Inweekly Sept 5 2024 Issue by Inweekly

winners & losers winners losers

WHEN THE POWER’S

WHITNEY FIKE The regional communications manager at International Paper received the Gold Pinnacle Award for Communicator of the Year at the Florida Public Relations Association's PR & Comms Summit last month. This award is given to a public relations or communications practitioner who does exceptional work as a solo practitioner or as part of an agency, business, nonprofit or other organization that has some element of its business in Florida. Other local winners included Brittany Sherwood, FPRA Pensacola Chapter president, who received a President's Award for Professional Development and Visit Pensacola, and the University of West Florida Office of Institutional Communications, which received Awards of Distinction.

JESSICA SIMPSON The Pensacola Beach Chamber's vice president of membership services was named the chamber's new president and CEO, effective Oct. 1. Simpson will follow in the footsteps of Meg Peltier, who recently announced her intention to step down at the end of this month. The board said Simpson was selected because "her deep understanding of the chamber's mission and her passion for supporting local businesses make her the ideal leader to continue the Chamber's work and build on Peltier's achievements," according to a press release. The chamber will host a farewell event for Peltier 5 p.m. Oct. 17 at Bamboo Willie's on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Members and community partners are invited.

RASHELL KELLEY Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida recently announced Rashell Kelley as the 2024 Santa Rosa County Big of the Year because of her exceptional dedication and commitment. Kelley has mentored her Little Sister Frankie for nearly three years and has played a crucial role in instilling values of compassion and generosity in Frankie. The pair volunteered at the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2024 Big Gala and sponsored a family in need during the holiday season. Kelley is a part-time officer with the Pensacola Police Department, where she focuses on recruiting new officers and conducting background investigations on applicants.

MOMS FOR

LIBERTY

Two former Santa Rosa County chapter officers of Moms for Liberty did pitifully in the Aug. 20 primary. Chapter founder Mariya Calkins came in last in a threeperson race for the District 2 school board seat with less than 22% of the votes. Brenda Stephens stepped down as the chapter's treasurer to run for the superintendent of schools. She also came in last behind incumbent Karen Barber (49%) and David Godwin (38%). Stephens received only 13% of the vote. Only three of the 14 school board candidates backed by Moms for Liberty won their primaries in other parts of Florida.

SANTA ROSA GOP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The brain trust has demanded a forensic audit of the Aug. 20 primary election results because the election supervisors' homepages in Santa Rosa, Pinellas, Leon and other counties struggled to load. However, direct links to the primary results appeared to be unaffected. The Santa Rosa GOP Executive Committee called the software glitch a "Constitutional Crisis & National Security Breach" in an email to Santa Rosa Supervisor of Elections Tappie Villane. Meanwhile, the Florida Elections Canvassing Commission certified the primary results, formally setting the stage for the November general election. The commission, consisting of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, met briefly by phone to certify the results.

BEN SASSE University of Florida alums were surprised when the Republican U.S. Senator from Nebraska was chosen to succeed University of Florida president Kent Fuchs. Sasse's four years as president of Midland University, a private Lutheran college with 1,600 students in Fremont, Neb., hardly qualified him to take the reins of the state's flagship university. Sasse abruptly resigned in July, citing his wife's poor health. However, UF's student-run newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, found that his office's spending tripled to $17.3 million in his first year as president. Sasse had given lucrative contracts to his GOP allies and hired former employees who worked remotely from Washington, D.C.

Whitney Fike / Courtesy Photo

outtakes

By Rick Outzen

WE NEED MORE DETAILS

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Gov. Ron DeSantis learned that few issues unite Floridians more than our state parks. We agree putting luxury lodges and golf courses in our parks is a horrible idea.

On Aug. 19, FDEP announced its Great Outdoors Initiative, which would've allowed lodges and golf courses in state parks. The agency followed it with a series of social media posts outlining plans for nine parks and public hearings to be held on all the plans on the same day. The nine plans included a 350-room lodge in the Topsail Preserve State Park in Walton County.

Environmental groups such as 1000 Friends of Florida, Friends of the Everglades, Florida Wildlife Federation and VoteWater implored their members to let their legislators, Gov. DeSantis and FDEP officials know they opposed the plan. 1000 Friends of Florida said state parks should not be competitors for golf courses or other private recreational complexes, which are available throughout the state.

State Sen. Jay Trumbull represents Walton County and chairs the House Commerce and Tourism Committee. He quickly sided with the environmentalists.

"Our state parks should not be in the business of competing with private enterprise to provide lodging or other commercial amenities," Trumbull wrote. "Our state parks are a treasure, and they should remain focused on their primary mission: offering a refuge for those who seek to experience Florida's natural beauty in its purest form."

Rep. Matt Gaetz appealed to DeSantis to kill the plan. He tweeted, "I know you love our Florida environment. We campaigned together on saving the environment in 2018. I saw your sincerity firsthand, up close. Please use your excellent leadership skills to kill this anti-Florida Man initiative. Keep our parks natural."

His father, Don Gaetz, wrote a viewpoint for floridapolitics.com, which called the FDEP plan "a bad idea for Florida."

The most controversial proposal was adding three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.

FDEP first defended its plans for Jonathan Dickinson State Park, saying, "We are considering the addition of golf—one of our nation's most

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

popular sports—in a way that will minimize habi tat impacts and leverage already-disturbed areas."

But U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott joined several lawmakers and two Martin County commissioners in letter to DeSantis calling the proposal "ridiculous" and the approval process "deeply flawed."

As the uproar intensified, we learned the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation, a little-known corporation that listed the same address as the nonprofit veterans group Folds of Honor, was linked to the Jonathan Dickinson golf proposal.

On my radio program, Don Gaetz called for an investigation of the foundation's involvement.

"My daddy taught me to follow the money, and when you do a bit of digging and find out that there was a group nobody's ever heard of before called the 'Tuskegee Dunes Foundation,'" he said. "They were apparently involved in this, and a former Department of Environmental Protection secretary, Ryan Matthews, was involved with the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation and as a lobbyist in Tallahassee. Sooner or later, you have to wonder who would make money out of these hotels?"

Gov. DeSantis was slow to respond. At a press conference on another topic Aug. 28, the governor said, "A lot of that stuff was just half-baked, and it was not ready for prime time when it was."

The governor said FDEP would gather more public input and announce nothing would be advanced this year. He blamed the controversary on the plans being "leaked" to create a "narrative."

However, FDEP posted the proposal on its website and gave the details on its social media when it announced the public hearings. Nothing was leaked, other than maybe the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation relationship.

And Gov. DeSantis did meet with Folds of Honor CEO Dan Rooney in early August about rehabilitating an existing "rundown or abandoned" golf course. He said the golf course idea at Jonathan Dickinson was "misrepresented."

Over the weekend, NBC News reported Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Wood were involved in the golf courses.

I agree with Don Gaetz. We need a full investigation on how this plan was developed and more transparency from the governor. {in} rick@inweekly.net

ESCAMBIA COUNTY'S NEXT PROPERTY APPRAISER

to his classmate Gary "Bubba" Peters during sixth-grade orientation at Ransom Middle School. Peters left a lasting impression on the elder Smith.

"Bubba comes up, shakes his hand, good firm handshake, tells him who he is, and gets to talking to him," said Smith, the finance director for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA). "My dad said, 'That boy's going to be a politician when he grows up.' Funny how it turned out."

The 40-year-old Peters entered the political arena this year when he decided to run for Escambia County property appraiser. No one filed to oppose him, so he will be sworn into office in January. Peters will replace his long-time mentor, Chris Jones, who cited personal reasons for his last-minute decision not to seek re-election.

For Jones, stepping away after nearly three decades in the property appraiser's office is bittersweet. He will undoubtedly miss the daily interactions with what he describes as a "firstclass" team. He takes comfort, though, in knowing Peters will inherit the position.

"He's the kind of young man that if you had a daughter and you could pick a husband for her, he's the man you would pick," Jones said.

FROM INTERN TO CHIEF DEPUTY

Peters will step in as the Escambia County Property Appraiser with more than 20 years of experience in the office, serving the past seven as chief deputy. He began on the ground floor as an intern during his senior year at Tate High School. His responsibilities included imaging documents and uploading pictures of residential properties taken by field appraisers.

A teenager with the maturity of someone twice his age, Peters found his footing almost immediately in the appraiser's office. He con -

nected with the staff, and his production distinguished him from his peers.

"Not to disparage the other high schoolers we had, but you could see a sense of maturity and work ethic that was more advanced than the other high school students," Jones said. "To be honest with you, he was more advanced than I was in high school, too."

Peters found the perfect mentor in Jones as he rose from intern to chief deputy. The two men bonded early in their relationship, and that bond remains ironclad 21 years later.

"Whether it be professionally or personally, he's one of those voices, opinions I will seek anytime I need that type of mentorship or advice," said Peters, whose nickname Bubba stuck when his sister called him that as a baby. "We have worked day in and day out with one another. We've definitely grown close to one another. He has absolutely been my mentor when it comes to professionally and personally, as well."

Jones appreciates that Peters colors within the lines. He described Peters as "ethical" and someone who follows the statutes to a tee. Jones said, "If there is a gray area, he'll bend to help the taxpayer."

Expect minimal changes from the appraiser's office with Peters in charge. He has essentially handled day-to-day operations over the past few years. Peters said revamping the website to be outward-facing is a priority, but otherwise, he only expects to make a few minor tweaks.

"As far as procedural, Mr. Jones has been doing this for 29 years," Peters said. "We're definitely up to date with our policies, the way we interpret laws, the way we review applications, our appraising methods, all of those things are in order."

Peters admittedly never grew up dreaming of being a property appraiser. He mirrored other boys who dreamt of being firefighters, lawyers, doctors and professional athletes. His career focus shifted after the internship.

"Being a public servant just really fit," Peters said. "Just having the opportunity to serve the citizens of Escambia County has really driven me."

Peters stayed on at the appraiser's office after graduating high school and proceeded to earn his bachelor's degree at the University of West Florida (UWF). Jones elevated him to a full-time position, and Peters still managed to earn his MBA from UWF in just two years.

Jones said Peters asked all the right questions early in his career and displayed a thirst for knowledge.

"A lot of people have book smarts and a lot of folks have common sense," Jones said. "He has that fine balance of both."

FAMILY & COMMUNITY MATTER

Peters imparts his wisdom throughout the community. He serves on boards or committees for the Santa Rosa Island Authority, National Association for Industrial and Office Parks of Northwest Florida, Gulf Winds Credit Union, the Eta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and I CHOSE, a movement to eliminate impaired and distracted driving.

He manages all of that and still finds time to coach his two children. Peters grew up playing baseball and football. His 10-year-old son plays the same sports, and his 9-year-old daughter plays softball.

"If I'm not at one person's practice, I'm at the other's," Peters said. "If I'm not at one person's game, I'm at the other's."

His wife, Jessica, is the "glue that holds the family together." A neonatal nurse practitioner at Ascension Sacred Heart, Jessica shoulders the burden of transporting the children to school and practices.

The devoted parents ensure their kids and others in the community show up to practices and games with the proper attire and equipment. Peters is extremely generous in supporting children from low-income families.

"He does a lot for kids that aren't his," Smith said. "If a kid needs a pair of cleats or equipment and they can't afford it, he tries to help them out any way he can. He's spent a lot of his own money over the years buying for kids who otherwise couldn't afford it."

Dependable perhaps best describes Peters. He always shows up and performs his best— whether at the office, a board meeting, the ball diamond or the football field.

Loyal is another word that accurately describes Peters. No matter how aggressively suitors pursue him, Peters remains entrenched in the property appraiser's office.

"He's had plenty of opportunities, job offers from different types of organizations, and I don't know if he even entertained any of them," Smith said. "He's always turned them down. He's enjoyed working at the appraiser's office and stayed loyal there."

Being a property appraiser perhaps sounds boring compared to being a firefighter, doctor, lawyer or professional athlete, but Peters wakes up every day excited for whatever challenge awaits him.

"I've yet to have a day that was the same as the day before," Peters said. "I can find myself involved in some value decisions, working on the tax roll, getting an acceptable tax roll to the Department of Revenue. At the next meeting, I might walk in with something in regards to exemptions that are being applied for, whether it be homestead exemption or charitable exemption. I could be asked to step into someone's office about a personnel matter.

"It definitely beats back any type of monotony that might set in. The fire is still burning. There's no complacency that's set in after 21 years." {in}

Gary "Bubba" Peters / Courtesy Photo

$15,000 to fund Pensacola State College (PSC) in Century through a Community Partner Funding grant, allowing PSC to provide programming to 60 students, ages 6-12, in the Century area for three weeks over the summer. The PSC Century Kids College programming included a sport, an art and a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) camp with various hands-on activities for children.

"I'm very excited that we were able to support this program and provide an opportunity for these students to have a fun, engaging, and educational summer camp experience at no cost to their families," said Steven Barry, the District 5 commissioner. "Programs like this should be available to all students in our community, regardless of income level, and I'm very pleased that we accomplished that goal thanks to this exciting partnership with Pensacola State College.

He added, "I'd like to thank PSC and every person who worked together to ensure these students had a fantastic summer camp experience."

The county funding covered the costs of the

The PSC Century Kids College aimed to provide a summer camp experience to an area with limited opportunities for elementary-age children, especially in the summertime.

"Kids College is a great way to introduce future students and their parents to PSC," said Dr. Ed Meadows, the PSC president. "We are very grateful for the financial support of Escambia County so we could make this educational opportunity available in Century."

The PSC Kids College is now in its 34th year, but this is the first year the program was offered in Century. For more information, visit kidscollege. pensacolastate.edu.

NEW DOWNTOWN POST OFFICE Customers

who used the downtown post office before it relocated to East Hill are being asked to comment on a new possible location for a downtown post office branch. Last spring, the United States Postal Service (USPS) closed its popular branch at 101 S. Palafox St. because of the site's redevelopment.

On "Real News with Rick Outzen" last week,

Inweekly publisher Rick Outzen asked NAI Pensacola owner DeeDee Davis what she had heard about the post office returning downtown.

"My lips are sealed," she said. She added, "We've got something in the works downtown. Hopefully, this is all going to work out. It's pretty far along in negotiations, but it's government, so it doesn't move fast."

The USPS notice proposes moving the downtown branch to a building of approximately 4,000 square feet within a one-mile radius of the old location.

The public is invited to mail comments in the next 45 days to:

Attn: Pensacola, FL Downtown Stn Relocation United States Postal Service P.O. Box 27497 Greensboro, NC 27488-1103

Let's make this happen.

DUMB TRICK Former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz opposes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's proposal to build golf courses and hotels in state parks. He questions the ethics behind the idea.

"Years ago, U.S Sen. Bill Proxmire gave out Golden Fleece Awards for the dumbest ideas that government could come up with and fund," Gaetz said. "If Sen. Proxmire was still in office today, this would be a candidate. This was a dumb government trick."

Gaetz also questioned the foundation behind at least one golf course proposal.

"My daddy taught me to follow the money, and when you do a bit of digging and find out that there was a group nobody's ever heard of before called the 'Tuskegee Dunes Foundation,'" he said.

"They were apparently involved in this, and a former Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary, Ryan Matthews, was involved with the Tuskegee Dunes Foundation and as a lobbyist in Tallahassee. Sooner or later, you have to wonder who would make money off these hotels?"

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Gov. Ron DeSantis said that "half-baked" plans to bring golf courses and resort-style lodges to state parks needed more public input. The comments came nearly a

week after the "Great Outdoors Initiative" drew heavy criticism from all sides.

"Here's the thing, I'd rather not spend any money on this, right?" DeSantis said during an appearance at the Polk County Sheriff's Office Operations Center in Winter Haven. "I mean, if people don't want improvements, then don't do it. And so, that'll be something that citizens could be able to do."

DeSantis pulling back the proposal was good news for Gaetz. He said, "It is an example of what happens when you have a former agency head working with his old pals and former subordinates in an agency on something that, when you get it out in the clear light of day, is really a bad idea. And it reflects poorly on the governor. I'm pleased the governor pulled the plug, and I take him at his word that this is a dead duck now."

Gaetz joked, "I would imagine somebody in DEP is having a career counseling session in the governor's office."

ELECTION

HOAX Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender texted that some voters have received a text or phone call that their vote-by-mail request has been canceled.

"This is not coming from my office, and everyone who has called our office, we have confirmed their request is still valid. We are posting something to make voters aware."

Voters check their status online by visiting the "Am I Registered" link at escambiavotes.gov. They enter their name and date of birth, and their voter information comes up—including if they have a vote-by-mail request on file.

AIRPORT UPDATE Pensacola International Airport Director Matt Coughlin said the airport is on pace to approach "about three million" passengers this year, a 15% increase. The federal security director from Jacksonville visited the airport last week.

"Because of our growth, they're looking to change what they categorize us as a Category 1 airport, which is the second largest category they have," Coughlin said. "With that comes new resourcing and some other requirements on our part, too."

Photo Courtesy of myescambia.com

Coughlin and his team continue to seek more direct flights. "I'm always trying to get more direct flights to the West Coast, particularly Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Phoenix. Out of our top 20 markets, we do nonstop to 85% of them. We're happy about that number, and it's number climbing. But we are trying to get in Phoenix and Vegas, and we're working that pretty diligently."

The construction of the new parking lot on Tippen Avenue is on schedule. Coughlin said, "We expect it to be online before the holidays for any holiday rush. The project's being incentivized so that they get that done early. But parking is a constraint here, and we're always moving forward trying to expand that."

The plan for the terminal expansion is for the design to start from the TSA checkpoint. "We're going to move out from there from a design standpoint. We expect to be about 30% complete, probably around March, which aligns with our funding efforts with the FAA."

The airport is still working on grants. "We just put in an application for $10 million with the FAA for the airport terminal program, so we'll see," Coughlin said. "We should know in October whether we get that grant. We have already gotten about $7 million from the state, which is going to get us through design."

He added, "The state's been a great partner in this effort, and hopefully, we'll get some federal dollars there, and then we'll move forward and get this thing going."

The airport has upgraded its current parking facilities with the installation of advanced License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology. Its old ticket dispensers and pay-in-lane devices have been replaced with state-of-the-art LPR equipment. The new system will streamline the parking experience by automatically recognizing license plates at entry and exit. The cameras determine when a vehicle arrives and leaves for parking pay purposes only.

The new system reduces transaction times to three to five seconds on average, which cuts wait times and improves traffic flow within our parking facilities. The enhancement will be especially noticeable during busy travel periods.

For more information, visit flypensacola.com.

JUSTICE FOR FORTSON FAMILY

Eddie Duran, the former Okaloosa County deputy who shot and killed decorated Sr. Airman Robert Fortson in May, was granted a $100,000 bond. His defense team led by former state Sen. Rod Smith had requested a $10,000 bond while the state had sought a $250,000 bond. The judge did not impose a GPS monitor requirement.

Duran was arrested after State Attorney Ginger Madden filed one count of manslaughter with a firearm against him. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.

When the charges were announced, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office issued a statement announcing its decision to terminate Duran after the administrative internal affairs investigation found the deputy's use of force was "not objectively reasonable."

"We continue to wish Mr. Fortson's family comfort and peace as the former deputy's criminal case proceeds," according to the statement. "The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has been fully accountable and transparent in its compliance with statutory requirements, providing numerous public statements, making accessible the available body-worn camera footage and other related records, meeting with Mr. Forston's family and legal counsel, and communicating openly with the U.S. Air Force and our community at-large."

Levin Papantonio president Brian Barr and civil rights attorney Ben Crump represent Airman Fortson's family. Barr said they intend to pursue lawsuits against the sheriff's office and the apartment complex.

"There are steps you have to take under Florida law before you can sue a sheriff's department," Barr said. "They're a Florida agency, so there are these administrative steps you have to take first, and we're in the process of doing that. But as soon as we possibly can, we want to get that case going."

He continued, "I'm hopeful it doesn't have to come to that. The sheriff's department will have to mean what they said when they talked about how they would make this right if it turned out to be an unjustified shooting, charging the officer. That's a step in the right direction, but that's not the complete picture. If we're going to do accountability, we need to do full accountability, and that's what we're making sure happens."

BEULAH SUBSTATION On "Real News with Rick Outzen" last week, Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed where he would like to build a Beulah substation.

"We have a substation on Hood Drive up there in Ensley, but Beulah is quite a distance from there, especially the way traffic is getting and all the growth in Beulah," the sheriff said. "I did have a conversation with Commissioner [Jeff] Bergosh. A good place we agreed is in front of the equestrian center. There's a grass area with good access to a Mobile Highway."

However, he added that he is open to placing it wherever the county commission finds a spot. "I'm hoping to eventually have that conversation with Commissioner [Steve] Stroberger and let him know what our needs are. Hopefully, we can continue to have a good dialogue with the county commissioner in that district."

Sheriff Simmons wants the Beulah substation to become a community spot. "Our precinct over in Warrington, I told the homeowners associations there that they can use that building. We have a rather large space to meet. And if they can't find a church to meet, well then, we are available."

He continued, "I would love to make a substation in Beulah big enough to where we can host a homeowner association, or any kind of meeting for that matter, at the precinct; I think that's great because that's part of making Escambia County Sheriff's Office part of the community." {in}

When Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed more than $32 million for cultural funding in the Florida budget—around $1.2 million in Northwest Florida alone—it was a shock to our local performing arts community.

"The slashing of all state arts funding has been a detriment to every arts nonprofit," said Sid Williams-Heath, CEO of Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) and The Clark Family Cultural Center. "While misery loves company, our hearts are heavy that this isn't something just PLT is experiencing."

When the news broke of the state cuts this summer, it sent nonprofits scrambling with just a few months to make adjustments ahead of the upcoming performance season. But as the saying goes, "the show must go on."

'GETTING CREATIVE'

PLT lost about $65,000 in operations, nearly half of its production budget, and $436,000 in state funding meant to go toward the theatre's redesign overhaul.

"These are funds that are well-vetted, highly competitive and strongly supported by our local representatives, so much that they continue to fight to get this support into the state budget each year," Williams-Heath said.

There's been cuts to programs and renovations, which is a "reality," for many organizations, he added.

Pensacola Opera lost about $70,000, which was a "huge loss," said Chandra McKern, the opera's general director.

"We are still trying to figure out how to make up the difference," she added. "If there's anything we know how to do in the arts, it's how to get creative. Pensacola Opera will be adding smaller fundraising events, cutting costs where we can, applying for more grants and seeking out more corporate support. We will move forward in the best way possible without jeopardizing the artistic product."

The keyword for this upcoming season is "adjustment."

"We have adjusted some of our performing forces—fewer orchestral players than we would normally hire, seeking local soloists without the need for travel, reducing the concert season slightly," said Peter Steenblik, artistic director for the Choral Society of Pensacola. "We are adjusting."

It wasn't too long ago the arts community was reeling from the loss of live performances during the pandemic. This is another season where support is paramount—and highly appreciated.

"The two most important words we can ever say are, 'thank you,'" said Bret Barrow, executive director at Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (PSO), which lost an anticipated $100,000 in budget cuts. "It's my hope that we can continue to add more value in the community. If you want others to experience music in key moments, please help us make that possible through your charitable giving."

TRADITION MEETS MODERN

Other than stretching dollars, arts organizations prepare every year to present a season that honors the traditions of the craft while injecting fresh ideas.

Choir music dates back to ancient Greece, but when it comes to putting performances together the Choral Society experiments with different themes. This year, they will perform the choral masterwork, Johann Sebastian Bach's "Magnificat," and "Still Rising," which shares the history of women's right to vote and includes a multimedia performance of Andrea Ramsey's "Suffrage Cantata."

Steenblik credits the new generations of choir singers in schools and churches for keeping the art alive. That includes the Pensacola Children's Chorus, which expands the idea of choir music adding elaborate sets, costumes and choreography to performances.

"Since people of all ages can participate, we strive to cycle through repertoire that appeals to singers of all ages," he said. "The audience is the benefactor of the collective investment by the singers themselves."

FALL

ARTS

BY JENNIFER LEIGH

You see that mix of traditional and new with Pensacola Opera. Their two mainstage productions this season are classics: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," the latter of which anyone would recognize by searching "Vesti la giubba" online. In the same season, the opera will host its second "Rock the Runway" fundraiser and a world premiere Foo Foo Fest performance of "Carmen, The Traveler," which McKern describes as "opera meets the musical 'Once.'"

"(It's) an actor-musician retelling of Bizet's Carmen, putting the 'orchestra' into the hands of the Romany characters on stage," explained McKern. "Bizet's original arias—influenced by Spanish and Romany folk music—will be reverse engineered, accompanied by instruments that were indigenous to these traveling people (accordions, fiddles, bass, guitars)."

Williams-Heath calls the current phase of PLT a "renaissance." From the outside in, the theater is reinventing itself. New this season, PLT will offer sensory-friendly performances, which offer neurodivergent patrons the opportunity to "experience art in a way that is comfortable and considerate for them and their needs."

"These performances include an ASL interpreter, and while these additional services are not the most affordable for us to provide, it's really meaningful and prioritized by our leadership and volunteers," he said.

The theater's awaited Top of The Center, a rooftop performance space, will also officially open.

"PLT is elevating our area's artistic climate— literally," Williams-Heath said.

As one of the oldest organizations, the PSO will open its 99th season Oct. 5 with music from Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sergei Prokofiev and Leonard Bernstein. Even with longstanding traditions, there is still excitement, Barrow said.

"I'm looking forward to the first notes of the orchestra as we all return to the Saenger Theatre in October," he added. "Opening night is always

such a fantastic springboard of energy and the culmination of many months of work behind the scenes. It sets a celebratory tone."

MAKING ART ACCESSIBLE

Financial struggles are not unique to the arts. Everyone has been tightening their belt. But experiencing a symphony concert, watching an opera or taking in a theater show is more affordable than you think. For instance, PSO offers tickets to its dress rehearsal performances for just $10, and PLT offers half-price tickets for Thursday performances for many theater productions. PSO also hosts free concerts at Artel Gallery, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Museum Plaza and the Bayview Senior Resource Center.

"It is our fervent hope that financial challenges never prohibit someone from having meaningful musical experiences," Barrow said.

The opera also hosts free performances at community parks, local libraries, as well as their popular "Brown Bag Opera" series held at the Opera Center—to name a few. This year, the opera will have its world premiere of "The Bear Who Couldn't Fish," commissioned specifically for its education tour with music from local artist, Matthew Fossa, and the libretto and story by Joshua Borths.

"There is something for everyone," McKern said.

One common thread you can find in the arts community is its commitment to inclusion. Oftentimes, it's the stories that don't get told that become art, and that's worth supporting, Williams-Heath said.

"We make art by the community, for the community, and at the end of the day, our goal is to improve your quality of life while affording you a safe space to express yourself. So take advantage!" he said. "Whether you're an artist, a thrill-seeker, a theater lover, a ballet mom, a worship-goer, or a member of the LGBTQIA+ alphabet soup … we exist to tell stories, and we'll sure as hell make sure your story is heard and celebrated, too."

Ballet Pensacola

balletpensacola.org

Cinderella

Oct. 11-13 &18-20

The ultimate fairytale of love and a little magic gets the Ballet Pensacola treatment.

The Nutcracker

Dec. 20-22

Ballet Pensacola's annual holiday tradition is one not to miss.

Don Quixote

March 28-30 & April 4-6

Follow the adventures of Don Quixote through dance.

Ballet, Bourbon & Ballot

May 15

Watch ballet performances while enjoying select bourbons and voting on your favorite.

Choral Society

of Pensacola

choralsocietyofpensacola.org

Wine and Song

Oct. 12

Aragon Wine Market provides selected wines and the Choral Society provides selected songs at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Community Center.

Magnificat

Dec. 6

Hear the Baroque masterpiece by composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The choir will be joined by soloists from the Pensacola Opera's Jan Miller Studio Artist Program.

Still Rising

March 28-29

Women's history told through song and a multimedia performance of Andrea Ramsey's "Suffrage Cantata."

Amazing Grace

May 17

An evening of sacred music including Adolphus Hailstork's cantata with texts from the psalms, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes," and excerpts from Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah."

Pensacola

Children's Chorus

pensacolasings.org

Ovation

Oct. 11

A kick-off to the Pensacola Children's Chorus 2024-2025 season.

Hauntcert: A Family-Friendly

Halloween Concert

Oct. 28-29

A performance of Halloween-centric songs.

Christmas on the Coast

Dec. 13-15

PCC's annual extravaganza of holiday songs, costumes and choreography is another one not to miss.

One World, Many Voices

Feb. 22

A one-night-only night of traditional choir music inside First Baptist Church in downtown Pensacola.

Showtime

May 9-11

PCC ends its season with a performance featuring the best of stage and screen.

Pensacola

Little Theatre

pensacolalittletheatre.com

A Man for All Seasons

Sept. 13-22

A historical drama looking into the tumultuous 16th-century England during the reign of King Henry VIII.

POTUS

Oct. 25-Nov. 3

A timely comedy about a president and a PR nightmare turning into a global crisis.

A Christmas Story

Dec. 13-22

The Christmas classic is reimagined for the stage for this Treehouse Theatre production.

Short Attention Span Theatre

Jan. 24-Feb. 2

A night of one-act plays perfect for first-time theatre audiences.

The Play That Goes Wrong

March 7-16

A comedy that follows a murder mystery theater troupe as they attempt to stage a play titled "The Murder at Haversham Manor," when, of course, everything goes wrong.

Trail to Oregon

May 2-11

This musical comedy follows the misadventures of a pioneer family making their journey on the Oregon Trail.

Camelot

June 13-29

A musical that takes place in the time of Camelot with King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Roundtable.

Pensacola Opera

pensacolaopera.com

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro

Jan. 24 & 26

This comedic opera has everything from mistaken identities to awkward moments and beautiful music.

Leoncavallo's Pagliacci

March 14 & 16

The tragedy opera shares the story of Canio, who becomes enraged when he discovers that his wife, Nedda, has been having an affair.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

pensacolasymphony.com

Opening Night

Oct. 5

PSO's 99th season begins with music from Rachmanioff, Prokofiev and Bernstein.

American Style: Copland, Stephenson & Bernstein

Nov. 2

An evening of music from American composers.

Celebrate the New Year

Dec. 31

Enjoy swinging classic standards with guest vocalist Sydney McSweeney and trumpeter Byron Stripling while saying goodbye to 2024.

Beethoven & Blue Jeans

Jan. 11

Dress up or down for a celebration of Beethoven. Ray Ushikubo joins the evening as orchestra piano soloist and violin soloist.

Mozart Madness

Feb. 8

Hedi Salanki-Rubardt and Blake Riley join the orchestra for the annual celebration of Mozart.

Bond & Beyond

Feb. 15

PSO performs music from "James Bond," "The Pink Panther," "Indiana Jones" and "The Incredibles."

Symphonic Spectacular

March 8

A celestial-inspired concert with music from Holst, Debussy and contemporary composer James Lee III.

Strauss & Schubert

March 29

Pensacola native Titus Underwood returns home for this concert.

Season Finale

May 3

PSO's 2024-2025 season concludes with soloist Maxim Lando for the Saint-Saëns' Second Piano Concerto.

Arts & Entertainment

Punk Icon Laura Jane Grace Returns to Pensacola

so far? I'm also curious—how does touring now compare to when you first started playing music at 17?

LJG: It's been a packed schedule. I spent March and May on the road, July in Athens recording a record on a fellowship with the Onassis Foundation, and now I'm home in Chicago before spending all of September on the road then heading to Europe in November. I've definitely gotten better at touring over the years. I almost have regrets from my early tours because I didn't fully appreciate all the amazing places I visited. It's like I only saw the inside of venues, hotels and vans. Partying

only spend so many hours a day focused on lyrical writing, so journaling helps keep me writing. I strongly believe in the idea of morning pages from "The Artist's Way," where you write three pages of stream-of-consciousness every morning. That's how I ended up writing a memoir back in 2016. I had a decade of journals becoming a storage problem. I really enjoy automatic writing—it's like letting the song reveal itself to you. It keeps the meaning fluid, allowing the song to evolve as you do. Though I've had moments where I consciously set out to write about something specific, it's just harder to achieve.

INWEEKLY: Do you have a favorite song on your new album "Hole In My Head?"

The title track is a favorite, which is why it became the title track. I also love "Punk Rock in Basements" and "Lovebirds." "Lovebirds" was written during a day in Amsterdam and a tattoo experience—plus it's just a fun song to play on guitar. "Mercenaries" is another favorite. I love when songs start on an acoustic guitar and then build from there.

INWEEKLY: I'm curious about the inspiration behind the last track on the album, "Give Up The Ghost." Can you tell us more about

There's this geographic phenomenon in Tulsa, Oklahoma that's referred to as the center of the universe, where if you stand in a specific spot and scream or talk loudly, your voice comes back to you in this crazy way that only you can hear. I visited after a show at the Woody Guthrie Center in 2022 and spent some time there screaming my head off. The song came out of that experience. We tried to record it, but the effect only works if you're standing in the center. If you're ever in Tulsa, I highly recommend checking it out.

INWEEKLY: Your music has deeply resonated with fans, especially within the trans and queer communities. How do you feel your role as a musician and public figure has evolved in terms of advocacy and representation? That's been one of the coolest things. Against Me! has been around long enough to have multiple generations of fans. Some people were with us from the beginning, drifted away, and then reconnected after I came out. It's always amazing to meet people who tell me that my coming out helped them come out too. It validates that feeling of writing from a place of loneliness, trying to connect with anyone who's listening. But it goes both ways—when I was struggling with coming out, it was actually a fan that helped push me forward. I'm really thankful for that.

INWEEKLY: On that same note, what has it been like witnessing the surge of openly queer and trans musicians thriving across all genres?

Pensacola has seen a rise of queer punk bands and musicians.

LJG: It feels like being part of something bigger. Pensacola has always had such a rad scene, and I'm really looking forward to coming back. My first time there, I hung out with This Bike is a Pipe Bomb folks, David Dondero and Aaron Cometbus. I hear Aaron will be in town again too, which is exciting. I'm hoping to make it out to the 309 Punk House while I'm there.

INWEEKLY: What's currently on your playlist? Any songs or artists you're obsessed with at the moment?

LJG: Oh man, that question always makes my mind go blank. But lately, I've been really into the new Jack White album. I've got two shows coming up in September with the band Catbite, where we're covering all Operation Ivy songs, so I've been listening to a lot of them. I've also been into BODEGA from Brooklyn—they've got some of the coolest stuff happening in punk right now. Viagra Boys have also been on repeat, especially while we were recording in Greece. I've also been rediscovering the Beatsteaks, a German punk band. They have such a brilliant catalog, and it's been like binge-watching a great TV show—just diving back into all their albums.

INWEEKLY: What can fans look forward to after this tour? Any updates on an Against Me! reunion?

LJG: It's a bit chaotic right now, honestly. We've got the EP, "Give an Inch," coming out on Sept. 6 with my wife, Paris, and Matt and Mikey—we're the Mississippi Medicals. Then there's a record I recorded in Athens with a different band, which we'll tour with in Europe in November. So, there's a lot going on, but it's all good problems to have. I hope we can do something with Against Me! soon. I sent James an email about 15 minutes ago about some shows, so we'll see if we can make it happen. The pandemic really put a halt to things, and we haven't seen each other since, but I'm hopeful.

INWEEKLY: If you could instantly become an expert in any non-musical skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

LJG: I've always wanted to be that person who can quote long passages from books or poetry. I love reading, but I feel like I devour books and then can't retain much. It'd be cool to be that pretentious person who can just whip out a quote whenever. {in}

LAURA JANE GRACE & THE MISSISSIPPI MEDICALS

WHAT: Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals live, with support from Catbite and Taylor Hollingsworth

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6

WHERE: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

COST: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

DETAILS: laurajanegrace.com, thehandlebar850.com

Laura Jane Grace / Photo by Travis Shinn

a&e happenings

NONPROFITS & FUNDRAISERS

GREEN ACRES RESCUE DOG ADOPTION

EVENT Find your next forever friend at this multi-rescue adoption event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway. Shop vendors, enjoy food trucks, live music, raffle prizes and more.

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA BINGO Animal

Allies Florida hosts bingo twice monthly at Scenic Hills Country Club, 8891 Burning Tree Road. The cost is 10 rounds of bingo for $10, with cash prizes for winners. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The full bar and restaurant offer special adult beverages just for bingo nights. You must be 18 to play. For more information, visit facebook. com/animalalliesflorida.

ANIMAL ALLIES CAT AND KITTEN

ADOPTION Visit Pet Supermarket 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every first and third Saturday of the month at 6857 N. Ninth Ave. to meet your furever friend. Visit aaflorida.org for details.

CARING & SHARING MINISTRY FOOD

DRIVE The Gloria Green Caring & Sharing Ministry is attached to the Historic St. Joseph Catholic Church, 140 W. Government St. The ministry feeds the homeless 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The ministry's food pantry opens 10 a.m. and has clothing. Food donations needed are pop-top canned goods, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausage, potted meat, cans of tuna and chicken and soups. Clothing donations needed include tennis shoes for men and women, as well as sweatshirts and new underwear for men in sizes small, medium and large. Call DeeDee Green at (850) 723-3390 for details.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FREE PUBLIC SHIP TOURS As the Greater Pensacola Area Commissioning Committee welcomes the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP). The U. S. Navy will commission the ship 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at NASP Pier, 150 Hase Road. Details are at pensacolachamber.com/shipcommissioning.

ARTS & CULTURE

AUTUMN HARVEST SIP AND SHOP Participating downtown Pensacola shops will be open with fun activities and promotions. You could also win a $500 giveaway from the Downtown Improvement Board. The shopping event is 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. See a full list of participating stores at downtownpensacola.com.

SHREK THE MUSICAL As part of the Broadway in Pensacola series, "Shrek: The Musical" is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

HISTORIC PENSACOLA ANNUAL OPEN

HOUSE The UWF Historic Trust Museum Complex and Pensacola Museum of Art will be free 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, with various events happening. Details are at historicpensacola.org.

MOVEMENTS IN TEXTURES OPENING RECEPTION Brent Lofts Gallery opening reception for its latest art exhibit, "Movements in Textures," is 3-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at 17 S. Palafox St.

TAYTAY DANCE PARTY Taylor Swift themed dance party with DJ Swiftie is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Tickets are available at pensacolasaenger.com.

PENSACOLA UNDERGROUND A-Z

ARCHIVAL EXHIBITION Visit 309 Punk House, 309 N. Sixth Ave., for this new exhibit featuring more than 300 items from Pensacola's counterculture history from the 1920s until now. Program is 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 and features speakers, a fashion show and local music. Details are at facebook.com/309punkproject.

HEALTH & BEAUTY NETWORK Emerald Coast's first health & beauty expo is Sunday, Sept. 8 and Monday, Sept. 9 at Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. Doors open at 11 a.m. both days. There will be discussions led by industry leaders, vendors, interactive classes and more. Purchase tickets at pensacolabaycenter.com.

JOAN FULLERTON MIXED MEDIA SMORGASBORD CLASS Class is Sept. 9-13. Classes are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Framing by Design, 4718 N. W St. Cost is $595. Visit paletteproductions.net for details and to sign up.

PENSACOLA ARCHAEOLOGIAL SOCIETY

LECTURE This month's lecture is titled "Old Collections, New Stories: From Hawkshaw to You" with speakers Ellie Minette, Barbara Wright, Thomas Robinson and more. The lecture is 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd. No registration is required. Visit pasfl.org for details.

SPOOKY BOOK CLUB A new book club at Bodacious Bookstore convening once a month September, October and November. The first meeting is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Bodacious, 110 Intendencia St. The book pick is "I Was a Teenage Slasher" by Stephen Graham Jones. Details are at facebook.com/bodaciousbookstore.

LIBERATION! PRESENTS: BIZARRE

BAZAAR Enjoy a fluid combination of various performers, performance art, drag, and live dancers. Event is 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at 407 N. DeVilliers St. Details are at linktr.ee/liberationpensacola.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Enjoy a Pensacola Little Theatre production that takes place during the reign of King Henry VIII. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 13 and 20, Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 21, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Sept. 15 and 22. A Thursday performance is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Tickets are $15-$45. Thursday performances are half off. Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. Details are at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

WISTERIA TAVERN MARKETS Wisteria Tavern will host monthly market dates for the fall with live music and food trucks. Markets are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 at 3808 N. 12th Ave. Details are at wisteriatavern.com.

GULF COAST DRAG RACE Event is Tuesday, Sept. 17 at The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets and info are at thehandlebar850.com.

IMPROVABLE CAUSE Improv comedy show is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at The Handlebar,

319 N. Tarragona St. Tickets are $10 and available at thehandlebar850.com.

PENSACOLA CINEMA ART: FALL SCREEN SERIES PCA presents screenings throughout September. "The Cowboy and the Queen" is 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14; "The Critic" is 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21; and "Merchant and Ivory" is 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28. More films and showtimes to be announced. All films are $10 cash donations. Located at 220 W. Garden St. Visit pensacolacinemaart.com for details.

GALLERY NIGHT: VIVA PENSACOLA The next Gallery Night is 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. The theme is "Viva Pensacola." For details, visit gallerynightpensacola.org.

CINEMAS IN THE SAND: 'INSIDE OUT' Movie night on the Gulfside Pavilion stage at Casino Beach. Movie starts at sunset Friday, Sept. 20. Visit facebook.com/visitpensacolabeach for details and updates.

THE ART GALLERY AT UWF PRESENTS TAG ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2024 'TESTBED' "TESTBED" 2024 Faculty Artist in Residence and Exhibition features UWF Department of Art and Design faculty members Marzia Ransom, Jason Pinckard and John Dougherty. Artwork will be displayed at TAG, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Building 82, on the Pensacola campus. Following the open studio hours and reception, visitors can view completed works during the exhibition dates through Sept. 26. A closing reception is 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in TAG. TAG is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and observes all UWF closures and holidays. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit uwf.edu/tag.

CELEBRATING 70: A HISTORY OF COLLECTING A new Pensacola Museum of Art exhibit runs through Sept. 29 featuring highlights of PMA's permanent collection at 407 S. Jefferson St. Details are available at pensacolamuseum.org.

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,

a&e happenings

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

ATLAS BEVERAGE CLASS The next Atlas Beverage Class is 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $30 a person. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot by calling (850) 287-0200 or emailing taylor@goodgrits.com.

CULTURES COOK: FRENCH INSPIRED

Class is 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Tickets are $60 per student. Register online at facebook.com/ pensacolacooks.

EMERALD COAST BEER FESTIVAL Visit Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., for Beerfest and sample from more than 200 beers representing over 50 breweries. Event is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Tickets are at ticketstripe.com/ emeraldcoastbeerfest

FUN-DA-MENTALS: KNIFE SKILLS Class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 at Pensacola Cooks, 4051 Barrancas Ave. Cost is $60 per student. Register online at facebook.com/pensacolacooks.

OYSTER & PILS PARTY Enjoy oysters from Grayson Bay Oyster Co., and accompanying homemade sauces, as well as a variety of pilsners. Event is noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Details are at facebook.com/oddcolony.

VEGAN BREW FEST Sample plant-based brews noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St. Details and tickets are at eventbrite.com.

VINO MAGNIFICO Sample five wines and socialize with other wine lovers. 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at V. Paul's, 29 S. Palafox. Reserve your spot at vpauls.com.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER: A COLLABORATION DINNER Family-style oyster event by Chef Darian Hernandez is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S. Barracks St. Cost is $60 a person. Reservations

are required. Call (850) 287-0200 or email taylor@goodgrits.com to make your reservation.

MUSHROOMS AND BEER Mushroom growing class with Lost Boys Mushrooms is 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Cost is $55 and includes a mushroom grow bag and beer. Details and signup are at facebook. com/oddcolony.

COOKING WITH CHEF IRV MILLER: THE THRILL OF SEAFOOD Cooking class is 5 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Jackson's Steakhouse, 400 S. Palafox. Cost is $55 a person, which covers the class, recipes, wine pairings and a takehome booklet. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (850) 686-3149 or emailing Jessica Ryberg at jessica@goodgrits.com.

ODDTOBER FEST The 2024 Oddtoberfest is 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St. Free entry. Can and draught release, stein hoisting competition, authentic German food and pretzels, and more. Details at facebook.com/oddcolony.

BIERGARTEN LUAU Event is 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 with tropical brews, hula dancers, Hawaiian food plates, and more. At Gary's Brew, 208 Newman Ave. Details at facebook.com/garysbrew.

for more listings visit inweekly.net

Fresh Start Village Offers Housing for Youth Exiting Foster Care

The “Fresh Start Village,” a new affordable housing community in Pensacola, features seven 400-square-foot tiny homes and a community center for youth aging out of foster care at 18. Local organizations and donors funded the project, which welcomed its first residents, including Vincent Scallion, who described the opportunity as life-changing. Scallion, who has been in foster care since age 14, said the village offers him stability and hope, allowing him to pursue college and future goals. The homes are fully furnished, and the community center provides access to essential services, offering youth a foundation to build stable adult lives.

SHOUT OUT

Celebrating the Wins That Lift Us All

Pensacola Fire Department Partners with Red Cross to Offer Free Smoke Alarm Installations

The Pensacola Fire Department is actively working to prevent house fire fatalities by ensuring homes have functional smoke alarms. As part of the “Sound-the-Alarm” fire safety campaign, in partnership with the American Red Cross, firefighters are visiting neighborhoods to check alarms and install new ones if necessary. Since October, over 750 smoke alarms have been distributed and installed free of charge. Fire Marshal Nathan Elder emphasized the importance of early smoke detection, noting six recent fire fatalities in homes without working alarms. The goal is to protect as many families as possible, with the hope that even saving one life will have a significant impact.

CompTIA honored the University of West Florida (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity with the Pathway Champions: Cybersecurity Award at its Partner Summit in Atlanta on July 31. UWF was recognized for its contributions to cybersecurity training and workforce development, including helping students earn 427 CompTIA certifications over the past two years. Guy Garrett, UWF’s associate director of technology and training, emphasized the value of certification for job readiness. UWF leads initiatives like CyberSkills2Work and the Florida Cybersecurity Training Program, further solidifying its role as a national leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development.

Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties Shine in Student Achievement

Congratulations to the Escambia County community for the significant improvements in student performance within our school district. This achievement reflects the collective effort of everyone who impacts children’s lives, from early childhood through their school years. Whether it’s the support provided by families, the dedication of

teachers and staff, or the broader community’s commitment, every contribution matters.

We also want to acknowledge Santa Rosa County for consistently sustaining high levels of performance. This success is a testament to the strength and resilience of our educational community.

free will astrology

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 5

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): In 2015, a large earthquake struck Nepal, registering 7.8 on the Richter scale. It was so powerful, it shrunk Mount Everest. I mention this, Aries, because I suspect you will generate good fortune in the coming months whenever you try to shrink metaphorical mountains. Luckily, you won't need to resort to anything as forceful and ferocious as a massive earthquake. In fact, I think your best efforts will be persistent, incremental and gradual. If you haven't gotten started yet, do so now.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): We don't know the astrological sign of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, who ruled from 51 to 30 BCE. But might she have been a Taurus? What other tribe of the zodiac would indulge in the extravagance of bathing in donkey milk? Her staff kept a herd of 700 donkeys for this regimen. Before you dismiss the habit as weird, please understand it wasn't uncommon in ancient times. Why? Modern science has shown donkey milk has anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. And as astrologers know, many of you Tauruses are drawn to luxurious and healing influences that also enhance beauty. I recommend you cultivate such influences with extra verve in the coming days.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): In two trillion galaxies stretched out across 93 billion light years, new stars are constantly being born. Their birth process happens in stellar nurseries, where dense clouds of gas coalesce into giant spheres of light and heat powered by the process of nuclear fusion. If you don't mind me engaging in a bit of hyperbole, I believe you Geminis are now immersed in a small-scale, metaphorical version of a stellar nursery. I have high hopes for the magnificence you will beget in the coming months.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): The planet Mars usually stays in your sign for less than two months every two years. But the pattern will be different in the coming months. Mars will abide in Cancer on Sept. 5- Nov. 4 and then again Jan. 27-April 19 in 2025. The last time the red planet made such an extended visit was in 2007 and

By Rob Brezsny

2008, and before that in 1992 and 1993. So what does it mean? In the least desirable scenario, you will wander aimlessly, distracted by trivial battles and unable to decide which dreams to pursue. In the best scenario, you will be blessed with a sustained, fiery devotion to your best and most beautiful ambitions.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22): Famous rock musicians have on occasion spiced up their live shows by destroying their instruments on stage. Kurt Cobain of the band Nirvana smashed many guitars. So did Jimi Hendrix, who even set his guitars on fire. I can admire the symbolic statement of not being overly attached to objects one loves. But I don't recommend that approach to you in the coming weeks. On the contrary, I believe this is a time for you to express extra care for the tools, machines and apparatus that give you so much. Polish them up, get repairs done, show them you love them. And if you need new gizmos and gear to enhance your self-expression, get them in the near future.

I have high hopes for the magnificence you will beget in the coming months.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): In all of world history, which author has sold the most books? The answer is Agatha Christie, born under the sign of Virgo. Readers have bought more than two billion copies of her 70-plus books. I present her as a worthy role model for you during the next nine months. In my astrological opinion, this will be your time to shine, excel and reach new heights of accomplishment. Along with Christie, I invite you to draw encouragement and inspiration from four other Virgo writers who have flourished: 1. Stephen King, 400 million in sales from 77 books. 2. Kyotaro Nishimura, 200 million in sales from over 400 books. 3. Leo Tolstoy, 413 million from 48 books. 4. Paul Coelho, 350 million from 28 books.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22): Centuries before the story of Jesus Christ's resurrection, there was a Greek myth with similar themes.

It featured Persephone, a divine person who descended into the realm of the dead but ultimately returned in a transfigured form. The ancient Festival of Eleusis, observed every September, honored Persephone's down-going and redemption—as well as the cyclical flow of decay and renewal in every human life. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to observe your own version of a Festival of Eleusis by taking an inventory: What is disintegrating and decomposing in your own world? What is ripe for regeneration and rejuvenation? What fun action can you do that resembles a resurrection?

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to take inventory of your community and your network of connections. Here are questions to ask yourself as you evaluate whether you already have exactly what you need or else may need to make adjustments. 1. Are you linked with an array of people who stimulate and support you? 2. Can you draw freely on influences that further your goals and help you feel at home in the world? 3. Do you bestow favors on those you would like to receive favors from? 4. Do you belong to groups or institutions that share your ideals and give you power you can't access alone?

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): "Progress was all right. Only it went on too long." Sagittarian humorist James Thurber said that, and now I'm conveying it to you. Why? Well, I am very happy about the progress you've been making recently—the blooming and expanding and learning you have been enjoying. But I'm guessing you would now benefit from a period of refining what you have gained. Rather than even more progress, I feel you need to consolidate and integrate the progress you have so robustly earned.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): The people of Northern Ireland have more than 70 colorful slang terms for being drunk. These include splootered, stonkied, squiffy, cabbaged, stinkered, ballbagged, wingdinged, bluttered and wanked. I am begging you, Capricorn, to refrain from those states for at least two weeks. According to my reading of the omens, it's important for you to avoid the thrills and ills of

alcohol. I am completely in favor of you pursuing natural highs, however. I would love you to get your mind blown and your heart opened through epiphanies and raptures that take you to the frontiers of consciousness.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18): Beginning 11,000 years ago, humans began to breed the fig. It's the world's oldest cultivated food, preceding even wheat, barley and legumes. Many scholars think that the fig, not the apple, was the forbidden fruit God warned Adam and Eve not to munch in the famous Biblical passage. These days, though, figs rarely make the list of the fruits people love most. Their taste is regarded by some as weird, even cloying. But for our purposes, I will favorably quote the serpent in the Garden of Eden: "When you eat the fig, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God." This is my elaborate way of telling you that now may be an excellent time to sample a forbidden fruit. Also: A serpent may have wise counsel for you.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): The coming weeks would be an excellent time to file lawsuits against everyone who has ever wronged you, hurt you, ignored you, misunderstood you, tried to change you into something you're not and failed to give you what you deserve. I recommend you sue each of them for $10 million. The astrological omens suggest you now have the power to finally get compensated for the stupidity and malice you have had to endure. Just kidding! I lied. The truth is, now is a great time to feel intense gratitude for everyone who has supported you, encouraged you and appreciated you for who you really are. I also suggest you communicate your thanks to as many of your personal helpers and heroes as you can.

HERE'S THE HOMEWORK: What are you afraid or too timid to ask for? I dare you to ask for it. {in}

THAT RULE DOESN'T APPLY TO ME Police in Brighton, New Jersey, charged Zyair J. Dennis, 24, on Aug. 23 with one count of defiant trespassing after an incident on Aug. 18, the Cherry Hill Courier Post reported. Dennis, of Millville, New Jersey, was recorded at the Cohanzick Zoo taunting a tiger after climbing a barrier into the animal's enclosure. Police said she tried to "entice" one of the Bengal tigers through a second, inside fence. In the video, the tiger appeared to try to bite the woman's hand. Dennis was also caught on camera at the zoo's bear exhibit, demonstrating the same kind of behavior, said Bridgerton Police Chief Michael Gaimari.

WEIRD IN THE WILD A bald eagle that was "rescued" near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Missouri because it couldn't seem to fly wasn't injured at all, Fox News reported on Aug. 25. Instead, wildlife officials at the Missouri Department of Conservation determined that it was "too fat to fly." "The bird was ... engorged with raccoon," officials said. X-rays taken at a nearby zoo showed a raccoon paw inside the eagle's distended stomach. The bird was released near where it was found.

FLORIDA Tampa police responded to a call on Aug. 24 at the Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, WFTS-TV reported. Dominique Amerosa, one of the owners of the rescue, said she and her mother were doing a meet-and-greet with a potential owner for Bluey, a disabled pug, when they told the woman she wouldn't be a good fit because of her other dogs. First, the woman wouldn't give the dog back to the owners; then she retrieved a gun out of her car and pointed it at the back of Amerosa's head. "My lovely neighbor came out and saw her with my mom and then ran in her house to call 911," Amerosa said. "That is a very scary person," she said. Police said they are investigating and working with the state's attorney's office to "determine the most appropriate charges."

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT Rolando Ramos, the quarterbacks coach for the Cigarroa Toros football program in Laredo, Texas, was arrested on Aug. 19 after he called police to report that a

prostitute had stolen money from him, the Laredo Morning Times reported. When Ramos tried to pay her, she allegedly grabbed $100 and ran away. Ramos, who is also a health and physical education teacher at Cigarroa High School, faced a $2,500 bond for soliciting prostitution and was released later that day. He was placed on administrative leave by the district.

SNAFU The U.S. Navy has run out of pants, the New York Post reported on Aug. 21. The official "Navy Working Uniform," or NWU, camouflage trousers are out of stock because of "Defense Logistics Agency vendor issues," officials said. This particular uniform is allowed for wear on the job and out in public, but only new recruits will get new pants until at least October. In the meantime, sailors will be allowed to wear coveralls off-base (so chic) or the "2-piece Organizational Clothing," which features flame-resistant tops and bottoms.

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME Riders on the Supergirl Sky Flight ride at Mexico City's Six Flags Mexico were stranded on Aug. 18 as heavy rain and winds caused the ride to shut down, United Press International reported. Those who were on the ride at the time dangled about 240 feet in the air for 10 minutes as they were buffeted by the weather. Six Flags Mexico said the storm caused several rides to cease operating for a few minutes, but no injuries were reported.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Deario Wilkerson, 20, literally fell into law enforcement's lap on Aug. 26 after he tried to hide out in the attic of a home in Memphis, NBC News reported. Wilkerson was wanted for first-degree murder in a case from April, in which Troy Cunningham was shot and killed in downtown Memphis. After the U.S. Marshals Service surrounded the home where Wilkerson was hiding, the fugitive fell through the ceiling into the kitchen of the home, landing uninjured. {in}