Inweekly May 4 2023 Issue

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winners & losers

winners losers

MOORHEAD LAW GROUP The law firm's Beyond a Reasonable Stout team took home the trophy at United Way of West Florida's Second Annual Battle of the Barristers, beating out teams from Beggs & Lane, Carver Darden, the City of Pensacola and the returning champs, Clark Partington. The event tested team members' knowledge in categories such as sports and presidential history during a trivia contest at Odd Colony. Gulf Coast Trophies created a traveling trophy for the Battle of the Barristers. Moorhead Law Group will keep the trophy for the next year and can defend its title at the next event. Battle of the Barristers raised $3,700 for United Way of West Florida.

ESCAMBIA HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS

TEAM Thirteen seniors from the school's engineering academy beat out 48 competitors from eight countries to win first place in the high school division at NASA's Human Exploration Rover Challenge. The team placed second in the combined high school and college division behind the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Their challenge was to design and build a vehicle to conquer a course of obstacles and tasks on an expedition over lunar and Martian terrain.

GULF BREEZE INDOOR

PERCUSSION

UNIT The team marked a significant milestone in its 20-year history, finishing ninth place in the world for its classification at the recent World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The group made a remarkable comeback, having been ranked about 30th before the competition, then climbing to 15th, 10th and finally securing an impressive ninth-place finish. The 2023 season saw the program rebound from COVID-19 restrictions and quarantines, which had cut short or outright prevented competitive performances over the past two years.

UWF DAY OF GIVING The one-day event raised $218,999.33 and connected more than 1,380 donors from around the world in just 24 hours, resulting in a record-breaking online fundraising initiative for UWF. The '80s decade took the top spot in the "Battle of the Decades" with $53,998.60, and the '20s decade had the most individual contributions with 270.

PENSACOLA BOTTLE CLUBS

The Pensacola City Council passed without discussion an ordinance banning this relic from Pensacola's past that kept sailors partying after the other night clubs closed. City staff and the mayor's office recommended the ban, asserting that "the use has historically been the source of enforcement and public nuisance-related issues not just in Pensacola, but in other jurisdictions as well." The city's last bottle club, The Pelican's Nest, closed last year.

BRIAN G. KOLFAGE The president of We Build the Wall was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to crimes charged in the Northern District of Florida relating to the filing of his 2019 federal income taxes, along with conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for defrauding donors to the charity. Kolfage admitted under oath to illicitly receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from multiple organizations in 2019, including We Build the Wall, Inc., which were deposited into his personal bank account. He failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service and spent the money on things, such as personal boat payments, a luxury SUV, jewelry and cosmetic surgery. Kolfage is required to pay restitution to the United States of America in the amount of $143,003 for his tax crimes, along with millions of dollars worth of forfeiture and restitution for his scheme to defraud We Build the Wall donors.

DESANTIS' PRESIDENTIAL DREAMS

A recent national poll conducted by Emerson College showed Donald Trump consolidating Republican support in a potential race for President, with 62% of voters. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who once appeared to be the frontrunner, trailed the former President by 46 points with 16% support. Former Vice President Mike Pence came in third with 7%. Has DeSantis moved so far to the right with his culture war agenda that GOP voters see Trump as the more moderate candidate? This will be fun to watch.

Moorhead Law Group / Photo Courtesy of United Way of West Florida Photo by Alexandru Nika / shutterstock.com

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

SLOW EROSION

We haven't had any problems with our elections in Florida since 2000. There may have been some occasional hiccups, but local supervisors of elections made significant improvements in voter registration and election security from 2001-2020.

Florida became the model for the rest of the nation. That's a fact. Gov. Ron DeSantis boosted, "The way Florida did it, I think, inspires confidence; I think that's how elections should be run."

Still, without evidence of all voter fraud, the governor argued we needed to tighten voting laws a year later. His logic was, "We don't want anyone to cheat." And while he professed that "elections should be free and fair," his real agenda was to begin the slow erosion of voting rights to reduce the number of people who might vote against him.

The strategy was to keep pushing the envelope on restrictions to numb the public to state lawmakers making it more difficult to cast a ballot. Remember, politicians can't control what happens in the voting booth, but they can restrict who gets to be in that booth.

The first changes came in 2021 with SB 90. While Florida already requires identification to vote, the new law mandated additional identification information when changing voter registration information or requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. It identified a new bogeyman—ballot harvesting—and prohibited people who would help others drop off vote-by-mail ballots from possessing more than two vote-by-mail ballots other than their own.

The 48-page law required election supervisors to assign an employee to monitor ballot drop boxes and only allowed drop boxes to be accessible during early voting hours. It only allowed a request for a vote-by-mail ballot to be good for the next general election rather than two general election cycles.

"We cannot comprehend where they're coming from," said Anjenys Gonzalez-Eilert of Florida Common Cause.

A year later, Gov. DeSantis came back with more changes. When he signed SB 524, he said, "We need to do more to ensure our elections re -

main secure. We have ended ballot harvesting, stopped drop boxes and the mass mailing of ballots, and banned Zuckerbucks, and this bill will give us more resources to make sure bad actors are held accountable."

The law increased the penalty for ballot harvesting from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine and up to five years of probation. It created the Office of Election Crimes and Security to "investigate all election crimes in Florida"—which we learned didn't include examining GOP operatives creating ghost candidates or the dark money that Florida Power & Light and other corporations funneled to campaigns. The law also called for the Department of State to recommend a plan to strengthen ID requirements for mail-in ballots.

And the election police made 20 arrests in South Florida five days before the 2022 primary, and DeSantis wanted people to know more arrests were coming to discourage voting.

Several cases were dismissed. The statewide prosecutor secured one conviction through a plea deal. Most defendants had voter registration cards because they thought they qualified to vote because of Amendment 4, which voters approved to restore voting rights for most felons who have completed their sentences.

So what happens in 2023? Another election bill has passed and awaits the governor's signature. Republicans have targeted voter registration groups by requiring receipts for voter applications, shortening the time to turn in applications to 10 days and making it illegal for nonU.S. citizens to handle applications. The bill also alters vote-by-mail request deadlines and requires first-time voters to vote in person if they don't have proper identification.

I can't wait to see what new election laws Republicans propose next year—maybe outlaw voting by mail. But this slow erosion of rights is also happening with public education, transgender issues, home rule and health care. State lawmakers are gradually taking control of our lives. {in} rick@inweekly.net

Florida became the model for the rest of the nation.

RECOVERING A LOST NEIGHBORHOOD

"It's really important the mayor and his team think about what's going to draw people to Another question that arose during the fellowship was how to inspire Eastside community members to self-organize and initiate their own programs to help maintain neighborhood integrity. The advisors told the Pensacola contingent that without long-term strategy, planning and mindfulness, a project of this magnitude is

By Tom St. Myer

A transformative project overdue by decades is on the precipice of occurring if the city of Pensacola secures a substantial grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mayor D.C. Reeves is targeting 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 HUD to determine the grant recipients by early summer.

"This is a long-overdue project for our city in so many different ways from reconnection, from a greenway to first-of-its-kind amenities," Reeves said. "We have parks, but we don't have parks that connect neighborhoods like that. We're trying to bring value to every corner of our community."

A primarily Black neighborhood displaced by the construction of Interstate 110, the Hollice T. Williams area used to be bustling with residences, schools, churches, restaurants and other commercial properties. Famous Pensacolians, such as Williams, John Sunday, Chappie James Jr. and Cecil T. Hunter, once called the neighborhood home. Historically significant structures bearing their names in the neighborhood include the John Sunday House, Chappie James Museum and Dr. John Lee Pickens Medical Office.

Today, the 1.3-mile highway underpass, ranging from Maxwell to Wright streets, is prone to flooding and consists of dozens of blighted properties. A pristine home sandwiched between two houses with boarded-up windows and broken doors is a common sight. About 20% of the population is without a high school diploma or vehicle, and the median household income of about $35,000 is nearly $25,000 below the median for the city of Pensacola.

"This is a longstanding minority neighborhood in which some of the most important

raised," Reeves said. "This is a neighborhood that deserves attention."

His ambitious project plans include improving water quality, stormwater attenuation, creating recreational opportunities and displaying public art that honors the cultural heritage of the neighborhood.

The crown jewel of the project is a fully designed park with a multi-use path, playing fields, neighborhood history exhibits, gardens, a dog park and a skate park. Other possibilities include a Black history trail, as well as turning vacant lots into attainable housing.

"That right there is going to put a light on the hidden gem of Pensacola," said Tommy White, the owner of East King's Corner and an Eastside Redevelopment Board member.

Park enhancements rank relatively low on White's priority list for the area, though, he said. Affordable housing is No. 1, followed by converting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Davis Highway back into two-way streets.

"It's a high market. However, we still can't forget about our working-class individuals who can't afford a $750,000 house or half a million, or $400,000 or $350,000," White said. "These are the people that make our city go. At the end of the day, what the city needs to do is take a hard stance on the costs of future developments."

Reeves campaigned on increasing attainable housing in the city, but simply turning vacant lots into houses is a short-sighted solution. Providing amenities associated with high-income neighborhoods is crucial for long-term success, Reeves said. He mentioned tree canopies and pedestrian walkways as examples.

JUST CITY FELLOWSHIP

Ideas on how to best restore the neighborhood surfaced through the Mayors' Institute on City Design Just City Mayoral Fellowship that Reeves participated in with mayors from Albany,

City Lab, located within the Harvard Gradu ate School of Design. The lab investigates the ways design and planning contribute to conditions of justice and injustice in cities, neighborhoods and the public realm. Its Just Index is a renowned framework of 50 values to be used for communities to establish their own definition and principles for what makes each city or neighborhood more just.

Research by the Just City Lab staff indicates that issues of race, income, education and unemployment inequality can be addressed by planning and designing for greater access, agency, ownership, beauty, diversity and empowerment.

Toni Griffin, an architect and professor in the practice of Urban Planning at the Harvard Graduate School of Design who leads The Just City Lab, and her team hammer that point home through a series of modules and weekly readings.

"All places in the city deserve good quality design," Griffin said.

She complimented Reeves for participating in the program so early into his mayorship. He stood out in a group Griffin described as diverse in terms of geography, tenure, age and race.

"From a national level, it's an honor to present something that's a generational project for the city," Reeves said. "To be able to do so with so many amazing experts from all over our country who have taken on projects this size or larger, it was a great opportunity."

The mayors and their staff members took what they learned about Just Cities and presented their projects during the fellowship. Reeves and his staff received invaluable feedback on their Hollis T. Williams presentation from the audience.

That feedback included focusing on what happens after completing the project. Griffin emphasized the importance of how the neighborhood connects to the new space and how the space connects back to the neighborhood, she said.

The city securing HUD funds is imperative for the project to be completed on a grand scale and sustain long-term success. The project is 100%

"The full-ticket amount is anywhere from 2540 million dollars," Reeves said. "That's not an amount of money Pensacola can ever sock away

HUD provides disaster recovery funds to help cities, counties and states recover from presidentially declared disasters. Donald Trump declared Hurricane Sally a "major disaster" in September 2020.

The hurricane poured nearly 25 inches of rain on Pensacola, according to the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park Project application submitted by the city. Excessive runoff from five overflowing ponds and runoff from the east inundated the existing Hollice T. Williams stormwater pond and triggered flooding in other portions of the city. A significant amount of stormwater made its way into Pensacola Bay.

Pensacola has yet to receive any disasterrelated state or federal funding to repair the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park since the hurricane. Any improvements to the stormwater park will be significant for the city.

In its application to HUD, the city stated, "The Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park will serve to improve water quality and reduce stormwater in the area while reconnecting the social fabric of the neighborhood displaced by the construction of I-110 in the 1970s. The project will repair and harden stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding frequency and magnitude within the dense (low-to-moderate income) service area."

Reeves is optimistic HUD will fund the project. But what if HUD rejects this "generational" opportunity?

"We have a lot of irons in the fire other than the CDBG, but it would be much more incremental," said Reeves, who mentioned the remaining RESTORE funds as one alternative.

Reeves is seeking state funds for the project, too, while he waits on word from HUD. He broached the subject with state legislators on three separate trips to Tallahassee over the past six weeks. The application to HUD includes $2.35 million in leveraged funds, and the city identified local match state funds and American Rescue Plan Act funds for that amount.

"We're fighting, and we're going to see if we can get this done," Reeves said. "Fingers crossed that we can get this thing over the finish line."{in}

Photo Courtesy of Harvard Graduate School of Design

MORE HOMELESS, LESS HELP

Last year, many questioned Opening Doors' PIT count. Community Health CEO Chandra Smiley told the Board of County Commissioners that her organization served the health needs of more than 7,000 homeless people in the area in 2021 and expressed doubts about the Opening Doors 2022 count of 727.

Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno agreed.

"The numbers for the count, they just seem extremely low," Moreno said.

The additional help from the county and groups like Community Health might have made a difference this year, but Smiley still believes the number is low. She told Inweekly, "It's way understated. We had a more coordinated effort in Escambia County, but Santa Rosa is way understated. And we didn't even really get to the north part of Escambia County like we really should have. So, it's still significantly low."

ASSISTANCE SHUTDOWN

Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have more homeless people and fewer dollars to help struggling families pay their rent and utility bills. Even as the area's economy continues to rise, parts of our community are being left behind as inflation and housing devour more of payroll checks.

Opening Doors of Northwest Florida revealed at its April general coalition meeting that the 2023 Point-in-Time count tallied 1,180 homeless individuals in the two-county area, a 62% jump from last year and the highest number since 2007. The previous record was 1,160 in 2010.

The count is an annual exercise done in January that assesses the local homeless population. The count is conducted in communities across the country, with the data then reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In the past, HUD has used the information when determining its fund allocations to address the needs of homeless communities in varying areas, but Opening Doors PIT Coordinator Martika Baker says that is no longer the case.

at the meeting. "The goal for communities is to identify the number of people who are homeless, and we build a collaboration plan to address homelessness in our community."

The "we" is the Continuum of Care that Opening Doors runs for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The CoC is charged with establishing and operating a coordinated entry system that provides a process for conducting comprehensive entries of housing and services needs for individuals and families. A considerable part of the meeting was devoted to rehashing the coordinated entry system that HUD mandated five years ago but still hasn't been fully implemented locally.

Baker was pleased with the 2023 PIT count.

"We did a wonderful thing this year with PIT. We are thankful to BRACE, Emergency Management, Code Enforcement and Community Health Northwest Florida for helping us with Escambia County's coverage of the unsheltered count," Baker said. "The partnership with 90 Works helped us to push further into Santa Rosa County than we've probably ever done before."

As we move to get better at reporting our homeless population, federal funds to help families keep their shelter dried up in April.

Opening Doors has exceeded the number of applications for rent, utility and deposit assistance, according to its website. New applications for assistance were closed April 13, and the program won't resume until July.

At the meeting, Opening Doors offered few suggestions for attendees to help their clients in May and June. Inweekly checked with Doug Brown, the Community Action Program (CAP) executive director, whose nonprofit also provides assistance. He had positive news.

Thanks to Sen. Doug Broxson and Rep. Alex Andrade, the CAP will have assistance funds to help locals with rent and utilities, Brown said.

"We have been informed that a budget resolution has been reached that has fixed funding issue effective immediately," Brown said. "We should be made whole on all obligations as quickly as their finance department does its processing."

He added, "It's a huge, huge, huge fix. Rep. Andrade, who heads up the subcommittee for

DEO (Department of Economic Opportunity), and Sen. Broxson, who heads up Senate Appropriations, were the key champions to getting this resolution."

DEO administers four programs funded with federal dollars—Community Services Block Grant, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Low Income Water Assistance and the Weatherization programs.

"Those four programs are funded from the Fed, and then Tallahassee, by population, directs those dollars to each county," Brown said.

CAP has been running those programs since its inception. "It's cost reimbursement. We all do the work, invoice DEO, and the state promises to pay us within a certain time."

"We spent beyond that authority that the legislature had given them, and DEO failed to project that the bank account was getting low because there's folks using these programs around the state," Brown said. "On Good Friday, DEO dropped this bomb. Agencies literally shut down operations immediately."

CAP had to rush to submit all its vouchers by April 13 to be considered for reimbursement, Brown said. "That led to the huge scramble to get payments in but with no expectation of when we would get those funds back. At the same time, those pledges are still pending at these utility companies. We were on the hook to the utility company with a promise to them because we've got a promise from the state."

Fortunately, Andrade, Broxson and other lawmakers fixed DEO's poor process, and funds became available. Andrade shrugged off the praise from Brown.

"A lot of people helped with this," Andrade told Inweekly. "These assistance programs are important because they offer a hand up to people."

Unfortunately, Brown said the budget resolution would not help Opening Doors because its funding comes from a different pot of money. CAP will reopen its assistance programs once DEO begins processing its outstanding reimbursement requests. {in}

To learn more about CAP, visit capc-pensacola.org. The PIT count can be found at openingdoorsnwfl.org.

A WIN FOR EVERYBODY Teens living in two Lakeview Center foster care group homes now have an opportunity to take swimming and sailing lessons thanks to a partnership with the YMCA of Northwest Florida and the Pensacola Yacht Club Satori Foundation.

A grant from the Satori Foundation funds swim lessons at the YMCA for teens at Lakeview Center's Arcadia Place and Cabot Heights, which serve teens in the foster care system who have experienced abuse or neglect and struggle with mental health issues.

"This exciting partnership provides an opportunity these teens wouldn't otherwise be exposed to," said Allison Hill, CEO of LifeView Group, Lakeview's parent company.

Once the teens learn to swim, they qualify for a weeklong sailing camp with Satori.

"What we learned quickly is that kids wanted to do it, but they couldn't swim," said Alan McMillian, the foundation president. "We started seeing swimming as a core part of our mission. Now we look forward to working together with the Y for years to come."

"This is a great example of organizations figuring out what you need and what you do well and then working together to accomplish things," said Andrea Rosenbaum, the YMCA's director of advancement. "We are a pioneer in aquatics and know how to teach people to swim. The Satori Foundation is all about getting youth out on sailboats, where they build confidence while learning math and science.

"And for these teens in Lakeview's foster homes, this is an opportunity to introduce them to something new and exciting and show them some ways that they can really move their lives forward positively."

At Arcadia Place and Cabot Heights, specialized caregivers support the teens' recovery, health and well-being, preparing them for living in a family setting or an independent environment. Some teens stay in the homes longer than two years, before aging out of the foster care system.

The partners hope this program will build teens' self-esteem and impart important safety information for living in a region with many wa-

ter-based activities. In addition to lessons, swimsuits will also be provided to teens who can't afford them.

"When we're looking at partnerships, we want to be a convener," said Michael Bodenhausen, the YMCA CEO. "It takes multiple organizations working together to make the community better."

Beyond that, the YMCA is incentivizing the teens' participation by offering lifeguard training and the pathway to a job on its aquatics team.

"We're telling the teens that we'll enroll you in a lifeguard class here, and then we can hire you and give you a job," Rosenbaum said. "Goodness knows, we need more lifeguards. In this community and around the country, there's a real lifeguard shortage right now. This program is going to be a win for everyone."

OPERATION BROWNSVILLE Operation

Brownsville began 8 a.m., Monday, April 24, with Escambia County Code Enforcement and Animal Control stepping up its operations in the Brownsville area. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office has a webpage with a calendar of scheduled events.

The webpage quotes Sheriff Chip Simmons: "Through enforcement and engagement, this operation will provide a robust but uniform community effort aimed at reducing gun violence while uplifting and strengthening the residents of the Brownsville area."

As of Friday, April 28, the ECSO calendar listed a series of Community Conversations to be held at 5:30 p.m. the first four Mondays of May at the Brownsville Community Center. The discussion topics cover crime prevention, drug and opioid awareness, business development and entrepreneurship and the school district's career and technical academies. There will be an additional conversation Monday, June 5 on gun violence and awareness for teens.

The calendar also lists Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) BUS will help people obtain driver's licenses and identification cards from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 13 and 20. Operation Brownsville will end with a movie night Friday, June 16.

Simmons hopes to duplicate Operation Brownsville in other neighborhoods in the county, he said.

Over the next 60 days, Simmons' agency will work with the Pensacola Police Department, the county, city and area nonprofits to increase public safety, services and outreach in the Brownsville community, stretching from E Street to Kirk Street with Jackson and Avery streets serving as the southern and northern borders.

How will the sheriff measure success?

"First of all, it's easier for law enforcement to measure success, but I think success is two related things," Simmons said. "If we do extra patrols in Brownsville, less crime is committed. But we also will be able to document warrant services, traffic stops, arrests and the cost of service. It's also going to be what we can show that we have done in partnership with the Pensacola Police Department."

The second measure is community impact.

"It's the involvement with our community partners and seeing what that looks like," Simmons said. "Ultimately, there will be an evaluation—Is it worth it? Is this good? Is that good? Do we take some stuff out? Do we add some stuff to it?"

It's a pilot program they'd like to try in other areas, Simmons said. The operation area was chosen because it has nearly equal coverage from ECSO and PPD.

"We wanted to use a boundary that incorporated the city and county," Simmons said. "I can't say that I looked at it and said, 'Oh, this is a high crime area right here.' There're some things that we wanted to address in the Brownsville community, but a lot of what's happening in Brownsville is happening in other communities as well. If this works in Brownsville, the thought is that it'll work in other neighborhoods."

If other nonprofits want to get involved in Operation Brownsville, they can email neighborhood specialist Ronnie Rivera at rdrivera@escambia.com. He will add their programs to the calendar on the ECSO website.

One thing you won't find on the calendar is law enforcement operations.

"We have had a couple conversations with the Pensacola Police Department, and we are working on our operations that we're not putting on the calendar because we don't want to let them know exactly where we're going to be at any given moment," Simmons said.

Law enforcement statistics will be posted later.

MAYOR PUSHES BACK On April 27, the Pensacola City Council approved a lease agreement with Warehouse 4Sports, LLC, for Port of Pensacola Warehouse No. 4 to develop an arena for pickleball and other sports and entertainment activities.

Before the vote, Mayor D.C. Reeves received some criticism about renting the warehouse for an indoor sports facility. He pushed back against the critics on WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen."

"First thing, I always frame it this way—I was born in 1984, and the last lease on the building in question is 1979," Reeves said. "Any citizen has had 45 years to let us know who these (potential) long-term tenants are.

"The delta we're talking about here is the revenue of what's proposed here and what we consider market rate on an aging building, of which we will be due to having improvements ourselves … We cannot just look at what is the rent rate and assume that that's the maximum return on investment for the city of Pensacola."

The economic impact on downtown Pensacola is much greater than the annual rent, Reeves said. He also pointed out the proposed agreement doesn't give the tenant control of 200 parking spaces, but the parking will be available.

BELMONT HALL

Last week, we reported Belmont Hall may move to a site near the Port of Pensacola and the ferry landing. The food and entertainment complex is the brainchild of Jordan Yee and Alistair McKenzie.

"We've switched gears now, and we are headed to the port, hopefully. We have filed an LOI (Letter of Intent) with them and are in the process of very early stages of discussing doing the food hall down there," McKenzie said.

Last week, the Pensacola City Council approved an agreement to develop Warehouse No. 4 at port into an indoor sports facility for pickleball, as well as volleyball and basketball. The city already has a deal for a developer to build a hotel near the ferry landing.

"When Scape came to town and did their whole Waterfront master plan, along with James Lima, they had identified this area, including the port, the hashtag connector, which they think is the part of the waterfront that needs to be super activated in order for Pensacola really to take up another level with its downtown," McKenzie said. "They said that they needed a catalytic project down in that area. And we think that the food hall, which is a business incubator as well as an entertainment complex, fits the bill of what they were talking about."

BRAND CHANGE

Last week, Pen Air Credit Union notified its members it would soon adopt a "new refreshed brand look that better reflects our membership, commitment to service and culture today and for generations to come."

The new brand will be revealed Wednesday, June 21.

Last September, the Pen Air members approved converting from a federal charter to a state charter, effective Oct. 1, 2022. The conversion allowed the credit union to pursue growth opportunities across 17 counties, ranging from Mobile County in Alabama to Leon and Wakulla counties in Florida. It also expanded the field of membership.

RECYCLING COMPETITION

ECUA is getting competition in the recycling market. Waste Management has announced plans to build Northwest

Florida's first fully automated, full-scale recycling facility within the city of Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County.

The Fort Walton Beach MRF is anticipated to be approximately 45,000 square feet, with the expected capacity to process approximately 120,000 tons per year of single-stream and source-separated recyclables. The facility is expected to be operational in spring 2024 and will provide recycling capabilities for an area covering Biloxi, Miss., to Tallahassee.

"Waste Management is pleased to announce our investment in building a state-of-the-art recycling material recovery facility right here in Fort Walton Beach," said Brandon Shaw, WM Gulf Coast Area vice president. "Waste Management is committed to serving Northwest Florida and bringing sustainable solutions to the area as well as working together with local communities throughout the region to increase recycling through education and outreach."

SKANSKA FUNDS State Representative Alex Andrade said he has put into the budget a stipulation that the Florida Department of Transportation will take $6 million out of the remaining funds for the construction of the Chappie James Bridge and make the funds available for road and infrastructure improvements in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Andrade praised Senator Doug Broxson's help in making it possible. Broxson chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Andrade heads the House Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee.

LEAGUE SUES The League of Women Voters of Florida and the Florida State Conference of the NAACP have filed suit in federal court against the Florida Secretary of State, charging that the state's voter registration application violates the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).

The civil rights organizations allege that the form's lack of information about the voter eligibility requirements for Floridians with past convictions creates confusion, impedes the organizations' voter registration activities and puts people in danger of criminal penalties.

"Our state has a moral and legal duty to inform prospective voters of their eligibility to register," said Cecile M. Scoon, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. "It is imperative that Floridians with past felony convictions understand whether they are eligible to register to vote, particularly when the state is targeting those who misunderstand this with criminal prosecution. The state must fulfill the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and protect its residents."

Florida's voter registration application, as the complaint notes, doesn't include any guidance for would-be voters who are trying to determine if they are eligible to vote under Amendment Four, a state constitutional amendment approved in 2018 that restored voting rights to most people with past convictions.

The form does not indicate that individu-

als on probation or parole are ineligible, nor does it say that paying outstanding court fines and fees is a precondition to having voting rights restored (as per Senate Bill 7066, passed in 2019). The form also does not say that those convicted of murder or a felony sex offense are not eligible to vote unless they have received clemency. And it does not contain any information about eligibility requirements for people with convictions from another state.

Florida has a fundamental obligation to ensure all citizens can fully understand, access and exercise their voting rights," said Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP. "Yet, the state has fallen short of fulfilling its obligations, because it requires returning citizens to fill out a flawed voter registration form and without any clear guidance. This failure has generated confusion and fear for returning citizens and groups like the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, which assist returning citizens through its voter registration activities, amidst the state's ongoing criminal investigations and prosecutions."

Volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Florida and Florida NAACP fear inadvertently registering an ineligible voter and putting them at risk of criminal penalties.

DIB BOARD OPENINGS Mayor D.C. Reeves is accepting applications to be considered for two upcoming vacancies on the Downtown Improve ment Board.

Qualified individuals interested in serving on the DIB must fill out an online application by 5 p.m., Friday, May 12, at bit.ly/3HaPLV2. Members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. The term for these appointments expires June 30, 2026.

To qualify for appointment to the DIB, prospective members must own property within the DIB District, subject to ad valorem taxation or be a lessee required by lease to pay taxes on the property. City of Pensacola or Escambia County officers or employees are not eligible to serve as voting members on the DIB. To learn more about DIB, visit downtownpensacola.com.

COX EVENT GRANTS Local nonprofits planning fundraising and awareness events in the Gulf Coast market are encouraged to apply for event sponsorships from Cox Communications. Cox is currently accepting applications for events occur ring between July 1-Dec. 31, 2023.

If your nonprofit is planning an event that will take place during these dates and looking for sup port, apply for cash and/or in-kind sponsorships at ccigiving.com. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 2. Organizations will be notified if their requests are approved mid-June.

In 2022, Cox gave more than $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 regis tered 501(c)3. {in}

TOURISM WORKS ESCAMBIA COUNTY FOR

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 everyone 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

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

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

EVENING STROLL IN THE SQUARE Fundraiser walk for epilepsy, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, May 6, in Seville Square. For details, visit walkthetalkfl.org/pensacola.

GULF COAST NONPROFITS ENCOURAGED

TO APPLY FOR EVENT SPONSORSHIP

FROM COX Local nonprofits 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-Dec. 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 mid-June if their requests are approved.

In 2022, Cox gave more than $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. The cost is 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

Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti St., Mobile, AL 36602, or 309 Punk Project, 309 N. Sixth Ave., Pensacola, FL 32501. Submitted zines will be included in the 2023 Zine Challenge and be part of the 309 archives. For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

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 instantly recognizable classics, such 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.

HOT GLASS COLD BREW The next Hot Glass

Cold Brew is Friday, May 5, from 5-9 p.m., at First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St. The theme is Caribbean Nights. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Visit firstcityart.org for details.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS FOURTH ANNUAL BLUE

JAZZ BRUNCH The Santa Rosa County Democratic Black Caucus will host its Fourth Annual Blue Jazz Brunch 10 a.m., Saturday, May 6, at the Santa Rosa County Auditorium, 4530 Spikes Way, Milton. Tickets for the event are available online at the Black Caucus website, srcdbc.org, and also on eventbrite.com. For tickets and other information, contact Carolyn McCray at (850) 686-1629.

END OF SPRING MARKET The Nest will host an End of Spring Market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, May 6, on the patio of The Next General Store, 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C. Visit thenestgeneralstore.com for details.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA GRADUATION The UWF Spring commencement ceremonies are at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for details.

SANDERS BEACH-CORINNE JONES RESOURCE CENTER ANNUAL SPRING JURIED ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Shop local from vendors who have been selected by a jury from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at 913 S. I St. Discover unique, handmade crafts, art, baked goods and more. A photographer will be on site to take spring mom-and-me portraits in the lobby. Food trucks on site. This is a free community event.

MICHAEL JACKSON: A THRILLING TRIBUTE Falynne Lewing and her team of professional dancers from LaBelle Performing Arts and Red Hot Productions will bring Michael Jackson's extraordinary moves to life 7 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Tickets are $26-$71. Visit pensacolasaenger.com for details.

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, sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

CALL TO ARTISTS

GREAT GULFCOAST ARTS FESTIVAL 2023

POSTER DESIGN CONTEST The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is accepting submissions to its 2023 poster design competition through June 30. The winning artist receives a $1,500 cash award. The winning design will be featured on posters, T-shirts and other GGAF promotional items for the festival. Posters have become a regional collector's item.

Competing artists can find the complete list of rules and requirements, plus a gallery of past posters, at ggaf.org/poster.

309 ZINE FEUD 309 Punk Project announced a Zine Feud. Requirements include a minimum page count of 16, minimum print run of 15 and no reprints. Deadline is June 1. Send or deliver at least one copy of your zine before 5 p.m. on June 1 to

MARIAN O'SHEA WERNICKE BOOK READ -

ING English professor and writer Marian O'Shea Wernicke will sign copies of her second book, "Out of Ireland," at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St., on Saturday, May 6, at noon.

PENSACOLA CLIMATE RALLY Rescheduled from last month, the rally will be held 4-6 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at Plaza de Luna, 900 S. Palafox. The Pensacola Climate Rally is a joint project of 350 Pensacola, Healthy Gulf and Climate Together Pensacola. For more information, contact christian@healthygulf.org.

CABARET OFF BROADWAY Cabaret features six open-bar venues, live entertainment performances and culinary art. It spotlights local drag performers, aerialists, singers, dancers, live musicians, actors, bands, DJs, projectionists, flash mobs, graffiti artists, cartoonists and every drop of drama in-between. Event is 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at Pensacola Little Theatre. Tickets are $150. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.

SPEAKEASY SALSA CLUB The inaugural Speakeasy Salsa Club is from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., Saturday, May 6, at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox. Dance to music from DJ Peruchin from Sandcastle Radio. Tickets are $19 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

PENSACOLA VINTAGE COLLECTORS BLOCK PARTY Visit The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St., 1-6 p.m., Sunday, May 7, for a vintage block party with some of your favorite vendors. Visit facebook.com/pensacolavintagecollective for details.

MAKERS MARKET: SPRING FLING CELEBRATION Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, food trucks, and kids' activities at Cordova Square with more than 40 craft and farm vendors 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, at Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Ave.

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

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.-noon, at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Palafox. Open to everyone. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for more information.

a&e happenings

LOOKING THROUGH THE LAYERS WORKSHOP WITH MICAH GOGUEN Micah Goguen, from Macon, Ga., will teach a three-day workshop from 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.

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, the show director, at taizesinclairsanti@gmail.com.

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. To make an appointment, call (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 are 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 more than 50 vendors, food trucks, plants, vintage clothing and décor, live musical performances, kids crafts and games. This is a free event. Pensacola Arts Market 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.

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.

BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Admission is free to enjoy local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. This is an inside and outside event held on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 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.

FIRST CITY ART CENTER MEMBERS SHOW

The third annual members show at First City Art Center's Gallery 1060 will be on display through April 28 at 1060 Guillemard St. The show features works from members of FCAC.

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, 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 finished with hundreds of yards of handstitched 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 more than 50 artists in a diverse range of media at 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamuseum.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 further than 1821. From refusing independence during the American Revolution to wanting its 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. The exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of History through December 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 Regencyera 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. This exhibit is on view at the Pensacola Museum of History through June 2023. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.

FOOD + DRINKS

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Join Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., on Thursday, May 4, for its sixth annual Star Wars Day Celebration, an annual Star Wars beer release, Binary Sunset DIPA, Star Wars-themed cocktails, trivia and costume contest. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

STAR WARS DAY AT COASTAL COUNTY BREWING COMPANY Celebrate this annu-

al homage to "Star Wars" with specials evening starting at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at 3041 E. Olive Road. Itsa Cookie will provide special Lightsaber Cookies for a cookie and beer pairing. "The Flight is Strong with this One" will feature all four colors of the lightsaber spectrum, paired with four of our best CCB Brews.

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is Thursday, May 4, at Atlas, 600 S. Barracks St. Enjoy a Cinco De Mayo celebration. Classes are at 5 and 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required. Call (850) 287-0200 for your spot.

FINE WINE FRIDAY AT THE NEST Head to

The Nest General Store, 11 S. Palafox, Ste. C, for a sit-down wine tasting with snacks 6-9 p.m., Friday, May 5. Tickets are $35. Visit thenestgeneralstore. com for tickets.

CINCO DE MAYO AT PERFECT PLAIN Live music, tacos from Tacos Mexicanos, tequila and beer starting at noon, Friday, May 5, at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook. com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

CINCO DE MAYO AT O'RILEY'S IRISH PUB

All locations will celebrate Cinco de Mayo 11 a.m.close, Friday, May 5. O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown, 321 S. Palafox, will have a taco special all day. The drink specials include a two for $5 deal on Ghost Trail El Rey drafts. The bar will also offer Altos Tequila for $5, domestic buckets for $14 and Fireball for $5.50.

O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road, will host a pickleball tournament from 5-8 p.m. The all-day drink specials will include a two for $5 deal on Ghost Train El Rey Draft, a 2 for $5 deal on Taste of Florida margaritas and a deal on NUTRL buckets for $20.

Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway, will feature a two for $5 deal on Taste of Florida margaritas, Bud Light drafts and Natty Lite Vodka Cocktails.

Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes, will host a Tequila Fest with a special tequila flight for $20. The tequilas for the flights include Maestro Dobel Diamante, Gran Coramino, Tequila Ocho and Milagro Reposado Single Barrel Reserve. Sir Richards will also feature Micheladas for $5 and a two for $5 deal on Taste of Florida margaritas .

Looking for a great way to support The Ministry Village Bargain Center?

Bring us your donations!

We are open Monday–Saturday 9-5 92 E. Nine Mile Road * 850.912.8222

127

100 (850)466-3115

a&e happenings

BIG BREW DAY AT GARY'S BREWERY Get ready for Big Brew Day at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. The free event starts at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 6, when the Escambia Bay Homebrewers start brewing a 10-gallon, all-grain batch of Nearly Nirvana Pale Ale. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

VINO MAGNIFICO The next Vino Magnifico is Tuesday, May 9, at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox. Tickets are $15. RSVP is required. Reserve your spot at vpauls.com.

SPANISH TAPAS DEMONSTRATION DINNER Join Bodacious for a fun demonstration dinner where participants will learn to prepare and cook a variety of small, flavorful dishes at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox. Cost is $65. Visit bodaciousshops.com for details.

BINGO NIGHT Play a game (or two) of Bingo from 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.

SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St., for themed trivia nights on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.

TRIVIA AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS

Take part in trivia nights, 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays, at

Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, calvertsintheheights.com.

THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT

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

LIVE MUSIC

BANDS ON THE BEACH Concerts are held every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. On Tuesday, May 9, Grits & Greens performs. Visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach for details.

CHRISTOPHER'S CONCERTS The Blenders will play the next Christopher's Concert Series from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at 3200 N. 12th Ave. Visit scpen.org for details.

OSO OSO With Noiseheads and Capsule Hotel, 6 p.m., Thursday, May 4, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door and available at thehandlebar850.com.

HERAKLEION, BRAT, ANEURYSM, AND WAX OFFERING Show is 7 p.m., Friday, May 5, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

BEACHBILLY LIFESTYLE PERDIDO KEY MUSIC FESTIVAL This year's donations will go to various causes of the Beachbilly Lifestyle Charity Foundation and the Frank Brown Music Foundation and Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The festival is Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7, at Playa del Rio RV Resort, 16990 Perdido Key Drive. For details and music lineup, visit facebook.com/perdidokeymusicfestival/events.

COWBOY MOUTH Show is 8 p.m., Saturday, May 6, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $20. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.

ALEX'S GOTH-ING AWAY PARTY The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St., sends off bartender Alex with DJ Poseidon and Kuru Remstate, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 6, with a $10 cover. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

STEELIN' PEACHES: ALLMAN BROTHERS

REVUE Show is 6 p.m., Sunday, May 7, at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.

LILLY ELIZA BIRTHDAY SHOW Come celebrate this special day with a special lineup of some amazing local talent. Featuring Lilly Eliza, Devan Sean and Gentilly Soül, 7 p.m., Sunday, May 7, at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

NIRVANA TRIBUTE SHOW Nirvanna will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, May 12, at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $15 and available at vinylmusichall.com.

BLUES ON THE BAY Blues on the Bay is Sunday evenings at Community Maritime Park, 351 Cedar St. Nobius plays at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 14.

EASY GOING DJ LAB Show is noon-4 p.m. every Saturday at Easy Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY

Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.

GARY-OKE Sing your heart out at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave., every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.

PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY Music pickers of all levels are invited to play at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, from 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.

JAZZ BY THE BOOK Joe Occhipinti performs at West Florida Public Libraries twice a month on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The concert is at Pensac-

a&e happenings

ola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Visit mywfpl.com for details.

MONDAY NIGHT BLUES AT SEVILLE QUARTER Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida bring the "Blues" back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District at 7 p.m. every Monday night in End O' the Alley, located at 130 E. Government St. For more information, visit sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads every Tuesday night at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.

FITNESS + RECREATION

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT Head to O'Riley's Uptown Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road, from 5-8 p.m., Friday, May 5, for a Pickleball Tournament. For more information, visit orileystavern. com/new-events/2023/4/13/uptown-open.

OCEAN HOUR WEEKLY CLEANUPS Ocean Hour Pensacola host weekly cleanups on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. On May 6, the cleanup will be at Bob Sikes Bridge at the south end. Meet in front of the Grand Marlin at fishing bridge. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Follow Ocean Hour at facebook. com/oceanhourfl for more details and locations.

HOOK, LINE & SINKER MONTHLY FISHING

SEMINAR SERIES Hot Spots Charters hosts a monthly free fishing seminar at Flounders Chowder House, 800 Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach, the first Monday of every month. Free fish dinner served at 6:30 p.m. with the seminar beginning at 7 p.m. and typically lasting about an hour. Visit facebook.com/hlsseminar for details.

BLUE WAHOOS 2023 SEASON The Blue Wahoos 2023 season has begun at Blue Wahoos Stadium, 651 W. Cedar St. Individual and season tickets are available at bluewahoos.com. Upcoming home games:

• 6:35 p.m. Thursday, May 4

• 6:35 p.m. Friday, May 5

• 6:05 p.m. Saturday, May 6

• 4:05 p.m. Sunday, May 7

MONSTER JAM Monster Jam will have showtimes of 1 and 7 p.m., Saturday, May 13, and 1 p.m., Sunday, May 14, at Pensacola State College, 201 E. Gregory St. For tickets and details, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Take in a free yoga class at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. Visit everman.org for full calendar of events.

FREE YOGA CLASSES AT COMMUNITY

HEALTH NORTHWEST FLORIDA Community Health Northwest Florida offers free yoga classes to people ages 18 and older. No experience required. The classes are led by Justin Nutt. Visit facebook.com/healthcarewithinreach for more information.

Schedule:

•Mondays

10-11 a.m. Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville

Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

•Tuesdays

10-11 a.m., Gentle Movement at Palafox TWO, 1380 N. Palafox

•Wednesdays

10-11 a.m., Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

•Thursdays

10-11 a.m., Gentle Movement at Palafox TWO, 1380 N. Palafox

•Fridays

10-11 a.m., Community Chair Yoga at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

LIVE JAZZ AND SWING DANCING On the first Friday of each month from 6:30-11 p.m., enjoy a live band for dancing Lindy, Foxtrot, East Coast and West Coast Swing. Fun, friendly atmosphere with lessons for all levels, no partner required. Located at The Way You Move Dance Studio, 918 Winton Ave. Cost is $15. More information is at thewayyoumove.us.

WEST COAST SWING DANCE Join the fun Wednesdays from 6:30-10 p.m. for $5 and the fourth Saturday of each month 6:30-11 p.m. for $10. All levels are welcome. No partner is required. The Way You Move dance studio is at 918 Winton Ave. For more information, visit thewayyoumove.us

BALLROOM, LATIN, SWING DANCE On the Second Saturday of each month from 6:30-11 p.m., enjoy a mix of music for all dancers. All levels welcomed; no partner required. The Way You Move dance studio, 918 Winton Ave. Cost is $10. More information at thewayyoumove.us

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will offer free yoga throughout 2023 as a part of its Wellness in the Park Series. One-hour outdoor yoga classes will be led by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center on the first Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Bayview Park. The next date is Sunday, May 7.

FREE PILATES IN THE PARK The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department and PURE Pilates presents a free one-hour outdoor Pilates class the third Sunday of every month at Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. The next date is May 21.

PENSACOLA PARKRUN The Pensacola Rec Plex North parkrun is 7:30 a.m. Saturdays. The weekly timed 5K run or walk takes place at the University of West Florida and is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For more information, visit facebook.com/rpnparkrun or email recplexnorth@parkrun.com.

YOGA CLASSES AT EVER'MAN Beginner Yoga with John is 10 a.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Funky Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Tuesdays. And Vinyasa Yoga Flow is 6 p.m. Thursdays. All classes are at Ever'man, 327 W. Garden St. For a full calendar of events, visit everman.org.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

WEEK OF MAY 4

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Before forming the band called The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney performed under various other names: the Quarrymen, Japage 3 and Johnny and the Moondogs. I suspect you are currently at your own equivalent of the Johnny and the Moondogs phase. You're building momentum. You're gathering the tools and resources you need, but you have not yet found the exact title, descriptor or definition for your enterprise. I suggest you be extra alert for its arrival in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): I've selected a passage from poet Jane Shore to serve as one of your prime themes during the rest of 2023. She writes, "Now I feel I am learning how to grow into the space I was always meant to occupy, into a self I can know." Dear Taurus, you will have the opportunity to grow evermore assured and selfpossessed as you embody Shore's description in the coming months. Congratulations in advance on the progress you will make to more fully activate your soul's code.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Georges Rouault (1871-1958) was a Gemini painter who bequeathed the world more than 3,000 works of art. There might have been even more, but years before he died, he burned 315 of his unfinished paintings. He felt they were imperfect, and he would never have time or be motivated to finish them. I think the coming weeks would be a good time for you to enjoy a comparable purge, Gemini. Are there things in your world that don't mean much to you anymore and are simply taking up space? Consider the possibility of freeing yourself from their stale energy.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Britain occupied India for almost 200 years. It was a ruthless and undemocratic exploitation that steadily drained India's wealth and resources. Mahatma Gandhi wasn't the only leader who fought British oppression, but he was among the most effective. In 1930, he led a 24-day, 240-mile march to protest the empire's tyrannical salt tax. This action was instrumental in energizing the Indian independence movement that ultimately culminated in India's freedom. I vote

By Rob Brezsny

to make Gandhi one of your inspirational role models in the coming months. Are you ready to launch a liberation project? Stage a constructive rebellion? Martial the collaborative energies of your people in a holy cause?

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): As crucial as it is to take responsibility, it is also essential to recognize where our responsibilities end and what should be left for others to do. For example, we usually shouldn't do work for other people that they can just as easily do for themselves. We shouldn't sacrifice doing the work only we can do and get sidetracked doing work many people can do. To be effective and find fulfillment in life, it's vital for us to discover what truly needs to be within our care and what should be outside of our care. I see the coming weeks as a favorable time for you to clarify the boundary between these two.

that. The demons' strategy, you see, is to manipulate you into being mean and cruel to yourself. To drive them away, I suggest you shower yourself with love and kindness. That seriously reduces their ability to trick you and hurt you—and may even put them into a deep sleep. Now is an excellent time to try this approach.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): As she matured, Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote, "I am learning how to compromise the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities without such screaming pain." I believe you're ready to go even further than Plath was able to, dear Scorpio. In the coming weeks, you could not merely "compromise" the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities. You could synergize them and get them to collaborate in satisfying ways. Bonus: I bet you will accomplish this feat without screaming pain. In fact, you may generate surprising pleasures that delight you with their revelations.

es. Here's a helpful tip: In each situation you're involved in, focus on sustaining a vision of the most graceful, positive outcome.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Virgo-born Marie Laveau (1801–1881) was a powerful Voodoo priestess, herbalist, activist and midwife in New Orleans. According to legend, she could walk on water, summon clairvoyant visions, safely suck the poison out of a snake's jowls and cast spells to help her clients achieve their heart's desires. There is also a wealth of more tangible evidence that she was a community activist who healed the sick, volunteered as an advocate for prisoners, provided free teachings and did rituals for needy people who couldn't pay her. I hereby assign her to be your inspirational role model for the coming weeks. I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): What are the best methods to exorcise our personal demons, ghosts and goblins? Or at least subdue them and neutralize their ill effects? We all have such phantoms at work in our psyches, corroding our confidence and undermining our intentions. One approach I don't recommend is to get mad at yourself for having these interlopers. Never do

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Some primates use herbal and clay medicines to selfmedicate. Great apes, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas ingest a variety of ingredients that fight against parasitic infection and help relieve various gastrointestinal disturbances. (More info: tinyurl.com/primatesselfmedicate.) Our ancestors learned the same healing arts far more extensively. And many Indigenous people today still practice this kind of self-care. With these thoughts in mind, Sagittarius, I urge you to spend quality time in the coming weeks deepening your understanding of how to heal and nurture yourself. The kinds of "medicines" you might draw on could be herbs. Or, they may also be music, stories, colors, scents, books, relationships and adventures.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): The mythic traditions of all cultures are replete with tales of clashes and combats. If we draw on these tales to deduce what activity humans enjoy more than any other, we might conclude it's fighting with each other. But I hope you will avoid this normal habit as much as possible during the next three weeks, Capricorn. I encourage you to actively repress all inclinations to tangle. For now, I believe you will cast a wildly benevolent magic spell on your mental and physical health if you avoid arguments and skirmish -

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Is there a person who could serve as your Über Mother for a while? This would be a wise and tender maternal ally who gives you the extra nurturing you need, along with steady doses of warm, crisp advice on how to weave your way through your labyrinthine decisions. Your temporary Über Mother could be any gender, really. They would love and accept you for exactly who you are, even as they stoke your confidence to pursue your sweet dreams about the future. They would be supportive, inspirational, reassuring and invigorating. They would champion you and consecrate you.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Congratulations on acquiring the Big New Riddle! I trust it will inspire you to grow wiser and kinder and wilder over the coming months. I've compiled some clues to help you unravel and ultimately solve this challenging and fascinating mystery. 1. Refrain from calling on any strength that's stingy or pinched. Ally yourself solely with generous power. 2. Avoid putting your faith in trivial and irrelevant "benefits." Hold out for the most soulful assistance. 3. The answer to key questions may often be, "Make new connections and enhance existing connections."

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Name three wonderful things you want to be experiencing one year from today. {in}

© 2023 Rob Brezsny

I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

CLOTHING OPTIONAL Police in Mesa, Arizona, responded to the One Life Church on April 16 after receiving a call about a naked man in the church's baptismal fountain, AZCentral reported. Officers said Jeremiah Sykes, 20, was asked to leave repeatedly but wouldn't comply; he then wrapped himself in a blanket and wandered about the property. Sykes told officers he was baptizing himself. During his booking procedure, he punched two officers, compounding his charges.

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME Shivdayal Sharma, 82, died in a freak accident in the Alwar region of India on April 19, LBC reported. As Sharma urinated near a train track, a Vande Bharat express train struck a cow, launching it 100 feet into the air before it landed on him. Sharma was killed instantly, and another man narrowly escaped being hit also. Ironically, Sharma worked at Indian Railways before retiring 23 years ago. Officials are calling for metal fencing to keep cows away from the tracks, along with the removal of garbage and vegetation.

IT'S A DIRTY JOB The Blackpool Zoo in England is hiring! Wanted: "A team of people to join our Visitor Services team as 'Seagull Deterrents.'" You, too, can dress up in a large bird costume and scare away pesky seagulls, which steal food from both visitors and animal enclosures. The Daily Mail reported that candidates must be "outgoing, as you need to be comfortable wearing a bird costume," and hours will be variable.

THE PASSING PARADE On April 19, Viktoria Nasyrova, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for a bizarre plot she cooked up against a lookalike friend from Ukraine, NBC News reported. Nasyrova wanted to avoid being sent back to Russia, where she faced charges in a 2014 murder, according to the Queens district attorney's office. So in 2016, she laced a cheesecake with phenazepam, a powerful toxin found only in Russia, and fed it to her "friend." The victim survived, but her Ukrainian passport and $4,000 in cash were stolen. Nasyrova's attorney said that she will likely be deported after serving her sentence.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS In Carmarthenshire, Wales, residents have responded to the condition of a rural road that they describe as the "worst in the county" with a clever road sign, Wales Online reported on April 27. "Caution: Remove dentures. Adjust bra straps. Secure your nuts," the sign reads. Abergorlech Road is full of potholes, and while some have been filled, residents believe "the road is so worn and damaged that it requires complete resurfacing in many places," a spokesman said. "Whilst the sign is intended to be funny, the constant wear and tear on our vehicles is a real issue." The Carmarthenshire Council contends that there is no money budgeted for resurfacing, but residents say it's "ironic that the police can check our vehicles to ensure that they're

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

safe for the road, but no one is ensuring that the road is safe for our vehicles." Maybe it's time to call the Terminator.

AWESOME! Seventh-grader Dillon Reeves of Warren, Michigan, is being hailed as a hero after he came to the rescue of a wayward school bus on April 26, ABC News reported. Reeves noticed as he was riding the bus home from school that the driver was "in distress." Superintendent Robert D. Livernois said the student "stepped to the front of the bus and helped bring it to a stop without incident. I could not be prouder of his efforts." The bus driver had lost consciousness; emergency personnel tended to the driver, and students were delivered home on another bus.

•King Charles III's coronation is only days away, and while the royal family will be shuttled to and fro in gold-clad carriages drawn by fine white horses, the average Londoner will be on foot. Or ... you can hire a horse-and-carriage Uber! Metro News reported on April 27 that the Coronation Carriage will operate May 3 through 5 in Dulwich Park in London; the fancy carriage is fashioned after the royal vehicle and features a plush interior with embroidered cushions and throws. Even more posh, Uber will donate money from the rides to Spana, a U.K. charity that supports the welfare of working animals.

INEXPLICABLE The Madison County (Texas) Sheriff's Office is investigating the mysterious mutilations and deaths of six cows spread over three counties, Fox News reported on April 22. The cows were found along a highway with their tongues cut out, but strangely, no blood had been spilled and there were no signs of the cattle struggling. Furthermore, investigators said, the carcasses had lain undisturbed by scavengers for several weeks. All the cows were found in the same position: lying on their side, with the face cut along the jawline and the tongue neatly removed. There were no discernable tracks in the area, sheriff's officers said. They're working with other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to identify similar incidents.

•The Coniston Tavern in Nuneaton, England, is allegedly haunted by the ghost of a former drinker there, according to the landlord, Andy Gadsby. Fox News reported that on April 24, CCTV video captured an incident where a beer glass suddenly exploded, showering three pals with shards of glass. Earlier, at the same table, a different customer's glass suddenly slid to the floor. Gadsby said the ghost is Dave, who used to live in an apartment above the pub. "One night he drank a bottle of brandy and had a heart attack and died," Gadsby said. "Maybe his spirit is around the pub and he's desperately trying to pinch people's drinks. The two incidents have spooked people out." {in}

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