WHEN THE POWER’S OFF, WE KEEP ON.
winners losers
ESCAMBIA COUNTY In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Escambia County Emergency Management mobilized and deployed resources to assist Madison County, which was impacted by the storm. The county deployed its Emergency Mobile Command Unit, THOR, and Escambia County Emergency Medical Services. The crew was joined by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. As Florida's Big Bend area prepared for landfall, State Emergency Operations Center relocated part of its team to Escambia County because Tallahassee was in the storm's path. Urban Search & Rescue teams from around the country staged at the Pensacola Bay Center, waiting for the storm to pass so they could help areas east of us.
PENSACOLA-TALLAHASSEE CATHOLIC
DIOCESE The diocese broke ground on its Trinity Village project. Nine tiny homes will be built at 820 W. Garden St., across from the diocese's headquarters, which is adjacent to St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church. The houses will be available for rent to qualifying, low-income seniors. Trinity Village is an expansion of the diocese's Trinity House program, a transitional housing program that opened in 2020. That program currently provides two communal homes for senior-aged men struggling financially.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA The university was named a 2024 "Great College to Work For," for the 12th year, with special designation as an Honor Roll institution for the sixth consecutive year. The Great Colleges to Work For survey annually collects and analyzes data and highlights colleges that receive top ratings from their employees on workforce practices and policies. This year, 216 institutions participated in the survey, and 75 received recognition. The Great Colleges Honor Roll is a status granted to institutions highlighted most across the recognition categories. Honor Roll status was granted to only 42 of the 75 institutions. UWF earned honor roll in nine recognition categories: Job Satisfaction & Support; Compensation and Benefits; Professional Development; Mission & Pride; Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness; Confidence in Senior Leadership; Faculty & Staff Well-Being; Shared Governance; and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.
RICHARD CORCORAN Most Florida state universities moved up or had unchanged rankings in the annual U.S. News & World Report released last month. New College of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis' vanity project, saw its ranking plummet among liberal arts schools. The college has been remade thanks to millions appropriated by the Florida Legislature to transform it into a conservative's dream institution with the well-paid former House Speaker, Richard Corcoran, as president. New College landed at No. 122 among national liberal arts colleges, down 22 spots. Florida A&M University jumped 10 spots to No. 81 among public universities and, for the sixth consecutive year, was the top-ranked public historically Black college or university.
ACHA Attorneys for people with disabilities have filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) has not provided adequate oversight of Medicaid managed-care plans that care for people in their homes. The lawsuit focuses on Florida's Medicaid system's contracts with managedcare plans to provide what are known as homeand community-based services for people who need long-term care. Five adults with disabilities such as quadriplegia, Alzheimer's disease and debilitating genetic disorders contend that managed-care plans have not provided adequate information. The lawsuit alleges violations of constitutional due-process rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws.
BRAIN DRAIN An American Association of University Professors survey found that more than one out of three Florida professors have applied for jobs outside the state because of new state limits on tenure and academic freedom, plus Florida's political climate. The survey asked professors across the South how political interference, like tenure limits and political vetting of course materials, have affected their career outlooks. Of approximately 350 faculty working almost exclusively in Florida public institutions, 135 (39%) reported that since 2022, they have sought positions in higher education in another state. More than two-thirds of the respondents said they had seen a reduction in the number of applicants for department positions.
Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com
Richard Corcoran / Photo Courtesy of New College of Florida
outtakes
By Rick Outzen
A LOST BEACON OF HOPE
On Sept. 23, Baptist Hospital celebrated the one-year anniversary of moving from its "legacy campus" in a predominately Black neighborhood to its $650-million new campus on Brent Lane and I-110, near its competitor Ascension Sacred Heart.
"It has been an incredible year, and we are honored that our community trusts us to care for them and their loved ones," said Mark Faulkner, the Baptist Health Care CEO, in a press release. "We are proud of our new campus and the level of care it allows us to deliver."
Those living near the abandoned "legacy" campus on E Street didn't celebrate. Many feel betrayed and wonder why the hospital system did not fulfill its promises to them. Why are their loved ones not as important as Baptist's new clientele? Why didn't Baptist seek donors to leave a health care center in their neighborhood?
Ronald Townsend and his wife Lily are in their early 90s and have lived in the same house one block south of Baptist Hospital for decades. They grew up in a segregated Pensacola. Ronald had job offers from around the country, but he and Lily chose to live and raise their children in their hometown. He served on the Pensacola City Council from 2002 to 2020.
Ronald knows the neighborhood. When he and Lily were teenagers, they attended dances at the Fricker Center. He served on the Lakeview Center board. Ronald is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Krewe of African Kings, Knights of Peter Claver and American Legion Post 193.
When Baptist sent its celebratory press release, Ronald called and said he had a few things he wanted to get off his chest. Would I meet with him?
The next afternoon, Ronald and I sat at his dining table with cups of coffee. We both had gained a few pounds since we last met. He wore a purple LSU polo shirt, and we joked about my allegiance to Ole Miss. Pointing to the empty buildings just north of his home, he said, "Rick, we have lost our beacon of hope. That's what Baptist Hospital was in this neighborhood."
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Ronald is disgusted by how quickly the buildings and grounds have deteriorated in the past 12 months. It seems to him that no one cares.
"I called the code enforcement just to make 'em keep it clean and cut the yard so that we won't be looking at eyesore up there," he shared. "Now they are doing the outer perimeters, but they're still letting all the rest fall apart."
When he announced the move in 2019, Faulkner said, "We're going to do this in a way that allows us to maintain a significant presence at our current E Street campus."
In the years before the move, Baptist officials met with Black leaders, asking for their input on what should be left on the E Street campus. According to a Baptist press release from May 2022, nearly three years of research, community discussions and guidance from urban planning experts helped develop a redevelopment vision.
The vision had several tenets, many of which depended on public and private development, but the one within their power to fulfill was their assurance that Baptist would have a solution for "health care that meets the needs of the neighborhood and surrounding areas."
A Baptist vice president even reiterated that promise at a Pensacola City Council meeting.
Ronald met with Baptist officials, attended community meetings and was courted to support the hospital's relocation. Because of his relationship with the Lakeview Center, a subsidiary of Baptist Health Care until 2021, he felt they would be honest with him. The Baptist leaders weren't.
"They told me they would leave a state-ofthe-art facility here," Ronald said. "We don't even have an urgent care center there."
Instead of leaving any health care services on E Street, Baptist chose to open its second hybrid emergency department/urgent care center at Baptist Medical Park on Nine Mile Road. Its foundation sought donors to name its various buildings on Brent Lane, but no one solicited funds to support health care on E Street.
I understand why Ronald didn't join the Baptist celebration, and Baptist leadership doesn't care. {in} rick@inweekly.net
(Annual)
Pensacola Waterfront on Palafox with
2 story building available. Deck on Palafox Marina (dock not included). Excellent condition. Ready for occupancy.
BEING IMPACTFUL LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY
By Tom St. Myer
Whether locally, nationally or internationally, Stephen and Mona Wright embrace bettering the lives of others through their generosity. The couple created Coastal Connection, a nonprofit that invests resources to address extreme poverty, hunger, primary and secondary education, gender equality, environmental sustainability and universal access to health services.
Their extraordinary generosity extends to their alma mater, the University of West Florida (UWF). Their latest gift to UWF established the Wright Family Institute for Global and Population Health. The Wrights gifted $500,000 to create the institute and fund opportunities for students to engage in high-impact global and regional public health studies.
The gift is yet another success story for the university's Here for Good capital campaign, which was launched publicly last April with the gift of $9 million from Darrell and Debbie Gooden to break ground on the Darrell Gooden Stadium. In the past two years, UWF has accumulated substantial donations to name the Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business, the Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership, the Dr. Muhammad Harunur Rashid Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and several programs.
At the April gala, President Martha D. Saunders said, "The 'Here for Good' campaign is a proclamation—a promise to expand the passion of our people and unleash the best of UWF. We are telling our community and our world that UWF is here today and here to stay."
The Wrights' gift fulfills Dr. Saunders' message to the community and the world.
"For us, we see it as an opportunity to partner between Coastal Connection and the institute to really further our missions," said Stephen, who retired in 2018 after 37 years in leadership positions in the health care industry, including CEO for CHRISTUS Health Louisiana and Southeast Texas. "Scientific research impacts advocacy directly, and advocacy directly impacts public policy. That's why we think research is so critical and the opportunities are unlimited."
GLOBAL & LOCAL IMPACTS
Housed in the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, the institute officially opened last month during a ceremony on the UWF campus but is still identifying focus areas. Associate Dean Mark Diana manages the institute and said it will initially build on programs already underway in the College of Health. The programs include breast cancer screening, community health worker training, cardiovascular health and movement sciences.
"Part of the process of standing up and developing this institute is going to be determining what those focus areas are," Diana said. "We're going to try to build on what we've got, but we're also going to try to complement that with some development of strategic goals and directions for funding the work that we need to do."
Dr. David Bellar, dean of UWF's Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, said improving health conditions in Escambia County will be a priority for the institute. Escambia ranks in the bottom third of the state in health, ranking 51st out of 67 counties. Bellar said the institute will be visible
and actively engaged in the community through events and other sponsored activities.
"When you say 'research institute,' people in the community don't necessarily think it will have a direct impact on them," Bellar said. "We want to be a great benefit to our local community."
The institute is already gaining traction with the National Institutes of Health, the primary U.S. government agency responsible for biomedical and public health research.
Representatives from its All of Us Research Program have engaged with UWF faculty and are scheduled to be on campus Oct. 22-24. The program collects and studies data from people in the U.S. to accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs.
UWF established the institute in just 18 months. Bellar credited Stephen for providing wisdom and guidance throughout the process. He described Stephen as a "master strategic planner" whose vision turned the planning phase into an operational phase.
"It's more than writing a check," Stephen said. "We're going to be actively involved and contribute where we can to the endeavors of the institute."
THE COASTAL CONNECTIONS LINK
The Wrights primarily live in Louisiana but own a house in Gulf Breeze and visit their alma mater regularly. Their involvement at UWF includes making significant gifts to athletics, establishing a scholarship endowment and donating truckloads of food for students battling food insecurity. In addition, Stephen serves on the UWF Foundation Board. Part of a threegeneration Argo family, Stephen recalls being on the UWF campus as a 7-year-old with his father, Ronald, a 1969 charter graduate.
The Wrights led, collaborated with and funded nonprofit organizations for 35-plus years. The couple contributed over $1.5 million to support various organizations before establishing Coastal Connection in 2018. Coastal Connection's domestic operations include medical supplies and equipment, education, a food pantry program, a prison re-entry program and empowering women through investment. Its international operations primarily occur in Africa and Haiti and include investing in feeding the malnourished, education, health care, social justice, agriculture and faith.
Educating girls in Africa is particularly important to Mona, who spent her career as a special education teacher.
"In many of the African countries, what happens is these young girls are not able to go to school," she said. "What happens if they don't go to school? They're married off at a very young age. We're trying to help these young ladies further themselves. The impact we're now able to make is amazing."
The Wrights oversee operations in Haiti from afar. Due to gang violence, the couple last visited the country about two-and-a-half years ago. Their efforts in Haiti include the Ona Ville Community Clinic, which relocated to the southern peninsula after gangs seized the previous location. This marked the second move due to gang violence. The first move occurred after a security guard was shot four times.
"In many of the African countries, what happens is these young girls are not able to go to school. What happens if they don't go to school?" Mona Wright
The new location is bustling with activity. The clinic serves a population of 200,000. Most patients walk to the clinic, and some travel five miles by foot for treatment.
"It's been open for six weeks, and we've already seen between 3,000 to 5,000 patients," Stephen said of the new location. "We see 150 patients a day. One day, we had 250 show up, and there were 105 we couldn't see."
The clinic treats its share of patients for gunshot and stab wounds, but the Wrights said the majority seek treatment for hypertension, diabetes and other illnesses prevalent in the U.S. How to combat those illnesses will be the challenge for faculty and students at the institute.
Bellar said the institute will provide students with real-world experience in public health. That experience will include expanding their research opportunities.
"The institute really has aspirations to make an impact at the local, regional and global levels," Bellar said. "At the local and regional levels, as we work with faculty on projects, there will be opportunities for students to become involved with research."
The Wrights gifted $500,000 with research opportunities for students at the top of their minds. The institute will be judged on how that research impacts the local, regional and global communities.
"We don't want just to do research," Stephen said. "We want the institute to take that research and influence education; that way, we can implement practical solutions to whatever those opportunities are that have been identified."
To learn more, visit uwf.edu/ukcoh. {in}
Photo Courtesy of UWF
GIRLS IN AVIATION The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, in partnership with Women in Aviation International, will host Girls in Aviation Gulf Coast 2024, an empowering event dedicated to inspiring young women passionate about aviation and aerospace careers. This highly anticipated event is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 16 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola—and a few slots for girls ages 8-18 are still open.
The special guest speaker is Michelle Curran, a former U.S. Air Force (USAF) major and trailblazing pilot with the USAF Thunderbirds. Curran, known by her call sign "Mace," served as the lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds and was only the fifth woman to fly with the elite demonstration squadron. She joined the Thunderbirds in 2019, flew as the opposing solo pilot that same year, and led the solo team in 2020 and 2021. Her remarkable career, including her expertise in flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon as part of the Thunderbirds' Delta formation, will inspire attendees as she shares her journey and the challenges she overcame as a woman in aviation.
"Last year, we had 26 exhibitors, and we hope to blow that number out of the water this year," said Dianna Hayden, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation's education director. "We've already got women from the Navy and Air Force, Airbus Experimental Aircraft Association, the Sea Cadets, the National Flight Academy, the Chappie James Museum and many, many more. These people signed up to share their experiences with these young girls and show them that the sky's not even the limit; it's just the start."
The cost is only $5. To register, visit navalaviationmuseum.org.
CHARTER CABAL Inweekly has heard a small group has begun discussions to hold a referendum on a county charter. Topics under discussion include adding more commissioners
room in the conversations with Gensler architects and with The Dawson Group, too. No one is more fit to do so. She was the author of that plan. And so that means we will ultimately have that seat at the table as they start to go through those drawings and through additional planning about what the buildings are going to look like, how it fits into the Maritime Park area and how it fits into the West Main Master Plan."
In January, Mayor Reeves announced the City had contacted Escambia County Public Schools about its interest in taking ownership of the vacant John A. Gibson school building. Located at the 700 block of North C Street, the building originally opened in 1921 as a segregated elementary school and functioned in that capacity until closing in 1974. Head Start then operated its headquarters out of the building for 50 years until the school district terminated the lease last December.
At the presser, the mayor announced the school board had approved selling the former John A. Gibson School to the City of Pensacola for $700,000.
a $110,000 gift from the McMillan family and $400,000 from the late Barbara Goggins estate to enhance the train exhibition and improve the outdoor space around the Museum of Industry. The new train canopy area includes a locomotive and flat car formerly owned by the T.R. Miller Mill Company and an L&N caboose. In recognition of her support, the new space will be named the Barbara Goggins Train Pavilion.
"We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for their support in making the restoration of our historic train a reality," said Rob Overton, executive director of UWF Historic Trust. "Their contributions have not only preserved a piece of our community's history but have also enriched our museum site with a new and engaging interactive exhibit. This restoration will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience and provide a deeper connection to our past."
to dilute the power of the current board, eliminating single-member districts and creating a county mayor to run the county's $700-million operations. It's uncertain if the group will try to consolidate the city and county. You can expect more viewpoints in the once-daily newspaper bashing the county commissioners while they work behind closed doors developing their marketing plan.
CITY HALL NEWS On Sept. 24, Mayor D.C. Reeves held a press conference and discussed several topics, including Parcel 5 at the Maritime Park, the historic John A. Gibson School and the abandoned Baptist Hospital campus.
The mayor noted the city council's concerns that Inspired Communities of Florida's hotel on the Maritime Park's Parcel 5 might not "respect" the West Main Master Plan.
"After that meeting, I brainstormed a little bit about how do we continue to give the public, who did participate in those conversations, the assurance that the feedback we were given and that report that the City took on would continue to be respected in some way or at least just be monitored," Mayor Reeves said.
DPZ CoDesign developed the West Main Master Plan in 2019 to guide the development of West Main Street from Clubbs Street to Spring Street. Quint Studer, who owns the former Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) site, paid for the study—which also included the vacant parcels at the Maritime Park and Bruce Beach.
The mayor admitted that Inspired Communities of Florida doesn't have to conform to the West Main Master Plan. "I believe they have full intent to do so, and with this next step, I think we've certainly proved that we have a vested interest in making sure that that's respected."
Mayor Reeves will bring on Marina Khoury, who helped co-author the West Main Master Plan, in a consultant role. He said, "She will be working as a City representative and be in the
"We have six months of due diligence, and there's lots of due diligence to do," he said. "Our first steps are going to be a full structural assessment of the building. We have sent a team through there before, probably several months ago now. And there are certainly questions about the structural integrity of the building, no doubt about it. But we don't have enough information yet. So that's what the six months of due diligence is for."
Mayor Reeves said his staff has begun looking at possible grants and historic preservation credits to help repair and renovate the structure. "I appreciate the school board knowing what our intent is here and that, unlike selling it on the private market, we have the ability to get a good outcome."
The mayor also said the City is "full steam ahead" on its due diligence on the West Moreno District property that Baptist Hospital abandoned a year ago. "Our demo consultant has been there now multiple times, and I think we're starting to get to some clarity on what buildings can be saved, if any."
Mayor Reeves continued, "Remember, lots of speculation out there. We want to study the toxins that might be in the building first before we start making any promises there. And there's a very real school of thought that nothing can be saved there because of just the sheer cost and the environmental impacts."
A year after Baptist shut down the facility, the mayor doesn't know enough yet to answer what will happen next. "But I know we are aggressively moving toward what we wanted to do in step one, which is before we get into a fullblown agreement and saying we are taking this property, I have to do right by the taxpayers and say, 'I need to know everything I can about that property before we take it on.'"
UWF TRAIN PAVILION The University of West Florida (UWF) Historic Trust received
More than 50 years ago, the UWF Historic Trust acquired the locomotive and flat car from the T.R. Miller Mill Company as an addition to the Museum of Industry. Since then, the engine has sat outside the museum and been viewed and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors. In 2023, the need to restore the locomotive and flat car was evident, and the UWF Historic Trust needed assistance to fund the restoration.
"Our family is proud to see our contributions put to work in support of this restoration project," said Tom McMillan. "We hope this new, interactive space will be enjoyed by many visitors for years to come."
For more information about UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.
STATE OF UWF Because of Hurricane Helene, Dr. Martha Saunders, the president of the University of West Florida (UWF), did not give her State of the University address on Thursday, Sept. 26, as scheduled. However, she shared her thoughts with Inweekly.
"Part of our mission is that we have students from varied backgrounds, and as we've talked about before, we have set record enrollment every year for five years and again this year," she shared. "And so, we're happy to do that, but these students are more academically talented than ever before."
She continued, "When I came into the presidency, UWF had never had a National Merit finalist. This year, we welcomed our 14th, and that's pretty exciting because these students can go anywhere."
Dr. Saunders bragged about how well her students have performed in national competitions. "If there's a competition, we're going to send the team, and these teams are absolutely kind of not only succeeding but sort of cleaning the floor with some of the other big-name schools."
A UWF team placed fifth in the country against teams, including Yale University and Dartmouth College, at the National Big Data Health Science Student Case Competition. UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business students took home a first-place win at the 2024
Photo Courtesy of Naval Aviation Museum Foundation
Southeastern Hedge Fund Strategy Competition, beating students from 28 other universities. UWF's Speech & Debate team swept the table at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Convention and Tournament. Students ranked in the top 10%, and Elizabeth Royappa, an Inweekly intern, won top superior, making her, in other words, the national champion.
Dr. Saunders believes UWF is hitting its stride. "We have been in business since 1967, but in university terms, that's not so old. But we have grown as the community has grown. Our friend Lewis Bear used to say, 'Great communities need great universities.' And I say, 'Great universities need great communities.' And so, we have worked in tandem as the community has developed, as well with good communication between the two."
ASCENSION SACRED HEART INNOVATION
Both Dr. Saunders and Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola CEO Will Condon touted the new state-of-the-art simulation center on the hospital's campus for UWF students completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The center was unveiled on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
"It's really a twofold announcement," Condon said. "We had our first senior cohort of nursing students graduate from the University of West Florida, and this cohort actually does their last three semesters physically on our campus. So not only are they doing their classwork on our campus, but they're doing their clinical rotations with teams that they potentially will work with in the near future when they graduate."
He continued, "And then, on top of that, UWF also partnered with us on a simulation lab. When those nurses finish their clinical rotations, they can come back to this lab, learn whatever they saw in the clinical setting and make sure they're providing the best patient care possible."
Nationally, authorities project a shortage of nearly 80,000 full-time RNs in 2025. As Florida's population continues to grow, it is estimated that over 59,000 more nurses and more than 36,000 physicians will be needed in the state by 2035.
"Our community is undoubtedly improved by partnerships like these, which prioritize the next generation of local nurses," Condon said. "We are blessed to be able to support one of our local colleges in such a collaborative and impactful way."
This lab was partly funded by over $400,000 in Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) funding organized by the Florida Legislature. Both Sacred Heart Pensacola and UWF thanked State Reps Alex Andrade, Michelle Salzman, Joel Rudman and State Sen. Doug Broxson for their continued support.
COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Last week, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity hosted a Community Land Trust (CLT) Stakeholders luncheon at Angelena's Ristorante Italiano. The audience included several state and local officials, nonprofits and business leaders.
Pensacola Habitat CEO Sam Young told the attendees that their CLT has become certified and used by the state to show how such a venture should work. He explained the CLT is an option for renters who want to build a little equity before buying their first home. The CLT owner shares the appreciation of a CLT home's value with the CLT so that the house remains affordable for the next buyer.
Mayor Reeves attended the luncheon and explained his support for the CLT on "Real News with Rick Outzen." At a recent leadership meeting for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, mayors discussed how they planned to add more affordable housing in their cities.
"I'll tell you a Community Land Trust came up more than once," the mayor shared, "And what I love about the idea, and why we already are avid supporters of it and certainly putting at least our property where our mouth is, is because it's the permanent affordability aspect."
He explained that Pensacola has tried creating affordable housing in many different ways, but none have been successful beyond the first buyer. "We've come up with a mechanism that's even more efficient, that allows it to stay affordable for 99 years or more. And so, that's why I believe in it."
Mayor Reeves added, "We get to say we're helping the affordable housing issue in the city, and really need it, for generations to come. I am a huge supporter of it, and I'm happy to hopefully continue to see that grow here in our community."
To learn more, visit pensacolahabitat.org.
SNACK DRIVE PenAir Credit Union (PenAir) has launched its second annual Snack Stock, a community-wide snack collection drive to benefit Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Centers. Its branches began accepting snack donations from the community, including members and non-members, Oct. 2. The drive will supply the cancer center's snack cabinet with individually wrapped items for cancer patients and their families to enjoy while in the waiting room, treatment areas or at routine appointments.
"PenAir is committed to providing comfort and support to local individuals and their families in the fight against breast cancer," said Connie Hansler, Sponsorships & Events Specialist at PenAir Credit Union. "Any contribution, large or small, would mean so much to someone fighting cancer."
Individually wrapped snacks can be placed in collection boxes at all PenAir branches throughout October in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Snacks should be single-serving packaged items, such as chips, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, crackers, snack or protein bars, or pudding or fruit cups and pouches. Visit penair.org/snackstock for a complete list of snack options and additional details.
Those who cannot stop by a branch but still want to donate can place an order from PenAir's Snack Stock Wishlist on Amazon and have it delivered directly to PenAir's Nine Mile corporate office. {in}
BY DAKOTA PARKS
For the past 12 years, Stamped Film Festival has been a beacon of LGBTQ+ storytelling in the South, offering audiences an opportunity to experience diverse narratives from around the world. From tales of queer joy and resilience to stories of heartbreak and universal human struggles, the annual film festival celebrates the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ experience. With new programming like Stamped After Dark, which puts the spotlight on queer horror stories, along with the return of Family Day festivities and the highly anticipated festival headliner, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Alex Newell—Stamped 2024 is set to remain a cultural cornerstone in Pensacola.
MORE THAN MOVIES
Stamped board member Aurora Osborn understands the power of art to cross political divides and foster meaningful conversations. Having been part of the festival since its early days as an attendee turned volunteer turned board member, she hopes Stamped leaves a lasting legacy, long after the credits stop rolling.
"Contributing to the festival's evolution be yond film—to include meaningful supplemental programs, like open dialogues and workshops, gives me a sense that I am helping create a lasting legacy," she explained. "To me, Stamped represents validation of the invaluable contributions that queer and allied Pensacolians make to our community—whether through art, economics, philanthropy, service, education or countless other avenues."
The festival's focus on creating an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies remains at the core of its mission. Osborn noted that it's not just about films and bringing people together; it's about building bridges to resources.
Stamped continues to host a resource fair highlighting local and statewide nonprofits, LGBTQ+ organizations and health care groups while also offering a full day of family-friendly programming, held Sunday each year.
"Historically, the queer community has been pushed to the margins, operating in the shadows and forced into secrecy. While progress has been made and queerness is increasingly destig -
leaders to highlight the vibrancy and legitimacy of queer families—whether it's LGBTQIA+ parents raising children, children coming out to their families or adults aspiring to create their own families despite societal barriers."
This year, Family Day will feature two film blocks—one for younger children and another for teens—alongside a special screening for parents and aspiring parents. Offering multiple film blocks at once allows families to select age-appropriate screenings that best suit their needs.
Another can't-miss element of this year's Stamped will be a meet-and-greet with Newell, who made Broadway history in 2023 as the first openly nonbinary actor to win a Tony Award for their performance in "Shucked."
Limited to 100 guests with tickets for $75, this event will include a personal welcome from Newell, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, photo opportunities, autographs and a chance to submit questions for a moderated Q&A and moderated discussion alongside Stamped President Sid Williams-Heath.
ray of genres, 2024 marks the debut of Stamped After Dark—a new late-night event held backstage after the main festival. This thrilling addition spotlights a lineup of queer horror films and features drag performances hosted by Pensacola's very own queen of horror Terrah Card.
"While there hasn't necessarily been a long history of overt LGBTQ+ representation in horror stories, I think the horror genre holds a very special place in the hearts of many queer folks," said Laynie Gibson, Stamped vice president. "NYU professor Joe Vallese summarizes this very well in the introduction to 'It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror,' when he suggests that queer people are often 'tasked with reading ourselves into' the genre and that these narratives, characters and settings often 'parallel the unique ways in which we encounter, navigate and occupy the word.'"
As Gibson eludes, the intersection of fear and identity is often at the heart of the horror genre. Horror can serve as a stand-in or a dis -
Photos Courtesy of Stamped Film Festival
diverse short films that explore the many fac ets of queer horror—from the dramatic to the campy and comedic. The After Dark experience will take place backstage, complete with its own bar and spooky vibes.
Once the films stop rolling, Card will take the stage, intertwining drag and horror to curate an unforgettable show.
Card is also a horror aficionado who has drawn inspiration from films. She credits the 1977 Japanese film "House" specifically as a significant influence on her style in and out of drag.
"What I love about horror is that it brings people together," Card shared. "I remember huddling around the couch with friends and just having a moment that we experienced together. Whether it was a ridiculous horror movie that made us laugh or something that made us want to stay up with the lights on, horror has always been a moment that brought friendships closer."
This bond between horror and friendship also inspired her horror-comedy podcast Stay On the Line. Born out of the isolation of the pandemic, Card hosted over 110 episodes alongside friends and fellow drag entertainers, reviewing and discussing contemporary, queerhorror films, like "Bodies Bodies Bodies," "The Perfection" and "The Boulet Brothers' Dragula" as well as classic queer-coded horror films.
"A lot of queer people can identify with the villains in horror movies too. Many horror villains are outcasts or 'othered' in some type of way, and queer people can really relate to that— not being deemed what is considered normal, being shut out from the world or generally misunderstood," Card shared. "Leatherface is a great example of a queer horror icon who puts on makeup and a wig, and is just different, who is actually abused by his family members. Many people can resonate with stories like that."
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AMID DIVISION
As Stamped continues to thrive, its commitment to remaining a free festival for all underscores its deeper responsibility in today's political climate. Just as the horror genre pushes boundaries and explores the darker implications of the human experience, festival organizers hope Stamped can serve as a platform to bridge divides.
lenges us to see the world through someone else's eyes, to question our assumptions and to grow in our understanding," Osborn adds. "At a time when differences are often used to divide us, Stamped is a reminder that those differences—whether in identity, opinion or experience—can instead be opportunities for growth and learning, to unite us and to strengthen our local community."
STAMPED FILM FESTIVAL
WHAT: An annual event that highlights LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6
WHERE: The Clark Family Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St.
COST: Free, but advance registration is required
DETAILS: stampedfilmfest.com, @stampedfilmfestival
•Friday, Oct. 4 doors open at 5 p.m. and films run until 8:30 p.m.
•Saturday, Oct. 5 doors open at 11:45 a.m. and films run until 9:30 p.m.
•Sunday, Oct. 6 doors open at 1 p.m. and films run until 5 p.m.
STAMPED AFTER DARK
WHAT: An after-hours experience featuring queer horror content and drag performances
WHEN: 8:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4
COST: $10
DETAILS: pensacolalittletheatre.com/showsand-events
STAMPED COCKTAIL RECEPTION WITH ALEX NEWELL
WHAT: A meet-and-greet with Tony Awardwinner Alex Newell
WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
COST: $75
DETAILS: pensacolalittletheatre.com/showsand-events
*As part of our Stamped coverage, Inweekly also interviewed Ariel Mahler, an award-winning writer and director whose film "Re-Entry" will be screening at the festival. Turn to page 13 to read that Q&A.
Arts & Entertainment
Lost in Orbit with Filmmaker Ariel Mahler
(AFI), Mahler made their mark directing deeply resonant films that showcase a diverse cast and crew while delving into the nuances of trans experiences. Most recently, her documentary "Evan Ever After" won the Best Documentary Short at the 2023 Stamped Film Festival, and Mahler's accolades far exceed the word count allotted here. Mahler will return to Pensacola for this year's Stamped, where her film "Re-Entry" will make its local debut. The film tells the story of a trans scientist confronting her past after rediscovering a lost satellite from her time at NASA.
INWEEKLY: Given the film industry's wellknown gender imbalance and the underrepresentation of female and trans directors, what drew you to directing, producing and writing films?
MAHLER: For as long as I can remember, I've been creating make-believe characters and worlds in my head. Growing up, I struggled to belong. As a young, closeted trans person, I was expected to behave in a certain way, to perform a specific type of "masculinity," and when I couldn't meet those narrow social expectations, I was often ostracized for my femininity. Storytelling became my sanctu-
By Dakota Parks
ary. As a proud trans woman and a filmmaker, I'm driven to tell stories of characters searching for meaning and freedom through their connection with others. I'm drawn to characters who don't belong in the world they were assigned, who try—and often fail—to fill the void of loneliness through intimate relationships, be they romantic, community or otherwise.
INWEEKLY: In your filmmaking process, how do you ensure the stories of marginalized communities are told with both sensitivity and strength?
MAHLER: Whenever I approach a film, I aim to work with as many LGBTQ+ artists as I can, both in front of and behind the lens. I'm proud to say that all of the films I made while studying at AFI centered queer and/or trans characters and were spearheaded by women and trans folks in key crew positions. My thesis film, "Re-Entry," was the first in AFI history to have both a trans director and trans cinematographer and was one of the first to feature a trans protagonist. On non-male-dominated sets, my collaborators and I are able to remove the burden that we're forced to carry in a patriarchal world, allowing us to fully focus on the artistry.
INWEEKLY: While at AFI, you directed both experimental films and deeply resonant stories about the trans experience, such as "Egg Crack" and "t4t." How did these projects influence your perspective as a director and storyteller?
MAHLER: As I continue to make work about queer and trans people, I've identified a spectrum of storytelling. On one end are stories where trans identity is the central point of the story, often involving coming out or self-acceptance. On the other end are stories where characters themselves may be queer and/or trans, but their identities are never mentioned. I am continually searching for where I want my own work to fall within that spectrum. "t4t" and "Egg Crack" are both trans stories, and making those films helped bring me closer to finding my own voice. Making films that center trans characters always helps to remind me that trans people are as unique and individual as humanity itself. I think it's a mistake to aim to tell a trans story that universally represents the trans experience—we are not a monolith.
INWEEKLY: You often work in both narrative and documentary formats. How do you
decide which form best suits the story you're telling, and do you feel drawn more to one than the other?
MAHLER: I definitely find myself more naturally drawn to narrative storytelling; however, I loved making my most recent documentary "Evan Ever After," and I would absolutely do it again if the opportunity presented itself. They're such different forms of storytelling. Narrative filmmaking is a more generative process—you're building the story from the ground up in order to serve the wider purpose of exploring a specific theme or message. With documentary filmmaking, the story already exists, and your job is to unearth it and help shape it—to find the deeper themes within the real-life truth.
INWEEKLY: In your short film "Re-Entry," your protagonist, a trans scientist, confronts her past after rediscovering a lost satellite from her time at NASA. What inspired you to write and tell this story about reconciling one's past and identity?
MAHLER: It was my cinematographer, Maryn McGaw, who sent me a TikTok video of a scientist, explaining a very real phenomenon known as a zombie satellite. These are satellites that were launched several decades ago, and for one reason or another, stopped communicating with Earth, often becoming trapped in the wrong orbit, and essentially dying altogether. Decades later, some of these satellites begin mysteriously communicating once more, emerging from the dead—hence the name 'zombie' satellite.
When I first learned about this beautiful scientific occurrence, I immediately thought about the direct trans parallel—getting 'lost in the wrong orbit,' communication systems, breaking down as we learn to reinvent ourselves, and the process of re-emerging as a new, true version of who we have always been. I think many queer people have a unique and complex relationship to the passage of time. We try to make sense of past trauma and the ways our freedoms were constrained, and we fight to reconcile who we once were with who we've always been.
INWEEKLY: What kind of legacy do you hope your work will leave in terms of representation, both within the trans community and in the broader film world?
MAHLER: As much as I talk about trans stories and queer representation, I also have to recognize that such discussions can also be limiting. When we overly focus on queer films existing only for the sake of representation alone, we can inadvertently end up devaluing the work of the artist. I hope that we're moving toward a place where queer and trans
films can exist because of the merit of their stories, the strength of their characters and the power of their visual storytelling techniques. So, when I think about my own legacy, I want to be known as something more than just a trans filmmaker. I want my work to be valued because it impacted someone, because it made someone feel less alone or because it reframed someone's idea of how to see the world.
INWEEKLY: On that same note, what advice would you give to younger trans and queer creatives?
MAHLER: The biggest piece of advice I can offer any young creative person, especially those who are queer and trans, is to just create, create, create. Obviously, it takes a lot of money and people to actually make a film, but writing is free, and if you have a basic smart phone, you can film short scenes with a group of friends. The best way to improve your skill set and to find your voice as an artist is to keep making work, and most importantly, to not overly criticize the work that you have made. Nobody's first few pieces of writing are ever very good.
INWEEKLY: Are there any current projects in the works that you're excited about? I saw the Seed&Spark video for "Uneven," which looks like a tender and nuanced exploration of polyamory—an area that you mentioned is finally starting to receive more complex representation in media.
MAHLER: Yes! The next short film I directed, "Uneven," is currently in post-production and should be hitting the festival circuit in early 2025. The film stars and was written by John Brodsky. "Uneven" is a nonlinear exploration of longing and regret, told through the lens of a queer, nonmonogamous relationship. The story follows Tom and Max, a once profoundly in-love gay couple, who are driven apart by differences in their relationship orientations. The narrative unfolds over two parallel timelines: the present, where Tom and Max's relationship has reached a breaking point, and the past, where we see the choices that led to this tumultuous time. The film's nonlinearity evokes the ways in which memory burns into our brains, exploring how the smallest suggestions can send us reeling back, yearning to relive lost moments. To follow the film's progress, find us on Instagram @unevenfilm. {in}
ARIEL MAHLER
arielmahler.com, @arielmahler
"Re-Entry" will be screening at Stamped on Saturday, Oct. 5 during the 2:20-3:10 p.m. film block.
*This Q&A was edited for length and clarity.
a&e happenings
NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS
DANETOBER FEST Enjoy this dog-friendly event featuring raffles, vendors and food trucks 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Seville Square. For more information, visit facebook.com/nwflgdr.
PAWS FOR A CAUSE: PET WALK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE This is a FavorHouse event raising awareness of animal cruelty in domestic violence cases. Event is 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Corinne Jones Community Park, 640 W. Government St. Details are at favorhouse.org.
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.
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.
PET ADOPTION EVENT Meet adoptable animals, participate in the raffle of a custom-built dog home, shop vendors and more 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Bagdad Mill Park, 70247036 Magnolia St.
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 poptop 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) 7233390 for details.
ARTS & CULTURE
POURS & ENCORES Enjoy happy hour with a performance from Pensacola Opera 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/pensacolaopera.
'YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE
BROWN' UWF Theatre Department presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Saturday, Oct. 5, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. Performances are at UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Building 82. Tickets and information are at uwf.edu/tickets.
STAMPED LGBT FILM FESTIVAL A three-day weekend celebrating independent film and equality is Oct. 4-6 at Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. Admission is free. Visit stampedfilmfest.com for details.
WSRE SCREENING OF 'FLORIDA ROAD
TRIP: PENSACOLA' WSRE PBS will host a free film screening of the WUCF show "Florida Road Trip: Pensacola" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in the station's Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd. Details are at wsre.com/events.
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OPENING NIGHT Show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Details and tickets are at pensacolasymphony.com.
FIRST CITY ART CENTER'S 18TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH The first pick preview is 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 and includes beer and
wine from Pensacola Bay Brewery, music, refreshments, art demonstrations and more. Tickets are $35-$40. On Saturday, Oct. 5, the pumpkin patch is open to the public 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. with free admission. For more information, visit firstcityart.org.
CATCH THE SPIRIT ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL Various vendors on display with drinks and home-baked goods are available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Christ Episcopal Church, 7979 N. Ninth Ave.
HISPANIC HERITAGE FIESTA A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with food, vendors, live music and more with free admission is 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Seville Square.
PLANT-A-PALOOZA Plant sale complete with beer and food trucks is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Gary's Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave. Details are at facebook.com/garysbrew.
ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL Shop handmade crafts and fine art gifts 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 N. Ninth Ave.
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.
2024 PUMPKIN PARTIES Strong Street Studio, 109 N. A St., will host in-studio and online times to purchase glass pumpkins. Dates are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6. An online sale starts 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Visit strongstreetstudioglass.com for details.
PENSACON HALLOWEEN FEST Pensacon's free holiday event features special guests Austin St. John and Ryan Drummond, the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. Event is Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 at Splash City Adventure, 6709 Pensacola Blvd. Kids can stay all day and play for $9.99. Adult costume contest is Saturday, and kids costume contest is Sunday. Details are at pensacon.com.
AMERICA'S 250TH PATRIOT MARKER DEDICATION CEREMONY DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) will host a dedication ceremony for America's 250th marker 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Avenue. A reception will follow immediately at Hilton Garden Inn.
DRAG THE VOTE Meet local candidates and drag queens, and check your voter registration 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Cabaret, 101 Jefferson St.
EMERALD WAVES SQUARES Enjoy LGBTQ-friendly square dance lessons at an Open House 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 8 at Ragon Hall, 2600 Stratford Road. Details are at emeraldwavessquares.com.
PENSACOLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SOCIETY: NAVIGATING MAROON ARCHAEOLOGY Lecture presented by Bria R Brooks, public archaeologist with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), is 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the activities building at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd. The event is free to attend. Visit pasfl.org for details.
GULF COAST DRAG RACE Weekly winners and eliminations are 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Cost is $10. Show is open to those 18 and older. Details are at thehandlebar850.com.
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 a myriad of 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.
a&e happenings
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. Details are at facebook.com/pensacolavintagecollective.
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.
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.
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 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
FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL MARKET
REOPENING Celebrate the reopening of Four Winds with events including a travel club social 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, an Oktoberfest party all day Saturday, Oct. 5 and live music 2:304:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at 6895 N. Ninth Ave.
ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 a person and includes samples of beer along with appetizers, and features dark and dessert beers. RSVP is required. Make yours by calling (850) 287-0200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.
FOURTH ANNUAL NUTS & BUTTS
FESTIVAL Enjoy smoked Boston butts and hot boiled peanuts paired with brews at Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road. The festival is all weekend, Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6. Details are at coastalcountybrewing.com/events.
FUN-DA-MENTALS: SAUCY SKILLS Class is 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Tickets are $60 a student at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.
ITALIAN POP-UP AT ODD COLONY Enjoy an Italian menu from Chef Rusty and Lamonte Gelato 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details and menu are at facebook. com/oddcolony.
BRUNCH POP-UP AT ODD COLONY Chef Rusty has a menu of brunch favorites 11 a.m.3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for details and menu.
VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five wines with fellow wine enthusiasts 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox St. Tickets are $18 a person. RSVP is required and can be made at vpauls.com.
TASTE OF THE BEACH 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.
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.
PUB & PARTY 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.
a&e happenings
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.
SECOND TUESDAY THEMED TRIVIA Visit Perfect Plain Brewing Co. for themed trivia nights 7-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 50 E. Garden St. Visit facebook.com/perfectplainbrewingco for details.
DOLLAR NIGHT AT O'RILEY'S Dollar Night is 8 p.m. to 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.
SIN NIGHT AND KARAOKE Karaoke is 9 p.m.1 a.m. and SIN specials are 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at Mugs & 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. to 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.
TRIVIA AT SIR RICHARD'S Flex your trivia knowledge 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.com for details.
POKER NIGHT AT SIR RICHARD'S Poker
Night is 6 p.m. Saturdays at Sir Richard's Public House, 2719 E Cervantes St. Visit sirrichardslounge.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
BANDS ON THE BEACH Weekly concert series is 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Oct. 8 is Knee Deep Band, and Oct. 15 is String Farm. For details, visit visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bandson-beach.
a&e happenings
PENSACOLA BEACH SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival returns Oct. 1-6 with 127 songwriters performing at 21 venues on Pensacola Beach and downtown Pensacola. Details are at pensacolabeachsongwritersfestival.com.
RADIOLIVE The next RadioLive is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Musuem of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza, with Luke Bulla, Cristina Vane and Taylor Grace. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at radiolive.org.
TROMBONE SHORTY Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details are at vinylmusichall.com.
MR. GNOME, EGO DEATH, MID EVIL TIMES, BANGARANG PETER Show is 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $12-18. Details are at thehandlebar850.com.
STUDIOAMPED The 15th season of StudioAmped kicks off 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 with three artists from the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival: Lauren Mascitti, Jim McCormick and CJ Solar. Other dates include: Bangarang Peter on Tuesday, Oct. 8; Civilized Natives on Thursday, Oct. 10; Johnny Hayes & The Alabama Fire on Monday, Oct. 14; Jordan Chase on Wednesday, Oct. 16; and Justin Jeansonne on Friday, Oct. 18. All shows begin 7 p.m. with free admission. Shows will be at the Jean & Paul Amos Theatre, 1000 College Blvd. For more information, visit wsre.org/events.
BANDS ON THE BAYOU The final concert of the 2024 Bands on the Bayou concert series, featuring Bay Bridge Band, is Saturday, Oct. 5. Admission is free and will take place at Bayview Park 6:30-8:30 p.m.
CARPOOL: ULTIMATE CARS COVER BAND Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details are at vinylmusichall.com.
CASTING CROWNS Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Tickets are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
THE JINS, OLIVE VOX, FEED LEMON Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $15. Details are at thehandlebar850.com.
DANIEL DONATO'S COSMIC COUNTRY Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $25-$30. Details are at thehandlebar850.com.
DEMON HUNTER Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details are at vinylmusichall.com.
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS Show is 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.
DEICIDE Show is 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details are at vinylmusichall.com.
VOSH, SHEHEHE, STIGMA Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at thehandlebar850.com.
BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS
MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN Show is 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.
LOTUS Show is 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Details are at vinylmusichall.com.
LIVE MUSIC AT FIVE SISTERS Enjoy live music at Five Sisters, 421 W. Belmont St. •Glen Parker Band 6-10 p.m. Saturdays •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.
for more listings visit inweekly.net
PENSACOLA BEACH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL SHOW
LAUREN MASCITTI
JIM MCCORMICK
CJ SOLAR FRI OCT 4
BANGARANG PETER TUES OCT 8
CIVILIZED NATIVES THURS OCT 10
JOHNNY HAYES & THE ALABAMA FIRE MON OCT 14
JORDAN CHASE WED OCT 16
JUSTIN JEANSONNE FRI OCT 18
free will astrology
WEEK OF OCTOBER 3
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): During some Wiccan rituals, participants are asked, "What binds you? And what will you do to free yourself from what binds you?" I recommend this exercise to you right now, Aries. Here's a third question: Will you replace your shackles with a weaving that inspires and empowers you? In other words, will you shed what binds you and, in its stead, create a bond that links you to an influence you treasure?
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): If I had to name the zodiac sign other signs are most likely to underestimate, I would say Taurus. Why? Well, many of you bulls are rather modest and humble. You prefer to let your practical actions speak louder than fine words. Your wellgrounded strength is diligent and poised, not flashy. People may misread your resilience and dependability as signs of passivity. But here's good news, dear Taurus: In the coming weeks, you will be less likely to be undervalued and overlooked. Even those who have been ignorant of your appeal may tune in to the fullness of your tender power and earthy wisdom.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In the coming days, I invite you to work on writing an essay called "People and Things I Never Knew I Liked and Loved Until Now." To get the project started, visit places previously off your radar. Wander around in uncharted territory, inviting life to surprise you. Call on every trick you know to stimulate your imagination and break out of habitual ruts of thinking. A key practice will be to experiment and improvise as you open your heart and your eyes wide. Here's my prophecy: In the frontiers, you will encounter unruly delights that inspire you to grow wiser.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): Now is an excellent time to search for new teachers, mentors and role models. Please cooperate with life's intention to connect you with people and animals who can inspire your journey for the months and years ahead. A good way to prepare yourself for this onslaught of grace is to contemplate the history of your educational experiences. Who are the heroes, helpers and villains who have taught you crucial lessons? Another strategy to
By Rob Brezsny
get ready is to think about what's most vital for you to learn right now. What are the gaps in your understanding that need to be filled?
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): The English language has more synonyms than any other language. That's in part because it's like a magpie. It steals words from many tongues, including German, French, Old Norse, Latin and Greek, as well as from Algonquin, Chinese, Hindi, Basque and Tagalog. Japanese may be the next most magpielike language. It borrows from English, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and German. In accordance with astrological possibilities, I invite you to adopt the spirit of the English and Japanese languages in the coming weeks. Freely borrow and steal influences. Be a collector of sundry inspirations, a scavenger of fun ideas, a gatherer of rich cultural diversity.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): Here are my bold decrees: You are entitled to extra bonuses and special privileges in the coming weeks. The biggest piece of every cake and pie should go to you, as should the freshest wonders, the most provocative revelations and the wildest breakthroughs. I invite you to give and take extravagant amounts of everything you regard as sweet, rich and nourishing. I hope you will begin cultivating a skill you are destined to master. I trust you will receive clear and direct answers to at least two nagging questions.
more intangible things. You really should call on guidance to help you navigate your way through introductory phases and new experiences.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): I knew a Scorpio performance artist who did a splashy public show about private matters. She stationed herself on the rooftop of an apartment building and for 12 hours loudly described everything she felt guilty about. (She was an ex-Catholic who had been raised to regard some normal behavior as sinful.) If you, dear Scorpio, have ever felt an urge to engage in a purge of remorse, now would be an excellent time. I suggest an alternate approach, though. Spend a half hour writing your regrets on paper, then burn the paper in the kitchen sink as you chant something like the following: "With love and compassion for myself, I apologize for my shortcomings and frailties. I declare myself free of shame and guilt. I forgive myself forever."
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Be hearty, potent and dynamic, Sagittarius. Don't worry about decorum and propriety. Be in quest of lively twists that excite the adventurer in you. Avoid anyone who seems to like you best when you are anxious or tightly controlled. Don't proceed as if you have nothing to lose; instead, act as if you have everything to win. Finally, my dear, ask life to bring you a steady stream of marvels that make you overjoyed to be alive. If you're feeling extra bold (and I believe you will), request the delivery of a miracle or two.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): What is the most important question you want to find an answer for during the next year? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to formulate that inquiry clearly and concisely. I urge you to write it out in longhand and place it in a prominent place in your home. Ponder it lightly and lovingly for two minutes every morning upon awakening and each night before sleep. (Key descriptors: "lightly and lovingly.") As new insights float into your awareness, jot them down. One further suggestion: Create or acquire a symbolic representation of the primal question.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): On those infrequent occasions when I buy a new gadget, I never read the instructions. I drop the booklet in the recycling bin immediately, despite the fact I may not know all the fine points of using my new vacuum cleaner, air purifier or hairdryer. Research reveals I am typical. Ninety-two percent of all instructions are thrown away. I don't recommend this approach to you in the coming weeks, however, whether you're dealing with gadgets or
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Nineteenth-century Capricorn author Anne Brontë wrote "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," which many critics regard as the first feminist novel. It challenged contemporary social customs. The main character, Helen, leaves her husband because he's a bad influence on their son. She goes into hiding, becoming a single mother who supports her family by creating art. Unfortunately, after the author's death at a young age, her older sister Charlotte suppressed the publication of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." It's not well-known today. I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, so as to inspire you to action. I believe the coming months will be a favorable time to get the attention and recognition you've been denied but thoroughly deserve. Start now! Liberate, express and disseminate whatever has been suppressed.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Scientific research suggests some foods are more addictive than cocaine. They include pizza, chocolate, potato chips and ice cream. The good news is they are not as problematic for long-term health as cocaine. The bad news is they are not exactly healthy. The sugar in chocolate neutralizes its modest health benefits. With these facts in mind, Pisces, I invite you to re-order your priorities about addictive things. Now is a favorable time to figure out what substances and activities might be tonifying, invigorating addictions—and then retrain yourself to focus your addictive energy on them. Maybe you could encourage an addiction to juices that blend spinach, cucumber, kale, celery and apple. Perhaps you could cultivate an addiction to doing a pleasurable form of exercise or reading books that thrill your imagination.
HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: Interested in my inside thoughts about astrology? Read my book "Astrology Is Real." Free excerpts: tinyurl.com/bravebliss {in}
freewillastrology.com newsletter.freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com © 2024 Rob Brezsny
news of the weird
CREME DE LA WEIRD Literally. Sean Edward Uribe, 35, was arrested on Sept. 12 in the wake of two incidents over the summer at Miami clothing stores, The Smoking Gun reported. During the first encounter, at a Ross Dress for Less in June, Uribe allegedly used a medical syringe to squirt a substance on the back of the shorts of a juvenile as he recorded with his phone, police said. Witnesses alerted store employees and the victim as Uribe fled the scene. In late August at a Marshalls store, Uribe allegedly struck again, this time targeting an adult woman to "spray an unknown substance on the victim's left buttocks area," police said. When Uribe was taken into custody, he confessed and said the liquid in the syringes was moisturizing lotion. Then he called his father, as police listened, and instructed him to go to his house and remove hard drives. "Put them under lock and key," he said. Officers got there first and seized the drives, along with loaded syringes. So far, he's been charged with battery on a child, two misdemeanor battery counts and tampering with evidence.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF AIR TRAVEL A Scandinavian Airlines flight from Oslo, Norway, to Malaga, Spain, was diverted to Copenhagen, Denmark, on Sept. 18 after a mouse crawled out of a passenger's in-flight meal, the BBC reported. Jarle Borrestad, who was sitting next to the passenger whose meal harbored the rodent, told the BBC that people on board remained calm, but he put his socks over his pant legs so the mouse couldn't crawl up his leg. Oystein Schmidt, SAS spokesperson, said such events happen "extremely rarely"; passengers were transferred to another plane and went on their way.
OOPS On Sept. 24, as the Kamloops, British Columbia, city council met in the council chambers, someone zooming in online queued up a pornographic video clip while sharing their screen, the CBC reported. The council's public participation segment of the meeting allows people to ask questions or comment on agenda items, but councilman Bill Sarai said Tuesday's incident was the final straw for him. "It's really swayed far, far away from what it's meant to be," Sarai said. He wants to eliminate the public portion of the meeting and ask the public to interact through email or in-person meetings.
AWESOME! In November, Stack's Bowers Galleries in Boston will offer an extremely rare three-pence coin from 1652 for auction, CBS News reported. The coin, which was minted in Boston at the Hull Mint, was purchased from a shop in the Netherlands. It is one of only three known coins like it, one of which was stolen and hasn't been seen since. Store manager Stanley Chu expects it to fetch well over $1 million.
•Student volunteers were helping out with an archaeological dig in Eu, France, when one of them found a small glass bottle inside an earthenware pot, United Press International
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
reported. Inside the bottle was a message, written in January 1825, from one "P.J. Feret, a native of Dieppe, member of various intellectual societies." Feret was carrying out excavations at the same site and left the message for future explorers. "It was an absolutely magic moment," said Guillaume Blondel, head of the town's Regional Archaeology Service. Local records revealed that Feret was a well-known archaeologist of his time. Blondel said such finds are rare: "Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won't be anyone coming after them because they've done all the work."
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A HOBBY Joshua Kiser of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, was looking for something to amuse himself during the COVID shutdown in 2020 when he came across an idea: "I stumbled upon a picture of the eccentric man posing with a gigantic top hat on his head," Kiser said, referring to Odilon Ozare, who set the record for World's Tallest Hat in 2018. Kiser thought it would be easy to surpass Ozare's 15-foot, 9-inch hat, but it wasn't until this year that he managed to engineer one, at 17 feet, 9.5 inches, that could withstand a walk of the required 32.8 feet while wearing it. United Press International reported that his final, winning design incorporated lightweight guttering and a Philadelphia Eagles trash can that "looked about the circumference of my noggin."
FREAKY A 27-foot-tall puppet in the shape of a seated baby has been installed in the center of the town of Rochdale, England, the BBC reported on Sept. 25. The baby, named Lilly, with a mouth and eyes that open and shut, is part of a council project to encourage schoolchildren to talk about the importance of the environment. Ostensibly, the kids will speak to Lilly; their conversations will be recorded and broadcast from the baby at an event on Oct. 24 at Hollingworth Lake Nature Park. But townsfolk aren't warming up to Lilly, calling it "the ugliest baby I've ever seen." One said, "It's creepy with its eyes shut, never mind open." No telling how school-aged kids will react to it.
OVERREACTION A 58-year-old Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, woman, Wendy Washik, was taken into custody on Sept. 1 and charged with assault with a weapon, the CBC reported. The charges stemmed from an incident at a backyard party when Washik, who was playing with a child, accidentally shot a neighbor with a water gun while he mowed his lawn. Washik said she apologized repeatedly, but the "victim" "wouldn't listen to me and ... was screaming at me." She said police "didn't ask me a single question. They didn't ask to see the water gun." Washik was due in court on Sept. 24. {in}
