Independent News | March 2, 2017 | Volume 18 | Number 9 | inweekly.net
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winners & losers
outtakes
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buzz 8
After all, this is a classic with many highly recognizable characters, scenes and songs.
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cover story
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publisher Rick Outzen
art director Richard Humphreys
editor & creative director Joani Delezen
contributing writers Duwayne Escobedo, Jennifer Leigh, C.S. Satterwhite, Chuck Shepherd, Shelby Smithey
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contact us info@inweekly.net
Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materials published in Independent News are copyrighted. Š 2015 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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winners & losers
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ciety received a check for $10,500 to support Relay For Life of Greater Escambia County from Flora-Bama’s annual Super Chili Bowl Cook Off. This year’s event featured 25 teams cooking such delicious varieties as alligator chili, white chicken chili and Irish green chili. Flora-Bama has held the chili cook-off to support Relay For Life for the past 22 years, donating more than $50,000 in that time.
losers ASHTON HAYWARD Federal Judge
Roger Vinson dismissed Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward’s administrator, Eric Olson and HR chief, Ed Sisson, from the lawsuit filed by former Fire Chief Matt Schmitt. Hayward was dismissed in his official capacity, but is still on the line individually. The decision opens a new set of questions about the city charter, legal representation for the City and mayor, possible conflicts of interest, and who negotiates any settlement of the lawsuit.
EDWIN ROBERTS Not only did the Pensacola chiropractor have to undergo surgery in El Paso, Tex. after suffering three gunshot wounds, but investigators no longer believe the tale that Roberts and his hunting guide were shot by illegal Mexican immigrants. According to news reports, the guide shot Roberts in a case of friendly fire. Somehow, the guide was shot by another hunter. Oops. HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE In September 2015, City Councilman Brian Spencer sponsored a human rights ordinance that would have afforded Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) individuals the same civil rights protections as other legally recognized minorities within the city of Pensacola. The council discussed the proposal for five hours in a workshop. Ninety citizens offered their opinions. Since then, the ordinance has disappeared. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville City Council passed a similar one recently.
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outtakes
by Rick Outzen
LOCK AND LOAD FLORIDA If our state lawmakers have their way, guns will be everywhere in Florida by this time next year. The concept of "gun-free" zones will disappear. And inexplicably, the proposed bills are the Republicans' response to the mass killings at the Pulse in Orlando and the Fort Lauderdale airport. The theory appears to be let's try allowing Floridians with concealed-weapons licenses to carry firearms on college and university campuses and into airport terminals and government meetings. What could go wrong? "Why don't we just say in certain situations, let's try it. Let's just try something different for a while, let lawabiding citizens exercise their Second Amendment right," House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, told The News Service of Florida. "I support it all. Until someone can show me one stinking fact, a statistic that says this is worse than the current situation, I absolutely am supportive of it." In June 2016, Orlando was rocked with the shooting deaths of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub, a place my youngest daughter and her fellow University of Central Florida students frequented on weekends. At the first of this year, Florida had to deal with the fatal shooting of five people at Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport. Based on polling and reactions after the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale shootings, most Floridians have come to favor some reasonable
controls on the proliferation of guns. However, the 2017 Legislature has other ideas. In the past, Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami) chaired the Judiciary Committee and was able to block some major pro-gun measures. Diaz de la Portilla was defeated in his re-election campaign last year. His replacement is Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota). Sen. Steube alone has proposed 26 pro-Second Amendment bills and resolutions. His top priorities are HB 6005 that would allow people with concealedweapons licenses to carry firearms on college and university campuses, and SB 618 that would allow people to carry guns in airport terminals. SB 128 would shift the burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors during pre-trial hearings in "stand your ground" self-defense cases. The bill has made it through Florida Senate committees. Michelle Gajda of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America plans to oppose the pro-gun measures, which she has called a "cacophony of horrors." "We don't expect to win every battle, but we will be at every battle, with our evidence, and with our data," Gajda said. "We believe eventually we will prevail and common-sense gun reforms will begin to pass in Florida." I hope she is right. {in} rick@inweekly.net
Based on polling and reactions after the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale shootings, most Floridians have come to favor some reasonable controls on the proliferation of guns.
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2018 MAYOR’S RACE COULD BE TIGHT Inweekly has heard both that he will and that he won’t run again from his friends and supporters. In August 2010, Hayward forced incumbent Mayor Mike Wiggins into a run-off in a four-person race: August 2010 Mayoral Primary Mike Wiggins 37.01 % Ashton Hayward 33.58 % Diane Mack 15.82 % Charles Bare 13.59 % In the November general election, Hayward defeated Wiggins, 52%-49%. Four years ago, Mayor Hayward easily handled political newcomer Donna Clark in his re-election bid, 65%-35%. The mayor spent $152,546 on his re-election effort, outspending his opponent almost five-to-one. Clark only raised $31,396 for her campaign. In contrast, Sheriff David Morgan, who faced three opponents in the GOP primary and one in the November 2016 general election, spent $131,902 in his county-wide race, almost $20,000 less than Hayward. Who might run for mayor next year? The names that have been mentioned include former State Rep. Dee Dee Davis, District 3 County Commissioner Lumon May, District 4
County Commissioner Grover Robinson, Pensacola City Council President Brian Spencer, and pro golfer Bubba Watson. None have filed to run for mayor in 2018 yet. In November, Watson, a co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, told the Associated Press that he would consider running for future political office in Pensacola. “I’ve had a dream,” Watson said. “I moved back in the city limits of Pensacola so one day I can run for mayor.” A week earlier, Robinson had announced that he would not seek a fourth term to his District 4 seat in 2018. He did not rule out running for another political office and said that he had been asked last year to consider running for Congress or State Senate but had turned them down because his passion is to serve locally. “Public service is a calling,” said Robinson. “Locally is where you have the most impact.” His decision to run for mayor hinges on what he hears from the public. Robinson gave no timetable for his decision. According to the Political Matrix survey of most likely voters, the county commissioners have a better chance of giving Hayward a race than the two-time Masters champion. {in}
Who would you vote for?
By Rick Outzen Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward may run into some difficulty if he chooses to run for a third term, according to a recent poll commissioned by Inweekly. Among likely voters residing in the city of Pensacola, Mayor Hayward would garner only 27.9 percent of the votes if the election was held today, according to the Political Matrix survey that was conducted from Feb. 19 through Feb. 21.
This study was conducted via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology. The numbers used were supplied by the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office. Only households who voted at least three out of the last four elections were called. The numbers were randomized upon implementation of the study and 506 completed studies were collected. The margin of error of the study was +/- 4.8 percent. Mayor Hayward has not announced whether he would seek a third term, and
Candidate
Responses
Ashton Hayward Grover Robinson Lumon May Bubba Watson Dee Dee Davis Brian Spencer Undecided
141 100 91 45 44 39 46
Percentage
27.9% 19.8% 18.0% 8.9% 8.7% 7.7% 9.1%
In the analysis by City Council Districts, Mayor Hayward performed best in District 4, where he lives.
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Candidate
District 1
District 2
District 3
Ashton Hayward Grover Robinson Lumon May Bubba Watson Dee Dee Davis Brian Spencer Undecided
27.8% 18.1% 13.9% 13.9% 5.6% 6.9% 13.9%
25.5% 27.3% 16.4% 10.9% 9.1% 3.6% 7.3%
28.0% 25.8% 10.8% 11.8% 8.6% 7.5% 7.5%
District 4
33.3% 24.7% 10.8% 4.3% 8.6% 6.5% 11.8%
District 5
District 6
District 7
23.2% 8.9% 35.7% 3.6% 7.1% 10.7% 10.7%
31.2% 11.2% 25% 8.8% 8.8% 10.0% 5.0%
21.1% 19.3% 21.1% 8.8% 14.0% 8.8% 7.0% inweekly.net
SOLUTIONS TO BEACH TRAFFIC PROBLEMS?
By Duwayne Escobedo You know the drill. It's a sunny, clear day. You think, "Let's go to Pensacola Beach!" The problem: thousands of your neighbors have the same idea. While the traffic won't be Blue Angel Air Show bad, you can expect it to be bumper-to-bumper. The five-member Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has worked on improving traffic flow that has plagued the beach for years to no avail, so far. They debated the latest solutions at a public hearing Thursday in the Escambia County commission chamber attended by about 30 beach residents and property owners. Volkert, a Mobile-based firm that is a leading provider of transportation and infrastructure engineering services, presented three alternatives for consideration. The three options included a roundabout where the current stop light exists at the intersection of Via de Luna and Fort Pickens with pedestrian walkways at ground level. The other two options included elevated walkways or underpasses for pedestrians. Volkert estimated the cost to Escambia County taxpayers at $15-$20 million. Commissioners plan to select a plan at their Committee of the Whole session on March 9. March 2, 2017
Volkert's presentation sparked a widerange of opinions among locals and commissioners on the plans, on the toll booth, on U.S. Highway 98 through Gulf Breeze that leads to the Bob Sikes Bridge and even on financing the steep cost. Chris Sherman's two-cents for commissioners was "good luck." He has lived at Pensacola Beach for 57 years. Even on a normal weekend, he and other beach residents prepare by stocking up on Thursdays on their "scotch, beer and toilet paper," Sherman said. "There is nothing you can do about it," he said. "You just have to live with it." That's not good enough for Commissioner Grover Robinson IV, whose District 4 includes the beach. He prefers the three underpasses – two crossing Via de Luna to Casino Beach and one going under Fort Pickens to Casino Beach. It would require the road to be raised a few feet to accommodate the underpass. He also likes removing the stop light at the beach and replacing it with a roundabout, which Volkert engineers said can move twice as many vehicles as a traffic signal.
"You have to separate pedestrians from the road," Robinson said. "It's a huge safety issue." Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said he was not sold on the roundabout, but "I love underpasses." Some residents were not so sure about roundabouts. Barry Goodson, a beach resident since 1957, questioned putting in the roundabout. Studies show about 70 percent of beach visitors come from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. "If you put roundabouts out there, you will have to train the people of Escambia County how to use them," he said. "They don't even know how to yield, and that's a fact." Fred Jackson, another island resident, said the roundabout is too costly of a solution for the three or four times a year when traffic is heavy. "A traffic circle may be the solution, but it's a very expensive solution," he said. "Let's hire a lot of traffic control officers to manage traffic during peak hours." Scott Evans asserted the idea that roundabouts would increase safety is false. "Bicyclists will take it on the nose and face a lot of accidents in a traffic circle situation," he said.
“If you put roundabouts out there, you will have to train the people of Escambia County how to use them.” Barry Goodson
Meanwhile, the crowd attending the public hearing was split on ways to upgrade to the toll booth. Some suggested removing the toll, which is one of the biggest impediment to traffic flowing smoothly. Others believed it would be better to lower the toll to 50 cents and automate the toll booths by creating baskets again in which drivers can throw change into. Others recommended that the cost shift from tolls to paid parking. And some argued tolls should be raised to $2-$5 per vehicle. Beach resident Bill McMillan recommended charging $10 for people to park at the beach. "We choke at that toll facility. It's ugly," McMillan said. "How about no toll? I've paid for parking at every beach I've been to." However, the county is still paying off its bond for the widening of Via de Luna to four lanes, and the loan is tied to the nearly $3.5 million in annual revenues the toll booth collects. The county is also working with Gulf Breeze and the Florida Department of Transportation to improve the exchange from U.S. Highway 98 to the road leading to Bob Sikes Bridge for traffic coming from both the east and the west. The plan includes creating four additional surface parking spaces that would cost an extra $1.25 million or add a parking garage that would increase the cost to as much as $7 million. The proposed parking plan calls for: • 167 surface parking spaces near the Pensacola Beach fire station for $420,000; • 106 surface parking spaces behind the sheriff's sub-station for $510,000; • 16 surface parking spaces at the former visitor's information center for $40,000; • 108 surface parking spaces at the Santa Rosa Island office for $270,000; or • Or instead of surface parking at the SRIA office a parking garage that would add 92 spaces per deck and cost about $1.4 million per level. Volkert also examined alternative transit to the beach. It would change the hours of operation of the current beach trolley to better match ridership, adjust the months of operation to improve peak season coverage, modify the schedule or route to accommodate a new ferry from Pensacola, split the current route to improve coverage times, and extend the trolley service off the island to possible nearby large parking lots in Gulf Breeze. Commission chairman Doug Underhill said traffic is the price for living in "paradise." "It's a cost 99.9-percent of people would be perfectly willing to pay," Underhill said. Despite receiving lots of criticism, Robinson was unapologetic about commissioners continually trying to solve Pensacola Beach traffic woes because "it's the largest public park we own." {in} 7
SAVE CARPENTERS CREEK TOWN HALL
George Sanders recalled as a 5-year-old boy learning to swim on Carpenters Creek. The 80-year-old said there were four crystal clear swimming holes to choose from. "There were swimming holes all up and down that creek," he said. "You could dive into that creek and drink it as you swam." Sanders was one of about 80 residents who attended District 2 Pensacola City Council member Sherri Myers' town hall meeting on Feb. 21. Residents sat at round tables at Cokesbury United Methodist Church's Asbury Place and brainstormed more than 30 improvements they would like to see to restore the now trashed and polluted waterway. Ideas included restoring the 4.5-mile urban Carpenters Creek that empties into Bayou Texar by having the city or county buy property, convincing private owners along the stream to agree to conservation easements, restoring the natural habitat and cleaning up trash that plagues it. In fact, Escambia County is in the process of spending $125,000 to buy property that includes a more than 8-acre pond at the Carpenters Creek headwaters. And supporters of
restoration have held major cleanups regularly with the next one scheduled March 25 behind the old Staples office supply store on the south side of Airport Boulevard. In addition, Laurie Murphy, with Emerald CoastKeepers, started the Carpenters Creek Foundation to raise money for land purchases. District 4 Escambia County Commissioner Grover Robinson, who attended the meeting, has put the project on the county's list for RESTORE Act funding from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill money. Citizens were told to come up with what they would like to see if money was no object. They suggested an educational building talking about the Carpenter Creek habitat, hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayaking launches, a disc golf course, public art, a reality TV show on saving the creek, creating places to fish and swim again, and putting up signage identifying the waterway where bridges cross it. Myers said she plans to employ the ideas to develop a strategic plan and ordinance for Carpenters Creek to make it a greenway once again. "We're going to restore it and leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren," Myers said.
Marilyn Wolfe whose backyard sits on the banks of the creek remembered playing in it as a child. She has removed a boat, other garbage and says homeless use it now but Wolfe hopes to enjoy it again one day. "I'd like to see a walkway through it, especially along the residential sides," she said. If you would like to get involved with Carpenters Creek, visit facebook.com/savecarpentercreek/.
CITY TOUTS VAULTS Neither Pensacola
Mayor Ashton Hayward nor his staff attended the Save Carpenters Creek Town Hall. Instead, City Hall created a video, "Stormwater Management - Carpenters Creek," three weeks ago. In the video, City Public Works Director Derek Owens explained how vaults have been installed to remove sediment and materials before stormwater reaches ponds and creeks. City Public Information Officer Vernon Stewart pointed out that the stormwater vaults were an "essential" recommendation from a study published in May 2000. Paid for by the stormwater utility fee, the City has 21 such vaults that serve Carpenters Creek.
"These vaults cost anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the unit type and size," said Stewart. "The money that the city of Pensacola has put towards treating stormwater runoff is starting to have a huge, positive impact." As of Feb. 27, the video had 289 views on YouTube.
ROLLING HILLS LANDFILL DINGED
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent South Palafox Properties LLC, owner of the Rolling Hills Landfill, a notice of violation for a fire on the site in mid-February. On Feb. 13, Escambia County notified DEP that the facility was burning. The owner failed to provide the staff and equipment necessary to implement its emergency contingency plan. Eventually, the county deployed fire crews to put out the fire. DEP revoked Rolling Hills Landfill's permit in 2014, which a court later approved. The state agency began a comprehensive closure of the facility in the fall of 2016. A vast majority of the onsite work has been completed. The fire was not in a portion of the site under remediation. South Palafox Properties was cited for
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Feeling Cheated by Volkswagen Diesel? Did you buy a 2009-2015 VW because you wanted an environmentally friendly car that got great mileage? Recently, VW has admitted they programmed cars to cheat emissions tests so their cars appeared more economical and environmentally friendly. You may have a claim for:
•Diminished value of your car, •Unfair and deceptive advertising and trade practices, •Several other violations and misrepresentations. We are reviewing these cases now at no cost to you. If you have a 2009-2015 Volkswagen diesel or certain 2014-2015 Porsche or Audi diesels, we would be happy to talk to you about your potential claim. Call us now to discuss how you can seek justice for this misrepresentation to you, the innocent consumer.
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accepting yard trash at the facility despite the court order and other violations related to the open burning of yard trash. DEP assessed the owner with a penalty of $10,000.
ECONOMY REBOOT On Monday, Feb. 27, Florida's Great Northwest released its report on a unified vision for future economic development in the Panhandle: "Northwest Florida Forward: A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation." "Our region took a punch to the gut when the BP oil spill put the brakes to our economic progress, but this strategy points the way forward as we reinforce our strengths and build new areas for success," said Rick Byars, Board Chairman for Florida's Great Northwest and Gulf Power's Community and Economic Development General Manager. "This plan shows how we can work together to create jobs, training, and opportunities for all our residents." Five key strategies released in the press announcement: 1. Creating a regional workforce by training prospective employees to meet the needs of
March 2, 2017
Northwest Florida employers; leveraging military talent in the area; and establishing employer-driven workforce training for students and adults. 2. Boosting the growth of key industry clusters, like aerospace and defense, financial services, water transportation, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, and promoting Northwest Florida's industry and workforce competitiveness. 3. Collaborating across the region to address shared infrastructure needs and develop sites, particularly in rural areas, to accommodate business expansions and relocations. 4. Developing the region's entrepreneurial hubs and connect them with industry clusters and networks, as well as establish commercialization tools and programs. 5. Encouraging vibrant downtown areas and new town centers, promoting mixeduse developments, and investing in amenities and infrastructure in underserved communities. Five councils—talent, business vitality, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and innovation, and quality of life—led by busi-
ness leaders will guide implementation of the strategy. "We designed this regional strategy to be a framework for prioritizing projects so everyone in Northwest Florida benefits," Byars said. "This plan underscorºes the importance of a regional approach to build a diverse and vibrant regional economy now and for generations to come." See plan at NorthwestFloridaForward.com.
CHAMBER ANGST Last week, the Greater
Pensacola Chamber sent out a position statement in support of Enterprise Florida, the Small Business Development Center Network and VISIT Florida. Todd Thomson, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Chamber, stated in the release: "We have unique challenges in Northwest Florida and believe that the elimination of these programs would dramatically hinder future progress in our region." That same day, State Rep. Clay Ingram, the Chamber's CEO, and President, voted for the House bill to eliminate those state agencies, which caused some consternation among Chamber members. Associated Press political reporter Gary Fi-
neout noticed the inconsistency and posted on Twitter: "So this is confusing: Rep. Clay Ingram voted today to kill Ent. Fla & slash Visit Fla. $$. Yet he's CEO of an organization opposed to bill." The following day, Rep. Ingram called Inweekly to explain his vote. "As chair of the House Appropriations Transportation and Tourism Subcommittee, I have had oversight of Enterprise Florida for past three years," he said Ingram. "Every time we've tried to get them to make changes in their operations, we've gotten push back. It has been frustrating." Since there was no companion bill in the Florida Senate, Ingram wasn't sure what will happen if the full House passes the bill next month, but he hoped Enterprise Florida would begin to pay attention to House recommendations on how the agency can be more accountable and transparent. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott sent a tweet thanking the Pensacola chamber for supporting Enterprise Florida: "Thank you @PcolaChamber for fighting for Florida jobs- see release in support of @EnterpriseFL & @VISITFLORIDA." {in}
9
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Local progressives stand in solidarity with national protests Article & Photos By C.S. Satterwhite
On Nov. 8, 2016, American voters elected Donald J. Trump as the 45th president of the United States. Within hours, the protests began—and they show no signs of stopping. Political protests are a part of the culture of the United States and have been since the founders encased the freedom to petition the government in the U.S. Constitution. In case you’ve forgotten, the First Amendment reads as follows: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. In short, you can pray and protest how you like, just don’t hurt anyone. This basic freedom, number one in the Bill of Rights, is often taken for granted. March 2, 2017
Not today, though. Over the past month alone, numerous major protests took place throughout the country and globe, and Pensacola is no exception. Since the inauguration of President Trump on Jan. 20, executive orders, cabinet appointments, and even random tweets have been keeping activists on their toes. For example, the president’s executive orders calling for an exclusion of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries stoked fears of a “Muslim Ban”—this sent people to the streets. Another executive order called for the construction of a physical wall between the United States and Mexico—this too sent people to the streets. Yet another executive order called for the expedited review of environmental impact on high-priority infrastructure projects, largely seen as a “green light” for the contentious
Dakota Access Pipeline Project—this also sent people to the streets. For activists across the nation, the last four weeks have been busy and many organizers are actively preparing for the next four years to be just as busy. As national protests garner news coverage, the local activist scene appears to be exploding at the same rate.
“IF IT’S HAPPENING IN PENSACOLA, IT’S HAPPENING EVERYWHERE”
Just a quick role call of the more significant local protests as of late: •Jan. 21 The Pensacola Women’s March brought an estimated 2,000 people out during a lightning storm to rally for the equal rights of women. The Pensacola march and rally lasted hours,
with speakers and marchers braving a torrential downpour in solidarity with millions of marchers across the globe, including an estimated 500,000 in Washington, DC. •Jan. 29 President Trump signed his executive order halting the travel of immigrants and refugees from the countries of Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia— despite legal status—for at least 90 days. Trump signed this order on a Friday. Two days later, thousands protested across the nation, including hundreds of Pensacolians in front of the Pensacola International Airport. Several signs read, “No ban, No Wall.” Protesters chanted the new themesong of the movement, originally penned by the 80s punk band MDC and updated to the moment: “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA.” 11
•Feb. 12 Acting against the president’s executive order allowing for the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) to continue, over 100 Pensacolians joined Earth Action in solidarity with Native American activists in Standing Rock, North Dakota, as their month-long protest continued unabated. The march began at Plaza de Luna at the end of Palafox and stopped at the bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in MLK Plaza. Dozens of people came up, most unprompted, to speak against the infringement on indigenous lands, the rights of Native Americans, and the protection of natural resources, including Florida’s own Sabal Trail. •Feb. 16 Dozens of pro-immigrant protesters, including several children, rallied to oppose the attacks against the Latino communities across the nation and in Pensacola. As part of the national “A Day without Immigrants” events, chants of “No More Raids” rose above the honking horns, mostly supportive, of passing traffic as locals held signs in MLK Plaza. Most protested the proposed border wall while addressing the fear within Pensacola's immigrant community. Several sang Woody Guthrie's classic "This Land is Your Land," and ended the event with a prayer. This short list only highlights a few. For a city of Pensacola’s size, the number of protests demonstrates quite a significant turn of events. As is often stated, if it’s happening in Pensacola, it’s happening everywhere. While President Trump’s been busy in Washington and Mar-a-Lago, activists continue to keep pace at breakneck speed. For the causes many activists hold dear, those protesting President Trump are not without reason. Certainly many are still angry about the election outcome, but it’s not about a campaign anymore. A passerby at an Affordable Care Act rally yelled at picketers: “Trump won! Get over it.” Yet these protests are no longer solely about the election. These protests are about the
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president, his policies, his agenda, and the tone set by his administration. What some are calling “The Resistance” has started, and it began with the Women’s March. These are some of the stories behind the local people making up that resistance.
“THIS REGION IS GROUND ZERO FOR TURNING THE POLITICAL TIDE”
Not long after Trump’s election, organizers across the nation planned a major demonstration in Washington, DC, for women’s rights. Billed as the Women’s March on Washington, a diverse coalition of women organized what would be one of the largest protest marches in American history. Thousands of women and allies signed up to take part with busses scheduled to leave from all over the country, including prominent members of the Escambia County Democratic Women’s Club, taking protesters to DC. However, the long drive to DC was not feasible for everyone. “My original plan had been to go to DC for the big march,” said Kelly Bushnell, “but as soon as I saw that Janet [Sallis] registered a sister march here in Pensacola, then the choice was easy.” Pensacola’s sister march took place in conjunction with numerous marches throughout the globe, with Sallis and Bushnell playing the role of key organizers. The weather was terrible. Forecasters predicted intense lightning storms throughout the morning, and they were right. Despite ominous clouds, driving rain, and dangerous lighting, the marchers persisted. Fearing others missed the scheduled march because of the rain, organizer marched a second time as the rain lightened. While hundreds of thousands marched in the nation’s capital, an estimated two thousand marched in Pensacola—soaking wet, but mostly smiling. “I was moved to tears at the Pensacola Women's March to see the surge of energy and camaraderie among people who most often
feel very isolated here,” said Georgia Clarkson Smith. A writer and wife of a Navy veteran, Smith said the energy around the Women’s March reminded her of the 2008 Barack Obama campaign. “The Women's March this year and the swell of foot-to-ground energy really reenergized my passion for direct engagement,” said Smith. Since the Women’s March, Smith has been active behind the scenes of several events. "While grassroots organizing in the South is often overlooked on the national stage," said Smith. "To me, this region is ground zero for turning the political tide."
“THEY ASKED ME TO ORGANIZE IT”
On Jan. 27, President Trump issued a broad executive order halting immigration of hundreds of people from seven predominately-Muslim nations sending shock waves throughout immigrant communities. Immigration officials stopped refugees and legal residents at airports overseas and held others in US airport detention facilities. Within two days, thousands of Americans brought their protests to the airports to stand against the president’s immigration ban. Lawyers went to airports looking for people to assist, and activists created loud demonstrations to show vocal opposition to the president’s anti-immigrant executive order. Although the executive order targeted people from seven Muslim countries, people from many different backgrounds joined in the solidarity protest. Devin Cole, President of Social Trans Initiative, (STRIVE), a transgender rights advocacy group, organized the entire protest in a day. Although not directly affected by the ban, Cole felt “it was necessary to organize the immigration protest because we must all recognize our connections between our oppressions and other people's oppression.” Cole said, “Solidarity is just a word if we do not realize how all oppressed people of all nations are connected.”
Simultaneously, as the airport protest took place, another group of activists with Organizing for Action (OFA) wrote postcards to send to Congress to stop the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and to stop the harassment of immigrants. Many at the political postcard party went straight from one event to the next. Organizers from the Women's March brought postcards, some donated stamps, and drove to the airport for yet another busy weekend. For those who stepped off the airplanes, they were greeted by hundreds of people chanting “No hate. No fear. Immigrants are welcome here.” The protesters signs read “Make America Humane Again” and “Respect and Dignity for All.” “I spoke with someone a few weeks ago,” said Cole “that mentioned how the privileged liberals who had previously ignored all of the oppression under Obama's administration…are finally starting to come around because now it affects them.” While clearly not a fan of the president, Cole holds a more nuanced position towards politicians in general. For Cole, the protests weren't specifically about President Trump, but about larger issues. “They [liberals] are afraid, but those of us who are working class, who are oppressed no matter who the president is, we're past the point of being scared,” said Cole. “We’re used to it.” One of those who attended the airport protest knows very well the plight of immigrants, especially those under detention. Grace McCaffery is businessperson and community activist within Pensacola’s growing Latino community. After the election, McCaffery organized a forum to discuss the rapid rise of hate crimes against immigrants. A decade before, McCaffery helped organize one of the largest protests in Pensacola memory to support the relatively new Latino immigrant community, many of whom first arrived to rebuild the city in the days following Hurricane Ivan. As the national call for a "Day Without Immigrants" strike carried over to Spanish inweekly.net
language media, similar to the calls a decade earlier, many turned to McCaffery for help. “People from our Latino immigrant community wanted to do something since many were planning on participating in the 'Day Without Immigrants'," said McCaffery. Publisher of the regional Latino newspaper La Costa Latina, McCaffery said many immigrants pledged to close their businesses, stay home from work, and not send their children to school. The idea was that this boycott would send a message about the role of immigrants in American communities. “While the national boycott called for immigrants to stay home, they [Pensacola’s Latino immigrant community] wanted to demonstrate their activism publicly,” said McCaffery. “So they asked me to organize it.” The purpose of the rally was to show immigrants “play a vital role in our communities and our economy and deserve to be respected,” said McCaffery. Organizers also wanted to bring attention to Central American refugees, currently being held in U.S. detention facilities, but cannot return to their homes for fear of violence. “They deserve to be free,” said McCaffery. Since President Trump’s first political speech of the 2016 campaign, Mexico and Mexicans have been a frequent target of his rhetoric. Often the negative information spread about Mexican immigrants, especially the undocumented, is based on wild generalizations and falsehoods. Participants in the Day without Immigrants rally held signs in English and Spanish, carried Mexican and American flags, and prayed in English and in Spanish. “Many people, even those people who support immigrants, lack education about the plight, process, and people of undocumented immigrant communities," said McCaffery. The purpose of the rally was to demonstrate the strength and determination of Pensacola's Latino immigrant community. Although far from a scientific study, most passers-by offered positive reinforcement with thumbs up and honks of support.
“THIS INVASION WAS HAPPENING ONLY A FEW HOURS AWAY”
As news of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests traveled around the globe, several local organizers set up vigils and protests. Under the Obama administration, the protests appeared to pay off, and the project temporarily halted. However, one of the first executive orders signed by President Trump was to remove barriers to the pipeline allowing for its speedy completion. Within days, national protests resumed, including Pensacola. Another similar pipeline issue, which garnered less news coverage, is taking place closer to home. In response, several locals have taken the Florida version of DAPL—the Sabal Trail pipeline project—as their cause. On Jan. 15, Frances Dunham and her husband Allan Peterson traveled to Suwanee Springs, Florida, near Live Oak to join a mass civil disobedience against the Sabal Trail pipeline project. The Sabal Pipeline is a 515-mile project that would move through Georgia, Alabama, and Florida carrying natural gas under the Suwanee River. March 2, 2017
As the water-protectors of the Standing Rock Sioux fought against the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Sabal Trail water-protectors carry a similar fight in Florida. Dunham and Peterson decided to travel to the encampment near Live Oak after watching the news about the Dakota Access Pipeline coming from Standing Rock. "It was something we could do," Peterson said about their rationale for traveling for the protest. "DAPL was too far away, and this invasion was happening only a few hours away." For this particular demonstration, Dunham and Peterson joined activists from the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, Black Lives Matter, Veterans for Peace, and many others. Peterson described the protest as large, many people carrying banners, with Native Americans chanting and giving speeches. He also described a police presence as an "unbelievable force, lining both sides of the entrance to the drill site." Despite the tension, Peterson described the mood of the water-protectors as very positive. “There was a sense of optimism and solidarity in a righteous cause,” said Peterson. “Many of the younger people had been camped out for days in preparation. There was also anxiety in the face of such an overwhelming trooper presence.” Approximately a thousand people joined the Sabal Trail water-protectors with several arrests for practicing non-violent civil disobedience against the pipeline project. Dunham went to show support for the water protectors, as well as to show her general opposition to pipelines, “especially under rivers.” A long-time environmental activist in Escambia County, Frances Dunham spent considerable time fighting companies and the government to protect the health of the residents of Escambia County going back decades. “We Americans tend to be easily distracted and manipulated,” said Dunham, “but lately I’m seeing a great deal of promise in the strengthening unity and mutual support between disparate groups and causes.” “I love to see examples like Black Lives Matter activists and veterans with the hundreds of tribes at Standing Rock,” said Dunham. “If the people lead, the leaders will follow.”
munity while showcasing many talented poets and singers. It was part of a larger weekend of events called FemFest Pensacola. Though Morrissette’s event was cultural, as the 1970s feminist mantra states: the personal is political. “All of the organizing I have been doing before Womanhood in Lavender,” said Morrissette, “led up to being able to empower and celebrate black women that have been supporting and encouraging and doing this work with me.” Due in part to the election and the new-found interest in feminism, as well as the intersections between marginalized groups, Morrissette sees growing interest in “the plight of black womanhood.” On the other hand, she still sees “a great bit of silencing and ‘whitesplaining’ happening, much like before the election.” Yet Womanhood in Lavender aimed to bring several worlds together “to discuss the complexities of life as a Black woman,” said Morrissette. "This celebration was also a time for learning and love, and we were able to raise $300 that went towards the Rape Crisis Center while doing it," said Morrissette. "The moment has been continuous and has opened the door for more platforms to shout the message of revolutionary love and education.”
“There was a sense of optimism and solidarity in a righteous cause.” Allan Peterson
“A DISPLAY OF OUR STRUGGLE”
Since abolitionists wrote poems about the horrors of the slave trade, poetry and resistance movements went hand-in-hand. Hailey Morrissette, the community service director for Black Women’s Empowerment, began organizing Womanhood in Lavender was “a display of our struggle and the layers of our humanity to be celebrated.” Morrissette described Black women as being “flattened into a monolith.” Morrissette wanted to change that singular vision of Black women through an expression of the arts. Held at one of Pensacola’s newest venues, Chizuko, in the historic Belmont-Devilliers district, Womanhood in Lavender hoped to encourage and support Black women in the com-
GAETZ TOWN HALL
In the November election, Matt Gaetz easily beat his Democratic opponent by a wide margin. Representing most of the Florida Panhandle in the U.S. Congress, Gaetz replaced Jeff Miller and joined a conservative trend for this area in congressional representation going back at least two decades. As the first congressional recess was known for some time, his plan to hold a town hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 24 in conservative Santa Rosa County was probably the last place someone might see an eruption of anger at the freshman member of Congress. After all, he won by over 60 percent of the vote, was only in office for a few weeks, and he was in friendly territory.
But weeks prior, organizers across the country saw the congressional town hall meetings schedule during the recess as prime opportunity to bring their grievances directly to their representatives. Northwest Florida was no exception. A group of former congressional aides and Washington insiders created a training manual, so to speak, which used their experiences in the capitol during the rise of the Tea Party to let activists know what worked in that approach. The intent was to use the same tactics but come from the other side aisle. The group was named Indivisible. As word of Indivisible chapters springing up across the country became national news, locals downloaded their book, met, and strategized. As with many other activist organizations in Pensacola, there was strong cross-pollination between various groups. Panhandle Progressives, Escambia County Democratic Women's Club, StrongerTogether, Organizing for Action—to name a few—strategized through meetings and conference calls. What happened was simple: they organized. Congressperson Gaetz further stoked emotions through his call to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This call, in particular, seemed to draw the greatest ire from those in his district concerned about the environment, especially following the BP Oil Spill and in light of numerous federal superfund sites throughout the area. To many, the freshman congressperson seemed out of touch. As news of protests spread, so-called militia members from Santa Rosa County and Bikers for Trump taunted organizers online. Gaetz’s social media friendship with militia members, and his courting of armed supporters, drew concern among many and made national news. If the threat of armed supporters kept people from attending, others apparently came out in spite of the threat. Hundreds of protesters greeted Gaetz throughout the day, with the most vocal appearing at his official town hall meeting at Oops Bowling Alley in Pace. From the second he walked in the room to the moment he left, citizens from all walks of life—veterans, doctors, professors, fellow Republicans—spoke to issues ranging from the Affordable Care Act, the EPA, the Russians, and President Trump’s taxes. 13
Few obvious supporters, at least in the Oops town hall meeting, participated. Bushnell of StrongerTogether said, “My biggest takeaway from the Gaetz town hall was that he doesn't have as many actual supporters as he thinks.” She later said his proposed policies, like the abolition of the EPA and Department of Education, appeared to have little support. “We all know that you only need a pulse to be elected as a Republican in this district, but that doesn't mean people actually support him,” said Bushnell. Election results may challenge Bushnell’s assertion, but the town hall at Oops Alley demonstrated Northwest Florida’s progressive community was alive and well. For many, the question is about political identity in what they see as troubling times. Smith described being a "blue dot in a red district" [as] a double-edged sword." The feelings of isolation as an “ideological minority can be disempowering, [but] events like our local Women's March and the increasingly vocal engagement with the Gaetz Town Hall and local politics have helped me to recognize what a deeply
important role grassroots activism plays in more divided regions of the South.” “I talked to so many people at the Women’s March and the Gaetz town hall this week who tell me they had never been involved in anything political before,” said Smith, “but they felt they couldn’t stay home anymore.” Others organized for more personal reasons. Morrissette described her reasons for holding events and speaking are for “my children, my community, and my own life.” She continued, “It seems selfish, but I want to be able to experience the metaphorical ‘Promise Land.’ “I am raising two black boys who I want to live as free as they can,” she said, “and most days just seeing people smiling and surviving while knowing what they go through day to day, it makes me want to make the world better for them. It makes me want to make the world better for them.” After the Gaetz Town Hall event, the energy among the progressives was palpable. “I’m so proud of what this community has accomplished in the first month since the inauguration,” said Bushnell. “I see these direct actions continuing in the form of marches and protest, and also less visible but equally important actions like calling and writing our representatives. Organizations like StrongerTogether and OFA and Indivisible and STRIVE will continue to plan events proactively which show progressive values are still alive and well in Northwest Florida and benefit everyone,” said Bushnell.
NO SIGNS OF STOPPING
Since the Gaetz town hall, at least two more protests took place. Panhandle Progressives organized a rally on the corner of Ninth and Bayou to stop the repeal of the ACA, which drew two dozen people on a Saturday afternoon. The following day, STRIVE organized the Rally for Transgender Students on Sunday, Feb. 26 to stand against the Trump administration’s order to allow transgender bathroom policies in public schools to be decided on a state-by-state basis. According to STRIVE’s Facebook page, “As trans people, we say no to a transphobic government that has consistently kept us repressed, since even before Trump, but now more than ever, we must fight back against this.” Two dozen people joined STRIVE for the protest, pulled together on short notice. As members of STRIVE stood around the bust of Martin Luther King and gave speeches about equality and the rights of oppressed peoples, they stood in the same place where dozens spoke against the attacks on Native American rights a few weeks prior. Shortly before that, Food Not Bombs gave food to the homeless, and the Episcopal Peace Fellowship held a vigil against the death penalty. If the last month was any indication of what to expect from Pensacola’s progressive community, the bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. is going to see a lot more action in the coming weeks, months, maybe even years. {in}
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WEEK OF MARCH 2-9
Arts & Entertainment art, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...
The Fairest of Them All by Jennifer Leigh
so much fun to capture. Eliza's newfound Caro says "My Fair Lady" is "truly the sense of confidence (in Act II) is incredibly standard of old-style musicals." She credits that to Alan Jay Lerner, who wrote the book liberating to her as a character and exhilarating to me as an actress to portray." and lyrics and Frederick Loewe, who wrote While Hepburn is an inspiration for Jacobs the music for the original 1956 production. in more than one way—she said the actress "They are one of the best examples of has been a "muse" of hers for years—her porthe inter-relationship between composer trayal of Eliza is as much her own. and lyricist," she said. "For instance, the "I would like to think that my rendition songs that were written for Henry Higgins will be unique to my performance in order were specifically written with the idea that to authentically deliver to our audiences his character would be more of an actor, when we open," she said. "I have found rather than a singer. Another example is inspiration from both Julie Andrews' stage the variety that happens when you have two classes of people. This appeals to many types of audiences. There are upper-crust waltzes with the ‘proper' accent, an English music hall Cockney drinking type song, as well as Eliza's songs that show her emotional attitude." Another highlight of the show is the costumes by Sue-Sue Sherrill, said Caro. "Cockneys in greens, browns and plum, the Ascot Races where everyone is in elegant whites, grays, and black. Then gorgeous gowns and colorful large brimmed ladies rendition and Audrey Hepburn's film adaphats for another scene," she said. "The attation, but have primarily drawn upon my tention to detail is stunning." own life experiences and study of Eliza to When it comes to casting a well-known make my character lovable and my perforand well-loved show, it can be a challenge mance memorable." to not only fit the right fit but multi-talentMany fans of "My Fair Lady" will likely ed actors who can sing and dance. For "My be in the audience on opening night, but Fair Lady," they also have to handle British that doesn't add pressure to the cast and accents, said Rhodes. crew who have been rehearsing since Janu"We needed them to be able to carry ary 4. In fact, Caro said, "just excitement two very iconic roles and be believable," and anticipation." she said. "We were very lucky to have Ma"Really, a lot of hard work goes into any rio Cieri and Michaela Jacobs audition and live theater production," said Smith. "A fit perfectly into those roles." musical is like a quilt...so many pieces and Cieri will play Henry Higgins, the proparts that get sewn together to make one fessor of phonetics, who gives speech lesbig beautiful piece of art. And I think we sons to the Cockney-accented Eliza Doolittle have made a good one." {in} in hopes of turning her into a lady. Michaela Jacobs will follow in the footsteps of Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn. However, the first time Jacobs watched "My Fair Lady," as a 12-year-old girl she wasn't a fan, she WHAT: 7:30 p.m. March 3-4, 9-11, 17-18 and 3 said citing the ambiguous ending. p.m. March 5,12 and 19. That, of course, has changed, which WHERE: Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. is why she auditioned for the part. Jefferson St. "Oh, what fun Eliza is to play COST: $12-$30 and truly become every night," DETAILS: pensacolalittletheatre.com Jacobs said. "She is a free-spirit
“A musical is like a quilt...so many pieces and parts that get sewn together to make one big beautiful piece of art. And I think we have made a good one.” Julie Smith
Everyone remembers being charmed by Audrey Hepburn the first time they saw the film, "My Fair Lady." Now, the timeless musical will be performed on the Pensacola Little Theatre stage. "Carla (Rhodes) and I have always wanted to bring the story to life in a way that will thoroughly entertain our audiences and also be a positive and uplifting experience for our cast and crew as well," said Julie Smith, who is co-directing the production with Rhodes. "When we first met and talked about our ideas and vision, it was very important to us to stay as true as possible to the original. After all, this is a classic with many highly recognizable characters, scenes, and songs." Indeed, "My Fair Lady" was a hit from its first Broadway production in 1956 when Julie Andrews played the lead role of the Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle. It's a beloved piece that stands the test of time, said Rhodes. March 2, 2017
"I think the play it was based on (‘Pygmalion') is a pretty universal theme—how can you change who you are to get more out of life?" Rhodes explained. "But I think ‘My Fair Lady' is remembered not just for the storyline, but for the amazing music. The songs are catchy and fun as well as touching and beautiful." As the musical director, Ginger Caro works with the cast on their musical numbers such as "Get Me to the Church on Time," and "Wouldn't it be Loverly,'" two of which she counts as her favorites in the show. "'Get Me to The Church on Time' is upbeat and involves many cast members," she said. "Michael Dennis is one of the best choreographers in Pensacola, and this song has a wonderful dance routine. In truth, I love all the dance numbers. The ensemble singing and dance routines are so strong; I love watching them as I conduct. It puts a huge smile on my face."
MY FAIR LADY
with such a pure heart. Her sense of humor and boisterous nature is
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film
by C.S. Satterwhite
Local Film, Local Cinema
For two days only, Treehouse Cinema will host Steven McMillan's latest featurelength film "Overdrive/Minorparadox" which stars a cast of local actors and was shot mostly in Pensacola. Produced by Swindle Films, "Overdrive/ Minorparadox" is about Henry Sellers, a slightly uncomfortable man who works for a secret government agency whose mission is to keep tabs on inventors and, on occasion, confiscate various machines. Through his work for the government, Sellers comes across a time machine and uses it to travel back through various parts of his life. Shot in black and white with a cast of familiar faces—especially for those who frequent
Treehouse Cinema—McMillan's film showcases local talent in a film exploring shady government agencies, technology, and our deepest memories. Shot over the past year, McMillan's film uses light and striking imagery, along with a haunting soundtrack provided by Nail Club to fill the background with as much silence as to create an atmosphere of suspense from the film's opening shots to its sudden close. Technology has recently placed the basic tools of the filmmaking trade into the average person's hands, but there still remains a mysterious aspect to the art. For McMillan, filmmaking is as much about the art as it is about demystification. "There is still some sort of mystery to making a movie, and this bothers me," said the filmmaker. McMillan plays in various punk bands and compares the DIY ethos of punk to film. "It's no more difficult to make a movie than to write some songs, get a band together, and go on tour," said McMillan. "I don't mean to say those things are easy or easy to do well, but it's no more difficult than making a movie," he said. "Depending on what kind of movie one is making, it's more difficult to start a band." "For punks," said McMillan, "we have been making music for ourselves, books for ourselves, and radio for ourselves, but movies are still a little untouchable and I'd like to see this changed." Although the film is not directly about punk, McMillan described his work as com-
"Treehouse has been really great during ing from punk culture. For those familiar this whole process," said McMillan. "From with ‘80s punk film, "Overdrive/Minorparawhen we were working on breaking the story dox" will feel familiar. in the office to when we were rehearsing in the McMillan's bandmate Sara Taylor plays lobby… Now we're showing it there." a minor role in the beginning of the film but While McMillan uses punk and art cinema contributes a musical score which lends to the to explain the genesis of the film, the indepenfilm's heavy and brooding tone. dent Gulf Breeze theater itself is also in the "This is actually my third film with Steve," background, figuratively and literally at times. Taylor said. "In a lot of ways this movie, for me, embodShe plays keyboard in the local band Nail ies the idea of Treehouse, which sometimes Club with McMillan. feels like us against the world." "My input is that I will always create," McMillan worked at Treehouse Cinema said Taylor. "I am influenced by others only in for several years the same mind and has a keen frames and time appreciation for signatures… the role indeSteve sees somependent theaters thing that I can't play in the world necessarily see, of movies. Not and his vision is only did the staff nuclear." help write the Because of screenplay, but Taylor's contriseveral workbutions, the film ers are featured is as much a prominently in the movie, including the main visual experience as an auditory venture. character Henry Sellers, played by Tom Nolan. "Getting to help with the soundtrack "Treehouse is also the [only] cinema in was a relief," said Taylor. "I hope I accomtown to show this kind of movie," said McMilplished the goal of setting a mood of the lan. "These movies are never the ones that get soundtrack." the butts in the seats, but it's enough to have The mood of the film is dark, despite bright them there and to have that option. That opnatural lighting. The heavy electronic pulse, tion is important whether it's Open Books or coupled with the humming vibrations and Treehouse or what Sluggos used to be." {in} long silences, move into the brain as the main character explores his past through the stolen machine. McMillan lists filmmakers Jean-Luc Godard, John Sturges, and Rod Serling as his inWHAT: A movie by local filmmaker Steven McMillan fluences, all of which are clear WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 3 and Saturday, from the beginning to the end March 4 of his artistic endeavor. WHERE: Treehouse Cinema, 1175 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. As an artist, McMillan's COST: Free, but donations will be accepted choice to premier his film at DETAILS: facebook.com/treehousecinema Treehouse Cinema was obvious for a number of reasons.
“In a lot of ways this movie, for me, embodies the idea of Treehouse, which sometimes feels like us against the world.” Steven McMillan
“OVERDRIVE//MINORPARADOX”
Let’s Wine!
Free Wine Tasting Every Thursday AWM 5pm - 7pm
27 S. 9th Ave. | 850•433•9463 AragonWineMarket.com 616 1
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calendar THURSDAY 3.2
WORK ON FLORIDA TRAIL 8 a.m. Regular meet
up of Western Gate Florida Trail Association to work on National Scenic Trail and side trail. Meet at Blackwater River Forestry Center, 11650 Munson Highway. meetup. com/ftawesterngate LA LECHE LEAGUE 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org. WINE TASTING AT AWM 5 p.m. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. 9th Ave. aragonwinemarket.com AUSTRIAN WINE DINNER 6 p.m. $85 person. Union Public House, 309 S. Reus St. unionfl. com LATIN DANCE LESSONS AND PARTY 6:30-9 p.m. $10. Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachata and more. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. 503-1123. $10. dancecraftfl.com HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 7 p.m. $21-$100. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com ATTILA 7 p.m. $18-$20. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com UWF SINGERS AND CHAMBER CHOIR SHOWCASE CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Free, but tickets
required. University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway. uwf.edu 2017 DANCE PENSACOLA 9 p.m. Dance competition. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com
FRIDAY 3.3
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR YOUR GARDEN 1011:30 a.m. Free. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org WINE TASTING 5-7 p.m. Free. City Grocery, 2050 N. 12th Ave. HAPPY HOUR COOK OUTS 5 p.m. Drink specials, free cookout. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com VINYASA YOGA FLOW 6-7p.m. Free. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org
HANDS-ON DINNER CLASS: PESCATARIAN PAD THAI 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50. SoGourmet, 407-D S.
Palafox. sogourmetpensacola.com
DATE NIGHT DANCING 6:30-8 p.m. $15. Learn
the basics of several romantic ballroom and country dance styles in unique group classes that keeps partners together. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. 503-1123. dancecraftfl.com OPEN MIC 7-11 p.m. Single Fin Cafe, 380 N. 9th Ave. facebook.com/singlefincafe TRIBAL SEEDS 7 p.m. $15-$18. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com ICE FLYERS VS. EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS
7:05 p.m. $15-$29. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com MY FAIR LADY 7:30 p.m. $12-$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com AFTER GAME SKATE 9:30 p.m. $9-$12. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com
SATURDAY 3.4
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. March 2, 2017
29TH ANNUAL LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL 8 a.m.-4
p.m. Free. Pensacola State College, Milton Campus, 5988 Highway 90. pensacolastate.edu CLEAN UP WITH OCEAN HOUR 8:45 a.m. Naval Live Oaks Headquarters is on Highway 98 about two miles east of Gulf Breeze on the right. For more information, contact oceanhourfl@gmail.com. PALAFOX MARKET 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques. 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 COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS 9 a.m.-2 p.m. "Eat with the Seasons." Palafox Market. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, N. Palafox. palafoxmarket.com DEBBY’S KITCHEN: CHICKEN DIVAN 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $10-$15. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org ADOPTIONS ON THE SQUARE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cordova Square, 4400 Bayou Blvd. FOOD TRUCK RALLY 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society of Pensacola. Plaza De Luna, S. Palafox.
GIVEAWAY: HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017
SEVILLE QUARTER GUMBO YA YA COOK-OFF
4 p.m. $10. Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. sevillequarter.com ICE FLYERS VS. EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS
7:05 p.m. $15-$29. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: MAHLER SYMPHONY NO. 3 7:30 p.m.
$22 and up. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. pensacolasaenger.com MY FAIR LADY 7:30 p.m. $12-$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com BIG DEAL BURLESQUE 8 p.m. $12-$45. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com AFTER GAME SKATE 9:30 p.m. $9-$12. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com IMPROVABLE CAUSE 10:30 p.m. $10. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com
SUNDAY 3.5
WAKE UP HIKE 7 a.m. Meet at Bay Bluffs Park, Scenic Highway at Summit Ave., for a brisk one to two-hour walk with brunch to follow at an area restaurant. KRAV MAGA 10-11:30 a.m. Temple Beth El, 800 N. Palafox PUBLIC ICE SKATING 1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. $9-$12. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. pensacolabaycenter.com MY FAIR LADY 3 p.m. $12-$30. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com
SOUTHEASTERN TEEN SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: SHENANIGANS 4-5 p.m. Free. 1010 N.
12th Ave. setsco.org/first-city-shakespeare WINE AND SWINE 4-7 p.m. $50-$60. BBQ and wine pairing. Union Public House, 309 S. Reus St. unionfl.com NAUGHTY PROFESSOR 7 p.m. $10. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com
If you're anything like us, you're already counting down the days until May 19—aka the first day of Hangout Fest 2017. Headliners for this year's fest include Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Frank Ocean and Chance The Rapper. They've also got Major Lazer, Weezer, MGMT, Mac DeMarco and about 65 more acts we're dying to check out. As if that badass line-up alone wasn't enough to get you packing up and heading to the beach, Inweekly has partnered with Hangout Fest to give away a pair of general admission, three-day passes to the festival. All you have to do to win is tell us your name, email and who you'd bring with you to the beach. Super easy, right?
MONDAY 3.6
SEED TO TABLE COOKING 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Free. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org SEVILLE QUARTER MILERS 5:30 p.m. Runners 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 CCFA 6:30-7:30 p.m. $10-$15. Ever’man Educational Center, 327 W. Garden St. everman.org BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS 6:30-8 p.m. $10.
You can enter the contest here: jotform.com/70584238491967 *Please note: Each email address entered will only be counted once. Winners must provide their own hotel and travel arrangements. Contest begins today and ends March 31.
HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017
WHEN: Friday, May 19—Sunday, May 21 WHERE: Gulf Shores, AL TICKETS: Three day GA/VIP/SUPER VIP tickets on sale now DETAILS: hangoutmusicfest.com
Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and more. Professional dance instruction for all skill levels. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. 503-1123. dancecraftfl.com DAVID ALLAN COE 7 p.m. $25-$30. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. vinylmusichall.com HIP-HOP DANCE LESSONS 8-9 p.m. $10. Learn hip-hop moves from a professional instructor. DanceCraft, 8618 Pensacola Blvd. 503-1123. dancecraftfl.com
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inweekly.net
news of the weird SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED Despite California's 2015 law aimed at improving the fairness of its red-light cameras, the city of Fremont (pop. 214,000, just north of San Jose) reported earning an additional $190,000 more each month last year by shortening the yellow light by two-thirds of a second at just two intersections. Tickets went up 445 percent at one and 883 percent at the other. (In November 2016, for "undisclosed reasons," the city raised the speed limit on the street slightly, "allowing" it to reinstate the old 0.7-second-longer yellow light.) UPDATES OF PREVIOUS CHARACTERS —AND SOME RECURRING THEMES •Tammy Felbaum surfaced in News of the Weird in 2001 when she, originally Mr. Tommy Wyda, consensually castrated James Felbaum (her sixth husband), but he died of complications, resulting in Tammy's manslaughter conviction. (Among the trial witnesses: a previous spouse, who had also let "expert" Tammy castrate him: "She could castrate a dog in less than five minutes.") Felbaum, now 58, was arrested in February at the Westmoreland County (Pennsylvania) Courthouse after mouthing off at security guards searching her purse. She quipped sarcastically, "I have guns and an Uzi (and) a rocket launcher. I am going to shoot a judge today." (She was in court on a dispute over installation of a sewer line to her trailer home.) •In 2008, Vince Li, a passenger on a Greyhound bus in Canada, stabbed another passenger, then beheaded him and started to eat him, and in 2009 was "convicted"— but "not criminally responsible" because of schizophrenia. He has been institutionalized and under treatment since then, and in February, doctors signed off on an "absolute" release back into society for Li (now known as Will Baker)—declining a "conditional" release, which would have required continued monitoring. Manitoba province law requires absolute discharge if doctors conclude, on the "weight of the evidence,"
by Chuck Shepherd
that the patient is no longer a "significant" safety threat. •Doris Payne, 86, was arrested once again for shoplifting—this time at an upscale mall in an Atlanta suburb in December—but according to a 2013 documentary, "careerwise," she has stolen more than $2 million in jewelry from high-end shops around the world. No regrets, she said on the film, except "I regret getting caught." Said her California-based lawyer, "Aside from her 'activities,' she is a wonderful person with a lot of fun stories." •When disaster strikes, well-meaning people are beseeched to help, but relief workers seem always bogged down with wholly inappropriate donations (which take additional time and money to sort and store and discard; instead, all such charities recommend "cash"). A January report by Australia's principal relief organization praised Aussies' generosity in spite of recent contributions of high heels, handbags, chain saws, sports gear, wool clothing and canned goods—much of which will eventually go to landfills. (Workers in Rwanda reported receiving prom gowns, wigs, tiger costumes, pumpkins and frostbite cream.) LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS: (1) Alvin Neal, 56, is merely the most recent bank robber to begin the robbery sequence (at a Wells Fargo branch in San Diego) after identifying himself to a teller (by swiping his ATM card through a machine at the counter). He was sentenced in January. (2) Also failing to think through their crime was the group of men who decided to snatch about $1,200 from the Eastside Grillz tooth-jewelry shop in St. Paul, Minnesota, in February. They fled despite two of them having already provided ID and one having left a mold of his teeth. {in}
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
FOREVER DIETING? TIME TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD. A LUMINOUS LIFE HYPNOTHERAPY
SUSAN DUNLOP, MA, CHT
INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED HYPNOTHERAPIST
850-346-7865 EAST HILL
www.luminouslifehypnotherapy.com March 2, 2017
www.radiofreepensacola.com 19
Independent News | March 2, 2017 | inweekly.net