Inweekly March 31 2022 Issue

"

Touring

Temple

"

With SingerSongwriter

Thao

Nguyen

Independent News | March 31, 2022 | Volume 23 | Number 13 | Thao Nguyen / Photo by Eric Einwiller

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winners & losers

outtakes

4

5

news 6, 8

Those are more rare.

feature story

buzz 10

22

12

publisher Rick Outzen

graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk

editor & creative director Joani Delezen

contributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh, Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer

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. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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winners & losers

PACE Award Winners / Photo by Kate Treick Photography

winners 2022 PACE WINNERS The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce held its annual Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence (PACE) Awards.

The winners were Spirit of Pensacola—John Porter, Vice President, Corporate Facilities and Support Services, Baptist Health Care; Advocate Leader—Halliday Leidner, B Virtual Health and Wellness; Leader in Education—Dr. Kurt Morrison, Ascension Medical Group; Professional Leader—Chandra Smiley, CEO, Community Health Northwest Florida; Business Leader— Gay Nord, Chief Executive Officer, HCA Florida West Hospital; Community Leader—Justin Labrato, Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Medical Group; Emerging Leader—Joy Sharp, Director of Community Health Programs, Baptist Health Care and Pioneer Award—Dr. Mark Stavros, Gulf Coast Addiction Medicine IMPACT 100 PENSACOLA BAY AREA

The local women's philanthropic organization announced its 2022 Membership Drive successfully concluded with a total of 1,142 members.

IMPACT 100 will give back $1,142,000 by awarding 11 transformative project grants of $103,820 each to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Oct. 16. This is the ninth consecutive year that IMPACT 100 has been able to award over $1 million in grants. After awarding the 2022 grants, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area will have funded 142 grants, totaling $15,092,000.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

On Feb. 18, Wine & Fries raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida.

Executive Director Summer Jimmerson said, "From everyone at the Ronald McDonald House, we would like to say thank you to all of our sponsors and partners for helping make the event such a success. The funds raised will help provide 300 room nights for families facing a medical crisis."

GUS FIERI The chef featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" made a $20,000 donation from his Guy Fieri Foundation to Lake Worth Community High School's Culinary Academy. During his campus visit, Fieri said, "I'm so impressed with how this program's going. I'd heard already great things about it, so to have a first-hand visit is great, and hopefully, we can contribute some more."

44

losers FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT After suc-

cessfully lobbying the Florida Legislature to gradually eliminate subsidies that help homeowners and businesses buy solar panels, the mega-utility celebrated with local officials its first solar energy field in Escambia County, the Cotton Creek Solar Energy Center on Bogia Road. According to FPL, the facility is capable of powering 15,000 homes and has a carbon emission reduction equivalent to taking 14,000 cars off the roads. FPL's customers will bear the cost of the solar energy field in the panhandle. FPL officials failed to tell us much it will add to our electric bills. Meanwhile, more than 17,000 residents have signed an online petition protesting new rates that took effect this year. The Escambia Board of County Commissioners voted to join other municipalities in calling for a Public Service Commission hearing on the FPL rates.

JAMES W. HERSTON Gov. DeSantis' elec-

tion police force may need to focus on his party. Another Florida Republican has been arrested for actions tied to the 2020 elections. The Charlotte County Airport Authority Commissioner James W. Herston faces counts of unauthorized or unlawful acts related to a driver's license or identification card and criminal use of personal identification information, both third-degree felonies. He also faces two counts of perjury, a misdemeanor.

He was elected in 2020 to a four-year term on the Airport Authority. However, he didn't live in his district for the six months required under the authority's charter, according to the state attorney.

MADISON CAWTHORN The young GOP

congressman representing North Carolina's District 11 has had a rough March. Cawthorn drew criticism from several Republican and Democratic camps for calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a thug," getting caught speeding multiple times with a revoked license and accusing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of being an alcoholic. In the May Republican primary, he faces the popular Michele Woodhouse, the former GOP chair for District 11, and Chuck Edwards, a highly respected state senator who chairs three senate committees. inweekly.net

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outtakes

By Rick Outzen

ACCOUNTABILITY MYTH We hear from those advocating for a county mayor that the change would make Escambia County government more accountable to the people. They assert that a county mayor would be more answerable to the public than the current county commissioners.

But the facts tell us a different story. Few elected officials are better connected to their constituents than Steven Barry, Robert Bender, Jeff Bergosh and Lumon May. They look after their districts' needs but also have to deal with issues in the other districts to garner two additional votes to get their projects done. They must listen to the residents and each other to achieve anything.

Mayor Hayward proved that a strong mayor didn't have to listen to voters or the city council. He rarely attended council meetings or met individually with all of the council members.

He completely stopped holding press conferences and neighborhood town halls in this second term.

County commissioners know that they must stay connected to their constituents and respond to their issues to remain in office.

Commissioner Bergosh has already held two town halls, including one in Perdido Key, which was recently added to his district. He has resurrected his weekly coffee with the commissioners, during which he fields questions from citizens. Bender, Barry and May hold a minimum of four town halls a year.

The county-mayor spin asserts that the voters will hold the county mayor accountable, but the proponents don't tell us how that will happen. During the 2009 city charter debate, we were told that the mayoral candidates would each present a platform. The voters would elect the one with the best platform and would vote the mayor out of office if he didn't complete his platform.

This sounds persuasive, but the reality hasn't matched the rhetoric. Pensacola has had three mayoral elections, and several candidates had a very detailed list of what they promised to accomplish. Only one of them won an election— Hayward in 2010. When he ran for re-election in

2014, he had no platform and avoided political debates and forums. Grover Robinson wasn't elected because of his platform. He had a transition team that established a set of goals after he was elected.

The accountability of an elected official depends on his leadership style and having checks and balances in place. Unfortunately, the city's charter places most of the power in the mayor's hands.

Hayward alleged The Fish House owed the city millions in lease payments in a thinlydisguised strategy to block the restaurant and other local businesses from winning council support for the airport concessions. Hayward's brain trust thought publicly humiliating the restaurant owners was a sound political strategy.

The city council and the voters were powerless in stopping the city from spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, only to lose the case.

In 2015, the Black community was upset with how the Hayward administration launched a witch hunt to discredit Interim Fire Chief Matt Schmitt and Deputy Fire Chief Joe Glover because he wanted to fire them. The mayor refused to listen to the community. His administration made every effort to block the city council from getting involved and even refused to allow council members to question Hayward's choice to replace Schmitt during a council meeting.

Who held Hayward accountable for either of these decisions? No one. Definitely not the voters. He chose not to face the voters for a third term in 2018.

Robinson has held town halls and weekly press conferences. He has attended council meetings. However, we have no guarantee the next mayor will follow his example, especially if the questions get tough.

The truth is, the strong mayor makes it easier for those who have the mayor's ear to get their projects done, increase their profits and exact revenge on their enemies. The voters can be left on the outside of their government, watching the melodrama unfold. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Hayward's brain trust thought publicly humiliating the restaurant owners was a sound political strategy.

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MYERS FOR MAYOR

Sherri Myers / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

By Jeremy Morrison For candidate Sherri Myers, the Pensacola mayoral race is about the issues. And she's got plenty of them that she wants to be part of the race.

"Take Ninth Avenue, for instance," Myers continues halfway through a jag about the failings along a well-traveled route running through her beloved and "uptown" and wanting some infrastructure upkeep, "… yet it is greatly lacking in streetlights and other amenities. There are also a lot of flooding and drainage issues along Ninth Avenue. That's just an example of needs not being met."

These concerns are nothing new. Myers has been bringing them up for the entirety of her 12 years serving as the District 2 city council representative. She shared, "I've worked very hard on the city council, and my record shows that."

And she's got plenty more concerns, as well, such as increasing affordable housing, addressing environmental issues and transforming the city's parking lots and strip malls into residential and retail solar farm meccas.

These are just a taste of the issues Coun66

cilwoman Myers is bringing into the city's mayoral race, something she acknowledges will be a "David-and-Goliath" affair. The issues, however, she told Inweekly recently, will ultimately resonate with voters next November.

"I want to have a seat at the table.

I want to represent people who generally do not have much of a voice in government or much access to the seats of power." Sherri Myers "I know they will," Myers said. "I believe that I am very in tune with what people in this city are concerned about."

For years, Councilwoman Myers has relished in the role of the underdog. She has rallied around the homeless, persons with disabilities, environmental issues and what she feels has been a long-running municipal slight towards her District 2, which she considers a commercial powerhouse and has dubbed "uptown" in response to a downtown she considers lavished upon.

Now, the underdog wants to climb the hill and take the corner office on city hall's seventh floor, where she'll wield a little more power than she does from her council seat.

"I want to have a seat at the table," she told Inweekly. "I want to represent people who generally do not have much of a voice in government or much access to the seats of power. So I'm running a race that's basically based on 'no one left behind.'"

If she's elected, Myers is looking to continue many of the efforts she has worked on while serving on the city council, such as the city's infrastructure needs—sidewalks, lighting, flooding and drainage.

Environmental restoration efforts along Carpenter Creek, something Myers has long been involved with, also tops her priority list.

"I think that what has happened to Carpenter Creek is a great tragedy, and it has gotten worse in the past two years," Myers said. "I feel that the city of Pensacola has not championed the cause that we need to champion for Carpenter Creek."

Affordable housing is a priority for Myers.

In addition to addressing the city's density codes, the candidate is tossing out for discussion transforming unused parking lots—which tend to be a drain environmentally, allowing stormwater to contribute to pollution and erosion issues—into new affordable housing developments, as well as retail establishments and even solar farms.

"When we're looking at retrofitting suburbia, I actually tend to get very excited about seeing all of that asphalt because that's an opportunity," Myers said. "I think that if I were mayor, I would certainly be trying to interest developers and the owners of those properties to develop those properties to produce affordable housing and actually more retail."

Describing making better use of vacant lots as part of her strategic plan to address stormwater concerns, she explained, "For instance, I promoted the idea for many years of incentivizing businesses to create solar farms on those types of asphalt parking lots."

Myers is running to be Pensacola's mayor, but if she had her way, the city's strong mayor wouldn't really be strong. The city's operations would be put in the hands of a city manager, as it was before the 2009 charter referendum.

"I am not in favor of this form of government, though I supported it at the time and actually campaigned for it," the candidate said of the city's strong-mayor, executive-centric structure.

Myers believes the strong-mayor form of government doesn't allow for enough transparency, promotes cronyism and is expensive. She said, "It is, I believe, costing the taxpayers a lot of money to have this form of government.

If we had a council-manager form of government, we would not have the expense of running the executive branch of the government and legislative branch of the government."

The candidate said she would like to see the current Pensacola Charter Review Com-

mission consider some changes to the city's governmental structure.

"So I'm hoping that the charter review committee will make some recommendations that are going to have at least some meaningful impact even if they don't recommend going back to a manager-council form of government," Myers said.

For starters, she would like to see the mayor become a member of the city council and the power of determining the city's organizational structure shifted to the city council.

As per discussions among the charter review commission, it's doubtful the city's charter will be altered in such ways. In which case, Myers said, she'll work to foster a "very inclusive" relationship with the legislative branch, which she said she was "very sympathetic" to.

She added, "I do not feel at all threatened by the legislative branch of the government."

Among the candidates running against Myers is former Council President Jewel Cannada-Wynn and D.C. Reeves, whose war chest already exceeds many times that of his competitors.

"I know it's a David-and-Goliath race because I know that I'm up against a lot of power and influence by one candidate," Myers said.

The candidate said she felt confident holding up her city council record against that of Cannada-Wynn's. Myers said, "One of the candidates who is running, a former council member, was my biggest obstacle insofar as doing anything about the gentrification of African American communities, so that's going to be an issue with her in this race because a lot of the gentrification has happened on her watch."

"I would certainly be trying to interest developers and the owners of those properties to develop those properties to produce affordable housing and actually more retail." Myers And she also comfortable going up against Reeves, though she allowed a candidate attracting so much political funding would likely present challenges, both as a political challenger and mayor. She said, "I think that this is a scary race in my opinion."

"It demonstrates, I think, one of the reasons that I wanted to get into this race, Myers said. "In this form of government we have, the mayor has tremendous power. It's close to dictatorial power, really."

She continued, "So when you're putting a person in the office with that type of power, I think that it has to be the right person. But I think that the form of government we have lends itself to abuse, cronyism, and a concentration of money and influence because that person will be the person that people with money and power will gravitate to." {in} inweekly.net

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REIMAGINE JACKSON STREET

Photo by Tim Bednarczyk

By Tom St. Myer A master plan for the revitalization of historic West Jackson Street is in the development stages after the community offered its input during a public meeting on Tuesday, March 22, in the Brownsville Community Center. Reimagine Jackson Street is a planning effort between Escambia County and the City of Pensacola, along with their community redevelopment agencies.

West Jackson Street traverses a diverse and predominantly residential community between A Street and Fairfield Drive. The street connects downtown Pensacola and the western portion of Escambia County.

Growth, a lack of adequate sidewalks, crosswalks and other road infrastructure make safety a concern for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists on the roughly 5.5-mile corridor.

Neighbors touched on those topics and cited drainage and lighting issues among other concerns during the meeting.

"We know that there are some safety issues there," said Travis Peterson, consultant engagement specialist for Reimagine Jackson Street.

"There's traffic data that shows that there have been some pretty severe accidents. We know that there are parts of the Jackson Street Corridor from A Street to West Fairfield that don't have sidewalks, that have poor lighting."

Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill sponsored the project for the county 88

and committed $1 million in discretionary funds to revitalize the street. Underhill said Jackson Street ties Myrtle Grove, Warrington and Brownsville together, and the goals of the project include connecting the west side neighborhoods and improving their infrastructure.

"These neighborhoods deserve complete streets with sidewalks just like new neighborhoods get," Underhill said.

Fellow County Commissioner Lumon May credited Underhill for his leadership with the project. May is partnering with Underhill to move the project forward, along with Pensacola City Councilman Delarian Wiggins, whose district encompasses the West Jackson Street area.

"It's the western gate to city of Pensacola," May said. "It's one of the most historic neighborhoods in all of Escambia. It's a great place to live, a great neighborhood."

"It's the western gate to city of Pensacola. It's one of the most historic neighborhoods in all of Escambia." Lumon May For the commissioner, the public meeting was important because the county commission isn't interested in only hearing from the consultants who think that they know what a neighborhood wants. May told Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen on WCOA the day before the meeting, "I want the residents to say and

decide what's good for their neighborhood, whether it be walking lanes, bike trails or whether it be increase capacity for motorists."

The District 3 commissioner continued, "We don't know until we hear from the citizens. And so we want to reimagine Jackson Street. Cervantes and Jackson streets are the entry point to downtown Pensacola and the rest of the city. And so I'm excited about coming up with a plan that works for everyone."

When asked what they enjoy about the area, neighbors cited its diversity first and foremost, followed by wellkept yards, proximity to schools, beautiful trees and growth.

"It's a kind of a diverse section of the city and the county, not just the street state, but also kind of culturally," Peterson said. "You've got all sorts of restaurants and churches from different nationalities. So it's a unique place, and we hope this project will enhance and support those neighborhoods and businesses in the area."

Peterson said residents and business owners alike describe Jackson as a "street with a lot of potential." He envisions revitalizing the neighborhood through measures that complement its diversity and better showcase its assets.

WSP USA Senior Project Manager Catherine Prince is overseeing Reimagine Jackson Street and shared the objectives during the public meeting. Project objectives include preserving existing diverse communities, reestablishing vibrant communities by increasing connectivity, creating safe and accessible mobility opportunities and integrating utility infrastructure improvements.

To preserve its diversity, organizers plan to increase access to natural resources and activate community gathering spaces such as parks.

Plans to increase connectivity include providing safe, alternative transportation access, enhancing multiple mobility options and supporting aging-in place and housing affordability. Organizers plan to invest in areas for walking and biking and investing in local destinations such as shops, schools and churches.

Investing in healthy infrastructure that provides long-term co-benefits and enhancing the natural environment top the list for creating safe and accessible mobility oppor-

tunities. Infrastructure improvements include leveraging opportunities to invest in new utility infrastructure, upgrade existing infrastructure and install underground utilities.

"There are some opportunities for some economic development, and by that, I mean smaller entrepreneurs or family-type mom-and-pop grocery stores or convenience stores," Peterson said. "Some of the things we've heard from the community is they'd like a few more parks or places for people to gather."

He continued, "The overall goal of the project is to make Jackson Street a safer place for people to walk and ride their bicycle and to also make it a place that's inviting for and sort of enhancing the kind of unique culture of this pretty diverse part of the city of Pensacola and Escambia County."

"It's a unique place, and we hope this project will enhance and support those neighborhoods and businesses in the area." Travis Peterson The public meeting served as the focal point of the discovery phase as organizers collected data from the community in preparation for development. Organizers will continue to seek input through Wednesday, April 13, though, via an online survey at reimaginejacksonstreet.com.

Project vision solutions and alternatives will be the focus for the development phase that is scheduled to last through May. Another public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, to gather public feedback on the projects.

The implementation phase will follow from June-October and will include an implementation plan, conceptual design, cost estimate and funding strategies.

Organizers promise to seek the input of the community throughout the project. Their efforts include traveling throughout the city with popup banners that provide project details and taking steps to ensure everyone's voice is heard, no matter the language. Peterson pointed out, "We've got our surveys; we've got our flyers; we've got our website all in English, Spanish and Vietnamese."

Every effort is being made to hear from all segments of the community that live, work and travel along Jackson Street.

"If you drive that corridor, you'll see restaurants and churches and businesses that are Hispanic, that are Vietnamese, that are white and African American," Peterson said. "For Pensacola and Escambia County, personally, I think it's probably one of the more diverse stretches of our community, and it is important because we want to make sure that everybody that lives there, that works there, that goes to school there is able to participate. {in} To learn more, visit myescambia.com/ open-government/projects/reimaginejackson-street. inweekly.net

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"If you're looking for a whole lot of input from citizens about something this intense, you're living in Disney World," Smith said. "I mean, we don't even know enough about it, and we're in the middle of it. How do you expect Joe Blow to come your way 'you need to change this in the charter?' I mean, most of them don't even know what the charter is."

The members indicated they would like to discuss accountability and communication in future meetings. The charter review commission's next meeting is slated for April 6.

"What I wanted to do at our next meeting was start at the top and work our way down for changes that we think are appropriate," Horton said. "That's what I hope to do—at least start doing—at our next meeting."

Grover Robinson / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

STAYING STRONG Pensacola may stick with

its strong-mayor form of government after the city's charter review commission agreed to forgo entertaining considerations of returning to a council-manager system.

"So it looks like we're pretty much in agreement that we're just going to tweak the current charter and not do a wholesale change," confirmed Pensacola Charter Review Commission Chairman Samuel Horton during the group's March 23 meeting.

While the charter review commission pondered the notion of turning back to the council-manager form, or at least putting the option before the voters, members appeared unanimous in their resolve to leave the strongmayor structure in place for another decade.

"The people spoke; it was a referendum, back in the day," said member Mike Wiggins, citing the 2009 vote when he served as mayor. Wiggins said he liked working under the old system but thought the new system should be left in place for now, noting that no one had approached him requesting a return to the old system.

"I really think we need to go ahead and give it time and make it work," Wiggins said.

Fellow member Antonio Bruni agreed, describing the issue as "not ripe for consideration."

"I wouldn't necessarily say I'd die on the hill of not going back to the council-manager form of government, but I don't think it's been enough time since that referendum to start talking about going back," Bruni said.

Jack Zoesch echoed other members in his assessment that the current charter could 010 1

stand some tweaking but also agreed a complete reversal of course wasn't prudent.

"To the extent, we can improve the interaction and the balance between the mayor and the council and help them work better together through this document. If that's possible, that would be great, but I don't think we need to throw it out," he said.

Zoesch also said he thought the current strong-mayor form might also be a more representative form of government.

"I think there's an argument actually that the new form is more representative of the people," Zoesch said. "There is a council, but instead of the council people selecting essentially the executive, the people select the executive, which is the mayor. Now, there can be some dispute about that and how that works exactly, but I think that's a reasonable argument that tends to persuade me."

"If you're looking for a whole lot of input from citizens about something this intense, you're living in Disney World." Jack Zoesch Former Police Chief David Alexander, who also sits on the commission, remarked the public has "not really chimed in and given us a lot of feedback" on whether to return to the former system, but Lester Smith said he didn't think the general public was well equipped to engage in the discussion.

MARIONEAUX CLEARED State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden announced last week that after diligent investigation and review, Corey Marioneaux Jr. would face no criminal prosecution for a shooting incident that occurred during the lawful execution of a search warrant at his residence on Thursday, Feb. 3.

The Pensacola Police Department arrested Marioneaux after he discharged a pistol as officers entered his residence. The officers knocked and announced their presence by shouting, "Pensacola Police Search Warrant," three times at approximately 5 a.m. before utilizing a ram to breach the front door.

Marioneaux, apparently awoken by the knock-and-announce, fired once at the exact moment the door burst open, striking the tempered glass window of a ballistic shield wielded by an officer positioned outside the doorway.

The officer returned fire by discharging one shot. No one was injured in the exchange.

Marioneaux, exhibiting shock, immediately put his firearm down and stated that he was sorry and that he didn't know it was the police.

He also stated that he thought the police were people who were looking for him, apparently fearful of others in the community who he felt intended him harm.

Careful review of the case has determined that there is insufficient proof to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Marioneaux knew that he was firing at a police officer.

Knowledge is an essential element of the offense. The evidence would show that Marioneaux fired the shot at the exact moment the door burst open. Under the unique set of circumstances, he did not have adequate time to perceive and appreciate that it was a uniformed police officer equipped with a ballistic shield on the other side of the door. The manner in which he repudiated his intent to fire upon a police officer substantiates his claim that he did not know it was the police when he fired the shot.

The state attorney's office (SAO) consulted with Police Chief Eric Randall, who indicated his understanding of the decision and support.

SAO found that the execution of the search

warrant was done in conformity with applicable state law.

UNDERHILL'S LEGAL CIRCUS Escambia

County Circuit Court Judge Jan Shackelford ruled Tuesday, March 23, that the county must pay Underhill's $24,616 legal fees in a libel case brought by former Rolling Hills landfill Director of Operations and Political Consultant Scott Miller. Two days later, the county commission voted to appeal the decision.

The heart of the issue is Underhill didn't follow the county's legal representation policy when he hired outside counsel. According to the policy, commissioners must "notify the county attorney in writing within 10 days of their knowledge of the relevant action or within 10 days of retaining a private attorney, whichever is applicable." Then the county attorney reviews the request and prepares a recommendation for the board's consideration.

Underhill didn't follow the policy, according to court documents. Instead, he presented his request as a discussion item without any written information to the board at its July 18, 2019, meeting—41 days after the suit was filed, 31 days after he was served with the complaint and at least 10 days after he retained private counsel.

Meanwhile, the embattled commissioner has received another extension for his administrative hearing concerning probable cause findings unanimously approved by the State Commission on Ethics. The hearing is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 9 and 10.

The Attorney General's Advocate for the Florida Commission on Ethics, Elizabeth Miller, had objected to the motion to continue, arguing that Underhill's attorneys didn't request any depositions until March 9—less than two weeks before the hearing. Underhill had failed to provide copies of all proposed exhibits and was ordered by the judge on Feb. 10 to provide them on or before March 15. The commissioner alleged County Attorney Alison Rogers had the records, but Underhill didn't notify Rogers that a proposed subpoena would be served on her to produce the documents until March 2.

Miller wrote in her objection, "Based on his actions in this case, Respondent's (Underhill) intent is to drag the case out as long as possible."

DIVE IN WITH D2 Pensacola residents got a look at their District 2 Pensacola City Council candidates during a recent forum hosted by Women for Responsible Legislation. The candidates dove into issues including gentrification and ecological restoration and—this being a WRL forum—also addressed the source of their "moral compass" and promised to reject "identity politics."

Candidates running for the city council's District 2 seat are Brian Hoffman, Charletha Powell and Brian Wyer. The candidates are vying for the seat that will be vacated by Sherri Myers.

"We have a great community, but we also have a lot of problems," said Wyer, who runs inweekly.net

the Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce.

"There's a lot of issues that people don't see going on in our community that we need to have resolved, and I want to be part of the solution to make those things better."

Powell grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Pensacola with her family. She said, "I know what it is like to live in a blighted area with unsafe streets, sidewalks, crime and substandard housing. I'm also blessed to know and experience safe neighborhoods with thriving neighborhood associations."

Powell continued, "My life journey, education and commitment to public service make me qualified to understand the needs of all the residents in District 2 regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic level."

"My message and the reason I'm running is, District 2 counts," said Hoffman, an attorney who recently garnered attention representing A+ Mini-Storage as the business fought to cut down the largest heritage oak tree in Escambia County.

Two of the more significant topics covered during the forum were gentrification and affordable housing.

"Gentrification, I almost call it a necessary evil. We need progress, want progress; we want to have vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods that everyone can thrive in," Powell said, adding that the city should work to figure out a way that longtime residents can evolve with their neighborhood instead of leaving.

"Part of the solution of that is making District 2 a priority," Hoffman reasoned, stressing that the city needed to be "figuring out where our density is going to be."

Wyer connected gentrification to race, pointing out that it was usually Black residents who were vacating an area. He said, "I'll just be downright honest with you—gentrification is about race many times. It's about money, but it's also about race, about minorities being pushed out of areas that are now doing better and being replaced by people with more funds and resources."

Continuing to work toward ecological restoration along Carpenter Creek also received

a fair amount of attention during the WRL forum. Each candidate agreed that Councilwoman Myers would be a valuable resource to consult, and each said they considered the restoration a long-term priority.

"It gets forgotten," Hoffman said. "When you shop at Publix, do you realize it's there?

What you don't see doesn't mean there's not a significant ecological issue there that's creating erosion problems, and it has the potential to be a natural resource."

"We have to understand that Carpenter's Creek is not just a waterway," Powell said. "It's a life source. It's a life source for the animals and the vegetation that are long there."

Wyer pointed out that the District 2 representative would need to work with other council members and balance efforts. He said, "We have to realize other districts have challenges too. It's a matter of working together with all the other districts too to identify our top priorities."

As WRL leans heavily to the right politically and embraces religious themes, each candidate participating in this forum was also asked to describe the "basis of your moral convictions that will shape your decision making."

"Why can't a good person with values be a politician? If you can't have good values and be a politician, there's something wrong with our whole society." Brian Wyer "I hear politicians being described in bad terms, and that bothers me," answered Wyer.

"Why can't a good person with values be a politician? If you can't have good values and be a politician, there's something wrong with our whole society."

Powell said, "My moral compass is driven by my faith," and added she was "open to listening to all people in the district regardless of their moral compass or how they guide their life journey."

Reflecting on his courtroom experience,

Hoffman answered, "You have to have compassion; you have to be firm in your conviction.

But you have to understand there's no roadmap that answers that question. Your moral compass is a living, breathing thing you create based on your experiences and always looking at other human beings with compassion."

to the PSC deal with your utility; I don't think that's much of an issue where we can be a player.

I think starting to bring down housing cost is something we can do and something we can begin to get into that fight and start to do, and I know our staff is working diligently to bring an initiative forward."

WAIT FOR IT Mayor Robinson has been hinting for a while now that the city has some significant affordable housing plans being hatched. On Monday, he continued this approach, teasing solutions to come.

"We have some initiatives that we're hoping to bring back here very shortly," the mayor said.

Robinson detailed, vaguely, a collection of remedies to ease the local affordable housing crunch. The first included identifying publicly owned parcels of property that can be used for developing affordable housing units, the second included working with community partners and the third concerned tweaking city codes to make affordable units easier to develop.

"There's a number of issues that we can change, but there's not a single silver bullet; it's going to be using many different strategies at once," Robinson said.

The mayor said soon he hopes to have some specific initiatives in front of the Pensacola City Council, as key staff has been put in place now to enable such movement.

"We're really for the first time got a fully staffed housing department that's looking at several of these initiatives, so we hope to have something shortly that we're bringing to council," Robinson said. "We've been working on it for a while, we obviously want to get the right thing there to the council, but we think we have a solution to at least begin to take some of that pressure off."

The mayor also tied the city's affordable housing efforts to a recent discussion regarding rising power rates for local customers of Florida Power & Light.

"We think this is the most critical part that the city can actually play," Mayor Robinson said.

"It's a little bit tough. The city can write letters

FAST GROWING AWARDS Studer Community Institute's The Spring Entrepreneur Hub wants to honor the five fastest-growing businesses in our area.

"This is the first time an event of this nature has been held in our area, and we are thrilled to bring new opportunities to the entrepreneurial ecosystem," said SCI President Rachael Gillette. "Pensacola is quickly becoming a leader in business and entrepreneurship, and we want to recognize leaders in the community on their own business success."

"Pensacola is quickly becoming a leader in business and entrepreneurship, and we want to recognize leaders in the community on their own business success." Rachael Gillette Applications will be accepted until Sunday, May 1, at 11:59 p.m. The criteria and other information are at thespringpensacola.com/5fastest-growing-businesses.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Baptist Hospital is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to patients, their families, visitors and staff in many areas of the hospital.

Baptist volunteers perform a number of duties throughout the hospital and medical office settings. Opportunities include a variety of support roles in surgery waiting rooms, offices, patient care areas and at the information desk.

Escorts to assist with wayfinding are also needed.

For more information, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org/volunteering. {in}

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850.435.7000 | LEVINLAW.COM | PENSACOLA, FL March 31, 2022

11

"

Touring

Temple

"

With SingerSongwriter

Thao

Nguyen

BY JOANI DELEZEN

Thao Nguyen / Photo by Eric Einwiller

When Thao Nguyen announced the release of "Temple," the fifth full-length album from Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, in early March 2020, she had no idea what was coming next.

Less than two weeks later, Nguyen's own state of California went into lockdown due to the pandemic. The record's May 15 release still happened as planned, but the corresponding summer tour got postponed.

"We thought that maybe we would have to push the tour till the fall of 2020," Nguyen told Inweekly.

That forced touring hiatus ended up being much, much longer, of course. But Nguyen is finally getting to headline a run of dates in support of "Temple" this spring, and Pensacola is one of them.

Nguyen will take the stage Monday, April 4, at Vinyl Music Hall, along with Austin-based band Why Bonnie.

R oa d Ru l e s

Fortunately, the break from touring turned out to be a positive experience in some ways for the veteran performer.

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"It's so refreshing, actually, to not have a part of me that dreads going on tour," Nguyen said. "Before the pandemic, I was on the road all the time—for almost 15 years or a little over, actually. That wears on you, and I wasn't doing it the right way. That kind of touring life doesn't allow for enough of a regroup so you can even figure out what you're doing wrong and stop doing it or try to figure out another way."

"But now, given this time, the way that I've rebuilt a lot of parts of my team and how I've recalibrated myself as an artist and a performer, I have this almost boundless gratitude that I still get to do it, in every sense of the word— that I'm still here, that we're still here enough.

I think it's the first tour in so, so long that I've just felt just open and grateful and excited and happy to be in the moment."

In addition to that refreshed perspective, Nguyen is also bringing a full band out on the road with her.

"Our drummer is Jason Slota, who has been my drummer since 2013. He's the drummer that people would recognize if they've been to other shows. He's incredible and it's really great to have him back in the fold."

"Micayla Grace is our bassist and vocalist, and she was in the band Bleached for a long time.

She's awesome and her energy is really infectious.

Then on keys and strings is my dear friend Alex Guy, who's toured with me before. She did Austin City Limits with us back in 2013. She's an amazing violinist and keys player, and she tours with Angel Olsen as well," Nguyen continued.

"I think it's the first tour in so, so long that I've just felt just open and grateful and excited and happy to be in the moment."

Thao Nguyen "For the deluxe version of 'Temple,' we rearranged a few songs where they're just strings, and Alex is the one that arranged and performed on those. So I wanted to incorporate some of those more orchestral, symphonic elements in our live set."

The deluxe version of "Temple" Nguyen is

referring to came out in October 2021 and features acoustic and string versions of the songs "Marrow," "How Could I," "Marauders" and "Temple." Its release was just one of the many ways Nguyen stayed connected to fans when touring behind the record wasn't an option.

Another way was by launching a newsletter on Substack called "For The Record" that gives subscribers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at her writing process as she works on her next album.

Most "For The Record" emails include audio or video content with instrumentation, melodies and other pieces of songs as Nguyen is developing them. She also answers reader questions from time to time and shares things like playlists and general updates.

While she hopes to keep the newsletter going through this spring tour, Nguyen doesn't typically do a lot of songwriting while on the road.

"It's always been hard for me. I know some people can do it, and I'm so admiring of them. But the most I can do on tour is sketches of things. It's easiest to collect phrases and lyrics or just obser­vations that I could use for a song," Nguyen said.

"The thing with touring is, I always think I'll have more time and energy than I do. So I'll bring inweekly.net

the recording rig with me, and it's such a hassle to drag everywhere, and then I just never end up having enough time or energy to actually record a song."

An avid reader, who's said that both literature and nonfiction inspire her songwriting, Nguyen also brings books on tour.

"I can't really hang with the Kindle—if I'm going to read a book, I want to read the thing.

But then, I'm lugging around too many books, but they are such a source of comfort. I'm trying to do a thing where if I just pick up one in a city, then maybe I could trade it in another city at a used bookstore."

Nguyen said her most recent read was definitely one she'd recommend.

"I just read 'Shuggie Bain' [by Douglas Stuart].

It's such a remarkable panoramic novel."

When asked about her ideal book to bring on the road, Nguyen said she looks for a read "that's engrossing and pretty substantial so that it can be with you for a long time."

"Sometimes you're lucky and you can find that book that can meet you in whatever mood you're in. Those are more rare, " Nguyen said.

"It's also very inspiring to bring a musician's biography or autobiography when you're on tour, to kind of get you geared up. I also love watching music documentaries, just to maximize that feeling of gratitude that you get to do it. And not only do you get to do it, you get to do it that night, like in an hour."

Returning t o "T e m p l e "

Despite the timing of its release, that sense of gratitude is something Nguyen extends to "Temple" in general, too.

"I was so glad to have made the record," Nguyen said. "It's the most meaningful record I've made, and I really needed to create that body of work."

"Temple" features some of Nguyen's most personal songwriting to date, which allowed her to embrace her queer identity in a way she hadn't before. The record also brings her family background to the forefront.

"I'm so grateful to be where I am now, and I know without a doubt that I wouldn't have pushed myself in all the ways that I had to if I didn't make this record."

Nguyen "I feel so different and so much lighter now, and it couldn't have happened without the process of making this record and what it forced my hand on, in so many different realms of my personal life," Nguyen said.

"I'm so grateful to be where I am now, and I know without a doubt that I wouldn't have pushed myself in all the ways that I had to if I didn't make this record."

"Temple" also marked Nguyen's first time producing her own album. She shares the credit with long-time Get Down Stay Down bandmate Adam Thompson. The duo announced in October 2021 that they were "dissolving" after over a decade of recording and touring together.

March 31, 2022

Fearless and direct in its lyrics, "Temple" is still danceable, which is somewhat of a hallmark of Nguyen's music, especially live. Songs like "Phenom" feel right at home alongside classics from her catalog like "Holy Roller" and "When We Swam."

When pressed about when fans can expect new music, Nguyen said she was "about halfway" done with her next record.

In addition to working on her own songs, Nguyen also contributed to a recently released Yoko Ono tribute album that was curated and produced by Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard.

"Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono" was released Feb. 18, on Ono's 89th birthday, and includes covers by an impressive group of artists including David Byrne, Japanese Breakfast, The Flaming Lips and, of course, Nguyen.

"I'm so glad to be a part of that project," Nguyen said. "In 2019, before the pandemic, Ben wrote and asked if I would be interested in contributing a track. I said, 'Of course,' but then the pandemic hit, and then I didn't hear anything for a long while, understandably."

By the time the project made its way back into production, the anti-Asian rhetoric and violence that surged during the pandemic, especially during the spring and summer of 2021, inspired Nguyen's song selection.

"It's still happening, but the coverage at that time was at a more feverish pitch and there was more attention being paid. So, for me, the selection of 'Yellow Girl (Standby for Life)' was a pretty immediate, visceral choice."

The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen said she chose that song for a number of reasons.

"One is that Ms. Ono's writing is so direct, and she was just saying things I wouldn't say. I would never even say 'yellow girl,' but I am. I just wanted the opportunity to sink into that space and reinterpret the song. Sonically I know it sounds quite different, but there was so much emotion going on at that time, and I was seething. I wanted the music to be more of a direct conveyance of what the lyrics triggered."

Fans might have noticed Nguyen's music on a recent small screen project, too.

The title track from "Temple" was featured in an episode of the HBO Max docuseries "Take Out" with journalist Lisa Ling.

"Temple" is an homage to Nguyen's mother, and it opens with the lyrics, "I lost my city in the light of day; thick smoke, helicopter blades."

In the episode, Ling interviews Vietnamese Americans living in Orange County's Little Saigon, and the track plays during a powerful montage that includes images from the fall of Saigon.

"I was crying because to see those images rendered in a split screen with my lyrics that are image based and for this purpose—to celebrate a community in diaspora and to celebrate what Vietnamese Americans have done to rebuild," Nguyen said. "I think the episode was handled so beautifully, and to be a part of that sincere and lovely of a tribute was kind of like the best-case scenario for 'Temple.'" {in}

THAO AT VINYL MUSIC HALL

WHAT: Thao in concert with Why Bonnie WHEN: 8 p.m. Monday, April 4 WHERE: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox COST: $20 (plus fees) DETAILS: vinylmusichall.com, thaothaothao.com 13

Discover

DELICIOUS!

BodaciousShops.com 407 S. Palafox St.

Mediterranean Mezze Board Hands-On Class with Chef Penny Davidi April 4 • $55 • 6 PM • Chef Penny Davidi, of “Food Network” and “Bravo” fame, will join us at Bodacious with tips on how to prepare the perfect Mediterranean Mezze board!

• Born in Iran and raised in California, Chef Davidi is the first Persian Jewish Chef and Businesswoman to be featured on hit culinary and reality television shows, including Food Network’s Chopped and Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Brunch at Bodacious Hands-On Class with Chef Abby Chesire April 10 • $49 • 12 PM • Chef Abby Chesire has garnered a following of 800,000+ on TikTok at with her quick chef tips, recipes, and “A Day in the Life of a Private Chef” videos.

• Chef Abby is a Culinary Arts Instructor and a private chef, with experience at DisneyWorld and aboard cruise ships.

BODACIOUS SUMMER KIDS CAMP: Cooking Through the Chapters Send your future chef on a trip through the wonderful world of books!

Each day of camp we will explore and read a new book and will cook themed meals that are featured and inspired from the day’s reading!

Registration open now!

Camps for ages 6-9 and 10-12 Monday- Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sign up and find more events at our Eventbrite!

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BOD0679 INW 3_31 April Classes Full pg.indd 1

inweekly.net

3/25/22 2:09 PM

a&e happenings

Last Call: Inweekly + Hangout Music Fest 2022 Ticket Giveaway

CALL TO ARTISTS

FOO FOO FEST APPLICATIONS Applications are open for vendors to join Pensacola's Foo Foo Festival taking place Nov. 3-14.

In 2022, the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival will once again fund top-scoring grant applicants, with the number of grants to be awarded contingent upon the number of submissions.

This year, the Foo Foo Festival will provide up to $400,000 in grant funding, and grant applicants can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding.

All organizations, businesses and community partners are encouraged to submit their various events (occurring Nov. 3-14, 2022) for consideration to become a "Friend of Foo," receiving visibility as part of the regional marketing campaign and throughout the 12-day event.

To apply for this year's Foo Foo Festival, visit acepensacola.org. To apply for consideration as a "Friend of Foo," visit foofoofest.com.

FOO FOO FEST APPLICATION TIMELINE: •Friday, May 6 - Foo Foo Fest Grant Application Deadline (Noon CT) •Tuesday, May 24 - Public Grant Scoring and Official Announcements

ARTS & CULTURE

WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. Tickets are $10 cash donation per person. Face masks are recommended. Reservations are not required.

Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.

DISNEY'S MOANA JR. AT PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Take the kids to a 60-minPhoto Courtesy of Hangout Music Fest

For most Gulf Coast music fans, mid-May is all about one thing and one thing only— Hangout Music Fest.

And thankfully, this May, we're all getting to return to the beach with none other than Post Malone, Tame Impala and Halsey leading the way.

The 2022 Hangout lineup also includes Doja Cat, Fall Out Boy, Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, Zedd, Maren Morris, Phoebe Bridgers and about 50 more acts we're dying to check out.

As if that stacked lineup alone wasn't enough to make you Gulf Shores bound, Inweekly has once again partnered with Hangout Fest to give away a pair of general admission, three-day passes to one lucky reader.

All you have to do to enter is tell us

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PENSACOLA PRESENTS ANNUAL EVENING IN WHITE The

Junior League of Pensacola will host its annual Evening in White event at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 2. The location will be revealed on the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Pensacola, a women's volunteer organization that strives to empower women through community service. General admission tickets are $40. Partager tickets are $65 and include table décor, wine and light hors d'oeuvres.

March 31, 2022

your name, email and who you'll bring with you to the beach if you win. Super easy, right? To enter, just go to form.jotform. com/220336587495162.

Contest Rules—each email address entered will only be counted once. Winners must provide their own hotel and travel arrangements. The contest ends Thursday, March 31, and the winner will be announced, via email, Friday, April 1.

HANGOUT MUSIC FEST 2022

WHEN: Friday, May 20-Sunday, May 22 WHERE: Gulf Shores, Ala. DETAILS: hangoutmusicfest.com

For more information on sponsorship and ticket purchasing, please visit pensacola.jl.org/ evening-in-white.

PENSACOLA HABITAT FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Indulge in local eats for a good

cause with the Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival Friday, April 8-Sunday, April 10, in Seville Square. Trucks include 3-D Eats, Greek Gals Yummies, Melt, The Orange Peel and more. Tickets are $5 a day or $10-$12 for a weekend pass. Visit pensacolahabitatfoodtruckfest.org for more information.

ute adaptation of the 2016 Disney story. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, April 1 & 8; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, April 2 and 9; and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays, April 3 and 10. Two Thursday performances will be March 31 and April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$31 and can be purchased at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE The University of West Florida Depart-

ment of Theatre presents "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," written by C.S. Lewis and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3. All performances will take place in the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82,11000 University Parkway. Tickets are $7-$18 and free to UWF students with their Nautilus cards. For more information, visit uwf.edu.

GULF COAST CHORAL PRESENTS: THE STUFF THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF Gulf

Coast Choral presents "The Stuff that Dreams are Made of" 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at Pensacola First Assembly of God, located at 4301 Bayou Blvd. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information, visit gulfcoastchorale.org.

BROADWAY BOOGIE: GROWN-UPS Join this weekly class on the basics of boogie in a fun, easy-going, non-judgmental setting.

Classes are Fridays, April 1-May 20, from 5-6

p.m., at The Gordon Art Center, 306 N. DeVilliers St. This class teaches the fundamentals of musical theatre style dancing including jazz, tap, ballet, ballroom, fosse and more. This class is a beginner-level class for teens and adults, ages 16 and up. Registration is open through March 15 at myneighborhoodtheatre.com.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT Come on down to the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, on Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., for The Price is Right interactive stage show. Tickets are $39-$99.

More information at pensacolasaenger.com.

BOOTLEG BALL: SPIRITS OF THE SPEAKEASY Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and libations at

the Museum of Commerce, at 201 E. Zaragoza, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 2, to benefit UWF Historic Trust. Visit historicpensacola.org.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE The next Improvable Cause show is Saturday, April 2, at 10:30 p.m. at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $10. Visit pensacolalittletheatre. com for more information.

SPRING FLING PLANT CELEBRATION Head to Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave., on Saturday, April 2, from 1-4 p.m., where Pensacola Hoya Lovers will be hosting a plant sale as well as local, handmade plant supplies, gifts and more. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for more information.

LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTH FLORIDA AT PENSACOLA LIBRARY Legal Services of

North Florida (LSNF) is one of seven legal services organizations in Florida serving 16 counties in North Florida works hard to meet the legal needs of children, elderly, victims of abuse and those with disabilities. LSNF will be at the library Tuesday, April 5, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL BAG SWAP Bring your plastic bags (no less than

20) and receive a Keep Pensacola Beautiful reusable tote at various dates and locations in April. For more information about the initiative, visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org.

UPCOMING DATES: •4-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, at Ever'man, 315 W. Garden St. •9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 9, at Public, 11 E. Romana St. •5-9 p.m., Friday, April 15, at Gallery Night •10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 23, at Earth Day Pensacola, 2001 E. Lloyd St. •4-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, at Ever'man, 1000 E. Nine Mile Road

TOM SEGURA Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura will have two shows at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, at 7 and 10 p.m., Thursday, April 7. Tickets are $65-105. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for more information.

MICHAEL JACKSON: A THRILLING TRIBUTE Enjoy a tribute to the King of Pop at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $33-63. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for more information.

OPERA A FRESCO Pensacola Opera's special 15

GRAPHIC NOVELS

KIDS BOOKS

a&e happenings pop-up series returns with a performance on Saturday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m., at Rev. H.K. Matthews Park. Visit facebook.com/pensacolaopera for more information.

WAR AGAINST CONFORMITY: PENSACOLA'S 1970S UNDERGROUND PRESS 309

909 N. 12th Avenue

pensacolapopcomics.com FREE CONCERT SERIES TUESDAYS 7  9 PM | GULFSIDE PAVILION

Punk Project presents a tribute to the ragtag Old East Hill group that published the legendary underground paper the Gulf Coast Fish Cheer over 50 years ago Saturday, April 9, with an exhibition viewing from 4-7 p.m. and a conversation with Gulf Coast Fish Cheer editor at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, 2-6 p.m., with an exhibition viewing, with a conversation with Aaron Cometbus at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.

GULF BREEZE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS: THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Gulf Breeze

High School Drama will perform "The SpongeBob Musical" 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, at the Pensacola State College Ashmore Auditorium at 1000 College Blvd. Purchase tickets at performingarts.pensacolastate.edu.

2022 SM 2014

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shopping

for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pensacola Arts Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1401 W. Intendencia St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more.

Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolaartsmarket.

EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET

Reunion Band | April 5 Rock and Blues from the 60’s and 70’s

Crosstown | April 12 Classic Rock, Blues, and more

Every Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, located at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easygoinggalleryart@gmail.com.

309 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: MIKE BRODIE Photographer Mike Brodie is the next artist in residence at 309. Stop by at 309 N. Sixth Ave. Visit 309punkproject.org for more information.

TEEN-Y TINY ART SHOW Tweens and teens

have the chance to express themselves with a tiny painting kit from the Pensacola Library. The library will display the work in the lobby display case from Tuesday, March 15-Thursday, March 31. Suggested for middle and high school youths.

All materials provided while supplies last.

THE MAROON MARINES: ARCHAEOLOGY AT PROSPECT BLUFF A new tempo-

www.radiofreepensacola.com 616 1

rary exhibit at The Destination Archaeology Resource Center, located at 207 E. Main St., features the story of the largest free black settlement in what is now the United States.

This exhibit is sponsored by City of Pensacola Councilmember Teniadé Broughton.

During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called "Negro Fort" by American officials, it eventually became the center of the largest free Black settlement in what is now the United States.

When the war ended, the U.S. believed the

fort threatened the institution of slavery and must be destroyed. To the Maroon people who lived there, however, the fort at Prospect Bluff was a beacon of freedom worth fighting for.

For more information, visit fpan.us.

2022 TAGGED STUDENT ART AND DESIGN EXHIBITION The Art Gallery at the

University of West Florida presents the "2022 TAGGED Student Art & Design Exhibition" March 24-April 15. Artwork will be on display at TAG, located in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Bldg. 82, 11000 University Parkway.

GALLERY 1050 MEMBERS SHOW The artists of First City Art Center will be showcasing their work through April 23 at the center's 1060 Gallery, located at 1060 Guillemard St. For more information, visit gallery1060.com.

MONOCHROMATIC Artel Gallery's latest

juried show is "Monochromatic," where artists created a work of art in any medium using only one color. The exhibit is on view through May 6. Also on display is PanHandle Potters and works from Vivian Spencer. Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox. Visit artelgallery.org for more information.

PMA MEMBERS SHOW The PMA Members Show is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art through May 29. View works of art from local artists. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org.

INTO THE MIRROR: CARRIE ANN BAADE 2021 Members Show winner Carrie Ann Baade describes herself as steward and axman, returning to the haunting moments in art history in order to reclaim them. By using the "bone yard" of Western painting with reverence, she cuts them up into fragments resulting in collage. In their repainting, these are fierce feminist parables. Paintings made of paintings; the old masterworks are infused with the artist's own experience. The exhibit is on view through May 29. For more information, visit pensacolamusuem.org.

MAPPING NORTHWEST FLORIDA EXHIBIT AT THE PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF HISTORY Visualized Landscapes: A Selection

of Northwest Florida Maps is now on view at Pensacola Museum of History.

The exhibit explores the shifting topography of Northwest Florida through a series of maps selected from the Trust Archive. Visualized Landscapes: A Selection of Northwest Florida Maps is on view on the second floor of the Pensacola Museum of History until August.

For more information about the UWF Historic Trust or to purchase tickets, visit historicpensacola.org.

VISIONARY APONTE: ART AND BLACK FREEDOM Visionary Aponte: Art and Black

Freedom is from creator José Antonio Aponte, a free black carpenter, artist and former soldier who was also the leader of an ambitious antislavery conspiracy in Cuba in 1812. The exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art through March 27.

Visit pensacolamuseum.org for more information.

2000 MEN: BLACK POLITICIANS DURING RECONSTRUCTION A new exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History shares the stories and histories of Black politicians during the Reconstruction period. The Pensacola Museum of History is located at 330 S. Jefferson St. For more information, visit historicpensacola.org.

FINDING 1821 Finding 1821 is part of the UWF Historic Trust's Suddenly American exhibit. Using historic newspapers, maps and documents, it is possible to locate where businesses stood in the 1820s. From taverns to parasol shops, each site on the Finding 1821 trail reflects a local establishment that was near that location 200 years ago. Outside each business is a QR code that links to a corresponding advert from an early 1820s newspaper. Over a dozen sites have been identified so far. Take a stroll around town, visit local shops and explore the history of Pensacola through today's technology. Visit historicpensacola.org for more information.

SCRIPTEASERS WITH PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE Scripteasers, Studio 400's

and Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club invites you to monthly script readings at PLT, 400 S. Jefferson St. Want to bring your scripts for the group to read and discuss? Contact Pensacola Little Theatre to get in queue.

The group reads prospective scripts for future seasons as well as new scripts that need a table read before the next edit. Not a playwright but love to read out loud? This is your easy, fun theatre night. Fascinated by the play selection process? Sit in for a listen and usually a lot of laughs. Visit facebook.com/pensacolalittletheatre for more information and the latest dates.

OPEN MIC AT THE GORDON Show off

your talents on the second Thursday of every month at The Gordon's Open Mic showcase from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. The Gordon is located at 306 N. DeVilliers St. Visit thegordon.org for more information.

OPEN MIC COMEDY AT BIG TOP BREWERY Try out some new jokes or enjoy some homegrown talent every Monday at 7 p.m. for Open Mic Comedy at Big Top Brewery, located at 21 W. Romano St. Everyone gets five minutes depending on the number of sign-ups. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

NEW CLASSES AT MIXON MAGIC PERFORMING ARTS Mixon Magic Performing

Arts (MMPA), a boutique performing arts studio located at 1010 N. 12th Ave., Ste. 238, will be offering a limited class schedule this fall. MMPA offers professional dance, fitness and "Mommy and Me" instruction for all ages and skill levels with weekly classes including, but not limited to, Creative Movement, Ballet/ Jazz Combo, Broadway, Tap, Showstoppers, Acting and Voice. Classes will be provided for children as young as 2 years old (with a parent or guardian) through adult.

MMPA is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of all students and families and has implemented protocols based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Masks are required for entry into the inweekly.net

a&e happenings building and studio. More information about Mixon Magic Performing Arts can be found at mixonmagic.com, by contacting hello@mixonmagic.com or emily@mixonmagic.com or by calling (850) 221-7438.

local DJs and producers while enjoying good food Saturday, April 9, at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $10. Crawfish from 1-4 p.m. and music from noon-midnight. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for more information.

CRAFT CLASSES AT STUDIO SOUTH ON NINE MILE Learn a new craft or meet up with

BRUNCH AT BODACIOUS Learn to prepare

other makers at Studio South. Tuesday is Knit Night 4-7 p.m., and Sit & Stitch is Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Both classes are free. For a full calendar of events, visit studiosouthon9mileroad.com.

Studio South is located at 955 E. Nine Mile Road.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT FIRST CITY ART First City Art Center offers a wide

range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels. Classes include glass blowing, ceramics, painting and drawing, kiln-forming, stained glass and more. For a complete list of classes and times, visit firstcityart.org.

FOOD + DRINKS

CELEBRATION OF OREGON WINES Join

Bodacious for an evening of Oregon Wines and a wine pairing dinner on Thursday, March 31, at 6 p.m., at Bodacious, located at 407-D S. Palafox. Cost is $89. More information is at bodaciousshops.com.

CINNAHOLIC GRAND OPENING Cinnaholic,

the perfect brunch with Chef Abby Cheshire at noon on Sunday, April 10, at Bodacious, located at 407-D S. Palafox. Cost is $49. Visit bodaciousshops.com for more information.

MONTHLY WINE TASTING IN AGAPI GARDEN Visit Agapi Garden, at 555 Scenic

Highway, from 5-7 p.m. to sample five wines for $10. For more information, call (850) 813-5683.

SUNDAY FUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE WELL The Well, located at 42 E. Garden St.,

has expanded its offerings with a Sunday Funday Brunch cocktail menu including items such as Spicy Paloma made with Mezcal, a cold brew cocktail with Irish whiskey, a cucumber-infused spritz and a Bloody Mary spiced with housemade hot sauce and garnished with fresh pickled vegetables. Price range is $9-$12. Brunch hours are Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Other small plate offerings are available Thursday-Saturday from 4 p.m.-one hour before closing. For more information, visit facebook.com/thewellpensacola.

a 100% plant-based bakery, will have a grand opening Saturday, April 1, with a live DJ, $1 cinnamon rolls (limit one per customer) and a magician. Cinnaholic is located at 170 S. Jefferson St.

FIRST FRIDAY FINE WINES Visit The Nest General Store at 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, on the first Friday of every month for a wine tasting from 6-8 p.m. Visit bluejaysbakery.com for more information.

FAMILY CLASS: CREATING PYSANKA, UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS Making some

BAYOU BUZZ COFFEE TASTING TOUR

memories and beautiful decorations at this family class. Admission is one adult and one child. Class is Saturday, April 2, from noon-4 p.m. at Pensacola Cooks, located 3624 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $80. For more information, visit facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

WESTERN MURDER MYSTERY AT GARDEN GRAIN Enjoy a delicious meal and solve a murder

in this interactive mystery game from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at Garden and Grain, 50 E. Garden St. Tickets are $55. More information at facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco.

MEDITERRANEAN MEZE BOARD CLASS

Chef Penny Davidi, of "Food Network" and "Bravo" fame, will be visiting Bodacious to teach how to prepare the perfect Meze Board Monday, April 4, at 6 p.m. Located at 407-D S. Palafox.

Cost is $55. Visit bodaciousshops.com for more information.

THE OFFICE TRIVIA NIGHT AT PERFECT PLAIN Join Perfect Plain at 7 p.m. Tuesday,

Seville Savories Food Tour will host a coffee tour of downtown Pensacola Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are available online at sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com.

BURGERS AND BORDEAUX AT UNION PUBLIC HOUSE Every Tuesday night, enjoy

a specialty burger and a glass of Bordeaux for $18 at Union Public House, located at 309 S. Reus St. For more information, visit facebook. com/unionpensacola.

WEEKNIGHT HAPPY HOUR Every weeknight before 6 p.m. at The 5 Barrel, get $1 off all The 5 Barrel pints, $2 wine by the glass and half off hummus plates when you buy a pint of beer.

Visit the5barrel.com for more information.

TABLETOP TUESDAYS AT THE 5 BARREL

Join The 5 Barrel for a special Tabletop Tuesday event at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in March. A wide variety of games ranging from the classic chess to the crowd favorite Catan will be available.

Players are welcome to bring their own games.

April 5, for The Office Trivia Night. Dress as your favorite character and receive happy hour beers all night long. Winning team and best dressed win a $100 gift card. Perfect Plain is located at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for more information.

ARAGON WINE TASTINGS Wine tastings at

EASY GOING GALLERY CRAWFISH BOIL

day Trivia Night Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at The 5 Barrel. There will be prizes for every

Visit Easy Going Crawfish boil and listen to March 31, 2022

Aragon Wine Market are back every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in store at 27 S. Ninth Ave. For more information, visit aragonwinemarket.com.

THURSDAY TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE 5 BARREL Gather a group for a weekly Thurs-

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a&e happenings round and select drafts for $3. Find out more at facebook.com/the5barrel.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand. Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. Gary's Brewery is located at 208 Newman Ave. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.

PALAFOX MARKET Palafox Market is back

at its regular location in MLK Jr. Plaza. In a carefully planned, phased reopening, Palafox Market has launched with about half its regular vendors, showcasing food, farm produce and products geared toward safety and sanitation such as handmade soaps and face masks. For more information, visit facebook.com/downtownpensacola.

EVER'MARKET AT NINE MILE ROAD Visit

Ever'Man at 1000 E. Nine Mile Road on the fourth Saturday of each month for the Ever'Market with food, music, giveaways, activities and more. Visit everman.org for more information.

200 SOUTH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Every first Saturday of the month, the businesses at 200 South will host Small Business Saturday to show support for local businesses. Bring a receipt from a purchase from any other downtown business and receive 10% off your bill at Graffiti Pizza, World of Beer, Taco Agave and Blend Lounge.

PENSACOLA POSITIVITY'S SUNDAY MARKETS Sunday Markets on Palafox Street

happen each Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in MLK Plaza on Palafox. Local makers, growers and creators gather each under the oak trees to sell their goods to the community. Interested vendors can request an application by emailing requeaskmikellah@gmail.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/palafoxmarkets.

SATURDAYS AT THE MARKET OUTDOOR VENDOR EVENT Located at 5300

Berryhill Road, the outdoor market features artisans and crafters alike from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For more information, email saturdaysatthemarket@gmail.com.

PENSACOLA POP-UP FARMERS MARKET Check out fresh and organic produce, milk, eggs, meat, fresh-baked bread, mushrooms, lumber, grits, cornmeal, pies and plants Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at East Hill Market, located at 1216 N. Ninth Ave. For a list of vendors, visit facebook.com/easthillmarket.

UPTOWN PENSACOLA MARKET Check

out local vendors of art, produce and other local treasures every Saturday at 7201 N. Ninth Ave. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/uptownmarketpensacola.

TWILIGHT THREE-COURSE SPECIAL The

District's Twilight Three-Course special is back

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. Guests enjoy three courses for $35 per person. Diners must be seated by 6 p.m. for offer to be valid. To make a reservation, call (850) 332-5224, or go to districtstreaks.com.

The District is located at 123 E. Government St.

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BLACKWATER The Six Piece

Suits will be playing Bands on the Blackwater 7 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Ryan Dyer will perform on April 8. The concert is held at Jernigan's Landing, 5158 Willing St., in Milton.

will perform at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, located at 208 Newman Ave., from 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, April 2. Visit facebook.com/garysbrew for more information.

YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN: A TAYLOR SWIFT INSPIRED DANCE PARTY Swifties

unite for a dance party featuring their favorite tunes from Taylor Swift. Doors open at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. For ages 18 and up. Tickets are $25.

There is a $5 surcharge at the door for those under 21. More information at vinylmusichall.com.

DOROTHY AT VINYL MUSIC HALL Dorothy will be stopping at Vinyl Music Hall on her Gifts from the Holy Ghost tour 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $19.50-$75.

More information at vinylmusichall.com.

PSO IN THE PARK Join Pensacola Symphony

JAZZFEST MEET AND GREET On 7 p.m.

SAMANTHA FISH Samantha Fish will be per-

Friday, April 1, and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2, The District, 123 E. Government St., invites the public to enjoy professional jazz musicians from the festival after hours.

39TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA JAZZFEST

The Pensacola JazzFest will take place 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, April 2, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, April 3, in Seville Square. Handicap parking will be at 400 E. Government St. Cost is free.

Visit jazzpensacola.com for more information.

SHAWN WILLIAMS Musician Shawn Williams

Orchestra for a free concert at the Museum Plaza in Downtown Pensacola 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3. Visit pensacolasymphony.com for more information.

forming at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, Sunday, April 3. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

More information at vinylmusichall.com.

THAO Musician Thao will be performing at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, with special guest Why Bonnie on Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, plus fees. Proof of negative COVID-19 test or proof of full vaccination required upon entry.

Visit vinylmusichall.com for more information.

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a&e happenings Hollow Front, Avoid and Brave New World will be at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, Tuesday, April 5. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22.

For more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

from 12-3 p.m. on the patio at Cazadores Mexican restaurant, located at 8183 W. Fairfield Dr. Weather permitting.

UWF CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT The

ters Blues Café, located at 421 W. Belmont St., Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and listen to Curt Bol Jazz Quartet. Visit curtbolband.com for more information.

University of West Florida and the Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Chamber Music class in concert on Wednesday, April 6, at noon at Old Christ Church, located at 405 S. Adams St.

ONE STEP CLOSER AND MORE AT EASY GOING GALLERY One Step Closer, Soul Blind,

CURT BOL JAZZ QUARTET Visit Five Sis-

Saturdays forof open jam with Pensacola Folk MuA blend thyme, savory, marjoram, sic Society. Feel free to visit and listen to music. rosemary and lavender lends a Artel Gallery is located at 223 S. Palafox.

Her New Knife and Statement Pride will be performing at Easy Going Gallery, located at balanced and floral aroma to our Super 701 N. V St., Thursday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m.

KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS Sing your virgin olive oil base.

Tickets are $15. Visit facebook.com/easygoing-Premium heart outextra Sundays at Mugs & Jugs, 12080 Scegallery for more information. nic Highway, or just enjoy drinks friends with $4 Smirnoff and $6.50 domestic pitcher drink deals from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, ZACH WILLIAMS The Zach Williams Spring visit facebook.com/mugsjugs.

2022 tour will make a stop at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, Sunday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.75-$217. Visit pensacolasLIVE MUSIC AT HUB STACEY'S Sit back aenger.com for more information. with good food and live music at Hub Stacey's, located at 312 E. Government St. For a full calendar of bands, check hubstaceys.com.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Blues Society of Northwest Florida and Seville Quarter present Monday Night MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE Blues, the longest running weekly Blues Jam QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Sociin Florida, starting at 7 p.m. with an opening ety of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back and followed by the Blues Jam at 9 p.m. Seville to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District, Quarter is located at 130 E. Government St. For located at 130 E. Government St. every Monday more information, visit sevillequarter.com. night in End O' the Alley starting at 7 p.m. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

JAZZ CONCERTS AT THE PENSACOLA LIBRARY Visit Pensacola Library, located at 239 N. Spring St., for a free jazz concert from 1-3 p.m. on the first and fourth Tuesday of the month through July. The next concert is March 22. Visit jazzpensacola.com for more information.

LIVE MUSIC AT RED FISH BLUE FISH PENSACOLA BEACH Head to Red Fish Blue Fish for live performances from local bands all day on Fridays and Saturdays. For musician lineups, visit facebook.com/redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.

JOE OCCHIPINTI JAZZABOUTS Catch Joe Occhipinti and guests at Alice's Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1504 W. Intendencia St., Wednesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and at Calvert's Restaurant & Bar, 670 Scenic Highway, Sundays from noon-3 p.m.

SAXOPHONIST JIM ANDREWS AT ALICE'S RESTAURANT Saxophonist Jim An-

drews will be performing at Alice's Restaurant, located at 1504 W. Intendencia St., on the first Friday of every month from 6-9:30 p.m.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Join Joe Occhipinti and the Jazzabouts at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. for classic jazz favorites.

RAY COLEY AT CAZADORES MEXICAN RESTAURANT Ray Coley performs oldies mix with jazz and blues every weekend with keyboard, horn and flute. Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. and a jazz set on Sundays March 31, 2022

407 S. PALAFOX ST.

Herbes De Provence Infused OPEN JAM AT ARTEL GALLERY Artel GalExtra Virgin Olive Oil lery is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious

Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, located at 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

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FITNESS + RECREATION

PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS GAMES The Pensacola Ice Flyers home games are at Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets start at $15. Purchase yours at pensacolabaycenter.com.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: •7:05 Thursday, March 31 •7:05 p.m. Friday, April 1 •7:05 p.m. Saturday, April 2 PUBLIC SKATE Public ice skating is back at Pensacola Bay Center, located at 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are $12 with skate rental or $9 without skate rental. Groups of 15 or more are $10 per person with skate rental included.

Times are 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 1; and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for more information.

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR 2022 Breathe Yoga and Wellness

Center in partnership with the City of Pensacola will offer free one-hour yoga classes to citizens on the first Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m. in Bayview Park, located at 2001 E. Lloyd St., and Community Maritime Park, located at 301 W. Main St. All ages and levels of experience are wel-

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a&e happenings come. Participants must bring their own mat and other accessories they would like to use.

Participants are asked to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, as water will not be provided.

UPCOMING DATES: •April 3: Bayview Park •May 1: Bayview Park

BIKE PENSACOLA SLOW RIDE Bike Pen-

sacola's April Slow Ride will be 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, starting at the Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. For more information, visit facebook.com/bikepensacola.

CHESS CLUB Learn how to play one of the oldest

games in the world with West Florida Public Libraries. Whether you are a beginner or a master chess player, this is a chance to learn new skills, practice your moves and improve your game in a friendly environment. The library will provide all the chessboards and pieces.

UPCOMING DATES: •10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 9, at Century Library •1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Southwest Library •1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Southwest Library •10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Genealogy Library

F3 NATION FREE WORKOUTS FOR MEN F3, a national network of free, peer-led

workouts for all men, has expanded its outdoor workouts to Pensacola. The three Fs stand for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. Classes are free of charge to all men 18 and older or 16 with

an adult guardian. Each class ends with a circle of trust. Class times are 7-8 a.m. Saturdays and 5:30-6:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Maritime Park, located at 351 W. Cedar St. Visit f3pensacola.com.

the University of West Florida and is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

OVER 50 DANCE CLUB Take part in the Over

on your walking shoes and join the walking challenge at the Molino library. Just visit Molino's track, turn on your favorite fitness tracker app to log your progress, dial up your tunes or an audiobook and start walking. When you finish, come into the library and log your progress with staff on our track challenge board. The top walker in this program will win The Coldest Water Bottle. The Molino Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A. For more information, visit mywfpl.com.

50 Dance Club at Sanders Beach Resource Center, located at 913 S. I St., Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. The dress code is dressy; cover is $5-$10. This club is tobacco- and alcohol-free.

For more information, call (850) 623-5013.

PENSACOLA PEGGERS CRIBBAGE CLUB LOOKING FOR MEMBERS Pensacola Peg-

gers Cribbage Club 396, the local Grass Roots Club affiliated with American Congress of Cribbage, is seeking new cribbage players for the group. The club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Sonny's BBQ, located at 6702 N. Ninth Ave., to play six games of cribbage.

WEEKLY FRIDAY DANCE Get moving every Friday night with a dance sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Enjoy food from 6-7 p.m. Dancing is from 7-10 p.m. A variety of bands and music provide the tunes. Cost of admission is $6. Dances are located at 105 Kenmore Ave. in Pensacola. For more information, call (850) 476-5696.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola

Rec Plex North parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays.

The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at

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RELEASE & RENEW AT FITNESS IMPACT TRAINING At 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Wednes-

days and Fridays, release into a yin yoga flow centered around low-stress training for highstress individuals. The focus will be on the basics of breath and openness in the shoulders, hips and spine. For more info, go to mindandmetta.online.

Cost is $12 per class, and the location is 375 N. Ninth Ave., Ste. B. Limited space available. Ask about membership pricing.

GULF COAST BREWERY RUN Thursdays at 6 p.m., join Pensacola Runners Association for a 5K fun run. Enjoy a free beer after the run and complimentary games such as cornhole, ping pong and more. Gulf Coast Brewery is lo-

cated at 500 E. Heinberg St. For more information, visit facebook.com/gulfcoastbrewery.

BEER GARDEN YOGA Join Coastal County Brewing Company Saturdays at 9 a.m. for the new Yoga in the Garden Series. Classes will be led by Tara Taylor, a highly experienced instructor from Breathe Pensacola. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $10 and includes a pint of beer after the class. Coastal County Brewing Company is located at 3041 E. Olive Road. For more information, visit facebook. com/coastalcounty.

SOUL FLOW YOGA AT BEAUTIFUL YOU STUDIO Every Tuesday at 7 a.m., flow and vibe

with some soulful music to start the day. This hour-long class will center around engaging the core through smooth yet strong yoga sequences. Cost is $10 per class or $99 for an unlimited 30-day pass. Located at 513 W. Intendencia St. For more info, go to mindandmetta.online.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays. And Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org. for more listings visit inweekly.net

Find your voice.

The Center serves as downtown Pensacola’s cultural and artistic hub.

It is home to local theatre, ballet, education, events, community organizations and more. As we look to the future, we plan to reimagine our space, and we invite you to join us on the journey. learn more at findyour center pensacola.com

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free will astrology WEEK OF MARCH 31 ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In 1904, it

wasn't illegal to use performance-enhancing drugs during Olympic competitions. Runner Thomas Hicks took advantage of this in the marathon race. The poison strychnine, which in small doses serves as a stimulant, was one of his boosters. Another was brandy. By the time he approached the finish line, he was hallucinating and stumbling. His trainers carried him the rest of the way, and he was declared the winner. I recommend you make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks. How might you cheat to gain a great victory? APRIL FOOL! I Lied. While it's true that a meaningful triumph is within your reach, you're most likely to achieve it by acting with total integrity, following the rules and imbibing no stimulating poisons.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Science fiction aficionado Wil Wheaton suggests that all of us should have the following: 1. a nemesis; 2. an evil twin; 3. a secret headquarters; 4. an escape hatch; 5. a partner in crime; 6. a secret identity. Dear Taurus, I have doubts that you possess any of these necessities. Please embark on intensive efforts to acquire all of them. Your deadline is April 21. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied.

There's no way you could add all those things to your repertoire in such a short time. See if you can at least get a secret identity and a partner in crime. It's time to have wicked fun as you add to your potency and effectiveness.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "I hate being

on my best behavior," wrote Gemini author Colleen McCullough. "It brings out the absolute worst in me." In the coming weeks, I hope you avoid the danger she describes. Don't be on your best behavior! Emulate Gemini filmmaker Clint Eastwood, who said, "I tried being reasonable, but I didn't like it." APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here's the real truth—Being kind and generous and reasonable will be your secret weapon in the next three weeks. Doing so will empower you to make interesting and unforeseen progress.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): A Tumblr

blogger named Alyssa complains, "I'm still peeved that I can't fly or set things on fire with my mind." You might share that feeling, Can-

By Rob Brezsny

cerian. But here's the good news: I predict that you could soon acquire, at least temporarily, the power to fly and set things on fire with your mind. Use these talents wisely, please! APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, you probably won't be able to fly or set things on fire with your mind anytime soon. However, you may acquire other superpowers that are only slightly less fantastic. For example, you could change the mind of an ally who has been ridiculously stubborn.

You could uncover a big secret that has been hidden. You could mend a wound you thought would never heal. Any other superpowers you need right now?

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): I suspect that only

a Leo would say what Leo filmmaker Stanley Kubrick once asserted: "You know, it's not absolutely true in every case that nobody likes a smart ass." In accordance with astrological omens, I authorize you to prove his assertion. Be the kind of smart ass that people like.

APRIL FOOL! I'm half-joking. The truth is, I hope you will be the kind of smart ass that people absolutely adore and get inspired by.

The truth is, I hope you will be the kind of smart ass that people absolutely adore and get inspired by.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): In honor of your arrival in the most lyrical and soulful phase of your cycle, I offer you advice from poet Richard Jackson—"The secret is to paint your own numbers on the clock, to brush away those webs that cover the wild country of the soul, to let your star hover between the flowers of the moon and the flowers of the sun, like words you have never spoken yet always hear."

APRIL FOOL! I partially lied. I don't think you should paint your own numbers on the clock.

But the rest of what Jackson said is totally applicable and useful for you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): "I want excitement," declared Libra novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, "and I don't care what form it takes or what

I pay for it, so long as it makes my heart beat."

In the coming weeks, I hope you will make that statement your motto. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. While I do foresee you being able to gather a wealth of excitement, I hope you won't be as extreme as Fitzgerald in your pursuit of it. There will be plenty of opportunities for excitement that won't require you to risk loss or pay an unwelcome price.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): "If you can't

make fun of yourself, you don't have a right to make fun of others," said comedian Joan Rivers. I agree! So if you are feeling an irresistible urge to mock people and fling sarcasm in all directions, please prepare by first mocking yourself and being sarcastic toward yourself.

APRIL FOOL! I lied. I will never authorize you to make fun of others. Never! In the coming weeks, I hope you'll do the opposite: Dole out massive doses of praise and appreciation toward everyone. To prepare, dole out massive doses of praise and appreciation toward yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): In the

traditional opera performed in China's Sichuan province, magical effects were popular. One trick involved characters making rapid changes of their masks. The art was to remove an existing mask and don a new one with such speed that the audience could not detect it. An old master, Peng Denghuai, once wore 14 different masks in 24 seconds. This is an antic I think you should imitate in the coming days. The more frequently you alter your persona and appearance, the more successful and popular you'll be. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied.

I recommend that you gleefully experiment with your image and exuberantly vary your self-presentation. But don't overdo it.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): A

nutritionist named Mark Haub decided to try losing weight by eating only sugary treats.

For 10 weeks, he snacked on junk food cakes, cookies and sweet cereals. By the end, he had lost 27 pounds. In accordance with astrological omens, I suggest you try the metaphorical equivalents of this project. For instance, work on deepening your relationships by engaging your allies in shallow conversations about trivial subjects. Or see if you can enhance your physical fitness by confining your exercise to

crossing and uncrossing your legs as you sit on the couch watching TV. APRIL FOOL! I lied.

Here's your real horoscope—for the next four weeks, take better care of your body and your relationships than you ever have before in your life. Make it a point to educate yourself about what that would entail and be devoted in providing the most profound nurturing you can imagine.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Aquarius-

born Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) was bravely heretical in his work as a philosopher, poet, mathematician and friar. He angered the Catholic Church with his unorthodox views about Jesus and Mary, as well as his belief in reincarnation, his practice of occult magic, and his views that there are other stars besides our sun. Eventually, the authorities burned him at the stake for his transgressive ideas. Beware of a similar outcome for expressing your unusual qualities! APRIL FOOL! Luckily, no punishment will result if you express the rich fullness of your idiosyncrasies in the coming weeks. I'm happy about that, since I'm encouraging you to be as eccentrically yourself as you want to be.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Life is too

complicated to accurately comprehend. There's too much to know! It's impossible to make truly savvy and rational decisions. Maybe the best strategy is to flip a coin or throw the dice or draw a Tarot card before doing anything.

APRIL FOOL! While it's a fact that life is too complex for our conscious minds to fully master, we have massive resources available on subconscious and superconscious levels— our deep soul and our higher self. Now is an excellent time to enhance your access to these mother lodes of intelligence.

THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What's the most compassionate prank you could perform? newsletter.freewillastrology.com

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news of the weird I'LL HAVE THE PORRIDGE Someone in Royton, Oldham, England, woke up on March 20 and felt like something was missing from their life.

And maybe breakfast was particularly difficult that morning. The Manchester Evening News reported that at the Barclay Pizza & Prosecco restaurant, as workers cleaned up after Saturday night's festivities, they found a full set of dentures on the floor in the bar. Barclay owner Emma Whelan posted a photo of a plastic bag containing the false teeth on Facebook, hoping to locate the owner. "We get a lot of things left behind after a night in the Barclay ... but this is a new one," Whelan said. "It must have been a cracking night."

OOPS The Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Little Rock, Arkansas, is facing a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Harold D. Lee of Pauline, South Carolina, who was hoping to be buried next to his parents at a Quitman, Arkansas, cemetery after his death on Thanksgiving Day 2019. Lee's body was transferred to the Roller-McNutt facility and arrangements were made for the casket and funeral, KNOE-TV reported, but according to the lawsuit, the funeral home alerted the family on Dec. 10, 2019, that they had "accidentally cremated the body." Lee was extremely religious and "stickily (sic) desired not to be cremated, as he believed his body would be raptured following the second coming," the lawsuit stated. His wife, Eunice, was violently shaking in shock when she got the news. The funeral home waived the cost of the funeral and returned $5,000 after the mistake was made, the lawsuit noted.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES Kristin Wiley, 49, was pulled over by Indian River County (Florida) Sheriff's officers after she barely missed hitting their stopped vehicle on March 20, The Smoking Gun reported. When they approached the car, they saw her 9-year-old son in the back seat, crying. The officer noted that Wiley's eyes were "watery and red in color," and he smelled alcohol on her breath, so he asked if she'd been drinking. She replied, "No," but her son piped up from the back seat, "Mom, you can't lie to the police. You did drink." He told the officer that his mom had been drinking at a party and said he was "very scared while Kristin was operating the vehicle," the officer reported. A breath test recorded her alcohol content at nearly three times the legal limit. Along with DUI, she was charged with child abuse.

AWESOME! When Steve Nichols and John Winn of Indian Trail, North Carolina, saw a TV news story about a dog whose owners abandoned him because they thought he was "gay," they knew they had to do something. The couple of 33 years told The Charlotte Observer that they drove to Albemarle on March 23 to adopt the dog, whom they named Oscar, after the Irish poet Oscar Wilde. Oscar's previous owners had surrendered him for humping another male dog, which, Nichols said, "was one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. That's just pack behavior." Nichols noted that the dog hadn't been neutered and

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

was suffering from heartworm, which led him to believe that "the owner apparently didn't do anything to take care of this dog." Oscar is getting the care he needs and will join the couple's other dog, Harry, at their home.

GREAT ART In the London neighborhood of Richmond, an unusual property that's been dubbed the "Invisible House" is attracting attention—or flying under the radar—of passersby, MyLondon reported. The front of the home sits on a busy thoroughfare and is almost completely covered with one-way mirrored glass, which reflects a roundabout across the road and the busy sidewalk in front. The family, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the architect wanted the mirror to "make the house 'talk with its environment.' We really liked the idea and ran with it." The back of the house sits on a quiet lane and features traditional architecture.

AND THEIR LITTLE BIRD, TOO! In a scene eerily reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz," the Castellanos family of Arabi, Louisiana, took a wild ride on March 22 as a destructive tornado ripped through the area, ABC News reported. Dea Castellanos was sitting on a couch in her living room when the house began to spin, whipping her into a bedroom. Her daughter, who has muscular dystrophy, was in another bedroom. The one-story home was lifted from its foundation and crashed down in the middle of the street, where neighbors called 911 and the girl was taken to the hospital. One of the Castellanos' pet birds stood among the rubble as they salvaged what they could; family members were "doing fine" after their ordeal.

BRIGHT IDEAS Need socks? Need exercise?

Souki Socks, a small factory in Japan's Nara Prefecture, has you covered—or at least your toes. The company devised a contraption that combines a stationary bike with a sock-knitting machine and called it Charix. Before customers sit down, Oddity Central reported, they choose the size and colors for their socks. Riders pedal for about 10 minutes; the staff sew the toes and finish the socks on the spot, and happy clients take the new pair home.

WELCOME TO HOGWARTS, HARRY! A U.K.based startup called Invisibility Shield Co. has brought Harry Potter's most handy tool to reality, Oddity Central reported. The company's technology isn't quite as perfect as the fictional character's cloak, but it's close: "From the observer's perspective," the company says, "the background light is effectively smeared horizontally across the front face of the shield, over the area where the subject would ordinarily be seen." Of course, they add, the shield won't protect users from dementors or Voldemort himself. They hope to start deliveries in December. {in} From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com March 31, 2022

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Independent News | March 31, 2022 | inweekly.net