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STEM-TALK The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) podcast has earned another accolade, winning the bronze award in the third annual Signal Awards for Best General Health and Wellness podcast. Dr. Ken Ford, IHMC co-founder and CEO, co-hosts the podcast with colleagues from IHMC, including Drs. Dawn Kernagis, Marcas Bamman and Tommy Wood. STEM-Talk, with more than 170 episodes, features conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world of science and has been downloaded by more than 4.3 million people around the globe since its launch in 2016. In 2019 and 2017, STEM-Talk won first place in the Science and Medicine category of the annual People's Choice Podcast Awards. The Signal Awards set a standard for editorial excellence by honoring those who are shaping the podcast industry and the storytelling medium.
ELIZABETH M. TIMOTHY County Commissioner Ashley Hofberger has appointed the former Chief Magistrate Judge to serve as the District 4 representative on the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA). Timothy received the 2019 Distinguished Public Service Award from Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law. She was appointed to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Florida in 2004. In 2012, Judge Timothy became the Chief Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Florida and has served continuously until she retired in 2022. The SRIA administers Pensacola Beach and is responsible for beach maintenance, development of recreation facilities, adoption and enforcement of rules, regulations and improvements.
RHELA MCCOY Escambia County selected the Construction Management Administrative Assistant as its Employee of the Month for November. McCoy serves as the main administrative force in the Engineering Department, including organizing schedules for the Construction Management and Stormwater Divisions, performing human resources functions, and coordinating and facilitating employee awards, recognitions and celebrations. She has also assisted the Engineering Project Managers and Program Managers in compiling and tracking multiple applications for over $100 million in grant funding for the Construction Management and Stormwater Divisions since July 2020.
AXIS OF EVIL The Pensacola News Journal, County Clerk Pam Childers, Escambia Citizens Watch and other malcontents did their best to defeat District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. Their candidate, Joshua Roberson, only received 38% of the votes despite the clerk making a robocall and waving at the polls. The "Axis of Evil's" defeat came less than three months after they bragged about defeating Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. However, the dynamics of the two races were significantly different. Bergosh sowed the seeds of his defeat when he convinced the board to redraw the district boundaries two years ago, moving Steve Stroberger out of District 2 and into District 1. We hear Childers' reward for helping Stroberger will be her husband Bruce's appointment to the Santa Rosa Island Authority board.
NO PARTY AFFILIATION (NPA) CANDIDATES
No NPA candidate has ever won a partisan race in Escambia County, and this year's two NPA candidates didn't fare any better. State representative candidate Kim Kline only got 4,214 votes in Escambia County, placing a distant third in the race won by incumbent Alex Andrade. District 5 commission candidate Joshua Roberson garnered just 13,404 votes. His 38.2% did best Bobby Spencer's 34.6% in a race against District 1 Commissioner Wilson Robertson in 2012.
SCHOOL DISTRICT CASH CONTROLS
A high-ranking Santa Rosa County School District employee and Santa Rosa County Association of School Administrators treasurer, Kelly Short, resigned after an investigation determined she had been stealing from her employers for at least two years. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues investigating Short's actions for possible criminal violations. Meanwhile, over in Escambia County, former Ernest Ward Middle School bookkeeper Lindsey Dawn Kelley has been charged with embezzling over $50,000 in cash from Ernest Ward Middle School and its organizations. She was released on a $100,000 bond after being charged with grand theft, scheme to defraud and false entry in books of business, all felonies. According to investigators, she stole cash collected by school organizations over 13 months.
Ken Ford / Photo Courtesy of IHMC
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
LISTEN TO THE MAJORITY
The majority of Floridians has spoken. They believe the Florida Legislature's restrictions on abortion are too extreme. Unfortunately, few believe Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers will repeal the 2023 law that banned abortion after six weeks with limited exceptions for the life of the woman, rape or incest.
Opponents said the amendment, which stated the government could not interfere with a woman's decision to have an abortion up to viability, was too vague and mandated abortions without doctors and any limits. They asserted that state funds would be used to pay for abortions, and that parents would not be notified when a minor wanted an abortion.
Inweekly tried to dispel the misinformation that DeSantis put out. Still, the governor's unprecedented use of state resources placed so much doubt in voters' minds that the measure fell 301,252 votes short of meeting the 60% requirement.
Amendment 4 would not have repealed the 2004 constitutional amendment that required parental notification for minors seeking abortions. Florida voters had already rejected an amendment limiting public funds for abortion in 2012. Florida law already defines many of the terms of the amendment, including viability. Less than 1% of all abortions nationwide are performed after 21 weeks and typically involve an emergency or fatal fetal anomaly. Florida recorded three third-trimester abortions. All were performed due to serious or fatal fetal abnormalities.
These facts didn't stop DeSantis from having state agencies threaten TV stations with ceaseand-desist letters if they didn't stop running a pro-Amendment 4 ad. His state election police launched an investigation into whether the petition signatures that got the initiative on the ballot were valid. Doubt, fear, misinformation and gaslighting were the tools that the governor employed using taxpayer dollars.
"The irony should be lost on no one that while most Floridians voted to keep the government from interfering in our personal medical decisions, anti-abortion politicians used state government agencies to interfere in this election every step of the way," said Laura Goodhue, the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates executive director.
The vote showed that voters in urban
areas—Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, MiamiDade, Orange, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties—heavily supported the ballot proposal, but that was offset by rural and Northwest Florida counties, according to data posted on the state Division of Elections website.
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Some supporters of Amendment 4 have decried Florida's threshold to pass constitutional amendments being 60%. This year, 10 other states had measures protecting abortion rights, and only two failed. All those states had a 50% threshold. However, it wasn't the Florida Legislature that set the 60% requirement. In 2006, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment to change it from 50% to 60%.
In Escambia County, more people voted for Amendment 4 (77,356) than for Kamala Harris (64,752). The same was true in Santa Rosa County, where Amendment 4 received 42,902 "yes" votes, and Harris only had 27,004. While we don't know how everyone voted, the unofficial turnout data for the two counties shows that 48,765 Democrats voted in the general election, so support for Amendment 4 was truly bipartisan in Escambia.
Yes, the ballot measure received only 48.2% of the vote in Escambia County, but considering the county's violent anti-abortion history, those 77,356 "yes" votes were much more than many expected. According to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office, Amendment 4 got more "yes" votes than incumbent State Rep. Alex Andrade–39,341 to 38,483.
In the coming weeks, both sides will dive deeper into the vote. Those who opposed the initiative, like SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, saw the vote as "a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country."
Still, 6,066,081 Floridians said in this election that they want less government interference in reproductive healthcare. However, the failure of the amendment ensures that a law essentially preventing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy will remain in effect.
Rather than taking a victory lap, DeSantis, Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, and the Florida Senate and House leadership should look at how to make Florida laws more responsible. Until they do, women will die and suffer because lawmakers, not doctors, have mandated their healthcare. {in} rick@inweekly.net
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5,700 SF / $25 PSF (Annual) Downtown Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with Parking! 2 story building available. Deck on Palafox Marina (dock not included). Excellent condition. Ready for occupancy.
SPECIALISTS LEND A HAND TO CITY'S HOMELESS
By Tom St. Myer
Escambia County is in the midst of a community-wide effort to reduce homelessness, and the Pensacola Police Department's community response specialists are on the front lines.
The police department began the program last year and employs two specialists to travel around the city and offer services to the homeless population. Mayor D.C. Reeves reported earlier this month that the specialists have had about 1,500 interactions and connected over 600 unhoused people with direct services this calendar year.
"A couple a day right now, at least, we are getting to some kind of direct service," Reeves said. "And that could be anything. That could be a meal, that could be a bed, that could be lots of different things. … Brittany [Harris] and her team are doing an amazing job."
The community response specialists program started at an opportune time for the city. In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1365 into law. The bill took effect last month and prohibits unauthorized camping or sleeping on public property.
Supervised by Lt. Chad Willhite, Harris and Eukeisha Lankford serve as the two specialists on the city payroll. Their efforts save the police from
filling up the city jail with homeless people.
"The law is the law," Willhite said. "We're in law enforcement and we're going to enforce the laws, but if we can work with them before enforcement of the law with Brittany and Keisha, that's what we're going to do. Arresting someone is the last resort for us. It doesn't help anyone. We should be enforcing traffic laws and arresting more violent criminals."
Harris comes from a social work background, previously serving as a transition specialist at a prison. She is a natural at walking up to homeless individuals, striking up conversations and building trust. She usually brings cases of water or MREs to break the ice. She then explains that she works for the police department, but she is not a law officer nor is she there to arrest anyone.
"We just want to introduce ourselves and then the next time it's, 'How have you been,' and you build from there," Harris said.
Harris hears her share of heartbreaking stories including a reported case of human trafficking last month. She said at least once each week she meets a homeless individual with a problem she never previously encountered. She responds by connecting the individual with the appropriate service provider.
"I'm big on referring," she said. "I don't want to ask the wrong questions and get too involved and make the situation worse. I call the experts in the area and tell them this is the situation."
Unhoused people often decline to share their problems with Harris when in groups. Separated from the pack, though, many feel more comfortable confiding in her.
"You may see that person later in the day and they'll say, 'I just want to get off the street,'" Harris said. "They're very good at letting you know what they want. The most rewarding part is once we
encounter someone and they say, 'this is what I want or need' and to be able to help them."
The specialists usually respond to homeless sightings downtown and at Palafox Pier and Bay Bluffs Park. Sometimes their coverage area expands outside the city limits. They spend two to three hours each Tuesday at the Beggs Lane encampment.
Located in forested land near the North Palafox intersection, Beggs Lane is the longest active homeless encampment in Escambia County at about 20 years old. The homeless population at Beggs Lane runs the gamut of hardworking minimum-wage earners to people struggling with substance misuse to sexual predators.
Walter Arrington, a homeless health navigator for Community Health Northwest Florida, estimated about 200 homeless individuals live at the Superfund site. House Bill 1365 took effect in October, but the county was granted two extra months to ensure everyone is removed from the encampment by Dec. 2.
The community response specialists are part of a groundswell of support to connect the unhoused population with services like shelters, transitional housing, healthcare (including mental healthcare) and substance misuse.
A shortage of shelter beds in the county creates challenges when trying to put roofs over heads. Another problem is that some of the homeless simply refuse the services.
"The most challenging is the ones who don't want to get off the street," Harris said. "For some, it's substance abuse or mental health. They'll tell you they don't want to follow the rules of going into a shelter."
COMMUNITY CARE COURT
Harris said one potential solution is to mirror the Sarasota Community Care Court. She traveled to Sarasota to research how the problem solving specialty court operates.
The court engages the chronic and longterm homeless population by providing services through multidisciplinary strategies that include the criminal justice system, health and social services, education systems and the community at large. The goal is for homeless individuals
to reach self-sufficiency and end recidivism through engagement in social services and therapeutic treatment.
The court is technically voluntary but is an easy choice when compared to the alternative. Anyone who refuses to be part of the program risks dealing with criminal city ordinances and misdemeanor offenses. Monthly court sessions monitor the progress of participants who work with the Sarasota Homeless Outreach Team and social service providers. Those who complete the program have their charges dismissed or reduced.
Pensacola may someday replicate that model, but for now, the city will continue to rely on its two specialists to build trust among the unhoused population and connect them with dozens of service providers.
"On a daily basis [the specialists] go out and try to help whoever they can," Willhite said. "As the numbers show, they've done a fantastic job with that. We get people calling and praising them all the time."
Reeves expressed his gratitude to the specialists and said the city will bring a community response sergeant on board to further strengthen the program.
"That's certainly a worthy investment on our part to see what we can do to not just say that's someone else's problem, but for us to try to get involved and get help for those people who need a hand," Reeves said. "… Sometimes it's human nature that we might see some visible homelessness or something that may bother us and we automatically presume that that means the police department, the sheriff's department, the city, the county, whoever the case may be is not doing anything. But there's lots of things that we're doing and there's lots of things that our nonprofits are doing."
Harris is willing to do anything and everything possible to better the lives of homeless individuals. She cares deeply for the homeless population and treats them as family, sometimes using her own money to buy them food or put them up in hotels. For Harris, one homeless person is one too many.
"If you don't feel for them, you don't have a heart," she said. "Everybody has a story. A lot of times they just want someone to listen to them." {in}
PRIDE BUILD Pensacola Habitat for Humanity wrapped up its inaugural Pride Build campaign with a three-day build week, as 37 volunteers worked to promote inclusion and community with a first-ofits-kind event in the Pensacola area.
The Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Pride Build brought members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community together to construct a home for a Pensacola Habitat for Humanity homebuyer. Initially planned as a one-day event, the build expanded to three days to welcome everyone eager to join the initiative.
"We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and to have a part of our community that's been underserved and underrepresented come together to physically build a home and emotionally build inclusion, unity and community is everything we hoped for with our first Pride Build," said Pensacola Habitat for Humanity's Manager of Corporate Giving, Becca Gray. "We're still buzzing about a successful first Pride Build and can't wait to build on it in the years to come."
The campaign was largely successful thanks to a $20,000 grant awarded by Sunday's Child. This local nonprofit organization awards significant charitable grants to eligible organizations and initiatives that place value on diversity, inclusion and equality. The grant contributed to marketing expenses, provided giveaways for each volunteer and covered a significant portion of the construction costs for the home. Sunday's Child members also volunteered on the first day of the build week.
"As we joined Pensacola Habitat for Humanity for this landmark Pride Build, our members found immense joy in building not only a home but also a sense of unity and respect that embodies our mission of inclusion and equality," said Aurora Osborn, Vice President of Sunday's Child. "Seeing so many people come together to create a safer, more accepting community has been deeply fulfilling, and we warmly invite others who share our commitment to promote equality and inspire inclusion to join us in shaping a Pensacola that truly embraces all its citizens."
A VISION FOR PENSACOLA At his weekly press conference, Mayor Reeves discussed the new 10-year strategic plan prepared by the inter-
national urban planning firm Gehl.
"Gehl talked to more than 1,700 citizens for what I expect to be the guiding document for this administration and for Council about what the city wants," he said.
The eight main goals in the final report are:
1) Attainable housing for all income levels; 2) safe streets for all mobilities; 3) support for youth experiences; 4) resilient waterfronts and neighborhoods; 5) more walkable, mixed-use districts; 6) public spaces that connect communities; 7) thriving innovation and business; and 8) neighborhoods that celebrate culture and honor legacy.
The mayor said he wants those goals displayed in city offices and workplaces. "For the first time, we can now say we've got a guiding document and a vision for the city fully authored by the folks who live here after being very intentional about making sure that we've heard from every age, every gender, every race."
Mayor Reeves continued, "I'm excited to see the response and the feedback from the community and these guiding principles that should help us with every decision."
The mayor has been asked to assess his first two years in office. "I'll never stand up here and say that we've got it all figured out. We try to get better every day internally, try to get better every day at the mayor's office. I have the utmost confidence that we're moving the ball forward. We have a more engaged workforce than we had when I started. They do an amazing job."
Mayor Reeves added, "I've never taken the position that I think we've got everything solved. It's always going to be a work in progress, but certainly, I'm happy with where the city of Pensacola is right now. And I promised everybody that I would give them everything I got and that we would treat this with intentionality and be aggressive about making this the city that we know it can be."
The mayor was happy to see the United States Postal Service (USPS) announcement concerning a new location for a downtown post office. "That's big for us, for downtown businesses and the residents that use it."
Mayor Reeves mentioned that city staff have had conversations with USPS about loading zones for a couple of possible locations. "We were absolutely amenable to that. It shouldn't be too far away from the old location, but I'll let the post office sign a lease and decide what they want to do."
The mayor also wanted to let residents living around the old Baptist Hospital campus know that he would seek public input about its future.
"We're already having conversations about the Baptist project at the city about engaging early, and the point being before there's a wrecking ball
coming in," Mayor Reeves said. "We've already had conversations about bringing on a firm as soon as possible to go ahead and start conversations. I appreciate Baptist having those conversations, but this is a completely different dynamic than when they engaged the community three years ago."
GAETZ RETURNS
Don Gaetz easily won his old Florida Senate seat by 30 percentage points, besting Gulf Breeze News publisher Lisa Newell.
The Niceville Republican campaigned on "kitchen table" issues like inflation, rising property insurance premiums and the lack of affordable housing.
"Republicans have to understand now at the federal level, at the state level with significant majorities in both houses of the legislature, with the governor's office, with the agency heads appointed by the governor, there's nobody to blame," Gaetz said in a telephone interview after the election.
"We as Republicans have to take ownership now of the critical, as you pointed out, kitchen table issues that affect ordinary working-class, middle-class Floridians every day, and we've got to take action."
He praised Newell. "Campaigns in Northwest Florida can get down and dirty, but I want to compliment my opponent, Lisa Newell, who ran an issue-oriented campaign. She pulled no punches. She took a couple of shots at me, but that's politics. It was a clean, civil, issue-oriented campaign, and I'm very respectful of her."
MORE QUOTES FROM VICTORS District 1
Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier won her seat by three votes four years ago. This year, she won a second term by 1,197 votes.
"I was told that there's a lot of angst associated with that first reelection, but I really could not have known how much there is because you've spent four years working, building relationships, trying to show that you're there to do exactly what you said you're there to do. And then you go out there for everybody to assess whether this has been true or not," she said.
Brahier continued, "And then with my opponent, one of his strongest and most continued comes at me was that I really hadn't won by a mandate, just by accident almost. You do wonder whether you have won over the people and whether you have shown them that what you say is what you do. And so, it is very, very reassuring and exciting to win by a large margin."
State Rep. Alex Andrade easily won reelection in a three-person race. He thanked the voters and complimented his Democratic challenger, Haley "Hale" Morrissette.
"I'm excited about that, and I'm appreciative of the voters," he said. "This is the sixth time I've been on the ballot, and I just appreciate the voters putting their faith in me for one more term to go try and do a good job for them."
The lawmaker praised Morrisette. "Haley is an authentic, sincere person, and my hat's off to her. It was a breath of fresh air campaigning with her."
PLEASE FACT-CHECK News Journal columnist Theresa Blackwell wants a single developer to take over the 540-acre site in Beulah known as OLF-8
(Outlying Field 8) that Escambia County acquired through a complicated land exchange with the Navy for $19 million in 2019. She believes that is the best way for Beulah's "downtown" to get a town center to complete her community.
Why should taxpayers in the City of Pensacola, Perdido Key, Cantonment, Molino, Navy Point, Ferry Pass, Warrington, Brownsville and Pensacola Beach pay for her town center?
If Blackwell and her neighbors want a town center, they can ask the Florida Legislature for a referendum to create the Town of Beulah. If the referendum passes, they will have plenty of tax revenue to buy land and work with a single developer to create the downtown of her dreams, especially if she included the Navy Federal Credit Union campus within the town limits.
The Escambia County Property Appraiser has valued the Navy Federal Credit Campus at over $95 million—a solid foundation to build a municipal tax base.
Blackwell loves the hybrid master plan developed by DPZ CoDesign. However, she failed to mention that former County Commissioner Robert Bender created the hybrid plan and got all parties to agree to a mixed-use plan the consultant was instructed to complete.
Before Bender's intervention, Blackwell, the News Journal and DPZ had tried to convince commissioners that Beulah residents wanted very little light industrial and commercial uses on the site. The consultant and Blackwell based their arguments for a town center at OLF-8 on just 97 surveys, of which 70 were from the Nature Trail subdivision.
The residents were asked: What percentage of OLF-8 did they want planned for commercial development and employment initiative? Over half (56 surveys, 56%) said they wanted 50% or more of OLF-8 devoted to commercial development and job creation. Of those 56 pro-job replies, 30% wanted 70% or more devoted to commercial development.
A recent study by the University of West Florida Haas Center prompted Blackwell's column on Nov. 3. The center's team found that developing 46 of the 271 acres set aside for light industrial use in the hybrid plan would generate an economic impact of $1.3 billion over five years for the local economy, local tax revenue of $10.8 million, 1,550 direct, indirect and induced jobs and $445.5 million in total personal income.
Blackwell dismissed the report and praised DPZ for its analysis in 2021. She wrote, "Far better economic analysis that was part of the DPZ master planning process is available in the OLF-8 Master Plan Scenario Plan Report."
However, the UWF Haas Center did the economic analysis for DPZ in the scenario plan report. UWF Haas Center director Nicole Gislason told Inweekly that the same team at the Haas Center ran the DPZ and the recent models.
What is Gannett's policy for fact-checking its columnists?
GULF BREEZE WILL DO The women's philanthropic group awarded $46,548 in grants to local
Courtesy Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
organizations at its annual meeting on Nov. 3. Gulf Breeze Will Do (GBWD) was born out of a group of Gulf Breeze women who formed an organization that could serve as a funding tool to help other organizations and individuals who are trying to make a difference in the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, GBWD has distributed nearly $500,000 in grants since its inception.
Grant funding at GBWD is provided by collective annual membership dues, which are distributed back to the community. Every member has a vote on which organizations receive grant funding.
This year's grant recipients include:
•The Arc Gateway: $3,750 to provide art therapy services to the clients enrolled in the day program at the Arc Gateway South Santa Rosa center.
•Gulf Breeze High School Junior ROTC: $8,457 to purchase ceremonial drill equipment, replacing the aging and broken equipment currently in use.
•Gulf Coast Turtle Watch: $1,140 grant to purchase educational materials, a sling to transport injured turtles and a tent and cart for community outreach events.
•Gulf Breeze Elementary School: $7,015 to purchase 11 new xylophones for the music program.
•Santa Rosa Education Foundation: $8,011 to be paired with matching funds from the state to fully
fund a four-year college education for a lowincome, at-risk student.
•Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: $10,000 grant to unlock $20,000 in federal funds to provide critical home repairs for at least two disabled veterans.
•Santa Rosa County Schools: Two school district social workers will use a $1,011 grant to provide after-hours assistance to students in need.
•Gulf Breeze Senior Center: $3,292 grant to install an automatic door system at the senior center.
•Pensacola Beach Elementary School PTA: $3,292 grant to partially fund the replacement of unsafe, deteriorating wooden decking.
"As we celebrate ten years of community giving, we're thrilled to support these remarkable organizations and projects," said Leslie Perino, President of GBWD. "Each grant recipient is truly making a difference in the lives of those they serve, and it's an honor to partner with them to uplift our community."
The 2025 Membership Drive is currently underway. Annual dues are $250 per person, and membership is open to women 18 or older. To join, visit gulfbreezewilldo.org.
UNITED WAY MINI GRANTS The United Way of West Florida announced Mini Grants for 12 local nonprofits, each receiving up to $5,000, for a total amount of $49,839. These one-time grants have
been approved by the United Way of West Florida Board of Directors to increase the capacity of the small nonprofit community.
"This funding opportunity is a testament to our dedication to supporting Escambia and Santa Rosa County nonprofits in their quest to bolster their organizations and better serve our communities," said President/CEO Laura Gilliam. "We are particularly keen on reaching grassroots agencies to help them increase their ability to serve."
The grants help agencies by offering a streamlined approach that bypasses the traditional community investment grant process. United Way of West Florida fosters growth and stability among nonprofits by providing this financial boost.
The recipients are as follows:
•Sisters of Hope: $5,000
•Lemonade Stand Boot Camp: $5,000
•Pensacola Delta Enrichment Center: $5,000
•Northwest Florida Health Council: $5,000
•Harvest Community Outreach Inc.: $5,000
•Citizens Moving Forward: $5,000
•Sisters Anointed to Lead Together: $4,800
•Escambia County Medical Society Foundation: $3,564
•Magdalene's: $3,320
•Escarosa Suicide Prevention Coalition: $3,155
•PTA Florida Congress: $2,500
•Global Corner: $2,500
For more information, please visit uwwf.org/mini-grants.
PEANUT BUTTER CHALLENGE The UF/ IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension's annual unopened peanut butter jars collection for local food pantries runs through Nov. 27.
The competition among counties for bragging rights was conceived to feed hungry families before the holidays and promote a Florida-grown crop. In 2023, peanut butter contributed $137 million to the state economy. Peanut butter is an ever-popular item in food pantries because of its nutrient density and shelf stability. In 2023, food insecurity affected roughly 12% of Floridians.
•Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox St., fourth floor
Last year's Peanut Butter Challenge collected 27,769 pounds of peanut butter from 44 Florida counties. {in}
SHOUT OUT
Celebrating the Wins That Lift Us All
Building Brains Program
Jan. - Sept., 2024
3,437 Resource bags with instructional guides, given to new parents
45%
Increase in parental knowledge after watching video lessons
1,339 Parental sign-ups for instructional text messages
What is an Early Learning City?
An Early Learning City is a community dedicated to creating environments and opportunities that support the development of young children from birth through school age, with a focus on school readiness.
By age 3, 85% of the brain is developed up to
Pathway to an Early Learning City
The Studer Community Institute (SCI) is making significant strides in early childhood education, particularly through partnerships with local hospitals and community health organizations.
West Hospital
Blue Wahoos Stadium
Blue Wahoos Stadium has become an Early Learning City space, integrating fun, educational activities throughout the ballpark. Partnering with the Studer Community Institute, the stadium offers reading corners, play zones, and interactive learning stations that turn game day into a family-friendly educational experience
Early Learning Garden
Early Learning Garden at 16 W. Main St., offers families a vibrant space where children can explore and learn. With interactive stations promoting language, sensory play, and motor skills, the garden encourages hands-on learning experiences.
5Eleven • Blue
Playgrounds
An early learning playground at Moreno Court offers a safe, engaging space where children can play and learn. The playground promotes language skills, creativity, and social development, supporting SCI’s mission to make early learning accessible in local neighborhoods.
Bookstore
At Bodacious Books, 110 E. Intendencia St., the Kids’ Corner is an engaging space where young readers can explore books and enjoy interactive learning activities. Designed to inspire a love for reading, this corner provides families with resources that support early literacy and foster curiosity in children.
• Bodacious Shops • Bodacious Bookstore Bodacious
•
Sweet Spot • Oyster Bay • Studer Properties Submit your shout out: info@quintstuder.com
Wahoos
Brew Thru
Bubba’s
No matter how you're feeling in the aftermath of the election, it's important to remember that voting is just one step in an ongoing process. If you're committed to building a more equitable and sustainable community (and we really hope you are), the real work has always extended beyond the ballot box.
Here are some ways to stay engaged in politics and organizing on a local level.
Finding a group of like-minded folks is a great way to build community and stay engaged with issues that matter to you. Pensacola is incredibly lucky to have an active and diverse network of local advocacy groups. Here are a few to check out if you're looking to get involved postelection (which, again, we really hope you are).
•League of Women Voters of the Pensacola Bay Area lwvpba.org
•Panhandle Trans Coalition facebook.com/panhandletc
how and what they're actually doing on the job.
Here's a quick recap of the locals who were elected or re-elected last week:
•Representative in Congress District 1: Matt Gaetz
•State Senator District 1: Don Gaetz
•State Representative District 1: Michelle Salzman
•State Representative District 2: Alex Andrade
•County Commissioner District 1: Steve Stroberger
•County Commissioner District 4: Ashlee Hofberger
•County Commissioner District 5: Steven Barry
•School Board District 4: Carissa Bergosh
•Pensacola City Council District 1: Jennifer M. Brahier
•Pensacola City Council District 5: Toni
"Teniadé" Broughton
•Santa Rosa Island Authority: Jeremy Johnson
While we wait for the newly elected representatives to get their email addresses set up, you can go ahead and check out their campaign websites and socials if you're unfamiliar with any of them (we published those in our Oct. 24 issue). As it becomes available, you'll be able to find a complete list of contact information for local representatives at escambiavotes.gov/ elected-officials-in-escambia-county. It also includes offices that weren't on the ballot this time, like the Governor and Mayor.
Knowing what's getting funded, what's not and why can reveal a lot about what's happening in your area.
Where to find information and municipal budget documents:
•City of Pensacola Financial Services Department cityofpensacola.com/128/financial-services
•Escambia County Budget Information myescambia.com/our-services/budget
In addition to keeping up with elected officials, staying up to date on local issues of importance is crucial. Pensacola City Council and Escambia County Commission both have regular meeting schedules and publish the agendas in advance.
Where to find the meeting schedules: cityofpensacola.com myescambia.com {in}
Whether you voted for them or not, once elected, politicians work for you. Keeping them accountable is key, as is getting into the habit of following
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$200-$275 and available at pensacolahabitat. org/galatickets.
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal
Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly 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. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook.com/animalalliesflorida.
ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN
ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.
CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD
DRIVE
The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and also 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, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
ENTRECON EntreCon is Nov. 14 located at Pensacola Little Theatre with a day of speakers. Information and tickets available at entreconpensacola.com.
GALLERY NIGHT November's theme is Festival of Living Art 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 in downtown Pensacola. Enjoy nightlife, live performances and art on South Palafox. Details are available at gallerynightpensacola.org.
PENSACOLA MAKER FAIRE Event showcasing artisans, scientists, crafters and more 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Museum
Nov. 17 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
JAPAN CULTURE DAY Free event featuring cultural activities, workshops, performances and more 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at International Center and Japan House of University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
SHADOWCAST Experience the Rocky Horror Picture Show with UWF Department of Theatre's live "shadowcast" as they take the stage with the film playing behind them. The audience is invited to play an active part of the show with chants, props, dances and more. Event is 8 p.m. and midnight Saturday, Nov. 16 at UWF CFPA, located at Building 82, 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are $20 ($5 for goodie bags) and can be purchased at uwf.edu/tickets.
MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR IN
PENSACOLA A collection of films to raise awareness and funding for environmental and community causes. Event is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets and details at mountainfilm. org/tour/schedule.
SAVOR THE STITCH Enjoy wine and cheese and creative sewing for all skill levels. 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 at Pins and Needles Studio, 2869 W. Michigan Ave. Registration is $25 and can be done at pinsandneedlespensacola.com.
FIORE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Get inspired for the holiday season with an open house, cocktails and hors d'eouvres, plus shopping with local vendors. Event is 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Fiore, 405 S. K St.
BROWN BAG OPERA Enjoy a performance from Pensacola Opera artists 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Opera Center, 75 Tarragona St. Free admission. Details at pensacolaopera.com.
BOURBON & BROADWAY Listen to musical theatre favorites while enjoying hand-selected bourbons from Old Hickory Whiskey Bar. Event
is $75 with bourbon tasting or $50 without. Event is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at The Museum of Commerce, 201 E. Zaragoza St. Details at pensacolaopera.com.
JEFF DUNHAM: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Comedian Jeff Dunham will perform at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Tickets available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
FALYNNE LEWING: MICHAEL JACKSON
THRILLING TRIBUTE Dance tribute show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets available at pensacolasaenger.com.
WISTERIA TAVERN MARKETS Wisteria
Tavern will host monthly market dates for the fall with live music and food trucks. Markets are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ANNUAL
EXHIBITION Enjoy an exhibition of work from 2023 Artists in Residence at the 309 Punk House. This exhibition consists of artists from myriad underrepresented cultural backgrounds and is diverse in race, class, sexual orientation and gender. This exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., through Nov. 24. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.
DRAW TOGETHER: A LIVING
EXHIBITION As a living exhibition, the works and curation of the gallery space will continue growing as viewers are invited to participate in the art-making process. UWF and the surrounding communities can visit TAG, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, to view and interact with the exhibition. Public workshops, facilitated by Jarrod Goldman and inspired by game-based art activities, will take place in TAG 5-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. The exhibition runs through Nov. 21. The final iteration of the exhibition can be viewed during the closing reception, held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in TAG.
ECLECTIC FID ELITIES
Artwork and performances celebrating women in the arts is on view through Dec. 13 at Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts, Building 15, 1000 College Blvd. Artist lectures and workshops are in November. Find details at foofoofest.com/2024-events/ eclectic-fidelities-presented-by-pensacolastate-college/.
KINGS AND QUEENS OPEN MIC COMEDY
Try your hand at stand-up comedy or watch others perform 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 Cervantes St. Details are at sirrichardslounge.com.
SILENT BOOK CLUB AT BODACIOUS
Sundays are for quietly reading at Bodacious Bookstore & Café, 110 E. Intendencia St. Join the Silent Book Club 10-11 a.m. Sundays. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.
PENSACOLA ROSE SOCIETY Monthly meetings are normally 6 p.m. the second Monday of
the month at the Pensacola Garden Center, 1850 N. Ninth Ave. Visit pensacolarosesociety.org for more information.
BTB COMEDY Watch live standup comedy in open mic style 7 p.m. Mondays at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox. Follow BTB Comedy on Facebook for updates.
COMEDY SHOWCASE AT SUBCULTURE
BTB Comedy presents a comedy showcase the first Thursday monthly at Subculture Art Gallery, 701 N. V St. Follow facebook.com/pensacolasubculture for updates.
SCRIPTEASERS Join writers at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St., for Scripteasers every month. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for details.
PALAFOX MARKET Enjoy Palafox Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The event features local farmers, artists and crafters on North and South Palafox Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand. For updates, visit facebook. com/downtownpensacola.
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 8 p.m. Showtime is 10 p.m. For more information, contact show director Taize Sinclair-Santi 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 are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Make an appointment by calling (850) 941-4321.
AFTER DARK: SEVILLE QUARTER GHOSTS, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MYSTERY TOUR AND DINNER After Dark Paranormal Investigation and Dinner happens inside one of Pensacola's most haunted restaurants with real ghost-hunting equipment 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Listen as your guide weaves tales of ghosts, debauchery, murder, mayhem, paranormal activities, history and more related to Seville Quarter and downtown Historic Pensacola. After your ghost tour, enjoy dinner at Seville Quarter Palace Café, 130 E. Government St. Reservations are required. Call (850) 941-4321. Tickets are available at pensacolaghostevents.com.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT MARKET AT EVER'MAN Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers and more come together 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at Ever'man Downtown, 315 W. Garden St. This is a free indoor and outdoor event with door prizes, entertainment and children's activities. For a vendor table, call (850) 941-4321 or go to empowermentschoolhouse.com.
FOOD + DRINKS
MYSTERY IN A GLASS: THE ART OF BLIND TASTING WITH RANDY
HAMILTON Event is 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $40 and available through the link at facebook. com/bodaciousshops.
WINTER BREWFEST AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Featured beers include Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad and Brasserie d'Achouffe Cherry Chouffe. Event is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at orileyspub.com.
PENSACOLA FALL FOOD TRUCK FEST
Event is 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St. Details at apexshowsandevents.com.
WICKED BRUNCH Themed brunch is 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/bodaciousshops.
EXOTIC CAR SHOW AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Check out exotic cars outside O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Brunch will be available as well as bottomless mimosas with the purchase of a brunch item. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
PLANT BASED JUNK FOOD AT ODD
COLONY Vegan Junk Food pop-up 4-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.
FRIENDSGIVING SPEED MINGLE Event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook. com/garysbrew.
COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER: CAST
IRON COOKING Cooking class is 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $55 per person and include demonstration, tastings, wine pairings and take-home recipe booklet. Limited seating. Reserve your spot by contacting jessica@goodgrits.com or calling (850) 686-3149.
OYSTER BASH Order a half dozen or dozen oysters while enjoying featured drinks such as Stella Artois on draft and the Honey Jalapeno Lemonade Cocktail at Sir Richard's, 2719 E. Cervantes St., 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Details at sirrichardslounge.com.
CULTURES COOK: ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Ste. C. Cost is $60 per student. Sign up at pensacolacooks.com.
TROLLEY BAR TOUR Five Flags Trolley Co. hosts this hop-on/hop-off tour of the favorite bars in downtown Pensacola. Dates are through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, visit pensacolawinterfest.org/pub-and-party-trolley-indowntown-pensacola/.
MEN'S NIGHT AT WISTERIA From 3 p.m. to close Mondays, guys can play free darts and enjoy $6 craft tallboys. There are more than
150 craft beers to choose from. Wisteria is located at 3803 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern. com for details.
FIGHTER GAME NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Gamers unite 5 p.m.-close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SIN NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S SIN Night is 11 p.m. to close Mondays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA NIGHT AND SIN Trivia is 9-10:30 p.m. Mondays, and SIN is 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar. com for details.
BINGO NIGHT AT CALVERT'S IN THE HEIGHTS Play a game (or two) of bingo 6-8 p.m. Mondays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. For more information, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
DOUBLE MONDAYS AND SIN NIGHT Enjoy
Double Mondays 8 p.m.-midnight and SIN Night 11 p.m. to close at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
75 CENT OYSTERS AT ATLAS Enjoy 75-cent oysters 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. For more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
MUSIC BINGO Test your music knowledge 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Take part in half-price bottles of wine and $5 canned cocktails. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AND BINGO AT O'RILEY'S
Visit O'Riley's Irish Pub for poker at 6:30 p.m. and bar bingo 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays at 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
LUNCH AT THE DISTRICT The District Steakhouse, 130 E. Government St., is open for special lunch seatings the third Friday of the month. Enjoy a $5 martini or house wine. Seatings are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not necessary. Details are available at districtsteaks.com.
DOLLAR NIGHT Enjoy Dollar Night 8 p.m.midnight Tuesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/ perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
TRIVIA AT O'RILEY'S Test your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub. com for details.
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SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com 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, visit calvertsintheheights.com.
SIPPIN' IN SUNDRESSES LADIES' NIGHT
AT FELIX'S Pop-up shops, pink drink specials and live music is 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 400 Quietwater Beach Drive.
PITCHERS AND TAVERN TRIVIA Get deals on pitchers 8 p.m.-midnight at O'Riley's Tavern. Trivia is 9-11 p.m. Thursdays at 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night with a DJ starts 8 p.m. Thursdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
TRIVIA UNDER THE TREES Trivia is 6 p.m. Thursdays at Wisteria Tavern, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Visit wisteriatavern.com for details.
THURSDAY BIERGARTEN TRIVIA NIGHT
Gary's Brewery Trivia Night is back by popular demand 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at 208 Newman
Ave. Test your trivia skills with a glass of beer or wine. Arrive early to grab a spot. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
FEISTY FRIDAY NIGHTS Drink specials start 8 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge. com for details.
TGI FIREBALL FRIDAY Drink specials are all day Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
WEEKLY SATURDAY BRUNCH Brunch is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SHAMROCK SATURDAY Shamrock Saturday is 9 p.m. Saturdays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
FREE POOL AND BAR BINGO AT O'RILEY'S TAVERN Enjoy free pool all day and play bar bingo 9-11 p.m. Sundays at O'Riley's Tavern, 3728 Creighton Road. Details are at orileystavern.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT CAFÉ SINGLE FIN
Partake in brunch specials, full café menu, espressos and bottomless mimosas until 1 p.m. Sundays at Café Single Fin, 380 N. Ninth Ave. Live music begins at 10 a.m. Visit cafesinglefin. com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AND KARAOKE
O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., hosts brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Karaoke begins at 8 p.m. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ATLAS OYSTER HOUSE Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. View menus at atlasoysterhouse.com.
LIVE MUSIC
FRANK BROWN INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL Featuring 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters in venues across Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast through Saturday, Nov. 16. More information at frankbrownsongwriters.com.
UWF FACULTY RECITAL: RAMEL PRICE
The University of West Florida Williams School of Music will present Ramel Price, adjunct professor of violin, accompanied by Meredith Stemen on piano. Event is Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. For tickets or more information, visit uwf.edu/cfpa or call the CFPA box office at (850) 857-6285.
FURY IN FEW, DROOK, PALMMEADOW, DEAD ETIQUETTE, DEAD ALLIES Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN Tribute to Queen is 6:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St. and Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons is 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at the same location. Tickets available at feverup.com.
JORDAN CHASE, MELODIOUS ALLEN & THE FUNK HEADS, BEN LOFTIN Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
BUMPIN UGLIES Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.
SPIRAL, INNERWOUNDS, DEAD ALLIES, ALIENS EXIST, LU KANG Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $12-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
AN EVENING WITH BOBBY VAN DEUSEN Concert with Pensacola's Piano Man 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at Phineas Phogg's at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are $12 for Jazz Pensacola members and $15 for nonmembers. Details at jazzpensacola.com.
RUNGE STRINGS The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents Runge Strings Orchestra in concert 7:30 pm. Tuesday, Nov. 19. The concert will
a&e happenings
be held in the UWF Rolfs Music Hall at UWF, 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are free and available at uwf.edu/cfpa
LEFT LANE CRUISER, 20 WATT TOMBSTONE, DEAD DEVILS Show is 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
UWF WIND & PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music presents Wind & Percussion Ensemble in concert 7:30 pm. Wednesday, Nov. 20. The concert will be held in the UWF Rolfs Music Hall at UWF, 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are free and available at uwf.edu/cfpa
SNOOPER, REAL PEOPLE, CABOBOING AND MID EVIL TIMES Show is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$18 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
CYTOTOXIN, COGNITIVE, INOCULATION, NECROTICGOREBEAST, ROTTED REMAINS, HEMLOCK Show is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15-$20 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
THE M-80S Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $20 and available at vinylmusichall.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS Enjoy live music at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. Glen Parker Band plays 6-10 p.m. Saturdays and Curt Bol Quintet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.
PENSACOLA PICK NIGHT AT ODD COLONY
Music pickers of all levels are invited to play 7-9 p.m. every last Monday of the month at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Bring your acoustic instrument and jam. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details.
TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT SEVILLE QUARTER Enjoy smooth jazz with Melodious Allen and The Funk Heads on Tuesday nights at Lili Marlene's in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit sevillequarter.com for more information.
KARAOKE AT O'RILEY'S UPTOWN Sing your heart out 8 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays at O'Riley's Uptown, 3728 Creighton Road. Visit orileystavern.com for details.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT GARY'S BREWERY
Open mic night is hosted by Renee Amelia 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Visit facebook. com/garysbrew for details.
KARAOKE AT THE HANDLEBAR Karaoke is 9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Visit thehandlebar850.com for details.
KARAOKE AT WISTERIA Wisteria Tavern hosts karaoke 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.
WHISKEY WEDNESDAY KARAOKE Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHTS AT SIR RICHARD'S
Bring your singing talents Monday and Thursday nights at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Festivities are 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC AT O'RILEY'S
Drink specials and live music are 4-7 p.m. Fridays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Visit orileyspub.com for details.
SUNDAY KARAOKE AT MUGS AND JUGS
Karaoke starts 9 p.m. Sunday at Mugs and Jugs, 12080 Scenic Highway. Visit mugsjugsbar.com for details.
KARAOKE NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S IRISH
PUB Karaoke is 8 p.m.-midnight Sundays at O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Details are at orileyspub.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT CALVERT'S Listen to live music 5-8 p.m. Sundays at Calvert's in the Heights, 670 Scenic Highway. Visit facebook. com/calvertsintheheights for details.
FITNESS + RECREATION
OCEAN HOUR CLEAN UPS Ocean Hour Clean Ups are Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. Ocean Hour provides bags, gloves, grabbers and buckets. Next event is Saturday, Nov. 16 at Wayside Park and Bartram Park. For more information, visit oceanhourfl.com.
PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS Games are at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets and information are at pensacolabaycenter.com.
Upcoming dates:
•7:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
•7:04 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27
PUBLIC ICE SKATE Tickets are $15 for adults and kids with skate rental or $12 for adults and kids with their own skates. Season passes and private sessions are also available. Skate sessions are located at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Upcoming dates:
•9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
•1:30, 3, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
YOGA UNCORKED AT 5ELEVEN Yoga classes are 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5eleven, 511 S. Palafox St., with Disko Lemonade running the class. Register at diskolemonade.com.
YOGA WITH MARNI AT HA-YA Visit Ha-Ya Wellness for integrative yoga with Marni 10 a.m. the first and third Saturday of the month at 4301 Spanish Trail Road. Visit facebook.com/asherandbeeapothecary for more information.
SIP AND STRETCH YOGA Yoga class for all levels is Sundays through 2024 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. Class starts at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $18 for a one-hour class followed by a complimentary beverage. Visit facebook.com/ garysbrew for details.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
free will astrology
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): You may be on the verge of the breakthrough I prophesied a while back. Remember? I said you would be searching for the solution to a boring problem, and on the way you would discover a more interesting and useful problem. That exact scenario is about to happen. I also predict that the coming weeks will be a time when you tame an out-of-control aspect of your life and infuse more wildness into an overly tame part of you. I will speculate on one further stroke of good fortune: You will attract an influence that motivates you to be more passionately pragmatic about one of your key dreams.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): It's time for some friendly warnings that will, if heeded, enable you to avoid problematic developments. 1. An overhaul in your self-image is looming; your persona requires tinkering. 2. Old boundaries are shifting and in some places disappearing. Be brave and draw up new boundaries. 3. Familiar allies may be in a state of flux. Help them find their new centers of gravity. 4. Potential future allies will become actual allies if you are bold in engaging them. 5. Be allergic to easy answers and simplistic solutions. Insist on the wisdom of uncertainty.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): To honor and celebrate your melancholy, I'm turning this horoscope over to Gemini author T. H. White and his superb formulation of the redemptive power of sadness. He wrote: "The best thing for being sad is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then—to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust and never dream of regretting."
Be allergic to easy answers and simplistic solutions.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): A Massachusetts woman named Andrea Martin loves chickens so much she treats them as family. A few years ago, she took pity on one of her favorites, a young bird named Cecily, who had been born with a damaged tendon in one of her legs. Martin arranged to have the limb amputated. Then she made a prosthetic device on a 3-D printer and had it surgically grafted onto Cecily's body. Success! The $2,500 cost was well worth it, she testified. I propose we make Andrea Martin one of your role models for the coming weeks. May she inspire you to take extra good care of and shower bonus blessings on everyone and everything you love. (PS: This will be really good for your own health.)
By Rob Brezsny
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Once a year, the city of Seoul in South Korea stages a Space-Out Festival. Participants compete to do absolutely nothing for 90 minutes. They are not allowed to fall asleep, talk, or check their phones. To test how well they are banishing stress, burnout and worries, their heart rates are monitored. The winner is the person who has the slowest and most stable pulse. If there were an event like this in your part of the world sometime soon, Leo, I'd urge you to join in. I expect the winner would be a member of your astrological tribe, as you Leos now have a high potential for revitalizing relaxation. Even if you don't compete in a Space-Out Festival, I hope you will fully cash in on this excellent chance to recharge your spiritual batteries.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): My favorite Virgos love to learn. They are eager to add to their knowledge. They have a highly honed curiosity that is always percolating, continually drawing them towards new comprehension. On the other hand, some of my favorite Virgos are inefficient at shedding long-held ideas and information that no longer serve them. As a result, their psyches may get plugged up, interfering with their absorption of fun new input. That's why I recommend that you Virgos engage in regular purges of your mental debris. Now would be an excellent time for one of these sessions. PS: The futurist Alvin Toffler said that a key to intelligence is the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn. I invite you to act on that counsel.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): I endorse Libran tennis star Serena Williams' approach to self-evaluation—especially for you right now. She testified, "I'm really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot and I'm really sexy." I'm convinced you have the right to talk like that in the coming weeks—so convinced that I suggest you use it as a mantra and prayer. When you wake up each morning, say what Williams said. When you're asking life for a sweet breakthrough or big favor, remind life why it should give you what you want. Feel free to add other brags, too, like, "I'm a brilliant thinker, a persuasive negotiator and a crafty communicator."
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): You are entering a phase when you can acquire more mastery in the arts of self-care and self-sufficiency. I hope you will become more skillful in giving yourself everything that nurtures your emotional and physical health. Have you gathered all you need to know about that subject? Probably not. Most of us haven't. But the coming weeks will be a favorable time to make this your main research project. By the way, now is also an excellent time to kick your own ass and unbreak your own heart.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): My father was a big fan of the military. As a young man, he served as a lieutenant in the army and for a time considered making that job his career. I'm the opposite of him. I keenly avoided becoming a soldier and have always been passionately anti-war. I bring this subject to your attention because I think now is an excellent
time for you to get clearer than ever about how you don't resemble your parents and don't want to be like them. Meditate on why your life is better and can get even better by not following their paths and ways. There's no need to do this with anger and blame. In fact, the healthiest approach is to be lucid, calm and dispassionate.
Meditate on why your life is better and can get even better by not following their paths and ways.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): At age 49, James Patterson retired from his job as an advertising writer. Until then, he had produced a few novels in his spare time. But once free of his 9 to 5 gig, he began churning out books at a rapid pace. Now, at age 77, he has published over 305 million copies of 200+ novels, including 67 that have been #1 New York Times bestsellers. Would you like to make an almost equally memorable transition, Capricorn? The coming weeks and months will be an excellent time to plan it and launch it.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): "The Breakfast Club" was an iconic 1985 film about teenagers coming of age. Critics liked it. At the box office, it earned 100 times more than it cost to make. Aquarian director John Hughes wrote the screenplay for the 97-minute movie in two days, on July 4 and 5 of 1982. I predict that many of you Aquarians will have a similar level of productivity in the coming weeks. You could create lasting improvements and useful goodies in short bursts of intense effort.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Ben & Jerry's is a wildly successful ice cream maker that sells it products all over the world. Its founders are two Pisceans who met in seventh grade. Over 45 years since they launched their business, they have become renowned for their wide variety of innovative flavors and their political activism. When they first decided to work together, though, their plans were to start a bagel business. They only abandoned that idea when they discovered how expensive the bagelmaking equipment was. I suspect that you are near a comparable pivot in your life, Pisces: a time to switch from one decent project to an even better one.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Can you feel less anger about a person who wronged you? It would be good for your health to do so. {in}
WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME Early on Nov. 4, a British tourist made an alarming entrance at an internet cafe near his hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, Metro News reported. First, staff at the Freelancer Hotel heard groans and banging coming from his room—which wasn't necessarily unusual in the red-light district. But then the 51-year-old man fell from a balcony and through the ceiling of the adjacent cafe, with just his naked legs showing to about 20 patrons below. As onlookers called for help, they realized the nude man was covered in excrement; he was taken to a hospital to sober up and address his minor injuries. Police checking out his hotel room found feces smeared on the floor: "We have some ideas about what he was doing in the room to make it so dirty but there was nothing illegal," officials said. "He will have to speak with the hotel to negotiate the bill."
IT'S COME TO THIS We all know that Amazon has EVERYTHING, which apparently now includes ready-to-assemble homes, the Mirror reported on Nov. 5. Content creator Nathan Graham ordered the compact home, which showed up in the signature smiley-arrow box. He spent about $39,000, which included a bathroom, kitchen, windows and furniture. The metal home just needed to be unfolded and snapped into place to be livable. "This thing is so easy to build," Graham said. But another customer was less impressed—at only 5-feet-8, he said he could touch the ceilings. "I'm actually going to Airbnb it," he said. Just to short people?
AWWWWW! Perhaps it was wedding day jitters for father of the bride Neil Crossley, 60, People magazine reported on Nov. 5. As Crossley sped down the aisle in Yorkshire, England, and arrived at the altar, he realized something was missing: his daughter, the bride. "It was just pure miscommunication between my dad and the staff," Amy Totty, the bride, said. A staff member followed him down the aisle and guided him back to his daughter as the congregation and family had a good laugh. "It was a special moment none of us will forget," Totty said.
BRIGHT IDEA Even the Trevi Fountain needs occasional repairs and upkeep, but what about all those coins tourists toss in to ensure a return trip to Rome? Someone had the bright idea to build a temporary pool to receive the coins, CNN reported on Nov. 5, but its position behind a tall fence covered in plastic is problematic—many hopeful tossers simply miss. The fountain nets about $1.6 million a year, which is donated to a Catholic charity called Caritas. Italians aren't loving the temporary pool, either. One called it "The saddest thing I've seen in Italy in as long as I can remember." Work is expected to be complete in September 2025.
THE PASSING PARADE A resort in the Philippines has unveiled its new 15-room hotel, which businessman Ricardo Cano Gwapo Tan said he wanted to have a "wow factor that can
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
really leave a footprint of admiration to the public," United Press International reported on Nov. 5. The building is shaped like a rooster— in fact, it's the world's largest building in the shape of a chicken, according to Guinness World Records, at 114 feet, 7 inches tall. Tan said the rooster's shape is a tribute to the local culture. "It looks calm and commanding, imposing and strong, which reflects the attitude of our people," he said.
IRONY William Hoesch, 71, filed a lawsuit on Oct. 24 against Columbia River (Oregon) Fire & Rescue, the New York Post reported. Hoesch alleges that in October 2022, as he rode his bike through Rainier, an ambulance slammed into him, breaking his nose and destroying his bike, then billed him nearly $2,000 for the ride to the hospital. The driver, who was moving at less than 10 mph, heard a thump and then rushed the biker to the hospital. Hoesch also incurred about $100,000 in medical expenses and suffers from permanent injuries such as "decreased range of motion" and "reduced grip." He is seeking almost $1 million for pain and suffering, along with coverage of his medical bills.
EWWWWW! In October in Sydney, Australia, beachgoers were confronted with mysterious black balls that had washed up on the beaches, CNN reported. Authorities closed the beaches and assumed the balls were unrefined oil from a spill. Now, scientists at the University of New South Wales have discovered what exactly the balls are—and it's not pretty. The orbs are mini "fatbergs"—human feces, methamphetamine, human hair, fatty acids and food waste, among other gross ingredients. "They smell worse than anything you've ever smelt," said lead investigator Jon Beves. The EPA guesses that the bergs came from "a source that releases mixed waste," but "testing has not been able to confirm their exact origin." Bleh.
RECENT ALARMING HEADLINE Phi-le Dinh Nguyen, 46, was arrested on Oct. 23 after a violent attack on his Katy, Texas, neighbor, KHOU-TV reported. Jackie Gray said her surveillance camera picked up Nguyen pouring gasoline on the outside of her house and setting it on fire. "I came out, I confront him about it, he admitted it and then after he thinks my home was going to burn down ... he tried to come back, you know, with a sword to attack me," Gray said. Nguyen also allegedly threatened a Harris County deputy with the sword before he was tased. Other neighbors said they've had run-ins with Nguyen too. He was charged with arson and aggravated assault and held on $200,000 bond. {in}
