by enacting a Medicare-for-all single-payer healthcare system.

Until comprehensive universal healthcare is passed, supports expanding and improving Medicaid system.

Clinton: Defends Obama’s executive actions to provide deportation relief for DREAMers and parents of Americans and lawful residents, and plans to extend those actions to additional persons with sympathetic cases if Congress refuses to act.

Wants to end family detention and close private immigrant detention centers. Supports comprehensive immigration reform, cosponsoring the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act in 2006 and 2007. She cosponsored the DREAM Act in the Senate in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Sanders: Would expand Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) to provide broad administrative relief to the parents of DREAMers, the parents of citizens, the parents of legal permanent residents, and other immigrants who would have been given legal protections by the 2013 Senate-passed immigration bill.

Clinton: Supports ensuring equal pay for

women and defends women’s health and reproductive rights. As Senator, she supported access to emergency contraception and voted in favor of strengthening a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. She also championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and co-sponsored the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in an effort to achieve equal pay and help close the wage gap. Also supported legislation to guarantee paid sick leave and paid parental leave for all federal employees.

Sanders: Supports signing the Paycheck Fairness Act into law. Supports expanding funding for Planned Parenthood, the Title X family planning program, and other initiatives that protect women’s health, access to contraception, and the availability of a safe and legal abortion. Supports providing at least 12 weeks of paid family leave, two weeks of paid vacation and one week of paid sick days.

Would expand the WIC program for pregnant mothers and infants.

Clinton: Wants to increase the minimum wage and enhance Social Security.

Sanders: Supports increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2020.

Clinton: Supports enhancing Social Security.

Sanders: Supports expanding Social Se-

Clinton: Supports enforcing the Iran

nuclear agreement. Plans to defeat terrorism through ongoing partnership to build Iraqi military and governing capacity and by supporting efforts to restore stability to Libya and Yemen. Would strengthen partnership with Israel.

Sanders: Supports moving away from policies that favor unilateral military action and preemptive war. Supports the agreement between the U.S., Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Supports a two-state solution that recognizes Israel’s right to peace and security, and the Palestinians right to a homeland. Would close Guantanamo Bay, rein in the National Security Agency, and abolish the use of torture.

Clinton: Supports imposing a risk fee on

the largest financial institutions and closing the Volcker Rule’s hedge fund loophole.

Sanders: Plans to stop corporations from shifting their profits and jobs overseas to avoid paying income taxes. Supports an estate tax on the top 0.3 percent of Americans who inherit more than $3.5 million and a tax on Wall Street speculators. As Senator, introduced legislation to break up large financial institutions so that they are no longer “too big to fail.” Would like to eliminate tax breaks for big oil, gas and coal companies.

curity by lifting the cap on taxable income above $250,000. Supports expanding benefits by an average of $65 a month.

inweekly.net

All information was compiled from candidates’ website— tedcruz.org, johnkasich.com, marcorubio.com and donaldjtrump.com—unless otherwise stated.

government profiting from student loans. (studentdebtrelief.us)

Cruz: Supports protecting 2nd Amendment.

Cruz: Would end the EPA regulations includ-

ing the Waters of the U.S. rule and the Clean Power Plan. Would approve the Keystone Pipeline and other similar infrastructures.

Introduced the American Energy Renaissance Act which ends the crude oil export ban. Voted to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Kasich: Said he believes climate change is real and is a problem. Also said that the EPA should not regulate emissions, but that states and private companies should work to contain carbon output from coal-burning power plants.

Indicated this year that he is concerned about protecting jobs while protecting the environment. (pbs.org) Rubio: Would undo the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. Rule.

Would fight Obama’s carbon mandates and application of the Endangered Species Act. Opposes new taxes on energy.

Trump: Said that the EPA is an impediment to both growth and jobs and is too restrictive.

Favors less environmental regulation, opposes green energy, and supports the Keystone Pipeline. (ontheissues.org)

Cruz: Voted in favor of the bipartisan bill that

became law in July 2013, which capped student loan interest rates and fixed them for the life of the loan. Argued that the U.S. Department of Education should be abolished.

Kasich: Supports holding the line on tuition increases. Supports paying colleges and universities based on helping students complete courses and graduation, not based on enrollment and incentivizing higher education system to graduate more students and keep college costs low.

Rubio: Proposes modernizing the higher education system so that workers can learn specific skills. Proposes consolidating the system of higher education tax incentives into one provision for post-secondary education and reducing the complexity of the federal financial aid application. Supports establishing income-based repayment as the universal repayment method for federal student loans.

Would reform outdated accreditation system to accommodate non-traditional education.

Trump: Says he will cut the Department of Education down. Doesn’t support the federal March 10, 2016

Argued against gun restrictions before the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Kasich: Opposes Obama’s gun control efforts. Would remove restrictions for concealed carry licensees.

Rubio: Voted to block the Manchin-Bloomberg expansion of background checks. Against any restrictions on obtaining firearms. Against a Federal ban on sporting rifles and magazines.

Trump: Supports protecting 2nd Amendment and expanding the mental health system.

Does not support gun and magazine bans or strengthening background checks. Supports national right to carry.

Cruz: Supports repealing Obamacare and

expanding competition in the marketplace.

Wants to reform health care by allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines, expanding health savings accounts and making it portable.

Kasich: Supports repealing Obamacare, but keeping the Federal Medicaid expansion. Supports a primary care system that helps promote long term good health instead of reacting when someone gets sick. Savings generated this way accrues, in part, to health insurance plans as avoided costs.

Rubio: Supports repealing Obamacare and replacing it with consumer-centered health reforms. Would provide citizens with a refundable tax credit that could be used to purchase insurance. Voted to specifically repeal components of Obamacare, including its cuts to Medicare Advantage, the medical device tax, and new taxes on FSAs and HSAs. Trump: Supports repealing Obamacare.

Would modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines.

Would allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Would require price transparency from all healthcare providers.

Cruz: Would end Obama’s amnesty, end catch-and-release, increase deportations, stop sanctuary policies, and strengthen E-verify.

Would suspend and audit H-1B visas and halt any increase in legal immigration as long as American unemployment remains high. Would

triple border security, and put in place surveillance and biometric tracking.

Kasich: Speaking at a forum in Iowa, said that he believes undocumented immigrants who otherwise follow the law should be allowed to gain a legal status. Said that he prefers a legal status that does not lead to citizenship, but said that a “path to citizenship” may be part of compromise talks. (pbs.org) Rubio: Would eliminate federal funding for sanctuary cities, deport criminal illegal aliens, hire 20,000 new Border Patrol agents, finish all 700 miles of walls on the southern border, implement an entry-exit visa tracking system, implement a mandatory eVerify system, and install $4 billion in new cameras and sensors on the border.

Trump: Supports building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out; wants Mexico to pay for wall.

Cruz: Supports the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

Kasich: As Ohio Governor, stopped awarding new state dollars to Planned Parenthood.

Voted to ban partial-birth abortions.

Rubio: Supports the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

Trump: Pro-life. Supports Planned Parenthood in other areas but not abortion. (ontheissues.org)

Cruz: Under the Cruz Simple Flat Tax, all

income groups will see a double-digit increase in after-tax income. The current seven rates of personal income tax will collapse into a single rate of 10 percent.

Kasich: As chairman of the U.S. House Budget Committee, led the effort to balance the federal budget, cut taxes, start paying down the national debt held by the public and generate a projected $5 trillion surplus. In Ohio, cut the state income tax by 16 percent, eliminated the death tax, and eliminated the income tax for many small businesses and providing tax relief to low-and middle-income workers.

Rubio: Would enact tax reform that cuts taxes for all businesses to 25 percent and allows all businesses to expense every dollar that they invest in the economy. Would put a ceiling on the amount U.S. regulations can cost the economy. Would lift union-imposed pay caps on workers.

Trump: Doesn’t support raising the minimum wage. Wants to lower taxes and supports lowering America’s $19 trillion debt.

Cruz: Supports preserving and strengthening Social Security. Said that for seniors, Social Security and Medicare should stay the same. For younger workers, gradually increase the retirement age, change the rate of growth in benefits so that it matches inflation, and allow them to keep a portion of their tax payments in a personal account that they own.

Kasich: Supports a plan to change Social Security so that initial benefits are lowered for individuals not yet near eligibility. (cnn.com) Rubio: Supports strengthening Social Security by making no changes for those in or near retirement. Supports gradually increasing the Social Security retirement age to keep up with changes in life expectancy. Supports reducing the rate of growth of benefits for upper-income seniors while making the program stronger for lowincome seniors.

Trump: Supports privatizing Social Security. Opposed cuts to Social Security and opposes raising the retirement age. (ontheissues.org)

Cruz: Would repeal the Iran deal. Introduced

the Terrorist Refugee Infiltration Prevention Act of 2015, immediately barring refugees to the United States from any country. Supports strengthening the U.S.-Israel Alliance.

Kasich: Supports a mutual defense action

by NATO, as well as regional allies to defeat ISIS. Supports increasing military presence in China to ensure freedom of navigation for the $5.3 trillion in annual trade that passes through the Western Pacific. Called for $102 billion in increased defense spending. Supports working together with European allies to strengthen new NATO member states on the front lines with Russia.

Rubio: Would strengthen the U.S.-Israel Alliance and Israel’s self-defense. Would push to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and defend Israel’s efforts to combat terrorism. Doesn’t support the Iran deal or accepting Syrian refugees.

Would impose tougher sanctions on Iran for its support for terrorism and human rights abuses.

Trump: Supports strengthening of the military and getting rid of ISIS. Said he would like to bring peace to Israel and its neighbors. Also said he would get rid of ISIS and rebuild America’s military. Supports U.S. troops on the ground in Syria. {in} 13

As we do every election cycle, here are our endorsements in the Republican and Democratic races. Whether you agree or disagree with us this time around, we hope you vote and make your voice heard. As always, Florida is a key battleground, and our decisions are going to help shape this race going forward.

Inweekly endorses for the Republican presidential nomination the son of an immigrant bartender and a maid, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.

This newspaper’s foundation is built on challenging the rich and powerful who believe that they are privileged to rights and government resources unavailable to most of us. We believe the American Dream still exists, and tomorrow will be better than today and yesterday.

And we believe that dream should be available to all, not a select few.

Marco Rubio embodies the American Dream. He isn’t the son of a billionaire. He attended public elementary and secondary schools. He had to take out student loans to get his college education.

He worked his way up the political ladder in the Republican Party. Rubio interned for Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and worked on Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign. Two years out of law school, he was elected as City Commissioner for West Miami at the age of 26.

t

in

In 2000, he was elected to the Florida House, eventually becoming the Speaker of the House.

Ten years later, he faced Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who appeared to be unbeatable for the U.S. Senate. He won easily.

While we understand the lure of Donald Trump’s populism that plugs into the voters’ disgust with the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., we believe our president should have a message of hope.

Marco Rubio gives the voters hope the people are not trapped by the circumstances of their birth or destined to live the life their parents had. Hardworking families deserve better than living paycheck-to-paycheck and one unexpected expense away from disaster. Our college graduates don’t have to be handicapped by thousands in student loans that hinder their ability to start a career, business or family.

He gets it. Inweekly does not agree with all his political positions, but we also don't agree in political litmus tests.

Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz and their supporters have tried to pressure Rubio out of the presidential race. Floridians should not be conned into thinking that the GOP nomination is only down to Trump and Cruz. Our state is a pivotal one in the primary process. A victory for our U.S. Senator can be the catalyst for his candidacy, and if the primaries lead to a brokered GOP convention, then a Rubio victory makes sure our state has a seat at the table.

Marco Rubio can be a much-needed bridge builder and unifier for the Republican Party. Inweekly believes that of all the Republican candidates he is the best to lead this country that is still the place where who you come from does not determine how far you can go.

We thought long and hard about this one, we really did. But after a lot of healthy debate and general soul searching, the Inweekly endorsement in the Democratic primary belongs to Hillary Clinton.

Senator. Secretary of State. First Lady.

No matter which title you identify her with the most, it’s hard to argue that pretty much every stage of her public life has helped Hillary Clinton become beyond qualified for the job she’s seeking now. Throughout the years, she has time and time again fought for things that matter most to Democrats like equality, economic fairness and education. Sure, her stances on some topics have changed and evolved over the years, but so have ours, and we bet some of yours have, too.

Woman. Mother. Grandmother. These are also titles that Hillary Clinton bears proudly, and it’s clear to see how they shape and inform her politics. While we don’t support voting for anyone based solely on their gender (or race or religion for that matter), we do think it’s worth noting her commitment to women’s issues—

including labor laws like child care and paid leave, the wage gap and reproductive rights—is rock solid and decades old. She’s been waiving the feminist flag for a long, long time; well before it became the popular and expected thing for liberal Democrats to do.

Overall, we think both Democratic candidates are truly qualified and worthy of the nomination (and this humble endorsement), but we think Hillary Clinton has a better chance at actually achieving some of her larger policy goals than Bernie Sanders, if elected. Sure, he’s presenting some great ideas, but Clinton is thinking more like a President than a candidate. She knows a President can’t just say “free tuition” for example, and have it be so. That’s why her stance on things like student loan debt restructuring is more appealing to us.

You can’t change the game unless you’re in it, and few people know that better than Hillary Clinton. As much as we like Senator Sanders for his big picture ideas like Wall Street reform and universal healthcare, we’ve got to elect a President that’s going to get stuff done. If elected, we believe Hillary Clinton will be productive and progressive. Sure, it might get ugly and the results won’t always be perfect, but we believe she has what it takes to fight the good fight and has proven so by doing just that time and time again. {in}

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WEEK OF MARCH 10-17

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

Meet the Merry Widow

by Jennifer Leigh

look forward to collaborating with Corey listening to Met recordings to McKern, who plays my love interest.” performing at the Met, among “The Merry Widow” has been a popumany other opera companies. lar opera since it first premiered in 1905, She counts Mimi from “La and with good reason, Pastin said. bohème,” — “I’ll always have a “The music is timeless—so charming soft spot for Mimi,” she said — and truly irresistible,” she said. “No matter Desdemona from “Othello,” and how many times you hear these tunes, Nedda from “Pagliacci” as some you never tire of them. This is part of what of her favorite roles. The one makes it so special. Another thing that role she’s still dying to perform? makes it special is how familiar we all are of Marguerite from “Faust.” the situations that many of these characWhen it comes to handling ters find themselves in, especially with the her busy schedule and preparing for several roles at once, Pastin said she makes a calendar every day with specific pages to work on.

“I schedule regular coaching to force myself to be able to run large sections of the shows throughout the learning process,” she said.

“I find that giving myself those smaller goals along issue of the unrequited love between Hanna and Danillo.” the way makes the process a After performing in New York and little less overwhelming. It can Ohio, Pastin said she’s enjoying the nice be quite daunting when you're change of pace with the Florida weather. looking at a stack of music to “It’s just beautiful here,” she said. memorize.”

While it may be a smaller opera house Constantly traveling and than those in the larger city’s Pastin has preparing for multiple perforperformed in, there’s charm to companies mances can be as challenging as like Pensacola Opera, she said. it may be exciting. One factor is “I enjoy working in smaller cities like the change in environment.

Pensacola, because it affords you the “(It) makes things like allerluxury of really having access to the city gies difficult to deal with. Also, and to the people who support the opera,” in my case, because I have very curly hair, she said. “We are able to be closer to all of my products have to change depending where I am,” she said. “I really love what everyone, and that I think brings people closer to the art form.” {in} I do though, and whatever we deal with on the road is worth it in my opinion because of just how incredible this job is.”

Not only is “The Merry Widow” Pastin’s first production with Pensacola Opera, but this is her first time playing Hanna, a widow who doesn’t lead such a WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 11 and 2 p.m. terribly tragic life.

Sunday, March 13 “Of course it’s not bad being WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox the center of attention of all the COST: $25 and up men in Paris!” Pastin joked. “I’m DETAILS: pensacolaopera.com really looking forward to wearing the fantastic costumes, and I also

“I enjoy working in smaller cities like Pensacola, because it affords you the luxury of really having access to the city and to the people who support the opera.” Danielle Pastin

Danielle Pastin / Photo by Rebecca Fay Pensacola Opera’s second production of the season has comedy and romance all set in the City of Lights.

“The Merry Widow” is an operetta by composer Franz Lehár, which tells the story of a young, rich widow and her countrymen’s attempts to finding her the right husband so as to keep her money within the state.

Making her debut with Pensacola Opera, Danielle Pastin will play the role of the widow, Hanna.

Pastin has performed at opera houses across the country; most recently she performed Desdemona in “Othello” and before that Mimi in “La bohème” in Syracuse. The American soprano first made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Masha in “The Queen of Spades” in 2011 and also perMarch 10, 2016

formed as Frasquita in the Met’s production of “Carmen” in 2012 and 2013.

Growing up, Pastin performed in high school musical productions with dreams of performing on Broadway.

“It’s sort of the gateway form to opera,” she said in an e-mail interview.

When she was 14, she heard the Met broadcast of “Tristan and Isolde.” The music made her switch gears.

“I was returning home from a jazz band rehearsal with my father when I heard ‘Liebestod’,” she recalled. “I was so upset that I stayed in the car after we pulled in the driveway so that I could listen to the rest of the opera.”

Pastin majored in classical voice at the University of Maryland and went from

PENSACOLA OPERA’S THE MERRY WIDOW

15

culture

by Shelby Smithey

Art at Open Books worked as a special needs teacher’s aide and as an American Sign Language interpreter working with the deaf community.

“All the different things I have seen and

Mama,’ which is one of my favorites,” she said. “I set myself a challenge to see if I could make her stand on her own two feet without falling over. I build up from the bottom adding weight as I go to create a balanced piece.”

Another of Covington’s favorite pieces is the “Raven,” which she said was about 5 feet from tail to beak. The sculpture was lost in 2004 during Hurricane Ivan.

“The challenge was iridescence and balance,” she said. “He was one of the first pieces I made.”

Covington said that she usually works from a photo for paintings and only buys primary color paints. She likes the challenge and said that it’s cheaper that way.

“My sculptures are made of solid newspaper and wheat paste,” she said. “I collect colored tissue paper and use that instead of paint to color those pieces. Occasionally I have used cloth fabric as a finish. I coat the finished piece with poly acrylic to seal out moisture.”

Sometimes Covington will do a series of pieces with a certain theme, some of which come from her life experiences.

“I have three with an American Sign Language theme and a series of pieces using playing cards,” she said. “I have always made art for my own pleasure or as gifts for family.”

Covington said that she tries not to limit herself to one medium or style. She makes what she can with what she has because she said she is compelled to—both financially and emotionally.

“I am interested in humorous sketches lately and hope to do more of those,” she said.

“I like to copy nature and am often inspired by insects and birds and their true colors. I like to make an insect bigger than life but true to their natural markings. And sometimes I just make stuff up.” {in}

“I have learned when I am not making art of some kind I feel adrift, rudderless. I need to do it.” Terry Covington

Artist Terry Covington’s eclectic collection of sculptures, drawings and paintings is now on display at Open Books Bookstore. On Friday, Covington will be at Open Books to talk about her art, style and why she creates during an artist reception.

A self-taught artist, Covington has always considered art a constant while working in a variety of fields throughout her life.

“As far back as I can remember I have been writing or drawing or creating in some way,” Covington said. “My first experience in three-dimensional work came when I apprenticed as an aircraft mechanic. I was taught sheet metal fabrication, as well as the mechanical workings during the time I worked in that field. I enjoyed them both and seemed to have a knack for fabrication.”

Covington said that when her husband died, she threw herself into making art and converted her dining room into a studio.

“Since then, almost twenty years now, I have worked at making art while being a single parent and trying to stay above water financially,” she said. “Some years I have been prolific. Some years I have not made a thing. I have learned when I am not making art of some kind I feel adrift, rudderless. I need to do it.”

In addition to her work as an aircraft mechanic, Covington has worked in Jacksonville and Chino, California restoring World War II B-25 bombers. She has also 616 1

done have imprinted and come back in some way,” she said.

“I think that happens to everyone. Working in sheet metal on airframes was the first time I had made anything 3D. That was a leap.”

After living in California restoring B-25s, Covington moved back home to Pensacola and got married to her husband.

“When my husband died, the reality of how short life is was brought home to me,” she said. “I try to balance doing the things I have always wanted to do with the tasks of making life work.”

Covington said that she likes the challenge of balance when she makes larger pieces.

“I also like to draw,” she said. “I occasionally make a painting. If I see an idea as three dimensional, I make it that way. If I see it as a painting, I make a painting. I also sew and make whatever is needed around the house with whatever materials are at hand.”

Covington has always been thrifty when it comes to materials she uses.

“I have always used the materials at hand,” she said. “I started with papier-mâché because I didn’t have to buy any supplies except wall paper paste. Newspapers are always around. I originally built up solid to keep from having to buy materials WHEN: Artist Reception 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, to make a frame. I like the heft of March 11; Art on display and available for the solid pieces. I save colored tissale* through April 30 sue paper from birthday parties and WHERE: Open Books Bookstore, 1040 N. other gift-giving events.”

Guillemard St. Covington said that she gets an DETAILS: openbookspcola.org idea for a piece and ponders it for a couple of weeks, thinking of structural *All but one of the pieces at Covington’s show questions and possible solutions. will be for sale. Sale proceeds benefit The “It takes months to finish Prison Book Project a larger piece like the ‘Dancing

A SAMPLING OF ART BY TERRY COVINGTON

inweekly.net

calendar

Ears & Fingers

by Jason Leger

Nada Surf “You Know Who You Are”

It would seem somewhat implausible looking back on the band who garnered attention in the ‘90s for the song ‘Popular,’ to think that they would now be looking back on 25 years of making wondrous power pop together. However, they have made it to this pinnacle with only eight albums and a confusing place in the world of music. Aside from their radio single from 1996, the band has walked this thin line between being a one hit wonder or a cult

THURSDAY 3.10

WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Try something

new every week at Aragon Wine Market’s regular wine tasting, only a few blocks from downtown. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com PMA PRESENTS: LOUISE BOURGEOIS 7-8:30 p.m. Part of PMA Film Series. $5 or free for

followed behemoth, much akin to Dinosaur Jr, The Flaming Lips, or Wilco. But like those peers, Nada Surf has made the decision to make older, wiser, more grown-up music, because that’s what they have become individually.

“You Know Who You Are” is very mature, even though the band grew by the addition of guitar player Doug Gillard, formerly of Guided

by Voices, a band not always known for its maturity. The songs are fully grown winders that slow burn, keep time, and even race, but keep a consistent vibe throughout.

Honestly, that seems to be Nada Surf’s most consistent characteristic, especially in their albums across the past 10 years or so. If this album is any indication, Nada Surf is on a track to continue producing growingly-mature power pop indefinitely, and that is something we should all be okay with.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE:

Kendrick Lamar “Untitled, Unmastered”

Well, in true hip-hop fashion, Kendrick Lamar released an album last week of new material with no advanced warning or press. This album includes previously-

PMA members. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org DANCE PENSACOLA CONTEST 9 p.m. Second week. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com JOHNNY CIGGS 9:30 p.m. Also with Gritty City, Johnny Panic, Eterniti, Solo Dolo, Cyborganics, Ty Delpra. The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. pensacolahandlebar.com

unreleased material surrounding and following last year’s masterpiece, “To Pimp a Butterfly.” Lamar performed untitled songs on "The Colbert Report" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” but neither made “Butterfly,” however, they now have proper recordings and releases.

On Twitter, Lamar called the tracks "Demos from To Pimp a Butterfly. In Raw Form. Unfinished. Untitled. Unmastered." While we can’t call this a proper follow-up album, this certainly whets the appetite and gives Lamar breathing room to work on his next LP. “Untitled, Unmastered” is out now via Aftermath/ Interscope/Top Dawg Entertainment.

TRACK OF THE WEEK:

M83 ‘Do It, Try It’

M83 made their return feel real last week with the release of their impending album’s lead single, ‘Do it, Try it.’ The song and single cover art are surprisingly playful for a band that has always seemed to take themselves and their art very seriously. The whimsy of the track shouldn’t imply phoned in, however, as M83’s classic synths and haze are very much alive on ‘Do It, Try It,’ and while it may not have the mass appeal of a ‘Midnight City,’ it is a strong showing from the band.

“Junk” is the new album from M83, and it will be out April 8 via Mute. {in}

FRIDAY 3.11

WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Out and about in East

Hill on Friday night? Stop by City Grocery for their free weekly wine tasting before settling in or heading out for the night. City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. STAR GAZING 5:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers' Association will of-

fer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.

DATE NIGHT DANCING 7:15-8:15 p.m. Learn the basics of several romantic ballroom and country dance styles in a unique group class that keeps partners together. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS 7:30 p.m. A Treehouse Production about a princess fighting a dragon to rescue her prince and kingdom. $7$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com ISLAND FIGHTS 37 7:30 p.m. $24-84. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com THE MERRY WIDOW 7:30 p.m. Pensacola Opera presents Franz Lehár’s beloved operetta. $25 and up. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolaopera.com HOUNDMOUTH 8 p.m. Also with Duncan Fellows. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $15. vinylmusichall.com

SATURDAY 3.12

SANTA ROSA FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fresh local produce, honey, baked goods and live music. Pace Presbyterian Church, Woodbine Road, Pace.

MCGUIRE'S 5K RUN 9 a.m. 39th Annual St. Patrick's Day 5k run. Starts at McGuire's Irish Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com GUNS VS. HOSES 9 a.m. A charity softball game hosted by the Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County Sheriff's Office. This year’s recipient is the Krewe du YaYa’s Keeping Abreast Foundation which provides funding for early detection, advocacy, education and support services for those affected by breast cancer. Free admission. Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. bluewahoos.com PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered at the weekly Palafox Market. Items originate directly from participating vendors, including dozens of local farmers, home gardeners and area artists. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com 22ND ANNUAL GULF BREEZE CELEBRATES THE ARTS FESTIVAL 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the

Arts is a juried fine arts and crafts festival that brings over 140 national, regional and local

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䴀䤀䌀䠀䰀䔀匀 䈀伀伀吀䠀

䄀挀挀椀搀攀渀琀 ☀ 䤀渀樀甀爀礀 䰀愀眀礀攀爀猀

㄀ⴀ㠀 ⴀ㐀㌀㠀ⴀ㌀㘀 㘀 簀 䘀漀爀吀栀攀嘀椀挀琀椀洀猀⸀挀漀洀 倀攀渀猀愀挀漀氀愀 ⴀ 䘀漀爀琀 圀愀氀琀漀渀 䈀攀愀挀栀 ⴀ 䌀爀攀猀琀瘀椀攀眀

March 10, 2016

17

calendar

Joe Satriani artists to Gulf Breeze each spring. Gulf Breeze High School, 675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. gulfbreezearts.com TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids can climb on and explore some of their favorite vehicles, including fire engines, police cars, military vehicles, construction trucks and more.

Crafts, music and kite flyers will also be at the event. Free admission. bluewahoos.com.

ADOPTABLE DOGS AT H&R BLOCK 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pensacola Humane Society will be at

H&R Block at Town and Country Plaza with some of our most adoptable dogs. For every new H&R Block customer who brings in the special code below, H&R Block will donate $20 to the Humane Society. The H&R Block code is: 40010001084887. H&R Block, 3300 N. Pace Blvd, #205.

BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIME 11 a.m. Story this week is "Too Many Carrots." Activities and coloring will follow. Barnes & Noble, 1200 Airport Blvd. 969-9554.

STAR GAZING 5:30 p.m. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers' Association will offer free star gazing at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.

ATREYU 7 p.m. Also with Devil You Know, From Ashes to New and Cane Hill. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. $10-$40. vinylmusichall.com ICE FLYERS VS. MISSISSIPPI 7:05 p.m. $15-$29.

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS 7:30 p.m. A Treehouse Production about a princess fighting a dragon to rescue her prince and kingdom. $7$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com AFTER GAME SKATING 9:30 p.m. $9-$12.

Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com

SUNDAY 3.13

22ND ANNUAL GULF BREEZE CELEBRATES THE ARTS FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the

Arts is a juried fine arts and crafts festival that brings over 140 national, regional and local artists to Gulf Breeze each spring. Gulf Breeze High School, 675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. gulfbreezearts.com PUBLIC SKATE 1-4:30 p.m. $9-$12. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com THE MERRY WIDOW 2 p.m. Pensacola Opera presents Franz Lehár’s beloved operetta. $25 and up. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolaopera.com THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS 2:30 p.m.A Treehouse Production about a princess fighting a dragon to rescue her prince and kingdom. $7$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com

TUESDAY 3.15

FREE OPERA PERFORMANCE 6 p.m. Jack and

the Beanstalk. West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. pensacolaopera.com STRUT YOUR MUTT 6:45 p.m. Join fellow dog walkers for a 45-minute stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Walkers meet at entrance to Bayview Dog Park at 20th Ave and E. Lloyd St. TUESDAY NIGHT POETRY NIGHT 7 p.m. Free open-mic poetry event every Tuesday. Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant, 101 S. Jefferson St. facebook.com/TNPN JOE SATRIANI 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$69.50 Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com

WEDNESDAY 3.16

MONDAY 3.14

SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 5:30 p.m. Run-

ners meet in front of Seville Quarter for a run around downtown Pensacola. Free pasta and drink specials after the run at Fast Eddie's.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com BLESSTHEFALL 5:30 p.m. Also with Miss May I, The Plot in You, Sirens & Sailors, A War Within. Vinyl Music Hall 2 S. Palafox. $10-$40. vinylmusichall.com DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. Swing, Country, and Ballroom. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com

FREE OPERA PERFORMANCE 10:30 a.m. Jack and the Beanstalk. West Florida Public Library, 239 N. Spring St. pensacolaopera.com THE WORD ALIVE 6 p.m. Also with Fit for a King, Out Came the Wolves, Rainey's Revenge, Safe Harbor. Vinyl Music Hall 2 S. Palafox. $10$40. vinylmusichall.com DANCE LESSONS 6:30 p.m. West Coast Swing. Professional partner dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com DANCE PARTY 8-10 p.m. A mix of swing, country, and ballroom music for partner dancing on the best wood dance floor in the area. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. $10. dancecraftfl.com

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inweekly.net

calendar arts & culture

≥Events

ARTIST RECEPTION

6:30 p.m. Friday, March 11. Artist reception with Terry Covington at Open Books, 1040 N. Guillemard St. Sales from artwork benefit The Prison Book Project. openbookspcola.com.

≥Exhibits

A SAMPLING OF ART

BY TERRY COVINGTON On view through

April 30. Open Books Bookstore, 1040 N.

Guillemard St. openbookspcola.com.

BLUES BROTHERS ART Pieces by lo-

cal artists on view through March 26.

Blue Morning Gallery, 21 S. Palafox. bluemorninggallery. com

FEARSOME FOURSOME On view

through March 28 at Quayside Gallery, 17 E. Zarragossa St. quaysidegallery. com DO PROCESS On view at the First City Art Center gallery from March 15 to April 15. 1060

N. Guillemard St. firstcityart.org.

ANNUAL MEMBERS JURIED EXHIBITION

On view until April 15. Features 96 artists and wide variety of media. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

TSCHACBASOC: INNER VISIONS On

view until June 4.

Features a selection of etchings by artist Nahum Tschacbasov. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

FUNKY TURNS 40

This exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of 1970’s Saturday morning cartoons that featured positive black characters for the first time in television history. The exhibition includes original production cells and drawings used to produce these cartoons. On display until April 9.

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. pensacolamuseum.org

Meet the Artist: Lindsey Gray

By Jennifer Leigh

"Cotton Candy" by Lindsey Gray This month's featured artist at Jaco's Bayfront Bar and Grille is local painter Lindsey Gray.

A transplant from Long Island, N.Y., Gray started painting three years ago.

The University of West Florida student said she's inspired by "creating art with an approach of purpose and knowledge," she said.

"Trying to create pieces that mean something instead of just doing," she added.

Many local artists can't help but be influenced by the beaches they pass by each day, but Gray said she, instead, is influenced by the message artists try to convey in their work.

Gray enjoys painting subjects such

as figures, animals and abstract and geometric pieces. Even online images of her paintings show the thick brushstrokes and texture that give life to her work.

At Jaco’s last Art Night on the Bayfront, Gray had the opportunity to meet with folks looking at her pieces hanging at Jaco's. She said she enjoys getting to meet people who are viewing her work.

"I have the chance to talk about what I love ... art," she said.

In addition to Jaco’s, you can currently view Gray's work at other Pensacola spots, such as Style Downtown, The Leisure Club, Urban Objects and Superior Granite. {in} View more of Gray's artwork at: saatchiart.com/account/artworks/425340

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March 10, 2016

19

calendar bars & nightlife

Other Side, 406 E. Wright St. emeraldcitypensacola.com

≥bar games

POOL TOURNAMENT

Thursdays POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com POOL TOURNAMENT

8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com COLLEGE NIGHT

Drink specials, beer pong tournament starts at 10 p.m.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com.

Fridays WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Informative wine tasting in Seville Quarter Wine and Gift Shop. No charge for the tasting.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com DRAG BINGO 6-8 p.m. Ages 21 and over.

Emerald City’s The

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com Saturdays

MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION NIGHT 8 p.m. Seville

Quarter Membership Card Holder Appreciation Night at Phineas Phogg's.

130 E. Government St., sevillequarter. com Sundays

BAR AND RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE (B.A.R.E. NIGHT) 7

p.m. Special prices for B.A.R.E. Car membership holders. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter. com Mondays TEXAS HOLD ‘EM FOR FUN AND TRIVIA 7 p.m. The

Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach

Blvd. sandshaker.com

TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9

p.m. World of Beer, 200 S. Palafox. wobusa.com/locations/ Palafox BAR BINGO 8 p.m.

Apple Annie’s at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 9:30-10:30

p.m. Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. facebook.com/ MugsJugs Tuesdays TUESDAY TRIVIA 8 p.m. The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway. facebook.com/ thebridgebargb TICKET TEAM TRIVIA

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com POKER 8 p.m. The Ticket 2, 2115 W. 9 Mile Rd., ticketsportsbar.com TEAM TRIVIA 9 p.m. Hopjacks. 10 S.

Palafox. hopjacks. com Wednesdays WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS 11

a.m. Half-priced bottles of wine every Wednesday. Jackson's Steakhouse, 226 S. Palafox. jacksonsrestaurant.com LADIES NIGHT ON THE DECK 5 p.m. $2

drinks and music.

The Deck Bar, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola. com

PUB TRIVIA NIGHT

7-9:30 p.m. Goat Lips Beer Garden, 2811 Copter Road. facebook.com/ goatlipsdeli

WEDNESDAY QUIZ TRIVIA 8 p.m. The

Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St. cabaretpensacola.com TICKET BAR BINGO

8 p.m. The Ticket 1, 7250 Plantation Rd., ticketsportsbar.com BAR BINGO 10 p.m.

Play, 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com

≥karaoke

Thursdays Lili Marlene’s at Seville Quarter, 8 p.m.

130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com Saturdays Krazy George 9 p.m.

Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com Sundays 9 p.m. The Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com Mondays The Cabaret, 9 p.m.

101 S. Jefferson St. 607-2020 or cabaretpensacola.com Tuesdays Sandshaker Lounge, 8 p.m. 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com Play, 9 p.m. 16 S. Palafox, Suite 200. iplaypensacola.com

≥live music

THURSDAY 3.10

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD

6 p.m. The Deck, 600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola.com.

RICHARD MADDEN

6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com

AMY HART BAND

6-10 p.m. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebargrill.com MICHEAL WHEELER 7 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com SCENIC HEIGHTS

8 p.m. Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com COLM KELLY 8 p.m.

McGuire's Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub. com DUELING PIANOS 8

unique & affordable

610 E. Wright St. | 429-0336 | eotlcafe.com

LYON'S LIMOZINE

9 p.m. End O' The Alley Courtyard.

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., sevillequarter.com.

FRIDAY 3.11

JORDAN RICHARDS 5

p.m. End O' the Alley. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com

LUCAS CRUTCHFIELD & CONTINUUM 6 p.m. The Deck,

600 S. Barracks St. fishhousepensacola. com ADAM HOLT 6-10 p.m. Peg Leg Pete's, 1010 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach. peglegpetes. com

EDWARD DAVID ANDERSON 6:30-10 p.m.

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach. paradisebar-grill. com COLM KELLY 8 p.m.

McGuire's Irish Bar Pub, 600 E. Gregory St. mcguiresirishpub.com MODERN ELDORADO'S 8 p.m. Lili

Marlene's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com THE BLENDERS 8:30 p.m. Hub Stacey's 312 E. Government St. hubstaceys.com CLASS X 9 p.m.

Sandshaker Lounge, 731 Pensacola Beach Blvd. sandshaker.com BAD HABITS 9 p.m.

Apple Annie's. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequater.com

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inweekly.net

music

by Shelby Smithey

All Dogs Go to Sluggo’s The songs on the 7" are more dynamic, more intelligently-structured. I think as I joined the band and we started working on the first full length, the initial ideas Maryn was bringing to the table were interesting; they were a little slower and dreamier at times. I think that we all tried to just make the songs as melodic as we could, but wanted to make things heavier, as well. The end result was fuzzy guitars, gritty bass, and loud, roomy drums playing these dreamy pop songs. It's a really fun type of music to play.

All Dogs / Photo by Nick Fancher With roots firmly planted in the DIY punk scene, Midwesterners All Dogs interlace ‘90s aesthetic with frontwoman Maryn Jones’ lyrics to create self-described “loud pop songs” that are both catchy and pensive.

Critics seem to agree, with their song “That Kind of Girl” featured on NPR’s Songs We Love, and Pitchfork giving their debut fulllength “Kicking Every Day” a 7.6.

Since 2012, the Columbus, Ohio based quartet—consisting of singer/guitarist Jones, bassist Amanda Bartley, drummer Jesse Wither and second guitarist, Nick Harris—has been touring the U.S. after first releasing a 7" and a split cassette tape before their full-length last year on Salinas Records.

Before their show at Sluggo’s Friday, Inweekly caught up with Harris to talk about how he met his bandmates and Columbus’ house show scene.

INWEEKLY: Who is All Dogs?

HARRIS: All Dogs are four very different people who somehow manage to tolerate each other for ridiculously long car rides. On a more personal level, I'm Nick and I play guitar in the band.

INWEEKLY: How did All Dogs start playing together?

HARRIS: All Dogs had actually been a band for a couple years before I joined. Maryn, Jesse and Amanda met through the house-show scene in Columbus, Ohio where all of them lived at the time. I met All Dogs when they were a three-piece, and my old band (Nona) March 10, 2016

did a tour with them. We all fell in love. I weaseled my way into their hearts. On the last night of the tour, I asked if I could join them for a song on the guitar and they agreed and asked me to join the band later that night.

INWEEKLY: How does being from Ohio/ Midwest influence your sound?

HARRIS: This is a tricky question because I’ve never lived in Ohio; I've been living in Philadelphia for the last 7/8ish years and would just travel whenever we had a band thing. Actually, these days most of the band splits their time between the Midwest and the East Coast.

We're pretty geographically scattered. I think that after almost a decade of being in touring bands, I've learned that location is incredibly important but not important to the point where it will determine whether you're a good band or not.

INWEEKLY: You have said that Columbus used to have a bigger basement scene. Is that where All Dogs first started playing, and what was the best part of being a part of that scene?

HARRIS: I know the first couple of years were predominantly house shows, and Columbus had a ton of houses going on at that time.

Actually, even in the first year I was in the band there were a lot of house shows/nontraditional venue shows. We'll still play a house show here and there; they're fun. I can't speak specifically to the Columbus scene, but I think the best parts of those experiences are pretty big parts of how all of us are as people. We all have been going to DIY punk shows since we

were kids, and luckily all of us have taken a lot of the same values away from those shows: respect, awareness, equality, don't be a shithead, be nice, try to be understanding of someone else's situation, look out for each other, etc.

INWEEKLY: Who is responsible for writing music and lyrics, or is it a group effort?

HARRIS: I'd say Maryn writes about 90 percent of what goes down musically. Since we live in different places, writing usually takes place in week-long sessions where we'll get together a few hours a day to go over new material that Maryn, or every once in a while Amanda, has come up with. They'll show up with a riff, or a melody, or the skeleton of a song, and we'll go through it a couple times, and we'll sort of structure it. Jesse will work out specific drum parts, and I'll try and write a couple different ideas in terms of guitar parts. It sort of just grows from there, but it is usually based around one of Maryn's ideas.

INWEEKLY: Maryn Jones also has a solo project called Yowler. How do you balance that with All Dogs?

HARRIS: Her stuff is fantastic. She released a tape called The Offer a while back. It's great. My favorite track is "Belle."

Anyway, we all have different things we do in our lives, so it's all about balance. We just took a couple months off so I could finish school. People always have stuff going on; we tour when it makes sense. It just so happens that it makes sense for us to tour a lot in the early part of 2016. At this point, we aren't touring full time. I think we played around 100 shows last year, which is about a third of the year, so if this 2016 is like that, there's plenty of time for everyone to do their own thing.

INWEEKLY: What’s the best part of being on tour? What’s the worst?

HARRIS: My favorite part of being on tour is, obviously, getting to hang out and play music with my friends. I also think it sheds a lot of day-to-day responsibility, which is good and bad. If I were home, I'd probably feel pretty guilty about sitting around and reading or taking naps all day, but on tour it's more accepted. My least favorite parts of tours are: food deserts, someone telling you that the band can crash at their house and discovering a raging party upon arrival.

I usually find that the tour gets hardest emotionally during the last week. It's a mixture of homesickness and not wanting the tour to end. Strange feeling.

INWEEKLY: All Dogs Go to Heaven or All Dogs Go to Heaven 2?

HARRIS: To be honest I haven't seen either.

But I think that I'll go with the sequel! {in}

INWEEKLY: You self-describe your sound as loud pop, but All Dogs obviously has a punk/garage influence. How did your sound develop?

HARRIS: When the band started, I think it was the goal for the three of them to start a band that sounded a lot like the bands they were really into at the time; The Muffs, Green WHAT: All Dogs with Flossie and the Fox Day, Juliana Hatfield, The Lemonand Night Wars heads, etc. I think that sound has WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 11 softened a lot over time. The first WHERE: Sluggo’s, 101 S. Jefferson St. release is definitely a little trashyCOST: $8 sounding. I say that with love; those DETAILS: facebook.com/sluggospensacola are some of my favorite songs to play.

ALL DOGS

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DIFFERENCE MAKERS Beck Partners Wins Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Award Regional real estate and insurance firm Beck Partners won the 2015 Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Small Business Award for its commitment to the community, extraordinary business ethics and support of Junior Achievement over the years. The ceremony was held on Thursday night at the Pensacola Country Club.

Additional Business Hall of Fame recipients include Gulf Power (Large Business Award), Clark, Partington, Hart, Bond, Larry, Bond & Stackhouse (Professional Business Award) and Rotary Club of Pensacola (Non-Governmental Organization).

“We are extremely honored to receive this award,” said Reid Rushing, President of Beck Partners’ Insurance Division. “It is one of our company’s top priorities to be involved in the community and make a difference.”

Junior Achievement programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.

Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who have made a significant impact in our local free enterprise system, and ultimately, the community. Laureates are recognized for a lifetime of achievement, and business awards are presented to distinguish individuals for the prior year’s accomplishments.

Sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer 222 2

inweekly.net

news of the weird TAKE THAT, PORTLAND! Seattle's ambitious Office of Arts & Culture has allocated $10,000 this year to pay a poet or writer to create a work while present on the city's Fremont Bridge drawbridge. The office's deputy director told the Seattle PostIntelligencer in January that the city wants to encourage "public art" and that the grant will oblige the recipient to create a work of prose or poetry from the bridge's northwest tower, to help the people of Seattle understand the function of art in the city. (The artist will not be "in residence," for the tower has no running water.)

THE CONTINUING CRISIS The dominantsubmissive lifestyle soared to higher-brow status in February when The New York Times reported on the recent marriage of the celebrated composer of "moody, queasy" works (and compulsive dominant) Georg Friedrich Haas to Mollena Williams, who blogs introspectively about her own kinky bondage as "The Perverted Negress."

Friedrich had introduced himself to her on a dating site with the note, "I would like to tame you," and credits her acceptance for his improved productivity—because, he said, "I am not (any longer) disturbed by unfulfilled thoughts." Although WilliamsHaas is a black woman submitting to a white man, she explained that, "To say I can't play my personal psychodrama out just because I'm black, that's racist."

NEW WORLD ORDER Exasperated, Columbia County (Pennsylvania) District Judge Craig Long felt the need to post a sign outside his courtroom in January informing visitors that they should not wear pajamas to court. However, even Judge Long acknowledged that his admonition was not enforceable and that he was merely trying to encourage minimal standards.

BRIGHT IDEAS The roadside billboard giant Clear Channel Outdoor Americas announced in February that it would soon be recording the cellphone locations of drivers who pass the company's signs in 11 cities in order to give advertisers more information on how to pitch products to people with those particular travel patterns and behaviors. Clear Channel asserts that no individual identifications would be sought, but privacy advocates fret about potential abuses, and even a Clear Channel executive acknowledged that the program "does sound a bit creepy." (On the other hand, as Clear Channel pointed out to The New York Times, cellphone users' locations and characteristics are already being extensively monitored by advertisers.)

NOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS A thenmarried couple, both graduates of elite California law schools, were convicted of felonies and went to jail briefly two years

by Chuck Shepherd

ago for a criminal scheme inexplicably tawdry—and in February 2016 lost a resultant civil lawsuit for $5.7 million to the scheme's victim. A woman at their child's school had referred to the lawyers' son as "slow," enraging Kent Easter (University of California at Berkeley) and then-wife, Jill (UCLA), who retaliated by planting drugs and paraphernalia in Kelli Peters' car and then, a man identified via circumstantial evidence as Kent (with an accent as if from India), called in a DUI tip to police, resulting in Peters' arrest. According to Peters, neither perpetrator has ever expressed remorse, and although Kent admitted to "stupidity," he now complains that Peters does not deserve her windfall (like a "Powerball winner," he said).

CAN'T POSSIBLY BE TRUE Vicky Leyton, 72, announced her retirement recently in Benidorm, Spain, over health concerns, but the lady's 30-year run in her one-of-a-kind, "Sticky Vicky" magic show can hardly be forgotten by the 6 million fans who have witnessed it. Trained as a ballerina but emulating magicians who pull rabbits out of top hats, Vicky extracted an impressive array of items, also—from the body cavity that is occasionally the subject of News of the Weird stories. One review in Spain's El Pais newspaper described a typical inventory: fluffy flags, flowers, ping-pong balls, sausages, eggs, a string of razor blades, a bottle and a light bulb (that was aglow!).

NOTHING MORE TO SEE HERE? Additional Details Needed: (1) Andrew McNeil, 34, was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, in January and charged with disturbing the peace. According to the police report (and lacking follow-up reporting by local news outlets), McNeil was found around 11 p.m. naked and "covered in sawdust." (2) Rob Moore, 32, was arrested for misdemeanor drug possession in Marathon, Florida, in February, but he had only come to police attention when an officer heard him banging on the trunk of his car from the inside.

Without follow-up reporting, Moore's story was that he was looking for something in the trunk, fell in, and couldn't get out.

A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (AUGUST 2011) Unclear on the Concept: A Singaporean army draftee caused a public stir in March (2011) when he was photographed by a visitor as he underwent physical training in army fatigues but with his maid following behind him carrying his backpack on her shoulders. (Army officials told reporters the draftee had since been "counsel(ed).")

From Universal Press Syndicate Chuck Shepherd’s News Of The Weird © 2015 Chuck Shepherd

Send your weird news to Chuck Shepherd, P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, Fla., 33679 or weirdnews@earthlink.net, or go to newsoftheweird.com March 10, 2016

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Independent News | March 10, 2016 | inweekly.net