THE PRICE AIN'T RIGHT

I've bragged often about our 2014 "Ballsy Plan," which touted building a ballpark in downtown Pensacola, relocating the Main Street Sewage Treatment Plant and creating a downtown entertainment district . The plan actually became a blueprint for much of the city's redevelopment.

"Ballsy Plan 2" has never received as much publicity. It suggested replacing the downtown surface parking with parking garages that allowed retail on the ground floor, selling city hall to developers for mixed-use, and opening Palafox Place and Baylen streets to two-traffic. Only one of those recommendations has come to fruition.

In the 2005 plan, we also included affordable housing. Condominium projects had begun to pop up, but the price tags were out of reach for the average Northwest Floridian. I talked with Charleston, S.C., Strong Mayor Joe Riley, and he suggested that we push for housing in the $80,000-$175,000 range that the first-time buyer or younger folks and families could attain.

We suggested city leaders set aside some of its vast public property holdings downtown or buy other sites. Then, the city could solicit bids to build townhomes, condos, apartments or houses.

If the almighty city powers would accept our parking garage proposal, we pointed out that the two likely places for affordable housing were the blocks on Intendencia and Reus streets, where those working in the Chappie James government building parked and behind City Hall along Government Street.

No one paid attention to our affordable housing ideas. Rebuild was focused on raising money to replace the blue tarps on area houses and city and county officials doling out huge contracts using FEMA dollars. We were ahead of our time.

Four years later, the heart of downtown remained a renter's haven for attorneys, banks and commercial offices. Few lived within the small business district, and those who did generally paid exuberant rents that far exceeded the budget of most who work and play there.

That was how Inweekly's Sean Boone described downtown Pensacola's housing market for the cover story, "Wanted: Affordable Down- town Housing," that we published on Nov. 25, 2009. The words could be written again today. Though we've quadrupled the housing choices in downtown Pensacola, the rent is still out of reach for most who work there.

In 2009, the Pensacola City Council and Downtown Improvement Board traveled to St. Louis to entice McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), a developer specializing in long-term urban projects for mixed-income housing, to build in the downtown area.

DIB Executive Director Kim Kimbrough took 16 local officials and business leaders to see MBS's projects and see if they would be interested in a public-private collaboration that would provide 200 housing units. The entourage included County Commissioner Grover Robinson and five council members—Jewel CannadaWynn, Sam Hall, Ronald Townsend, Diane Mack and Megan Pratt.

Kimbrough believed, and we agreed, that downtown needed a vibrant residential component for retail to thrive. Unfortunately, the idea never got much further than the talking stage.

In 2012, Mayor Ashton Hayward created the Urban Redevelopment Advisory Committee (URAC) to assist the city in creating a guide for the redevelopment of downtown Pensacola. Among its goals was to "create housing with a wide spectrum of affordability."

The URAC report recommended that the city aim to double the number of housing units in the CRA district in the next five years. They were to be a variety of sizes, types and prices scattered throughout the district, including midrise multistory apartments overlooking Admiral Mason Park, loft apartments on upper floors of commercial buildings, and single-family infill development in Belmont-DeVilliers, Old East Hill and Long Hollow.

The first to take the URAC seriously were Quint and Rishy Studer, who built Southtowne and the Savoy. Other developers have followed their lead, but unfortunately, the price ranges aren't affordable for many Pensacolians.

We need to revisit the URAC plan and focus on affordability. We have the demand and supply, but we must get the price right. {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 Dog Training

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

Best Orthodontist

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

Best Gift Shop

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

A MAGICAL PORT

On Thursday, May 11, Triumph Gulf Coast unanimously approved the City of Pensacola's request for $8.5 million for the completion of Warehouse 10 at the Port of Pensacola, plus a 50-foot addition and the construction of a dock and boat ramp.

The facility is required to secure the headquarters relocation of Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association (American Magic) to the Port. Warehouse 10 became available when Streamline Boats failed to meet the conditions of its lease agreement. The facility was initially intended for DeepFlex, but that deal also fell apart.

In its application, the city stated that American Magic's relocation of training and boat building facility to Pensacola will create 170 high-wage jobs in the advanced manufacturing, engineering, research and development sector. The job creation would be a mix of American Magic jobs and Port or portrelated jobs.

In addition to the Triumph grant, the rest of the funding for the $45.2 million project is expected to come from Escambia County TDC ($1.5 million), the Governor's Job Growth Grant Fund ($3.9 million) and the Florida Seaport Transportation Economic Development Program ($1.5 million). The city will get credit for the replacement value of the warehouse ($3.2 million), and American Magic will invest $32 million.

Once funding is awarded, design and construction is anticipated to take 24 months. Job creation would begin immediately, with a total ramp-up within two years of the construction's completion.

WMS STANDSTILL On Friday, May 12, the Escambia County School Board unanimously approved a closure plan for Warrington Middle School, pending what the State Board of Education rules during its meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

The State Board of Education will consider the compliance of Escambia County Public Schools and Warrington Middle School. Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. will report his finding of probable cause for the Escambia County School District under the provisions of section 1008.32, Florida Statutes.

The statute states that if the State Board of Education determines that a district school board "is unwilling or unable to comply with law or state board rule within the specified time," the state board possesses the authority to recommend punitive action to be taken by the Legislature and/ or withhold the transfer of funds including state, discretionary grant, discretionary lottery or any other specified as eligible by the Legislature until the school district complies with the law or state board rule.

"Either the Department of Education and commissioner will have a conversation with Charter USA, and they will come with a signed contract," School Board Chair Paul Fetsko said, "or the commissioner will say Escambia County Public Schools, the school board and superintendent have failed to live up to its plan, and he recommends going to the Legislature for punitive actions."

The closure plan approved by the school board reassigns the students in the Warrington attendance zone to Bailey and Workman middle schools. However, the plan faces obstacles. School district general counsel Ellen Odom told the school board that it "is not worth the piece of paper it's written on" unless the State Board and Department of Education approve it.

Fetsko said Diaz had already told the school district that closing WMS was not an option. The State Board and Department of Education instructed the school district to submit a signed contract with Charter Schools USA on May 1. The school board approved an agreement that day, but negotiations with Charter USA broke down afterward over three sticking points.

Charter USA asked to operate without paying any administrative fees. The school district responded that Charter USA should pay 2% in the first two years, 3% in its third year and 4% beginning in the fourth year. School officials noted that the magnet school Beulah Academy of Science pays 4%. Charter USA insisted on no fees.

The second point of contention concerns discretionary capital funds for building construction renovations. Legislation for charter schools to receive a portion of the millage rate paid by taxpayers is pending approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis. The school district anticipates the governor signing the legislation into law and proposes increasing the amount by 20% each year until hitting the 100% threshold by the fifth year. Charter USA is countering that 100% be paid by the second year.

The final point of contention is over the attendance zone. The school district requested that Charter USA promise 200 seats per grade level to middle school students who live in the attendance zone. Charter USA added details about K-5 students. The education management organization plans to turn Warrington into a K-12 magnet school eventually.

"I don't want the closure. I want the charter school," School Superintendent Tim Smith said. "But we have to be able to work (together). It's been so unpredictable when you say, here's what we want to do, and something new comes back."

The Florida State Board of Education and DOE ordered that Warrington either close or transition to a charter school by the 2023-24 school year. The order came after Warrington earned yet another D this past school. Warrington last earned a C in the 2010-11 school year. Only Charter USA agreed to partner with the school district.

Superintendent Smith was optimistic a resolution would be reached. "I get the sense of urgency because my sense of urgency is probably greater than anyone's because I need to be able to tell my parents and my kids what's going to happen next year, and it makes me very nervous that we don't have it decided."

For an update on the future of Warrington Middle School, visit ricksblog.biz.

WORKING FAMILIES STRUGGLING Nearly half of Escambia households struggle to afford groceries, housing and other basic needs, according to a new report from United Way of West Florida and its research partner United For ALICE.

The number of households unable to afford the basics grew by more than 3,100 in Escambia County during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. That resulted in more than 58,000 households, 46% of the county's households, struggling to afford the basics by 2021.

At the same time, the number of households unable to afford the basics fell by more than 4,400 in Santa Rosa County. But there are still almost 24,000 hard-working households, 36% of the county, struggling with financial insecurity.

These calculations include households in poverty as well as families defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE families earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what's needed to survive in the modern economy. ALICE includes childcare workers, home health aides and cashiers heralded during the pandemic—those working low-wage jobs with little or no savings and one emergency from poverty.

According to the report, about 82,000 people in the two counties are in ALICE households or below. United Way of West Florida CEO Laura Gilliam said, "These are people who don't necessarily qualify for benefits and often fall in the cracks because they just don't make enough money to pay for the basics. They're really kind of stuck in the middle."

Why is the ALICE report important? Gilliam said, "Equipped with the ALICE name and data, we can do even better to develop effective policies and track our progress toward reducing financial hardship in our community."

To see snapshots of the ALICE Report for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, visit uwwf. org/alice.

680 OVERDOSES Escambia County had 680 drug overdoses during the first week of May. The CORE (Coordinated Opioid Recovery) pilot program that Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded to Escambia and 11 other Florida counties last August has yet to disrupt the opioid epidemic locally.

CDAC announced the stunning overdose statistic last week at the Escambia County Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board meeting. The board sets priorities and recommends how the county should spend its funds from the opioid settlements.

Escambia County is expected to receive over

$10 million from the opioid settlements. The Lakeview Center and CDAC (Community Drug and Alcohol Council) told the advisory board that the county has several gaps in drug abuse presentation and treatment.

Lakeview talked about DAART (Drug Alcohol Adolescent Residential Treatment), which it shut down four years ago because of the lack of referrals from local judges. The program housed 16-20 teenagers at a time, costing about $1 million to run. Before restarting the program, Lakeview's president, Shawn Salamida, recommended a need assessment to determine the demand for a residential facility for adolescents.

The demand may be bigger than it was in 2019. Lakeview's Edna Williams said, "I do believe for adolescents, there is a pretty robust amount of opiate dependence."

CDAC said the need for treatment and presentation programs for opioid abuse is "across all ages and socio-economic groups."

Later in the week, Lakeview announced its Addiction Receiving Facility (ARF) for adults that will provide specialized detox care to ensure a smooth continuum of care, including crisis support, community-based care, outpatient treatment and residential programs.

The ARF is a 10-bed facility staffed by addiction specialists, nurses and behavioral health staff. The average length of stay in similar facilities is three-seven days. Upon discharge, individuals will be referred to a continuing care program with Lakeview Center or other community resources based on their individual needs.

Detox care is an important first step in treating addiction and beginning a path to recovery, according to Dr. David Josephs, Lakeview's clinical director.

The intent is to medically detox individuals so they can get into the continuum of addiction care, which may involve our 40-bed residential program or outpatient services," Dr. Josephs said. "These programs are particularly lifesaving for those dealing with opiate or alcohol addiction."

JAIL VISITATION Criminal defense attorneys continue to have problems seeing their clients at the Escambia County Jail, in violation of a 1976 court order.

Attorney Gene Mitchell explained, "A jail is by its definition a pretrial detention center. A major focus of a jail is to assist the due process of the criminal justice system."

However, he asserts that the new Escambia County Jail was constructed to be a prison, not a jail. Mitchell said, "But we don't need a prison. We need a jail."

Before the new jail and Rich Powell was hired to run corrections, Mitchell and his fellow attorneys could visit with 10 or 15 clients in an afternoon. That is no longer possible.

"What happens with the new building under Mr. Powell's guidance, you show up, and at best, if you signed a waiver, then you get to walk the halls without a walker," said Mitchell. "But once you get up to one of their designated little rooms, and there's only one on each floor. You get to that room, and if it's in use, you wait and wait. When it's free, you still wait forever while a walker goes and gets your client and brings 'em to you."

He added, "The days of seeing 10 or 15 or more inmates in the afternoon, those days are long gone. You're doing good if you see three inmates in an afternoon."

According to Mitchell, the video visitation system doesn't work properly, and the vendor has a track record of unsatisfactory performance, horrible reviews and class-action settlements,

He believes the best authority on this issue is a 1976 federal case tried in Pensacola (Mitchell v Untreiner). Pubic Defender Ron Shelley brought a civil action against Escambia County Sheriff Royal Untreiner.

The case resulted in an order that, among many remedies, included attorneys representing inmates in the Escambia County Jail shall have access to said inmates at any time within 12 hours of arrest. Normal visiting hours for attorneys shall be between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily, and the jail shall furnish adequate facilities for attorney-client communications. Attorneys also shall be given priority for the use of those facilities.

Mitchell said inmates are not seeing their attorneys nearly enough under the current visitation policies, which leaves the county open to lawsuits and additional legal expenses because they are being denied their right to due process.

NEXT BIG CRISIS Pensacola will be hit this summer with several childcare and early development programs either being discontinued or cutting back due to a lack of qualified workers. Pensacola State College is shuttering its campus daycare, which Campfire USA operates. Several local churches have announced reductions.

In an email, PSC President Ed Meadows explained the closure of the daycare was due to Campfire USA losing its insurance carrier. He said, "When we discovered they had lost their insurance, we notified them to close by the last day of coverage or provide proof of insurance to continue operation."

Dr. Meadows continued, "Our concern is for the safety of children in childcare centers."

The Early Learning Coalition has $22 million to help parents pay for childcare and early education. It has a waiting list due to the lack of staffing at childcare facilities. Last fall, we reported the waiting list had 568 children and the facilities were running at 76% capacity.

During the pandemic, a third of working mothers and a quarter of working fathers reported that they needed to reduce their work hours. Jobs that allow flexible hours and part-time options pay lower wages, so parents' earnings suffer because they are working fewer hours and earning less for the hours they do work.

Less income puts households at risk of falling below the ALICE threshold. Employers have to deal with childcare-related absences and employee turnover. And children lose vital preschool education that will prepare them for kindergarten. {in}

After being closed to the General Public for over three years, the National Naval Aviation Museum is now open for EVERYONE to enjoy with FREE admission.

Come journey through the evolution of Naval Aviation, from the earliest flying machines to NASA space missions. Watch the Blue Angels soar overhead, ride the MaxFlight360 simulator or experience the Magic of Flight in the Giant Screen Theater. It’s gripping history and rip-roaring, out-of-thisworld fun!

OPEN 9– 4 DAILY ON NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION • (850) 453-2389 (800) 327-5002 • NavalAviationMuseum.org

Raise your hand if you're Gulf Shores bound this weekend for Hangout Fest.

Now put it down and start reading—because we've covered a lot of ground in this issue, and you don't have much time before the party starts.

From what to pack to who to watch*, this issue has it all and then some. And yes, we gave SZA a whole ass page because how could we not? {in}

*All set times printed in this issue are current as of 5 p.m., Monday, May 15, but they are subject to change. Make sure you download the official Hangout Fest app or follow them (@hangoutfest) for updates.

If you find yourself at the Mermaid Stage on Friday around 5:30 p.m., you may notice a little green guy sitting on a microphone. He has four arms, red ovular eyes and could nicely fit into the pocket of your jeans.

His name is Gumpy, and his stage presence means that alternative powerhouse Jordana Nye, better known as Jordana, is nearby. She received Gumpy from a fan on her first-ever tour, where she performed in support of TV Girl in 2021. Since then, Gumpy has become an asset to Jordana when she's on the road.

"I'll be like, 'This is my band, this is Gumpy and this is me,' and it's been a thing I do every show," Jordana said. "It just became a charm, like a good luck charm and kind of a distraction."

For the multi-genre artist, small distractions and routines, like Gumpy, help her get out her pre-performance jitters. Before each show, she said she has to "distract myself until the two minutes I have left until I have to go onstage." When the occasional onstage anxiety occurs, she'll use Gumpy or other conversational distractions to center herself and find comfort.

When it comes to pre-show rituals, there is one in particular that Jordana maintains that also coincides with the rules of swimming—no eating at least 30 minutes before getting in, or, in this case, going on.

"It throws me off, and I just get in my head about it," Jordana said. "So I hope that there's

From choosing the right shoes to walk through the sand in to knowing the sunscreen size that won't get confiscated like your last run-in with the TSA, your pre-show preparation can dictate just how smoothly your three-day experience will go. When deciding what to bring to Hangout Fest, we recommend a minimalist approach. We also recommend reading the info page on their website. But just in case you haven't yet, here are a few key takeaways.