Inweekly May 11 2023 Issue

kind of my way

healing myself, my community and my food culture

winners & losers

Thank you to our Pensacola Habitat 2023 Executive Builders!

winners losers

LISSA DEES The former executive director of the Downtown Improvement Board has been selected as the parking management director for the City of Pensacola, responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the city's parking facilities and guiding Pensacola's parking department in a strategic and forward-looking direction. Dees started with the city in 2020 as the parking manager, after working six years with the DIB as assistant to the executive director.

GEORGE BIGGS Biggs Construction Company, Inc. has been named to the University of Florida's 2023 Gator100. Each year, Gator100 recognizes the world's fastest-growing Gator businesses owned or led by UF alumni. Ernst & Young verifies financial information submitted by each company and calculates the rankings based on compound annual growth rate over the past three years. Biggs Construction Company, Inc., owned by George Biggs, has provided construction services to Northwest Florida and South Alabama for more than 20 years. The 2023 Gator100 celebrates companies from more than 18 industries, with the top three representing construction and design, health and real estate.

ALLISON HILL & BRIAN WYER The University of West Florida College of Business recently honored the 2023 Ethics in Business award recipients, Allison Hill and Brian Wyer, at the 21st Combined Rotary Luncheon. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the concept of "service above self" and work to build a positive sense of self-worth within the business community and broader community as a whole. LifeView Group CEO Allison Hill was the large business award winner, and Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce CEO Brian Wyer won the small business award.

ANDREW GILLUM The 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee was acquitted on charges of lying to federal investigators, but jurors did not reach a verdict on conspiracy and fraud charges. U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor declared a mistrial on charges that Gillum, a former Tallahassee mayor, bilked political contributors out of money and illegally steered it to Gillum for his personal use.

CLARENCE THOMAS

The Supreme Court Justice has found a very generous friend, Dallas billionaire Harlan Crow, who has paid for multiple luxury vacations, bought his mother's house and paid two years of private school tuition for a child raised by Justice Thomas. Thomas reported none of these payments in his annual disclosure reports. In a written statement to ProPublica, Crow insisted he and his wife "never asked about a pending or lower court case, and Justice Thomas on any legal or political issue." Thomas has said he was advised that he didn't need to report the trips covered by the Crows.

DA'NAUTICA PEARSON

The 22-year-old man was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for fatally shooting Erskine Ware in his home on Dec. 2, 2020. Pearson sat in the courtroom wearing a suicide jacket covering his naked body and strapped to a chair. He refused to stop screaming profanities and off-topic remarks at the judge, court deputies and those in attendance. He eventually had to be removed from the courtroom. Judge Linda Nobles sentenced Pearson to life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

MATT BANKS

The owner of Banks Construction is back in the Escambia County Jail after Judge John Simon ruled that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by committing new offenses. He will remain in jail until the trial for an August 2022 arrest on a third-degree felony charge of contractor failing to refund filed by the Pensacola Police Department. In April of 2023, a grand jury indicted Banks for racketeering, aggravated white-collar crime, organized fraud and tampering with evidence. Judge Simon ruled the additional charges violated his terms of release in the 2022 case.

FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The organization bragged that its priorities—tort reform and universal school vouchers—passed during the 2013 Legislative Session, but failed to defend Disney World, the state's largest singlesite employer and top tourist attraction, against more regulations.

Lissa Dees / Photo Courtesy of City of Pensacola

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

HOMELESS POLITICS

For decades, the homeless have been a political football in Pensacola and Escambia County.

Over the years, city and county officials have tried to outlaw panhandling and, maybe unintentionally, homelessness.

In 2011, County Commissioner Gene Valentino helped pass the "Roadway Safety Ordinance" to ban people from stopping or standing in a paved or unpaved median unless lawfully crossing the road. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office began enforcing Escambia County's new panhandling ordinance and arrested 15 people at intersections throughout the county in less than two weeks. However, the reprieve from panhandlers didn't last long because ECSO had better things to do.

Mayor Ashton Hayward, Pensacola City Council and the Downtown Improvement Board tried several times to evict panhandlers and the homeless from downtown Pensacola. Faced with Occupy Pensacola camping on the grounds at City Hall, the Hayward administration attempted to pass an ordinance prohibiting camping on public property. The discussion was tabled after an infamous moment when the police escorted Rev. Nathan Monk out of a City Council meeting for protesting the agenda item.

In 2013, City Administrator Bill Reynolds convinced City Council to pass three ordinances that prohibited camping, using blankets in city parks and sleeping outside; washing, shaving and other activities in city-owned public restrooms; and public urination and defecation. Six months later, a bitter freeze hit the city, covering roads and bridges with ice.

Homeless advocates started a petition to repeal the ordinance banning blankets, which eventually garnered 22,571 signatures. The national media referred to Pensacola as the city that tried to outlaw homelessness. The Huffington Post called Hayward the "Florida mayor who supported a ban on homeless people's sleeping bags." Facing re-election and mounting criticism, the mayor issued a statement calling for City Council to repeal the ordinance "after reflecting and praying on the issue." The repentant council complied quickly.

Two years later, the Downtown Improvement Board chairman asked the city to make downtown Pensacola a district that prohibited loiter-

ing and panhandling. The downtown would have become the Downtown Visitor's District, where the solicitation of donations on public sidewalks and the right-of-way would be banned. The council passed new ordinances, the ACLU challenged them and the city repealed them—ending Hayward's efforts to deal with the issue.

During the pandemic, County Administrator Janice Gilley didn't worry about creating any ordinances. In 2020, she pushed code enforcement and the sheriff's office to raid homeless camps, driving the campers to the city's core. Mayor Grover Robinson allowed them to live under the I-110 overpass and created the Homeless Reduction Task Force of Northwest Florida.

The task force developed a series of recommendations on how the city could spend $3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The camp was shut down in early 2022, and the homeless migrated back to camps in the woods outside the city limits. Recently, evictions from those sites have begun.

But maybe there's hope on the horizon. The Escambia County Commission, Pensacola City Council and Mayor D.C. Reeves held a joint workshop Tuesday, May 9, to listen to a presentation from Dr. Joe Savage, Jr., of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness about the federal strategic plan to reduce homelessness by 25% by 2025. He followed up the workshop by speaking at CivicCon.

The 2023-24 federal budget provides $3.7 billion to prevent and reduce homelessness and expand assistance to approximately 25,000 additional households, including survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, and homeless youth. Savage explained the "All In" strategic plan and how our community can go after those federal dollars.

In an interview with the Pensacola News Journal, Savage talked about homelessness not being the result of someone's moral flaws but of our society's safety net. Our community's challenge is to quit shifting the homeless out of sight and instead deal with the root causes and make a homeless condition only temporary. Maybe we can do it with these federal dollars.

{in} rick@inweekly.net

Just like we have every year for the last 23 years, we're asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll. That means your most important opinions—like who really has the best karaoke night in town—are finally going to be heard.

Some of you might've noticed we're doing things a little earlier this time around. That's because we just can't wait to see what and who ev -

eryone is loving around town right now. So instead of October, the official results will be announced in August this year.

Don't worry if you can't get through the full ballot in one try. Voting is open through May 21, so you can take it one section at a time. You can also vote online if that's more your style—at inweekly.net. {in}

Or vote online at inweekly.net • Now-May 21

community, media & culture

Best Nonprofit

Best Charity Event

Best Place to Work

Best Boss

Best Community Leader

Best Rising Leader

Best Politician

Best Advocacy/Activist Group

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Day Trip

Best Annual Event

Best Food Event

Best Parade

Best Regular/Reoccurring Event

Best Free Thing To Do

Best Neighborhood

Best Pensacola Landmark

Best Public Park

Best Pet-Friendly Park

Best Playground

Best Palafox Market Vendor

Best Makers/Craft Market

Best Reason to Attend a Blue Wahoos Game

Best Reason to Attend an Ice Flyers Game

Best Youth Sports/Rec Program

Best Dance Studio

Best After-School Activity

Best Summer Camp

Best Place for a Birthday Party

Best Local Celebrity

Best TV Station

Best Radio Station

Best Radio Personality

Best Morning Radio Show

Best Podcast

Best Website/Blog

Best Business or Person to Follow on Social Media

Best Way To Get Cultured

Best Art Gallery/Museum

Best Artist

Best Photographer

Best Music Venue

Best Band

Best Concert/Concert Series

Best Theatre Production

Best Comedian

▶rules

•No photocopies or faxes will be accepted.

•Vote in at least 15 categories. Ballots with fewer than 15 categories completed will not be counted.

•Ballots must be postmarked by May 21, 2023.

▶mail your ballot to

Best of the Coast c/o Inweekly, PO Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591

▶required info

Name

Email

services

Best Hair Salon-Pensacola

Best Hair Salon-Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach

Best Hair Salon–Milton/Pace

Best Hair Stylist

Best Hair Colorist

Best Barber Shop

Best Men's Hair Stylist

Best Day Spa

Best Massage

Best Massage Therapist

Best Pedicure

Best Manicure

Best Hair Removal

Best Facial

Best Esthetician

Best Skin Care Overall

Best Bank

Best Credit Union

Best Financial Advisor

Best Accounting Firm

Best Residential Real Estate Agency

Best Commercial Real Estate Agency

Best Real Estate Agent

Best Boutique Hotel/Inn

Best Hotel–Pensacola Beach

Best Hotel–Pensacola

Best Apartment Complex

Best Architecture Firm

Best Law Firm

Best Attorney

Best Insurance Agent

Best Vet

Best Dog Groomer

Best Doggie Day Care/Boarding

Best Construction Company

Best AC Company

Best Landscaping

Best Interior Designer

Best Framery

Best Tattoo & Piercing Studio

Best Tattoo Artist

Best Special Event Space

Best Party Decor

Best Caterer

Best Florist

Best Portrait/Family Photography

Best Tailor/Alterations

Best Car Wash/Detailer

Best Auto Service Shop

Best Green Business

Best New Business

health & wellness

Best Gym

Best Personal Trainer

Best Boutique Fitness Studio

Best Yoga

Best Yoga Instructor

Best Pilates

Best Fitness Classes

Best Fitness Instructor

Best Bootcamp

Best Weight Loss Program

Best Running Club

Best 5K

Best Place to Walk/Run

Best Place to Ride Your Bike

Best Hospital

Best General Care Physician

Best Chiropractor

Best Dentist

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Best Endodontist

Best Pediatrician

Best Mental Health Professional

Best OB/GYN

Best Optometrist

Best Dermatologist

Best Plastic Surgery

Best Physical Therapy

Best Pharmacy

Best Walk-In Clinic

Best Cannabis Dispensary

retail

Best Car Dealership

Best Bicycle Shop

Best Boutique

Best Men's Apparel

Best Women's Apparel

Best Children's Apparel & Gifts

Best Accessories

Best Thrift Store

Best Athletic/Outdoor Store

Best Furniture/Home Décor Store

Best Antiques

Best Vintage Shop/Seller

Best Maker/Artisan

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Best Place to Buy Greeting Cards/Stationery

Best Place to Buy a Book

Best Comic Book Store

Best New Store

Best Jeweler

Best Surf/Skate Shop

Best Nursery/Plants

Best Hardware Store

Best Computer/Tech Store

Best Music Gear/Instruments

Best Record Store

Best Liquor Store

Best Wine Shop

Best Wine Tastings

Best Grocery Store

Best Place to Buy Produce

Best International Food Market

Best Gourmet/Specialty Food Shop

weddings

Best Place to Propose

Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring

Best Ceremony Venue

Best Reception Venue

Best Officiant

Best Bridal Store

Best Place to Rent a Tux

Best Bridal Make-up Artist

Best Wedding Hair Salon

Best Wedding Hair Stylist

Best Wedding Planner/Coordinator

Best Wedding Photography

Best Photobooth

Best Wedding Videography

Best Wedding Band

Best Wedding DJ

Best Wedding Caterer

Best Wedding Cake

Best Wedding Florist

Best Wedding Rentals

Best Wedding Party Transportation

Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift

Best Place for a Rehearsal Dinner

Best Place for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay restaurants

Best Restaurant Overall

Best Restaurant–Downtown

Best Restaurant–Cordova Area

Best Restaurant–East Hill

Best Restaurant–North Pensacola/ Nine Mile Road

Best Restaurant–West Pensacola/Perdido Key

Best Restaurant–East Pensacola Heights

Best Restaurant–Gulf Breeze

Best Restaurant–Pensacola Beach

Best Restaurant–Milton/Pace

Best New Restaurant

Best Bakery

Best Breakfast

Best Brunch

Best Lunch

Best Food Truck

Best Greek Cuisine

Best Mexican Cuisine

Best Italian Cuisine

Best Cajun Cuisine

Best Chinese Cuisine

Best Japanese Cuisine

Best Thai Cuisine

Best Indian Cuisine

Best Vietnamese Cuisine

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine

Best Sushi

Best Gluten Free Options

Best Seafood

Best Steakhouse

Best BBQ

Best Soul Food

Best Wine Menu

Best Original Menu

Best Chef

Best Up-and-Coming Chef

Best Wait Staff

Best Waiter

Best Waitress

Best Coffee Shop

Best Barista

Best Outdoor Dining

Best Place to Eat Healthy

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant

Best Take Out/To Go

Best Food Delivery

Best Restaurant for a Date

Best Restaurant for a Birthday Dinner

Best Restaurant for Sports Fans

Best Late Night Eats

Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Guests

Best Gone-But-Not-Forgotten Restaurant

food

*List the specific menu item if applicable

Best Uniquely Pensacola Dish

Best Cup of Coffee

Best Cold Brew

Best Latte

Best Iced Tea

Best Juices/Smoothies

Best Pizza

Best Steak

Best Burrito

Best Taco

Best Soup

Best Deli

Best Bread

Best Sandwich

Best Chicken Salad

Best Burger

Best Hot Dog

Best Cheese Plate

Best Appetizers

Best Mac-n-Cheese

Best Pastries

Best Breakfast Dish/Menu Item

Best Grits

Best Donuts

Best French Fries

Best Fried Chicken

Best Wings

Best Oysters

Best Salads

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Dish

Best Desserts

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt

Best Cakes/Cupcakes

Best Cookies

Best King Cake

Best Original Menu Item

Best Lunch Specials

Best Weekly Special

Best Cooking Classes

Best Local Food Manufacturer

Best Local Beverage Manufacturer

Best Mobile Beverage Service

bars, drinks & nightlife

Best Bar Overall

Best Night Club

Best Bar–Downtown

Best Bar–Cordova Area

Best Bar–North Pensacola/Nine Mile Road

Best Bar–West Pensacola/Perdido Key

Best Bar–Pensacola Beach

Best Bar–Milton/Pace

Best New Bar

Best Drink Specials

Best Cover Charge Worth Paying

Best Day Drinking

Best Drink Menu

Best Daiquiris/Frozen Drinks

Best Bushwacker

Best Bloody Mary

Best Mimosa

Best Martini

Best Selection of Wine

Best Margarita

Best Signature Drink

Best Brewery

Best Local Beer

Best Selection of Beer on Tap

Best Bartender

Best DJ

Best Drag Queen

Best Sports Bar

Best Sports Team Club Headquarters

Best Neighborhood Bar

Best Pet-Friendly Bar

Best Hotel Bar

Best Bar With a View

Best Bar Ambiance

Best Bar for Games

Best Trivia Night

Best Karaoke Night

Best Bar for Live Music

Best Bar Food

JUST PENSACOLA'S FIGHT

By Tom St. Myer

A critical shortage of affordable houses in Pensacola impacts more than just those living paycheck to paycheck.

Blues Angel Music owner Nan DeStafney is not impacted as a homeowner, but as a business owner, she feels the crunch of employees being unable to afford living in Pensacola.

"My employees need a higher wage to pay their housing cost and everything else that's going up," DeStafney said. "As I have to pay employees more, my prices have to go up."

DeStafney decided against filling six vacant positions on her staff to avoid layoffs.

DeStafney pays her employees $19-$22 an hour and provides health insurance, yet a significant number are unable to afford a place to live on their own. Her employees live with roommates, and some opt out of health insurance to put more of their salary toward rent, groceries and gasoline, she said.

An increase in affordable housing is a top priority for city officials. Mayor D.C. Reeves is aggressively seeking funding sources, but with some restraint. He has refused to invest in an affordable housing trust fund proposed by Justice United Seeking Transformation Pensacola.

JUST Pensacola is a coalition of 17 congregations from 12 different faith traditions in the greater Pensacola area. "JUST" stands for Justice United Seeking Transformation. The interfaith alliance is invested in addressing the affordable housing shortage. JUST Pensacola proposed the city set aside $4.2 million per year from the general fund to reach $42 million and cover an estimated $265 million to build 1,000 units over 10 years. The coalition expects its proposed trust fund would attract about $6 for every $1 the city invests.

The coalition identified 1,000 as the magic number after its research revealed a deficit of 1,000 units for families earning at or below 80% area median income in Pensacola. About 4,565 households in the city must decide between paying rent or covering the costs of groceries, medications, gasoline and clothes.

"We spent this last year looking for a proven solution and what will make the biggest impact," said St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Rev. Ansley Walker, who serves on the JUST Pensacola board and its steering committee for affordable housing. "Research of several municipalities across the country identified a trust fund as the most reliable solution."

Walker moved to Pensacola in 2021 after accepting the position at St. Christopher's. She previously paid $1,200 a month to rent a onebedroom apartment in Connecticut. Walker searched for months for a similar rate on the south side of Pensacola before finally finding an apartment.

The $1,200 price tag lasted only a year before the landlords raised the price of the apartments by hundreds of dollars. Walker convinced the landlords to increase her price by a minimum amount after breaking down in tears

and explaining her situation, but she is still paying 32% of her income solely for rent. She will soon move out of, because the new landlords are raising the price to an unaffordable $1,695 a month for an annual lease or $1,900 for a month-to-month lease.

"The idea is, you rent so you can save to buy a house, but in Pensacola right now, that's not a reality," Walker said.

According to the University of Florida Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, 28% of renters pay more than 40% of their income for rent in Escambia County. By comparison, only 13% of renters in Santa Rosa County fall in the same category.

In 2021, only three of the 10 most common jobs in the Pensacola area (office clerks, administrative assistants and customer service representatives) paid enough for the employee to afford a one-bedroom apartment at 30% of their salary. None earned enough to afford a two-bedroom apartment at a fair market rate.

PLAN TOO RIGID FOR CITY

The coalition cited all that data when asking the mayor to commit millions of dollars each year from the city's general fund to increase affordable housing. Reeves declined and described the proposal as too rigid.

"The things that we are getting active in are not always going to come from general fund revenues," Reeves said. "And to hamper our ability to operate the city by taking a significant portion of the general fund to set aside is not the most nimble use of dollars."

The mayor continued to explain.

"Some people invest in the stock market and think that's the best tactic," Reeves said. "Some people might play the lottery; that might be their tactic. We just don't agree on tactics of how we're going to get there."

Reeves criticized JUST Pensacola's proposal for ignoring the Live Local Act that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law in March, which doubles the funding for housing and rental programs and provides developers with incentives to construct affordable and workforce housing throughout Florida. The act will create tax exemptions for developments that set aside at least 70 units for affordable housing and will speed up permits and development orders for affordable housing projects.

"This proposal has been talked about now for multiple years, and even with the passing of Senate Bill 102, the proposal hasn't changed, not by a dollar," Reeves said.

Reeves voiced further concerns about the proposal not prioritizing grants and tax abatements as funding sources. The city is awaiting word on its application for more than $35 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds and another $1 million in CDBG Mitigation Funds to reconnect East and West Pensacola through the Hollice T. Williams neighborhood. He expects the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine the grant recipients by early summer.

Reeves envisions using a portion of those funds to turn vacant lots into attainable housing.

"We're looking potentially at multi-milliondollar investments there—whether it be property acquisition, demolition or otherwise," Reeves said.

The coalition is digging in its heels and asking Reeves and City Council to budget at least some money into an affordable housing trust fund in 2023-24. JUST Pensacola officials said their proposal does not require trust fund dollars to come only from the general fund. The coalition identified other potential revenue sources, including Community Reinvestment Act funds, CDBG dollars, local option sales tax and amending the interlocal agreement between the CRA and city to use CRA dollars. The idea is to avoid raising taxes by reallocating funds that already exist.

"Hope is so much a part of our faith, and we have resilience," Walker said. "We're not going away. There's been some miscommunication or misinterpretation by the mayor's office and ourselves."

Council member Jennifer Brahier sides with the mayor on the issue. She agrees the trust proposal is too rigid, and JUST Pensacola offered no flexibility. She cited how the city spent $3 million to "shore up places for homeless," yet the coalition does not count that money toward the $4.2 million.

"JUST Pensacola has some good ideas, except they were fixed on only one way to do things," Brahier said. "It had to come out of the general fund, and that is what they said to each and every one of us as we met with them independently. So even though they may have said, 'Oh, it doesn't have to come out of there,' that's what they were demanding from us. And so, we wanted a little more flexibility, and that's why we could not agree to what they were doing."

JUST Pensacola cited Greenville, S.C., as an example of how establishing a trust fund is a recipe for success. Established in 2018, the Greenville Housing Fund is a nonprofit corporation that leverages city funds with public and private contributions to create and preserve affordable housing. The city has leveraged $8.6 million in city funds with more than $300 million in contributions. The result? The production and preservation of more than 900 affordable and workforce housing units and the acquisition of properties for thousands of future units.

SOME SUCCESS

The coalition is running into roadblocks in establishing a similar affordable housing initiative, but its civil citation efforts continue to pay

dividends. State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden attended the Nehemiah Action Assembly in late April and announced plans to establish an adult civil citation program after reviewing the proposal submitted by JUST Pensacola. A civil citation is a pre-arrest diversion for lowlevel, nonviolent offenders. In its infancy, JUST Pensacola convinced Madden and local law enforcement to increase juvenile civil citations and reduce the number of youths with criminal records. Civil citations rose from 17% in 2020 to 58% the following year.

JUST Pensacola initially targeted an increase of 80%. First United Methodist Church Rev. Rick Branch, who serves as co-president of JUST Pensacola, said the percentage will increase if the state attorney agrees to issue civil citations for nonviolent acts of domestic disturbance. Another issue is understanding civil citations.

"We're trying to educate people that civil citations are better for everyone," Branch said.

Boldened by its success with juvenile civil citations, JUST Pensacola shifted its focus to adults this year. More than 4,000 adults in the county were arrested in 2022 for nonviolent misdemeanors that would be civil citations if the new program was in place.

"It works out better all around," Branch said. "The person doesn't have to go to jail, the person doesn't have to miss work and it doesn't put a strain on the family."

Research by the coalition found that 49% of the arrests for nonviolent misdemeanors in 2022 were driving-related. JUST Pensacola is urging law enforcement to issue civil citations instead, especially for unpaid fines and fees, Branch said.

"It so adversely affects low-income folks," Branch said. "If you don't pay the ticket and your license is suspended and you're stopped, you're probably being arrested. That's no reason to have someone spend a weekend or a week or two in jail." {in}

JUST PENSACOLA MEMBER CONGREGATIONS

• B'nai Israel Synagogue

• Bethel AME Church

• First Baptist Church of Ferry Pass

• First Baptist Church of Warrington

• Holy Cross Episcopal Church

• Allen Chapel AME Church

• Christ Episcopal Church

• Escambia Chapel AME Zion Church

• St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

• St. Christopher's Episcopal Church

• First United Methodist Church

• First Presbyterian Church

• Gateway Church of Christ

• St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church

• St. Joseph's Catholic Church

• Temple Beth El

• Unitarian Universalist Church

For more details, visit justpensacola.org

"The idea is, you rent so you can save to buy a house, but in Pensacola right now, that's not a reality."

Rev. Ansley Walker

completion of the Blake Doyle Skatepark at Hollice T. Williams Park with a ribbon cutting and grand opening event. This commemorated a highly anticipated and monumental project for the Pensacola skate community.

The Pensacola community joined Mayor D.C. Reeves and Upward Intuition to celebrate this exciting project, which includes approximately 25,000 square feet of skateable surface area for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The skatepark features a beginner area, multi-level skate plaza, two skate bowls and an additional 5,700 square feet of surrounding sidewalk and gathering areas.

"Countless hours of hard work, advocacy and collaboration over the past eight-plus years have finally led us to this moment, and I'd like to thank everyone who played a role in making this exciting project a reality," Reeves said. "This skatepark will undoubtedly become a regional destination for the skating community and help us continue to build a strong sense of place for our great city."

The ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from Mayor Reeves, District 6 Councilwoman Allison Patton, former Mayors Grover Robinson IV and Ashton Hayward, District 3 Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May and Jon Shell of Upward Intuition.

Jon Shell, who conceived the skatepark to honor his friend Blake Doyle, discussed the ceremony on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen."

"There were a lot of obstacles, and sometimes it just seemed like it might not work out," Shell said. "We just kept kind of being a squeaky wheel and had a really good team. So many people were excited about the project and what it would do for our community. We finally did it."

The skatepark's construction was completed on time and under budget. The city awarded the construction contract to Bear General Contractors, LLC, which was managed by the city's Public Works & Facilities Department. All skatepark features were constructed by Evergreen Skateparks, a skatepark building company that designs and constructs skateparks worldwide.

velopment Agency, private donors and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. An Escambia County RESTORE Direct Component grant paid for the project design. HDR, Inc. and Kimley-Horn did the overall park design and skatepark design with the assistance of American Ramp Company.

Shell already has events planned for the skatepark.

"We've got a really awesome opening-day event planned for June 10, and we've got some incredible pro skaters coming out, like Andrew Reynolds and Jamie Floyd. We will have a clinic for kids, best trick contests hosted by the local skate shops, food trucks and live music. All the details are on upwardintuition.org."

The skatepark is part of the overall transformation of Hollice T. Williams Park through a joint project with the city and county, which will ultimately create a place for community members of all ages to connect and enjoy activities in the heart of the city. The Blake Doyle Skatepark will be open daily from dawn to dusk.

BASE REOPENS After more than three years of restricted entry, the Navy has reestablished the public access waiver onto Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS) effective Wednesday, May 17. The waiver allows the public to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, Historic Fort Barrancas and the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

"I've been in my job at the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation for two and a half years, and I've known nothing but closure," said Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation CEO. "We couldn't be more excited. We had worked with the Navy on ideas that seemed like they made sense, but now we're finally getting across the finish line."

Cozad credited the work of local elected officials, community leaders and the thousands of people who signed a petition to reopen the base last summer.

"We've had a lot of behind-the-scenes work, coordination and advocacy at the right levels," Co-

zad said. "This gets us back to where we were prior to 2019, and it gets folks back to their museum."

Since taking office in November of 2022, Mayor D.C. Reeves has had several discussions with the Pentagon and Navy about allowing the public to visit National Naval Aviation Museum. He made several suggestions, including setting up buses to transport tourists and locals to the base. He was pleased with this past week's announcement.

"The base and this museum are crown jewels of our Pensacola community," Reeves said. "Having this amazing museum returned to our area is vital in so many ways. I appreciate the efforts by Capt. (Terrence) Shashaty, Navy leadership and Museum leadership to reopen this incredible resource for the public to enjoy."

General public visitors to the museum will be required to enter NAS Pensacola through the west gate on Blue Angel Parkway. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must provide a Real ID or passport. For detailed requirements for base access, visit NAS Pensacola's website.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Sunday. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. The scheduled public visitation, which is a part of the phased reopening, will remain 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ThursdaySunday, May 11-14.

"If you haven't been to the museum in a few years, we've got new exhibits," Cozad said. "We've instituted online ticket purchasing policies where you can skip the lines for movies and simulators. We can't wait to see your reaction to everything that's good about your National Naval Aviation Museum."

MALCOLM YONGE UPDATE The Malcolm Yonge Center may not reopen any time soon, according to the initial inspection by Joe Dereuil Associates. Built around 1961, the building has been leased by the city to the Lighthouse Private Christian Academy since January of 2022. City staff closed it in late March because of structural concerns about the building's arch supports.

Those concerns were well-founded. Joe Dereuil Associates determined the seven arches were severely damaged and rated to be in near failure condition. The worst delamination and decay were on the exterior portion of the arches.

The firm recommended the building not be occupied at this time and that a comprehensive building assessment, including structural and non-structural systems, be completed to determine whether the facility should be repaired or demolished.

KUDOS TO ANDY Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons has promoted Commander Andrew Hobbs to chief deputy of administration. Chief Deputy Tommi Lyter, who came on board with Simmons in January of 2021, will oversee dayto-day law enforcement operations. Former Sheriff David Morgan also had two chief deputies during his third term, Simmons and Eric Haines.

Hobbs began his ECSO career in 2003 and served as the Commander of the Community Rela-

tions division, including public information, professional standards, traffic, crime stoppers, community policing, fleet services and domestic security. He was named an Inweekly Rising Star in 2015.

UNDERHILL WINS Escambia County lost its appeal regarding former Commissioner Doug Underhill's demand that taxpayers pay for his legal fees incurred to defend a defamation lawsuit, which received a summary judgment in his favor.

The county had provided several reasons for denying reimbursement in its filing. Two are focused on Underhill's failure to follow the county's Legal Representation (LR) and Technology policies.

On June 7, 2019, an Escambia County citizen, Scott Miller, filed a lawsuit alleging Underhill made defamatory comments about him on a public forum Facebook page. On Oct. 4, 2019, the circuit court granted summary judgment in Underhill's favor, concluding his actions were within the scope of his official duties and, therefore, he was entitled to absolute immunity irrespective of whether the statements were defamatory.

According to the county's response, the LR Policy requires a person seeking reimbursement of legal fees to "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." The county attorney reviews the request and prepares a recommendation for the board's consideration.

Underhill didn't follow the policy, according to the filing. 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.

When Underhill commented about Miller on Facebook, he also violated the county's Technology Policy, which "prohibited a commissioner from discussing County business on social media sites such as Facebook." The county argued the violation made the former commissioner subject to the sanctions outlined in the policy, including denial of payment of costs and attorney's fees.

The Florida First District Court of Appeal affirmed the final summary judgment for Underhill on the grounds of absolute immunity. The county must pay the former commissioner's legal bills, which are about $28,000.

OPERATION BROWNSVILLE

Mayor D.C. Reeves reported at his weekly press conference that the Pensacola Police Department made two arrests during the first week of Operation Brownsville, Sheriff Chip Simmon's initiative that sprung out of his gun violence roundtables. The number of service calls in the city portion of the designated area is slightly higher, from 200 calls in 2022 to 233 this year.

According to the Pensacola Police Department, one arrest was for an individual on an ECSO warrant. The other was Kizuri Jackson, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a convict-

ed felon, intent to distribute marijuana, tampering with evidence, loitering and prowling and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"I'm happy that PPD's out there," Reeves said. "When you have an arrest of someone with a felony possessing a firearm, that's how we got here … gun violence."

Reeves believes the city is living up to its commitment to Operation Brownsville.

"I've seen enough data and measurement in these specific areas to know that we are certainly taking an emphasis in this area, as we said we would," Reeves said.

NO PATH FOR DESANTIS Ryan Wiggins, the chief of staff for The Lincoln Project, believes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis can't beat former President Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination.

"We have said for a very long time at Lincoln that there is no path for Ron DeSantis, because the Republicans are going to coalesce around the most popular Republican and the most popular Republican in the Republican party—not the most popular candidate, (but) the most popular Republican, and that is still Donald Trump," Wiggins said.

Considered one of the most influential women in Florida politics, Wiggins explained.

"Unfortunately, DeSantis doesn't have a shot," Wiggins said. "Trump already has like 42% of the Republican base. There is no way between the other candidates that are looking at this, that any of them can climb above his 42%."

She is concerned about AI technology.

"It's going to be hard to tell what's real and not real, what has AI done versus what an actual person is saying," Wiggins said. "It's a scary time in politics right now."

It's very important that people pay attention and get their news from real sources, Wiggins said.

"Read your news from newspapers," Wiggins said. "Stay away from the opinion sections. Read your news, read your news. It's now more important than ever."

GRANT FINALISTS Sunday's Child is a Pensacola Bay Area member-based philanthropic group that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality by awarding grants to significant charitable and economic initiatives. The organization recently announced its 2023 Grant Cycle finalists. The finalists were selected after a thorough vetting process and site visits by Sunday's Child members.

The following nonprofits and their projects are vying for one of six grants for $20,000:

• Washington High School Softball Booster Club: If We Build it, They Will Come

• Dixon School of Arts & Sciences: Dixon Cultural Immersion Lab

• Community Health Northwest Florida: Closing the Treatment Loop for the LGBTQIA+

• Bright Bridge Ministries: A Comfortable Space is a Welcoming Place

• Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc.: Modernizing an Outdated System

• Stamped Film Festival: Growing Up: Expanding

LGBTQIA+ Programs for Children and Families at Stamped Film Festival

• Pensacola Little Theatre: On the Same Page: Race and Censorship at the Clark Family Cultural Center

• Valerie's House Pensacola Chapter: Gender Neutral Bathrooms

• Council on Aging of West Florida: Someone Waits for Me, Too

Since 2014, Sunday's Child has awarded $764,250 to local charities in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Sunday's Child President Jacey Cosentino announced in January that the 2023 membership drive raised $120,000 from its 182 members, which would enable the organization to award six grants of $20,000 each to 501(c)3 nonprofits in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality.

"We are so pleased to announce nine deserving organizations from within our community; each has a shared passion for making everyone feel included and welcomed," Cosentino said.

Sunday's Child members will select the six charities and their projects from the nine finalists at its annual meeting June 25. For more information, visit sundayschild.org.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office on Homelessness has made $395,820 available under the State Unified Homelessness Grant program. Qualified nonprofit organizations can apply for the Challenge Grant ($119,000), Emergency Solutions Grant ($257,000) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ($38,000). The grant funds are for activities performed for the fiscal year of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

Opening Doors Northwest Florida, FL-511 CoC Lead Agency, is now accepting applications and will receive administration fees, totaling $18,510. The application deadline is 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 30.

The Challenge Grant funding assists individuals or households suffering from homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The $119,000 can be used for homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, permanent housing, case management, emergency shelter and hotel vouchers.

The Emergency Solutions Grant can cover engaging homeless individuals and families living on the streets through outreach contacts, improving the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families, helping operate these shelters, providing essential services to shelter residents, preventing individuals and families from becoming homeless and rapidly re-housing the homeless.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides $38,000—$36,860 after admin fees—to pay past due rent or mortgage payments for no more than two months and past due utility bills for no more than two months in arrears. For more information, visit openingdoorsnwfl.org. {in}

FILM PREMIERE & PANEL DISCUSSION

FREE FILM SCREENING

6PM TUES MAY 23

WSRE AMOS STUDIO

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE

SCAN

REGISTER wsre.org/events

An inspiring look at the fragility of Northwest Florida’s threatened coastal ecology and efforts to revive the health of local bays and a once vibrant commercial industry through oyster restoration. Christian Wagley, Florida/Alabama coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, will lead a panel discussion following the film.

WATCH THURS MAY 25

Diaspora Dining: AAPI Heritage Month & Pensacola's Culinary Scene

Illustration by Raylene Solis (@raylenesolis)

Over the past few years, Inweekly has featured local Asian Americans across a wide range of cultures, careers and interests in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This year, though, we're turning toward everyone's favorite topic: food.

Most local foodies know and love our more established eateries, such as Saigon Oriental Market and Deli. This year, we spoke with three upand-coming Asian American chefs and bakers who are making a big impact on the flavor palate of Pensacola in less conventional ways.

Public Affairs Gastropub @pa_gastropub

Vietnamese American Chef Doan Truong relocated from Mississippi on the tail end of the pandemic, hoping to find a niche among the city's explosive growth.

"When I was looking for a place to move out of Mississippi, I was seeing a lot of things about

how Pensacola has been growing, it's getting more diverse and it's just booming right now," Truong said.

What started as a trial run turned into more of a permanent vacation.

"So I moved here a little over a year ago … and I haven't looked back since," Truong said. "I'm planning on staying as long as I can."

A chef with nearly two decades in the service industry, Truong hit the ground running. He researched what culinary gaps Pensacola had, seeking to fill a need in local stomachs.

"Because of my culinary background, I've dabbled in all kinds of different cuisines," Truong said. "The best decision for me was to do a gastropub, which, if you're not familiar with the term, it's just a fancy term for saying higher end bar food."

Public Affairs Gastropub has operated as a food truck since August of 2022, popping up outside of popular bars to serve Korean flavored popcorn chicken, Cantonese char sui rice bowls, vegan crab cakes and more.

For the past few months, Public Affairs Gastropub has made Doc's Hop Shop its home. The

food truck sets up outside the newly opened micro brewery Wednesday through Sunday.

By sticking with the bar snacks niche, Truong was free to experiment with different types of cuisine based on the requests of his customers and the seasonality of ingredients.

"I'll change the menu up based on the season and just use what's more available at that time," Truong said.

"One of the things I love doing that actually helped solidify my foundation was that I was teaching at a collegiate level; I was in culinary arts at a collegiate level for about five years in Mississippi," Truong said. "So just getting a bunch of experience at some different restaurants from different chefs, along with kind of putting my head back into books and doing more research and studies, solidified my palate."

Truong credits his Vietnamese parents, especially his mother, with his love for cooking.

Truong has an eclectic culinary background. He formally trained at Johnson & Wales University, one of the top-ranked culinary institutes in America. He has since fed folks across the country, in Washington D.C., at the Masters Tournament and various country clubs.

"They immigrated here in the '70s from Vietnam, not knowing a lick of English," Truong said. "They were refugees and were sent to Mississippi, and they've actually lived there their whole life. I actually have to give a shoutout to them, because they are in their 60s now, and just a couple months ago, they finally got their citizenship."

As part of a Vietnamese refugee family living in Mississippi, Truong received his cultural education at the dinner table. His mother would cook a traditional Vietnamese meal every night.

"We never went out to eat, we never had

Doan Truong of Public Affairs Gastropub

Shelley Vu of Sucro

Mary Dee Moralita of O.G. Lola's

"I always grew up watching my mom turning raw meat and vegetables and bones into a beautiful orchestra of flavors and colors." Doan Truong

Photo By BlackSheep Healing

any processed food, we never had bags of chips or anything," Truong said. "It was always just fresh, what she bought that day at the store, very traditional stuff … I always grew up watching my mom turning raw meat and vegetables and bones into a beautiful orchestra of flavors and colors. It just blew my mind, and that's one of the reasons why I love cooking," Truong compared the experience of watching his mother prepare a meal to an artist at work.

"You're turning a blank canvas into a masterpiece, and the masterpiece changes every single time, even if the same (ingredients) are being used," Truong said.

Sucro

@sucropensacola

Vietnamese American nurse Shelley Vu has succeeded at turning a love of baking into a side hustle with her macaron business Sucre.

"I've always loved to bake," Vu said. "My brother actually introduced me to baking whenever I was really young. And then his daughter, my niece, is extremely particular for her age about macarons or just things that she eats. One year, she wanted macarons for her birthday. So I made them for her, and it was something I just couldn't stop doing."

Macarons, a French confection featuring two delicate wafers made of egg whites, sugar and almond meal with a light cream piped in the middle, are notoriously fussy. A perfect macaron features just the right technique, proportions of filling and a great deal of patience.

"I enjoy baking macarons, the technique of it and mastering that, in general," Vu said. "I didn't want to stop until I perfected it."

In the process of seeking perfection, Vu picked up a few fans who begged her to begin selling her French confections. In 2020, she did just that, opening Sucro, a cottage bakery brand exclusive to Palafox Market.

ton of sweets," Vu said. "The cuisine (has) a little bit of French influence, because France colonized Vietnam. So in France, they have sweets, but not sugary sweets."

A discussion about AAPI heritage often turns to the rise of anti-Asian racism in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic. As a child of immigrant parents, Vu reflected on her experience as a Vietnamese American, then and now.

"Growing up, I was teased and bullied like any other kid," Vu said. "I assumed the racist names and remarks were normal. It became deeply rooted into my personality, to the point where I often find myself making the first Asian punchline as a defense mechanism."

Since the news of attacks against Asian Americans began to make headlines, Vu said she finds herself worrying for the safety of her elderly parents.

"I do worry for my parents with the understanding that they still experience racist remarks with the rise of Asian hate crimes," Vu said. "I remind my parents to run errands during the daytime and try to be home or somewhere safe when it's dark out, in fear of them being another victim."

Being a child of immigrants often means balancing gratitude for one's parents who sacrificed so much, while also being rightfully critical of the racial prejudice in America.

"I think it's bittersweet—like I definitely don't condone any sort of behavior or remarks regarding any race or ethnicity, but I also appreciate being in America and everything that America has to offer," Vu said. "Being an American, the freedom of it, and hearing my parents' stories (of Vietnam), I wouldn't take anything back from my childhood."

O.G. Lola's @o.g.lolas

For Filipino American Mary Dee Moralita, her pop-up catering business O.G. Lola's is about far more than food. It's about decolonization, environmentalism, human connection and finding her way back to harmony with nature.

"O.G. Lola's is vegan Filipino food for the soul," Moralita said. "I started out in Las Vegas in 2019, so it's been about four years now. And I've done a little bit of everything between catering, pop-up events, private events and even farmers markets."

the elders for not staying true to the traditional food culture," Moralita said. "But, I've tried to provide as much knowledge as I can."

Moralita's journey to veganism was a long one, but she has been fully plant based since 2017.

"It took me five years to really do my research and read up on a bunch of information and watch all the documentaries," Moralita said. "And then 2017 is when I saw 'What the Health,' and that was the day I cleared out my kitchen and everything and really went fully plant based."

Filipino food, like many cuisines, focus heavily on animal products, making it a challenge to sub vegan options adequately.

"It's kind of hard, just because Filipino food is so meat based," Moralita said. "Most of our dishes have pork in everything from start to finish— like every step is some kind of pork fat or very meat-heavy dishes."

In recent years, Moralita has seen a satisfying increase in the availability of more niche vegan products, making vegan Filipino food progressively more doable.

"When I first started in 2019, a lot of the plant-based products that are out in the stores now were not available, so I had to work with a lot of tofu," Moralita said. "It was challenging developing the recipes. I'm just so thankful that nowadays, there's (even) vegan spam in the stores. There's just a lot more plant-based products, so it makes it easier for me."

Moralita approaches veganism from a political viewpoint, believing there's room to explore a plant-based diet while still respecting indigenous cultures and practices.

As a nurse by day, the peak of the pandemic might seem like an inconvenient time to pick up a new hobby, but Vu was able to channel her anxieties into the precision and focus required to make a delicate macaron.

"I worked so much that year in the hospital, but when I was home, I just needed a break," Vu said. "Thinking about nursing and everything I have seen and experienced, I needed something that was fun, but challenging—and I guess something I could control."

Vu is happy to stick with the French techniques, but she brings an Asian flair to many of her flavors.

"I will do flavors inspired by Vietnam or Asia, like coconut and ube, or there's one that was inspired by mango sticky rice and by Thai boba tea," Vu said.

Vu's parents, immigrants from Vietnam, also live locally and are supporters of Sucro.

"(Macarons are) on the sweeter side for them, because in Vietnam, we don't really eat a

For Moralita, O.G. Lolas' is a love letter to her community.

"It's kind of my way of healing myself, my community and my food culture from the inside out," Moralita said.

Though Moralita sometimes explores other cuisines, such as southern soul food—a staple of her southern roots—Filipino food is her focus.

"It's just a part of my personal decolonization journey," Moralita said. "Coming from a diasporic family, being here away from my motherland and trying to reconnect myself and other Filipino kids to our roots."

Like any genre of vegan food, Moralita says she's found some resistance from the elders in her community, who feel that the removal of animal products from cultural dishes is less than ideal. Still, Moralita says her family and friends can't deny her flavors.

"Mostly, I've gotten nothing but good feedback, but there have been a couple of times where I've gotten some backlash, especially from

"My main goal is to get as much delicious vegan food into people's mouths," Moralita said. "I feel like before liberating the animals, we have to liberate the people and get them to try other types of vegan food. That way it can change their minds about what veganism tastes like, and then the animal liberation comes from more people enjoying a plant-based diet."

Outside of typical catering, Moralita shares her culture's food and practices with family, friends and eager customers through traditional Kamayan feasts, which feature 12 to 20 Filipino dishes plated on banana leaves and served on a long table.

"'Kamayan' translates to 'with hands' in Tagalog," Moralita said. "So basically, before the Spanish colonized our country and brought us spoons and forks and utensils, our indigenous tradition was to eat with their hands."

Moralita describes a Kamayan feast as a "real ly awesome event" with family and close friends.

"We bring folks from all walks of life together, and to share a meal together and to just get back down to the basics of humans being nice to each other," Moralita said. {in}

"I enjoy baking macarons, the technique of it and mastering that, in general. I didn't want to stop until I perfected it."

Shelley Vu

"It's just a part of my personal decolonization journey. Coming from a diasporic family, being here away from my motherland and trying to reconnect myself and other Filipino kids to our roots."

Mary Dee Moralita

Arts & Entertainment

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

Rust and Dust

By Savannah Evanoff

Ryan McGlothren likens it to Christmas morning—the moment he opens a package of developed film.

It's typically a two-week turnaround between the time the Pensacola photographer sends a roll of snapshots to a lab in Montgomery, Alabama, for processing, to when he's thumbing through the images themselves.

"I've come to enjoy that delay, especially on 35-millimeter (film), when there's 36 exposures," McGlothren said. "By the time I get everything done, I don't even remember what I was shooting, so there's that side of it I've come to enjoy. Instead of that instant gratification new technology gives you, I like shooting the film."

If he has to choose between something old or something new, McGlothren will always gravitate toward old. He has an affinity for vintage stuff—whether it's a classic vehicle, like his 1990 suburban or his former cars from the 1960s, versus a new car, or film photography versus digital, the choice is clear.

McGlothren alternates between two go-to cameras, a Pentax 6x7 and a Nikon N90s, on medium format film.

"It's my way to step back and slow down," McGlothren said. "Just with everything so

fast-paced now, you've gotta take the time to set the camera up. I like getting into that process, getting into that work. You get to press pause on time for a little bit."

McGlothren will display pictures from his photography book, "Road Trip to Nowhere," plus photos of musicians and black-and-white portraits at his upcoming debut exhibit.

"I'm also going to put in other little knickknacks I have collected—from road signs to old flags to a couple of bicycles," McGlothren said. "I made a joke that you'd be walking into a store of 'American Pickers.' I don't feel that my work is white walls and bright lights. I want to have that next level of interaction of having some of the objects that are in my photos or from my photos or connect to my photos, sprinkled amongst the show. I think that better portrays my work as a photographer."

McGlothren's old-fashioned approach to photography and life likely sprouted from a farm-style upbringing with his grandfather Ted. They'd grow their own food; they had horses; and they'd visit small towns or go to the country to pick beans.

And Ted always had a camera lying around for spur-of-the-moment snapshots—either a disposable camera or an old point-andshoot 35-millimeter, which, at the time, differed only slightly from a disposable one.

"It wasn't like he was a photographer or anything; He just enjoyed it," McGlothren said. "He just enjoyed documenting certain moments. And I feel like that's where I consider myself more of a documentary photographer than anything else. It's all tied in there."

McGlothren chose a fitting Instagram handle: @photo_document. His photo

documenting truly began after high school, when he bought a camera to capture a cross-country trip in a 1977 Volkswagen van with his buddy. He later took a photography class at Pensacola Junior College (the only one he enjoyed there) and then earned his bachelor's in photography at Florida A&M University.

Since then, McGlothren has poured himself into documenting the past.

"I like traveling the backroads, getting out in the country—the rust and dust," McGlothren said. "I like all the stuff from years past. I feel like I try to document certain aspects of our world, our life, that are dying off, or not seen as much as technology advances."

McGlothren isn't opposed to shooting people—many close family members are in his photos—but he more frequently shoots objects. He treats all subjects as if they were human, though.

"Let's say that it's a piece of farm equipment or an old truck, I like to frame my images as if that was a person, like it's a portrait," McGlothren said. I just try to catch the dramatic lighting to draw in the viewer, not just a plain jane or whatever. I try to make it feel like there's a story there." {in}

ROAD TRIP TO NOWHERE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

WHAT: Photographer Ryan McGlothren's Debut Solo Show

WHEN: 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 19, and noon4 p.m. Saturday, May 20

WHERE: The Studio By Sarah Coleman Photography, 518 N. 9th Ave.

DETAILS: @photo_document

Ryan McGlothren / Photo by by Geoff Peck

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

THE BIG SCOOP Enjoy variety of flavors of ice cream provided by Damian's Enterprises, Inc., Dippin' Dots, Lamonte Gelato, Whim Cotton Candy and more at The Big Scoop, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 13. There will also be games, activities, magic tricks, and free bike helmet fittings. All of the fun is at Seville Square. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 years and older and $5 for younger children and free entry for children 3 and under. Visit bbbs.org for more information.

GULF COAST NONPROFITS

AGED

ENCOUR-

TO APPLY FOR EVENT SPONSOR-

SHIP FROM COX Local nonprofits that are planning fundraising and awareness events in the Gulf Coast market are encouraged to apply for an event sponsorship from Cox Communications. Cox is currently accepting applications for events occurring between July 1 and December 31, 2023. If your nonprofit is planning an event that will take place during these dates, and looking for support, apply for cash and/or in-kind sponsorships at Cox's Charitable Giving Site. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 2, 2023. Organizations will be notified if their requests are approved in mid-June.

In 2022, Cox gave over $1.6 million in cash and in-kind services to nonprofits in the Gulf Coast Market, which includes portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. These sponsorships are specifically held for nonprofit fundraising events, not general donations, and the organization must be a registered 501(c)3. More information is available at ccigiving.com.

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation Accepting Grant Applications for 2023

The Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, is currently accepting grant applications for 2023. Grants are awarded to organizations that successfully demonstrate how a proposed program aligns with one or more of the tenets of the mission of the Foundation, which are to foster greater accessibility to the judicial system, improvements to the overall quality of the administration of justice, law-related education and increased public awareness of the judicial system, and improved management and operation of the court system.

Grants awards are typically in the $500$1,500 range. For more information on the Foun-

dation and to download an application form, visit esrba.com/bar-foundation/about-esrbf.

ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies hosts bingo twice a month at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. 10 rounds of bingo for $10 with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. A full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for Bingo Nights. Must be 18 to play. For more information visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. On Tuesdays, the ministry feeds the homeless at 10:30 a.m. The ministry's food pantry opens at 11:30 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken, and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women and sweatshirts and new underwear for men sized small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at 7233390 for details.

ARTS & CULTURE

NATIONAL NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM

OFFICIALLY REOPENS TO THE GENERAL

PUBLIC IN MAY The National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) announces public access waiver onto NAS Pensacola has been reestablished and the Museum will officially reopen to all visitors starting May 17. Prior to that, as part of a phased re-opening, previously scheduled public visitation will remain for Thursday through Sunday, May 4-7 and May 1114, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

General public visitors to NNAM will be required to enter NAS Pensacola through the west gate on Blue Angel Parkway. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must provide a Real ID or passport. For detailed requirements for base access visit NAS Pensacola's website.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BEYOND VAN

GOGH Tickets are on sale now for Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. In the interactive experience, guests witness more than 300 iconic masterpieces, including such instantly recognizable classics as "The Starry Night,"

"Sunflowers" and "Café Terrace at Night," as well as many revealing self-portraits. Beyond Van Gogh is Aug. 5-Sept. 9 at Pensacola Interstate Fair, Bldg. 6, 6655 Mobile Highway. Prices start at $39.99 for adults and $23.99 for children (ages 5-15), plus ticketing fees. Tickets are on sale at vangoghpensacola.com.

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE GRADUATION The PSC spring commencement ceremony will be 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for details.

PLANT CLASS WITH JADE TREE SUCCULENTS Join Jade Tree Succulents for an evening of plants, wine, and snacks at The Nest, 11 S. Palafox Ste. C. Cost is $65. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com for details.

FELICIA E. GAIL STUDIO VISIT AND READING 309 Punk Project artist in residence

Felicia E, Gail will host a studio visit and reading performance Friday, May 12 starting at 6 p.m. This event will incorporate iterations of the project "Walk Free; Free Capture" and her ongoing project, "Travel Back To Blue". The next event on June 3 will be a final installation of all works completed at 309 for the month of May as AIR and in shared space with WM Johnson. You can read more about both on the artist's websites: feliciaegail.us and travelbacktoblue.com as well as 309punkproject.com.

MOVIES IN THE PARK Movies in the Park returns to Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. 6 p.m. Friday, May 12 with the Disney movie "Turning Red." Movies are free and open to the public. Concessions from local food trucks will be on site. Bring your own blankets and chairs.

MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR Mountainfilm

on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. The tour will visit Pensacola at the Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13. The cost is $20. For more information, visit mountainfilm. org/tour/schedule.

INFERNO BURLESQUE Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox.

Tickets are $15-$500 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

PLT SCRIPTEASERS Studio 400's and Pensacola Little Theatre's Script Reading Club meets every second Saturday of the month for a live table reading. The next date is Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Palafox. Open to everyone. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for more information.

OPERA AL FRESCO Enjoy a free outdoor opera performance Sunday, May 14 at 2 p.m. at Seville Square. Visit facebook.com/pensacolacopera for details.

LOOKING THROUGH THE LAYERS WORKSHOP WITH MICAH GOGUEN Micah Goguen, from Macon, Georgia will be teaching a three-day workshop 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. May 15-17 at Framing by Design, working in acrylics and related water media. All supplies are included and all levels of artists are invited. Visit paletteproductions.net for details and registration information about the workshop.

GALLERY NIGHT IS GOING

'PRISMATIC'

On Friday, May 19, from 5–9 p.m., Gallery Night Pensacola is celebrating all colors of the spectrum with "Prismatic!" the first LGBTQ+ Community Celebration for Gallery Night. Share in the festivities as downtown highlights a number of local LGTBQ+ organizations and their allies up and down downtown Palafox Street. This month's Featured Artist is ceramist Kyle Miller. Hane Skot, Greg Bond, and Faithe Franklin play the Main Street Stage from 6-8 p.m. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

EASY GOING GALLERY MAY OPEN CALL SHOW Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. will present 15 local artists in a new Open Call exhibition running through the month of May. A reception will be held 5-9 p.m. Thursday, May 81.

CABARET DRAG SHOWCASE AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #193 Don't miss Cabaret drag showcase every second and fourth Saturday at the American Legion Post #193, 2708 N. 12th Ave. Doors Open at 8 p.m. Showtime at 10 p.m. For more information, contact Taize Sinclair-Santi, show director, at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

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Our Corner, formerly known as Keep Pensacola Beautiful, is an Escambia County-based nonprofit that works strategically with community partners to implement programs that advance the environmental quality and beauty of our community, today and for future generations.

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SPIRITS OF SEVILLE QUARTER GHOST TOUR AND LUNCHEON Dine inside Pensacola's oldest and most haunted restaurant and investigate the spirits with actual paranormal equipment at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 and include a voucher toward Seville Quarter's menu. Tours held weekdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sundays 2-4 p.m. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.

AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM, AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with actual ghost-hunting equipment Sundays from 6-8 p.m. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more of Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. Following your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E Government St. Reservations required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets available at pensacolaghostevents.com

PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Shop small and buy art at Pensacola Arts Market every fourth Saturday of the month at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave., from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a local artisan and farmers market with over 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Mar-

ket is set up at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., from 4-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and 2-6 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more. Held on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is an inside and outside event for. Door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. Free admission. Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. For vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.

SYNTHESIS A group BFA exhibit at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. This exhibition features work by graduating Bachelor of Fine Art students from the University of West Florida Department of Art and Design. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the Historic Trust for a monthly lunch and learn series on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, located at 117 E. Government St., from noon-1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. The next date is May 17—Cart Blackwell of Carnival Museum in Mobile. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf. edu or call (850) 595-5985, ext. 125.

NONNEY ODDLOKKEN: TINY, LITTLE FABLES Nonney Oddlokken is a contemporary artist who utilizes fiber and collage techniques to create a Louisiana narrative and exhibition entitled "Tiny, Little Fables." The references in this body of work mix elements from her own childhood "fables," Catholic references, Cajun folklore, New Orleans Voodoo, and the indigenous flora and fauna of Louisiana swamps and bayous. Her work employs a unique process that consists of handmade paper substrates and collage elements that are finished with hundreds of yards of hand-stitched gold thread embellishments. This exhibit is on view through May 28 at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

THE MEMBERS SHOW The Pensacola Museum of Art Members Show is on view through May 28, showcasing over 50 artists in a diverse range of media at 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.

PANORAMIC PENSACOLA Located at Gallery 1060, 1060 N. Guillemard St., the latest First City Art Center exhibition features landscape photography by Allen Jones. The show is on view through June 2. Visit firstcityart.org for details.

SUDDENLY AMERICAN: A MEETING OF HERITAGE AND COUNTRY This exhibit looks at the transition of Florida from a Spanish territory to an American region, which formally occurred in 1821. Florida's embattled history dates back

much farther than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting their own freedom in 1810, Florida loved to cause problems. The United States eyed the region early on, using the Seminole Wars as an excuse to seize territory before turning to diplomatic means to acquire Florida. The Adams-Onis Treaty, debated and initially agreed upon in 1819, resulted in Spain ceding control of East Florida to the United States. At the same time, Spain also agreed to give up all claims on West Florida, in essence giving the entire Florida territory over to the United States. Ratified in 1821, the treaty was cause for celebration in Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, as it officially became part of America. On view at Pensacola Museum of History through Dec. 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

TEXTILES OF THE TIMES: REGENCY ERA

DRESS MAKING The period between 18111820 is historically defined as the Regency Period. This exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History looks at a day in the life of a Regency-era Pensacolian through fashion and garment use. Drawing on historical documentation of stores known to have operated on Palafox, inside this recreation of a seamstress shop visitors will be able to explore the dress of yesteryear. On view at the Pensacola Museum of History through June 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

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free will astrology

WEEK OF MAY 11

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): All of us are always telling ourselves stories—in essence, making movies in our minds. We are the producer, director, special effects team, narrator and all the actors in these inner dramas. Are the themes of these stories repetitious and negative or creative and life-affirming? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to work on emphasizing the latter. If the tales unfolding in your imagination are veering off in a direction that provokes anxiety, reassert your directorial authority. Firmly and playfully reroute them so they uplift and enchant you.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): A famous football coach once said his main method was to manipulate, coax and even bully his players into doing things they didn't like to do. Why? So they could build their toughness and willpower, making them more likely to accomplish formidable feats. While this may be an approach that works for some tasks, it's not right for many others. Here's a further nuance: The grind-it-out-doing-unpleasant-things may be apt for certain phases of a journey to success, but not for other phases. Here's the good news, Taurus: For now, you have mostly completed doing what you don't love to do. In the coming weeks, your freedom to focus on doing fun things will expand dramatically.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Most of us have an area of our lives where futility is a primary emotion. This may be a once-exciting dream that never got much traction. It could be a skill we possess that we've never found a satisfying way to express. The epicenter of our futility could be a relationship that has never lived up to its promise or a potential we haven't been able to ripen. Wherever this sense of fruitlessness resides in your own life, Gemini, I have an interesting prediction. During the next 12 months, you will either finally garner some meaningful fulfillment through it or find a way to outgrow it.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Many of us Cancerians have high levels of perseverance. Our resoluteness and doggedness may be uncanny. But we often practice these subtle superpowers with such sensitive grace that they're virtually invisible to casual observers. We appear modest and gentle, not fierce and driven. For instance,

We serve the local community by offering gently used merchandise at bargain center prices while generating financial support for the programs of the Ministry Village.

By Rob Brezsny

this is the first time I've bragged about the fact that I've composed more than 2,000 consecutive horoscope columns without missing a deadline. Anyway, my fellow crabs, I have a really good feeling about how much grit and determination you will be able to marshal in the coming months. You may break your own personal records for tenacity.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Why do migrating geese fly in a V formation? For one thing, it conserves their energy. Every bird except the leader enjoys a reduction in wind resistance. As the flight progresses, the geese take turns being the guide in front. Soaring along in this shape also seems to aid the birds' communication and coordination. I suggest you consider making this scenario your inspiration, dear Leo. You are entering a phase when synergetic cooperation with others is even more important than usual. If you feel called to lead, be ready and willing to exert yourself—and be open to letting your associates serve as leaders. For extra credit: Do a web search for an image of migrating geese and keep it in a prominent place for the next four weeks.

I've noticed when these apparent misfortunes have happened, they have often opened up space for new possibilities that would not otherwise have come my way. They have emptied out a corner of my imagination that becomes receptive to a fresh dispensation. I predict such a development for you, Libra.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Kissing is always a worthy way to spend your leisure time, but I foresee an even finer opportunity in the coming weeks: magnificent kissing sprees that spur you to explore previously unplumbed depths of wild tenderness. On a related theme, it's always a wise self-blessing to experiment with rich new shades and tones of intimacy. But you are now eligible for an unusually profound excursion into these mysteries. Are you bold and free enough to glide further into the frontiers of fascinating togetherness?

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): As I've explored the mysteries of healing my traumas and disturbances through the past 20 years, I've concluded that the single most effective healer I can work with is my own body. Expert health practitioners are crucial, too, but their work requires my body's full, purposeful and collaborative engagement. The soft, warm animal home I inhabit has great wisdom about what it needs, how to get what it needs and how to work with the help it receives from other healers. The key is to refine the art of listening to its counsel. It has taken me a while to learn its language, but I'm making good progress. Dear Aquarius, in the coming weeks, you can make great strides in developing such a robust relationship with your body.

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VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): I boldly predict you will soon locate a missing magic key. Hooray! It hasn't been easy. There has been luck involved, but your Virgo-style diligence and ingenuity has been crucial. I also predict you will locate the door that the magic key will unlock. Now here's my challenge: Please fulfill my two predictions no later than the solstice. To aid your search, meditate on this question: What is the most important breakthrough for me to accomplish in the next six weeks?

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Losing something we value may make us sad. It can cause us to doubt ourselves and wonder if we have fallen out of favor with the fates or are somehow being punished by God. I've experienced deflations and demoralizations like that on far more occasions than I want to remember. And yet,

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723) worked at a variety of jobs. He sold cloth. He was a land surveyor and bookkeeper. He managed the household affairs of his city's sheriffs, and he supervised the city's wine imports and taxation. Oh, by the way, he also had a hobby on the side: lensmaking. This ultimately led to a spectacular outcome. Leeuwenhoek created the world's first high-powered microscope and was instrumental in transforming microbiology into a scientific discipline. In accordance with astrological omens, I propose we make him your inspirational role model in the coming months, Sagittarius. What hobby, pastime or amusement could you turn into a central passion?

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): I wonder if you weren't listened to attentively when you were a kid. And is it possible you weren't hugged enough or consistently treated with the tender kindness you deserved and needed? I'm worried there weren't enough adults who recognized your potential strengths and helped nurture them. But if you did indeed endure any of this mistreatment, dear Capricorn, I have good news. During the next 12 months, you will have unprecedented opportunities to overcome at least some of the neglect you experienced while young. Here's the motto you can aspire to: It's never too late to have a fruitful childhood and creative adolescence.

What hobby, pastime or amusement could you turn into a central passion?

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Can we surmise what your life might be like as the expansive planet Jupiter rumbles through your astrological House of Connections and Communications during the coming months? I expect you will be even more articulate and persuasive than usual. Your ability to create new alliances and nurture old ones will be at a peak. By the way, the House of Communications and Connections is also the House of Education and Acumen. So I suspect you will learn a lot during this time. It's likely you will be brainier and more perceptive than ever before. Important advice: Call on your waxing intelligence to make you wiser as well as smarter.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What's the most fun experiment you could try right now? {in}

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In the coming weeks, your freedom to focus on doing fun things will expand dramatically.

BRIGHT IDEA Eco-activist Rob Greenfield has stopped using toilet paper, and he wants you to, too. People reported on May 4 that Greenfield is touring the country as part of his Grow Your Own Toilet Paper Initiative, introducing people to the blue spur flower plant. The leaves are "soft as can be," he said. "They're durable. I call them the Charmin of the garden." Greenfield sets up a compost toilet in a busy area and gives his spiel: "Hey, did you know you can grow your own toilet paper? I want to show people that another way is possible. We just buy (toilet paper) at the store and we never think twice about it." Each leaf is about the size of a piece of toilet paper, and the plant supplies an abundance of them. They can't be flushed, but they can be thrown in the trash or buried in the yard. Passersby who get sucked in will also hear Greenfield's views on composting human waste rather than using flush toilets.

FIELD REPORT Nina Jochnowitz was alerted on April 26 by a fellow citizen in Old Bridge, New Jersey, about an odd deposit near a stream, NJ.com reported. When Jochnowitz investigated, she found 500 pounds of cooked pasta—spaghetti, ziti and elbow macaroni—dumped along a 25-foot-wide area. She posted photos on Facebook and alerted the town administrator and public works department, and two days later, the carb-y mess had been cleaned up. Jochnowitz pointedly remarked that Old Bridge is the only town in the county without bulk garbage pickup. Days later, the mystery of the pasta's origin was solved: A man moving out of his mother's home after her death discovered a stockpile of dry noodles and allegedly dumped them there. A weekend's worth of heavy rains softened the pasta, making it look as if it had been cooked. Old Bridge's mayor declared no harm, no foul, and the few stray noodles left on the ground are the only sign of the great pasta caper.

FAMILY VALUES An unnamed 67-year-old woman in Russia was charged with hiring the murder of her 48-year-old daughter just so she could inherit the younger woman's Krasnoyarsk apartment, Oddity Central reported. The murderous mom told an acquaintance about her plan, and that person said they knew someone who could pull it off. The would-be assassin and the mom met in a park, where she offered about $1,040 for the job. But the hit man went to police, who helped him stage the murder and engaged the help of the victim. On May 3, the hit man contacted the mom and told her he had repeatedly stabbed her daughter with a knife, then provided her daughter's bag as evidence. She then transferred the money to his account, and police swooped in. Her new home won't be the apartment she was hoping for.

FINE POINTS OF THE LAW The Ohio Supreme Court ruled on May 3 that a man who was serving eight to 12 years in prison did not, after all, commit a burglary. In September 2020, Donald Bertram approached the home of Timothy Huff as Huff was working in his yard, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Bertram walked into Huff's open

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

garage, picked up a $500 leaf blower, got in his car and drove away. But the court said that because Bertram committed the act without "force, stealth or deception," it wasn't a burglary. Instead, justices told Scioto County Common Pleas Court that he could be charged with misdemeanor criminal tres passing. Sentences for misdemeanors typically re sult in less than a year in jail.

RECURRING THEME It's happened again. Minne sota state Sen. Calvin Bahr of East Bethel garnered some unwanted attention on May 1 after he cast a vote via Zoom—camera on, lying shirtless in bed with, inexplicably, an "I'm Just a Bill" character from "Schoolhouse Rock!" on the wall behind him. The Associated Press reported that immediately after casting his vote, Bahr switched off his camera.

SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED On April 29 in Gron ingen, the Netherlands, police pulled over a driver who had mowed down a post on a sidewalk, Odd ity Central reported. The unnamed 35-year-old man refused a breath test, but he did produce a Ukrainian driver's license with a familiar name and photo: Boris Johnson, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom. The license had Johnson's correct date of birth but had an expiration date of 3000. Apparently, such fake licenses are popular at Ukrainian souvenir shops.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Jerry Martin had what he thought was a winning idea for a retail shop: The Drug Store, where people could buy cocaine, heroin, meth and MDMA that had been tested for fentanyl. Vice reported that Martin's mobile shop, in Vancouver, Canada, was open less than 24 hours when he was arrested for drug trafficking. The store, housed in a mobile trailer that Martin parked next to a police van, featured bright yellow boards with prices listed for all the drugs. Martin wore a stab-proof vest as he sold the items from behind a plexiglass window. According to him, his plan included getting arrested so that he could challenge "laws that prevent a safe supply and result in death by poisoning" in Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE Akron

(Ohio) Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable made a couple's dreams come true on May 4 as he officiated a "Star Wars"-themed wedding, the Associated Press reported. Julia and Robert Jones said when they heard about the special ceremonies, "There was no other right decision. That was it." They joined six other couples in 15-minute wedding ceremonies at the Highland Universal Gathering Spot in Akron. Julia and Robert took the theme to the next level, wearing Sith and Jedi robes and carrying lightsabers. "By the joining of the lightsabers," Cable intoned, "and by the giving and receiving of rings," he pronounced them husband and wife. "May the Force be with you." {in}