2 inweekly.net2 winners & losers 4 outtakes 5 news 6, 8 publisher Rick Outzen edi tor creative& director Joani Delezen graphic designer Tim Bednarczyk co ntributing writers Gina Castro, Savannah Evanoff, Jennifer Leigh , Jeremy Morrison, Sydney Robinson, C.S. Satterwhite, Tom St. Myer contact us info@inweekly.net Independent News is published by Inweekly Media, Inc., P.O. Box 12082, Pensacola, FL 32591. (850)438-8115. All materi als published in Independent News are copyrighted. © 2022 Inweekly Media, Inc. All rights reserved. People should expect something a little weird, gross and creepy… buzz 10 feature story 12 a&e 15 streaming world wide www.radiofreepensacola.com 6-8TUESDAYSPMCENTRALONRADIOFREEPENSACOLANICK'SPICKS 23 PALAFOX Facebook/NYN'sBADLANDS850-43-BRUCEPL.NYNBADLANDS.COM An LotteryFloridaOfficialRetailer Open: 11am-3am Every Day Home of the D.D.D. (Downtown Day Drinkers)
3September 1, 2022
We didn't know what these were until Gov. Ron DeSantis told us he was against them. The letters stand for environmen tal, social and governance, and the State Board of Administration doesn't like them.
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SARASOTA SCHOOL DISTRICT Hundreds of Merriam-Webster dictionaries earmarked for donation from a Venice Rotary Club sit collect ing dust, precluded from being given to Sara sota County students. Even dictionaries aren't safe from the Sarasota Schools book freeze. Ahead of the 2022-23 school year, the Saraso ta County School District stopped all donations and purchases of books for school libraries while it waits for additional guidance from the Florida Department of Education about how to navigate the effects of new education laws. The freeze on book acquisitions in the district is allencompassing and is expected to last until at least January.
2022 SPECIAL SESSION In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis called the Florida Legislature back to Tallahassee for a special session to fix the home insurance market. Lawmakers were asked to come up with solutions to curb the rise in pre miums and stem the tide of insurance compa nies either leaving the state or declaring bank ruptcy. Bills were passed and signed, but the insurance market has continued to falter. Last week, the parent company of United Property & Casualty Insurance Co. announced it would withdraw from the state, forcing customers to find new coverage as their policies come up for renewal. Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier told the Florida Cabinet, "The steps we have taken so far under your leadership are going to be significant steps forward into ad dressing this issue." But he also admitted there is no overnight fix.
ESG RATINGS
winners & losers
NIKKI FRIED As he piled up about 60% of the statewide vote in the Democratic gubernatori al primary, Charlie Crist beat Fried, Florida ag riculture commissioner, in 64 of the 67 coun ties. Fried only won in Alachua, Bay and Walton counties. Crist, a Pinellas County congressman, won by large margins in key populous counties, like Broward County by 52,306 votes and Mi ami-Dade County by 39,045 votes.
CLARK PARTINGTON The Pensacola law firm has been named one of Florida's Best Companies To Work For. Annually, Florida Trend ranks 100 companies in small, medium and large employer categories, and Clark Partington was ranked at No. 35 in the medium company category. To make the list, the firm underwent an evaluation of its workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The process also included a survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.
MEALS FOR YOUTHS West Florida Public Li braries (WFPL) distributed 3,789 meals through its summer Meals for Youths program at seven WFPL locations across Escambia County. The most meals were handed out inside the city limIts at Tryon (1,142) and the downtown library (821). Meals for Youths offers free lunches for youths 18 years of age or younger. The program is sponsored by Feeding the Gulf Coast.
SCOTTLIN WILLIAMS Escambia County Emergency Management announced Williams as its newest emergency coordinator, replacing Travis Tompkins, who has been promoted to emergency manager. Before joining ECEM, Williams served two years as a broadcast meteorologist at CBS 12 News WJTV in Jackson, Miss. She chased storms throughout Central Mississippi and the Gulf Coast and provided hurricane coverage during Hurricane Sally. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from Mississippi State University.
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Barry & Laura Cole / Photo Courtesy of Baptist winners BARRY & LAURA COLE The Coles and Beré Jewelers committed $100,000 to support the new Baptist Hospital campus currently under con struction at Brent Lane and I-110. Baptist Health Care Foundation will name the pre-function conference area in their honor. The Cole family and Beré Jewelers have been generous support ers of the local community in many ways. They have supported Baptist Health Care Founda tion's annual Casino Royale gala and the Wom en's Board Stepping Out in Style Fashion Show for years. Their guiding philanthropic philosophy of "once a partner, always a partner" was the im petus for their latest gift to Baptist.
Residents had some successes with the Community Maritime Park referendum, the rise of Pensacola Young Professionals and the passage of the strong-mayor charter. Hayward was the next logical step as the city pulled itself out of the expandmendousjobs.focusedScott,ceeding,investedeveryonehaveExpectationsdoldrums.couldn'tbeenhigher,andseemedtobeinHaywardsucincludingGov.RickwhoseadministrationoncreatingnewAndHaywardhadtresuccess—helpingNavyFederalCredit
In our newspaper's 23 years, five people have been elected mayor of Pensacola— John Fogg (2001), Mike Wiggins (2008), Ashton Hayward (2010), Grover Robinson (2018) and D.C. Reeves (2022). The last three were elected under the strong mayor charter. Each brought with them high expectations for theirAshtonadministrations.Haywardhad no political or govern ment experience, but he was seen as a fresh start for a city that had operated under a city-manager form of government for 80 years. The previous decade had worn down the community's spirit with the 9/11 terrorist attack, hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina, a recession and the BP oil spill.
I see the expectations for Reeves being very similar to those we had for Hayward. He, too, will be seen as a breath of fresh air—not necessarily better than Robinson but different and maybe more innovative. A new group of young leaders will see him as their mayor. Reeves is the natural political progression of the post-Community Maritime Park era. He wasn't part of the battles for the park and the strong mayor but has seen the fruits of those efforts.
Union and landing ST Engineering.Unfortunately, the first strong mayor never put together the right leadership team, and city operations faltered, lawsuits and legal expenses mounted, and employee morale plummeted. When Grover Robinson took over in 2018, he had to rebuild city operations. Fortunately, Robinson had served three terms on the Escambia County Commission and was a former president of the Florida County Association. He understood how government should work and knew what he needed in leadership positions. Robinson brought veteran administrator Chris Holley out of retire ment to help him as his first city administrator. The rebuild project wasn't sexy and didn't draw many headlines. Still, residents should be thankful for Robinson taking the time to hire experienced senior leaders, develop a succes sion plan for each department, reestablish an employee-friendly HR department and create an employee evaluation system based on objective metrics, not political whims. Robinson has given the voters what they most wanted from his election—stability and maturity. And the city has thrived, building off Hayward's successes, creating even more jobs, improving the city's image and expanding its tax base. Now, D.C. Reeves prepares to take the reins. He is 14 years younger than Hayward and Rob inson, but he has spent nearly a decade working for Quint Studer, one of the most significant catalysts for the city's renaissance. The principals in Studer's "Hardwiring Excellence" and "Results That Last" have changed the cultures of busi nesses nationwide, and Reeves has seen them in action daily at the Studer Community Institute and his business, Perfect Plain. He also probably has attended every Civic Con and heard experts on retrofitting suburbia, affordable housing, policing, transportation, quality of place, economic development and dozens of other issues. When Studer wanted to launch The Spring, he had Reeves travel the country to meet with the mayors and chamber leaders in Charleston, S.C.; Louisville, Ky.; Asheville, N.C.; Madison, Wisc.; and other thriving cit ies. Reeves has gotten to meet some of the nation's most creative government and business leaders.
Reeves also benefits from working on Rob inson's transition team. He worked on the final report, which gave him insights into how city gov ernment works. That experience was evident dur ing the many political forums before the primary.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS Robinson has given the voters what they most wanted from his election— stability and maturity. WHITE COLLAR CRIMES Practicing Since 1974 (HEALTH-CARE FRAUD • DRUG OFFENSES & D.U.I.s) FR EE CONSULTATION ON INJURY / DEATH CASES & CR IMINAL CASES NO RECOVERY - NO FEE / COST ON PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH CASES 24 HOUR SERVICE 304 E. GOVERNMENT STR EET INJURED? (ALL T YPES OF ACCIDENTS) 433-9922 ARRESTED? (ALL FEDERAL & STATE COURTS) Licensed in Florida & Alabama SEVILLE SQUARE REALTY, LLC Cheryl Young Licensed Real Estate Broker 308 E. Government St. • Pensacola, Florida 32502 (850) 712-4742 www.sevillesquare.net • cheryl@sevillesquare.net AVAILABLE NOW 30 ENSENADA MARBELLA • PENSACOLA BEACH Price $1,300,000 | MLS #610975 Your idyllic beach home awaits you on Pensacola Beach! This approx. 2,170 square-foot residence features three bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms. Call or text Cheryl Young at 850-712-4742 o r Mary Charlene Young at 850-712-3219 to see it today!
By Rick Outzen
5September 1, 2022 outtakes
After years of Quality of Life surveys, Inweekly Rising Star issues and CivicCon speakers, Reeves prepares to move into Pensacola City Hall. Inweekly wishes him the best. {in} rick@inweekly.net
Natasha Hunter with Warrington Elementary teacher / Photo Courtesy of The Rensselaerville Institute
State law requires a school district to choose among three options if its school earns an F or two consecutive Ds. An external operator is almost always the preferred choice over reassigning stu dents to other schools or closing the school and reopening as a charter school. It is an outside en tity with a demonstrated record of providing turn
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
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Tim Smith
Eleven Escambia schools graded out as a D or F for the 2021-22 year. Overshadowed by that sobering statistic are the significant gains by Holm and Warrington elementary schools. Both elementary schools improved their overall school grade and test scores through the Escambia County School District's partnership with the Rensselaerville Institute, a nonprofit organization based out of New York that col laborates with superintendents and principals to improve academic achievement at underper forming schools within two years.
Whether the Rensselaerville model is sustain able long-term remains to be seen. Four Escambia schools that collaborated with the institute before the global pandemic dropped a letter grade in 2021-22. Ensley, Global Academy, Montclair and Sherwood each graded out as a D. Toliver said she encourages principals to stay connected with Rensselaerville through workshops and other activities to ensure prolonged success. No Escambia school is currently collaborat ing with Rensselaerville or any other external operator for the first time since 2017. Escambia Superintendent Tim Smith opted for another external operator, Learning Scienc
Theimportant."goalfor the school district is to turn their schools around internally and avoid shell ing out hundreds of thousands of dollars for ex ternal operators. But if any of the schools wind up on the urgent watch list for low achievement, Rose recommends the school district reconnect with"ThereRensselaerville.isapayoff with having Rensselaer ville," Rose said. "If you want someone who's going to partner up with you and help you refine your vision but not change it, help you refine your processes but not change them, help you keep the culture of your school alive and well, but at the same time grow your students and faculty, then you want to stick with Rensselaer ville as your choice." {in}
THE SEARCH TO IMPROVE SCHOOLS
"They're going in and working with the teach ers and aggressively helping with staff develop ment," Smith said. "If we hire a brand-new teacher in a high-needs school, that teacher needs sup port, or even if you have an experienced teacher in a new school, how do you take what you've done and make it work? Having those coaches is very
"I was a little concerned about the return in investment there," Smith said. "I thought we prob ably should look at another company to move the needle a little more."
"You have to have people who can blend and meld together, and that's a challenge for an external operator because they have to come in and quickly assess."
Rensselaerville is an external operator that prepares principals to lead a school turnaround by pairing them with an experienced principal who has already successfully turned around a low-performing school. Its methods emphasize supporting teachers with feedback, using data to target gaps in achievement and fostering environ ments for all students to learn.
The lowest quartile of Warrington students in creased their ELA learning gains from 6% to over 60%. Those improved scores led to the school raising its grade to a C after earning a D in 2019 and an F in three out of four years from 2014-17.
"I thought I was good at looking at data, but they just refined my own vision for data and iden tifying what you could do with it as far as bringing your school grade up and kids' scores up," Rose said. "I think that speaks for itself as far as the payoff for having RensselaervilleRensselaerville."haspartnered with over 60 school districts and nearly 220 schools across the country. Almost half of the school districts that have partnered with the institute are in Florida. Rensselaerville began its partnership with the Escambia school district in 2018. It takes credit for turning around nine elementaries that once occupied a place on the urgent watch list for low achievement—Brentwood, Ensley, Global Learning Academy, Holm, Montclair, Navy Point, Sherwood, pal Christine Baker said she gains," Baker said. "I see my el, and I push for efficiency. from school leaders is crucial for success. Holm and Warrington elementary schools managed to overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic to raise their scores. Rensselaerville staff utilized Zoom and altered their hours to ensure their services posi tively impacted the partner schools. "We had to work outside the box," Toliver said. "We worked with teachers before school, after school, and on weekends. We became re ally flexible in figuring out how do we do this."
The school district is utilizing instructional coaches instead of external operators this year. Seven coaches with specializations in reading, math and other subjects provide their services at low-performing schools.
Warrington Elementary Principal Tim Rose said the English language arts proficiency rate rose from 11% to 37% and the math rate increased from 19% to 44% for third through fifth graders after just one year of collaborating with Rensselaerville.
The decision to hire Learning Sciences Inter national backfired on Smith and cost the school district $475,000. The needle never moved. War rington Middle failed to improve its D grade, fell short of meeting the state-approved School Turn around Plan requirements and lost its status as a public school. Warrington Middle is transitioning this school year and will become a charter school in 2023-24. Smithsaid the partnership with Learning Sciences International hit turbulence before last school year started. The director on the Warrington Middle campus resigned due to health concerns shortly before the first day of school, and the transition to a new director set the operation back. "You have to have people who can blend and meld together, and that's a challenge for an ex ternal operator because they have to come in and quickly assess," Smith said.
RENSSELAERVILLE'S SUCCESSES
es International, to collaborate with Warrington Middle School in 2021-22 after Warrington El ementary failed to improve on its D grade in its first year with Rensselaerville.
Micro-Business of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
AWARDSENTRECONPENSACOLA.COM/AWARDSAPPLYTODAY! Presented
NEW! This award will recognize an outstanding business that has grown quickly and serve as a prestigious opportunity to celebrate its talent and wisdom.
The Rodney Jackson Award for Minority-Owned Business
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year
This award honors communities, organizations, small businesses, nonprofits, or individuals that are doing amazing things to make their community great and vibrant.
This award is open to businesses who have less than 50 employees that focus on employee inclusion, community involvement and innovation in their business practices. Businesses considered for this award can clearly explain what makes their product or service unique, how they measure success and what opportunities they provide their employees.
For questions, please contact Morgan Tufto at MTufto@studeri.org.
Medium/Large Business of the Year
The John Myslak Award for Servant Leadership
This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community. By:
This award is open to businesses who have less than ten employees and operate efficiently with a small team while positively impact ing the local economy. Businesses considered for this award can clearly explain what makes their product or service unique, how they measure success and what opportunities they provide their employees.
Emerging Business of the Year
This award is open to businesses who started in the last two years and have had success introducing their product or service. Businesses recognized in this category are run by great leadership, show a promising vision for the future, and have created a mission statement that aligns with their core values.
Non-Profit of the Year
Small Business of the Year
Fastest Growing Business of the Year
This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that shows dedica tion for improving the quality of life in the community through volunteering, partnerships, or fundraising. Winners will be able to share how they have effectively used these skills to further their mission and improve the community.
Studer Community Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This award is given to a leader who enriches the lives of others, builds better organizations, and ultimately helps create a more just and caring world. That is what our friend and colleague John Myslak did in our community, and we honor his memory by recognizing others who live their lives as fully as he did.
Join us Nov. 16-17 for a front-row seat to expert speakers, practical knowledge and first-class networking at this year’s EntreCon® Business, Leadership and Entrepreneurship conference!
This award is for businesses with an outstanding and supportive work environment with a focus on great training programs, an understanding of work-life balance, and career progression. Employers recognized in this category inspire and motivate their growing, diverse staff with equal opportunity programs.
Community Vibrancy Award
September 1, 2022
This award is open to businesses who have more than 50 employ ees that have been adaptable to change over the past year, have displayed economic growth, and provide opportunities for their employees to improve their skills in an ever-changing environment.
This award recognizes a small business owner who has success fully launched and grown their business before the age of 30. This person demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit by applying business knowledge, growth potential and success in the operation of their business. They also prove to be a great example to other young individuals.
This award recognizes an entrepreneur who has a creative product or service that solves a problem in the marketplace. They are highly ambitious, serve as community leaders, and work to improve the quality of life for others through either em ployment or serving others.
LEARN MORE AT ENTRECONPENSACOLA.COM
Employer of the Year
This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.
Female-Owned Business of the Year
This award recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.
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SENSE OF URGENCY
Reeves added, "Hopefully, I can inject a little bit of urgency and decisiveness into this administration and really get things going for the community." {in} Courtesy Photo TO PREPARE"Now is the time to collect where we've been the last four years and how things are running and see what we can help with in terms of jumping into this position." D.C. Reeves
TIME
Based on those recom mendations, the new mayor walked into city hall with six priorities: 1) Hire a city admin istrator, 2) Appoint a westside improvement committee, 3) Examine personnel vacan cies for potential savings, 4) Explore budget reductions, 5) Expedite tree fund and beautification projects, and 6) Recoup lost revenues from Robinson had little time to prepare but still saw the value in having a transition team. He asked Quint Studer signed 11 community leaders to review specific areas: Connie Bookman (Crime and Safety), Michelle Salz man (Education), Rev. Isaac Williams (Neighborhoods), Kristie Tobias (Governance), Christian Wagley (Environ (Transparency), Brian Wyer (Economic Julie(FinanceEfficiency),DavidchananEntrepreneurship),Development/DrewBu(Traffic/Walkability),Peaden(GovernmentBruceVredenburgandBudget)andShepard(Legal).
The team met privately, poring through stacks of budgets, financial documents, lawsuits, contracts, summaries and memos. Adams told Inweekly at the time, "It was like drinking through a fire hose trying to learn how the city operated and helping Ashton hit the ground running."
When he announced the team, Mayor Robinson said, "The goal of these committees is to diagnose what is going well in each sector, what needs improvement, how success is cur rently being measured and to suggest any new measurement tools to evaluate performance in these areas moving forward." Because Robinson had taken office and the transition team was advising him on city opera tions, its members had city email addresses, its meetings were held publicly, and its progress and meeting videos were posted on a dedicated page on the city's website. Public input was ac tively sought, and over 900 citizens participated in the meetings. In early March 2019, the team presented Mayor Robinson with an 84-page report. In it, Studer admitted he had his doubts about the process but came to appreciate why the mayor wanted the transition team. "After completing the transition team process, I now see what the mayor understood when he initiated this process, namely that the transition team exercise would create a robust community conversation and result in an influx of innovative and fresh ideas for making our community better and stronger," Studer wrote. "As a candidate, Mayor Robinson pledged to be more engaged in the community—this tran sition exercise is evidence that he is making good on that pledge." Mayor Robinson said, "With this report, I believe the city has more than a simple list of suggestions but a true strategic plan that will allow my administration to make each and every part of our community better."
"Going through Mayor Robinson's transition, I think, gives me a really nice foundation of where we are," the mayor-elect shared. "Now is the time to collect where we've been the last four years and how things are running and see what we can help with in terms of jumping into this position."
Reeves, who worked with Quint Studer on Robinson's transition team, understands the importance of having a group dive into city operations and garner public input.
PRIOR TRANSITIONS When Ashton Hayward was elected in 2010, he took full advantage of the 60-day transition period. Banker Blaise Adams chaired his transi tion team that included John Asmar, Bo Carter, Ron Ellington, Chips Kirschenfeld, LuTimothy May, Bruce Partington, David Penzone, Gordon Sprague, Jerry Watson and Cynthia Williams.
By Rick Outzen
Reeves and Kinsella shared with Inweekly the importance of connecting with Mayor Robinson and his leadership team during the transition"You'veperiod.gotagreat mayor," said Kinsella. "We've got some wonderful people working in that administration who have many ongoing projects. We want to make sure that we capture that and we get their input on the things that have worked, things that haven't worked, things that they might like to see happening in city hall that perhaps Mayor Robinson didn't get to or didn't get time to get." Reeves said, "I give Grover a lot of credit. He has been very amicable and open to allowing me to integrate into some meetings in the future. I really appreciate that, and that'll help us make a better transition for sure." The mayor-elect didn't commit to having all the transition meetings in the Sunshine, but he would seek public input. He said, "We want this to be a transparent process; that's something that's important to me. We want to kind of match the spirit of Sunshine with also being able to move a littleNotingfaster."that Robinson's transition team had publicly noticed all its meetings and recorded the proceedings, Reeves said, "And so we've got some ideas of how we can vary both of those things to ensure we have plenty of community feedback, that there's openness to these meetings, but also not be tied down." He added, "I put it this way—the spirit of Sunshine, why you do it? 99% of it is to ensure that these meetings are open and people know what's going on. I think we're going to meet the need of what Sunshine is intended for and transparency is intended for; it just may be tweakedReevesslightly."hasa sense of urgency to start the transition process and will name the other team members. "I want to take advantage of every day of these three months," the mayor-elect shared. "I mean, we worked hard to have these three months; I want to make sure that we take advan tage of them and that the city is better for it."
On Aug. 23, Pensacola elected D.C. Reeves its third strong mayor in a dozen years. Ash ton Hayward had two months to prepare before taking over, while Grover Robinson had only 25 days between his election and the swearing-in ceremony. Reeves has three months and has named Tim Kinsella, retired NAS Pensacola commanding officer and executive director of the University of West Florida's Center for Leadership, to chair his transition team. "Capt. Kinsella has always been at the top of my list for transition leadership, and I'm fortunate he's willing to give his time and energy to serve the City of Pensacola," Reeves said in the press release. "His impeccable reputation, his immense experience and his insight as a world-class leader will be such a benefit to this transition team's work and my preparation to lead our community." Calling the chairmanship "a great honor," Kinsella told Inweekly, "It's like when the presi dent asks you to do something, you say, 'Yes, absolutely.' It doesn't matter what it is because it's in the best interest of the nation. It's the same thing with the mayor. When the mayor asks you to do something for the betterment of the community and their city, you can't say no."
D.C. Reeves /
Asmar, having held positions with Escambia County, Homestead, North Miami Beach and Clearwater, met with city staff and gathered and deciphered most of the information for the team. The city was dealing with a recession and the BP oil spill. Most local option sales tax dollars had been committed, and tax revenues were declin ing. The group handed Hayward a set of recom mendations on improving the budget and taxes, government transparency, planning and develop ment, diversity and inclusion, and job creation.
9September 1, 2022 PREVIEW SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION WSRE AMOS STUDIO | THURS SEPT 8 6PM FREE | REGISTER AT WSRE.ORG 8/25/22 3:57 PM · STEAK HO USE · D o wn t o wn P ensa c ola, South 400 P al a f ox . R eser v a tions: 850-4 6 9-9 8 9 8 . j a cksons r e s t a u r ant c o m DIN N E R DAI LY MON DAY–S UN DAY A CL AS S IC C OR N ER S T ON E OF D O WN T O W N PEN S A C OL A A T R ADITI O N FOR OVER 2 0 Y EA RS A N D C OU N T IN G
BCC VS. CHILDERS Last month, attorneys rep resenting the Escambia County Commission and Clerk Pam Childers held a hearing before Okaloo sa Circuit Court Judge William Stone to sched ule depositions and discuss trial dates. In Janu ary, Childers quit making payments to the 401(a) retirement plan for commissioners Steve Barry, Robert Bender and Lumon May, arguing the plan was Attorneyillegal.
ELECTION ROUND-UP Perfect Plain found er and Studer Community Institute's Chief Entre preneur Officer D.C. Reeves needed 7,512 votes to avoid a runoff in the Pensacola mayoral prima ry. He received 7,680, giving him a 169-vote mar gin in a race that saw 1,253 fewer votes cast than the 2018 mayoral primary. Reeves has nearly three months to recruit his administrative team and de velop his transition plan before taking office. Tim Kinsella, a retired Navy captain who served as NAS Pensacola commanding officer, will head Reeves' transition team. Both city council races will have runoffs in November. In District 2, former Pensacola Councilman Charles Bare came out of the early voting with a commanding lead, trailed by new comer Char Powell. This race only had 1,636 votes cast—Bare 677, Powell 423. The last time District 2 had a contested race was in 2014, and 2,512 people voted. In District 6, challenger Allison Patton (1,096 votes) will meet incumbent Ann Hill (919) in the general election. In the 2018 general election, 3,407 people voted, with Ann Hill receiving 2,010 votes to win. Will Mayor-elect Reeves endorse candidates in these two races? District 4 Councilman Jared Moore had no opposition and will return to the council for a sec ond Escambiaterm.
In August, the ECT staff presented the board with a proposal for $444,400 to fund a public awareness campaign on the importance of early childhood education managed by the Studer Community Institute (SCI). The board voted to table the matter until September. In weekly has been informed that SCI has with drawn the proposal.
"We've made great progress," said Salzmann. "Both the CEO of Baptist and the CEO of HCA West Florida are communicating and coming to gether to figure out what's the best solution for both the patients and the bottom line."
The issue appears to be that HCA West Flor ida didn't want to handle minors under the Baker Act. The state lawmaker said, "They were having children brought to their ERs for Baker Act, and they don't take children. Those children would sit in their ER for days. We don't want our kids that are having those emotional and mental breakdowns sitting in a random ER for days be fore they actually get to get care to stabilize their emotionalSalzmanneeds."said
This is Hamlin's second defeat. In 2018, he lost to sitting Judge Joyce Williams, 30,030-29,427.
Lakeview is considering ex panding its beds, and Baptist may relabel some of its beds to accommodate the children. She is confident a solution will be worked out in the coming weeks.
In June, the ECT board approved the staff's recommendation to award two grants, totaling $67,700, for its Kindergarten Summer Bridge Program "to introduce children to a formal early education setting to help prepare them for their first day of kindergarten."
ECT FALTERS The Escambia Children's Trust (ECT) shot blanks on its two rounds of grants.
The attorney said Judge Stone has become frustrated and "wants this case moving." As far as the possible trial date, Rafferty said, "What we're suggesting is that we try to do something in December or January. We're trying to get ev erything done, get it resolved, and get this in front of the court so that the court can then make a decision."
"In holding up the mirror, our strength is direct services versus coordination of services. There's a lot of work to be done, and SCI will continue to focus on our programs and services as well as collaborating with other organizations who pos itively impact children, sharing information and convening knowledge."
Troy Rafferty and his firm, Levin Papantonio Rafferty, represent the commission at no charge. Childers has hired Ed Fleming and Matt Dannheisser to defend her actions. Rafferty explained to Inweekly, "We're in the discovery phase. We're really just putting together the schedule of depositions of Pam Childers and her representatives so we can get this thing re solved once and for all because it's just not right what's happening to these commissioners. Their retirement funds are not being deposited."
"In further review of the recent proposal to the trust, we have made the decision for SCI to no longer be a part of the current proposal," wrote SCI President Rachael Gillette to Greer.
WHAT'S THAT SMELL Amy Tootle, the city's director of Public Works and Facilities, announced last week that the testing to locate the sources of sewage getting into the stormwater system that flows into Pensacola Bay near Bruce Beach would actually resume soon. "ECUA was able to locate some extra mate rials and bargain with the county, so we're able to trade off with the county and use some of the detergent testing materials that they have, and we'll replace them when ours comes in," Tootle said. "So we'll be able to start that testing here in September."AthisAug. 22 presser, Mayor Grover Rob inson said the contamination issue would be addressed before the public improvement for the shoreline is completed next summer. He said, "I think this is realistic; we're still within a year'sThetimeframe."mayorsuggested the infiltration may oc cur at cross-connections installed before the modern era since some of the downtown infra structure dates to the 1800s. "I think once you replace those connections, you no longer have the contamination, and I think it solves itself from there."
County will get at least one new commissioner. Military veteran Mike Kohler led the three-person field to replace District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill after the ear ly vote totals were released and won easily with 47.35% to Kevin Brown's 29% and Chance Walsh's 23%. The race drew 9,701 voters—3,403 more than the Doug Underhill-Alan McMillan race four years Commissionerago.Robert Bender had no trouble with Stan "Quick Draw" McDaniels, 7,094-1,929. This race drew 762 few voters than the 2018 pri mary. Bender faces Democrat Myra Van Hoose in November.TheNorthwest Florida Legislative Delegation did well in the GOP primaries. State Sen. Doug Broxson beat John Mills, 53,982-17,448, and will face Democrat Charlie Nichols. State Rep. Mi chelle Salzman (D1) got her wish and trounced Mike Hill, 13,708-7,736, and will meet Democrat Franscine Mathis in the general. State Rep. Alex Andrade (D2) led early against the field, winning with 65%, and will go against Democrat Carollyn Rabeca Taylor in November. In Santa Rosa County, Dr. Joel Rudman (D3) upset early frontrunner Mariya Calkins, 17,16210,714, and will face write-in Sandra Maddox in the general election. The Escambia School Board races returned one incumbent, saw an upset and will provide a repeat of the 2018 general election. District 1 board member Kevin Adams handily defeated Commissioner Underhill's intern Connor Mann, 9,140-3,602. In District 3, former PHS princi pal David Williams upset incumbent Dr. Laura Edler, 5,542-4,194. In District 2, incumbent Paul Fetsko faces off against challenger Ray Guillory. Four years ago, the pair battled for the seat, and Fetsko won, 10,397-8,393. In the Escambia County Judge race, Scott Ritchie easily beat Paul Hamlin, 38,922-21,344.
pressed concern about being left in the dark. "We want to see everything, touch every thing, at least for right now," said White. "We want to be a part of it, and we're not just going to sign checks because we just want to know every thing until we get more comfortable. That's why I definitely think that we all need to see the pro posals before we vote on them, even if we're not on theECTcommittees."ExecutiveDirector Tammy Greer told her board that she has over 30 years of experience working with grants and advised that proposals shouldn't be available on the website because of possible proprietary information in them. Several board members disputed her claim.
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The WSRE-TV Foundation board of directors has elected new officers for the 2022-2023 fiscal year as follows—Brig. Gen. John Adams, USA, Ret., chair; Jarrod Dawson, vice chair; Dr. Brent Videau, secretary; Laura Shaud, treasurer; Lusharon Wiley, Ed.D., past chair; and Jill Hubbs, executive director. Joining the board are Tera Ali, DBA, MHA; Amaris Bronner; Lindsay Carpentier; Amy Day; Jeanette Gatlin; Capt. Sterling Gilliam, USN, Ret.; Daniel Joyner; George Misleh; Stephanie Powell; E.L. Roché; and Carson Wilber. Returning direc tors are Aimee Dumas, Hal George, Tyler Kercher, Kim Parker, Zack Suggs, Dr. Troy Tippett, Tiffany Washington, Alea Williams and P.C. Wu, Ph.D. WSRE-TV Foundation Inc. was established in 1991 as a direct support organization of Pen sacola State College to support the activities and capital and operating needs of WSRE, a Public Broadcast Service (PBS) member station licensed to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees.
"This wonderful event also raises funds that benefit Keep Pensacola Beautiful's ongoing pro grams and initiatives that support a cleaner and more beautiful community." Tickets are now available for sale online or for purchase at the door. Tickets will include admission into the art gallery, live music, food trucks, a drink ticket to the mobile mini-bar and more. For more information, visit keeppensaco labeautiful.org or check out the Facebook page, @KeepPensacolaBeautiful. {in}
"This event encourages everyone who attends to think about the products we use every day and the impacts of improper handling of our trash on the environment, wildlife and climate change," said Krystal Brown, Keep Pensacola Beautiful's Education and Outreach Coordinator.
BARGAINING WITH BAPTIST Last week, the Pensacola City Council approved offering Baptist Hospital $500,000 for a historic home and sur rounding property located on its Moreno Street campus in exchange for a commitment from Bap tist that at least 500 units of affordable and work force housing would be built elsewhere on the soon-to-be-vacated campus. At his presser, Mayor Robinson stressed that the affordable-housing component of the city's of fer was essential. "I'd love to see as many affordable units as possible; I'd love to see as many workforce units as possible. Both those things are critical in making affordability a part of the city of Pensacola." Baptist is in the process of relocating its cam pus to a location near Interstate 110, leaving va cant its sprawling campus near downtown. Hospi tal officials have expressed a willingness to sell the property with a particular vision attached. Part of that vision, city officials say, should include afford ableMayorhousing.Robinson said the city could be willing to up its offering price if the additional affordable housing was built into the deal. "I'm willing to pay more for the land if I can get more units, and they may not be all affordable, but they can be work force, and I think if we can get more units that would be the goal and what we'd like to see done."
KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL
11September 1, 2022 Tootle said that, ultimately, the solution would depend on exactly how wastewater en tered the stormwater system. "Once we locate the sources, we'll have to look at what type of infiltration it is into the storm water, and then it could be either a full pipe re placement or a pipe lining," she said. "Really, in terms of what type of fix, it just depends on what the issue Insofaris."as potential costs associated with an eventual fix in the effort to stop wastewater from flowing to Bruce Beach, Mayor Robinson said he felt that the city and ECUA, as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, could successfully fund whatever remedy is required. One possible source of funds, he said, could come from National Resource Damage Assessment money stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Hori zon oil spill. "I think there's a commitment from the city, and I think there's a commitment from ECUA to figure out how to do this," Robinson said. "Now is the best time as ever because if we get into a fix where we need to do something about funding, I would still say there's NRDA money and other things to do with FDEP.
The mayor said he would soon discuss the de tails of the city's ask with hospital officials. Any affordable housing units realized on the Baptist campus would prove key to the city reaching its goal of creating 500 units within five years.
The fourth annual Pieces Adrift Art Show & Auction will take place 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St., with submissions from residents all over Escam bia County. The art—donated by artists of all ages and backgrounds from students, amateurs, hob byists and professionals—will be auctioned to at tendees looking for unique and beautiful pieces to add to their collections. The gallery will display pieces made of at least 50% trash or litter. There will be drawing prizes from businesses across Pen sacola, live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a sus tainable bar featuring KPB's Sustain-A-Beer cups. Live musical acts are provided by local musicians Max and the Misfits.
The Studer Commu nity Institute announced that Blane Harding, for mer director of Diversity Engagement at Virginia Tech, will be the keynote speaker for the 2022 En treCon® in November. Harding made his SCI debut leading a DEI Symposium in June, which garnered an impres sive 9.7/10 speaker score and moved the average attendee skill rating from 3.6 to 6.7. He current ly serves as a national consultant, having worked with over 60 institutions of higher learning across the country.Tolearn about EntreCon®, visit entrecon pensacola.com.
ENTRECON® KEYNOTE
NEW BOARD
The most recent film walk, which was held in July, set an attendance record of 18 photographers.
"The walks for me are more about getting to know the community rather than getting 'the shot,'" Warner added. "The walks really boost my
BY HUNTER MORRISON A WALK PHOTOGRAPHYFOR
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"At the most recent event, I dropped my camera that weighs about 4 pounds (Mamiya RB67), and that sound could be heard from around the world," Warner said. "Yes, the cam era is fine; don't worry." The film walk also allows an opportunity for creatives to share their love of photography and improve their skills.
Inspired by photo walks and film reviews seen on YouTube, the event gives a chance for photographers to learn and talk photography, snap photos and hang out. The first event yielded only four photographers but has seen a growth in recent meetups.
Although many stunning photographs can be accredited to the film walk, these meetups transcend the art of photography. The event brings lasting memories—most good—to the group of photographers.
Many beautiful and aesthetically pleasing photographs can be accredited to the Pensacola Film Photography Walk. Some of the most stun ning and colorful images came from July's walk, which was held on Pensacola Beach. "This photo to me is almost like a painting. There's a background of water and clouds, a middle ground of tall grass and a foreground of chairs," said Josh Warner, a photographer who participated in July's film walk, referencing a photo he took that's included here with two beach chairs. "The many layers create a pleasing composition. The complementary colors of the chairs is a bonus."
"I wasn't sure how it would go, so I worked hard to get friends to join," Peck said. "The numbers have fluctuated over time between two to 18 people."
Since its inception, the event has been held in numerous locations across the city, including the North Hill and Long Hollow neighborhoods, the Belmont-DeVilliers district, Palafox Street on Gal lery Night, Joe Patti's Seafood and Pensacola Beach.
For some people, film photography is a thing of the past. Some may say it's inconvenient, having to wait days, even weeks, to view your photos. Others may say it's expensive, shelling out money to buy fresh rolls of film, which then must be developed. But attitudes surrounding this style of photography are changing. In an era of smartphones and digital media, a resurgence of film photography is in full swing. Many photographers love the authenticity of the soft and grainy hues produced by film. Others may love it simply because it's a step away from modern-day technology. Whatever the case, a growing appreciation for this style of photogra phy can be seen at the Pensacola Film Photog raphy Walk, a quarterly photography meetup started in "Coming2020.out of the COVID isolation, I think many people reconnected with the outdoors, art and a slower pace of life," said Geoff Peck, founder of the Pensacola Film Photography Walk. "The accessibility of photography as an art form and the pacing of film photography checked all those boxes for people looking for a creative outlet during lockdowns."
"My favorite memory from the most recent walk is everyone walking on the pier together at sunset while people are dancing, birds are flying," said participant Alena Swango. "It was beautiful."
"The photographers' skill levels ranged from complete beginner to 15-year professional," Peck said. "I think there were three-four professionals, four students, and the rest were just hobbyists."
Photo by Josh Warner (@joshwarner.photo)
Photo by Alena
Swango (@aperturealena)
13 and no goal. It's the most cliche saying, but it's community over competition. Tips, tricks or advice can be shared freely and in real-time." Although the film walk is based in Pensac ola, there has been talk of expanding the event to other nearby cities. Participants of the most recent film walk have come as far as Mobile and Fairhope, Ala., locations Peck is considering hosting the next event. "Geoff [Peck] is an extremely cool dude, and I am uber grateful that he organizes these walks," said Andrew Tesdahl, another film walk partici pant. "It's a huge opportunity to get to know other photographers in the area, and Geoff's inviting nature brings it all together." While the event is labeled a "film" photogra phy walk, digital photographers are welcome, too. Many of those who participate in the event shoot with both film and digital cameras. "Film photography may be on the rise, but the community here is hidden, and this group has helped bring it into the light," Warner said. "It really brings together creatives, whether that be film/analog photography or even digital. We all events, helps artists and photo enthusiasts alike broaden their potential. "I want to help grow a community that's ripe for collaboration," Peck said. "This walk, education and other niche photo meetups will help us all grow as artists. The Photo 101 class I hosted and taught a few weeks back went well, and the photo critique and meetups seem promising. These two things will hopefully evolve into something else I can continue to offer the community." {in} Featured photographers: Geoff Peck @tinyobservations Josh Warner @joshwarner.photo Alena Swango @aperturealena Andrew Tesdahl @andrew_tesdahl SEPTEMBERSUNDAY4TH,2022 BAMBOO WILLIE’S STAGE Bangarang Peter Beach Famous Bath Tub PanzacolaRacesFireworksShowHiredGuns Live Music Drink Specials Merchant Sales Local 5NoonAMPHITHEATERArtistsSTAGELosingSunlightPMTheLisa’s PENSACOLA PHOTOGRAPHYFILMWALK WHAT: A quarterly photo meetup for photographers of all skill levels WHEN: The next walk date and location will be announced soon DETAILS: @pensacolafilmphotographywalk Group photo from the July Pensacola Film Photography Walk / Courtesy Photo
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"I could yell at people for hours about fem inism and rape culture and they might not even listen to me. But then I write these silly songs that have underlying messages and people get really excited about it. Whenever we play 'Short Skirt Tight Shirt,' people get so pumped, and it's literally a song about consent and date rape," DavisAshleyexplained.Faulkner, the other half of Cookies and Cake, also emphasized how important fem inism is—both within her music and the mission of Lady Fest.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. COST: $10, proceeds go to Yellowhammer Fund* DETAILS: @lady_fest_pensacolafacebook.com/ladyfestpensacola, film, music, stage, books and other signs of civilization...
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1-7
"I want these songs to get stuck in people's heads. I want them to marinate while you sleep so that wanting to uplift and stand up for others becomes an unconscious act to anyone who has been to our shows or heard our music," Faulkner said. "[Feminist issues] are important to me, but they should be important to everyone. Everything is interconnected to the patriarchal standards im posed on us, whether you notice the connection or not. It's funny how many people confuse femi nism with misandry. A true feminist sees how the patriarchy holds men down, too, but still fights for everyone's equality."
Melody Davis and Ashley Faulkner / Courtesy Photo
Both Lady Fest and Cookies and Cake are deeply embedded in the feminist movement—ad vocating for diversity, autonomy, body positivity, sex positivity and consent. While this year's event ushers in new and diverse local talent and raises money for the Yellowhammer Fund, an abortion fund and reproductive justice organization serving the Deep South, musicians like Cookies and Cake use their art to fight back.
*For more information on the nonprofit organiza tion that Lady Fest is raising funds for, visit yel lowhammerfund.org.
LADY FEST 9
Arts & Entertainment
art,
15September 1, 2022 Calling all the ladies, femmes and thems— it's time for Lady Fest 9. Since 2014, this women-centric music festival has been uplifting local musicians who don't fit within the maledominated music scene. Melody Davis, founder of Lady Fest and one-half of the rap duo Cook ies and Cake, has been creating this safe space for women, LGBTQ+, nonbinary and non-white artists, musicians and performers to take the center"Whenstage.we first started Cookies and Cake, there were no ladies in the scene," Davis said. "The bands were all men, the audience was most ly straight, white men, and there was always this macho, toxic-masculine vibe. If you're a lady in the music industry, men often patronize you saying, 'Oh, you rap? That's real cute.'" Now, there are more women in the local Pensacola music scene starting bands and frontlining shows, but events like Lady Fest create and foster a space for everyone to feel welcome and comfortable. Nationally, women still make up less than 20% of musicians and less than 3% of mu sic producers, according to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Although diversity within the music industry still has a long way to go, music itself ushers in sounds of resistance.
Both Davis and Faulkner hope that Lady Fest helps connect like-minded people and serves as a cathartic outlet for guests to rally together and support each other while enjoying music, art and performances. In its mission to promote diver sity and open the stage to new artists, the mu sic offerings at Lady Fest are always wide-rang ing, from rap and hip-hop to punk, rockabilly, new wave, indie-rock and even classical music. "I love all music, and I rarely turn a band down because I feel like there is always going to be somebody out in the audience who is going to be into what you're doing," Davis said. "In the ear ly years of Lady Fest, I booked this woman who was in her 70s and played the fiddle. She got on the stage and played the fiddle for 30 minutes while the whole room was dancing and cheering to these Irish jigs—just a bunch of punk kids who would probably never go out and buy fiddle al bums but are just loving it. She actually stopped at one point and asked, 'Are you guys messing with me? I've never had people this excited when I've played before.' That's the kind of energy I love about Lady Fest—exposing people to different kinds of genres and art." This year, the music lineup is smaller than past events as the drag and burlesque performers take the stage and embrace the Florida woman vibes of the theme—Lady Fest 9 Bog Prom—prom night meets swamp monster. The event will kick off with a dance lesson from Emily Bishop of Goddess Heels, followed by music from local bands Don't Feed the Plants, The Mid Evil Times, SOUR! and Cookies and Cake. Then, around 10 p.m., the stage will be filled with creepy swamp-inspired creatures for goblin burlesque performances. Finally, the night will end with a dance party hosted by DJ King Hale. The dress code is "fancy gross," which is left open to artisticThisinterpretation.year'seventis 21 and up. However, Davis explained that Lady Fest will return to an all-ageswelcome venue in the future. "People should expect something a little weird, gross and creepy when they come to our Bog Prom this year," Davis said. "I'm just look ing forward to seeing everyone together, having a good time and enjoying the art. I want people to know we're still here, and we're still fighting. We all deserve a break and to have a good time togeth er. And if you don't have that support system that you need, I hope folks can meet new friends and cool, like-minded people at the event. Everyone is welcome at Lady Fest—just don't be a jerk." {in}
COUNCIL ON AGING PRESENTS KITES ON THE COAST Council on Aging of West Flori da is hosting Kites on the Coast at Casino Beach Friday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 3. In partner ship with Pensacola Sports and Visit Pensacola, this free event will feature kite demonstrations by Chicago Kite along with food trucks, kids' ac tivities, and more. Friday's event kicks off at 4 p.m.-sunset, and Saturday's festivities will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information visit kitesonthecoast.org.
309 Punk House will host an opening recep tion and artist talk with Julia Gorton, the 309 September Artist in Residence Saturday, Sept. 3 from 7-9 p.m. An open portrait studio will be open 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4-Wednesday, Sept. 9, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. A closing reception will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. All events will be at 309 N. Sixth Ave. Visit 309punkproject.org for details.
NONPROFITS
PENSACOLA RECORD FAIR Peruse through the Gulf Coast's finest record dealers' collec tions, enjoy lagerbier and dance to a lineup of Pensacola DJs wafting through the atmosphere at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11. Visit facebook.com/oddcolo ny for details.
TABLE TALKS AT THE TRUST Join the His toric Trust for a monthly lunch and learn series on the third Wednesday of the month at the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, locat ed at 117 E. Government St., from noon-1 p.m. The program is free—just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a vari ety of topics. For more information, please email hparchives@uwf.edu or call (850) 595-5985, ext. 125. The next date is Sept. 21 with Krystal Brown, with Keep Pensacola Beautiful.
WHAT'S SHOWING AT PENSACOLA CINEMA ART PCA is located at the Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St. "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17. Classic films are available for free through the PCA website. Visit pen sacolacinemaart.com for more information and the latest showtimes.
LADY FEST 9: THE BOG PROM Lady Fest 9: Bog Prom is Saturday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. This fundrais er event will benefit The Yellowhammer Fund, an abortion fund serving Alabama, Mississippi and the Deep South. Admission is $10. Show for ages 21 and up. Musical guests include Cook ies and Cake, Don't Feed the Plants and SOUR! Drag performances from Terrah Card, Madame Hex and more. Dance party with music from DJ King Hale and vendors. For more information, visit facebook.com/ladyfestpensacola.
16TH ANNUAL BONFEST PENSACOLA
a&e happenings
26TH ANTIQUE APPRAISAL FAIR AT GARTH'S AUCTION GALLERY
309 PUNK PROJECT ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Join Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox, on Saturday, Sept 3, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to support Bluf fline, a grassroots effort to reconnect Pensac ola residents with their environment and each other—by building a public greenway from Sce nic Bluffs to Jackson Lakes. Odd Colony will be donating a portion of proceeds from beer sales and can release (Bluffline – Helles Lager). Visit facebook.com/oddcolony for more information.
& FUNDRAISERS
BonFest Pensacola is a family-friendly event in spired by traditional Obon festivals in Japan and offers authentic Japanese food, fun activ ities, superb cultural performances, items for sale and fun activities for guests of all ages to experience and enjoy. Taiko Drummers from EPCOT's Matsuriza group will be the highlight of the festival with two dynamic performances at the beginning and toward the end of the fes tival. The festival is Saturday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free admission.
BALLET PENSACOLA SEASON SUBSCRIP TIONS AVAILABLE Season subscriptions for Ballet Pensacola's 2022-2023 season are on sale now. Don't miss your chance to see the fan tastic lineup of performances, including "The Phantom of the Opera," Oct. 7-9 and 14-16; "The Nutcracker," Dec. 16-18; A Military Ap preciation Gala, Feb. 10-12; and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," April 21-23 and 28-30. Visit bal letpensacola.com or email officemanager@bal letpensacola.org for more information.
BLUFFLINE FUNDRAISER AT ODD COLONY
ARE YOU READY FOR IT? A TAYLOR SWIFT-INSPIRED DANCE PARTY Swift ies unite for a Taylor Swift Dance Party Satur day, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox. Tickets are $20. Show is for ages 18 and up. Visit vinylmusichall.com for details.
PENSACOLA OPERA 40TH SEASON Pen sacola Opera's 40th season will include a onenight-only concert, Forty Forward: Celebrating Four Decades of Opera, Puccini's "La Bohème" and Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel." In addition, this season will mark the 20th anniver sary of the Artists in Residence program. Newly named the Jan Miller Studio Artist program, spe cial events will be reimagined and rebranded, and a new leadership team will be set in place. Single tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Purchase online at pensacolaopera.com, in person at 75 Tarragona St. or by phone at (850) 433-6737.
DISSONANCE A new play from Marci Dun can, in collaboration with Kerry Sandell set in Belmont-DeVilliers district where two women discuss the hurt following George Floyd's mur der. The Gordon Theatre, 306 N. DeVilliers St., 2 and 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and Saturday, Sept. 3. For tickets, visit dissonanceplay.com.
ANIMAL ALLIES BINGO Animal Allies Florida is hosting Bingo at Scenic Hills Country Club, lo cated at 8891 Burning Tree Road, twice a month. Dates are Sept. 6 and 20, Oct. 4 and 18, Nov. 8 and 22, and Dec. 6 and 20. Proceeds go to help local animals. The fun starts at 7 p.m. $10 gets you 30 cards. Winners share the pot. Food and drink will be available for purchase. You must be 18 years old to play.
16 inweekly.net16 11 East Romana Street | Pensacola, Fl 32502 genemitchell.org Stock Market Losses? Hire a lawyer who is a former Merril Lynch stock broker. 127 Palafox Place Suite 100 autumnbeckblackledge.com(850)466-3115 Adoption • Paternity • Dependency/DCF Hearings Prenuptial Agreements • Postnuptial Agreements Divorce • Child Custody and Timesharing Child Support • Child Support Modifications Alimony • Collaborative Divorce • Divorce Mediation • Pre-Suit Family Law Mediation
THE FEAST A Pensacola Little Theatre Studio 400 production, "The Feast" is a comedic piece about a couple who discovers the sewers under their apartment begin to speak. For mature au diences only. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thurs day, Sept. 1; Friday, Sept. 2; and Saturday, Sept. 3. Tickets are $14-$20. Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S. Jefferson St. pensacolalittletheatre.com.
LIFE DRAWING GROUP AT ARTEL Artel's life drawing group meets every Monday, except
The Pen sacola Historic Preservation Society presents its 26th Antique Appraisal Fair at Garth's Auc tion Gallery, 3930 Navy Blvd. Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. This will be an opportuni ty for the public to bring items for area antique dealers and experts to appraise. Tickets are $5 per person, which allows you to have one ob ject appraised. Additional objects may be ap praised for $3 a piece. Tickets will be avail able at the door. For additional information, call Beverly Stagg at 393-3091.Visit pensacolahis toricpreservationsociety.com for details.
MOVIE NIGHT AT ALGA BEER CO. Visit Alga Beer Co., 2435 N. 12th Ave., every Monday at 7 p.m. for movie night. Follow @movie_night_ at_alga_ on Instagram to find out which movies will be featured each week.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: OUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY Earth Ac tion, Inc. will host an online multi-faith discus sion about the relationship with the earth and the right to healthy and clean water on Thurs day, Sept. 1, at 5:30 p.m. For a Zoom link, email earthethicsaction@gmail.com.
BARBARA RESLER WEEKS: ART PERSON IFIED Here is your last chance to see and buy the work of Barbara (Bobbi) Resler Weeks at the Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jeffer son St. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 10, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Light refreshments served. Visit facebook.com/pensacolamuseum for details.
ARTS & CULTURE SAENGER BRINGS SUMMER MOVIES SERIES BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN The Grand Dame of Palafox will once again open her doors to the community with a selection of sev en films this summer. Tickets for the Saenger Classic Movie Series will go sale on the night of each movie beginning at 6 p.m. Prices for ad mission remain at $5 per person for general ad mission seating. Tickets are only available for purchase at the Saenger Theatre Box Office. The next date is Saturday, Sept. 3, with "The Princess Bride."
"THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST" SCREENING AND DISCUSSION WSRE PBS will host a free film screening of "The U.S. and the Holocaust," a documentary series coming to PBS this fall, followed by a panel discussion by Steve Nissim. The screening is Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at WSRE, 1000 College Blvd. Visit wsre.org for details.
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The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida presents "In Between," an open studio residency and exhibition by Marzia Ransom. The public is also invited to visit her open stu dio hours on Fridays throughout the summer from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at TAG, 11000 University Parkway, Bldg. 82. A gallery talk will take place on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5-8 p.m., with live music and refreshments. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Cat Gambel, Gallery Director, TAG, at cgambel@ uwf.edu or TAG at artgallery@uwf.edu.
GREETINGS FROM PENSACOLA
Postcards were one of the ultimate promoters of person, place and thing during the first half of the 20th century. Journey through the development of the postcard and Pensacola's postcard past while be coming acquainted with Curt Teich, the world's most successful postcard publisher. On view through September 2022 at Pensacola Museum of History. Visit historicpensacola.org for details.
GALLERY 1060 JURIED SHOW View works in all media from local artists Sept. 12-Oct. 21 at First City Art's Gallery 1060, 1060 N. Guillemard St. Show will feature work from members and non-members. Visit firstcityart.org for details. for more listings visit inweekly.net
EASY GOING GALLERY ART MARKET Ev ery Sunday, Easy Going Gallery and Carter J Studios present a weekly art market Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Easy Going Gallery, lo cated at 701 N. V St. Enjoy art, espresso, vin tage goods, baked treats, handcrafted unique gifts and more. Vendors can participate for a $20 fee. For more information, contact easy goinggalleryart@gmail.com.
A new tempo rary exhibit at The Destination Archaeolo gy Resource Center, located at 207 E. Main St., features the story of the largest free black set tlement in what is now the United States. During the War of 1812, a fort was built by Black British Colonial Marines and Indigenous people along the Apalachicola River. Called "Negro Fort" by American officials, it eventually became the center of the largest free Black set tlement in what is now the United States. When the war ended, the U.S. believed the fort threat ened the institution of slavery and must be de stroyed. To the Maroon people who lived there, however, the fort at Prospect Bluff was a bea con of freedom worth fighting for. For more information, visit fpan.us.
The lat est exhibit at Gallery 1060 inside First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., is on view through Sept. 9. Visit firstcityart.org for details.
TAKING A LINE FOR A WALK
AMERICA'S EVERGLADES: THROUGH THE LENS OF CLYDE BUTCHER With his century-old camera, Clyde Butcher has been exploring and documenting the Everglades for more than three decades. The result is a col lection of large-format black-and-white photo graphs that capture untouched parts of the na tion's largest subtropical wilderness. The exhibit is on view at Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., through Sept. 18. Visit pensacola museum.org for more information.
ODD•IT•TIES AT GALLERY
GOODS OF DESIRES PMA's exhibition Goods of Desires from artist Cindy Leung is on view through Sept. 4. The exhibit uses Chinese exports to address the complex relationship between con sumerism, colonization and cultural hybridity, as they originated in the East and were popularized in the West through trading and British coloniza tion. Visit pensacolamuseum.org for details.
a&e happenings
PERSONAL SPACE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE ALLGYER An exhibition of photo graphs and mixed media prints from Natalie All gyer will be on display at East Going Gallery, 701 N. V St. The show will be on view through Sept. 14. Visit facebook.com/easygoinggallery for details.
PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET Enjoy shop ping for a variety of handcrafted wares at Pen sacola Arts Market Saturdays from 10 a.m.4 p.m. at 1401 W. Intendencia St. Enjoy art, espresso, vintage goods, baked treats, hand crafted unique gifts and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/ pensacolaartsmarket.
THE MAROON MARINES: ARCHAEOL OGY AT PROSPECT BLUFF
© holidays, from 6-9 p.m. in Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. For more information, contact Melvin at (850) 549-8783 or visit artelgallery.org.
This new ex hibition at Pensacola Museum of Art highlights the diverse materials, techniques and subject matter artists have explored through draw ing and printmaking over the last century. Art works include selections from the PMA's per manent collection, works on loan from The Art Gallery at the University of West Florida and works borrowed from contemporary American artists. Featured in the show are pieces by Pablo Picasso, Käthe Kollwitz, Salvador Dali, Alexan der Calder, Alex Katz, Sage Lewis and Richard Lindner. The exhibit is on view through Sept. 4 at PMA, 407 S. Jefferson St. Visit pensacolamu seum.org for more information.
17September 1, 2022
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IN BETWEEN: OPEN STUDIO AND RESI DENCY EXHIBITION BY MARZIA RANSOM
TEXTILES OF THE TIMES: REGENCY ERA DRESS MAKING The period between 18111820 is historically defined as the Regency Peri od. For the Gulf Coast, and Pensacola specifical ly, the Regency Period was a tumultuous time. It corresponded with the final days of Spanish rule in Florida, and the preparation of becoming an American territory was already underway. Thus, a mixing of cultures happened simultaneously with newer social and cultural trends. This exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History looks at a day in the life of a Regency-era Pensacolian through fashion and garment use. Drawing on historical documentation of stores known to have operated on Palafox, inside this recreation of a seamstress shop visitors will be able to explore the dress of yesteryear. On view now. Visit historicpensacola. org for details.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): "Now that I'm free to be myself, who am I?" Virgo-born Mary Oliver asks that question to start one of her po ems. She spends the rest of the poem speculating on possible answers. At the end, she concludes she mostly longs to be an "empty, waiting, pure, speechless receptacle." Such a state of being might work well for a poet with lots of time on her hands, but I don't recommend it for you in the coming weeks. Instead, I hope you'll be pro fuse, active, busy, experimental and expressive. That's the best way to celebrate the fact that you are now freer to be yourself than you have been in a while.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time," said philosopher Bertrand Russell. I will add that the time you enjoy wasting is often essential to your well-being. For the sake of your sanity and health, you periodically need to temporarily shed your ambitions and avoid as many of your responsibilities as you safely can. During these interludes of refreshing emptiness, you recharge your precious life energy. You become like a fal low field allowing fertile nutrients to regenerate. In my astrological opinion, now is one of these revitalizing phases for you.
LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): In her book "Tales From Earthsea," Libra-born Ursula K. Le Guin wrote, "What goes too long unchanged destroys itself. The forest is forever because it dies and dies and so lives." I trust you're embodying those truths right now. You're in a phase of your cycle when you can't afford to remain unchanged. You need to enthusiastically and purposefully engage in dissolutions that will prepare the way for your rebirth in the weeks after your birthday. The process might sometimes feel strenuous, but it should ultimately be great fun.
THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What bold dream may not be beyond your power to achieve? news letterfreewillastrology.com free will astrology
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In his poem "Autobiographia Literaria," Aries-born Frank O'Hara wrote, "When I was a child, I played in a corner of the schoolyard all alone. If anyone was looking for me, I hid behind a tree and cried out, 'I am an orphan.'" Over the years, though, O'Hara underwent a marvelous transformation. This is how his poem ends—"And here I am, the center of all beauty! Writing these poems! Imagine!" In the coming months, Aries, I suspect that you, too, will have the potency to outgrow and tran scend a sadness or awkwardness from your own past. The shadow of an old source of suffering may not disappear completely, but I bet it will lose much of its power to diminish you.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): To be the best Aquarius you can be in the coming weeks, I suggest the following—1. Zig when others zag. Zag when others zig. 2. Play with the fantasy that you're an extraterrestrial who's engaged in an experiment on planet Earth. 3. Be a hopeful cynic and a cheerful skeptic. 4. Do things that inspire people to tell you, "Just when I thought I had you figured out, you do something unex pected to confound me." 5. Just for fun, walk backward every now and then. 6. Fall in love with everything and everyone—a D-List celeb rity, an oak tree, a neon sign, a feral cat.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Blogger Scott Wil liams writes, "There are two kinds of magic. One comes from the heroic leap, the upward surge of energy, the explosive arc that burns bright across the sky. The other kind is the slow accretion of effort: the water-on-stone method, the soft root of the plant that splits the sidewalk, the constant wind that scours the mountain clean." Can you guess which type of magic will be your specialty in the coming weeks, Leo? It will be the laborious, slow accretion of effort. And that is precisely what will work best for the tasks that are most impor tant for you to accomplish.
By Rob Brezsny
freewillastrology.com freewillastrology@freewillastrology.comRobBrezsny©Copyright2022 I invite you to relish glorious paradoxes and fertile enigmas. You have the power to discern the sacred in the midst of mundane events.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): In his poem "Auguries of Innocence," William Blake (1757–1827) championed the ability "to see a World in a Grain of Sand. And a Heaven in a Wild Flower. Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand." According to my reading of the astrological omens, Taurus, you are primed to do just that in the coming days. You have the power to discern the sacred in the midst of mundane events. The magic and mys tery of life will shine from every little thing you encounter. So I will love it if you deliver the fol lowing message to a person you care for—"Now I see that the beauty I had not been able to find in the world is in you."
SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): As a Scorpio, novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky was rarely guilty of oversimplification. Like any intelligent person, he could hold contradictory ideas in his mind without feeling compelled to seek more superficial truths. He wrote, "The causes of human actions are usu ally immeasurably more complex and varied than our subsequent explanations of them." I hope you will draw inspiration from his example in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio. I trust you will resist the temptation to reduce colorful mysteries to straightforward explanations. There will always be at least three sides to every story. I invite you to relish glorious paradoxes and fertile enigmas.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): Au thor Zadie Smith praised Sagittarian writer Joan Didion. She says, "I remain grateful for the day I picked up Joan Didion's 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' and realized that a woman could speak without hedging her bets, without hem ming and hawing, without making nice, without sounding pleasant or sweet, without deference, and even without doubt." I encourage Sagittar ians of every gender to be inspired by Didion in the coming weeks. It's a favorable time to claim more of the authority you have earned. Speak your kaleidoscopic wisdom without apology or dilution. More fiercely than ever before, em body your high ideals and show how well they work in the rhythms of daily life.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Capricorn novelist Marcia Douglas writes books about the history of her people in Jamaica. In one passage, she writes, "My grandmother used to tell stories about women that change into birds and lizards. One day, a church-going man dared to laugh at her; he said it was too much for him to swallow. My grandmother looked at him and said, 'I bet you believe Jesus turned water into wine.'" My pur pose in telling you this, Capricorn, is to encourage you to nurture and celebrate your own fantastic tales. Life isn't all about reasonableness and prag matism. You need myth and magic to thrive. You require the gifts of imagination and art and lyrical flights of fancy. This is especially true now. To paraphrase David Byrne, now is a perfect time to refrain from making too much sense.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): A blogger who calls herself HellFresh writes, "Open and raw communication with your partners and allies may be uncomfortable and feel awkward and vulnerable, but it solves so many problems that can't be solved any other way." Having spent years studying the demanding arts of intimate relationship, I agree with her. She adds, "The idea that was sold to us is 'love is effortless and you should communicate tele pathically with your partner.' That's false." I propose, Pisces, that you fortify yourself with these truths as you enter the Reinvent Your Relationships Phase of your astrological cycle.
18 inweekly.net18
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): "My own curi osity and interest are insatiable," wrote Cancerian author Emma Lazarus (1849–1887). Inspired by the wealth of influences she absorbed, she cre ated an array of poetry, plays, novels, essays and translations—including the famous poem that graces the pedestal of America's Statue of Liberty. I recommend her as a role model for you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. I think you're ripe for an expansion and deepening of your curiosity. You will benefit from cultivating an enthusiastic quest for new information and fresh influences. Here's a mantra for you—"I am wildly innocent as I vivify my soul's education."
OUT OF PLACE When Jenn Ross returned home from the gym about 7 a.m. on Aug. 17, she found an unexpected guest in her Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, home: a young fur seal. Ross' hus band, Phil, is a marine biologist but unfortunately wasn't home to meet the interloper, the Guard ian reported. "I really missed my time to shine," he said. He believes the seal came in through the cat door and spent some time in the guest room and on the couch, but thankfully didn't relieve it self inside. "I think that would have been pret ty terminal for the furniture," he said. It's not un common for the young seals to range far and wide at this time of year, Ross explained. "I guess, like all teenagers, they don't necessarily make sensible decisions," he said.
WAIT, WHAT? Cleveland, Georgia, is home to Babyland General Hospital, the Mirror reported, but don't go there with a broken finger or to de liver a human infant. The faux hospital is actual ly a toy store where fans of Cabbage Patch dolls can witness a "birth" as a nurse calls out "dila tion" updates: "five leaves apart, seven leaves apart, nine leaves apart"—even announcing the necessity for a "leaves-iotomy" (like an episioto my). "Finally," according to a Twitter post from Sar ah Baird, a recent visitor, "the cabbage patch doll is born." Shoppers/visitors who want to adopt a new doll have to sign adoption papers, but the store's guarantee is comprehensive: If your doll becomes damaged, you can send it back, and if it can't be re paired, they'll send you a coffin and death certifi cate so you can lay it to rest. One Twitter user who visited as a child replied, "I am so glad to know it is just as odd and terrifying as I remember."
SPOOKY The owner of a "cursed fridge" in Eng land has been posting fliers around London, offer ing the haunted appliance "free to collect" to any one who can live with the "soul within," the New York Post reported. "My stepmother had a heart attack on our kitchen floor in the middle of an electrical storm," the poster explained, "and her soul was transferred into the computer unit of our smart fridge." The owner claims the fridge is judg ing them on "how many slices of cheese I've eaten or whether I've properly put the lid back on some thing. She has to go." In an even odder twist, how ever, the attached phone number rings not to an individual but to a kitchen showroom. Hmmm ...
•Anthony Petty, 62, of Seminole, Florida, told Pi nellas County cops on Aug. 18 that he was "just trying to celebrate his birthday" when he arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex at a St. Peters burg apartment. The Smoking Gun reported that Petty had been communicating with the "girl"— really an undercover police officer—on a chat app, sending her explicit messages and a video of him being his own BFF. Petty is being held in lieu of $12,000 bond. {in}
19September 1, 2022
news of the weird
A hot spring in Yellowstone Na tional Park is the site of an ongoing investigation after a park employee discovered a human foot, inside a shoe, floating on the surface of Abyss Pool on Aug. 16, Denver 7 TV reported. Officials believe the foot may belong to a person who died on July 31 at the same hot spring. "Currently, the park believes there was no foul play," a statement read. Law enforcement officers are still looking into the July death. The Abyss Pool is one of the deepest in Yellowstone, and its temperature can reach 140 degrees. Although park regulations and signage discourage visitors from getting too close to the pools, since 1890, at least 22 people have died from hot-springs related injuries.
WRONG PLACE, ALL THE TIME Ray Minter of East San Jose, California, has lived in his home since 1960, he told KTVU-TV. But since 1972, Minter's house has been hit 23 times by cars as they exit the 680 South freeway. Despite steel poles, installed by his insurance company, and a chain-link fence out front, cars still slam into his home. "I've had four of the cars come through my house completely," Minter said. "All the oth er ones have torn up my fence, and I've lost three cars in the yard." Amazingly, none of his family have suffered serious injuries, although his niece had an arm broken and spent time in the hospital after one incident. Of the drivers, Minter said, "Most of them have been drunk. Like the guy in 2016. He hit (Minter's car) at 105 mph." The City of San Jose says it has no au thority over the off-ramp but encourages driv ers to slow down and obey traffic laws.
Thieves used a grinder to cut Dennis' foot and re move the 200-pound artwork, called "a symbol of the goodness and happiness of the City" by City Manager Hans Uslar. The statue was first stolen in 2006; a replacement statue was placed in the park a year later. In 2015, a Dennis the Menace statue was found at a scrap yard in Orlando, Florida, but it was determined to be a different piece than the Monterey Dennis. The kid gets around.
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
CULTURAL DIVERSITY When traveling to Yo kohama, Japan, make sure you have Unco Shop on your must-visit list. "Unco" in Japanese means ... poop. And yes, there's a whole shop devoted to products featuring coiled-up human waste—from clothing items to home accessories, Oddity Cen tral reported. The shop is the brainchild of Akihiko Nobata, aka "President Poop," who trademarked a logo and gave up his job selling high-end men's clothing to start his online business in 2014. Last year, he dropped a brick-and-mortar retail desti nation, complete with a guestbook where visitors draw poops "and giggle while drawing them," No bata said. "It transcends language and culture and creates universal laughter."
POLICE REPORT Oh, that mischievous imp, Den nis the Menace. A 3 1/2-foot-tall bronze statue pays tribute to the cartoon strip character at Den nis the Menace Playground in Monterey, Califor nia—except for when it's on the run. The statue, which was installed in 1988, was stolen—again— on Aug. 21, Monterey police told KSBW-TV.
Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.comFromAndrewsMcMeel Syndication News Of The Weird © 2022 Andrews McMeel
IT'S A MYSTERY
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