Inweekly Oct. 10 2024 Issue

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BRENDAN KELLY Last month, Dr. Kelly officially began his appointment as only the third president of the Arkansas State University (ASU) System. He was the University of West Florida's vice president of university advancement and president of the UWF Foundation 2013-2017, where he led a successful $50 million capital campaign. Before the ASU System Board of Trustees voted to hire him, Dr. Kelly served as president of the University of West Georgia 2020-2024 and chancellor at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg and Greenville 2017-2020. The ASU System includes Arkansas State University, a four-year research institution in Jonesboro, Ark., Henderson State University and degree centers in Beebe, Mountain Home, Blytheville, Forrest City and West Memphis.

PENSACOLA MESS HALL The children's hands-on center was awarded more than $200,000 in funding through multiple national and local grants. The largest grant is from the National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program. This two-year grant supports visits to approximately 25 elementary schools annually to engage students in grades 3-5 in exploring their connection to the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, fourth-grade students at 10 schools will participate in multiple classroom programs and create a project to make an environmental impact on their school campus.

LAKEVIEW CENTER Lakeview Center was awarded a mental well-being grant for $320,000 over the next four years from the Florida Blue Foundation, the only organization in Northwest Florida to receive this prestigious funding. This grant will enhance efforts to develop a robust behavioral health workforce pipeline through expanded internship opportunities and community outreach. Lakeview Center will hire a dedicated internship coordinator to serve as a liaison to educational institutions, including universities, trade schools and high schools to cultivate and promote careers in behavioral health.

ASHLEY MOODY Siding with the Biden administration, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra rejected a challenge by Florida to the constitutionality of the accreditation system for colleges and universities. Schools must be accredited for students to receive federal financial aid. Attorney General Ashley Moody's office asserted the federal government delegates too much authority to private accrediting agencies to carry out the system. Judge Becerra wrote, "The state, of course, is not without recourse. It can seek to change the law in Congress, provide its own funding to students attending its schools, or compete in the marketplace without the use of federal funds, just to list a few examples. But this court is only empowered to look at the facts as they are plead, not rhetorical conclusions, and then apply the law as it exists, not as the state would like it to be. By those lights, what the state presented, at least in this complaint, cannot stand." Ouch!

LUIS GOMEZ, JR. The Century mayor violated the town charter this week by exceeding his spending limit by $161,590. The town faced a significant premium increase to keep its insurance coverage. Gomez received a quote from the Florida League of Cities (FLC), which reduced the premiums to $161,790. The mayor accepted the FLC proposal without holding an emergency town council meeting to vote on the new carrier. Northescambia.com reported that the mayor told the council after he paid FLC that he had saved the town $190,173. However, under the town charter, the mayor has a spending limit of just $200 without prior council approval. Is State Attorney Ginger Madden paying attention?

NEWS

JOURNAL The postal newspaper loves bashing the Escambia County Commission, and we've been known to do it, too. However, the headline alleging the much-needed Brownsville Library was over budget bothered the county administration so much that it responded that despite unforeseen issues renovating the 70-year-old historic building, the total cost was below the original budget. See ricksblog.biz for more details.

Brendan Kelly / Photo Courtesy of astate.edu Ashley Moody / Photo Courtesy of myfloridalegal.com

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

SINGLE IS BETTER

Expect a push before the 2026 election cycle to convince Escambia County voters to abolish single-member districts. Some want the county to return to an at-large system, allowing all voters to elect each county commissioner, school board member and Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) board member.

The U.S. Supreme Court abolished the county's single-member districts in 1984 (Escambia County v. McMillan) when it upheld a lower court ruling that the at-large system diluted the voting strength of the Black community, violating the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.

The arguments for making the switch are persuasive, but the reality of such a system is harsher than its proponents want you to know.

According to the Florida Association of Counties, only 21 of Florida's 67 counties use a singlemember system. Five counties with larger populations than Escambia have a mix of single-member districts with a few at-large seats.

We are told that race is no longer an issue in Escambia County. They say minorities will still have representatives on the local boards. We are asked to ignore that no Black or Hispanic has ever won a county-wide race.

We are told the single-member system puts us out of step with most of the state. An Escambia County voter cannot affect sweeping changes in county government, public schools or the water utility. Each voter only elects one commissioner, a school member and an ECUA board member.

And we are told that is bad, but is it? We only have to look at nearby Santa Rosa County to see how dysfunctional an at-large system can be.

The at-large system gives candidates with the most money in their campaign accounts a considerable advantage. Every election cycle in Santa Rosa, mystery candidates appear, and sometimes they prevail. A James Calkins-type candidate comes out of nowhere, plops a ton of money in a race, and walks away with a victory because people outside his district overwhelmingly voted for him based on his social media and mailers.

Gulf Breeze sits on the southwest corner of Santa Rosa County. Its residents see the county's elected officials from the other districts maybe once every four years when they knock on the door

and ask to put a sign in the yard. The rest of the time, the commissioners do as they please.

In single-member districts, people know their candidates better because they live in their neighborhoods, shop at their stores, play in their parks and attend their churches and school open houses. The candidates are more than faces on a mailer. The winners are more likely to reflect their values and understand their issues.

The chances of an individual voter creating significant countywide change are impossible in the at-large system. The ones who can force sweeping change are those funding campaigns. Large donors have access to the commissioners, and citizens go unheard. Those with big bucks have considerably more influence in the at-large system. Average folks are left powerless.

Homebuilders and the construction industry have controlled the Santa Rosa County Commission for years. The public regularly attends meetings and demands better growth management and infrastructure improvements, but their requests are ignored. The disconnect reached such a fever pitch that two incumbents were booted in the Aug. 20 primary.

The single-member system requires commis sioners and board members to work together. They must weigh their district's needs against the needs of the districts and determine what will have the most significant impact on the entire county. Lone wolves that only care about one issue or only their district don't fare well if they cannot convince at least two others to vote with them.

Single-member districts frustrate wealthy powerbrokers because they cannot put five pup pets on the commission and boards. Phonies have a more difficult time winning votes in neighborhoods that know them.

$2,800,000 • 7.8 acres New wetland survey April 2023! 3283 Gulf Breeze Pkwy by Publix at Tiger Point and Tiger Point Park Drive. Access from Hwy 98 and Tiger

Some white folks might fund John R. Johnson to run against Lumon May, but District 3 knows Johnson and would not entrust him with a commission seat. Heck, District 3 understood the difference between Lumon May and LuTimothy May, which is why Lumon crushed LuTimothy, 89% to 11%, in the 2020 primary.

The single-member system makes government more responsive to citizens, not less. {in} rick@inweekly.net

TRANSFORMING THREE CITY DISTRICTS

By Tom St. Myer

Long overdue upgrades to three Pensacola districts inched closer to reality last week. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) hosted three workshops to test ideas for future investments with residents.

The CRA showed early sketches and concepts to upgrade streets, parks and open spaces in the Eastside, Westside and Urban Corridor districts. The sketches and concepts were created based on receiving over 2,000 comments from hundreds of residents.

"This is your opportunity to say, 'Hey, these are our tax dollars and it's in my neighborhood or my mom or my grandmother's neighborhood, and here's what they need,'" said Mayor D.C. Reeves.

The outdated community redevelopment plans for the three districts range from 14 years old for Urban Corridor to 17 for Westside to 20 for Eastside. CRA Division Manager Victoria D'Angelo said, "All of those plans were either never updated or were updated somewhere around 15 years ago, so this process is long overdue."

Urban Design Associates consultant Megan O'Hara presented the sketches and visions for the district at the third and final workshop. O'Hara said, "We're thinking far in the future 15-20 years. We're in the dream stage. The City and CRA are not going to be implementers of everything you see (at the workshop). These are big, transformative ideas. We hope many of them can happen in the neighborhoods."

EASTSIDE

Visions for Eastside include enhancing amenities and programming at community centers and parks, safety enhancements such as lighting and neighborhood watch, safe pedestrian and bike connections, affordable housing and reopening a restaurant in the historic H&O Cafe.

O'Hara touched on converting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Davis Highway into two-lane roads. She cited an example in New Albany, Ind., where a conversion to two lanes led to fewer drivers speeding and fewer accidents.

George Grace lives on MLK. He attended the workshops and voiced concern about converting MLK into a two-way street. He said he fears MLK will turn into A Street with no stop signs to slow down drivers.

"It's going to create more traffic for MLK because the majority of traffic that flows south is on MLK and then if you're leaving downtown, MLK is closer to going north so why go to Davis?"

Grace said. "Our concern is it's going to put even more stress on the road because of the proximity of MLK to downtown."

Grace said he felt better about the situation after a CRA representative mentioned the possibility of adding stop signs to mitigate the traffic. He appreciated the opportunity to engage with CRA officials and provide meaningful input.

"Before, (city officials) did what they wanted to do without any input from the citizens," he said. "They made their own decisions, sort of backdoor decisions, but this is good because at least they're listening. Hopefully, they take away from what the people who actually live in the neighborhoods have to say about the changes that may come forth."

The CRA proposed potentially creating an Eastside gathering space around the Crystal Ice House for community events and festivals. The vision includes small business incubator spaces and infill opportunities for housing. The rendering drew a few oohs and aahs from the audience when shown on the projection screen.

URBAN CORRIDOR

Visions for the Urban Corridor district include mixed-use affordable housing and retail, neighborhood-serving retail, improving flood mitigation and drainage, pedestrian access to the waterfront and safe and shaded pedestrian and bike connections.

Pedestrian and bike connections appeal to Will Peng and his girlfriend Luisa Abrego. The couple moved from Austin, Texas, to Pensacola and live in the Urban Corridor district.

"There are a lot of great areas around where we live, but it's pretty hard to want to walk to those places," Peng said. "Even though they might only be a half mile away, pretty

close, I feel safer just getting in a car and driving to that location rather than just biking there or walking there."

The CPA proposes upgrading specific areas in the Urban Corridor, including infill housing for Belmont-DeVilliers, walking and biking connections along Wright and Alcaniz streets and the redevelopment of the Pensacola Grand Hotel. The waterfront proposals include pedestrian shopping and dining along Cedar Street, a redesign of Plaza de Luna, water taxi landings, additional retail and housing and a parking garage.

WESTSIDE

Transformative visions for the Westside district include a performing arts center, additional retail and restaurants, a grocery store, mixed-use redevelopment of Baptist Hospital, landscaped parks, better flood mitigation and safe, shaded connections for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Redevelopment of the historic Gibson School is another possibility. The CRA recommends new housing or potentially a grocery store and business incubator. Other ideas include a sun trail, beautifying Barrancas Street with sidewalks, trees and housing, corridor redevelopment along Pace Boulevard and Intersection improvements and school zone at Pace and Gregory.

"People who live there want increased walkability and bikeability. They want, obviously, housing opportunities, all those types of things." D.C. Reeves

Pam Foster lives in the Westside district. She voiced concerns about slowing down traffic in her neighborhood. She fears a child playing in the streets will be hit by a speeding motorist.

"I have seen some things in my neighborhood that need to be done and they're addressing it," Foster said. "We need speed bumps in the area I live in—Cervantes and Strong. In that area, there's a lot of kids running up and down the street."

Fellow Westside resident J.R. Evans, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said controlling traffic on A, Cervantes and Garden streets should be a priority for the CRA. He said the absence of turn lanes and turn signals bottles up traffic in the intersections of those streets.

"If you want to go straight ahead and someone ahead of you wants to turn left, you have to wait one, two or three lights for the traffic to clear," Evans said.

DREAM VS. REALITY

John Gruswitz lives on A Street on the edge of the Urban Core district. He commended the city for seeking community feedback, but he walked away from the presentation with a sense of déjà vu.

"We heard the same exact thing four years ago with big plans to redo A Street, traffic abatement, and it never happened," Gruswitz said. "It was the same kind of presentation. It made us excited because our house is on A Street. We just moved there, so we thought this was going to increase the value of our house, increase walkability, increase parking, and slow down the speed. We were so excited about that project and months went by, years went by, and it's off the table."

Gruswitz predicts the city will follow through on its visions for the Urban Corridor. He doubts the same is true for the two other districts.

"It's great to dream and they're spending money on all of this dreaming because of these consultants, but realistically what are you going to implement?" he said. "What can you implement? What can you afford to implement?"

The next step in the process is to decide the best solutions for the districts. Workshops will commence in the winter of 2025. The fourth and final step will be adopting the plan.

Previous City administrations failed to turn visions into reality. Reeves sees this as a golden opportunity to break through and better the lives of thousands of residents.

"People who live there want increased walkability and bikeability. They want, obviously, housing opportunities, all those types of things," Reeves said. "Now I have to go figure out how to do all this. That's my job." {in}

ment to colleagues in other departments and the community outside the workplace.

"Tamika was one of our linchpins," said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "She was our business ops manager and kept all my departments straight, but she was more than just a business ops. She was a good friend to everybody."

He continued, "Her personality would light up the room. She will be dearly missed just because of her friendship, her personality and what she brought to any strategic discussion or anything."

Williams served as the public safety business operations manager during her entire career with the county, which began in September 2014. Her commitment to following policies and procedures made her a go-to person for many of her colleagues, who often came to her seeking guidance and advice.

As a mentor to many young women through the county's Summer Youth Employment Program,

Williams guided and motivated interns, ultimately helping several of them gain full-time employment. She also played an integral role in the inaugural HERricane Escambia program, a day camp for girls that aims to empower them to pursue careers and leadership roles in emergency management.

"Tamika was very big in inspiring those young ladies, teaching them, motivating them, setting the mark for them," said Shandra Jenkins, who worked with Tamika for over nine years. "She also helped them build their resumes, and if any of them had questions, she always had an open-door policy. She was very approachable. She always

Along with being a trusted friend and coworker, Williams was a dedicated mother, wife and new grandmother, but she still made time to engage in her community. She was heavily involved in the Pensacola Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as its treasurer, spending countless hours volunteering and helping establish a student chapter at the

"On behalf of Escambia County, I'd like to extend our sincere condolences to Tamika's family, friends, loved ones and our colleagues impacted by this tragic and immeasurable loss," said Wes Moreno, the Escambia County administrator. "We join Tamika's family in grieving and supporting one another during this incredibly difficult time, and we will continue to offer support services for any of our employees who have been impacted by this tragedy. Tamika was an incredibly special, bright person who will never be forgotten by her Escambia County family."

POO REPORT At his Oct. 1 press conference, Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the Department of Health discovered a high bacteria count in the runoff from a stormwater outlet near Bruce Beach.

The city is working with the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to find the source of the human fecal matter in the stormwater system.

"We've discovered a spike in bacteria levels at Bruce Beach. We got additional testing, and there are human bacteria levels higher than they're supposed to be," Mayor Reeves an -

nounced, stressing that the bacteria levels were a new issue, not "a constant recurring issue."

He continued, "Then we went another step further and in mid-September, I believe the 18th and the 23rd, we went and tested at the stormwater inlet (next to Baskerville-Donovan's office) … and the spikes were actually higher there. I called Bruce Woody at ECUA this morning and discussed that with him. We've prioritized getting our team together with DEP and ECUA to figure out the source."

Mayor Reeves canceled the grand opening for Phase 2 of Bruce Beach, which was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12.

"If our team doesn't already have meetings with all of those agencies for today, it will be happening as soon as possible," he said. "I'm also going to delay the opening of Phase 2 for Bruce Beach because we don't open new things around here until we get things figured out and fixed."

The mayor stated the rest of Bruce Beach will remain open to the public. "There's absolutely no health concern or issue for anything on land. Phase 1 will remain open at this point. There have been swim notices out there, I believe, since Sept. 9 because of the testing. There's no real new action that's going to take place out there."

The City of Pensacola had a similar issue in 2022 before Reeves took office. Downtown's sewage infrastructure is some of the city's oldest, with terracotta pipes dating back to the late 1800s. As such, the area was among the first ECUA addressed under a federal consent order. Since 2012, ECUA has spent about $76 million on infrastructure rehab, with $25 million allocated to the downtown area that serves as a stormwater basin, which drains to Bruce Beach and an area east of Maritime Park.

The 2022 problem was discovered to be a sewage leak at Spring and Garden streets. Last week, Mayor Reeves said, "To be clear, the inlet in question right now is not connected to the same location."

LESS SMELLY NEWS At the presser, Mayor Reeves also announced the Federal Aviation Administration had approved Pensacola State College's Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic

program. The approval allows the college to begin holding classes in the ST Engineering hangars at the Pensacola International Airport.

"Congratulations to Pensacola State College," Reeves said. "They've been a great partner with us. I've got a meeting with them to work through some of the logistical details on the lease itself, but what a value that's going to be not only for the ST Engineering project but really for the region."

The mayor is also moving ahead with plans for an additional parking garage downtown near the Ferry Landing. "The RFQ is out for firms with experience planning multi-level parking structures. We're looking in that area just south of the Holiday Inn Express."

TRACKING BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Dr. Marcas Bamman has received a $7.7 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a clinical trial to determine how people 60 and older attain the health benefits of exercise.

Bamman is a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) and leads the Institute's Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance team.

This new project, Multidimensional Predictive Modeling to Understand Mechanisms of Exercise Response Heterogeneity in Older Adults, is a collaboration between the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the University of Florida.

"This type of research is what the new Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance Research Complex was built to sustain," said Dr. Ken Ford, IHMC's CEO and Founder, in the press release. "We anticipate that this research will foster significant advances in the understanding of the factors that impact the variability of response to exercise among older adults."

"Age-related functional declines are thought to be caused by hallmark biological processes that compromise healthspan and quality of life," Bamman said. "Exercise is a potent treatment with promise to mitigate most aging hallmarks, but there is substantial variability in individual exercise responsiveness. This project will help us begin to understand what underlies those differences in responsiveness."

Tamika Williams / Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com

The project will align endurance and resistance training with public health guidelines to better understand variable exercise responsiveness in older adults. The goal is to improve each older adult's capacity to attain the many health benefits of exercise.

The two-phase trial, managed by Senior Research Associate Craig Tuggle, will recruit up to 250 people ages 60 and older for a 23-week study period. In Phase I, participants will be put on an endurance and resistance training protocol three days a week. For Phase II, some will receive targeted augmentation (a boosted exercise prescription and free-living recommendations), while others will continue the Phase I endurance and resistance training protocol. Recruitment of participants is likely to begin in late 2024 or early 2025.

NOT SO FAST

The once-daily newspaper has placed considerable attention on how the Escambia County Commission voted to have the Escambia Children's Trust refund the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) dollars in the Trust's bank account.

Trust Executive Director Lindsey Cannon said at her last board meeting that the decision meant they would not have the funds to implement her Healthy Schools Escambia program at the 10 public schools she had intended.

However, Cannon and the PNJ have not reported that Mayor D.C. Reeves doesn't plan to give the Escambia Children's Trust complete control over the City's CRA dollars in the Trust's bank account. He will create a Memorandum of Understanding to direct how the funds will be spent.

"How can I improve educational outcomes inside the city limits of Pensacola? That's what my goal with the dollars is," the mayor told Inweekly. "I would never speak for the county on what their priorities are, but what I can tell you is for the first time, a mayor of this city now has, in essence, a funding source to help inject that into improving outcomes within the city limits."

Mayor Reeves added, "And so it's not a matter of finding something to do with it; I think it's a matter of keeping those dollars where the taxpayers intended and make it happen."

$10,000 SIGNING BONUS Escambia County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for new full-time paramedics to attract qualified individuals to join the EMS team.

"Regardless of all the negative stuff on social media, people tend to forget where we were five or six years ago and where we are now," said Wes Moreno, Escambia County Administrator. "We have a new EMS Chief. In two weeks, we've brought in $70,000 worth of revenue. I'm working with Stephan (Budget Director Stephan Hall), the new EMS chief, and Eric (Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore), and we will keep tracking that revenue. As the revenue grows, we will add more positions, or we'll increase the pay."

Several full-time paramedic positions offer numerous benefits, including competitive wages, shift differentials, deferred compensation, state retirement and more. In addition to brand-new ambulances, Escambia County EMS uses stateof-the-art equipment, including LIFEPAK 15s, stretchers, LUCAS devices and Stryker PowerLOAD systems.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply at myescambia.com/careers.

The $10,000 sign-on bonus is available for

LEADERSHIP WE CAN TRUST! DON GAETZ

newly hired full-time paramedics. It will be paid out in three installments in accordance with the terms of their contract. The bonus will be paid during the first pay period of December for three years, in two $4,000 installments and one $2,000 installment.

"We are very excited to offer this $10,000 bonus to encourage qualified individuals to seek a rewarding career in public service with Escambia County EMS," said Chris Watts, Escambia County EMS Chief. "Like many EMS agencies throughout the nation, we are constantly looking at innovative ways to enhance recruitment and increase our staffing levels. Our goal is to attract high-quality paramedics to join our hardworking, dedicated team and help us continue to provide the best possible level of care to Escambia County residents."

Escambia County EMS, a division of the

Escambia County Department of Public Safety, is dedicated to protecting and serving the community through emergency medical services. It provides basic and advanced life support to patients at the scene of emergencies and transports sick and injured patients to medical care facilities.

Minimum qualifications for Escambia County paramedics include, but are not limited to:

•High school diploma or the successful completion of the GED test

•Completion of emergency medical coursework at the paramedic level or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements

•Licenses and certifications, including Valid Florida Paramedic Certification, AHA CPR Certification, AHA ACLS Certification, valid driver's license from state of residence

Additional qualifications are available in

the job description. For more information, visit myescambia.com.

VENDOR WORKSHOP Escambia County Office of Purchasing and the Neighborhood and Human Services Department are hosting a How to Do Business workshop to help potential vendors better understand project needs and how to work with the county on future projects. The event is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St.

Whether you're a seasoned vendor or exploring opportunities for the first time, this event is your gateway to understanding the intricacies of county procurement. Whether you're a seasoned vendor working with Escambia County or new to our processes, the county highly recommends you attend. Visit myescambia.com to learn more. {in}

AMENDMENT 3

What You Need To Know About Florida's Recreational Marijuana Ballot Measure

By Tom St. Myer

If you've been paying attention, even a little bit, this election season in Florida, you've probably stumbled upon at least one ad supporting or opposing Amendment 3.

The ballot measure would legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older with a few notable limitations. The amendment allows only medical marijuana treatment centers and other state-licensed entities to "acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and distribute" products and accessories. Another limitation is individuals are only allowed to possess up to three ounces of weed.

To pass, the amendment requires the support of at least 60% of voters in the upcoming general election. Only two other states require 60% or higher—Illinois and New Hampshire.

Smart and Safe Florida is the political action committee behind the amendment, and Trulieve is the primary financial backer, investing about $100 million in the effort. The opposition is contributing millions of dollars, too, making this the most expensive ballot measure in U.S. history.

Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young appeared in a Smart and Safe Florida ad, saying, "Amendment 3 will save lives by making marijuana safe, regulated and lab tested. Amendment 3 will protect our community from dangerous and illegal drugs while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crimes."

Sheriff Young appeared in another ad warning about the dangers of pot laced with fentanyl

being sold on the black market. Young said, "I've seen it firsthand." He then echoed that legalized pot will be regulated and lab-tested, eliminating any possibility of the pot being laced with fentanyl. Experts countered the claim, stating fentanyl is usually taken separately or mixed with opioids.

The back and forth between the two sides, of course, includes debates over the potential financial impact. An ad by Yes on 3 promises "thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars for school and police." Vote No on 3 counters with an ad that states, "Giant corporations don't do things out of the goodness of their hearts. They do things to make money, and that's exactly why they wrote Amendment 3." The ad later reminds viewers that the amendment bans homegrown marijuana.

On its website, Vote No on 3 states, "If approved by voters at the ballot box this November, Amendment 3 would irreversibly harm Florida and make it the most liberal state in the union when it comes to marijuana use and possession." The website further states, "Amendment 3 will change the face of Florida in a way that we will all regret, as recreational marijuana will be all over the place—just like it is in Colorado and California. The smell will be everywhere because the stores distributing pot will move into our neighborhoods, as the market almost triples in value."

The Department of Transportation released a public service announcement that warns viewers about the dangers of driving high. The narrator

says, "DUI crashes increase in states with legalized marijuana, putting everyone at risk."

Smart and Safe Florida responded to the public service announcement by sending dozens of cease-and-desist letters to TV stations. The campaign said the state aired the public service announcement to receive a "highly discounted rate" and demanded the same for their advertisements if TV stations refused.

DEMOCRATS VS. REPUBLICANS

A state department opposing the amendment should come as no surprise. Gov. Ron DeSantis vehemently opposes Amendment 3. He tweeted that it is a ploy by Trulieve to create a monopoly.

An ad by Smart and Safe Florida disputes the monopoly claim, noting nearly two dozen licensed marijuana providers already operate, and another 22 await the governor's approval.

DeSantis recently called out Republican lawmakers for not speaking out against the measure.

During a gathering last month in a Tallahassee church, DeSantis said, "You say you're all about these issues, and then when it's time to do something about it, you're nowhere to be found. That is what courageous leadership is all about."

The Florida Republican Party joined DeSantis by announcing its opposition. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, likewise, have campaigned against the measure.

"I know that marijuana is a gateway drug, My

brother just died in the last few months, starting with marijuana, and he ended up struggling with alcohol and drugs, so I don't support it," Scott said at the Duval County Republican Party headquarters in August according to Florida Politics.

State Rep. Alex Andrade is one of the few Republican lawmakers brave enough to state publicly he will vote in favor of the amendment. Andrade said current laws require legislators to treat marijuana like medicine, and he considers that dishonest.

"It's like trying to fit a square into a round hole," Andrade told Inweekly. "… The vast majority of people who want to consume it are consuming it recreationally. I don't blame (DeSantis) for his position on the amendment, but I'm viewing it as a legislator who's served for six years and who is having to deal with these questions every year."

He continued, "From my perspective, it poses the same danger as alcohol. It should be regulated far more closely to alcohol than fentanyl."

Andrade is in the same camp as presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump. "I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use," Trump wrote on social media. "We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults to safe, tested product. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November."

The Democratic Party is united in its support of Amendment 3. Presidential candidate and Vice

President Kamala Harris announced her support, and the Florida Democratic Party followed by announcing its endorsement last month.

Democrat Haley "Hale" Morrisette is challenging Andrade for his District-2 House seat. Amendment 3 is one of the few issues they agree on. Morrisette cited what happened to Tymar Crawford five years ago as an example of why marijuana should be legalized.

Pensacola Police pulled Crawford over after allegedly smelling marijuana smoke coming from his car. Crawford was shot and killed by Officer Daniel Siemen after grabbing at another officer's stun gun. The Pensacola Police Department fired Siemen for violating its use of deadly force policy. To Morrisette's dismay, a grand jury declined to press charges.

"If this passes, we won't have people dead," Morrisette said. "We won't have people filling up our jails for having small, petty amounts."

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Morrisette said the state would receive a financial boon if the measure passes. Fellow District-2 House seat challenger Kim Kline agrees with Morrisette.

"I don't personally use marijuana, but I do see the potential for increased revenues by legalization, and we could see the number of folks incarcerated go down," said Kline, a small business owner and former Gulf Breeze teacher running without party affiliation.

Kline said she sees real potential for revenue growth if taxes are properly imposed. She said a fine line exists, though. If taxes are too high, the black market continues. If taxes are too low, the state misses out on revenue that could be used toward initiatives such as structural reform for prisons. Kline said several prisons operate without air conditioning and need billions of dollars in deferred maintenance.

The state would generate nearly $200 million in tax revenue, according to a statement released by experts at the Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference. "If legal today, sales of non-medical marijuana would be subject to sales tax and would remain so if voters approve this amendment. Based on other states' experiences, expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana would generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational, although the timing of this occurring is unclear."

Licensed medical marijuana providers would cash in if Amendment 3 passes, but some worry about the safety of their patients.

"We are concerned that residents do not understand the regulations behind the recreational vote," a spokesperson for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute told Inweekly. "We feel that residents might seek to treat their conditions without the guidance of a certified doctor and not get the relief they were hoping for."

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute polled more than 4,000 medical marijuana patients in Florida and found that 91% favored legalizing recreational marijuana, and nine out of 10 planned to vote yes on the amendment. More than 800,000 Floridians, or roughly 4% of the population, are medical cannabis patients, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

SUPERMAJORITY OBSTACLE

Polls indicate Amendment 3 will narrowly pass or fall just short of the magical 60% threshold. A recent Fox News poll showed 66% of

Floridians support the amendment, but a Florida Atlantic University poll indicated only 56% support the measure.

Voters in 2016 overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment allowing medical marijuana after 71% of Florida voters marked yes on their ballots. However, in 2016, registered Democratic voters outnumbered Republicans by about 400,000. This year, registered Republican voters top Democrats by one million.

The legalization of medical marijuana marked one of the few amendment victories since 2006 when voters approved the 60% threshold to pass an amendment. Nine constitutional amendments in the state since then have received majority approval but failed to reach the 60% threshold.

Overall, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana use. Nine states legalized marijuana through bills enacted into law. Voters in 15 states and Washington, D.C., approved the legalization, but in those elections, an average of only 58% voted yes. {in}

A 'Yes' Vote On Amendment 3 would legalize the use and possession of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing individuals to possess up to three ounces.

A 'No' Vote On Amendment 3 would not legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and maintain current laws and regulations.

AMENDMENT 3 BALLOT LANGUAGE

Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.

SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:

•Former President and Presidential

Candidate Donald Trump

•Vice President and Presidential

Candidate Kamala Harris

•State Rep. Alex Andrade

•State Rep. Candidates Kim Kline and Haley "Hale" Morrissette

•Attorney John Morgan

•Smart and Safe Florida

•Trulieve

•Florida Democratic Party

•Florida Young Republicans

OPPONENTS INCLUDE:

•U.S. Sen. Rick Scott

•U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz

•Gov. Ron DeSantis

•Vote No on 3

•My Florida Green

•Florida Republican Party

•Florida Chamber of Commerce

•Florida Sheriffs Association

Arts & Entertainment

Pent-Up Rage

By Savannah Evanoff

woman Josephine Olivia (aka Josie), who considers herself "really girly" in many ways and equally masculine in many ways. It can, too, be credited to the blend of her own pop music background and the metal background of her husband slash Vosh's drummer Chris Moore.

"I like it, because I have a lot of women that'll come up to me at shows and be like, 'That was so great; it was really empowering. It felt so good to see a woman do those things,'" Josie said. "And that, to me, is really rewarding and cool. I feel like [Vosh] has moments of bitchy and cunty vibes, but then it's also really fucking heavy at times, which I love. I feel like it paints a picture of where I want to be between all the types of music."

Josie grew up performing in the singersongwriter genre, inspired by the likes of Dido, Jewel and Billie Holiday. Kylie Minogue was her "it girl." Her biggest influence, though, was her mom. With hair down to her waist, Robin Beasley performed in a renaissance band called the Nymphs and Satyrs in the '70s; you can find their album on YouTube.

really young, I got to hold on to her record—and having that in my hand was really huge for me. I was like, 'I want to make this. I want to be able to tangibly hold this creative power and make something and put it in the world' … My mom, for sure, out of everybody, has been the most on my side, on my team, since I was really young trying to make music. She's always like, 'Yeah, express yourself, however it comes out.'"

Josie later ventured into trip hop and performed in other bands. Vosh was originally a solo project she used to move on from a more electronic act called Blacksage.

"This has been more fun for me, because it's definitely higher energy, which I always found lacking in the singer-songwriter or folk arena for me," Josie said. "I just feel like I have a lot of pent-up energy and rage at everything, and now I can release this in a healthy way. So I think for me, Vosh has been such an amazing way to tap into that for myself. It's been a really amazing experience."

The band name was Chris' idea, she said. They wanted a word that sounded both sexy

show with Clan of Xymox in Boston maybe a year or two ago, and some guy came up to the merch table, and he's like, 'Do you know what vosh means?' And I was like, 'Oh, no. I'm about to be canceled.'" Josie said. "And he was like, 'It means Laos, or vampire, in Russian.' And I was like, 'Oh, that's awesome.' It kind of worked out."

Chris joined the musical project along the way; they also tied the knot last December. Josie loves collaborating with him musically.

"I think there's a lot of amazing things that could come out of being creative like that with your partner," Josie said. "You have this next-level bond that you don't really share with anyone else, which I treasure very much. And you get to go on tour with your best friend, and what's more fun than that?"

If they could, they'd be on tour all year long, Josie said. They love disconnecting from day-to-day life—even if theirs actually sounds pretty cool. The rock couple co-owns a pet care business just outside of Washington D.C.

Josie joined Chris in pet care to escape bartending and the service and retail industries,

as well as to put drugs in the past. November will mark seven years sober, she said.

"I've just tried to basically shift my every day from dealing with asshole people to just being around dogs," Josie said. "It's super therapeutic; it's wonderful. It's a lot of work, but it's a good kind of work. We have people that work for us and cover for us when we're on tour, which is great, and everyone that works with us is amazing. We basically just get to hang out with dogs all day. It's pretty, pretty great."

While on tour, Vosh has embraced a heavier live performance. "Perfection" is a great example, and one of Josie's favorite tracks.

"This one, to me, also feels like riding that sort of masculine and feminine energy, which I love, and the newer version of it is a lot heavier," Josie said. "It's funny because we recorded all those songs a while ago and just released it last year for the album, and I feel like since then, our live show has really come to be how we feel that we want to represent ourselves. It's definitely harder than the album is recorded. So I think moving forward, that's going to be something we take note from."

Vosh has an EP available for pre-order and hopes to release an album next year.

"I'll say this, there's a lot more heaviness to it," Josie said. "In terms of sonically, it's more brutal. It does have some moments of kind of Depeche Mode vibes in it too … it kind of checks all the boxes for me. There's the heavier stuff, there's more industrial, harder edge, there's some romantic love songs—there's kind of everything."

Josie hopes people will come out to watch them perform.

"The last time we did a U.S. tour was last fall, and we've definitely changed up our live show and added in a couple deep cuts that no one's heard," Josie said. "And we have all new merch, like crazy, cool stuff I'm actually about to go pick up right now … And we're doing Europe next February, and a lot more touring next year. We're just super excited to get out and get to see everybody and play with some awesome bands." {in}

VOSH

WHAT: Vosh with Shehehe and STGMA at The Handlebar

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

COST: $10 advance, $15 at the door

DETAILS: voshvault.com, thehandlebar850.com

Vosh / Photo by Louie Palu

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

CHUMP CHANGE: ENCHANTMENT

UNDER THE SEA FUNDRAISER Lensea Film and Big Jerk Soda Co. will host Chump Change fundraiser benefitting the Blues Angel Music Foundation 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook. com/oddcolony.

HADJI SHRINERS HAUNTED HOUSE

Haunted House opens Friday, Oct. 11 at Hadji Shrine, 800 W. Nine Mile Road. Event runs 7-10:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night through the final three weeks of October, including Halloween Night on Thursday, Oct. 31. Tickets are available at hadjihauntedhouse.com.

14TH ANNUAL FESTA ITALIANA Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Buona Fortuna Lodge presents a two-day event 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 at Fountain Park on Zaragoza Street. The event features food, live music, demonstrations, silent auction, kids activities and more. Details are at buonafortunalodge.org.

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY Healthy Start

Coalition will host its annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Ceremony 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Bayview Park Community Center Pier. The event will include a musical reflection, Reading of the Names, candlelight vigil and flower release. For more information about the Healthy Start Coalition, visit healthystart.info.

SECOND ANNUAL BUBBLES, BREWS, AND BITES Pensacola MESS Hall fundraiser is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Bear Jones Moore Reeves Center for Math and Advanced Technology at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Tickets are available at pensacolamesshall.org/ bubbles-brews-and-bites.

BREAST CANCER BENEFIT AT GARY'S

BREWERY Event is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at Gary's Brewery, 208 Newman Ave. It will feature 50/50 raffles, food and more. Details are at facebook/garysbrew.

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 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.

CALL TO ARTISTS

CINCO BANDERAS There is a call to artists for Artel Gallery's "Cinco Banderas." There is no theme and no size limit. Entry fee for two pieces is $35. Drop off art 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. For more information, visit artelgallery.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

BALLET PENSACOLA PRESENTS: CINDERELLA Ballet Pensacola's season opener is the classic "Cinderella." Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 11 and 18, Saturdays, Oct. 12 and 19, and 1:30 p.m. Sundays Oct. 13 and 20 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Tickets are $35-$50. Details at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

SPIRITS OF THE SIMPSON HOUSE Haunted tours are 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Arcadia Homestead, 4755 Anna Simpson Road. Tickets are $10-$15. Limit to 10 people each session. Visit historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/haunted-happenings for details.

2024 PUMPKIN PARTIES Strong Street Studio, 109 N. A St., will host in-studio and online times to purchase glass pumpkins. Online sale starts 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Visit strongstreetstudioglass.com for details.

TAYLOR'S VERSION: A SWIFTIE DANCE PARTY Dance party is 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Details are at thehandlebar850.com.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION 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 (PMA), 407 S. Jefferson St., through Nov. 24. An opening reception is 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at PMA. Details are at pensacolamuseum.org.

OPERA AL FRESCO Pensacola Opera performance at Seville Square is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Details are at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.

THE VINTAGE BLOCK PARTY Enjoy vintage vendors selling clothing, art, handmade goods and more 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 outside The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

BOO AT THE ZOO Boo at the Zoo returns to the Gulf Breeze Zoo with activities for all ages including trick-or-treating while enjoying festive Halloween decorations in the wild and not-sospooky setting of the Zoo. Events are 10 a.m.-5

p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-30. Cost is $10 for zoo members and $20.95-$27.95 for regular admission with train rides included. Visit gbzoo. com/event/boo-at-the-zoo for details.

WINE & SONG Enjoy wines from six countries, as well as selections performed by the Choral Society of Pensacola, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Sanders-Beach Corinne Jones Community Center, 913 S. I St. The event is open to ages 21 and older only. Purchase tickets at choralsocietyofpensacola.org.

THE PORTE FALL FESTIVAL Vendors, activities and food are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at The Porte at Pathstone, 8801 Pathstone Blvd.

DESI BANKS: THE PURPOSE CHASER TOUR Actor, stand-up comedian, podcaster and more, Desi Banks performs at Saenger. Show is 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

PETALS & PUMPKINS: A FALL FLORAL DESIGN EVENT Floral workshop is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at The Loft, 2 Intendencia St. Tickets and details are at rustedarrowmercantile.com/events.

350 LECTURE SERIES Discussion: How vulnerable is your neighborhood to climate change? With Bob Teague, a Pensacola-based Climate Reality Project leader. Discussion is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St. Event is hosted by 350 Pensacola.

89TH ANNUAL PENSACOLA INTERSTATE FAIR Enjoy 11 days of rides, food, fun, music and gaming Oct. 17-27 at the Pensacola Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. Opening day will have $1 admission for all ages. General admission s $14 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-11, and free for children 3 and younger. Unlimited ride wristbands are $25 for Monday-Thursday use (also on Sunday, Oct. 27) and $30 for Friday-Sunday use. Individual ride credits will also be available. There is also a $5 parking fee, which will be collected upon exiting the fair parking lot. For a full list of bands and entertainment, visit pensacolafair.com.

GALLERY NIGHT The October Gallery Night theme is "Fright Night" 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 in downtown Pensacola on South Palafox. Details are at gallerynightpensacola.org.

BOO ON THE BOARDWALK This event is 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site, 5709 Mill Pond Road in Milton. Tours are $8-$10. Limit 25 people per session. Visit historicpensacola.org/ plan-your-visit/haunted-happenings for details.

HALLOWEEN DOUBLE FEATURE AT SAENGER Enjoy two Halloween movie screenings at Saenger, 118 S. Palafox St. At 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 is the 1993 film "Hocus Pocus." Tickets are $5. At 8 p.m., is "Night of the Living Dead." Tickets for the evening show are $8. Bring a donation for Manna Food Pantry, and entry is $5. Details are at pensacolasaenger.com.

34TH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE

WALKING AND TROLLEY TOURS

Choose from Madness and Murder Walking Tour, Seville Spirits Walking Tour and Trolley of the Doomed Tour. Available times and days are 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 25 and 26. Ticket prices start at $8. Visit historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/ haunted-happenings for details.

PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET Various vendors, food trucks and live bands is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 on West Belmont St. Details are at facebook. com/309punkproject.

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, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

ECLECTIC FIDELITIES 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. Artists lectures and workshops are in November.

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

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT

AARON TIPPIN

FRIDAY OCTOBER 18

EASTON CORBIN

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23

TWITTY & LYNN

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19

BLUFFETT

TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24

TRISTON HARPER

MONDAY OCTOBER 21

NEAL MCCOY

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25

CHRIS JANSON

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22

WHITE TIE ROCK ENSEMBLE SATURDAY OCTOBER 26

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 actual 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

TASTE OF THE BEACH Taste of the Beach is a three-day culinary event starting Thursday, Oct. 10 with a sunset cruise from 5:30-7:30 p.m., leaving from Pensacola Beach Boardwalk on Premier 1 yacht. Tickets are $100. On Friday, Oct. 11, take part in an exclusive VIP trolley dinner with four stops at restaurants on Pensacola Beach. Tickets are $125 a person. On Saturday, Oct. 12 is a free festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with games, performances, cooking demonstrations and more at the Gulfside Pavillion. Signature dishes will be available for $10. For more information about the festival and tickets to VIP events, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com/tob.

a&e happenings

12TH ANNUAL SEVILLE ROTARY STEAK

COOK OFF Up to 20 grill teams will battle it out for best steak 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at Seville Square, 130 E. Government St. Tickets are available at sevillerotary.com/steak.

EVERYTHING: BEER Cooking class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $50 per student. Tickets are available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

DINNER DETECTIVE INTERACTIVE TRUE

CRIME DINNER SHOW Dinner theater is 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 S. Ninth Ave. Tickets are available at thedinnerdetective.com/pensacola/murder-mystery-tickets-showtimes.

COUPLES COOK: GERMAN FLAVORS Class

is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $100 per couple. Tickets are available at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

LUCKY DOG PHOTOSHOOT Bring your dogs to O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St., 11-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 for a free, fall-themed photoshoot. Pup cups will be available while supplies last. Details are at orileyspub.com.

SPOOKY PUP CRAWL Dress yourself and your pups up for special pup crawl 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 leaving from 214 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $25 and available at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

PUPS & PINOT Enjoy a laidback brunch with your pup 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets start at $35 and are available at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

ARTISAN PASTA CRAFTING WITH CHEF ED Class is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Bodacious, 407-D S. Palafox St. Tickets are $80 and available on Eventbrite or facebook.com/ bodaciousshops.

COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER: FALL IN THE SOUTH Cooking class with Chef Irv Miller is 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $55 a person. Reservations are required; make yours by calling (850) 686-3149 or emailing jessica@goodgrits.com.

WOLFGANG PENSACOLA THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT WISTERIA TAVERN

The first 30 dogs to attend will receive special anniversary gifts, and you'll enjoy 30% off all merchandise during the event. Event is 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Wisteria, 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.

A CELEBRATION OF FALL HARVEST: A FOOD AND WINE EVENT Special dinner from Chef Ian Gillette is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Angelena's, 101 E. Intendencia St. Cost is $150 a person. For table reservations, please call (850) 542-8398. For more information, visit angelenaspensacola.com.

AN EVENING IN VACQUERYAZ Bodacious multi-course meal with French wine pairings is 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Bodacious, 407-D

S. Palafox St. Cost is $90. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or facebook.com/bodaciousshops.

TROLLEY BAR TOUR Five Fags 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-in-downtown-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. to 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.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

By Devin Cole

Talking Music, Hope and Resistance with Pauper's Grave

"Political nazis are making our country sick!" The crowd begins to jump.

"Do you know a nazi? Hit 'em with a BRICK!"

A void forms in the middle of the floor, and is filled and emptied again and again by people moshing, kicking and head-banging. But also accompanying this is laughter, dancing and helping up their fellow mosher when they inevitably fall to the floor.

It is a community supporting their community, albeit through an intense ritual.

Local band Pauper's Grave is no stranger to community support through this particular ritual. At the helm of the band stands Melody Davis, a veteran of the Pensacola punk scene. At a recent show at The Handlebar, they are screaming into the microphone the Pauper's Grave crowd favorite "Political Nazis," a brief but powerful manifesto against the current wave of right-wing attacks against people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, people with disabilities, workers and many other afflicted people in this country. But more so, in this state.

Florida has been the site of non-stop reactionary legislation targeting the aforementioned communities for several years now. Book bans, health care bans, attacks on the homeless population, gerrymandering … the list goes on and on. The resistance to this has been powerful and swift, with many different ways of manifesting. One of these ways has been through music, and in Pensacola, Pauper's Grave is a musical powerhouse that understands and is a part of this.

On either side of Melody stand Rob Harris on guitar, and Eric Sisk on bass. When Melody sings the chorus of "Political Nazis," Eric and Rob provide dual backing vocals. It's a heavy harmony you're not expecting, but quickly come to love. Rob shreds away on the guitar, while Eric wields his bass like a weapon.

In the back, but certainly not invisible, is Mike Kimberl, aka D. Ed Lee, whose thundering drumming is relentless, tight and the beat to which many people in the mosh pit slam-dance to. The four of them create a refreshingly strong sound with a message of hope and resistance. Shortly after this performance, Pauper's Grave sat down with Inweekly to discuss their upcoming album, their music's place in the current political landscape, and being four punks over the age of 40 who understand the struggle is far from over.

Before we get started, here's a little basic info on the band members you'll be hearing from—name, pronouns, past/other bands. how long they've been in Pensacola and their role in Pauper's Grave.

ROB Barbarian Half-Orc. Played in Deadbeats of Comedy. I have lived here since 2002. I play guitar and backing vocals.

ERIC The Dude. Played in Reverend Jenkins and Dark Star Coven. I play bass and backing vocals. D. ED LEE He/She/They. Played in Dark Star Coven. I have lived in Pensacola my entire life. I provide high speed bombardment for the band.

MELDAR/MELODY She/They. Played in Blood Moon Pact and still currently in Cookies & Cake. I have lived in Pensacola off and on since 2001. I am the vocalist.

INWEEKLY: Someone humorously referred to Pauper's Grave as a "punk supergroup," but there is a kernel of truth to that. So how did Pensacola's favorite punk rock supergroup come into existence?

MELODY: They've existed way before I joined. I went to a show one day and they announced they were looking for a singer. I was a bit tipsy and jokingly told my friend this was my chance to finally be in a real punk band. I told Rob I wanted to sing

for them, and he seemed down. Later, I ended up being in a cover band with D. Ed Lee and showed up early one day while they were practicing, and I was like "Hi, can I join the band?"

ROB: Before Pauper's Grave started, D. Ed Lee and I had talked about playing music together. Then a buddy of ours Larry Hughes asked us to get together and jam. He later moved to Denver, and Eric from Dark Star Coven took over on bass. We went through a couple singers before I just did it, but I never wanted to in the first place, so one night I told the crowd we needed a singer, and this is what we sound like. A couple days later Meldar and I were at a funeral and she mentioned it, and I was all about it. We were all old friends and known to the scene, so it immediately worked out nicely.

D. ED LEE: Pauper's Grave sort of started as a side project for me from Dark Star Coven, and slowly became the main project. I think we were getting frustrated wanting a singer. Meldar and I were doing a Dead Kennedy's set for a cover band show. We scheduled the practice to the same day as Pauper's Grave, so it was easy for Meldar to see if there was chemistry. Not only was there chemistry, she was the missing ingredient.

ERIC: The most important part of the band is that we are all friends.

INWEEKLY: Melody, it's around the one-year anniversary of you taking over vocal duties in Pauper's Grave. What is your songwriting process compared to other groups you've been in?

MELODY: It was kinda similar to how I wrote the lyrics for Cookies & Cake stuff honestly. Recorded them playing live and then listened to the music at work, made notes on a note pad until I had full songs. Then show up at practice and be like, "How does this sound?" Now that we're working on new stuff, I will just chill and listen to them jam. If there is something I like, I'll make a note to tell them what I heard in my head. We've actually got two new songs that way.

INWEEKLY: A lot of your lyrics reflect not just discontent and anger toward the current political climate in this country, but also anger toward the political climate here in Pensacola. Can you talk about that a little bit?

MELODY: This band is my therapy. I get all my rage and angst out about whatever. We all seem to be on the same vibe, and I really like that about the group. Plus the four of us are all very immersed in Pensacola in some way, so writing about our town is definitely gonna happen. Like watching your friends not having places to live while there are empty Airbnbs everywhere. I wrote a song about it. There's another song in our set list that existed before I joined the band. It's about a person that has been a problem in our community for a long time, and I felt like it was important that we kept that song on the set list, because I've also had run-ins with them.

D. ED LEE: We usually get to band practice and start discussing the latest news, whether it is local or international. It really is therapeutic to lay it all out on the table. All our anger, depression and our

hope for a better world. No one is walking away from our shows asking how we really feel.

INWEEKLY: All four of you are over the age of 40. Oftentimes we hear the creed that you get more conservative or "you mellow out" in radical ideological views as you age. Obviously, Pauper's Grave defies this, but how do you respond to this creed as it pertains to what the band is doing?

ERIC: Getting older gave me less tolerance for BS.

D. ED LEE: We haven't mellowed, so much as we've gotten more and more upset with the state of our community over the years. We see how those in positions of leadership are corrupt and never seem to do what is right. They represent money interests, not the people. We believe that if you want change in your community, that it starts with you. It is pointless to hope some politician is going to do right by your community. It is pointless to think a landlord will cut you a break if you have been in the hospital or fallen on hard times. The nicest cop you know will still tell a person experiencing homelessness to move along, knowing they have nowhere to go. We think there is a better way, and it doesn't involve the aforementioned groups.

INWEEKLY: All of you have been in the scene for a long time. DIY is a major component of the punk ethos; what has it been like watching this DIY component in the Pensacola punk scene evolve over the last 20 years?

D. ED LEE: It has been amazing. You really do not see the impact you have while you are in the midst of it all. Everyone seems to think the scene is dead while they are in it. Then years go by, and people reminisce about certain shows they went to, or events that happened and how our scene responded. It has really been one of the wonderful things about the 309 Punk Project. The recent 309 Archives Exhibit displayed some of the history of our underground scene, and how impactful our scene has been. You never see that while in the thick of it. ERIC: Scene is the same at its core. People that want to play or watch live original music. We are fortunate to have a thriving music scene.

INWEEKLY: Tell me about this new album y'all are dropping on Nov. 2.

D. ED LEE: It is a collection of songs that we wanted to archive, and we wanted to give people something to listen to. It's titled "MCCCXII."

INWEEKLY: After this album drops, what are Pauper's Grave plans?

MELODY: We have a bunch of shows planned and I think a mini winter tour is in the works.

D. ED LEE: We are really looking forward to playing more shows out of town. We are excited to write new music together, which we have already started to do. Unfortunately, there isn't a shortage of things to write about. {in} PAUPER'S

GRAVE

@paupersgravepunkrock

Pauper's Grave / Courtesy Photo

free will astrology

WEEK OF OCTOBER 10

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In the coming weeks, you may be tempted to spar and argue more than usual. You could get sucked into the fantasy that it would make sense to wrangle, feud and bicker. But I hope you sublimate those tendencies. The same hot energy that might lead to excessive skirmishing could just as well become a driving force to create robust harmony and resilient unity. If you simply dig further into your psyche's resourceful depths, you will discover the inspiration to bargain, mediate and negotiate with élan. Here's a bold prediction: Healing compromises hammered out now could last a long time.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Question No. 1: "What subjects do you talk about to enchant and uplift a person who's important to you?" Answer No. 1: "You talk about the feelings and yearnings of the person you hope to enchant and uplift." Question No. 2: "How do you express your love with maximum intelligence?" Answer No. 2: "Before you ask your allies to alter themselves to enhance your relationship, you ask yourself how you might alter yourself to enhance your relationship." Question No. 3: "What skill are you destined to master, even though it's challenging for you to learn?" Answer No. 3: "Understanding the difference between supple passion and manic obsession."

By Rob Brezsny

generate or discover? What splendid resource can you add to your repertoire?

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Ayurnamat is a word used by the Inuit people. It refers to when you long for the relaxed tranquility that comes from not worrying about what can't be changed. You wish you could accept or even welcome the truth about provocative situations with equanimity. Now here's some very good news, Cancerian. In the coming weeks, you will not just yearn for this state of calm but will also have a heightened ability to achieve it. Congratulations! It's a liberating, saint-like accomplishment.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Healing will be more available to you than usual. You're extra likely to attract the help and insight you need to revive and restore your mind, soul and body. To get started, identify two wounds or discomforts you would love to alleviate. Then consider the following actions: 1. Ruminate about what helpers and professionals might be best able to assist you. Make appointments with them. 2. Perform a ritual in which you seek blessings from your liveliest spirit guides and sympathetic ancestors. 3. Make a list of three actions you will take to make yourself feel better. 4. Treat this process not as a somber struggle, but as a celebration of your mounting vitality.

sible feat of visiting Lhasa, Tibet, when that place was still forbidden to foreigners. Be inspired by these heroes as you ruminate about what frontier adventures you will dare to enjoy during the next six months. Design a plan to get all the educational and experimental fun you need.

ness flourished by always assuming she had much more to learn. I especially recommend this perspective to you in the coming weeks.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In 1819, Gemini entrepreneur Francois-Louis Cailler became the first chocolatier to manufacture chocolate bars. His innovation didn't save any lives, cure any disease or fix any injustice. But it was a wonderful addition to humanity's supply of delights. It enhanced our collective joy and pleasure. In the coming months, dear Gemini, I invite you to seek a comparable addition to your own personal world. What novel blessing might you

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): The Beatles were the best-selling band of all time and among the most influential, too. Their fame and fortune were well-earned. Many of the 186 songs they composed and recorded were beautiful, interesting and entertaining. Yet none of four members of the band could read music. Their brilliance was intuitive and instinctual. Is there a comparable situation in your life, Virgo? A task or skill that you do well despite not being formally trained? If so, the coming months will be a good time to get better grounded. I invite you to fill in the gaps in your education.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In 2010, Edurne Pasaban became the first woman to climb the world's tallest 14 mountains, reaching the top of Shishapangma in China. In 2018, Taylor Demonbreun arrived in Toronto, Canada, completing a quest in which she visited every sovereign nation on the planet in 18 months. In 1924, explorer Alexandra David-Néel pulled off the seemingly impos-

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): Alnwick Garden is an unusual network of formal gardens in northeast England. Among its many entertaining features is the Poison Garden, which hosts 100 species of toxic and harmful plants like hemlock, strychnine and deadly nightshade. It's the most popular feature by far. Visitors enjoy finding out and investigating what's not good for them. In accordance with astrological omens, Scorpio, I invite you to use this as an inspirational metaphor as you take inventory of influences that are not good for you. Every now and then, it's healthy to acknowledge what you don't need and shouldn't engage with.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Sagittarian Tom Rath is an inspirational author, who at age 49 has managed to stay alive even though he has wrangled with a rare disease since he was 16. He writes, "This is what I believe we should all aim for: to make contributions to others' lives that will grow infinitely in our absence. A great commonality we all share is that we only have today to invest in what could outlive us." That's always good advice for everyone, but it's especially rich counsel for you Sagittarians in the coming months. I believe you will have a special capacity to dispense your best gifts those who need and want them.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Capricorn writer Susan Sontag was a public intellectual. She was an academic with a scholarly focus and an entertaining commentator on the gritty hubbub of popular culture. One of my favorite quotes by her is this one: "I like to feel dumb. That's how I know there's more in the world than me." In other words, she made sure her curiosity and open-minded-

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): The Salem Witch Trials took place in Massachusetts 16921693. They were ignorant, superstitious prosecutions of people accused of practicing witchcraft. The modern holiday known as Freethought Day happens every Oct. 12, the anniversary of the last witch trial. The purpose of this jubilee is to encourage us to treasure objective facts, to love using logic and reason, and to honor the value of critical thinking. It's only observed in America now, but I propose we make it a global festival. You Aquarians are my choice to host this year's revelries in celebration of Freethought Day. You are at the peak of your ability to generate clear, astute, liberating thoughts. Show us what it looks like to be a lucid, unbiased observer of reality.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): A YouTube presenter named Andy George decided to make a chicken sandwich. But he didn't buy the ingredients in a store. He wanted to make the sandwich from scratch. Over the next six months, he grew wheat, ground it into flour and used it to bake bread. He milked a cow to make cheese and butter. He got sea salt from ocean water and grew a garden of lettuce, cucumber, tomato and dill for toppings. Finally, he went to a farm, bought a chicken, and did all that was necessary to turn the live bird into meat for the sandwich. In describing his process, I'm not suggesting you do something similar. Rather, I'm encouraging you to be thorough as you solidify your foundations in the coming months. Gather resources you will need for long-term projects. Be a connoisseur of the raw materials that will assure future success in whatever way you define success.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What have you denied yourself even though it would be good for you? Write a note giving yourself permission. {in}

freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny

news of the weird

LOAD OF BOLOGNA U.S Customs and Border Protection shuts down smuggling attempts on a daily basis, but what its officers caught on Sept. 23 at the Presidio, Texas, port of entry wasn't the usual contraband. While inspecting a vehicle being driven into the U.S., CBP personnel discovered 748 pounds of Mexican bologna. The New York Post reported that 40 rolls of the deli meat were hidden in a number of suitcases throughout the vehicle. CBP Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes Jr. said in a news release that "the concern with pork products is that they have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can have devastating effects to the U.S. economy and to our agriculture industry." The driver, an American citizen, was issued a $1,000 civil penalty; the bologna was destroyed per USDA regulations.

SINGLE-ENGINE DRAMA En route from Nebraska to Oregon on Sept. 21, a single-engine plane made an emergency landing on Highway 25 north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cowboy State Daily reported. Levi and Kelsi Dutton, who were traveling south on the highway when the plane landed in front of them, offered assistance to the pilot, who identified himself as Steve. The pilot calmly inspected the plane's fuel line before announcing, "I got the tools right here. I'll just open it up, figure out what's going on and get her fixed." After making the repair, Steve hopped back aboard the plane and, as the Duttons stopped traffic to free up a runway space, taxied south and took off for Cheyenne Regional Airport, where he could do a more thorough inspection.

•Another single-engine plane made news on Sept. 17 when, shortly after taking off from Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina, a door fell off and landed in the yard of a vacant home, WBMF News reported. The pilot and passenger on board were unharmed. Witness Wendy Hodges, who lives next door to the vacant house, hurried home after learning of the incident, and found the intact door in the neighbor's yard. "It was definitely really lucky that there was no damage or no one was hurt," said Hodges. "As a matter of fact, there's a plane flying right now, but I will certainly make sure I start looking up."

MISSED THEIR EXIT? WSVN in Miami reported on Sept. 21 that an SUV fell from an overpass on I-95, crashing through a fence below and narrowly missing a bystander—and miraculously, both driver and passenger walked away, apparently unscathed. Those nearby rushed to help, including Mariah Lewis, who offered a knife from her glove box to aid in cutting the driver and passenger out of their seatbelts. "It's just by the grace of God that the people lived, because I don't understand how you fall from that high and [live]," she said. Both occupants were checked by paramedics, and the driver was taken to a local trauma center for observa -

By the Editors at Andrews McMeel

tion. "It was bad, but it could have been worse," Lewis said. "I was just telling my daughter I'm so grateful. You've got to be grateful for life."

[WSVN, 9/21/24]

AWESOME! Reach for the stars, kids! And by "stars," we mean "wheelbarrow." John Loghry of Saylorville, Iowa, made his dream come true when he set a new world record—for the fastest motorized wheelbarrow. WeAreIowa.com reported that Loghry's vehicle reached 57 mph at an event on Sept. 21, beating the previous Guinness World Record of 47 mph. A local sheriff's office helped Loghry confirm the speed with a lidar gun, as required per Guinness rules. "He's been very determined on doing it," said Loghry's wife, Jeanne. Members of the local community came out to watch the attempt, so Loghry, a veteran, ended up using the event to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. He said he hopes he can inspire others to pursue their dreams, even the wacky ones: "If you think you can do it, try it," he said.

KUNG FAUX PANDA As the old saying goes, if it (sorta) looks like a panda, but walks, barks and pants like a dog ... it's a dog. Canoe.com reported that a Chinese zoo in the southern Guangdong province has admitted what many had already guessed: that its "pandas" were actually dogs with their fur painted. Some zoo visitors used social media to share photos and videos of the critters doing very un-pandalike things, such as panting, barking and wagging long tails. Commenters had a field day: "It's a PANdog," one wrote, while another called it "the Temu version of a panda." Once the posts went viral, zoo officials admitted they had painted two chow chow dogs. Some visitors have since demanded refunds.

WHATEVER'S HANDY When a British surgeon couldn't find a scalpel, the BBC reported on Oct. 1, he reached for the next best thing: the Swiss Army knife he normally uses to slice up fruit for his lunch. The news organization has not identified the surgeon, who was operating on a patient at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton. While the surgery was reportedly an emergency—one the patient survived, thankfully—internal documents indicate that the surgeon's colleagues found his behavior "questionable" and that they were "very surprised" he was unable to find a more conventional surgical tool. Dr. Graeme Poston, an expert on clinical negligence and a former consultant surgeon, told the BBC: "It surprises me and appalls me. Firstly, a penknife is not sterile. Secondly, it is not an operating instrument. And thirdly, all the kit (must have been) there." {in}

From Andrews McMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2024 Andrews McMeel